Issue 8
30 May 2013
WHANGAMATA AREA SCHOOL
BOARD OF TRUSTEE ELECTIONS PERSONAL
STATEMENTS
At the close of nominations there were 5 valid nominations which was equal to the number of
vacancies. The results were declared in the Coastal News on 23 May 2013. To introduce your new
Board please read the following statements.
Personal Statement
Trudi Conway
Personal Statement
Bryn Jensen
I have lived in Whangamata for 19 years and have
two children at Whangamata Area School. I work
as a Physiotherapist, both
locally and in the
wider
Coromandel Community. I am a committed supporter of our community and school and
will continue to be. I have been a willing worker
for the school PTA and love going on school trips.
I have been on the Whangamata Area School
Board of Trustees for the last six years and wish to
continue on in this
position. As a new board
member you have so much to learn and I now
believe I am in a position to assist
others in
learning their role as an effective board
representative.
I believe that every child is
entitled to the best education available and wish to
continue to assist our school in achieving this. I
am a team player and feel our children benefit the
most when their parents and caregivers, the school
staff and the Board of Trustees work together as
a team, with open communication and
transparency of all school processes.
I am interested in becoming a member of the
Whangamata Area School Board. Whilst I have
not previously been involved in a school board, the
prospect of being able to contribute to our school
in a significant way excites me.
As a trustee I would bring my skills gained from
my own businesses and from my background in
management in both small and corporate businesses, an understanding of how to manage complex
structures such as a school.
I recently spent a significant period of time
working as a contractor in nine different schools
throughout the central North Island, some for
short periods and some for several months. Whilst
I was in no way on site in a teaching capacity, I
have gained a unique perspective on the vast
differences in the culture and attitudes towards
teaching that exist between schools. This insight
is what initially motivated me to get involved.
I love our town, I love being an active member of
our community. I have been involved in the Fire
Brigade and local clubs. I believe I have a lot to
offer our school, I bring enthusiasm, diplomacy, a
balanced view on matters and work efficiently to
achieve the common goals and get results.
Like all parents, I appreciate the school and the
teaching staff’s critically important role in my
family’s development. I have four children attending the school, ages five, seven, nine and eleven, I
look forward to the challenge.
Personal Statement
Dion Mackwood
Ko Mataatua te waka, ko Mauao te
maunga, ko
Tauranga te awa, ko
Ngaiterangi te iwi, ko
Dion Mackwood ahau.
I am happily married with two children and we’ve
been living in whangamata for nearly 5 years.
Our boys are juniors at Whangamata Area School
and we would like themt o finish their schooling
here also.
I am currently running a retail food business in
town but am also trying to free up my work commitments to help the boys with their rugby and
soccer teams.
I look forward to working with the school Board of
Trustees to help the school develop and realize it’s
full potential.
Personal Statement
Alison Mills
Personal Statement
Michael Ussher
I moved to Whangamata with my family just over
four years ago to pursue a business venture with my
husband Cameron and business partner Shannon
Prout—Elite windows & Doors.
Prior to moving here, I was Cambridge born and bred
attending Cambridge High School and then on the
Waikato University where I obtained a Bachelor of
Social Science majoring in Resource and Environmental Planning. As I studied I had a part time job as a
picture framer which turned into full time work when
I finished my studies and couldn’t find work in my
chosen field. Picture framing appealed to my sense
of both creativity and order in equal measure and I
stayed in this job for ten years until we moved to
Whangamata. As a family we have never been
happier and love living in this community.
As a mother of two young children I think it is
important to involve myself in their education. I was
an active member of Whangamata Playcentre and
now that they are both at school I would like to find a
way to contribute further. There is a lot of talk these
days about the “best” schools to send your children
to. It is my belief that a school is only as good as the
community behind it. If we are willing as parents to
get in their and help our children, teachers and
schools in any way that we can, then our next
generation will have the foundation they need to
succeed.
As a business owner, I have a fair knowledge of
finances albeit on a much smaller scale than the
governance of an entire school! However, I believe
my biggest asset is common sense and the ability to
work well with others to achieve a common goal.
I look forward to the challenge.
I am a father of 2 children. The oldest, Hunter, is
currently enjoying and doing well at Whangamata
Area School. My second child, Imogen will start at
Whangamata Area School in September.
I am a general practice lawyer with my own private
law practice, Coromandel Law, situated in Whangamata.
I have previously owned Soulburger,
Takeaway Bar. I understand the unique nature of
Whangamata’s business and community needs and
am committed to creating a positive future for
Whangamata.
I believe strongly in the concept of well performing
local community schools. We should all have high
expectations of School’s leadership, including the
Board of Trustees. Success at school is not just
about academic and sporting achievements. It is
also about developing a love of learning, forming
strong friendships, developing strength of character, pride in our School and our community and
excelling in whatever we do. Our School should be
accessible to its local community and foster the
growth and development of our youth.
My role on the Board of Trustees is to support the
Headmaster and staff of the School to ensure the
School does it’s utmost to meet and exceed the
curricular and extra-curricular needs of its
students. As a lawyer, I have the advocacy and
analytical skills to assist that process.
I am focussed on ensuring that Whangamata Area
School provides an environment in which individual
students can perform to their very best. I am
committed to ensuring Whangamata Area School
provides the best opportunities for all students.
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Mother duck taking her
ducklings home after a school
visit. Well done to Janice
Hope, a few students and the
workmen across the road for
helping to get mum and babies
safely across the road.
Amy Webb
YEAR 7 / 8
CAMP
Year 7 and 8’s had a FANTASTIC camp to Long Bay
Education centre in Auckland. It was packed full with
activities and experiences and all students seemed to
make the most of every opportunity.
On the last night we had a teams skit challenge and we
got a glimpse of the outstanding talent of our students
and parents alike, many interesting costumes and props
added to the fun and frivolity of the evening.
Another highlight had to be the “Amazing Race”, this was
the pinnacle of all the team building and cooperative work
achieved throughout the week, teams were seen sprinting
around the Long Bay Reserve, encouraging and supporting each other to find each clue! Competition was tight
and the winner was sorted out through the unscrambling
of the final clue at the end.
The camp saw students scaling 33m high trees, sailing,
orienteering, ‘stackem’ stacking crates, ten-pin bowling,
and indoor snowboarding or skiing!! The latter being an
obvious favourite of many.
It was agreed by all that the group of parents who
accompanied us were AWESOME….thanks Trudi Conway,
Brendon Pugh, Scott Cornwall, Sarah Sellars, Trish
Armstrong, Ray Sullivan, Kirsty Schrieber, Julie Hope,
Barry Blake and Heather Dunn.
This was by far the most involved, enthusiastic,
fun-loving, competitive group of parents on camp.
Massive thanks to them
for coming along to help
make camp the huge
success it was.
Stories, reports and
memorable moments are
being discussed and
written about in class as
post camp follow up
activities.
Robb Wynn
The Level 1 outdoor education students, Pop and
Myself attacked the
Kaimai range for three
days of hard yet satisfying
tramping. We walked
south from Aongatete
lodge, then navigated west
through some challenging
bush to meet the
Aongatete river. Along the
way the students cooked
on Trangia cookers,
navigated using a map
and compass, slept in
bivvies' and had to
manage their equipment
because of the weather.
They also completed a 6
credit assessment. I was
very happy with how these
students accepted the
challenges of living in the
bush for three days.
OUTDOOR EDUCATION
500m an hour through the Kaimai
jungle
Venison sausages and burgers on the
Trangia cooker
30 mins from home after 3 days walk
Day 2 as we hit the Aongatete River
Maddie and Arisa
The crew
Ryan Thompson
WHANGAMATA AREA SCHOOL
HUI-A-WHĀNAU – Sunday 16th June
We are holding a whānau afternoon to get together as a community, and to get
feedback on what the school can do to achieve the best outcomes for Māori
students.

2:00 – Mihimihi & Karakia (school stage)

2:05 – Kapa Haka performance (school stage)

2:20 – Manu Tukutuku (kite flying) & Ki-o-Rahi. There will be a game of Ki-oRahi
between current students and ex-students.

3:00 – Hui (school gym). Children will be able to play on school field
supervised by senior students.

3:45 – Kai / Kapu tī
It is important to us that we hear your voice and we would appreciate your
attendance. It will be an afternoon for the whole whanau so bring your children.
PTA News
PTA AGM
Tuesday 25th June 5pm Tuesday
School Staff room
ALL WELCOME
Love some new ideas and energy. Come
and support us with our fundraising and
school community activities.
See you there!!
ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FROM
FETE AND BEACH HOP
FUNDRAISING
After receiving suggestions from
teachers and students on how to spend
funds, the PTA have allocated equal
amounts to
Years 1-3 Sandpit upgrade
Years 4-6 Jump Jam/Stage area
7-8 years Skate Park and Gardens
Years 9-13 Upgrade of wet lunch areas
and social convening spots!
We are waiting for proposals from
teachers and students to distribute the
funds.
THUNDER
Dave Webb
ONEWHERO SPORTS EXCHANGE
Mr Preece giving the soccer girls some
halftime tips
Powhiri
Caydan Hope playing squash
Our head students handing the trophy
to Onewhero
Playing Basketball at the Pukekohe
complex
Our rugby boys were up against
strong opposition but never gave up
Nice defense Beth
Ultimate frisbie
Term 2 Calendar 6 May – 12 July - This was correct at time of printing. For
updates please check with the teacher or the school office
6 May
7
8
9
10
11/12
YOUTH WEEK
FSA
Noho Marae visit 8th till 10th - Yr 10-13 Maori students
Project Energise Staff meeting
2
13
14
15
16
17
Yr 11-13 Outdoor Ed tramp till Wednesday
3
20
21
22
23
24
4
27
28
29
30
31
5
3 June
4
5
6
7
DBH Waikato visit
ASSESSMENT WEEK YR 11-13
Workchoice day
FSA
8amHe Kakano Mtg
Level one Geo trip – Martha mine
TVSS X country
Newsletter
School Cross country back up day
Yr 10 Outdoor Ed Bush trip Study link 12-40
Life Ed Mufti day
Police cyber bullying talks - year 9 –P1
Year 10- P3
P2 JMY’s Health class
Queen’s Birthday NO SCHOOL
1
9 June
6
7
8
9
10
10
11
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
20
21
24
25
26
27
28
1 July
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
10
11
12
MUFTI DAY FOR YOUTH WEEK - Yr 1-13
Youth activities in Thames and Whitianga
Yr 7-8 Camp Auckland/ MERC 13 -17 May
8am PB4L Mtg
Sports Exchange with Onewhero Area school He Kakano conference Newsletter
Sports Exchange with Onewhero Area school He Kakano conference
Waikato Uni
open day
Massey / Albany open day
PINK SHIRT DAY!
Yr 9 Option rotation
8am Pastoral Mtg
School X-Country
Careers Expo 6th 7th and 8th June in Auckland
Level two OE Tramp Hip hop performance - whole school
WINTEC open day
Level one History trip departs
SPIRIT DAY 11-40 TILL 3PM
History trip returns
Support staff day
Newsletter
Field Days
Kapa Haka group visit to Tairua school
Yr 13/8 Bush day
Standards alignment L3 TOD Yr 9 -13 , Yr 1-8 as normal
Maori strategic plan mtg
Life Ed 17 – 24 June
Full school assembly
Yr 10 Surf/Snorkel day
BOP Polytech open day
YOUNG LEADESR DAY in Hamilton[yr9]
Level one Geog trip to Tauranga
Newsletter
Yr 9-10 Reports posted Yr 1-6 reports issued Yr 7-8 reports issued
Manu Korero
Yr 1-6 Parent interviews
Skateboarding Waikato champs
Victoria Uni Liason 11-40am
Yr 1-6 Parent interviews
Yr 7-8 parent interviews
Yr 11-13 Reports posted
Yr 9 Fishing day
Treemendous school makeover
Principals concern evening
Full School Assembly
Yr 9-13 Report evening - AMP 3 PM TILL 5PM SUBJECT 5 PM TILL 7 PM
Raglan Sports Exchange till Friday
Newsletter
End of term
Area school sport in holidays
New Zealand’s highest rating show of the decade is back for a second series
and we want YOU to be a part of the fun!
In exciting news, internationally acclaimed dancer and choreographer Cris Judd is joining our panel all the way from America. Cris has
worked with Michael & Janet Jackson, Usher, Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion & Queen Latifah – to name but a few!
We’re looking for anything and everything – from solo acts to huge group performances; from singers, musicians, choirs, bands and musical
groups big and small, to dancers and cultural groups of every genre and every race!
We want to feature kapa haka, hip hop, street dancers, cheerleaders, Bboys & girls, beatboxers & rappers, clowns, circus and variety acts
(hoop, poi, fire spinners, cyr wheel artists, unicyclists, jugglers - you name it!)
We’re after comedians, stunt artists, aerialists & trapeze artists, mind readers, illusionists, buskers, animal acts, gymnasts, wrestlers and martial arts maestro’s extraordinaire!
Whether amateur or professional, our doors are open to EVERYONE of any age. But you must be a NZ citizen or have NZ residency.
Keen to have huge fun and potentially star in front of a prime-time audience of more than a million Kiwis in one of our six semi-finals?
Or maybe you want to go all the way and have a shot at our $100,000 grand prize, a new car and a contract with SONY?
If you want to avoid a queue at the audition and think you have something super special to offer, or you’re a band, or a group of five or
more, please email NZGT Talent Scout Julie Roberts ASAP for a chat!
[email protected]
Or you can go straight to our TVNZ website for all the information you need to turn up to your audition (locations and times and information about how to enter ONLINE).
http://tvnz.co.nz/new-zealands-got-talent/part-zealand-s-4923132
If you miss out on auditioning in person, no worries!
Simply send us an easy online application by 21st June.
We are holding our HAMILTON audition at SOUTHWELL SCHOOL, 200 Peachgrove Rd,
Claudelands, from 10-3pm on SATURDAY 25TH MAY.
SEE YOU SOON!!!