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LIGHTS,CAMERA,
By Nicola Liu
48 Hour Film Fest
As the clock struck 7 pm on Friday, the 17th of May several participants, including the MGC film club and a few other students from our school, raced against the clock to pull together a short film within the 48-hour deadline.
The 48-Hour Film Festival is an annual nationwide event wherein over 500 teams of filmmakers from all over New Zealand have 48 hours to plan, write, and shoot a film.
Each team of filmmakers are given a genre (splatter, romance, musical etc ) and random elements (such as a specific line of dialogue, props, characters, or camera moves) to incorporate into their film This is so that the filmmakers cannot plan their film in the weeks leading up to when the timer begins and are instead forced to make quick decisions on the spot
All filmmakers entered the competition to compete for various awards and the title of ‘Grand National Champion’. Cash prizes range from $200 all the way up to the quintuple digits at $20,000 given to the filmmakers that win the ‘Grand National Champion’ title But more important than the prize, is the experience gained from participating in the challenge.
Continued on Page 2
What’s in this issue
Pink Shirt Day
Why the school was washed in pink?
Why is t
sky pink
A solar ev captured stunning photos
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Why is The Sky Pink?
By Heidi van Staden
Do you remember when the sky looked like it was on fire?
When it looked like the sun was setting, even though it was only 8 pm on a mid-autumn evening? That’s because we were experiencing a solar phenomenon that we haven’t experienced in a long, long time. See, what we saw is the Aurora Borealis, more commonly known as the Southern Lights. In the midst of May, a massive cluster of sunspots became active and emitted solar flares so large scientists put out high-class warnings in the Northern Hemisphere for severe solar storms.
Photographs by Maggie George-Harris
"To be able to see the aurora from Blenheim was really awesome and I was super excited by it!" -
Matilda Phelps
48 Hour Film Fest
The 48-hour aims to establish an event that provides opportunities for those who are interested in filmmaking or even already experienced and established filmmakers. This also encourages fast-paced decisions, creative risk-taking, and collaboration. Grace Boyd, an MGC student, participated in the 48-hour Film Festival with the Sawmill Studios team, a local film and television facility, under the team name “Clean Slate”. She states “The highlight was definitely working with everyone, everyone was very nice and fun to collaborate with. “
“I learned that I love making puppets! I didn’t think I would finish Pete (The puppet featured in their film) in one night but I did and I’m proud of how he turned out ”
When a solar flare collides with Earth’s magnetic field it creates an Aurora, which can be seen only in a few parts of the world However, in May, after one of the biggest solar flares our generation has seen hit the magnetic field, New Zealand skies lit up bright pink along with other countries all over the world! It was magnificent, a once-ina-lifetime experience.
“I loved the Aurora. My mum and I went out the back of Renwick so we could see it better. I got some pretty decent photos of it but I would've loved it more if there were more colours as I could only see the red.” -Emily Pitcon
Lucy Heath, a member of the MGC film club was the director, cinematographer and editor of the film they created during the 48 Hours and we were lucky enough to catch an interview from her -
Q: What would you say was your favourite part(s) of participating in the film challenge?
A: “My favourite part about participating in the film challenge was the differences from the previous years and the big role I had within the production. I loved being in control of directing and cinematography as it's what I'm wanting to do in the future.”
Pete the Puppet, on the day of the shoot
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Q: What role did you take on for filming the film?
A: “I took on writing, directing, editing, cinematography, composing and sound design.”
Q: Was there anything that you found particularly difficult?
A: “I found the editing process difficult as many things went wrong and changed which left me with 3 hours to edit the entire film, so that was definitely difficult.”
Q: Anything that you’ve learnt from the 48 Hours?
A: “I learnt that it is important and crucial to have more people who can help with the lead main roles as I was doing directing, editing, cinematography and also sound design alongside leaving time to upload and making sure you have everything sorted out.”
The film that they created has also been nominated for Best Disqualified Film in The Christchurch Region.
You can watch “Final Bell“ and “Pearl and Pete“ on the 48 hours website: https://www.48hours.co.nz/screening-room/2024/
“It was an amazing experience even though it was very stressful. I'm proud of what the MGC Film Club made”
Mrs DelMonte played Mrs Rosebud; an evil reliever
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MGC Deserves Pink Shirt Day
By Juliette Nowacki
On the 17th of May, MGC was flushed with universal pink, celebrating differences and shunning bullying
We united as a school to rew togetherness with fun activiti sweet treats. T-shirt decoratin finds, chalk murals, a photoboo our ‘Best Dressed in Pink’ com added to the fun and made t Shirt Day event this year somet will remember.
Our Hauora Manutaki, Jessica B Gemma Rae and Ryn Pretty, al Rachel Anderson, did a fantas planning this event. Booking Mr and Sweet Creations for stude staff to enjoy and doing the s work that allowed us to ackno this event throughout the week pride was on full display commemorated the importance of this day. Pink Sh reminds those among us who fe in their insecurities and unseen in their feeling of not belonging, that they are seen and heard with flying colours, literally Streamers of pink displayed the beauty in our diversity and inclusiveness and reminded all of us the importance of kindness
Classes collaborated and pledged to be upstanders and to support each other. Students nominated their peers, congratulating them on their noticeable kind and compassionate behaviour. Our school teaches us the importance of celebrating Little reminders and milestones through the year that put wind in our sails, and ignition in our rockets Boosting us along towards happier and healthier mindsets The impact of this day within students is subtle, but vital
Belonging is a funny subject when you think about it What are we belonging to? Society? The branches of societal groups that break off in our community makes that too broad School? With classes, clubs, friend groups, stereotypes, and then of course the dangerous mind trap of what is considered ‘normal,’ how do we differentiate who belongs and who doesn't with all those complications? Perhaps it is the sly exchanges with others that give us the impression that we in fact don't belong The snickers or side glances that hollow us and make us feel lost
There That is why we celebrate Pink Shirt Day, to remind ourselves that these exchanges are worthless in the broader picture That we are all far too unique to be categorised or ostracised Sure we may have similarities that form groups, but not sharing those similarities does not entail worthlessness Similarities may bring people together but it is the differences that build strength. A community with a vastness of talent and knowledge, diversity and kindness, is one that will grow and prosper beyond simple and disposable societal trends and labels.
MGC is better with diversity, MGC is better with celebration, MGC deserves Pink Shirt Day.
Exam Advice
By Grace Straker
Term two is a crazy term for all our students, this is where the grind truly begins towards our externals at the end of the school year. It is so important to stay on top of your studies to ensure the very best results, so here is some valuable exam advice to help get you through prelims, internals and externals.
Past
papers
are your best friend
The best way to get better at taking exams is to actually do them. The NZQA website has so many past papers from each year every exam was done, all available to print off and have a go at the questions Whether you want to simulate an exam and time yourself, or just have a go at some of the questions, past papers will help you so much. The answer schedules are also available, so don’t worry if you get stuck on one question. If you need any help finding a past paper online, don’t hesitate to ask a senior student, or your teacher, they will be able to help you
Make a study timetable
It can be easy to lose track of time, especially on study leave Make sure that you create a timetable that points out what times of the day you are going to focus on a certain subject so you can maintain focus and ensure you are not neglecting any of your subjects.
Some good resources
For my calculus/maths students, go check out infinityplusone on youtube, he has so many videos teaching you everything you need to know, and also does past exam walkthroughs. For my science students, No Brain Too Small has so many notes and practice questions on it, go have a look! Also, youtube has so many videos explaining key concepts, make sure to utilise it For my social studies students, Britannica and NZ History are awesome, reliable sources, remember to use your teachers as a resource as well - they know what they’re talking about!
Homework Club and Student Tutors
If you are struggling with a part of your subject and need a little help, check out our student tutors. All their information is posted on the Academic Manutaki instagram, they will be more than happy to help you out Homework Club is a great way to catch up with work, there are supportive teachers there and it is a focused study environment This occurs every Wednesday in the new library after school, go check it out!
Blurt sheets
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One of my personal favourites, grab a big piece of paper and just write down everything you can remember about a standard without looking at your notes For example, it could be formulas, concepts, dates, key points, anything. Once you're done, check your notes and add anything you missed. This can help you remember details, and then you can put it on your wall to never forget it.
One of the most important things to remember when studying is that you aren’t alone. You are surrounded by a whole network of people who will be so happy to help you with anything, all you have to do is ask. Good luck everyone!!!
Current Affairs
By Lavnya Singh
Recently New Zealand has been filled with many exciting and interesting events, many of these events can even be a cause of interest towards students at Marlborough Girls’. You will want to read this segment of this newspaper, especially if you would like to know about a Covid-19 peak in NZ and how the 2024 Budget can benefit you and your peers!
Covid-19 Peak
You might have thought that Covid-19 peaked in New Zealand during lockdown! But in reality, it is still raging to this day! New Zealand has had its largest peak of the Covid-19 virus in 18 months recently. The end of May had over 6000 new reported cases of Covid-19 in a single week! It is said that 35 people a day are being admitted into hospitals around New Zealand because of the old virus.
The last time New Zealand had this much of a peak in Covid-19 cases was in December 2022. The absences of teachers and students have also been increasing, something you might have noticed in recent weeks It is recommended that if you do test positive for Covid-19, you should retest yourself 6-7 days after the initial testing you did before you go out in public Continued on the next page
Budget 2024
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Budget 2024 was a very significant part of this year, it was the National Party's first budget while being Government this term. On the 30th of May 2024, people in New Zealand expected a lot of benefits from this annual budget, one of these being tax cuts. Budget 2024 introduced a small personal tax cut for most New Zealanders and it also offered over 1.9 million households in NZ to earn an average extra of $60 every two weeks. You might be wondering how Budget 2024 can benefit you as a student though, let me explain how it can.
From January 2025, university students will be getting their final year of study fees free! For all the people in year 9-13, if you are planning to go to university after 2025, you can get your final study fees free Another benefit is the increase on student allowance, students who earn a student allowance will earn an extra $2 16 after tax from the 31st of July 2024
New Zealand has had many current affairs events happening in 2024, but Budget 2024 and the new Covid-19 peak are two of the most significant events that have been happening in the past recent months. We are only in June, there’s many more current affairs to come!
Broadway in Blenheim?
The combined college production is always a highlight of the school year, and this year with cult classic Legally blonde the excitement is sky high. The musical follows freshly broken up with Elle Woods as she goes to Harvard law to try and get her boyfriend back. But as with most Musicals chaos quickly ensues and leads to a story of self discovery and courage. I was lucky enough to sit in for one rehearsal, I was blown away by the talent and energy each and every one displayed From the funny and energetic songs such as “Omigod you guys” to ballads like “Legally Blonde” the cast mastered every song with style Not to mention the amazing dance numbers that transform the stage into the bustling halls of Harvard or a sorority house in L A You can see the hard work and countless hours of rehearsals these young actors have been through in every movement and note they sing. While just seeing one rehearsal I was transported to the hallowed halls of Harvard and hoped that Elle would prevail. With Eden Somerville giving her all as
By Malin Svoboda
Elle alongside an amazing cast, this show is a must see for all Theater lovers I can’t wait to see the show completed and with only days until opening night, the wait is short Music and excitement fill the air as the cast and crew fine-tune every scene and dance number. As they prepare for the show, one thing is clear, the spirit of Elle Woods and her message of perseverance and empowerment will resonate far beyond the final curtain call. If you also can’t wait to see the show you can buy tickets at the ASB theatre website and in person
Eden Somerville + cast rehearsing a show-stopping dance number
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