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From The Principal’s Desk . 2 Comment – Making Choices 2 Staffing ............................ 3 ICT - Rathkeale College e-
Learning Community Survey 3 Looking Ahead .................. 3
Student Achievements ....... 4 Chaplaincy ......................... 5 Academic ........................... 5
Trial Examinations ............. 5 2014 NCEA Examinations ... 6 NCEA Results Notices –
January 2015 .................... 6 Year 9 and 10 Programme in
Term 4 2014 ..................... 6 BYOD Proof of Concept
Classes ............................ 7 School Community ............. 7
Board of Trustees .............. 7 Old Boys’ Association ......... 8 Friends of Rathkeale .......... 8
Staff Profile ....................... 8 Teresa Ahipene ................. 8
Student Profiles ................. 9 Hugh Morrison-Thomas ...... 9 Jock Cudmore ................... 9 Callum Woodhouse .......... 10
Sport ............................... 10 Colts Rugby .................... 10 1st XI Football ................. 10 1st XI Hockey .................. 11 Swimming ...................... 12 Sam Tufuga Piopa............ 12 1st Teams ....................... 13
Administration ................. 13 Gold Duke of Ed Tramp
Report ............................ 14 Lunchtime Programming
Classes .......................... 15
2
From The Principal’s Desk
Dear Parents and Friends
Students and staff will be contemplating a well-deserved break as we conclude another busy term. However, no term is
more or less busy than any other. Such is school life. The diversity of what we offer is
significant and despite our small size, we always compete well. In the process the significant majority of our students, through
their personal and team efforts are committed to performing to the best of their
ability. It is this culture we seek to maintain because, quite simply, there is nothing more one can ask for. The
particular experiences and achievements enjoyed by many in the latter half of the
term are described in this newsletter.
A feature of Rathkeale sport is the fantastic sportsmanship which has prevailed in local
competitions, tournaments and school exchange fixtures. Strong leadership has
been evident and some commendable results have been achieved. This has been no less so in the performing arts. Casts,
choirs and bands continue relentlessly rehearsing and performing throughout the
year. None of this would be possible if it were not for the dedicated coaching,
direction and management of so many staff and parents. These people often go above and beyond the call of duty and I do thank
them.
As we look ahead to Term IV, our focus is
on preparation for the trial and final NZQA and junior school examinations as well as the end of year activities. Those students
who have maintained a balance through the year and maximised their academic learning
opportunities will be well placed to consolidate and test their knowledge and skills. Those who do not have the content
or contexts on which to base this testing will compromise their learning. Our boys
need to be advised and given the opportunity to use the holiday as an opportunity to do what needs to be done!
Comment – Making Choices
I have suggested above what the boys should do over the holiday period.
However, even with the coercion of their parents, they essentially have a choice: that is to engage in study or not. And whatever
the choice they make, there will be consequences. It is highly likely that
choosing to study will bring benefit, not only in academic achievement, but also in developing the discipline of commitment.
Applying oneself to work and study is not a favoured option. Working hard to prepare
differentiates you from those who don’t and inevitably this will place you at an advantage.
Can I refer to my comment this time last year - Multitasking and Learning which
received some endorsement from boys and parents. I think it is worth noting again.
Research informs us that students are on
task only about 65% of the time when they have access to technology. For many, this
figure will be considerably less as they can only last a few minutes before engaging their devices.
The bad news is that under most conditions the brain cannot do two reasonably complex
tasks at the same time. Try brushing your teeth and combing your hair at the same
time. When students try to multitask:
The disruption takes time and it takes time to refocus
Task switching between formal and precise language and informal banter
causes fatigue
They remember less well because the encoding (learning process) is
disrupted
The disruption prevents linkages to be
made thus lessening understanding
Texting, emailing and social media posting are mentally complex tasks that draw on
the brain’s resources. However, many students do not see this as a problem. The
overriding concern is that they do not want to miss out or be the last to know.
This compulsive behaviour does interfere
with learning and must be managed. It is
3
my strong advice that it should not be used
when studying. If your sons can manage that themselves, then wonderful. If not, hopefully they can accept that it should be
withdrawn from them so they can concentrate on just their learning.
Acknowledgement – Annie Murphy published article in Slate, May 3 2013
Generally, it is a choice to decide how one
approaches work and study, but it was heartening to hear that several boys and
parents reported that much more was achieved when the boys were denied access
to electronic devices.
I would also like to refer to other choices students have. Access to alcohol and
marijuana is commonplace in our society and the consumption and use of it amongst
young people a real concern. Sadly, some of our young men succumb to temptation when it becomes available and in other
(fewer) cases seek access. However, this is a choice that they have and it is incumbent
on us as parents and educators to actively dissuade them from exercising wrong choices. The simple fact is that possession,
supply and use of marijuana is illegal as is the provision of alcohol to minors.
Health programmes in schools do make students aware of the dangers of these substances and the statistics in New
Zealand make alarming reading. Excessive use at a young age is detrimental to one’s
physical and emotional health and it does impact on a student’s ability to achieve. David Fergusson and Joseph Boden’s
research out of Otago University on this topic is easy reading. The statistics around
marijuana use are alarming and the conclusions are clear. These are summarised in
http://www.otago.ac.nz/christchurch/otago018744.pdf and
http://www.alcohol.org.nz/research-resources/nz-statistics/alcohol-facts. Anecdotal evidence certainly supports the
conclusions made.
Through example parents, and teachers in
certain situations, have a responsibility to educate our young men to have responsible
attitudes towards drinking and abstain from
the use of illegal substances. In schools we
teach on these topics and we expect students to learn. In addition there are school rules essentially intended to provide
a safe and secure environment for all. The school has zero tolerance towards
involvement of these substances while boys are under the authority of the school and to become involved with
alcohol while under the authority of the school is a wrong choice.
Staffing
Bridget Price (Literacy Support) and Teresa Ahipene (Guidance Counsellor) have commenced in their positions and by their
own accounts are very pleased to be at Rathkeale. From the student feedback we
have received their appointments have certainly been vindicated. We wish them all the best.
ICT - Rathkeale College e-Learning
Community Survey If you have any further questions regarding
e-Learning or BYOD at Rathkeale College please email [email protected]. The very proactive E-learning development
group led by Shane Mann has made further progress in regard to implementing the
introduction of technology. I thank him for the fine effort. The model we have adopted is working very well. Further details can be
found later in this newsletter.
Looking Ahead
House Music is over for another year and as
always it was a highlight. Looking ahead to Term IV it is a busy term. A reminder to all that there are some compulsory events on
the calendar to be aware off. Carol Service on Friday 5 December & Prizegiving on
Saturday 6 December are two such events. Please check the calendar included for important dates.
W J Kersten
Principal
4
Student Achievements
NZ Secondary Schools Swimming
Championships: John McKeefry - 50 freestyle
– 5th place, PB 25.37sec, (Wairarapa record)
and qualified for NZ Opens Championships;
100 freestyle – Bronze medal, PB 55.89
sec. This is the first NZSSS Champs medal
for Rathkeale.
NZ Short Course swimming Champs: John
McKeefry again - 200 freestyle – PB 2 01.27
sec, 50 free – PB 24.24 sec, Bronze medal,
breaking his own Wairarapa 100 free – PB
54.37 sec.
Other swimmers to note – Logan Barham,
Mitchell Cockburn (two Silver medals) and
Sam Hammond (bronze medal and 14
personal bests) at the Wellington Short
Course Champs and also performing well at
the National Short Course and NZSS
Swimming Champs.
Football 1st XI made it to the Division 3
Football Final but lost to Aotea College. The
team placed 14th out of 24 at their NZSS
Tournament.
1st XI Hockey - Luke McKay – MVP U18
Wairarapa Hockey player at National
Tournament, has played 100 games for
Rathkeale College and Zac Caldwell played
his 100th game for the first XI at
Tournament. The team was placed 6th at the
India Shield Tournament (possibly the
highest ranking ever).
Colts Rugby team participated in the
Lindisfarne Colts Tournament beating
PNBHS, Lindisfarne and Scots to make the
final. They just lost to a very strong
Whangarei BHS XV 10 – 5, conceding a try
in the last minute of the game.
WWI Re-enactment – Mayoral
commendation received for students
participating.
Rugby Caps awarded to Sam Tufuga and AJ
Walker.
Junior Cross Country Team (Gerard Hickey,
Max Spencer and Tom McCallum) 3rd in
College Sport Wellington Road Race
Squash Team performed well at National SS
Squash Champs and Ben Wilkinson won the
Wellington Regional Champion of Champions
E Grade final against his brother Sam
Year 10 teams were 1st and 2nd in the
Matharapa Mathematics competition and the
Year 9 team was 3rd.
Hunter Nielsen completed a successful trip
as a Youth Ambassador on an International
Youth Camp in China.
Banon Hopman – Bronze Duke of Edinburgh
Award.
Jonty Morison performed well at the Gold
Coast Track and Field Meet – now ranked in
NZ Youth Top 20.
About 75% of Year 11 boys have gained
NCEA Excellence endorsements in 1 or more
standards.
Sam Tufuga has gained selection into the
NZSS Barbarians Rugby teams.
Ryan Nelson shooting well for the Clay
Target Shooting Team. He along with his
sister Hayley were part of a 5 man
Eketahuna team that won the long-standing
Dale Shield competed for by teams from the
Lower North Island. In a shoot-off, Ryan
beat two members of the NZ World
Challenge team.
Nathan Whiteman (Top 100) and Nathan
Voice and Tom Frizzell (Top 200) of
thousands competing in the Otago
Mathematics competition.
Isaiah Davies and Mitchell Anderson placed
3rd and Robert Spite received an
Adjudicators’ Award in the Inter-collegiate
Music Competition.
Tom McCullum has been selected into a
Regional Triathlon Squad.
Outstanding Principal’s Awards were presented to the following students for achieving an Excellence
grade in NCEA Level 1
Callum Finn Reason 6, Frederick Falloon 5, Jack Hopman 4, Jack Gordon 4, Benjamin McCook-Weir
4, Hunter Nielson 3, Gabriel Jacobs Corban 3, Troy Etherington 3, Angus Tylee 3, Christopher Dalley
3, Henry Eschenbach 3, Reinhard Schwanecke 3, Isaac Johnston-Lundy 3, Samuel Hammond 2,
Nattawat Tangthanakitroj 2, James Boyce 2, Vincent Capes 2, Benjamin Renton 2, Kristian Taylor 2,
Robert Spite 2, John Weidling 2, Jonathan Barneveld 2, Matthew Furkert 2, Matthew Pledger 2, John
Beijen, Jackson Brown, Benjamin Clatworthy, Sam Collins, Keegan Curtis, Joseph Doyle, Grayson
Dudson, Banon Hopman, Woojong Lee, Oliver Lewis, Thomas McKay, Miller Paton-Masters, Marshall
Pitney, James Vollebregt, Mitchell Weeks
5
Chaplaincy
It was great to have three boys baptised this term. It was a positive step for these
boys and one that is not common in this day and age. As someone who has
benefited hugely from developing the spiritual side of my life, I am always looking for ways to connect the boys at our college
to what I see as the benefits of having a spirituality.
Recently I was able to be part of a pilgrimage with four boys from Rathkeale and students from other schools in the
diocese. This was a very powerful time and I’m sure that the students who participated
will agree with me that there was definitely something special about it – something out of the ordinary (I think they call that
extraordinary!) and something that left the students wanting more of it. If you had to
get us to describe exactly what it was we loved and what it was we experienced we might be hard pressed to nail it down to
specific details, as is often the case with things of a spiritual nature. But it was
unquestionably good, and it is my strong desire that every student at Rathkeale might get the chance to experience that
extraordinary goodness that spirituality can offer us. Certainly I hope that they don’t
think that spirituality is a matter of chapel services and singing of hymns. These are
merely the container that we present our spirituality in at Rathkeale. Whether or not that container will have any content in it is
a different matter – and often a personal one. But if that form of spirituality doesn’t
deliver anything of goodness to an individual then I hope they may be tempted to try some of the other forms that are out
there, including our school Night Prayer, and other more youth-focused activities
that are offered by the diocese, which many of them may not be aware of. It is my firm belief that spirituality is an essential part of
our humanity and one that becomes more significant as we age. I am always open to
any student or parent within the Rathkeale community to engage in conversations about spirituality and to help people in their
own spiritual explorations. That is why I became a chaplain! So please contact me or
come and see me if a conversation around spirituality is something you or your son are interested in having. Revd. Ben Arcus
Academic
Trial Examinations
Years 11, 12, 13 – October 15th to 22nd
Information has been posted or emailed home earlier this term regarding these. However,
it is important that parents are aware of the following:
1. The morning exams start at 8.45am and afternoon exams begin at 12.30pm.
Afternoon exams will finish at 3.30pm at the latest. 2. No extra buses will be put on for day boys. If these students need to drive to school
for exams then they must follow our usual permit process for bringing vehicles – see
Mr Bouton or Mr Harper. 3. The exam sessions and class time (for practical classes) are compulsory. Non-
attendance without reasonable excuse will be treated as truancy. 4. The results from these examinations will be used to derive a grade for NCEA should
your son be unable to attend an exam in November.
Please note that a summary Trial Exam Report will be mailed to all parents at the end of
week 3 next term.
6
2014 NCEA Examinations
NCEA examinations begin for Rathkeale and
Senior College students on Monday 10th
November – with Level 1 Science, Level 3
Agriculture and Scholarship Chemistry. (A
couple of keen boys will sit Scholarship Drama
on Friday 7th November!).
Please note that morning NCEA exams run from
9.30am to 12.30pm and the afternoon exams
run from 2.00pm to 5.00pm.
Timetables will be posted around the College
campus once Trial exams are completed and are
also available on the NZQA website:
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-
standards/qualifications/ncea/ncea-exams-and-
portfolios/external/national-secondary-
examinations-timetable/
All students will be issued examination
admission slips next term, which must be
brought to each exam.
The process to follow if a medical or serious
family issue hinders exam performance will be
explained to students at briefings to be held on
November 5th.
All questions relating to NCEA should be
directed to Mr Peter Haworth.
NCEA Results Notices – January 2015 All students and their parents should note that NZQA will not send hard copies of official documents
unless students order them on-line. The web address is:
http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/results-2/ordering-result-documents/
What can be ordered?
Record of Achievement
(RoA)
Students are entitled to one free RoA each year (if they had results in the
previous year). Any more copies will cost $15.30 each.
NCEA and University
Entrance Certificates
Students are entitled to one free NCEA certificate at each level and one
free UE certificate (provided students have paid the relevant NCEA fee).
Any more copies will cost $15.30 each.
School Results
Summary (SRS)
If students were at school last year they are entitled to one free copy of
their SRS each year. Any more copies will cost $15.30 each.
Ordering these documents is becoming increasingly important for year 12 students, who need to use
these documents to apply for universities when in year 13 next year.
Year 9 and 10 Programme in Term 4 2014 Parents will note from the Term 4 calendar that
year 10 boys will be spending a lot of time
outside the classroom in weeks 7 and 8.
A decision has been made to operate the Year 9
and 10 exams at the end of week 6. This is to
allow teaching and learning programmes to be
completed before the end of year summative
assessments, and thus provide better feedback
on the whole year in our final reports.
In each of the two weeks that follow the year 10
boys will undertake two distinctly different
programmes. The first has a careers focus with
two days of work experience. This has been
organised by Mrs McKeown, our Careers
Advisor. The second has an outdoor focus with
day and overnight tramps and other activities
taking place. Mr Ewington has spent time
organising these.
With the academic focus then being over for the
year it is considered appropriate for the boys to
start thinking more seriously about their future
and what direction it may take. They have
already done some careers work this term and
the programme Mrs McKeown has planned for
Term 4 builds on that.
The outdoor activities build on the experiences
from last year – which this year’s year 9 boys
will undertake during the same week.
Any parents who would like clarification on any
of the above points should feel free to contact
Mr Haworth.
Peter Haworth Deputy Principal
7
BYOD Proof of Concept Classes
In 2015 we have an exciting new class for Yr 9-Yr 11 boys to take part in.
As you may be aware by our responses to the ICT community survey,
Rathkeale is considering how to implement a BYOD (bring your own device)
programme in the school. This will begin from next year (2015) with a trial
which will involve running one BYOD "proof-of-concept" class at each of
Years 9, 10 and 11. Depending on class allocations, some students may well
have one or more subjects involving the use of their devices.
This class will be an opt-in class, but the ability to join will be dependent on minimum specifications
for the device. You will be informed of these.
The passionate teachers who have opted to teach these classes have
undergone professional development to ensure that they offer proven
implementation techniques and learning opportunities. This has been
a well-researched and carefully considered roll out. Students will
continue to take part in the full syllabus but enjoy the additional
benefits offered by the interactive medium of delivery.
It is not just about replacing paper with technology; it is about doing additional things that weren’t
possible before. Facilitating higher levels of engaging and thinking and giving students the skills to
be more engaged and confident learners.
Our intentions are consistent with NZQA’s move towards encouraging assessment beyond the
traditional pen and paper approach. It is becoming increasingly apparent that the ability to
demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skill can be undertaken through the use of technology
and as developments occur, problems will lessen. The Ministry of Education is already trialling
online external examinations this year with the intention of all examinations being sat in a digital
medium by 2017.
An email with further information, including how to opt-in to these classes, will be sent out to all
prospective parents of the 2015 Y9, 10 and 11 student intake. Information will also be posted on
the Rathkeale College Parent Portal.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this please email [email protected].
Rathkeale ICT Working Group
School Community
Board of Trustees Work on the school’s strategic plan continues and the survey is now available for all parents. The
survey seeks your feedback in relation to the five goal areas it has determined and will assist us in
setting future direction, aims and aspirations for student achievement. Your feedback is keenly
sought and I urge you to complete the survey that can be accessed at
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/TMPMPFL
Attaining minimum boarding numbers continues to be a priority and any families considering this
option should feel free to contact me or the school to discuss options.
The Board endorses the work being done on investigating E-learning and thanks Shane Mann for his
leadership in this area.
Thank you to those parents who completed the school survey. The results have been summarised,
made available to parents and will be considered as part of the board’s strategic planning process.
At the moment, the board has not yet made a decision on the BYOD (bring your own devices), but
looks forward to the outcomes of trials in this regard. Andy Pottinger –Chairman
8
Old Boys’ Association
The “installation” of the Old Boys’ database is progressing well and we look forward to greater
access and functionality of this very useful resource.
We hosted a very pleasant ROBA Wellington function recently and we were pleased with the number
who attended. There were many young faces and many who could not attend the jubilee were
present. Despite living in the same city, many school mates do not see each other and it was a
good chance to mix, mingle and meet some new people. We now look forward to hosting a similar
function in Auckland on October 21st. Any Auckland based parent or parent in Auckland at the time
is cordially invited. More information will be communicated through the school weekly newsletter
early next term. If interested, please contact me through the school.
Andy Sutherland - President ROBA
Friends of Rathkeale
The Friends of Rathkeale continue to focus on planning the
Christmas Fete to be held on Saturday November 15th. As
always, we need your help! Whether you manage to donate
some second hand books, second hand women’s clothing,
cakes and slices, or whether you could help by donating an
hour or so of your time to assist on one of the stalls, we would
love to hear from you. Any help would be really appreciated.
We are also looking for a major raffle prize and several smaller
prizes, so if anyone has anything that could be donated – from
a couple of nights in a bach, to a box of wine, to tickets to an
event, vouchers for shopping – literally anything that could be
enjoyed by others, could they also please get in touch as soon
as possible.
Contacts for the Friends are Guy Lewis (06 375 8568); Penny
Hart for Stalls (06 377 7970); Gail Morrison (06 377 4540)
Chrissie (06 379 6012) and Justine Seymour for the Raffle
Thank you for your support!
This year all money raised will be put towards an
Outdoor Activity Circuit and Bush Walk to be created in
the school grounds especially for the boys.
Chrissie Kershaw and Gail Morrison – Secretaries
Staff Profile
Teresa Ahipene
Position: Guidance
Counsellor
Where do you come
from? I’m originally from
Auckland, I have lived in
the Wellington/Wairarapa
region for the past 9
years, and currently live in
Greytown.
What is your favourite
food? Anything spicy… and chocolate cake.
What are your impressions about
Rathkeale? My impressions are that it is a
school with a great spirit and lots of
opportunities for the students to achieve their
potential.
What is your favourite thing about
Rathkeale? The opportunity to be here to
support the students in such a beautiful
environment.
What do you like about the Wairarapa? The
picturesque ranges and the friendly people.
What are your hobbies? Netball, Yoga,
gardening, camping
Christmas
Fete!!
Saturday 15
November 2014
9.30am To
3.30pm
Rathkeale
College,
Willow Park
Drive,
Masterton
put it in your
calendar now
9
Student Profiles
Hugh Morrison-Thomas
I attended Hadlow before coming to Rathkeale College where I am now a Year
14 day boy. Our family lives in Masterton but we have travelled widely and
there is certainly more travel on the horizon for all of us.
My interests are in drama and music but I have returned to school for 2014 to
broaden my focus and extend my subject base.
I came to Rathkeale College because it seemed to be a logical progression
for me and most of my friends were choosing to come here too. My family and
I went along to the Open Day and felt very welcome. The school’s traditions and
the emphasis placed on values teaching, made Rathkeale seem right for me.
I strive to excel in everything that I do and I enjoy challenges. The Duke of Edinburgh Award
programme has provided me with plenty of challenges throughout my years here and I now have a
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, which I treasure greatly. The service part of my award was probably
the most difficult for me as I spent hours helping a disabled person.
I am most challenged when involving myself in a sports team. However this year I am taking
Physical Education as a subject and I have taken up a new sport – hockey. I will even be competing
in a triathlon this week so I am proud of my achievements.
I have been influenced greatly by Kris Neilson who is a fellow bagpipe player and now a past
pupil of our school. He certainly helped to steer me in the right direction. Mr Gordon has also been
an influential person who has always helped and encouraged me.
You might be surprised to know that I am highly superstitious. The first 15 minutes of my day
will determine how good/bad the day will progress to be.
Jock Cudmore
My family live on State Highway 2, just north of Rathkeale College.
I went to Hadlow for my primary education and am now a Year 13 day boy here at Rathkeale
College. I am the prefect who was chosen to be Head of Day Boys for 2014 and so I meet and greet
all the boys as they arrive by bus in the morning. I have enjoyed this experience and come to know
some boys better than I otherwise would have.
I came to Rathkeale College partly because it was a natural progression from
Hadlow Prep School. My mother and uncle had both been part of the Trinity
system and this also had an influence on me. Open Day cemented the decision and
I was excited about the opportunities that I might have at this school.
I strive to excel as a positive role model and hope that I have a positive
influence on the boys at school. I have until recently been very involved in
swimming and I always strived to achieve well in this sport. It was time for change
though and I now have more time for my school involvements.
I was most challenged by Level 2 Mathematics last year but thank goodness
that is behind me and I have not continued with the subject. Little fazes me and
nothing really upsets me. I enjoy this school environment and I can see the relevance of all the
activities that are part of our school tradition.
I have been influenced greatly by the staff here, who have encouraged me to be my own man.
My time as a prefect has been rewarding so far and I look forward to the demands of Term 4.
You might be surprised to know that I’m an Aussie!! Please don’t hold it against me! Next year I
am planning to join the Australian Army and study for a law degree.
10
Callum Woodhouse
My family farms just out of Eketahuna and I went to Eketahuna Primary School. I love the outdoors
and get involved in action sports like tramping and motor biking. At Rathkeale, I am a boarder in
Year 10. Next year it will be good to have my brother here as a Year 9 boarder.
I came to Rathkeale College because it is a small school with small class
sizes. I was looking for a boarding experience and Rathkeale was close by. It
seemed to me, in 2012, that there were endless opportunities here and I was
right.
I strive to excel in all my academic studies but science in particular. I am
studying Level 1 Science as a Year 10 at the moment. I also strive to make
the most of all the opportunities that are available at school. I try to make an
effort to get involved.
I am most challenged when playing team sports, however, I see the value
of being a good team member and over the winter months I have been
working to improve my skills as goalie for the Inceptors Hockey team. It
doesn’t come naturally for me unfortunately.
I have been influenced greatly by both Mr and Mrs van Deventer who help me with my
organisational skills and encourage me to maintain my commitment to my schoolwork. Dougal
Ross, our Head of House, has also impressed me with his leadership skills.
You might be surprised to know that I sleep talk! Usually I’m talking to Archie, my brother,
about motor biking and how to improve his jumps. Scary!
Sport
Colts Rugby
The latter games in their season were finals in
the Manawatu competition. Having finished in 1st
place after the round robin matches, a home
semifinal vs PNBHS Under 15 awaited them. A
polished display of aggression at the breakdown
and open attacking rugby saw the boys
overcome their opponents 24-12.
This set up a final against the Colts XV from
Wanganui Collegiate. Both sides knowing plenty
about one another from previous encounters
meant that not an inch was given on either side.
Played in the wet and the mud in Palmerston
North, the game ebbed and flowed one way
then the other. A to the wire 13-12 victory to
the boys was testament to the desire they
possessed and the guts that they defended their
line with in the closing stages.
At their annual tournament at Lindisfarne the
boys once again proved their calibre as a
dangerous opponent. Defeating Scot’s College
19-14 on day one was the catalyst of three days
of fine Rugby that led to a heartbreaking defeat
to Whangarei Boys in the final. Buoyed by the
Scot’s win the boys disposed of Lindisfarne and
PNBHS along the way to set up the final with the
physical Whangarei Boys. Our boys started
strongly and took the lead with a well worked
try. Defending with great courage against a
much larger opponent the boys stuck to their
task and got to half time in front. Whangarei
scored early in the second half and brought the
game level. A couple of penalty opportunities
would have taken the boys back in front but
were not successful. Now on the back foot the
boys continued to defend with great heart but
conceded a very late try to go down 10-5.
A big thank you must go to manger Mr McIntosh
as well as coaches Mark Childs and Jonathan
Tanner for giving up their time regularly for the
boys and producing such a fine team as a result.
We look forward to seeing many of this team
running on for the 1st XV next season.
1st XI Football Tournament week took the 1st XI boys to New
Plymouth. After narrowly losing their Wellington
final 2-1 to Aotea College the previous Saturday
the boys were keen to make amends and
produce a solid display to finish the season.
Grouped with Rosehill College (Auckland),
Inglewood (New Plymouth) Silverstream
(Wellington) Taupo Nui-a-Tia and Christchurch
Boys meant that we had a tough group to make
it out of.
11
Continuing the tradition of starting slowly on
these weeks meant that game one saw a heavy
loss to a well organized but average Rosehill
side. The afternoon game against Inglewood
took on greater importance and a comfortable
5-0 win meant that we sat in the middle of the
pack going into day two.
The morning game gave us our toughest task.
Silverstream were champions of Wellington
Division One and we played their 2nd XI during
our Wellington season! Unperturbed the boys
played with great passion and an intensity that
hadn’t been seen so far from this young side.
With Goalkeeper Mitch Anderson achieving
tournament notoriety with a goal from inside his
own area we went into the break 2-1 in front.
The second half brought great discipline and
fight in defence and with a minute to go we still
led 2-1. One last defensive effort from a corner
would have brought a famous win but a
scramble saw the ball creep over our line and
the final whistle brought a fine game to a close
with a 2-2 draw. A win over Taupo that
afternoon left us needing a win over CBHS for a
place in the Quarter Final. The game followed
much the same pattern as Silverstream the day
before. Fine defending by tired bodies and the
odd attempt by us to take the lead. With two
minutes remaining and the score locked a 0-0
we looked set for another respectable draw but
some tired defending and a fantastic strike from
their captain put us behind. Chasing the game
with tired legs is never easy but another goal on
full time flattered our opposition and left our
boys a little deflated.
We showed a little too much respect for Rotorua
Lakes in the next round going down 2-0. This
brought us up against Paraparaumu College,
another Wellington Division One side. We
dominated this game after a slow start and
should have won comfortably. We spurned
chance after chance in the second half and as a
result a 1-1 draw and a penalty shoot out was
our outcome. If our boys were nervous it didn’t
show. Four perfect penalties were dispatched
and we won 4-2 to play off for 13th/14th place
against Hillcrest College.
A disappointing end on the back of an average
display of refereeing left us with a 3-1 defeat
and 14th position. A fair reflection of where we
sat in the tournament. A combination of so
nearly a fairytale and some inexperience cost us
at crunch time but this young team has a lot
going for it. Expect stronger showings over the
next few seasons from these boys.
1st XI Hockey Tournament Week took the 1st XI Hockey boys
down to Christchurch for our first year of the
India shield and what was to be a very
successful tournament. Mr Dave Caldwell the
coach, Mr Kersten the manager and also plenty
of parental support travelled south with the
team.
Our target on day one was to compete as well
as we could. We had two out of three pool
games and they were against the massive
schools Whangarei Boys and Auckland
Grammar.
After beating Whangarei boys 4-3 and a very
pleasing 3-3 draw with Auckland Grammar we
knew that we could go far further into the week
and we were in for a good tournament.
Our final group game saw us lose 2-0 to Otago
Boys. The luck was against us and despite
working very hard in extremely warm conditions
we went down to our first defeat.
At the end of pool play we were positioned for
placings 5th-8th and a first up match with St
Bedes College, Christchurch. We won this match
quite comfortably 3-1.
As the week progressed we saw successful
initiations of the new boys, lots of team bonding
and our last day brought a final play-off match
for 5th and 6th.
With Zac Caldwell having played 100 games for
the Rathkeale 1st XI and Luke McKay playing in
his hundredth match, it was set to be a special
day.
We were also aware of the fact that we had lost
to our opposition, Bethlehem College the
previous year in the final of Mayhill Cup.
Luke getting injured in the first few minutes
didn’t help our cause. As a team we battled hard
in the game before finishing with a disappointing
3-1 loss.
We arrived home with our heads held high safe
in the knowledge that we had discovered that it
is believed to be the best that a Rathkeale 1st XI
Hockey side has ever done in the history of the
school while away at tournament week. We had
not only secured our of 21st in the country but it
will also mean that we will find ourselves in the
top tournament next season when NZ Hockey
change the tournament week structures.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who was
involved. A big congratulations must also go to
all of the boys who played and were involved
with the squad this season.
12
Swimming On Saturday 30 August 2014 a team of four swimmers from Rathkeale traveled to the Kilbirnie
aquatic centre in Wellington to compete in the National Secondary School Championship. These
swimmers included Mitchell Cockburn (Yr 9), Sam Hammond (Yr 11), John McKeefry (Yr 12) and
Logan Barham (Yr 13). Sam Hammond, John McKeefry and Logan Barham all swam personal best
times and all gained top ten placings. John McKeefry gained the top placing for the team getting
placed 3rd and swimming a personal best of 55.89 seconds. Mitchell Cockburn gained an 8th
placing in his 50 Breaststroke in a time of 38.16 seconds with mixed results in his other races. Sam
Hammond received six top ten placings in his 200 Freestyle, 50 Backstroke, 50 Freestyle, 100
Backstroke, 100 Butterfly and 100 Freestyle gaining a number of personal best times. Logan
Barham swam two top ten placings in the 100 Breaststroke and the 200 Breaststroke. Over all the
four swimmers from Rathkeale performed outstandingly and had an enjoyable meet.
New Zealand Short Course Championships kicked off on Tuesday 2nd
September with Swimmers Sam Hammond, John McKeefry and Logan
Barham warmed up from Secondary School Champs finishing the
previous day. Also swimming at Short Course Champs was Oliver
Donaldson (Yr 9). Oliver swam in the Men’s 50 metre Freestyle in a
time of 28.13 seconds and was placed 12th. Sam Hammond competed
in the Men’s 200 Individual Medley, the Men’s 200 Backstroke and the
Men’s 400 Individual Medley in which he was place 9th Nationally. John
McKeefry once again having the stand out swim for the team getting
placed 3rd in his 50 Freestyle in a time 24.24 seconds. His other races
were the 200 Freestyle, 50 Butterfly and 100 Freestyle. Logan Barham
competed in two events, the Men’s 100 Breaststroke and the Men’s 200
Breaststroke gaining a 9th placing Nationally.
Overall both meets were hugely successful for all swimmers with most gaining top ten placings
nationally and swimming personal best times. With two key swimming meets from the year over
the swimmers look forward to a well-deserved break.
Sam Tufuga Piopa
Sam was selected for the NZ Secondary Schools Rugby Camp
in Rotorua from the 18th -22nd September. At this camp two
squads were selected, NZ Secondary Schools and NZ
Barbarians.
On Monday morning Sam was selected for the NZ Barbarian
side to play two games. He plays against Australia on 30th
September and Fiji Saturday 4th October at Porirua Park. Both
games will be at 1pm and are live on Sky Sports.
Sam is one of only three tight head props to be selected across
both squads and this makes it an exceptional achievement.
We wish him all the best in the two games and hope that as
many of you as possible can get down and watch him represent
his country and “Rathkeale”.
13
1st Teams
The end of the winter saw the annual end of season dinners held by each code. At these dinners the following trophies were awarded to boys for their seasons performances.
Hockey
Most Promising Junior in 1st XI – Nathan Whiteman
Bernard Greenlees Memorial Trophy – Contribution to Hockey – Dylan Price. Most Goals Scored in a Season – Zac Caldwell Most Improved Player – Guy Lewis
Simon Osborne Cup – Coaches Award – Sam Kyle The McCracken Trophy – Sportsmanship – Luke McKay
The Grant Family Cup – Best Defender – Jonty Tatham Oliver Knox Cup - Best Attacker – Zac Caldwell Player of the Year – Luke McKay
Football
Top Goal Scorer – Sam O’Reilly Most Promising Young Player – Pranay Singh Most Improved Player – Kelsey Fahey and Ant Havard
Tournament Player – Aaron Moffitt Players Player – Charlie Morrison
Sportsmanship and Contribution – Charlie Morrison Most Valuable Player – Aaron Moffitt
Rugby
Most Improved Forward - Temana Matiu
Exceptional Forward Play - Sam Tufuga-Piopa Most Improved Back - John McKeefry Most Valuable Back - Ueta Tufuga-Piopa
Simon Ramage Trophy (Most tries) - Finn Yeats (5 Tries) Excellence in goal kicking - Finn Yeats
Leadership Contribution (apart from captain/vice-captain) (Vollebregt and Sims trophy) - Dylan Lord-Bune
Exceptional Training Attitude (Lammas/Warren Trophy) - Dylan Lord-Bune
Exemplary Sportsmanship and Team Spirit - Cory Olsen
Administration
Term Bus Passes. These are available at the Tuck Shop for Y 9 and 10 boys only. Yr11, Yr 12 and Yr 13 boys are to use ten trip tickets in Term 4.
Green Aertex and Green Winter Shirts. All Y11 boys need to purchase / order their shirts
for 2015 by the end of Term 4.
Blazers and Tracksuits for 2015. Closing date for orders is the 31st October. Anyone
wanting a second hand blazer for their son will need to go on a waiting list – there is big demand for these so sooner is better than later!
Science and Biology tutoring – recently-retired teacher available for tutoring. Phone David
Knox 0274041343
Holiday Art Workshops- Art Room open for Year 11, 12 & 13 Visual art students. Second
week. Wednesday 8th Oct, Thursday 9th Oct & Friday 10th Oct. 10am-4pm each day.
14
Gold Duke of Ed Tramp Report We emerged triumphant like a band of desperadoes, looking dishevelled
after our raid on the treacherous Tararua Range. The group entailing
Jack Hopman, Jack Gordon, Marshall Pitney and myself were a keen
match for the beasts we conquered, but our navigation would have gone
awry without our faithful chaperon Mr Nav and Mrs Kyle who provided
some great comic moments within the trip. My purpose was to reach
Powell Hut for the first time unscathed by the hazardous and harsh
weather. Little did I know that this trip would be the most difficult first
ascent to Powell Hut known to man. So with group in tow at 4:30 pm on
12th September we began our soul destroying journey from Holdsworth
Lodge. However, on reaching the turn off above Rocky Lookout we
decided to spice up proceedings, and instead of taking the normal route
up we managed to squeeze in a 60 km detour to create a marvellous four
days’ worth of tramping.
Descending to Totara Flats Hut in the dark was a mission by itself, and
after watching a possum walk across a swing bridge we
decided something mystic was afoot. Yet, unscathed by the
possum and torrential weather promised, we arrived at the
hut and settled down for the night. Day two was most
certainly the most arduous and heart breaking. After a steep
climb up to Cone Ridge and progressing along the top we
traversed down to Neill Forks Hut. This loss of height was a
certain dampener to our spirits, but the fear of what was yet
to come played more havoc on our minds. We were shaking
in our shorts and shuddered with fear at thought of climbing
1100m up to the main range. So, filled with trepidation the
group took off with raw vigour, wanting to get to the top. But the top never came. False peak after
false peak we climbed. The leader was moving like a slow moving traffic jam, stopping every 10
metres. Finally we broke the tree line for the first time in our trip, with cloud all around us, each
step becoming harder and harder as we were buffeted along by the blustery wind.
On reaching Maungahuka Hut in the late afternoon the group was pleasantly surprised by the views
of Masterton, Otaki and the South Island. The sky lit up a mesmerising orange as the gorgeous sun
set over Kapiti Island. Stunning photos were the product of that evening, before retreating to the
freezing hut and trying to harvest some warmth. Soon the hut was filled with pungent aromas of
Mrs Kyle’s curry, my devilled sausages and Marshall’s less inspiring Back Country meal. Rain pelted
down throughout the night, and on Sunday morning we battled our way through the blinding snow
storm that created hazardous terrain to those physically challenged. Unfortunately, a steep descent
was to follow, which was fine for Mr Nav and the other boys; but for Mrs Kyle and myself, we spent
more time on the ground than walking along. Thirty falls and many cuts later we immersed
ourselves in the tree line, returning to the safety of following orange triangles. On the way down
the mountain we attempted to stalk some deer, but the only other being we encountered was a
scraggy mountain goat sun bathing by the river. Although we longed to join him for a splash we
continued to stumble down the mountain to Mid Waiohine Hut, where we lit a blazing fire and
basked in its warmth.
During the final day we clambered up to Mount Isabelle ascending 1000 metres before a depressing
drop losing 100 metres of height, then the final climb to the highest point of our trip reaching Mount
Holdsworth (1470m) at an uncanny 12:00 pm. Then it was onto the final leg of our journey,
straight down to Powell Hut and a knee jarring descent back to Holdsworth Lodge. A mountainous
thank you must go to Mr Nav, Mrs Kyle and Mrs Oliver for their excellent banter and persistence with
those never ending climbs, Jack Gordon who showed much resilience and was a key asset to the
team, Jack Hopman displayed much commitment and determination, and Marshall Pitney most
certainly added to the vibe even though he ate his Back Country mush. It was a wonderful four day
excursion and created memories to last a life time. Hugh Morrison-Thomas (Tramp Leader)
15
Lunchtime Programming Classes For l in Range(Len(myWord))
Do While x < myNumber
The two lines above may be incomprehensible to
many while to others they are packed with
intriguing meaning.
A group of dedicated students from all year levels
present themselves at the Computer Suite every
lunchtime for computer programming lessons. As
there is no other time available in the school
schedule, Mr Greenwood has made himself available
every lunchtime to provide individualised tuition.
Computer programming is not a gripping activity for
the onlooker. It does not generate the spectacle
that a game of Rugby or Football does. Despite this
lack of visual appeal for the casual
observer the enthusiasm and thrill
experienced by the participants is just as
great. There are frequent exclamations of
excitement as success is achieved as well
as sighs of disappointment when a
program does not work as expected.
Some days there are formal lesson
addressing specific programming
techniques. Other days there are
opportunities for students to follow their
own paths. Many people are able to
express their creativity in art, others in writing or
music. Computer programming presents another
opportunity for exercising the creative spirit.
That computer programming requires considerable
mathematical ability is a myth. It does require a
logical mind and a determination to analyse
situations and create solutions. In fact there are
many areas of programming in which musical and
artistic knowledge and ability are of significant
advantage.
All Rathkeale College and Senior College students
are welcome to come along and get involved.
16
Message from Mr Harper
Outstanding Principal’s Awards
As Term 3 draws to a close, it is glaringly
apparent that the year is almost over. This has
been a busy term and much has been achieved
by those in the Senior College.
With trial Examinations beginning in Week 1 of
Term 4, teachers have been largely focussed on
the completion of internals and there has
seemed little time to focus adequately on
examination preparation. Hopefully this will be
seen as a priority in the lead up to the externals
and students will once again be spoken to about
revision techniques, time management and the
importance of examination success.
Amongst the many extras offered to students
this term have been the Barbara Kendall
seminars, Panorama sessions, the Monetary
Policy Regional Finals, Gateway Careers courses,
Business Studies, Drama, PE and Geography
trips. In addition to this many students
travelled widely for the National Tournament
Week.
With 2015 in mind, the Options Evening
combined with careers sessions and visits to the
School from a number of University and
Polytechnic representatives along with other
professional representatives.
Mid-way through the term the prefects once
again organized an enjoyable Senior College
Dinner Dance. Carterton’s Events Centre was
suitably decorated and the evening was trouble
free.
With the advent of Spring, the tone of the
College is buoyant. Triathlons, tramps and ski
trips have all added to the zest for life of our
young people. This zest will of course also be to
the fore as we reach the end of another term!
Grant Harper Head of Senior College
Outstanding Principal’s Awards were presented to the following Year 12 & 13 boys for achieving an Excellence grade in NCEA Level 2 & Level 3 Angus Gaffney 5, Johnathon Tatham 3, Theodore Hayes 2, George Sims 2, Matthew Wilson 2, Mitchell Anderson, Edward Barnett, Ryan Dewes, Ching Wai Lai, Luke McKay, Hugh Morrison-Thomas, Ka Seng Yew William Warren 3, Jacob Woods 3, Campbell Allen-Jones 2, Isaiah Davies 2, William Tait 2, Reade Thompson-Trott 2, Caleb Allom, Daniel Barnett, Liam Burling, Oliver Mebus-Leckie, Bowen Milner Grace Jacobs Corban 6, Lauren Taylor 5, Jette Bowler 4, Lucy France 4, Zoe Hancox-Monk 4, Michaela Hickey 4,
Ji Hyun Lee 4, Gianina Schwanecke 4, Emily Watt 4, Katherine Williams 4, Rachel Bolt 3, Sarah-Marie Davies 3, Emma Fahey 3, Sarah Heberley 3, Claudia Hickey 3, Victoria Leggett 3, Inverness Mele 3, Jessica Morris 3, Natasha Wall 3, Penny White 3, Casey Williams 3, Emma Brown 2, Jessica Dewhurst 2, Claudia Green 2, Camryn Herbert-Dahlberg 2, Ceilidh Hooper 2, Courtney Leske 2, Jessica O'Connor 2, Emily Robinson 2, Harriet Stevens 2, Eleanor Watt 2, Bailee White 2, Terilee Wickens 2, Misa Yamada 2, Paige Brewster, Sophie Fitzgerald, Rebecca Kirkland, Nicole Sim, Leila Houlbrooke, Jessica Stirling-Walker, Emilie Butterfield, Kayla Lewis, Emily Richardson, Grace Tylee, Kate Nelson, Petra Hall, Makaylah Julian, Monika Lombard, Ashleigh
Long, Lily-Jean Meyrick, Brianna Pilbrow, Kate Plimmer, Damienne Herlihy, Kate Maclean, Eleanor Burnett, Laura Burnett, Melanie Tanner, Lucy Terry, Tatjana Wagner.