MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

DECEMBER 2017

MAY 2017

From The Principal’s Desk

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Nga mihi nui ki a koutou

Message from the BoT

2-3

Senior Prize Winners

4-8

Junior Art Exhibition

9

The end of the academic year is always a time of reflection for me. Looking back at an entire year affords me the perspective to truly celebrate the many memories of success, accomplishment and progress that is the story of another year at Mount Roskill Grammar School. It is also a time of excitement as we plan for the coming year and moving the school still further forward in support of our learners and community. This newsletter provides a glimpse into the past few weeks but also recognises the efforts of so many staff and students over the year. Term 4 gives students a chance to demonstrate all that they have learned since February through examinations, final assessments and feedback sessions with their teachers. It also provides the teachers with an opportunity to recognise those that have excelled during the year in academics, sports, arts, service and cultural activities. My congratulations to the prize winners (details in this newsletter) and to all the students who grew over the year and moved closer to their goals.

Japan Trip

10

Chess Champions

11

Junior Prize Winners Wider education______

12-14 15

News from the Health Centre _16

This year we introduced an enhanced support system to ensure as many senior ___17 students as possible fulfilled their potential. This entailed staff and students work- Badminton Glory ing in a very deliberate and structured manner during study leave to prepare for the external examinations and also to revisit assessments that could now be imWhite Ribbon Day____________18 proved as the students learning had moved on. To see so many students and staff working together so seamlessly and selflessly to support achievement is what Gateway____________________19 epitomises MRGS. After their examinations, our junior students engaged in three days of wider edu- Homestay / Start of 2018_____20 cation. This not only provides a vehicle for new experiences and bonding between students and their teachers but also enhances important skills and traits such as collaboration, communication, risk-taking and leadership. A wide variety of activities and locations gave students choice and exposed them to the many possibilities in and around the city. Finally, my best wishes to those students who are moving on from MRGS this summer. I know that you are well prepared with both academic knowledge and the personal skills to make a difference in whatever area you chose. Please stay in touch with your family here at Roskill, we look forward to you coming back and sharing your stories of success with us often and soon. School restarts on Thursday 1st February at 9am for year 9, 13 and students new to MRGS with a Powhiri. All year groups will then start school together on Friday 2nd February 2018. I wish you all a peaceful and safe festive season and look forward to working with you all in 2018.

Ki nga taumata Greg Watson, PRINCIPAL Principal: G. Watson, MSc (Hons), MEd Admin (Hons) Phone: 621-0050 Website: www.mrgs.school.nz

Frost Road Mount Roskill Auckland 1041

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

A Message from the Board Chair— Marjet Pot This year I have been lucky enough to travel overseas to some African countries and was able to reflect on what an outstanding education system we have in New Zealand. In New Zealand education is compulsory for all students until 16 years of age. Students have access to clean water and nutritious food, world-class teachers and buildings that facilitate learning.

Students have vision with their learning and strive towards a career option. Students have access to tertiary education. This is so much more than is available to many students in the countries I visited. Some of the students at MRGS have come from countries where the education system does not afford these opportunities and so have first-hand experience of these differences. What stands out in all countries however is that parents want the best for their children. They know that education is the key towards improving the quality of life. They make sacrifices in their own lives to educate their children. Many families will have made a positive decision to send your child to Mount Roskill Grammar School, a school that is highly rated in the New Zealand education system, a school that puts each student at the heart of their education. I want to reflect on some of the achievements at MRGS that make it a top New Zealand school. In 2013 the school community set the five-year strategic goals. The first of these was to ‘ensure high achievement through a powerful learning culture’. Below is a list of the achievements in 2016. 

Students gained 50 scholarships across 12 different subjects. The pass rate for Level 2 was 79%; the pass rate for Level 3 was 64%.



The percentage of Year 13 gaining their University Entrance qualifications was 50%.



The percentage of Year 13 students with Level 2 or higher is 93%,



The rate of students staying at school to age 17 for MRGS students exceeds national figure for all ethnicities.



The Ministry of Education attendance data showed that at MRGS, at all year levels except one, attendance was higher than the national average.



In all of the academic results MRGS exceeded previous years achievements and was higher the national levels.

The second item on the Strategic Plan was to ‘develop school information computer technology infrastructure for e-learning and communication’. In the past five years, there has been the introduction of the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programme that is now a requirement in year 9. There has been a school network upgrade. The school has invested heavily in class sets of Chrome books to support learning on devices and specialist areas have been upgraded with computers and associated hard ware.

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

The third item of the strategic plan was to ‘strengthen partnerships with our community’. In the past five years one of the more significant opportunities to strengthen partnerships has been the mentoring program. This year we reached levels of 80% attendance at the mentoring sessions. This is a Government program to support neighbouring schools to work together to support and raise the education of all students. The school year is always busy with a wide range of activities involving the community. There are multiple opportunities for working with the many cultures that make up this rich and diverse community including the Pasifika, Tongan, Samoan, Niue, Maori and MEAR groups to name some of them. Then

there is all the numerous sporting and cultural and music and dance events which are held at the school. Mt Roskill has engagement with the community at the core of its processes. The fourth strategic goal of ‘developing facilities to promote quality educational experiences’ has resulted in a new look in some areas of the school. In 2016, we opened the new football turf, hockey sports field and the Hodge Learning Commons. Currently the new International Student and Community Education office is being established allowing separate and direct access for the community to these offices. The move by Community Education has provided much needed space for our growing Performing Arts Department. The Board of Trustees is looking at ways that it can develop the school quad into a refreshing urban

landscape that is connected with learning spaces and with the schools green spaces. 2017 has been an outstanding year in many areas and the Board of Trustees looks forward to further successes in 2018. Best wishes to senior students with exams. I am sure that you will continue to make your families and the school proud of you. Thank you to the families who have supported the school throughout the year. Thanks also to those business and individuals who provide sponsorship for the school. To all, the Board of Trustees wishes you a safe and enjoyable holiday and we look forward to seeing those returning students next year. Marjet

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

SENIOR PRIZE GIVING 2017 Dux

Tushar

Thakur

Proxime Accessit

Jahnvi

Trivedi

Proxime Accessit

Felix

Yang

1st Year 12 Student Studying Level 2 Subjects & The Thomas Cup

Tessa

Brown

2nd Year 12 Student Studying Level 2 Subjects

Natalie

Tan

1st Year 11 Student Studying Level 1 Subjects

Aruni

Ramalingam

2nd Year 11 Student Studying Level 1 Subjects

Sheng-Ya

Wang

Saththiananthan Cup for Inspirational Leadership

Emma

Thompson

Soma Family Award for Character & Excellence

Zara

Lane

MRGS Trophy for Qualities of Character

Caera

Judge

Ross Hamilton Trophy for Pursuit of Excellence

Ojas

Shukla

Mt Roskill Rotoract Cup for Integrity, Honesty & Service

Melody

Ting

Lewis Cup for Dedication, Leadership & Humility

Meleana

Puloka

Gipps Trophy for Previously Unheralded Endeavour

Mekeilah

Sasagi

Cruze Cup for Inspiration & Commitment

Hiromi

Inoue-Rajapaksa

Hay Trophy for Academic Excellence in Science

Cindy

Ko

Hay Trophy for Academic Excellence in Commerce

Jahnvi

Trivedi

Hay Trophy for Academic Excellence in the Arts

Josephine

Mavaega

Enterprise Award

Tania

Bryan

Enterprise Award

Elisa

Chow

Enterprise Award

Michelle

De Silva

Enterprise Award

Callum

McKenzie

Head Prefect Award

Ojas

Shukla

Head Prefect Award

Emma

Thompson

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

University of Auckland Faculty of Business and Economics Entry Level Undergraduate Scholarship University of Auckland Pacific Academic Excellence Scholarship University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship University of Auckland Academic Potential Scholarship University of Auckland Academic Potential Scholarship University of Auckland Academic Potential Scholarship

Vyshni

Ishwaran

Siosaia Felix Cindy Youfei Tushar

Tuitupou Yang Ko Lei Thakur

University of Auckland Academic Potential Scholarship

Lucky

Chen

Unitec Partner Schools Scholarship AUT Kiwa Scholarship for Top Maori and Pacific Scholars AUT Undergraduate Engineering Scholarship University of Otago Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship Waikato University School Leavers Scholarship Waikato University School Leavers Scholarship Crown Institute of Studies Scholarship Crown Institute of Studies Scholarship Crown Institute of Studies Scholarship Crown Institute of Studies Scholarship NZ Fashion Tech Award Sursum Foundation - Keith Hall Scholarship Sursum Foundation - Keith Hall Scholarship Sursum Foundation - Keith Hall Scholarship Sursum Foundation - Keith Hall Scholarship Sursum Foundation - Keith Hall Scholarship

Josette Haukinima Amit Daniel Anna Shivika Dahee Ma'ata Meri-ana Lavenita Victoria TJ Tania Hiromi Pele Joyce

Xu Mafi Patel Ching Laufoli Sharma Kang Kaufusi Te-Whiu Tuitupou Polima Apulu Bryan Inoue-Rajapaksa Talaisi Va'atiuola

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

Gold Award for Sporting Excellence Best All Round Sportsman

Fuikefu Dalvin

Leilani Filiga

Best All Round Sportswoman

Breearna

Johnson

Gold Award for Sporting Excellence

Breearna

Johnson

Sportswoman of the Year

Breearna

Johnson

Sportsman of the Year

Jaxxon

Douglas

Performing Arts Co-curricular Contribution

Josephine

Mavaega

Songwriting Cup

Josephine

Mavaega

Academic Excellence in Level 3 Dance

Victoria

Medina Villapol

Performing Arts Leadership

Sara

Shah

BRYSS Trophy for Leadership in Music

JayKuang-Yi

Huang

Graham Simonds Trophy for Musicianship

Ellen

Bingham

Raewyn Winny Trophy for Contribution to Music

Rocky

Parsons

Principal's Art Award

Siosaia

Tuitupou

The ARA Award for Top Overall Art Student

Kyla

Concepcion

Group Leader - African

Tafadzwa

Chikomba

Group Leader - African

Etita

Tamiano

Group Leader - Indian

Shivika

Sharma

Group Leader - Jamaican

Siraanika

Govindu

Group Leader - Jamaican

Victoria

Medina Villapol

Group Leader - Tongan

Meleana

Puloka

Group Leader - Tongan

Siosaia

Tuitupou

Mana Wairua Trophy for Spiritual Strength

Miriama

Manuel

Manawa Titi for Perseverance

Tania

Bryan

Mana Taiohi Leadership in Kapa Haka - Joint Award

Pele

Talaisi

Mana Taiohi Leadership in Kapa Haka - Joint Award

Daeton

Potaka-Hogg

Marilyn Toi Trophy for Karanga

Pele

Talaisi

Taiohi Matataki Trophy for Overcoming Challenges

Amber

Ravestein

Te Iwi Ngaro Trophy for Best All Round Senior Maori Student Transition Prize Bowden Trophy for Strength with Dignity

Caleb Amber Amber

Tevaga Ravestein Ravestein

Mintram Cup for Academic Excellence

Hiromi

Inoue-Rajapaksa

Senior Library Award

Rebecca

Ferguson

YWCA Future Leader Award

Hana

Galea

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

Fisher-Maher Peer Mentor of the Year Award Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year

Zane Natascha

Chaudhry Bates

Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year

Ashley

Heineke

Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year

Caera

Judge

Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year

Ash

Kumar

Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year

Haukinima

Mafi

Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year

Eileen

Makasini

Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year

Ashleen

Prasad

Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year

Ojas

Shukla

Margaret Stanners Mediation Award for Mediators of the Year

Halym

Smith

PSSP Cup for Leadership in the Peer Sexuality Support Programme

Josette

Xu

Margaret Hoogendoorn Trophy for Exceptional Leadership in Student Services - Joint Award

Neeral

Raniga

Charlotte

Shirreffs

Jay Kuang-Yi

Huang

Lions Community Spirit Award - Joint Award Lions Community Spirit Award - Joint Award Chris Hassan Memorial Trophy for Leadership in Year 12 Leslie Gunson Award for The Student who gains the Highest Overall Marks in NCEA Level 1 in the Previous Year The Lawrence Trophy for Excellence in Level 2 Physical Sciences Parmar Cup for Academic Excellence in Level 2 Sciences 3rd Place Mike Pero Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2nd Place Mike Pero Entrepreneur of the Year Award 1st Place Mike Pero Entrepreneur of the Year Award Senior Speech Trophy The Jennifer Heath Classics Cup

Niharika Shivika Khushi

Mandadi Sharma Sehajpal

Natalie

Tan

Christine Fangzhi Chantal Callum Srishti Ojas Ojas Ojas

Jian Deverell McKenzie Toora Shukla Shukla Shukla

Shaun Thomas Cup for the Most Potential in Catering & Hospitality

Valentina

Williamson

Doug Southgate Trophy for Excellence in Photography Year 13 Lacy Cup for Senior Literature

Zara Alice

Lane Wang

Margaret Hoogendoorn Trophy for Exceptional Leadership in Student Services - Joint Award International Student Award

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

House Shield 2017 – SHEPPARD HOUSE Cooper House Distinction Cooper House Distinction

Akash Maggie

Boppana Lee

Cooper House Distinction

Gunjan

Soeny

Cooper House Distinction

Christian

Turner

Cooper House Distinction

Ash

Kumar

Cooper House Distinction

Sharon

Mathew

Hillary House Distinction

Rinesh

Rattan

Hillary House Distinction

Ala

Vailala

Hillary House Distinction

Jenny

Chung

Hillary House Distinction

Hana

Galea

Hillary House Distinction

Caera

Judge

Hillary House Distinction

Lance

Stubbings

Ngata House Distinction

Ishita

Dwivedi

Ngata House Distinction

Sarah

McKenzie

Ngata House Distinction

Tessa

Brown

Ngata House Distinction

Zane

Chaudhry

Ngata House Distinction

Shinay

Singh

Ngata House Distinction

Melody

Ting

Rutherford House Distinction

Ano

Chitando

Rutherford House Distinction

Saakshi

Hegde

Rutherford House Distinction

Zara

Deverell

Rutherford House Distinction

Jonathan

Leerdam

Rutherford House Distinction

Haukinima

Mafi

Rutherford House Distinction

Meleana

Puloka

Sheppard House Distinction

Zubair

Ceyddique

Sheppard House Distinction

Lovely

Pulotu

Sheppard House Distinction

Mafi

Helu

Sheppard House Distinction

Harjot

Johal

Sheppard House Distinction

Daniel

McKenzie

Sheppard House Distinction

Jelisa

Rana

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

Junior Art Exhibition In Junior Art students are encouraged to explore the personal, social and geographical dimensions of their identity. Students researched their personal migration stories, and considered different ways their identity, and local neighbourhood and community could be represented. With these ideas in mind, they experimented with a range of art making skills such as carving, screen printing, drawing, painting, mask making and photography. The following exhibition shows the students rich and expansive exploration of their identity and celebrates their individual and collective accomplishment.

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

JAPAN Trip Our 2 weeks in Japan had gone by so fast, and before we knew it, the trip was over. 12 students, 6 boys and 6 girls from Mount Roskill Grammar School were lucky to have the opportunity to go to Tokyo, JAPAN for 2 weeks. It was a very exciting and interesting experience. During our first week we visited Narita San (shrine), explored the city, visited the primary school (years 1-6) and also met our host families there! None of us had any idea who our host families were, we all sat in the classroom nervously, with a group of homestay families all around us, from which one of them was our family? It was nerve-wracking but very exciting. After meeting our host families and being with them for 2 weeks we didn’t want to leave. They were so kind and like a real family to us, on the last day there were some tears too. They welcomed us into Japan, showed us what Japanese culture is like, took us places, made us Japanese food, and it was the best! The primary school was also very interesting and fun, each of us had a class and we studied together with the cute and energetic primary students. The primary school was different to New Zealand, the students set out the lunch (which was made in the school), the lunch was usually rice, salad, soup, milk and meat. They also cleaned up the entire school just before lunch everyday! After a few days at Minami Oya primary school and a long weekend, it was the second week in Japan already, we went Disneyland, Kamakura, Daibutsu (big Buddha) and so much more. It was an enjoyable and thrilling week and we all did A LOT of shopping and eating. Everyday was a new experience, every day we saw more of Japan, and learnt and had so much fun in the Japanese culture. We will never forget this

Community Education Information and enrolments now open for 2018! Brochure available on the website and at the front desk or click here for information on our courses and to enrol: https://mrgscomed.arlo.co/

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

National Chess Success At the NZCF National Chess Championships in Christchurch our premier team of Caroline Yan, Euan McDougall, Sarah Yan, Daniel Morrin and Christopher Schramm took 5th place, with the top 5 schools all from Auckland. A highly commendable result – one mistake in one game over the two day tournament may have cost us second place.

The ChessPower National Championships followed in Hamilton. This tournament (all plays all, rather than school player 1 vs 1, 2 vs 2, etc) better reflects the depth of chess talent at a school, and for the second year we won this event. Well done team, and special congratulations to Sarah and Christopher who were awarded the Junior Master titles, with 1st Equal scores as individuals in the competition. They joins an elite group which includes both Daniel and Euan who received this title in previous years.

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

JUNIOR PRIZE GIVING 2017 1st in Year 10

Alaimoana

Zach

2nd= in Year 10

Babu

Jane

2nd= in Year 10

Brown

Anna

1st in Year 9

Jia

Leo

2nd in Year 9

Li

Fabian

Students in Year 10 who received an Excellence Award in the Junior Diploma Students in Year 10 who received an Excellence Award in the Junior Diploma

79 74

Top Junior Students. Zach Alimoana (left) - top student in Year 10 and Leo Jia (right) –top student in Year 9.

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

Academy Football Boys Player of the Year

Adam

Bell

Academy Football Girls Player of the Year

Anna

Brown

Academy Hockey Boys Player of the Year

Nathan

Sands

Academy Hockey Girls Player of the Year

Lalita

Paopa

Academy Rugby Boys Player of the Year

Jovan

Pora

Junior Boys Athletics Champion

Nathan

Sands

Junior Boys Badminton Champion

Ian

Busby

Junior Boys Volleyball Player of the Year

Isaac

Cerei

Junior Boys Waterpolo Player of the Year

Corban

Taufelila

Junior Chess Champion

Euan

McDougall

Junior Girls Badminton Champion

Ashleen

Lau

Junior Girls Volleyball Player of the Year

Jazmyne

Fonoti

Junior Girls Waterpolo Player of the Year

Kaylee

Wong

Most Outstanding Junior Boys Basketball Player

Matthew

Mitra

Most Outstanding Junior Boys Football Player

Jeremiah

Ruawhare

Most Outstanding Junior Boys Rugby Player

Ishmael

Cowley-Lupo

Most Outstanding Junior Cricket Player

Jay

Patel

Most Outstanding Junior Girls Basketball Player

Katana

Mu

Most Outstanding Junior Girls Football Player

Madeline

McCormick

Netball Intermediate Player of the Year

Akansha

Nadan

Netball Junior Player of the Year

Tikara

Jallow

Junior Gymnast of the Year

Alyshia

Harper

Junior Trampolinist of the Year

Abhishek

Ravichandran

Junior Sportsman of the Year

Nathan

Sands

Junior Sportswoman of the Year

Reesey

Toala

Year 9 Speech Award

Jayden

Drube

Junior Library Prize

Freya

Grant

Lions Community Spirit Award Lioness Club of Mt Roskill

Zach

Alaimoana

Lions Community Spirit Award Lioness Club of Mt Roskill

Simone

Alwar

Mana Wairua Teina

Eve

Iaea

Junior Leadership in Kapa Haka Mana Taiohi

Jelena

Faleafaga

Excellence in Year 10 Performing Arts

Sheida

Tavita

Excellence in Year 9 Performing Arts

Abhishek

Ravichandran

YWCA Future Leaders Personal Achievement Award

Hepi

Akauola

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

1st in 902 2nd in 902

Emily Madeline

Bayldon McCormick

2nd in NL4

Andy Haotian

Yang

1st in 1002

Kenny

Yu

1st in 903

Deepasha

Prasad

2nd in 1002

Huthaifa

Ibrahim

2nd in 903

Destino

Coley

1st in 1003

Brian

Chau

1st in 904

Devang

Patel

2nd in 1003

Khalifa

Alamin

2nd in 904

Sooji

Noh

1st in 1004

Jared

Matthias

1st in 905

Ausaaf

Mohammed

2nd in 1004

Shrinil

Desai

2nd in 905

Shriya

Suddala

1st in 1005

Biao

Xiong

1st in 906

Leo

Jia

2nd in 1005

Hrithik

Khemani

2nd in 906

Fabian

Li

1st in 1006

Zach

Alaimoana

1st in 907

Phoenix

Tupa'i Samuel

2nd in 1006

Ellie

Zou

2nd in 907

Amisha

Rajan

1st in 1007

JimmyKhuonVirak

Pen

Jerry

Liang

1st in 908

Filipo

Dunn

2nd in 1007

2nd in 908

Zeba

Mansoor

1st in 1008

Leon

Li

1st in 909

Nj

Ainuu

2nd in 1008

Taisei

Hayashi

2nd in 909

Samuel

Bradley

1st in 1009

Emmeline

Lokotui

2nd in 1009

Latika

1st in 1010

Anna

Syed Niyamathullah Brown

2nd in 1010

Ashleen

Lau

1st in 1011

Che

Halafihi

2nd in 1011

Hitanshi

Tailor

1st in 1012

Vinojan

Karunakaran

2nd in 1012

Prasad

Thota

1st in 1013

Caleb

Hala'ufia

2nd in 1013

Dom

Verhulst

1st in 1014

Jane

Babu

2nd in 1014

Miki

Lu

1st in 910

Monica

Liu

2nd in 910

Varshitha

Patlolla

1st in 911

Kitty

Long

2nd in 911

Seoram

Lee

1st in 912

Kaiyan

Dastur

2nd in 912

Patrick

Tautua'a

1st in 913

Joel

Ioelu-Siemu

2nd in 913

Talilotu

Tuitupou

1st in 914

Rabiya

Rafi

2nd in 914

Kanak

Saxena

1st in 915

Brendan

2nd in 915

Zak

KopuLowerson Mariano

1st in 1015

Sharon

Liang

1st in 916

Zachrey ZhiYuan

Zhu

2nd in 1015

Tanmay

Parmar

2nd in 916

Samantha

Tang

1st in 9NL

Cara Tianlan

Wang

1st in NL4

Lewen

Huang

2nd in 9NL

Felix Boliang

Li

Cooper House Distinction Awards Zach

Alaimoana

Ngata House Distinction Awards cont… 10

Samuel

Bradley

9

Abhishek

Ravichandran

9

Sheida

Tavita Alvaro

10

Angela

Singh

Chloe

Vos

Leo

Jia

9

Latika

Syed Niyamathullah

10

Ngata House Distinction Awards Ellice

Rutherford House Distinction Awards Ioelu-Siemu

9

Erica

10

Joel

Ansin

Coley

10

Nory Babu

Corrin

Destino

Mitra

Puja Jane

10

Hillary House Distinction Awards Rizqi

Matthew

9 9

10 9 10 9

Sheppard House Distinction Awards Stephanie

Guo

Lalita

Paopa

Jay

Patel

Rishi

Shukla

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

Wider Education: 4th to 6th December

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

From the MRGS Health Centre Kia ora koutou, These last weeks of term have been busy and also celebratory for the MRGS Health Clinic. Students from all years have sought help for what can be described as the manifestation of effort resulting from hard work in the classroom, preparing for assessments and exams, as well as on the sports fields. It’s been a pleasure to meet them and give support. We continue our presence as part of the Auckland Regional Refugee Health Network (ARRHN) Executive Group. The group received a generous donation from the MRGS Student Health Council towards the last Refugee Health Forum held in November. ARRHN has offered their gratitude for this and we, as staff, are proud to have such an altruistic group of students to work with. Last week saw the completion of all general health checks with Year 9 students. Happily, a clear majority mentioned settling in with ease and the friendly, accessible environment of the school which is a wonderful nod to “the Roskill Way”. Finally, our clinic was selected to represent through photos, the wonderful work of school nurses within the Auckland District Health Board catchment. More importantly, these photos accompanied a finalist placing for the 2017 Health Excellence Awards. A great recognition of efforts to improve student health and reduce access barriers and inequities. MRGS is at the forefront of this. Our thanks to Deputy Principal Karen Collins and the many staff who have helped provide a holistic health care approach within the Puketepapa whanau. Ka pu te ruha, ka hao te rangtahi (As an old fishing net withers another is remade). Nga manaakitanga. Leilani Hipa Lead Nurse MRGS Health Clinic

Live for Tomorrow Training Day

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

Ex-Pupil Inspires the Next Generation of Dancers Louanne Campos was a Year 13 Dance and Drama student at MRGS in 2013, and has since been studying Dance and Pasifika studies at Auckland University. She has returned to Roskill this term to teach a contemporary Samoan Sasa as part of our Year 9 Performing Arts course. The Performing Arts students have absolutely loved having her here and wanted to learn even more of the minutelong dance! This will be performed at Junior Prizegiving by students who have chosen to work outside of class time to continue their learning of the Sasa. It has been so popular we even have senior students returning during study break to learn the dance – it’s a good way to give the brain a break from all that study! Thanks so much to Louanne for her incredible knowledge and leadership in teaching this sasa to the Year 9 classes – we look forward to working again with you soon!

Badminton Success The New Zealand Secondary Schools Junior Badminton Championships 2017 were held in Auckland from the 28-30th November. There was three Draws: Boys’, Girls’, and Mixed. Mt. Roskill reached the final of the Mixed competition and despite playing well finished second.

Congratulations on their silver medal performance to our junior team of Ian Busby (Captain), Brian Chau, Ashleen Lau, Sharon Liang, Josie Noller, and Hudson Pfiefer. Special mention to Ian who won all of his Singles matches and supported the team with coaching tips.

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

White Ribbon Day Standing up against family and community violence: On Wednesday 22nd November, a group of Junior social justice advocates in partnership with anti violence organisation SHINE put on a great ‘White Ribbon’ event in the quad. There were many activities including listening to music and identifying the violent words used in songs. Deciding to not be a bystander by identifying positive ways and strategies to intervene in an abusive situation. Quizzes on healthy relationships for chocolate prizes; and lots of information available on how to deal with violence and keeping ourselves safe. As one student said: “This used to be my family, but not anymore. Our family is now getting counselling”. SHINE also generously brought along free food and give aways. We have a high rate of violence and abuse in Aotearoa and our students wanted to highlight the fact that this does not have to be the case if we all stand up together against violence and encourage people to get support to change. A big THANK YOU to our MRGS Junior social advocates and SHINE colleagues Shelley, Emma and Kieran for making this event such an enormous success. If anyone needs support please phone: SHINE 0508 744 633 or contact MRGS Student Services

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

Gateway at Mount Roskill Grammar School We have had a lot of success with students super excited, energized and expanding their horizons, in practical work placements in businesses such as, Cut Above, The Warehouse, ANZ, AirNZ, Bunnings, Childcare, Aviation etc… Next year we have students off to do Bakery, Engineering, Warehouse Stationery, McDonalds, Servilles, Tourism, Building and Countdown. This programme is up to 10 days in an Auckland business, this can be during school term and some possibilities for just holidays. There are still some spaces for 2018, so if you think your student might suit this programme, please contact Angela on 021 825 200 or 621 0050 ext 826 for an application form.

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MOUNT ROSKILL GRAMMAR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

DECEMBER 2017

Homestay Families Needed

Homestay Families needed Mt Roskill Grammar School is currently looking for families to host short-term and long-term International Students from February 2018. This is a great opportunity to provide a supportive environment for our students and share the kiwi lifestyle while learning about other cultures. For more information, including remuneration details, please contact: Fia Clarke, International Department [email protected] or phone 621 0050 x706/021 908121 2018—Start of the New Academic Year Details of start-up dates for all students are detailed below. Returning Students – 2018 course changes only Students must attend in uniform in the school hall

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Year 13 – Wednesday 24th January 9.00am Year 12 – Wednesday 24th January 11.00am Year 11 – Wednesday 24th January 1.00pm

First School day:

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Y9 and new students 9.40am on school main field (for Powhiri and assemblies) Y13 9.00am in school hall for Powhiri preparation

Y9 and Peer Support leaders remain after lunch. All other students dismissed. Friday 2nd February = All students

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9.00 am ( all students to form classes) School closed Anniversary Day – Monday 29th January School closed Waitangi Day – Tuesday 6th February Enrolments – All new enrolments must be completed by Tuesday 23rd January for students wishing to start on 1st February. MRGS office re-opens on Thursday 18th January 2018.

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