The last two weeks have been very busy at the college and the focus has been on strengthening connections with our community.
Our information evening for year 8 parents to share information about our curriculum and opportunities for year 9 and 10 was well attended. The exciting transition programme from year 8 to senior college was discussed, the new subjects we offer and leadership opportunities in particular. There were a number of questions about the accelerate class (year 9 and 10) and the provision for gifted and talented students which is run through the DEEP programme as well as the NCEA achievement standards offered in year 10. In short we learnt a lot from the interaction and appreciate the parents’ perspectives offered at the meeting. The Senior Leaders who attended and I felt that those who were able to attend have a better understanding of how their children can benefit from a further two year transition in an environment which is specially designed for this age group. Our students succeed wherever they go after year 10 and I am convinced that this is due to the opportunities they receive in year 9 and 10 which enable them to build and grow on the foundations laid in year 7 and 8.
On Friday we trialled a breakfast for boys to attend with their significant adult. The event was well supported by Family and Friends and students and staff led by Mr Penfold. Our guest speaker Mr Richie Barnett, former National Rugby League star and commentator shared some personal perspectives on the importance of having someone who can support and guide our young men and his speech was well received. A similar event for our girls is being planned for later in the year.
Last but certainly not least was our inaugural Matariki Celebration Evening organised by Mr Tuhaka and the Maori and Pasifika Committee. Students, staff and parents came together to provide a wonderful evening of entertainment and insight into the meaning and significance of Matariki. The performances were extremely entertaining and we look forward to some of the singers and dancers appearing at Talent Show this Thursday!
It is gratifying that these efforts to connect with our whanau are appreciated and that so many parents have made an effort to strengthen our connections for the benefit of our students.
Congratulations to Mr Jason Tuhaka (supported by Mrs Justine Tuhaka and the Tuhaka Whanau), MHJC’s Māori & Pasifika Council, teachers and families for a wonderful Matariki Event on Wednesday evening.
This event was an authentic opportunity for our students to not only hear about Matariki, but also to participate in it and learn through it. This is ‘Kia Mana Ake’ or ‘Growing Greatness’ in action!
Health & PE Teacher, Aly Grant captured some stunning shots from today’s William Pike Challenge Award outdoor education trip to Whatipu Beach. Students were thrilled to be visited by William Pike himself, as they completed rogaining, cave exploration and emergency first aid activities. A big thank you to Tess Connell who also supported MHJC’s contingent of 40 Year 9 students.
Last week, Mrs Hewlett and I had the privilege of attending the 23rd Student Leaders’ Convention at the Hwa Chong Institution in Singapore. We are the only school from New Zealand who has this opportunity and our students were able to share their thoughts, views and experiences with students from India, Hong Kong, China, Australia and Singapore. The theme of the conference was “Amity – Achieve As One” and delegates explored various sub-themes ranging from cyber wellness to elitism and racial discrimination. These themes were presented after two days of workshops to the judges and finalists announced at a festive finale.
I was incredibly impressed by Singapore and Hwa Chong Institution. The school and the government agree that much of their success has been achieved by finding solutions to problems that are unique and perhaps may not work in other societies – context must be considered. However the ideas of “win-win” or both parties being prepared to compromise if there is disagreement and a strong sense of community where consideration is shown to the environment and those less fortunate than others resonated powerfully with our own values.
I believe we and our students emerged better from the experience and I express my appreciation to Mrs Hewlett for her time and effort and to our students for their impeccable behaviour – they were true ambassadors of our school and our country.
By virtue of our strong association with Hwa Chong Institution three teachers have been invited to an international conference as members of SWIFT (Schools with an interest in future technologies). This provides us with an opportunity to share our experiences with schools from other countries which maintains our innovative approaches to learning.
Last night careers advisor Mrs Ulika Singh and MHJC students attended the annual ‘Careers Expo’ at Ormiston Senior College. The event was a huge success with many institutions from throughout New Zealand showcasing numerous degree and vocational pathways, scholarship opportunities as well as unique business enterprises.
The key presentations from Auckland University and the Manukau Institute of Technology were particularly useful, as they outlined NCEA subjects and points required for entry into courses offered. It was particularly exciting for MHJC students to interact with OSC students and staff, whom offered advice and support with learning opportunities when they venture into senior college.
Members of MHJC’s Executive Council are truly globally connected learners, having travelled to the Hwa Chong Institution in Singapore to contribute to the 22nd Young Leaders Convention.
Solana Carpenter, Camryn Chetty, Eugene Chua, Chenae Korewha, Duncan Lane and Jamini Patel departed from New Zealand in the early hours of Sunday morning, accompanied by Mr Morrison and Mrs Hewlett. The group have already enjoyed a day at Universal Studios on Sentosa Island and ‘ice-breaker’ challenges with students from a host of other countries. We look forward to sharing additional photos and updates, as they come through…
Year 7 students from Mission Heights Junior College participated in the 2017 ‘3G4G Festival of Cultural Sharing’ hosted by the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple on Friday 19th May.
During this visit students were challenged to “do good deeds, think good thoughts and say kind words” to others through a range of activities and interactive presentations. Once back at school, students reflected upon their temple visit and wrote about the application of 3G4G in their own lives.
On Saturday MHJC students Cathy Shipway, Ishaan Shukla and Mehar Kaur were presented with prizes for first, second and third place, respectively. Also, Chrezylhyn Ortega, Jasmine Strong and Abby McGarva received merit prizes. Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to MHJC’s organising teacher, Mrs Rajesh Joshi.
Congratulations to MHJC students who participated in the ‘2017 Winter Wonderland Wearable Arts Show’ that was held at BDSC on Friday 26th and Saturday 27th May. We would like to acknowledge the remarkable efforts of the designers and models who participated in this event. Our sincere thanks to MHJC’s visual arts teacher Liz Hanna-Latham for helping students to realise their creations, from the page to the stage!
‘Safe Schools Week’ is a time of the year that students reflect upon the way they think, speak and act towards other students, to ensure that school is a place where everyone feels valued and protected. On Friday 26th June staff and students celebrated ‘Pink Shirt Day’ activities, to help strengthen MHJC’s culture of tolerance, respect and understanding towards others.
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