MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL
DECEMBER 2017
MAY 2017
From The Principal’s Desk
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Nga mihi nui ki a koutou
Message from the BoT
2-3
Senior Prize Winners
4-8
Junior Art Exhibition
9
The end of the academic year is always a time of reflection for me. Looking back at an entire year affords me the perspective to truly celebrate the many memories of success, accomplishment and progress that is the story of another year at Mount Roskill Grammar School. It is also a time of excitement as we plan for the coming year and moving the school still further forward in support of our learners and community. This newsletter provides a glimpse into the past few weeks but also recognises the efforts of so many staff and students over the year. Term 4 gives students a chance to demonstrate all that they have learned since February through examinations, final assessments and feedback sessions with their teachers. It also provides the teachers with an opportunity to recognise those that have excelled during the year in academics, sports, arts, service and cultural activities. My congratulations to the prize winners (details in this newsletter) and to all the students who grew over the year and moved closer to their goals.
Japan Trip
10
Chess Champions
11
Junior Prize Winners Wider education______
12-14 15
News from the Health Centre _16
This year we introduced an enhanced support system to ensure as many senior ___17 students as possible fulfilled their potential. This entailed staff and students work- Badminton Glory ing in a very deliberate and structured manner during study leave to prepare for the external examinations and also to revisit assessments that could now be imWhite Ribbon Day____________18 proved as the students learning had moved on. To see so many students and staff working together so seamlessly and selflessly to support achievement is what Gateway____________________19 epitomises MRGS. After their examinations, our junior students engaged in three days of wider edu- Homestay / Start of 2018_____20 cation. This not only provides a vehicle for new experiences and bonding between students and their teachers but also enhances important skills and traits such as collaboration, communication, risk-taking and leadership. A wide variety of activities and locations gave students choice and exposed them to the many possibilities in and around the city. Finally, my best wishes to those students who are moving on from MRGS this summer. I know that you are well prepared with both academic knowledge and the personal skills to make a difference in whatever area you chose. Please stay in touch with your family here at Roskill, we look forward to you coming back and sharing your stories of success with us often and soon. School restarts on Thursday 1st February at 9am for year 9, 13 and students new to MRGS with a Powhiri. All year groups will then start school together on Friday 2nd February 2018. I wish you all a peaceful and safe festive season and look forward to working with you all in 2018.
Ki nga taumata Greg Watson, PRINCIPAL Principal: G. Watson, MSc (Hons), MEd Admin (Hons) Phone: 621-0050 Website: www.mrgs.school.nz
Frost Road Mount Roskill Auckland 1041
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
A Message from the Board Chair— Marjet Pot This year I have been lucky enough to travel overseas to some African countries and was able to reflect on what an outstanding education system we have in New Zealand. In New Zealand education is compulsory for all students until 16 years of age. Students have access to clean water and nutritious food, world-class teachers and buildings that facilitate learning.
Students have vision with their learning and strive towards a career option. Students have access to tertiary education. This is so much more than is available to many students in the countries I visited. Some of the students at MRGS have come from countries where the education system does not afford these opportunities and so have first-hand experience of these differences. What stands out in all countries however is that parents want the best for their children. They know that education is the key towards improving the quality of life. They make sacrifices in their own lives to educate their children. Many families will have made a positive decision to send your child to Mount Roskill Grammar School, a school that is highly rated in the New Zealand education system, a school that puts each student at the heart of their education. I want to reflect on some of the achievements at MRGS that make it a top New Zealand school. In 2013 the school community set the five-year strategic goals. The first of these was to ‘ensure high achievement through a powerful learning culture’. Below is a list of the achievements in 2016.
Students gained 50 scholarships across 12 different subjects. The pass rate for Level 2 was 79%; the pass rate for Level 3 was 64%.
The percentage of Year 13 gaining their University Entrance qualifications was 50%.
The percentage of Year 13 students with Level 2 or higher is 93%,
The rate of students staying at school to age 17 for MRGS students exceeds national figure for all ethnicities.
The Ministry of Education attendance data showed that at MRGS, at all year levels except one, attendance was higher than the national average.
In all of the academic results MRGS exceeded previous years achievements and was higher the national levels.
The second item on the Strategic Plan was to ‘develop school information computer technology infrastructure for e-learning and communication’. In the past five years, there has been the introduction of the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme that is now a requirement in year 9. There has been a school network upgrade. The school has invested heavily in class sets of Chrome books to support learning on devices and specialist areas have been upgraded with computers and associated hard ware.
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
The third item of the strategic plan was to ‘strengthen partnerships with our community’. In the past five years one of the more significant opportunities to strengthen partnerships has been the mentoring program. This year we reached levels of 80% attendance at the mentoring sessions. This is a Government program to support neighbouring schools to work together to support and raise the education of all students. The school year is always busy with a wide range of activities involving the community. There are multiple opportunities for working with the many cultures that make up this rich and diverse community including the Pasifika, Tongan, Samoan, Niue, Maori and MEAR groups to name some of them. Then
there is all the numerous sporting and cultural and music and dance events which are held at the school. Mt Roskill has engagement with the community at the core of its processes. The fourth strategic goal of ‘developing facilities to promote quality educational experiences’ has resulted in a new look in some areas of the school. In 2016, we opened the new football turf, hockey sports field and the Hodge Learning Commons. Currently the new International Student and Community Education office is being established allowing separate and direct access for the community to these offices. The move by Community Education has provided much needed space for our growing Performing Arts Department. The Board of Trustees is looking at ways that it can develop the school quad into a refreshing urban
landscape that is connected with learning spaces and with the schools green spaces. 2017 has been an outstanding year in many areas and the Board of Trustees looks forward to further successes in 2018. Best wishes to senior students with exams. I am sure that you will continue to make your families and the school proud of you. Thank you to the families who have supported the school throughout the year. Thanks also to those business and individuals who provide sponsorship for the school. To all, the Board of Trustees wishes you a safe and enjoyable holiday and we look forward to seeing those returning students next year. Marjet
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
SENIOR PRIZE GIVING 2017 Dux
Tushar
Thakur
Proxime Accessit
Jahnvi
Trivedi
Proxime Accessit
Felix
Yang
1st Year 12 Student Studying Level 2 Subjects & The Thomas Cup
Tessa
Brown
2nd Year 12 Student Studying Level 2 Subjects
Natalie
Tan
1st Year 11 Student Studying Level 1 Subjects
Aruni
Ramalingam
2nd Year 11 Student Studying Level 1 Subjects
Sheng-Ya
Wang
Saththiananthan Cup for Inspirational Leadership
Emma
Thompson
Soma Family Award for Character & Excellence
Zara
Lane
MRGS Trophy for Qualities of Character
Caera
Judge
Ross Hamilton Trophy for Pursuit of Excellence
Ojas
Shukla
Mt Roskill Rotoract Cup for Integrity, Honesty & Service
Melody
Ting
Lewis Cup for Dedication, Leadership & Humility
Meleana
Puloka
Gipps Trophy for Previously Unheralded Endeavour
Mekeilah
Sasagi
Cruze Cup for Inspiration & Commitment
Hiromi
Inoue-Rajapaksa
Hay Trophy for Academic Excellence in Science
Cindy
Ko
Hay Trophy for Academic Excellence in Commerce
Jahnvi
Trivedi
Hay Trophy for Academic Excellence in the Arts
Josephine
Mavaega
Enterprise Award
Tania
Bryan
Enterprise Award
Elisa
Chow
Enterprise Award
Michelle
De Silva
Enterprise Award
Callum
McKenzie
Head Prefect Award
Ojas
Shukla
Head Prefect Award
Emma
Thompson
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
University of Auckland Faculty of Business and Economics Entry Level Undergraduate Scholarship University of Auckland Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarship University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship University of Auckland Academic Potential Scholarship University of Auckland Academic Potential Scholarship University of Auckland Academic Potential Scholarship
Vyshni
Ishwaran
Siosaia Felix Cindy Youfei Tushar
Tuitupou Yang Ko Lei Thakur
University of Auckland Academic Potential Scholarship
Lucky
Chen
Unitec Partner Schools Scholarship AUT Kiwa Scholarship for Top Maori and Pacific Scholars AUT Undergraduate Engineering Scholarship University of Otago Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Waikato University School Leavers Scholarship Waikato University School Leavers Scholarship Crown Institute of Studies Scholarship Crown Institute of Studies Scholarship Crown Institute of Studies Scholarship Crown Institute of Studies Scholarship NZ Fashion Tech Award Sursum Foundation - Keith Hall Scholarship Sursum Foundation - Keith Hall Scholarship Sursum Foundation - Keith Hall Scholarship Sursum Foundation - Keith Hall Scholarship Sursum Foundation - Keith Hall Scholarship
Josette Haukinima Amit Daniel Anna Shivika Dahee Ma'ata Meri-ana Lavenita Victoria TJ Tania Hiromi Pele Joyce
Xu Mafi Patel Ching Laufoli Sharma Kang Kaufusi Te-Whiu Tuitupou Polima Apulu Bryan Inoue-Rajapaksa Talaisi Va'atiuola
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
Gold Award for Sporting Excellence Best All Round Sportsman
Fuikefu Dalvin
Leilani Filiga
Best All Round Sportswoman
Breearna
Johnson
Gold Award for Sporting Excellence
Breearna
Johnson
Sportswoman of the Year
Breearna
Johnson
Sportsman of the Year
Jaxxon
Douglas
Performing Arts Co-curricular Contribution
Josephine
Mavaega
Songwriting Cup
Josephine
Mavaega
Academic Excellence in Level 3 Dance
Victoria
Medina Villapol
Performing Arts Leadership
Sara
Shah
BRYSS Trophy for Leadership in Music
JayKuang-Yi
Huang
Graham Simonds Trophy for Musicianship
Ellen
Bingham
Raewyn Winny Trophy for Contribution to Music
Rocky
Parsons
Principal's Art Award
Siosaia
Tuitupou
The ARA Award for Top Overall Art Student
Kyla
Concepcion
Group Leader - African
Tafadzwa
Chikomba
Group Leader - African
Etita
Tamiano
Group Leader - Indian
Shivika
Sharma
Group Leader - Jamaican
Siraanika
Govindu
Group Leader - Jamaican
Victoria
Medina Villapol
Group Leader - Tongan
Meleana
Puloka
Group Leader - Tongan
Siosaia
Tuitupou
Mana Wairua Trophy for Spiritual Strength
Miriama
Manuel
Manawa Titi for Perseverance
Tania
Bryan
Mana Taiohi Leadership in Kapa Haka - Joint Award
Pele
Talaisi
Mana Taiohi Leadership in Kapa Haka - Joint Award
Daeton
Potaka-Hogg
Marilyn Toi Trophy for Karanga
Pele
Talaisi
Taiohi Matataki Trophy for Overcoming Challenges
Amber
Ravestein
Te Iwi Ngaro Trophy for Best All Round Senior Maori Student Transition Prize Bowden Trophy for Strength with Dignity
Caleb Amber Amber
Tevaga Ravestein Ravestein
Mintram Cup for Academic Excellence
Hiromi
Inoue-Rajapaksa
Senior Library Award
Rebecca
Ferguson
YWCA Future Leader Award
Hana
Galea
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
Fisher-Maher Peer Mentor of the Year Award Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year
Zane Natascha
Chaudhry Bates
Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year
Ashley
Heineke
Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year
Caera
Judge
Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year
Ash
Kumar
Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year
Haukinima
Mafi
Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year
Eileen
Makasini
Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year
Ashleen
Prasad
Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year
Ojas
Shukla
Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year
Halym
Smith
PSSP Cup for Leadership in the Peer Sexuality Support Programme
Josette
Xu
Margaret Hoogendoorn Trophy for Exceptional Leadership in Student Services - Joint Award
Neeral
Raniga
Charlotte
Shirreffs
Jay Kuang-Yi
Huang
Lions Community Spirit Award - Joint Award Lions Community Spirit Award - Joint Award Chris Hassan Memorial Trophy for Leadership in Year 12 Leslie Gunson Award for The Student who gains the Highest Overall Marks in NCEA Level 1 in the Previous Year The Lawrence Trophy for Excellence in Level 2 Physical Sciences Parmar Cup for Academic Excellence in Level 2 Sciences 3rd Place Mike Pero Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2nd Place Mike Pero Entrepreneur of the Year Award 1st Place Mike Pero Entrepreneur of the Year Award Senior Speech Trophy The Jennifer Heath Classics Cup
Niharika Shivika Khushi
Mandadi Sharma Sehajpal
Natalie
Tan
Christine Fangzhi Chantal Callum Srishti Ojas Ojas Ojas
Jian Deverell McKenzie Toora Shukla Shukla Shukla
Shaun Thomas Cup for the Most Potential in Catering & Hospitality
Valentina
Williamson
Doug Southgate Trophy for Excellence in Photography Year 13 Lacy Cup for Senior Literature
Zara Alice
Lane Wang
Margaret Hoogendoorn Trophy for Exceptional Leadership in Student Services - Joint Award International Student Award
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
House Shield 2017 – SHEPPARD HOUSE Cooper House Distinction Cooper House Distinction
Akash Maggie
Boppana Lee
Cooper House Distinction
Gunjan
Soeny
Cooper House Distinction
Christian
Turner
Cooper House Distinction
Ash
Kumar
Cooper House Distinction
Sharon
Mathew
Hillary House Distinction
Rinesh
Rattan
Hillary House Distinction
Ala
Vailala
Hillary House Distinction
Jenny
Chung
Hillary House Distinction
Hana
Galea
Hillary House Distinction
Caera
Judge
Hillary House Distinction
Lance
Stubbings
Ngata House Distinction
Ishita
Dwivedi
Ngata House Distinction
Sarah
McKenzie
Ngata House Distinction
Tessa
Brown
Ngata House Distinction
Zane
Chaudhry
Ngata House Distinction
Shinay
Singh
Ngata House Distinction
Melody
Ting
Rutherford House Distinction
Ano
Chitando
Rutherford House Distinction
Saakshi
Hegde
Rutherford House Distinction
Zara
Deverell
Rutherford House Distinction
Jonathan
Leerdam
Rutherford House Distinction
Haukinima
Mafi
Rutherford House Distinction
Meleana
Puloka
Sheppard House Distinction
Zubair
Ceyddique
Sheppard House Distinction
Lovely
Pulotu
Sheppard House Distinction
Mafi
Helu
Sheppard House Distinction
Harjot
Johal
Sheppard House Distinction
Daniel
McKenzie
Sheppard House Distinction
Jelisa
Rana
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
Junior Art Exhibition In Junior Art students are encouraged to explore the personal, social and geographical dimensions of their identity. Students researched their personal migration stories, and considered different ways their identity, and local neighbourhood and community could be represented. With these ideas in mind, they experimented with a range of art making skills such as carving, screen printing, drawing, painting, mask making and photography. The following exhibition shows the students rich and expansive exploration of their identity and celebrates their individual and collective accomplishment.
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
JAPAN Trip Our 2 weeks in Japan had gone by so fast, and before we knew it, the trip was over. 12 students, 6 boys and 6 girls from Mount Roskill Grammar School were lucky to have the opportunity to go to Tokyo, JAPAN for 2 weeks. It was a very exciting and interesting experience. During our first week we visited Narita San (shrine), explored the city, visited the primary school (years 1-6) and also met our host families there! None of us had any idea who our host families were, we all sat in the classroom nervously, with a group of homestay families all around us, from which one of them was our family? It was nerve-wracking but very exciting. After meeting our host families and being with them for 2 weeks we didn’t want to leave. They were so kind and like a real family to us, on the last day there were some tears too. They welcomed us into Japan, showed us what Japanese culture is like, took us places, made us Japanese food, and it was the best! The primary school was also very interesting and fun, each of us had a class and we studied together with the cute and energetic primary students. The primary school was different to New Zealand, the students set out the lunch (which was made in the school), the lunch was usually rice, salad, soup, milk and meat. They also cleaned up the entire school just before lunch everyday! After a few days at Minami Oya primary school and a long weekend, it was the second week in Japan already, we went Disneyland, Kamakura, Daibutsu (big Buddha) and so much more. It was an enjoyable and thrilling week and we all did A LOT of shopping and eating. Everyday was a new experience, every day we saw more of Japan, and learnt and had so much fun in the Japanese culture. We will never forget this
Community Education Information and enrolments now open for 2018! Brochure available on the website and at the front desk or click here for information on our courses and to enrol: https://mrgscomed.arlo.co/
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
National Chess Success At the NZCF National Chess Championships in Christchurch our premier team of Caroline Yan, Euan McDougall, Sarah Yan, Daniel Morrin and Christopher Schramm took 5th place, with the top 5 schools all from Auckland. A highly commendable result – one mistake in one game over the two day tournament may have cost us second place.
The ChessPower National Championships followed in Hamilton. This tournament (all plays all, rather than school player 1 vs 1, 2 vs 2, etc) better reflects the depth of chess talent at a school, and for the second year we won this event. Well done team, and special congratulations to Sarah and Christopher who were awarded the Junior Master titles, with 1st Equal scores as individuals in the competition. They joins an elite group which includes both Daniel and Euan who received this title in previous years.
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
JUNIOR PRIZE GIVING 2017 1st in Year 10
Alaimoana
Zach
2nd= in Year 10
Babu
Jane
2nd= in Year 10
Brown
Anna
1st in Year 9
Jia
Leo
2nd in Year 9
Li
Fabian
Students in Year 10 who received an Excellence Award in the Junior Diploma Students in Year 10 who received an Excellence Award in the Junior Diploma
79 74
Top Junior Students. Zach Alimoana (left) - top student in Year 10 and Leo Jia (right) –top student in Year 9.
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
Academy Football Boys Player of the Year
Adam
Bell
Academy Football Girls Player of the Year
Anna
Brown
Academy Hockey Boys Player of the Year
Nathan
Sands
Academy Hockey Girls Player of the Year
Lalita
Paopa
Academy Rugby Boys Player of the Year
Jovan
Pora
Junior Boys Athletics Champion
Nathan
Sands
Junior Boys Badminton Champion
Ian
Busby
Junior Boys Volleyball Player of the Year
Isaac
Cerei
Junior Boys Waterpolo Player of the Year
Corban
Taufelila
Junior Chess Champion
Euan
McDougall
Junior Girls Badminton Champion
Ashleen
Lau
Junior Girls Volleyball Player of the Year
Jazmyne
Fonoti
Junior Girls Waterpolo Player of the Year
Kaylee
Wong
Most Outstanding Junior Boys Basketball Player
Matthew
Mitra
Most Outstanding Junior Boys Football Player
Jeremiah
Ruawhare
Most Outstanding Junior Boys Rugby Player
Ishmael
Cowley-Lupo
Most Outstanding Junior Cricket Player
Jay
Patel
Most Outstanding Junior Girls Basketball Player
Katana
Mu
Most Outstanding Junior Girls Football Player
Madeline
McCormick
Netball Intermediate Player of the Year
Akansha
Nadan
Netball Junior Player of the Year
Tikara
Jallow
Junior Gymnast of the Year
Alyshia
Harper
Junior Trampolinist of the Year
Abhishek
Ravichandran
Junior Sportsman of the Year
Nathan
Sands
Junior Sportswoman of the Year
Reesey
Toala
Year 9 Speech Award
Jayden
Drube
Junior Library Prize
Freya
Grant
Lions Community Spirit Award Lioness Club of Mt Roskill
Zach
Alaimoana
Lions Community Spirit Award Lioness Club of Mt Roskill
Simone
Alwar
Mana Wairua Teina
Eve
Iaea
Junior Leadership in Kapa Haka Mana Taiohi
Jelena
Faleafaga
Excellence in Year 10 Performing Arts
Sheida
Tavita
Excellence in Year 9 Performing Arts
Abhishek
Ravichandran
YWCA Future Leaders Personal Achievement Award
Hepi
Akauola
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
1st in 902 2nd in 902
Emily Madeline
Bayldon McCormick
2nd in NL4
Andy Haotian
Yang
1st in 1002
Kenny
Yu
1st in 903
Deepasha
Prasad
2nd in 1002
Huthaifa
Ibrahim
2nd in 903
Destino
Coley
1st in 1003
Brian
Chau
1st in 904
Devang
Patel
2nd in 1003
Khalifa
Alamin
2nd in 904
Sooji
Noh
1st in 1004
Jared
Matthias
1st in 905
Ausaaf
Mohammed
2nd in 1004
Shrinil
Desai
2nd in 905
Shriya
Suddala
1st in 1005
Biao
Xiong
1st in 906
Leo
Jia
2nd in 1005
Hrithik
Khemani
2nd in 906
Fabian
Li
1st in 1006
Zach
Alaimoana
1st in 907
Phoenix
Tupa'i Samuel
2nd in 1006
Ellie
Zou
2nd in 907
Amisha
Rajan
1st in 1007
JimmyKhuonVirak
Pen
Jerry
Liang
1st in 908
Filipo
Dunn
2nd in 1007
2nd in 908
Zeba
Mansoor
1st in 1008
Leon
Li
1st in 909
Nj
Ainuu
2nd in 1008
Taisei
Hayashi
2nd in 909
Samuel
Bradley
1st in 1009
Emmeline
Lokotui
2nd in 1009
Latika
1st in 1010
Anna
Syed Niyamathullah Brown
2nd in 1010
Ashleen
Lau
1st in 1011
Che
Halafihi
2nd in 1011
Hitanshi
Tailor
1st in 1012
Vinojan
Karunakaran
2nd in 1012
Prasad
Thota
1st in 1013
Caleb
Hala'ufia
2nd in 1013
Dom
Verhulst
1st in 1014
Jane
Babu
2nd in 1014
Miki
Lu
1st in 910
Monica
Liu
2nd in 910
Varshitha
Patlolla
1st in 911
Kitty
Long
2nd in 911
Seoram
Lee
1st in 912
Kaiyan
Dastur
2nd in 912
Patrick
Tautua'a
1st in 913
Joel
Ioelu-Siemu
2nd in 913
Talilotu
Tuitupou
1st in 914
Rabiya
Rafi
2nd in 914
Kanak
Saxena
1st in 915
Brendan
2nd in 915
Zak
KopuLowerson Mariano
1st in 1015
Sharon
Liang
1st in 916
Zachrey ZhiYuan
Zhu
2nd in 1015
Tanmay
Parmar
2nd in 916
Samantha
Tang
1st in 9NL
Cara Tianlan
Wang
1st in NL4
Lewen
Huang
2nd in 9NL
Felix Boliang
Li
Cooper House Distinction Awards Zach
Alaimoana
Ngata House Distinction Awards cont… 10
Samuel
Bradley
9
Abhishek
Ravichandran
9
Sheida
Tavita Alvaro
10
Angela
Singh
Chloe
Vos
Leo
Jia
9
Latika
Syed Niyamathullah
10
Ngata House Distinction Awards Ellice
Rutherford House Distinction Awards Ioelu-Siemu
9
Erica
10
Joel
Ansin
Coley
10
Nory Babu
Corrin
Destino
Mitra
Puja Jane
10
Hillary House Distinction Awards Rizqi
Matthew
9 9
10 9 10 9
Sheppard House Distinction Awards Stephanie
Guo
Lalita
Paopa
Jay
Patel
Rishi
Shukla
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
Wider Education: 4th to 6th December
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
From the MRGS Health Centre Kia ora koutou, These last weeks of term have been busy and also celebratory for the MRGS Health Clinic. Students from all years have sought help for what can be described as the manifestation of effort resulting from hard work in the classroom, preparing for assessments and exams, as well as on the sports fields. It’s been a pleasure to meet them and give support. We continue our presence as part of the Auckland Regional Refugee Health Network (ARRHN) Executive Group. The group received a generous donation from the MRGS Student Health Council towards the last Refugee Health Forum held in November. ARRHN has offered their gratitude for this and we, as staff, are proud to have such an altruistic group of students to work with. Last week saw the completion of all general health checks with Year 9 students. Happily, a clear majority mentioned settling in with ease and the friendly, accessible environment of the school which is a wonderful nod to “the Roskill Way”. Finally, our clinic was selected to represent through photos, the wonderful work of school nurses within the Auckland District Health Board catchment. More importantly, these photos accompanied a finalist placing for the 2017 Health Excellence Awards. A great recognition of efforts to improve student health and reduce access barriers and inequities. MRGS is at the forefront of this. Our thanks to Deputy Principal Karen Collins and the many staff who have helped provide a holistic health care approach within the Puketepapa whanau. Ka pu te ruha, ka hao te rangtahi (As an old fishing net withers another is remade). Nga manaakitanga. Leilani Hipa Lead Nurse MRGS Health Clinic
Live for Tomorrow Training Day
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
Ex-Pupil Inspires the Next Generation of Dancers Louanne Campos was a Year 13 Dance and Drama student at MRGS in 2013, and has since been studying Dance and Pasifika studies at Auckland University. She has returned to Roskill this term to teach a contemporary Samoan Sasa as part of our Year 9 Performing Arts course. The Performing Arts students have absolutely loved having her here and wanted to learn even more of the minutelong dance! This will be performed at Junior Prizegiving by students who have chosen to work outside of class time to continue their learning of the Sasa. It has been so popular we even have senior students returning during study break to learn the dance – it’s a good way to give the brain a break from all that study! Thanks so much to Louanne for her incredible knowledge and leadership in teaching this sasa to the Year 9 classes – we look forward to working again with you soon!
Badminton Success The New Zealand Secondary Schools Junior Badminton Championships 2017 were held in Auckland from the 28-30th November. There was three Draws: Boys’, Girls’, and Mixed. Mt. Roskill reached the final of the Mixed competition and despite playing well finished second.
Congratulations on their silver medal performance to our junior team of Ian Busby (Captain), Brian Chau, Ashleen Lau, Sharon Liang, Josie Noller, and Hudson Pfiefer. Special mention to Ian who won all of his Singles matches and supported the team with coaching tips.
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
White Ribbon Day Standing up against family and community violence: On Wednesday 22nd November, a group of Junior social justice advocates in partnership with anti violence organisation SHINE put on a great ‘White Ribbon’ event in the quad. There were many activities including listening to music and identifying the violent words used in songs. Deciding to not be a bystander by identifying positive ways and strategies to intervene in an abusive situation. Quizzes on healthy relationships for chocolate prizes; and lots of information available on how to deal with violence and keeping ourselves safe. As one student said: “This used to be my family, but not anymore. Our family is now getting counselling”. SHINE also generously brought along free food and give aways. We have a high rate of violence and abuse in Aotearoa and our students wanted to highlight the fact that this does not have to be the case if we all stand up together against violence and encourage people to get support to change. A big THANK YOU to our MRGS Junior social advocates and SHINE colleagues Shelley, Emma and Kieran for making this event such an enormous success. If anyone needs support please phone: SHINE 0508 744 633 or contact MRGS Student Services
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
Gateway at Mount Roskill Grammar School We have had a lot of success with students super excited, energized and expanding their horizons, in practical work placements in businesses such as, Cut Above, The Warehouse, ANZ, AirNZ, Bunnings, Childcare, Aviation etc… Next year we have students off to do Bakery, Engineering, Warehouse Stationery, McDonalds, Servilles, Tourism, Building and Countdown. This programme is up to 10 days in an Auckland business, this can be during school term and some possibilities for just holidays. There are still some spaces for 2018, so if you think your student might suit this programme, please contact Angela on 021 825 200 or 621 0050 ext 826 for an application form.
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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
DECEMBER 2017
Homestay Families Needed
Homestay Families needed Mt Roskill Grammar School is currently looking for families to host short-term and long-term International Students from February 2018. This is a great opportunity to provide a supportive environment for our students and share the kiwi lifestyle while learning about other cultures. For more information, including remuneration details, please contact: Fia Clarke, International Department
[email protected] or phone 621 0050 x706/021 908121 2018—Start of the New Academic Year Details of start-up dates for all students are detailed below. Returning Students – 2018 course changes only Students must attend in uniform in the school hall
Year 13 – Wednesday 24th January 9.00am Year 12 – Wednesday 24th January 11.00am Year 11 – Wednesday 24th January 1.00pm
First School day:
Y9 and new students 9.40am on school main field (for Powhiri and assemblies) Y13 9.00am in school hall for Powhiri preparation
Y9 and Peer Support leaders remain after lunch. All other students dismissed. Friday 2nd February = All students
9.00 am ( all students to form classes) School closed Anniversary Day – Monday 29th January School closed Waitangi Day – Tuesday 6th February Enrolments – All new enrolments must be completed by Tuesday 23rd January for students wishing to start on 1st February. MRGS office re-opens on Thursday 18th January 2018.
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