July 2015
Dear Parents/Caregivers The month of June has provided students with the opportunity to pay forward. The students’ attention was drawn to the devastating earthquake of Nepal, with events planned to fundraise providing financial support. Mufti Day was organised by Student Council, with Emojies as the theme, and Executive Council held two events one being Grab a Bag, the other an evening Quiz Night. Students battled hard against the teacher teams but honour prevailed with a teacher team in first place. Many students have been active in their fundraising for 40 Hour Famine, this year supporting the children of Bangladesh who are vulnerable to malnutrition and food insecurity. It is time to acknowledge the support of students to Work Day, with over $20,000 raised by students for students. The mini councils have been instrumental in identifying areas that will improve the environment for students at Tauranga Girls’ College. Sports Council have been busy organising an inter house competition run each Wednesday. The Arts Council organised events to celebrate Matariki, complete with a Matariki Idol concert. The Year 12 SCAT students are providing regular lunchtime activities for junior students to participate in. We thank them for their support of the Tauranga Girls’ College student community. Students have had successes this month in Sports being nominated as regional or national representatives or having team success at North Island and Regional competitions; Underwater Hockey, Volleyball, Football, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Netball, Hockey. Stage Challenge involved approximately 100 students, weeks of practice resulted in excellence awards in nearly all categories and an overall first place for the night.
Luminosa Chorale achieved accolades for their classical piece, and are to be commended on the standard of chorale work achieved as in this group there are some young singers. Estrogems Barbershop Chorus competed well and will be representing the region at Nationals in August. One student Soomin Kim has been selected as one of the soloists to play a concerto as part of the Rising Stars competition.
Last week was the season of the Combined Tauranga Boys’/Girls’ College Production of Spamalot. A show that was humorous and provided the opportunity to witness the talents of our students whether it be on stage, in the orchestra, side of stage, technical support or front of house. Our two participants Maraea Ranui and Brooklyn Glanville-Rolleston in the Regional Manu Korero competition were supported by the kaupapa committee when they competed in Whakatane. Sophie Shrimpton participated in Enterprise in Action this month. This was held at Massey University’s Auckland campus, and was only open to students taking part in Young Enterprise Trust’s flagship programme, The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme. Sophie has been selected as one of only six students to represent NZ at the Asia-Pacific final of the FedEx Express Junior Achievement International Trade Challenge. This will see Sophie fly to Singapore in August for 9-10 days to take part in the competition. Last week was the annual mid-winter International Christmas Dinner, held by the International Department; an opportunity to sample traditional New Zealand food and for students to meet Santa. An evening enjoyed by all, whether a host family or international visitor. This week is International Week with events planned each day; games, a concert, a garage sale, a food fair, and a movie. At the end of term students leave for an Eastern Europe History trip to Russia, Poland and Germany, we wish them well as the text books and the stories come alive as they visit the landmarks and locations familiar to them in the classroom. Winter is upon us and it is a time I urge for wisdom in personal hygiene to minimise sickness ensuring precious learning is not missed. The upcoming break is a time for students to recharge their batteries as seniors return to 7 weeks of school before bench mark exams with 6 thereafter to NCEA examinations. Focus is important, every assessment critical in students achieving their academic goals. Philippa Ferguson Acting Principal
International and National Achievements Canoe Slalom Courtney Williams has been ranked 8th overall in Women’s Canoe Slalom in New Zealand. She is competing in Europe 28 July till 30 August. Cross Country At the National Secondary Schools’ Cross Country held in Dunedin 20 June Arleah Tippins was placed 12th in Junior Girls with Tabitha Marshall was placed 28th. In the Senior Girls’ Kaylee Mudgway was placed 14th and Paris Heslop was placed 21st, both these girls are Year 11 racing with the seniors. Judo Jade Tuilaepa has been selected to represent New Zealand Judo at the Cadet and Junior Worlds Champs in Sarajevo, Bosnia in August this year. Unfortunately Jade will not be attending this due to the cost. Jade competed at the Auckland International Open were she won Gold in the Cadet Woman U57 and won bronze in the Junior Women U57.
North Island / Bay of Plenty / Local Achievements Cross Country At the Waikato Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools Cross Country held in Tokorua 10 June, the Junior Girls won the 3 -person team event with Tabitha Marshall placed 10th, Abigail Mortimer 12th and Crystal Aranui placed 27th. The Intermediate Girls were second in the 3-person team event with Kaylee Mudgway placed 3rd, Paris Heslop 8th and Sophie McConnell 11th. The Senior Girls were second in the 3-person team event with Jessica Bitcheno 7th, Erin Conway 9th and Naomi Stewart 11th . Gymnastics At the Tumbling and Trampoline section of the Bay of Plenty Gymnastics held in Rotorua, Catrin Pearce placed 1st in C Grade Trampoline and 1st in Tumbling. Keilani Worthen placed 2nd in Trampoline and 5th in Tumbling. Taekwondo Ashley Cundy competed in the North Island Open Championship in Taekwondo gaining a Gold in Poomsae and a Bronze in Fighting. Underwater Hockey: We are the Champions - see below Squash Three Tauranga Girls’ College teams competed in the Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools Squash Teams tournament winning silver and bronze in Division 2. Ashlee Linn, Evi Haitsma, Auroa Boyte, Alyssa Lewitt and Tyler Nitschke were placed 2nd in Division 2 and Leah Nicholas, Morgan Amos, Jessie Huang and Grace Son were placed 3rd in Division 2.
“We Are The Champions” Under Water Hockey The team never lost a game (drew one), scored 68 goals and 9 against them, with a goal ratio before the finals of 9.143. The Senior team worked together as a team, and that is key. We only had 7 players (6 in the water at one time) and still we won. The girls chose fitness over learning skills about a month ago and it definitely paid off. Jordan Ross was named Most Valuable Player for this tournament from the senior team. The Junior team also did really well, in a pool of 8 they came 4th. Eloise Sharpe was named Most Valuable Player for this tournament from the junior team. Eloise was goalie, and if it wasn’t for her great defence the team would not have done as well as they did. The teams are: Seniors: Kirsty Burrows, Jerushah Keightley, Jordan Ross, Anchen Potgieter, Georgia Coughlan, Malin Lutter, Courtney Johnston Juniors: Sarah Nicholls, Keelin McKelvie, Hannah Cox, Eloise Sharpe, Jordan Gilby, Natalie Hayman, Momo Hongcherdchai, Brooke James, Rachel Weston, Dannika Worthington Both teams will be attending Nationals, held in Auckland 03-06 September 2015.
Sustainable Backyards: At the Western Bay of Plenty Envriohub competitions: Zoe Beck – 1st Trashion parade, 1st and 2nd Upycled Streetwear Madison Randall modelled by Callie-Jay Dobbs Tori Bennett, Kimberly King and Callie-Jay Dobbs created an outfit that Tori Bennett modelled. Kate Hardy and Aimee Palmer created an outfit that Kate Hardy modelled. Bethany Millar, Erica Laura and Ashley Wright created an outfit that Billie Anderson modelled. Erin Conway made and modelled her own creation.
Congratulations to: Caroline Gill, Andrew Chapman and Kylie Valentine – successful in gaining Teacher led Innovation funding for their e-portfolio project. Estrogems Barbershop Chorus – through to National Finals. Soomin Kim – selected as one of soloists to play a concerto as part of the Rising Stars competition.
Congratulations: Young Enterprise Sophie Shrimpton was one of two Young Enterprise students selected to represent the Tauranga/ Coromandel region at the Enterprise in Action event recently. Eighty YES directors from around the country attended the event. At the end of the three day event six students were selected to represent New Zealand in an International Trade Challenge to be held in Singapore in August. Sophia was one of the six chosen. This trip is fully funded, courtesy of FedEx Express. Congratulations Sophie on a fine achievement.
Congratulations: Analytical Chemistry competition Our team was placed 3rd in the Analytical Chemistry competition held in Hamilton. The girls were very pleased with themselves! The team consisted of: Jess Crockett, Nell Ager, Emma Dalton, Sophie Godden.
Reminder:
Absence Notes to student office by 8.30am. When students are unwell they must go to the Health Centre, not phone or text home. Health Centre will then contact caregiver/s. Confiscated items are to be collected on Fridays at 2.05pm from outside the Deputy Principals’ offices.
University of Waikato Scholars 2015 The Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarships are awarded to students who have excelled academically and also in a sporting field or creative/performing arts. Felicity Tomkins received this award. The University of Waikato Academic Merit School Leaver Scholarship is awarded to students in their first year of study who gain NCEA Level 3 Certificate with a Merit endorsement. Scholars receive $3000 towards their fees or accommodation. The 2015 recipients from Tauranga Girls’ College were: Jessica Corkery, Ashleen Fahy, Gabrielle Forbes, Lekepa Kavenga, Larissa Kopf, Shannon Lee, Rachel Payne and Yanika Reiter. The 2015 University of Waikato Plus One School Leaver Scholarships are offered by the University of Waikato to recognise academic excellence in students who are not eligible to receive a School Leaver Scholarship as they have taken a gap year or similar activity before enrolling at the University of Waikato. There are a limited number of contestable scholarships. Tayla Forward was awarded this scholarship. The Science Admission Fees Scholarship was awarded to Rachel Payne.
Enrolments 2016 Enrolments will open for the year 2016 the first week of Term 3, 2015, and all contributing schools will receive their enrolment packs during that week. Applications for enrolment will close on Friday 04 September.
If you have friends outside the Tauranga Girls’ College zone who wish to send their daughters to our school please draw their attention to the way in which enrolment packs can be accessed and the Friday 04 September closing date.
All students living within the enrolment zone for the college have automatic right of entry. Out of zone students are also being accepted and enrolment packs for those students are available through the school reception. For those students the closing date is also Friday 04 September.
Should too many applications from out of zone be received, ballot date for Tauranga Girls’ College is Monday 14 September.
Careers Instep Calendar:
Friday 03 July: YiA 2015 - Student entries to be handed in to the Priority One office by 5.00pm . HOBEC Law Presentation 13 August: Names due by Friday 31 July – Teachers /Parents welcome. Thursday 06 August: WB@W - Launch is, Careers and Business Expo 07 Friday and Saturday 08 August. Tuesday 18 August: The Science of Food Day - Senior Students, Invitations will be out this week - please start targeting mathematics/chemistry/physics students now. Wednesday 19 August: Beca Engineering Day - Names due by Thursday 11 July.
Please feel free to publicise of your planned in-school career activities happening 08-25 August 2015 on the WB@W Calendar http://www.westernbayatwork.org.nz/event_registration Careers Expo: Friday 07 August Year 12 students will be taken to the Careers Expo on the morning of Friday 07 August.
Fair Play Promise This is a mid-season reminder of the Tauranga Girls’ College Supporters/Players Fair Play Promise that all players, umpires, coaches, parents and supporters must adhere to. Good sport is about positive attitude, the right tone and support and co-operation. To ensure we support the Fair Play Promise the following are the guidelines that must be adhered to: Players Code Play by the rules Never argue with an official Work hard to do your best at all times Attend practices on a regular basis Be a good sport and recognize good players and good play by all involved Remember to thank your coach, the officials, the opposition and supporters Help others in your team when you can Avoid putting people down or intimidating them “Give it heaps and don’t get ugly”.
Spectators/Supporters Code Respect that people are involved in sport for fun and enjoyment Support good play and applaud good performance from all competitors Attempt to understand the rules of the game Learn the difference between supportive and abusive comments and rule out the latter Accept the decision of officials and coaches Display self-control on the sideline. Always be positive. Never shout at or ridicule players Remember that we are all capable of making mistakes “Give it heaps and don’t get ugly”.
Subject Selection for 2016 In Term 3 your daughter will be choosing the subjects that she wishes to study next year. It is very important that she makes choices that are well informed and based on her ability and achievement in the subjects that she has taken this year. During this subject choice time the Careers Advisor, the deans and senior leaders will be visiting classes to discuss subject choices and to go through the Curriculum Guide for subject choice, which your daughter will receive at the beginning of Term 3. A useful first step in planning courses is for your daughter to have completed the course planning exercise starting on page four of the Curriculum
Guide, which will take her through to career and education choices beyond school. Should you have any queries, your daughter’s Dean is the person to contact: Year 9: Year 10 Year 11: Year 12: Year 13:
Mr Chapman & Ms Valentine Mrs Keightley & Mrs Glaser-Brown Mrs Gould and Ms Mankelow Ms Gill and Mr Wallis Mrs Nemeth and Mrs Somerville
It is important to meet the deadlines set and to be accurate in selections. Changes are allowed up until the date indicated in the Curriculum Guide. However, students need to be aware that late changes may limit choices available.
Sponsorship The School is leasing a Mini-Bus for the next three years and there are 2 spots available for sponsorship. For your contribution you will receive your Company Logo/Signage prominently displayed on the Mini-Van and also your logo with acknowledgement in every newsletter. For further information please contact the Executive Officer John Laugesen on 5788114 Ext 704. Thank you Active Schoolwear for your support.
Parent Teacher Interviews -Year 9 & 10 Tuesday 28 July 2015 4.30-7pm These will be held in J Block. Your daughter will receive her report on Friday 03 July (last day of Term 2). The online bookings will open at 8.30am on Monday 20 July and remain open until 4pm Monday 27 July .
Open Night The Open Night for prospective students for 2016 will be held on:
Wednesday 05 August at 5.45 pm. If you know of anyone considering sending their daughter to Tauranga Girls’ College in 2016 please pass on this date to them. Please invite them to contact the school reception for further details.
Option Evening An Option Evening is scheduled for:
Wednesday 12 August 5.00pm - 7.00pm in J Block. You are encouraged to attend this with your daughter, so that you can discuss subject choices with staff.
Please note that the booking code will be on the sheet accompanying your daughter’s report, it is also available on the website under the “Action” tab.
NCEA Candidate Information
NZQA Fees 2015 This term the NZQA fees are due no later than Friday 28 August for all students who are studying at senior level for this year. If you qualify for All senior students have been financial assistance with issued with the NZQA these fees, then please candidate information sheet complete the form issued in along with a printout of the May and get it back to school standards they will be so that we can process your assessed against for 2015. application. Forms are also It is important that this available via the NZQA information has been website: www.nzqa.govt.nz/ checked carefully and any ncea/for-students/fees/ alterations are sent to the financialassistance.html student office. The table shows the fee structure for National Entry Fee Qualification entries for National 2015. $76.70 The government provides Qualifications Framework financial assistance to (NQF) students entering for Scholarship subject school qualifications if entries are per $30.00 certain criteria are met. subject
PTA The annual Tauranga Girls’ College Fashion Show is on Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 July. Come along on the nights to see our gorgeous girls (and a few brave boys!!) strutting their stuff and showcasing some amazing outfits. Tickets available from the school office. If you’ve got a bit of spare time in the lead up to the event,
please let the PTA know because we can always use a few extra hands. It really is a fun event and all the profits go to the girls and the school through sponsorships for the Spirit of Adventure and other activities. Thanks. Carol Jenkin PTA Secretary.
Social Science Department Educational Trips We have been busy finalising the Senior History trip which leaves for Moscow on 4 July, the culmination of
preparations commenced 2 years ago. The first week is spent in Russia, the group goes on to St Petersburg from Moscow. The second week involves going to Berlin in Germany and then on to Krakow and Warsaw in Poland. The focus is on immersing students in the sites and areas of history topics studied, such as the Russian Revolution, the Cold War and the Holocaust. We then head back home via overnight in Dubai. A final pre-tour meeting of students and parents was held on 19 June evening and now it’s counting down the
days. Preparations are being made for another Senior Geography trip to the South Island next April. This year’s trip
proved very popular with participants, which gave them an opportunity to: fly to Christchurch (undertake the Earthquake Red Zone tour, hear from the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority); go to Tekapo (hot springs, ice skating); Mt John Observatory; Mount Cook; the Tasman Glacier explorer boat tour, and on to the Queenstown area (gondola and luge, hearing from Destination Queenstown about tourism development), taking the Earnslaw boat cruise and the Walter Peak High Country Farm visit, these being some of the experiences once again being undertaken next year. Preparations are also being made for a 17 day Senior Classical Studies and History tour to Western Europe in
April next year. A hugely attended Information Evening of over 120 students and parents held on 23 June enabled everyone to hear about the tour which involves travel to France, Belgium, Greece and Italy to explore the archaeological and history sites relevant to the study of both the classical world and twentieth century history. The trip is being designed to expand the students’ understanding and appreciation of history and culture in its genuine setting. In France, students will visit Paris and travel north to the French/Belgium battlefields of WW1. In Italy students will visit places such as Rome and Pompeii, and in Greece will use Athens as their base to visit the sites of the Greek capital and to take day trips to other smaller towns. Returning via Hong Kong will involve a 5 hour HK Island tour involving a shopping spree ending at the Kowloon markets and a traditional Chinese dinner, before departing for home.
Calendar Wed 01 July
Dance Troupe to Auckland Senior Report Evening 4.307.00pm—J Block
Friday 31 July
Kaileys lunch
Thursday 02 July
Enginuity Career Day—Auckland Hamilton Exchange—here Dance Troupe perform in Akld
Saturday 01 August
Global Connexions, Baycourt Chamber Music National Finals
Friday 03 July
Junior Reports issued 3.10pm Last day of term 2
Wed 05 August
Open Night
Monday 20 July
First day of term 3
Thursday 06 August
WB@W Launch & Young Innovator Awards
Tuesday 21 July
TGC Rowing AGM, Staffroom 7.30pm
Friday 07 August
Y12 Careers & Business Expo Kaileys lunch
Wed 22 July
PTA meeting, Staffroom 7.30pm
Monday 10 August
Dance NZ Made, Baycourt
Friday 24 July
Kaileys lunch
Wed 12 August
Option Night
Tuesday 28 July
Junior Report Evening 4.307.00pm—J Block
Wed 29/Thur 30 July Fashion Parade
Contacting the College for 2015 We encourage parents to contact the College (578 8114) for support at any time during the year. The Pastoral Team includes: Year 9 Senior Leader: Mrs Bird Deans: Mr Andrew Chapman & Mrs Kylie Valentine Ext 769 Year 10 Senior Leader: Mrs Summerville Deans: Mrs Audrey Keightley & Ms Margot Glaser-Brown Ext 770 Year 11 Senior Leader: Mrs Ferguson Deans: Mrs Jackie Gould & Mrs Robyn Mankelow Ext 767 Year 12 Senior Leader: Ms Rowlands Deans: Ms Caroline Gill & Mr Don Wallis Ext 768 Year 13 Senior Leader: Ms Rowlands Deans: Mrs Carolyn Nemeth & Mrs Judith Somerville Ext 766 Guidance Counsellors Ms Judy Burr Ext 728 & Ms Chantal Stopford Ext 724 If any matter remains unresolved, or is taking too long, please contact the Principal, Mrs Cowens. 930 Cameron Road, Tauranga 3112
Ph: (07) 578-8114
Fax: (07) 578-8447