Ad Augusta
December 2012
A NEWSLETTER OF TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
IN THIS ISSUE...
Principal’s Report
BOT/PTA Reports
Uniforms
Performing Arts
2012 Prizegiving
Technology
Art
Special Education
2
3-4
5
7
8
14
18
20
16
Prestigious Dux Award
The Dux is the most prestigious award in any school as it goes
to the top scholar. This award is highly sought after and highly
competitive. To be Dux at Takapuna Grammar School is to join a
very select and elite group, the highest achievers in New Zealand.
Congratulations to Mattea Mrkusic, the Dux for 2012.
Mattea has had exceptional academic success throughout her
years at Takapuna Grammar School. This year she was ranked
First, in Art History, Biology and English, 3rd in French and 6th
in Mathematics with Statistics.
Mattea’s teachers and classmates comment on her willingness to
support others and her positive contribution to classroom activities.
She is described as “very intelligent, mature and hardworking”, a
student who shows “flair and maturity beyond her years” and that
she has “a natural ability to question and analyse concepts and to
solve problems logically and systematically.” Mattea sets for herself,
and continues to achieve, the highest academic standards. Mattea
has exceptional academic talent and a very bright tertiary future.
Mattea has also had considerable involvement in the all
aspects of the school – sport, culture and service. She has
been either winner or runner-up in the school’s speech contest
each year from Year 9. She debates with enthusiasm and great
persuasion. She was the winner of the Most Provoking Speaker
at the Auckland MUNA, in 2012, and was subsequently selected
to represent New Zealand at the Hague International Model
United Nations as the head delegate. She is a very capable writer,
gaining a Certificate of Exceptional Merit in the Rodney Walshe
Ireland Essay competition in 2012, and she also is a regular
contributor to the “Devonport Flagstaff” as a member of the
school’s Journalism Club.
Mattea plays football, has been in school shows and plays, and
represented the school at cross-country amongst other things. It is
an indication of the way that she can manage herself that she can
do so much and still maintain a top academic performance. She has
also been a highly visible, enthusiastic and successful school leader.
Ad Augusta – December 2012 | 1
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Dear Parents and Guardians
I write to you today, in what is the last newsletter of the year. It
is staggering to think that the end of 2012 has arrived so quickly.
Nevertheless, Takapuna Grammar School is ready and looking
forward, to a new year, and all that it brings. We have much to
look forward to and anticipate furthering the innovations that have
established, a sound base for the future years of this school.
Most of all I look forward to welcoming the large cohort of
Year 9 students to the school, and the many new students at other
levels, who have moved in to the zone to enable their enrolment at
this school. I also look forward to more students engaging in the
Tools for Learning; bring their own devices to school to assist them
in their learning. This is an exciting innovation which connects
directly with the wider school’s intention to internationalise
the experience for all students, connecting them to world-wide
experiences and capabilities, and the International Baccalaureate
programme.
As I write to you our seniors are sitting their NCEA and
Scholarship examinations. Many parents reading this newsletter
will understand the apprehension this brings to their sons and
daughters and the family dynamics. The school wishes you all the
very best at this time. I was amazed, but not surprised, by the huge
2 | Ad Augusta – December 2012
volume of students attending the revision sessions offered in the
week beyond the departure of the seniors. This was very obviously
appreciated by the students and I thank the staff involved for making
this opportunity available. We will continue it in future years. We
anticipate another year of positive and exemplary examination results.
In closing, I wish to acknowledge and appreciate the vast
numbers of students, parents and supporters of the school who have
all contributed to another successful year. Without this volume of
support we wouldn’t be offering the array of programmes that we do
and I thank you all for the part you have played in this.
Have a great holiday break and I look forward to seeing you all
next year.
Regards
SIMON LAMB
Principal
Takapuna Grammar School
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Board of Trustees Report
As we come to the final weeks of the 2012 school year I have seen a great
strength and depth of student achievement being celebrated throughout
the year; international sporting success, our Achievers’ Breakfasts, Sports
Awards evening, Performing Arts and our formal Senior Prizegiving. Junior
Prizegiving is still to come. All are wonderful celebrations of personal
excellence.
As a school serving our community on the peninsula, we should also reflect on
our achievements as a team of staff, students, parents and wider community.
Building upon our success in continuing to improve student achievement, we
should be rightfully proud that as a team, we have become the first state school in
New Zealand to be recognised as a World International Baccalaureate School, to
provide another learning pathway opportunity for our students, as well as NCEA.
We have also invested heavily in upgrades to our school networks, enabling
very fast broadband and the ability for students to use their own wireless devices.
We are continually developing our network through the great work of Deputy
Principal Brian Wynn and his team of staff and student helpers.
The Board Chairs of all the primary schools on the peninsula, Belmont
Intermediate School and TGS, have met several times this year to seek ways of
working together to aid the transition of students from primary through BIS and
into TGS, and to share teaching and learning practices. The provision of education
on the peninsula should be seamless, providing our students the best opportunities
to learn. The Principals and Board Chairs of TGS and BIS meet each term to
improve the way our schools provide teaching and learning so that they are best
prepared when they arrive at TGS. This is a special relationship that is reflective
of being adjacent on the same site.
November saw the commissioning of the old school library building into
dedicated Special Education classrooms and facilities. This has taken several years
and many obstacles were overcome along the way through the perseverance and
teamwork of staff, students, Property Manager Mike Barlow, past and present
Board members and the community.
The Staff Achievement Award introduced by The Board of Trustees recognises
those great teachers who enable their students to achieve greatness. This year
Nick Whiting, a renowned and enthusiastic young teacher from Social Sciences
department, received the Award.
Next year will see remedial work commence on our main block; a building
project to ensure we have sufficient capacity. We will also have our first students
studying IB; there will be community consultation for the School’s three year
Strategic Plan; a revised uniform policy; and Board of Trustee elections.
The Board of Trustees thank you all; students, staff, parents and the wider
community, for contributing to the success of Team TGS and keeping our school
as one of the best in the country. Have a safe and enjoyable summer break.
Regards,
Dates for the commencement
of the 2013 School Year
Wednesday 16 January 2013
School Enrolments Office opens for the year. The
School uniform shop will be open for the purchase of all
new and second-hand Uniforms as follows:
Wednesday 16 to Friday 18 January 2013
10am – 12.30pm : 1.15pm – 3.30pm : 4.00pm - 6pm
Monday 21 to Friday 25 January 2013
10am – 12.30pm : 1.15pm – 3.30pm : 4.00pm - 6pm
Wednesday 30 January 2013
Year 9 Students Assemble in School Hall at 9.00am
Thursday 31 January 2013
Year 10 Students: Assemble in School Hall at 9.00am
Year 11 Students: Assemble in School Hall at 9.30am
Year 12 Students: Assemble in School Hall at 10.00am
Year 13 Students: Assemble in School Hall at 10.30am
Friday 01 February 2013
All Students Normal Timetable begins with Form
Class at 8.45am
Thursday 14 February 2013
Year 9 Parents’ Evening in the School Hall at 7.00pm
In Zone Enrolments for all year levels may still be
submitted for 2013. To make an appointment please
contact The Enrolment Administrator, Mrs Helen Parker,
on 4894167 ext 9221 or [email protected]
after Wednesday 16 January 2013.
Mark McCall
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Ad Augusta – December 2012 | 3
PTA / SCHOOL NEWS
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
PTA News
As the school year draws to a close the PTA would
like to thank everyone who has supported us this
year. It has been heartening to see our small group
grow with five new committee members bringing
with them lots of new ideas and enthusiasm.
Last week we held our annual golf competition at the
Waitemata Golf Course. It was a very successful day.
We had over 20 teams competing with the overall
winners being Andrew Park’s team. Approximately
$11,000 was raised which will be going towards a
variety of sporting needs within the school together
with the purchase of five iPads for the school library
and some outdoor tables for the area outside the
Ralph Roberts building. Our grateful thanks go to our
sponsors, players, and numerous helpers who assisted
throughout the day. Last term Michael Overend
Photography very generously offered Takapuna
Grammar families a photography package. The
money raised from this fundraiser was given to the
Art Department for the purchase of an A2 printer.
The shortfall was made up from funds that the PTA
had in hand. We continue to sell our cookbooks with
over $30,000 being raised to date. They make great
Christmas gifts and are still available to purchase
online or from the office. We also hope to
begin the first stages of landscaping the area
outside the Ralph Roberts Building in the
New Year.
On behalf of the PTA I would like to
wish you and your families a very happy
Christmas and a safe and relaxing holiday.
We look forward to your continued support
in 2013.
Regards
Desiree Mason
Chairperson
Mr Keith Knewstubb TGS 1978 – 2012
After 34 years, we are saying farewell
to Mr Keith Knewstubb. He has been
an inspiring, supportive and creative
teacher of Mathematics, weaving
complete understanding of his subject
into everyday life. He has been a
wonderful form teacher, his gruff and
business-like outer manner masking
a caring and diligent carer of his
charges.
Keith’s contribution to the school
Keith Knewstubb in 1978.
extends over the full range of activities.
On the sports fields he has been heavily
involved in cricket and soccer, as well as organising table tennis.
His work has involved not only coaching or managing teams but
also organising the leagues for all soccer teams in Auckland. He has
been on school camps, in school musical shows, and co-edited the
school Year Book. There have been two school trips to India and a
soccer trip to Australia.
However, what people will remember most, is Keith’s
4 | Ad Augusta – December 2012
contribution to the mathematical education
of thousands of students and his colleagues.
Among the Maths staff, he is known as a highly
intelligent, sharp and creative mathematician
with a wicked mental arithmetic ability. He is
always the one to go to for wise advice about
what something means or how to teach a tricky
concept. He seems to always find a way to help
with a lucid explanation or practical resources.
Mr. Lamb acknowledged his contribution
at Senior Prize Giving, addressing him directly
as “one of the most dynamic, enthusiastic and
highly regarded staff at this school and outside
of this school. Keith you are a career teacher, one of the Golds in
New Zealand’s teaching profession and deserving of every accolade
and acknowledgment”.
Keith Knewstubb is a giant among teachers at TGS and will be
sorely missed. We wish him a retirement filled with the things he
never had time to do, when called upon to contribute daily to the
lives of so many around him.
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Takapuna Grammar School
Uniform Recommendations
Following the survey of the community
the Takapuna Grammar School Board of
Trustees would like to make the following
observations and recommendations to the
community about the future direction of
the Takapuna Grammar School uniform.
As a general summary, the community
have supported the existing uniform and
are reasonably satisfied with the current
options available. This paper is supported
by a detailed analysis of each question. All
written responses have also been considered
in making any recommendations.
This is reflected by the profile of the 1052
responses being:
39%
Students
Male 47%
Parents
56%
Female
53%
Staff
5%
Of the students’ responses:
Year 8
29%
Year 9
73%
Year 10
76%
Year 11
92%
Year 12 89%
Year 13 52%
In giving a summary I annotate the responses
with percentage rates only:
Do you think we should have a school uniform?
Yes88%
No14%
Is the current uniform cost effective?
Yes58%
No43%
Do you see the current uniform worn appropriately
in the community and outside of the school?
Yes78%
No23%
Do you think there should be a separate uniform for
junior (Yr 9-11) and senior students (Yr 12-13)?
Yes78%
No23%
Do you think school branded caps/hats should be
optional or compulsory during the summer months?
13%
Compulsory: Optional: 80%
Not an option: 8%
Do you think school branded scarfs (blue and gold
Change existing fabric: 10%
striped) should remain optional or be removed from
Do you think we should keep the existing school
the school uniform?
trousers?
Optional:
88%
Keep existing:
87%
Removed: 12%
Change existing design: 11%
There are rules about the wearing of jewellery Change existing fabric: 8%
at Takapuna Grammar School which limit
The school has the sock options being dark
the number of items students can wear as
navy knee length for the boys and dark navy
indicated “jewellery is not permitted with the
ankle length for the girls.
exception of ONE plain gold or silver stud
Do you approve this range of options or have other
(no hoops) in each earlobe – no nose studs,
changes to suggest?
tongue studs or rings in eyebrows or lips”.
Approved existing: 62%
Do you think Takapuna Grammar School should
Other changes suggested:38%
retain these regulations or amend them?
In 2013 the school is indicating leather shoes
Retain: 75%
and socks are to be work throughout the
Amend: 26%
school year.
Do you think we should keep the existing school
In regards to this decision, do you;
shirts for boys?
Agreed: 11%
Keep existing:
77%
Disagree: 89%
Change existing: 12%
You have suggested that you disagree with
Change existing fabric: 19%
the shoes only rule.
Do you think we should keep the existing school
What other option do you think Takapuna
blouse for girls?
Grammar School should offer to shoes?
Keep existing:
79%
Keep existing sandal: 45%
Change existing: 12%
A new brand of sandal: 20%
Change existing fabric: 16%
Other: 35%
Do you think we should keep the existing jersey:
With this feedback and, making reference
65%
Keep existing:
to the data behind these responses, the
Change existing design: 16%
following conclusions have been drawn:
Change existing fabric: 31%
• The community wish to retain a uniform.
If the school were to introduce a school jacket what
• There is a wish to continue the separate
style would you prefer:
junior and senior uniform options.
37%
Polar Fleece Jacket: • In general, the community are satisfied
Soft Shell Jacket: 68%
with the current uniform.
Do you think we should keep the existing school
• The community are split in their view of
skirt?
the cost effectiveness of the uniform.
83%
Keep existing:
• Regulation caps and scarves will be
Change existing design: 13% optional items for students.
Change existing fabric: 10%
• A soft cell jacket should be added to the
Do you think we should keep the existing school
uniform options.
shorts?
• The community wish for sandals retained
84% as a uniform option.
Keep existing:
Change existing design: 13%
Continued over page >
Ad Augusta – December 2012 | 5
SCHOOL UNIFORM
There appears to be two main areas of
concern:
1. Cost Effectiveness
When Takapuna Grammar School
introduced the new uniform we chose to
sell it within the school to take out the
80% mark up found in retail shops. This
enabled the school, at the time, to sell a
uniform of superior quality for a similar or
lesser cost than had been.
In selling the uniform to the community
from within the school, Takapuna
Grammar School adds 20% to cover
the cost of consumables and the staffing
required to provide the service. Every
effort is made to provide the uniform to
our parents and caregivers as cheaply and
effectively as possible.
For ease of access the school could
return the uniform to shops for supply
but, ultimately, this would subject the
uniform to an increase in cost. Given the
feedback received to date, I am assuming
the community would rather minimise
the cost.
The greatest concern raised by the
community in respect to cost effectiveness
pertained to the quality of the jersey.
The school will review the current jersey
particularly in terms of comfort and
warmth.
2. Sandals
The Management Team and Board
of Trustees have considered carefully
the feedback in respect to the footwear
options available, particularly in light of
the community interest in the wearing of
sandals.
There is overwhelming support for a
school uniform, and that should be worn
correctly. This includes footwear which
must be properly laced up or, if sandals,
must be correctly worn. In particular,
sandals are frequently worn with heal
straps underneath the sole of the foot,
contrary to their design.
6 | Ad Augusta – December 2012
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
The school decision, in respect to
footwear, is:
• All students must wear closed
school shoes in science laboratories
and technology rooms. The law
surrounding this issue is clear. To
ensure that all students are kept as
safe as possible the school shoes
are to be worn in every science and
technology lab. The school and
individual staff can be held liable for
any accidents resulting in the noncompliance to shoes being worn in
this environment. I make reference
to the NZASE Code of Practice and
the Hazardous Substances and New
Organisms Act 1996.
• There has been too much variation in
the interpretation of sandal suitable
for school and the correct wearing
of the same. Clearly, some definition
is required. The decision has been
made to provide a winter and summer
option for the wearing of foot wear at
Takapuna Grammar School:
- In the winter, being Terms 2 and 3,
all students will wear plain black
polishable leather lace-up shoes.
- In the summer, being Terms 1 and
4, students may wear the shoes as
defined in the winter uniform and/
or sandals. There will be two options
for sandals to enable parents and
their students a cheaper option, given
students feet grow so rapidly at this
time, and a more expensive option
providing for durability. The only
sandals acceptable are the Black
Roman Sandals and the Birkenstock,
model Birkenstock Milano Black
Leather Sandals.
To enable time, for parents and students
to purchase these items, compliance
to this rule will be expected by the
beginning of Term 1, 2013. Any students
not complying with the correct wearing
of the sandal will be issued a detention.
Shoes
In all Science laboratories and Technology
rooms, students will wear the approved school
black plain leather polishable lace-up shoes. In
the winter, Terms 2 and 3, students will wear
plain black leather polishable lace-up shoes. For
health and safety reasons shoes are required to
be sturdy and support the foot and have a heel
of approximately 1.5 – 2cm. Leather and canvas
Converse, Mary-Jane, boots, ballet shoes, skate
shoes and sport shoes are NOT PERMITTED.
These are the style of shoes required for both
boys and girls.
In the summer, Terms 1 and 4, students will
wear the shoes as defined in the winter uniform,
or sandals. The sandals will be Black Roman
sandals or Black Birkenstock Milano leather
sandals. These are the approved sandals for both
boys and girls.
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
PERFORMING ARTS
Harriett the ‘Globe’ trotter
Harriett Maire is off to Shakespeare’s Globe next year where
she’ll get to perform on the stage. She was chosen to join a
select group of 24 from the 47 fianlsits, who attended the
National Schools’ Shakespeare Production competition.This is
a real honour. Here is her report:
During the term three holidays, I was lucky enough to be a
part of the National Shakespeare Schools’ Production. Although
this may not be the most well-known of national competitions in
New Zealand, I can safely say that it has been an absolutely lifechanging experience.
Like many other students from Takapuna Grammar this
year, I participated in the University of Otago, Sheilah Winn
Shakespeare Festival. The festival sees students from different
schools around the nation compete against each other with scenes
from Shakespearean plays. My friend Bonnie and I entered in
the North Auckland Regional Festival with a scene from As You
Like It. At the end of the competition weekend, I was awarded
Direct Entry into the National Shakespeare Schools’ Production
(NSSP). This was a week long course in the holidays held at St
Kentigern’s College, which culminated with a performance.
At NSSP, I was met by another 47 students
from all over the country. We had been
chosen from over 5000 young New
Zealanders to be a part of NSSP. We
were put into groups and assigned
nationally-renowned directors to help
us rehearse a Shakespeare play that we
would be performing to audiences at the
end of the week. I was put in a group
with the director Laurel Devenie, and
was given the role of the fiery spirit ‘Ariel’
in The Tempest.
It was magic to be performing with such
talented peers, and knowing that what
we had created had been made in a week
was extremely satisfying. Seeing the other
groups’ performances was also inspiring,
as it opened my eyes fully to the talent that
I had spent the week working, learning
and living with! I still feel proud when
I think about the group of people I was
able to spend this week with. Shakespeare
understood people better than we do today.
He wrote for people who loved words, and who knew how to
listen. This week made me realise how many other young people
there are out there in New Zealand who love the Bard just as
much as I do!
SGCNZ, NSSP 2012, has not only enhanced my appreciation
and enthusiasm for Shakespeare, but has provided me with skills
that will forever be benefiting me. It has shown me the pure
potential of Shakespeare. I have come away from this course
with a new and fresh attitude and outlook on Shakespeare, and a
growing appreciation of the potential of all things Shakespearean.
NSSP has helped make me realise that I must not ever lose my
passion for Shakespeare.
It was magic to be performing with such talented
peers, and knowing that what we had created had been
made in a week was extremely satisfying. Seeing the
other groups’ performances was also inspiring, as it
opened my eyes fully to the talent that I had spent the
week working, learning and living with!
Ad Augusta – December 2012 | 7
PRIZEGIVING
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Senior Prizegiving 2012
Senior Prizegiving was held on the 1 November. The following awards were made to Years 11, 12 and 13 students at the Bruce Mason Centre.
Senior Prizegiving Results
Academic Excellence in Year 13 Dux of the School 2012
– Mattea Mrkusic
Academic Excellent in Year 13 and Proxime Accessit
– Peter Sorrenson
Academic Excellence at Year 12
– Claudia Brick
Academic Excellence at Year 11
– Mustafa Sherif
All Round Effort and School Spirit in Year 13 – Harriett Maire
All Round Effort and School Spirit in Year 12
– Max Burney
All Round Effort and School Spirit in Year 11 – Tamara Bullock
Head Girl
– Mattea Mrkusic
Head Boy
– Mario Parussini
Sportsperson of the Year
Sportswoman of the Year
Sportsman of the Year
– Eliza McCartney
– Mahia Pepper
Gold Merit Awards
Journalism Club, Peer Team, World Vision Leadership,
Environmental Group Leadership, Debating, MUNA– Rachel Love
Barbershop Quartet, Drama, Peer Team, Senior Choir
– Harriett Maire
Young Enterprise Leadership, Concert Band, Chamber Music,
Environmental Group Leadership
– Gemma Price
Journalism Club, Swimming, Concert Band, Environmental Group
Leadership
– Aless Smith
Peer Team, Young Enterprise Leadership, Debating, MUNA
– Paul Symes
Journalism Club, Maths Coaching, Peer Team, Librarian Leadership
– Fan–Yun (Joyce) Wang
8 | Ad Augusta – December 2012
1st XV Rugby, Touch, Tikanga–Kaupapa Maori, Kapa Haka
– Sean Wainui
Citations of Personal Excellence
Beach Volley Ball – Holly Bowler and Sasha Moorhouse-Hughes
Cycling
– Harry Elworthy and Jonathan Ranford
Duke of Edinburgh
– Ashleigh Cowan and Isobel Hawkins
Excellence in all Academic Subjects
– Jordan Griffiths
Football
– Chloe Wilson
Irish Essay Writing Competition
– Mattea Mrkusic
Music and Song Writing
– Petra Bullock
Performing Arts
– Sam MacDuff
Excellence in Science
– Rachel Love
Service to the Environment
– Alessandra Smith
Singing
– Natalie Te Paa
Swimming
– Claudia Brick
Water Polo
– Katie McKenty
Yachting
– Tim Adair and Markus Somerville
YES Winners – Nick Barraclough-Scott, Liam Chelley, Sunmin
(Rachel) Cho, Harriett Maire, Paul Symes and Damien Theuma
Special Awards
The Peninsular Cup for Performing Arts
– Petra Bullock
The Farquarson Shield Senior speech winner
– George Greig
The Margaret Campbell Shield
– Mira Bi
The Mike Donald Memorial Shield
– Jodie Catterall
The Library Service Award
– Rikki Taylor
The Tony Steele Award
– Anezka Hoskin
The Post Award
– Chelsea van Duin
AFS Award
– Joyce Wang
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Zonta International Leadership Award
– Rachel Love
Takapuna RSA Award
– Izzy Herstell
Aroha Cup
– Mandy Tang
Daniel James Trophy
– Thomas Henehan
The Success Cup
– Peter Kamphuis
The Malcolm Fairgray Cup for Horticulture
– Scott Nam
The Prentice Award
– Leon Combrinck
Devonport Rotary Cup for Academic Endeavour – Kathryn McCall
2012 Scholarships
Benefitz Graphic Design Scholarship
– Jodie Catterall
Ex–pupils Scholarship
– Connor Humphries
The BNZ Award
– Tate Robertson
TGS International Student Scholarship
– Minh Duy Nguyen
Auckland City Council, North Shore Secondary Schools’ Scholarship
– Izzy Herstell
Devonport Rotary Club Scholarship – Cass Power
Rowan Nicks Scholarship
– Ella Matuschka
Warren Mason Scholarship
– James Kang
Devonport RSA Service Award
– Izzy Hawkins
University Scholarships
University of Auckland Scholarship
– Mattea Mrkusic
University of Auckland Jubilee Award
– Mira Bi
University of Auckland Jubilee Award
– Liam Chelley
AUT Academic Excellence Scholarship
– Tara Collins
Massey University Vice Chancellor’s High Achiever’s Scholarship
– Catherine Meachen
Massey University Vice Chancellor’s Natural Sciences Excellence Award
– Aless Smith
Victoria University Academic Excellence Scholarship
– Petra Bullock
Victoria University Academic Excellence Scholarship
– Frances Charlett-Green
Victoria University Academic Excellence Scholarship
– Alice Couchman
PRIZEGIVING
Victoria University Academic Excellence Scholarship
– Maddy Denne
Canterbury University College of Science Scholarship for Excellence
– Jordan Griffiths
University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship
– Izzy Hawkins
Year 13 Academic Awards
1st in Art Design
– Jonas Almira
1st in History of England, (The Toynbee Cup)
– Mira Bi
1st in Music
– Petra Bullock
Distinction in Chemistry, Excellence in Musical Theatre
– Ruth Chong
1st in Business Studies, Distinction in Geography – Tara Collins
1st in Physical Education, (The Wareham Shield)
– Ashleigh Cowan
Distinction in Hospitality
– Braxy Curteis
1st in Technology Resistant Materials (The Whitecliffs Timber
Company Award)
– Josh Davy
Excellence in French
– Madeline Denne
1st in Mathematics with Statistics
– Megan Ganley
Excellence in Geography
– Izzy Hawkins
Distinction in Mathematics with Statistics
– Harry Hebden
1st in English Alternative
– Matt Hinds
Excellence in History of New Zealand
– Emerson Howitt
Distinction in Biology, 1st in Chemistry, Distinction in Geography
– James Kang
Excellence in Art Painting
– Michelle Kim
Excellence in Mathematics with Calculus
– Julie Kim
Distinction in English
– Rachel Love
1st in Media Studies
– Harriett Maire
Distinction in Art Design
– Ella Matuschka
Excellence in Hospitality
– Anna Minegishi
Continued over page >
Ad Augusta – December 2012 | 9
PRIZEGIVING
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
1st in Art History, (The Margaret Cullingworth Award), 1st in
Biology, 1st in English, (The Sam Dorrington Memorial Award)
– Mattea Mrkusic
Excellence in Graphic Design
– Yu Jin Nah
Excellence in Special Education
– Leon Ogilvy
Excellence in German
– Gemma Price
Distinction in Art History
– Felix Pryor
1st in Dance, Excellence in Technology Soft Materials
– Olivia Rairan Chitty
1st in Accounting (The Margaret Cullingworth Award), 1st in
Economics
– Tate Robertson
1st in Technology Computer Design
– Matt Round
1st in Classical Studies (The C.C. Robinson Award)– Callum Scott
1st in Drama
– Bonnie Simmonds
Distinction in Media Studies
– Grace Single
Distinction in Classical Studies
– Victoria Smith
Distinction in Mathematics with Calculus (The Short Shield),
Distinction in Physics
– Peter Sorrenson
Excellence in Art Photography (The Photolife Award)
– Lydia Twohill
1st in Tourism
– Poon Udomboresuwan
Excellence in Te Reo Maori
– Chelsea Van Duin
Distinction in Mathematics with Statistics
– Joyce Wang
1st in Practical Physical Education
– Kieran Watkins
Year 12 Academic Awards
Excellence in Art
– Morgan Allen
1st in Art Design
– Beth Allott
Excellence in Music Theatre
– Gigi Alvarez
Distinction in Biology, Excellence in Japanese
– Chan Yu Bai
Distinction in Mathematics
– Luisa Bongartz
Distinction in Hospitality
– Paige Bowden
1st in Chemistry, 1st in Classical Studies, 1st in English, 1st in
History, Distinction in Physics
– Claudia Brick
Distinction in Hospitality
– Joshua Clarke
10 | Ad Augusta – December 2012
Distinction in Geography, Distinction in Physical Education
– Max Burney
Excellence in Special Education
– Annalise Cruickshank
Distinction in Economics, Distinction in English – Tessa Duncan
1st in Dance
– Jess Ford
1st in Mathematics Applied
– Edward Frankham
1st in Tourism
– Mariah Gabriel-Reay
Distinction in English, 1st in Music, Distinction in 13 Mathematics
with Calculus, 1st in 13 Physics
– Jordan Griffiths
Distinction in Geography
– Celia Hall
Distinction in Chemistry, 1st in Physics
– Ben Halstead
Excellence in Physical Education
– Mark Horner
Excellence in 11 Te Reo Maori
– Anezka Hoskin
Excellence in Japanese
– Michaela Hua
Distinction in Classical Studies, Distinction in History, 1st in Media
Studies (The Robin Holding Award)
– Tessa Hubbard
1st in Practical Physical Education
– Zain James
Distinction in Mathematics
– Alex Kim
Distinction in Media Studies
– Rhys Kingaby
1st in Business Studies
– Sophie Latch
Distinction in Mathematics
– Danyan Le
1st in Mathematics
– Peiyi Li
Distinction in Art Design
– Madeline Lissington
1st in Art Photography, Excellence in Technology Soft Materials
– Katie Mantell
1st in English for Academic Purposes, Level 1, Distinction in
Mathematics
– Emily Mao
Excellence in French, Distinction in Physics
– Chelsea Miller
1st in English Alternative
– Foster Newman
1st in Drama
– Carla Newton
Excellence in Hospitality
– Megan Oliver
Excellence in Art History
– Jenny Palmer
Excellence in Geography
– Sophie Parker
Excellence in Technology Resistant Materials
– Fuse Phumwat
1st in Economics
– Annie Ren
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Distinction in Geography
– Mia Robertson
1st in Biology, Distinction in English
– Luke Rundle
1st in Te Reo Maori
– Atawhai Stokes
1st in Technology Furniture Making
– Taz Strickland
Distinction in Biology, Distinction in English, 1st Mathematics
Extension
– Evelyn Talbot
Excellence in Legal Studies
– Mary Jo Vergara
1st in English for Academic Purposes, Level 2
– Nancy Wang
1st in Accounting
– Jessica Yoon
Excellence in Technology Graphics
– Emily Zheng
1st in Health
– Freyah Zwart
Year 11 Academic Awards
Distinction in History
– Sofia Andrevski
Distinction in Science
– Alice Block
Distinction in Art
– Army Chanpreechaya
Excellence in German
– Robin Charlett-Green
Distinction in Biology, Distinction in 12 Mathematics Extension
– Sam Cho
Excellence in Technology Food
– Hayley Curham
Distinction in Physical Education
– Luca Denee
Excellence in Drawing for Design
– Hannah Ellison
Distinction in English, Excellence in Geography
– Kate Harris
Distinction in English, Excellence in French, Distinction in History
– Madeleine Hay
1st in Economics
– Lewis Hebden
Distinction in Technology Food
– Hannah Hood
Distinction in Mathematics
– Ercan Hoskin
1st in Accounting, 1st in Business Studies, Excellence in Spanish
– Madison Johnson
1st in Mathematics Extension (The TGS Mathematics Cup)
– Toshiki Kogiso
Distinction in Chemistry, Distinction in English
– Sun Lee
1st in English Alternative
– Waiari MacMillan
Excellence in Technology Resistant Materials – Reece Matuschka
PRIZEGIVING
Distinction in English
– Alexandra McFarlane
Distinction in Graphic Design
– Sasha Moorhouse-Hughes
1st in Chemistry, 1st in Physics
– Samim Ozyurteri
1st in Mathematics Alternative
– Ezra Paton
Distinction in Biology, Excellence in German– Ana Renker-Darby
1st in Mathematics
– Ben Robertson
1st in Dance
– Tommi Robinson-Chen
Excellence in Technology Soft Materials – Lenya Rogers
Distinction in Mathematics, Distinction in Science– Zoe Seligman
Excellence in Art, Distinction in Media Studies – Neeve Sew Hoy
1st in Biology, 1st in History, 1st in Physical Education, Distinction in
Physics
– Mustafa Sherif
Excellence in Japanese
– Alice Song
Distinction in Mathematics
– Jamie–Lee Tait
Excellence in ESOL
– Marino Tanahashi
1st in Music, 1st in Graphic Design
– Max Tang
1st in Science
– Caroline Taylor
1st in Economics and Accounting, Distinction in Mathematics
Extension, Distinction in Physics
– Michelle Wang
Excellence in Special Education
– Rebecca Williams
1st in Drama
– Maya Wyatt
Distinction in Geography
– Sophie Wynn
1st in English, 1st in Media Studies
– Ella Yelich-O’Connor
Excellence in ESOL
– Xi (Nancy) Yu
Performing Arts Awards
Drama And Theatre
Top TGS Drama Student, Highest Performing Drama Student Year 13
– Bonnie Simmonds
Drama Award, Outstanding Performer – Lily Cooney-Wilson
Harvey Trophy, Services to Drama – Harriett Maire and Bonnie Simmonds
Shakespeare Trophy, Performance in Co–Curricular Theatre
– Harriett Maire
Continued over page >
Ad Augusta – December 2012 | 11
PRIZEGIVING
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
2008 Prefects Trophy, Outstanding Performance in the Musical
– Alice Nicholls
2012 Prefects Trophy, Outstanding Artistic Contribution to the Musical
– Sam MacDuff
2012 Prefects Trophy, Outstanding Contribution to Theatre
Technology in School Productions
– Maddie Page
Stage Challenge, Trophy Choreography and Design
– Jodie Catterall, Marilyn Deare, Livi Farrar and Vicky Inger
Dance and Singing
TGS Dance Award, Outstanding Contribution to Dance
– Sophie Parker and Madeleine Lissington
TGS Dance Choreography Award, Outstanding Choreography in a
School Performance
– Jodie Catterall
TGS Dance, Male Performer of the Year
– Dion Logue
TGS Dance, Female Performer of the Year
– Maya Wyatt
TGS Dance, Leadership for leadership in Dance
– Jody Catterall and Nadia Veikune
Ye Olde Mugge, Best Theatresporter of the Year
– Grace Single and Felix Pryor
Barbershop Quartet Award, Top Performing Quartet – Fourtunes:
Petra Bullock, Ruth Chong, Harriett Maire, Alice Nicholls
Barbershop Chorus Award, Outstanding Service to a Chorus
– Harriett Maire
The Bryant Singing Trophy, Excellence in Choral
– Ruth Chong and Alice Nicholls
Outstanding Vocalist, Singer of Distinction in School Performance
– Peter Sorrenson
Vocal Cup, Contribution to Singing Performance – Petra Bullock
Deborah Frost Trophy, Performance and Service to Musicals
– Jack Buckley
Mike Chunn Award for Songwriting
– Petra Bullock
Debating and Speech
Mary Hutton Cup, Debating Contribution
12 | Ad Augusta – December 2012
– Madison Farrell
Moira Carew Award, Debating
– Rachel Love
The Kathleen Goodwin, Creative Writing Memorial Award
– Robert Laking
Music
Vernon Trophy, Outstanding Contribution to Instrumental Music
– Gemma Price
Donnell Trophy, For Excellence in Musical Composition
– Petra Bullock
Donnell Cup, Most Improved Musician in Itinerant Classes
– James Malone
Auckland Band Instrument Trophy, Best Woodwind/Brass player
– Carol Wang
K.B.B. Music Cup, Most Improved Woodwind Player
– Neeve Sew Hoy
K.B.B. Music Cup, Most Improved Brass Player– Alex Pepperell
Orchestra Trophy, Orchestral Music Leadership – Rhys Kingaby
Music Trophy, Service to Orchestral Music
– Gemma Price
1996 Jazz Band Trophy, Contribution to Jazz Band over Two Years
– Rhys Kingaby
Guitar Trophy, Contribution to Guitar
– Samim Ozyurteri
Bass Trophy, Contribution to Bass
– Martin Greshoff
Sports Awards
Coulson Cup (Boys), For All Round Participation and
Sportsmanship – Luke Rundle and Milan Cookson
Margaret Moore Cup (Girls), For Dedicated Assistance to Sports
– Ashleigh Cowan
Epsom Cup (Girls) – For all Round Participation and
Sportsmanship – Steffi Burrows
Geange Trophy (Boys), For Dedicated Assistance to Sports
– Nat Milnes
U18 Lightweight Double Sculls crew, Team of the Year – Rowing
Sportswoman of the year
– Eliza McCartney, Athletics
Sportsman of the Year
– Mahia Pepper, Sailing
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Top 47 Placing
in Prestigious Song
Competition
Cam Calkoen.
The guest speaker Cam Calkoen, an international athletics sprinter with
cerebral palsy, inspired all who were present; to see the best side in every situation
and opportunity you are faced with, both in sport and in other life situations.
Sports Awards 2012
The annual celebration night for
Sporting Excellence was held on
Wednesday 24 October in the school
hall. With a record number of 250
people in attendance, the hall quickly
filled up.
The guests were met with music from
Liam Jacques and Hadley Rax and a
well set up hall for the evening. With the
celebration of the Elite Sports Institute
class, acknowledgement to the Service
to School Sport to the presentation of
sports cups and trophies, the evening
was a huge success. The guest speaker
Cam Calkoen, an international athletics
sprinter with cerebral palsy, inspired
all who were present; to see the best
side in every situation and opportunity
you are faced with, both in sport and in
other life situations. His key word was
‘Awesome’ and his story captured and
inspired the audience. Congratulations
to our Coach of the Year – Ben Clarke
for Waterpolo, and our Team of the
PRIZEGIVING
Year – Michael Linehan and Mario
Parussini for rowing. The final part of
the evening announced the Sportsman
and Sportswoman of the year.
Congratulations to our finalists and
winners Mahia Pepper for Sailing and
Eliza McCartney for Athletics. Thank
you to the Sports Depart mentfor a
well-run evening of celebrating our
students sporting successes in 2012.
Since then, we have been advised
that Eliza McCartney has been selected
as one of only three finalists for the
North Harbour Sporting Excellence
Awards, Junior Sportswoman of the
year category. Takapuna Grammar
School has four finalists for the ASB
College Sport Young Sports person
of the Year awards to be held in
November. They are Chloe Wilson for
Football, Tim Adair and Mahia Pepper
for Sailing and Clayton Hockley for
Lawn Bowls.
Natalie Te Paa has recently finished recording
her Play It Strange song for the competition’s
top 47 CD compilation. Titled “Be Yourself”,
the track had professional treatment at the
Depot Sound studio, in Devonport, and will
be mastered at York St Studios. All the quality
she aimed at is there in the song and it is
guaranteed air time on Kiwi FM.
So, Natalie is one step closer on her journey to
being a singer/songwriter. She has also had a few
spots, such as getting voiceover work for a radio
advertisement and has been chasing sponsorship
for equipment to help blind and visually impaired
young people. She is always keen to do gigs for
anyone who needs a self-accompanied or sound
track backed singer. The experience is rewarding
and the money is helpful. Natalie sings every
chance she gets at TGS and is familiar to students
for her rich, deep tones. She is appreciative of
support by Performing Arts at TGS and has
finished a year of Musical Theatre where she got
to dance on stage for the first time in The Alice
Project in August.
Natalie Te Paa.
Ad Augusta – December 2012 | 13
TECHNOLOGY
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Resistant Materials
Technology success
The new Achievement Standards implemented by the Ministry of
Education have meant a shake up to courses of study across the school.
This has been especially apparent in Technology.
The new improved Resistant Materials courses at Level 1 and 2 have
had students designing beyond the classroom and becoming innovative
thinkers and problem solvers. The subject formally known as “Hard Tech”
has even had a name change to encourage students and
parents to look at this course and eliminate any
negative conceptions of what they may think it
is
is about. These two years have been about
stretching students critical and lateral
thinking skills, whilst building confidence
in their practical ability to construct beyond
basic form.
We look forward to what Level 3 will bring
next year as students step into courses such as
Architecture, Product Design and Engineering,
plus trade related jobs.
14 | Ad Augusta – December 2012
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Business & Enterprise
Business and Enterprise:
finishing on a high note
Great results at the Enterprise North Auckland Regional Awards
in late October, held at Massey University’s Albany Campus,
was a fitting end to a great year for the Business and Enterprise
department. Young enterprise teams were awarded the following:
Excellence in Communication – Lumiere and Sector Solutions
Excellence in Innovation – Urban App Development
Excellence in Sustainability
– Lumiere
North Auckland Young Enterprise Scheme Company of the Year
– Sector Solutions
Everyone who has participated in YES this year should be
very proud.
Four of our Level 3 Business Studies students were invited to the
AUT Excellence in Business Support Awards at the Langham Hotel
in November. They also featured in the AUT Engage magazine,
as their Orbs were lighting the tables for over 700 guests. This
was a fantastic experience for the students to network with top
business people in New Zealand and be recognised for their own
entrepreneurial and business skills.
Left to Right: Paul Symes, Liam Chelely, Harriett Maire and Bill Smales.
Year 10 - Enterprise and Financial Literacy
The Year 10 students this year have been busy exploring a range
of topics from Entrepreneurship through to Sustainability and
Financial Literacy skills. They have been successful in learning
about the key subjects and participating in Business situations
throughout the year. Some classes have entered the DairyNZ
Challenge and the results of their work have been very inspiring and
innovative. We are still waiting for the results to be announced.
Left to Right: Danielle Desvaux de Marigny, Mera Conger, Jiwon Kim and Charlotte Sellars.
Left to Right: Bronte O’Donnell-Clarke, Tara Collins and Claudia McEwen.
If students are interested in joining YES they can do it in two
ways; either by taking Level 3 Business Studies or by completing it
as a co-curricular activity (from either Year 12 or 13).
An introduction to the 2013 scheme will be held on Thursday 6th
December between 11 am and 2 pm. Speak to any of the Business
and Enterprise staff for further details.
Left to Right: Lily MacDonald, Amy Colebourn, Lucy Hill and Lucy Jacobs.
Ad Augusta – December 2012 | 15
SCHOOL NEWS
Year 9 Camp
To top off their first year at Takapuna
Grammar School all Year 9 students headed
out to Chosen Valley Camp, in Ararimu.
The weather played its part and every day was
filled with sunshine. The students took part in
a wide range of activities including the flying
fox, waterslide, archery, confidence course and
team building. All of the students and staff who
attended had a great time enjoying the outdoors
and interacting with one another outside the
classroom.
16 | Ad Augusta – December 2012
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
SCHOOL NEWS
Girls getting into Science
An enthusiastic report from participant Kelsey
Schutte:
I went to the “Girls’ Into Science” day, held at the
University of Auckland, where I listened to lecturers who
were very amusing, entertaining and experienced in the
science field. They taught us a lot about what they do and
especially what science really is, not what the stereotypes
say it is. We were looked after well, receiving a large
yummy morning tea. First, we went to the Bioinformatic
section of the university where students and lecturers
spoke to us about what they do. After, we played a video
game about folding protein which was really, really fun
and challenging. In the afternoon they held an “Amazing
Race” with all schools competing against each other. We
had to find specific students at different locations who
would then give us a question. After answering we moved
to a new location and a new question. It was all great fun.
Lastly we visited the Computer Science course which
was fascinating, even to those not previously interested in
computer science, particularly because we got to meet girls
from other schools and form new friendships, as well as
learning about all the Science opportunities at tertiary level.
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Wareh
It’s easy! Shop at Warehouse Stationery and present
your school’s unique voucher at the checkout.
Every $1 you spend will earn 1 point that your
school can redeem to buy school resources.
Get your favourite school’s voucher from
www.warehousestationery.co.nz
and click the ‘Support Your School’ tile.
Share this with family and friends and the sky’s the limit!
Ad Augusta – December 2012 | 17
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
ART
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
ART
Our Art Scholars
Felix Pryor.
Olivia Rairan-Chitty.
These pages feature paintings, digital design
and photography from the external Folios of
those students who completed our Visual Arts
Scholarship programme this year.
These students participated in a programme
that required them to produce considerably more
practical and research work than our Level 3 students.
Scholarship Visual Arts is graded on students Level 3
Folio and an 8 page workbook. Together these must
demonstrate a greater range and depth of thinking
than that required at Level 3. They were a great group
of students and we wish them well in their future
endeavours.
Nathalia Gonzales.
Nicolette Low.
Tara Collins.
Livi Farrar.
Anna Minegishi.
Yu Jin Nah.
Seon Hwang.
Jonas Almiras.
Andrew Ji.
Seon Hwang.
Michelle Kim.
Alice Couchman.
Jack Rapson.
Jodie Catterall.
18 | Ad Augusta – December 2012
Isabel Borok.
Braxton Curteis.
Ella Matuschka.
Lydia Twohill.
Tom Pearce.
Ad Augusta – December 2012 | 19
SPECIAL EDUCATION
AD AUGUSTA – TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Special Ed students experience solar eclipse
On the morning of 14 November New Zealand was treated to a
fine partial eclipse of the Sun.
The students in the Special Education department were briefed
on the morning and were given “special glasses” by the Science
Department to look at the eclipse. They made full use of the
wonderful opportunity as they know they will not see a better solar
eclipse until 2035.
Finance Office 2012/2013
Closed
Mon 17 December – 11 January 2013
9am – 3pm
Mon – Fri 14 – 25 January 2013
8.30am – 4pm
Tuesday29 January 2012
The Finance Office will close at 3.00pm on Friday, 14 December
2012.
School Enrolements
Closed
Fri 7 December
8.30am – 4pm
Wed 16 January onwards
School Enrolments will be closed from Friday, 7 December 2012
and will re-open on Wednesday, 16 January 2013.
Term Dates 2013
20 | Ad Augusta – December 2012
Term 1, 2013
Wed, 30 January – Fri, 19 April
Term 2, 2013
Mon, 6 May – Fri, 12 July
Term 3, 2013
Mon, 29 July – Fri, 27 September
Term 4, 2013
Mon, 14 October – Fri, 6 December