ISSUE 1
Prefects Page 5
Welcome New Students Page 6
Triathlon Page 9
House Colours Mufti Day Page 11
Peer Support Page 14
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FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY
| 2016
Principal’s Comments Nau mai haere mai – Welcome back. Every new year is a time of new beginnings, new classes, a chance for a fresh start. I hope over the summer break you have had a chance to reflect on what went well (and to keep doing) and what you need to do differently. On Tuesday 2 February, we welcomed with a Mihi Whakatau 153 new Year 7 students, 20 students from other year levels, and 11 new teachers. Thank you to Darfield Primary School for representing all the contributing schools at the Mihi Whakatau to ‘hand over’ the new students. We have started the year with a roll of about 840 students. This is the largest the school has been but means that we will be very tight with our rooming until four new classrooms are built later this year. Planning is underway with this development however it will be Term Three at the earliest before we will have the new classrooms to use. There were some exceptional results attained by students in the 2015 NCEA: •
At Level One, 92% achieved the certificate, with over 50% gaining a Merit or Excellence endorsement.
•
At Level Two, 93% achieved the certificate, with 27% gaining a Merit or Excellence endorsement.
•
At Level Three, 90% achieved the certificate, with 37% gaining a Merit or Excellence endorsement.
The proportion of students who achieved their NCEA Certificates at Darfield High School was higher than the National and Decile comparisons for all levels. Thank you to our staff for the hard work that goes in to supporting the students to achieve so well. Congratulations to George Watson for achieving a Scholarship in Biology and to Sarah Baker for achieving a Scholarship in Media Studies. James Morris
Around School Congratulations!
You ladies have won the ‘Around School’ prize for catching my attention at the Triathlon.
Mrs Walker: I graduated as a primary teacher in 2013. This is my first fulltime teaching job and I am thoroughly enjoying Darfield High School. I am a Year 7 Homeroom teacher and take Year 7 Digital Technology. I have three amazing children aged 15, 16 and 20. Richard is my wonderful husband of 25 years. I started working as a computer programmer in 1987, moved onto being a stay-at-home mum and then worked as an office manager. In 2010, I left my job to go to university full-time to study to become a teacher and fulfil a lifelong dream.
Miss Graham: I am originally from Upper Hutt in Wellington, moved to Christchurch in 2011 to study at the University of Canterbury and, last year, I was teaching at Rangiora High School. I am teaching Physical Education, Health, and Science here. I enjoy getting involved in sport and physical activity—my main sports are Ultimate Frisbee, Netball, Basketball, Volleyball and Softball.
Miss Collins: I am a new teacher at Darfield High School in 2016, teaching History and Social Studies. I am looking forward to teaching and coaching students throughout this year.
See Mrs Watson on Tuesday 2
12 February 2016
Mr Basevi: HOD Maths. My family and I moved here from Matakana, a small town one hour north of Auckland. We look forward to becoming part of the local community and enjoying the great outdoor opportunties the South Island offers. My previous workplace was Mahurangi College, a 1200 student Years 7–13 state school, where I looked after the Maths Faculty for 15 years. My background is in civil engineering and I specialise in Maths with Calculus.
Mrs Vincent: Hello Parents and Caregivers. I am the new Home Economics/Food and Nutrition teacher. I look forward to teaching all the Year 7 and Year 8 students, along with many of the Year 9 students and my senior classes.
Miss Kensington: I have the privilege of being one of the Year 7 Form teachers here and I am excited to be part of a close knit rural school, having the opportunity to get to know both the school and the wider town.
I taught for three years in Dunedin before moving up to Springfield at the beginning of last year with my husband. We are very pleased to have moved to such welcoming and friendly communities within Springfield and Darfield alike.
Previously I have taught at Hillmorton High School within the Year 7/8 area, starting as their regular reliever and then as a full-time teacher throughout 2015.
I look forward to meeting many of you at some point during the year.
Mrs Voss: This year I am teaching Science in Years 7–11. I have been teaching for 16 years, the last 14 being at Rangi Ruru Girls' School where I was head of junior science. I have been in Canterbury for 25 years but originally came off a dairy farm in Taranaki. I live on 10 acres in West Eyreton with my partner, Damon, and two children: Ben (10) and Holly (7), who both attend West Eyreton School and will be coming to DHS. I ride horses and am often busy at Dressage competitions. I have three big warmbloods who require a lot of time (and feed!). I am loving being at Darfield as I am very much a country girl at heart, and am enjoying getting to know your children.
Mrs Holland: Hello, I am the new Year 8 Dean and Homeroom teacher for 8HL. I have spent the last ten or so years involved in education of some form and for the last 2.5 years I was working at Rangiora High School. I live in Christchurch but grew up in Amberley, North Canterbury, where my parents still reside. I have one daughter who is studying Earth Science and Archaeology at Auckland University and enjoy hearing about the interesting things she is learning.
I look forward to all the amazing opportunities and experiences DHS has to offer throughout 2016.
Miss Beaumont: This is my first teaching job, so I'm really excited to be here. I'm originally from Wellington, and have lived in Canterbury for four years now. I am teaching English, History and Social Studies. I'm a keen sportswoman, and will hopefully find myself involved with some of your teams this year!
My hobbies include reading, travelling, swimming and windsurfing at the Estuary. I enjoy experiencing other cultures and am always planning for another trip away. The year 8 cohort have made an excellent start to 2016 and I look forward to working with them all this year.
Mr Merrifield: I am looking forward to teaching at Darfield. I have previously taught at schools in Christchurch, although I started out in Oamaru. My specialist area is in Technology Hard Materials/Engineering as part of the Technology Faculty.
Mr Bell: Commerce—here until March.
Issue 1 / DHS Dispatch
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Above: Sue Robinson, Chair
Welcome from the Board of Trustees To all new and returning families—welcome to 2016. By now, you will have read about our growing roll and with it comes a growing responsibility for the academic and personal wellbeing of our staff and students.
The Darfield High School Board of Trustees The board is committed to ethical conduct in all areas of its responsibilities and authority. Trustees shall: •
Maintain and understand the values and goals of the school
This year, we have an exciting time as we grow, not only in roll, but building new classrooms and continue our improvements to the IT infrastructure to deliver on our BYOD goal. Added to that, are the Parent Trustee elections in May.
•
Ensure the needs of all students and their achievement is paramount
•
Be loyal to the school and its mission
•
Publicly represent the school in a positive manner
•
Be diligent and attend board meetings prepared for full and appropriate participation in decision making
I thought it timely to put a wee ‘job description’ in the community to help you during election times when electing a candidate but, more importantly, to get you thinking about people who have the skills we need to govern the school and to ensure we continue the excellent trends we have seen over the last few years.
•
Speak with one voice through its adopted policies and ensure that any disagreements with the board’s stance are resolved within the board
•
Be available to undertake appropriate professional development
An effective school board will have a range of skills, personalities and backgrounds with the single common goal: student achievement and maximising this in every way possible. We don’t manage the school, that’s the job of Mr Morris, and we don’t teach the students, that’s the job of the teachers. But our role is defined by legislation and we strive to ensure we represent the school community in making decisions that affect, not just current students, but our students of the future. To this end, we have three trustees standing down this year: one through a family moving overseas, and two through Trustees’ children having graduated. So we need people with this common goal to consider taking the position for the good of the community. We welcome you to come to the public portions of our Board meetings to see what we are about. It’s a fabulous way to get an idea of what we are working on prior to taking standing for election.
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The Board of Trustees: 1.
Sets the strategic direction and long-term plans and monitors the board’s progress against them
2.
Monitors and evaluates student progress and achievement
3.
Appoints, assesses the performance of and supports the principal
4.
Approves the budget and monitors financial management of the school
5.
Effectively manages risk
6.
Ensures compliance with legal requirements
7.
Ensures trustees attend board meetings and take an active role
8.
Approves major policies and programme initiatives
9.
Fulfils the intent of the Treaty of Waitangi by valuing and reflecting New Zealand’s dual cultural heritage
10. Approves and monitors human resource policy/procedures which ensures effective practice and contribute to its responsibilities as a good employer 11. Deals with disputes and conflicts referred to the board as per the school’s concerns and complaints procedures 12. Represents the school in a positive, professional manner 13. Oversees, conserves and enhances the resource base
12 February 2016
DARFIELD HIGH SCHOOL PREFECTS 2016
Head Girl: Lexi Sutherland
Head Boy: Edward Searle
Deputy: Emily de Rooy
Deputy: Luke McKay
Head of Sport: Grace Lemon
Head of Culture: Ellen Walters
Kristen Blaber-Hunt
Brittany Muiznieks
Selina Dixon
Chloe Fraser
Jasmine Nash
Maddie Tasker
Emma Grigg
Kellen Patfield
Courtney Townsend
Caitlin Thistoll
Mariah Glasson
Bailey Campbell
Michael Ridgen
Lilian Stott
Kathryn Barnhill
Olivia Shinn
Samara Crosby
Issue 1 / DHS Dispatch
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Mihi Whakatau Welcome to our new students and staff As 2016 returning students made the most of their last day of the holidays, a group of new Year 7s, new students and new staff, along with family and supporters, were welcomed to the school in a mihi whakatau. Led in by Ms Evans, the students were handed over by Darfield Primary students, representing all schools in the area. They sang beautifully and were no doubt proud to be able to perform such an important role for their ex-students. Mr Morris explained how the surrounding mountains, the Torlesse Range, feature in our school shield and that it is important to acknowledge where we have come from and also to make our newcomers feel welcome and a part of our school. He urged students to make the most of the many and varied opportunities that will be made available to them as they make their
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way through the school, so that at the end of this journey they could look back and tell him how they contributed in a positive way. Gus Thomas, representing the Peer Support team, welcomed the Year 7s and new staff, thanking them for the new set of skills they would bring to our school. The Peer Support group will be working closely with the new students, giving them the confidence and skills to integrate into their new surroundings and provide role models. Mr Morris then encouraged those who wanted to, to engage in a hongi—an act of trust between two parties—and explained how it was done. Following the formal ceremony, students and teachers shared morning tea and time together and it was a pretty special way to begin the new year.
12 February 2016
Parking outside school While Police are targeting drivers who speed outside schools, we also need parents to observe the ‘No Parking Zone’ between the School’s front gate and bus bay. To keep our students safe, we need this area clear before and after school. There are signs indicating the restrictions. Opposite Darfield High School on McLaughlins Road, car parks are marked out and broken yellow lines are painted outside resident’s driveways. Please ensure you park within the allocated carparks and not in front of residents’ driveways. Your co-operation in this matter is appreciated. There is usually plenty of space around the bend towards Bangor Road or south-west on McLaughlins Road.
DHS DISPATCH welcomes any news or photographs you have from events our students have attended outside of school. We love to hear about and share successes and interesting stories. Please email: sheryl@darfield.school.nz Black and white paper copies are available from reception or Student Administration. Colour and back copies can be ordered by emailing the above address. Please enquire for cost. Advertising: If you would like to advertise in our newsletter, please email for more information. 7 McLaughlins Road PO Box 5 Darfield 7541 New Zealand admin@darfield.school.nz www.darfield.school.nz Phone: +64 3 318 8411 Fax: +64 3 318 8543 Copyright: You are welcome to reproduce material from the newsletter after gaining permission from the school. All reproduced material must be appropriately acknowledged. This symbol means there is an album on our website relating to this article. Photos may be downloaded for personal use only. There is a download icon at the right of each photo. Issue 1 / DHS Dispatch
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Introducing our new
International Students
Student Chat
Above: Year 8 students, Leif McGuinniety, Callum Watson, and Cortan Mitchell spend time at lunch with new Year 7s: Matthew Singh and Declan Kenure.
Above: Miss Hely, International Director, accompanies our new international students to the welcoming ceremony held last Tuesday. YoonJeong Lee, Miss Hely, Suzumi Takebayashi, Lee-Ann Roemmling, Mana Origuchi, Koki Nagahama and Yuuki Koike
Yoonjeong: Hi! My name is Yoonjeong. I’m from Korea and am 16 years old. My hobby is listening to music. I want to learn English, that’s why I came to New Zealand. At Darfield High School I’m looking forward to Sport and Drama. Suzumi: Hi, my name is Suzumi and I’m from Japan. I like skiing, volleyball, dancing and listening to music. I’m studying at Darfield for one year, and looking forward to playing volleyball. Lee-Ann: Hey there, my name is Lee-Ann. I’m 16 years old and come from a little town in Germany. My hobbies are running, horse riding and travelling. I’ve already been to South Africa, China, Ireland, Spain, and a few other countries! I wanted to come to New Zealand because the nature is just amazing, the people are very kind, and almost everyone has horses here. At
They enjoyed the options available to them here and the range of subjects and activities, like “clubs and stuff”. They really liked having the Peer Support team working with them every week, helping them get to know seniors and playing games.
Darfield, I’m looking forward to doing a lot of crazy things like rock-climbing, shooting, water-skiing, and motocross. Mana: Hi, my name is Mana and I’m from Japan. I’m in year 9 at Darfield High School, and really love animals, singing and music. I’m looking forward to making friends. Koki: Hi, my name is Koki and I’m from Japan. My hobbies are skiing and reading books. I came to New Zealand to learn English and to be more independent. At Darfield High School I’m looking forward to talking with new friends and playing some sports. Yuuki: Hi, my name is Yuuki. I’m 16 years old and my hobbies are playing football and skiing. I’m going to join the football team. I’m looking forward to playing football with new friends. I also want to learn about New Zealand culture and English.
Above: Ainsley Worling, Summer Mitchell, Rozena Sutton and Piper Benbow at lunch together. All come from different schools and all of them are loving their first days here. “FUN!”, said Ainsley and all agreed. “We like having a canteen and we like our teacher, Mrs Cartman, and our Maths teacher, Mr Bell. The PE also, and the Art we are doing at the moment is fun—flowers in pastels and mixing colours, with Mrs Milne.” Three of the girls participated in the Triathlon and thought it was great.
Above: Peter Bourgeois, Naiyumi Busgano, Marcel A’Court and William Morgan stop using their laptops to pose for this photo.
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12 February 2016
Triathlon Day We could not have asked for a better day for the Triathlon. Students were keen to participate and there was a lot of nervous excitement as the swimmers made their way over to the pool, which was lovely and warm窶馬ot the cold shock one expects from that kind of blue! Parents, grandparents and supporters lined the pool edge and pavements as students transitioned through the different phases. Seniors ran alongside and encouraged their peers and young ones as they sprinted, or limped, to the finish. Beginning with the staff representing their Houses, and the 24/7 Youth Workers, and finishing with the primary schools who joined in, the competitive spirit was clearly there. We congratulate everyone who took part and thank supporters who took time to come and watch. Thank you to Mrs Armstrong for organising the event and all the marshals for their help. Results next issue.
Issue 1 / DHS Dispatch
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r u o s l o M C u e f t s i u D o ay H With the start of a new school year already underway it was fantastic to get back into the house spirit of Darfield High School, by dressing up in as much of our House colour as was physically possible. In the morning, it seemed as though the students had been replaced with floods of blue, yellow, red and green, as well as a few bananas, a Telly Tubby and some Smurfs. Everyone seemed to have put in their best effort and it was great to hear all the Houses’ chants again (along with some new ones). The judging began at the start of interval, year level by year level and, although the level of creative costumes was high, the top prize was taken out by Waimakariri’s green creations. In second was Rawhiti and third equal were Kikorangi and Tawera. Well done to everyone who participated fully in the event and we all look forward to the next House Mufti Day. Lexi Sutherland
Results:
1st: Waimakariri 2nd: Rawhiti 3rd =: Kikorangi Tawera Congratulations on a great turn out of colour to support your House 10
12 February 2016
Issue 1 / DHS Dispatch
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P X E E C N T A E T E I T O NS N A C Respect For Each Other
• Use good manners —please and thank you. Use appropriate language • Be patient; respect other people’s place in the line › No queue jumping › Don’t give money to others in the queue to get things for you › Give others space —no pushing • Come in the entry door and go out the exit door. Keep clear of the exit • Don’t hassle others for money
Respect For Self • Eat lots of healthy food —fruit, wraps • Eat high sugar and high fat foods in small amounts — lollies, chips, pies • Count your change before you leave
School Rules • No credit may be given to students • Lollies will be only sold during the last 20 minutes of lunchtime
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12 February 2016
Canteen News Welcome back to a new year. The Canteen is up and running and we are hoping for some sunny days ahead. If you have a student with special dietary requirements, please feel free to ring the school and discuss this with me.
Jill’s Corner
We stress the need for students to order their lunches at interval so they do not miss out at lunchtime.
Updates from the Student Administrator
At left are the Canteen Rules. Please read and discuss these with your student so we can be sure the Canteen is a safe, happy and great place to visit!
School lockers
Janice Van Tongeren, Canteen Manager
Please order your lunch at interval!
Canteen Price List Chicken Topper
$3.00
Chicken Wrap
$3.00
Chicken Burger
$5.00
Sheffield Pie
$4.50
Hot Chips (pottle)
$3.50
Wedges
$3.50
Salad Roll
$4.00
Cheese Toasty Bun $2.00 Hot Dog (small)
$2.50
Hot Dog (large)
$3.50
Noodles
$2.50
Muffin
$3.20
Donuts (mini)
$2.50
Donut (large)
Lockers are allocated on payment of $15. At the end of use, the $15 will be refunded on return of the key. In the case of a key being lost, another one will have to be cut—we do not hold spares at school. Students will need to pay for this and the charge will be the $15 bond. Students wishing to use a locker at school must apply to the Student Administrator, Mrs Hill. General use lockers are situated in A Block and C Block; they are metal lockers with builtin locks. In C Block, there is one bank of lockers which are a bigger size. Art and Graphics students will have first claim on these lockers. The Music Block lockers are designated for Music students. In 2016, Lockers for Digital Devices will be available in all Year 7 and Year 8 Homerooms. For other Year Levels, a limited number of digital device storage and charging lockers are available in the Library foyer. Students must bring their own padlock to use for these. The lockers are available to be used during the day as needed; they will not be allocated to individual students. Every locker must be emptied at the end of each day and the lock removed.
Contact between home and school We have found that up-to-date information is vital in case of an emergency but also the general day to day contact. To make contact with a family can sometimes be a challenge with out-of-date information. Have you changed your address recently? Changed cell phones? Changed place of work? or would you like to update / change the emergency contact for your student? Increasingly, email is the method of choice for contact with home by the Form Teacher, for School notices, and for the Darfield Dispatch, our Newsletter. School Reports are emailed whenever possible, so an up-to-date email address is something we are always looking for. If you are not getting any contact from the school by this method, please check that we have the correct email for your family. The second parent address, especially in the case of Reports going home, is often not updated. So, if any if changes apply to your family, please let me know by: •
phoning 318 8411 / ext 3
$3.00
•
emailing jill@darfield.school.nz
Slice
$3.00
or
Cookie Time
$1.30
•
Juicy (small)
$1.00
Lost Property
Juicy (large)
$1.50
There is a large number of unclaimed items from last year. Please can you get your students to come and take a look if they know something has been misplaced.
Slushy
$2.50
Issue 1 / DHS Dispatch
write it down and ask your student to deliver it to the Student Office
Parents: you are most welcome to come and check the clothing and items at Student Administration.
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Peer Support Team On Wednesday10 February, 7CC worked for a period with the Year 12 Peer Support leaders. The focus for this lesson was bullying. The first activity was to take a blank piece of paper and screw it up, stomp on it and really damage it (without ripping it) and then flatten it out and apologise to the paper. It is still crinkled and damaged and no matter how much you flatten it or roll it out it will still be crinkled and it will never be the same as before it was ‘attacked’. The same story occurs when a person is bullied. It doesn’t matter how much you try to make it up or apologise to them they will never see you in the same way. We did a fun activity where we had to copy a picture. As each person copied the picture before theirs, it changed. This is like ‘Chinese whispers’. We learned how important it is not to spread rumours and what can happen to the rumours. Back row: Tom Gullery, Syd Riley, Adam Walker, Gus Thomas, Georgie Watson, Abbie Cider, Kylie Schnell, Pippa Foster, and Harriet Watson Middle: Tom Wilson, Rachael Phillipson, Eloise Dance, Jade Collier, Maddison O’Callaghan, and Taylor Strowger Front: Danielle Cooper, Kaycee Jones, Hannah Marchant, Maddie Payne, Caitlin Fraser, Stephanie Lomas, Laura McLean, Georgia Cottrell, Georgia Shinn, Rosa Millar, Amy Bruce and Georgi Pander.
All the Year 7 classes are doing peer support with their leaders once a week for Term One. It is great having the Year 12s in our classes. Thank you to Hannah Cossey (24/7 Youth Worker) and the Peer Support leaders for a great lesson and fun games. Oscar Gosling
Absent: Michael Hughes and Leigh Walters
Announcements, updates and postponements: everything you need to know about Darfield High School can be found here: http://darfield.school.nz/
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12 February 2016
West Melton Scholarship Presentation Lydia Bowen, the 2015 West Melton Tertiary Scholar, was presented with her scholarship at a recent evening for Years 7 and 8 parents and pupils at West Melton School. In accepting the award, Lydia spoke of the friendly and supportive environment of West Melton School when she and her brother arrived from a small 65 pupil school in Wales. She especially remembered the outdoor assemblies, the swimming pool and a big musical production. West Melton School had set her up well for high school and beyond, she said. At Darfield High School, Lydia was introduced to accounting which stimulated her interest in the discipline. She is currently in her final year (with a stellar academic record) of a Commerce degree in Accounting and Taxation at Canterbury University. Price Waterhouse Coopers selected Lydia from a huge list of applicants as one of their interns for last summer and, on the basis of that, have offered her a position when she finishes university.
Above: Principal, Sue Jackson, congratulating Lydia on her scholarship
West Melton Scholarship Ex-pupils of West Melton School who are entering the final year of a full-time degree programme in a tertiary institution are invited to apply for this scholarship. One scholarship is awarded each year. This scholarship recognises the value of education and the contribution of West Melton School to academic development.
In introducing Lydia, Alastair Nicol, Convenor of the West Melton Scholarship and Awards Committee, said that Lydia was the first student in accounting to have won the scholarship. She was following in the footsteps of an entrepreneur, a doctor, an environmental planner and a film maker. He reminded those present that the Scholarship was community funded, mainly from interest on West Melton’s share of the proceeds of the sale of the Hornby Library (it originally belonged to Paparua Council) to Christchurch City.
The value of the scholarship for the 2016 academic year is $1,500 paid at the beginning of the academic year. Selection criteria: • • • • •
Current academic record West Melton School record Involvement in extra-mural activities Contributions to the community Anticipated career
Conditions of the Scholarship • Applicants must have attended West Melton School for no fewer than two full school years. Preference will be given to applicants who completed Years 7 and 8 at West Melton • Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent resident • The successful candidate must be willing to address an assembly at West Melton School at some stage during their tenure of the Scholarship Applications must be received by the Convener of the West Melton Scholarship Selection Panel by 26 February 2016. Applications should include the name and contact of two character referees. Applicants may be required for interview in early March. Applicants will be advised of the result of their application by 20 March 2016. Application may be made electronically to wmawards@xtra. co.nz or mailed to the Convenor, 1248 Old West Coast Road, RD 1, Christchurch, 7671 Email: wmawards@xtra.co.nz or ring 03 318 1761 for further details or with questions about the Scholarship.
Issue 1 / DHS Dispatch
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High School Exchange Update: Your Education
Library Links:
In one of the previous issues, you have read about Natasha Young and Georgia Sutherland who were both planning to go on a High School Exchange with Your Education. After spending two months in Germany, Natasha has successfully returned from her short term exchange to Bottrop, in the west of Germany. Her highlight was climbing the 157 m high cathedral in Cologne!
We have a new library website at
Georgia has spent four amazing weeks with a host family in Paris, attending a French language school, and has now transferred to Saint Roman de Malegarde in the south of France for the rest of her full year exchange.
There is a lot of evidence supporting the importance of teens and tweens continuing to keep reading. For parents wishing to learn more about this, the NZ National Library has a useful post— 'Engaging teens with reading' Another useful link is 'How parents can encourage their teen to read'.
If you are interested in becoming an exchange student with Your Education, you can receive further information from the International Office, through www.youreducation.co.nz or email Anja.Stork@ youreducation.co.nz You can also attend one of their free information evenings in Christchurch!
dhslibrary.nz Here you will find a variety of resources to support students’ learning, particularly in regards to reading and research.
You are welcome to contact school librarians should you have any questions or need any assistance. Contact details are on the library website.
Softball Success Annalise Selfe, 9NV, was selected for the Canterbury Development U15 Softball Team and recently competed at the South Island Championships.
Your Education Christchurch Information Meeting
The team placed second overall, losing by only four runs to the Canterbury A Team. Annalise placed 4th for runners batted in for her team on the first day of the Tournament. She also caught six out fielding. Well done!
On Wednesday, 17 February 2016 6:30 – 7:30pm
Location: Upper Riccarton Library Learning Centre 3 71 Main South Road Sockburn, Christchurch
Come and learn about high school student exchange
Come meet our team, bring your parents and learn more about our overseas high school programmes for 2016 and 2017!
www.youreducation.co.nz
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Congratulations George Watson, who received a scholarship in Biology; and Sarah Baker, who received a scholarship in Media Studies. Both George and Sarah were in Year 13 last year. We wish them well for their future studies. 12 February 2016
Bus Routines and Behaviour Approximately 80% of Darfield High School students travel to school by bus. We have a section on our website devoted entirely to buses and what you need to know if you have students travelling, or intending to travel, by bus. Go to our website: www.darfield.school.nz/ and click on the ‘Buses’ tab. There you will find all sorts of handy information. You will see a map of the whole area our buses cover and if you click on any of the buses you will see the bus route for that area in Google Maps. The buses on the routes are NOT where the bus stops, but show the times the bus goes past specific intersections. Bus times are based on run times in 2014. The times provided are for the morning runs for each route. Buses can arrive five minutes either side of the time stated for the junction.
•
Students will be required to phone a parent before they go home. If a parent cannot be contacted, arrangements will be made for the student to go to a neighbour or friend until the parents can be contacted
•
The Bus Controller will contact any other school affected to make appropriate arrangements
Accidents: Students are to remain seated and calm, awaiting instructions from the Bus Driver. Encourage others to do the same. Follow these instructions and assist where possible to maintain a calm and orderly atmosphere If the Bus Driver is unable to give instructions, listen to the instructions from the Bus Monitors. If you are asked to evacuate the bus, do so in a calm and orderly fashion, one row at a time, starting from the front. Make sure you stay together as a group in the nominated spaces and don’t wander off . Be Safe on your Journey: • Travelling on the bus to school can be fun—it is a great time to catch up with your friends, and even do some homework. You can help make the journey safe for everyone on the bus:
Any student wishing to travel on a bus which they are not enrolled on, must bring a note from a parent or caregiver requesting this, and give the note to the School Office before 11.15 am on the day concerned.
•
When you are waiting for the bus, stand back from the road
•
Don’t text or listen to music through headphones.
•
You need to concentrate on the road, the traffic and anything else happening around you. Wait until the bus has stopped before boarding single file. Don’t push and shove. Let the younger children go first
•
Students should not cross the road until the bus is at least two power poles away.
Any student who will not be returning home on their bus is obliged to tell their Bus Monitor on the morning of the day concerned. Bus Monitors: Bus Monitors are students who are trusted and valued by the staff. They have our full support. Know who your bus monitors are. If you have any issues at all, feel confident that they will help you. They have direct contact with Mr Dickens, the Bus Controller, to help with your concerns. If you do not feel you are able to talk to your Bus Monitor in the first instance, see Mr Dickens. Student Behaviour is of utmost importance • In order to ensure orderly behaviour, the following guidelines are expected to be observed by all students: •
No behaviour which distracts the driver is permitted
•
All body parts are to remain inside the vehicle at all times
•
Nothing is to be thrown from the openings of the vehicle
•
Students must remain seated throughout the journey
•
Any form of bullying is unacceptable
•
No food or drink is to be consumed while on the bus
•
Yelling and abusive language are unacceptable
•
Politely follow instructions or any requests given by the driver and Bus Monitors
Early Departure of Buses: The Principal will decide whether circumstances call for sending some or all students home early. When the decision to send one or more buses home early is made: •
For Parents: • If you are picking up students from the bus stop, meet them on the same side of the road the bus uses •
Have an alternative plan in case you are running late
•
Always reduce speed to 20km/h when passing a stationary school bus
Bus Controller: Mr Dickens (jd@darfield.school.nz) http://www.darfield.school.nz/home/buses/
20 km past a stopped school bus! The speed limit when passing a school bus that has stopped to let children on or off is 20 km/h. This rule applies to traffic on both sides of the road. The faster you go, the bigger the fine. What’s it worth? A few extra minutes? A fine? A life?
The Principal will notify all students and staff affected, asking them to assemble at a convenient point under the supervision of a staff member
Issue 1 / DHS Dispatch
17
School Uniforms and Year 13 Guidelines Year 13 Mufti Guidelines Key considerations: • The desire for a high standard of dress through providing guidelines for an appropriate standard of dress
We have a range of uniform items in stock for sale at school. Fittings are by appointment only, so contact Sue to arrange this. It is preferable parents refrain from coming to reception for uniform items from 8–9.30 am as this is a very busy time. For purchases, please contact either Sue or Elaine in Admin. Out of stock items will not be replaced; we are discontinuing the Uniform Shop at school. All Darfield High School uniform items are for sale at The Warehouse Rolleston. If you have second hand uniform for sale and would like details of it to be added, or updated, on our database, please email sue@darfield. school.nz or elaine@darfield.school.nz. Please note, we do not keep second hand uniform at school.
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Year 13 demonstrating leadership in action and appearance
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Allowing some choice in recognition of senior role in school
The normal day wear for Year 13 students is either school uniform or very tidy mufti. Year 13 students are the student leaders in the school and their standard of dress should be equivalent to the formality of the normal school uniform. It is expected that students who represent the school at formal events will wear a school blazer or a formal black blazer. Very Tidy Mufti: • Shorts or trousers with zip fly •
Skirts or dresses
We are out of stock of the following items:
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Collared shirt or blouse
Girls: • XS Blazers
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Blazer, jersey, cardigan, jacket
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Rain jacket
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Tie for formal occasions, eg Prize-giving, Assemblies during Terms 2 and 3
Boys: • 88 Blazers
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Students should bring a change of clothes when required for sports activities
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J10 and XS short sleeved shirts
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J8, J10, 76, 80, 84, 96 shorts
Appropriate mufti is: • Clean, tidy and in good condition
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J8, XS and S short-sleeved blouses
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S, XL and XXL Gym Dresses
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Sizes 12, 14, 18, 22 shorts
Sports Uniform: • Tees J10 and S
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Modest (ie all clothing should cover from shoulder to mid-thigh – no midriff showing)
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Boys should be clean shaven
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Jewellery (no visible piercings, except in ears) and makeup should not be excessive
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Appropriate to situations (eg, for health and safety reasons, covered footwear is to be worn in Science Labs, Food and Nutrition Room, and Design Technology Rooms)
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Any words, logos or images must be appropriate for school situation, eg no alcohol or drug connotations or offensive language
Shorts J8, J10 and S
Jerseys: J10, XS, S, M and XXL. Sports Caps Knit Scarf
Uniform Shop Hours for Students Monday: 11.00 –11.25am Thursday: 11.00 –11.25am
Second Hand Uniforms Wanted There is a great demand for clean and tidy second hand uniforms. If you have items you would like to sell or donate, please email elaine@darfield.school.nz, or sue@darfield. school.nz with details: sizes, items, girl’s or boy’s, price, and your contact details. This information will be added to our database and if someone is looking for an item, we will pass on your contact details. Note: we do not keep second hand uniform at school.
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Not permitted: • Sportswear: sports shoes, track pants, sports shorts, rugby jerseys •
Beachwear
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T-Shirts or singlets
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Hoodies or sweatshirts
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Extreme hair styles
If unsure if an item is permitted, please check with the school in advance of wearing an item to school.
12 February 2016
School and Community Notices Term Dates 2016 Term 1: •
Monday 1 February to Friday 15 April
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6 February: Waitangi Day
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8 February: Waitangi Day Observed
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25 March: Good Friday
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28 March: Easter Monday
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29 March: Easter Tuesday (School Holiday)
Term 2: •
Monday 2 May to Friday 8 July
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25 April: ANZAC Day
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6 June: Queen’s Birthday
Term 3: •
Monday 25 July to Friday 23 September
Term 4: •
Monday 10 October to Friday 16 December
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24 October: Labour Day
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11 November: Canterbury Anniversary Show Day
FIRST MEETING OF THE
DARFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
PTSA
Tuesday 16 February School Staffroom All welcome
Come and meet a lovely crew of school helpers and fundraisers. All of the money we raise goes back into the school to help our students. You can choose to do as much, or as little, as you wish throughout the year, but we would love to see you— we need more helpers!
Your Education is a New Zealand based and owned high school student exchange provider. We offer New Zealand high school students the opportunity to take part of one of our high school exchanges around the world. We specialise in short term exchanges, departing after NCEA, for two or three months - without students missing any school. Secure your space with us.
TERM ONE WEEK THREE Tuesday 16 February • PTSA Meeting Wednesday 17 February • Town Sports begin • Lincoln University presentation to Year 13s, P5 • Canterbury SS Showjumping Thursday 18 February • Canterbury SS Triathlon • Swimming Sports Friday 19 February • Year 11 Rural College practical day • Swimming Sports postponement day WEEK FOUR Tuesday 23 February • Academic Colours Assembly Wednesday 24 February • Defence Forces presentation to Seniors, P5 Thursday 25 February • Year 7 Parents’ Evening • Year 13 History trip WEEK FIVE Monday 29 February • House Assemblies at Formtime Tuesday 1 March • Athletics Wednesday 2 March • Canterbury Primary Triathlon • Auckland University presentation to Year 13s, P5 Thursday 3 March • Year 11 Geography trip to Hanmer (to 5th) Friday 4 March • Athletics postponement day • Newsletter # 2 • Year 13 Rural College practical day
DARFIELD HIGH SCHOOL WEBSITE
www.youreducation.co.nz
Issue 1 / DHS Dispatch
19
Cultural Ambassadors: How can you help?
Cultural Ambassadors is a new group launched last year for DHS students interested in being involved with our international visitors—both students and adults. We are having our first meeting next Monday 15 February at lunchtime in E11. If you are interested in finding out more about this, please come along!
Stage Challenge Auditions: Week 3.
Athletics
Tuesday 1 March
Audition sheets will be up next week outside the Drama Room. There will be a separate sheet for Gymnastics, Hip/Hop, Jazz, Ballet/ Contemporary. You may sign up for more than one genre, but need to listen to the notices and go to each audition time.
Postponement day: Friday 4 March
Academic Colours Assembly
Students are to come to school in their sports uniforms if the weather is fine. If the weather doesn’t look good, school uniform is to be worn and sports gear brought along. Please come along for the day and support your student. You are most welcome. All students are required to have a go at some events. Check the website on Tuesday morning for updates.
Swimming Sports
Tuesday 23 February 10.00 am Students who gained subject and/or certificate endorsements in NCEA 2015 will be recognised in this assembly. Family and friends are invited to attend the assembly and should come to the Staffroom about 10 minutes beforehand.
Thursday 18 February (This is different to the date on the school calendar) Pre-lims on Tuesday 16 February: 9.00 am–11.00 am.
Postponement day: Friday 19 February A warm welcome is extended to all parents, caregivers and friends of the school to attend the Swimming Sports, which will be held at the Darfield Community Pool, beginning at 9.15 am. Students competing are reminded to bring a couple of towels, sunhat and sunscreen, plenty of food and water, and warm clothing, just in case the weather deteriorates. A reminder to all girls that only one-piece swimsuits are to be worn. Students will not be allowed to go to the shops or to the canteen.
Year 7 Parent Evening Thursday 25 February 6.30 pm Darfield High School Hall Come along and meet the Year 7 teachers and other parents and caregivers. Principal, James Morris, will give an introduction and Jason Dickens, Outdoor Education, will provide an overview of the upcoming camps, including gear lists and activities the students will be involved in. Then you will be invited to visit your student’s homeroom and meet their teachers.
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hip-hop & breakdance WORKSHOPS $5 EA
Manaia Davie s Beginners hip-hop
Elly HANSSEN Intermediate/ advanced hip-hop
Kbigs Breakdancing
ality FREE PERFORMANCES ReSw arm
ROLLESTON
DARFIELD SATURDAY 13 FEBRUARY
SATURDAY 20 FEBRUARY
Darfield High School Hall
Rolleston Community Centre
10:00am – 10:45am
Registrations – Darfield High School Hall
10:00am – 10:45am
Registrations – Rolleston Community Centre lounge
10:45am – 11:45am
Hip-hop for beginners workshop with Manaia
10:45am – 11:45am
Hip-hop for beginners workshop with Manaia
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Kbigs breakdance workshop
12:00pm – 1:00pm
Kbigs breakdance workshop
1:15pm – 2:15pm
Elly intermediate/advanced hip-hop workshop
1:15pm – 2:15pm
Elly intermediate/advanced hip-hop workshop
2:15pm – 3:00pm
FREE Showcase performances Crew Swarm & REALITY, KBigs & Manaia (open to the public)
2:15pm – 3:00pm
FREE Showcase performances crew Swarm & REALITY, KBigs & Manaia (open to the public)
For more information email yeranedavies@gmail.com
12 February 2016
Netball Trials Years 7 and 8 Netball Trials Thursday 25 February 5.00–6.00pm West Melton Netball Courts. Fri 12th Feb 7.00pm–9.30pm Drive In Movie – Rolleston Community Centre Carpark. A family friendly movie will be showing, grab some snacks drive to the Community Centre and tune in and watch a movie on the huge outdoor screen. www. selwyn.govt.nz/events Sun 14th Feb 2.00pm–4.00pm Summer of Fun Pool Party at the Selwyn Aquatic Centre, Rolleston Wed 17 Feb 4.00pm–6.00pm Summer of Fun Skate Jam at Rolleston. Come along and test your skills, tricks & moves. DJ, free equipment hire, sausage sizzle & prizes. Thu 18 Feb 5.30pm–7.30pm Summer of Fun Picnic in the Park at Dunsandel. Join the family fun at the Dunsandel Domain with live music, bouncy castles, fun of wheels trailer, games, Pedalmania and more. www.selwyn.govt.nz/events Sat 20 Feb 6.00pm–9.00pm Summer of Fun Music on the Green, Lincoln. Come and be entertained by a line-up of local musical talent. Pack a picnic and pop down after work to the Lincoln Green (behind the Library) for an entertaining evening.
Senior Senior Reserve Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 February 7.00–8.00pm West Melton Netball Courts Senior 2nd Grade Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 February 6.00–7.00pm West Melton Netball Courts Please register online before attending both trials www.sporty. co.nz/WestMeltonnetball We have put our trials back a week from last year for the Darfield girls to trial for the school A team. The A team is more than welcome to play under the West Melton Netball club this season. Ruth Brown WM Secretary
Wed 24 Feb 4.00pm–6.00pm Summer of Fun Skate Jam at Leeston. Come along and test your skills, tricks & moves. DJ, free equipment hire, sausage sizzle & prizes. Thu 25 Feb 5.30pm–7.30pm Summer of Fun Picnic in the Park. Join the family fun at the Leeston Park with live music, bouncy castles, fun of wheels trailer, games, Pedalmania and more. www.selwyn. govt.nz/events Fri 26 Feb 7.00pm–9.30pm Drive In Movie at the Darfield Domain. A family friendly movie will be showing, grab some snacks drive to the Domain and tune in and watch a movie on the huge outdoor screen. www.selwyn.govt.nz/events Sun 28 Feb 10.00am–4.00pm Rakaia River Terrace Run, Walk & Bike, Middle Rock Station, Windwhistle. A family fun run, walk or mountain bike event—taking in some of Selwyn’s most stunning scenery as you wind along farm tracks through the Rakaia Gorge. Enquiries to: Jenni Carter, jenni.carter@xtra.co.nz
2016 School Based HPV Vaccination Programme Human Papillom avirus (HPV) is a common viral infection which can lead to cervical cancer and genital warts. Early HPV immunisation offers the best protection against contracting these diseases. While girls in Canterbury can get this through their general practice at age 11, a number of girls have not completed the three doses needed for full protection. Therefore, from 2016, the Canterbury DHB will be offering a school based Human Papillom avirus (HPV) vaccination programme which will be available to all girls in Year 8. To enable students to receive the vaccination at school, parents need to complete the consent form which will be sent home with the student, along with supporting information during the first weeks of Term One. Please check with your daughter or the school to ensure you receive the consent form and information pack.
Issue 1 / DHS Dispatch
Free Microsoft Office for NZ Students Every student in our school is now eligible to get the full Office suite for use on their personal devices at no cost. This is a benefit of the Ministry of Education Microsoft Schools’ agreement and is now available. Students may install Office on up to five PC or Apple computers and on other mobile devices, including iPads, Android devices and Windows tablets. It includes one terabyte (TB) of OneDrive for Business storage per user, for schoolwork and homework. Students can use the Self-Service portal to download their free software. Visit microsoft.co.nz/studentoffice todownload today.
Our Street Talk Defensive Driving Course is NZTA approved. By completing this course, you can reduce your Driver’s Licence by six months (instead of waiting 18 months from when you sit your restricted licence, you can complete your Full Licence in 12 months. The cost of this course is $170. Enrol at www.fusiontrust.co.nz
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12 February 2016
www.airbrushventuri.co.nz
Colouring Competition at Christchurch Holi Festival Good morning, Revel Events and Yogiji Food Mart are excited to bring the Holi Festival back to Christchurch on Saturday 5 March. We would like to invite your school to join the fun from 11am - 3pm at The Commons, 70 Kilmore Street. Holi is all about bringing life, colour and fun to our central city. Everyone is invited to come along, throw powder colours, dance, and enjoy DJs, traditional Indian games, cultural performances and festive Holi delicacies. This year, we are running a colouring competition in three categories - primary school students, secondary school students and adults. Please find the competition images attached. Entries should be posted to 29 Dunedin Street, Saturday 16 April Redwood, Christchurch 8051 to arrive before Monday 29 February.
10.00am
The competition will be judged by Ira Mitchell from Art by Ira https://www.facebook.com/artbyira/?fref=ts . Winners FreetheEntry will be announced between 1pm and 2pm on 5 March at the Holi festival. The winners from primary and secondary Once again Leeston is proud to present its ever popular, age groups will each receive a $250 voucher from HappyHire for their next birthday party or event. Bouncy castles, disco ever growing, Fete Day for 2016. balls and bubble machines are just some of the fun party gear that HappyHire canwas supply. The winner of the adult Last year a huge success with thousands of people category will receive two nights’ accommodation from Peppers Beacon inattending Queenstown! the event, which show cased over a hundred stalls ranging from unique handcrafts, exquisite adults
In India, every region celebrates Holi in its own way but the festival is widely recognised as ajewellery, day to forgive, forget your and children’s clothing, antiques and collectables, and this year will exceed this.Holi ThereFestival. is a fun worries, look ahead and celebrate as a community. We would enjoy seeing your school community at our area specifically catering for children’s entertainment Tickets are available online at: http://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2016/christchurch-holi-festival/christchurch including a bouncy castle, face painting, clowns and
water are also have live entertainment in We also invite you to print and distribute the attached poster or to include thewalkers. event We in your school newsletter.
Kindest regards, Hitesh Sharma and Sandeep Khanna On behalf of Revel Events For more information visit: www.facebook.com/ChristchurchHoli
an area were you can sit and relax and think about your next purchase prospects. The many varieties of food stalls cover most taste buds requirements e.g Japanese, Mexican, Vietnamese, Mediterranean, seafood, ice creams etc. Many local organisations use this day for fund raising. So come to Leeston and make this a great family fun day.
Thank-you to our sponsors and supporters: Yogijis Food Mart, Priority Communications, Happy Hire, Spectrum Lighting Address: 7 McLaughlins Road
PO Box 5
Email: admin@darfield.school.nz
Darfield 7541
Web: darfield.school.nz
New Zealand
Phone: +64 3 318 8411 Fax: +64 3 318 8543