June 2015

June 2015

Dear Parents/Caregivers The month of May has been a very busy one, for students at all levels and in and out of the classroom, with senior assessment week and reporting providing a strong academic thread through all the activity.

support producing successful (and enjoyable) outcomes and many are profiled on Twitter, accessible through the school website or at @TGCPrincipal, if you would like to see how these events (and others) looked on the day.

It is very difficult to convey the complexity of what students can experience at school, or to acknowledge how hard staff and students work on behalf of positive school culture but the following list is a selection of some of the highlights from this month:  A surprise lunch for staff put on by our Trades Academy Hospitality students!  Napier Girls’ High School Sports Exchange  Our Pasifika girls competing in Hamilton  School cross-country  Health Expo  Visiting authors in the English Department  Netsafe presentation to parents and staff  Senior assessment week  Wednesday needy students’ breakfasts begun  Young Enterprise girls at Dragons’ Den at BOP Polytechnic  Waikato University Open Day  Tauranga WW1 competition successes  Two Tukutuku Wananga  40 Hour Famine activities including a live in at Tauranga Boys’ College Marae  Senior Dance Showcase at Baycourt  Youth Expo provided by Tauranga City Council  Sports Council inter-house competitions  Arts Council Comedy week, culminating with “Miss World”  Music Concerts at the Art Gallery and school  Workday annual fundraiser

Looking forward from this month we are also embarking on changes to digital learning provision at this school, specifically to progress student centred, collaborative, research-based teaching and learning through efficient and effective use of digital based technology. Over terms three and four there will be professional learning for staff, as well as digital citizenship learning opportunities for all students to prepare the way for implementation in 2016.

All of the above are great examples of the combination of hard work, talent and teacher

Finally the cold weather this week is a reminder for all families that girls should now be in winter uniform, including the school jacket and winter footwear. For their health and safety, to avoid colds, maintain attendance, be able to enjoy all that is on offer, and to focus on learning all students should be in either black stockings, or white socks and regulation shoes.

Pauline Cowens Principal

International and National Achievements Beach Volleyball Ella Lawry has been selected in the New Zealand U17 Beach Volleyball team and also the North Island U17 Indoor Volleyball team.

Football Tayla Forward has been selected in the New Zealand Secondary Schools U18 Football squad to tour Thailand in July.

Hockey The U18 Midlands Hockey team has been named with Yazzmine Woodhouse being selected from Tauranga Girls’ College.

Taekwondo Brooklyn Storey is competing in the New Zealand Taekwondo team at the Australian Open in Melbourne after she competes as a Junior for her club in the Gold Coast Open.

North Island / Bay of Plenty / Local Achievements Cross Country Tauranga Girls’ College Cross Country was held on 05 May Year 9 1st Abigail Mortimer 2nd Crystal Aranui 3rd Meila Eades Year 10 1st Arleah Tippins 2nd Kalais Going 3rd Sonya Harnett st nd Seniors 1 Kaylee Mudgway 2 Paris Heslop

The Bay of Plenty Cross Country Champs were held at Waipuna Park. Top results from our students were: Junior Girls Intermediate Girls Senior Girls 4th Abigail Mortimer 2nd Kaylee Mudgway 1st Erin Conway th th 5 Kalais Going 4 Paris Heslop 2nd Naomi Stewart 6th Tabitha Marshall 6th Sophie McConnell 3rd Jessica Bitcheno 7th Jaysha Tippins 10th Bethany Millar The Junior team won the 3 person and placed 2nd in the 6 person teams event.

The intermediate team won both 3 and 6 person and the seniors won the 3 person.

Equestrian Kari Wratten-Lowe with Nip and Tuck has won the Altech Junior Rider Series for the ESNZ Eventing series 2014-2015.

Gymnastics At the Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools Gymnastics Competition on 01 May Kelsey Duff placed 1st in the Rhythmic Club A level 7-9, and Ella Westenberg placed 3rd in Rhythmic Club B level 6-6.

Hockey The following students have been selected in the Tauranga U18 team , Keeley Grantham, Brydie Mangos, Sophie Barrett, Alice Barrett, Jaysha Tippins, Paris Heslop and Bethany Millar.

Netball The following girls have been selected in the U15 Harbourside representative team: Felila Simanu, Minardi Daniel, Jade Carter, Zahle Bannister, Britney Emery and Ebony Thomas.

The following have been selected in the Harbourside U17 Representative team: Taylah Stack, Olivia Young, Atareta Rauwhero Stevens, Bree Meyer, and Lauren Walker.

At the U15 Baywide Tournament the Junior A placed 3rd.

Squash The following girls represented Tauranga Girls’ College in the Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools Individual Squash tournament on Wednesday 13 May: Taylor Clarke, Anika Russell, Hinemairangi Pahau-Wilson, Olivia Philpot and Ashlee Linn Our best results were Olivia Philpot overall 2nd in Division 5, Taylor Clarke 4th in Division 2 and Hinemairangi Pahau-Wilson consolation plate Division 4.

Poem ‘ And still the Poppies Grow’ commemorating Gallipoli is currently at the Tauranga Library to be exhibited.

As part of our school focus this year on the centenary of Gallipoli, we ran a school poetry competition, with winning poems being read at our school’s Gallipoli commemorative service held on 22 April.

‘And still the Poppies Grow’ by Year 13 student, Annie Connor, was subsequently asked by the RSA to be read at the Tauranga Dawn service.

Since then this poignant poem has been on an interesting journey. On hearing the poem, it struck a chord with Ray Crafts, Tauranga’s master of the ancient art of illuminated calligraphy. It took 18 hours to transform the poem into a different sort of artwork. Beautifully produced on Italian 300gm acid-free paper, using archival Indian ink, gouache water colours and gold leaf, the poem was framed for display in the school library.

The Bay Times ran a story on 14 May, whereupon it came to the attention of the Tauranga Library which has requested it for the next month.

Tauranga Girls’ College Field of Remembrance now on display at the Historic Village

As you enter the Historic Village, in the area to the right you will see the Field of Remembrance. On the Village office window, the four Bay of Plenty Times articles and photos from 19 March - 14 May are featured about the Gallipoli project at Tauranga

Girls’ College. These articles cover the project from the making and painting of the crosses, the layout of the Field when put up at school, through to coverage of our Gallipoli 100 years commemorative service, under the heading ‘110 crosses kindly on loan from Tauranga Girls’ College recognising the soldiers who never returned from World War 1’.

We are delighted that the Historic Village has requested that they be able to display our Field of Remembrance for the rest of this year.

WW100 Gallipoli Centenary awards The Tauranga WW100 Committee, in conjunction with the Tauranga and Mount Maunganui RSAs’, sponsored a regional Gallipoli school’s competition, and the Awards Ceremony was held at the top floor of the Tauranga Library on 22 May 2015. It was announced there were hundreds of entries from the schools, and in both the secondary schools’ senior and junior divisions, students from Tauranga Girls’ College swept the pool, winning $1,700 of prize money.

Senior Division 1,500 word analytical essay competition, using correct academic referencing conventions, on whether Gallipoli contributed to the development of a NZ national identity: 1st prize $650: Aimee Tomlinson ‘From Bloodshed to National Identity’ 2nd prize $300: Kirsty Burrows ‘Gallipoli and the Development of a National Psyche’ 3rd prize $150: Hyunah Choo ‘Lest We Forget’

‘Jeanne Sinclair’, about events around a nurse on board the ship ‘Marquette’ when attacked and sunk.

3rd prize $100: Phoebe Nicholson ‘Killed at Gallipoli’ about Horace Truman from Edgecumbe Road, Tauranga, with his last diary entry on 26 April unfinished.

The judge of the Diary competition reported that the winning entries were written with impact, incorporating factual, historically accurate information, along with the use of creativity and imagination. Catherine’s powerpoint was screened at the Awards ceremony and what a fantastic piece of work!

The Awards ceremony has been a fitting finale to our major school focus on the Gallipoli centenary since the start of this year. The winning entries have been put online by the Tauranga Library at http/tauranga.kete.net.nz/en/remembering_war and later in the year some to be published in the Bay of Plenty Historical Journal.

Comment made by the judge was the winning entries were very well researched and analysed bringing out how the Gallipoli campaign played an indelible part in fostering a national identity in New Zealand, with the 1st prize entry a particularly outstanding analysis.

Junior Division diary competition: 1st prize $300: Catherine Van Pelt multi-media ‘Diary of a Soldier’ on landing at Anzac Cove 2nd prize $200: Breana Allum

‘Asia Wise’ competition This is an annual competition held throughout Australia and New Zealand on Asian Geography and History knowledge and skills. Our Year 9 students have just undertaken this year’s junior secondary school competition.

We have some very talented girls at Tauranga Girls’ College as the following results indicate.

Students need to attain over 95% to get High Distinction, 90% for Distinction, and at least 70% for Merit.

Over 80% of our contestants attained Merit or higher.

Outstanding results were obtained by : Amy Earles 98% Abigail Mortimer 98% Natasha Barnett 96% Hannah Evans 96% Jeongeun Park 96% Holly Topp 94% Malina Logoi’a 92% Kalei Evans 90% Undoubtedly Abigail and Amy will have some of the best results in Australasia as last year 98% was the top result.

Congratulations: Soomin Kim has won the inaugural Rising Stars Composition Competition. The competition required each contestant to write a work for full orchestra.

Soomin’s composition was described as “a well-constructed and sophisticated work which shows real flair for orchestral writing”. Soomin’s composition will be performed by the Bay of Plenty Symphonia at their concert on Saturday 05 September.

Reports & Report Evenings: Years 11, 12 and 13 Following the senior mid-year examinations, the first formal reports will be prepared by staff for Years 11, 12, and 13 students. The reports will be issued on Friday 19 June for students to take home to their parents or caregivers. This summary indicates the student’s progress in all subject areas.

There will be a report evening on Wednesday 01 July. This is an opportunity for parents and caregivers of Years 11, 12 and 13 students to discuss the progress of students with teachers. This Parent-Teacher evening will run from 4.30pm until 7.00pm.

Positive Behaviour for Learning Little Things Matter Children imitate parents from the day they are born. It begins with simple facial movements, and before you know it, your little guy or girl is talking, walking and acting just like you (Steven Sorrenson “for parents when it comes to our teens”).

Sometimes we forget that what we do or say may influence our young  We forget that although we do not lose our ‘cool’ in front of our children, when we watch our favourite rugby game and yell out just like angry fans would, our children may learn to do the same thing - yell when frustrated/angry.  When we tell our children the importance of eating healthily and we buy ‘Mother’ or ‘Red Bull’ in the mornings to ‘energise’, our children learn to do the same thing - the need for a sugar fix.  When we tell our children not to text or use the phone behind the wheel and we answer a call or look at a text that comes through while we’re driving, our children may do the same when older.  When we tell our children education is important and we make comments about hating school, about hating some teachers when we were at school or not enjoying school work because it is boring, our children may start feeling the same way.

Encourage our young to value education as a tool for future success

Trying to help our children see the value of doing homework for Ancient History or Algebra may be difficult but we can reinforce words used by Josh Shipp, a youth expert - “You have to do what you have to do so you can do what you want to do.” This is a helpful statement because it is true in so many areas of life.

Helping teenagers see meaningless tasks as part of life’s greater goals is a valuable message to pass on especially in this world of instant gratification. So, as a parent, here’s a simple exercise - when there is a chore for our children to do, link it with being able to use the computer, car, TV, phone, see friends and so forth, afterwards. They will then learn that sometimes we do things we don’t want to do in order to enjoy the things we want to do.

We can clearly do better. We have to do better.

NCEA Student App A free NCEA Student App has been developed to  Set reminders for each standard - such as when help students track their NCEA credit progress and assignments are due set goals for their NCEA achievement. Although  Capture results as they are achieved and cross there are other apps available to students, the check with the school or NZQA NCEA Student App provides an officially maintained  Personalise with information such as their NSN database of standards and a goal-setting function. number or details about a course or standard Students are encouraged to look at all the apps (such as the teacher’s name or timetabled available and to use the one that suits them best. classroom)  Customise with different colour coding options Please see below a list of all the available apps as at and the ability to add photos 20 April 2015.  Use in English and Te Reo Māori.

The NCEA Student App will help students, parents, schools and whānau track learning progress and encourage excellence. All content is available in English and Te Reo Māori.

The App has a standalone database with a powerful search engine which allows students to easily find NCEA courses and standards that they are doing, or would like to do, and to set and track achievement goals.

The NCEA Student App functionality makes it possible for students to: The NCEA Student App is free to download from the Apple App store and the Google Play Store.  Create a record of the subjects and standards that they are studying More information for students, teachers, parents  Select and set their NCEA credit goals and and whānau is available on the NZQA website at targets www.nzqa.govt.nz/student-app and we are  See how they are tracking towards NCEA Levels regularly promoting the App on our Facebook and One, Two and Three, including Literacy, Twitter pages.

Numeracy and University Entrance (UE)

Mathematics Department – Mathsbuddy Mathsbuddy is a computer learning/homework package for Mathematics for all levels. Students have access to hundreds of tutorials, supplementary worksheets and revision tests designed to further enhance their learning. The standard of the material is very good and is suitable for students entered in all Mathematics courses throughout the school, Year 9 to 13.

Some classes have been given the opportunity to use Mathsbuddy as a free trial over Term Two of this year. Each student in these classes will be given a logon code to the programme at the website www.mathsbuddy.co.nz. Teachers will make reference to the resources available through Mathsbuddy as opportunities arise.

If any student wishes to purchase access to Mathsbuddy for the rest of the year, the cost is $13 per student.

Students need to take their money to the fees office in an envelope with their name and tutor group, labelled: Mathsbuddy.

If there are any queries with regard these packages, please contact Mr Hockings, HOD Mathematics.

NetSafe: Resources for Parents www.netsafe.org.nz

(NetSafe’s home page with Q & A format and links to other NetSafe websites) www.inmyday.org.nz (NetSafe’s website for adults who want to know more about what young people are doing online. Short animations with audio) www.cyberbullying.org.nz (NetSafe site about cyberbullying) http://www.netsafe.org.nz/managing-digital-technology/ (Guide sent to all schools, online at NetSafe and the Ministry of Education.) https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ThinkUKnowAUS (Australian Channel with Megan’s Story (sexting) and other videos) https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ceop+videos+cyberbullying (UK Child Exploitation and Online Protection agency, channel with videos for different age groups about cyberbullying) http://parents.education.govt.nz/assets/Parents/Documents/Primary-school/FINAL-WiFi-flyer-online.pdf (Ministry of Education release on Wi-Fi guidance for parents) http://www.netsafe.org.nz/staying-safe-online-cybersafety-tips-from-nzs-leading-online-companies/ (This booklet – available for download in PDF format (7MB) – contains clear and practical tips from some of the internet’s most popular digital platforms). http://www.netsafe.org.nz/a-parents-guide-to-instagram/ (Leaflet on Instagram) http://asp-gb.secure-zone.net/v2/index.jsp?id=1134/2660/5747&lng=en (Vodafone digital parenting magazine, full of useful information) http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-and-resources/a-parents-guide (Put out by UK Safer Internet Centre good information and advice covering all devices). http://us.norton.com/familyresources/resources.jsp?title=online_safety_guide (Put out by Norton, full of useful information for families)

Women’s ONLY Self Defence course Whole day course, 10am-3pm 21 June 2015 154 First Ave West, Tauranga $65per person or 2 people for $100 All profits are donated to charity Register on line www.wispa.net.nz /text 021 411 289 /email safe@wispa.net,nz

Rowing Coaches/Assistants Tauranga Girls’ College Rowing Club is seeking expressions of interest from people who are passionate about rowing and are keen to be part of a great squad of young, passionate and committed rowers. If you are interested in joining our awesome team please email your details and a brief rowing history to: tgcr.clubcaptain@gmail.com Be part of shaping the lives of young rowers.

Tauranga Girls’ College Ball One of the major social events on the senior students calendar is over. The ball dress is at the drycleaners. The profile photo on Facebook has been changed. The acrylic nails are beginning to chip.

Yes--The Tauranga Girls’ College Ball “Temple in the Stars” is now behind us but the Year 13 group are still buzzing over what was an amazing night. The security firm commended the girls for their excellent behaviour at the event and as the DJ commented---“these girls can dance!!!!”

We would like to thank the 2015 Ball committee- Elizabeth Minnards-Black, Janetta Kim, Chloe Fettes, Schiehallion McKelvie, Brooke Christensen, Courtney Williams and the very accomplished Year 12’s Tessa Catley and Soraja Peters. These girls have been meeting regularly since Term 3 of last year to ensure everything ran like clockwork. The Year 12’s deserve special mention as they worked tirelessly on the night to ensure the Committee could enjoy the event. We would also like to thank parents and Year 13 students who gave up their time to transport equipment and set up the decorations as well as assist in clean up over the weekend. Also the Year 10 waitresses and Year 12 photographers who assisted on the night.

It was truly a wonderful night---one the Year 13 girls will always remember.

Lizzie

Footwear

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Winter shoes are to be worn from Queen’s Birthday. All shoe stockists have been advised of the requirements of Tauranga Girls’ College.

Students are:  To wear regulation black leather lace-up flat shoes with white ankle socks or To wear regulation black leather lace-up flat shoes with navy/black opaque pantihose  To lace the shoe laces over the top of the tongue of the black leather regulation flat shoes.  Knee highs, canvas shoes, sports shoes and sports socks are not acceptable.

Please ensure that your daughter complies with these regulations.

Mufti Day Thursday 18 June Charity: A small Nepalese school that was severely damaged in the earthquake

Theme: Cost:

emojis (dress up as one of the characters on your phone) A gold coin

Tauranga Girls’ College and the Bay of Plenty District Health Board’s Education Centre Opened on 05 May 2015 by Bay of Plenty District Health Board’s CEO Phil Cammish. A combined project between Tauranga Girls’ College and the Bay of Plenty District Health Board’s Education Centre, to showcase medical artefacts donated to or no longer in use at the hospital over the years. The project was completed with the support of Gartshore Group, Tauranga Anaesthetic Clinic, Dr Andrew Chancellor, Dr Andre Westenberg - Bay Urology, Benjamin Runciman and Young Enterprise Trust.

Completed by Year 12 students Hannah Speight, Hannah Park and Georgia Cox and Emma Blennerhasset

PTA Our annual Fashion Parade event is set for 29-30 July. We are looking for volunteers to help with the Fashion Parade between now and the event. Please contact the Secretary, Carol Jenkin, 548 0161.

Textiles Technology Earlier this term Marion Hartnell delivered a Babylock overlocker to school asking that it would be given to a worthy recipient. Textiles Technology students were then invited to write a letter of application expressing their interest in the overlocker. Three students were selected by the Head of Department and interviewed. Through this process Callie-Jay Dobbs was selected as being a worthy recipient of the machine. Callie-Jay is a currently a Year 11 student. She intends to study Textiles Technology through to Year 13, study Fashion at University and pursue this field for her subsequent career.

"Project Rock On"

Service and the BOP District Health Board.

This group meets monthly to discuss ways and means of engaging youth who have poor Dear Parent/Caregiver attendance, constant lateness or are truant, back Our school is part of an initiative based in Tauranga into the education system in the most appropriate trying to reduce the high rate of poor attendance of manner. students across this area.

The law states that your child must attend school "Project Rock On" was set up by the Tauranga up to the age of 16 years.

Police in 2014 to combat the increasing problems As a last resort the Parent or Caregiver can be associated with poor attendance and truancy. prosecuted if they do not attend. A copy of Such problems include: sections 20, 25 and 29 of the Education Act 1989 Poor academic achievement are available from the school office should you have Lack of engagement when at school any questions.

Social and health problems This letter is to make you aware of "Project Rock Crime On" and your obligations as a parent or caregiver.

"Project Rock On" introduces an interagency If you have any questions in relation to this project, approach to combating this issue. please do not hesitate to contact me.

Our school will be working closely with Police, CYFS, Pauline Cowens Ministry of Education, Local Schools, Attendance Principal

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.

Calendar Day

Date

Event

Day

Date

Event

Thurs-Fri

04-05 June

11GEO field trip: Waitomo

Thurs-Sat

18-20 June

NZSS Cross Country: Dunedin

Thursday

04 June

Drink/Drive Expo AQS Windsurfing

Thursday

18 June Mufti Day

Friday

05 June

Big Sing: Cambridge AQS-Kayaking: Waimarino

Friday

Senior reports issued 19 June BOPSS Junior Climbing: Rotorua

Saturday

06 June

Tauranga Cross Country: Waipuna Park

Mon-Tues

22-23 June

Senior Film workshop: Wintec

Monday

08 June

Writers workshop Antipodeans- travel simulation day

Mon-Fri

22-26 June

Tauranga Girls’ & Boys’ College Joint Production Week

Tues-Wed

09-10 June

Senior Dance workshop SMS 1st Aid, P1-4

Monday

22 June

International Mid-Winter Dinner: 5-8.30pm, Staffroom

12GEO: Urban day Waikato Cross Country: Tokoroa

Tuesday

23 June

Nga Mahi A Te Rehia field trip: Tauranga Library

12 June

Stage Challenge

Te Ara Potamu field trip Wednesday 24 June 11BST field trip: Careers, Mills Road

Thursday

11 June

International: Hobbiton, Matamata

Friday

Nga Manu Koreo: 26 June Whakatane BOP Senior Rock Climbing

Fri-Sun

12-14 June

ENT in Action: Massey

Mon-Fri

29 JunInternational Week 03 Jul

Fri-Tues

12-16 June

Underwater Hockey Regionals: Auckland

Monday

29 June

Friday

12 June

ECO & DTS to Field Days

Wednesday 01 July

Dance Troupe: Auckland Senior Report Evening: J Block, 4.30-7pm

Wednesday 10 June

Friday

11BST Market Day: lunchtime

Mon-Tues

15-16 June

12GEO: GIS

Thursday

02 July

Enginuity Careers Day: Auckland Hamilton Girls’ High School Exchange

Mon-Wed

15-17 June

Performing Arts: Wintec

Friday

03 July

End of Term 2

12/13 Performing Arts field trip: Auckland BOP Chess: Tauranga Intermediate

Monday

20 July

Beginning of Term 3

Wednesday 17 June

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