Mar3

Rotorua Lakes High School + “Mauria te pono – Keep steadfastly to the truth” NEWSLETTER ISSUE No. 5 – 3 March 2017

CHALKBOARD From the Principal P. 1 Important Information P. 2 - 4 News from Departments P. 5 - 6 Sports P. 6 - 7 Careers P. 8 - 9 Contact us P. 10 Community Notices P. 10 - 12

Dear Parents/Caregivers Kia ora tatou

Sponsors P. 13 -14

FROM THE PRINCIPAL _______________________________________________________________________________ CENTRAL SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS Last weekend the Central Swimming Championships were held in Hamilton. Our students did us proud again with fantastic results: Skye Cox (14 yrs) raced exceptionally well to pick up 3 new National Age Group Qualifying times, a BRONZE age group medal in the 200 backstroke and a BRONZE as part of the Swim Rotorua girls relay team. Skye also qualified for the open age A Finals in 100 and 200 back finishing 8th and 6th fastest respectively of females of any age in those races. She also qualified for 4 other open age finals.

Siobhan Terry (16 yrs) competed in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle and won a SILVER and BRONZE. Paddy Baylis (16yrs) won an Open Age SILVER medal in 1500 freestyle, and a SILVER in the open medley Club relay as part of the Swim Rotorua team. He won SILVER age groups medals in 200 IM and 200 Fly, and a BRONZE in 400 free. Paddy also made Open age A finals in 6 events.

It was also great to see Kaira Cox back racing after a break from competition.

Well done to all our students – hard work pays off! __________________________________________________________________________________

ASSESSMENTS The following assessment has been set down to take place within the next two weeks. There may be times where, due to unforeseen circumstances, changes will need to occur. This will be done in consultation with the class(es) concerned.

Level 1

Subject Maths – Investigate a given multivariate data set using the statistical enquiry cycle.

Standard Date AS91035 6 March Students must be at school on this day or provide a doctors certificate or letter from home if they are absent on the assessment day

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TERM 1 KEY DATES th

Mon 6 Mar

Tues 7 – Fri 10 Mar Fri 10 Mar Mon 27 – Fri 31 Mar Tues 11 – 14 Apr Wed 19 Apr – Fri 5 May FRI 14 APR TO MON 1 MAY

Yours sincerely,

Principal

Yr 12 Geography class is scheduled to visit Waihi Beach and Mine on Monday 6th March. Students need to be at school for 6:30am.

Year 13 Camp Mid Island Athletics Summer Tournament Year 10 Camp Spain Trip EASTER BREAK

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS / CAREGIVERS / STUDENTS __________________________________________________________________________________

SCHOOL ACCOUNTS 

Parents / Caregivers please note that the first Account for school fees have been posted. We would appreciate payment as soon as possible please. NB: If you pay via internet banking, please ensure your child’s name is used as a reference. Our ASB account number appears on your invoice.  A big Thank You to those parents who have already paid.  Just a reminder, that all school fees must be paid in full before senior students can attend the school ball.  If you would like to start up an automatic payment, we have forms for the bank at school. Please feel free to contact Student Reception. __________________________________________________________________________________

SCHOOL REPORTS Reports were issued today (Friday 3 March) to students. Reports have not been generated for students who have enrolled during the last 2 weeks. They will receive a report in the next round. We hope the information will provide you with a quick picture of how your child has settled into school. A copy of the descriptors used are on the back of the reports. Another tracking report will be issued at the end of this term. This will include a fourth area – a grade for Academic Achievement.

Staff can be contacted via email surnameinitial@rotorualakes.school.nz or by phone should you want to discuss any aspect or seek further clarification. In the first instance, please contact the subject teacher. Formal Parent Interviews are scheduled for the end of Terms 2 and 3. __________________________________________________________________________________

GENERAL ACTIVITY DONATION Each year the school seeks from parents a $70 donation per student. This is included in the school fees account.

This donation can be claimed as a charitable donation through Inland Revenue. At Rotorua Lakes High School we spend the donation on first aid supplies, school nurse, library donation and student diaries, and to support cocurricular activities.

It is unfortunate that we need to seek charitable support from parents / whanau for so-called ‘free education’ but government grants to schools do not cover a lot of extras.

Thank you very much to the parents / whanau who pay this voluntary donation.

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JUNIOR NUMERACY TESTING / RESULTS All Year 9 students and any new Year 10 students have now been numeracy tested. This testing shows us what strategies students are able to use and it also tells us about the student's level of numeracy knowledge. These results inform teachers of the student's numeracy strengths and weaknesses and will assist differentiation of teaching/learning in the classroom. The main issue we see with students on entry to Rotorua Lakes High School is their weaker understanding/knowledge of proportions (fractions, decimals and percentages) and of higher level multiplication/division tables. If parents would like to see their child’s results, you are welcome to e-mail kellyk@rotorualakeshigh.school.nz _________________________________________________________________________________

VISITING ARGENTINIAN GROUP Over the next few weeks, a small Argentinian group of two teachers and five students will be visiting our school while staying in Rotorua. The group are from Don Bosco High School in Neuquén and is led by Estela Rodriguez, who visited RLHS in 2015. Mrs Heather Richardson worked with Estela while she was in Argentina. Initially these students will be interacting with our students in Spanish classes. Please make them feel welcome. Thank you to those families who are homestaying the group for part of their stay. __________________________________________________________________________________

TERM DATES FOR 2017 Term 1

NO. WEEKS

TUESDAY 31 JANUARY 2017 TERM 2 TUESDAY 1 MAY 2017 TERM 3 MONDAY 24 JULY 2017 TERM 4 MONDAY 16 OCTOBER 2017

THURSDAY 13 APRIL 2017

11 WEEKS

FRIDAY 7 JULY 2017

10 WEEKS

FRIDAY 29 SEPTEMBER 2017

10 WEEKS

FRIDAY 8 DECEMBER 2017

8 WEEKS

NEWS FROM DEPARTMENTS __________________________________________________________________________________ YEAR 13 CAMP – OHOPE CHRISTIAN CAMP 2017 The camp for year 13 students will be at Ohope Christian Camp from after school Tuesday 7 March to Friday 10 March 2017. Please note: Students going to camp do not need to wear uniform to school on Tuesday and are permitted to wear appropriate tidy mufti Students will be taking part in a range of leadership activities.

We wish the students well for good weather and many exciting positive experiences.

NB: All year 13 students who are not going to camp are required to stay home those 3 days as all year 13 classes are ‘collapsed’ to cover staff supervision at the camp. _________________________________________________________________________________ MATHS HOMEWORK CENTRE

Each Thursday from 3.15 – 4.15 in A11 – All Welcome Please bring a snack and a smile

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FROM THE HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTRE

_________________________________________________________________________________ ARTNEWZ The Year 11 Painting and Design class (with Mrs. Carlan-Riddell) had a great visit to the Hamilton Zoo, gathering visual research for their internal and external assessments. They were treated to behind-the-scenes encounters with African White Rhinos, including a new calf (only 380 kg!), and the ever popular ring-tailed lemur experience, that is so magical for the students.

_________________________________________________________________________________ ARTPACKS Art packs for Year 9 and 10: If your son/daughter has not done so, can they please take their payment slip to student reception and process payment for these as soon as possible. AP's are welcome. For seniors, can you please ensure your son/daughters have purchased their equipment in the next week, as it will begin to affect their ability to succeed in the course if they do not have the gear they need to succeed. Please contact the HOD Visual Arts if you have any concerns or issues, on carlans@rotorualakes.school.nz.

SPORTS Hot off the Press from our Coaches and Managers _______________________________________________________________________________ DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S HILLARY AWARD On Feb 25-26, a keen group of eleven students and two wonderful parents (Bruce Anderson and Lance Faber) headed out on the Eastern Okataina walkway, and camped at the Humphries Bay DOC campsite. They enjoyed a crystal clear starry night sky, glow worms and excellent swims in both lakes in the sunshine.

They hiked to the jetty at the outlet on Sunday and caught the water taxi back to the landing. They clocked up 23 km of strenuous hiking on the journey, and ten of the students qualified for their Bronze Award, performing very well on all aspects of the assessments in location awareness, team work and camp craft.

They can be very proud of their accomplishments, well done to you all!

Students involved: Darcy Faber, Stella Pickney, Alice Waldin, Kirsty Lyall, Tessa McCarthy, Holly Gardiner, Natasha Miller, Katie Stewart, Apache Davidson, Hunter Thompson, and Matthew Griffiths.

Further opportunities for adventurous journeys include: Silver level Adventurous Journey Training - 1/2 April. Commencing at 0900 (9 am) in Welcome Bay. Then mid-afternoon we travel to Ngamuwahine, off SH 29, camp overnight, participants give a 4-6 minute presentation (on an outdoor subject I will give them the week prior to the course), set-up and operate a Mountain Radio, cook their meals over an open fire.

Sunday we do some off-track navigation. The course should conclude by 1600 (4 pm) on the Sunday afternoon at Ngamuwahine Outdoor Education Centre carpark. Cost will be $25.

Applications by 15 March.

Gold level Adventurous Journey Training - 17-19 March, comprising an Outdoor Training NZ (OTNZ) Risk Management in the Outdoors Course and the OTNZ River Safety/Crossings Course. Course will commence at 2000 (8 pm) on Friday evening, likely at Greerton Scout Hall.

Saturday will commence at 0900 (9 am). Then late afternoon we travel to Dickey Flat Campsite, Karangahake Gorge, north of Waihi, camp overnight, participants give a 7-10 minute presentation (on an outdoor subject given them a week prior to course), set-up and operate a Mountain Radio, cook their own meals.

Sunday we do an OTNZ River Crossing/Safety Course, during which participants, and their packs, will get wet. The course should conclude by 1500 (3 pm) on the Sunday afternoon at Dickey Flat Campsite.

Cost will be $25. Applications by 5 March.

REMINDER - You do not necessarily have to have completed your Bronze or Silver Award, before doing the next level of training, but is best you have done at least the practice journey at your current level.

Late applications may not be accepted. For further details of the courses, please contact HOD Visual Arts, Shana Carlan-Riddell carlans@rotorualakes.school.nz

CAREERS DEPARTMENT BRIDGING THE GAP 2017!

HEADS UP! IMPORTANT DATES COMING UP FOR TERM 1 (It is important that students check the important careers events and deadlines.)

daily notices each day during House Group time for

TERM 1 Unless otherwise stated all Tertiary Liaison Presentations are held in the Careers Classroom, usually at lunchtime.

6 March Ara Institute of Technology Christchurch Liaison Visit 1.30pm 7 March Waikato University Liaison Visit – 1st round – 1.30pm 21 March Canterbury University Liaison Visit 1.30 pm 22 March AUT Auckland Liaison Visit 1.30pm 30 March Massey University Te Manu Taiko Presentations 1.30 – 3.00pm 3 April Auckland Uni Whakapiki Ake Yr12 & 13 Presentations 1.30pm 4 April WINTEC Liaison Visit – 11.05 am - Note Morning Tea Time 6 April Auckland University Liaison Visit – 1.30 pm 7 April Victoria University Liaison Visit – 1.30pm School Holidays: 14 – 30 April 2017 ________________________________________________________________________________

GOAL DIGGER – CAREER SOLUTIONS How to Avoid your Teen Heading down the Career Black Hole

THURSDAY 23 MARCH 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM Rydges Hotel, Rotorua Cost: $10.00 Seminar for Parents, Caregivers & Mentors Tammy-Lee, an experienced and qualified Career Counsellor from Goal Digger, is holding the annual seminar for parents and caregivers of secondary school students. If you want to know about:    

Recognising the signs that your teen is heading off track in regards to preparing for their future Understanding your teenager and what occupations would suit their style How to help your teenager get a future plan when they haven’t got one Going off to study? What you need to know to be prepared as a parent and University jargon explained.

Head to our website and register now (click the button below). Places are strictly limited. www.goaldigger.co.nz

Last year’s seminar was really well attended and the reviews were great, so please ensure that you don’t miss out and of course, spread the word!

UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY Holiday camp for stargazers The University of Canterbury is offering year 13 students throughout New Zealand the chance to attend a 5-day astronomy camp in Christchurch and Tekapo.

We thought you might like to share this with your science-minded students and staff.

Presented by UC's top astrophysicists, the annual Elaine P. Snowden Astronomy School (formerly the Aurora Astronomy School), is a mix of seminars and practical work. It includes discussion on the universe, life cycles of stars, planet exploration, extra-terrestrial life and a visit to the Mt John Observatory at Tekapo.

Open to just 20 students each year, the camp is aimed at Year 13 students nationwide who are enthusiastic about astronomy and have a good background in physics and maths.

Acceptance is based on NCEA results and a student's written application.

The camp runs from 19 to 23 April at UC's Ilam campus in Christchurch and the Mt John Observatory in Tekapo. There is no charge for the camp (excluding travel costs).

For more information and the application form, click here.

Applications close on 6 March.

CONTACT US

ROTORUA LAKES HIGH SCHOOL Mr P B Walker, Principal BA (Hons), Dip Ed, Post Grad Dip Second Language Tchg, Dip Tchg P O Box 7002, Te Ngae, Rotorua Phone: 345 6124 Fax: 345 5964

COMMUNITY NOTICES SITUATIONS VACANT Domino’s Pizza are currently looking for staff to work after school and weekends.

We are looking for self-motivated and enthusiastic people to join our team.

Positions Available:  Drivers – Restricted or Full license (Koutu or Redwood)  Instore – Yr 9 -13 (Koutu or Redwood)

There is no previous experience needed. If you are interested or have any queries, please head into the store to talk to a manager. Liam Stops, Franchisee, Dominos Redwood & Koutu __________________________________________________________________________________

COME AND JOIN ROTORUA UNITED FOOTBALL CLUB WE WANT YOU FOR THE 2017 SEASON Preseason trainings have started at Neil Hunt Park Premier Men & Women, Mens championship, Baywide Men, U19 U15 boys, Social Women, U16 girls, Federation U12.

Any queries to rotoruaunited@gmail.com

St John Youth

programmes help young New Zealanders aged between 6 and 18 to develop first aid, health care, leadership and life skills.

Young people who experience our programmes gain confidence and empathy, as well as knowledge and leadership skills. Some continue their relationship with St John when they become adults.

Mondays at the St John Ambulance Hall, Pereika St. Juniors - 5.45 pm – 7.15 pm Intermediates and Seniors - 7 pm to 8.30 pm To find out more about joining St John Youth visit: https://youth.stjohn.org.nz or 0800 785 646 or craig.elphick@stjohn.org.nz

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS