Ashburton College Newsletter R
Individual Excellence in a Supportive Learning Environment ES
URGA
MU
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Issue 19
02 December 2013
Message from the
Principal
Staff Farewell to Long-Serving Staff Members
Kia ora and Greetings Celebrating Success We are now well in the countdown to the Festive Season which, in the College, means we are living in three different but overlapping ‘worlds’. Many of our teachers are finishing the extra support and tutoring that they have been providing to our Year 11 to 13 students as NCEA exams draw to a close; our Year 9 and 10 students are busy both in their classes and the inter-class competition that is currently running; and staff in leadership roles are busy preparing for 2014. Over the next two weeks remaining of the student term we have a number of key activities and events occurring. These range from our Phoenix Rising Chorus touring the Nelson area, including musical performances in a number of schools and at Nelson Cathedral; to the Year 9 and 10 student PrizeGivings on Thursday afternoon, 12 December. Alongside is the annual “Get Out There Day” where we give our Year 9 and 10 students the opportunity to try or experience something new in our community; to the annual Year 13 Students’ and Families Leavers’ Dinner where we farewell our departing Year 13 students. Year 9 and 10 student reports will soon be posted home to parents and caregivers. As always, should you wish to follow-up something in your child’s report please feel free to contact their teacher or the College. We are more than happy to discuss any aspect of your child’s report with you – which is why the reports come home before the year ends. Strategic Plan 2014
The end of a College year often brings with it a number of leaving staff. In this newsletter we acknowledge with sincere appreciation three long-serving staff who are especially acknowledged as they look to retirement and new endeavours. Their contributions, totalling an amazing 76 years, have been absolutely significant across many aspects of the life and work of the College. They will be missed for all they have given, and for themselves as people. Janice Ackerley
In addition to teaching Janice has contributed over many years as the International Department’s Homestay Co-ordinator, as Reader-Writer Coordinator and in earlier years as an Ancillary Aide in the English Department. Janice has always been committed to Children’s Literature and this was most evident when she attained her Masters in Education, during her time at College, majoring in Children’s Literature. John Baird
Our Board is already making a start on this, and is seeking ideas and input from parents, caregivers and community members. From this a draft plan will be developed by the Board, which will then form the basis of consultation in Term One next year.
If you are a community member who would like to be included in this survey please email us requesting this on principal@ashcoll.school.nz Naturally, we will report back on the broad survey results early next year and, more importantly, our Board of Trustees will be seeking your further input and ideas when they release the draft strategic plan for consultation during Term One next year. Cheers Grant McMillan, Principal
Staff Dave Naldrett Sports Co-ordinator Kay Rotch Financial Administrator
Information Year 13 Leaving Procedures Wednesday 04 December Year 13 leaving procedures are to be completed at the College Office, Student Counter this Wednesday, 04 December. Students should report between 12:30pm and 1:30pm. Final text book returns to be put in a supermarket bag with student’s name and that subject teacher’s name written on the bag and placed under desk in College Office area,by the Student Counter. When all items are returned/paid for (eg: text books, fees, blazers), students can collect Leaving Documentation and leave. Phoenix Magazines may be picked up by seniors from Wednesday.
Twenty six years after starting as Head of Physics Department at College in 1988, John has continued his enthusiasm for his subject and has continued to equip students very well for tertiary and post-secondary school success. Many students have had cause in their first year at university to thank John for the quality Physics grounding they received while at College. In latter years John was also responsible for the introduction of the well-received Electronics Course for senior students. Organised, innovative, professional and aware of different learning styles describe John as a teacher whose commitment to his students is well-recognised. His capabilities, knowledge, planning and expertise have been greatly valued, as he has undertaken his roles thoroughly, collegially and usually at great pace. John has also been well-involved in a number of other aspects of College life including Volleyball Coaching and a long-term, quality contribution to lighting and sound for events in the Holyoake Auditorium. This involved innumerable additional hours and developmental expertise and advice for students who joined the technical team.
You can order and pay for your copy of the 2013 Ashburton College Phoenix Magazine now, from the Student Office - $25.00. Enjoy this record of your 2013 year at College. (Pictured above) Emily Willis, Year 11 student, designer of the 2013 Phoenix Magazine cover.
Resurgamus Magazine – Issue 2
The Resurgamus Magazine is designed for leavers, former students, staff and parents/caregivers of Ashburton College. The magazine is sent to subscribers annually, at the close of every College year. Each publication will keep subscribers up-to-date about what has been happening at College and will showcase former students doing great things.
A fifteen year subscription only costs a one-off payment of $27.50. Subscription forms are available from the College Office or by emailing: resurgamus@ashcoll.school.nz
Ashburton College acknowledges the initiative, vision and enterprise shown by the 2012 Student Executive in spearheading and completing this project.
Curriculum Event Ashburton College eLearning Showcase – In Conjunction with MCFCS On Thursday 21 November around sixty teachers from throughout Mid Canterbury attended an eLearning Showcase at Ashburton College, in order to find out the ways in which our College is working towards the vision that includes young people who are “confident, connected, actively involved and life-long learners.”
In the 1990’s John very effectively led the then School Review while, in 1997, he proposed and developed an Outdoor Education Programme for Years 9 and 10 levels. Denise O’Halloran
Welcome to
Ashburton College 2013 Phoenix Magazine
Her career at College has been epitomised by her unassuming, positive, consistent, effective and conscientious people-focused contributions. Janice is a thoroughly professional, highly competent staff member who has been acutely attuned to her students’ needs.
As many of you will already know, one of the key things a Board of Trustees is charged with is to develop a 3 to 5 year Strategic Plan for their school. The purpose of this plan is to look ahead at what the College should be like in 3 to 5 years, and to identify what changes or improvements the College should have in place by then.
In the next few days every parent and caregiver, plus those community members we have email contacts for, will be sent a four question survey via email. We are asking that you please take a few moments to consider these questions and respond.
Janice started at Ashburton College at the beginning of 1990 as a Teacher of Reading within the College’s Reading Programme. She has continued, from this time, to offer twenty four years of quality service and support to staff and students.
Commemorative Publications
Denise’s association with Ashburton College also began in 1988, twenty six years ago, and has covered a mix of part-time and fulltime teaching over the subjects of English, Journalism and Social Studies but most particularly, English. As a teacher Denise held a student-centred approach, creating an effective classroom balance of instruction, motivation, caring and student interaction. Her calm, confident, curriculum-sound approach and affirmation of student ideas led to effective and enjoyable student learning. It was this base and passion for students’ learning, which led to Denise’s appointment, in 2006 (to now), to the position of Specialist Classroom Teacher. Establishment of a research reading group and an emphasis on boys’ education formed part of this role.
Twelve Ashburton College teachers had a chance to share their eLearning teaching practice with other teachers with presentations involving the use of Web2 tools such as Google apps, Wikispaces, Delicious, Moodle, Prezi, Padlet and Blogger. The teachers were focussing on the ways that they use online tools to engage students in learning. Positive feedback followed the sessions, with staff enjoying the experiences, talent of presenters and evaluating opportunities to add their learning to classes. This was the first in a series of seminars to be organised by the Mid Canterbury Fibre Connected Schools’ Group. The aim for the year is for teachers to share experiences and collaborate, as a district.
From 1995, for a number of years, Denise contributed much energy as Blue House Staff Leader, during which time Blue House emerged as House Trophy victors on a number of occasions. During this period Denise undertook senior student Tutor roles. Students have also benefitted from her management of basketball and volleyball teams and as a netball team coach and manager, while also supporting a number of the College’s Cultural Events. A key focus in latter years has been her leadership of the Mãori Student Achievement Committee and her work with Mãori students through events and opportunities.
A number of shorter-term staff are also making a change from Ashburton College and we will acknowledge them in our next newsletter, the final for 2013.
2014 Additionally, College been asked to host the Core Education ‘Learning at Schools’ Roadshow on 20 May 2014, which has been selected as a College Teacher Only Day. Ashburton College is one of only two schools in the South Island hosting this event, where key speakers come from around the country to deliver good e-Learning practice.