All posts by Mark Chang

International

Our Team

We have an International Student Team dedicated to the care and support of every international student, who chooses to make their home with us.

Management 
Senior LeaderInternational Student Coordinator

Raeesa Dada
Joan Clansey
Raeesa is responsible for managing the Global Connection portfolio.Joan is responsible for overseeing the International team. She approves applications and is the primary contact for parents, caregivers and agents.

Contact us at international@mhjc.school.nz . Our administration hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am – 3:30 pm (New Zealand Standard Time). We will endeavour to respond on the next working day should your enquiry be outside of these hours.

ICT Blog

Monkey App

It has come to our attention that some students may be accessing and using a social networking application called “Monkey app”.

We strongly advise you to read the following review from a web site which investigates the safety of this and other apps so that you can be well informed about this and other possible on-line dangers to our students. 

These types of instant messaging applications are automatically blocked on the school’s network however we advise parents to monitor their children’s phones to see if they have downloaded it. We restrict the use of mobile phones at school and only allow their use to support learning e.g. recording a speech or Science experiment but these apps may be used after hours hence our communication on the matter.

 https://protectyoungeyes.com/content/monkey-parental-controls-app-review/

ICT Blog

Flat Bush 7 Conference

We had an amazing day yesterday during the Flat Bush Cluster 7 conference held in the Mission Heights Schools. For the uninitiated, the Flat Bush Cluster 7 is an annual gathering of the 7 schools in the Flat Bush area, Ormiston Primary, Ormiston Junior College, Ormiston Senior College, Baverstock Primary, Willowbank  Primary, Mission Heights Primary and Mission Heights Junior College. Keynote talks from notable speakers and breakout workshops enable teachers to connect and learn more about their role as educators in Aoteroa.

One great takeaway from the keynote talks was the importance of education and its role in shaping society. Chris Clay touched on the need for educators to empower learners to harness the collective will to solve the world’s problems. Grant Pix emphasized on mindfulness as a competency to be developed and Prof Peter O’ Conner related his experiences on vitality and the importance of imagination and creativity in and through learning about a world of wicked problems and our learners’ places within it. It was amazing to hear Melinda Webber; her awesome wahine toa and korero touched many in the audience.

As an ICT professional in the education industry, it has been always my view that ICT in the school should be used as a tool and an enabler. While information technology is indeed a positive tool for many, its possible abuse is too well-known and needs no repeating here, especially in New Zealand. Our challenge is how we can help raise the importance of empathy in our dealings with one another, especially in the realm of information technology. This and many more factors will be instrumental in shaping the future of ICT within the two schools.

ICT Blog

Communication Is Key

The Pew Research Center is an American organisation that conducts research into many facets of life affecting the average American home. One of the many interesting studies it performs is on the effect of social media use among teenagers. Headlining the report is that “fully 95% of teens have access to a smartphone, and 45% says they are online almost constantly”.

Netsafe, our local Internet advisory agency, shares similar findings in its report entitled “New Zealand teens’ digital profile : a factsheet”. In 2017, “a third of NZ teens spend 4 or more hours online in an average day” and that “teens regard themselves as confident technology users”. Most of the report corelates with our experiences here in the Mission Heights Schools, with students in both schools rating their usage of technology highly in both personal and school aspects of their lives.

What is of interest here is the personal aspect, and which is not often discussed openly enough. Our teachers play an important and active role in helping and advising students in their digital lives and how to stay safe online, especially during learning advisor time. Here, there is a clear focus on digital citizenship and how to behave online in a manner that is consistent with caring for others. There is also this desire for the students to bring these practices back home.

As a result, parents also play an important role in creating this atmosphere at home. The ICT team often receives requests from parents on how to help their children at home, and the most important advice we can give anyone is that communication is a key element in building trust and rapport between parent and child. Establishment of that brings along greater cooperation among all parties alike.

For example, putting a time limit on social media use is very often a cause for strife between parent and child. In fact, the average person spends nearly 2 hours a day using various forms of social media, with teenagers using far more than that. If both parties are made aware of the consequences of spending too much time on social media, and a common goal is formed where social media use is lessened to an agreed duration, the results may be more acceptable than simply removing the device from said child.

Theere is a growing body of knowledge amongst goverment agencies and academia about the way young New Zealanders interact with digital technologies. It is our hope that we learn to embrace the opportunities and be upfront with the challenges and potential risks that these technologies afford.

ICT Blog

Devices in the Mission Heights Schools

Following our successful 2nd year with CYOD (Choose Your Own Device) in the school, we have reviewed our position on the type of devices allowed in the school and I am happy to announce that there is no change in the type of devices allowed in the school.

MHJC has always been a device agnostic school and we encourage students to bring devices that they already own to school, provided they meet the minimum requirements, which are as follows:-

For Windows and Mac laptops,

* 4GB of RAM * 64GB SSD

For tablets,

* 9.7 inch screen * portable keyboard

For Chromebooks,

* 11.6 inch screen * 4GB RAM * 16GB SSD

We have had feedback from teachers and students that it is easier to finish homework tasks on a laptop or Chromebook as opposed to an iOS tablet. We continue to advise parents that if new devices are to be purchased, a Windows or Mac laptop or Chromebook should be purchased.

Chromebooks continue to be a difficult recommendation. Android applications on Chromebooks have not gained universality as it should have over the past year and in our limited testing have proven to be problematic. They are sufficient in Years 7 and 8 but parents purchasing new devices for students in Years 9 and 10 should consider Windows and Mac laptops due to the workloads in those yearlevels.

The ICT team is happy to answer any questions posed to us – feel free to email admin@mhjc.school.nz with your question and we will respond accordingly.

International

International

Welcome to our school, the perfect choice for students who want the best of everything, a friendly multicultural school with great teachers and modern facilities. Located close to the airport and beaches, we are also in close proximity to the new Ormiston Town Centre.

Juliet Gao and Joan Clansey with fellow teachers visiting from Xian Lin Intermediate School in Nanjing

We have a team who are dedicated to the care and support of every international student who chooses to make their home with us for a few months or longer. To ensure that we provide the best care and attention to students, we are a signatory to the Ministry of Education’s Code of Practice – Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (The Code).

We welcome all prospective applicants to view NauMai NZ. This is an official government site for information on studying with New Zealand and will assist greatly in learning about, connecting with and exploring Aotearoa New Zealand.

We welcome international students to apply for the 2024 academic year.

Learning @ MHJC

Our Staff

Mission Heights Junior College is very proud of the quality of our teaching and support staff. They are capable professionals who also care for the all round development and well-being of our students.

Senior Management

PositionName
PrincipalMr Ian Morrison
Associate PrincipalMr Naddy Naidoo
Deputy Principal Coast WhanauMrs Raeesa Dada
Assistant Principal Coast WhanauMr Jason McKimmon
Deputy Principal Forest WhanauMs Melanie Kindley
Assistant Principal Forest WhanauMr David Nutt
Deputy Principal Water WhanauMrs Cathy Hewlett
Assistant Principal Water WhanauMr Helgard Groenewald
Deputy Principal Mountains WhanauMr Ian Suckling
Assistant Principal Mountains WhanauMs Catherine Hunter
Deputy PrincipalMs Reshmika Lal
Deputy PrincipalMs Kate Lambert
SENCOMs Ria Jacobs

Coast Whanau

PositionName
Deputy PrincipalMrs Raeesa Dada
Assistant PrincipalMr Jason McKimmon
TeachersMs Pauli Roodt
Ms Juliet Gao
Ms Anna Vuksanlekaj
Mr Douglas Choong
Ms Amanda Carter
Mrs Navneet Kaur
Ms Aly Grant
Ms Nalini Narayan
Ms Abbigail Shields
Mrs Ulika Singh
Mr Ezra Bartlett
Mr Wyn Morris
Whanau AssistantMrs Narina Remedios

Forest Whanau

PositionName
Deputy PrincipalMs Melanie Kindley
Assistant PrincipalMr David Nutt
TeachersMs Reshmika Lal
Ms Iris Brandauer
Ms Olivia Young
Ms Adora Lindsay
Ms Meera Phadke
Ms Erin Steel
Ms Joan Clansey
Ms Hayley Tipene
Mr Logan Dobson
Mr Basil Taha
Ms Sheryl Wright
Whanau AssistantMr Vernon Rubanand

Water Whanau

PositionName
Deputy PrincipalMrs Cathy Hewlett
Assistant PrincipalMr Helgard Groenewald
TeachersMs Sahara Singh
Ms Aidyn Thomas
Ms Monique Sutton
Ms Gillian Bartlett
Mr Raj Sharma
Dr Rajesh Joshi
Ms Petra Priest
Mr Johan Fourie
Mr Rob Picot
Ms Sarah Robertson
Ms Ashika Selagan
Whanau AssistantMs Kess Naidoo

Mountains Whanau

PositionName
Deputy PrincipalMr Ian Suckling
Assistant PrincipalMs Catherine Hunter
TeachersMs Jeanna Wessels
Ms Marilyn Katafono
Mr Anthony Keung
Mr Dino Gardi
Mrs Neetu Ismail
Ms Mirian Martin
Mr Vivashal Singh
Mr Rob Bartholomew
Ms Chandana Premdeep
Ms Jan Newbold
Mr Satendra Lal
Ms Eilidh McGregor
Whanau AssistantMr Nihal Wanigatunga

Support Staff

Position Name
School Councillor Ms Savita Kesry
  Ms Tamryn Broodryk
Learning Assistant  
  Ms Fidelia Dubash
  Ms Maryke Cordier
  Ms Ameena Hoosen
  Ms Suellen Scales
  Ms Heather Simpson
  Ms Lynette Steenkamp
  Ms Emma Swires
Property Manager Mr Rob Hargreaves
Property Caretaker Mr Wilbert Santos
Groundsperson Mr Stephan Koks
Office Staff Ms Tarryn Norman
  Mrs Alanna Young
  Mrs Geeta Patel
Sports Coordinator Mr Daymon Hellyer-Adams
Head of Sport / Hākinakina Mr Johan Fourie
Librarian Ms Sibylle Townsend
Library Assistant Ms Debbie McDermott
Science Technician Ms Rachel Lim
Technology Technician Mr Rustom Dubash
Cultural Activities Assistant Ms Gemma Naidoo
ICT Managers Mr Ben Doughney
  Mr Mark Chang

 

Learning @ MHJC

Year 9 Options

Year 9 Options 2017

 

Please select 4 Option Subjects but you will only study 2. This is because some Options may not be offered if only a few students select it, or some Option course may be over subscribed.

 

Please note the following selection restriction that is applicable to the Technology Options, Languages and Visual Art/Design & Visual Communication.

 

Technology (Digital, Hard Material, Fabric, Food)

– students can select a maximum 1x technology subject within their first two choices

– students can select a maximum 1x technology subject within their two back up choices

 

Visual Arts and Design & Visual Communication

– students can select one of these subjects within their first two choices

 

Languages (Spanish, Mandarin)

– students can select one of these subjects within their first two choices

 

Year 9 Drama

In Year 9 Drama you will build on basic performance skills such Drama Techniques, Drama Elements and Drama Conventions. These skills will assist them in performing in a range of situations.

 

There will be an opportunity to create props and costumes for Drama. You will learn to work with a wide range of people in various situations. You will develop communication abilities and confidence when performing in public.

 

An interest in performance techniques and creating original work for an audience would be of benefit but these skills will be taught during the course so are not essential. Enthusiasm and a willingness to try everything are essential.

 

The skills acquired in Drama can be fed into any number of pathways. Being able to speak with confidence in a public situation is an invaluable asset in many other subject areas that involve discussion and presentation. Being able to work cooperatively and creatively in a group develops excellent problem solving skills that can be applied to many areas. There is a $10 charge associated with this course to cover materials for mask making.

 

Year 9 Music

 

In Year 9 Music you will develop as a musician on your chosen instrument. You will further develop your experience and skills in performance, both solo and in a group. You will learn to set up stage equipment such as speakers and mixing desks. You will also experience writing your own song. There will be an element of theory in terms of learning major and minor scales as well as working out chords in a key.

There will be a chance to use digital audio software to create original mixes.

Year 9 Mandarin

 

The Year 9 Mandarin course covers language and culture; exploring both modern and traditional aspects of China. Students will experience a variety of learning opportunities, such as stories, games, Chinese celebrations, Chinese history, Chinese culinary, Chinese craft and art, and school trips. Authentic learning experience and e-learning will be embed in daily lessons.   

 

Students will learn to

  • communicate with others with basic Chinese vocabulary
  • explore selected aspects of Chinese culture, history and customs
  • practice appropriate Chinese etiquette
  • retell traditional Chinese stories
  • describe their life at home and at school

 

This course is open to both native speakers of Mandarin and non-native speakers. It will cater for the needs of individual students and ensure they progress further in their own pathways.

Native speakers of Mandarin will

  • read texts with more complexity
  • write in a variety of genres and forms
  • master basic vocabulary at NCEA level one
  • Participate in cultural events and school trips

 

Year 9 Spanish

 

Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages, there are more Spanish speakers in the world than English speakers. There are over 350 million native speakers of Spanish in twenty two countries. The Year 9 Spanish course teaches not only a lively and expressive language, but a fascinating and different culture. Learning Spanish will provide the possibility to understand other Latin based languages like Portuguese and Italian.

 

Students will have the opportunity to learn:

  • to describe themselves and others
  • to use articles and adjectives applying correct grammar
  • about Spanish and Latin american lifestyle, festivities and traditions

 

Our Year 9 Spanish students learn through:

  • Videos and presentations
  • Our language softwares “Linguascope and Language Perfect” interacting within the class using their acquired, written, reading and speaking knowledge.
  • Experiencing field trips where they will apply their conversational skills and exchange with other spanish students from other schools in New Zealand.

 

Year 9 Visual Arts

 

Students will given opportunities to develop ideas, skills and techniques in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, design and time based art through a series of practical projects representing a variety of contexts.

 

Year 9 Visual Arts is for students who wish to:

  • develop creativity and individual self expression in visual art processes
  • acquire skills, knowledge and understanding of art through authentic pathways
  • develop a wide appreciation of the visual world and recognise their place in it

 

‘While Art continues to be a desirable option for students wishing to pursue ‘traditional’ creative careers, such as Architecture, Interior Design or Painting / Fine Art related professions, the internet has seen an explosion of exciting, new roles emerge.’

 

http://www.studentartguide.com/articles/reasons-to-study-art

 

Year 9 Graphics: Design and Visual Communication

Design and Visual Communication (DVC) is a main communication tool, it is an international language therefore, it enables students to show their ideas avoiding languages barriers.

DVC combines the important educational aspects of communication and creative problem solving. This course will give students the chance to develop their own solutions to realistic design problems through the application of a design process. They will also get the skills to precisely communicate their solutions, by applying a range of Graphics Modes:

  • Free hand sketching
  • Technical drawing
  • Graphics softwares

It is directly related to the dramatic technological developments that have occurred in today’s society, and involves fields such as:

  • Architecture
  • Environment
  • Engineering
  • Technological
  • Media
  • Packaging.

This is a course with the emphasis placed on creativity and individual choice, developed to meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s citizens.

The programme is developed around briefs that are based on realistic and thought provoking situations. Students will use graphics skills to develop, record and communicate individual and innovative solutions in a variety of ways.

This course stimulates students’ self confidence, self esteem and pride in achievement through enabling them to reach personal success.

 

Year 9 Food Technology

 

This course involves using technological practice to develop food products that meet a design brief. You will have to design, develop and test your ideas until you find a solution to meet your brief.

 

You will learn to think creatively and to work independently. You will develop skills to become a supportive team player able to undertake research accessing a variety of sources. You will be able to produce written and practical evidence to support your development work.

 

The variety of skills learnt in Year 9 Food Technology lead smoothly on to Year 10 and beyond. These skills will help with production of work in other curriculum areas and problem solving skills, developed through the design briefs, will be of use across the curriculum.

 

Year 9 Hard Materials Technology

 

This course involves developing outcomes to meet a given brief. In the development of your outcome/s you will make models or mockups that will test your ideas prior to working through the construction process. You will have the opportunity to use a range of hard materials to produce your final outcome – choosing the best materials that will enable your outcome to be “fit for purpose”.

 

This course requires creative and critical thinking. You will enhance your patience, enthusiasm and ability to work individually and in a group.

 

The variety of skills and knowledge you develop will lead you into the Year 10 Technology course. You will also be able use the knowledge you develop in Technology in other curriculum areas.

 

Year 9 Digital Technology (Electronics/Coding)

 

Digital technology is a University approved course and in secondary schools continues to Year 13. This MHJC course will align to the digital technology section of the Technology Curriculum.

 

The course will be project based, concentrating on enquiry learning and ‘learning by doing’ and will incorporate these areas of digital technology (as well as safe and competent use of workshop machinery and power tools)

  • Understanding of circuit design and electronic components
  • Manufacture of electronic circuit boards and associated practical skills
  • Programming and use of microcontrollers
  • 3D design using CAD (3D printing and laser cutting)

 

The course is biased towards practical outcomes but students must be prepared to complete all areas of the course including theory and assignment work. Students who opt to take this course do not need any prior knowledge or experience of electronics or programming but a willingness to learn and a strong work ethic is required.

Year 9 – Fashion and Design

 

This course involves developing a range of outcomes related to Fashion and Design. You will learn about the Fashion trends of the past and how they have influenced Fashion today. You will develop knowledge and skills to make items that meet a given Design Brief or Challenge following the Design Process.

 

You will explore who you are in a conceptual form and learn the skills of design, including looking at digital designing. You will then transfer these new design skills and look at ‘who you are’ to influence the design of a ‘personal item’. This will allow you to express yourself in a unique way, while also gaining fundamental design skills and more specialist construction skills.

 

You will conduct some research into your culture and heritage to find similar existing products, suitable materials and learn how to manipulate a range of different materials. After the introductory project you will be given the opportunity to Design and Make items suitable for a personal project or you may wish to get involved in a community project. Or enter a competition such as the local schools Wearable Arts Competition and/or the National Brother Design Stars Competition.

 

Year 9 Media Studies

 

In Media Studies you will learn to explore media concepts with critical awareness and have practical experience in production work.

 

This course can give you essential skills and expertise as you progress to senior Media Studies, and beyond. You will develop the ability to communicate confidently as you work in production groups developing media products such as short films. You will develop flexibility, problem solving and openness to new ideas. You will experience “hands-on” use of technology such as cameras and digital editing software. You will be able to critically interpret a wide range of media.

 

Your group project experiences will enhance your problem solving skills and ability to use your creative skills to produce a finished

product to fit a brief.

 

Year 9 Social Enterprise

“What is Social Enterprise?

A social enterprise is a venture that uses a business model to create social and environmental value. Social enterprises generate income through trading products or services, and the majority of any revenues are reinvested back into their core mission. ” (Inspiring Stories)

Social Enterprise is ‘doing charity by doing trade’. A social enterprise company is any for profit or non-profit organisation that applies strategies to achieving philanthropic goals. Social enterprises would consider themselves to have social objectives.Social enterprises do not aim to offer any benefit to their investors, except where they believe that doing so will ultimately further their capacity to realise their philanthropic goals.

You will be involved in exciting project work and you can interact with people in New Zealand and around the world.

School News

Eggsperiment

The concept for the Year 10 Mountain students this year was called  Eggsperiment. This started with them being given a normal egg to look after, dress and babysit. The highlight of this concept was when the students had the opportunity to hatch their own chickens from fertilized eggs.

They made their own incubators and researched about the optimal conditions for hatching and were pleased to announce that after a highly anticipated 21 days, they had 4 healthy inquisitive chicks.

After spending the first 2 weeks at school, the chicks have found a permanent home with Mrs Bartlett.  Well done to all the proud parents!
Community

Annual Student Achievement Report 2015

Principal’s Report on Student Achievement 2015

In 2015 Mission Heights Junior College students continued to  enjoy high levels of success across the four cornerstones, academic, cultural, sport and leadership through service. We enjoyed many successes in a wide range of regional,  national and international  competitions.

I am proud to present a summary of the school’s achievements in 2015.

Academic achievement

National Standards (Year 7 and 8)

Students in Years 7 and 8 are assessed against National Standards in Reading, Writing and Mathematics.

At the end of 2015, 76.4% of Year 7 students were assessed as being at or above standard in Reading. At the end of Year 8 the percentage at or above standard was 78.1%

In writing Year 7 results were 71.4% at or above standard and in Year 8, 72.7%. In Maths by the end of Year 7  74.1% of students were at or above standard and at the end of Year 8  81% of students were at or above standard.

National standards results for all schools are reported in detail to and by the Ministry of Education.

E asTTle (Year 9 and 10)

As students are not assessed against National Standards in Years 9 and 10 the following data is based only on e-asTTle testing. The testing in Mathematics was based all strands of the Mathematics curriculum. Overall teacher judgements would take into account broader data sets including NCEA results, where applicable, and a broader range of testing data.

In Reading 77.9% of students tested at or above the curriculum level and 63.8% in Maths. In Year 10 the figures were 47.6% and 42.9% respectively.

Progress data

If student achievement levels are to be raised it is important to monitor the rate at which students are progressing. This is done by using “effect size” calculations based on e-asTTle pre and post testing. Overall students are making excellent progress.

In Year 7 Reading,  86.5% of students made at least the expected progress over the year and  in Maths 95% made at least the expected progress over the year. 62.2% made greater than expected progress in Reading and 73.6% in Maths.  34.6% of students actually made over 2 years progress in one year in Reading and 45.7% did so in Maths.

In Year 8 Reading,  79% of students made at least the expected progress over the year and  in Maths the figure was 93% . 44% made greater than expected progress in Reading and 75 % in Maths.  17% of students made over 2 years progress in one year in Reading and 49 % did so in Maths.

In Year 9 Reading,  74 % of students made at least the expected progress over the year and  in Maths the figure was 89 % . 40% made greater than expected progress in Reading and 49 % in maths.  21% of students made over 2 years progress in one year in Reading and 24 % did so in Maths.

In Year 10 Reading,  76 % of students made at least the expected progress over the year and  in Maths the figure was 83 % . 40 % made greater than expected progress in Reading and 46 % in Maths.  16 % of students made over 2 years progress in one year in Reading and 12 % did so in Maths.

NCEA

Unlike most other schools we offer all our Year 10 students an opportunity  to attempt NCEA Achievement Standards in Year 10 as our key purpose is to prepare students as they transition  into  Year 11 in their new school.  Our objective is to provide students, regardless of ability an understanding of the NCEA system of assessment and confidence in their ability to succeed without compromising their ability to improve their achievement level further in Year 11.

In summary, our 2015 results show that 32% of our students gained 20 credits or more, and 15% of students gained 25 credits or more.

An outstanding 90% achievement rate was achieved.

Significantly, 51% of the credits achieved were at Merit or Excellence level.

ncea-2015-1ncea-2015-2

Academic Competitions

Once again in 2015 all of our students had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of Academic Competitions with a great deal of individual and team success.

IPENZ Transpower Neighbourhood Engineers Awards

Three teams from Mission Heights Junior College gained merit awards in the senior section of this competition.This competition sees students working with engineering mentors to develop technological solutions to an issue/area of concern that the students have identified in their school or community.  The school is developing an impressive record of success, having also been awarded prizes in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

MHJC Science Fair and NIWA Manukau Region Science & Technology Fair

Our annual Science Fair had a record number of entries in the year 7 and 8 categories, complimenting our year 9 and 10 entries.  From the school fair, 46 of students represented MHJC at the NIWA Manukau Region Science and Technology Fair on Sunday 10 August.  The regional fair was hosted in the MHJC Middlemiss Theatre with 18 other participating schools. Our students were successful, earning the following awards:

First Place in Scientific Photography; Best Project by a Maori Student; Best use of Statistics (Second Place); Best Use of Flour (Second Place); Innovation Prize for Best Year 9 Project and Innovation Prize for Best Year 10 Project.

ICAS, Maths and Science Competitions

Following trends from previous years, students performed to a high standard in each of our ICAS competitions.  Students participated in spelling, writing, computing, mathematics, science and digital technologies tests this year.  Achievements of Distinction and High Distinction were awarded to 41 students, with ICAS maths being our strongest area. Students achieving Distinction and High Distinction  are in the top 1-10% of all students who sat nationally.

Students also participated with success in the Junior Mathematics Competition, the Otago University Problem Challenge and the Big Science Competition.

Mathex is always an exciting school event,  and 2015 was no different.  Staff, students, parents and past students turned out to let their math skills shine.  Teams from MHP and Ormiston also entered to build stronger ties with our feeder schools.  Our top mathematicians were then selected by Mrs Taneja to represent MHJC in six teams at the Auckland Mathex event.  Our students performed admirably up against very tough opposition,  and thoroughly enjoyed this exciting evening of mathematics.  One of our year 7 team scored 95/100 and came 5th out of 110 teams. Our year 8 team scored 90/100 and came 6th out of 110 teams.

Crest Awards

In 2015, 25 year 9 students earned a Bronze Crest Award and 28 students in year 10 earned Silver Crest Awards for their hard work on various projects, including Science Fair, IPENZ and CodeWorx challenges. To achieve Silver Crest Awards in Year 10 is impressive, as most recipients are Year 12 students.

Education Perfect and Language Exams

With such a diverse community our students are able to speak a number of languages.  This fact shone true as MHJC came first internationally in the Language Perfect category, beating over 1000 schools from around the world.  Students came first in New Zealand in Maori, Samoan, Italian, and Indonesian and second in Japanese.

Globally, we performed very well.  Collectively our students earned MHJC a second in the world for Social Studies, third in English, fourth in Science, and fifth in Maths.  To accomplish these amazing feats students earned individuals awards; 63 Elite awards, 106 Gold awards, 45 Silver award and 83 Bronze awards.

Students also participated in ALC examinations.  These examinations have oral and written examinations in a range of foreign  languages.  Out students earned  Distinction and High Distinction awards in both examinations.

Burger Battle

2015 marked the first year a team of students entered a food technology competition. After battling it out at school, the winning duo headed to the Auckland Council Burger Battle competition held at the annual Food Show.  Students designed and presented unique burgers to top chefs from New Zealand. Our team took away a “Merit” award for their efforts.

In 2016 the school will look to continue with the well-established competitions that we have entered for many years,  whilst also looking to broaden our scope of competitions and experiences offered to our students.

Sport

Once again participation and success increased in sporting activities in 2015 across a broad range of sporting competitions.  Students have opportunities to participate in the sporting cornerstone through both extra curricular opportunities and very effectively through our personalised DEEP programme.

Cricket

2015

Our Year 7&8 Boys cricket team placed 3rd in the South Eastern Zone competition. They also took part in the Auckland knock out cup and competed in 4 exciting games, winning one of the four. Our Year 9&10  Cricket team once again were undefeated this season and were therefore winners of the Term 1 competition.

Netball

Our Year 7 and 8  girls netball team  attended the AIMS games in Tauranga for the second time and at the end of the grading round were placed in the B grade. This was a big achievement and a challenge for our team who played with passion and commitment at this high level.  They also played in the Y9&10 Howick Pakuranga Netball competition and they finished 1st.

We also had 2 teams entering the SEZ tournament in which they finished in the C grade and played some good netball

At year 9 and 10 our teams enjoyed success. Our MHJC Yr 9 and 10  A team came second in their division and our Yr 10A team excelled, in the final tournament achieving second place in the final against MHJC Junior A team.

Our Premier team also entered the Auckland Netball competition for the first time and was graded in the B grade where we finished second. This team showed that Mission Heights can compete against any school.

Football

Our Year 7 and 8 boys football team attended the AIMS Games for the second time and enjoyed a number of hard fought games. This team finished in the top 10 teams of the tournament.

Our Y7 team entered the SEZ tournament and finished 3rd in the tournament.

Our Y8 team also entered the SEZ tournament and also finished 3rd.

Our Year 9 and 10 girls took fourth place in their the Greater Auckland Junior B competition.

Our Year 9 and 10 Boys team won their competition for a third time, beating Rosehill A in an exciting final. They also entered the Auckland knock out cup competition losing to  Auckland Grammar.
Basketball

In 2015 we again hosted the ABSL Year 7 and 8 competition and fielded 18 teams in the first and second semester tournaments.

Our Year 7 and 8  boys and girls were South Eastern Zone finalists and our U15 Girls team reached the top 2 in the regional competition, which is an outstanding achievement.

Our u/17 boys finished 8th overall in the Counties Manukau league.

In a 3 on 3 competition a Mission Heights Team was B grade winners.

Swimming

We were again well represented at  the SEZ swimming competition with 17 swimmers and this year one of our swimmers Victor Chua competing in the NZ Secondary Schools Swimming Championships won gold and  3 silver medals.

Athletics

In the  Eastern zone Athletics MHJC took our biggest team yet to the meeting. We took 45 athletes. All students did really  well and our Y7 boys relay team won their race and qualified for the Auckland Champs where they placed 3rd.

Cross Country:

We took a team of year 9 &10 students to the the Counties Manukau cross country competition for the first time and the students did really well.

We also took 30 runners to the SEZ meeting and we had two runners placed in the top 10.

Tennis:

We took 6 tennis players to SEZ tournament and we competed very well all the matches we played. Kevin Fu finished second in the singles competitions.

Badminton:

We took a Badminton team to the AIMS Games for the first time, and we did really well. Our doubles team won a Gold medal. All five of our singles players placed in the top 20. We also placed 2nd in the team competition.

We also entered the SEZ competition and won the doubles and singles competitions.

Touch:

We entered our Y 7&8 mixed touch team into the SEZ tournament. We placed 4th overall with a lot of games having very close scores.

Our Y 9&10 girls touch team entered the u/15 Manukau touch tournament for the first time and we finished 7th overall.

Culture

Performing Arts

In 2015 our students were able to share their talents across a wide range of performance opportunities. We had our traditional in-school events; the Talent Quest and a Winter Wonderland themed  Santa Show.  We also had our second Maori and Pasifika Achievement Evening with it proving another huge success. As always our students made our school community extremely proud with their commitment and talent in school and across the community.

Cultural Food Festival

We celebrated our bi-annual Cultural Food Festival.  This is a huge undertaking by staff and students and supported by Family and Friends.  Each Whanau sells food from a range of cultures to our community in a effort to raise money for graduation.  It is a busy but fun way to open our school to the community.

Dance Sport

Once again our Year 7 and 8 students had an opportunity to compete in an MHJC Dance Sport competition in term 3 learning four styles of Ballroom dance: Waltz, Foxtrot, Cha Cha and Jive.  We had two couples attend this competition and both got placings in the top 10.

Visual Arts

Work by 10 of our art students was showcased in the annual Auckland Middle Schools Art Association Exhibition for Year 7 & 8 students held at the Corban Art Centre in September.  

Cultural Celebrations

Cultural Dress days are, as always a fun and important part of sharing our cultural diversity.  Students participate in many language/cultural days and compete in a cultural dress competition and staff support this event with their colourful traditional wear and costumes.

Public speaking

This year we hosted the both the year 7 & 8 APPA Easter Zone Competition and the 9 & 10 Eastern Zone Speech competitions where Oliver Davies was placed 2nd in Year 9 and Victor Chua placed 2nd in Year 10.

We also did well in the international language speech competitions.  With Moriah Lino placing 1st  in Nuien speeches, John Yang 2nd in Cantonese.

Debating

We had a good run in debating in 2015. Our two teams failed to make the October finals but some great foundation work was laid for the 2016 season and our teams had a lot of fun and learned a lot about how to debate and speak in public.

Ormiston Community Christmas in the Courtyard

Our students also had the opportunity to perform at the Christmas in the Courtyard event held by the Ormiston Community Group. This was a fun way for some of our top performers to finish the year.

Service Leadership

The 2015  Executive Council created a new competition which promotes the four cornerstones and inter whanau competition. Four activities which represent the four cornerstones were chosen to decide the trophy which was presented at the end of year Prize Giving. The council also raised money from their popular discos in term 1,2 and 3 to purchase TV monitors for each whanau which will be used to raise awareness of student activities and achievements. The council members showed a high level of maturity and leadership throughout the year. The degree to which we show trust and faith in these student leaders is that they had a significant voice in the selection of our new Principal. They interviewed short-listed candidates and provided their feedback to the interview committee.

Our whanau councils take the lead role in organising whanau assemblies and, in some whanau in 2015 student curriculum committees actively contributed to ideas for learning contexts.

We value the service of our road patrollers, our librarians, ICT crew, and our sports and  cultural councils.   Other opportunities to lead and serve are available through Wai Care, the Enviro Council, Travelwise and Trees for Survival.

Five Year 10 students once again represented Mission Heights Junior College at the  Singapore Young Leaders Convention where they worked with other students from across the globe to address issues affecting youth.  

The school continued to support a wide range of community organisations including SPCA,  Habitat for Humanity, World Vision, Starship Hospital, and the Cancer Society. A number of students had the opportunity to attend the Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Turangi.

We realise the importance of preparing our student leaders to be effective in their roles. Accordingly an introductory leadership training workshop was held on 25th November 2015. This training run by World Vision was successful in getting students to look at the attributes of a good leader. Based on the success of this initial training,  the following training programmes have been booked for our students for this year: Young Leadership Program, GRIP training program and the KATTI training program directed at upskilling our Maori students

Systems have been put in place to streamline the leadership selection and appointment process. A digital system was set up to allow students to choose their leadership positions. Effect size student data analysed in 2015 showed there was a clear correlation between student engagement and the number of cornerstones that students participated in. Students that take on too many formal leadership positions, requiring a year long commitment, found themselves over-committed and this negatively impacted upon their academic achievement. Similarly it was found that students who did not participate in any leadership positions showed less engagement resulting in regression in progress. Based on these findings it was decided that students be limited to three formal leadership positions for the year. The new system also allowed teacher input into students’ leadership selections resulting in students being offered positions which whilst allowing them to work to their strengths also challenge them to be GREAT leaders.  Furthermore, this system ensured that all students were given a chance to apply and be considered for the various leadership positions being offered.