Kuranui College Korero

20 August, 2010; Week 6-7, Term 3

2010-08-25T03:00:00.000-07:00

Tena tatou katoa

Prom

Saturday night is Prom night! Senior students have been looking forward to this event for a long time and our Events Leaders have been working hard to make it a memorable occasion.

This year for the first time the Prom is being held at The Brackenridge resort in Martinborough. I am very glad to see it being held back in our South Wairarapa community for a change.

Parent/Teacher Evening

It was wonderful to see so many parents and caregivers at the parent/teacher evening last week. Most of you came in earlier in the year to the first of the Family Learning Conferences but I am glad that many of you also took the opportunity to meet your child’s subject teachers. I hope you received constructive feedback about your child’s learning and that between us we can help them to lift their achievement levels.

Rotary Club of South Wairarapa Martinborough Fair Trust Bursaries

Year 13 students from the South Wairarapa (Greytown south) who are planning to enter tertiary study in 2010 should consider applying for the Martinborough Fair Bursaries available from the Rotary Club of the South Wairarapa. Each year the club award two and sometimes three, of these very generous bursaries. The details for these applications, which close very soon, are in the daily notices

Barbara Kendall

A small group of Year 13 students travelled with me and Mr Tavernor last week to listen to Olympic gold medal winning windsurfer Barbara Kendall deliver a motivational seminar at St Matthews College. Year 13 students from all of the Wairarapa schools were thoroughly entertained by Barbara who explained that she put her success down to her philosophy of “passion = energy = motivation = success.”

“In other words,” Barbara said, “Decide what you are passionate about and if you choose to devote your life to this it will motivate you to excel, to want to be successful and perhaps become the best.”

Barbara reinforced this idea by saying, “choice not chance determines your destiny. Don’t sit around and wait for something to come to you. You have to decide what you want and go for it!”

Matharapa Win!

In 2009 our Year 9 team won the regional Matharapa for the first time for many years. Last week the same team consisting of Emily Jamieson, Kayden Saywell and Dan Carlisle easily won the Year 10 competition in Masterton. An outstanding win!

Theatre Sports Win!

Last week teams from the college competed in all levels of the annual intercollegiate theatre sports competitions at the Harlequin Theatre in Masterton. All represented the college with pride but the senior team consisting of Dominic Hawke, Barney Johnson, Louis Gray, Daniel Cameron and James Owens outdid themselves by taking out first place! We have competed in these competitions for many years and usually been placed but this is the first time we have won and brought home the trophy. Outstanding!

Year 10 at Whitireia Polytechnic

This week sixty Year 10 students travelled to Porirua to be shown around Whitireia Polytechnic. The staff at the polytech made the students very welcome and spent the morning showing off the fabulous facilities and courses that they have to offer.

Year 12 at the Career Expo in Wellington

Over seventy Year 12 students spent last Tuesday at the Coca Cola Careers Expo in the Queens Wharf Event centre. One of the highlights of the expo was the guided tour of the navy frigate Canterbury which was moored alongside the events centre. Ex Kuranui student Tambor Hayvice is serving on the Canterbury and some of our students caught up with him on board.

Ski Trips

The two annual ski trips are now very close.

The Year 10 ski trip dates are 20^th – 22^nd September for 10TL, 10BN, 10GV and 22^nd – 24^th September for 10WV and 10BS. Only four weeks to go!

The Year 12 ski trip dates are 13^th – 17^th September, only three weeks to go!

For students going on any of the trips you need to have or hire waterproof pants. This is in addition to the items on the gear list that was given out. All money should be paid in full by now.

2011 Senior Subject Selection Evening

We are currently asking students to make senior subject selections for 2011. Parents; it is vital that you are involved in this process.

Students need to put together a meaningful course of study which will lead them to their career choice, motivate them to learn and achieve and suit their learning style.

To help you to assist your child to make meaningful subject selections for next year and to help you understand the requirements of NCEA at all three levels we are holding an information evening on Wednesday 25th August in the Library.

Representatives from all curriculum areas and the Careers Advisor will be present.

Parents and caregivers of current Year 10, 11 and 12 students are urged to attend.

The meeting begins at 7.00pm.

Board of Trustees Student Representative Nominations

After serving as the student representative on the Board of Trustees for a year, it is nearly time for Kendall Charles to hand over to a new student rep. Kendall has done an outstanding job and represented the college’s students very honestly and reliably.

Nominations for elections for the 2010/11 representative are now open and will close at noon on 2^nd September. Nomination forms are available from my Personal Assistant, Lisa Fairbrother.

Voting will commence on Wednesday 8 September and close on Friday 17 September.

Midterm Break

Parents and caregivers, this is a reminder that the college will be closed on Friday 3 September to give students and staff a mid term break. We are using this opportunity to allow contractors to cut off power and plumbing connections to C Block in readiness for its demolition.

Paid Union Meeting

I hope that your children recently brought home my letter informing you of the Post Primary Teachers Association paid union meeting on Wednesday 25 August. Classes will end at 12.15pm and buses will depart at 12.25pm.

NZQA Fees

A reminder that the fee of $75 must be paid by 3 September. Application forms for financial assistance are available from the office and reduce the fee to $20. September 1^st is the cut off date for financial assistance applications. Any NZQA fees unpaid by 3 September must be paid direct to NZQA and will incur a $50 late fee. NZQA will not release any official results to candidates who fail to pay entry fees. They will do so when the entry fee and the $50 late fee have been paid.

Andrew Newton

Andrew Newton, world famous hypnotist, is coming to Kuranui College with a 2 hour show on October 10. This show is a fundraiser for our three sports teams travelling to Secondary Schools tournaments. The show starts at 7pm and tickets are only $20 each. Get your family and friends together and have a night of laughter.

Tickets will be on sale soon so keep this date free!

Year 9 Garden Design

In Term 1 and 2 the Year 9 horticulture class was involved in a garden design project competition in partnership with Farmlands Greytown to help develop a new garden design for their store front. The year 9 class had to come up with their own design plans and research what plants/materials they wanted, as well as stick to a $400 budget. This was an Education for Enterprise project. Last week Farmlands met with the Year 9 class to present the winning designers with a much appreciated $100 cash prize. Congratulations to Tyla Hart and Alastair Waddell on a winning design which will be built/planted by the Year 9 class on the 9th and 10th of September.. Thank you to Farmlands for being involved with Kuranui College and providing a great opportunity.

Good luck to …

· The boys 1^st XV rugby team who play Taita College at Kuranui in the Wellington premier 4 semi final on Saturday at 1pm

· The boys 2^nd XV rugby team who play Wairarapa College Gold at Kuranui on Saturday in the semi final of their competition at 10am

· Our three sporting teams travelling away to their respective Secondary School tournaments from 30 August – 3 September. Senior A Netball team travel to Wanganui, Boys 1^st XI Hockey team go to Whakatane and the Girls 1^st XI Hockey team travel to Stratford.

From the Sports Desk…

Girls Netball: The Junior A team are at the top of the table with a couple of games to go in section play with finals day on 11 September. The other teams are unlikely to make finals playoffs, but are looking forward to finishing the season in a positive fashion. Go for it girls!

Boys 1^st XI Hockey: Continued their winning form with a 14-2 win over Wellington College with Darren Dingle making his long awaited debut as a kicking fullback and goalie… even our team was confused!

Girls 1^st XI Hockey: Had an excellent win over Tawa, 3-2.

Girls 2^nd XI Hockey:

Rugby 1^st XV: won by default over Newlands College and now play Taita 2 at Kuranui this Saturday for a place in the finals with the kick-off at 1pm. Come along and support the boys!

Rugby 2^nd XV: won by default over Chanel and also gain a semi final spot

Girls Rugby: Under the guidance of Miss Lindsay Turner the girls had 2 wins in the Wairarapa.

Boys Basketball: Two games were played with a win over Wairarapa College in the first game. Tiredness showed in game 2 with a loss to Rathkeale.

Boys Soccer: Lost their semi-finals match to Rathkeale 2^nd XI, 5-1.

Girls Soccer: Coach Tony Moule was very pleased with the teams 6-0 win over Makoura in their final game of the season.

Sports Subs: There is still a large of amount of money still owing for subs. Your urgent attention to this would be appreciated.

Mr Donald Yee

Sports Co-ordinator

Congratulations to …

· The following students for their achievements in the UNSW Global Educational Assessments: Emily Jamieson – High Distinction in Science and Distinction in Computing Skills, Nathan Wride with Distinction in Computing Skills and Dan Carlisle with Credit in Computing Skills.

· Emily Jamieson who also received a Certificate of Credit in the Australian Mathematics Trust Challenge and a Certificate of Distinction for the Australian Informatics competition. WOW! Well done Emily!

· The senior Theatre Sports team who won the recent Wairarapa intercollegiate theatre sports competition!

· The Year 10 Matharapa team for blitzing the competition!

· Lauren Crimp, placed third in the recent Wairarapa Intercollegiate Senior speech competition.

· The following students who gained merit endorsements to their NCEA Level 1 Certificate qualifications. These students were awarded Silver Honours badges in assembly last week:

2008: Bridget Kershaw, Raegan McGregor

2009: Jason van Zanten, Lauren Crimp, Francesca Silver, Aleisha Bain, Renee Cheeseman, Shaun Collings, Keith Finlayson, Rowan Pemberton, Charlotte Taylor and Daniella Clancy.

· Rebecca Holden who had her NCEA Level 2 Certificate endorsed with merit in 2009.

G Shepherd

PRINCIPAL

6 August, 2010; Week 4 - 5, Term 3

2010-08-25T02:55:00.000-07:00

Tena tatou katoa

You will be only too aware from the media that Wairarapa schools are currently being hit hard by influenza. Kuranui College has not been spared and our absentee rate for both students and staff has soared in the last week. I have not yet been informed that any of our students have actually contracted swine flu but because it is confirmed in our region, it is likely that some will have.

I have included with this edition of Korero a letter from the DHB for your information. If you have sick children please heed the advice and keep them home until 48 hours after their flu symptoms have abated.

Excellence and Merit NCEA Endorsements

Since 2004 we have encouraged senior college students to strive toward gold or silver academic honours. We developed the honours system because there seemed little incentive in the NCEA system for high achieving students to aim as high as possible. Now NZQA are endorsing NCEA with excellence or merit and it seems that we no longer need our own honours system.

To be endorsed with excellence in Level 1, for example, a student needs to achieve 50 or more credits at excellence level. To be endorsed with merit they need 50 credits at merit or better. In 2011 students will also be able to earn an endorsement for individual courses if, over a single year, they achieve 14 or more credits at merit or excellence. At least 3 of these credits must be from internal and 3 from externally assessed standards.

From 2011 the college will recognise the achievements of students who attain endorsements on their NCEA by awarding gold badges for excellence and silver badges for merit.

Health Clinic

With the recent spate of illness in the college, it is timely to remind parents of the availability of health professionals here at the college. To make an appointment, students leave their name and who they want to see in the drop boxes outside the Health Clinic and in the waiting room and the nurse or doctor will contact students with an appointment time.

The school nurse is here 12 – 3:15 pm on Mondays and 10am – 1:15pm on Fridays and Dr James is here on Tuesdays from 9am – 12 midday.

NCEA credit reports

Shortly we will be publishing another NCEA credit progress report for all senior college students. Parents please discuss the report with your child. Even though there is only seven weeks of this term left and a mere five in term four for senior students it is not too late for them to boost their efforts and achieve their NCEA goal.

Uniform

The Board of Trustees has decided to sell all of the college’s uniform from the college from the end of this year. The BOT believes that this decision will make uniform shopping more convenient for families and it will allow the college to maintain more control over the quality and design of the uniform.

Postie Plus in Masterton will however, continue to sell all uniform items until at least mid term four.

We are establishing a new uniform shop in the foyer of the college auditorium where both new and used uniform will be sold.

I will publish a full price list of uniform items when it becomes available.

Building Update

Rigg Zschokke have almost completed our new computer room and learning centre. We will take possession and move in within a fortnight and work will begin on the demolition of C Block almost immediately after that.

University graduates

Victoria and Massey Universities have just released the list of graduates for 2010 who attended Kuranui College.

Victoria

Diane Batchelor - Post Graduate Diploma in Educational Research

Rebekka Bell – Bachelor of Education (teaching) early childhood

Carley Bird – Graduate Diploma in Teaching (secondary)

Christina Cameron-Jones – Doctor of Philosophy

Wendell Cooke - Master of Arts

Cherie Craig – Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Professional Development

Andrew Fauvel – Bachelor of Information Technology

Melinda Hall – Master of Arts

Daniel McKnight – Graduate Diploma in Teaching (primary)

Amanda McRae - Bachelor of Arts

Louisa Ross – Bachelor of Commerce and Administration and Bachelor of Commerce and Administration with Honours

Sarah Stier – Graduate Diploma in Teaching (secondary)

David Sutton – Master of Commerce and Administration

Trung Tran - Bachelor of Building Science

Massey

Wendy Moran, 1971, Bachelor of Arts

Sandra Bayliss, 1987, Postgraduate Diploma in Nursing

Robyn Dewhurst, 2006, Bachelor of Science

Rebecca Roseingrave, 1991, Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Years 0-8

Phillipa Rimene, 1986, Bachelor of Arts

Noelle Finlayson, 2002, Bachelor of Applied Science

Linnet Magnus, 2005, Bachelor of Nursing (Student Nurses)

Keryn Rowe, 1973, Bachelor of Social Work

Jesse Workman, 2002, Bachelor of Sport and Exercise

Ivor De Vries, 1988, Bachelor of Arts

Gail De Malmanche, 1986, Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Years 0-8

Dion O'Neale, 1997, Doctor of Philosophy (Sciences)

Christina Johnson, 2006, Bachelor of Education (Teaching) Early Years 0-8

Bronwyne Strawbridge, 1977, Bachelor of Nursing (Registered Nurses)

Ann Shepherd, 2004, Bachelor of Nursing (Student Nurses)

Alistair Payne, 2005, Bachelor of Education (Secondary Teaching)

Environmental Group News

The Kuranui College Environmental Group has been involved for two days planting native trees along the Papawai Stream with the Papawai Stream Restoration Project. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has awarded this restoration project a $10,000 grant for the work to be completed and commended the group on the work that has so far been accomplished. Kuranui students were interviewed for a National Radio programme on environmental restoration projects that are occurring throughout New Zealand. Kuranui students are the first group to be involved. The college Envirogroup which is lead by Mr Clausen, includes, Sarah Hall, Lexie Fleming, Blair Lyster, Tom Locke, Aleisha Bain and Keith Finlayson.

If you would like to be involved see Mr Clausen.

Outdoor Education

Last week our Year 11 Outdoor Education class ventured out to test themselves caving and abseiling. “An awesome experience” was the verdict from supervisor, Mr Yee. It appears the girls pictured agree!

Natasha Mills, Natasha Campbell and Annika Coveney

2011 Student Leaders
Even though 2011 seems a long way away, Year 12 students should be thinking about putting themselves forward for leadership roles in the new year.
Outward Bound, the outdoor training school in the Marlborough Sounds, is offering an exciting customised leadership course over the summer holidays. Students who are interested should see Mr Shepherd or Mr Tavernor. A few years back Head Girl, Christina Johnson, went on this course and described it as life changing.

Conjunctivitis
We have noticed an increased occurrence of this condition within the school. We have sought medical advice and been advised that conjunctivitis is highly infectious and that students with the condition should not be at school. Generally if the infection affects both eyes, it is likely to be viral and will come right in time. However if it is only one eye, it is more likely to be bacterial in origin and antibiotics may be required.
To prevent its spread… avoid touching your eyes directly, wash hands regularly, do not use or share makeup, and gently wipe any discharge with disposable tissues. Eye bathing in 1% saline solution may also be helpful.

Car Boot and Garage Sale
On Sunday 5 September we are having a "Spring Cleanout Garage and Car Boot Sale" here at Kuranui College from 10am -12noon. We will charge you $10 for a car or ute from which you can sell your goodies. If you do not want to sell items but would like to get rid of them you can drop them off and we will sell them in our garage sale. If you have items but cannot bring them in, contact us and we will pick them up for you.
All proceeds go towards the end of year Junior Activities Week. If you are interested in the car boot sale, registration forms are available from the administration office at the college.
Any Year 9 and 10 students who know they are going to need funds for Activities Week may find this a great opportunity to fundraise for themselves. This is a great chance to have a good clean up as well!

From the Sports Desk…
Netball – the Senior A team is now in the Premier Reserve grade and is struggling to find a win though the team remains in good spirits. The Senior B team are lying in 6^th place in their grade, and when they play well, are capable of beating the best. The Junior A team is also strong, currently 3^rd, and vying for a place in the semis. The Junior B team is very short on players but continue to give every game their best and should be proud of themselves for sticking it out and still playing with enthusiasm.
Boys 1^st XI Hockey – won 8-0 over HVHS
Girls 1^st XI Hockey (nick-named the All Whites) - drew again, this time with Paraparaumu College.
Girls 2^nd XI - drew with SMS 3rd
Rugby 1^st XV: Kuranui won 29 -17 versus Otaki in a top of the table clash. Great effort boys!
Rugby 2^nd XV: won 78-0 over Wairarapa College Blue. Player of the day was Anthony Prince, who played half-back for the first time year and showed
Girls Rugby: lost 60-27 to Wellington Girls and was to play off against Sacred Heart in the semi-finals this week.
Boys Basketball: led by Keith Finlayson, our boys had a great tussle winning 43- 37 over St Matthews girls. Thanks to Lorraine and Dr Nathan for sponsoring this team in the competition.
Boys Soccer: Kuranui had a 3-0 win over Rathkeale 3rd XI.
Girls Soccer: An all round team effort saw Kuranui score a 4-0 win over St Matthews Year 11 team.
Sports Gear: If you have any soccer or rugby boots that are too small or no longer used, they can be dropped to the Sports Office.
Sports Subs: There is still a large of amount of subs still owing, your urgent attention to this would be appreciated.
Mr Donald Yee
Sports Co-ordinator

Congratulations to …
§       Nuku Harmon, Finn Shepherd, Wiremu Aitken, and Josh Rowlands who have been selected in the Wairarapa Under 15 rugby team.

G Shepherd
PRINCIPAL

30 April 2010; Week 3 - 4, Term 2

2010-05-07T01:38:00.000-07:00

Reunion

The college’s Golden Jubilee celebrations held over Easter weekend were a resounding success. Over 750 past students registered and judging by the large amount of feedback we have received since, they all had a wonderful time catching up with each other.

NCEA Results

The Dominion Post recently published the 2009 NCEA results for schools in the lower North Island. If you read this you will have been pleased to see that Kuranui College rated very well when compared with similar schools.

68.1% of those eligible gained level 1, 70% gained level 2 and 73% gained level 3. Although these results are generally pleasing we can do a great deal better. Our targets for this year are 72% at level 1, 72% at level 2 and 75% at level 3.

I have said in Korero before that I believe that students need lots of personal support and monitoring throughout the year to ensure that they get the best possible NCEA results. The Family Learning Conferences began this process and shortly you will receive the first of the twice-a-term NCEA credit reports. This report will show you exactly how many credits your child has gained to date. Form teachers are the main in-school supporters and they are already closely monitoring and mentoring their students. If you have concerns about your child’s progress please make contact with the form teacher and if necessary, make an appointment time to meet with them.

Board of Trustees Elections.

On the closing date (Friday April 23) 10 candidates had been nominated, Since then, one candidate Mr Marty BERRY has formally withdrawn. The nine remaining candidates are:

James Davidson David Patten

Chris Giles Mal Ritchie

Carole Hancox Phil Robertson

Belinda Inglis Jayne Routhan

Glen Mackie

Voting forms have been posted to all eligible voters.

If you wish to vote please ensure your voting form is either mailed to the Returning Officer or delivered to the College Office no later than 12 noon on Friday May 7.

G Tuck

Returning Officer

Paper Recycling

Each year the amount of rubbish the college generates continues to multiply. The amount of paper we send to the dump and the amount we pay to have it taken away is very wasteful. Recently we signed up to the “Paper for Trees” recycling programme. All classrooms and offices have been equipped with a recycling bin so that each day paper and cardboard can be deposited in a wool sack near the caretakers shed. For every three sacks filled the college will receive a native tree.

Sheila Winn Shakespeare Festival

Congratulations to Ms McLellan and all of the cast and crew for their outstanding efforts at the Sheila Winn Shakespeare Festival held in the Wairarapa College Auditorium last Tuesday. Our 15 minute scene from MacBeth had real audience appeal (especially Louis’ abs!) but didn’t quite pull off the big prize. However Waimarama Phillips and Katie James performance from “Romeo and Juliet” was a stunner and won the 5 minute scene category.

Waimarama and Katie, along with Barney Johnson and Louis Gray, their musical accompanists, will now represent the Wairarapa at the National Sheila Winn Shakespeare Festival held in Wellington over Queens Birthday weekend.

Thank you to …

John Phelps who recently under sowed and fertilized our number 1 rugby field for free! Not only did John donate his time, machinery and resources but he has volunteered to do the same again next year. THANKYOU!

Uniform

The college has changed to a provider who can supply our blazers much more quickly than the before. Year 12 and 13 students who have not yet ordered a blazer are reminded that they must wear one in terms two and three. See Ms Lennox to order blazers. A tie must be worn with the blazer.

Lianne Hutton has recently been employed by the college to operate the second hand uniform shop. She will be in the shop from 12 noon to 3pm every Tuesday. If you have second hand uniform items gathering dust at home bring them in to the office any time and Lianne will sell them on your behalf.

Careers News…

Wellington Nanny College is a 6 month course (Level 3, total of 74 credits) It is full time and starts in July. It is a free course but you need to be 17 years old and able to board with your training family. To get an application form see Ms Latta or visit www.wnc.co.nz

Taratahi Agricultural School half year intake starts July 19^th. Attend the taster day on 5th July. See Mrs Hall for permission slips and more information.

Maori and Pasifika students - Senior Maori Careers Day - Thursday 10 June. If you are interested in attending please see Mrs Hall for a permission slip. These are due in by Friday 7th May. No slip, no go!

Victoria University- a day at university for all Maori and Pasifika students thinking of attending a University. Please see Mrs Hall for permission slips

Free Taster Days:

· Travel and Tourism – At Sir George Seymour College. This will include the hotel industry, working on cruise ships, international flight attendant and customer service in the tourism workplace. These are all separate courses which you can attend free with STAR funding. For more information see Mrs Hall in C13.

· UCOL Courses for Seniors only. See Mrs Hall as there are only LIMITED places available

Sport as a career - Friday 14th May

Hair & Beauty - Friday 21st May

Cookery - Friday 11th June

Carpentry Monday 2nd August

· Whitireia Polytech Taster days- (from 9.15am - 2.30pm)

Art & Design - 14th May or 11^th June. This is a digital and manual experience day for Year 12 and 13 students only.

Introduction to Nursing - 27th May

Stage and Screen Arts - 28th May at the Performing Arts School

Introduction to Trades - 18th June at the Industry training centre

Business & IT careers - 23rd June

· Wellington Performing Arts College - 11th May - Year 11 - 13 students

School Visits

· INZONE BUS – Tuesday 8th June. All Year 11 students will go through this in class groups throughout the day. It is a great chance to look at career possibilities. This will help you to choose your subjects for Year 12.

· AIRFORCE VISIT Friday 11 June Period 4 in the Auditorium - attendance is voluntary.

· ARMY VISIT Friday 21 May Period 4 in the Auditorium - attendance is voluntary

· NAVY VISIT – Coming soon… watch the daily notices.

· LEADERSHIP DAY – Tuesday 15 June. This is a full day course run here at school by the Army. This is for all of this year’s School Leaders and any seniors thinking of becoming a school leader in the future. Those of you thinking of going into the ARMY would benefit from this course too. This is for Seniors only. See Mrs Hall as only LIMITED places are available.

Scholarships - Want someone to give you $5000? Apply now!

There are loads of scholarships available for Maori and Pasifika students, for sports and for academic study. Many of them close around August / September so you need to start thinking of applying now. There is a great programme called BREAKOUT that you can work through online to show you what you can apply for. See Ms Latta or Mrs Hall for the password

Career Appointments

Don't forget that if you want to know more about your career options or just want to find out what is out there in the big wide world that may be interesting to you, come and see me. I am in B16 every Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime or make an appointment through your form teacher.

From the Sports Desk…

Netball - Senior A lost to Fagan Hot Shots 44-53, Senior B lost to St Matthew’s C 12-15, Junior A won against St Matthew’s Junior Red and Kuranui Junior Blue lost to Wairarapa Red.

Thank you to Sue Button, Helen Moyes and Nikki Reriti-Mikaera who are coaching teams. However we would very much like a coach for our Senior B team so if you are able to help us, please contact Mr Yee at the sports office.

Boys Soccer- Under new team coach Mr Marc van de Loo, the team started the season with a 3-2 win over Wairarapa College Blue.

Girls Soccer- Coached once again by Mr Tony Moule, the competition starts this week.

Rugby 2^nd XV - We welcome Ben Clausen and Mr Matt Pearce as coaches and Mr Phil Robertson as team manager. The team lost narrowly to Rathkeale Juniors 12-20 last weekend.

Rugby Juniors- Under the guidance of Jono Hurley, we have a team entered in the Under 55kg division to be played on Wednesdays in Masterton.

We thank Wairarapa Bush in funding Jono as his help and understanding of the game will be a great asset to Kuranui College rugby.

1^st XV Rugby- This year under the guidance of Mr Dave Wish, Marty Berry and Ryan Hardman, the team is playing in the Wellington competition. There is a home game against HVHS 2 on Saturday and the kick off time is 1.00pm at Kuranui College. Come and cheer the boys on!

Girls 1^st XI Hockey- New coach Fleur Jane and manager Fiona Pitt sees the team playing in the Wellington competition starting next week.

Girls Junior Hockey- We are still a couple players short for this team. They train on Mondays at lunch time. If you are keen just turn up or see Mr Yee at the Sports Office.

Boys 1^st XI Hockey- Mr Glen Beach has taken over from Mr Paul Redwood as coach, and already has the boys training at 7am on Monday mornings! “Bring back Chook” said one of the senior players! The team will also play in the Wellington competition after a few years absence.

Sports Subs and Correct Uniform - Please ensure Sports consent forms are returned and payment made promptly. Players who have paid their subs will have preference in playing.

Correct playing uniform is to be worn at all times. If you are not sure, see Mr Yee at the Sports Office

Sports Gear for Sale- Kuranui Sport Shorts $25-00, Sports Socks $13-00, mouth guards $3-00, Netball Skirt $30-00, Netball Top $42-00, Kuranui Sport Hoodies without number $49-00, with number on back $55-00. Order forms for hoodies are available from the Sports Office door.

Notice Board - Check the sports notice board daily – there are constant changes being made.

Mr Donald Yee

Sports Co-ordinator

Opossum Control Operation

Central Districts Pest Control Ltd wants it to be known that they will be carrying out opossum control work in the Woodside area from April to June of this year. The area runs from the Tauherenikau River in the south to the Waiohine River in the north and east to State Highway 2 and west to the hills and bush line. Signs will be posted on the farms and areas affected but you should be aware that the baits are poisonous to both humans and pets. The cyanide based pellets and pastes used are dyed green or blue and will be placed in bait stations. Phone the manager Tim Brenstrum on 06 8365590 or 0274496598 if you require more details.

Internet Connection

The college is increasingly coming to rely upon the internet for many aspects of student learning and the everyday operations of the school. Students and staff can access the internet at the college but we are unsure of how many families are connected at home. Form teachers are currently surveying students about this and asking for up to date email addresses.

To allow us to communicate electronically, please ensure that we do have your correct details in our system. We are investigating software which will enable you to have 24/7 access to your child’s results and attendance details and we are looking at a software package which would enable you to book parent teacher interview times on line.

G Shepherd

PRINCIPAL

Upcoming Events

Mon 3 May	Periods 1-2	Kuranui College Cross Country
Tues 4 May	9-12noon	Careers Expo – Years 9 and 13 - Masterton
Weds 5 May		L2 Outdoor Ed Tent Night
	9:30 -11am	Navy visit in the Auditorium
Thurs 6 May	Per 3,4,5	Attitude Seminars in the Auditorium
	All day	L2 Outdoor Ed Tramp
Fri 7 May	All day	L2 Outdoor Ed Tramp
Tues 11 May	9am-3pm	Year 9 Base Trip to Mt Holdsworth
		L1 Outdoor Ed Bivvy Building
Weds 12 May	Per 2	Assembly
Thurs 13 May	10:30–3pm	Wairarapa Intercollegiate Cross Country at Henley Lake

1 April 2010; Week 1-2, Term 2

2010-05-07T01:34:00.000-07:00

Note: Due to a network upgrade over the holidays, this issue of Korero is late

Tomorrow over seven hundred past students and staff will be welcomed back to celebrate the fifty years of the college’s existence. The three days of celebrations will begin with a mix and mingle on Friday evening. On Saturday morning Donald Yee will be photographing past students and staff in decade by decade groups and in the afternoon college teams will take on past students in a variety of sports. On Saturday night over four hundred people will sit down to dinner and on Sunday morning after a church service, trees will be planted and a time capsule containing images and documents describing Kuranui in 2010 will be buried. The reunion committee which consists of past students and current staff, have worked very hard to make the weekend a success and the weather gods seem to be smiling. It will be a weekend to remember.

We have had a significant change to our senior leadership team. Catherine Rossiter has stepped down from the role of the Head of Junior College and Gina Smith will take over this role from the beginning of term two. I want to thank Catherine for her outstanding work over the last year and a term. The Head of College is an important but difficult role and Catherine always went the extra mile to support students and families.

Parents, I need to remind you that year 12 and 13 students should all be wearing blazers next term. Staff member, Liz Lennox who is responsible for uniform supplies, tells me that she has ordered a large number of blazers recently. I am concerned however, that a number of students still have done nothing about getting a blazer for the beginning of the term. The holidays are a good time to sort out uniform issues. I am noticing a number of boys beginning to wear non regulation shoes. The rule is “black leather shoes.”

From time to time staff will confiscate non regulation items of clothing, iPods or cell phones being used in class or other inappropriate items. The procedures for the retrieval these items are as follows.
Teachers pass all confiscated goods to the college office where they are carefully stored until Friday at 3.15pm at which time they may be uplifted by students. Cell phones may be retrieved earlier only if parents or caregivers come to the office in person.

The college is one of three schools in the Wairarapa to pilot Education for Enterprise, E4E. This programme encourages schools to find real, relevant learning opportunities by developing partnerships with businesses or community groups. One of the first projects to get up and running will involve our year 9 horticulture class planning and planting a garden at the Greytown branch of Farmlands. This is exactly what E4E is about, a real client with real needs and real deadlines. Another project involves current students interviewing and filming past students to produce a short documentary about life at Kuranui “back in the day.”

Outdoor Education on the Right Path
Kuranui senior students are once again venturing out into the bush with the Outdoor Education department. Outdoor Education teacher Glenn Beach is hoping that the students will have the opportunity to work alongside the Department of Conservation in maintaining some of the huts in the Tararuas.

Mr Beach said: “It is such an awesome opportunity. It will be great to see the students give something back to their community as well as learning some additional skills in building and plumbing.”

This year, students are studying at both Levels 1 and 2. Level 1 allows students to experience a variety of activities including: high ropes, abseiling, tramping, camping out, mountain biking and flat water kayaking. They also learn about first aid and risk assessment.

At Level 2, the students start to demonstrate their skills to others and begin sharing their expertise. Next year, the college will run Level 3, where facilitating the activities becomes the main focus. This involves planning and running activities for others and students will have to write their own RAMs reports. It is hoped that Kuranui students will be able to invite pupils from the local primary schools to take part in these activities.

This term Kuranui students have already mountain biked at Karapoti in Upper Hut and at the Makara Mountain Bike Terrain Park. They have tramped at Mount Reeves and Smiths Creek and camped out at Kaitoke Regional Park.

Mr Beach continues: “The students are learning a huge range of skills from teamwork to personal endurance, from bush craft to bike maintenance. The Kuranui Outdoor Education programme gives our students a great range of life long skills. It’s great to see them pushing themselves to do their very best.”

Board of Trustee Elections
Nominations are still being sought for the BOT elections in May. Currently three nominations have been received. For a board to function effectively at least five parent representatives are needed to work with the principal, the staff and the student representatives. The current board will host an information evening for prospective candidates on 26 April at 6pm in the college staffroom.

From the Sports Desk…
Boys Rugby - Congratulations to the 1st XV on their excellent 13-11 victory over Tararua College yesterday. Well done to coach, Dave Wish and his management team of Ryan Hardman, Marty Berry and Geoff Shepherd. This year the team will be playing in the Wellington secondary schools competition. Good luck boys!

Wrestling - Congratulations to the boys who wrestled in the NZ Secondary Schools Wrestling Championships. Excellent results were achieved by Dylan Duffy with a gold medal in the 37kg division, Tristan Williams with gold and bronze medals in the 40 and 42kg divisions, Thomas Uatuku, a bronze medal in the 55.5kg division and Wade Lovett who was placed 4th in the 37kg division.
Motocross – Congratulations to Joubert Botha who came second in the 125cc division in the NZ Secondary Schools Motocross Championships held at Rotorua recently. Callum Moore achieved a 4th placing in the 125cc Championship class. Nathan Pitt was placed 12th in the 125cc division. Well done boys!
Mr Donald Yee
Kuranui College Sports Co-Ordinator

Have a relaxing Easter break.
G Shepherd
PRINCIPAL

Upcoming Events
Fri 23 April 12 noon Nominations for Board of Trustees election close
Thurs 27 April Evening Intercollegiate Shakespeare Competition
Fri 30 April All Day UCOL Taster Day for selected Senior students

19 March 2010; Week 8-9, Term 1

2010-03-21T23:54:00.000-07:00

The Kuranui College Board of Trustees recently set the college’s strategic goals for the next three years. After consultation with you, the staff and students and after reviewing the college’s achievement data for the last few years the board decided that the top priority was to focus on raising the achievement levels of all students.

I spend a great deal of time thinking about why some students engage in learning, apply themselves and achieve and some do not. Unfortunately there is no one answer and certainly no one solution. I am convinced however, that success has a lot to do with self belief and perseverance. When we believe that we can do something we are half way there and this same self belief can keep us going when the going gets tough.

The staff and I have been talking about how we can help students to believe in themselves, how they can encourage them to “have a go” when the work looks hard and encourage them to stick at the task and get it finished.

Parents, I know that you all want the best for your children but I am concerned that too many of our students settle for mediocrity. Settling for less leads to poor qualifications and this reduces career and life options.

Throughout this year I will be focusing on and talking about raising achievement in every forum I can find.

Every student at Kuranui College should be achieving at or above the national average benchmarks. Together let's settle for nothing less.

Family Learning Conferences
Thank you to everyone who came and participated in the Family Learning Conferences. The feedback I have received from both parents and teachers has been very positive. The goal of the conferences was to establish a close relationship between the college and families so I hope that the lines of communication are now open so that together we can work toward maximising your children’s’ learning and achievement.
If you could not make the time scheduled for your conference form teachers can still be contacted to arrange alternative times.
If you have thoughts you would like to share about the Family Learning Conferences please email me.

Classic Hits Around New Zealand Air Safari
The Classic Hits Air Safari begins at the Hood Aerodrome in Masterton on 27th March 2 – 5pm. Sixty four aircraft of all types will be there. There will be plane rides, food, tours of the vintage aircraft museum as well as a chance to meet the pilots and t=view the planes involved in the Around NZ Air Safari.

“PDA’S!”
We have nearly five hundred female and male teenagers interacting in the same place every day and it is natural that relationships will develop between students. The college does however have a clear rule regarding the way students conduct their relationships during the day. We do not allow any form of “public displays of affection – PDAs.”

Harassment
With over five hundred people co existing at the college every day there is bound to be occasional instances of bullying and harassment. I want to remind everyone that the college takes a zero tolerance stance on all forms of harassment.
Inappropriate sexual advances, touching or comments, racial taunts and all forms of bullying will be dealt with seriously but this can only happen when we are told about the behaviour.
If you are being harassed you do not need to put up with it – tell someone! If you see someone being bullied – tell someone! It doesn’t have to be a teacher, it could well be a senior student, a sports coach or the office staff – find someone you trust and tell them.

Board of Trustees Election
There is still time to nominate someone or to be nominated to stand for a place on the college’s Board of Trustees. It is essential that the college has a committed, enthusiastic board to lead it into its next fifty years. The current board and I welcome any enquiries about the function and responsibilities of the board. Alternatively you could log on to the NZSTA web site to get a detailed picture of the role.

Uniform
Parents/Caregivers, by the beginning of term two all Year 12 and 13 students should be wearing a blazer and tie to college everyday. Blazers can be ordered from Ms Lennox. There is a very limited supply of second hand blazers in the uniform shop. Enquire at the college office.

Uniform Shop
I am seeking someone to operate our second hand uniform shop for three hours every week. This has always been an unpaid position but the college will pay the successful applicant for three hours at a negotiated hourly rate.
Contact me at the college if you would like to know more about the position.

50th Jubilee
Our plans are coming together and we are excited and full of anticipation.
We have received many registrations from around New Zealand and overseas and now finally we are getting more from local people. Please, if you are planning to attend our 50th celebration please get your registrations in!
We are pleased too with the response from current students who have indicated that they will help out in some way. Some sports teams and other groups will be holding stalls at the food fair on Easter Saturday. This will help them with their sports expenses.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to call me at the College office.
Trish Heming - 304 9116

Adolescent Self Harm Behaviour
A reminder that this is on in the auditorium on Tuesday night at 7:30pm – NOT 7pm as stated in the last Korero. Free admission.

Overdue Books
There are a significant number of books overdue from the library. Parents - it would be appreciated if you could discuss this issue with your child and if necessary, do a quick check under beds, in schoolbags, etc for overdue items. We appreciate your assistance.

Junior Activity Week
A preliminary letter regarding the Junior Activity Week at the end of the year was given out on Friday at the Family Learning Conferences. If you did not receive one of these letters, please ask your child today if they received one in form time. Spare letters are available at the office for those who do not have them.

Year 10 Ski Trip
Information about this ski trip in September was given out last week, along with consent forms and payment options. Once again, if you did not receive this information, please collect one from your form teacher or the office.

From the Sports Desk:
Hockey - Congratulations to the following players who have made the Hockey Wairarapa Under 15 Representative teams: Braden Smith, Jordan Yee, Laura Pitt, Emily Jane, Kim Cryer, Mikaela Bird, Shannon Burgess and Chelsea Brunton.
Croquet - Our team of Finn Harman, Matiu Te Maari, Keith Finlayson, Taylor Hilston, Sean Spooner, Rowan Pemberton, Arjun Pathmanathan and Thomas McAvoy retained the Croquet Shield played for against Rathkeale College.
Uniforms - If you still have Kuranui sports uniforms still to be returned, please return them urgently to the Sports Office. If you have netball uniforms to sell, please get them to Mr Yee ASAP and he will sell them on your behalf.
Winter Sports Coaches/Managers - Required for Netball and Basketball. If you can help in any way please contact Mr Yee on (06) 3049116, Extension 728.

Donald Yee
Sports Coordinator

Congratulations to…

• Samuel Pepper who qualified for 15 events at the recent Division II National Swimming Competition held in Wellington. Samuel gained a 1st placing in the 200 m freestyle and 2nds in both the 50m and 100m freestyle events. Samuel also recorded ten personal best times at the competition. Well done Samuel…. what an impressive set of results!
• Bridget Kershaw who represented New Zealand in the Trans-Tasman High School Rodeo Team recently. Bridget was also the captain of the Barrel Racing Team. The overall competition finished in a draw after three tightly contested rodeos.
• Bridget Kershaw and Louis Gray who were selected to represent the Wellington Region at the North Island Secondary Schools Athletics competition.

Good luck to…

• Callum Moore, Joubert Botha and Nathan Pitt who are competing in the New Zealand Intercollegiate Moto-Cross Championships to be held in Rotorua later this week.
• Wade Lovett, Thomas Uatuku, Tristan Williams and Dylan Duffy who will represent Kuranui in the NZ Secondary Schools Wrestling Champs at Tawa on Saturday. The team is coached by Bevan Thurston.

G Shepherd

PRINCIPAL

5 Mar 2010; Wk 6-7, Term 1

2010-03-05T00:59:00.000-08:00

“Your Community, Your College – learning for life”

To koutou iwi whanui, to koutou kareti – Akona mo ake tonu atu

Tena tatou katoa

We are already over half way through term one!

On March 1, the Ministry of Education’s date to count schools’ rolls for funding purposes, we had 476 students although since then we have continued to enrol new students.

I have been in classes regularly this week and I am very pleased to see that most students have settled in well and are focussed on their learning.

Most Senior College students will have had an opportunity to earn NCEA credits by now. Form teachers will be monitoring their progress closely and by the time of the Family Learning Conferences on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 March they will be able to report to you on these results.

Thank you for allowing the college to finish early on Tuesday to allow us to host the Wairarapa Intercollegiate Athletic Sports. It was a great afternoon of top athletic performances and the Kuranui athletes represented the college admirably. I was very proud of all of them.

Term one is the most disrupted term of the year with athletics, swimming and the first of the Family Learning Conferences. I am afraid that I have to inform you of yet another disruption on 23 March when teaching staff who are members of the Post Primary Teachers’ Association will be attending a paid union meeting to discuss progress on their latest contract negotiations.

The majority of the college’s teachers are members of the PPTA so the school day will be shortened. Classes will end at 12:15pm and buses will depart by 12:30pm. I will write a letter giving full details of bus arrangements early next week.

“Parents be Aware” an information evening with Barry Taylor
Living with a teenager can be like an emotional roller coaster. Most of the time young people get through the ups and downs of life but there can be some events that knock them down hard. How, as a parent, can you be there in a supportive way that isn’t seen as nagging or suffocating them?

When are the normal teenage emotions no longer normal?

These are some of the issues to be covered in this information evening for parents.

In a lively, entertaining presentation, Barry Taylor from the Wairarapa DHB will provide parents with a better understanding of what is going on in a young person’s mind when they are feeling sad or overwhelmed by life events. He offers practical and easy to apply hints on how to be there for your teenagers in a supportive way.

This free information evening will be on Tuesday March 23 in the college auditorium starting at 7pm.

Netbooks
The netbooks promised for all year nine students are in the college and so far one class has been issued with them.

We will progressively roll out the devices as the teachers of year nine classes are trained in their use.

Parents, as I signalled earlier in the year, you will be asked to contribute financially to help subsidise the college’s lease costs of the netbooks. Initially this contribution was set at $100.00 over the year but a very generous parent has contributed a considerable sum of money to reduce the cost for families. As a result, the cost I am asking each parent to contribute over the year will be $90.00.

Shortly information about the netbooks, a contract and a set of guidelines for the use of the machines will be sent home. This package will also include suggestions of how you might organise to pay the $90.00 to minimise the strain on your household budget.

By early term two all students will be using the netbooks in most areas of their learning. Our trial with a year 10 class in 2009 demonstrated the very real benefits a personal computer can make to a child’s learning. Greytown Primary School, which is now in its second year of issuing laptops to all of its senior students, is convinced of the advantages they bring to learning. They report significant increases in engagement levels, measurable increases in students’ willingness to write and read and very real gains in overall achievement levels.

I am attending a conference in Melbourne in the April holidays which will focus on the use of information technology in education. I hope to return with fresh ideas on how we can best use the netbooks to help to enhance all aspects of your child’s learning.

In Australia, the NSW government has issued a netbook to all state secondary school students. In New Zealand, Kuranui College is the only state secondary school that I am aware of to fully adopt what is now being called mobile or m-learning.

Sandals

I am reliably informed by Hannahs, No 1 Shoes and Postie Plus in Masterton that they all have a full range of sizes of roman sandals in stock.

We extended the deadline for girls to purchase the correct sandals until these shops brought in more stock. I now expect all girls who wear sandals to immediately comply with our uniform code. There will be a uniform check in assembly on Tuesday 10 March.

Second Hand Uniform Shop

I am looking for a parent volunteer to operate the college’s second hand uniform shop. Carol Freeman has performed this task tirelessly for a number of years but she no longer has children at the college and wishes to relinquish the role.

The shop usually opens one lunchtime a week and there is also some additional work involved in receiving second hand goods to sell, pricing etc.

If you are interested in helping out please contact me at the college.

Reel Science Film Festival

The Royal Society of New Zealand is promoting a competition in which students are asked to make a two minute film on anything to do with science.

A free workshop to help Wairarapa students get started on the competition will be held at the Wairarapa Rural Education Centre (Reap House) in Masterton on 19 March from 4 – 5pm.

For more information and to register go to Reel Science Film Festival

From the Sports Desk
Athletic Sports - A large turn-out with our athletes competing in both track and field. The highlight of the day was John Churton’s record breaking 1.71m in the Under 16 boys’ high jump. This record was previously held by Tony Wilson with a 2005 jump of 1.69m.

John Churton in full flight at the Intercollegiate Athletics

Swimming Sports - A total of 13 swimming records were broken on the day. Congratulations to Sam Pepper (5), Katrina Simmonds (5), Hannah Hammond (2), and Grace Hammond (1) WELL DONE.

A big thank-you to our helpers Shavorne Simmonds, Chris Hicks, Jenny Roberts, Bernadette Saywell, Phillip Dunlop, Fred Hammond, Helen Hammond, Glenys Harris, John Renor and Liz Pepper. Your outstanding help along with our college staff and all our swimmers who competed made this day a memorable and successful one.

Intercollegiate Athletics - Kuranui College was the venue with close to 400 athletes competing in the track and field events. The grounds were in immaculate condition, a credit to our groundsman, Mr Redwood. It was a great evening of competition with some creditable performances by Kuranui College athletes. Well done to all of you.

Sports Notice board- If you play or want to play sports you must view the Sports notice board. Information includes signups, cancellations and coming events. The notice board is located out side between the office and staff room.

Sports Gear- Buy, sell and exchange… if you have gear that’s not being used and you wish to donate it to the college, see Mr Yee at the Sports office.

Winter Sports Coaches/Managers - Still required for Junior Boys and Girls soccer and Junior Boys Rugby, if you can help in any way please contact Mr Yee on (06) 30 49116 , Extension 728.

Mr Donald Yee
Sports Co-ordinator

Board of Trustees Election
Nominations are invited for the election of five (5) parent representatives to the Board of Trustees. A nomination form and copy of this notice will be posted to all eligible voters. Additional nomination forms can be obtained from the college office.

Nominations close at noon on April 23 and may be accompanied by a signed candidate’s statement. The voting roll is open for inspection at the college office and can be viewed during normal college hours. There will also be a list of candidates’ names, as they come to hand, for inspection at the college.

The poll closes at noon on May 7.

Grey Tuck

Returning Officer

Statements
Enclosed in the postal copy of Korero is the first financial statement of the year. It includes the Donation of $55 per student or $100 per family and individual subject fees. The $7 turf fee is a levy set by the BOT to meet the maintenance of the turf and is charged to all students doing Physical Education. The College relies on most families paying their donation and subject fees cover the costs of materials students use and take home from class. The Board of Trustees sets the fees as low as possible to make them affordable to families and in fact they are amongst the lowest fees charged in NZ Secondary Schools.

Parents Association Volunteers
As part of the Jubilee celebrations the Parents Association are manning the bar and need your help. This is a great way to join the party at no cost to you while supporting the Parents Association fundraising. If you are available on the evening of Friday 2 April and / or Saturday 3 April we would love to hear from you. Please contact Jo at the office – Ph 3049116.

50th Jubilee Reunion
The Jubilee plans are going very well. We’d like you to attend if you are a past student or teacher so get your registration forms in quickly. Registrations close on 25 March. We are holding a Food Fair on the Saturday and some of your children may be involved holding a food stall. A letter will come home next week. Please support this as it is a great way for them to fundraise for sports activities. If you have any queries please contact Trish Heming 3049116 or email

Welcome to….
Isabela Silva from Brazil and Valeria Porras from Costa Rica. This brings the number of International Exchange students in the school to seven.

G Shepherd
PRINCIPAL

Term Dates 2010

2010-02-08T00:04:00.000-08:00

TERM 1: Tuesday 2 February to Thursday 1 April

TERM 2: Monday 19 April to Friday 2 July

TERM 3: Monday 19 July to Thursday 2 September
Monday 6 September to Friday 24 September

TERM 4: Monday 11 October to Friday 10 December*
*Or to a day in December which ensures that the school has been open for instruction for at least 380 half-days in 2010

Holidays

Wellington Anniversary Day Monday 25 January [occurs in school holidays]
Waitangi Day Saturday 6 February
Good Friday Friday 2 April [occurs in school holidays]
Easter Monday Monday 5 April [occurs in school holidays]
Easter Tuesday Tuesday 6 April [occurs in school holidays]
ANZAC Day Sunday 25 April
Queen’s Birthday Monday 7 June [occurs within Term 2]
NZSSTournament Week Monday 30th Aug – Friday 3rd September
Labour Day Monday 25 October [occurs within Term 4]

NB: The Board of Trustees has decided to add an extra day’s holiday during Term 3 to break up a very long term. This holiday will be on Friday 3 September.

Final Korero for 2009

2009-12-12T09:59:00.000-08:00

Tena tatou katoa

Well here we are at the end of the year with only three weeks until Christmas! 2009 has been an exciting and successful year for Kuranui College and all of the planning that we are currently doing suggests 2010 will be also be full of new innovations and exciting changes.

I would like to take this opportunity to farewell and thank the staff who are leaving.
Cheryl Iro and Matthew Carter – thank you for your work in Science and Horticulture.
Phillippa Park – thank you for contribution to Base 6 and Science. Good luck in your new position at Manawatu College.
Amanda Sinclair and Susan Jonas – best wishes to both of you for the pending additions to your families.
Ali Staples – enjoy your year of study away from the College.

Adult and Community Education [ACE]
Kuranui College will not continue to provide ACE to our local community from 2010. Without the ACE funding from government, our community including learners, have indicated that they will not be able to afford the rise in fees that we as a school will have to pass on to learners. We are left with no alternative but to close our ACE programme at the end of this year.

The “Stop Night Class Cuts” campaign is continuing and should the decision to cut funding be reversed, Kuranui College would like to continue to provide ACE for our local community with the support of government funding.

New Wairarapa Family Pass Offers Great Value for Money
The new Wairarapa Family Pass means going to Wairarapa’s top family attractions just got more affordable. The new pass gives entry for 2 adults and 2 children to Pukaha Mt Bruce, the Genesis Energy Recreation Centre, Shear Discovery and Cafe Solway & Golf Driving Range, (where families will receive four buckets of golf balls). As an added bonus children will receive free desserts with the card at Apache Jacks family restaurant in Kuripuni. Developed by Destination Wairarapa the Pass costs only $60 but is valued at over $100, meaning essentially kids-go-free. It will make a terrific Christmas gift for friends and family outside the region.
Get the Wairarapa Family Pass at the Masterton or Martinborough i-SITE Visitor Centres, phone 06 370 0900 or check out www.wairarapanz.com.

Uniform
The second hand uniform shop will sell items on your behalf. Clearly label clean unwanted items with your name, contact details and the price required and bring them into the college office before it closes on 15 December.
The second hand uniform shop will be open on January 29th during Senior College course confirmation day.
Just a reminder that our school is registered on the SchoolTex Rewards Programme. This is apparently the most successful schoolwear fund-raising programme in the country! By buying your Term 1 uniform from our local Postie+ shop in Masterton and quoting our school name we will receive up to 10% cash back on any SchoolTex garments purchased.
This year we received about $5,000.00 from Postie+. This money went into the Parents Association account which helped them to fund the recent Student Centre upgrade.

Course Confirmation Day
All Senior College students (Years 11, 12 and 13) must come in to the college on Friday 29 January at any time between 9am and 3pm to confirm their 2010 courses. Even though all students have chosen courses for next year there is no guarantee that their combination of subjects will necessarily fit the 2010 timetable which is currently under construction. Although we do our best to accommodate the individual requirements of every student this just isn’t feasible.

Junior Activity Week
Activities begin on Tuesday next week and I am very concerned that a large number of students have still not returned their consent forms or paid for their activities. The consent forms are essential for off-campus activities because I cannot allow students to leave the college grounds without your permission. Unfortunately if these forms are not returned, we will have no alternative but to keep students here at college doing class work.

Activities Week is an important part of our curriculum as it gives students a wide range of out of class experiences and challenges. It would be a shame to have to consider removing this programme from next year’s calendar.

Policy Updates
The Board of Trustees has recently finished reviewing the college’s policies. To comment on the draft policies before they are ratified go to the college website. To make comment please email the office on office@kuranui-college.school.nz and write Policies in the subject line.

Sexual Health Consultation
Each year we are required to consult with the College community about the sexual health programme which is delivered in the Junior College. Those of you who are attending the Year 9 Family Learning Conferences will be given a consultation sheet. Please take the opportunity to complete these and hand them in to the College office as you leave.
If you are unable to attend the Family Learning Conferences, the consultation sheets will be available from the College office.

To all staff, students and families; have a safe, relaxing and enjoyable summer break. We will see you all in the New Year.

G Shepherd
PRINCIPAL

Welcome

2009-12-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the blog space of the Kuranui College Korero Broadsheet. Here we will try to keep you all up to date with what's going on at school. It should become an exciting and informative portal into the news, events and activities at Kuranui College.