Wednesday May 18, 2016
inbrief news
Bringing learning into the 21st Century By Sharnahea Wilson
Students, teachers and honoured guests gathered at Marsden Collegiate College last week to celebrate the official opening of the school’s new innovative learning facility. After five years of students and teachers avoiding construction sites and ducking in and out classrooms in the rain, a new multi-million dollar learning studio, school foyer and iCentre was opened by Prime Minister and honoured guest John Key. The original entrance that was built in 1926 failed an earthquake safety test and had to be pulled down about five years ago. This paved the way for a learning environment for the current students and “generations of girls to come”. Mr Key congratulated the students and teachers on their new education facility. He spoke of his mother as his role model and said how during World War II she lost nearly everything she had – including
family. “The one thing they can never take away from you is your education,” he said. School Principal Jenny Williams said the new building, as well as new technologies, has flipped learning on its head. “This building will provide suitable spaces for collaborative learning. We know the importance of a collaborative learning environment,” she said. “Complementing existing facilities, the Learning Studios and iCentre are a wonderful resource in preparing our young women for work and life in the 21st Century.” Marsden Head Girl Nina R icha rdson t ha n ked t he school’s guests for attending the ceremony before she, along with a year one Marsden student, cut the cake in celebration. The building was designed by Athfield Architects and included work spaces, study nooks and an extensive green vista which would provide a peaceful space for both collaborative and independent work.
Pink Shirt Day On Friday May 20, thousands of New Zealanders including children’s entertainer Suzy Cato will celebrate Pink Shirt Day and speak up and stand together to stop bullying. Over 300 individuals, schools, community groups, universities, businesses and workplaces are set to turn their local areas pink and combat bullying – a record number for the campaign. “Pink Shirt Day is about showing a united front, showing strength and showing support for each other, regardless of age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, or cultural background,” Suzy said.
Second chance clothing sale The House of Grace will hold a second chances clothing sale this weekend at the Churton Park Community Centre. The event will help raise money for House of Grace and they are still seeking donations of good quality pre-loved women’s and children’s clothes and accessories for sale at the event. Donations will be accepted at the community centre. Head along on Saturday, May 21.
The future of education: Marsden Collegiate College Head Girl Nina Richardson with Prime Minister John Key and Principal Jenny Williams at the opening of Marsden’s new learning facility. PHOTO: Sharnahea Wilson
MPs on tertiary tour Students will hear about damp flats and inequality from Members of Parliament who are aiming to make New Zealand better. Green Pa r t y Co -leader Metiria Turei and Green MP Marama Davidson have invited anyone and everyone to go along to Victoria University to discuss rental housing, inequality and how Green Party policies, like housing warrant of fitness,
could make New Zealand better for everyone. “We’d encourage everyone to come along – whether you’re really interested in politics, like us, or if you just want to vent about your cold, mouldy, expensive flat,” Mrs Turei said. “With the cost of housing going up and wages not rising to match, students are facing an uncertain future. Trying to find a decent job after gradu-
ating can be really worrying.” She said there were “smart, sensible, compassionate” policies they could bring in to make the playing field fairer for all citizens. Ms Davidson said she was looking forward to hitting the road with Metiria to hear about what is really going on with students and young people in New Zealand. “We all know it’s getting harder and more expensive
to be a student, with housing costs going up and student financial support not reaching far enough. “This is our chance to hear about your concerns, and let people know how Green Party policies can make life better for everyone,” she said.
The Wellington Cable Car will be closed from 7 June to 31 July for the replacement of the electric drive and control systems and for the refurbishment of the Cable Car carriages.
St Catherine’s College
JOHNSONVILLE SHOPPING CENTRE
New
Tuesday 31 May and Tuesday 16 August 11.30am-1.00pm & 6.30pm-7.30pm
facility opening Public Performances Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington Friday 3 June 10.00 - 5.30pm Saturday 4 June 9.30am - 5.30pm SGCNZ YSC Showcase & Award Ceremony St James Theatre Sunday 5 June 7.00-9.30pm
REGIONAL FESTIVAL WELLINGTON TO ENTER: email your name and address to:
For further information please 280 Lambton Quay, Wellington | (04) 472 2199 info@wellingtoncablecar.co.nz
14 Upper Bourke Street, Kilbirnie, Phone 04 939 8988 www.stcatherinescollege.school.nz
SIZES 8-18
University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival
OPEN DAYS
A replacement bus service will operate during the shutdown between Lambton Quay and Kelburn via The Terrace and Victoria University’s Kelburn Campus.
STOCKISTS OF:
The MPs will be at Victoria University on Monday, May 23 and 5.30pm in the Kirk Building KK202.
Be in to WIN one of 2 Double Passes to
CABLE CAR CLOSED FOR MAJOR UPGRADE 7 JUNE - 31 JULY
3
ONSLOW COMMUNITY CHURCH Saturday 11th June at 1pm 4 Ngatoto St, Ngaio Official ceremony 2pm. Sunday dedication service at 10am. All welcome.
win@wsn.co.nz www.sgcnz.org.nz