Wide Sky Summer 2021

T H E R A N G I R U R U M AG A Z I N E

TO BE MANA WĀHINE

RETHINKING LEARNING

OUR ROWING ROYALTY

Recognising personal journeys of student success

Understanding personalised learning in the information age

Gary Hay brings Olympic rowing to Rangi Ruru

SUMMER EDITION • 2021

WIDE SKY

WIDE SKY is produced bi-annually for students, their families, alumnae and the wider Rangi Ruru Girls’ School community. It provides a forum to celebrate the successes of current and past students and staff, while sharing the latest in events, happenings and developments.

DESIGNER

Melissa Walter

EDITOR

Morgan Tait E: m.tait@rangiruru.school.nz

PROOF READING

Barbara Smith, Kerry-Anne Murnane and Krissi Schumacher

PHOTOGRAPHY

• Melissa Walter • Tony Stewart, photoshots.co.nz • Rowing Celebration • Geoff Soper • Sharron Bennett • Rangi Ruru Teaching & Admin Staff

PUBLISHER

Ovato Printing

PRODUCTION ASSISTANCE

Jude Connochie and Katrina Topp

RANGI RURU GIRLS’ SCHOOL

59 Hewitts Road, Merivale Christchurch 8014 New Zealand

rangiruru.school.nz

facebook.com/rangiruru

instagram.com/rangiruru

COVER IMAGE

Rangi Ruru rowers Caitlin Muir and Polly Cross celebrate after the U16 Girls’ Eight - A Final at Maadi Cup 2021

WIDE SKY Summer 2021

EDITOR’S NOTE

Being primary school aged in the late 1990s, my memories of the decade are scarce and a bit hazy. Yet there is one particular recall which seems imprinted in my brain alongside my times tables and my childhood landline number.

And that, very randomly, is the words to ‘The Sunscreen Song’.

Those of you who remember the decade may be familiar with the chart-topping song produced and spoken by the dulcet-voiced Hollywood director Baz Luhrmann.

What you may not remember though, and that I learnt many years later, is that the song started life as a newspaper column for the Chicago Tribune by journalist Mary Schimich as her would-be advice to high school graduates, should she ever be asked to give a commencement speech.

So, it seemed fitting that a line from the song was the first thought to pop into my mind when the theme of the final Wide Sky for 2021 was set as Be Your Best.

That line was, “The race is long, and in the end, it is only with yourself.” This one liner has often presented itself (yes, in Luhrmann’s deep vocals) at times in my own life when, upon reflection, I was being challenged to be my best.

It has served me as a reminder to stay patient, focussed and to not fall into the comparison trap—and it is also the sentiment echoed by many of the contributors on these pages when asked to share their own personal journeys of success.

When writing about being their best, Rangi Ruru’s students, teachers, leaders and community have offered up fascinating reflections on how far they have come, where they hope to go and the importance of enjoying the ride.

Once again, I am blown away by the insight and eloquence of our student contributors and the passion and experience of our leaders and community: I am so excited for you all to enjoy this issue.

Happy holidays and happy reading,

Morgan Tait EDITOR AND COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

14

24

44

CONTENTS

P R I N C I PA L’ S R E P O RT

BEING YOUR BEST AT RANGI RURU

Kia Rangatira Te Kawea ōu

W

elcome to our second edition of Wide Sky for 2021. Following on from our previous theme of Belong, this edition focuses on another of our strategic pillars of our Rangi Graduate model, Be your Best.

Being your best comes from a positive growth mindset that allows our students to recognise and celebrate their own individual strengths rather than compare themselves to others. Through encouragement in setting their individual ‘personal best goals’, which are not just academic but incorporate wellbeing, cultural and social, we are allowing students the opportunity to share, plan and above all celebrate, no matter how small those success steps may be.

Being your best can only happen if our students give themselves permission to embrace failure.

Embracing failure is necessary—we can’t become the best version of

4

WID E SK Y WINTE R 2 0 2 1

ourselves by playing it safe or only taking part in events or activities we know we will have success in.

We need to encourage our students to take a risk and step outside their comfort zone not just in activities but, more importantly, in their learning. It is that action of “feeling the fear and doing it anyway” that we need to get them to embrace—not easy for any of us at times—but listening or giving in to that fear we know inevitably gets in the way of being our best self.

Being your best comes through demonstrating a willingness to learn— it is a key behaviour that helps us get on in life, whether personally or professionally. Simply put, it is being open to or seeking out new experiences, skills and information that improve our abilities and enjoyment.

This is one of the essential skills that employers are looking for in today’s graduates, and it is necessary to ensure our students are able to receive and seek constructive feedback in

order to continue to develop and grow to be their best.

We know that students learn best when they feel good and function well in an environment that knows and cares about them. What goes handin-hand with this, however, is showing them that by reaching out and helping others to become better versions of themselves—in other words paying it forward—not only makes them feel that others care but also gives a sense of satisfaction and pleasure.

It also means giving others the room they need to be themselves and being accepting of them as individuals and developing our respect and empathy towards others.

It is our hope that the Rangi Ruru graduate leaves equipped for their future knowing that they are good enough just as they are.

Words by Dr Sandra Hastie SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

DEFINING YOUR OWN BEST e often hear the words “be your best” said to us by parents, coaches and teachers.

If you say that something is “for the best”, it’s the most desirable or helpful thing that could have happened.

But is this what they really mean? To be the best hints you’re being compared to someone else, so if you are the best, then another person must have come second. In this case, being the best means putting yourself first, the opposite of being collaborative. There is this preconceived idea that people who are the best are the students who win the awards.

This year our theme is Thrive in the Hive, using the analogy of a beehive. It wouldn’t go too well in the honeycombs if

of life, and other people’s position the worker bees suddenly decided before I make a decision. When I’m they were better than all the other on the football field, I just want bees and went on strike! The ‘best’ to play better than I did last time. could therefore be the students I’m on my best behaviour when who don’t win awards but do other meeting new people to make a things behind the scenes, quietly good first impression. And my best achieving without the recognition happy place is when I’m with my but still with great purpose. family.

Of course, it’s easy to be To finish, I do like the term ‘best’, your best at Rangi Ruru. We’re but I think you need to come up privileged to be provided with the with your own definition. Maybe best opportunities, it’s being your best self encouragement for more days during and environment “I see it every day, the week than less. Or to excel. We have students doing being more kind, grateful, the best people running our school, extraordinary things, having perspective and appreciating how lucky the best role models pushing themselves we are to be brought up to look up to, and far beyond what in this country. Maybe the best educational ecosystem. All of this they could have you can be the best at listening to others and must rub off on us ever imagined.” saying “hi” to those you each subconsciously SAM SENIOR walk past, or showing since we have started determination when at Rangi Ruru. I times get hard and be the best at see it every day; students doing being resilient. extraordinary things, pushing Whatever it happens to be, being themselves far beyond what they the best is applying yourself to your could have ever imagined. full potential and being the best Writing this article made me version of you, whatever that is, for think, what is ‘best’ to me? I you, not for anyone else. think I’m at my best when I’m not overthinking a problem and go with my instinct. I try to be better Words by Sam Senior at considering the bigger picture HEAD OF SCHOOL

W I D E SK Y W I NT E R 20 21

HEAD OF SCHOOL

W

5

C U R R I C U LU M

TO BE MANA WĀHINE Tohaina o painga ki te ao

Share your gifts with the world

Being one’s best is individual and personal. Success looks different for all our learners. Being your best self is not about winning; it’s about a feeling of personal accomplishment. This is what we encourage and celebrate at Rangi in a myriad of ways.

W

e are consistently overwhelmed at the achievements of our students and want to acknowledge and celebrate these personal bests. For some, the satisfaction and success are in the journey. For others, it is in aspiring to and reaching goals.

The commonality for all is the representation of the Rangi Ruru values in what our students do. Showing respect and empathy towards others, being dignified in the face of success or defeat, showing positivity and willingness

6

WID E SK Y WINTE R 2 0 2 1

to learn—these are the attributes of a Rangi Ruru graduate exemplifying Be Your Best.

Recognising Achievement

can accrue points from activities and performances, and earn a Pocket, a Colour, an Elite Colour or a Silver Fern Award in their field.

Recognising Classroom Achievement One of the ways we acknowledge Mana Wāhine Awards are curriculum those who have demonstrated Be awards for students exemplifying the Your Best is through awards. Our Rangi Ruru Values in their classroom school awards are predicated on practice and subject endeavour. the demonstration of Teachers nominate commitment, service to students in their the school and, above “One of the main reasons classes and awards all, upholding the Rangi I play music is because of are presented to those values.

The accumulation the joy of sharing my music who receive the most nominations across of points towards and bringing entertainment all their subjects. our awards are an to the audience. I maintain Awarded only in Terms opportunity for 2 and 3, Mana Wāhine the student to be my integrity, being truthful Awards are a tangible considered for an to myself, while either affirmation of students’ award; they are not, in achieving a prize or facing classroom practice. themselves, sufficient. a challenge.”

Second time recipient Rangi Ruru awards are Saffron Mogridge (Year presented in recognition 10) says receiving the award the first of scholarship, academic, cultural, time inspired her to keep working hard. sporting and service achievements “I did some research and found out associated with the school. Students

what the award meant and I was very proud of myself. It gave me purpose and I wanted to continue to work hard. I like the fact that you don’t have to be in any particular class to be able to achieve this award—it’s about being consistent with your work ethic.”

Young Achiever Year 8 student Elise Tian is the youngest student to ever be awarded Colours at Rangi Ruru. As a member of the Florestan Quintet—which won Gold at the National Chamber Music Competition—Elise demonstrates outstanding work ethic, resilience, and joy in her learning in Music.

She says she feels very honoured to have her achievement recognised by the school and that she aims to reflect

the Rangi Ruru Values in all that she does.

“During my rehearsals and performances, I always show respect to my teachers and fellow musicians. I absolutely love making music and enjoy working with others. I am passionate about the programs I work on for different events like concerts and competitions.

“One of the main reasons I play music is because of the joy of sharing my music and bringing entertainment to the audience. I maintain my integrity, being truthful to myself, while either achieving a prize or facing a challenge.”

Learning from the Competition Molly Moffatt (Year 11) gained her Elite Equestrian Colours in Term 3 and says being recognised for her horse riding is very rewarding.

“You have to dedicate years and years of hard work and time into the sport in

order to get the results you want,” she says.

Molly is now competing at a threestar level and says she has learnt much from her competitors—many of whom are much older and some are even Olympic athletes.

“Riding horses is very different to a lot of other sports; it’s not just yourself you have to think about but also the horse.

Horses have feelings, and if horses do not have trust in you as their rider, they will not perform for you. Gaining a strong relationship with your horse is the key to success.”

Sharing Success We are very proud of the achievements of all our students and want to recognise them. There is a lot of hard work behind each one, yet for our students sharing this satisfaction can be complex.

Being proud of one’s achievements is not boastful—it is a celebration to be shared.

Words by Juliet Collins ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL-CURRICULUM

W I D E SK Y W I N T E R 20 21

7

U N A’ S S TO RY

ON THE RECORD

National athletics record holder Una Kinajil-Reding (they/them) hopes to not only compete at the Paralympics one day—but also help open up conversations around disability and inclusion.

D

ozens of medals hang on the wall of Una’s bedroom. At just 15, the Year 11 student holds multiple national secondary school championship records for shotput, discus and javelin in the F46 classification.

They have been competing in athletics since they started primary school: in the para classifications since they were 10 and for regional organisation Parafed Canterbury since they were 12.

“When I was in primary school and competing at the Canterbury competition, my sports director asked me if I wanted to compete in the para categories, so I did and two years later Parafed Canterbury picked me up and I started properly competing from then.”

While Una was selected and started competing in para athletics young, they believe one of the biggest misconceptions is that it is easier than non-disability sports.

“A lot of people think it is really easy to get into para sports but for a lot of people it really isn’t,” they say.

“Because of all the classifications, it can be very difficult to qualify. For example, I am not allowed to compete

8

WID E S K Y WINTE R 2021

be discussed much more. in swimming because my disability “In general with disability it’s not doesn’t meet the classification system talked about much. You don’t really for that.” hear about people with disability Una’s classification is based on their in the media, well you do with the limited range of motion in their right Paralympics, but in general you don’t. shoulder.

“I want to see parasport being talked “I have Erb’s palsy, which is a more about because it opens up birthing injury. It affects my right more conversations about disabilities shoulder. Basically, when I was born and the amazing things the nerves and tendons people can do that are in my right shoulder not just physical.” ripped and tore, which “I want to see parasport In fact, it wasn’t until is why I can’t move my they started competing arm properly.” being talked more in their sports that Una Una considers winning about because it opens had the right words to their shotput category up more conversations describe why their arm at the 2019 Canterbury Secondary School about disabilities and worked differently from other people’s.

Athletics Champs by the amazing things “The main mental 0.01% one of their proudest achievements, people can do that are challenge I went through is when I first started and hopes to one day not just physical.” out competing, I didn’t compete at the all ages UNA KINAJIL-REDING realise I had a disability Australia Track and Field because no one ever told Championships—and, of me explicitly for my first course, the Paralympics.

12 years of life.

Talking about Disability “I just thought I was weird or Such events, Una says, are a great different, because I was around my way to open up conversations about class and friends and none of them disability; a topic they think needs to

had a disability. Then once I did realise, I actually felt less stigmatised because at that point my experience with people with disabilities was through sport and seeing their potential.”

Getting to the Top Meeting fellow para athletes has not only exposed Una to inspiring role models, like New Zealand javelin thrower Holly Robinson, but has introduced them to many new friends and shown them they can overcome challenges, both mental and physical.

“For me, being my best is pushing myself to always do better and not giving up when I don’t do as well as I would hope. And learning from that and keeping going.”

To keep on top of their game, Una has two athletics trainings each week, as well as doing their own fitness workouts and shoulder stretches, playing netball in winter and running in summer.

“Being at Rangi has really created a support system around

me to help push me. I have some amazing teachers who have helped me in general aspects and in my sport.

“My parents are also very encouraging; they are always trying to help me push to the next level and so are all the friends I have made through parasports competitions. We are always encouraging each other to be better.”

When Una is not training, they also have an active interest in music and hope to follow an engineering pathway after high school.

“I am in Resolutions as well as another out-of-school choir, and I have an interest in science, so I’m thinking of pursuing engineering, as well as keeping up with my sports.”

Oh, and Una is also currently teaching themself to skateboard.

Words by Morgan Tait COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AND WIDE SKY EDITOR

W I D E SK Y W I NT E R 20 21

9

MUSIC

HITTING THE HIGH NOTES

As we again faced disruptions for our competitive events season due to Covid-19, it is a reminder that such markers are part of a lifelong musical journey defined not by one singular award or end point—but by always trying to challenge yourself to be better.

10

WID E S K Y WINTE R 2021

I

t is interesting reflecting on what Be Your Best means during a nationwide lockdown in the light of cancellation of events, some of which rate student performances. For the music department, the lockdown occurred at the very end of our competitive season, with some outstanding national and regional results.

However, Resolutions choir experienced major disappointment with the national Big Sing Finale being cancelled. The focus for Resolutions very much had been on ‘being their best’ in a highly competitive environment, and they were looking forward to their performances being evaluated and coming away with an award that they could feel proud of.

Being Better is a Never-Ending Goal How does one measure and tangibly show what Be Your Best looks like in music? Being in a competitive event is only one way—but it is not that important with respect to the bigger picture and should not be considered an end point.

It is important to challenge yourself, work towards a goal, have a chance to listen to and critically evaluate your own and others’ work. But being your best does not necessarily have a defined end point or an award attached to it. At any given moment you can Be Your Best, but a

The Jazz Band and Combo had an oustanding Southern Jam Youth Jazz Festival, winning some big awards

lifelong journey and more worthy goal is really about striving to be better.

As Dr Paul Wood says in his book, How to Escape from Prison: “To strive to be good at something is to compare ourselves to some standard outside ourselves and outside our control.

To aim to be better is to work on the element that we can control; ourselves.”

And: “To live the most fulfilling and meaningful life you can, the goal is not to be good or perfect but to get better.

And the goal of getting better never stops.”

Learning from Each Other I asked some of our music students for their perspectives on what being their best means to them, and they offered some great perspective.

Ella Chen, on behalf of the Florestan Quintet, says being your best is not something that is easily quantified.

“We believe that it means being motivated to enjoy the creative process because we want the best for our group,” she says.

“We all have to prepare individually so that the collective can improve and get stronger. In addition to learning from amazing coaches, we learnt a lot from each other and from the music.

“We discovered how to connect with the audience through the music we were creating and, more importantly, how to connect with each other. There were skills learnt that not only applied to music but to daily life. For example,

The Florestan Quintet won one of six Gold Awards at the National Chamber Music Finals. Photo by Jeffrey Wren

knowing that it is okay to make a mistake because no-one is perfect.

“It was important to always be honest with ourselves and with each other, and we developed resilience through setbacks. These setbacks, however, pushed us beyond our limits that we ever thought possible – that was the real prize.”

The Power of Music

each other, and not simply as a means to an end (the end in this case being Big Sing Finale). Therefore, we can stand back and recognise how much we have learned, grown and improved both as individuals and as a group and know that it was not all in vain – that we have indeed been our best.”

A Lifestyle of Striving

Member of the Jazz Band, Jazz Combo, Dear No-One rock band and Emily Gambrill, on behalf of Rangi Sinfonia Kaia Johnstone says, Resolutions choir, says the unexpected “In the Rangi music community ‘being cancellation of the Big your best’ is more of a Sing Finale revealed lifestyle than a goal. some positive “It was important to always “I am constantly being lessons amongst the be honest with ourselves pushed to do better not disappointment. only by teachers but by “In 2020 the Big and with each other, and my peers as well. The Sing Finale was never we developed resilience constant support and a reality but this year, through setbacks. These drive from everyone with its cancellation setbacks, however, pushed around me makes it one week prior, the nearly impossible to disappointment us beyond our limits that not strive to be better, caused by the Alert we ever thought possible – not only for yourself but Level 4 Lockdown was that was the real prize.” also for the people you immense for us all. perform with and the However, on reflection teachers who support the individual and you. collective hard work in rehearsals along “To me being your best is about with the excitement building towards carrying on when you make a mistake our performances—the same reasons and learning and improving from those fuelling our disappointment—are mistakes.” reasons why we can also feel incredibly proud.

“The most important thing we have Words by Janet Kingsbury learnt is how powerful music can be as a way of growing and connecting with DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Keina Rollinson (Year 9) was selected in the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Brass Band

Resolutions was to compete in the Big Sing Finale at the end of August before it was cancelled due to Covid

W I D E SK Y W I N T E R 20 21

11

B OA R D I N G

THE SPIRIT OF BOARDING In 2017 the Head of House at the time, Monica Marshall, believed being a boarder wasn’t just a name, but a badge of honour and she wanted all boarders to feel proud of who they are and never be afraid of being themselves.

M

onica wanted boarders to celebrate and value the importance of recognising outstanding contributions to the house, servant leadership and most importantly embracing the boarding house spirit.

And so she donated the Marshall Cup, which now every boarder awaits with anticipation at our end of year Boarders Christmas Chapel service to see who is awarded it for the year.

Monica wanted all boarders to be part of choosing the recipient as she knew the key to building a strong sense of

community was for each boarder to feel their voice was heard.

It is important for every boarder to be encouraged to always be themselves, take risks and grow as human beings. We constantly learn from one another–regardless of our age–and we are inspired seeing others reaching goals and giving back to those in our community. I am proud to say all our boarders could easily be nominated for this award for the unique qualities and abilities they bring to enrich our Boarding House spirit.

In Term 4, the voting for The Marshall Cup will once again open for every boarder to have the opportunity to nominate a person they feel deserves this honourable award, a person they believe has embraced the above and someone who inspires them to be a better person. Ultimately someone who is brave and unafraid to be their best.

Words by Kyleigh Lyth DIRECTOR OF BOARDING

What Former Marshall Cup Winners Say Supporting the sisterhood “From a young age my parents always taught me to treat others how I would want to be treated, respecting everyone’s values and opinions.

“For me ‘Being Your Best’ in the Boarding House is about not sweating the small stuff, life is full of hurdles—you just have to get on with it. We are a big sisterhood, always trying to get on with everyone and supporting them as well as living your own values, setting personal goals, grabbing new opportunities and experiences, and becoming a better person.

“Receiving the Marshall Cup also showed recognition by my fellow peers and staff of the positive impact that I had on others. It allowed me to grow in maturity as a person in life after Rangi Ruru. On reflection it has shown me that

12

WID E S K Y WINTE R 2021

I always upheld Rangi Ruru’s core values.

I will always be grateful to the boarding community as I would not have achieved The Marshall Cup without their positive encouragement and the impact it has left on my life.”

- Becky Schmack, 2018 recipient

Being your best is being kind

“I didn’t expect to be recognised for being me. I’ve always strived to be a kind and compassionate person, and to be recognised for ‘embodying what it means to be a boarder’. It has given me a boost in confidence to continue to be the best version of myself.

“Being your best is not only being kind to yourself but also to those around you, whether they’re your best friend or a stranger. Spreading selfless acts of

kindness can go a long way—you don’t know how other people are feeling and something as simple as a smile or saying hello can brighten up someone’s day.”

- Emma Schroder, 2019 recipient

Part of a legacy “I was very surprised to receive the Marshall Cup. The girls that had received it in previous years I had looked up to as role models and leaders; they all embraced our boarding house values and their own. I didn’t think in a million years I would have my name engraved next to theirs. The boarding house was not only my second home but has helped me grow in becoming the best version of me, and I feel humbled to be part of the legacy.”

- Anna Casey, 2020 recipient

W I D E SK Y W I NT E R 20 21

13

SCIENCE

SCIENCE UNDER THE SEA

The ocean covers 71 percent of the Earth’s surface and impacts weather, temperature and the world’s food supply. It is also the place where Year 13 student Holly Kamo has spent her childhood boating, diving and exploring with her family. And for as long as she has been enjoying these important eco-systems, she knew she wanted to help protect them as a marine biologist or conservationist.

F

or as long as she can remember, Holly’s life has been centred around the sea. Frequent trips to Kaikoura have allowed her to swim with seal pups, dolphins and orca whales, and travelling further afield to Fiji, Australia and Thailand has only intensified her interest in the ocean.

“I have been diving since I was very little where I would snorkel in the ocean and watch my dad dive down to catch paua or crayfish,” she says.

“Some of my favourite moments were swimming with a small pod of orcas and swimming with a super pod of dolphins that was coming through Kaikoura— there were roughly over 1000 dolphins and my brother and I were lucky enough to jump off the side of the boat and swim with them.”

Diving In “My first big experience with the ocean started in Fiji at the age of nine where my dad gave me the opportunity to scuba dive with a local dive instructor.

Since then, I’ve fallen in love with the ocean even more and knew that it was my passion, and I have been lucky enough to scuba dive all over New Zealand, Fiji, Australia and Thailand where I have been able to experience things in the ocean that many wouldn’t.”

14

WID E S K Y WINTE R 2021

It’s these mysteries and threats which Holly hopes It was this passion that has fuelled Holly’s dream to to investigate and influence. become a marine biologist.

“Being under the water feels like another world,” she “Ever since I got my scuba diving qualification, says. “So much hasn’t been discovered yet, and so I all I wanted to do is be in the ocean swimming and would love to pursue a career in marine biology to be exploring everything in it and to become a marine able to study and learn new things about the ocean. biologist or conservationist.”

“Ever since I was very little, I would always be out on Achieving this goal has in turn fuelled her to be the boat and in the ocean swimming. I would collect her best at Rangi Ruru so she can make her dream heaps of shells and fossils and take them home to happen. study and because of that my whole room is full of “This dream has inspired me to be my best because fossils, cool looking shells and other things from the I know that I have to work hard to reach my goals. ocean and beaches.”

I want to work hard to go to university and study for the degree I Following her Dream need to have to get my dream job.”

“This dream has inspired me Next year Holly plans to either study This meant taking a STEMto be my best because I know biological and environmental science heavy course load and taking up at the University of Canterbury or that I have to work had to opportunities to further explore the marine biology at the University of field of marine biology. reach my goals. I want to work Otago so she can enter the workforce Holly earned her scuba diving hard to go to university and and help protect the place she loves. licence at just 15 and has jumped “I would love to work in the marine study for the degree I need to at academic opportunities provided conservation area, which means my have to have my dream job.” via her Form Tutor and Chemistry job would involve preserving and teacher Anne Bissland.

HOLLY KAMO restoring marine ecosystems and “Mrs Bissland has been the helping vulnerable marine species or teacher to help and support me all throughout my in the fisheries management sector helping to ensure time at Rangi Ruru, and without her I would not be fish stocks are sustainable.” where I am today. I could not ask for anyone better to And for her next adventure? help me with learning anything to do with science.

“I would love to go cage diving with great white “She has also given me so many amazing sharks and to travel to Tonga to swim with the opportunities, such as being awarded a scholarship humpback whales.” down in Otago to take part in a marine biology field trip for a week and being part of a group of Words by Morgan Tait girls going to Fiji for a field trip through Operation COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AND Wallace to be alongside marine biologists and WIDE SKY EDITOR field researchers.”

Under the Surface Despite the ocean’s vast size and influence over life on Earth, it still holds many secrets.

More than 80 percent of the ocean has never been mapped, explored or even seen by humans—and many of its vital ecosystems are under threat from rising sea temperatures, pollution and over-fishing.

W I D E SK Y W I NT E R 20 21

15

S P O RT

WINNING SECRETS It would seem obvious that being your best in sport is most visible when our wāhine toa achieve excellence through awards and results. Yet, it is often the strength gained through overcoming challenges which makes us feel our best, as athletes and as people.

I

ndeed earlier this year at Rangi Ruru we celebrated several summer sporting successes and have continued to acknowledge achievements across sports codes throughout the year. Prior to Alert Level 4 lockdown in August, our winter sports teams were about to launch into Winter Tournament Week— the culmination of a season of training and playing at their best. Some teams were hoping to come home with podium placings as a sign they had been at their best against opposition from around the country.

However, when being your best is only defined by winning a game or tournament or being named in a representative team, and those opportunities get taken away, we have to be able to reframe what being our best looks like.

Reframing Success Lessons from the Covid-19 environment constantly remind us that results and accolades cannot be the only examples of being your best in any context, let alone in sport. Because sometimes, some things are entirely out of your control.

When speaking with our student athletes on this subject, their thoughtful responses clearly expressed this

16

WID E S K Y WINTE R 2021

sentiment.

As cricket athlete Eliza McIntosh (Year 13) says: “The final result is not always entirely in our control in sport, and therefore by determining our success through our progress towards personal goals or our authenticity as a competitor, we are able to be our best selves and achieve goals without necessarily coming first place or winning a trophy.”

connected to my teammates and the game, and making sure that I could do everything in my physical power and mental strength to make sure that when I was able to play again, I would be set up well.”

Resilience Triumphs

For touch and hockey athlete Hayley McKellow (Year 13), being successful means you “need to overcome bumps in the road.”

Trusting the Process “That is why the definition of success is different for everyone. Facing No life journey is without its different bumps in the road is what challenges and students also spoke to makes everyone so special and able these. What happens if to reach those high you feel you are not at standards.” your best? Or if injury For Hayley, being at hinders your focus on “That is why the definition your best is also about, being your best? of success is different for “being vulnerable to be Hockey and athletics everyone.

Facing different able to ask for help or athlete Emily Jackson bumps in the road is what to speak up if you are (Year 12) shared her makes everyone so special unhappy and feel as insight into this after though you are not at becoming injured during and able to reach those your best.” the winter season high standards.” where she was forced to A Wellbeing Approach question how she could Hayley also speaks still be her best when she couldn’t play. about the support the Rangi Ruru “I was the best that I could be by network provides. The concern for being patient, trusting the process athlete wellbeing is what makes Rangi of rehabilitation, pushing myself Ruru special, she says. (responsibly), continuing to be “Not only do the coaches look after

us so well but we get support from the school if we feel as though we are facing any challenges.

This wellbeing approach and the wraparound support at Rangi Ruru, helps athletes to get back to being their best when faced with challenges, assisting students to develop the physical and mental capabilities to be successful.

Which is how football athlete Sarah Griffiths (Year 11) describes being her best in sport: “[It is] soaking up all the skills you learn through coaches and playing with teammates and turning this into an all-rounded player who thrives purely off of the love of sport to be their own best.”

More Than a Score It is heartening to hear our wāhine toa recognise that being their best is about more than just wins on the board - a philosophy we passionately believe in at Rangi Ruru. For our students to express that being authentic, asking for help, playing for the love of the game and for your teammates, and recognising what is or isn’t in their control all contribute to being your best reinforces the value of this approach.

And the key reason this is so valuable is because through all of these experiences, and in dealing with challenges and uncertainty, we see growth as people, not just as athletes.

Words by Mandy Anderson DIRECTOR OF SPORT

W I D E SK Y W I NT E R 20 21

17

K A PA H A K A

Our Rangi Ruru kapa haka group is a dedicated group of students who practise regularly and support each other to welcome special guests to the school and showcase the groups’ talents and skills at performance events. While lockdown curtailed some of our plans, the group was still able to contribute to some key events.

Ko Aoraki te mauka Ko Takitimu te waka Ko Te Koraha te wharenui Ko Rangi Ruru te kura Ko Helen Gibson te wahine Whāia to te rangi!

T

his year our kapa haka group has 21 dedicated members who practise every Monday after school in the Helen Kitson Function Centre.

We are lovingly supported by Ms Kate Rivers, who participates in the learning with us, helps with our uniforms and assists us when we have performances or are involved in mihi whakatau. Early on in the year, we took time to sort out our beautiful uniforms to ensure they were ready when needed, easily accessible, well labelled and fitting correctly to look our very best.

Leadership Our head of Kapa Haka is Krissy Epton (Year 13), who provides stable,

reliable leadership by being a present, encouraging leader across seniors and uploading video practices to our team page. Year 13s Ruby Moore and Meredith Herdman are our extraordinary senior members who, alongside Krissy, really are the glue to this young group. Their presence, leadership and manaakitanga of the teina within our group help us to give our very best. They absolutely shine when given opportunities to lead at important school occasions such as leading the whole school in haka as we thanked the Tokyo Olympian rowers who visited in August.

Mihi Whakatau Our first official task of the year was to welcome the new students and staff to the kura by supporting the school within a mihi whakatau context. This experience enabled us to prepare for a further two mihi whakatau, both held in the April term break. We welcomed

approximately 60 dancers from all over Aotearoa to a national dance workshop symposium. This was held outside in front of our very ornate whakairo, carved by esteemed rangatira Riki Manuel. We showcased a long poi item for the manuhiri and were invited to watch a beautiful dance that some of the Ōtautahi dancers had put together.

Manaakitanga, Aroha As a whānau, we were able to connect with the local tangata whenua Ngai Tuahuriri when we worked together to welcome over 130 secondary teachers from across Aotearoa for the art educators conference which Rangi Ruru hosted.

The school values of manaakitanga and aroha were at the forefront here as we adapted on the spot to include singing to the manuhiri/visitors as they entered the Mana Wāhine block to go through to morning tea at the Gibson Centre.

A huge thank you to our students

“To me, being your best in kapa haka means trying to improve the work of the group as a whole, as well as individually. Being your best extends further than just looking out for yourself; it also includes making sure everyone else in kapa haka is also feeling their best and doing their best work. It means that you are trying as hard during practice as you would during performance and also that you are proud of the things that you are achieving during your time in kapa haka.”

- RUBY MOORE, YEAR 13

18

WID E SK Y WINTE R 2 0 2 1

and parents for availing themselves during term break to come and be a part of these performances.

Kura Showcase Term 3 was supposed to bring the annual school performing arts showcase, with this year’s theme of Dream Scape. While Alert Level 4 lockdown meant the event sadly had to be cancelled, our group will still perform their four perpared items. These occur in a medley style featuring karanga, hymn, an action song, short poi item and, lastly, our finale displaying the long poi skills.

Each student is involved within a smaller group collaborating to choreograph long poi movements set to Māori music. ‘Hiwa i te Rangi’ by singer songwriter Maisey Rika will see each of the groups take the stage during the four minute song culminating with the whole group on stage using long poi.

Words by Sherrilee Herangi-Harrison TEACHER OF TE REO MAORI

Being your best extends further than just looking out for yourself; it also includes making sure everyone else in kapa haka is also feeling their best and doing their best work.

- RUBY MOORE, YEAR 13 W I D E SK Y W I NT E R 20 21

19

C A R E E R S A N D PAT H WAYS

LEVELLING UP FOR THE FUTURE What does it mean to Be Your Best? It can mean a lot of different things to different people. For many, though, especially the students here at Rangi Ruru, it means living up to a set of core values that help to define not only who a student is, but also what they can become.

20

WID E S K Y WINTE R 2021

T

he Rangi Values of Respect, Aroha, eNdeavour and eNthusiasm, Generosity of Spirit, and Integrity help students to be their best every day.

Former student Amy Clough, currently completing a Bachelor of Music at the New Zealand School of Music in Wellington, recognises how Rangi Values guide her day-to-day life: “The Rangi Values have shaped who I am as a person and how I engage with my surrounding world, and they ensure I am always striving to be my best.”

As former student Georgina Scott, who’s currently studying at Jason Coleman’s Ministry of Dance in Melbourne, puts it, “The Rangi Values have set me up to become a woman I am proud of! I’m working hard, being my best and always striving to level up.”

process for the scholarships. Every day they help me to be my best and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

Amy Clough

BACHELOR OF MUSIC AT THE NEW ZEALAND SCHOOL OF MUSIC IN WELLINGTON

An Environment of Success

Those core values have also allowed us to create an environment that pushes students to be their best and recognise that dreams can indeed become reality when they maintain that level up mindset.

As former Head of School Sophie Pye, who recently began her education in the US at Princeton University, notes: “When I went to choose what US school I wanted to commit to, all I was looking for was ‘what feels most like Rangi.’”

Current Head of School Sam Senior, who also plans to study next year in the US on a football scholarship, Powerful Toolkit for the Future recognises that she’s been able to reach her goals thanks, in part, to the The idea of “levelling up” is close environment created and nurtured to my heart as it’s here: “Rangi has also one of Crimson’s provided me with core values. As “The Rangi values have set everything I need to Crimson Education me up to become a woman pursue my dreams— co-founder and Chief the facilities and Business Development I am proud of! I’m working learning, accessibility Officer Fangzhou hard, being my best and to companies like Jiang describes it, always striving to level up.” Crimson, and the “Levelling up is about amazing staff who understanding your AMY CLOUGH not only push you to personal strengths do your best but truly want you to as well as areas for development and succeed, wherever that may lead you.” constantly pushing yourself to become As Elizabeth Jurlina, Senior Vice a stronger version of yourself.”

President of People and Performance Crimson co-founder and CEO Jamie at Crimson, notes, “Rangi Ruru and Beaton adds that, “Students who Crimson have a synergy where we develop a level up mindset continually see the benefit in encouraging an seek to challenge their own personal individual in their growth trajectory. horizons, acquiring more content, “Levelling up is about looking for skills and experiences to create opportunities to grow, tapping into a powerful toolkit for their future experiences and persevering through successes—through a consistent level hard times. Having that mindset up mindset, they will be able to adapt to continuously develop, grow and to all kinds of scenarios and emerge utilize new strategies equips students on top.” with mental elasticity and toughness The commitment to Rangi Values that can help see them through works hand-in-hand with that level increasingly complex situations in life.” up mindset, as is evident in the By working with our students successes our students achieve. As to level up, we help our students former student and recipient of both recognise their potential to not only the Liveris Academy scholarship and be their best, but also to become their the ConocoPhillips SPIRIT scholarship best.

Amber Spurway tells me, “The Rangi Values helped guide me throughout Words by Krissi Schumacher my time at Rangi and the values were CAREERS & PATHWAYS STRATEGIST what helped me with the application

Amber Spurway

RECIPIENT OF THE LIVERIS ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP AND THE CONOCOPHILLIPS SPIRIT SCHOLARSHIP

Georgina Scott

STUDYING AT JASON COLEMAN’S MINISTRY OF DANCE IN MELBOURNE

Sophie Pye

ACCEPTED PLACE AT PRINCETON UNIVERSITY AFTER BEING OFFERED PLACES AT FOUR TOP US COLLEGES

Sam Senior

HAS ACCEPTED A SCHOLARSHIP TO ACADEMY OF ART IN SAN FRANCISCO W I D E SK Y W I NT E R 20 21

21

C OAC H I N G

OUR ROWING ROYALTY

Fresh from a successful Olympic campaign, New

Zealand rowing royalty Gary Hay has returned to Rangi Ruru as Head Rowing Coach. He tells Wide Sky what makes a successful squad. Hint: It’s the same for high school and international teams.

22

WID E SK Y WINTE R 2 0 2 1

T

hose who know rowing will know the name Gary Hay. But they might not know his decorated coaching career began right here at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School.

A born and bred Cantabrian, Gary was himself a schoolboy rower and represented New Zealand from 1985 to 1987, competing at the 1986 Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

Where it all Began

strong foundation of support.

At a national level, he says, New Zealand’s success comes from its centralised programme where “the training and environment is always consistent”.

“There’s no substitute for just pure hard work and hard training, but you have good support people like nutritionists, strength and conditioning coaches and psychologists.

“And that is no different to creating a supportive culture [at Rangi Ruru].

“I often think that why Rangi Ruru is so good at rowing, or why they were the best school last year by some while, is down to the good team environment.”

He then hung up his oars to become a police officer for 22 years, but it was rowing at Rangi Ruru that lured him back to the sport.

“I came back to rowing here at the school and rowing took over my profession, I left the police and went rowing coaching fulltime,” he says.

School versus Interntional Rowing That was in 2003, and he was a rowing coach In fact, he says there are quite a lot of parallels here until 2009 before taking up a suite of between a school programme and an international positions for Rowing New Zealand. He started as programme. head coach for the Southern Rowing Performance “You have to, I think, create a good environment Centre and then moved on to New Zealand’s High of support and the success will come from that.

Performance Centre at Lake Karapiro as a high It is no different to coaching an Olympic rowing performance coach. team, no different at all.

In 2016 he was named head “Yes, winning medals is good, of the New Zealand women’s everyone loves getting up and rowing programme, and since “You have to, I think, create a winning a medal, but I think then he’s been to three Olympics good environment of support the success of a school rowing and his athletes have won and the success will come programme should be the an impressive collection of international accolades. In 2019 from that. It is no different to amount of students who want to come back again. The aim is he was named World Rowing coaching an Olympic rowing when they leave here that they Coach of the Year, and at the team, no different at all.” still love rowing.” most recent Tokyo games the GARY HAY New Zealand women’s pair and Winning Means Learning to Lose eight came home with gold and Gary also believes that to win, silver medals, respectively, under you have to learn how to lose. his tutelage.

“The Olympics are seen as being the pinnacle Despite this level of accomplishment, Gary says of world sport, and very few medals are handed school coaching is amongst his career highlights. out, so there’s always going to be those that aren’t “I’m lucky in a coaching sense to have had successful. some success internationally, but I always look “I have been to three and, yes, at the last two I back at my school coaching as some of the most have come away with medals, but I also know it is enjoyable experiences I’ve had from a coaching quite a hollow feeling [when you don’t]. But, that’s point of view.” where you draw on that experience: You almost He says that is down to “being part of the have to lose and learn how to deal with not living learning that the students have and contributing up to your expectations and the expectations to the way they grow and develop as rowers but of others before you can go on and compete also as young women. successfully.”

“And they are always so respectful and thankful Rowing as a Teacher for the coaching they are given.”

Results aside, Gary says he has long seen Not all About Winning rowing teach students skills they can apply to When defining success as a coach, Gary their lives outside of sport and that will serve surprisingly says it is not about winning medals. them long after high school.

“Some of the best coaching experiences I’ve From managing their time to learning about had or things I look back on with the most pride nutrition and physical health to how to care for often aren’t associated with winning. their mental health.

“Probably one of the best ones was when And when it comes to being his best as a the New Zealand women’s pair [Kerri Gowler coach? He says it’s down to “being encouraging and Grace Prendergast] got second at the 2018 and supportive, being open and honest in your World Championships. That was one of the best communications and providing a safe environment performances I have ever seen—and it wasn’t a where rowers can excel.” win.”

Strong Foundations That’s because, in Gary’s expert opinion, success at all levels of the sport follows on from a

Words by Morgan Tait COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AND WIDE SKY EDITOR

W I D E SK Y W I N T E R 20 21

23

2W 0E 2L 1 LEBVEEIN NTGS

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Our staff and students have worked hard to ensure as many of our much-loved moments on the Term 3 events calendar could come to life despite the nationwide lockdown and restrictions. Here are some of our favourite moments!

24

WID E SK Y WINTE R 2 0 2 1

OLYMPIANS @ RANGI

MENTAL HEALTH DAY

GREEN MARKET

W I D E SK Y W I N T E R 20 21

25

PUTTING THE HEART INTO ART Legendary Ballerina Margot Fonteyn said, “Great artists are those who find a way to be themselves in the art”. She was correct but may have omitted what we see as the most important aspect of the artistic process: relationships. Yes, undoubtedly other factors underpin artistic achievement but the greatest tool to Be Your Best is the strength gained from collaborative relationships.

C

ollaboration is a core value in Theatre Arts, whether creating work from scratch in groups for a devised drama assessment, creating choreography as a group in curricular Dance or working together to perform a piece for an audience.

On Stage In Theatre Arts we search for performance festival opportunities that are inclusive and focus on opportunities for our ākonga (students) to see the work of other schools and groups. After the joint senior production this year the cast of As You Like It so enjoyed working together they felt the need to work on another show Teechers, directed by Nikki Bleyendaal of Christ’s College,

26

WID E SK Y WINTE R 2 0 2 1

which they entered into the local TheatreFest.

The Rehearsal Ingredient The rehearsal process is hugely important—where ākonga are encouraged to make mistakes in order to present a finished work in performance—and this is also at the core of creating great art; making mistakes is not simply a part of Being Your Best, it is another vital ingredient.

This is a central ethos in curricular and co-curricular Dance and Drama. Ākonga Led Exemplifying the heart in art and being herself in the art is our student Head of Dance for 2021, Makayla Barrett (Year 13). Makayla works with the Elite

Dance Company to draw out their best.

Her passion for Hip Hop is evident in her choreography and her support for the elite crew—whose overall exposure to the style is limited—is generous.

Makayla has told us: “I strive to make sure everyone is giving their best performance, within the group and individually, through technique and facial expression.”

Georgia Moynihan (Year 13), our student Head of Arts for 2021 is another leader within the arts at Rangi Ruru who is passionate about creating a collaborative atmosphere in rehearsal to encourage student performers to Be their Best.

Of the process towards the excerpt from Romeo and Juliet being nominated

Years 7 and 8 Dance Company rehersals

“I worked to ensure the whole team has the opportunity and is encouraged to contribute.

Ensuring everyone was heard and seen was one of DanceNZ Made

my main objectives during the Sheilah Winn rehearsal process, and I think it makes for an authentic and engaging piece.”

GEORGIA MOYNIHAN

mentors those ākonga coming through to aspire to lead by building collaborative relationships.

The desire for this comes from our staff and our experiences of training in Performing Arts. Theatre Arts staff come from a range of training backgrounds enabling us to support students to be their best in their areas of passion.

Kirsty Bell, Head of Dance, is a trained dancer with a focus on modern dance styles. Chelsea Cope, our most recent staff member, is a graduate of the Musical Theatre programme at the National Academy of Dramatic Arts at Ara here in Christchurch. I am a graduate of Toi Whakaari/New Zealand Drama School with a focus in New Zealand theatre and realism. This gives us the ability to advise students who wish to extend their Performing Arts training into the tertiary realm.

Words by Peter Rutherford

for the National Shakespeare Festival, Georgia says, “I worked to ensure the whole team has the opportunity and is encouraged to contribute.

“Ensuring everyone was heard and seen was one of my main objectives during the Sheilah Winn rehearsal process, and I think it makes for an authentic and engaging piece.”

DIRECTOR OF THEATRE ARTS

Ākonga Legacies We are enormously proud of the work our student leaders in Theatre Arts do to enable opportunities for other students to be their best. We hope this creates a legacy of student-led work that

National University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival

W I D E SK Y W I NT E R 20 21

27

S T U D E N T J O U R N E YS

BEING YOUR BEST AT RANGI E huri to aroaro ki te ra, tukuna to ataarangi ki muri i a koe Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you

As they are about to begin the next chapter of their lives we ask some of our Year 13 students what being their best means to them and how they navigated their personal journeys of success throughout their time at Rangi Ruru.

28

WID E S K Y WINTE R 2021

Olivia Armitage Success is hard to define because it is relative to what is important to an individual. Although I have won awards and held positions of leadership throughout my school career, what I believe has made me successful is how I have created strong and lifelong friendships while at school, and always tried my hardest in all aspects of school life. People and relationships are very important to me, and I am so grateful that throughout my time at Rangi I have been able to meet so many amazing people and connect with a wide range of individuals.

Alice Edwards My journey at Rangi has been amazing; I have met so many wonderful people, and I am proud of the person that I have become. In terms of being my best during my time at Rangi, I have gained a love of community service and participating in opportunities to give back to my community. I now regularly volunteer at the Red Cross Shop, tutor younger students and participate in a range of different service opportunities. From this, I’ve also learnt that so many people need our help, and the smallest acts can make the biggest difference. Rangi has given me so many opportunities to get involved and give to those people who need it most, and for that I am very grateful.

Bridget Maw While having actively partaken in activities in and around school, something that I have also been involved in outside of the classroom is my participation in the LearnCoach comedy competition. The competition, hosted weekly for New Zealand secondary school students, involves writing three one-liners about NCEA each week with cash prizes for winning entries. My persistence in this competition has paid off, having won the competition 22 times since 2018, with numerous second and third placings, and a fair share of bonus prizes. My steadfastness with this competition is something I am proud of and have learnt to improve and refine during my time at Rangi.

Evelyn Kuo As Co-Head of Pride this year, my team and I run a group called Rainbow Rangi.

Over the past year, a group of students have come together with a shared vision for a group that strived to make our school a safer, more aware place, and through the hard work of many we have set up a group that achieves this.

Rainbow Rangi—our school’s LGBT+ support group—meets weekly on Friday lunchtimes to educate and support the rainbow youth within our student population. Rainbow Rangi is open and available to any students who identify within the rainbow community, as well as anyone else who seeks support or simply wants to learn and educate themselves on how to be better allies. We held a very successful Pride Week this year, with an underlying objective to raise money, which we donated to support charities for the LGBT+ community.

W I D E SK Y W I N T E R 20 21

29

Emma McCusker I have been given countless opportunities while at Rangi, which I believe have made my time at school hugely successful. While I have benefited greatly from the academic and sporting opportunities available to me, I found Rangi providing experiences such as taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh awards and community service projects truly invaluable. Although the contributions I have made through community service are small in the grand scheme of things, they are something I am proud of. Through the Duke of Edinburgh awards, I have been challenged and discovered a number of new interests and lifelong skills.

Krissy Epton I distinctly remember my first day at Rangi, as a tiny Year 7 with no idea how it would all pan out. I gained a bit of a reputation for being a slightly obnoxious 11-year-old, who clearly felt a great sense of pride in being the only one of my age in Kapa Haka. In fact, I built upon my list of commitments by joining as many clubs and groups as possible. For me, those groups define my own personal success. My Dear No One band mates are some of the coolest people I know, and we have genuinely had such a great time playing music together and developing as people together over the past few years. The friendships that I have made through musical and cultural groups have been the most special aspect of school for me and will be the part of Rangi that I miss the most.

Jorja Tuanui Ko Wharekauri tōku kāinga Ko Tokumaru te waka Ko Takehanga te awa Ko Maunganui te maunga Ko Whakamaharatanga te Marae Ko Jorja Tuanui ahau Coming from the Chatham Islands to attend boarding school at Rangi Ruru in 2017 was tough with having to be away from my whānau, home, and everything that I had grown up to know. The simple quiet country living had not prepared me in any way for the life I now know and love at Rangi. Boarding has been challenging from the start, as it took time to get used to but over the past four years it has become one of the best things about Rangi. Living with girls who are now like sisters to me, making awesome memories and friends for life. The support of the matrons and staff are second to none and the guidance from them has been amazing. Rangi has become my second home and has been everything I hoped it would be and more. One of my major successes with my time at Rangi would be completing my higher education to my best. Staying on after a tough year in 2020 saw me getting back up and carrying on after losing my dad suddenly. This has contributed to the personal growth within me, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.

Eliza McIntosh My success at Rangi definitely can’t be defined as a single event and doesn’t necessarily depend on academic results. Over the years I’ve filled my spare time with cricket practices, choir rehearsals, and committees, all of which encourage me to be my best self. I underwent knee surgeries in Years 12 and 13 which have proved a challenge, but also made me realise the importance of the support network I have created at Rangi. Despite missing out on sport, I’ve learned that success doesn’t always come down to the trophies we win and I’ve felt proud of my efforts to stay connected with others, and to value the journey as much as the end result.

Emily Gambrill The biggest way in which being at Rangi has enabled me to be my best is being involved with music. When I started out in Year 9, the extent of my involvement with music was simply playing the trumpet. But I have since found opportunities and a community that I never could have imagined. Playing the trumpet and singing in Resolutions, I have been fortunate to have had so many amazing experiences, including singing in the Big Sing National Finale, playing in the Evita orchestra, and travelling to Blenheim for Southern Jam Jazz Festival. The support, encouragement and musical community that I have found at Rangi has allowed me to grow and is something I will be forever grateful for.

Scarlett Banks I have been at Rangi since Year 9 and have loved and am so grateful for my five years here. I am particularly grateful for the opportunities Rangi has given me to give back to my community and find my passion for service and helping others. Through the school, I have been able to get involved with 40 Hour Famine and organising this amazing event, with all the cool things Eco Action does and the Student Volunteer Army and all the good work they do, most recently volunteering at the vaccine clinics in Christchurch. All thanks to these opportunities, finding out how rewarding and fun it is to help others and give back, not to mention the amazing connections you make with others while doing it, I have been inspired to pursue a career in nursing and that has definitely been one of the most valuable things I’ve got out of my time here.

Elsie Westphall I had a challenging time when I first started Rangi, but now in Year 13 I can’t imagine going anywhere else. In Year 9 I found it difficult; I had no friends, I lost a lot of confidence, but with the help of another girl in my class, my Dean and all the teachers who cared for me, I have learned to be strong, proud of myself and achieve my own goals (even though they might not be the same as other girls).

What Rangi has taught me is to keep aiming high, work hard and that we are all unique, and we all have our own paths to follow. I love walking my dog called Eddie, watching my friends play hockey, and playing social sport—even though I’m completely uncoordinated.

W I D E SK Y W I N T E R 20 21

31

T E AC H I N G A N D L E A R N I N G

RETHINKING LEARNING

Education is disruptive. Never more so than now as we grapple with one of the most significant realities of our age; that knowledge is no longer scarce. At Rangi Ruru, we understand the disconnect between the traditional school model and the challenges and opportunities of today’s world.

W

hich is why we are committed to reconceptualising learning so that we move well beyond an experience where young people move through school as consumers of a lockstep system of lessons, units, courses and grades.

We are committed to moving well beyond a traditional experience where the student’s role is to be compliant and direction-following, where the student arrives at a predictable response and remains largely passive in the process.

The New New Although personalised learning is not a new concept—it can be traced back to the 1700s when Jean-Jacques Rousseau advocated for schools “built on individual capacities and choices to capitalize on inherent motivations”—it has finally become the pedagogy of choice in education as we leave the legacy of the industrial age behind.

And with good reason; it is regarded as the solution to help us take learning into its next iteration, much

32

WID E S K Y WINTE R 2021

in their learning. in keeping with society’s focus on Our staff are on a journey to create the whole child and a young person’s personalised learning experiences wellbeing. where our students see school Personalisation is the and learning as a way of acting on reconceptualisation of education from a teacher-driven learning experience— their interests and passions. We understand that students deserve to the “sage on the stage” to a studentsee themselves as powerful forces driven learning experience—where in their environment young people have and where teachers more influence over “Why is personalized work in collaboration the what and the with students, where how of their learning learning a better way of students learn to and where their doing school? Because it become competent, voices, aspirations, is a better way to attain reflective, curious character and interests are woven current learning outcomes, and compassionate individuals. into the learning leading to deeper and experiences.

A Tailored Approach Student Investment

more meaningful learning

Another viable tool experiences.” at our disposal to At Rangi we MELISSA CAMPBELL enable our learners understand that the to be their best is best way to grow to differentiate. As differentiation young people into the best versions expert Carol Tomlinson describes, of themselves, with all of the skills “Teachers begin where students are, and mindsets needed to succeed and not the front of a curriculum guide. contribute to our shared future is to They accept and build upon the ensure that every student is invested

premise that learners differ in important ways.” This means that increasingly our teachers tailor content, process, product and the learning environment for individual students in the classroom to make it more likely that each student will succeed.

Recently our Head of Learning Area for English, Erin Fitzpatrick, shared an impactful reflection about one of her experiences with a senior student, a lover of Hip Hop. The student moved beyond the realm of classroom text discussions and, with the support of her teacher, she developed her own knowledge of Hip Hop in order to develop her passion and explore the ideas of Hip Hop in her independent learning and assessments. Erin remarked at the positive impact this had on the

student’s sense of agency and motivation.

Starting with Why As Simon Sinek promotes in his TED talk, Start with the Why. Why is personalized learning a better way of doing school? Because it is a better way to attain current learning outcomes, leading to deeper and more meaningful learning experiences. And because it is a better way to grow young people.

After all, we don’t teach subjects; we teach students to be their very best.

Acknowledgement: ‘Learning Personalised: The Evolution of The Contemporary Classroom’ by Allison Zmuda, Greg Curtis and Diane Ullman.

Words by Melissa Campbell ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL TEACHING AND LEARNING

Read an article on Stuff.co.nz about personalised education at Rangi Ruru

W I D E SK Y W I NT E R 20 21

33

D E V E LO P M E N T

34

WID E S K Y WINTE R 2021

Bridget Woodham, right, and Dr Sandra Hastie check out progress at the new Sport and Multi-Purpose Centre

DEVELOPING OUR LEGACY As I write this, I do so from the comfort of my own home, with the sun streaming through the window, on the eve of moving to Covid-19 Alert Level 2. What a roller coaster year, just when we got used to a new norm post 2020 events, the pandemic rears its head again and puts us in another spin.

O

that, the school and our students are nce again we stop, we adapt, and grateful. we transform. Businesses have After the success of Giving Day in learnt to be agile and not fear the March (which raised $276,000) and unknown (too much). Best laid plans with leadership gifts from several have been prepared, set aside, revisited members of our community along and re-set. with the incredible legacy left by Miss With such a cracking start to the Elizabeth Reid, we hit 70 percent of year, we were hopeful the Development the fundraising target for the Sport Team’s plan would map out. The school and Multi-Purpose Centre. I would like held its first Friends at Five Thirty to take this opportunity to thank once speaker event for the year and what a again everyone who has supported night it was. To our speakers—thank you Project Blue Sky to date. for sharing such personal stories with With just over $1.5 million further us and to those who were fortunate to raise to hit our $5.6 million target, enough to be there—how privileged and less than a year before the Sport were we to share in that moment and and Multi-Purpose Centre is officially gain such insights. opened, we live in hope that those The wonderful Gibson Girls were within our community who can also brought together for a special support the campaign, particularly with lunch. This is always such a memorable major gifts, reach out and start the day, and the school was grateful 18 conversation. wonderful Old Girls who were at school With $45 million already spent on the during the leadership post-earthquake campus of the Gibson sisters masterplan Project Blue were able to join us.

You have the opportunity Sky, and completing 60 The school’s legacy to make a real difference; percent of it with major society the Gibson gifts from only a select few Circle—a group of to help ensure a prior to 2020, we are now women who have sustainable future for calling on those who can planned to leave a gift the school, and to do so to lead the way for others in their will to Rangi Ruru—also gathered knowing that thousands to follow. You have the for a personalised and of incredibly lucky young opportunity to make a real difference: to help ensure very special tour of the women now and in the a sustainable future for school’s art collection future will benefit. the school, and to do so with Juliet Collins. knowing that thousands Looking back now, we BRIDGET WOODHAM of incredibly lucky young are incredibly grateful women now and in the to have been fortunate future will benefit. If you would like to enough to come together, connect and find out more, please connect with us celebrate our community. via development@rangiruru.school.nz.

Thank you once again to the many As the end of the year is upon us, businesses who sponsor teams and it is opportune to reflect and share programmes within the school. This gratitude to the wonderful champions support enriches different aspects of who support the school in various ways. our co-curriculur programmes and, for

Thank you to those who volunteer their services throughout the year: Readers/ writers, those who manage and assist our co-curricular teams, the wonderful people who come into our community and share career and personal insights with our students and wider community, our wonderful PTA, those who serve on the Rangi Ruru Board of Governors, the Old Girls Association, and the Foundation, those who attend performances and events, and those who simply cheer us on from the side lines – we acknowledge your support and thank you for being part of our special Rangi Ruru whānau.

May your summer holidays be filled with love and laughter and hopefully be mask free!

Words by Bridget Woodham HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT

The Gibson Circle is Rangi Ruru’s Legacy Society to acknowledge those who intend to leave a gift in their will to the Rangi Ruru Foundation. Leaving a gift in your will is an opportunity to support the school in the way you have always wanted but perhaps been unable to in your lifetime. It can have an enduring impact by benefitting thousands of students and helping secure the school’s long term financial security and continued independence. Becoming a Gibson Circle member is straightforward, simply let us know you have named the Rangi Ruru Foundation as a beneficiary in your will. All gifts to Rangi Ruru are an investment in its future and for that we are incredibly grateful.

W I D E SK Y W I NT E R 20 21

35

A RT

CREATING “Taking care of our mental health and wellbeing should have a high priority in our lives.

Knowing where to access help is of huge importance.”

HARRIET EGLINTON

Some helpful resources Need to Talk?

Free call or text 1737 Talk with a trained counsellor, anytime Youthline Free call 0800 376 633 or free text 234 For young people and their parents, whanau and friends The Lowdown Thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626 Support for young people experiencing depression or anxiety

36

WID E SK Y WINTE R 2 0 2 1

AWARENESS Being the best we can be isn’t all about striving for excellences and pockets. It is about looking after your mind, taking the time to listen to what it is trying to tell you and being happy with who you are as a person. It is about having understanding and empathy for those around you. My art depicts the journey through anxiety; my hope is that my art may bring an awareness of the importance of mental health, enabling people to realise they are ready to take the next step to seek help so they can live their best lives.

T

his year, I decided that my NCEA Level 3 print portfolio should explore the themes of mental health, specifically that of anxiety. I wanted my portfolio to reflect the idea of putting up a façade, appearing happy and content when really, it is chaos within.

The portfolio begins with ghostly figures of true feelings being masked by fake smiles.

I then further develop this chaos, creating more abstract prints. The anxiety and chaos begin to break out from behind the mask.

My Own Journey In some way, this portfolio has been an exploration of my own story and battle with anxiety. I didn’t realise it at the time, but I was covering up my true feelings,

pretending my anxious thoughts didn’t exist. I persuaded myself along with all the people who cared for me that I was fine. Just like my artworks, I was putting up a mask of fake smiles and “I’m good thanks” to hide the chaos that was forming inside my own mind.

The world can be a tough place, especially at the moment with lockdown disrupting such a crucial time of the school year. There is so much uncertainty around us, and it is okay to feel stressed, overwhelmed and anxious about everything. These are human emotions we all experience. Taking care of our mental health and wellbeing should have a high priority in our lives. Knowing where to access help is of huge importance.

Reaching out Reaching out is one of the hardest steps to take, but there are people and organisations out there who will listen and assist you without judgement. As hard as it is to do, be brave and take that first step; it will bring a sense of

relief and knowledge that you don’t have to go through this journey alone. I have included some helpful resources at the bottom left of this article.

Be kind to your mind A quote that I stand by and aspire to is: “You spend most of your life inside your head, be kind to your mind, and make it a nice place to be.” This resonates with me because I think it is easy to get caught up in our heads and find all the little faults and flaws with who we are.

We need to learn to look for the positives and to be grateful for what we do have in our lives. It is also important to remember that we never know what personal battles our peers are facing in their own lives. Everyone is hurting and healing from things they don’t speak about. We can learn to treat everyone with empathy and understanding.

Words by Harriet Eglinton YEAR 13 STUDENT

W I D E SK Y W I N T E R 20 21

37

STUDENT LEADERS

LEADERSHIP IS TEAMWORK

Camille Perelini, right, and Sam Senior

Being your best in the Service Council looks like teamwork. You can’t be your absolute best as a council if everyone’s functioning as separate units; we can only be our best when everyone’s putting in the same amount of effort and are collaborating together on ideas.

W

e work as a team to pull everything together from initial planning and brainstorming, through logistics and specifics and all the way to the actual execution of an event or initiative.

The events only run their best when everyone in our team is performing their best—showing up on time, following through with their tasks and, most importantly, always helping each other.

One event we organised was Beelong Week, which celebrated belonging at Rangi Ruru and involved co-ordinating a heap of activities designed to bring everyone together. We organised a

whole school Jump Jam, friendship bracelet making, a movie screening, morning hot chocolates and a scavenger hunt.

We couldn’t have pulled it all together and executed the amount of ideas we had without having everyone fully on board and committed.

Also, I find that going with the flow and being flexible has been really important. Like when we planned to do a big outdoor coin trail and gratitude wall for the 40-hour Famine, but it started bucketing with rain a few hours before.

So, just 10 minutes before lunch we managed to find a big piece of

cardboard and did a smaller scale coin trail inside which worked just as well and still raised close to $8,500 for the cause.

I’ve found team work is the secret to being your best in the wider student leadership team, too. For Bee Kind Week, every student leader joined a production line to pack 700-ish lolly bags for students.

On top of that, a whole group of Year 12s and 13s (many from the Community Council) spent an evening at home writing kind notes to go with the lollies.

Words by by Camille Perelini HEAD OF SERVICE

What student leaders say being their best is:

38

“Being our best in our council means being able to help our

“Being our best in the Service Council means we all contribute

school use our privilege to make a difference in our community.

our ideas to plan the best possible events to help our school

Whether it’s helping other humans or the environment, we all

and community. If we aren’t all working together and helping

feel so grateful to be able to give back.”

- SCARLETT BANKS (YEAR 13), SERVICE COUNCIL

each other then we can’t do our best for others.”

- ISSY KENNEDY (YEAR 13), SERVICE COUNCIL

WID E SK Y WINTE R 2 0 2 1

B

eing your best in your clan is simply having fun! This looks like cheering on the competitive athletes at sporting events, scouring your wardrobe for the best clan clothes and belting your heart out at clan singing.

It’s actively getting involved in all activities, competitions and clan meetings alike. It’s being enthusiastic and making the most of all opportunities. This helps create a positive, fun-loving environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging.

A special part of being in a clan is forming connections between different year groups. Being your best looks like mingling with students of all ages and making an effort to say, “hi” to everyone around school. Clans are a space where all students should feel welcome and safe, have the confidence to speak up and share their ideas.

We asked Rangi Ruru students in junior year groups what being their best in clans meant to them, and they told

CLANS

A PHILOSOPHY OF FUN us how it is about embracing team spirit, striving to involve themselves in clan activities and events and making an effort to step out of their comfort zones and socialise with students in different classes or years.

In senior years, students become the leaders of their clan. They have the chance to be their best role model for the junior students, as their seniors did for them. This ties into the idea that being in a clan is being a part of something bigger than yourself.

Words by Saskia Simmers and Rosa Blake HEADS OF STIRLING

What students say being their best is in clans: “Being my best in a clan is about

“I think it’s about

contributing to the activities,

having a team spirit but

building friendships with the other

also having a ‘big family’ sort of

girls and showing lots of respect to

relationship with your clan, like

the senior leaders who are doing

getting to know different people

their best to make the experience

from different years in your clan.”

lots of fun for me and everyone

- TESSA LANGMAN, YEAR 9

else.”

- HARPER SCALES, YEAR 7

“I think that being your best in your clan means always helping out,

“Being kind and sharing ideas and

being kind to everyone and having

kindness to your clan. Also having

heaps of fun. I think that you’re

an open mind about making new

always your best self whilst in clan

friendships with your year group in

time as you’re just playing games

your clan and other ages.”

and having a good time.”

- ABBIE DONALDSON, YEAR 9

- ELSIE ULLRICH, YEAR 10

W I D E SK Y W I NT E R 20 21

39

S H E LT E R

EMPOWERED

BY PRINT Rangi Ruru’s student-produced magazine is edited, written, photographed and designed by students, offering a unique insight into youth lifestyle and community. Shelter gives readers a glimpse into the issues most important to young people, in their own words.

Head of Media Studies Jude Morgan asks 2021’s editorial team about the impending Thrive Edition.

40

WID E S K Y WINTE R 2021

S

ince launching in 2016, Shelter has shared the diverse thinking and creative skills of Rangi Ruru’s students from all levels of the school. Believed to be the only one of its kind in Aotearoa entirely produced by students, its content explores the myriad of matters important to our young people.

This year’s issue mirrors the student school theme for 2021, Thrive in the Hive, and features student perspectives on mental health, cultural and gender identity alongside original photography, illustration and design work.

Q

How has being involved in producing Shelter helped you be your best in work/study at school?

one big idea. I have learnt how to think from not only my perspective, but that of who we are making our magazine for.”

Frankie: “Being on the Shelter team has helped me Frankie Gosney, Editor: “Being a part of the Shelter become more creative and assisted me in coming team this year has helped me develop great skills in out of my shell. I had to cooperate with students I organisation around my schoolwork and other aspects had never even met before and make connections of my life. It’s like picking up another subject but not with each of them. My ways of having allocated time for it: You find communicating have also improved yourself having to plan out your days this year. Working with all different “It has really pushed me and study times more, which I think types of people, introverts, extroverts, is an important life skill to have, as outside of the limits I thought opinionated, reserved, creative and we are leaving school and entering I could once achieve. I know not so creative, has helped develop the big world where we don’t have my skill set in communicating with I can create a platform for teachers telling us what to do.” different people.” a variety of unheard voices Pippa Russek, Deputy Editor: How do you think being involved that have the power to evoke “It’s helped me consider who I am in producing Shelter will help producing my work for and how I change and inspiration. you beyond school? can alter it to fit them. Being a part It reminded me that as a of the Shelter team has also helped Emily: “Working together effectively, teen I do still have some me with my organising, planning, finding a medium between two strong and prioritising.” power in this world, and I can ideas and essentially just getting stuff Sadie Lee, Deputy Art Director: done.” accomplish great things.”

“It’s allowed me to maintain my Sadie: “I think just having that EMILY WILLIAMSON focus in other classes as it gives experience to work as a team and to me in-school time to outlet my experience sharing ideas, thoughts, creative side, while not getting in the way of my other queries as well as discussing issues and resolving subjects.” problems to produce work we are proud of. This will Emily Williamson, Section Editor: “It has shown me benefit me greatly when it comes to my future and the high level at which I can achieve in Shelter is the I’m having this experience before entering the work same level I am able to achieve in my schooling. That force.” has really inspired me to push my own work further.”

Pippa: “In many ways, from working in a team to

Q

Q

How is being on the Shelter team helping you be your best self?

Emily: “It has really pushed me outside of the limits I thought I could once achieve. I know I can create a platform for a variety of unheard voices that have the power to evoke change and inspiration. It reminded me that as a teen I do still have some power in this world, and I can accomplish great things.”

Sadie: “Just being around like-minded people who are passionate about similar things is inspiring.”

Pippa: “I am learning how to contribute to everyone’s great ideas and turn them all into

marketing and making decisions.”

Q

Final thoughts?

Pippa: “I think that being a part of the Shelter editorial team is a great opportunity for all students at Rangi Ruru. You just need interest and passion.”

Frankie: “It’s going to be such a bittersweet feeling when the magazine is released. Although it has been stressful at times…also so rewarding. I hope that in the following years I can continue to be a part of the making of the Shelter magazine and share my insight with the students in charge of producing the magazine in that particular year.”

E SR T L H E LT E ER SH YLE

EST

TY

NI MMU

CO T +

DEN

STU

IF + L

STUD

ENT

Scan here to purchase your copy of Shelter; Thrive Edition

UNIT

Y + LIFE

STYL

THRI

E

N

TIO

EDI

IVE

THR THE

THE

The 2021 Shelter team preparing the Thrive Edition

+ CO MM

VE E DIT

ION

W I D E SK Y W I N T E R 20 21

41

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

AWAY, AT HOME As one of the four pillars at Rangi Ruru, Be Your Best focuses on the attitude and mindset that we aim to instil in our students so that they have the tools and skills to become their very best selves.

42

WID E S K Y WINTE R 2021

Seoyeong Lee (Year 13) and Eva Wu (Year 12)

O

ur personalised approach to learning comes from knowing and understanding each student and helping them find what makes them tick so they can succeed on their own terms. Helping them to discover this enables us to focus their learning needs to support and encourage them to be engaged and active in finding their best self.

For many of our international students, success in their home country may have a very different definition.

Perhaps academic outcomes are valued over effort, and the rote learning and routinised instruction in other countries’ exam-oriented education leaves little room to develop critical thinking skills and independent learning. In such an environment, school life can be monotonous and stressful with long days studying and memorising—offering little scope for creativity, diversity, or innovation.

was scared to leave home, but coming to New Zealand has been one of the best experiences of my life.”

Whether it is leading international events at school, encouraging other students, participating in sport and cultural activities, or being in her happy place in the music department, Seoyeong says she has dared to go out of her comfort zone and is not letting anything stand in her way of being her best self.

Year 10 student Lil Ogano

Freedom to Succeed

Arriving from Shanghai in 2017 with her mother, Eva Wu started at Rangi Ruru in Term 4 of Year 8 as the only international student in her year group.

She says there was no option but to smile and take it one step, one class, one day at a time.

Fast forward to 2021 and Eva was a finalist in the Year 12 speech competition with an articulately presented speech infused with humour.

International Independence She loves Art, Music and Dance and says the fact that she can study these Rangi Ruru’s Head of International, as subjects at school is lifechanging.

Year 13 student Seoyeong Lee, says In China, the compulsory courses coming to New Zealand offered the focussed on the Sciences and Math, chance to develop Geopolitics and her own identity and History. There was find her passions little choice— outside of the “What I am most proud of is that no Art, Music rigorous 14-hour Rangi has made me a confident or Dance. Eva days she was used person. It has made me brave to has embraced to in Korea. perform and speak confidently in all that Rangi She says arriving front of an audience.

Ruru offers. She in Year 10 was scary, EVA WU, YEAR 12 credits the Music and she was worried department with about how she would look after herself on her own. She her interest in music and the breadth of her involvement has encompassed spent the first year at school in Nelson school choirs, Sinfonia, Chamber Music, and was so homesick that her mother Percussion Ensemble and Rock Band. came out to stay with her for a while.

Whilst encouraged and celebrated here, The move to Christchurch and Rangi in China these activities and clubs are a Ruru in Year 11 was a turning point for luxury for students. her, she says.

“What I am most proud of is that Seoyeong settled into the boarding Rangi has made me a confident person,” house and hasn’t looked back. says Eva. “It has made me brave to Fully immersing herself into school perform and speak confidently in front life, Seoyeong has embraced the of an audience. I am also very grateful opportunities offered to her and has that I have been able to study abroad at found her ‘why’ in all things music and Rangi Ruru. more recently Art History.

“I feel that the children in China have The journey has not been without its been overwhelmed by learning and have challenges, but she says, “Every single endured pressures they shouldn’t have step is an achievement. at this age.”

“Everything I have done is my best. I

By helping her to discover what makes her tick, Eva has thrived and succeeded to be her best on her own terms, in her own way.

The Added Challenges of Lockdown For our international students, their time in New Zealand is mirrored by time away from their family and friends in their home countries. For Japanese American student Lil Ogano, she hasn’t seen her dad since January 2020.

When the August lockdown brought challenges for all our students, Lil had the added worry of not seeing her dad for even longer.

“Although I FaceTime him very often, it’s not the same. I do look at the positive side and hope the borders will open soon.”

During the August lockdown, Lil decided to focus on her work and wellbeing to keep her mind off missing her dad.

“Be Your Best to me means that with anything I do, I am pleased with the outcome and feel accomplished by the end and that I never turn down a challenge.

“During lockdown it’s hard to keep motivated to do work. You can feel lazy and unaccomplished at the end of another day of online school. At the start of this lockdown, I knew I didn’t want to do that as I knew nothing came out of it last year.

“So, this lockdown I focused on work and still took time to look after my wellbeing. As we are nearing the end of lockdown, I feel I have definitely accomplished many things and dealt with many new situations.”

Words by Louise Stanton INTERNATINAL DEAN

W I D E SK Y W I N T E R 20 21

43

A LU M N A E

CHANGING THE WAY KIWIS EAT Making an impact on the planet can be as simple as what you put on your plate. And for Rangi Ruru Alumnae, sisters Miranda and Josie Burdon, this was the motivation for their award-winning plant-based food products.

44

WID E S K Y WINTE R 2021

Josie, left, and Miranda Burdon

A

s the daughters of New Zealand’s leading mushroom producers, Miranda and Josie Burdon have long known the power of plants. So when the rest of the world started to catch on to the benefits of plant-based diets, they knew it was time to turn their formidable experience into entrepreneurship.

Eating more whole plant-based foods is not only scientifically proven to reduce a person’s risk of heart, metabolic and infectious diseases and cancer, it also markedly reduces environmental impacts on the earth.

Enter Food Nation, a new business launched by Miranda (Class of 1984-1988) and Josie (Class of 1989-1993) to give people a fun and delicious way to eat more plants while also showcasing the New Zealand produce they know and love.

“There’s been a consciousness around what’s happening in the environment for a long time but in 2019 EAT-Lancet* quantified the impact of dietary systems, and it just brought home that the one thing that could make the biggest difference to human and planetary health was diet,” says Miranda.

“We have a huge amount of respect and appreciation for our environment and all the growers and producers in this country and really felt that there was an opportunity to present New Zealand as not just the farm to the world but the garden to the world.”

Miranda started looking at alternative meat ideas in 2017 and, propelled by the report, launched Food Nation with Josie in late 2020. The bright and quirky packaging now sits in New Zealand’s best supermarkets and stores with its vivid colours and fun imagery.

So far, the range includes

industries; Miranda at the family Magic Mince, available in mushroom business, Meadow Mushrooms, and and hemp and Mexican corn and red Josie with Fonterra’s predecessor pepper; Amaze Balls, in Vietnamese the New Zealand Dairy Board. pea and kaffir lime, and beetroot, Josie went on to work in IT Kumara and quinoa; Happy Patties, and has worked and lived in Asia in broccoli, pea and quinoa, and and Europe, and Miranda has held cauliflower, turmeric and ginger; and directorships and senior positions at Mushroom & Grain Super Sausies. A prominent New Zealand companies new sauce range has also just been like NZ Dairy Foods, Pernot Ricard, launched.

The brand has won awards in New NZ Lotteries, New Zealand Global Women (where she was CEO), Live Zealand and overseas, but Miranda Ocean and Emerging Proteins NZ. says, for Food Nation, success is Josie says this experience helped defined by being their best. form a foundation “Success is never for them to build guaranteed. In New Zealand, we’re “We should strive to do Food Nation from.

“Over all of those often nervous of not our absolute best and career opportunities succeeding and that not think, ‘Someone else you’ve built your impedes us starting. confidence in Whereas whatever you is going to do it’, and do, you actually get a therefore not try. I think yourself and your ability to chase great deal from. we should be proud of the dream. Female “We should strive what we have set out to entrepreneurs often to do our absolute best and not think, achieve, irrespective of run it a bit later in life because we get ‘Someone else is going how it goes.” caught up in our to do it,’ and therefore MIRANDA BURDON 30s with that whole not try. I think we giving birth thing, so should be proud of slightly later in life what we have set out we start chasing our dreams.” to achieve, irrespective of how it Miranda says Rangi Ruru goes.” also showed her how important Josie says she learnt early how to relationships are for personal and chase her “why” and attributes it to professional growth. her time at Rangi Ruru.

“For me, a key outtake from Rangi “One of the things about going Ruru is the power of friendships and to Rangi Ruru was that you came the importance of the people around out with a sense that you could do you, and the effect they have on anything and there was no reason your life. I look at how experiences why you shouldn’t.

I had at Rangi Ruru and the support “I really felt like the world was of the people gave me the courage there for us to take and to just to take on things I otherwise would get out there and be brave and be never have tried.” proud. Rangi Ruru really gave me the courage to believe that the pathway I chose was possible for me.”

And what a pathway they both Words by Morgan Tait took. After leaving high school the COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AND sisters went to university and both started working in the primary WIDE SKY EDITOR

*The EAT-Lancet Commission of Food, Planet, Health brought together 37 world-leading scientists to conduct the first full scientific review of what constitutes a healthy and sustainable diet.

W I D E SK Y W I NT E R 20 21

45

RROGA

Upcoming Events

ALUMNAE T

he Committee of the Rangi Ruru Old Girls’ Association would like to acknowledge Diana Reid for her prestigious accolade. Diana was awarded a Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) earlier this year for services to cancer support–a fantastic display of being your best.

Diagnosed with bowel cancer aged just 34, Diana recovered from the disease and in 1983 helped to establish the Malvern Cancer Support Group in Darfield after identifying the need for a local group.

And now, 38 years later, she is still an active member of the group, which provides transport to hospital for patients’

treatments, supplies affected families with meals and offers cleaning and gardening services as well as companionship and moral support.

She told the Malvern News the recognition was not only for her, but for her late friend Janice Collier with whom she co-founded the group, as well as all the other people who have contributed to their efforts over the years.

Diana has also been involved with fundraising for the Cancer Society of New Zealand Canterbury – West Coast Division, including its signature Daffodil Day event and Relay for Life.

It is with great disappointment that we must postpone the 2021 reunions and Whaea Ora morning tea once again. We have high regard for the school’s health and safety guidelines and commitment to keeping students safe. We apologise for any inconvenience incurred to those who registered and we will continue to do our very best to make this happen for you at a later date. Keep safe.

GIBSON GIRLS’ WHAEA ORA MORNING TEA Cancelled for 2021, will be held November 18, 2022 LEAVER’S BALL December 3, 2021 2021 REUNIONS Postponed until 2022, dates TBC It is your school reunion if you were in Year 9 (Form 3) in 1941, 1951, 1961, 1971, 1981, 1991, 2001, 2011.

2022 REUNIONS March 4 & 5, 2022 It is your school reunion if you were in Year 9 (Form 3) in 1942, 1952, 1962, 1972, 1982, 1992, 2002, 2012.

ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT March 18, 2022 ANNUAL BRIDGE TOURNAMENT May 26, 2022

Diana Reid neé Millickin

Class of 1955 Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for services to cancer support.

46

GIBSON GIRLS’ LUNCHEON June 2, 2022 AGM August 2022, date TBC Please contact RROGA Administrator Tamara Tait for additional information. rroga@rangiruru.school.nz

WID E SK Y WINTE R 2 0 2 1

rangiruru.school.nz