Kia ora te whanau o te Kotuku
Thank you for the support you have provided to our young people this term. The highlights of the term include LUV Music and the Drama show "Too Much Punch for Judy" which I was fortunate to watch and thoroughly enjoyed.
International languages week was a great celebration of the cultures and inclusiveness that exist within our community. We were thrilled with the turnout to the Cultural Evening where the community turned out in droves to sample food and entertainment. The Year 9 Camp was a successful week for the 250 students who took part at Camp Adair in Huia. The students conducted themselves very well and took on the challenges that they were presented with, many stepping out of their comfort zones. A big thank you to the staff who gave up their valuable time to be away from their families to provide a wonderful experience for the Year 9 students. The Year 9 students also had the opportunity to visit the Fo Guan Shan Buddhist Temple where they had the opportunity to experience and learn about a different culture and religion, as well as gaining some valuable life lessons.
The increased life that has been breathed into our school house system is something that I look forward to seeing continue to grow and flourish.
Term Two House Points are: Tāne Mahuta = 1550 Tama-nui-te-rā = 1200 Ruaumoko = 1000
The complete refurbishment of C Block toilets at significant cost is something we are very pleased about and something we have been waiting a long time to get across the line. Te Kotuku Marae has had some love and attention given to the interior with the floor repaired, a complete paint throughout and new carpet. As the first school marae in Aotearoa it is so important that we show this aroha for our marae.
By the time we return for the start of term 3 the upgrade of our courts with tiger turf should be completed. This will have direct benefit for our Physical Education classes and our netball, tennis and hockey teams.
The School Ball
What a pleasure it was to be at our school ball last night. The organisation of key staff and the support of the ball committee provided the foundation for a wonderful night for our students. I was very proud of the 310 students and 38 staff who turned up to enjoy the evening. Collectively the students looked amazing and turned up with a great attitude to respect the occasion and enjoy themselves. Last night reminded me of the collective spirit and unity that permeates our kura. The last couple of years through the upheaval of COVID have made it difficult to foster and develop the spirit that we place such value on. Last night it was there for all to see and feel. My thanks to Ms Ivanovic, Miss Yates and Ms Farrar for their attention to detail. Finally, to all the students that attended I also thank you. Why, because I got a genuine buzz from the evening, because of how you chose to enjoy your night and support each other. Absolutely brilliant.
There will be more detail about the ball in the next panui, including detail of the awards and some photos.
Acts of Kindness even when others may have chosen something different.
The German city of berlin following World war II was divided by a wall – to keep the West out and the East confined to communism. The wall became a symbol for freedom fighters on both sides pf the wall – a wall that split families (families were arbitrarily split) as well as the city.
Unfortunately, hatred and fear grew around the wall. One day some of the East Berliners decided they would send a gift to the Berliners in the West. So they loaded a truck with rubbish, drove across the border and dumped the garbage on the West berlin side. The West Berliners were furious at this insult and schemed about how to get even. Finally, a wise voice spoke up – and gave some very different advice. People listened to this voice and hurried to load a truck with all things that were scarce in the East, like clothes, food, toys and medicines. They drove the truck across the border, unloaded all the goods into a tidy pile and left a note. The note read, “we all give according to our ability to give.”
How much anger, fear, ignorance and cruelty would be left in the world if we could all listen to that wise voice and return insults, not with revenge, but with kindness.
Congratulations to Lucinda Hill
We congratulate Lucinda Hill for being selected as a finalist for the 2023 Smith and Partners Law Scholarship along with Theo RobbMarkham. Finalists will be interviewed next term and then voting will commence for the People’s Choice Award from 7 August. More information on how to vote will be shared closer to the time.
Well done Lucinda on a wonderful achievement.
Rutherford College School Board Casual Vacancy for a parent representative
A casual vacancy has occurred on the school board for an elected parent representative. The board has decided to fill the vacancy by selection.
If 10% or more of eligible voters on the school roll ask the board, within 28 days of this notice being published, to hold a by-election to fill the vacancy, then a by-election will be held.
Request for a by-election should be sent to: Presiding Member via email: [email protected] or in writing to Presiding Member, Rutherford College School Board, P O Box 45327, Te Atatu 0651 by 3pm on 28 July 2023.
Progress Reports
Term 2 progress reports are available on the School Portal - please log in and click on Reports. Next term we will again offer opportunity for parents to meet with subject teachers. This will occur on Thursday August 10 from 2pm to 8pm. Bookings will open next term on or before 28 July - more information will be provided closer to the time on how to book.
Option Evening runs on the same day as Parent Teacher Student conferences in the School Hall. All parents and students are invited to attend for career advice. We will have a range of external providers such as University representative and course providers who will be very happy to discuss pathways and work opportunities with everyone. This will help students become informed on which subjects they should choose in 2024 to ensure they meet any prerequisites or have the knowledge to progress in their chosen pathway. It is also a wonderful opportunity to find a pathway or area of interest to pursue if there is uncertainty about career choices or future study options.
The Arts Exhibition 2023
Rutherford College is holding The Arts Exhibition on Wednesday 26 July from 6pm – 8.30pm. Students will be selling and show casing a wide variety of their artwork. From drawings, paintings and sculptures to prints by Te Poho o Hinekahukura. As well as work by Fashion design students. There will also be a silent auction, music, food and wine. Come along and support the students who have worked hard to produce all types of artwork. Book your ticket here: https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/9706 – $10 per ticket (your ticket includes one free drink and finger food throughout the night).
Open Evening and Open Day
Thursday 27 July the school is open from 6pm to 8pm for any prospective students to visit and find out more about the school. Our current students will be on hand to take interested parties on a tour of the school and the Principal will address the community in the School Hall. Friday 28 July we are open from 9.30am - 1.30pm for school tours if you want to see the school in action. 31 July our enrolment week commences Monday to Thursday 3.30 to 7pm in the Information Commons. You need to complete the online application form (available on the website) and book your appointment time via our Booking Schedule on SchoolPoint - Click on Menu and Choose Registration for Pre-Enrolment Interviews for Year 9 2024. The booking code is 8e9b0bfe.
Change to the School Timetable
During term 3 and 4 this year the school has made the decision to put the Kotuku Ka Tohea Programme on hold to prioritise teaching time. Senior Leaders have made this decision to address the disruptions experienced during term 2 when students had a lot of time out of school. This means for terms 3 and 4 Wednesday times will be the same as every other day i.e. schools starts at 8.50 and finishes at 3.10pm. Tutor time will be 10.50 - 11.10am - the same as every other day.
Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand
Te Whatu Ora has asked that we share the following information that you may wish to forward to your school or kura community.
This winter, between Monday 12 June and Saturday 30 September, participating community pharmacies in Auckland will provide a Minor Health Conditions Service for Māori and Pacific people, children aged under 14 years, and community service card holders. The service allows pharmacists to have a clinical consultation and provide advice as well as medication if needed for a select set of minor health conditions no cost to the patient.
It also includes whānau members of a child with similar symptoms. For example, if the pharmacist determines your child needs treatment for scabies and they have older brothers or sisters, or you yourself also have symptoms, they may provide advice and medication for all of you.
The following health conditions are included in the Minor Health Conditions Service:
- Acute diarrhoea
- Dehydration
- Eye inflammation and infections
- Scabies
- Headlice
- Pain and fever
- Eczema/Dermatitis
- Minor skin infections
If your condition needs further support, the pharmacist can tell you the best place to go to get further help. It’s also important to remember that you can always speak to your local pharmacist for free health advice, even if you are not eligible for this service.
Participating pharmacies can be found by going to HealthPoint and searching “Minor Health Conditions”. You can also find a list here.
Kia Kaha
Gary Moore
