Staff News – Joiners and Leavers

STAFF NEWS Joiners & Leavers

Nau Mai, Haere Mai, Our new Staff

Kia ora koutou to the group of new teachers to join PHS who bring with them enthusiasm, empathy and education. Running into the PE Faculty we have Michael Anderson and Blair Buckland. Science has a new Head of Faculty, Meghan Ashford, joined also with

Jodynne Lafaele, Sneha Srinivasan, Ina Van Der Merwe

and Harinder Kaur. Maths multiplied adding Pauline Armstrong, Rebecca Howard, and Cathy Munro. English welcomed Chrismari Dickinson, Shan Dissanayake, Callayne Eru, Elise James, and Taryn Slee. The Art Faculty drew in Morgan Hogg, Cole Majoor and Sharon Kearney. Languages spoke up for Maria Kim and Tuakau Whiu, and Rosanna Walton with Stuart McEwing joined the Social Science Faculty. In the Administration area we have Denis Murphy as Executive Officer, plus Jess Finlay and Shona Wharepapa Hagan. Helping with Learning Support and Teacher Aides we have Jude Webber, Esther Williams, Junior Papalii and Esperance Withers. Lynn Mills is our new resident Kamar expert. Natasha Faulkner and Susan Fryer also welcomed to replace our nurse Natalie Avery.

Staff Leavers

We wish to thank the following people who have moved onto new adventures. Alison Askew, a wonderful Art teacher who brought out the best in our artists. Marama Killen who produced plays and taught drama to our budding actors will also be missed. Julie Brien left the English Department in pursuit of a Doctorate from the University of Auckland. Carlos Briones coded his way from the DIT department. The Tech department, as well as farewelling their Head, Dave Cantley at the end of the year, also had Daniel Pilling and Tricia Zwarts move on to build another future. Julian Austin and Emma Murtagh also left to take up new challenges. They were a strong team who managed the rebuild of Massey Block, Climbing Walls in the gym, new horticulture area plus keeping PHS looking top notch. Sione Niupalau was with us briefly in the Maaori department and as a year 13 Kaitiaki Aakonga – he brought with him tikanga and humour. Sione left to join the Education Review Office, Department of Education – congratulations. Rhiannon Swift is sadly leaving for Tauranga. Her time at Pukekohe High School has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has established dance as an NCEA subject and department within the school, and held two amazing annual dance showcases, an extracurricular dance troupe and a program which continues to grow. Grace Love is moving onto new adventures too. While at Pukekohe High she was lucky enough to be involved with the Senior Girls Basketball team and being blown away by the outstanding talent of the female ballers at this school! She was also privileged to work with Maaori Student Council and was really proud of the inaugural Matariki event they put together this year! Rena Hill was at PHS for just over 10 years. Noted for her stylish dress and exotic background, she soon started to learn the Kiwi way and became a very dependable and hardworking member of the science team. Rena took on responsibility for the Junior Science programme in her role as one of the two 2iC’s - which she did with great efficiency and dedication. She moved to Pakuranga High school at the end of term 1 2020 so that she could be closer to family and help with the childcare needs. Cherylize Janse Van Rensburg was at PHS for 18 months. Arrived from S Africa and quickly adapted to life here in NZ with her two little girls & husband. She moved to work at the Pukekohe Christian School, her strong belief was her guide. Bubbly and with an outgoing personality that outstripped her stature. Adam Kemp is moving to Morrinsville. He will be leaving behind maths students who learnt from being inside and outside the classroom. He coached football teams and cricket teams with enthusiasm. He will be missed by many students. Adam also participated in the World Challenge Trip to India 2018 and Spirit of Adventure Trip 2019. Ganga Forbes was ‘PA to the principal’ for 37 years. She definitely has seen many changes over the years and an important part of the school community. Donna Fulton was at PHS for 18 years total. She also did a stint in the Sports Office. She was very much liked and respected by students and was very supportive of their needs and personal situations. She was well liked and respected by her colleagues and all staff. Donna was adaptable with the changes implemented in the Student Centre and keen to learn new systems to ensure the efficient and smooth running of the Student Centre.

Mr Mathias This year marks the end of a long and distinStaff Leavers guished career at Pukekohe High School for Associate Principal, Mr Mathias. Most students will know Mr Mathias as a very visible member of the Senior Leadership Team - a person seen around the school every day - on duty around the grounds or on the hall stage running assemblies. Some students will even have been lucky enough to have had him as their mathematics teacher. There is, however, much more to this life-long educator than most students realise. Mr Mathias is a proud South Islander, brought up on the West Coast and educated at Timaru Boys’ High and Canterbury University. There is a rumour, apparently true, that he was in fact a nationally ranked sprinter in his younger days! Mr Mathias’s first position as a teacher was in 1979 at Ashburton College where he taught mathematics and computer studies. In 1986 he moved to the North Island and was appointed Head of Department for Mathematics and Computer Studies at Inglewood High School. This is where Mr Mathias took his first steps into middle management and also where he became a proud “Naki” supporter! In 1990, Mr Mathias moved down the road from Inglewood to New Plymouth Boys’ High where he worked for 11 years as HOD Mathematics. During this time, Mr Mathias had a heavy involvement in national mathematics curriculum development, playing a major role in the implementation of NCEA, the new national secondary school assessment system. He oversaw the production of mathematics standards and was a member of the Ministry of Education panel tasked with ensuring that teachers and the wider public understood the new system. In 2002, Mr Mathias began his 19 year career at Pukekohe High School when he was appointed as associate principal. During his tenure as associate principal, Mr Mathias often stepped in as acting principal when the then principal, Mr McKinnon, was away. Many staff fondly remember those times and, in particular, the full term he was in charge when

Outdoor Man - Peter Orton started life at PHS as the Outdoor Ed guru. In this role he was responsible for the building of the first climbing wall. He took many outdoor ed trips and still enjoys the great outdoors, biking, hiking, hunting and travelling.

He was also heavily involved in the Duke of Education groups giving students wonderful experiences at important times of their lives.

Peter eventually moved away from teaching Outdoor Education and moved more into Physical Education. He also did stints as the coordinator for the Spirit of NZ voyages.

He was the instigator for Te Wero which morphed into Te Ara Poutama and has morphed again into the Year 10 camps. He could see the power of students enjoying the Mr McKinnon was on sabbatical. Mr Mathias slotted into the role seamlessly and did a great job in Mr McKinnon’s absence. Some past (and present) members of the Senior Leadership Team who worked with Mr Mathias included Mr Neate, Miss Cooney, Mr McDonald, Mrs Steer, Mrs Tipene, Mrs Cornu and Mrs Neville. All those people appreciated his calm demeanour - even under trying circumstances.

At Pukekohe High School, Mr Mathias’s duties were primarily in senior management but he also continued to teach mathematics. His knowledge, experience, insight and willingness to help were greatly valued by his colleagues.

During his time at PHS, Mr Mathias continued his wider service to education by holding important positions in the PPTA, including Senior Positions Advisor and Surplus Staffing Specialist.

For many students at Pukekohe High School Mr Mathias has been more than the associate principal. Most years he assisted with sports teams - usually in a managerial role. He was always ready to step in at late notice as a van driver or manager when teams were in need of a staff member’s presence. Another little-known fact about Mr Mathias is that he was once a nationally recognised basketball referee and controlled many top-class matches around the country.

In music and drama, Mr Mathias has been a constant supporter of our students. Over the course of his 19 years here, he has attended literally dozens of events (KBB and Matamata festivals to name but two) where PHS musical groups have been competing. Most of these events have been in the evening or on weekends but he has given up his own precious time to support Pukekohe High School students. There have been very few drama productions and events that Mr Mathias has not attended.

In his role as associate principal, Mr Mathias was often the face of pastoral care and discipline in the school. He is a man of high standards and was sometimes seen as the “Bad Cop” in those situations. The reality is that he cared deeply for all the students at Pukekohe High School and would bend over backwards to help students who may have overstepped certain boundaries. If it was at all possible, he would give students a second chance and try to help them overcome any issues they may have had.

We thank Mr Mathias for his many years of service to Pukekohe High School and wish him well as he develops his musical talents on the saxophone and his motorcycling skills on his Kawasaki!

great outdoors who would not normally be able to.

Peter also spent time as the Dean of Massey House and was successful in achieving a few winning years of the House Shield. Peter is well known to many past and present students. He is well liked and has a lovely empathy with everyone, from every culture – he happy face will be missed by many.

David started his career as an Architectural Draftsman for 6 years, so he possesses a wealth of real life experience. He had a teaching career at Thames High School before joining PHS. David was Head of GNT Graphics and Technology depart in 1985, which became Head of Technology Faculty from 1997 – 2020.

In 1996 David was Acting Assistant Principal for the year. He also did a stint as National Moderator for Workshop Technology and on the National Panel for Graphics Curriculum. As a leader of the Graphics and Tech Teachers’ Association he organised PL sessions at PHS, and he was also heavily involved in the Franklin Cluster for many ears. He also fought with the PPTA to help sort the G3 qualification issue, several years ago to which many of us are thankful.

There were also two major workshop renovations, to cope with the new curriculum, which Dave had to help oversee. Plus two more workshops were added to this busy faculty, that Dave ensured were fit for purpose.

David was involved in the sporting side of PHS firstly, being in charge of football teams, then volleyball teams, hockey coach and manager, and cycling around the Coromandel trip. There was also the highlight of the year for Dave, and the raft of year 10’s, for the annual fishing week at Coromandel for 20+ years.

David has enjoyed working with his colleagues at PHS – had lots of fun. “We have had some real characters through the department over the years!” “I am passionate about my classes, love teaching these fantastic students. It is not a job – a joy with really neat kids coming through.”

His staff say it has been an honour to work with, David. In those years, he has displayed diligence and professionalism throughout, offering support and advice to his staff whilst fostering a friendly and professional working environment. David takes with him the love and respect of his working colleagues as well as a wealth of knowledge and experience. He will be undoubtedly missed as the tech faculty attempts to move forward without him in 2021 and beyond. We hope he has a great retirement and catches many fish in the years to come.

By Charlotte Newman

This year’s prefects made up each council along with the four head students. These councils are Akoranga (Learning), Haakinakina (Sports), Hapori Whaanui (Community), Hauora (Well-being), Toi Me Ahurea (Arts and Culture), Maaori, and Pasifika. Each council stands for student unity and the celebration of talent, diversity, and success. The prefects have displayed determination against 2020’s odds, by ensuring their goals were not forgotten and that they pave the way for the future senior student councils. Select councils also had one or two Year 10 students within their team also, this was to further cement the council legacies as each year passes.

Akoranga

Despite this year’s challenges, the Learning council, led by Head Student Olivia Fausett with her prefect team: Ayla Johnstone, Seth Green, Salome Watson, and Alex Coleman-Chaiman, and Year 10’s Rebecca Yip and Rowan Loveday, managed to host a successful event early in the year. The Learning council ran the sensational 2020 scholars’ dinner. The Learning council also had plans to revolutionize the legacy of the Academic council. For years, the Academic council has focused on tutoring, spelling bees, Kahoot and Mathex, however this was not sustained. If they had had the opportunity this year, the council would have

“is it cause I’m a cancer?” - Victoria Barrar

planned a week dedicated to the pathway options for students after secondary school. They planned to focus on educating seniors specifically on pathways that are available to them other than the expected entry into university or physical trades. 2020 was a crazy year for everyone and this includes the councils and prefects, but they all made an effort and they all had fun.

Haakinakina

The past year was not overly eventful for the athletes at Pukekohe High; However, the 2020 Sports council was able to assist the set up and management of the school athletics, cross country, swimming sports, house touch tournament and teacher vs. student challenges. Head Student Christian Grant led prefects: Jenna Lowe, Amber Knight, Aidan Trow, Olivia Roberts, and Year 10’s Armani Toiaha and Rushil Patel, being the Sports council members this year. This student council wants the promotion of the Pukekohe High sports teams and athletes to be improved constantly so the Pukekohe High sports grows and attracts more talented, young sportsmen and sportswomen to join the record books.

Hapori Whaanui

The Community council this year was led by Student Rep Ruiha Bhana. Alongside her were prefects: Tayla Spooner, Chelsea James, Kukenga Chiyesu and Ethan Campbell, and Year 10’s Riley Jenkins and Emma Hedley. At the beginning of the year they sold the Valentine’s roses at Pukekohe High in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Later in the year, the Community council helped run an event at the Pukekohe Netball Courts. This involved assisting the transition of 3-4-year old kids from preschool to school. Our role was to help host the event, ensure that everyone was comfortable and that the event was running smoothly. The Community council also led the sports team tug-o-war that is a tradition within Pukekohe High School. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 the Community council had to cancel a few events within the local area. The Community council wishes that there continues to be a fair and fun relationship between Pukekohe High students and the local community, and students are able to contribute to the local setting for the greater good.

Hauora

Run by Head Student Kara Irwin and prefects: Meg Stevens, Skylar Ryan, Alec Thomas, Cassandra Pitsillides, and Year 10’s Sam Cato and Shayna Eksteen, the Wellbeing council had introduced a handful of sustainable initiatives into Pukekohe High this year. They started the year by sorting and organising the Uniform Cupboard. With the help of Mitre 10’s uniform donations, they could restock and organise second-hand uniform items for students to access for free. The Wellbeing council also initiated the “Breakfast Club” where students were able to obtain a free a nutritious breakfast before school began. In Term 4, they also held the “Pink Shirt Day” which is a social movement for bullying awareness. Finally, this determined team invited Jazz & Gen from “Voices of Hope” to come along and speak to the senior students about mental health and wellbeing. As a council we aim to continuously promote positive wellbeing across the entire school for a healthy and nurturing environment.

Toi Me Ahurea

Head Student Richard Petty was allocated the role of Arts and Culture council leader, with his team of prefects: Amber-lee Kelliher, Charlotte Newman, Javan French, Abby Howard, and Year 10 Samuel Donovan. The Arts and Culture council works to integrate the beauty of arts with school culture, this includes music, dance, song, drama, and art. The disruption this year unfortunately led to the cancellation of the Arts and Culture council’s plans, but they ensured they were present at all prefect events and displayed consistent involvement at school. The Arts and Culture council planned to host “Arts Week” at Puke High, which would involve chalk art and lip sync competitions, a diverse showcase evening, mural painting, and creative homeroom challenges. This council team hopes to see their 2020 plans reinstated next year and repeated annually, as it is important to display such talents that students hold. The Arts and Culture council team also wishes that school culture be consistently embraced in a positive and brilliant light.

Maaori

Led by Blaise Nathan, the Maaori council was involved in multiple events, in and out of school this year. Alongside Blaise was prefects Justyce Taewa, Charismah Te Rangi, Lui Seymour, Francis Buskermolen, and Whitiora Purua. They organised the very first annual Matariki event here in Pukekohe which gave the community a chance to come together and celebrate the Maaori New Year. This included cultural performances from local, renowned Kapa Haka groups, cultural performances from schools, business stalls from Pukekohe High’s very own kura and food stalls held by people throughout the community. The Maaori council also ran Maaori Language Week, which our council prepared Maaori-based activities each weekday for students across all years to participate. The Maaori council hopes that important and meaningful events such as the ones organised this year continue to be organised and incite continuous cultural growth and significance within the community.

Pasifika

This year the Pasifika Council, led by Amani Stunnenberg and his team Joyce Singh, Loyal Henwood, Tonga Fakava, and Iunisi Pomee, was given the chance to organise some amazing events. There was the fiafia night, which was an incredible night that showed off the Pacific Island talents at Pukekohe High and within the community. Earlier this year, the Pasifika council was involved in the organisation of the “ASB Polyfest”, but sadly this got cancelled due to COVID-19. This wonderful team was also a big part of helping during fono nights, as well as the Pasifika Islands Language Week held in term 4. As a council they aimed to bring more recognition to our Pasifika brothers and sisters within the community and wish that the future councils will further embrace Pasifika culture in the community also.

“Who egged my house?” - Sam McPherson

Caitlin van Rijs, Jimmy O’Keefe, Lilly Fox and Sala Deng

Special Awards for Outstanding Performance

– Presented by Mr Mathias and Mr Barnett

Year 9

Armani Tohaia - As a member of the Year 9 Netball team, Armani played in the Counties Manukau competition where the team won their grade. Armani has competed in all house competitions achieving Junior Athletics Champion and Junior Cross Country Champion. Armani competed in the NZSS Cross Country where she placed 6th and was selected in the CMSS team, to compete in the regional teams’ event, finishing a commendable 7th for the 3 person team. Armani was part of the swimming team at NZSS championships where she achieved 8x top 10 placings for individual and relay events.

Ken Hemopo Shield - Best All Round Sporting Achievement.

The following distinction awards acknowledge excellence in four or more subjects and the top 9 over all rankings in the four core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies:

Anneliese Hamilton - Excellence in Year 9 Mathematics and Science - Tenth equal overall in Year 9 core subjects.

Jimmy O’Keefe

Liam Webster - Excellence in Year 9 French, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education and Science - Tenth equal overall in Year 9 core subjects.

Jade Wineera - Excellence in Year 9 Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies and Te Reo Maaori Ninth overall in Year 9 core subjects.

Davina Cramer - Excellence in Year 9 French, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies - Eighth overall in Year 9 core subjects.

Sam van Tiel - Excellence in Year 9 English, Mathematics, Physical Education and Science - Seventh overall in Year 9 core subjects.

Lauren Hutchinson - Excellence in Year 9 English, French, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Te Ao Maaori - Sixth overall in Year 9 core subjects.

Armani Tohaia - Excellence in Year 9 Art, English, French, Music, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies and Te Ao Maaori First in Year 9 English - Fourth equal overall in Year 9 core subjects.

Rowan Loveday - Excellence in Year 9 Art, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Te Ao Maaori - Fourth equal overall in Year 9 core subjects.

Rebecca Yip - Excellence in Year 9 French, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies and Te Ao Maaori - Third overall in Year 9 core subjects.

“I would sacrifice my own life for Pak n Save” - Dimana Kolarova

Kiana Carter - Excellence in Year 9 English, Japanese, Mathematics, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies and Te Ao Maaori, First equal in Year 9 Japanese - First equal overall in Year 9 core subjects, Principal’s Award.

Samuel Donovan - Excellence in Year 9 Art, English, French, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies and Te Ao Maaori - First equal overall in Year 9 core subjects, Principal’s Award.

Year 10

EmilyO’Connor - Junior Debater, Winner of Year 10 Speech Competition

Leon Duke - Leon has competed in all house competitions achieving Junior Swimming Champion and Junior Cross-Country Champion. Leon was part of the Swimming team at NZSS championships where he achieved 4th 200m Free Relay, 5th 200m Medley Relay, 7th 400m Free Relay. His talents and skills in hockey saw him selected for the Hockey 1st XI which won the CMSS competition and travelled to Christchurch for tournament week in September. Leon has been active as a Sports Council member and participates in Duke of Edinburgh. Ken Hemopo Shield - Best All Round Sporting Achievement.

Jimmy O’Keeffe - John Brinsden Cup (shared) Progress on a Brass Instrument.

Steadfast Sutrisno - John Brinsden Cup (shared) Progress on a Brass Instrument.

Chelsea Mills - Excellence in Year 10 English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies -Tenth overall in Year 10 core subjects.

David Flint - Excellence in Year 10 Japanese, Mathematics, Music, Science and Social Studies - Ninth overall in Year 10 core subjects.

HopeGreenstreet - Excellence in Year 10 English, Science and Social Studies - Eighth overall in Year 10 core subjects.

Noah Smith - Excellence in Year 10 French, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies - Seventh overall in Year 10 core subjects.

Sam Shaw - Excellence in Year 10 Business Studies, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies - Fifth equal overall in Year 10 core subjects.

Pene Travers - Excellence in Year 10 Art, English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies - Fifth equal overall in Year 10 core subjects.

Sala Deng - Excellence in Year 10 Art, English, Japanese, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies - Fourth overall in Year 10 core subjects.

Lilly Fox - Excellence in Year 10 English, Mathematics, Music, Science and Social Studies - Third overall in Year 10 core subjects.

Gerard Brady Memorial Award: The Gerard Brady Memorial Award goes to a Year 10 student who shows all-round excellence in achievements in cultural, sporting, service and academic pursuits.

Caitlin van Rijs - Caitlin is a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze candidate, was a member of the Spirit Trophy voyage this year. In a sporting field she has competed at the school level in Athletics, coming 3rd in 3000m, 8th in the Cross Country, where she went on to represent the school at Counties Manukau Secondary Schools, coming 5th in the 6-person team, and at Auckland Secondary Schools where she placed 9th in the 3-person team. Caitlin is also a member of a school rowing squad, where she represented the school at Auckland Secondary Schools Head of Harbour where she placed 4th in Division 1 Under 18 Eight and came 3rd in Division 2 Under 15 Coxed Quad. In Rowing, went on to North Island Secondary School, where she placed 3rd in the B Final Under 15 Double Sculls, and New Zealand Secondary Schools competition where she placed 5th in the C final Under 15 Coxed Quad, competing also in the Double Sculls, Under 18 Novice Eight. Not only has Caitlin represented the school at competitive levels in a range of codes, she has maintained her pursuit of excellence in her academic studies.

Caitlin is awarded Excellence in Year 10 Business Studies, Design and Visual Communications, English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies, is second overall in Year 10 core subjects and today receives the Gerard Brady Memorial Award for All-Round Excellence in Year 10.

Jimmy O’Keeffe - Jimmy receives excellence in Year 10 Digital Technologies, English, Mathematics, Music, Science and Social Studies. He is placed first overall in Year 10 core subjects and receives the Bill Barnaby Memorial Award for Academic Excellence in Year 10.

Samuel Donovan, Rebecca Yip, Kiana Carter, Armani Tohaia & Rowan Loveday Armani Tohaia