Longburn Adventist College House
FYI Newsletter March - May 2014
‘Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.’ Psalm 143:10 NIV UK
LAC.SCHOOL.NZ fyi@lac.school.nz
Phone +64 6 354 1059
FYI Newsletter
March - May 2014
Director’s Comments...
Greetings from L.A.C. HOUSE, We are now in the 6th week of term 2 and already holiday plans are underway for boarders to return home or go to home stays. This term, boarders have been busy with school work, after school sports, study, church and service to the community activities. We have been blessed with not too much sickness in the dorms, however, it is still important that boarders remember personal hygiene, hydration, sleep times and a daily encounter with God’s Word and prayer to cope with everyday demands. A recent move this term, to install security cameras in the boys’ corridors to prevent corridor ball sports, vandalism, encourage prompt bed times at lights out, has produced less tired boys the next morning. Initially, the boys were concerned about the privacy of their dormitory, however, areas such as dress code to and from the bathroom, visits to the dorms when a dean is not present can also be followed up as required. We will review the security camera presence with a survey to the boys during the second to last week of this term and invite any comments from parents/caregivers should this practice continue for the rest of the year. At this stage, there are no plans to install security cameras in the girls’ dormitory. Regarding our school cell phone policy, year 7-12 boarders are not allowed to use cell phones at school. If they are seen using cell phones during school time, their phone will be collected by the teacher in charge and handed to the school office. The student must handwrite the school’s mobile phone policy and hand these notes to the office. The dormitory dean can collect the phone once this procedure has been carried out. Unfortunately, the phone in the boys’ dorm phone booth +64 6 3541059 ext. 760 has been experiencing some technical difficulties. I have spoken to Telesmart who are working to sort out this problem as soon as possible.
LAC.SCHOOL.NZ fyi@lac.school.nz
It is with sadness that we farewell our Student Volunteer Assistants this term: Mr Anthony Whitlow returns to Southern University in Syracuse NY, Miss Adrienne Bohl to North Dakota, Miss Tania Acuna to Southern California. We will miss your presence and wish you all God’s blessings as you continue your studies at your universities.
FYI Newsletter
Friday
March - May 2014
Weekend Plans (rest of term 2)...
June 13th Practice for Mosaic
20th
Sabbath
Afternoon
Sat. Evening
14 th
16 th
Lead Mosaic Church Service
Lazertag Experience
Rest Home Visit
21st
Combined Worship
27th Combined Worship
Sunday
Duties Study / Free time
23 rd
Churches
To be confirmed
Deans’ Farewell Party
28 th
Duties Study / Free time
29 th
Churches
To be confirmed
End of Term Party:
Inflatable World
Duties Study / Free time
Mr Whitlow being farewelled as he left us in May
Please do not hesitate in contacting me anytime. I really appreciate hearing from you. God bless you, Maria Henry (mobile 021 987 161) Director of Boarding
Dates for your Calendar... Thursday July 3rd (Friday for Teacher Conference)
Last Day of Term 2
Monday July 21st to Friday September 26th
Term 3
Tuesday
July 29th
Parent Teacher Interviews
Sunday
August 3rd
Leavers’’ Banquet
Monday August 4th to Friday August 8th
Student led Week of Worship
Sabbath September 6th to Sunday September 7th
SDA Volleyball Tournament in Palm. Nth
Monday September 8th to Wednesday September 10th Year 11-13 Trial Exams Our Japanese exchange students left L.A.C. House in March and it was a pleasure to share our home with them over the 5 weeks. Also we are very thankful to Ikuo Inoue who boarded with us last year, for the design of our dove T-shirt. Pictured (left) with Victor and Yumi .
Phone +64 6 354 1059
Monday October 13th to Friday December 12th
Term 4
Wednesday
Last day for Year 13
October 29th
Friday October 31st to Saturday November 1st
Graduation Weekend
Tuesday
Y11-12 Prize giving
November 4th
Monday November 10th to Tuesday December 2nd
NCEA Exams (Y11-13 timetables vary)
Friday
Year 7-10 Prize giving
LAC.SCHOOL.NZ
December 12th
Kia Puawai Tatou Jeremiah 29:11 The Lord’s Plans
Phone +64 6 354 1059 fyi@lac.school.nz
FYI Newsletter
March - May 2014
Principal’s Comments...
Time This morning in chapel I reminded everyone of the importance of using our time wisely. For our senior students we are now past the half-way point tin the year before they sit their NCEA externals. Time passes all too quickly and we all need to make wise use of our ‘now’. I never thought I’d quote ‘Doctor House’, from the TV series “House”: “Time changes everything. That’s what they say, its not true. Doing things changes things. Not doing things leaves things exactly as they were.” I largely agree with ‘Dr House’ and that advice coupled with what the Bible says is good advice for our students half-way through another school year. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (NIV UK) N4L (Network for Learning) Network for Learning is a government funded ultra fast broadband provider set up to provide broadband to schools with a fibre connection. The college has recently been selected to connect to this system, among the first batch of schools in New Zealand to be selected. N4L is funded by the Ministry of Education and designed specifically for the education sector. Thank you to our IT teacher, Mr Gounder, for his work in ensuring this happens. Farewell to our Volunteer Deans Every year we welcome new volunteer deans to our boarding team. Now comes the time to say farewell to two of our ‘volunteers’ who have become part of our LAC family, Tania Acuna and Adrienne Bohl, both from the USA. Both ladies have given 110% during their time at LAC and we will miss them very, very much. We wish them God’s blessing as they head back to the USA. College Cameras There are many benefits from being a college based in the country. Whenever I visit schools in the city I am grateful we don’t have to adopt the numerous security measures most of these schools have but that is not to say we are immune from security issues from time to time.
LAC.SCHOOL.NZ fyi@lac.school.nz
The college makes limited use of security cameras, something we advertise on our entrance sign. Our locker area is one we constantly monitor and over the three years we have been doing that there has been no damage or theft in this area. Last term we introduced cameras in the corridors of Boys’ Dorm and again, no damage has occurred since then. It also provides security when students are away at classes or in town as boys being boys they are prone to leave doors unlocked and valuables on desks etc. On the very few occasions when I have had to contact the police over a security issue their first question has always been, “Do you have any camera footage?” Cameras at the college are never used to observe areas private to students but their use in places where damage has occurred and where outside people have intruded on the college property has proved to be an invaluable deterrent. NCEA Results LAC students continue to perform well above the national averages in their NCEA results. The table below shows the comparison between LAC, other local high schools and the national averages. What this table does not reveal is school retention rates, how many Year 11 students stay at school through to Year 13. On average most schools lose over a third of their students between Years 11 and 13. At LAC the majority of students stay on and successfully complete Year 13. NCEA has come in for some criticism in the media but it is a system that rewards hard work and we see that with our students. Dale Burden, principal at Mount Albert Grammar School, recently wrote a very balanced report on NCEA. You can read that by following this link. Bruce Sharp Principal Level Level Level 2013 NCEA Results* 1 2 3 National Average School Longburn Adventist College
Participation
82.5
85.5
79.1
Students on roll
70.5
71.4
57.4
Decile
Roll
6
286
(%) Pass 81.3
81.0
92.1
79.5
76.9
87.5
*Selection of schools from the Manawatu. Source: NZQA & Ministry of Education
Phone +64 6 354 1059
FYI Newsletter
March - May 2014
What made you decide to come to New Zealand? It has always been a passion of mine to do this for God. I also had wanted to be an Assistant Dean ever since I went to a boarding school. New Zealand has always been a dream place for me to go because I was stunned by the scenery from the ‘Lord of The Rings’ movies. I always thought that it was the most beautiful place on earth, and I just had such a passion to explore it one day. How would you rate your time as a volunteer dean in the dormitories? My time has been very rewarding and very challenging. It definitely matures a person and teaches them to say what you mean, and mean what you say. What has been the most memorable moment of your time in New Zealand? At first I thought it was disgusting to see everyone eating beans and spaghetti on toast, but then I tried it, and now I totally get it! What have you missed most about the USA? Definitely miss my friends and family and I also miss the cheap
prices of food and clothes. What will you miss most about NZ when you return to the USA? The hospitality of the people, the friends and family I’ve made here who have helped me out in so many ways. I will miss the scenery and the ‘realness’ of the culture. If you could bestow a title on Mr and Mrs Henry, what would it be and why? Mrs Henry would definitely be ‘Wonder Woman’ because she takes on so many roles. It’s amazing how she always keeps a smile on her face. Mr Henry would be ‘Baloo’, the bear in the Jungle Book movie! He’s an awesome guy to be around because he’s funny and very caring. Miss Adrienne Bohl
What made you decide to come to New Zealand? Have you seen a travel brochure for this country? Does that answer your question? When I made the decision to pause my university career and do a year of service as a volunteer I prayed that God would lead me where he found fit and well here I am and I want to say that coming to NZ was the Miss Tania Acuna best decision I’ve ever made! How would you rate your time as a volunteer dean in the dormitories? I will say that the challenges, bad days, and most of all successes and progress have taught me and moulded me into a better person and leader. I will forever be thankful for this opportunity. What has been the most memorable moment of your time in New Zealand? The two week road trip I did with Adrienne and Katherine Miller. Just three girls, a tiny car, and the most gorgeous country known to man. My favourite memory regarding LAC would
have to be when I was asked to be the speaker for the 2013 leavers’ banquet. That class will always hold a special place in my heart. What will you miss most about NZ when you return to the USA? I will miss the friendships and family I have made whilst here. I will miss the kiwi spirit and gorgeous way of life. You kiwis really know how to live, love, and laugh! If you could bestow a title on Mr and Mrs Henry, what would it be and why? Superman and Superwoman? They don’t sleep... I am not sure how they are still functioning after all these years! Thank you two!!! What last words of wisdom do you have for the students of LAC? “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” - Eleanor Roosevelt Will we see you back in NZ again? Hopefully!!! Would love nothing more than to return on a more permanent basis. But if that is not possible then--- many, many holidays back to my new ‘motherland’ will be in my future!
LAC.SCHOOL.NZ
Kia Puawai Tatou Jeremiah 29:11 The Lord’s Plans
Phone +64 6 354 1059 fyi@lac.school.nz
FYI Newsletter
March - May 2014
FYI Newsletter
March - May 2014
Form Travel...
LAC.SCHOOL.NZ fyi@lac.school.nz
Phone +64 6 354 1059
LAC.SCHOOL.NZ
Kia Puawai Tatou Jeremiah 29:11 The Lord’s Plans
Phone +64 6 354 1059 fyi@lac.school.nz
FYI Newsletter
March - May 2014
“The thing that I love about LAC is the many different types of vegetarian dishes served from the school cafeteria. I enjoy the beautiful environment in and around campus. Most importantly I have friends from many different cultures and nationalities from around the world. But the fun thing living on campus is school classes are just a short walk away, and I get to learn new things every day in school.” Peniel Koroka
LAC.SCHOOL.NZ fyi@lac.school.nz
March - May 2014
STC* Feijoa Picking...
From Boys’ Dorm...
Visit by 1965-1966 Student Peter visited LAC last week to reminisce his school years at LAC during 1965-1966, known then as New Zealand Missionary College. He had so many fond memories of the old boarding house, cafeteria, old buildings, chicken farm and vegetable gardens which supplied the kitchen with fresh vegetables. He was so excited to be back on campus. If he had a sketch board in front of him I am sure he would have painted the campus as he recalled it. But time was not on his side. He breathed a sigh of relief as if to say, “This place was the making of me “ Thanks for the visit Mr Dornauf, we hope to see you again in the future. Cook Island High Commissioner Longburn Adventist College staff and students with a Cook Island background were invited to meet, listen and talk with His Excellency Mr Tiki Matapo, High Commissioner to New Zealand from the Cook Islands at the local Palmerston North library. Present were the local Rangitane Elders, local Cook Island families, individuals, local Cook Island Church Minister, Consular staff and a Victoria University Cook Island representative.
FYI Newsletter
His Excellency Mr Matapo shared the importance of education for all Cook Island Students and maintaining and encouraging Te reo Kuki Airani, the Cook Island Maori language. His Excellency Mr Matapo spoke to Ralph and Jayden Warren Peu whose dad is Cook Island, and mother is Pitcairn. He also spoke with Berny Monga-MacCauley and told her he knew her grandfather. He also acknowledged Mr Roy Henry as his neighbour from the same village- Titikaveka on Rarotonga. A great time was had by all present and they especially enjoyed the refreshments that followed! Roy Henry Senior Boys’ Dean “Hello everyone. My name is Jordan, middle name Knight and last name Koroka. I came to LAC from Coronation College. I am from the Western Highlands Province ( W.H.P ) in Papua New Guinea. LAC boarding is awesome. The boarding deans are all good to the students and treat them equally. What I like about this school is that you get to choose which church to attend on Sabbath. The boarding is all good because I have the freedom to ride a bike around the school campus. There are always fresh air because the environment is clean. There is also great views of the mountains and the green fields. We even have animals like small horses, sheep and cows grazing around the school.”
Phone +64 6 354 1059
*STC: Service to the community
LAC.SCHOOL.NZ
Kia Puawai Tatou Jeremiah 29:11 The Lord’s Plans
Phone +64 6 354 1059 fyi@lac.school.nz
FYI Newsletter
March - May 2014
Talent Night...
FYI Newsletter
March - May 2014
Other Weekends...
The ‘Camping Trip’ Game
“I enjoyed the talent night, there was lots of creativity and originality. The best part for me was coming 4th, 2nd and 1st!” Kaya Taniora -Johnson Joining in with Mosaic Church Camp in Foxton
LAC.SCHOOL.NZ fyi@lac.school.nz
Phone +64 6 354 1059
LAC.SCHOOL.NZ
Kia Puawai Tatou Jeremiah 29:11 The Lord’s Plans
Phone +64 6 354 1059 fyi@lac.school.nz
FYI Newsletter
Amazing Race...
March - May 2014
FYI Newsletter
March - May 2014
Photographs by Berny
The Y13s led out in an action packed Friday evening worship
LAC.SCHOOL.NZ fyi@lac.school.nz
Phone +64 6 354 1059
LAC.SCHOOL.NZ
Kia Puawai Tatou Jeremiah 29:11 The Lord’s Plans
Phone +64 6 354 1059 fyi@lac.school.nz
FYI Newsletter
March - May 2014
FYI Newsletter
March - May 2014
Night LifeYouth Events 6 & 7...
LAC.SCHOOL.NZ fyi@lac.school.nz
Phone +64 6 354 1059
LAC.SCHOOL.NZ
Kia Puawai Tatou Jeremiah 29:11 The Lord’s Plans
Phone +64 6 354 1059 fyi@lac.school.nz