TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
September 6 2018
Tauranga Girls’ College Newsletter Message from the Principal Taking care of our home called TGC My thanks go to Mr Robin Carr, who retires in his most recent role of Property Manager of TGC. After 21 years, Mr Carr is retiring to sunny Gisborne. Robin knows this school better than most and his knowledge and expertise will be missed. The good news, is that Mr Carr has always had a team of capable people around him and we welcome Mr Trevor Brown who is stepping up to the role. The six million dollar man The long awaited weather tightness issues associated with J Block are about to be addressed. Thanks to Minister Hipkins who made this multi million dollar announcement to a packed school hall last week. The minister went on to inform the students that he was keen to hear from them, encouraged them to keep a broad range of subjects and to engage meaningfully in education avoiding credit farming but instead ensuring they had pathways that provided them with
further opportunities. The Minster then spent time talking with a group of students, fielding questions and encouraging dialogue. Despite the weather, TGC appreciated his visit and are grateful for the $6 million dollars!
Change to Uniform The student uniform team have made the first of their uniform decisions and this has been endorsed by the BoT. A new blouse will replace the Polo shirts. Year 13 will still have a slightly different version to the rest of the school but students commented regularly on how ‘grey’ they became due to the weave and despite regular washes. The new blouse lasts longer, has more flexibility, should look whiter, is the one that the girls chose, and will be available in time for the 2019 school year. All new students and Year 9’s in 2019 are expected to purchase the new blouse, but those that can still wear their polo may do so for one more year. In other words, there is a 12 month ‘phase in’ of the new
blouse. A decision on shorts and trousers is still being worked on. Six weeks and counting There are approximately six weeks of school left for those students sitting NCEA examinations. These formal examinations start in November and with 3 weeks of this term left and then 3 in the next, the academic year for most senior students is rapidly drawing to a close! How is that study plan progressing? Service and Leadership A reminder to Year 12 students that the formal Service and Leadership applications opened on Monday 27 August and close on 10 September. Parents/ whanau and caregivers are asked to read the documentation in order to appreciate the expectations and commitment required to fulfil such roles. The number of formal roles has been increased for 2019 to reflect the breadth of diversity in the College. I have spoken to many Year 12’s who are excited about the new opportunities.
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
What does a TGC student leaving school need to know or be able to do in addition to the content knowledge of her chosen subjects? The BoT is keen to gather some more student voice on this very question. This is a follow-on from the BoT’s consultation process towards its strategic plan. Mrs Wilson in the Careers Department is going to facilitate this conversation with a range of students this week. Thank you in advance for your contribution! Winter Sports Tournament By the time you read this newsletter, the last few days of another winter tournament will be about to end. Thank you to all those parents, coaches, managers, teachers and supporters for encouraging TGC teams through-
September 6 2018
out the season. Your support is indeed appreciated! Benchmarks The important benchmark examinations commence next Wednesday and conclude the following Wednesday (inclusive). These are an important indicator of how students are tracking in their knowledge, application and understanding of their class content to examination’s questions that try to replicate the sorts of questions they may be asked in their actual NCEA examinations next term. Learning isn’t always easy, but I expect every TGC student to do her best, apply herself, ask for help and self manage just in the way they will be asked to do when they leave school.
The Year 13 end of year plan I am meeting with the Year 13 mini council (20 Year 13 representatives, two from each Year 13 tutor group) to hear their thoughts on the suggested plans for the last day of school during which Year 13’s farewell their peers and their teacher before they go on NCEA leave. The opportunity to celebrate this moment in a safe, enjoyable and respectful way for all, is well under way.
Tara Kanji Principal
Farewell to Mr Carr… After over 21 years at Tauranga Girls’ College, Mr Robin Carr retired last week. He will certainly be missed by students and staff . We asked Robin to reflect on his time at TGC: “In my time the property has changed so much, from single lane footpaths to wide open walking areas; most of the pavers were recycled from Devonport Road. The gully area was just about stripped bare and thousands of native plants were replanted, along with many redwoods. That was a mammoth job but now we have an abundance of different bird life that lives there, along with an addition to the cross country track and a cycle track. To watch the development of the computer age come to the school and all the people that have been involved in doing that. To see the progression of your students to professional young ladies with so much confidence and achievements in Music, Sport, Drama, Science and study and knowing the part that property and grounds have contributed towards this in some small way. Being part of the teams of people that have refurbished the school buildings and property from the admin building to the gully and all buildings in between. It is a community within the community with its teachers, support staff, and management along with the students that makes one proud of being part of, but after 21 years it’s time to move on and say goodbye to the home called Tauranga Girls ‘ College”
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
September 6 2018
Sophie Payne
I chose a lion mainly because I just liked how they look and how they can be quiet but also strong and loud. I also thought it would be a challenge and help improve my art skills. In this painting I have my lion looking back to its ‘home’ through the lightbulb. In the background I used some of my artist models techniques eg fading out of pattern and bold lines.
Top ICAS result
The official registration form is now live on www.tgc.school.nz/ reunion - so we would love it if you would tell all your friends that we are ready for action if they have not already pre-registered. . Here are the details of the three different options and costs involved: #1 Option - Full Registration - $90.00 Includes: a special gift; attendance at Chatter and Platter - finger food on Friday night (Cash bar available); attendance at Saturday’s events - Powhiri, tour of the school and the ‘Historical Rooms’; entrance to the ‘Sixtieth Summit’; and ‘Celebratory Cake’ - cake and bubbles to help celebrate our school’s Diamond Jubilee 60th Anniversary. #2 Option - Friday night only - $40.00 Includes: Attendance at Chatter and Platter - finger food (Cash bar available) #3 Option - Saturday only - $55.00 Includes: Powhiri; tour of the school and the ‘Historical Rooms’; entrance to the ‘Sixtieth Summit’; and ‘Celebratory Cake’ - cake and bubbles to help celebrate our school’s Diamond Jubilee 60th Anniversary. Payment Options are available on the website.
Cricket Well done to Holly Topp who has been selected for the NZ Womens’ U18 indoor cricket development team and Briana Perry selected for the NZ Womens’ U18 and U22 indoor cricket teams. Congratulations to Emily Trask, Year 10 who was in the top 1% of New Zealand students in the ICAS writing test.
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
September 6 2018
Hon. Chris Hipkin’s visit to Tauranga Girls’ College Hon Minister of Education Chris Hipkins becomes the $6m dollar man for TGC. Minister Hipkins visited TGC last week and announced $6m would be spent to address weather tightness issues in J Block. The announcement was received to a ‘wow’ in the packed school hall. At the conclusion of his announcement, the Minister spent some time talking to a group of students and was more than happy to have his photograph taken with them and our Principal, Ms Kanji
Year 10 student, Olivia Simmonds, wins a prize pack of books for the school library! The library was very pleased to receive a prize pack of books from the New Zealand Book Awards organisation in August. The five books were all finalists in the New Zealand Book Awards : Dawn Raid by Pauline Smith, How To Stop A Kidnap Plot by Suzanne Main, How to Bee by Brew MacDibble, Lyla by Fleur Beale and The Thunderbolt Pony by Stacey Gregg. Olivia Simmonds won these books for the library by submitting the following entry: Here at TGC we’re all about empowering tomorrow’s woman. A great way to achieving this would be to have access to as many books as possible to widen our imagination and knowledge. If TGC were given these books we would have more resources to learn and grow as a school. The library is very grateful to receive these books and hope many readers enjoy them! Thanks Olivia!
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
September 6 2018
TGC take 1st place, 2nd place and People’s Choice at the Young Innovators Awards Tauranga Girls' College had 4 students as finalists in the senior division of the Young Innovators Awards (YiA) creating tomorrow's innovators by offering hands-on, learn by doing experiences.
Skye Lunson-Storey and Abbey Crawford
‘OffKuts’ Abbey Crawford & Skye Lunson-Storey won first prize, becoming the 'Senior Supreme Winners of 2018' using the off cuts from the fashion industry to design and create gender neutral t-shirts. They were awarded a YiA study scholarship of $2,000 towards their future studies, plus internships with the Bay's top businesses worth $10,000. They will develop their idea and gain further experience of how to take their product to market, not to mention the priceless support from mentors and the opportunity to network.
Pascale Sperling with her product the ‘Snow Swivel’ was placed second in the Senior Supreme awards gaining $250. Ella Waterreus was awarded a prize for the Peoples' Choice award with her product ‘Watermark’. We are extremely proud of these girls and their amazing achievements.
Mandy Bramley Business Teacher
Pascale Sperling
Ella Waterreus
Business Challenge for Year 10 Nine Year 10 Business Studies students attended the Young Enterprise He Kai Kei aku ringa, Rangatahi Business challenge in Ohope. The girls were Hannah Taniwha, Kiarni Palmer, Olivia Phizacklea, Jess Monk, Grace McSweeny, Ripeka Skudder, Maia de Bruin, Teia Kahura and Maia Steed. Students were split into teams to work with other students from schools in the local area. The challenge brief was to create a business and product based on 3 random words and then sell it to the judges as part of a Dragon’s Den. Teia Kahura was in the winning team who created a Maori language speaker to help with learning Te Reo in the home. The students loved the opportunity to work on a marae with other Maori students in a business context. They were also excited to meet local MP Kiritapu Allen.
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
September 6 2018
Tauranga Girls’ College Music Groups Win Top Awards The Tauranga Girls’ College music groups continue to impress all who hear them with yet more outstanding results. Competing at the Waikato/BOP Regional Bands and Orchestras’ Festival in Hamilton on Friday 24 August TGC’s six groups’ performances were received top awards: Symphonic Band - Gold Guitar Ensemble - Gold Sax ensemble - Silver Bangers and Smash Percussion Ensemble Flying Sticks Percussion Ensemble String Orchestra
- Gold - Silver - Silver
Sax Combo
Merit awards are given to the most accomplished group of each session and TGC also received one of these awards. Over 71 groups made up of over 1000 students competed at the event. Congratulations to all our students and thank you to the following teachers and tutors whose work and dedication ensure that TGC maintains its high reputation for music: Stephanie Geor (Head of Department), Murray Mason, Chris Williams, Joe Thomas, Lucy Gardiner, Annette Wilson, Chris Martin, Kathy Stewart, and Paul Hosking. Symphonic Band
Badminton On Thursday 16 August, four of our senior Badminton teams went to the secondary schools BOP champs. We all played exceptionally well against some very tough competition. Our division one team came 3rd in the main championship. This team consisted of Sayaka Ueda, Kalais Going, Arleah Tippins and Crystal Aranui. One of our division two teams came 1st in the second championship. This team consisted of: Cindy Zou, Preeti Singh, Momo Hongcherdchai, and Angel Haeata-Burrows. Another division two team came a close 4th. Ms Thomason has thoroughly enjoyed working with all of these girls throughout terms two and three. We look forward to another great Badminton season in 2019.
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
September 6 2018
Art Fest Tauranga Girls’ College annual Art Festival opened at the Historic Village on Thursday 30 August. This event has been running for over 10 years, and is always a highlight for the Art Department. The event gives Tauranga Girls’ College students the opportunity to display a piece of their own work in a public setting. There is always a variety of works produced, including drawings, paintings, photography, sculpture and digital artwork, all reflecting how talented the girls are at Tauranga Girls’ College.
Debating On Tuesday, in the Tauranga Council Chambers, three of our Year 9 girls went up against a team of Year 10 and 11 boys from TGC in a public debate as part of the Suffrage 125 celebrations. They put forward a strong case but narrowly lost by a score of 32:29. Ella Mitchell was declared the best speaker on the night by the Deputy Mayor (one of the guest judges). The moot was: That men should have the vote. Our girls were arguing against equality and as ambassadors for our school and potential future parliamentarians we could not have asked for more. Well done to Ella Mitchell, Inaya Sinclair and Stella Thompson.
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
September 6 2018
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
September 6 2018
Y13 Class work out at the retirement home Over the last month our Year 13 Physical Education classes have been going to either Frasor Manor rest home or Greerton Village retirement home. The girls had to "Devise strategies for a physical activity outcome" for Achievement Standard: 91789. They chose to do exercise/games/ dance with the elderly. Both the students and elderly all gained a lot from the experience. Friendships were formed and there were a lot of laughs along the way. The elderly people who we worked with were very impressed with how well presented and professional our girls were. This has been a valuable experience, and it has been rewarding to go out and work with others in our community.
The Night Is Young On Wednesday 22 August two of our dance groups and the music group LBD’s performed at The Night Is Young. The Night Is Young is a well known, loved and successful event in the Tauranga community which brings an expansive and varied mix of talent to the stage. Eight of the secondary schools from throughout the Bay of Plenty made up the entertainment for the evening showcasing music, dance, and drama. The level of performance was outstanding and the focus of coming together with fellow students from around the Bay for this non-competitive showcase of talent meant for a wonderful evening. It was a wonderful opportunity for our girls to share their talent with the wider community. Thank you to Miss Geor, Mr Mason, Miss Gill, and their senior leaders for supporting the girls. Congratulations to all involved.
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
September 6 2018
SENIOR ASSESSMENTS TIMETABLE WEDNESDAY 12 Sept AM 11ENG 11ENL 11ENP 12ECO 12GER/JAP/ SPA 12FNU 13FRE 13HTH 13MAS PM 11CPS (CHE) 11DNC 11DRA 11TRR 12MAT 12MAE 13ARH 13ECO 13MAC 13SCI
THURSDAY 13 Sept
FRIDAY 14 Sept
11MAE (Pt 1) 11MAT 11MAP 12HIS 13ENG 13ENL 13TRR
11SCC 11SCI (10RBN/10TAA ) 11SCP 12BYB/BYA 12TRR 13CLS 13GEO
11HIS 11MUS/CMS 12ENG 12ENL 13CHE 13FNU
11BST 11CPS (PHY) 11HTH 12CHE 12SCI 13ACC 13DRA 13PHY
MONDAY 17 Sept
TUESDAY 18 Sept
WEDNESDAY 19 Sept
11BSC 11FNU 11SPA 12GEO 12HTH 12/13DNC 13BST 13MUS
11MAE (Pt 2 - MCAT) 11MAE (Pt 3) 12BST 12PHY 13HIS
Juniors only in class
11DTS/ 12DTS 11GEO 12ACC 12CLS 12MUS/CMA 13BIO
11ACC 11FRE/GER/ JAP/CHI 12DRA 13GER/JAP/ SPA 23TRR
Staff preparation for feedback to senior students
All Year 11, 12 and 13 students are on exam leave from Wednesday 12 September – Wednesday 19 September
Coming Up... 07 September
Mid Term Break
12 - 18 Sep
Benchmark Exams
15 September
Junior Model United Nations
20 September
Voting for BOT Student Rep closes
24 - 28 Sep
Year 13 Production
27 September
Board of Trustees Meeting
28 September
Last Day of Term 3
15 October
First Day of Term 4
18 October
Sports Prizegiving
25 October
Arts Prizegiving
05 November
Academic Prizegiving
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
September 6 2018
Contacting the College 2018 We encourage parents to contact the College (578 8114) for support at any time during the year. The Pastoral Team includes: Year 9
Dean: Ms Robyn Mankelow
ext 767
Senior Leader: Mrs Bird
Year 10
Dean: Kylie Valentine
ext 766
Senior Leader: Ms Millar
Year 11
Dean: Ms Caroline Gill
ext 768
Senior Leader: Mrs Ferguson
Year 12
Dean: Mrs Bridget Prendiville
ext 769
Senior Leader: Ms Glenda Rowlands
Year 13
Deans Mrs Audrey Keightley and Ms Margot Glaser-Brown ext 770
Senior Leader: Ms Glenda Rowlands
Guidance Counsellors
Ms Judy Burr
ext 728
Inclusive Learning Leader
Ms Karen Gilby ext 740
Ms Chantal Stopford ext 724