Star Board Term Four Week Four

Principal's Message

Kia Ora Koutou

We are hours away from week five and 44 days from Christmas- how quickly this year has passed. While I pen this I am cognisant of the busyness of this term thus far, but more the wealth of positive experiences we have had and will have.

I take my hat off everyday to the people with whom I work because of the genuine effort they put into creating fulfilling and engaging activities. As an example of just that, as I write this Year 9 have boarded a bus for a trip to Parliament and a historical experience with very keen staff. That this trip happens to be on the 11th of the 11th month - which reminds us that the Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on 11 November 1918 ( year 9 may not have known the significance of this day at the start of this trip but rest assured Miss Glass and the other staff will make sure they know by the trip’s end).

Celebrating school staff

A former parent of our school Tori Forrester, mum of former Head of Wake and now old girl Kate Forrester (2020); recently left the profession after many years as a Secondary school Head of Technology. She in her new capacity as an Agent for Tommy’s, visited to say how much she appreciated the work done by staff in schools, and more her daughter’s alma mater. Tori and her company generously donated tickets to Toast Martinborough, which by your receipt of this message will have been drawn and presented to a lucky member of our staff.

Manners are alive and well in St Matthew’s

We had a wonderful showcasing event during Kotahitanga on Thursday. Ms Fauvel and her Music students put on a wonderful concert, joined by Mrs Hepburn’s students from Rathkeale. The talent in our schools is extraordinary.

So what is the connection of the Music and Manners? In addition to the musical treats were the inclusion of a Levitate Drinks cart and Mr Whippy. In reviewing the success of the event, making its way back to my ears was the following commentary from these vendors: ‘we have been to a number of events and schools, but your students have been among the most well-mannered. They were so respectful of us…and as they waited in a very long line … were really respectful of each other’.

One of school values is Integrity. Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Now our students did not know anyone was watching – and look what they saw when they did. Speaks volumes.

Have a great weekend and stay safe.

Ngā Mihi

Kiri

Around School

Boarding Note from Jo Booth

Last night we had the pleasure of hosting ten of our new boarders for 2023 in Main House. The purpose of the visit was to come and experience life as a St Matthew’s boarder, which thankfully they all enjoyed! When asked what they enjoyed the most, top of the list was the friendly students, the pool, and wait for it… the dinner and breakfast! So lovely to be able to go and pass that on to our hard working kitchen team.

Please remember if your daughter is not in boarding on her allocated nights, she should be signed out on an Orah leave pass.

Finally, as it has been the first week of NCEA examinations, I thought this photo of Lily, Nikki (our Boarding Prefect for 2022) and Roma waiting to catch the bus to Senior College for their exams was very appropriate.

Have a happy weekend.

Jo

SMOGA "Spirit of Adventure" Grant

Summer Music Festival

On Thursday during Kotahitanga time, year 7-10 students of St Matthew's and year 10 Rathkeale students were able to be part of a Summer Music Festival that was planned and put on by the year 10 Music students at St Matthew's as part of a unit of inquiry into festivals and community music. Students and staff were able to enjoy to a wide range of musical talent: from a piano duet from Vicky Wu and Lucy Didsbury; vocal harmonies from Evangeline and Olivia Leach, and rock performances from our year 10 band comprised of Stella Carrington, Heidi Slater, Lauren Oldfield, Riley McAlister and Evangeline Leach. We were also lucky to be able to hear from two Rathkeale bands and the St Matthew's Jazz band. Along with amazing musical performances, there were food trucks and face painting to create a genuine festival atmosphere.

Thanks to everyone who helped planned this event.

Maggie Fauvel