www.timarugirls.school.nz

February 2017

2017 STUDENT LEADERS

Back row from left: Jessie Goodsir (Deputy Head of Arts), Abigail Austin (Head of Arts), Alana Sewell (Deputy Head of The House) Middle row from left: Maddy Houston (Deputy Head of Ngaio), Sally Laurenson (Head of Ngaio), Kate Taylor (Head of Kowhai), Ella Borlase-Evans (Deputy Head of Konini), Brenna Shaw (Head of Sport), Holly Mallinson (Head of The House), Erin Chisnall (Head of Konini) Front row from left: Brittany Hogg (Deputy Head of Kowhai), Olivia Birch (Deputy Head of Rata), Sunny Hurtig (Deputy Head Girl), Amy Doran (Head Girl), Phillis Goredema (Head of Rata), Sophie Lewis-Roker (Deputy Head of Sport)

www.timarugirls.school.nz

from the Principal

Welcome everyone to our 2017 school year! This is our 138th year as a school in South Canterbury. We especially welcome those from all year levels, new to our school. As we near the end of the first month of term 1, I reflect on how much we have done already. I especially would like to thank all staff and students for the calm, settled start to the year. Our school roll sits around 500 which is the largest number of students we have had at this school for some time. We are delighted with the steady progress we are continuing to make with our NCEA achievements. We have made some significant gains both in overall achievements and also in endorsements in recent years. Congratulations to our students in Year 12 and 13 for a superb set of results. Adjacent to this column we acknowledge those who received Merit and Excellence endorsements. We were delighted to receive news regarding the scholarship results from 2016 for Bridget Shimmin (Scholarship in Biology) and Olivia Williams (Scholarship in Graphics). Congratulations to these girls! We still have areas we wish to target to improve on. If you do have any concerns regarding the academic progress your daughter is making, please do not hesitate to contact us. Finally, we were saddened to hear of the deaths of two previous Principals of this school, Miss Jean F J Sargent BA 1972 – 1977 and Mrs Rae Wilson 1977 to 1985. We pass our deepest sympathy on to their families and friends. Scientia Postestas Est Sarah Davis Principal

CONGRATULATIONS

NCEA Level 1 Excellence: Emily Bell, Lexie Bell, Zoe Borman, Bethanie Cootes, Kate Forbes, Jade Horton, Aimee King, Geraldine Moffat, Olivia Moore, Kelly Penty, Olivia Seyb, Angela Seyb, Laura Seyb, Jenna Willocks.

Merit: Christiene Batoon, Lily Bolland, Alex Bray, Lydia Brownie, Macy Chambers, Sophie Chapman, Abbey Clark, Georgia Crosbie, Sopheliah Field, Amelia Francis, Jaynie Garven, Hannah Gee, Indya Gilbert, Ryleigh Hawkins, Georgia Hawthorne, Ellie Keenan, Kiera Kennedy, Sooyeon Kim, Chantel King, Nancy Ling, Kinnley McAllister, Jenna-Rae McIntyre, Hayley McLean, Ash Mortimer, Kera Notton, Amelia O’Connor, Grace Parkin, Shannon Parlane, Hannah Rempala, Renee Sargent, Brooke Smith, Lucy Snuggs, Meg Stickings, Anitra Thomas, Ashley Tikitiki, Megan Tikitiki, Amy Tonkin, Kyra Whyte, Sophie Wills, Hannah Wotton.

NCEA Level 2 Excellence: Grace Beatson, Rose Bransgrove, Boudine Brown, Erin Chisnall, Amy Doran, Samanta Elliott, Mikaela Gilbert, Jessie Goodsir, Piper Hathaway, Maggie Lindbom, Brenna Shaw, Azaria Sheppard, Kate Taylor, Shontelle Wakefield-Hart, Tui Wood.

Merit: Olivia Birch, Emily Campbell, Hana Courtis, Eden Galbraith, Phillis Goredema, Emma Heywood, Madeline Houston, Millie Hulme, Sunny Hurtig, Hannah-Paige Kearney, Alanta Kyles, Tara Melhopt, Emma Millar, Claire Munro, Kaitlyn Scott, Alana Sewell, Leila Shearer, Megan Sherborne, Simone Strauss, Sarah Taylor, Wanvisa Tungjaipongtham, Rose Twist, Brooke Wilkie, Katie Winter.

NCEA Level 3 Excellence: Lauren Johnston, Gina Seyb, Bridget Shimmin, Bailey Whitnack, Tessa Wright.

Merit: Nicola Bennetts, Oriana Craig, Emily Dawson, Erin Denzey, Katie Hooper, Jessica Hope, Analiese Le Roy, Kendyll Lowrey, Emma McIntosh, Rubie Stewart, Abbey Walker, Cassidy Weavers, Olivia Williams.

www.timarugirls.school.nz

PARENT PORTAL

Timaru Girls’ High School uses a student management system called Kamar. One function that this system has is the ability for students and parents to login to a limited version of Kamar remotely.

When you login to the system you will be able to view the following information:

Details This contains contact details and medical details; there is also an option to send any changes to these details to school.

Timetable This is your daughter’s timetable.

Attendance You are able to see attendance data for the current week and any previous weeks.

NCEA Summary This provides detailed information about your daughter’s achievement in NCEA.

Current Year Results This provides detailed information about your daughters’ achievement in subject standards in the current year.

All Results This provides detailed information about your daughters’ achievement in subject standards.

Awards The school is developing recognition of student achievement and these will begin to be entered here.

Fees This is your current account which shows what you have paid and what is owed.

Library This indicates if your daughter has any library items checked out.

Access for this portal may be found on the school website: www.timarugirls.school.nz If you have any issues with your access to the Kamar Portal once you have your login and password please contact the school through the following email address: emcbridea@timarugirls.school.nz Some Year 9 parents received their login details at the Year 9 Parent Evening. The remainder of Year 9 have now been issued theirs. Please ask your daughter for it.

PERFORMING ARTS’ DEPARTMENT Itinerant Music: A number of students have put their names forward for tuition this year. If your daughter is hiring an instrument, accounts will be sent out this term. There is a waiting list for some instruments. Mr McLeod: Upper strings and voice Mrs Loveday: Wood-wind Mrs Veerhart: Cello and bass guitar Mr Davidson: Acoustic and electric guitar Mrs Van Ginkel: Brass Chorale: Auditions have been held and our first engagement will be singing the National Anthem at the Timaru District Council on February 21st. We will be working towards ‘The Big Sing’ in Dunedin early June. Combined Production: Auditions for both schools are in the process of being completed. Rehearsals will begin shortly for BACK TO THE 80’S. If your daughter is involved and you wish to help with costumes, make-up, etc then let us know. You can email me directly; swhite@timarugirls.school.nz. The production will run in Term 2 from May 22nd to May 25th. NZ Playhouse: Senior drama students will attend their performance of a shortened version of ‘The Great Gatsby’ on Thursday 23rd February at Timaru Boys’ High School. TGHS Kapa Haka: Pikimai has been working enthusiastically with the Kapa Haka girls as they prepare for the Timaru District Council’s formal welcome for all international students at the Caroline Bay Hall. Good luck girls.

PTA AGM

23 March 2017

7:00pm – Staffroom

www.timarugirls.school.nz

TGHS SPIRIT AWARD

This year we are introducing the Timaru Girls’ High Spirit Award at Year 9. This award has been designed to recognise students who demonstrate personal responsibility, co-operation and a high level of participation in their learning, sporting and cultural endeavours. The Spirit Award also encourages students to take part in school and community service, as it is recognised as an essential part of being a Timaru Girls’ High girl. On completion of this award students will be presented with a certificate, and may also purchase the Spirit Award badge. There are four components to the award: Learning:

Attendance: To gain this award your attendance must be at least 85% or more.

Interim Reports: These are issued in Terms 1 & 3. To meet this requirement, you must attain 80% or more of the at Good or above of the teacher evaluation.

Sporting:

Participation in all compulsory school events - cross country, athletics, swimming sports and Aitken & Waters Cup. Cultural:

Participation in at least one school cultural event. E.g. House Choirs, Stage Challenge, Production, Itinerant Music, Kapahaka, Shakespeare, Chorale, Orchestra, Rock Band, Chamber Music, Speech Contest, etc. Service to the school or wider community:

To meet this requirement there must be a voluntary donation of time with no monetary gain. Types of service may include: Collecting e.g. for Daffodil Day, coaching/mentoring, School Council, volunteering, etc.

Year 9 Camp – top, Sophie Kearns, 2nd row Brooke Noble, Sophie Vaughan, 3rd row Kate Sorenson, Lydia Wilson, Olivia Hewitson, bottom Stacey Ramsay, Emily Campbell, Kimberlee Gabites-Williams, Alex Howden, front Molly Wyborn

Year 9 Camp - Abi Lapthorn

www.timarugirls.school.nz

TREKKING IN NEPAL

In 2017 TGHS is planning a new venture, and taking a small group trekking in Nepal.

The itinerary: Starting in Kathmandu, the group will fly up to Lukla, and then – led by one of the world’s top Sherpas – will explore the Everest region of Nepal, staying in teahouse accommodation along the way. The group will depart from Christchurch airport on November 26th, 2017 and return on December 9th 2017. The itinerary (which is subject to change) will be:

Day 1 - 27th - Arrive Kathmandu Day 2 - 28th - fly Kathmandu to Lukla 2,800m, trek to Phakding 2,600m (3hrs) Day 3 - 29th - trek Phakding to Monjo 2,800m (3hrs) Day 4 - 30th - trek Monjo to Namche 3,450m (4hrs) - see Mt Everest today, weather permitting!! Day 5 - 1st - In Namche, and acclimatisation walk to Khumjung 3,800m (Hillary School visit) & Khunde 3,800m (Khunde hospital visit and/or monastery) (4hrs) Day 6 - 2nd - trek Namche to Tengboche 3,800m (5-6hrs) Day 7 - 3rd - Tengboche to Namche (5hrs) Day 8 - 4th - Namche to Thame 3,800m (return to Namche) (6hrs plus time in Thame) Day 9 - 5th - Namche to Lukla (6-7hrs) Day 10 - 6th - fly to Kathmandu Day 11 - 7th - In Kathmandu (1/2 day sightseeing, time to explore) Day 12 - 8th - Depart Kathmandu for home Day 13 - 9th – Arrive home.

Please note: NCEA examinations will NOT be complete by this date. Students should check carefully the date of their final examination: http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/ncea-exams-and-portfolios/external/national-secondary-examinations-timetable/

Group leaders: Two teachers will travel with the group throughout. Mark Houghton and Deb Hales have significant travel and tramping experience between them. From Kathmandu, the group will be led by Lapka Sherpa, the director of Himalayan Ascent (HA) and a vastly experienced mountaineer. It is a huge honour for us to be accompanied by a leader of Lapka’s status.

Group size: The group will be the 2 teacher-leaders, and then between 8 and 10 students.

Cost: The cost of the expedition (including all flights, trekking fees and accommodation) will be $5100.

Inclusions: Travel to/from Christchurch airport. Nepal tourist visa. Guide and sherpas at ratio appropriate to team numbers, trekking permit and Sagamartha national park fee, up to 4 nights Kathmandu hotel equivalent to Hotel Tibet at Lazimpat plus buffet breakfast, HA organised land transport in Nepal to and from airport to hotel and included 1/2 day sightseeing at start of trip, KTM-Lukla-KTM fixed wing flight with max 15kg personal gear weight per pax, high altitude wilderness first aid kit, all meals outside Kathmandu, porters to carry personal / group equipment, use of warm down jacket and warm sleeping bag, and provision of expedition duffel for use on trek and for client to retain, if would they would like.

Exclusions: Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu (USD 10-15 per meal), aerated beverages, between meals snacks, personal items (e.g. phone calls, laundry, internet), tips for guides and porters, personal transport in Nepal, showers on trek (available in certain lodges at advertised cost), personal trekking gear, excess weight costs on Lukla flight.

Deposit: A (non-returnable) deposit of $1600 is payable to Timaru Girls’ High School by the 31 March 2017. The balance for the full cost will be due by 31st July 2017. Please mark all payments “Nepal Expedition”. Payments by instalment are acceptable, but must be paid in full by the deadlines indicated above. We will support fundraising efforts by the students, but these should be instigated by the students themselves.

Appropriate age/level of fitness: The expedition is open to all students in Years 11 and above. The days on this trek are mostly fairly short, and students will only need to carry a daypack. However, we will be walking every day, and much of the trek will be at high altitude so a reasonable level of fitness is required. Tramping experience is not essential but would be useful. If you can get up and down Little Mount Peel without aching too much the next day you’ll be fine!

If you have any questions, please get in touch. I will be holding some information meetings later in the year for those students who are participating. Namaste! Mark Houghton Nepal group leader, TGHS

www.timarugirls.school.nz

SPORT Swimming Sports: It was a cracker day at the TGHS Swimming Sports. Special mention must go to Eva Cloake who broke three records! Eva broke the 200m Freestyle open record, the 100m Breastroke Intermediate record (record has stood since 2005) and smashed the 100m Backstroke Intermediate record by an impressive 4 seconds (record stood since 1986). Huge congratulations to Eva. Two girls who came close to records were Isy Wilson and Olivia Moore. Participation and house spirit was at an all-time high and as Mrs Davis said - you are all winners today with your fantastic attitudes and enthusiasm throughout the day. Results as follows: House Banner: 1st Kowhai, 2nd Konini, 3rd Ngaio 4th Rata

Best House singing: 1st Rata 2nd Kowhai 3rd= Ngaio/Konini

Relay: Hostel v Bus Girls v Junior School v Senior School 1st Hostel

Relay: Year 9 Inter-house 1st Konini, 2nd Ngaio, 3rd Rata 4th Ngaio

Relay: Year 10 Inter-house 1st Ngaio 2nd Rata 3rd Konini 4th Kowhai

Relay: Senior Inter-house 1st Rata 2nd Ngaio 3rd Konini 4th Ngaio

Overall House Placings - Winners on the day 1st RATA 2nd Ngaio 3rd Konini 4th Kowhai

www.timarugirls.school.nz

Archery: The South Island Archery Junior Championships were held 18-19 February in Timaru. TGHS students Grace Beatson and Xanthe Julian, of the Timaru Archery Club were among the ranks.

Above: Grace Beatson - Year 13, who won the ‘Under 20 female’ grade.

Above: Xanthe Julian – Year 10

SCHOOL HEALTH CLINICS

Public Health Nursing offers students an opportunity to attend a free health clinic at TGHS each Monday during the lunch hour. The clinics are held in a quiet room off the back of the hall (enter via the side door near the main gates).

The nurse will see students for a wide variety of health issues e.g. vision or hearing concern, skin problems including acne, sports and other injuries, sexual health/contraception, nutrition advice, low mood and other issues e.g. not sleeping, anxiety, etc, quit smoking support, problems with alcohol or drugs. In other words a wide variety of health concerns.

Students are encouraged to discuss their health with a parent/caregiver. They can also attend their own doctor and some appointments are free for contraception/sexual health. Students can also attend the Youth Health Clinic held at 18 Woollcombe Street Timaru each Tuesday from 2:00 – 4:30pm with a Nurse Practitioner, this is a free service.

Parents are welcome to ring or text the nurse to discuss further.

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV) IMMUNISATION

HPV vaccine is now available FREE for both boys and girls up to the age of 26 years and is available at your doctor.

HPV vaccine offers protection against HPV-related cancers. Protecting young people before they have been exposed to HPV will better protect their health in the longer term. This vaccine has proven to be both safe and effective with millions of doses of Gardasil vaccine given world-wide and a big reduction in HPV presentations to health clinics.

The school based program for Year 8 students is about to get underway in South Canterbury with nurses contacting all primary schools about this important vaccine.

Further information is available on www.health.govt.nz

Claire Neilson Public Health Nurse - 0272479301

Megan Rawlins

www.timarugirls.school.nz

In Year 11 Students study NCEA Level One They choose 6 subjects, each with about 20 credits available. They need 80 credits.

It doesn’t matter which subjects these come from. Their “grade” (Achieved/Merit/Excellence) doesn’t matter. Whether they come from “internals” or “externals” doesn’t matter.

These must include 10 credits for Literacy and 10 credits for Numeracy For most students, these will come from “tagged” achievement standards. Some will find them easier to obtain by studying for the Literacy and Numeracy Unit standards.

Some students will look for extra recognition Certificate Endorsement A student who gains 50 credits or more at Excellence will get NCEA Level 1 Endorsed with Excellence. A student who gains 50 credits or more at Merit / Excellence will get NCEA Level 1 Endorsed with Merit.

Course Endorsement Awarded for individual subjects A student who gains 14 or more credits at Excellence in a subject will gain an Excellence Endorsement in that subject. A student who gains 14 or more credits at Merit/Excellence in a subject will gain a Merit Endorsement in that subject. At least 3 of these credits must come from external assessments (except in PE).

In Year 12 Students study NCEA Level Two They choose 5 subjects, each with about 20 credits available. Students who did not achieve Level 1, but who came close (eg got about 70 credits) should carry on to study Level 2. Credits gained at Level 2 count both at Level 2 and towards Level 1. Students who did not achieve Level 1, and did not come close (eg got less than about 70 credits) might choose to study some Level 1 courses.

They need 60 extra credits at Level 2.

They need to have reached the Level 1 Numeracy and Literacy requirements. There is no extra requirement at Level 2 (so most students will have gained this last year).

Certificate and Course Endorsements are available at Level 2

In Year 13

Some students continue with NCEA Level Two

Some students study NCEA Level Three (and University Entrance)

They choose 5 subjects, each with about 20 credits available. Students who did not achieve Level 2, but who came close (eg got about 50 credits) should carry on to study Level 3. Credits gained at Level 3 count both at Level 3 and towards Level 2. Students who did not achieve Level 2, and did not come close (eg got less than about 50 credits) might choose to study some Level 2 courses.

Most students are encouraged to gain University Entrance even if they do not intend to use it.

University Entrance is a qualification. Despite the name, it does NOT

guarantee entrance to any specific university or course. But it is NEEDED to gain entry to any university or course. Its requirements are: • NCEA Level 3 • 14 credits in each of 3 UE recognised subjects. • Literacy - 5 credits “tagged” as reading and 5 “tagged” as writing at level 2 or 3.

Some students should consider studying for NCEA Scholarship These are awarded in individual subjects, and are assessed with a one off assessment (exam) in most subjects (though a few are assessed with a portfolio of work). Successful students are awarded $500 for each scholarship gained. Students considering scholarship should talk to their subject teachers. Entry WILL require some extra study.

For NCEA Level 3, students need 60 extra credits at Level 3.

They need to have reached the Level 1 Numeracy and Literacy requirements. There is no extra requirement at Level 3 (so most students will have gained this in year 11).

Certificate and Course Endorsements are available at Level 3

There is useful information available for parents on the NZQA website www.nzqa.govt.nz This website gives information on how NCEA works. There is a guide, an app and a video clip outlining information relevant to NCEA. An extract from the student Assessment Procedures booklet is from p19. This outlines what a student should do if they are absent on a day they have an assessment or if their completion of an assessment is impeded prior to the deadline.

www.timarugirls.school.nz

Student absent on day of NCEA assessment

Must phone school office to explain absence

If sick - get a medical certificate that day Or - if unable to see a doctor then contact the Principal’s Nominee

If other unavoidable absence then contact the Principal’s Nominee

If assignment due that day get it to the school office by 3:30pm on the day or post it so post mark indicates the date.

IMMEDIATELY on return to school after absence:

Collect green Assessment Issues form from school office.

Complete green Assessment Issues form Part A.

Attach medical certificate or letter from parent/caregiver to green Assessment Issues form.

Return green compassionate form to the office as soon as possible but it must be received within a week of your return to school.

You will be notified of the decision as soon as possible.

Student appealing a grade or any aspect of the conditions under which the assessment took place.

Collect the green Assessment Issues form from the office and complete Part B.

Hand into the office and follow instructions on the form.

www.timarugirls.school.nz

YEAR 9 CAMP

Year 9 camp was held 17th and 18th February at Raincliff. This was a great chance for girls to get to know members of their form class better as well as other Year 9 students, staff and Year 13 Peer Support leaders. Highlights of camp from 9CP were:

Getting to go on the confidence course

as it pushed a number of students

mentally and physically and got them

out of their comfort zone.

Swimming in the river was a great

chance to cool down and spend time

with our friends.

Miss Tulley teaching us about different

shapes, what they mean and their

significance to our personalities.

Getting to do lots of fun activities with

the Year 13 Peer Support leaders which

challenged us.

Learning to play Ki O Rahi and the

significance of the game. We look

forward to playing it again in PE this

year.

The quiz was challenging but a good

opportunity for us to work with our

friends.

The cabins were cool as we had to go

with different people so we got to know

people better and could share stories

about ourselves.

The food was delicious, we’ll keep the

cooks on!

The impressive singing and dancing

which was shown in the talent quest.

The cyber bullying presentation taught

us about the importance of keeping safe

on the internet and how to help people

around us.

Thanks to the staff who organised and

looked after us at camp.

www.timarugirls.school.nz

OBITUARIES

Miss Jean F J Sargent BA

Principal TGHS 1972 – 1977 Educated at Epsom Girls’ Grammar School, Jean taught at Hawera High School and was Deputy Principal at Marlborough Girls’ before being appointed Principal at Timaru Girls’. During her time at TGHS the original school building

was deemed an earthquake risk. As well as the replacement of this building additional classrooms were added, refurbishment and audio visual equipment purchased. Miss Sargent was very involved with ‘The House’ and gave up much of her free time to ensure its smooth running. Miss Sargent gained respect for her leadership, generosity and devotion to her position, her great kindliness and concern for all within the walls of the school. She retired to Blenheim in 1977 and passed away 8 November 2016.

Centenary of 'The House' TGHS 2021 Committee members wanted

Planning for the 2021 Centennial celebrations for the establishment of the boarding hostel at TGHS is about to get underway. If you would like to be part of the organising committee we would welcome your help.

Please contact: Pam Gibson, President Timaru High School Old Girls Home ASSN ap.gibson@slingshot.co.nz

Mrs B Rae Wilson BA, DpTCH, CNZM

Principal TGHS 1977-1985 Educated at Waimate High School, Dunedin University and Teachers’ College. Before coming to Timaru Girls’ she taught at both Timaru Boys’ and Geraldine High School. She came to the school

during a time of many changes. Social trends and attitudes in society brought changes in Department of Education policies to address changing expectations of women’s roles and responsibilities. The need for more student support was facilitated with the appointments of Guidance and Careers Counsellors. Staff and students alike appreciated her friendly and dignified manner, her respect for tradition, her innovative ideas and her commitment to all aspects of Timaru Girls’. Mrs Wilson retired to Geraldine and passed away 1 February 2017.

PTA Firewood

Two trailer loads to sell

$150 each

Dry ready to use

Will deliver

Phone Michelle 6864824/0211726168

www.timarugirls.school.nz

Phambi, pictured above, the Nepalese teacher sponsored by Timaru Girls’ High School.

This school recently completed its 2nd terminal exam. Post-earthquake reconstruction and maintenance work are still going on in the school premises and some of the children have to study in the Temporary Learning Shelters. It is hoped the building works will soon be completed and the children will have their classrooms back.

Isy Wilson