Acting Principal's Message
Yesterday, listening to person after person reading out notices in assembly, I was reminded just how busy we all are at the moment. Our days are so full as we rush from one thing to the next increasing our levels of stress and fatigue.
A perfect antidote to the rush of the day was Boarders’ night chapel on Wednesday evening. An oasis of calm with the lights low and candles lit, it was a beautiful and peaceful space to be. Rev. Lorna spoke about Matariki and the girls sent their dreams and aspirations to Hiwa I te rangi one of the nine stars of Matariki, known as the wishing star.
Perhaps you would like to take some time out stargazing with your whanau this Matariki - Watch: How to find the Matariki star cluster | Te Papa
Chills and Ills
There are a lot of Winter colds and flu around at the moment. We are therefore continuing to ask that girls wear masks in some situations at school such as Chapels and Assemblies. Staff and students are more than welcome to mask-up to protect themselves and others in classrooms too.
Some of your daughters are struggling to meet work and assessment deadlines due to illness or because of having to isolate. If your daughter is absent due to Covid in the household but are themselves well, please encourage them to email teachers to ensure they have the work they need to do.
Missed assessment forms are available and teachers are being very supportive by rescheduling or extending deadlines for students who have been unwell. It would be helpful if any appointments can be made for outside school hours whenever possible.
Congratulations
We send our congratulations to India Bartlett and Tiarna Webb-Milner for their entries in Ngã Manu Kõrero Speech Competition and eagerly await the results. Thank you to Dallas Pahiri for all her work with the girls and to Ngatahi for their involvement in the Powhiri.
We also congratulate Viva Camerata, Mrs Van Deventer and her team for securing a place at the Big Sing Finale in August, a major achievement.
Enjoy Matariki and stay safe
Mrs Sandie Sherwen
Around School
Boarding Note from Jo Booth
A huge thank you must go to Pastor Wendy and Rev. Lorna for the beautiful Boarders Chapel service we had on Tuesday night. The theme of the service was Matariki which was celebrated with candles and bubbles! A very special moment for our boarders as you can see by the photo below.
Another lovely event this week was the Year 12 and 13 Dessert Dance at Rathkeale. Many thanks to our very talented matron Miss McCoy for the photos she took of the girls last night. It was also fantastic for our Main House boarders to see the Senior girls all dressed up. Thanks girls for modelling your outfits… you looked amazing.
Finally, the focus for me as Director of Boarding at this stage of the year is reviewing Boarding Policies. While this is happening, please note that Year 12 Boarders who bring a vehicle to school, it is not to be used during the week. This is a Year 13 privilege, and only with parental permission for exceptional circumstances.
Enjoy Matariki!
Jo
Whānau - bringing live professional theatre to St Matthew's
On Friday the 17th of June year 10 and 11 Music and Drama students were treated to an hour long show from four professional New Zealand actors in a play titled Whānau. The play was made up of a collection of monologues from some of New Zealand's most renowned theatre characters. All of the monologues centered around the theme of family and were weaved together with creative song and movement transitions. This was a rare opportunity for our girls to experience the magic of live theatre, and to glean valuable insight into performance practices. It was a thought provoking and highly enjoyable afternoon that has inspired many of our budding performing artists.
Parent/Teacher Interviews Term Three
Parent/Teacher interviews have been moved to Week 2 of next term – 4th and 5th of August. Details for booking will be emailed to parents in the last week of this term. Year 10 parents will be given first option for booking as they missed out on the first round of interviews.
Boarders Chapel
Well! It was our first boarders’ chapel service this week for quite some time and it was wonderful. As we entered the candle lit chapel, we were reminded of the beautiful building we are so privileged to have in our grounds. Rev Lorna navigated us through a star struck journey where we learned about Matariki. When gazing at Pohutukawa we lit our own candle in remembrance of lost loved ones (trying not to burn the hair of the person in front of us). Finally, after singing some aptly chosen hymns about our God’s awesome creation, we ventured out into the crisp night to gaze at stars – our very own bubble stars (it was too overcast to see the real ones). Such fun! Really looking forward to our next night chapel service next term.
Food and Nutrition
Here is the second Food Waste project recipe from Ana Long and Coco McMillan -
Dessert Dance
A few gorgeous snaps from the Dessert Dance held last night.
Hard Material Technology
Below are photos of Year 8 girls at Hard Material Technology at Makoura College. The Year 7 / 8 girls attend classes once a week for one term. They are bused over on Tuesday or Thursday morning for their classes. The girls are finishing off their Message Boards and LED lit Trinket Boxes. Comments from the girls. “We love it”. “We get to use so much machinery”. “The Laser cutter is cool”.
An Evening of Art
2022 School Board Triennial Elections
The St Matthew's Collegiate Board of Trustees Elections will be held on 7 September 2022. We encourage any parents, caregivers and those from the wider community who are interested in being part of the governance of our school to put their name forward when nominations open in July.
School App
If you are new to St Matthew's Collegiate, or have yet to download, please follow the link to install our school app https://schoolappsnz.co.nz/install
For current families, please update your subscription groups by clicking on the cog in the top right hand of the screen. It will take you to the groups for you to change.
Key Dates for Term 2
- Friday 24th June - Matariki public holiday
- Saturday 25th June - Exeat
- Sunday 26th June - Exeat
- Wednesday 29th June - University of Canterbury presentation (5.30pm SC Centre)
- Friday 1st July - Saturday 2nd July - 20 hour back-page challenge
- Friday 1st July - Saturday 2nd July - Arts Evening (6.30pm at Rathkeale)
- Sunday 3rd July - Tuesday 5th July - Pent Tournament (away)
- Wednesday 6th June - Year 11 Barn Dance
- Friday 8th July - Last day of Term 2