Nelson College for Girls

Tel: +64 3 548 3104 email: admin@ncg.school.nz www.ncg.school.nz P O Box 842, Nelson, 7040, New Zealand

N E W S L E T T E R TERM 3 WEEK 6 2015

Kia ora tatou katoa

Dear Parents, Caregivers and Whanau

Term 3 is a very important one for our senior students – the school examinations are just about here and for many this can be a stressful time. It is so important that all of our students settle into a programme of regular preparation for the exams. Doing a little every day is much better than trying to cram just before an exam. There is considerable research to show that significant learning only occurs when there is sufficient repetition of doing something to commit the material to long term memory. Cramming material does not allow this to happen. The following link is to an article on the BBC website, explaining why cramming is not successful. http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140917-the-worst-way-to-learn

You can help your daughters to study more effectively in any of the following ways:-

y Ensure that she has a suitable place to study – this is not working in the living room with lots of distractions around her! Nor is it keeping half an eye on cellphone messages or social media!

y Encourage her to draw up a study programme that gives time for study every day and covers all subjects.

y Offer to verbally test her on material she is learning. Ask her questions about what she has learnt; test her learning of vocabulary for languages or formulae for maths or science;

y Help her to develop effective methods of study: � Using mindmaps � Summarising material � Using colour to highlight key ideas � Applying material to practice questions � Identifying mnemonics to help her learning

y Encourage her to access practice past exams on the NZQA website:

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/subjects/

Excellent subject resources can be found here. These include:

EXAMINATION PAPER

The set of questions to be answered by candidates in the exam room. In some cases there will be a single document; in others there may be separate documents.

EXEMPLAR OF EXAMINATION PAPER

An actual student answer script, with annotations from the marker indicating why the script was assessed in the way it was.

One of the best ways to reduce the stresses of examinations is to take action to prepare for them. In addition to studying, ensuring that our young people have plenty of sleep, eat well and have regular exercise is particularly important at this time too.

Kia kahaCathy EwingPRINCIPAL

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MUSIC

Rebecca Monopoli and Lucy Upton holding NCG’s awards

STELLA NOVA Walking through the doors of Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre for the first time, many aspects of the Big Sing National Finale were already familiar to me. The pumping music that plays before every show, the friendly competitive tension between choirs and, of course, the uniform envy that occurs when each choir debuts their performance outfit – (Luckily NCG uniforms are most often the subject of envy!). Last year’s Finale in Auckland saw Stella Nova win a Bronze Award, and as the fresh generation of Stella for 2015 we couldn’t wait to show this year’s competition what we had to offer as the premiere group from Nelson College for Girls. It was such a huge honour for us, as a relatively ‘young’ choir, (having had just four years under the direction of Mrs Monopoli) to be selected for the second year in a row for the finale, and the prestige of the event was evident as we noticed Radio National, Concert Radio, and Maori Television all set up to record at the opening ceremony.

Of course the entire five days away revolved around our two performances – one set of three pieces and one of two – but the trip was about much more than just competition.

As a group of 36 girls, we bonded not only as a choir, but as friends. In fact, as I so fondly announced in assembly last week, we are actually more like sisters ... And having rehearsed up to nine hours a week for the last six months, it’s no wonder we’re a tightly-knit group. The three days of competition flew by in a flurry of warm-ups, blue blazers, and french plaits, but every minute of rehearsal was worth it once we were on the Michael Fowler stage. We sang two diverse and interesting programs, that included everything from contemporary compositions from the US, to a traditional choral piece from New Zealand composer David Childs, and spanned to cheeky Bulgarian folk songs about marriage and gossip.

The final hurrah for the 2015 finale was the prizegiving - and oh what a treat it was for Stella Nova! I can’t remember if I screamed, jumped in the air, or hugged Mrs Monopoli first, but the moment they announced that we had won a Silver award I could not contain my excitement. Achieving one rank higher than last year was the best possible reward for our hard work and definitely topped the week. But the Big Sing had one more surprise for Stella – at the very end of the ceremony, as the special trophies and awards were being handed out, it was revealed that Nelson College for Girls were the winners of the ‘Youth Ambassadors’ award, which is awarded to the choir who embody the spirit of the Big Sing in their actions and attitude, and who have made a significant positive contribution to the festival. I could not have been more proud to accept this award, and I know as a choir we felt so honoured to be recognized for our positive energy and enthusiasm for singing above all else.

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All thanks must go to Miyuki Jones and Mrs Monopoli for all the work they have done with us and never growing impatient, to Mr Payne and Mary Bronsteter for organising the trip, and Mr Bathan for making sure we were always in the right place at the right time.

Lucy Upton

MID WINTER MUSICOn the 30th of July, Nelson College for Girls hosted our annual music concert. This is an evening where all of the school’s musical groups have a chance to perform some of the pieces they have been learning through the year. Over 150 students performed in the concert with eight groups, three choirs and five instrumental.

We started the evening with the Concert Band, a group that has really flourished this year and has around 30 members. They played a selection of Disney film favourites. Next up was Prep Choir who sang Counting Stars by OneRepublic. Flute Salad, with their funky socks, followed and played Pachelbel’s Canon and The Entertainer. Bel Canto, led by student director Megan Younger, defied gravity with their take on musical Wicked’s famous number. The NCG Orchestra finished off the first half with the Theme from Schindler’s List and Libertango.

Jazz Band started the second half with a bang featuring Milika Andrews doing vocals for Etta James’ At Last and Lucy Upton for Too Darn Hot and Destination Moon. The WEB, one of NCG’s chamber music groups, performed their Tarantella which had gained a highly commended in the regional competition. Last but certainly not least, Stella Nova performed their set of five which gained them a Silver Award at the national Big Sing Finale in Wellington.

Before the concert and during the interval, some of the talented RockQuest groups and soloists were able to play their original songs.

The evening, organised and decorated by the Music Committee, was a huge success and it was wonderful to showcase all the talented and dedicated music students that we have here at Nelson College for Girls.

This event raised $3000 towards the cost of the ‘Stella Nova’ trip to the Big Sing National Finale in Wellington.

Continued from previous page

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ICAS SCIENCE EXAM – 2015 RESULTSA total of 49 students took part in the exam this year.

y Five students received Distinction for achieving in the top 10% of the country.

y Eleven students received Credit for achieving in the next 25% of the country.

y Seven students received Merit for achieving in the next 10% of the country.

The certificates go to:

YEAR NINE YEAR TEN

Distinction: Stella Daniel Lache Melvin Zoe Sharp

Credit: Bea Dawson Emma Edwards Rhiannon Griffiths Emily Polak Jenna Stallard

Distinction: Lark Brudvik-Lindner Kate De Latour

Credit: Olivia Avery Samantha Cronin Estella Grant Alexia Landry Willow Trolove Ariane Turton

Merit: Fiona Bonnett Sophia Elder Taylor Hodge Renee Julian Sasha Purves Bethan Thomas Georgie Trengrove.

PROPERTY

Many thanks to Glenn and the team from Nelson Heatpumps for their continued support of the College. Their latest example being a subsidised heating/cooling unit in our Music Department. It may seem a long time ago but the cooling system was invaluable over the last of the summer.

BOARD OF TRUSTEESAt the August Board meeting we farewelled our Student Trustee, Jackie Liang. For many Trustees, it takes time to understand the role of governance and to feel confident to voice an opinion and contribute to the discussions around the table. For a Student Trustee, it can be a daunting experience to attend meetings and be faced with financial statements, policy and procedure discussions and analysis of achievement data among other things. However, from her first meeting Jackie made pertinent and valuable contributions. The Student Trustee is not a ‘Student Rep’ on the Board, but brings a student perspective to discussions. This is something Jackie did with pride and self-confidence. She is an articulate and perceptive young woman and we wish her well in her future endeavours.

The Board looks forward to welcoming the new Student Trustee at our September meeting.

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G A B B I C O U R T N E Y Y E A R 1 3

A group of international girls had fun on the snow at the Rainbow ski field. It was cold and crisp but the sun shone all day and after the morning’s lesson, there was plenty of time to put new-found skills into practice!

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HEALTHSEXUAL HEALTH UNIT:Year 11FSM students may be taking part in a Sexuality programme during Terms Three and Four. Content for the 11FSM classes will vary from class to class as it is student directed, but will cover topics such as ‘Love v Lust”; “Positive Relationships” and “Contraception Revisited”.

The Year 10 Sexuality programme, along with the entire health programme at Nelson College for Girls, can be found on the document link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzpVhsPH1yeMNUI0T1NPM0ZFMzA/view?usp=sharing

The programmes are designed to provide students with the knowledge, understanding and skills to develop appropriate attitudes towards sexuality and to take care of their sexual health needs in the future. Parent consultation meetings showed strong support for this programme.

We recognise that the family is the primary educator of children in matters to do with sexuality; therefore, if you wish to have your child excluded from any particular part of the programme you may apply to the Head of Health, Louise Smulian (louise.smulian@ncg.school.nz) in writing to request this.

PASTORALThe Counselling and Social Work Department have an AOD Counsellor (Alcohol and Other Drugs), in on Thursdays (Alice Evatt). She is available for information, advice and help if students are concerned about their own, or others, alcohol and/or other drug use. For appointments, please call our department, email, or drop in and fill out an appointment request.

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This term is continuing to be very busy with subject selection and Year 13 students preparing for tertiary study.

SUBJECT SELECTION 2015

Subject Selection has now been completed. As part of this process Year 10 students completed a Careers Unit in class, and all students were also able to participate in the Subject Selection Evening. If your daughter indicated on her subject selection form she would like an appointment to see the HOD of Careers to discuss her subject choices, an interview will be scheduled for her in due course. If your daughter has not inputted her subjects into the portal or returned her subject selection form can she please do this as soon as possible.

For information and ideas on how to help your daughter make career and study decisions visit the Careers NZ website (www.careers.govt.nz) and go to the link: Plan Your Career. On this page you will find useful tips and ideas when discussing career pathways, training and study opportunities.

SENIORS – SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AND LIMITED ENTRY COURSES

Seniors are advised that they must check closing dates for limited entry courses and scholarship applications, for both university and polytechnic courses of study. Students can access the Break Out database on the internet at school for further scholarship information. Many scholarships require a school reference. If your daughter requires a school reference she needs to contact the Careers Administrator.

ENROLMENT AT A NEW ZEALAND UNIVERSITY – ENTRY CRITERIA

In addition to gaining University Entrance, most universities have additional entry criteria. For specific information and detail, see the individual university websites or contact the HOD of Careers.

The minimum University Entrance Criteria for students enrolling at university in 2016 and beyond is:

NCEA Level 3 with three subjects at Level 3, made up of 14 credits each, in three approved subjects and:

• Literacy – 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing Note: Auckland University have a higher requirement of 17 credits in Level 2 or 3 English.

• Numeracy - 10 credits at Level 1 or above.

ncg careers team name position email telephone

Ms Robyn McLean HOD – Careers robyn.mclean@ncg.school.nz 548 3104 extn 807

Miss Lucy McElrea Gateway Co-Ordinator lucy.mcelrea@ncg.school.nz 548 3014 extn 858

Mrs Alex-Coombs King Gateway Co-ordinator alex.coombsking@ncg.school.nz 548 3104 extn 861

Miss Adrienne Williams Careers Administrator adrienne.williams@ncg.school.nz 548 3104 extn 850

HALLS OF RESIDENCE APPLICATION PROCESS

Halls of Residence online applications opened on Friday 1 August. Once students have applied they need to let the Careers Department know and a Common Confidential Reference will be forwarded to the University. If you have any questions about the process please do not hesitate to contact the HOD of Careers or the Careers Administrator.

STUDYLINK

Students thinking about further study after they leave school have a lot of choices to make. “Sussed Online” is a great way to get thinking about what it will cost to live and study. We encourage parents and students to check it out at www.studylink.govt.nz

CAREERS EVENTSTues 15 Sept – Most Halls of Residence Applications Close

UNIVERSITY COURSE PLANNINGMon 7 Sept – Course Planning Otago University

1.25–2.25pm – Careers CentreMon 7 Sept – Course Planning Lincoln University

1.25pm – Careers CentreWed 16 Sept – Course planning Victoria University

12.35–2.20pm – Careers CentreTues 22 Sept – Auckland University Course Planning

1.30–3pm – Careers Centre

OPEN DAYSSat 30 Oct – NMIT Open Day, Nelson Campus

NCG CAREERS & FUTURE PATHWAYS

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$100,000 of grants with

Caltex Fuel Your School

The Caltex Fuel Your School programme supports education in schools by providing funds for eligible classroom projects. Our aim is to raise $100.000*. Schools can apply for up to $5,000 from the Fund for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) based resources for classroom projects.

Caltex believes that education is critical to the success of children across the country. We realise that obtaining extra resources needed and/or wanted by schools often involves large fundraising initiatives or having to choose a select few items within budget constraints.

The Caltex Fuel Your School programme is designed to help alleviate some of those issues by providing an avenue for grants of up to $5,000 for resources focused on STEM projects.

The programme is designed to be easy and will operate as follows:• 27 July – 23 August 2015: Every time an AA Smartfuel cardholder or AA member redeems their

AA Smartfuel savings at a participating Caltex Retail service station, Caltex will donate 25 cents* to the Caltex Fuel Your School Fund.

• 24 August – 20 September 2015: Schools can apply for grants of up to $5,000 for STEM based resources/projects. Simply visit fuelyourschool.caltex.co.nz and apply online.

• 21 September – 31 October 2015: Caltex and its programme partner The Royal Society of New Zealand will review applications. and award grants to schools from around New Zealand to fund classroom projects.

• 1 November 2015 onwards: Funds will be provided to successful schools so that they can start their STEM projects, and kids can benefit from the additional resources.

For more information on the Caltex Fuel Your School programme, how to apply and the *terms and conditions of the programme, visit fuelyourschool.caltex.co.nz

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SPRING FLING IS ALMOST HERE it’s not JUST about the fun … By attending the show you are supporting OUR GIRLS in meaningful, lasting ways.

Last year with your help:

y we contributed $10,000 to the purchase of a school van, y we supported excellence at prize giving with a donation of $2500, y and we funded teacher requests for equipment to enhance student learning

And if that wasn’t enough to entice you, there’s more: y Ticket prices are the same as last year, AND there is a discount if you buy a table of 8 or 10 – this is a great

incentive to get a group of friends, family or neighbours together for a fun night out. Most tables get you next to the catwalk and all give you access to delicious shared platters by Comida.

y Every ticket includes limited time promotions from our participating shops, and that are exclusive to ticket holders

y Everyone who buys a ticket goes into the draw for one of three restaurant vouchers: Cafe Affaire, Panama Kitchen & Bar or Harbourlight Bistro

y We have EXCITING prize packages you won’t want to miss out on via Chocolate Wheel spins and Heads or Tails y Prices will be at the show handing out ‘a little something special’ to all ticket holders y Bowater Hyundai, one of our inaugural sponsors, is donating a chance to drive one of their gorgeous Hyundai

cars for a weekend (terms & conditions apply)Tickets are on sale daily from the Finance Office at the College (near Reception), but if that’s not convenient, you can purchase over the phone by ringing 548 3104. Buy them in advance to ensure you won’t be disappointed. There will be door sales on the night as well. And if the tables are sold out, there’s always gallery seating - an economical $15 ticket.

For a chance to win 2 free tickets, and a $50 shop voucher from the Spring Fashion Fling shop of your choice, listen to Breffni O’Rourke from 6am to 10am weekdays on The Breeze 97.6FM.

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YEAR 13 BALL 2015007 JAMES BOND

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YEAR 13 BALL 2015007 JAMES BOND

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DATE EVENTThursday 3 September Staff Only Day

Friday 4 September Mid Term Break

Tuesday 8 September Exams commence

Friday 11 September Preparatory School Open Morning 9 am – Noon

Wednesday 16 September Intermediate Interschools Ski Racing Champs at Rainbow Ski Field

Thursday 24 September Mufti Day

Friday 25 September Prep Merit Assembly in Main Hall @ 8.45 am. Last day of term.

Monday 12 October Term 4 Starts

Monday 13 October Start of Term 4

Monday 20 October Performing Arts Awards

Tuesday 21 October Board of Trustees Meeting

Thursday 23 October Mufti Day

Monday 27 October Labour Day

Term 3 @ NCGC A L E N D A R D A T E S TERM 3 2015

NCG Sponsors

Bowater Hyundai continue their support of our School with the provision of the new i20 Hyundai signwritten vehicle, acknowledging Bowater Hyundai’s involvement with Spirit of Adventure Trust and their generous sponsorship towards two girls to go on the Spirit of NZ each year. The keys for the i20 were presented to our Principal at the launch of the new Hyundai premises on Rutherford Street on 3rd April and The Nelson Mail article is attached. The vehicle is in constant use with errands, meetings and appointments and the School is very grateful for this excellent resource.

www.bowaters.co.nz

TM Covers (formerly Transport & Marine Covers) is the provider of the smart shade sail at the school canteen as well as those at the pool. They are the leading company in the top of the south for all quality outdoor fabric and canvas products. They make a wide range of products, from shade sails to outdoor blinds, awnings, outdoor beanbags & cushions, PVC covers, tarpaulins, calf shelters, swimming pool covers, truck covers & curtains and boat covers. They also have Nelson’s widest range of hire tarpaulins available. Contact them to discuss your requirements.

www.tmcovers.co.nz

Platinum sponsor

Gold sponsor

We are pleased to have the following businesses as our School Partners. Please support these businesses and make sure you mention you’re part of the Nelson College for Girls family.