8 February 2017 - Issue 1, Term 1
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Last week we formally welcomed our new staff and students to the College with a Mihi Whakatau for what
promises to be an exciting year. There have been many changes in the last few months that I believe will have
a positive impact on student learning, engagement and achievement. I was very impressed with the way
students returned to school; positive, enthusiastic and well presented in their school uniforms. I also commend
our year 13 students who ran a welcoming and informative orientation for our new year 9 students and have
been helping them adjust to high school routines.
New Staff
This year we welcome five new, talented teaching staff and two support staff to Roncalli.
Miss Nicki Hall (HOF Arts)
Miss Hall joins us from Timaru Boys’ High School where she
taught in 2016 and prior to that Westlake Girls’ College in
Auckland. We look forward to her continuing to strengthen and
develop our strong performing arts programme.
Miss Gemma Tomsett (English)
Miss Tomsett is a second year teacher and joins us from
Mountainview High School where she taught in 2016. She is
originally from Tapanui, West Otago and loves the outdoors.
She has travelled and worked in the USA and also explored
Canada and Central America. I am sure she will be a great
asset to Roncalli.
Mrs Natalie Murr (English/Media)
Mrs Murr and her husband have moved to Timaru from Auckland and
Roncalli is her first teaching job. Mrs Murr has lived and travelled in
Europe and has professional experience in film production, hospitality
and has worked as a Conference Producer.
Miss Caitlin McIvor (Mathematics)
Miss McIvor has been appointed to our Maths Department to oversee
the junior programme. She taught at Timaru Girls’ High School in
2016 and prior to that taught at Highfield School and Oamaru
Intermediate School. She is a passionate and enthusiastic teacher
and her experience in both primary and secondary is a real asset to
helping students transition.
Mrs Suellen Robb (Junior Mathematics)
Mrs Robb, who is well known to our community, joins us part-time to support our junior maths
programme. She is an experienced teacher with knowledge of both the primary and
secondary setting.
Miss Cara Adler (Mission Year Student – Graduate from Marist Girls’ College in Auckland
2016)
Cara is the third ‘Mission Student’ we have hosted at Roncalli College from one of our nine
network schools. She was Deputy Head Girl at Marist Girls’ College in Auckland and brings
with her a wealth of musical talent and experience. During her year at Roncalli she will be
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PO Box 138, Timaru
working with teachers to assist students who need extra support and also supporting Miss Hall with the music
programme.
Neville Lines (Property)
Mr Lines joins our property team this year. He has extensive trade related experience and is
quite versatile with his skills. We are very pleased to have Neville join our Roncalli team.
We also are very pleased to welcome back Mrs Amy Richardson and Miss Felicity Caldwell to
our teaching staff in 2017.
At the end of 2016, Mr Tony Blackstock (HOD Maths) tendered his resignation. We thank Mr
Blackstock for his service to the College and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.
Senior Leadership Team
This year we have three new additions to the SLT to compliment Mr Andrew Jones (Deputy
Principal), Ms Adele Churchman (Director of Religious Studies) and myself (Principal).
 Mrs Samantha Rooney (formerly Schrader) is the Acting Academic Adviser and Principal’s Nominee for
2017 while Mrs Cockroft is away on leave. Mrs Rooney has transitioned into the role very well and has
been busy settling students into their chosen classes. You will receive regular updates from Mrs Rooney
throughout the year.
 Miss Joanne Bennett is the new Human Relations Manager. In her portfolio, she will have oversight of
staff welfare, including relief and professional development. She will also be our parish liaison and
assist with Community Masses and other outreach programmes.
 Miss Ellen Walsh is the new Director of Student Welfare which is a newly created position. She is the
first point of contact for students wishing to access counselling, medical advice/assistance, mental
health services etc. Please refer to this newsletter for more information about Miss Walsh’s role and
how students can access services.
Other new roles for 2017
 Miss Lucy Buckley is our new Specialist Classroom Teacher
 Mr Guy Sutherland and Mr Craig Perkins are responsible for driving our digital learning professional
development in preparation for complete BYOD in 2018. You will hear more about this throughout the
year.
 Mrs Cathy Shearer is our new Director of International Students.
Below the calendar is a list of our student leaders for 2017.
Until next time,
Chris Comeau,
Principal
Upcoming Events Calendar
February
9
10
10-11
15
16
20
21
22
27
28
College Mass – 10.00am Sacred Heart Basilica
Swimming Sports – more information in the Sports section of this newsletter
Board of Trustees Strategic Planning
Whanau Hui 5.30pm
Academic Assembly
Year 9 BBQ
Year 11 NCEA Evening
College Cross Country/Fun Run (period 5)
Athletics ½ day (Javelin, 3000m & hurdles) Championship only from 1.00pm
College Athletics Sports Day
March
1
Ash Wednesday
2
Postponement date Athletics Sports Day
7
PTA AGM – Mocha Café 7.00pm
6-10
Year 10 OED Camp 1
13-17
Year 10 OED Camp 2
For further event information please see the College website www.roncalli.school.nz
www.roncalli.school.nz
03 688 6003
PO Box 138, Timaru
Student Leadership
Student Name
Hamish Scarsbrook
Isabella Docherty
Isaac Matson
Isobel McKeown
Laura Brown
Sophie Lowen
Micaela Cooper
Taylah Marshall
Connor McCarthy
Chie Matsubara
Liam Pribis
Grace Piddington
Luke Robb
Leadership Position
Head Boy
Head Girl
Deputy Head Boy
Deputy Head Girl
Special Character Leader
Special Character Leader
Special Character Leader
Special Character Leader
Board of Trustees Student
Rep
International Student Leader
Academic Leader
Academic Leader
Cultural Leader
Student Name
Jemma Giles
Sophie Beard
Naeve O’Driscoll
Aui Ferrer
Bethany Waldron
Fraser Pattie
Jaymie Currie
Josh Manson
Molly Richardson
Leadership Position
Cultural Leader
Sport Leader
Sport Leader
Wellbeing Leader
Wellbeing Leader
Aquinas House Leader
Aquinas House Leader
Chanel House Leader
Chanel House Leader
Oliver Noone
Jemma Gormack
George Duff
Kate Haley
Colin House Leader
Colin House Leader
McAuley House Leader
McAuley House Leader
Head Students
This year our Head Students for 2017 are Isabella Docherty and Hamish Scarsbrook,
their vision is to be ‘good servant leaders and to remain humble’.
Roncalli Whanau Hui: Wednesday 15 February 2017, 5:30pm, College Library
Families are warmly invited to a hui and light supper to meet Ngai Tahu
representative Irai Weepu. We will also discuss support that can be offered and the
revision of the Maori Achievement strategy at the College.
As always the College is keen to hear input from our parents and students in the way
we support our Roncallians to fulfill their potential.
Year 13 Common Room 2017
The Year 13 cohort of 2017 have been welcomed back with a freshly repainted and
refurbished Common Room, a privilege that Year 13 students have enjoyed in the
past. To encourage student responsibility for preserving the condition of this space,
a $50 refundable bond will be added to each Year 13 student's account, similar to
that for a young person entering into a flatting situation when they leave school. We encourage students to self
monitor and manage the space, with the expected result being a full refund at the end of the year. Should
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PO Box 138, Timaru
individual students be unable to respect this privilege, their bond will be used to repair and/or replace any
damage, as would occur in a flatting situation.
A second privilege for Year 13 students is permission to leave the College grounds during Tuesday, Wednesday
and Thursday lunchtimes. Students must sign out through the Vistab system at the College Office.
Year 10 Camp
The letter regarding Year 10 Camp was emailed out to parents/caregivers on Friday 3 February. In this letter
is a link to the consent form to complete.
Please check your email inbox for this. If you have not received a letter please check the email address we
have on file for you at the office and we will send you another email.
I wil be meeting with students regularly in the the lead up to Camp. If you have any questions please email me
at [email protected]
Thanks
Guy Sutherland, TIC Year 10 Camp
PTA AGM
All parents and caregivers are welcome to join the PTA, their AGM is being held on 7 March at Mocha Café
(the old Heartland café) at 7.00pm. Please come along and join us to support the College and have some fun
along the way.
Student Wellbeing at Roncalli College
Welcome!
This year we have an exciting new approach to Wellbeing at Roncalli College. A new position of Director of
Student Well being has been created and I am very excited to be filling this role as well as continuing my
responsibilities as the Year 11 Dean.
The goal of this change is to encompass a team approach to pastoral care by offering our students a place to
go and a person to talk to if they feel they require it and then further professional support for some. These
services are free and fully confidential.
I will be based in the newly refurbished Wellbeing centre and will be the first port of call for those who require
personal support. I will work alongside the students assisting them where appropriate and at times make
referrals to Dorien Vance (on call Counsellor) or Jane Pierce (Registered Health Nurse) if I feel external
support is required.
Why might someone use the Roncalli College Well Being services?
Reasons students may visit the Wellbeing centre include but are not limited to:
 Dealing with a major life event (break up, parent separation, health issues etc)
 Bullying issues
 Friendship/relationship issues
 Lacking self esteem
 Depression
 Anxiety/Anger/Stress
 Grief/loss
 Eating/body disorders
 Self-harm
 Sexuality
 Assistance with direction/focus/goal setting
 Transition
 Financial issues
 Medical advice (hygiene, sexual health, vision, hearing etc)
Where is the Well Being Centre?
Downstairs in the McAuley block (previously the College Careers office).
www.roncalli.school.nz
03 688 6003
PO Box 138, Timaru
How can appointments be made?
Students can book an appointment by visiting either the Wellbeing Centre or the main College office where
they will be given an appointment card.
How can I be contacted by parents/caregivers?
For more information please don’t hesitate to phone or email [email protected] or by phoning 688
6003 ext 823.
Digital Learning Initiatives
As the world our young people live in moves more and more to digital resources, the College has decided that
a key strategic goal over the next two years is how we create and operate in a digital environment. The College
has appointed two Digital Lead Teachers, Craig Perkins and Guy Sutherland to drive this strategic goal and
assembled a Lead Teachers group to look at pedagogy and the way that a digital environment can help
to complement current teaching and learning practices.
Our philosophy is that digital resources should be used when appropriate to enhance learning experiences for
our students and provide them with opportunities to extend their experiences. Devices will not necessarily totally
replace traditional means of communication and learning, it is about equipping students with the decision
making and thinking skills and processes to choose to use the right tool for the job at hand. We want to create
an environment where students flourish with a mixture of online and face to face teaching and learning,
expressing themselves with pens, paper, paint and software, depending on the situation with which they are
presented.
Many students at our contributing schools are currently operating in such digital environments and with NZQA
setting itself the lofty goal of having NCEA assessments online by 2020, the College is responding in a structured
and coordinated manner, with the intention of co ordinating closely with our contributing schools as to their
initiatives and best practices.
Currently students all have access to the College's wireless network and most use it frequently in class with the
devices they currently possess. Many classes use online learning platforms such as Google Classroom and all
students have had experience with using the Google suite of software tools through the e-Learning course in
Year 9. Many subjects and teachers allow students to submit assessments using Googledocs and resources
are kept on Educo and Googledrive, with Facebook pages being used for communication with students.
This is a start, but research and feedback shows us that we need to be a little more consistent in the way we
operate in the digital learning environment to adequately prepare our young people for the wider world into
which they enter. It is our intention that in 2018 all Year 9 students will have access to a digital learning device
with the following specifications:



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a full size keyboard
a minimum screen size of 11 inches
wifi connectivity
ability to store material on an external hard drive (a USB port)
As we move through our learning next year more details and specifications will be published as to suggested
devices and where they can be sourced.
WE DO NOT EXPECT STUDENTS TO PURCHASE DEVICES FOR 2017
However, we would encourage students who have a device with these specifications already, to bring it to school
as part of their daily equipment, much as they would a pencil case or pad. Many of our contributing schools
have made recommendations as to devices in their digital strategy and the College welcomes devices bought
previously to meet the expectations detailed above. Teachers will be encouraging students to use them and will
guide them as to how these modern tools can be used appropriately and effectively. Whilst compact and
portable, it is the College's desire that students move away from using their phones as the only digital tool in
their classes
If you have any questions about this key strategic goal, please feel free to contact the Deputy Principal, Andrew
Jones, at [email protected].
Andrew Jones, Deputy Principal
www.roncalli.school.nz
03 688 6003
PO Box 138, Timaru
Year 9 BBQ
We would like to welcome all year 9 students, parents, caregivers and families to a BBQ on Monday 20 February
from 5.30pm. You will be greeted at the College Hall by our House Leaders and Head Students. The Principal
and Deputy Principal will provide a pastoral overview of the College and you will meet the Year 9 Dean and the
House Deans and House Group teachers. This is also a great opportunity for you to mix and mingle with other
Year 9 families. Older and younger siblings are welcome.
Important Reminders
Student Driver Permits
Students who are driving cars to school are required to apply for a parking permit from the College office,
these permits must be updated at the beginning of each calendar year.
On change of license conditions, the new drivers’ license must be presented to the College office for copying
and a new driving permit will be issued.
If the student wishes to transport passengers who are students at Roncalli; these must be named on the
application and the parent of the passenger must authorise this.
Random audits shall occur by staff supervising the carpark area. These shall be to check for parking
compliance, authorised passengers, and vehicle WOF.
Permission to leave the school property
You may not leave the grounds during school hours without permission from your House Group Teacher or Dean
and you also require a note from your parents.
The Vistab in the Office must be completed before leaving the property and on your return.
To attend a medical or educational appointment during class time, you must present an appointment card or
written permission from your Parent/Guardian. Students should not make appointments during class time for driving
lessons/tests, hair appointments etc. It is courtesy to notify the teachers whose classes you will miss prior to the
time and students are expected to take responsibility for consulting with classmates as to work that may have
been missed during that period.
Student Appearance
Students are expected to be clean, neat and tidy in appearance. Makeup is not to be worn. Boys are to be clean
shaven.
Hair – Male and Female
Hair should be clean, comb-able, one natural colour, tied up off the collar and face. No rats tails, mullets,
shave lines or hair accessories other than ribbons of House or College colours.
Makeup
No makeup is to be worn.
Earrings and other jewellery
Watches are acceptable but no other bracelets
No facial piercings are permitted
Only one earring per ear and through the lobe
Only plain silver or gold studs or sleepers are permitted
Cleanliness and tidiness
Please encourage students to wear clean uniform – close fitting garments should be washed every day.
Clothing worn beneath the uniform
A thermal or singlet may be worn underneath the uniform as long as it is not visible.
Jackets
Only the College jacket is to be worn.
Kilts and Summer Skirts
These are worn at mid-calf level.
Shoes
Boys must wear black leather lace-up school shoes that can be polished.
Girls must wear brown, flat, lace-up, buckles or T-bar leather shoes that can be polished.
Blazers
All year 11-13 students must wear a blazer for formal College occasions such as daily Assemblies,
Masses, sports trips etc.
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03 688 6003
PO Box 138, Timaru
Parking and Drop off points for students
We would like to remind you that the College has identified the Wellington Street entrance and the Quad area
as a safety issue of concern. This is a very high traffic area with students going about their daily business,
especially at the beginning and end of the College day. We therefore ask that parents transporting students at
this time pick up and drop off their students at either the Cain Street or Craigie Ave entrances that allow for
more clear separation of foot and car traffic.
We also welcome members of our community into the College during the day but ask that they park in the
available car parks along the immediate right of the Wellington Street entrance adjacent to the Office, as
opposed to in the middle of the Quad. Should an emergency occur response vehicles expect to be able to pull
in and use the Quad for easy access to the College. Thank you for your cooperation with this important issue.
Tuck shop news
We have new proprietors of the Tuckshop from the Café at CBay, Graze Café. There is now EFTPOS available
for purchases and an extensive menu. Students are still able to bring toasted sandwiches/noodles from home
and can have these heated by staff in Room 26, during the first 20 minutes of lunch.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
The presence of international students
at Roncalli College enriches the College
community and we value this cultural
diversity. Introducing the International
Team who care for our international
students(from left to right):
Bryce Caird, mentor for our
international boys, Mary-Jane Konings,
ESOL Teacher, Cathy Shearer, Director
of International Students, Richelle
Cannell, Homestay Coordinator.
The International department are always are looking for suitable familes who would be interested in hosting a
student for short or long term. If you would be interested in sharing your life with a student please contact the
International Department [email protected] or telephone 688 6003 ext. 809.
FROM THE ARTS
www.roncalli.school.nz
03 688 6003
PO Box 138, Timaru
SPECIAL CHARACTER
Roncalli College Volunteer Group – Society of St Vincent De Paul
Please join us to discuss how we can make a difference in our community by using your talents
Thursday 16 February from 11.00am in the College Chapel
All Welcome
CAREERS INFORMATION
The Māori Education Trust provides scholarships for Māori students undertaking secondary and tertiary
study. The secondary scholarship programme is made up of the following scholarships:
 RJ Graham Scholarship
 Rose Hellaby Scholarship
 Sister Annie Henry Scholarship
 Tī Maru Māori Trust Secondary Boarding Scholarship
 VW & LM Rosier Scholarship.
Secondary application forms can be obtained from our website www.maorieducation.org.nz. Alternatively,
application forms can be posted.
Applications and supporting documentation must reach the Māori Education Trust by 4.30 pm, Friday,
24 Hui-tanguru (February) 2017.
Careers Corner!
The start of the year is always busy in the Careers Department as we help the
senior students with their course choices for the new school year and book in
liaison visits from various tertiary institutions. A list of dates confirming the visits
from the various institutions will be emailed to the senior students when dates
have been finalised as well as being in the school notices and on the Careers facebook page. Any student
thinking about attending university or another tertiary institution should attend the liaison visits from that
institution as this will provide them with useful information and may help them decide whether or not they
want to pursue this career choice. Students and parents can also see when university open days are
happening by checking the different institution’s websites.
During Term 1 students will again participate in Programme Incubator. This is a South Canterbury District
Health Board initiative aimed at educating senior students about careers in the Health industry. Students get
to hear first hand from health professionals about the different careers in the industry and the final session is
a visit to the Timaru Hospital to look around different departments and wards.
We are also hoping to purchase a programme called givME which will allow out students to research all
available scholarships and grants. We will let you know when this programme is available.
Sometimes employers phone the school with full or part time jobs they may have available. These jobs are
advertised in the school notices or individual students are approached if we know that they are looking for
work. Please let Mrs Heenan or Mrs Mehrtens know if you are looking for work.
If you have any questions regarding pathways or careers please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Heenan or Mrs
Mehrtens.
Don’t forget to like our careers facebook page so that we can pass on any relevant careers
information:www.facebook.com/roncallicollegecareers
www.roncalli.school.nz
03 688 6003
PO Box 138, Timaru
SPORTS NEWS
Rowing
The South Island Club Rowing Champs was held on 28 & 29 January at Lake Ruataniwha. A great day of
rowing on Saturday but mixed results with wind on Sunday.
Medals:
Gold- Boys U17 Double Skulls, Sam Anderson and Jack Gibbs;
Bronze – Girls U17 Single skulls, Anna Gregan;
Gold – Boys U16 Single skulls, Antonio Frances-Rees;
Gold – Boys U17 Single skulls, Jack Gibbs;
Gold - Mens U19 Single skulls, Jack Gibbs;
Bronze – Girls U17 double skulls, Anna Gregan and Ruby Young;
Roncalli Swimming Sports Day – Friday 10 February 2017
ALL students must make their own way to CBay Outdoor Pool by 8.30am (outside the pool standing on the grass
bank in house group lines where rolls will be taken).
Bus students – The buses will not be dropping off or picking up students at the pool. We ask bus students to
make alternative travel arrangements, if this is not possible please register your name at the College Office by
Wednesday 8 February.
What to bring:
 Students are to dress in house colours
 TOGS!! TOWELS (please note all swimwear must be appropriate)
 Warm clothing / Blanket – Be prepared for all weather conditions
 Large Lunch / Water bottle –students are not allowed to purchase anything from the café/shop
 Sun Hat / Sunscreen (Slip, Slop, Slap & Wrap)
 NO body paint or face paint
Important Note:
 The Roncalli Swimming Sports Day is a full school event and we encourage student participation
 All students remain onsite for the duration of the event
 Students must be responsible for their own personal belongings. Leave your valuables at home
Any postponement will be posted on the Roncalli Website and Facebook page. The postponement date is
Monday 13 February 2017.
Parents and Caregivers are welcome to attend the event.
If any parents/caregivers would like to assist on the day, please contact José Zandbergen at the Sports Office
on 88 6003 extension 808 or email [email protected]. For full information and programme of
events follow this link: http://www.roncalli.school.nz/Sport/Swimming.html.
We are looking forward to an awesome fun day for all the students. Let the Battle of the Houses begin!
Roncalli Athletics Sports Day
Parents who are interested in assisting with the Roncalli Athletics Sports day (time keeping, measuring,
recording, place getting) on Tuesday 28 February (postponement date Thursday 1 March) are invited to contact
the Sports Office on 6886003 extension 808 or email [email protected] New parents to the
College are welcome.
Roncalli College Cricket
1st XI Cricket: The first half of the season saw mixed results playing in the combined 2A/2B grade. Non-cricket
like weather meant that there were only five days cricket played with one of those being rain affected. End
result being one win and four losses. Notable performances during the first half being a fine 77 from Ben
Davenport in the first game against Temuka, a 5 for 29 from Zane Meyer v Celtic No Stars and 47 runs by Ben
Thomson against Celtic All Stars. A special thanks to Andre de Joux as player/coach who has kindly given up
his time to help out this season.
The second half has seen the team drop down to the new 2C Grade so that they can continue playing 40 over
cricket in the lead up to their inter school games. A good first up win v Star with standout performances from
Edward Heenan with 103 not out and Ben Thomson getting 4 wickets from 4 consecutive balls on his way to
5 for 27.
www.roncalli.school.nz
03 688 6003
PO Box 138, Timaru
4th Grade Cricket: The College second team had a bit of a mixed bag in the first half of the season. We started
off in the 2C Grade, with a win over the TBHS 3rd XI and a heavy defeat to the TBHS 2nd XI.
The rest of our games leading up to Christmas were then in a resurrected 4th Grade competition – With two
wins and a loss.
All of the boys are really enjoying their cricket and we have started off this half of the season with two wins
from two – As we welcome the new Year 9’s into the team; Toby Scannell, Conor Boult, Jarrod Phillips and
Harper McKerrow.
Representative Cricket Honours
Congratulations to our Roncalli students who have been selected to represent South
Canterbury.
Under 17: Matt Cochrane-Bennett, Edward Heenan, Zane Meyer.
Under 15: Ben Davenport, Will Davenport, Lleyton Phillips, Nicholas Goodwin,
Hayden Kerr.
South Canterbury also hosted the South Island Primary Tournament this year with
Edward Heenan and William Johnson helping out by umpiring for the week.
Roncalli Netball AGM
Roncalli College Netball AGM will be held on Tuesday March 14 at 7pm in the
Seminar room (Rm17). We welcome anyone who would like to be a part of the Roncalli Netball committee for
2017 to please join our existing members at this meeting.
Roncalli Netball Registrations and Trials
Registrations took place on Friday 3 February – if your daughter was unable to / forgot to sign up please send
them to see Mrs Rooney in the College office. Students were given a trialling permission form and this must
be handed back prior to trialling if they would like to be selected in a team. Coaches and practice times will be
made available once students have been allocated a team.
Trials dates are as follows:
Year 9 - 5:30pm until 7:00pm
Monday 6 March
Tuesday 7 March
Wednesday 8 March
Year 10 – 5:30pm until 7:00pm
Monday 27 February
Tuesday 28 February
Wednesday 1 March
Senior (Yr11, 12, 13) – 7:00pm until 8:30pm
Monday 20 February
Tuesday 21 February
Thursday 23 February
www.roncalli.school.nz
03 688 6003
PO Box 138, Timaru
www.roncalli.school.nz
03 688 6003
PO Box 138, Timaru