Rotorua Boys' High School - Rotorua Boys' High School
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Rotorua Boys’ High School
Ad Astra Per Aspera
Whaia Te Iti Kahurangi
To The Stars Through Hard Work
Pasifika Speech Competition Winners
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Anzac Assembly All Blacks Coaches Winter Sports Super 8 Cultural
visit Raukura Captains Festival
N E W S L E T T E R 3 - MAY 2018
Anzac Assembly 2018 WEDNESDAY 2 MAY 2018
OUR MOTTO
“WHAIA TE ITI KAHURANGI”
From the proverb:
“WHAIA TE ITI KAHURANGI
KI TE TUOHU KOE
ME HE MAUNGA TEITEI”
Literally this proverb translates as:
“SEARCH FOR GREAT THINGS
IF ONE HAS TO BOW
LET IT BE TO A LOFTY MOUNTAIN”
This ‘whakatauki’ or proverbial saying is most often used to inspire generations to aspire,
to succeed, to aim high, to achieve ones’ goals in life and to work to the best of one’s
ability.
A colloquial but accurate rendering for ‘kahurangi’ is a treasured possession or jewel. The
‘iti’ emphasises the treasure as being small but precious.
Maoridom has used this concept, a search for the most precious or most achievable goal of
the highest standard or quality. There is no second best. Thus for some, it is the idea of a
‘search for the stars’, as a translation or understanding of this proverb.
This proverb is used most commonly in “Education” in its broadest sense. Education
begins at birth and ends at death.
The above explanation was taken from a conversation with Professor Timoti Karetu
(Ahorangi, Te Taura Whiri i te Reo, Wellington).
Thus the above motto is very close to our Latin motto of “Ad Astra Per Aspera” or in other
words “aim high despite all difficulties”. This same motto has also been expressed as “to
the stars through hard work”.
Our motto caters for our students who come from all walks of life, and who bring with them
their own special talents and needs. Our motto helps us to work with each of our students
and to assist them to succeed, whilst at the same time providing them with the tools to
make that success possible.
Our original Latin motto and the equivalents in both Maori and English combine together to
give us as a school not only a special identity, but also a common purpose.
WHAIA TE ITI KAHURANGI
AIM HIGH DESPITE ALL DIFFICULTIES
AD ASTRA PER ASPERA
From the Desk of the Principal Dear Parents and Caregivers Nga mihi nui ki a koutou me te tangi hoki ki a rātou kua riro atu. Welcome to New Staff The new school term started with a welcome to Mrs Jodie Rose, who has been appointed Principal’s PA and BOT Secretary. A special welcome to Mrs Rose. Anzac Assembly In Week 1 of this Term, our annual Anzac Assembly was held and at this important assembly, we heard the story of Private Thomas Berghan, who is the fourth name listed on our scrolls of honour. Mr Kevin Lyall our school archivist, presented the profile and a copy of Mr Lyall’s address follows in this newsletter. Before I tell you about Tom Berghan this morning, I need to acknowledge the addition of a new name to our Roll of Honour. Herbert Edward Douglas, who died in World War II, has now been added to the bottom of the first Roll of Honour panel on my right and your left. The addition of his name brings our Roll of Honour up to 66: 2 men in World War I; 63 men in World War II; and one man in the Vietnam War. Edward Douglas will be the subject of my address for the ANZAC Assembly in 2030. Thomas Ross Berghan, (pictured) known as Tom and whose name and photograph are on the first Roll of Honour panel, was born at Kaitaia on 12 June, 1919. He was the third of the four sons and one daughter of Sydney and Frances Berghan. The Ber- ghan’s children all attended the Rotorua High School, as our school then was, and they all served in World War II. The Berghan name is familiar to us, apart from Tom’s golden name on the Roll of Honour, be- cause of this man, his eldest brother, Trevor Berghan. In 1938, he became the first of our ten Old Boy All Blacks.
Tom grew up with his brothers and sisters in Arawa Street, and was a member of St. John’s
Presbyterian Church. He attended the School from 1934-1937, and was a member of Nelson
House.
When Tom was here 82 years ago, the School that he knew looked like this. The second-storey
was added the year after he left. Tom studied the General Course, which included academic and
vocational subjects. He played rugby and cricket, and also he took part in swimming and athletics.
I have three photographs to show you of Tom when he was here.
In the first photograph, we’ll see him doing something that I did when I was here, that you boys do
now, that Tom did when he was here, and that boys have been doing at this school, in the same
place and in the same way, for the past 90 years since we moved here in 1928.
Here he is with his mates in 1936. Tom is in the middle at the front, and these boys are chilling on
the steps at the side entrance to the South Wing of A Block, which at that time was the boys’ en-
trance to the building.
In this original photograph, of the boys and male staff members of the School from 1937, Tom is
here. In this photograph, of the 1936 First XV, Tom is on the right-hand side at the end of the sec-
ond row from the bottom.
As I read you the names of some of the other people in this photograph, look at the Roll of Honour
panels: Adrian V. Douglas, H. Edward Douglas, William H. Evans, Patrick J. Farren and Rahoroi K.
Tahuiorangi. As you can see, they, too, all lost their lives along with Tom in World War II.
Tom left school partway through Form 6, or Year 12, in 1937. There was no Form 7, or Year 13,
when he was here. After leaving school, he first went farming. He later moved to Auckland where
worked as a salesman. His last employment was in Hamilton. Before he enlisted for the war, Tom
came back home to Rotorua.
Along with Trevor, and perhaps his sister and two other people, he visited the geothermal sights at
Whakarewarewa. Here they are on that occasion with their guide, Rangitiaria Dennan, known as
Guide Rangi. She is the first on the left; the young lady next to her is unknown, but she is probably
Tom’s sister, Joyce; then there’s Trevor; and Tom is in the middle. The man in uniform next to him,
and the girl at the front poking her tongue out, are unknown. Framed in the waharoa, or gateway,
carving directly behind them is Tihi-O-Tonga. The top of that ridgeline is today covered with hous-
es overlooking the entire Rotorua Caldera.
Tom enlisted for the war on 10 July, 1940, when he was 21 years and four months old. This pic-
ture of him was taken just after his enlistment. Tom’s war records tell us that he was 5 feet and 7
inches, or 1.73 cm, tall. He weighed 67 kgs, had an olive complexion and brown eyes. He entered
camp at Papakura on 3 October, 1940, and served with the “A” Company of the 21st Auckland
Infantry Battalion with the rank of Private. Tom left New Zealand on active service on 7 April, 1941.
This picture of Tom was taken when he was on active service in 1941.
He was killed in action 8 months later at Sidi Rezegh, in the Western Desert of Libya, North Africa,
on 23 November, 1941, aged 22. Tom’s body was not recovered, so he has no grave. However, he
is listed here on the war memorial at the El Alamein War Cemetery in Egypt. After his death, Tom’s
parents – like all parents who lost sons in World War II – were sent his Memorial Scroll from His
Majesty the King-Emperor George VI.
Tom is remembered here in this War Memorial Hall at his old school. He is also listed in the
Auckland War Memorial Museum, on the St. John’s Presbyterian Church Roll of Honour and on
the World War II Memorial Gates at the entrance to the Lake Front.
Mr. K.J. Lyall,
SCHOOL ARCHIVIST & HISTORIAN.
I take this opportunity to thank everyone who made our Anzac Assembly such a special occasion again this year and especially Mr Ezra Schuster, Director of Education for our region, who gave the closing comments. I would also like to acknowledge Maneo & Ngatai Armstrong who played “Flowers of the Forest” on the bagpipes following the reading of our roll of honour. Leadership Assembly At the end of last Term, we concluded the Term with our Leadership Assembly at which students from all five-year levels who have displayed good leadership were acknowledged. Those acknowledged in our Term 1 Leadership Assembly were as follows : Year 9 Bronson Anderson Leadership Award for (Academic Excellence) 9A: 100% focused in class, demonstrate an excellent work ethic and engages in all class discussions with enthusiasm and maturity. Excellent leadership and role model at year 9 camp, Outstanding Futsal player at BOPSS Futsal and the Waikato Invitational tournament. He has a 100% Pass Rate with Merit or better in Junior Certificate. 100% attendance. Koan Hemana - (Sporting and Academic) 9A competed at the BOP Secondary School Swimming competition, member of U14 Rugby, RBHS water polo team. He was 3rd at mid island Athletics in the 300m, participant in the BOP / Waikato athletics where he placed 6 in the 300m. Rotorua lakes Council workshop. Excellent leadership and role model at year 9 camp. He has a 100% Pass Rate with Merit or better in Junior Certificate, Dylan Tamariki - (Sporting) 9X member of the junior football team, outstanding player at the BOPSS Futsal and the Waikato Invitational. Received first cap for the school First XI Football team. Consistently demonstrate good leadership in all classes. 100% Pass Rate at Merit or better in Junior Certificate. Paretoroa Webster-Tarei: (Cultural) 9T the only year 9 student who has expressed an interest in pursuing kapa haka through Super 8 & Raukura Kapa Haka thus far..he is driven, experienced, and natural in kapa haka. Performed at the Rotorua Lakeside concert. Excellent leadership and role model at year 9 camp. 100% Pass Rate with Merit or better in Junior Certificate, Kairau Armstrong - (Citizenship) 9A: Great involvement for the Rotorua Pipe band at the National competition and the Paeroa Highland Games, gaining a first place in the drumming Solo. Mem- ber of the Junior Hockey program. 100% pass rate, and is achieving with Merit or better in Junior certificate. 100% attendance Year 10 Ngaru Omichi ( Academic and Citizenship) 10A 100% pass rate at Excellence in Junior Cer- tificate. He is a Black Belt, First Dan, Syo Dan in Karate. Recently acted as a translator at the Waikato Boys Judo Association Inc when a Ni dan was visiting from Tokyo to train students in Judo. Love soup volunteer. He is an impressive young man although he is away for the next four weeks as he is travelling back to Osaka Japan to visit relatives. Max Harvey- (Sporting and Cultural) 10A Player of the tournament at Waikato Invitational Futsal, participant at the BOP Secondary schools swimming , Regional Water Polo. member in Junior football team, Outstanding Music involvement, Chinese speech, Choir, Rotorua lakes Council workshop ,100% pass rate at Excellence in Junior Certificate.
Whareporera Hare-Herbert (Cultural and Service to school) 10T- Involvement in Music, Excel- lent role model in Class and in and around the music department. Leadership in MPA and Tikanga Maori, Waka ama, U15 A rugby team, 100% pass rate at Merit or better in junior Certificate. 100% attendance. Manaaki Benfell (Citizenship) 10 H involved with the Love Soup (outside of the school group). He is there every week once if not twice. 100% pass rate at Merit of better in Junior certificate. Works diligently in English and Maori Carving. Year 11 Keden Wichman (Academic) 100% pass rate with 70 credits NCEA Level 1, 40 Excellence at level 1 and 6 Excellence credits NCEA Level 2. Member of the Senior A basketball team, 3 on 3 Basketball and tip off basketball tournament, Rotorua Lakes council workshop. Under 17 trialist in Basketball. Year 11 mentor. 100% attendance. Kelvin Cunliffe- (Sporting) Player of the tournament for BOPSS Futsal and Waikato invitational. Part of the winning team in the multi sport competition, 1st XI football team. Year 11 Mentor 100% pass rate NCEA Level 1 he has a total of 44 credits and 16 credits of those are at Excellence. 100% attendance. Ngakohu Walker - (cultural and academic) performance at lakeside concert, leadership in the Pa- sifika Group, member of footloose production, Love soup, member of the under 15 7s team who came first at North Island Secondary school. Massey University’s Pūhoro STEM Academy pro- gramme. 100% pass rate NCEA level 1 has 47 credits at level 1 and 22 Level 2 Excellence credits. Year 11 Mentor. 100% Attendance. Poihipi Papuni (Citizenship) Helping at local Youth Centre member of promotions team for the one chance awards. Waka Ama, U.15 rugby and Pikiao U.15 League team. 100% pass rate with 19 credits at NCEA Level . 100% attendance. Year 12 James Baldwin (Academic and Sporting) 100% pass rate, he has 12 credits at NCEA level 2 and 43 credits NCEA level 3. Competed at the BOP Secondary School Swimming in the RBHS senior team which came 3rd in the short course in Taupo, member of the RBHS water polo team and in the Aiming for Excellence group. Mana Vercoe: ( cultural and Service to school) selected for an indigenous forum in New York. He is one out of 12 Kiwis selected to attend a United Nations forum next month alongside Dr Lance O’Sullivan. Member of the Youth awards and representative for the One Chance Youth Leaders awards at the Rotorua youth Centre. Love soup, Rotorua lakes Council workshop. Aiming for Ex- cellence group, 100 % pass rate NCEA Level 2. Taipari Walker (Service to school and sporting) 1st in shot put and discus mid islands Athletics, Waikato/bop athletics champs where he gained a 1st in the discuss. Taipari is the only Bay of Plenty student to be chosen to go to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Houston, Texas. Taipari also joins a group of 11 others who have taken part in the Massey Univer- sity’s Pūhoro STEM Academy programme in the past two days.. Manu Paea (cultural) Member of the Pasifika Group, Excellence in Leadership, teaching and cho- reographing the Tonga Section. In which he Performed at the Pasifika fun day held at the lakefront. Member of the Rugby trip to Fiji and 1st XV squad, 100% pass rate and 100% attendance. Jordan Tuakana-Hudson: (sporting) in Auckland Trailing for the NZ u18 Team. national touch champion, Leadership in senior touch team , NZ secondary schools touch team, NZ u18 squad. Member of U18 BOP touch mens and Open Mens. Working diligently towards his NCEA Level 2.
Year 13: Eric Alvarez Canales- (academic) 100% pass rate at Excellence NCEA Level 3, Outstanding work ethic in all classes is mature and self motivated to achieve at a high level. He is in the aiming for Excellence group. 100% attendance Musashi Matsuda- (Sporting) Mid Islands Athletics 1st 200m, 1st Relay, 2nd 100m and 1st 400m. Waikato/BOP champs 3rd 200m, Fiji Rugby tour, outstanding effort at Te Wero, Senior Rugby squad. He has 42 credits at NCEA Level 3 as an international student, 100% attendance. Matene Te Whata (Service to the school) Good role model at camp, he got stuck into everything and showed very good leadership. His positive interaction with the Year 9’s was evident. He lead by example and was always willing to do anything the staff asked.Volunteer at the Te Arawa Re- gional kapa Haka competition, Excellent Leadership at Te Wero and working hard in all classes. 100% pass rate. Aiming for Excellence Group. Mikaere Kiel (service to school) - Outstanding Leadership at Year 9 camp. His polite and well mannered nature was well received by the students and staff. Excellent Leadership at Te wero. Senior Rugby, Exceptional young man who is working hard in all classes. 100% pass rate at NCEA Level 3. Iliesa Baleisuva (cultural) Member of the Pasifika Group, Excellence in Leadership demonstrated by Iliesa teaching and choreographing the Fijian Section for the Pasifika fun day held at the Lake- front. Volunteer at the Te Arawa Regional kapa Haka competition, is working diligently within all classes. 100% pass rate at NCEA Level 3. Teina Grant: (Service to school) leadership and academic support for junior hostel boarders within a Tuakana- Teina model, Leadership within the Love soup volunteer program, Excelling in all classes has a 100% pass rate, 33 NCEA Level 3 and has 100% attendance. Association of Boys’ Schools Conference Again this year, it was my pleasure to travel to the annual Association of Boys’ Schools confer- ence in Wellington with our Head Prefect, Hohaia Macfarlane. This is always a very special event, which this year focused on Health, Wellness & Resilience. The Head Prefects also undertook their own programme focused on leadership. At the same conference each year, the New Zealand Super Eight Schools also meet. The eight Principals and the eight Head Prefects had separate meetings, plus lunch together, as part of keeping this coalition strong and to the forefront.
Footloose
Rehearsals are now underway for this year’s production of Footloose which is being produced by
Rotorua Boys’ High School and will include performances from Friday 17 August 2018 to closing
on Saturday 25 August 2018. Matinees for the show are already booked out and tickets for the
evening performances on Friday 17 August, Saturday 18 August, Monday 20 August, Tuesday
21 August, Thursday 23 August, Friday 24 August and Saturday 25 August.
Tickets are for sale at:
• Adults $15
• Students with School ID card and Children under 15years, $5
Tickets can be purchased on-line, by telephone, or in person at our School Office.
I take this opportunity to wish all cast and crew, the very best for a successful and exciting
production.
Footloose THE MUSICAL
FOOTLOOSE
Stage Adaptation by DEAN PITCHFORD and WALTER BOBBIE
Based on the Original Screenplay by Dean Pitchford
Music by TOM SNOW Lyrics by DEAN PITCHFORD
Additional Music by ERIC CARMEN, SAMMY HAGAR, KENNY LOGGINS and JIM STEINMAN
TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM RBHS www.rbhs.school.nz
(07) 348 6169
ROTORUA BOYS’ HIGH SCHOOL director choreographer musical director
17 - 25 AUGUST 2018 John Drummond Turanga Merito Cameron Hay
Super Eight Schools Cultural Competition
On Friday 25 May 2018 the schools
different cultural and performance
groups, travelled to New Plymouth for
the annual New Zealand Super Eight
Schools Cultural Competition.
Our school was well represented in all
categories from Art, Theatre Sports,
Oratory, Debating, Drama, Music,
Kapa Haka and Pasifika.
1st Senior Kapa Haka
1st - Senior Solo Music
3rd - Junior Kapa Haka
3rd - Junior and Senior Art
Kapa Haka Nationals The Raukura Kapa Haka Group is also busy rehearsing to contest the Kapa Haka Nationals in the last week of Term 2 in Palmerston North. Our group recently recorded some items for ‘Pukana’ and some of these recordings have been shown on our school Facebook page. Raukura looks as if it is good heart and preparing nicely in readiness for their big competition. Winter Sports The winter sports programme has made a solid start, which has seen a record number of teams in Rugby, Football, Hockey and Basketball, which is really pleasing. Best wishes to all teams across all these codes for their winter season. Best wishes to our Golf Team, U14 Rugby Team and Football 1st XI, who are all busy fundraising and preparing for end of term tours to Australia. Such tours are a wonderful opportunity for our boys to not only see the world, but also develop skills and team work through the opportunity to live and breathe their sport over the duration of the tour. Best wishes to all our travelling teams. Term 2 Reports At the end of Term 2, reports for both Juniors and Seniors will be on-line and available to parents from the end of Week 9, namely Monday 2 July 2018. These reports will not be sent home as a hard copy report unless specifically requested. Mana Vercoe Travels to the United Nations Congratulations to Year 12 student, Mana Vercoe (pictured) who travelled with Dr Lance O’Sulli- van and his group that visited the United Nations in the Term 1 school holidays. Mana has already reported to the school at Assembly following his tour and shared his wonderful experiences on this trip.
Taipari Walker Travels to NASA
In the last school holidays, a second
Year 12 student, also had a special
opportunity to travel to NASA, Houston,
USA as part of an application he made
through the Puhoro STEM programme
that the school is part of.
Taipari is yet to share his story with the
school and we certainly look forward to
hearing his experiences in due course.
Pasifika Speech Competition
On Tuesday 15 May 2018 the first Bay
of Plenty/Waikato Pasifika Speech
Competition was held locally and our school entered students in most categories.
Congratulations to Jimah Ruland-Umata who won the Senior English Competition, Meleki
Schuster who came first in the Junior English Competition and to Year 13 student Iliesa Baleisu-
va who came second in the Senior Fijian Competition. Tyreece Herewini also came third in the
Junior English Competition.
Congratulations to these boys and to all participants for an excellent Inaugural Pasifika Speech
Competition.
Congratulations to all those students and staff members that are contributing to the various school
programmes as detailed. Opportunities provided by the school across a wide range of activities
are to be cherished and it is through the taking of these opportunities that wonderful life skills can
be gained and how we as a school continue to provide success for so many young men in our
school.
Best wishes for continued success through to the end of Term 2 and beyond.
AC Grinter
Principal
WHAIA TE ITI KAHURANGI
AIM HIGH DESPITE ALL DIFFICULTIES
AD ASTRA PER ASPERAFrom the Desk of the Deputy Principal
Student Support
Attendance News
Absenteeism
Student’s, parents, and staff are continually working together to improve the
attendance rate for our school. An emphasis on being at school regularly
and punctually will ultimately drive toward enhancing the academic profile
for each student. Should your son not be attending school for any length of
time, there are a number of options below which can be utilised to inform the
school of his absence;
Contact Absentee Hotline – (07) 349 5137
Phone or email the Dean
Written explanation for House Group Teacher on his return to school
Early Notification
To improve the timeframe in which Rotorua Boys’ High School notifies you of your sons absence,
we are now operating an Early Notification system where by Parents / Caregivers will receive a
message via text or email informing that your son is absent from school without explanation.
The message will be sent on the morning of absence and his records automatically adjusted on
return message from Parents / caregivers. To enable the programme to function effectively, please
notify the school office to confirm the mobile and/or email address you would like this message
delivered to.
Congratulations to the following students who had 100% attendance for Term 1 2018
Year 9
Kau Crawford ward, Gavin Dinniss, Mikaere Talataina, Aiden Apuni-Simerka, Cameron Arkwright,
Sam Baldwin, Manu Biddle, Patrick Bly, Pepene Eketone, Daniel Hamilton, Theo Harvey, Jason
Iasona, Eric Khoutdavong, Brooklyn Le-Comte, Seth Richards, Ngahere Manawa, Levi Overbye,
Taumanu Walker, Jay Smith, Ethan Jonas, Sonny Marsh, Zion Te Kowhai.
Year 10
Matthew Wynyard, Luke Williams, Jake Sutton, Tiaki, Rahurahu, Genesis Pakuru, Raymond Niko,
David Newton, Ethan McKechnie, Daniel Kenah, Armstrong Ringakaha-Joeli, Divontay Karere,
Vaealiki Godfery-Tutua, Lenix Edmonds-Ututaonga, Taruke August, Noah Allibone.
Year 11
Reece Albert, Maneo Armstrong, Ngatai Armstrong, Ezrah Berry, Kelvin Cunliffe, Joseph Dittmer,
Jared Hamilton, Blake Hooper, Ernest Kerr, Finlay Martin, Taniwha Murray, Poihipi Papuni, Kamira
Pirini-Werahiko, Evan Richards-Ward, Haruto Takahashi, Aidan Tonge.
Year 12
Manu Akauola, Te Ahurei Epapara, James Baldwin, Jaeden-Ford Hakeke, Andrew Swanson, Junta
Hamano, Cassius Misa, Nabil Kone, Devin Hiniduma Acharige, Ryota Irikoma, Josh Kirikino, Mica-
hel Stanley, Nikki Jacobs, Hauata Mikaere-Rikihana, Tukutuku Ralm, Hemopo Cunningham.
Year 13
Rishay Anand, Kalib Marsich-Mullins, Musashi Matsuda, Tiago Noronha Braga Da, Jack O’Neale,
Hyung Park, Saviesh Rajan, Bruce Sione, Ephraim Sisay, Tamaikoha Te Aute, Jacob Walker, Ber-
nie Hati, Thomas Lickfold, Oliver Nixon, Brian Ren, Thomas Kepa, Sota Shimizu.Term 2 Attendance Challenge:
The following group of students have an attendance rate between 85-89% from Term One. All
those within this group that can get themselves into an attendance range of 90% or better will win
a Pizza lunch. The competition will end on the 4th July where Mr Lockwood will calculate your
final attendance rate. Good Luck Gentlemen!
Year 9:
Benjamin Comber, Draydyn Galvin-Werahiko, Dylan Gates, Jacob Jansen, Krione Maika, Jamahl
Rakuraku, Christian Ripi, Xavier Taylor, Taine Aitchison, Kauri Dorset, Aorangi Ruwhiu-Edmonds,
Levi Sutton, Kayani Thompson, Takakopiri Whareaorere, Tyranne-Gray, Bailyhs Chadwick, Kauri
Huriwai-Flavell, Ty Staunton, Sean Tibble, Jahvaiah-James Collier-Morrison, Mare Herewini Mar-
tin, Boyd Philip, Mardi Nelson.
Year 10:
Montell Corbett, Te Kauwhata Te Kaawa, Logan Beal, Johnson Bell, Robbie Thomas, Lennox We-
tini-Clarke, Justise Apiata, Deniro Tango, Te Raire Thomas, Liam Brady-Wiki, Seth Cairns, Saxon
Liddington, Wharepapa Mahaki-Lake, Te Rangipuawhe-Hoani, Jayme Martin, Te Rawhiti Niko-
ra-Reuben, Benjamin Perry, Shaun Gifikins, Jamie Hamon Tuhakaraina.
Year 11:
Riva Cowan, Jordan Epapara, Jury Hohepa, Dredan Mare, Gregan Maui, Te Hau Taiatini, Nelson
Uale, Diesel Cross, Savann Pederson, Connar Pirovano, Kellan Stevens, Jae Williams, Kurahau-
po Cashell-Mihaka, Manaia Church, Tamati Elliot, Dominc Mutlow, James Tauariki, Taihakoa Tee-
pa, Anton Turner Graham, Hurinui Gage-Te Hau, Te Kotuku Gillespie-Robson, Marshell Strickland,
Tuakana Tuaine.
Year 12:
Liam Stanley, Riley Sutherland, Jack Henry, Rangirehua Pirika, Manukau Whata, Cole Baker, Jack
Guyton, Vance Harris-Kameta, Teina Kawhena, Shaquan Te Moana-White, Dyna Bidois, Antonio
Changtime, Bailey Edwardson, Caleb Mio, Taukiwaho Patara, Ethan Comiskey-Tarei, Brett Henry,
Joseph Paton, Fredrick Sorenson, Shane Phillips, Luke Chen.
Year 13:
Tamanuku Hyde, Ants Hartnell, Rodel Jr Bae, Kalem Strickland, August Chen, Te Okiwa Morgan,
Rawiri Puketapu, Tayne Williams, Cameron Caudwell, Josaia Sorovaki, Izaiah Herewini Martin,
Peterau Pesefea, Samuel Pesefea, Silver Schuster, Arman Taili.
Well done to these two students for an outstanding commitment to their education and look for-
ward to the improved effort for Term 2.
Nga Mihi,
Mr H Lockwood (B.Sp. L.S., Dip.Tchg.)
Deputy Principal- Student Support
hlockwood@rbhs.school.nzFrom the Desk of the Deputy Principal
Teaching & Learning
Kia Ora Raukura whānau,
Term 2 Reports
Please be aware that full student progress reports will be written soon and
will be sent out via the Web portal Week 9 for both senior and junior stu-
dents. As we are nearly halfway through the academic year these reports
are very important in gauging the progress of our young me.
It is important to note that we write reports using our student’s legal name. If
however, you prefer us to write your son’s report using their preferred name,
this can easily be arranged. In order for this to happen, you need to contact the main office or your
son’s House Group teacher and inform them of your preference.
KAMAR Web Portal
The Kamar Web Portal can also be accessed via a link on the homepage of our website www.
rbhs.school.nz. The Web Portal is where you can access information related to your son’s details,
timetable, attendance and academic progress. If you do not have your username and password,
please contact the school office.
RBHS App
The RBHS App continues to receive good download rates for iOS and Android devices. I would
strongly encourage those without the app to download it. It is free and is the best way to receive
notifications from the school straight to your phone or tablet. In addition, it links with the Kamar
Web Portal meaning you can see live updates of your son’s NCEA achievement and other useful
information like his attendance.
Upcoming Assessments
We are profiling the upcoming assessments including due dates for NCEA assessments in this
and subsequent newsletters. This should enable you to ensure that your son is engaging with all of
his course work. It is important that our students submit all of their assigned work in their classes
to give themselves the best chance of reaching their potential.
Mr P Conrad (B.A., Dip Tchg.)
Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning
pconrad@rbhs.school.nz
The Kamar Web Portal can also be accessed via a link on the homepage of our website www.rbhs.school.nzFrom the Deans Year 9 Dean Ms M Hartley mhartley@rbhs.school.nz ext 827 Year 10 Dean Mr M Trembath mtrembath@rbhs.school.nz ext 895 Year 11 Dean Mrs K Hemana khemana@rbhs.school.nz ext 803 Year 12 Dean Mr G Hunt ghunt@rbhs.school.nz ext 836 Year 13 & 14 Dean Mrs A Hay ahay@rbhs.school.nz ext 880 International Dean Mrs T Grinter tgrinter@rbhs.school.nz ext 837 From the Year 9 Dean Ms M Hartley Kia Ora Year 9 Whanau, We kicked off Term 2 with an assembly together. It was nice to see all the boys together again as a group. At this assembly we celebrated all of our boys who had perfect attendance in Term 1. We also set up a challenge to keep out atten- dance rates high now that winter is upon us and our weather becomes increasingly colder. Our focus this term is to have our boys at school and learning. Please, where possible, schedule doctor appointments, physio appointments or anything of the like, outside of school hours. It is imperative we have boys in class, learning, as much as possible. Our attendance challenge this term focuses around this. All boys who are in class and marked present earn a ‘point’ for their class. At the end of each week these points are calculated and shared in the daily notices. The class who has had the most students present by the end of the term, win pizza for lunch in week 10. How easy is that...all they have to do is be in class!!!! We understand that there are circumstances when they can’t be, and that’s fine if the reason is genuine and unavoidable. Please continue to call our office and/or contact their House Group teacher to explain why your child is absent should they need to be. After meeting with Year 9 teachers over the past couple of weeks, there has been some frustration with students arriving at school not prepared for learning. Please check with your son and ensure they have the necessary equipment; such as pens, pencils, gluesticks, books etc. It is unfair on other students who are organised, when teachers have to waste learning time loaning out equip- ment. Thank you for your support with this. Please continue to monitor your son’s academic progress and attendance via our Kamar portal. Downloading our school app onto your smartphone, and accessing the Kamar portal via this page is the easiest way. Your son’s House Group tutor can help you with your username and parent specific password if you are unsure of what this is. Thank you again for your continued support. What a great cohort of Year 9 boys we have. Please feel free to email me should you have any concerns or queries at mhartley@rbhs.school.nz. Alter- natively you can ring on 3486169 ext 827 Nga mihi nui, Ms M Hartley (M.Ed.L.(Hons), B.Ed., Dip. Tchg.) Dean of Year 9 mhartley@rbhs.school.nz
From the Year 11 Dean
Mrs K Hemana
Kia Ora Raukura whānau,
We are 14 weeks into the school year with 20 weeks to go!
By the end of this term we should expect all of our students
to have gained at least 40 credits. For those who do not
meet this target, I will be sending home letters to encourage
those students to utilise Te Honoa Toi every Monday-Thurs-
day afternoon to work on resubmissions.
I would like to make special mention to our Top 10 performing students, at this point:
Bless Perese-Elliot, Finlay Martin, Jared Hamilton, Herewini Ngatai, Kellan Stevens, Tiaki
Maraki, Kahutia Te Hau, Keden Wichman, Sean Squibb and Ngakohu Walker. Sean and
Ngakohu have gained their Level 1 NCEA and are well on their way to attaining Level 2! Ngako-
hu has achieved his Level 1 with an Excellence endorsement. Well done!
Traffic Light Update
Red Zone – 22% (46)
Amber Zone – 40% (81)
Green Zone – 38% (77)
The majority if not all of our students in the Red Zone are also not attending
school regularly. Attendance really does equal achievement.
Careers Expo
Our cohort spent 2 hours at the Careers Expo at the Rotorua Energy Events Cen-
tre, where they were able to learn about the possibilities beyond their High School
years. I was proud of those students who were able to think critically about the
choices available to ensure that they are on the right path. Ka mau te wehi!
100% Attendance Canteen Voucher Term 2
For those who attend each week for 100% of the time, they go into the draw to win a $5 canteen
voucher. So far this term we can congratulate Byron Hinga 11NB and Dylan Whyte 11FB! Keep
up the attendance effort boys!
Pūkaki Award for Year 10 students
There was a tough selection process this year with some very high calibre of students applying.
We are proud to announce that Tamaarangi Te Rei-Tuuta has been selected to represent our
school this year. We wish him all the best.
If you need to discuss anything with me please send me an email khemana@rbhs.school.nz or
ring on 3486169 ext 803.
Ngā mihi
Kelly Hemana M.Sp.Tchg (Hons)., P.G.Dip.Ed., B.Ed
HOD Library / Dean of Year 11From the Year 12 Dean Mr G Hunt Tena Koutou Katoa, Greetings to all the families of our students at Rotorua Boys High School. Welcome back to Term 2. Another busy and challenging term lies ahead of us with winter sport and other co curricular activities in full swing. Academically the year 12 cohort is tracking well, with an average of 20 credits gained in Term One. This means our boys have 40 credits on average left to achieve NCEA Level Two. Check your son’s credit status on the Kamar parent portal, using his login name and password. You can access this login at the bottom of our website or through the school app. I would like to congratulate the following students who passed NCEA Level Two last Term. Hamish Curreen Level 2 Pass Manaia Harawira Endorsed with Excellence. We also had 18 Students at year 12 with 100% attendance. Leadership awards for Term One Detailed by Deputy Principal Mr Lockwood James Baldwin (Academic and Sporting) 100% pass rate, he has 12 credits at NCEA level 2 and 43 credits NCEA level 3. Competed at the BOP Secondary School Swimming in the RBHS senior team which came 3rd in the short course in Taupo, member of the RBHS water polo team and in the Aiming for Excellence group. Mana Vercoe: ( Cultural and Service to school) Selected for an indigenous forum in New York. He is one out of 12 New Zealanders selected to attend a United Nations forum, alongside Dr Lance O’Sullivan. Mana is a member of the youth awards and representative for the One Chance Youth Leaders awards at the Rotorua youth Centre. Love soup, Rotorua lakes Council workshop. Aim- ing for Excellence group, 100 % pass rate NCEA Level 2. Taipari Walker (Service to school and sporting) Taipari was first in shotput and discus at the Mid Island Athletics championships. At the Waikato athletics championships he gained first place in the discus. Taipari is the only Bay of Plenty student to be chosen to go to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Houston, Texas. Taipari also joins a group of eleven others who have taken part in the Massey University’s Pūhoro STEM Academy programme in the past two days.
Manu Paea (cultural) Member of the Pasifika Group, Excellence in Leadership, Manu was respon-
sible for the choreographing of the Tonga section in the performance which he performed at the
Pasifika fun day held at the lakefront. Manu is also a member of the Rugby 1st XV squad, 100%
pass rate and 100% attendance.
Jordan Tuakana-Hudson: (sporting) Member of the NZ U18 Boys Touch Team. A member of our
national winning touch team and is recognised for his leadership in senior touch team. Jordan was
also named in the NZ Secondary Schools touch team. Jordan is also a member of the BOP Open
Men’s team. Jordan was also selected to represent the Cook Island U18 Boys Sevens team. He
has achieved this all whilst working diligently towards his NCEA Level Two.
“Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, Engari he toa takitini”
“Success is not the work of one, but the work of many”
Mr G Hunt (B.Sp.& Ex.Sci., Dip.Tchg)
Dean of Year 12
ghunt@rbhs.school.nz
From International Students Dean
Mrs T Grinter
International Students – First Impressions
Students face many challenges when they first start living in
Rotorua and studying at RBHS. Here they write about their
first couples of weeks of school and living in Rotorua and the
difficulties they experienced.
“When I first came to this school I felt nervous because I was in a new environ-
ment, new country, new school and new language. For me it was hard to under-
stand what teachers said and what classmates told me because it is different
to China. But now everything is better. I can communicate with others fluently
and have learned more about New Zealand culture. My homestay is a Chinese
teacher, she is really nice and she gives me a lot of help with my English and
New Zealand culture”.
Ran Chen, Year 13, China
“I am 18 years old now. On 3rd February 2018, I came to Rotorua Boy’s High School. I was happy
to become a member of RBHS. It is a good education environment in the school. So my English
was gradually improving, but I still do not speak well in English although I always speak English,
My teachers give me more homework for me to practice. I believe that I will improve my English
level in the future”.
Tiago Noronha Braga Da Costa, Year 13, Portugal
“When I first came here to RBHS at the start of this year, I felt very nervous. It
was a big challenge for me and it was really excited to meet new friends. It was
really nervous to set foot in a new school and a new class. I was really blessed
with this opportunity to have a better education and play some rugby. As theterm progressed, things have got easier and better. I like the Hostel and I got used to the Hostel
life and school routines. The Hostel Managers challenge me to become a better person and I am
enjoying every hour and minute at RBHS”.
Nacani Salabiau, Year 9, Fiji
“When I first came to New Zealand, I was very excited but I felt a bit nervous be-
cause I missed my family and I could not speak much English. Also the listening
was really hard. But my friends and teachers were very kind. RBHS is a very nice
place to learn English and play rugby. I am staying in the Hostel and I am really
enjoying the hostel life. I hope I will play for the school First XV Rugby Team next
year”.
Taichi Tsubouchi, Year 11, Japan
“The first couple of weeks at RBHS I felt very strange and confused. But everyone
in RBHS helped me a lot and we learned from each other. I knew a little English
but the school and my homestay helped me to become familiar with New Zealand
culture with my little English. Now my English is getting better and I have made a
lot of new friends”.
Harry Zhang, Year 12, China
“Before I came here, I had been to an International School. I also studied aboard
a few times. But the life here was different. The culture was very different to any
that I knew and I felt it was really hard at the beginning. However, as I get used
to school, my school life got much better and now I am enjoying my stay. There
is still many things that I don’t know so I want to have better knowledge about the
school and the New Zealand way of life”.
Sota Shumizu, Year 13, Japan
“When I first came to New Zealand, I was very excited and also very nervous to
set foot in a new school and a new country. I was blessed with this opportunity
to come and further my studies. In the first few days at RBHS I was nervous and
lonely because I had no friends but the Hostel welcomed me and after a while I
felt very at home”.
Edwin Mawi, Year 13, Fiji
“When I first came to New Zealand I felt nervous because everything was new.
I was really missing my family. I started living with my Guardian in Te Puke then
I moved into the Rotorua Boys’ High School’s Hostel. During the first week at
school I had only one friend who came from Fiji with me. When I started getting
used to the school daily routine I felt at home. In the second week at school, I
started making new friends. Hostel life was sweet and comfortable, especially the
food. It was “mean”. I really enjoy living in RBHS”.
Waisake Salabiau, Year 9, Fiji
Mrs T Grinter (B.A., B.C.S., Dip. Tchg)
Dean of International Students
tgrinter@rbhs.school.News
Pasifika students celebrate culture through
speech
Pacific Island students have jumped at the chance to connect and celebrate their culture at a
speech competition.
More than 100 students from around the Bay of Plenty participated in the Waiariki Pasifika Sec-
ondary Schools Speech Competition recently.
Rotorua Boys’ High School celebrated success at the competition, winning both the junior and
senior English speech sections.
Senior winner Jimah Ruland–Umata, 16, jumped at the chance to enter the competition.
“Ever since I was in intermediate I’ve been fond of public speaking. I thought this would be a good
opportunity to have a go at another,” he said.
“Overall I thought the day was pretty cool because the whole focus wasn’t on the competition but
trying to bond with different cultures.
“For me even though as Pacific Islanders we’re not really native to New Zealand, it’s important we
be recognised because a large majority are here and we’re here to stay.”
Junior English winner Maleki Schuster, 13, got involved to learn more about his Samoan culture
and said he’d been inspired to learn about others.
Iliesa Baleisuva (Year 13) placed 2nd in Senior Fijian while Tyreece Herewini (Year 10) came
3rd in the Junior English section. - Rotorua Daily PostANZAC Assembly Our ANZAC Assembly for 2018 was held at 10.00 a.m. on Wednesday, 2 May, in the War Memori- al Hall. In attendance at this special event in our school year were Mr. E. Schuster, the Ministry of Edu- cation’s Director for the Waikato/Bay of Plenty, and Ms. M. Yates from the Board of Trustees. As for the past six years, 30 Crosses of Remembrance were displayed across the front of the stage representing someone who died in World War I. The Assembly opened with the singing of the National Anthem after which Mr. Grinter introduced the guests and made his opening remarks. He reminded us of the sacrifice that our school has made since 1914 in the loss of sixty-six of our men in war: two in World War I, sixty-three in World War II and one man in the Vietnam War. I then delivered my fifth Pro Patria Address on Private Thomas (Tom) Berghan, who attended the Rotorua High School from 1934-1937 and was a mem- ber of Nelson House. He was killed in action at the attack on Sidi Rezegh, in the Western Desert of Libya, North Africa, on 23 November, 1941, aged 22. This was followed with the read-through of the names of the sixty-six men listed on our Roll of Honour. Our Head Prefect, Hohaia Macfarlane, then read “For the Fallen” after which the four House Cap- tains laid wreathes beneath the two Roll of Honour panels flanking the stage. The Armstrong twins, Maneo and Ngatai, then played the Scottish lament “Flowers of the Forest” on the bagpipes, which I’m sure we all found very impressive and quite stirring. Mr. Schuster then made his closing remarks. He referred to the School’s long and proud history and heritage, the sacrifice and services made by our War Dead and all of the Old Pupils – men and women – who served in World War II. He particularly mentioned the brotherhood of Raukura and what this means to our boys and to the School. The Assembly was closed with the singing of the hymn Whakaaria Mai. Mr. K.J. Lyall, SCHOOL ARCHIVIST & HISTORIAN.
First XV learn from All Blacks coaches
Ian Foster , Scott McLeod
With the Super 8 compe-
tition on the horizon, the
Rotorua Boys’ High School
first XV are on a mission to
reach top form.
Aiding them on that mis-
sion on Wednesday was
a training session with All
Blacks assistant coaches
Ian Foster and Scott Mc-
Leod, two men who know
all about achieving success
at the highest level.
Rotorua Boys’ High School
co-director of rugby Mr Muir
knows Foster and McLeod
well from his own playing days and asked them if they were interested in helping out.
“I played alongside Ian for Waikato and played club rugby with him at Te Awamutu Sports. He
eventually became my Waikato coach and Chiefs coach, so it’s a long-standing relationship.
“Scotty McLeod is a good mate, he was my best man at my wedding and we played all our rugby to-
gether from Colts to the Chiefs. We even went to Japan a year apart from each other. So they are both
long-lasting friendships that I call upon,” Muir said.
He said both men were at the top of their game as coaches, in the All Blacks system, but also had a lot of
time for the development of youth coming through.
“It was a bit of a buzz for our coaches but more so our players. They were like stunned mullets at times,
but they got through their work and it was a good day.
“We worked a lot on our counter-attack with Ian and our defence with Scott. To be fair, a lot of our de-
fensive system is what I’ve learnt from Scott, so it was great, he was just reaffirming what we need to be
doing.
“You can do all the coaching in the world and we’re always trying to upskill ourselves, but to get those
coaches in, we can get knowledge from them but it’s more about their clarity of delivery. That was my
biggest learning, how clear and concise they are in their delivery and simplifying things, not over compli-
cating,” he said.
He said the key message the players took from the session was to focus on performing their key roles
effectively.
First XV coach Mr Simpkins said Foster and McLeod were “fantastic” with the players.
“They spoke about Te Toiroa [Tahuriorangi] showing a successful pathway, obviously an old boy of
our school now in the All Blacks. That pathway is there and our boys eyes lit up hearing that from
an All Blacks coach.
“Ian Foster in particular, he can coach the men, the best in the world, and then come down to our
level. He really came down to the boys’ level. He spoke about his high school and where he came
from, reaffirming that he’s only human as well,” Simpkins said. - Rotorua Daily PostSuper 8 Cultural success
On 25th and 26th the annual Super 8 Cultural Festi-
val was held in New Plymouth. A group of 70 students
travelled down early Friday morning to compete in
events including Kapa Haka, Music, Drama, Pasifka,
Art, Debating and Oratory.
All boys represented the school with absolute class
and we gained some very good results.
The highlights of the event for our school included our
Head boy Hohaia Macfarlane - Winner of the Super 8
Senior Solo Music (pictured, right). Hoihaia performed
an amazing Opera piece and a pop song and really
showed his ability and variety. His perforamnce was
very charismatic and captivated the whole audience.
Our Pasifika group and Junior Kapa Haka members
were right there in support and when Hohaia won the
award the Haka performed by this group was incredi-
bly moving for everyone in the room.
Another highlight were both our Junior and Senior
Kapa Haka groups. Our junior group ably led by Pa-
retoroa Webster-Tarei gained a 3rd place and af-
terwards many staff and students from other schools
were amazed by the singing of both Paretoroa and
Maranagai Wainohu-Savage. These guys for year 9
and 10 students were absolutely outstanding. Our se-
nior group led by Te Okiwa Morgan gained 1st place
and again the performance from this group just blew
everyone away with their incredible energy and out-
standing vocal performances.
Our Pasifika Group gained a 3rd place and the group
with a real mix of age group really stood up on the
night and performed a really fun and upbeat bracket and finished with a beautiful song which
captivated the whole audience.
We also had two 3rd placing in the art from our Junior Art with Cameron Pol and Senior Art with
Joji Bilavalu who spent their time with other students from our brother Super 8 Schools doing
Art workshops and exploring some of the
galleries that New Plymouth had to offer.
Overall it was a great trip and all the boys
were outstanding.
Well done to all boys who performed at
the 2018 Cultural Festival
Mr C Hay (B.MediaArt., Dip. Tchg)
H.O.D. Music
chay@rbhs.school.nzDEPARTMENT NEWS
ENGLISH
We have both a busy and exciting second term lined up in English.
Our senior students are well into their courses, with the biggest focus being Literacy and gaining
the relevant qualifications.
Our junior boys, and in particular students of Year 9, are showing great progress across the three
strands of the curriculum - reading, writing and presenting. With a shift towards incorporating the
Literacy Learning Progressions into our teaching and learning, our students are starting to see
their own personal growth in our subject, which is very exciting!
Finally, a small group of junior and senior boys have been working hard behind the scenes, with
their mentor and coach, Mrs Melly Allom, in preparation for the annual Super 8 Schools’ Debating
Competition coming up later this month. Working hard at their craft, each meeting starts with a
quick impromptu round to loosen the tongue followed by in depth research exploring various topi-
cal issues.
We wish all our boys, in every avenue, all the best and look forward to celebrating their results.
Ms K Watts - H.O.F English (B.A.,H.Ed.Dip.)
kwatts@rbhs.school.nz
MATHEMATICS
Mrs Harvey bid for funding to keep our fabulous department on the cutting edge of the Teaching
profession, and so this term the Mathematics team will be having Professional Development ses-
sions with Anna MacDougall from Waikato University! In our first session we looked at hands on
ways of solving rich problems in groups, and have been trying these out in our classrooms.
So far it has been really useful to test out what strategies our students can use comfortably, and
then look at what their next steps need to be to get them out of their comfort zone and using the
most efficient methods available.
As promised in the last Newsletter here is the link to our new Raukura Mathematics YouTube
Channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkeLU2VvjImjfIjq5Ah7O6Q?view_as=subscriber
Watch this space for videos from last term’s Number assessments!
Ms E Crouch, B.A. (Hons.) M.Sc., P.G.C.E
Teacher of Mathematics
ecrouch@rbhs.school.nzSOCIAL SCIENCES
History
A great presentation from Ethan Jonas in 9a.
This was his assignment for the Polynesian mi-
gration and Early Settler unit. Ethan examined
where the first Polynesian settlers came from,
the early interactions of Maori and Pakeha and
the effects each group of settlers had on their
environment. He has done a sensational job
and researched the topic in tremendous detail.
Awesome work Ethan!
Mr J Lewis B.A., DipTchg., P.G.Cert.A.P.
Asistant H.O.F Social Sciences
Geography
The GEO3 group completed their data collec-
tion (pictured) from the Puarenga and Utuhina
streams and they will be spending the next few
weeks processing their research findings.
Mr R Holliday (B.A., Dip.Tchg)
H.O.F Social Sciences
rholliday@rbhs.school.nz
10R Social Studies were busy this week creating a deck of
cards containing facts about the effects of bullying, ways to
protect yourself and the different forms of bullying.
Ms K Nicholls, BMS.,Dip. Tchg
Teacher of Socieal Sciences
knicholls@rbhs.school.nzYear 9B
Students in 9B have were given the task to research and write a postcard that focuses on either,
the experiences of the Polynesians arriving to New Zealand, or the Early British Settlers arriving in
New Zealand.
Using their knowledge of the landscape, weather, food and culture to describe what life was like
for the Polynesians or Early Settlers.
The boys have produced some awesome work!
Outstanding students were, Takakopiri Whareaorere, Dylan Van Wijk, Rhylee Shuttleworth &
Wharekaponga Williams, Well done boys!!
Mr C Makan B.Bus, Dip Teach
Teacher of Social Science
cmakan@rbhs.school.nz
Year 9 Tourism
This is an option class that all Year 9 take for a term. The current Year 9 have just spent a
period looking at the impact that New Zealand movies has on tourism. Students had to name
15 movies without using devices; which most of them could (can you?)
They then researched another 15 movies. They were surprised by how many they found and
that movies in New Zealand were being made as early as the 1920’s.
Carol Zilionis B.A., Dip.Ed
Teacher of Social Sciences
czilionis@rbhs.school.nzTECHNOLOGY
I was contacted by Brody from Bun-
nings to ask if the building students
would be interested in being involved
with a community project.
The brief was to build a couple of hen
huts that students from the schools
would design and my Year 13 building
students would build.
The boys loved the idea, and so staff
came down to talk to them about time
frames and designs.
There were a variety of skills involved
that the students had to learn from:
1. Teamwork: The students had to learn to be able to work in teams. Hands-on projects teach the
students to work towards a common goal, while also learning self-control, empathy, time manage-
ment and negotiation.
2. Problem-solving: Students were able to discover answers from their own questions and from
this, they learned to think critically, observe and analyze situations in order to form creative solu-
tions based off of problems.
3. Communication skills: They had to learn to effectively communicate, both in writing and orally
and to say what they mean and explain their ideas
4. Leadership skills: During teamwork, leadership skills arise through actions, especially through
project management. Common to any job, the “unofficial” project manager will help to establish
roles, responsibilities, set priorities and influence opinions to make decisions.
The students loved meeting the children and being involved with the community spirit.
The boys have learned to work in teams and collaborate with each other. There was a project
manager for each team and they became responsible for the quality and driving the team to meet
deadlines.
Safety was paramount
and this again was left
to the project manager
to ensure each student
took that responsibility
seriously.
The boys also learned
time management, peo-
ple skills and the impor-
tance of working with a
stakeholder to produce
the finished outcome.
Ms R Wallis (B.Ed.
(Hons.) P.G.C.E.)
H.O.F Technology
rwallis@rbhs.school.nzFood and Hospitality
Year 12 students working hard during one of their their recent practical assessments. This as-
sessment brings together four unit standards in a cookery schools package.
Units 167 Practise food safety methods in a food business, 13285 Handle and maintain knives in
a commercial kitchen, 13276 Cook food items by grilling, 13283 Prepare and present salads for
service. 10 Credits at Level 2!! Well done boys.
Mr K Boielle (Trade Cert., Dip. Tourism Mgmt. Dip.Tchg.)
Teacher of Food and Hospitality
kboielle@rbhs.school.nz
SCIENCE
At the end of last term and the start
of this term all year 9 students had
the opportunity to go rafting down the
Utuhina stream as part of their science
learning.
We partnered with Toi Ohomai’s Ad-
venture Tourism course, who provided
rafts and student guides for the year 9
students.
Before each raft set off, boys had a
safety briefing from the student guides
and a quick talk from the Toi Ohomai
tutor about what they might see as they took their raft from their launch site at Mataatua Marae to
the stream mouth at Lake Rotorua.
As they rafted down the Utuhina stream, boys were observing (through sight, smell, hearing and
touch) the changes that occur in the stream as a result of human and industrial activities. It is
amazing how much a stream can change in such a short distance!
Boys saw pipes flowing into the stream from industrial sites, they observed where alum is pumped
into the stream to control the amount of phosphorus in Lake Rotorua and they saw the clarity of
the water decrease as the stream made its way towards the lake.
This term in science we will be using the students experiences rafting down the Utuhina stream
toframe their science learning. We will be taking measurements at the Utuhina stream for our own
stream study and we will also be looking at water and models for how scientists explain its proper-
ties.
Dr J Ferguson (B.Sc.(Hons), Ph.D., Dip.Tchg.)
Asst H.O.F Science
jferguson@rbhs.school.nzBiology
The Level 3 Science and Biol-
ogy classes are completing a
study of the health of the Utuhi-
na Stream for the Bio 3.1 Practi-
cal Investigation, a 4 credit inter-
nal Achievement Standard. The
classes are learning about the
different species of macro-inver-
tebrates found in a stream and
how they can be used to mea-
sure the health of the stream.
‘Mayfly’s, stonefly’s and caddis-
fly’s are indicators of high water
quality in a stream. Students are
gathering data above Pukehangi
Road, across from school at Mata’tua Marae and down at the stream mouth at Ohinemutu and
will be completing their scientific reports in week 5.
Mr S Sheppard, B.Bus.Sc.,B.Sc.,Dip.Tchg.
Teacher of Science
ssheppard@rbhs.school.nz
ACCELERATE
Accelerate - Year 10
The 10 Accelerate transdisciplinary inquiry project on ‘Earthquakes’ is coming up from May 30 -
June 1. There will be a trip to Napier where the students will gather information on Earthquakes,
why and how they happen, the difference between slow-slip and thruster earthquakes along with
the effects on society after one happens.
Once back at school, the students will be working in small groups in our SOLE classroom to cre-
ate their project and finish their inquiry. When the project is complete, there will be a presentation
evening to celebrate the success of our young men.
Aiming for Excellence
In our first week back this term, our senior Aiming for Excellence group students took part in a
workshop provided by ‘Write that Essay’. This workshop was designed to help the students be-
come more succinct in their writing skills to help hone them in exam situations.
There will be another workshop similar to this one, in terms of helping to prepare for exams, later
in the year provided for this group. Also, coming up in June there will be a Hall of Fame speaker
coming in to talk to the boys to encourage them to keep striving for their goals.
Ms C Bekar, B.Sc.(Hons),P.G.C.E
CoL Excellence in Year 9 and 10
cbekar@rbhs.school.nzYou can also read
