Star Board Term Three Week Four

Intercollegiate Debating

Although Covid is very much part of our lives, we are reclaiming many of the events that have been a customary part of the calendar. One such activity is debating. An intercollegiate competition had been scheduled for late March this year but had to be postponed. Finally, on Tuesday 16 August, local secondary schools came together for a festival of debating. On site at St Matthew’s our own teams were joined by those from Chanel, Kuranui, Makoura, Rathkeale and Solway. Debating took place all day, in four rooms with four adjudicators who worked tirelessly.

All Year 9 teams debated two motions: That children under 14 should be banned from having internet enabled phones, and That NZ should take 10 times the current refugee numbers. The St Matthew’s girls: Olivia Leach, Sienna Chu, Scarlett Handley-Craig, and Bonnie Noble won both their debates.

In the Year 10 contest St Matthew’s, represented by Evie Leach, Stella Carrington and Charlotte Kirk also won both their debates; firstly, That the government needs to raise the taxes on fast food, and then That online learning is better than face to face.

There was no competition specifically for Year 11, so St Matthew’s year 11 girls found themselves competing against seniors. Teams were given limited preparation time of 90 minutes. The St Matthew’s Year 11 team consisted of Emma Thorneycroft, Hannah Percy and Sophie Joblin, joined on Tuesday morning by Bella Rogers when one phoned in ill. They debated a senior Kuranui team on the motion That boys experience more peer pressure than girls. They debated very well, but did not quite manage to “out-argue” their opponents.

It was a very enjoyable day. The weather was kind which meant that between their debates the teams could mingle outside, either doing final preparation for their next debate, or just catching up with friends. Inside, there was an atmosphere of friendly rivalry.

As with any such event there are a good many people who have contributed to the day, and whom we would like to thank. Firstly, thanks go to the Masterton Licensing Trust who provided funding for the event; then to the co-ordinator, Mrs Colleen Douglas and to the four adjudicators, Miss Marilyn Bouzaid, Mrs Claire Hills, Mrs Anne Powell and Mr Grant Harper, who worked so hard and gave much excellent advice to the speakers. Finally, we should thank the team of year 10 girls who acted as chairpersons and timekeepers, and all the speakers who entertained us with so many memorable speeches.

Tim Clarke - HOD English

Year 7 & 8 Sport

It has been a big week of sport for the Year 7 / 8 Department this week.

On Tuesday the whole department participated in a Girls only Rippa Rugby tournament. This was held at Carrington Park in Carterton. Each team played four games each against other Year 7 / 8 schools. It was beautifully warm weather for a fun day out.

On Wednesday the whole department participated in an afternoon of Ball handling skills at the Masterton Recreation Centre. This is an annual event organised by Sport Wairarapa. St Matthew’s fielded four teams and put-up fierce competition against 11 other schools. It was an afternoon of large ball games demonstrating ball handling, speed and teamwork. St Matt’s team 2 came fourth, St Matt’s team 4 came fifth, St Matt’s 3 sixth equal and St Matt’s 1 finished seventh.

To complete the week of interschool sports and activities the Year 7 / 8, A & B Netball teams travelled to St Marks school in Wellington. Unfortunately, St Marks were unable to field any other sports codes, so the remainder of the department remained at school. Both Netball teams were very successful, winning both of their games.

While the Netballers were away the remainder of the department held their own mini tournament. After a very fast-moving wet game of Hockey on the turf, the girls took to the Football field for an even wetter and slipperier game of Football. Thankfully it wasn’t cold, only wet. The bibbed team won both games against the non bibbed team.

Many thanks to Mrs Shearing and Mrs Ingham from the sports department for organising the games this week and thanks to Mrs Gollins and Mr D for the at home tournament.

Ruamahanga Trust visit

Trustees from the Ruamahanga Restoration Trust recently presented the school with a brand new award trophy designed by local ceramic artist Sam Ludden. The Conservation Award for Environmental Leadership will be awarded to the student who best demonstrates leadership skills in conservation and environmental restoration within their school and the local community. The trustees are gifting 20 handmade kokopu trophies to schools across the Wairarapa. The trustees hope to raise awareness around the need for youth to connect with nature and to help protect the health and biodiversity of our local environment for future generations. The Ruamahanga Restoration Trust, which was founded by Rathkeale Old Boys, has already donated over $500 worth of eco-sourced native trees to the school this year.