Star Board Term Three Week Three

Principal's Message

Kia Ora Koutou

I’m back

Author Terry Pratchett wrote “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colours”. My sabbatical has afforded me that experience so now it is vital that I use that clarity and perspective with wisdom for our school.

I am mindful that my time away was made possible because of the support of my colleagues, students, and community. Prior , during , and now I have been grateful for the kindnesses extended to me. I am truly grateful that Sandie Sherwen, Alison Glass, and Doug Davidson all stepped up to take on responsibilites during my absence and kept the place humming along.

I can also report that my children’s dad has settled in well and is immensely grateful to be closer to family. The support networks in Masterton have been phenomenal in assisting us to navigate his care.

Ventilation

The Ministry of Health has put together advice on improving ventilation in homes. I found this useful so I am sharing it with you.

Ventilation and COVID-19 – Unite against COVID-19

The Internet

Information is at our fingertips but when we access it we need to take care that it is reliable, so checking our sources always makes sense (and no surprises there right?). I had a sideline conversation with a parent just recently about a Netflix documentary-drama we had both watched called ‘A Social Dilemma’. It explores the human impact of social networking. It has moments of sensation but it makes you think.

Mask Wearing

The return to mask wearing indoors at the start of the term was generally accepted. The expecation was for the first four weeks of term, next week being the fourth. I will update you as word comes to hand about how that may change.

Bicycles

I thank you for your response to the request for donations of your unused bicycles. You are probably wondering ‘ how unused a bicycle does she want? let us just say that we will probably draw the line at penny-farthings and your two year olds trike.

As I close can I just say that it is great to be back. Have a safe weekend and be the best you can be.

Ngā Mihi

Kiri

Around School

Boarding Note from Jo Booth

This week is National Boarding Schools Week, so to celebrate being a boarder, prep was parked for the night and all boarders enjoyed a Pizza and Dessert night. All Year 10’s had dinner with the Year 13’s, while the Year 11’s had dinner with the Year 12’s in their Hampton Common Rooms.

This was a really successful evening as it provided the boarders with the opportunity to chat about leadership; brainstorm possible activities that could be fun to do at school with all St Matthew’s boarders and with Rathkeale boarders; ask questions about the rules and routines of Hampton House. Many thanks to our senior girls for hosting this event, and special thanks to Nikki Jones our Boarding Prefect.

You may think that food is mentioned often in the Boarding Note… which it is! Good food is key to a happy boarding environment, and one improvement has been soup on the morning tea menu. Yesterday the boarders loved the hot vegetable soup and croutons so much that absolutely everything was eaten. Thanks Mali and Poppy for posing for this photo by the empty food trolley!

Lastly, many thanks to our families for using Orah. We have the majority of full time boarders with a Weekend Leave Pass scheduled for this weekend which is excellent to see. Please remember it is an exeat weekend so the Boarding Houses do not open until 7pm on Sunday, and there are no late dinners.

Have a lovely weekend - Jo

Careers Day Friday 19th August . Where next ?

Year 12 and 13 students will be off timetable for the day and will be attending a variety of workshops aimed to prepare them for life after college.

In the morning the workshops cover a range of subjects :- from living on a budget, cooking on a budget, 101 University, time management, financing studies, employment rights ,preparing for interview, surviving halls of residence to mention a few.

In the afternoon staff from Canterbury, Massey, Victoria, Lincoln and Wiakato will be here to help Year 13 select course for next year. For those not in these sessions there more workshops.

The Year 11 will join us for the afternoon ,they will be attending career talks these include:- Future Farmers, Construction, Law. Police, Health pathways as well as apprenticeships.

Following this there is the course selection session for Year 11 and 12. Some of the providers from the day will remain on site so parents with students can talk about possible pathways and specific subject requirements.

It will be a busy day but hopefully help to point students in the right direction.

Year 13 Careers -  Just a reminder to you that some scholarships close on Monday 15th at 11.58pm. Please check the deadline for any applications you are making.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Michelle Green - Careers Teacher

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.

The Lion King

Rehearsals are well underway with the cast working very hard towards the performance dates of November 1st , 2nd and 3rd.