C Waller, Principal

Term 1 Issue 8 29 March 2018

Wednesday 4 April is Day 4

The Student Council has run assemblies this week and they have done a great job talking about their experiences and challenges faced at OPC, and in encouraging students to be more aspirational, have a greater belief in themselves and to step outside their comfort zone. Next Friday is International Day. Students please make sure you organise a costume for this as it is a wonderful day and unique to our school. On Tuesday 10th April we have our report evening. The connection between school and home is vital and can have a very positive influence on the outcomes students achieve so please attend this. Our congratulations to Joanne Sutton. She has been appointed the new Principal at Birkdale Intermediate. She has a son at our school and we are looking forward to working closely with her in the future for the benefit of the students in our community. It’s great to have Easter separate from the holidays this year. Have a restful, enjoyable and safe time with family and friends.

Robotics Club at BC

Next term Birkenhead College will be starting a basic Robotics and

programming club where you will be introduced to BASIC,

and Arduino C+ as well as you being

able to design and make your own

circuits. If you are interested in this, then please read the

student notices early next term for details.

SCHOOL CALENDAR 2018

TERM 1

Week 9 Fri 30 March Good Friday (Easter holiday)

Week 10 Mon 2 April Easter Monday (holiday)

Tue 3 April Easter Tuesday (holiday)

Fri 6 April International Day

Week 11 Tue 10 April Report Evening

Fri 13 April Last day of Term 1

Debating Tournament

This past weekend three teams represented Birkenhead College in the Auckland Regional Debating Tournament. Against a field of fifty-three teams from across the city our teams gave a strong performance. They took on topics including the abolition of the minimum wage, isolating the United States while Donald Trump is President and whether artists should perform in countries with human rights abuses. It was great to see our debaters take on such challenging moots with great skill. A big thank you to Mr Pageau for all of his assistance.

Careers Corner Lunchtime University Visits

Thursday 5th April = Auckland University Thursday 12th April = Victoria University

If you are thinking of attending any of the above universities in 2019, or just want some information about their programmes, come along to D1 at lunchtime on the above dates. We will start the session at 1.30pm and will go through to 2.10pm.

Please let Ms White know which sessions you will be attending wt@birkenhead.school.nz

Tukaha Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes now in Birkenhead

Jiu Jitsu is a martial art, with practical fighting and self-defence systems. Jiu Jitsu has many benefits for children:

· Improves balance and coordination · Builds confidence and self-esteem · Allows for socializing and keeps kids active. · Teaches focus and discipline

Wednesdays 5 – 6 pm at ETK gym, 60-62 Mokoia Rd Birkenhead.

To register for your free trial class please email tukahabjj.nshore@gmail.com or call Ricardo 021 072 3432 https://www.facebook.com/TuKahaNShore/

“WE NEED YOUR HELP!!” The PSG [a voluntary group of parents whose aim is to raise funds for the benefit of the school] has an exciting event booked for the end of June. HOWEVER we NEED some additional helpers to be able to pull it all together.

Could you help us with a small part of the whole event? It would require approximately 1-2 hours per week, and would involve tasks like;

Applying for a liquor license. Purchasing the liquid refreshments. Organizing the purchasing of the food for the event. Creating an advertising poster. Being the liaison person for the online ticketing, that is

done through school. Advertising the Event. Managing the Raffles. Running the bar. Assisting on the night. We usually all work on separate tasks in groups of 2 or 3 so you are welcome to come with a friend and work as a team.

We CANNOT organize this event without more people stepping up and agreeing to help. The profits made will be put towards a project that will benefit the WHOLE school so please, say you will help us! It's easy, just email Helen at birkenhead.psg@gmail.com. You will also receive two free tickets to the event.

Don’t forget…

International Day on Friday 6 April

North Harbour Swimming Champs

Congratulations to the students who competed at the North Harbour Zone Swimming Champs on Tues 27th March. Birkenhead College team: Grayson Burgess, Luc Davenport, Brittany Overy, Madeline Pastor, Jack Stenerson.

Top Results: Sen Girls 50m Butterfly

10th Brittany Overy 41.44

Int Girls 50m Backstroke 9th Madeline Pastor-Pasi 35.85

Sen Boys 50m Backstroke 6th Grayson Burgess 41.34

Int Boys 50m Breaststroke 10th Grayson Burgess 44.79 11th Luc Davenport 45.85

Sen Boys 50m Freestyle 11th Jack Stenersen 30.01 13th Luc Davenport 33.65