However, the next day others showed up wearing their own pink shirts to support the student. This was the beginning of the infamous pinkshirtday
Thisyearonthe16thofMayweallworeourbest pink clothing to celebrate our differences and bringtogethertheBlenheimcommunity. AtMGCoursupportwasevidentasvarious
phrases as well as pretty pictures. As students hustle and bustle to their classes for the day you could feel the bubbling excitement in the atmosphere
However, Pink Shirt Day didn’t feel like it really began until the fashion show on the quad Continuedpage2.
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Continued from page 1
The fashion show started at morning tea and gathered lots of people who waited eagerly to watch the participants cross the stage. Music filled our ears and students from every year group hoped to have the best pink outfits in order to win their prize
Midway through fourth period the judges of the fashion show had come to a decision informing us all over the intercom. The winning students went to the quad to prepare for their prizes whilst the deans stood anxiously nearby. I think lunchtime was everyones favourite part of the day, where the students gathered to see the deans participate in the ice bucket challenge for mental health
The ice bucket challenge originally began in 2014 when people decided that ALS (a nervous system disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord) needed more recognition than it had. People poured ice buckets over their heads and nominated others to do so in order to raise awareness and support for the people struggling with this disease. Now, in 2025 the ice bucket challenge was brought back to support mental illness It began with celebrities and made its way to families all around, spreading throughout the
students at out school in a flash At lunchtime the winners of the fashion show lined up to pour their bucket over their dean. Nervous chatter came from the deans as they awaited their fate. Each dean's reaction was slightly different but funny nonetheless and it was great to see the support from them Lastly, all of the manutaki took part in the ice bucket challenge, ending off the events of Pink Shirt Day.
Pink Shirt Day was an eventful but successful day that proved just how many of us support the anti-bullying movement.
Above:EmilyPitcon(left),KalenaLandon-Lane
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PINK SHIRT DAY 2025
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UNDERTHEBIGTOP: 2025JUNIORSOCIAL
ByBrookePontague&CatForsyth
OnThursday8thMay,themuch-anticipated Junior Social took place and this year, the circus came to town! With a vibrant theme and months of preparation behind the scenes, the event was a standout night for Year9and10students.
The social, which aimed to give juniors chance to have fun and build connection was a collaborative effort between th Events and Promotions Manutaki and th Marlborough Boys' College Prefec Planning began months in advance ensure the night ran smoothly and ha somethingforeveryone.
“The goal was really just to let the junio enjoy themselves and have a good time saidManutaki.“Wethinkitwentreallywell everyoneseemedtoenjoyit.”
The circus theme brought colou excitement,andcreativitytothenight.
Fromdecorationstomusic,theatmospherewasfull of energy and fun According to one student, “This year’ssocialwasevenbetterthanlastyear’s!”
With positive feedback and high spirits all around, the Junior Social continues to be a highlight of the schoolcalendar andthisyear’seventhascertainly raisedthebar.
On the 14th of May 2025, twenty-two students from Marlborough Girls’ College headed down to Christchurch for the regional round of the World Scholars Cup 2025 marks the second year of our kurasendingavidlearnerstothisworld-renowned competition. We came away with many victories, made many new friends across the region, and learntnewwaysofapproachingchallenges.
OnFridaynight,beforethecompetitionbegan,we got a chance to meet our sister school, Avonside Girls. They provided a lovely potluck dinner and hosted a quiz to warm up our minds for the next day Meeting the teams from Avonside was very worthwhile, as they were all so welcoming and showed us around where the competition would takeplacethatweekend.
Above:MGCStudentscompetingintheWorldScholarsCup
Saturday morning was an early one. We woke up bright and early, ready for a day full of debating, quizzing and socialising. We started the day with thewelcomingceremony,wherethehostsofWSC introduced us to the competition. After that, we broke off into our teams of three and began our debating journey The debates posed a very challenging obstacle for us, but we made it through and even had 2 students nominated as WOW speakers. This was Nova Bino and Elizabeth Habershon. Both were chosen to take part in the final showcase debate later in the day with the otherWOWdebaters
We had a quick lunch break full of socialising and gotrightbackintoit.Nextupontheschedulewas collaborative writing. Teams worked together to each come up with a creative piece of writing relating to the topics provided. This was a very enjoyable moment for some; however, the ticking clock made it highly stressful for others. Our last event of the jam-packed day was the scholars' challenge, where we had to fill out an incredibly onerous quiz After all the hard work and socialising everyone did, we were very ready for sometakeawaysandrest.
Sunday was the last day of the competition It was a bit less hectic than Saturday, as there was only one event - the scholars' bowl. Teams were required to answer general knowledge questions with a clicker. After that came the alpaca initiation WSC’s mascot is an alpaca, and if you compete at any event, you are given one to keep. Scholars then got to share some talents during the not-so-talented talent show. We even saw MGC getting up there to sing their hearts out
The closing ceremony and prize giving were a lovely way to wrap up a challenging, inspiring and all-round amazing weekend. MGC came away with many prizes, including all 8 teams qualifying for the global round! It is fair to say that we were all pretty exhausted after a jampacked weekend and were very ready to go home. We said our goodbyes to our new friends and hit the road.
Overall, the World Scholars Cup was an amazing experience, which we would definitely recommend to avid learners and people who just want to have a good time with like-minded students Up next, the global round!
ByLouMuir
Fullname:HuwEdwards
Ethnicity/Heritage?NZEuropean
Age:65
Height:182cm
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Get to Know...Mr Edwards!
Doyouhaveanychildren?Ihavetwochildren,my daughter runs a jewelry business, and my son is a skipatroller
Doyouhaveanyanimalsorpets?
I have one dog, five chickens, eight geese and numerousducks.
Whathouseareyouin?
When I first started working at MGC I was in Awetere, then Wairau, but by the end I was in Opaoa.
WhatareyourHobbies/Passions?I used to really enjoy fishing and cycling, though I don’t do them anymoreasIamtoobusylookingafteralifestyle block.
Doyouplayanysport?IusedtoplayRugby,andI wasaRugbycoachinNorthernItaly,Ihaveplayed all over Europe. I used to do a lot of mountain biking,andIamaqualifiedhanggliderpilot.Ihave done skeleton Bobsledding, competing all over Europe and I in the 1987 Sarajevo World Cup for Britain ButIwasprettyuseless,otherwiseIwould havetoldeveryone
What is your Breakfast go to? If I had the choice I would have a full British meal, bacon, eggs the lot.
Do you speak any other languages besides English? I speak German as well as English after spending many years in Germany.
Do you play any musical instruments, if so for how long? No, I would love to learn Guitar, something cool.
If you were an animal, what would you see yourself as? Immediately a Penguin
What did you think you were going to be when you were older? (when you were younger!) I was going to join the Marines.
One thing you love about your teaching? You can’t beat the banter and seeing students succeed.
How many people have you jogged and logged this year? I’m afraid I haven’t, wouldn’t know how to.
BeforebecomingaTeacherandMarlboroughGirls College,IattendedanartArtCollege,andstudied inillustrationfor4years FromthereIwasableto gotoGermanyandbecomeafreelanceillustrator for over 8 years! During my time in Germany I workedformultipledifferentcompanies, suchas illustrating instruction manuals, advertisement posters,children’sbooks,andnatureposters!
Favourite Movie/TV show and why? I love the movie Me before you, because I love the way the main character, Clark sees the bright side in life. Evenwhenshefeelslonelyhasisstruggling.
Do you play any musical instruments, if so for how long? I don’t know how to play any instruments,I’mafraid!
What are your Hobbies/Passions? I really love cookingandbaking.
Whatwouldyoubeinsteadofateacher?Iwould have loved to be a lawyer instead of being a teacher.
Above:MissNarcilla
What did you want to be when you were younger? I have always wanted to be a teacher!
Do you speak any other languages besides English? Yes, I speak Filipino as well as English.
What animal do you see yourself as? I have always seen myself as an Owl, I am very observant, thoughtful and I am always calm under pressure!
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PRIDEWEEK: THEJOURNEYOFPRIDE
By Cat Forsyth
Over the years, New Zealand has come a long way in recognising and supporting the LGBTQ+ community, especially in schools and small towns.
Just a few decades ago,being openly gay, trans, or queer at school was rare, and often unsafe. It wasn’t until 1986 that homosexuality was decriminalised in New Zealand. Even then, many young people had to hide who they were to avoid bullying and discrimination, and schools often lacked the resources or understanding to support them
In the 2000s, things began to change. Youth-led organisations such as InsideOUT and Rainbow Youth helped raise awareness and provide support. Schools across the country started forming Rainbow Diversity groups, in aim to provide a safe space for students to find support, friendship and advocacy.
Today, many schools mark Pride Week and local Pride events, working to build inclusive environments where everyone can be themselves
While there is still work to do, especially for trans and non-binary students, New Zealand schools and communities are becoming more and more inclusive each year. Visibility, kindness and education continue to open doors for all students, so that no one feels like they need to hide who they are.
Let’s keep working to make our school a place where everyone feels welcome, respected and proud of who they are
PRIDE SUPPORT NUMBERS
Health Line: A free, 24/7 service where individuals can speak with nurses for health advice and information. (0800 611 116)
OutLine Aotearoa: Provides a confidential support line (0800 688 5463). They are available every evening from 6pm-9pm
RainbowYOUTH: At the Marlborough Youth Trust (18 Kinross Street, Blenheim) and contacted using this number: 03 579 3143
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THELIFEOFANMGC
pages quiver. I could be in for an exciting life. The students that applied my covers were equally eager and fun to be around.
Sitting on the ‘new books’ shelves I was in good company; sharing the shelf with a graphic novel and a couple of rom coms. I was thrilled when a year 10 grabbed me off the shelf on her way into the library until I realised it was all a cover-up She sat staring at the one page - pretending to read for the entire lesson - missing completely the adventures that lurked between my covers.
I held more hope when two days later a year 9 held me close, and took me to the counter to borrow me. Back in her class room, she began her reading adventure. But all too soon it was time for me to be popped into her bag. Later that day I yearned to be picked up again but every time the hand reached into the bag it grabbed the phone instead of me It was weeks before I was discovered again nestled alongside empty chip packets and forgotten maths worksheets. The Librarians were delighted to see me back when I finally found myself in the returns bin
soul picked us up. My next adventure didn’t get me very far. I was unloaded into a box that turned dark when the door closed. Somehow the smelly shoes and sweaty tee shirt that lay underneath me in the bag had more appeal. A week later I was ‘rediscovered’ in that locker beside a forgotten pottle of yogurt that had all sorts of chemical reactions going on inside it, a wonderful blend of cultures On my return to the Library I was given the once over with the disinfectant spray and felt brand new again.
The pride I felt was immense, when the Librarian held me in front of the class and told the students about my story One of the class snatched me up and issued me. I then had the most wonderful days of my life. I travelled with that student for a week. She took me out of her bag at the beginning of classes, then again when she got home We sat in the car together and even while waiting for the dentist And, then she told her friends about me. This was what it was supposed to be like - sharing my pages with lots of young people. I had finally found my happy place
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Get to Know the 2025 MGC Manutaki��
By Emily Mason
Above: Jess Lovell, Manutaki Hākinakina | Sport
Name: Jessica Lovell
Age: 17
Manutaki Role: Sports
Why did you want to become the Manutaki you are today? Was there anyone or anything that inspired you?
Ever since year nine I always really looked up to the Manutaki, particularly the sports Manutaki. It was always my goal to become a Sports Manutaki because I thought it would be so cool to play a part in promoting and engaging in all the sporting events of the school, and share my passion with a larger group of people
What are your goals for 2025, either inside or outside of school?
This year I am really focusing on my academics, and just trying to stay on top of my work and push myself academically. Outside of school I want to continue swimming, and working
towards my next major event, which is the NZ open swim championships My goal within my Manutaki role is to get more MGC students involved in sports, and create a more fun and inclusive sporting environment at MGC!
Do you have any plans for what you want to do after graduation?
After graduation I am planning to go to University. I am not 100 percent sure where or what degree yet, but I am considering a bachelor of arts with a double major in political science and international relations
What are some of your favourite hobbies or pastimes? Are you involved in any sports or cultural groups?
My main hobby is competitive swimming! I am really passionate about this sport and my club, and it takes up the majority of my time. I also really enjoy painting and drawing, clothes, listening to music and watching ‘Desperate Housewives ’
What is something about you that not many people know?
I lived in Tasmania for a year!
What advice would you give to future students who aspire to be a Manutaki one day?
Get stuck in! Being a Manutaki is a fantastic opportunity, but before you reach year 13 I would recommend exploring all MGC has to offer. Engage in your classes, participate in athletics, lunchtime activities, clubs etc. You’ll be surprised how much it elevates your college experience!
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Get to Know the 2025 MGC Manutaki��
By Emily Mason
I wanted to be a part of the Arts because, let’s be honest, the arts are the best part of school, whether it’s music, drama, painting, or dance. I’ve always loved leading and bringing people together through the arts, so applying for this role felt natural Ever since I was young, I’ve had a music teacher, and she’s used to tell me that one day, I’d be a prefect and a leader at school way before I even thought about it myself.
What are your goals for 2025, either inside or outside of school?
I want there to be fun things around the school for the arts. At the moment, we have open-stage
every Friday and we hope to do many more things
Do you have any plans for what you want to do after graduation?
Many ideas. I could go to University to study Music or Sports and Exercise, but my overall goal is rugby.
What are some of your favourite hobbies or pastimes? Are you involved in any sports or cultural groups?
My passion is rugby. This is the 5th year that I will be playing for the MGC XV Team and I am also in the Tasman U18 Team. Outside of Rugby, I love singing and performing. I joined Ovation at the school's Senior Choir at the end of year 9 We get to travel away, sing and meet pretty cool people.
What is something about you that not many people know?
I love Legos I will build it all and display it in my collection.
What advice would you give to future students who aspire to be a Manutaki one day?
Lead with passion, uplift others, stay organised, and leave a lasting impact in your school that you will be proud of when looking back.
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Get to Know the 2025 MGC Manutaki��
By Emily Mason
biggest inspiration to also become a Manutaki as I too wanted to create a more welcoming, fun and pride filled MGC
What are your goals for 2025, either inside or outside of school?
My biggest goal is to plan and set myself up for next year. Applying and preparing for uni and the future. My goals for 2025 for inside of school is to become better at managing my time. For me this means balancing having fun and school
and also using school time to my advantage to complete all my work
Do you have any plans for what you want to do after graduation?
After finishing at MGC I plan to go to Otago uni, where I am currently planning to study management and bioethics. This in hopes will lead to a job in health management.
What are some of your favourite hobbies or pastimes? Are you involved in any sports or cultural groups?
I really enjoy staying active. I do this by frequently going to the gym and playing sports competitively such as netball while also playing sports socially like basketball and hockey
What is something about you that not many people know?
I'm a rather picky eater
What advice would you give to future students who aspire to be a Manutaki one day?
My advice would be to show at any opportunity the leadership skills that you have Beware that these leadership qualities don't also have to be loud, being a leader can be supporting others. Use these opportunities to strengthen your skills as a leader and build your overall confidence.
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Issue 5, Term 2 2025
Get to Know the 2025 MGC Manutaki��
By Emily Mason
Girls' College because I knew that it would provide me with many opportunities to develop new skills and grow as a person. I also wanted to give back to the school by offering support for younger students and helping to create a positive environment in our Kura I specifically wanted to become the Stars Manutaki because I really enjoyed my time as a stars mentor in year 12 and I enjoy being able to work with the junior part of MGC.
What are your goals for 2025, either inside or outside of school?
One of my goals for 2025 is to get out of my
and experience lots of new things lenge myself by taking on some of ortunities MGC has to offer.
any plans for what you want to do ion?
00 percent sure on what I am doing but at the moment I am planning on t to University somewhere in New am currently looking at getting a eaching and learning. This will t me into the career of primary ng.
me of your favourite hobbies or e you involved in any sports or ps?
the week I have dance almost r school which can get very busy. I ancing since the age of 3 and it is ing. I am now a part of competition different styles of dance as well ntemporary duo with one of my year I have also started dance ch I am really enjoying I play netball which I have also played from a ompared to all of these activities, pastime is definitely spending time with my family and friends.
What advice would you give to future students who aspire to be a Manutaki one day?
Advice I would give to students aspiring to be a Manutaki in the future is to really get involved and take every opportunity you are given MGC offers so many opportunities such as class captain, House deputies, Star mentors and many more. All of these roles offer you leadership experience which is very good to have. As well as getting involved within our school, it is important to work hard with all aspects of school life to show your commitment and resilience.
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SENIOR FORMA
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Blast From The Past!
Did you know the Pulse newspaper was around back in the 90's? Ch k hi i l h GC S i l f 999
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Adopt a Cat!
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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.
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Pet Watch!
By Cat Forsyth
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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
Stella Phillip’s Cat - Honey
Zaelia McLean’s Dog - Laya
Brooke Pontague’s Cat - Tiggy
Emma Burton’s Cat - Lady
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Unappreciated Books in the Library
By Heidi van Staden
Here are some of the most underappreciated books I have found in the Library, it’s time to give them some love!
The City of Ember - Jeanne Duprau
Many hundreds of years ago, the city of Ember was created by the Builders to contain everything needed for human survival. It worked - but now the storerooms are almost out of food, crops are blighted, corruption is spreading through the city and worst of all - the lights are failing. Soon Ember could be engulfed by darkness-But when two children, Lina and Doon, discover fragments of an ancient parchment, they begin to wonder if there could be a way out of Ember. Can they decipher the words from long ago and find a new future for everyone? Will the people of Ember listen to them?
The
Knowing - Sharon Cameron
The underground city of New Canaan is safe from the Forgetting which afflicts Canaan above ground, but in her rigidly controlled and repressive city eighteen-year-old Samara, one of the Knowing, is plagued by her memory of the horrors she has seen, and determined to seek answers in the cursed city above--where she will find Beckett Rodriguez and his parents, on a mission from Earth to study the lost colony.
Prisoner B-3087 - Alan Gratz
Based on the life of Jack Gruener, this book relates his story of survival from the Nazi occupation of Krakow, when he was eleven, through a succession of concentration camps, to the final liberation of Dachau.
I am not Esther - Fleur Beale
"A classic bestseller that's been in print for over 20 years, this gripping YA thriller follows a teenage girl caught in a religious cult. Imagine that your mother tells you she's going away. She is going to leave you with relatives you've never heard of - and they are members of a strict religious cult. Your name is changed, and you are forced to follow the severe set of social standards set by the cult There is no television, no radio, no newspaper No mirrors You must wear long, modest clothes. You don't know where your mother is, and you are beginning to question your own identity. I am not Esther is a gripping psychological thriller written by New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards-winning children's writer Fleur Beale. In Esther she creates an enthralling and utterly compelling portrait of a teenager going through her worst nightmare."
By Brooke Pontague
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Book Review
Throne of Glass is the first book in a high fantasy novel series written by
Sarah J. Maas.
After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin
Her opponents are men: thieves, assassins, and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king's council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she'll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom. But she had to work, fight, and live by the name Lillian Gordaina, an alias that she was given by the prince.
Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Captain Westfall, challenging and exhilarating. But she's bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her... but it's the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best
But then one of her fellow contestants turns up dead... quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes the next target? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.
What people have to say about the book:
Stella Phillips - Year 10
the book was an amazing I absolutely love it I would personally recommend it to anyone who would like a fantasy story to read or an adventure love how the author wrote her characters and how the plot plays out.
Emma Burton - Year 10
I loved this book! It's a great read if you want a fantasy book with a plot containing trials and challenges while also having a romance subplot. This book exceeded my expectations by a long shot and I would definitely recommend it!
Overall I really enjoyed this book, I think that the plot was really interesting and it really sets it up nicely for the next book I personally think that the book is definitely worth the time and effort and I would definitely recommend this book to others.
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Movie Review
A Minecraft movie is a 2025 Movie based off the video game Minecraft, this was directed by Jared Hess and written by Chris Bowman and produced by Warner Bros Pictures and Legendary Pictures.
This movie was made for teenagers and young adults as there are many scenes of mild violence and scary images that may scare some younger viewers. However the age is 8+ on many reviews.
A Minecraft movie was filmed entirely in New Zealand in Huntly, Helensville. They began filming in January of 2024 and concluded by April of that same year But the overall process, from initial announcements to release, took about 11 years.
A Minecraft movie has a mysterious portal that pulls four misfits into the Overworld, a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination To get back home, they’ll have to master the terrain while embarking on a magical quest with an unexpected crafter named Steve.
What’s on
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5, Term 2 2025
in Marlborough these holidays?
Term 2 is drawing to a close and you will be starting to think...what can I do to fill up all of my spare time! 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!
Event Cinemas
Keen to see a movie? Here’s what’s coming up at the cinema - How to Train your Dragon (Live Action), Megan 2 0, and Lilo & Stitch (Live Action) are sure to be nostalgic. From the World of John Wick: Ballerina also looks to be a sure hit for all of you action fans! If you are after a tear jerker and some local content definitely check out Kōkā!
Woodbourne Tavern Trivia!
Attend the Woodbourne Tavern and & Motels’ Quiz Night every Thursday Night from now till December 18th! It is a free event that you can bring the whole family to! Vouchers and Prizes up for grabs each week Call the tavern for more information 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.
Prepare for Spring!
Now is the perfect time to start getting those spring bulbs in the garden! What is your favourite spring flower? Daffodils, hyacinths, freesias and tulips are on my list!
