TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
22 February 2019
Message from the Principal Kia ora koutou and welcome to our second pÄ nui for Term 1. House Spirit gets underway The Festival of Athletics and Swimming Carnival (next week) are two fabulous examples of house spirit. This year saw our entire school down at the Domain for athletics. I travelled by bus with the last of the students to make their way to the Domain last Thursday and it was quite the sight to see a grandstand filled with colleagues and students dressed in house colours. Thank you to the parents who came down to visit and to all the students and my colleagues for making the day such a successful one. Special thanks to Ms Marinner and our Deputy Head Girl, Sport and House Spirit for their organisation and enthusiasm. House points are allocated for participation, competition events and for attendance. That means everyone can get behind their house and support each other on this school day. It is important to note that these days are not only
about having fun but are also about opportunities to build resilience, supporting others, challenging yourself to try something new and an opportunity to learn outside of the classroom. There are plenty more house spirit activities to come, so make sure you support your house to be the best that it can be! Wheels on the Bus I am pleased to report there has been an improvement in the reliability of the bus service but it has certainly taken a while to get there. As last reported, any new system will have some teething problems and we have endeavoured to work with each of the bus companies to highlight some issues. Some bus timetables are still changing and we continue to update the girls as soon as we hear about them. This has been less than ideal and I thank the girls and their families for what has certainly been a challenging time for us all.
How about this for a great start? Numeracy and Literacy are necessary components of a level one NCEA attainment. This year our students gained the following results at NCEA Level 1 - Literacy 89.3% and Numeracy 93.2%. These results provide a great foundation for our students’ onward journey to Level 2. The new blouse is put to the test I am pleased to report that the uptake of the new blouse has been a resounding success. I have spoken to many students about the new blouse when compared to the former polo. They have all mentioned how comfortable it is to wear, cool in summer, looks smart and feels good. The quality of these blouses means they will last longer, keep their shape and look cleaner. The blouse will be a compulsory item in 2020. No new polos will be ordered once stock runs out. NZ Uniforms are stockists of our new TGC blouse.
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
The voice of a leader The voice of our Head Girl, Maioha is a pleasure to hear when you call Tauranga Girls’ College. Along with a lovely phone voice, Maioha is a talented, dedicated, community minded and proud TGC student who continues to get to know a great number of students outside of her year group. Maioha will introduce herself and other members of her student leadership team at the next newsletter, so watch this
22 February 2019
space! New Reporting Format A new reporting format will be trialled this year. Learning Behaviours will be reported on more frequently and therefore give both students and parents indicators of progress.There will be more about this report in our next newsletter. Safety First A reminder to parents and students of being road smart
Festival of Athletics
On 18 February, all cohorts from Tauranga Girls’ College headed to the Tauranga Domain for an action packed day of Athletics. This year we had a new format where traditional athletics and festival events were combined into one school wide event, modelling the values of pride, participation and respect, with something for everyone to enjoy. The day was filled with a range of festival activities which included waterblast rounders, balloon blast and livewire, while also having traditional athletic events such as 100m sprint, javelin and triple jump. Throughout the day, house spirit was continuously shown with a mix of chants, Mexican waves and fiery cheering for their friends and house members. The event provided an opportunity for everyone to take part (even the teachers!) as well as being exposed to the talented girls among us. Athletics Day 2019 was a great success and can be an event for all to look forwards to in years to come. Abbie Mortimer Deputy Head Girl, Sport
and safe around schools. Parents please ensure you pick up and drop off your daughter in designated areas. Cameron Road is always busy, so patience is necessary as is using the pedestrian crossing. We appreciate everyone modelling respect for the road rules.
Tara Kanji Princpal
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
22 February 2019
Te Ara Ako (Learning Conversations) Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 Thursday 21 March 8.00am to 5.00pm Parents and caregivers are encouraged to book an appointment to meet with their daughter’s whanau/ tutor teacher. Appointments will run for 15 minutes. Normal classes will not run on this day and Year 9, 10 and 11 students only attend school for their meeting. There will be tutorials running which Year 12 and Year 13 students will be able to opt into. Interview bookings can be made after progress records have been sent out, from 08 March through the school interviews website (www.schoolinterviews.co.nz) The access code is sevsq Alternatively, you can call the office to book an appointment from Monday 11 March
Elicit Dream Academy Day
2019 Triennial Board of Trustees Elections Every three years state and state integrated school communities elect their parent and staff trustees to help govern their schools. The next election is due this year and the Tauranga Girls’ College election date has been set as Friday 07 June 2019
Tauranga Girls' College was privileged to welcome to our kura Annette Presley, recipient of the New Zealand Order of Merit and founder of the Elicit Dream Catching Academy. Our Year 9 students heard inspiring messages about "dreaming big", "working hard" and "never giving up". The Dream Boards they created as a result are very special and we hope they share them with their whānau."
NZSTA would like to encourage parent and whanau participation on school boards and will be rolling out the Korari Programme for anyone interested in finding out about standing for the school board elections. More details can be downloaded from our website under Board of Trustees and the NZSTA website.
1957-1959 Alumni Event Do you have a family member, or community contact who attended Tauranga Girls' College in the years 1957-1959? If so, we would love to hear from them. We are hosting a morning tea for these alumni (prepared by the current students), to be followed by a tour of the college. When: Late March 2019 For information and to provide details of others who may wish to join us, please email 60thReunion@tgc.school.nz before 08 March.
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
22 February 2019
Introducing the 2019 Learning Support Team 2019 heralds a new season for learning support at Tauranga Girls’ College. The establishment of a full-time “Inclusive Learning Leader” position has given greater capacity to meet a wider range of learning needs across the college. The Learning Hub has also relocated to C Block, ensuring close proximity to the Health Centre, Deans, Careers, Guidance & school counsellors. The centre provides oversight and co-ordinates programmes for high-needs students, along with ‘Fast-Track’ numeracy & ‘English Support’ literacy classes, correspondence and Northern Health School students. Flexibility in the delivery of their programme is an essential ingredient for their academic success. Our department has a skilled and talented team, committed to the success of students at TGC – let’s introduce them to you….
Karen Gilby (Leader of Inclusive Learning): Karen joined the department in Term 3, 2018 after 5 ½ years of leading Learning Support at Bethlehem College. Adi Sutherland (0.4 FTE ORS Specialist teacher): Adi has recently joined the team after being an Acting Special Needs Education Co-ordinator and ORS Specialist teacher at Papamoa College. Judith Somerville & May Tran (Fast-track Mathematics): Judith heads up the ‘Fast-track Maths’ programme supported by May Tran, who has recently transferred to TGC from Tauranga Primary School. Verna Morris (English Support): Verna is part of the international languages department at TGC, but she also joins the Learning Support department
to run the English Support and Flexi-Learn programmes. Corinne Little (ILA): Corrine has worked at TGC as an Inclusive Learning Assistant (ILA) for the past four years and her focus is on helping students achieve NCEA Level 1 Literacy & Numeracy. Robyn Dixon (ILA): Robyn has worked at TGC for six years as an ILA, and has experience in working with students with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Maree Cohen (ILA): Maree is a primary-trained teacher, who has been working overseas as an ILA in special needs education in middle school. She’s recently returned to NZ and is in the process of reregistering as a primary teacher, along with working at the college.
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
22 February 2019
Cindy Lawrence (ILA): Cindy is also a trained Food & Textiles Technology teacher, with teaching experience in both NZ and overseas schools – including Germany & Ghana. Carol Hitchcock (ILA): Carol began work at TGC in Term 4 last year and has been helping a student with epilepsy. She has experience in nurse-aiding and has also been a teacher’s aide at St. Mary’s school in Tauranga.
Natalie Dawson (ILA): Natalie has just moved to the Bay of Plenty with her family from Taupo, where she gained NCEA Level 3 last year at Tauponui-a-tia College. She’s a keen horse rider and also loves art, photography, music & taking her two dogs for a run on the beach. Cindy Welch (ILA): Cindy and her family immigrated to NZ from South Africa two years ago. She has a heart for students with special needs and is trained in early childhood/primary education.
Welcome - Sue Ferguson Kia ora te whanau o te kura o nga tamawahine o Tauranga Moana. I am humbled to be the relieving counsellor in 2019 whilst Chantal Stopford is on study leave. I am an Aussie born kiwi who has never left school. I am a member of the NZ Association of Counsellors, who practices narrative, strength based and art therapies.
My purpose in life is to walk alongside the development of the world’s children so that they can be nurtured, understood and to have lives free of abuse and harm. This purpose also allows children to teach me so that I may continue to learn and be educated by their knowledge. 40 years in Education in NZ, Australia, UK and Europe, across many genres, has allowed me to be immersed in diverse cultures which has helped me listen, develop compassion and understand need. My experiences in many Bay of Plenty schools over the past 17 years, as a counsellor and RTLB, has given me joy and growth as a person.
Welcome BBQ for Year 9 and their Whānau A huge thanks to all our families who were able to attend the Year 9 BBQ and picnic held at the school pool. It was a lovely evening meeting everyone and hearing feedback around our start of year programme where we have been building whanaungatanga, a sense of connection and belonging with our students and kura.
Our Head Girl, Maioha catching up with a Year 9 student
My other loves are exploring the diversities of spirituality, travelling, the arts, my husband plus watching Kiwi/Aussie sporting events!!! I look forward to getting to know you and your whanau. Oranga ki nga tamariki…. Love to all children
Year 13s and Year 9s chat together
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
Coffee anyone?
22 February 2019
Tauranga Girls’ College Expo - time to join up! On Wednesday 13 February students had the opportunity to show case many the activities available at TGC. Year 9 students came through the School Wide Participation Expo Period 4, picking up information and signing up to groups/sport/activities/committees and the rest of the school came through the Expo at lunch time.
Level 3 Hospitality students this year have the opportunity to complete a full Barista training course in our newly renovated café facility. Successful completion of the Unit Standards offered as well as the practical sessions will give students the skills required to gain entry level employment in the hospitality industry as a barista or café assistant.
Training is provided by Mr Neville Morgan, who is a qualified workplace assessor with many years’ experience in barista training. Students have been quick to take up this opportuni-
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
22 February 2019
Football Fern, Katie Duncan, Visits Tauranga Girls’ College Mahnoor Qadri. Year 12
TGC Football Club was proud to host one of the country’s leading footballers, Katie Duncan, a capped Football Fern squad member and ex captain of the Football Ferns, after athletics day on Tuesday 18 February. It was held in the senior common room and all footballers and futsal players were invited. A small group of TGC futsal and football players attended the session which was part of promoting women’s football during Woman’s Week by NZ Football. The girls heard about Katie’s Football journey and asked lots of questions during the Q and A session. Katie’s football highlight was beating USA who won the Woman’s Football title at the Olympics that year and her lowlight was receiving a yellow card for a tackle she made during the game. NZ Football’s Woman’s Development Manager - Holly Nixon, WaiBOP Football Development Officer for BOP - Cliff Harris, WaiBOP Football Coaching Specialist - Nico, and Goalie Trainer Seamus along with TGC’s Kaydi O’Connor, Don Wallis and TGC Head Coach and Director of Football, Scott Harrison also attended and contributed to the discussions. The session ended with a group photo and the attending players were delighted to receive a signed football and an autographed tee shirt from Katie and NZ Football. Any students who are keen to play football this season please keep an eye out for key dates for registrations and trials coming up soon. We have already had 60 students register their interest at the club’s open day which is great news leading up to the season. For any questions regarding TGC Football please contact Mr Wallis, TIC Football - dwallis@tgc.school.nz
I did this pastel drawing as a part of Pop Art assignment. I first completed two A5 still life developments in graphite pencil of popular New Zealand and global consumer products, which were displayed in the classroom. Each drawing had to show a progression in development so in my final pastel drawing I altered the composition and added a few new objects. From this pastel drawing then again I made changes to create an acrylic painting to portray Pop Art in the style of my artist model Tom Wesselmann. I was happy with the final acrylic painting of objects and composition, but I felt that the colour and values were out of balance, the background blue being especially dissonant.
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
22 February 2019
Enviro Day Year 9 and Year 12 students spent some time working together during an Enviro-day as part of the whanaungatanga programme. Activities included exploring the school gully and considered how they could make a difference to their outdoor learning environment; learning the legend of Rangi and Papa; designing paintings to surround stormwater drains and to identify recycling bins; and helping out with the school gardens. Students can continue to contribute to environmental projects by getting involved with the Kaitiakitanga Committee and keeping an eye out for projects through the year.
Dates for the diary... 21 - 24 February
Matatini
28 February
TGC Swimming Sports
28 February
Board of Trustees Meeting 5.30pm, TGC Boardroom
05 March
Bay of Plenty Athletics
08 March
Learning Behaviour Progress Records emailed
14 March
BOP Regionals - Sailing
14 March
Summer Sports Photographs
21 March
Te Ara Ako (Year 9, 10 and 11)
25 March - 29 March
Summer Tournament Week
12 April
Last Day of Term 1
TAURANGA GIRLS’ COLLEGE
22 February 2019
Contacting the College 2019 We encourage parents to contact the College (578 8114) for support at any time during the year. The Pastoral Team includes: Year 9
Dean: Mrs Anna Leach
ext 770
Senior Leader:
Mrs Cade
Year 10
Dean: Ms Robyn Mankelow:
ext 767
Senior Leader:
Mrs Bird
Year 11
Dean: Mrs Fiona Lochhead
ext 766
Senior Leader:
Ms Valentine
Year 12
Dean: Ms Caroline Gill
ext 768
Senior Leader:
Mrs Ferguson
Year 13
Deans Mrs Bridget Prendiville
ext 769
Senior Leader:
Ms Rowlands
ext 728
Ms Sue Ferguson
ext 724
Guidance Counsellors
Ms Judy Burr
Inclusive Learning Leader Ms Karen Gilby
ext 740
College bank account details: Name of Account Tauranga Girls' College Board of Trustees Name of Bank ANZ Branch Tauranga Account Number 01-0475-0055400-00