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DARINGTOLEAD: AWALKFORHOPE
By Juliette Nowacki
On the 13th of November, over 500 students across Years 9-11 at Marlborough Girls’ College sprung together to go on a whole school walk in gumboots along the Taylor River pathway. After the initial rush and bubbly confusion had calmed down, we settled in, walking alongside each other as a whole school. With the Year 12 and 13s already on study leave, the three remaining year groups were the ones galavanting down the river walk, showing off our school spirit We smiled at the locals on their morning walk and doted over the passing dogs. Students stopped to converse with people curious about what we were up to. The story behind the organization of this event and the reasoning behind it is something we can talk about with pride
A group of junior students, Katlyn Ross, Daisy Lindstrom, Aimee Griffiths, and Emma Clough, were asked to choose a social action in their Dare To Lead class This is one of the amazing classes offered in the junior school as part of our future focused learning vision. Their group decided they would raise money for the I AM HOPE foundation. This foundation strives at Giving Kids Hope, as Advocates, as Friends and with Counselors. Its founder, Mike King, is a New Zealand Mental health advocate.
What’s in this issue?
Their social action would be their ‘walk for hope’ raising money for their charity and involving the school and the community. They are incredibly grateful for those who supported them with this project, Mr Galt, Rachel Anderson, and local companies for sponsorship Callahan, Martella, The local butcher, Bearings and accessories and Cakes by Kristen all supported these students with their fundraising goals.
These girls raised $261 for their foundation and are very proud of what they accomplished, and they should be. They hope to make this a yearly event. This group of girls are the perfect example of teens taking action and being proactive in their learning and making a difference. Ka pai.
What’s on in Marlborough this summer?
Get to know the 2025 Manutaki
Above: Daisy Lindstrom, Emma Clough, Aimee, Griffiths, Katlyn Ross
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Get to Know the 2025 MGC Manutaki��
Talofa
O lo'u igoa o Kyla Thorstensen.
I am extremely excited to be your Manukura Head Girl for 2025. I am a passionate Pasifika student with Samoan heritage, and I am dedicated to serving Marlborough Girls College, and creating a positive school community where everyone has a sense of belonging, and is proud of their own identity.
Softball, swimming, and singing are my passions. I have been a member of the Marlborough Girls College choir - Ovation, since 2021, I travel to Auckland every weekend during the softball season to represent my Counties Team - Patriots, in the Premier Womens League, and I swim for the Blenheim Swim Club.
Alongside my Manutaiko - Harriet McLauchlan, Manutaki Runanga Akonga - Cleo Collins, and a talented, caring, and enthusiastic Manutaki cohort, we are looking forward to connecting with you, having fun with you, and supporting you as you navigate, or continue to navigate, your journey through college.
I cannot wait to meet you all! Bring it on 2025!
Kia ora koutou,
Ko Harriet McLauchlan tōku ingoa.
I am extremely honoured and excited to be your Manutāiko (Deputy Head Girl) for 2025, alongside the incredible lead team of Kyla and Cleo. I have attended MGC since I was a year 9 in 2021 and am extremely proud of our school today Our aim for next year is to make MGC a place where everyone feels included and to foster a sense of belonging within our kura.
I have many passions, and you may see me anywhere from the courts, to the classroom to even singing a solo for our house choir. (GO WAIRAU!) One of my favourite things to do is to play and coach netball - this year I was lucky enough to represent Marlborough at the under18 level and have coached multiple teams across different year levels. Some of my other hobbies include playing the guitar, running, reading and taking all opportunities such as my amazing 10 day Spirit of Adventure voyage I was lucky to go on earlier this year
Next year, I cannot wait to work with our incredible Manutaki team to bring you all events and activities you will be excited for, as well as supporting and nurturing every single one of you as you navigate the crazy journey that is high school. We can't wait to get started - watch out for the amazing things coming your way in 2025!
Above: Cleo Collins, Harriet McLauchlan and Kyla Thorstensen at Senior prizegiving
Lava,
Above: Kyla Thorstensen and Harriet McLauchlan
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Continued from page...��
Kia ora e te whānau,
Ko Tararua te pae maunga
Ko Manawatu te awa
Ko Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga te iwi
Ko Ngāti Turanga te hapū
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Paranui te marae
Ko Turanga te whare tupuna
Ko Mahauariki te ingoa whānau
Tihei Mauriora!
E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea.
I will not be lost, I am a seed descended from Rangiātea.
Tēnā koutou katoa,
Ko Cleo Collins tōku ingoa, and I am honoured to be Head of the Student Council 2025.
I’m really looking forward to representing you all, helping to make your ideas heard, and working together to create an awesome environment where everyone feels supported and included.
To all of you thinking about joining the Student Council next year – do it! It’s such a great way to make a difference at school, meet new people, and develop your leadership skills We’d love to have you on board and hear your ideas.
Let’s make 2025 the best year yet!
Ngā mihi nui, Cleo Collins
Above: Cleo Collins
Wairau Winners for 2024
By Emily Mason and Julie Brown
It was an emotional day for students and staff when it was announced at the senior assembly that Wairau had reigned supreme and taken out the hotly contested Rickard Shield for 2024
Wairau has been pipped at the post finishing in second place the last four years in a row and hadn’t won the trophy in 16 years Wairau staff leader Nicky Croft stated that “it felt amazing” to finally win. “We smashed it this year” she said. “It was finally our time to shine”.
When asked what led to Wairau’s success this year, Croft stated that it was due to participation “It has been so good to see so many people in green” she said. “Our leader Mya and her team of deputies (Kyla, Harriet, Jess, Abbie and Emily) have been phenomenal in their organisation and being able to motivate people I am so proud of them all” Croft stated.
Croft was pressed for inside tactics but was tight lipped. “The tactics we have are TOP SECRET! But I can understand why other houses might want to know how we managed to take the win” she said
What she did reveal was that having fun and enjoying the battles was key. Supporting each other and wearing house colours are also really important.
Year Nine Wairau Deputy, Emily Mason also summarised the spirit of Wairau and her experience this year stating that “From the word go, Mya, Harriet, Kyla, Jess, Ms Croft and Abbie were so welcoming and understanding, we made a super team” Emily also commented on how “thanks to this amazing opportunity I’ve made so many new connections with peers from other years, acquired many new skills and accumulated lots of green tutus and props from the two-dollar shop! There were a few stressful moments here and there and sometimes backto-back meetings, but taking out the win after so many years of second place was a big achievement for all of us”.
Final standings were Awatere in fourth place on 106 points, Opaoa in third place with 111, Kaituna second place on 121 points, and finally Wairau on 136 points.
Above:MissCroftwiththehouseshield
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Blast From The Past!
Did you know the Pulse newspaper was around back in the 90's? We’ve dug up some old articles that we thought you might find interesting - and you might recognise some names!
By Bella Le Compte
Name: Libby Le Compte
Position at School: CL of Social Science at MGC
Fav Subject: All the social sciences. Go SS Awesome! Dream Career: To be a volcanologist. Hobbies: Tennis, Gardening, Shopping, Crossword puzzles and eating Chocolate
Favourite Ice cream flavour: Triple chocolate ( Ben and Jerry’s )
Three things you couldn’t live without: Sleep, Coffee and Family
Favourite Quote: Life doesn’t give you second chances, so take the first one
Person you most admire: My Nana because she was the most gracious and humble person on this earth and shge lived to be 104 years old!
Above:MrsLibbyLeCompte,CLSocialSciencesatMGCin2024 Above:MissLibbySkilton,SportsPrefectatMGCin1998
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By Izzy McLauchlan
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By Issey O’Brien
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Get To Know: MRS BROWN!
Full name: Julie Brown
Ethnicity/Heritage? NZ European / Canadian
Age: 42
Height: 168cm
Do you have any children? 1 daughter, Sophie (7), 1 son, Jacob (5)
Do you have any animals or pets? 1 dog called Louie, and a very grumpy cat called Geoffrey. What house are you in? Kaituna!
Favourite Colour, and why? Blue, pink, vibrant happy colours!
Favourite Book, and why? I love sooo many books but my all time favourites would be ‘Little Women’ and ‘The Silver Sword’.
Favourite Movie/ TV show, and why? Schindler’s List, as it is just so powerful and beautifully filmed.
Favourite Saying/Catchphrase? Carpe Diem-Seize the day...with my kids “team work makes the dream work” What are your Hobbies/Passions? Reading, painting, and playing squash
Do you play any sport, how do you keep yourself fit? I play squash quite competitively and also dabble in a bit of tennis during the summer. Next year I am aiming to run the Saint Clair half marathon.
Do you speak any other languages besides English? Sadly no, apart from a little bit of Te Reo Maori
Do you play any musical instruments, if so for how long? I used to sing in a band and can play the piano by ear I’ve always wanted to learn properly It’s on my bucket list!
Celebrity Crush? I love Taylor Swift I think she is just an awesome person and role model for young women What did you do before you became a teacher? After university I spent a year travelling overseas through Australia, England, Europe and South Africa I worked at Subway in Darwin and on a farm in Western Australia shearing sheep I then travelled to London where I worked at a bar in Chelsea after getting a job through the London Pub Company I had an amazing time and did a lot of travel around Europe while I was there If you were an animal, what would you see yourself as? Probably a cat because I love to curl up in the sun with a book Not that cat’s read! haha
Breakfast go to? Usually a coffee or tomato on toast If I’m at a cafe then creamy mushrooms on toast! Future Gordon Ramsay or do you need a few more lessons? Future Gordon Ramsey I’m a pretty handy baker What did you think you were going to be when you were older? (when you were younger!) I originally wanted to be a National Geographic photographer, a journalist, and a writer Weird Habits: I always have to turn the toilet rolls over so that the paper rolls from the top I can’t help it! Something nobody knows about you? I’m a bit of a shark at pool as I had a pool table in my house growing up One thing you love about your Whanau class? Their kindness and honesty They are such a lovely, genuine group of students I am really lucky to have such a great whanau class Go Kaituna! :)
Approximately how many people have you jogged and logged this year? Not many actually! Maybe 3 or 4.
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Marvellous Market Day for Year 11
By Frankie Ogilvie-Lee
As part of MGC’s ongoing focus on the akonga learning capabilities of connection and community, whanau classes were again challenged this year to come up with ideas of how to give back to the Blenheim community
The Year 11 Business Entrepreneurship class were tasked with developing a business idea with a view to taking the idea through to a product that they could sell on Market Day They then wrote a business plan for the product, made the product and sold it on Market Day in Term 4. The students then reviewed how the process went.
Students raised an impressive $739, which will go directly to support Marlborough Four Paws. Thanks to their hard work, this donation will help fund numerous spay and neuter surgeries, food
for the rescue animals and vet fees, making a meaningful impact on our community's animal welfare
Each group put extraordinary effort into crafting high-quality, homemade products, showcasing not only creativity but also a commitment to sustainability.
While some teams chose crowd-pleasers like cookies and fudge, others ventured into unique offerings, including pet treats, lip gloss, and heat packs.
Students’ entrepreneurial potential was showcased, but also reflects a strong sense of social responsibility. Congratulations to all involved our future entrepreneurs are already making a difference!
Above:MGCYear11Businessstudentsatmarketday
ByJulieBrown
New Year, New Uniform
Fashionistaslookout!MarlboroughGirls’Collegeis introducing a new look uniform in 2025 The revamped uniform was introduced to students in a year level assembly this term with great enthusiasm. The new uniform is mandatory for incoming Year 9 students but will be phased out overthenextfewyearsforstudentsinYears10-13 Studentsareabletowearthenewuniformifthey wishbutmaynotmixoldandnewuniformitems.
The new look uniform for junior students consists of a navy skirt, lavalava, trousers or shorts and a dark blue short or long-sleeve blouse Senior students have the same bottom uniform options but change to a pinstripe blouse. The dress uniform (Number 1’s) remains the same and is worn on official occasions when representing the Collegeandtravellingtoandfromevents Blazers canbehiredfromtheuniformshopfor$20.
Students are looking forward to the introduction of the new uniform with many finding the previous version uncomfortable and impractical The white shirt was difficult to keep clean and see through. Overall students are largely satisfied with the new look uniform, Richa-Joy Sacay in Year 10 stating that “I like that there are a range of options” “It looks sophisticated and clean” said Jaye Wiapo, also Year 10
Uniforms and dress codes have long been a contentious topic for schools and students with styles and uniform rules changing regularly throughout the decades In 1998 students at MGC in Year 13 (Form 7) “dressed to express” and wore mufti year round. Uniform was later reintroduced after Marlborough Boys College brought in a compulsory uniform for Form 7 students the same year Regardless of opinion, change is coming. In the new year students will arrive back to school in 2025 refreshed, both mentally, physically and stylistically.
Above:MGCstudentsmodelthenewuniiformbeingintroducedin2025
The Power of Poetry 2024
The Year 9 Power of Poetry class has produced some wonderful work this semester. They have been experimenting with imagery and sound devices, layout and punctuation Here is a collection of some of the poetry produced by students throughout the course. Enjoy!
ByEmmaAnderson
ByImogenHughes
ByMaysieFerguson
TaylorSwift
ByEvaKelly
ByMollyMacri
ByTehyaWallace
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What’s on in Marlborough this Summer?
By Juliette Nowacki
Summer’s here! Time for well, time for what? Everybody’s excited for summer but apart from Christmas plans, what’s everybody doing? Sleeping is a viable option but not for 6 weeks. That's hibernation, and nobody should waste the summer hibernating So, need a few ideas to fill your free time? Pulse has got your back.
Walnut Ranch
Ever wish you could cuddle cute animals? Well some may not know this but Walnut Ranch is a petting farm tucked away on David st in Springlands. $7 lets you meet and pet bunnies and rats, goats, horses, chickens, llamas, turtles and many beautiful birds 1$ gets you a cup of food for the animals and another $7 gets you a pony ride. There is also gem fossicking and u get to keep the crystals. With a free circus fair and lovely people, Walnut Ranch is a haven that everyone has to visit at least once!
All Movies Start at 10.30AM. Tickets are $16pp There are four fabulous family movies to choose from, including the exciting new release ‘Red One (PG13)‘ and three nostalgic favourites –‘Home Alone (PG)‘, ‘The Polar Express (G)‘, and ‘The Muppets Christmas Carol (G)‘ – there’s something for everyone!
Christmas in the Park
Event Cinemas
Keen to see a movie? Here’s what’s coming up at the cinema - Moana 2, also screening in Maori, Wicked part 1, Red One, a Christmas movie starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans. For you horror movie buffs Terrifier 3 and Smile 2 are screening. Want a Christmas spirit filled event? André Rieu's 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold and Silver is screening on the 7 & 8 of December
There is also a fantastic fundraiser event for Hospice Marlborough happening on Sunday 8th December. Come along and see your favourite Christmas movie on the big screen!
The annual Mitre 10 Mega Christmas in The Park is here! Held on Saturday 14th of December at 5:00-7:00pm. It’s at Pollard Park and is free of charge. Its perfect family orientated activity with music and Christmas joy.
Best Short Walks & Hikes
Makeuseofthesummertotickthefollowing shortwalksandhikesoffyourlist!
ShepsParkLoop0.5km
WairauLagoonsWalkway9.8kmloop
GrovetownLagoonLoop3.2km
TheSnout9km
PelorusBridgeLoopTrack1.7kmloop
BlackJackLoopTrack3.9km
RarangitoWhitesBay4.5km
TawaWalktoTwoWaterfalls4.8km
MountVernonTrack4.7km
CondorsBendBikeLoopTrack4.2km
TaylorRiverShortLoop2.6km
NgakutatoMomorangiBayreturn7.4km
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The Ultimate Christmas Movie Showdown
Pulse Readers Pick the Best Holiday Films
By Bella Le Compte
As the holiday season approaches, there’s one holiday tradition that never fails to bring the festive feeling of joy back, holiday movies! Whether it’s a timeless charm like ‘The Polar Express’, an Iconic comedy like ‘Elf’ or a magical romance like ‘The Holiday’. Everyone has a go-to holiday movie that defines the holiday season for them But which one is truly the best?
I asked all the MGC students and teachers to vote for their all-time favourite Christmas movie. I sent an email survey which collected a total of 165 anonymous responses, and the results are in! With a total of 50 responses is ‘Home Alone’! 33% of votes go towards ‘Home Alone’. Closely followed behind was ‘The Grinch’ with 26 votes and ‘Elf’ with 22 votes. This proves that a joyful comedy can be more festive than a romance
So what is it that makes a Christmas movie 'good'? Why is it that the top films resonate with audiences? Is it the heartwarming storyline, nostalgic appeal, or the perfect blend of humour and holiday spirit? The most common answer sounded like ‘funny, festive and memorable’ which is definitely something to look for when it comes to binging christmas movies.
“A good plot that’s not basic, one you can watch and rewatch every year and laugh out loud without getting sick of!” - Zara Craig year 10
“For me, it’s all about the emotion’s behind the story The feeling of togetherness, traditions and family creates the best christmas movie”Mrs Le Compte, Teacher
“I think a good christmas movie is like romance but family friendly with comedy and of course christmas spirit!” - Katie Sutherland, Yr 11
Interestingly, the top contenders for the best Christmas movie span both older classics and newer favorites. ‘Home Alone’ (1990) and ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (2000) continue to dominate the rankings, proving that nostalgic films hold a special place in our hearts However, modern classics like ‘Elf’ and ‘Love Actually’ also remain popular, showing that new films still have the power to capture the holiday spirit for new generations.
Now that you know what MGC's top Christmas movies are, why not gather your friends or family for a holiday movie marathon? Whether you're laughing along with Buddy the ‘Elf’ or reminiscing with Kevin McCallister in ‘Home Alone’, these films are sure to bring some holiday cheer into your life.
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Pet Watch!
THE PULSE
You sent in your furry friends, and here they are! If you want to showcase your pet in the next issue, please send one or more photos, and your pet’s name to this email adress: news@mgc school nz
Are you interested in joining The Pulse? We meet weekly, and work all term towards producing a jam-packed article. Joining The Pulse is an amazing opportunity to work as a team, get great experience as a journalist, and get involved around the school! If you don’t want to write, you could help out with formatting, photography, or interviewing! All year groups welcome!
If you are keen, email Mrs Brown, or come along to one of our weekly meetings in PG12
Mrs Brown’s dog Louie
Miss Ogilvy-Lee’s dog Winifred
Mr Lower’s dog Sunny
