1
In this issue.
Ad Summa
Whitby
Issue 13, June 2015
Transitions
2
Cross country
3
Jump rope for heart
4
Talking with Tuffery
5
Parumoana Cross Country
7
The Big Sing 2015
9
Year 11 Activities Days
10
Year 8 trip to Pukeahu
12
Year 9 Lego
13
Year 13 Geography Trip
14
Year 8 Careers
15
2
Transitions.
Last holiday I was standing in an international airport, studying the departure
board, checking my gate. Unexpectedly, I found myself seduced by all of the
other destinations and thinking how—from right where I stood—anywhere in the
world was an option.
It was a little disturbing to notice
that—for a moment at least—those
other places all seemed somehow more
interesting than where I had been quite
happy to be going, not a moment before.
We’re each of us on a journey, aren’t
we: our whole lives are a journey. It’s
just that, sometimes, the transitions—
from who we’ve been to who we are
becoming—are more evident. Leaving
school for university is an obvious
example, but so, too, moving from year
6 to year 7, and from year 8 to year
9. At each of these points our children
are crossing a threshold. And these are
points on their journey when they too
might look up at the departure board
and consider their options.
The responsibility we share—as
parents, as educators—is to teach
2
children how to make good choices in
life. Singapore did look rather enticing,
I have to admit, and so I asked myself,
“what would Martin Seligman say?”
He’d advise me, I’m sure, to be wary
of fleeting excitement. He’d suggest I
think more carefully about my longterm goals, about who it is I want to be
and what choice is most likely to take
me there. In one of the Harry Potter
books, Dumbledore says to Harry, “It
is our choices, Harry, that show who we
truly are, far more than our attributes.”
As your child approaches life’s
transitions, remember that we are
here and able to help. We can help
you explore not just what the next
year will bring but also which choice
is more likely achieve the ultimate
goal of education: a life of meaning,
accomplishment and genuine happiness.
Big Sing
Jenny Williams
Principal
Rose Hurst and Maxine Taylor
3
College Sport Wellington Cross Country.
After a great school cross country a few weeks before, four of
the school’s best runners were selected to compete in the CSW
Cross Country Championships.
This event is the regional
championships for all Wellington
Secondary Schools, and is open to
students from Years 9 to 13. Runners
come from as far as the Wairarapa to
compete, and the calibre is extremely
high.
This year Edward Couchman (Junior
Boys), Sophie Scott (Junior Girls),
Todd Bishop (Intermediate Boys) and
Ben Eagle (Senior Boys) were chosen to
represent our school.
In tough conditions Edward Couchman
(Year 9) battled hard and came 25th
out of 91 competitors. A huge
achievement.
Thanks to Miss Hunt for organising
and supporting our team on race day
and Bronte Johnston (Year 12) who
braved the conditions and helped with
the marshalling.
Space dress-up day.
Sophie Scott, Ben Eagle, Edward Couchman & Todd Bishop
Ben Eagle (Sports Captain)
After a few thoroughly wet days the
tracks at Trentham Memorial Park
were soaked and quickly deteriorated
into a mud bath as more and more
runners took to the course.
Sophie Scott
3
4
Jump Rope for heart.
Thomas Morum-Kelly, Josiah Katene and Mawgan Bailey
Molly Rogerson, Aston Robbins, Holly Stone, Malina Momcilovic & Rose Hurst
Callum Walker
4
Sophie Green and Sophie Paterson
5
Talking with Tuffery.
From the end of Term 1, and throughout Term 2, two students from
each of our senior years had the opportunity to attend a printmaking
and design workshop with Pacifica artist Michel Tuffery.
The workshops had students from
colleges around Porirua and a
variety of art students from these
schools attending. We started off
by brainstorming ideas and designs
based on our experience of Porirua,
and the motifs ‘P-town’, ‘P50’, and a
stylised heart. As long as these were
incorporated somehow, we could let
our imaginations run wild, drawing
inspiration from the town we were
raised and lived in, from Tuffery’s own
test print blocks, from other designs we
had seen before, and from each other.
After we finished the basic concept
and design process, we started to
carve wood blocks of our ideas to print
out. Michel gave us a test block on
which he got us to practise his cutting
and carving techniques, so we could
better express our ideas in the blocks
we made based on our own designs.
5
Obviously we didn’t decide on just one
design, some of us made up to eight
separate wood blocks. There was a
huge variance in the end products
produced - wings, tentacles, rabbits,
eels, tapas - the list of ideas and objects
included was endless. Our finished
product varied from our initial design.
As we worked with the design more and
more it started to change, simplifying
in some places, increasing the detail in
others. This was what Tuffery called
‘styling’ or ‘characterising’. He said it
developed our style more and expressed
us as people in our work.
After the first two or three workshops
we started with the actual print making
of the blocks. It was very exciting to
see the methods used by Tuffery, as
he is well renowned for his print
making, and seeing his ink application
technique and placement was a work
of art in itself. He gave us tips on how
to tell when we had enough ink on the
roller, how to make sure that we didn’t
flood the block, and how to hold the
paper so it wouldn’t bend or crease. He
also showed us how he kept his hands
and paper clean of excess ink.
In the final workshop we were lucky
enough to see Tuffery print some of
his own work, on to paper and T-shirts.
We also printed our own T-shirts with
the designs we had created over the
sessions. I myself was fortunate enough
to receive a T-shirt with Tuffery’s
original work on it.
Overall it was fantastic experience with
a professional artist, and has had a
definite impact on my personal style of
art, and how I plan and craft pieces.
Hudson Connolly-Bright
Hayley Thompson proofing a wood block
Melanie Burge printing a block
6
Talking with Tuffery.
Hudson Connolly-Bright inking up a wood block
Gabrielle Embury, Hudson Connolly-Bright, Melanie Burge and Hayley Thompson with Michel Tuffery and
studio assistants Jack and Zack
Michel Tuffery working with Melanie Burge
6
7
Years 7 and 8 Parumoana Cross Country.
On Tuesday 26 May a group of Year 7 and 8 students,
accompanied by Miss Hunt, travelled to Battle Hill Memorial
Park to compete in the annual Parumoana Cross Country event.
It was a bitterly cold morning but the sun was shining and it looked to
be a perfect day. On arrival it was clear how muddy the course would
be, especially for the Year 8 boys competing last in the day.
The Year 7s completed a 2km track, whilst the Year 8s completed
3km. It was a step up from the school Cross Country, with lots of hills
and dips to keep runners concentrating the entire time.
A long straight in front of a cheering crowd completed the race and
it was great to see all schools supporting their representatives as they
competed. All our Marsden runners did extremely well with the
standout of the day being Blake Paynter (Year 8) who gained 6th
place in his race, qualifying for the regional competition at Trentham.
Parumoana Cross Country Juniors
A huge achievement! Overall, it was a fantastic day and the students
who attended represented our school with pride.
Miss Hunt
Parumoana Cross Country Juniors
7
8
Years 7 and 8 Parumoana Cross Country.
Maxine Taylor
Blake Paynter
Cassandra Mansfield and Jorja-Mae Knight
8
Oliver Hurst and Andy Zhu
9
The Big Sing 2015.
On Thursday 4 June, the Samuel Marsden Whitby Choir, Viridi
Vocem, performed in the annual Big Sing Festival.
They performed three pieces: When
You Believe by Steven Schwartz from
the movie The Prince of Egypt, a jazz
number called Ain’t No Sunshine by
Bill Withers and Kiss the Girl from
The Little Mermaid, by Alan Menken
and Howard Ashman.
The choir also performed When You
Believe at the evening Gala Concert.
The choir put many hours into
perfecting these three songs, each of
which had their own challenges: When
You Believe had a spirited bridge
section sung entirely in Hebrew, Ain’t
No Sunshine explored vocal percussion
and featured Brianna Dickinson and
Michael Jay Winton singing a short
duet, and Kiss the Girl incorporated
the use of effective and, at times,
amusing choreography.
received by the audience, particularly
‘Kiss the Girl’, which won a special
adjudicator’s award for the song with
the ‘Best Ending’.
The choir was directed by the
wonderful Mrs Young and
accompanied by Helena Hackner.
Special thanks go to Miss Hunt and
Linda Monk for coming along to assist
the choir for the duration of the day, to
Helena for her beautiful accompanying
and, of course, Mrs Young for all the
hard work and countless hours she put
into getting the choir ready for this
year’s Big Sing.
Big Sing group
It was a special event that was enjoyed
by all.
Bronte Page
The choir’s hard work and dedication
paid off and all three pieces were wellAlexis Wilson and Bronte Page
9
Ms Hunt, Mrs Young and Mrs Monk
10
Year 11 Activities Days.
As part of the NCEA Level 1 programme for Physical Education
students are required to participate in numerous Outdoor
Activities as part of their 1.7 standard.
The objective of the two activities days
was to provide Year 11 students with
multiple opportunities to demonstrate
and show responsible behaviour for
safety during outdoor education
activities, which was later reflected on.
The first day started off by jumping in
the school minivan for a trip to Fergs
Kayaks on the Wellington waterfront.
Here students took part in rock
climbing, inline skating and sea
kayaking. Some great climbing and
belaying was demonstrated as a few
attempted very tricky walls in the
indoor rock climbing.
There were a few spills during the
inline skating as we zipped around the
stunning waterfront, but thankfully no
injuries, largely due to the protective
gear that was being worn. After a quick
lunch break students got changed and
10
ready for the last activity of the day,
sea kayaking. It was a beautiful day
and students were grateful to finish
up with Mrs Morrison’s compulsory
‘Wharf Dive’ before piling back into the
minivan at the end of an exhausting
day.
The following day the morning was
spent out on the Pauatahanui Inlet
attempting stand up paddle boarding
with Ocean Outfitters in Mana. It
was a bit drizzly but that didn’t stop
our students from jumping in and
demonstrating some great skills on the
paddleboards.
Some great races were had as we
relayed up and down the inlet before
jumping in and finishing with a water
fight. Once changed and fed we headed
to Adrenalin Forest for some high
ropes action. Students quickly gained
confidence with the smart belay system
and were off, swinging high above
in the tree tops. Mrs Morrison and a
couple of brave students were barely
visible in the trees as they climbed
their way to heights of up to 31m.
Students had two fun-filled, action
packed days and demonstrated
excellent behaviour to ensure the
safety of all those involved. For many
of the students it was the first time
trying a lot of the activities and it was
incredibly impressive to see the energy
and enthusiasm that was displayed by
all.
Vaopua Taafaki and Harrison Walker
Miss Hunt and Mrs Morrison had
an amazing day taking this group of
students out and were delighted by
the support for one another that the
students all displayed.
Miss Hunt
Year 11 students and Miss Hunt
11
Year 11 Activities Days.
Stand up Paddleboarding
Miss Hunt & Ms Morrison with the Year 11 PE Class
Richard Reinders
11
Wharf jump
12
Year 8 trip to the Dominion Museum.
On Wednesday May 27 the Year 8s went to the Dominion
Museum which is a new museum in Wellington City dedicated
to World War I and the soldiers who died.
When we arrived a tour guide met us outside of the big, beautiful, old
building. It used to house the original National Museum. It was so
cool inside and I loved it! Next we went outside the Museum and went
down a big staircase to The Hall of Remembrance. That was great
too and we finished by laying some poppies on memorials to the dead
soldiers.
By Maddie Leslie
Year 8 in front of tomb of unknown soldier
Diorama of the trenches
12
Malina Momcilovic and Phoenix Mathie-Jones
in front of tank
Laying a wreath in the Hall of
Remembrance
13
Year 9 Lego.
As part of their science course Year 9 students had the
opportunity to test their creative skills while making Lego
constructions. The purpose was to demonstrate an energy
chain – the transformation of energy from one form into another
form. Students embraced the challenge and spent a fun lesson
creating their little models. The winners were Brinn Robinson
and Joseph Raouf-Morton. Well done!
Ethan Hunt, William Chun and Campbell Taylor
Jake McAllister and Liam Wilson
13
Olivia Pettitt, Annika Bailey and Kiriani McKenna
Ryan Wade
14
Year 13 Geography Trip.
On Sunday 17 May Year 13 Geographers, accompanied by Ms
Feary and Mr Hardy, drove to Rotorua for a three day field trip.
The purpose of the trip was to
understand the process and impacts of
tourism, and to conduct a geographic
research assignment.
In between surveying Rotorua residents,
Year 13 students had the chance to test
out the tourist attractions including the
Agrodome Sheep Show, Gondola and
Luge, Polynesian Spas, Zorb and the
Rotorua Museum.
After visiting the Lady Knox geyser at
Wai-O-Tapu and walking around the
amazing geo-thermal sites we headed
back home to Wellington. Thank you
to Ms Feary and Mr Hardy for an
excellent trip!
Susannah Crysell and Lewis Munn
Top row Susannah Crysell, Needhee Patel, Taylar Mallo, Aidan Drummond, Lauren Schafer, Shaun
Thompson Bottom row Ms Feary, Harrison Leslie
They also interviewed representatives
from each of the companies. On the last
night we went to Mitai Maori Village
to learn about Maori culture, ate a
delicious hangi and even sang a waiata
in front of 60 tourists!
Needhee Patel and Lewis Munn
14
Space dress-up day.
Susannah Crysell, Lauren Schafer, Needhee Patel
15
Year 8 Careers.
News from the Uniform Shop
The Year 8 students have been working through a unit on
Careers during Tutor Time.
The focus has been both on getting to
know themselves a little better in terms
of their skills, interests and strengths,
as well as getting some exposure to
different professions. To help us, a
couple of very generous parents from
the school community gave up their
time to talk to the students about their
careers. These included a lawyer, a
General Practitioner, a nurse and a
policeman. The sessions were very
popular with the students.
With the arrival of the wet and cold weather we have some winter items to
keep our students warm and dry. We also have school hoodies, which are
an optional item. The hoodies are navy with the school crest screened on
the back. Students can also have their sporting code or cultural activity
embroidered on the front. We also have a Jacket available, this is a new
item for supporters to purchase - it is Marsden blue with the school crest
screened on the back.
Long sleeved polypropylene tops (to be worn under the sports uniform)
Sizes 9/11 years & 12/14 years
$24.00 each
Sizes Adult Small, Medium & Large $30 each
Scarves $39 each
Gloves $10 - $16
Beanies $23 each
Pull over head hoody $48 with one embroidery
Zipped jacket hoody $50 with one embroidery
Jacket$48
We are always looking for good quality 2nd hand uniform items, especially
blazers.
Mrs Smith
Josiah Katene trying his hand
at being a lawyer
During term times the Uniform Shop hours are Mondays 8-9am and 125pm, and Wednesdays 12-5pm. We are open in the July holidays, Friday 17
July from 9am-12 at the Karori Campus. If you require anything urgently
you can email me on [email protected] I check my
emails daily during term and holidays.
See you soon, Sonja.
15
15
PROUDLY SUPPLYING HAND ROASTED
COFFEE TO MARSDEN SCHOOL