Palmerston North Girls' High Update

Manawatu Standard

Last updated 16:16 01/12/2009

Relevant offers

This year has brought another year of such outstanding success, achievement, participation and fun. Every month our Update Newsletter has increased in volume, filled with stories of our young women's events and accolades.

Our sport and academic prizegivings this year have been a delight and we were pleased that you were able to share the time with us in celebrating success for your daughter and her friends.

I know that many of you may have heard that interesting message at home from your daughter that "you don't need to go". Parents should ignore such messages, rather interpreting it as a call for you and your daughter to be there. I am aware that teens can go through an interesting stage of not wanting to share information about their school, nor apparently wanting parents in their space. On the contrary, they need you more than ever through their teenage years. This is why we have taken to posting Update Newsletter and School Reports to your address every month.

The school year is fast coming to a close. Regardless the message your daughter conveys about attendance, everyone is expected to attend one of these two assemblies:

all Year 11, 12 and 13 students at 8.45am on Monday 7 December; and
Year 9 and 10 School Prizegiving at 10.30am on Wednesday 9 December.

The end of the year is a time to reflect on achievements and consider what needs to be put into place for the coming year. I like to think of school as a place of work. It does have the same features - work mates, a supervisor, an employer, a common purpose, and a reward for work done. It also requires everyone to work independently and co-operatively, to be at work on time every day, willing to take responsibility and strive hard for mutual benefits. Habits are formed early; every day matters.

Achievements from this school are already outstanding. We have taken steps this year to tighten expectations and standards, and have further work to do on this next year. Thank you for your support in the interests of your daughter's future

I look forward to sharing 2010 with you. Have a very safe and relaxing holiday over the coming weeks.

Melba Scott - Principal

Final Assemblies for 2009

Monday December 7 - Year 11, 12 and 13 students assemble in the hall at 8.45am for the final assembly.

Wednesday December 9 - Year 9 and 10 students assemble in the hall for prizegiving at 10-.30am.

Ad Feedback

Challenge Nine
During the week of 30 November, the Year 9 students will be working in groups to extend their creative and resourceful talents. They will be script writing and producing performance.

If your daughter is in Year 9, expect to see an active, excited daughter looking to maximise the recyclable materials at your home. This project will end with a final concert on Friday 4 December at 1pm in the New Gym. All parents are welcome to attend this concert and see the incredible achievements of their daughters.

Board of Trustees
This year has almost come to an end, and I can imagine how many of you are going to breathe a sigh of relief when the break begins. It has certainly been a busy year and it has gone by very quickly.

I would like to congratulate all award winners this year. There have been some really outstanding achievements, and it is great to see the amount of hard work that has been put in by our students. This does not go without recognition. Well done to all of you.

To all of our students who are returning next year, I hope that you all have an enjoyable break, and come back with the same enthusiasm as you have had this year.

Our best wishes go to all of you who are leaving us at the end of this term. We look forward to hearing about your successes and achievements in the near future.

There are three staff who have been at our school for a very long time, (a total of 64 and a half years in fact) and who are leaving us at the end of this year Margaret Robinson, Clare Bahlman and Esmee Rowden. We are sorry to see you go as it has been a pleasure to have you on our staff. We wish you all the very best for your future endeavours.

This time next year we will hopefully be holding our final assemblies in our new performing arts centre. There has definitely been some progress with this project, and we should see some construction starting about the middle of next year. My thanks to the Board members and staff who are the driving force behind this project.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all of the staff for their hard work this year, and wish every one of you a safe and enjoyable Christmas, and an awesome New Year. I look forward to seeing you all again in 2010.

Shaun Carrick
Chairperson - Board of Trustees

Year 8 Parents and Students
We await with eager anticipation your arrival at school on Tuesday 2 February 2010. Assemble at the front of the school hall and our staff will instruct and assist your entry and powhiri. Following a very warm welcome to our school, you will quickly find yourself in class getting to know your colleagues. A few Year 12 students will join your class for the morning to assist your introduction to our school and make sure you can find your way around with confidence. After lunch, we will commence working from your timetable and by the end of the day, you will have attended at least two of your seven subject classes.

Making the transition to secondary school can be a surprise for some students. We ask students to shift from having one teacher and one classroom for most of the week, to operating five one-hour period days with a different teacher and different classroom for every lesson. You will want to assist your daughter with this transition. She is stepping up to secondary school: it is different, exciting, challenging and requires independent self-management and an ability to be organised. While friends are important for a happy existence in any workplace, your daughter is stepping into our school gates to come to work every day. An appropriate balance of work and social activities is most important.

Two organisational strategies that will help include having a diary with her timetable firmly fixed inside it, and spending a few minutes every evening referring to that timetable to pack her school bag and prepare her uniform for the next day.

One habit that will help with progressing learning in secondary school is to set aside a regular time of one hour per day for self-initiated homework, regardless of any specific homework given. With five lessons every day, there is great deal of work your daughter can do to prepare for the next day and the assessment that will inevitably appear at the end of each topic of learning. For example, she could revise the day's work, summarise notes, record dates on a wall year planner, find additional reading, progress work on an assignment, read and respond to feedback received from her teacher, read and review the learning objectives for the unit of learning, regularly test her own understanding of concepts and new language, and experiment with study techniques that work well for her success in assessments.

Success and effort are like twins - one does not exist without the other.

Southern Cross Healthcare Award for Excellence

Paula Radich has been awarded the Southern Cross Healthcare Award for Excellence in recognition of her academic and sporting success, and leadership role within the school.

The aim of the $500.00 scholarship is to encourage and reward a student, who through motivation and hard work has become a high achiever across a range of disciplines.

Paula was a member of the Hodges House Committee and the Sports Code Committee this year. She is an avid sportsperson, playing netball for the Senior A Netball Team that finished third at the national event, playing squash for the Palmerston North Girls' High School Top Squash Team that placed fourth at the nationals, participated in the cycling team and competed for the Palmerston North Girls' High School Cross Country team at the Manawatu Interschool Event, coming sixth. Paula was named in the Netball Umpire New Zealand Development Programme for 2010, holds a Regional Umpiring Badge and was second equal in the New Zealand Netball Umpiring Theory Examination. Academically Paula has achieved NCEA Level 1 endorsed with excellence, making her a worthy recipient of this scholarship.

Southern Cross Healthcare - which operates health and travel insurance businesses and a network of private surgical hospitals - launched the scholarship programme for Manawatu high schools in 2005.

Southern Cross Healthcare Group Chief Executive Officer, Ian McPherson, sends his congratulations and best wishes to Paula Radich on her outstanding achievements.

Careers
2009 Agriteens Contest at Manawatu A & P Show
David Skiffington, 2008 NZ Young Farmer of the Year organised this inaugural competition to help promote careers in agriculture, entertain the crowd and give school students a chance to demonstrate their farming skills.

Year 13 students, Lauren Bird, Emily Gibson, Rachel Wisnewski and Helena Fejzagic-Scott, joined contestants from local secondary schools to complete the ten skill modules. These included cattle weighing, spraying, tractor driving, ATV loading, a first aid situation, a quiz and assembling a trough ballcock.

All the girls performed impressively with three 1st place awards: Helena won the quiz; Emily the spraying; and Rachel the First Aid. Overall, Rachel came in 2nd place and Emily in 3rd place.

English
Extension Writing
Four students have had work selected for publication in the 2009 edition of Re-draft. Re-Draft is published annually by the School for Young Writers at Canterbury University and features writing from both secondary and tertiary students. This is an outstanding achievement and we congratulate Lis Alvarado (Y13), Phway Aye (Y12), Rebecca Wong (Y11), and Rebecca Henderson (Y10). Their writing has been selected from hundreds of entries throughout the country.

Senior Speech Competition
The finals of the annual senior speech competition were held in the school library on Wednesday 25 September. Congratulations to this year's winner, Rachel Henderson (Y12), who spoke on the fur trade. The judges commended the overall standard of the speeches presented. Other finalists were Zoe Bennett (Y12), Chelsea Goldfinch (Y12), Jenny Atkins (Y12), Paula Radich (Y12), and Amy Carlyon (Y12).

Junior Speech Finals
The Junior Speech Finals were held on 18 November and were expertly judged by Mrs Esmee Rowden and Mrs Helen Burrows. The judges were extremely impressed by the high calibre of the finalists although it did make their job very difficult indeed. The junior students involved were Eleanor Pepper (Y10) 1st, Sarah Carswell 10), Hayley Bennett (Y9) 2nd equal and Emily van Velthooven (Y9) 4th. The girls are to be congratulated for their mature ideas and engaging delivery.

Drama
Drama Tour Group
From 19 September to 10 October 2010, a group of students, teachers and parents are traveling overseas to experience the drama of Europe. They will visit Athens, Rome, Paris and London, as well as attend the passion play performance at Oberammergau in Germany. The total cost per student is $10,500.00. This includes all activities, meals and accommodation but excludes spending money. There has been a very dedicated and active team of parents fundraising for this trip and more opportunities are planned.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, a place on the tour has become available. Please contact Ms Mohekey for details and an application form.

Mathematics
International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) Mathematics 2009
Twenty-five students sat this paper in July. Our students have been awarded one High Distinction (top 1%), Apurva Kasture (Y10), nine Distinctions (top 10%), Sisi Chen (Y13), Shelley Fong (Y13), Nannan Liu (Y12), Jasmine Ngai (Y11), Hermaleigh Townsley (Y11), Rebecca Wong (Y11), Amy Young (Y11), Amy Martin (Y10), Nazia Ahmed (Y9), nine Credits and six Participation Certificates.

Mathematics Development Band Certificates for 2009
The Mathematics Development Band programme provides extension and enrichment activities in Mathematics. Students independently complete four modules of work throughout the year. To achieve at the Excellence level, extra investigations need to be carried out and all work must be of a high standard. Eight Year 10 students had the perseverance, motivation and organization modules to complete the requirements for the award of a certificate.

Year 11 Excellence Certificates were awarded to the following Year 10 students: Hannah Adler, Sarah Carswell , Sophia Guan, Apurva Kasture, Amy Martin, Abby Miles and Amanda Wallis. Year 10 Merit Certificate was awarded to Martina Alvarez (Y10).

Media Studies
Oscars
The sixth annual Downtown Cinema Palmerston North Girls' High School Oscars was held on 16 October at the Downtown Rialto Cinema.

Invited guests, staff, students and friends and family had the opportunity to see twelve short films produced by Year 12 and 13 students and five of the Year 13 magazine articles.

The production ranged from mockumentaries to dramas and covered topics as diverse as gossip, HIV, boy racers, loss and Palmerston North Girls' High School accepting its first male student.

The judges, John Garrett and Craig Harding for film and Ginnie Harcombe and Jon Clarke for magazine, awarded the following prizes:
Downtown Cinema Award for Best Film was won by Penny Birch and Jordan Luttrell "Manifestations of Grief";
Outpost Award for Best Soundtrack & Cinematography was won by Nicole Ankers and Caitlin Simpson "Chinese Whispers";
Fitzherbert Rowe Prize for Best Drama was won by Hayley Robinson and Emma McKenzie-Young "Memory";
Fitzherbert Rowe Prize for Best Comedy and Mockumentary was won by Katie Cheer and Lucy Wardle "The Story of Henry Madigan";
Moxon Gemtime Jeweller Prize for Best Script was won by Nicola Corner and Brittany Burnett "Your Future"; Tony's Tyre Service Prize for Best Entertainment was won by Jessica Thomson and Georgia Hutchinson "Twiorks";
Click Clack Prize for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy was won by Holly Madigan;
Click Clack Prize for Best Actress in a Drama was won by Victoria Scott;
Whitcoulls Prize for Best Magazine was won by Nicole Tilbrook "Kelsey Genna";
Spick and Span Prize for Best Writing was won by Kelsey Lane "The ABCs of HIV";
Spick and Span Prize for Best Visual Photography Layout was won by Nadia Jones "TWEENage in the Modern Age".

On behalf of the Media Studies Department we wish to thank all our sponsors for their support and encouragement of for our students.

Science
NZ Biology Olympiad
In August approximately 20, Year 11 and Year 12 Palmerston North Girls' High School students sat the first exam as part of the selection process for the 2010 New Zealand International Biology Olympiad team. Madeline Win (Y12) and Caitlin Wright (Y12) have been selected for the tutorial group of fifty students from two hundred and fifty entrants. Over the summer, Caitlin and Madeline will complete a series of tutorials in preparation the for NZIBO training camp selection exam in February. This is the second stage in the programme to select the team of four students to represent New Zealand at the International Biology Olympiad in Korea next July.

Rotary National Youth Science and Technology Forum
Anna Palmer (Y12) and Chamilka Punchihewa (Y12) have been selected by the Awapuni and Palmerston North Rotary clubs to represent Palmerston North at the annual Rotary National Science and Technology Forum in Auckland from January 9 - 23. This event brings together outstanding students from around New Zealand for a variety of hands-on Science/Technology activities. For past students this has been the start of their Science/Technology careers and a life-changing event.

Nanocamp
Alexandra McNeill (Y12) was one of twelve students and only six young women from hundreds of applicants selected to attend the 2010 Nanocamp at Canterbury University. Nanocamp offers students the opportunity to learn about this new exciting area of technology through lectures, practicals and working with scientists from the MacDiarmid Institute. Alexandra has had to decline this offer as she has also been chosen for an exchange to France that occurs at the same time. Our congratulations to Alex on her formidable success.

Extension
CREST
Creativity in Science and Technology or CREST is an international programme administered by the Royal Society of New Zealand. At Palmerston North Girls' High School students are encouraged to participate in this high level thinking and creative problem solving skills programme through Extension, Science, Art, Drama, Music and Applied Consumer Technology. Currently there are two students working at the Gold CREST level - Anna Palmer (Y12) and Emma Wilson (Y12). Emma Wilson and Acacia Meehan (Y12) have recently attained their Silver CREST awards.

This year, the Year 9 Science Extension classes 9SA and 9SO were encouraged to work towards Bronze and Team Bronze CREST when carrying out their Science/Technology Investigations. Some students entered their research into the Manawatu Science and Technology Fair. The projects included: a cat driven cat feeder, a study to find out what time of the day birds defecate on cars in the Square and an automatic piano page turner.

Bronze CREST:
Jess Braddon-Parsons (Y9), Grace Brett (Y9), Nina Donkin (Y9) Katrina Jensen (Y9) Tiffany Kim (Y9), Julie Marshall (Left) and Hannah McCarthy (Y9).

Team Bronze CREST:
Jhansi Akepogu (Y9) Kate Allan (Y9) Jessica Bryce (Y9) Charlotte Foster (Y9) Nicole Freebairn (Y9), Emily Good (Y10), Shannon Mendez (Y9), Nicola Morrison (Y10), Carla Rauzi (Y9), Nadia Rim (Y9), Hilary Spencer (Y9), Megan Stewart (Y10), April Turner (Y9), Brittany Vining (Y9) and Ashleigh Yeh (Y9).

Peer Support Training
All Year 11 students who have applied to be a Peer Support Leader in 2010 are required to attend two training days. The first day is on Monday 7 December 2009 from 11.30am - 1.00pm. The second training day is on Thursday 28 January 2010 from 9.30am - 3.00pm. Both training days will begin in the Old Gym. Any questions should be addressed to Ms Petrina Paki, Guidance Counsellor.

Staff News
Mrs Rowden is departing Palmerston North Girls' High School after twenty years service, including as HOD Commerce and this year as acting Assistant Principal. Her expertise will be long remembered in this school for leading her department, being a professional colleague to other HODs, a strong leader of the New Zealand Curriculum implementation programme in our school, and a most active member of the Senior Management Team. We wish her every success as she relocates to Hawkes Bay following her husband's transfer to the Hastings office of MWH.

Mrs Bahlman is departing Palmerston North Girls' High School after nineteen years service, including as Assistant HOD Mathematics, Dean over several successive years, and our chief timetabler. Her contribution to our school's development in teaching, mathematics and school administration has been significant and highly valued. We wish her every success as she relocates to Hong Kong following her husband's appointment to work there.

Mrs Robinson is departing Palmerston North Girls' High School after twenty-five and a half years service as accounts person. Mrs Robinson has seen many changes in the financial workings of the school and has had to adapt to new computer systems, at times, with very short notice both in accounting and student management. Her contribution to the school has been huge and her calm and positive interaction with students and the community has been a testament to her commitment and dedication. Mrs Robinson is looking forward to retirement and the many joys this next phase will bring and our best wishes go with her.

Miss Loveridge has returned to school this month after a year on scholarship to study at Massey University. Miss Loveridge has completed her Master of Education Degree including a research paper on Responsibility Theory. Miss Loveridge will be taking up the role of Professional Learning Leader for teachers, in addition to her teaching and management responsibilities in Physical Education and Health.

Mrs Paki has returned to school this month after a year on a scholarship to study at Massey University. Mrs Paki has completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching. Mrs Paki will be teaching Social Studies next year in addition to her role as Guidance Counsellor.

Mr O'Sullivan has completed his study at Victoria University for the award of Graduate Diploma in Special Needs Resourcing Teaching.

Sport
Cycling
On 1 November, five Palmerston North Girls' High School students entered the Tour de Manawatu Cycling Race held around the Manawatu region. In the female U17 80km race Rachel Southee (Y12) won 1st in her age category and 1st overall, Paigan Jones (Y11) 3rd in her age category and 5th overall and Christabel Burne (Y9) 4th in her age category and 23rd overall. Ruby Perry (Y9) was 2nd in the female U17 45km race and 8th overall and Amelia London (Y9) was 2nd in the female U17 20km race and 5th overall.

Congratulations to Mr J Clarke who competed in the Tour de Manawatu Cycling race, was placed 3rd in his age category and 13th overall in the male 80km race.

Canoe Polo
Megan Stewart (Y10), Katie Russell (Y10), Eleanor Pepper (Y10), Aleisha White (Y10), Emma Richardson (Y10), Brit Rolston (Y9) and Lauren Bennett (Y10) were part of the Palmerston North Girls' High School Canoe Polo Team that came 2nd in the U15 Girls' grade in the Hard Yards Canoe Polo Tournament held on 31 October in Masterton.

Palmerston North Girls' High School Sports Prizegiving

The annual Sports Prizegiving for 2009 was held on 3 November at The Regent. This was a wonderful event that celebrated both participation and excellence of our sportswomen. Guest speaker, Betty Steffensen presented an inspirational speech of challenges she had to deal with as a top sportswoman during her international career. The Sports Council did a tremendous job of organising and presenting the event. Below is a summary of the major awards presented Sports Blues
Sports Blues are presented to students who have been selected for a National Representative team and/or gained a top 3 placing in a National or International event. Congratulations to the following students who received a Sports Blue for 2009.

Ashleigh-Kate Araroa-Waerea (Y11) Netball, Jane Barnett (Y11) Soccer, Josephine Boakes (Y11) Cycling, Olivia Burne (Y13) Athletics and Cross Country, Katie Cheer (Y12) Gymnastics and Trampoline, Jessica Clarke (Y12) Netball, Michaela Curtis (Y11) Hockey, Samantha Dawson (Y13) Netball, Annelise De Cleene (Y9) Artistic Roller Skating, Tayla East (Y9) Trampoline, Danielle Fourie (Y12) Squash, Anderley Gordon (Y12) Netball, Brittany Hunt (Y10) Pistol Range Officer, Emma Lancaster (Y10) Speed Skating, Toni Loveridge (Y11) Gymnastics and Trampoline, Alicia McEwen (Y11) Basketball, Catherine McKeagg (Y10) Gymnastics, Amanda McKellar (Y12) Netball, Hannah Mills (Y10) Hockey Umpiring, Clea Molano (Y9) Artistic Roller Skating, Salome Molano (Y12) Artistic Roller Skating, Katarina O'Callaghan (Y13) Hockey, Sarah O'Neill (Y12) Netball, Maxie Ouyang (Y11) Badminton, Paula Radich (Y12) Netball, Sarah Robson (Y13) Netball Umpiring, Hapai Selby-Law (Y11) Netball, Te Paea Selby-Rickit (Y13) Netball, Hayley Sharp (Y10) Touch, Rachel Southee (Y12) Road Cycling, Kate Spencer (Y11) Artistic Roller Skating and Cross Country, Kamie Veikoso (Y13) Netball, Renee Wadsworth (Y11) Gymnastics and Trampoline, Kendra Waldman (Y9) Inline Hockey, Anna Yates (Y9) for Taekwondo.

Top Sports Awards 2009 Georgia Barnett (Y10) - Junior Sportswoman. The trophy is awarded to a Year 9 or 10 student who has participated in a range of sports over the year to a high level. Consideration was given to the level of competition the student is competing at in each sport, recognition at representative level, a role model and leadership in their chosen sports.

Sarah Robson (Y13) - Sports Manawatu Official of the Year. The trophy is awarded to a student who has achieved to a high level either as an administrator, umpire, manager or coach. Consideration was given to the level of competition the student is officiating at, qualifications gained throughout the year, the contribution they make to School's Sports Programme.
Kate Spencer (Y11) and Jane Barnett (Y11) - The Kayla Sharland and Emily Naylor Top All Round Sportswoman trophy. This trophy is awarded to a senior student who has participated in a range of sports throughout the year to a high level. Consideration was given to the level of competition the student is competing at in each sport, recognition at representative level, leadership in their chosen sports and the contribution to the development and participation of others.
Katarina O'Callaghan (Y13) - The Sports Committee Cup for Dux Ludorum. This trophy is awarded to a senior student who has gained the highest National Achievement.

Manawatu Secondary School Sports Awards
The Manawatu Secondary School Sports Awards were held on 5 November at the Convention Centre. Recognising top performing Secondary School athletes. Our students were very successful, claiming two of the major awards. Congratulations to the following students who gained code awards. Kate Spencer (Y11) Artistic Roller Skating, Olivia Burne (Y13) Athletics and Cross Country, Maxie Ouyang (Y11) Badminton, Jane Barnett (Y11) Cricket, Katarina O'Callaghan (Y13) Hockey, Te Paea Selby-Rickit (Y13) Netball, Kendra Waldman (Y9) Inline Hockey, Rachel Southee (Y12) Cycling, Danielle Fourie (Y12) Squash, Amy Carlyon (Y12) Surf Lifesaving, Sarah Robson (Y13) Officiating.

Supreme Awards
Te Paea Selby-Rickit (Y13) was named the overall supreme female of the year for her outstanding achievements in netball and to Sarah Robson (Y13) was named the overall official of the year for her outstanding achievements with netball umpiring. Archery The Palmerston North Girls' High School Archery team competed and won in the inaugural Manawatu Inter-secondary School Competition held at the Rifle, Rod and Gun Club on Sunday 8 November. The team included Amanda Death (Y12), Rebecca Henderson (Y10), Anna Walshaw (Y12), Natasha Melbye (Y12), Kendall Hutt (Y10), Megan Stewart (Y10), Laurie Sun (Y10), Kim Bryson (Y10), Michaela Smaling (Y9), Shae Longmuir (Y9) Maike Guesgen (Y13), Tessa Eising (Y9), Shaina Pinares-Garcia (Y10).

Shae Longmuir achieved the highest score of the competition. In addition, she won trophies for the best female score at 15 metres, best 6 arrows and most 10's and 10 X's (X being the most accurate shot a shooter can have). Kendall Hutt received a trophy for best female 10 metre score and Maike Guesgen receiving a trophy for best female score at 25 metres.

Volunteer Function
The Sports Department recently hosted a function at the Hokowhitu Bowling Club to thank all volunteers who have given up numerous hours to assist with sports teams during the year. The evening was a huge success, with special thanks to our sponsors:.

Countdown Supermarket, Christies Jewellery, Downtown Cinemas, The Elm Café, Hairworks, Moxons Gemtime Jewellers, Streets Ahead, Tony's Tyre Service, Tank Juice Bar, Wholly Bagels, Coachman Hotel, Aero, Mooses Sports World.

Spotlight on Water Polo
The history of water polo as a team sport began in England and Scotland during the late 19h century as a demonstration of strength and swimming skill. The modern game originated as a form of rugby football that was played in rivers and lakes with a ball constructed of Indian rubber. Men's water polo was one of the first team sports to be introduced at the 1900 Olympic games and women's water polo became an Olympic sport at the 2000 Sydney Games.

Water Polo at Palmerston North Girls' High School has some twenty players competing in a local competition held at the Palmerston North Boys' High School pool. The girls train under the watchful eye of Mr J Ross and Miss Alice Murphy on Friday mornings and play competition games on Wednesday afternoons. Palmerston North Girls' High School is really excited with the growth of the sport and have a vision of sending a team to Nationals in the near future. If you are interested in playing water polo please see Miss A Murphy or the Sports Office for more details.

Netball Club

2009 proved to be a productive and highly successful year for the Palmerston North Girls' High School Netball Club thanks to;

the diligent efforts of coaches, managers, umpires, and officials,
the active commitment and determination of players
the passionate support of parents, grandparents and the wider family,
the tireless contribution of committee members, and
the generosity of funders and the community at large

We finished the season with:
Placing    No. of Teams
1st      4
2nd         5
3rd         2
4th         6
5th   4
6th   5
7th   3
8th         3

While it's not all about winning, the following teams are to be commended for their outstanding season, finishing 1st in their grade.

Junior A1
13A2
10A4
10B3

Finally congratulations to the Snr A1 team for their superb placing at LNISS and Nationals, namely 2nd and 3rd respectively. This is a fantastic achievement and an inspirational finale for the year.

We look forward to another exceptional year and hope to see you all on board in 2010.

'You Can Always Become Better'
Tiger Woods

Palmerston North Girls' High School Netball Club acknowledges the support of:
Manawatu Cold Storage     Pak 'N' Save
Higgins Group Holdings Ltd    Melodies New World
Brian Law & Assoc Ltd     Mooses Sportsworld
Vautier Pharmacy    Kwok Joe Dental
Balfour Pharmacy

Louise Clarke
Chair PNGHS Netball Club

Parenting Corner
Eva-Maria's Advice
Eva-Maria is a teenager who has written a book for parents - 'You Shut Up! Redefining Teenager'. The book reminds us of a teenage worldview and is full of 'perspective' for parents. Eva-Maria encourages parents to share their opinions and experiences with their teenagers but also explains that you shouldn't expect them to listen the first time. What's the point then, you ask. Well, this is a teenage voice in response "Even if they don't listen to you the first time (which will most probably be the case). They will remember that you said it after they DO learn the lesson through their own mistakes and experiences. Because of this, they may be more open to listening to your advice next time" (Eva-Maria, 2009). So .... share your knowledge and then let them make their own experiences and mistakes.

For more check out the website for more advice http://www.youshutup.co.nz

Preparing for 2010
At the end of the school year, we issue your daughter with a package of information that enables you to assist her prepare for return to school in February 2010. We advise you to ask your daughter for these documents.

Stationery Lists enable you to commence purchasing items your daughter will need and to spread spending out over successive weeks if you wish.

Uniform can be purchased new or second-hand. Information about retailers and the PTA secondhand uniform sale are provided.

Subject fees are often asked for in the first month of school. We provide you with information to assist your preparation for the start of the school year.

Parent Handbook - we have published information about our procedures as a ready reference for you. All Year 8 students received one in their orientation pack, for all other students you will find a copy on our website at www.pnghs.school.nz

Enrolment - if you know of someone moving to Palmerston North, advise them to enrol early. Our office is open until Thursday 17 December 2009, then from Monday 18 January 2009. For all students in Years 12 and 13 (2010), registration is required on Wednesday 27 January. Students should also bring their NZQA results to that meeting.

Activities are an essential part of belonging to any organization, and are essential to our personal growth and development. We have provided some information about the activities available and we recommend you assist your daughter to set goals for her participation and commitment to sport, arts, other interest groups, and service.

School reports for Year 9 and 10 students will be posted on the week of 30 November. Senior students received theirs on 30 October.

Homework - This may seem an unusual time of the year to mention this topic, however the end of year reports provide a good opportunity to reflect on the link between the level of excellence achieved and commitment to preparing for excellence. So many of our students work very hard; conversely, I hear of many who claim they have not been given homework or have already done it at school. Such statements are misleading. Excellence is more likely to be achieved if your daughter puts aside a regular time for homework every day and creates her own plan of work to do during that time. It is the regular habit and commitment to work that raises the level of success. Over the school holidays before the new school year commences, make plans for a regular homework time and place to work at home for your daughter.

Work Diary - every student needs one if she is to successfully manage her time and work at secondary school. School diaries are issued to Year 9-11 students in February.

School Uniform
Our young women sometimes need reminding that a uniform is not a fashion item. Uniform signifies membership of our school. It is also clothing that is worn daily for four years, then often sold as second-hand for another student to wear for a further four years. Our standard of dress is important in conveying an impression of self-esteem for the wearer and pride for the highly regarded school that is Palmerston North Girls' High School. A uniform that is treated well, looks great and has excellent resale value.

We advise you to order your new uniform items before the end of the year - Gillespies Value House at Terrace End, and Kelly's Shoes in Broadway.

The secondhand uniform sale is Thursday 10 December and Tuesday 26 January from 5.30pm - 7.30pm in the Old Gym.

Year 12
In 2010, Year 13 students are permitted to wear mufti. Our young women need to choose carefully and ensure they wear clothing appropriate for work. I am expecting smart casual clothing suitable for a work environment and that represents a considerable degree of respect for themselves and others who share membership of our organisation. From time to time, official dress is required - a plain knee length black skirt, white shirt, school blazer and flat black shoes. Prefects may hire a blazer for the year. Others may hire one for the particular occasion.

Parent Invitations
Fri 4 December - Challenge Nine, 1pm, New Gym
Wed 9 December - Junior Prizegiving, Hall, 10.30am

PTA
PTA Pre-loved Uniform Sales

Uniform collection - Monday 7 December 8.30am - 10.00am
1st Uniform Sale - Thursday 10 December 5.30pm - 7.30pm
2nd Uniform Sale - Tuesday 26 January 5.30pm - 7.30pm

Board of Trustees Report

On Behalf of the Board of trustees, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to everyone here tonight.

Let me begin with some thank yous:

The parents of our students:

For attending tonight.
For choosing Palmerston North Girls' High School for your daughter's education.
For your continued support of the school.

All of the staff:

For creating a positive learning environment.
For your support of each other.
For your support of your Principal.

Melba Scott:

For being an excellent role model.
Having a clear vision for the school.
Leading the school with solid professionalism.

Board of Trustees:

For your hard work throughout the year.

(You will notice some changes starting to happen on our campus - it is all very exciting, although it is a time consuming process, we are all very much looking forward to our new performing arts centre in the near future, as well as some other exciting projects).

Dedication to ensure the continued success of our school.

The Media:

For displaying the positive aspects of PNGHS and conveying these to our community.

Well done to all of you.

There are so many great things about our school, it is a real privilege to be a part of it. Some of this years presentations put on by our students have been really awesome, it is amazing the amount of talented people that we have within our campus. I am certainly looking forward to seeing what events will be put on by our students next year.
I believe that together we have succeeded in creating a very strong and positive learning environment.

This is because of the focus and strength of our leadership team.
The passion and enthusiasm of our excellent teaching staff.
The willingness to learn, achieve and excel, which is the attitude of our students.

Tonight ladies and gentlemen, you are witnessing an integral part of New Zealand's future. The students who are here tonight are the leaders of tomorrow. Who knows? Our future Prime Minister might be sitting next to you. There are future Principals, designers, doctors, lawyers, vets, scientists (the list goes on) all sitting here amongst us this evening.

A wise man once told me that you should never do anything by halves. Give everything 100% or give it nothing.

While being mediocre might seem okay, it does not fit with the value of excellence.

What is excellence? Quite simply - it means to excel.
Achievement is good, however if you excel at what you achieve - this is excellence.

I am sure that most of you here (about my age) will agree with me, that (looking back of course), the years at high school went by very quickly.

So by giving 100% for the few short years that you are here, you are setting yourself up for a very successful and prosperous future.

Set your goals. Set them high. Do nothing by halves. Work hard and chase your dreams.
If you don't have dreams, you cannot set goals. If you don't have goals:

You are like a blind person, in a dark room, looking for a black cat,
That isn't there!

Tonight is all about the achievers who have given 100 % and who have excelled!

Well done to all of you.

Thank you very much, please enjoy your evening.

Principal's Report
Our students now have their names and our school registered on the global stage.

It is not that long ago I was asking for evidence of national accolades. It seemed to me that our potential existed, but our national award status was elusive.

At that time, I set a target of five national titles within three years.

By the end of 2007, one year later, our students had earned 11 national titles - not just in sport, but across sport, academic, arts and service.

Two years on, we have national titles as well as an international phenomenon.
In the last 12 months, 20 students have represented New Zealand in sport, with 7 of them earning medals; and 8 students have earned international acclaim related to their academic study, with 2 of them being invited to return as ambassadors.

Travel has taken them to Australia, Europe, Japan, USA and South America. Every traveler has returned home with a global network of acquaintances. It is certainly a credit to their effort and an early recognition for them on the global stage.

I especially want to acknowledge students for your success; parents and teachers for your support; student leaders for promoting and recognising achievement throughout the year; and the BOT for your initiative in awarding excellence scholarships.

Our teachers have continued to face challenging times in their professional growth as we have proceeded to understand the recently mandated New Zealand Curriculum and prepare for its full implementation next year.

For those of you looking on, there may well appear little change. Rest assured, we have been asked to make a transformative shift - one that manifests in several aspects, four of which include - knowledge, competencies, teaching, and standards.

Papers claimed in 1998:
All skills will become obsolete except one:
the skill of being able to make the right response
to situations that are outside the scope
of what you were taught in school.

If you consider what you are asked to do now, compared with what you learned in school, it would be reasonable to claim that Papert is too late with this claim.

Think about some of the changes that have occurred in our lifetime - 1960s brought the first moon landing; 1970s calculators were allowed in school; 1980s mobile phones, very expensive and affectionately known as bricks; 1990s internet provided us with web search and email; 2000s mobile technology brought us information anytime, anywhere; and 2010 will bring plane rides to space. The pace of change is so rapid we don't really know what the future might bring.

Knowledge is important, but knowing how to find and apply knowledge, in increasingly complex and unfamiliar situations is just as important.

Key competencies are now embedded as part of our language and conversations in school. In addition to planning the context and content of their learning programmes, teachers also plan to progress competencies with their students.

For our young women to succeed in their future, we need to develop:

thinkers who challenge the basis of assumptions and perceptions;
communicators who recognise how their choice of language affects others' understanding;
self-managers who know when to lead, when to follow and when to act alone;
the capacity to listen, recognise different views, negotiate and share ideas; and
young people who can contribute, develop networks, and create opportunities with others across local and global communities.

Teaching has already undergone a shift from content-driven and teacher-controlled programmes, to a partnership and shared responsibility in learning. When teachers and students are able to espouse with clarity what is to be achieved, they are each better prepared to gather appropriate evidence and focus their reflection and feedback on progressing learning.

Clarity is assisted by having standards to describe curriculum's objectives. It follows that a rewrite of the New Zealand Curriculum has also brought about a rewrite of the national achievement standards at curriculum levels 6 to 8 (Years 11 to 13). We have had to write our own for Year 9 and 10 courses.

Our staff have worked exceptionally hard at developing an in-depth understanding of the NZC and AS. I express my thanks to them for embracing the transformative shifts and preparing for our being NZC-ready next year.

It has been, and will continue to be, a demand on our time, but a satisfying development for our professional practice.

To all the wonderful young women with us this evening, step forward with confidence and competence, and step up to always be the best that you can in every way, every day.

Semper sursum
Ever upwards

Outstanding Academic Women

Palmerston North Girls' High School Academic Prizegiving was held at the Regent Theatre on Wednesday 11 November.

Guest Speaker Karlo Mila

Top awards include:

Scott cup for all-round endeavour - Stacey Cleland
Beverley Livingston cup for citizenship - Ella Northover
Julia Wallace award for leadership - Olivia Burne
Nikau award for strength to succeed - Grace Hwang
Top scholars - Erin Folster, Christine Min, Nadia Jones, Alice Bates
Dux medal - Shelley Fong

Scholarships were awarded to:

Bridget Legg (Jebson Memorial)
Alice Bates (PNGHS Trust)
Alex Carswell and Chieh-ling Birks (Julia Wallace)
Chloe Lassen (C.W. Sharpe Trust)
Paula Radich (Southern Cross Healthcare)
Bridget Legg and Sampoorna Dama (Palmerston North Scholarship)

University Scholarships have been won by:

Ali Huang, Chieh-ling Birks, Ashleigh Howan, Nadia Jones, Chloe Lassen, Bridget Legg, Victoria Scott, Arielle Hiscox, Emily Au-Young, Hollie Cleaver, Maike Guesgen (Massey)
Erin Folster, Ayumi Shino, Ashleigh Walker, Penny Birch (Victoria)
Alice Bates, Mayoorathy Jeyamohan (Auckland)
Stefanie Dixon, Alex Carswell (Otago)
Olivia Burne (USA)

Outstanding Young Women in the Performing Arts
At our academic prizegiving, the arts awards highlighted the dedication and achievement of our young women across a range of activities.

Top awards include: