The Flame Student Newspaper
Welcome parents, teachers and students to MRGS's student newspaper- The Flame. This is an online edition of the newspaper, written by students for students. Click here to read the current issue of The Flame online, as well as previous issues. Students are encouraged to submit an article for The Flame by clicking on the "Submit Work" link a the Flame website.
Sports News
For latest Sports News click here
News Page/Newsletter Archive
Visit our History pages to see a news page archive from previous years.
Fonterra KickStart Breakfast
MRGS participates in the Fonterra KickStart Breakfast Programme. We provide a healthy breakfast for any students. For examle these could be sports teams or students in need. We were fortunate to have breakfast with discus star Beatrice Faumuina on Friday the 23rd July 2010. She spoke about her successes and failures as an athlete and how important breakfast was to each of us on a daily basis. She talked about the difficulties of training in a small arena and competing on the huge world stage, adapting and making the best of difficult situations. The breakfast was attended by several dozen students who appreciated hearing her experiences. She spoke about discipline, planning and structure being important parts of her training programme. We were also surprised to see another side of Beatrice – she confessed to maths being her favourite subject at school and is also a rubic cube whizz!
Career Expo
It may have been a dark and stormy July night but that didn’t stop the continual stream of students and parents from pouring through the doors of our most successful Career Expo yet.
The 55 providers that cheerfully turned up to offer their knowledge and advice ranged from the universities and institutes of technology to the Armed Forces and Police. Providers of qualifications in areas as varied as construction, sport, audio engineering, animation, fine arts and hairdressing discussed their courses and qualifications throughout the night. There were also representatives from the ANZ bank, quantity surveying and MIT Maritime School.
All providers were highly impressed with how well informed Mt Roskill Grammar School students were and complimented the students’ questioning skills and approach to inquiry.
The night’s success was largely to do with the tireless work of our career assistants who helped the providers get their gear through the rain into the hall, then plied them with hot drinks and pizza and generally looked after them. And a huge thank you to Miss Hodge who was the brains and organiser behind the event.
More photos available in photo gallery
Year 13 MUNA Delegation 2010
Being obliged to wake up at the enervating hour of 6 AM was but a small price to pay. The reward? An utterly unforgettable insight into how the United Nations functioned, all whilst meeting like-minded students from all over Auckland.
Taking their place behind the USA (don't China just get the best seats in the house?), China settled confidently into a day of gruelling debate, its two remits involving sanctions against rogue nuclear states and expanion of the Security Council. China soon wove a network of alliances, encompassing Italy, Angola, Poland, Tonga and Chile, to name but a few. China’s most powerful ally was of course its good Communist buddy Russia, featuring Athene, Vash and Shirley from St Cuth’s! Much to the chagrin of Wilson and Elia though, Jordan seemed more interested in chatting with the other delegates-amongst whom Ella of Chile could be seen talking with him at morning tea on the second day-than engaging in the passionate, albeit often tumultous, cross-floor debate.
Jordan’s empassioned defence of North Korea’s nuclear programme (backed by Russia, as ever) was duly followed by Elia’s eloquent oratory in favor of restricting the SC expansion. Having declined to participate in the improptu debate (reviving the perennial favorite theme of North Korea, this time in the recent sinking of a South Korean naval corvette), China’s voice was more than ably represented by the Honourable Delegate for Russia, Athene. Such a close working relationship was cemented by a solemn handshake between her and Jordan at morning tea.
After the break, the convocation reconvened under the watchful gaze of Mr Wilson, who functioned just as well as, if not better than, the right Honourable Jonathan Hunt had on the first day. A barrage of interjections was hurled at anything and everything the delegates deemed wary, and many a folded note was once again received by China. One particular communique belonged to another of China’s Communist Comrades, Cuba. Emblazoned with a lipstick kiss, it proved a watersehd in the Chinese delegation’s day.
All in all, the Rotary MUNA 2010 was an incredible experience. A deeper appreciation of the UN’s workings wasn’t all that China took away from the conference, with Jordan clutching a bulging folder full of notes and his phone vibrating like mad as he kept up with texting the delegates he had met. Especially worthy of note should be Harriet of Italy, with whom he held a whispered conversation in French on the last day.
Our most sincere thanks must be consecrated to Dr Hawthorne and Ms Hartstonge, without whose shrewd observations on the absurdities of the gathering-such as Dr Hawthorne’s keen remark on the myopic Jonathan Hunt who shot down Points of Information like flies and diligent driving none of this would have been possible.
By Jordan, Elia and Wilson
MRGS Year 13 MUNA Delegation 2010, Representing the People’s Republic of China
Mediation Symposium
On Friday 25th June, seventeen MRGS Mediators attended the 2010 Cool Schools Secondary Symposium and embraced an unforgettable experience. The day comprised of presentations by various guest speakers like Divya Dhar (Inaugural 2010 Young New Zealander of the Year); Alfred Filipaina and Wilson Chau. The MRGS Mediators presented how Roskill spreads peace, with a power point presentation of Peace Week photos, an excerpt of the Peace Week Assembly and the debut screening of the MRGS rendition of Michael Jackson’s “ We are the World”. The Symposium was a great opportunity to meet students from 9 other schools and learn the different mediation methods that they use. It was very encouraging to share ideas with other Mediators from different parts of Auckland and rub shoulders with like-minded people. Together we were shown our potential to change the world as youth, starting with our local community. It is possible to fight injustices, poverty and build a peaceful world. But it starts with the individual. Only with a global vision coupled with a plan of action can they be agents of change.
All the Mediators that attended the Symposium are extremely grateful to Donna Hourigan-Johnston for this life- changing experience. The time and effort that she devotes to the Mediation Service at MRGS is greatly valued and appreciated. In a nutshell, Donna is a Legend!
By Audrey Tay and Joseph Windsor
Open Day
Wednesday 28 July - 3.30pm – 6.30pm.
Meet at the Administration Building (main entrance) Corner Frost & Carr Roads and visitors will receive a guided tour and the opportunity to discuss the school with staff and students.
Mt Roskill Does It Again
In the annual analysis of results of Auckland secondary schools completed by Metro Magazine Mt Roskill once again features highly. This year we are second (out of 76) in their overall rankings of “The best NCEA schools in Auckland”.
Mt Roskill Grammar is the top state coeducational school (one of three state coeducational schools in the top ten) and the only coeducational school in the top six. We stand out as one of the schools with the best three-year academic record (2007-2009) for adding value, across all the measures used to compile these rankings. We are also highlighted as one of the schools which most increased students’ chances of passing scholarship.
Metro magazine writes:
“Good Scholarship rates are ... an excellent across the board measure of academic achievement at the top end.
A good school should have good scores (well over 100 on our table) in all measures.”
Mt Roskill Grammar School scores 216, a measure which Metro believes “reveals the commitment of a school to top academic achievement in the senior year”
(Reference: Metro, July/August 2010, issue 345, pp. 54-55)
Blake Medallist Visit
On Monday 28th June the school was privileged to welcome as a guest at its assembly, Ray Avery – this year’s recipient of the Blake Medal, the supreme accolade of the Sir Peter Blake annual leadership awards. He was greeted by a haka from the school’s Kapahaka group and then spoke to the assembly about his life and work in bringing affordable medical care to poor countries throughout the world. After the assembly Mr Avery spoke to a small group of the school’s own student leaders and gave them a fascinating and informative insight into his own career, life philosophy and opinions on leadership.
Mr Avery’s award recognises his life’s work in clinical pharmacology, and particularly his foundation of Medicine Mondiale, an organization that develops innovative medicine and technologies to help those who could otherwise not afford it. One of his own particular contributions was the invention of the low-cost intraocular lens, which he invented in his garage – at a cost of only $6 it has saved the sight of millions of the poorest people in the world.
Matariki Concert
On the evening of Wednesday 16th June the school hosted a campus wide Matariki concert to celebrate Matariki.
A day no-one will ever be able to imagine or forget. It was a memorable, fun-filled night with performances and meeting new people. Shannon, Sam, Emma and I got to greet the new Kaumatua (John Komene) into our school but had to say a sad good-bye to the old one. The performances were done by all three schools, Primary, Intermediate and Grammar. We all knew that Matariki was a very important time of year, so we all sung our hearts out, and came together as a whanau. If it weren't for the patient Whaea Lee and the dedication she put into all three Kapahaka groups, none of this would have been possible. We had all shown the new Kaumatua how much Kapahaka means to us and how important he will be in our lives. Everyone had congratulated and thanked Whaea Lee for all the hard work she put into the Kapahaka groups, applauded the principals for supporting us through it all and showed appreciation to Mrs Coetzee for all the wonderful, amazing, delicious food she had cooked for us. The night ended with a massive feed and smiles on everyone's faces.
Sarah Joseph
photos
MUNA Trip
At the disgustingly early hour of 6.30am, in the dark and the cold of Friday 28th of May, we assembled at school to go to MUNA, which was to take place at Auckland Girls' Grammar School inside the Dorothy Winston Centre. MUNA stands for Model United Nation’s Assembly where delegates from each country represent their views to the General Assembly. The Year 12 Mount Roskill team had four delegates who were Binal Patel, Palutea Malu, Anfernee Yee and Raagini Vijay , and we were representing Tonga. We arrived on time and got dressed into our Tongan costumes which were organised by Palu. When we went inside to find our allocated seats, it was a surprise that we were seated right in the font. The hall was soon filled by 900 other students eager to learn about the workings of the United Nations.
Since we were representing the Kingdom of Tonga, we didn’t really need to say much as we were a relatively small country. However we soon realised that even a small country like Tonga is influential in deciding the roles played by countries which feature more prominently in the BLOC and General Assembly meetings. The day slowly progressed with numerous debates, discussions and lots of laughter. The food was amazing, a satisfying breakfast followed by a sausage sizzle and a vegetarian pizza. Afternoon tea was another success with numerous plates filled with doughnuts. The two remits we shared our views on were the issue of human organ trading and disarmament of Nuclear weapons in South Korea, Iran and Iraq. This concluded Day 1.
We went back early morning the next day looking forward to other interesting issues from some of the other countries. Overall, MUNA was a valuable experience as we all got to learn more about what is going on in the world. We thoroughly enjoyed MUNA and are looking forward to hopefully taking part next year. Special thanks to Mr Hawthorne and Ms Hartstonge for giving up lots of their time for us, and allowing us to have this great experience.
ANZAC Day Service
It was a beautiful Sunday morning on the 25th of April, as all the Prefects of Mt Roskill were gathered to pay our respects to the fallen soldiers and veterans. We gathered on the corner of May Rd and Denbigh Ave then took part in the march with other schools and organisations and general public, to The May Rd War Memorial. When we arrived at the full Memorial Hall we found our place, then waited for the ceremony to begin. There were many people of the Mt Roskill community including Phill Goff, Jackie Blue, Reverend Mark Johnson, Mt Roskill Rotary Club as well as our very own Mt Roskill Grammar school choir. The procedure flowed smoothly and respectfully from an introduction through to scripture passages read by students from Marcellin College, with hymns and prayers throughout. The lowering and raising of the flag was commemorating and had a great impact on everyone with the brass trumpet playing in the background. Mt Roskill Grammar participated with Head Boy and Girl, Zane Van Lieshout and Helen Edminston, laying of the wreath out of respect to the fallen soldiers from the Mt Roskill school community. By the end of the ceremony, our Prefects gave a hand to whoever needed it in stacking away chairs and helping wherever needed. This was a first for some but certainly not a last as it was very spiritually moving as we paid our respects to those who sacrificed themselves for our freedom.
Year 13 Geography Trip
The west coast beach at Muriwai was the destination for 160 keen Year 13 Geography students. The aim of the day was for students to collect data to enrich their learning of natural processes for AS90701. Armed with oranges, for Long Shore Drift, greasy sticks, for Saltation, pencils for field sketching and colouring pencils because it is Geography after all, the students set off from each end of the study area swapping over briefly at the Dunz cafe for lunch. It was all hands to the pump in the Geography department with all present and some past members brought along to supervise. Special mention goes to Mr Hall proving that old geographers never give in. While the newcomers retreated to the cafe when a typical west coast squall swept in Mr Hall remained at his post on the tip of the Headland with only a flax bush for protection. It was a very positive day and the department is looking forward to seeing the students results.
More photos available in Photo Gallery
Inchworm....inchworm
The year 12 physics classes started their 4 credit internal obtaining precise measurements using a range of equipment and techniques. Most students obtained their results carefully with no breakages this year, a promising sign of things to come?
New Staff Term II, 2010
Ms Brenda Meyer, an experienced teacher, has been appointed HOD Performing Arts (LTR) while Mr John Coker has joined Mathematics as an assistant teacher, his first appointment. Ms Mary Jane Walker in English and Ms Olivia Stanley in Physical Education are relieving for the rest of the year; Mr Darren Simpson in English, Ms Gillys Miller in Social Sciences and Ms Sarah Anderson in Guidance are relieving for this term. We are pleased to welcome these additions to our staff and the quality they will add to our pupils’ education.
- Sara Anderson (Guidance)
- John Coker (Mathematics)
- Brenda Meyer (Performing Arts)
- Gyllis Miller (Social Sciences)
- Darren Simpson (English)
- Olivia Stanley (Physical Education)
- Maryjane Walker (English)
Jazz Combo Success
The Jazz Combo competed in the Port of Tauranga National Youth Jazz Competition on Easter Saturday 3 April and came second in the Jazz Combo section.
Furthermore, three out of the five jazz combo members were awarded best instrumentatist:- Michael Murray – best bass player, David Cao – best Sax player, Jordan Lapwood – best Electric guitar player. The judging criteria were based on the student’s technical skill but also their ability to improvise. Many thanks to Mr Janssen, our guitar tutor who directs and manages the combo so expertly.
Printing at School
From the beginning of term 2, 2010, a new system will be in place for students to use the school’s printers to print their own work and projects.
How the system works:
- All students will have a printing account.
- Each time a student prints to a school printer, credit will be deducted from their account.
- A starting balance of $2.00 (around 40 copies) will be loaded on each student’s account free of charge at the beginning of term 2 when the system begins and again at the beginning of each year.
- Normal black and white printing to A4 paper will be charged at a rate of 5 cents per copy. Colour or larger copies will cost more.
- At any time, a student may add credit to their printing account by purchasing a “printing top up card” for $2.00 from the school accounts office. The card will contain a code and this code can be loaded on to the student’s account the next time they log in to a school computer.
- When a student’s printing balance reaches $0.00, they will not be able to print until they purchase more credit and load it to their account. Exceptions will be made for senior students during examination periods where they may need to print for assessment purposes.
- Where students have paid through their subject fees for printing that they are expected to carry out themselves, they will be issued with top up cards to cover that component of the fee.
In the past, students have paid for printing either through the various departments where printers are available or at the library. This new system will provide a consistent and fair way for students to cover the costs of the printing that they do and will allow us to continue to provide printing services for all.
If you have any inquiries regarding this new system, please contact Michael Loretz mloretz@mrgs.school.nz (09) 621 0050.
Polyfest 2010- Tongan Group
Being in the Tongan group for 2010 has been a GREAT opportunity, especially since it was my first time, to experience and know more about my culture. We practiced every day from 3:30-5:30pm (or 6:00 at the latest) with Palau Tuli. At Polyfest, I liked how I became a part of MRGS Tongan group and performed the Milolua (making kava). Our Tongan group came 1st for the Milolua and 3rd for the Mako. Special thanks to our Tongan tutor Palau and the Tuli family, for teaching the Tongan MRGS students. Also thanks to our parents, teachers and friends for their support.
Sophie Askew
Polyfest 2010 - Samoan Group
After four weeks of intense practices, the MRGS Samoan Cultural Group graced the stage on the 19th of March at the ASB Polyfest. The Samoan group led by Bridgette Savaiinaea and Jacinta Siliai, performed five items to the crowd on a dreary Friday afternoon. The crowd was packed with ex-Roskill students who came to support their old school. Our staff helpers even dubbed the group as “the best in MRGS’ history”. As we stood and watched other schools perform, we wondered if we did well enough, and nervously replayed every move in our heads. When it was finally time for us to go backstage, the reality started to settle in. We were just about to perform! We changed into our beautiful costumes and chattered nervously, scrabbling to find bobby pins, slapping on oil and taping our wrists. The level of excitement was just as high as the level of noise as we hyped each other up, giving each other hugs and words of encouragement. We all lined up to get lipstick and our fales by one of the helpers and took photos all dolled up, in hope of getting rid of the butterflies in our stomachs. As we waited for the signal to go on stage, we all joined hands and bowed in prayer. As we listened to the inspirational words of one of our tutors, we each whispered our own little prayers, hoping we wouldn’t mess up in front of the huge, waiting crowd. Once we were set, the excitement kept building up and the suspense was overwhelming.
Our performance was exhilarating and full of energy. The MRGS Samoan Cultural Group placed first for our mauliuilu (girls dance), and second for our sasa and our exit. We were disappointed that we didn’t place, but that is definitely our goal for 2011. Our group would like to thank Lelei Jackson, our tutor who we’d be nothing without; our teachers Tului Fox and Nick Tuialii, our parent helpers Mrs Meleisea and Mrs Cheeleam for their support and encouragement while pointing us in the right direction.
The group came 1st in the ma'ulu'ulu, 2nd for the sasa, and 2nd for their exit (ulufafo)
Rawinia Fagamalo
Polyfest 2010 - Indian Dance Group
Four weeks from Polyfest, Mr. Dass and Ms. Naidu called a meeting for everyone interested in the Indian dance group. A lot of people turned up to the meeting and immediately groups were formed. From that moment on, the hard work started. We would meet everyday after school and stay until 5 o’clock to practice in S9 or the PFA room.
We choreographed our moves as we progressed into the dance so we could perfect our previous moves. Often people had to leave because of their after-school commitments, so they would miss out on some of the main details and choreography, therefore we would meet at lunchtimes and catch up on our dance. This was a very important commitment and no-one missed practices unless we had legitimate reasons. We also practiced at someone’s house in the weekends so we could spend as much time as possible on our dance.
One week before our performance we decided on our costumes but we couldn’t find what we were looking for so we ended up borrowing our costumes from one of the parents.
We had to show our dance to Mr. Dass and Ms. Naidu two days before our performance to hear their feedback and surprisingly enough, our teachers were very impressed with our performance.
On the big day, our performance was second on the list so there were not many people watching us. We were all very nervous as this was the first time to perform on stage for a few of us. We forgot to take our music CD with us, which was worrying, but luckily Krishant had the music on his USB stick. Even with these disruptions we danced our way to the hearts of our audience. Later on in the day we got a second chance to perform and we were all very excited. It was a bit nerve-racking because now the place was swarming with people who were waiting to be entertained but we went on stage and thrilled everyone.
We all had a wonderful experience and we had lots of fun while dancing too.
Naina Gupta
PSSP Hui
Four days. Amazing facilitators.Seventeen workshops. Twenty-two meals. Thirty students.
The experience we had is hard to describe in words. Feelings that can only be felt once experienced. Such were the four days we spent at The PSSP Hui from the 24th to the 27th of February.
The Hui consisted of a wide range of workshops that challenged the views and opinions of many. It was an incredibly special experience to share four days with such a diverse group of people. Within the first five minutes of meeting everyone there, we already knew each others names and aspirations. The hui began in the traditional way with a Powhiri. Not long after that we began our very first workshop. All the workshops were exceptionally informative and interactive; filled with role-plays and several challenging questions and ideas.
Over the four days we covered a huge range of topics such as communication skills, decision-making, safer sex, sexual wellbeing, contraception, gender, pregnancy, HIV, sexual abuse and diversity. A particularly interesting workshop was one titled Personal Perspectives where we were all asked questions and asked to identify our take on them through a continuum. This was especially exciting as we were able to see an insight into different people's views and opinions and perhaps even review our own.
The last night of the hui was certainly the most eventful as it was our celebration night; each group prepared and presented a play reflecting our marvellous time. It was remarkable watching the enthusiasm with which groups approached this challenge and truly exhilarating to be in the same room as so many positive people.
Despite everything, as usual the hardest part was leaving. At a post hui meeting I vividly remember everyone recalling a particular game called 'I like, I value, I admire' which involved a rotating circle in which everyone told everybody else something that they liked, valued and admired about the other person, it was truly uplifting and significant of the close bonds that had formed over the days that had passed. I know I don’t speak for myself when I say that every single one of us would go again if given the chance.
PSSP stands for Peer Sexuality Support Programme and is a diverse group of highly motivated, positive students who have the role of empowering their peers with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their sexual health. This year, five students from Mt Roskill Grammar School went to The PSSP Hui; Warren Duncan, Sondiyp Singh, Annaliesa Tran, Henali Patel and Manasi Deshpande. The PSSP team of 2010 is also made up of Katie Winny, Robert Pomee and our fabulous coordinator Margaret Hoogendoorn.
We look forward to working together with both students and teachers to provide a quality service for the school and are excited to implement and pass on the skills and information we have learnt. We would also like to thank Margaret Hoogendoorn, The PSSP Team, the wonderful facilitators and Phil, our cook, for the beautiful food. A special mention to our principal Mr Watson for giving us this wonderful opportunity.
Four days went too fast. The facilitators like friends. Seventeen opportunities. Twenty-two delicious memories. And thirty life long friendships. The Hui was a life changing experience.
Manasi Deshpande
Year 13 Motutapu Camp
Every year Motutapu Island becomes home to a couple of hundred Year 13 MRGS students. For a whole week students leave behind their cellphones, MP3 players and facebook page to experience learning outside of the classroom.
From the first day students are making new friendships with people they may have seen but never taken the time to get to know over the past four school years and are pushing the limits to what they thought they were capable of physically and mentally. The students participate in a wide variety of water-based activities such as kayaking, sailing, waka ama, raft building and snorkelling. They also use a mixture of brains and brawn to work together to complete the challenging confidence course, high ropes, pump class, survivor and seal challenge where a love of mud, determination and courage are the keys to success.
On the second night students were given a torch lit tour of the historic WWII bunkers and on the third evening they showed off their extensive knowledge in the 9-round general knowledge quiz. The last night of camp provided students with the opportunity to show off their creative and very humorous personalities in the infamous Roskill camp skit night.
Students returned home with a bag full of dirty clothes, a souvenir screen printed t-shirt, utterly exhausted and tired and most importantly with plenty of great stories to regale their friends and families with. We would like to thank all students and staff that came along and helped make it a memorable week.
photo gallery
Year 12 Biology Field Trip
We were surrounded. Native trees and bushes were all around us and insects crawled around in the undergrowth. A stream trickled nearby, and the occasional fantail fluttered through the branches. We had to remind ourselves that we were still in the middle of the Auckland CBD.
On the 24th of February, all of the year 12 BIO students took a trip to the Auckland domain to conduct field research in the native forest in the domain and visit the museum.
When we arrived, the group split up; half of us went inside the museum while the other half ventured into the native forest. We spent an hour in the bush mapping out our sites and indentifying New Zealand’s unique flora, whilst brushing away the occasional green spider from our hair. It was around 30 degrees Celsius in there and very humid, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. We all worked hard and tirelessly, examining leaves and measuring out distances. Finally an hour later we trudged out of the bush, exhausted and relieved.
After that, the two groups swapped, those who had been working in the bush went to the museum and those who had spent their morning in the museum ventured into the native forest.
The last museum group then had their lecture, which was very intriguing. We were taught about how New Zealand’s flora and fauna had evolved and how unique New Zealand’s native species really are. We even got to hold a moa bone and a fossil which was millions of years old. After a look around at the various biological displays around the museum we headed off, back to the bus. We met up with the other groups and then we were off. It was an interesting, informative and enjoyable trip.
Shilpan Patel
Vivien Lei
Mediator Exchange
On Thursday the 25th of February, a small school exchange took place between MRGS and Whangaparaoa College. This was not, however, the usual sports exchange but a corresponding visit between two groups of mediators. The mediators of Whangaparaoa College were hosted by a group of selected MRGS Advanced Mediators including: Aditya Sheth, Aditya Verma, Afa Laufoli, Ajay Ravindran, Ashreya Duvuru, Audrey Tay, Helen Edminston, Jason Walls, Joseph Windsor, Khadija Khan, Lita Vatuvei, Timothy Sue, and our passionate and devoted Mediators co-ordinator, Donna Hourigan-Johnston.
The day consisted of presentations given by MRGS students, based on the areas of their school lives involving the mediators such as: Peace Week, Mediator and Advanced Mediator Training, Peer Mentors. MRGS was named the Cool Schools’ number one secondary school, as MRGS has successfully been implementing the Peer Mediation Programme for fifteen years. This was seen as an irreplaceable opportunity to pass on to another school that was just establishing their mediation system, the extent of opportunities MRGS offers in ways of training and involvement throughout the year.
Even though the exchange only took place for two hours, the students of both MRGS and Whangaparaoa College felt they were able to connect and contact details were exchanged in various ways. When students were asked for their feedback on the exchange they replied that it was simply “too epic to describe” and “an experience never to be forgotten”. Donna and the MRGS host students are now wishing Whangaparaoa College all the best with their journey to make their school safer through the Peer Mediation programme and hope to be able to visit Whangaparaoa College in the middle of term two to see their progress.
Audrey Tay
Mt Roskill Grammar’s Trial By Media
Trial By Media – Our Verdict
I am pleased to report that the feedback I have had on the ‘investigation’ into our school uniform by TV3’s Target programme has been almost universally supportive.
We were always confident that the BoT’s consultation with the school community over the uniform had been full and extensive, that our manufacturing and retailing procedures are fair and transparent, and the uniform is competitively priced.
However, it is always disconcerting when the media tells you it is ‘investigating’ you, and you are given only limited opportunity to respond to accusations being made against you. While the coverage was not as negative and one sided as it could have been, it was superficial, strong on innuendo and light on getting to the truth of the situation.
As I mentioned in my note prior to the programme going to air, this should be treated by our students as an opportunity to compare the situation as they know it with the coverage by Target. Then they can ask the question: how much reliability can I place in other programmes I see, hear or read in the media?
Based on Target’s coverage of our school uniform, my view is that a fair measure of scepticism will serve them well.
Two points I think parents and caregivers should take from the coverage
- The garments Uniform Plus claims it will be selling will not be genuine Mt Roskill uniforms.
- The price of our current school uniform is similar to that when our uniforms were supplied by Uniform Plus two years ago.
Two questions the Target programme never sought answers to are, if Uniform Plus can now sell its garments for less than ours
- why was that not the case two years ago?
- what sacrifices in terms of quality have been made?
Those that missed the programme can view it on TV3’s website www.tv3.co.nz (Click on shows and scroll down to Target). Alternatively, it will be replayed at 4.30pm on Saturday.
Attached is the only inquiry we received from Target, and the BoT’s response.
G B Watson
Principal
New Staff 2010
We welcomed 9 new teachers for the start of 2010 year:
- David Hithersay (Science Department),
- Sarah Fels (Art Department),
- Martin Vlaskovsky (Maths Department),
- Ben Horne (PE Department),
- Connor Chellew (PE Department),
- Ciaran Overton (PE Department),
- Ashmita Gosai (Social Sciences Department),
- Thomaseena Paul (Maori Department)
- Carolyn Dower-Cruden (Performing Arts)
Building Projects
Your children may have mentioned that there is currently an open space where the old C block once stood.
Plans have been drawn for a new two storey block to house Social Sciences. This will be constructed throughout this year. Major noisy and disruptive activities will be scheduled for the holidays where it is practicable.
The new Deans’ Centre has opened in the newly remodelled lower floor of E block and is already proving to be an asset to staff and students.
Head Prefects 2010
Congratulations to the following students who have been appointed as Head Prefects for 2010:
- Jason Walls
- Helen Edmiston
- Zane van Lieshout
- Codesa Afele
The school prefects are:
- Reuel Baptista
- Sophie Askew
- Caleb Deverell
- Gloria Ching
- Gray Hunter
- Ashreya Duvuru
- Javed Khan
- Jennecca Evalu
- Elia Kim
- Tracey Ho
- Kaveendra Krishna
- Telisha Kumar
- Afa Laufoli
- Vivien Lee
- Jordon Milroy
- Jing Tong Liu
- Michael Murray
- Raina Naidu
- Jaiman Patel
- Emily Ng
- Robert Pome’e
- Nandita Rao
- Ajay Ravindran
- Gladys Rowntree
- Aditya Sheth
- Annaliesa Tran
- Timothy Sue
- Lita Vatuvei
- Tadele Tekle-Haimanot
- Katie Winny
- Aditya Verma
Incredible Technology Results
In summary:
- 80% of those Year 13 students entered for Scholarship gained a Scholarship
- Kevin Huang earned an “Outstanding” in Scholarship.
- 3 students nominated to “Realise the Dream” awards, one by two different groups (a first!)
- 2 students are given travel awards (a third was not eligible because he gained one last year, only 6 awarded in New Zealand).
- 1st place in international computer science competition.
Kevin Huang
Kevin Huang
Kevin designed and built a remote controlled lawnmower. This creation earned him a gold award at the Auckland Regional Science Fair and a nomination to the “Realise the Dream“ awards (a New Zealand wide competition). There he won first place in the Senior Technology category. He was also awarded an Auckland University Scholarship worth $2000.
He submitted an entry to the national “Bright Sparks” competition (entry is by internet submission) and gained second place in the senior category as well as another nomination the “Realise the Dream” awards. As a result he has been awarded a travel scholarship to Beijing in March where he will compete with students from 16 other countries. He has also been invited to attend the “Bright Sparks” awards ceremony in Wellington in March.
Kevin gained an “Outstanding” in his New Zealand Scholarship examination.
Nikhil Mahashabde
Nikhil Mahashabde
Nikhil created “Spynik”, an internet monitoring system for children, which he entered into the “Bright Sparks” competition. He was awarded 3rd place and a nomination to the “Realise the Dream” awards. In December he was given a travel award to Taiwan (one of only two in New Zealand) which he took in earlier this month. Taiwan hosts some 250 students from 13 countries around the world, giving them a chance to display their inventions in one of the 10 categories available.
Nikhil was awarded first place in the Computer Science category and has also been invited to attend the “Bright Sparks” awards ceremony in Wellington in March.
Abhilash Kamineni
Abhilash created a USB transfer system, allowing direct transfer of data from one USB to another, which he entered into the “Bright Sparks” competition. He was awarded 3rd place and a nomination to the “Realise the Dream” awards. In 2008 he was awarded a travel scholarship to Taiwan for his previous efforts. He was also awarded a scholarship in Technology in the New Zealand Scholarship Examinations.
He has also been invited to attend the “Bright Sparks” awards ceremony in Wellington in March.