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Talofa lava and welcome to our second pānui for the term and in the week whereby we celebrate Samoan language. Another example of service Congratulations to our TGC girls who gave their time in the weekend to assist the local primary school students with ‘Fun Sticks’, an opportunity to learn about hockey and fun in a team sport. Look at all of our potential hockey teams TBC and TGC.
Oliver here we come The TBC and TGC joint production of Oliver is well into rehearsal. Congratulations to Emily Newbury, our Deputy Head Girl of Arts, who has won the leading female role. Emily is an enthusiastic and well known arts supporter. This year, the production is led by TBC and we look forward to supporting both the Arts Culture in our schools and in for
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our Tauranga Community. Pasifika Success It is with great pride that I follow on from the last newsletter to say that not only did our Pasifika Girls (and along with TBC boys) perform at the Nesian Festival in Hamilton two weeks ago but this week our girls competed in the Pasifika speech competitions held in Rotorua. Several of our girls participated in this competition and our junior girls took out some key places in their division. This is the first time our students have competed at this level so this was a very exciting journey and encouragement going forward. Thank you especially to Mrs Baxter and Miss Robinson for their kind and generous support of our Pasifika girls. Tomorrow’s School You will have heard the government announce changes to our schooling system. One of those changes has been to eliminate NCEA exam fees charged by NZQA, our qualifications authority. Those of you who have already paid these will be contacted by the school soon. Other changes include an emphasis on Literacy and
Numeracy credits (now up to 20 credits) and an underlying philosophy and genuine attempt to make education more equitable for all. Details of all changes are available on-line: https:// conversation.education.govt.nz/ conversations/ncea-review/ The Ministry of Education has advised they plan a series of engagements over the next few months throughout the region to engage the community, especially parents and whanau. These dates will be included in future newsletters once confirmed. Napier Exchange The annual TGC vs Napier Girls sports exchange took place last week. Napier has won this competition for a few years now and this year was no exception. Thank you to all those girls who represented our College, played with pride, were respectful of the opposition and participated despite the strength of the opposition. Next year TGC! Changes to our schools uniform We have made some changes to our uniform after consulting with students. The first is with the
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range of ankle socks. Black has been added to the white ankle sock option. This is to wear with shoes. Black leather lace up shoes remain the only shoe item but a version shown later in this newsletter has been added to give choice. Both are black (no labels or silver buckles, eyelets) leather and are lace ups and can be cleaned with black shoe polish. Details of all uniform are given later in this newsletter. We are currently pricing a shorts and trouser option and will be going back to our community to seek their input. With our second supplier, Activewear, unexpectedly announcing their closure, the introduction of a new supplier (along with NZ Uniforms) has taken some time. We apologise to those students who had hoped to have had a greater uniform option prior to this. TGC is moving toward a more inclusive uniform range from its past traditional and historic range. I see this change as a genuine response to being more student centred and supportive of everyone. I have said all along, that I want everyone in this College to feel valued and cared for, and this includes having uniform choice. Once our supplier has been finalised and expectations around what our ‘number one’ and representative uniform looks like, we will be back in touch. I wish to thank Hannah Rose (Student Representative on the BoT) and Lily Alton (Deputy Head Girl) for their leadership through this process. Pastoral Support The Pastoral Team is one of the
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largest in the school. The five Deans, Guidance Counsellors, Youth Mentor, International Director, five Deputy Principals, Careers Counsellor and over 40 whanau tutor teachers make up a direct link to meet the wellbeing needs of our students. If your daughter needs support, talk with her and encourage her to share her concerns with one of the team she knows and trusts. Her whanau teacher is usually a good connector but in addition to this team there are all the subject teachers, sports coaches, mentors, arts leaders and so many more. The College continues to work alongside parents in taking a leading role assisting her with strategies and helping her to build her confidence and resilience. Keeping a positive relationship with your daughter by talking about learning, her interactions with her friends and her social media footprint are also important ways that contribute to holistic well being.
devices for learning as each student has a unique login and has agreed to use their device appropriately. A reminder that students are invited to use their devices for learning at the request of their teacher. Laptops/Chromebooks are not simply expensive versions of the 1B8 exercise book and a Bic Pen! Phones are not suitable devices for learning due to their screen size. Mobile phones should be switched off or on silent and not be used during class time. If you are unsure of our cyber and internet agreement, please refresh yourself of this.
WiFi Improvements Last weekend, the school, with the support of ITED, the college IT contractors, installed $50,000 worth of new WiFi routers. This is another significant investment in technology support to ensure that the use of digital tools for learning are able to be used effectively. We thank the BoT for their ongoing investment in the upgrade of technology in the College.
2019 Triennial Board of Trustees Elections
Phones vs Laptops/ Chromebooks With the new WiFi improvements we are now able to identify students who are using their
Tara Kanji Principal
Nominations have been received from: BOURNE, Joseph BRAIN, Errol HANDLEY, Yvonne HILLS, Christopher MACKINNON, Lisa MCTAVISH, Fiona PAKES, Mark Voting papers will be sent shortly and must be returned by noon, Friday June 07 2019
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PPTA STRIKE ACTION Parents and whānau were emailed last week about the industrial action to be taken by the Post Primary Teachers Association (PPTA). A strike will take place on Wednesday 29 May. The College will be closed for instruction, open only for supervision and those students requiring supervision have informed their tutor teacher. The PPTA has advised of ongoing action should an agreeement with the governnment not be reached. This action will be rolling, regional strikes and and action called ‘rostering home”. The schedule for ‘rostering home’ is 04 June Year 9 (this is TGC Work Day) 11 June Year 10 25 June Year 11 02 July Year 12 On these days, students in the year level indicated will not be taught and are not expected to be at school. The proposed ’Rolling, regional strikes’ will effect TGC on Tuesday 18 June. If this eventuates the college will again be not be open for instruction, only supervision and students will be asked to inform their tutor teacher if they require supervision. Our staff do not take this action lightly but are concerned about the future of education in NZ. To attract the best teachers, the profession needs to be resources and recognised for the important work they do.
Ryza Flett, Year 9 The symbolism behind my work is about happiness and is about my identity. In my work I have different objects that each represent something. On the far right of my work, the streets represent the different places that I have lived in. The black airplane means that I have travelled and would love one day to visit all the countries in the world. The bee and the fern in my work represent New Zealand. The world symbolizes unity, I have always been into geography that’s why I added the earth. At the bottom of my artwork, the city represents a sense of belonging. I have always been a “city girl” and my mum and I would drive to the city every weekend. The purple face of a woman symbolises the star sign, Virgo. I was born on August 31 which makes me a Virgo. In the middle of the earth is the Philippines where I am originally from and the colours blue, red and yellow represent the three island groups and the flag of the Philippines. The techniques I used for my artworks are dyeing for my background and stencils for some of my objects. I used medium for my flower and grass stencils and smudged some of it to add an effect. I used the modelling compound to add texture to my work. I also used the roller for the water in the earth. One of my other techniques that I used is the retarder-scratch out. I used frisket to make the outlines of the world. Lastly, I used gloss to make my artwork stand out and look shiny. The most successful technique I used is the dyeing, because I think it made my artwork stand out and bright. Also, using the modelling compound and the stencils. Without the stencils it would take more time to draw my objects and finally, gloss was helpful and the most successful, because it just added a finishing touch. A part of my painting that I really like is the modelling compound. I really like it, because it just makes my work realistic. Overall I think I did pretty well. I have finished the task on time and I think it shows my identity and what each object represents. I have learned and enjoyed each technique.
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Goodbye, we’ll miss you! This week we farewelled two long serving staff members at the school:
Mrs Ollerenshaw Wow! Our wonderful Assistant Librarian, Mrs Ollerenshaw, left TGC on Friday, 10 May after 24 years of service to the school. Over those years she has been an active participant in the many changes that have ensured TGC is the vibrant, forward looking place it is in 2019. She has worked with numerous staff, including past librarians, Jocelyn Holden and Trevor Sommers. She is a multi-talented person who ran Continuing Education for several years and as an important team member assisted Nena Rovekamp with the Chinese Community School. Last year she was one of the energetic organisers who helped the school celebrate 60 years of existence. TGC owes her a lot & I am sure that all who have been befriended by her will miss her. But she has promised to come back & help in the future. So she will not abandon us completely! Here are comments made by two of the school library’s enthusiastic student librarians: “Mrs O. has been a super awesome librarian and teacher, as she taught me everything I needed to know about being a student librarian. I wish her all the best in the future” “Mrs O. has always been so supportive and patient with all of the student librarians and we are so grateful for everything she taught us! We wish her all the best for her retirement!”
Mr McLeod Tena koutou, tena koutou, oku whanau o te kura Tauranga Girls’ College. It’s been a real privilege and pleasure teaching (and learning) at our school since 2011. The opportunities that I have had here have been so memorable and I leave behind 35 years in my career in education having had many positive experiences. I will miss the staff and students and look forward to reconnecting with TGC on my return. My whanau overseas in Europe are ‘calling me for a visit’ and my wife and I are looking forward to being tourists – not ironic, I guess, after having been a teacher of Senior Tourism here over the last 7 years. I also want to exercise my creative side in music and writing. My TGC highlights include: supporting all the House Spirit events (Go Batten! – my 2020 vision is for a ‘green wave’!); the amazing music performances and musicals; supporting the 60th Diamond Jubilee; Young Enterprise; supporting our sports teams and kapahaka (Te Tauranga O Nga Waka); working with our amazing Staff – especially the Social Sciences Department; my fantastic students and my personal highlight – the 2017 Samoa Tourism trip. I wish everyone all the best for the rest of the year – and make sure that you have productive and positive futures!! Keep smiling! No reira tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa. Ka nui te Aroha!
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Pasifika
On Thursday 23 May, a group of 6 students consisting of Fiona Razak-Begg (Y9), Blessing Pasi (Y9), Fetai Afeleti (Y10), Kalo Afu (Y11), Ofa Afu (Y13), Tilaila Tusitino Salaivao (Y13) attended the Waiariki-Bay of Plenty Secondary School Pasifika Speech Competition in Rotorua. The competition had two sections English language and Native language. All students who entered the English section also had to do an impromptu speech in the afternoon and their scores were added together with their prepared speech. Huge congratulations to all of the girls for taking part and in particular to Blessing, who was the winner of the Junior Samoan Native speech section and to Fetai and Fiona who came second and third respectively in the Junior English section. It was the first time TGC had attended the competition and the girls did themselves and our school very proud.
Napier Sports Exchange On Wednesday 22 May, a group of Tauranga Girls’ College sportswomen of various winter codes headed to Taupo to play and compete against students from Napier Girls’ High School in the annual Napier Exchange. The brisk Taupo weather made for a playing environment which gave the girls a taste of what to expect in the months to come. It is always a pleasure to compete against a school such as Napier, full of such high sporting talent, and it was a great accomplishment to take the win in both badminton and the U15 rugby. In the other codes, netball, basketball, cross country, hockey and football, our students raced and played with great determination which they should all be proud of. Whilst Napier won the exchange overall, our girls had a great day and enjoyed challenging themselves against some talented competition. Also in Taupo on the same day our TGC 1st XV rugby team played against Taupo-Nui-A-Tia in the Baywide Secondary Schools Competition and after a rough start managed to bring it back to gain a convincing win of 37 points to 20. A huge thank you goes out to Napier Girls’ High School for hosting the event this year and also to the teachers and coaches which made this event possible.
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Equestrian
Toby (my horse) and I went to the St Peters Inter-Schools Open Show Jumping on Sunday 12 May to compete for our school. We were initially going to stick to jumping 80-90cm but I found my courage and took on the 100-105cm jumping height. We had two rounds and our first round (which was 80-90cm) went well however we had one refusal. No placing in this round. Our second round (100 -105cm) went extremely well! We took out 4th place in that ring. I was the only competitor from TGC. The competition was very tough so I’m extremely happy with the outcome. Paris Nelson Year 12
Kayak Tour The Aquatics class went to Waimarino for a Kayak tour on Monday 27 May. The weather held out long enough for us all to have a great day. We kayaked down the river, stopping for lunch and to play some games, before arriving back at Waimarino. Our girls had great fun sliding down the massive slide in the kayaks, taking flight before landing in the water. This trip was for their work towards an achievement standard on safety in the outdoors.
BoP Cross Country On Tuesday 21 May, Waipuna Park came to life for the BOP secondary schools cross country event. Tauranga Girls’ College had 15 students participating, each of whom had performed well at our school cross country the week prior and was keen to compete at the next level. The team consisted of a mixture of seniors and juniors and despite the pre-race nerves and some of the girls being stretched out of their comfort zones, the positive attitudes and sense of comradery of the team made it a fun day out for all. On top of that, this year’s event was a huge success with five of our athletes placing in the top ten for their age groups. Tauranga Girls’ showed their running strength at this event, placing in the 3 man competition for all three age groups. Results are as follows: Year 9 Girls Mia Quirke 12th, Olivia Hala 15th, Ruby Valentine 19th, Sarah Green 26th, Rosa Atkins 27th, Michelle Clark 35th, Kyra Addison 36th, 3 person team 3rd. Junior Girls Tiarna Allen 1st, Ella Ryan 4th, Poppy Wilson 9th, Mikayla Price 11th, Kennedy De Bono 23rd, 3 person team 1st. Senior Girls Maia Flint 2nd, Abbie Mortimer 6th, Hannah Power 11th, 3 person team 1st. The team is now preparing for the upcoming WaiBoP secondary schools cross country race which will be held in Kihikihi on 05 June.
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The cast and band, of Oliver, made up of students from both TGC and TBC, are well underway in preparing for the upcoming show of the annual combined production. With only around a month to go until opening night, students have been rehearsing 3 times a week for the show, as well as having extra full day workshops. They have been working alongside the band for the majority of the rehearsal process, which the students have really enjoyed, giving the cast and band a greater sense of unity throughout this process. Everything is now in the polishing stages, with costumes and set beginning to be added into the run-throughs, and final touches being made! The season of “Oliver” will run from 25-29 June at the Graham Young Youth Theatre. To buy tickets, or enquire about sponsorship, please visit www.oliverthemusical.co.nz
Squash Success Anika Russell 13JNS competed in the BOP secondary schools Division One individuals Squash Championships. She come third overall, receiving a bronze medal.
Dance Award Congratulations to Emma Scown (12HKG) who received a National Young performer of the year nomination for Modern Dance at the Tauranga Dance Inc competition over the weekend. Emma will compete at the Nationals in Palmerston North in October.
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New Zealand Dance Company Workshop On Wednesday 15 May the Performing Arts department were fortunate to have 2 dancers from the New Zealand Dance Company visit Tauranga Girls’ College to workshop with our senior NCEA Dance students.
Students shared these thoughts: “It was such a privilege having NZDC come in to our school to show and teach us excerpts from their company piece ‘If Never Was Now’. The piece fuses together robotic and animalistic movements which challenged me to move in new ways that I haven’t experienced before. With the 2 dancers coming in from NZDC it has helped me push myself out of my comfort zone and challenge my choreography more by aiming to create more original movement vocabulary.” (Alysha Gill, Year 11) "I found my experience with the NZDC workshop very valuable as it was really cool to learn from industry professionals and learn a piece of choreography that was not a style I would usually get to learn in school or at my dance studio. The dancers from NZDC were really cool and taught us a lot about the stimulus for the choreography we learnt and how this relates to current social topics. We as students are very lucky to be able to get opportunities like this within the dance course and we must make the most of them." (Josie Stent, Year 12)
“Having the opportunity for two dancers from such a nationally renowned dance company to come to TGC to teach us their work was such an amazing and fun experience. Personally, I am drawn to the idea of unique and abstract choreography and it was incredible to be taught some of the choreography from their latest piece which was exactly that (it challenged the way we already observe contemporary works). It was interesting the way the social ideas and themes of the piece “If Never Was Now” were woven into their movements so seamlessly, but it was also cool to pick up on the different movements which reflected these ideas. I was definitely inspired to continue pushing the boundaries in terms of choreography and performance in my work at school. It was such a great workshop and I know I learnt a lot from it and I can’t wait to use this knowledge in the future.” (Olive Pearce, Level 3 Dance)
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Canoe Slalom Congratulations Kate Hawthorne who has been selected to join the Canoe Slalom New Zealand Development Squad! Kate showed off her skills at the New Zealand Nationals and New Zealand Secondary School Nationals over Easter. Since Easter, a selection process has taken place based on the results from those events and a multiple of other factors.
Tauranga Girls’ School Cross Country Staying fit and active is extremely important, so it was great to see so many students (and some teachers!) running the cross country course on Thursday 16 May. Unlike last year, the weather couldn’t have been better which certainly made the run around the field and through the gully more appealing. In Period 2 the seniors (Years 11, 12 and 13) kicked off the day. Maia Flint led right from start to finish to take out the race, which is a great achievement from a Year 11 student. Next were the Year 10 students followed by the Year 9s. A huge congratulations to all of the runners, your efforts were amazing!
Results Seniors: 1st Mia Flint, 2nd Abbie Mortimer, 3rd Hannah Power Year 10: 1st Tiana Allen, 2nd Ella Ryan, 3rd Mikayla Price Year 9: 1st Olivia Hala 2nd Ruby Valentine 3rd Mia Quirke
Debating At Tauranga Girls’ College, debating is run after school on Tuesdays for juniors and Thursday for seniors. In this time the students learn how to present a case which the team of three have developed over the hour. The girls are also taught how to think on their feet, present a case both passionately and convincingly but also to trust themselves and their fellow teammates in order to win the debate. In the upcoming week, both seniors and juniors will be continuing to represent the school in the regional debating competition against other Bay Of Plenty schools to decide who the regional winners. We look forward to seeing all the girls grow not only in their debating skills but also grow with confidence.
Leaving School Magazine The latest edition of this magazine profiles two ex-Tauranga Girls’ College students, Celine Walters and Bianca Pilkington. Celine is in her fourth year of a Management Studies degree, majoring in Agri Business and Marketing. Bianca is an industrial electrician who was the Waikato Bay of Plenty winner of the Master Electricians apprentice Challenge Leaving School magazine is available online: www.oliverlee.co.nz/ leavingschool-issue15
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Pink Shirt Day TGC turned pink to support anti-bullying, spread kindness, promote diversity and raise money for the Mental Health Organisation of New Zealand. It was so inspiring to walk around the school and see students and teachers rallying together and wearing their pink shirts for a great cause. The students had the opportunity to sign a giant pink t-shirt as a pledge against bullying, which is now being displayed in the J Block foyer as a reminder of the role that our school has in this nationwide anti-bullying movement. On this day we also promoted diversity, by having some of our international students writing students names in foreign languages and teaching us how to do origami (which isn’t as easy as they make it look!). Pink Shirt Day at TGC was a huge success and we’re extremely proud of everyone who made a contribution. Kōrero mai, kōrero atu, mauri tū, mauri ora – speak up, stand together, stop bullying!
Aquatics - Lake Rotoma
On Tuesday 14 May our Aquatics class went to Lake Rotoma. The girls completed two dives as part of the requirements for gaining their PADI dive certificates. They also demonstrated safe behaviour in the outdoors for a Level 1 achievement standard they are working towards at the same time. Everyone showed real fortitude as the lake was cold. Even though some of us felt as though we wouldn’t make it we pushed on through and everyone had a successful day. It has been really great to see many new friendships formed during this course.
Aquatics - Boat Dive
On Friday 24 May our Aquatics class went to Karewa Island for our boat dives. It was a stunningly beautiful day. All girls bar one, were able to equalise and complete the skills required to gain their PADI dive certificate. This certificate is an internationally recognised qualification. It allows these girls to dive anywhere in the world. Congratulations TGC divers!
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Waitomo Fieldtrip The Waitomo Caves fieldtrip is always a highlight for the Level 1 Geography girls - although some start the early morning departure feeling anxious about what adventures await them. However, these nerves quickly disappear into fits of laughter as girls wiggle and squirm into their wetsuits ready for black water rafting. They are also in awe of the cave formations in Ruakuri Cave and of course getting up close and personal with the glowworms (although they quickly learn that they are really just glowing maggots). Although this sounds like a great day of fun there is also a very serious point to the fieldtrip - NZ is proud of our tourism industry but we need to ensure that we use our environments sustainably so that future generations can enjoy our amazing country. Ultimately, the day was summarised perfectly by one of our girls in a thank you email “I would like to say a massive thank you for this life changing experience. I absolutely enjoyed myself so very much. Makes me wanna do it again but so much more.” The 33rd Mount Maunganui Half Marathon has something for everyone : 21km, 10km, 5km All distances can be done as a run or a walk. This is a fun, friendly event and there are medals for all competitors!
Senior Report Evening (Y11-13) Wednesday 12 June
Interview appointments will open for bookings online at 4.00pm Friday 31 May.
The code is 325ew Junior parent teacher interviews will take place on 04 July. More information in future newsletters.
HEEADSS Assessments Adolescence is a time of growth and development and can be challenging for some. Our School nurse Paula Ngatai will be conducting health checks on Yr 9 students over the next 3 terms using the Ministry of Health’s “HEEADSSS” assessment tool. This includes a range of questions relating to home, school, eating, drug/oh, depression, sexuality and safety. Any health risks identified will have the appropriate support offered to student and family. If you wish to opt out from having the check done please contact the nurse on 5788114 ext 774.
Coming Up 29 May
PPTA Strike
30 May
Year 11 Business Market Day
03 June
Queen’s Birthday
04 June
Work Day
07 June
Board of Trustee Elections
10 - 14 June
International Week
12 June
Field Days
12 June
Senior Parent Teacher Interviews
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Uniform at TGC Blouse/ Polo Shirt
Jersey/Polarfleece
Skirt
Footwear
The Blouse will be compulsory for all in 2020
Woolen V-neck Jersey Year 9 - 10 Navy blue/mid blue check, pleated skirt Black, Leather, Lace up Shoe
Full zip Polarfleece
Jacket
Year 12 - 13 Navy blue pleated skirt, knee length
Socks/stockings Blue or Black Roman Sandals
Scarves Jewellery One sleeper or stud in each ear
Plain Black or Navy Blue Scarf
Plain Black or white ankle socks or Plain black stockings
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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 Year 10 Year 11 Year 12 Year 13
Dean: Dean: Dean: Dean: Deans
Mrs Anna Leach Ms Robyn Mankelow: Mrs Fiona Lochhead Mrs Kaye Barnett Mrs Bridget Prendiville
Guidance Counsellors Ms Judy Burr Inclusive Learning Leader Brand and Communications Leader
ext 770 ext 767 ext 766 ext 768 ext 769
Senior Leader: Senior Leader: Senior Leader: Senior Leader: Senior Leader:
ext 728 Ms Sue Ferguson Ms Karen Gilby ext 740
Mrs Cade Mrs Bird Ms Valentine Mrs Ferguson Ms Rowlands ext 724
Kaydi O’Connor, koconnor@tgc.school.nz
College bank account details: Name of Account Tauranga Girls' College Board of Trustees Name of Bank ANZ, Tauranga Account Number 01-0475-0055400-00