Star Board Term Three Week Two

Acting Principal's Message

I’m sure you’ll agree it’s been a great week. The Fashion students returned from the Hokonui Fashion Awards clutching a range of awards and prizes including category wins for Samantha Plimmer in the “Glamour” section and Kersha Napier in “Street Wear”. Runner up in the same category was Kerry Noble (Rathkeale). Highly commended and merit awards went to Kersha Napier, Jiya Patel, and Maddie Wellbrock. And our not so old “Old Girl”, Jess Long, who is studying at Otago, was runner up in the “Wools of New Zealand” section. A big thank you to Mrs Bucknell and all our parents for making the trip happen despite flights being cancelled at the last moment.

The Winter Showcase on Wednesday evening was an opportunity for the students with a passion for dance and music to perform for an audience for the first time in what seems like a very long time. The NCEA level 1 dance class performed a range of dances that had all been choreographed by themselves. Viva camerata gave us a first viewing of the pieces they have been rehearsing for the Big Sing finale. The jazz band and orchestra had our feet tapping and the Kapa Haka group which launched this year, sent tingles down the spine. A terrific evening of entertainment made possible by our talented girls and dedicated staff.

Yesterday the 1st X1 Hockey team took to the turf in the Dunce Cup. The girls showed great skill and determination and were unlucky not to have broken the 0-0 draw as they literally hit the post on a few occasions. The 1st X1 Football team found the back of the net seven times in their win over Kuranui. Good luck to the girls leaving for Quad on Sunday.

Thank you for joining us this week for Parent/Teacher evenings. I am sure you have been able to go back to your daughters with pride and perhaps a few pearls of wisdom to pass on.

This term we are trialling a new initiative instigated by Pastor Wendy and the Chapel Prefects to promote our school values. If you happen to see your daughter with any of these Values Gems, please know that she has demonstrated Commitment, Integrity, Respect, Inclusiveness or Compassion in a genuinely positive way.

It has been a privilege and pleasure for me to take on the role of Acting Principal for the last few weeks and I thank you for the support I have received. We welcome back Mrs Gill who returns to us on Monday from her sabbatical.

Enjoy your weekend, Sandie Sherwen

Around School

Boarding Note from Jo Booth

Boarding provides opportunities for students to attend events they may not be able to go to, if they weren’t living on site. On Wednesday evening, Mrs Keats and a number of boarders went over to watch students in the Performing Arts Concert in the hall. This was an excellent night of entertainment which was enjoyed by all. Congratulations to those who performed, and thank you to Charlotte Kirk and Riley McAlister who were also involved as the Tech Crew and Lauren Oldfield and Sara Nicole-Ross who helped as Ushers.

Last night, a bus full of supporters jumped on the double decker bus to support our 1st XI Hockey team vs Wairarapa College at Clareville. This was another excellent opportunity for the Boarders to have a night off prep and have some fun. Thanks to Mrs Fair and Mrs Alcorn for supervising down at the turf.

This morning I had plenty of happy customers as they discovered that morning tea was fruit salad and homemade sausage rolls, with Watties sauce! Thanks Pippy and Alex (one of our tutors) for letting me take this shot.

Finally, thank you to all Boarding families for using Orah our Boarding App. I really appreciate your co-operation with this. Here is the link again if you need some further assistance - https://success.orah.com/en/collections/2964709-parent-guardians Going forward, when submitting arrangements for the weekend, please use the Weekend Leave Pass rather than the Quick Sign Out. Thank you.

Have a lovely weekend - Jo

Senior College Subject Information Evening 2023

• Venue: Rathkeale College Dining Hall
• Date and time: Friday 19th of August 2022, 3:30pm to 5:30pm

All year 11 and 12 students and their parents are invited to attend the above event on Friday the 19th of August of August at Rathkeale College.

The aim of the evening is to provide information about the subjects that will be offered at Rathkeale/St Matthew’s Senior College in 2023. Subject displays will be set up, and Heads of Faculty and Subjects will be present to answer questions. There will be careers information on display, and personnel from some tertiary institutions may also be present.

Members of Senior Management and the Rathkeale Careers Advisor will also be available to answer questions.

Shout Out to Pak N Save Masterton

A massive thank you to Pak N Save Masterton, for the donation of sausages and bread to the Senior A fundraising effort to attend Lower North Island Championships. Their support was hugely appreciated by the players, coaches and school.