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Cameron Smith’s innovative teaching methods and exciting choreography have pushed the dancers to explore their creativity and improve their techniques. Their recent success at 'HipHop Unite' was the start of their new dance adventure. The team performed their dance to the best of their ability in the preliminary rounds and earned a spot in the finals! After dancing to their full potential, the outcome was then in the hands of the judges.
“The team was praying and manifesting backstage”, says Peyton Bull “We have been working so hard for the past few months, but the chances of getting chosen for the world championships were slim. The talent at this competition can't be found anywhere else” adds Amelia Campbell.
“When the host announced we had been chosen for the world champs, we all erupted into screams and many of us couldn’t help but cry uncontrollably It felt like a dream”
This is a great honour, as the contest will bring together talented dancers from 17 different countries, all of whom have proven themselves in qualifying rounds in their home countries The World Championships are scheduled for the 23-25 of October, 2025, and the team will fly to the Czech Republic on October 18.
The team’s main goal for the trip to Prague is to gain valuable dance experience and broaden knowledge of the art form They will be immersed in an environment surrounded by world-class dancers and internationally renowned choreographers, offering them the opportunity to learn, grow, and be inspired. Another goal is to pass the preliminary round and make it to the semi-finals Achieving this would put them among the top 20 hip hop duos from all over the globe which is an amazing accomplishment. Beyond competing, the dancers are determined to challenge themselves, give t heir absolute best, and proudly represent both their team and community on the world stage.
The ‘MAD DUO’ consisting of Sam Marfell and Immy Giles has also qualified for the world hiphop championships for the second time which is an honorable success.
The team has made some incredible efforts to fundraise, all of which have been highly successful The most noteworthy of them all was a fashion show which was sponsored by ‘Thomas's’, ‘Sista & Co’ and ‘All about you’. The night was highly successful, attracting hundreds of people and raising significant funds.
Mega MADness is extremely grateful, excited and proud to dance as part of team New Zealand and represent Aotearoa. You can follow the team's journey on the Marlborough Academy of Dance Instagram page @marlbacademyofdance)
HOUSE DRAMA 2025
SEMIFORMAL: DANCINGTHROUGHTHESEASONS
SEMI FORMAL 2025
SHAVE FOR A CURE 2025
2025 COMMUNITY CHALLENGE
CULTURAL PRIZEGIVING 2025
COOLMGCCHOIR CORRALLINGATCADENZA!
THE BIG SING 2025
From only seven years old, she had outlined her goaltobeanOlympicswimmerandgotstraightto work, training with diligence and determination despite her youth It's part of her unwavering mindset and ability to push herself that caused Sophie to rise to the heights that she is at today. No other swimmer in history has smashed seven worldchampionshiprecordsatoneevent!
“There are no shortcuts to success” she stat “Youwillhavetoadaptattimes.Whenachallen isthrownatyou,you’vegottopivot”.
Everyone who attended Sophie's talk took something away from it, and we all learnt something new about Sophie and gained invaluable advice. It was exciting to be in the presence of such a talented swimmer!!
At the end Sophie took the time to answer additional questions, and chat and take photos with anyone who wanted to stay behind. We even got to hold one of her Olympic golds!!
By Lou Muir
Get to Know...Mrs Burro s!
Full name: Lindsay Burrows
Ethnicity/Heritage: I am from the UK
Subject: I am a Drama Teacher
Age: 49
Height: I’m 5’2 AKA a hobbit
Do you have any children? No
Do you have any animals or pets? Yes I’ve got Beau, he is an american staffy
What house are you in? Awatere
Favourite Colour, and why? Green, because I don’t suit red
Favourite Book, and why? My favourite book is called the “Seven skins of Esther Wilding” by Holly Ringland I love that it is set in a foreign country and she searches for a real sculpture, and it is just the most beautiful sculpture, I want to see it one day.
Favourite Play, and why? The Crucible, because when I watched it about 10 years ago, the setting and the staging of it was so amazing and it had richard armitage in it aka daddy proctor.
Favourite Movie/ TV show, and why? My show favourite NCIS, and my favourite movie is Rocky 3 No Rocky 4! (Because you can’t beat a Rocky montage)
Favourite Saying/Catchphrase? My favourite quote is from a poem by Mary Oliver, “Tell me what will you do with your one wild and precious life”, and I like the sentiment about being brave and going for it because we only get one life.
Do you play any musical instruments? No
What are your Hobbies/Passions? I like tramping, I’ve done 3 of the great walks so far, I plan to walk the rest of them. I love travelling and just enjoying
getting out and about and going to the theatre. Celebrity Crush? There's two, Jason Statham and The Rock, because yeah.
What did you do before you became a teacher? I never knew what I wanted to do, when I finished University I worked at a bank and I was really bad at it. I realised it wasn’t my dream, and so I went to drama school, did a second degree and naturally fell into teaching.
How long have you been a teacher? I’ve worked as a teacher for 25 years
If you were an animal, what would you see yourself as? A sloth, because they are really smiley and they do no sport!
Breakfast go to? Porridge, you can’t beat it.
Future Gordon Ramsey or do you need a few more lessons? Oh no, I need much more practice
One thing you love about your Whanau class? I love the fact that I have seen them grow into such amazing young adults since being with them since year 9
Approximately how many people have you jogged and logged this year? About 20
By Lou Muir
Get to Know...Mrs Roberts!
Full name: Angela Claire Roberts
Height: 160cm
Ethnicity/Heritage: Pakeha, born in england so New Zealand European
Subject: I’ve taught English here at MGC but in the past I have also taught Japanese and French
Do you have any children? Yes, one
Do you have any animals or pets? I have so many pets! I have one dog and three cats I also have 10 chickens, three alpacas and 10 sheep
What house are you in? I am in Kaituna, aka the best house.
Favourite Colour, and why? I really like the colour blue, but purple is my favourite colour. I just love it, it’s really inviting and makes me feel good.
Favourite Book, and why? I don’t think I could pick just one, I really like Caravans by James Michener, Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, Gaea series : titan , Wizard and Demon by John Varley and Paris by Edward Rutherfurd.
Favourite Movie/ TV show, and why? My favourite film would have to be The Matrix, and currently I’m watching White Orchid, love a good murder mystery, so that would have to be my favourite TV show
Do you play any musical instruments? I play piano
What are your Hobbies/Passions? I’ve always enjoyed gardening and hiking, practically everything outside. I love being in nature it makes me feel happy
How long have you been a teacher? I’ve been in High School for 18 years, 28 years of teaching entirely.
What did you do before you became a teacher? I’ve had so many jobs, I worked in a shoe store for a year in Boston New York and I used to teach English in Japan for 6 years, I was also maid in a French family for a year.
If you were an animal, what would you see yourself as? Immediately I think of an Eagle. I would want to be a bird, to feel free and be able to soar through the sky, but I wouldn’t want to be small, say, like a sparrow. I would want to be powerful so I could rip something apart, be a free powerful bird.
Breakfast go to? I try not to eat breakfast even though I know I should. If I had to, I’d say plain toast with greek yogurt and honey
Future Gordon Ramsay or do you need a few more lessons? God no I’d burn everything
One thing you love about your Whanau class? They make me laugh, they give me quirky gifts, one time they cut off pieces of their hair and taped it to stick figures as self portraits for me.
Approximately how many people have you jogged and logged this year? Surprisingly only two this year I honestly thought that number would have been higher, but that’s not a bad thing is it.
LIBRARYWEEK2025: READ‘EMTHEIRRIGHTS
By Brooke Pontague
This year library week was held from the 4th-8th 2025. This year the theme was tying up the teachers, every day a different teacher would be tied up during lunchtime and students would have to complete activities to get ransom money to free them.
On Monday Mr Rosene was tied up and the ransom was $200 however he was freed too quickly so the ransom was raised the next day
On Tuesday Mr Bennion was tied up and the ransom was set at $250 but he got out too quick so the ransom was raised again.
On Wednesday Mrs Burton was tied up and the ransom was $500, it took a bit longer for her to get freed so the ransom didn’t change.
Thursday was Mrs McLees and the ransom was once again $500
On Friday Miss Smith was tied up and the ransom was still $500
Tying up the teachers wasn’t the only thing that happened during library week though, there was a book swap where students would bring in books the week before library week and get ‘book vouchers’ to use during library week so they could pick books that others had brought in, there was a blind date with a book where you could pick a wrapped book off the shelve with by the genre and issue it to see what it was, and student librarian recommendations, the student librarians were able to recommend two books each by sticking a small slip to them with their name and an emoji reaction, those books then went up on the display shelve for students to look at and issue if the wanted Overall I think that this year’s library week was very interesting and I’m excited to see what next year's one will bring.
LIBRARY WEEK 2025
Get to Know the 2025 MGC Manutaki��
By Emily Mason
Name: Ko Cleo Collins tōku ingoa
Age: 17
Manutaki Role: Manutaki Rūnanga Ākonga | Head of Student Council
Why did you want to become the Manutaki you are today? Was there anyone or anything that inspired you?
I was actually a Manutaki a year early, last year, in Year 12, I had the honour of being Manutaki Māori This experience really set me on the path of wanting to take on another leadership role in 2025. I was inspired by the impact I could have within the school, especially in representing and uplifting ākonga voices. Seeing how the previous Manutaki Rūnanga Ākonga, Grace Straker, led with such passion and dedication also motivated me to continue that legacy.
What are your goals for 2025, either inside or outside of school?
Inside of school, my main goal as Head of Student Council is to strengthen student engagement and create meaningful initiatives that make a real difference in our kura. I want to ensure that every student feels heard and that we build a positive, inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Academically, I’m striving to be endorsed with Excellence for Level 3 NCEA and gain acceptance into university. I’m also deeply committed to kaupapa Māori and am determined to stand proudly on the kapa haka regional stage this year as part of Ngā Taiohi o Wairau.
Outside of school, I’m focused on getting my restricted license and buying a car! Another huge goal is saving as much as possible for my dream trip to Latin America at the end of the year. Traveling has always been something I’ve wanted to do, and I can’t wait to explore new cultures and experiences alongside some of my closest friends It’s going to be a big year, and I’m super excited!
Do you have any plans for what you want to do after graduation?
Yes! After graduation, my biggest goal is to travel. I’ve been working hard to save for a trip to Latin America, where I plan to explore Chile, Brazil, and Mexico. I’m excited to experience new cultures, meet incredible people, and challenge myself in a completely different environment Beyond travel, I’m looking into university options, with an interest in studying political science, international relations, and Te Reo Māori. I’m passionate about leadership, advocacy, and kaupapa Māori, and I want to pursue a path that allows me to create real change globally. No matter where life takes me, my goal is to make a meaningful impact and experience the world!
Continued from page 12
What are some of your favourite hobbies or pastimes? Are you involved in any sports or cultural groups?
I love being involved in kaupapa Māori, it’s a huge part of who I am. Whether it's kapa haka, carving, weaving, pōwhiri, or helping to organize events, I always feel deeply connected to my culture and Tūpuna when I’m in these spaces These kaupapa really help to keep me grounded and give me a strong sense of who I am.
I’m also really passionate about art. I was incredibly lucky to have my artwork showcased in Te Papa Museum alongside Lillian Ligaliga (Hauora Manutaki), Isabella Baldwin (Manutaki Toi), and Trinaty Pillans, where I received a Commended placement in my category. Art is a way for me to express my creativity, express my emotions, and share perspectives that are important to me.
Beyond that, I enjoy staying active and challenging myself in different ways, whether its exploring new creative projects, spending time with friends and whānau, going on adventures, and making the most of everything that comes my way!
What is something about you that not many people know?
Something not many people know about me is that I’ve worked a whole mix of different jobs since I was 13, everything from being a dishpig to waitressing to mentoring kids in holiday programs to working at Omaka marae as a performer for Māori cultural experiences for international cruise ships. But one of the most incredible experiences working was being a Kaiāwhina at Te Waka Haurua, the largest double-hulled waka convention in the world, where people from across the Pacific come together to share knowledge, traditions, and stories of navigation to pass onto future
generations. It was an unforgettable experience, and it deepened my appreciation for the connections we have as Tangata Moana across Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa
What advice would you give to future students who aspire to be a Manutaki one day to?
Go for it! If you’re passionate about making a difference and leadership, being a Manutaki is one of the most rewarding roles you can take on. My biggest piece of advice is to grab every opportunity that comes your way and back yourself 100% It’s okay to feel nervous, but don’t let that stop you from achieving your goals Start getting comfortable with the uncomfortable, put your hand up, share your ideas, and be the voice for those around you. Leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room; it’s about listening, supporting your peers, and creating positive change. Stay true to yourself, embrace challenges, and make the most of every opportunity. You’ll grow so much as both a leader and a person! Kia kaha!
Get to Know the 2025 MGC Manutaki��
By Lou Muir
Name: Jess Sinclair
Age: 17
Manutaki Role: Manutaki Hangarau | Digital
Why did you want to become the Manutaki you are today? Was there anyone or anything that inspired you?
I wanted to be a Manutaki as I wanted to give back to the school who has given me so much. I didn’t have any main inspirations but rather just many people who I have modeled my leadership off of.
What are your goals for 2025, either inside or outside of school?
For 2025, I have had many goals, but my main one was to put my all into everything I am doing this year, and to not let any opportunity pass me by. It is my last year at MGC and I don’t want to regret not doing something!
Do you have any plans for what you want to do after graduation?
Next year, I plan to go to University to study Psychology with the intention of being a clinical psychologist. I also plan on minoring in theatre so I can hopefully one day open my own drama school.
What are some of your favourite hobbies or pastimes? Are you involved in any sports or cultural groups?
I am very much into the performing arts and spend a lot of my time doing that. I am the 2025 Soprano section leader in the ovation choir which has been a blessing in itself.
What is something about you that not many people know?
I am actually relatively good at playing the piano
What advice would you give to future students who aspire to be a Manutaki one day to?
Go for it. You can’t get anything you don’t try for and it is such a rewarding experience. If you do get selected, put your all into everything. Not just for you but also for the school as the events you organise are for them and their memories will be based of your planning and effort
Get to Know the 2025 MGC Manutaki��
By Lou Muir
Name: Freya Grage
Age: 17
Manutaki Role: Manutaki Ako | Teaching & Learning
Next year I am going to take a gap year, work in Blenheim for the first six months and then go to the UK and stay with my family there.
What are some of your favourite hobbies or pastimes? Are you involved in any sports or cultural groups?
Outside of school I enjoy reading, spending time with my dog, playing sports such as netball, croquet and table tennis, plus, I love watching movies. At school, I am a student librarian and a member of the film club.
What is something about you that not many people know?
I have a guinea pig named Pickle who used to belong to Ms Pullin.
What advice would you give to future students who aspire to be a Manutaki one day to?
Why did you want to become the Manutaki you are today? Was there anyone or anything that inspired you?
Being on the academic committee last year really gave me a look at what being a manutaki is like. It inspired me to be an academic manutaki this year.
What are your goals for 2025, either inside or outside of school?
For 2025, I would like to pass NCEA level 3 and enjoy my remaining time at MGC. Over the summer I am going to pick cherries and spend time with friends and family
Do you have any plans for what you want to do after graduation?
Get involved and give everything a go, I promise that you won’t regret participating in things such as house events, and those experiences will likely be some of the only things you will remember.
Get to Know the 2025 Head Librarian��
By Lou Muir
Name: Emily Harper
Age: 17
Role: Head Librarian
Why did you want to become the Head Librarian you are today? Was there anyone or anything that inspired you?
I wanted to give back to the school community, especially the library which has given me, and so many others, a place to belong within the school throughout our time here. All the wonderful librarians who I have worked with over the years have inspired and motivated me to put the time and effort into the library.
What are your goals for 2025, either inside or outside of school?
To enjoy spending my last year at school, and make the best effort of my final year doing NCEA Also to progress in and enjoy both of my out of school jobs, and get set up for my plans next year.
Do you have any plans for what you want to do after graduation?
I am planning to work for part of the year, then head over to Europe to spend some time with the family members I have over there. My goal is to end up at university eventually, though I'm still deciding what I want to study
What are some of your favourite hobbies or pastimes?
Are you involved in any sports or cultural groups? Outside of school, I love reading (of course), and also do artistic roller skating and skiing in the winter. I also enjoy being creative and crafty, and would definitely count being a Swiftie as a full time hobby.
What is something about you that not many people know?
I can pilot an aeroplane.
What advice would you give to future students who aspire to be a Librarian/Head Librarian one day?
The library is one of the most welcoming spaces in the school, and being part of something you enjoy makes your school experience so much more positive. It's worth taking every opportunity you get to make others feel welcome too.
Do you have any advice to give to someone who is struggling to get into reading/get out of a reading slump?
If you're struggling to get into reading, start small with a short story or graphic novel around a topic that you enjoy. "Reading" doesn't have to mean finishing a long book. When in a slump, go back to your comfort zone and read a book you love.
WINTER SPORTS WEEK 2025
Adopt a Cat!
Marlborough Four Paws is currently overrun by cats! If you are open to adopting a furry little friend, contact Marlborough Four Paws. Just look at some of the adorable cats available to adopt today!
Are you interested in joining The Pulse? We meet fortnightly, 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 Ms Brown, or come along to one of our fortnightly meetings in PG12.
Pet Watch!
By Cat Forsyth
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 address: lucy.muir@mgc.school.nz
Summer Falvey’s pets Dutch (dog) and Sky
Emily Harper’s chickens Betty and Pepsi
Anna Corban’s pets Edward (dog), Millie, Toby & bunnies, Enya and Shizer
Unappreciated Books in the Library
By Heidi van Staden
Here are some of the most underappreciated books I have found the Library, it’s time to give them some love!
The Raven Boys - Maggie Stiefvater
“Though she is from a family of clairvoyants, Blue Sargent's only g seems to be that she makes other people's talents stronger, a when she meets Gansey, one of the Raven Boys from the expensi Aglionby Academy, she discovers that he has talents of his own, a that together their talents are a dangerous mix.”
Clap When you Land - Elizabeth Acevedo
“Camino Rios lives for the summers when her father visits her in the Dominican Republic. But this time, on the day when his plane is supposed to land, Camino arrives at the airport to see crowds of crying people In New York City, Yahaira Rios is called to the principal's office, where her mother is waiting to tell her that her father, her hero, has died in a plane crash. Separated by distanceand Papi's secrets - the two girls are forced to face a new reality in which their father is dead and their lives are forever altered. And then, when it seems like they've lost everything of their father, they learn of each other In a dual narrative novel in verse that brims with both grief and love.”
Game Changer - Neal Shusterman
“Ash is used to taking hits for his high school football team - but then those hits start pushing him through a succession of universes almost-but-not-really like his own. As small shifts in reality become significant shifts in Ash's own identity, he starts to question the world he thought he knew, as well as the ones he finds himself catapulted into ”
Call It What You Want - Brigid Kemmerer
“Once-popular Rob and overachiever Maegan, both dealing with serious family issues, quickly form a bond that is threatened when Rob confides plans to repair damage his father caused.”
By Rose Santini
To all the boys I’ve loved before
Series Review
The film series ‘To all the boys I’ve loved before’ is a classic romantic comedy suited for tweens and teens It was released on August 17, 2018, and directed by the well known author, Jenny Han. You may know Jenny Han from her other famous books like The Summer I Turned Pretty, Burn for Burn, or Shrug. This is a reenactment of the book trilogy previously released in 2014, and since then has made many top titles, hit records, and made big movie sites like Netflix.
The series encapsulates the life of a teen girl, Lara Jean, as she navigates her way through her Senior year after her older sister Margot, moves to Scotland for university. The love letters she wrote that she never intended to get out have mysteriously been sent, and unfortunately enough for her, her sister's ex boyfriend is a recipient While she tries to battle her rising feelings whilst also handling her top secret fake relationship, she starts to question where her heart really lies. She’s lying to everyone in her life, and Lara Jean isn’t sure she can handle it anymore
This series reminds us love doesn’t have to be perfect, it comes in so many different forms. For example, Lara Jean with her family. She suffers a loss of her Mum early on as a child, so her sister takes on the mother role The three girls, Margot, Kitty, and Lara Jean, have close bonds as sisters as they have had to rely on each other for most of their lives. At the same time, it also highlights being true to yourself, and reminding us that it’s okay to put yourself first once in a while This series brings to reality that again, relationships aren’t perfect and they come in many shapes and sizes. There will be things you need to work through, but it exhibits how you can come out stronger and better It also touches on topics such as struggling with your sexual orientation and feeling lost as a person. This brings reality to tv and brings a relatable vibe to the table.
I found this series to be honestly really entertaining despite it being made and set in 2018. At first it seems like your classic teen romcom, girl meets guy, falls in love, a fight and they make up. However, what makes this series different from others is the backstory and depth we see from each character Although the series is based from Lara Jean's point of view, we still can see points throughout the series where we learn about other characters, for example: the dinner scene where we find out that Peter Kavinsky's father left last summer, or where one of Lara’s friends speaks about struggling with coming out to friends about his sexuality. These small moments in the series really add together and add emotional value to each role.
In conclusion, To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before is a classic series that doesn’t fit into other cliches. It’s a story about teenage love, loss, growing up, and being true to yourself– and I’d be happy to give a recommendation to any teen that needs something to watch, as it is inspiring, relatable, funny, and heartfelt Overall I rate it a 9 5/10
Book Review
By Tui Bell
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by
Stephen Chbosky
Looking for a book that feels like a warm hug and a visit from an old friend? The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky will give you all you need and more The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a heartfelt, gritty, coming-of-age tale of a fifteen year old high school student named Charlie Kelmeckis who observes the world from a quiet perspective. This story highlights what it is like to navigate the world through the eyes of an introverted teenager, someone who I think we can all strongly relate to.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is easily one of my favourite books I’ve ever read. It is full of believable characters who feel real to the touch To put it poetically, it is like they have written themselves. Charlie is a beautiful main character who feels like a familiar face as soon as the first line is read, “Dear Friend, I am writing to you because she said you listen…”
If there is one book I could wish to read for the first time again, it would be The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Every chapter is a beautiful cacophony of laughter, wonder, and warmth. This story is full of great musical, pop culture, and literary references If you are a film or music buff this book is just for you!
Written in letters, the story teaches readers to participate in the here and the now. It is a raw, unmasked reflection of friendship, trauma, loss, and identity. The Perks of Being a Wallflower doesn’t hesitate to tell the truth in pure honesty, there is no sugar-coating tolerated I strongly encourage you to read The Perks of Being a Wallflower, it will leave you strongly inspired (and in tears) to find a place or a song in which you can feel ‘infinite’ , you’ll know what I mean once you read the book
To quote Charlie Kelmeckis, “I don’t know, I just had a great day, I hope you did, too. ”
What’s on in Marlborough these holidays?
Term 3 is drawing to a close and spring is just starting! Now is the perfect time to get out and about in the community! If you’re wondering how to spend those long hours while you are missing your teachers and classes at school, then check out the following events that are happening in the community.
Library Lego Club!
The Marlborough District Library is a hive of activity over the school holidays Come along every Sunday to build a free LEGO set in the Library! Each week there are an assortment of kits to choose from to build in a designated area. Everyone is welcome to have a go. This free activity is great fun for the whole family!
The Extravaganza Fair
Celebrating 11 epic years of magical mayhem on the road! New Zealand’s biggest and most fabulous traveling fair is rolling back into town – and you’re invited!
Held at Pollard Park from the 20 - 21st September. Free entry for kids, and a gold coin donation for adults! Sat (9AM - 5PM), Sun (9AM - 4PM) th
Are you interested in knitting? Are you looking to meet new people?
Then come along and join the friendly group of social knitters upstairs in the library each Thursday morning.
Bring along your knitting project and/or get inspiration from other knitters No need to register, just turn up on the day. 03 572 8007
The Pop Up Op Shop
Check out the Pop Up Op Shop at 8 Beaver Road Blenheim every Friday! Come and get a bargain with all items just $2 each and Coffee just $5 each We have a play area for your little ones and plenty of seating. All money raised goes back into the Connect Marlborough Trust and funds our community programmes. You can donate quality clothing
items at Connect, in the clothing bins behind the building.
Justice of the Peace
Free Justice of the Peace meetings at the library from the 17 September to 29th November. More details: Marlboroughnz.com th
