nelson college news
TRANSCRIPT
Nelson College News
Friday, 25 September 2020
Kia ora tātou,
As I write this, it’s just a few hours before students
and staff head off on a much needed two-week
break. I hope that you and your whānau will get a
chance to relax and unwind, whether you have a
‘staycation’ or head out of town.
I want to acknowledge the work of staff this
term. We often celebrate and honour the special
moments in the school calendar, however, it’s also
important to recognise the routine work of staff
preparing lessons, running assessments, marking,
etc. This is our core business and I thank teaching
and support staff for their work for our (your)
young men.
House Singing
I experienced my first house singing performance yesterday. It was fantastic to
see young men on stage and singing. Long may that tradition last. It may seem
an oddity in this day and age, but I believe those experiences are part of what
makes our young men feel like they belong at the college and, that they’ll form
memories that will endure in our men as they move on from the college. Many
thanks to the organisers of this event.
Quadrangular
From one tradition to the next. Next week, Nelson College and its Old Boys
host the 94th Quadrangular Tournament. The ‘Quad’ is the oldest school rugby
competition in New Zealand and part of our traditions. Thanks to Tim Tucker,
Peter Grigg, and the many other staff and Old Boys who have put this together.
I hope that you and your whānau enjoy a safe and restful fortnight. This year
has been very challenging in many ways, and it’s important to take time out
and look after your, and your children’s wellbeing. Travel safely, and see you
in Term 4.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Richard Dykes Headmaster
Upcoming Events:
September
24 Senior Reports available
25 Last Day Term 3
29 Sept – 1 Oct Quad Rugby Tournament
October
12 Start Term 4
15 Media Studies Film Festival
16 Diversity Day
16 Pink Shirt Mufti Day
17 NGC Senior Ball
21 Prefects Assembly
21 Co-curricular Photos
22 Junior Dance (combined)
23 Mufti Day
24 Nelson College Y12 Ball
26 Labour Day (school closed)
29 Nelson College Charity Auction
31 Nelson College Y13 Ball
Full Calendar
Daily Notices
2021 Calendar
Contacts 03 548 3099 | [email protected] | www.nelsoncollege.school.nz
2020 Quadrangular Rugby Tournament
This year Nelson College is hosting the 94th Quad, making it New Zealand’s oldest school rugby tournament. This
is your chance to see the best of schoolboy rugby on our iconic Front Field for 2020.
Tuesday 29 September
12pm Christ’s College v Whanganui Collegiate School
1.45pm Nelson College v Wellington College
Thursday 1 October
11am First Final – 3rd & 4th
12.30pm Second Final – 1st & 2nd
COME SUPPORT OUR BOYS AT QUAD!
Student 2020 House Singing Competition
A fantastic afternoon yesterday for everyone at the House Singing Competition. It was clear that every House had
put in hours of practice, and the challenge to sing a 1960s song was taken on with gusto. Monro’s rendition of
Moon River (in English and te Reo) cemented them as the winners – you can see a little clip here:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=318034666153433&extid=1DBski02t2gRUbzQ
And special mention to all the staff who performed Kia Mau Ki Tō Ūkaipō, (also after hours of practice) getting a
fantastic response from students!
Contacts 03 548 3099 | [email protected] | www.nelsoncollege.school.nz
Student Achievements
A huge achievement for Josh Mansbridge for making selection for the National Youth Brass
Band. Josh plays a B-flat tuba, with only two of them in the Band. Band members are all
under 23yrs and are selected from nationwide auditions. There is no automatic selection for
a place in the band, as each player must audition annually.
Congratulations Flynn Mercer for having his artwork accepted into the 2020 Wallace Arts
Trust Secondary School Art Awards. “I based my folio theme on human anatomy and
portraiture. I have been inspired by books like Gray’s Anatomy and artists such as Leonardo
De Vinci and William Orpen”. Flynn’s focus has been on developing his technique of
combining acrylic with water colour. His artwork explores the revealing of viscera and bone
as hands begin tearing the subject apart. It's a gruesome sounding concept, but
when expressed through the medical illustration, it belies a deeper contemplation;
perhaps the “degradation” of the physical in search of an identity that sits elusively
beyond. However you look at it, it's no small feat getting accepted into this national
competition.
Our Māori Head Boy Joseph Riwaka-Roberts made quite an impression when he was
a guest at his old school, Henley School, for a special assembly for Te Wiki o te Reo
Māori. Joseph spoke in front of 550 students and 50 adults with confidence and his
personality and passion for Te Reo and Tikanga Māori shone through. Joseph also
talked about matariki, te tiriti o Waitangi, Te Reo and his learning of the language. He
then joined in with the children for the singing of waiata. Henley Principal, John
Armstrong was particularly proud of his former student.
Our Chess teams excelled this year, taking out 1st and 2nd in the regional Chess Power competition, and earning the chance to compete in the national Chess Power Secondary Schools Tournament in October. B Team is Harrison Green, Jeremy Beatson, Liam Murphy, Joseph Riwaka-Roberts, Caleb Williams, Bawi Tlumang and Poe Reh. And our winning A Team is George Fisher, Ben Thomas, Sam White, An Nguyen, Ronan Thompson, Daniel Dennis and Alexandre de Maupeou d'Ableiges. Well strategized, lads, and good luck for Nationals. Over the course of the year, 40 boys from Y10 to Y13 volunteer to enhance the quality of our academic life at school. They run a series of events including Club Day, Y9 Quiz, Y8 Quiz at Nelson Intermediate School, Brain Games in the Library, Spelling Bee, Academic Week, and Peer Tutoring. Plus, this year they initiated a fundraiser to help students participate in academic activities, like the Philosophy Trip to Wellington.
It's a long list, but here they all are: Academic Captains: Jamie Aran, Johan Banks, Liam Brennan, Maxwell Busby, Punn Cowarin, Victor de'Maupeou, Daniel Dennis, Mika Hervel, Yunho Jang, Jesse Lyster, An Nguyen, Jake Patel, Tilo Thevenard and Ronan Thompson. Our Academic Committee Y13s are: Josh Chan, Euan Fenwick, George Fisher, Finnian Hall, Jonty Hellyer, Harrison Kroos, Plub Lotharaprasert, J-L Louverdis, Michael Love, Nat Mann, Luke McMorran, Daniel Neal, Jaewoo Park, Luke Walker and Haruka Yamamoto. Y12s: Zoltan McComb (Y12 Capt), Tim McIlroy, Louis Hobson, Jack Deans, Rico Fraser, Riley Gane, Wooseak Jang and Jacob Liddle.Y11s: Sam Twamley, Sameep Dahal and Om Maisuria. Y10 Alex Bryant. Congratulations All!
Contacts 03 548 3099 | [email protected] | www.nelsoncollege.school.nz
Nelson College Environmental Committee
Last week our Environmental Committee planted the last lot of native trees in our latest planting plot, totalling up to more than 200 trees in all. This is part of the Nelson College Biodiversity Project where we are trying to enhance the school grounds, so native flora and flora can flourish.
In this plot the boys planted kanuka, caprosma, kowhai, mahoe, cabbage trees, flax, koromiko, marble leaf and toe toe - some of which the boys have grown from seed, and most donated by Nelson City Council. The young trees have been fertilised with tablets and mulched so they can survive the hot summer. The boys have worked hard over several lunchtimes to clear the site of weeds and to get the trees in the ground before the hot weather arrives.
“School Libraries Transform” Campaign
With a well-stocked up-to-date library book collection, access to fantastic
free and subscription-based electronic information resources, and a small
team of enthusiastic Librarians, Nelson College students and staff are
fortunate and make good use of our school library. However, there are
many school libraries in New Zealand that are not in such a good position,
with some cases of school libraries losing their physical space and budgets
being slashed.
The School Library Association of New Zealand (SLANZA) advocates that all
school students in New Zealand, at every level of their education, should
have access to effective school library services that will support their
reading and learning. SLANZA’s current goal is that The Ministry of
Education will mandate every school to have access to a school library staffed by specialist school librarians and is
Ministry of Education funded. Nelson College Library would be very appreciative if our school community could
take the time to sign the petition supporting this: https://our.actionstation.org.nz/petitions/save-our-school-
libraries?fbclid=IwAR1apEQiBQZJ_G6FidAkTkl9_C7z5hSwn_fdXIoxx30X1eGUU-EynG2oiGE
For more information on this campaign please see: http://www.schoollibrariestransform.org.nz/school-libraries-
transform.html
Many thanks from the Nelson College Library Team
Y11 Geography Go Bird-Counting
Last week our Y11 Geography class ventured into Abel Tasman National Park for two days research on native bird
numbers. Students counted birds seen and heard at Cyathea Cove and predator-free Adele Island. They were
kindly ferried around the Park by Stew from Abel Tasman Eco Tours, who also provided plenty of valuable
background detail on the Park and marine ecosystems. It was perfect weather and a great success. This was a trip
that had to be postponed from Term 1 due to Covid, so it was great for the boys to finally make it! Now the hard
work really begins...writing up the research report!
Contacts 03 548 3099 | [email protected] | www.nelsoncollege.school.nz
Y9 Science Class learn about Harakeke
For the last few weeks in Mrs Neale’s science classes, Y9 students have been learning all about plants. For one of
the lessons, in conjunction with Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori language week), there was a special focus on
Harakeke (NZ Flax) and its importance to Māori. Mrs Milligan kindly came into class to show students how to
weave Harakeke flowers and kite (baskets). The students learnt about Tikanga (protocols) involved in the
harvesting of the plant, the preparation of the leaves, and finally the weaving to make a useful product.
Careers Hub
Contact: Careers Advisor – Vikki Heays [email protected] Career Pathways 2020 Pathways and options for students who choose the Careers Passport classes at Y12 and Y13 are explored throughout the year in Careers Passport classes. Students spend time researching what is available and exploring different pathways as well as learning skills that will assist them in the world of work. Trades Academy Embedded in the curriculum is the option for students at Y12 and Y13 to attend a fully funded TOTSTA (Top of the South Trades Academy) course. During 2020, despite the difficulties of added restrictions, we had 22 successful courses completed at both NMIT and Whenua iti Outdoors.
The Whenua iti courses completed by our students at L3 were Predator Control and Conservation, Civil Defence Emergency Response, Environmental Science, Manaaki Tapoi L3 and an Extension course. At L2 our boys completed an Adventure Tourism Leadership and Uniformed Services.
Trades Academy at NMIT offers students training in a tertiary environment whilst they remain enrolled in school. Training is one day per week at the NMIT campus. Trades Academy at Whenua iti offers Residential block at Whenua iti outdoors (usually four lots of four days). Students work towards NCEA L2 or L3 credits on the chosen course.
Contacts 03 548 3099 | [email protected] | www.nelsoncollege.school.nz
Students learn skills in a hands-on practical way in an outdoor setting. In the photo, students are participating in a simulated search and rescue exercise on the Whenua iti L2 Uniform Services course. Brandon Kem is a Y12 student who has enjoyed the learning environment on Campus at NMIT Hospitality.
Gateway Programme
Gateway has had its challenges with gaining work placements this year due to lockdown restrictions. We have managed to place 35 boys into workplace learning and they have gained valuable experience working on a voluntary basis in an Industry of their choice.
We really value the employers who have a student on work placement every year. Thankyou! We encourage employers to approach the Careers Department if you are seeking to employ/trial a student in the workplace. This is a win/win outcome as the boys successfully complete the year at College knowing while gaining work experience. For the student it can often lead to them gaining fulltime employment in their trade of choice via the network of the employer. For the employer, you get to try-before-you-buy, by training a potential new employee in the ways of your workplace. Jack Preston-Thomas was determined to find a placement in Engineering. He door-knocked with his CV and is now doing in a one-day-a-week placement with Innovative Design Engineers Ltd. NMIT Taster Courses NMIT have provided an excellent selection of Taster courses and many students have spent a day or two gaining valuable skills and experience in different curriculum areas including Automotive, Barista, Culinary Arts and Welding. Elijah Matthews did a two day NMIT Automotive STAR course, followed up with a Gateway placement in the Automotive industry.
Maths Challenge!
Mr Milligan has forgotten the number of the combination of his bike lock. He does have a method for remembering it...(you may have to google what some of these terms mean!)
It went as follows: The number is equal to the sum of the cubes of its own digits. It is a three-digit number less than 500. It is the sum of consecutive factorials. It is a triangle number.
Answer at the bottom of the newsletter…
Contacts 03 548 3099 | [email protected] | www.nelsoncollege.school.nz
School Counsellors
It has been a strange six months for all of us, and we've still got all the demands and pressures of Term 4 to get through. Please know there is support at hand from our School Counsellors - they really can help.
Use the QR code, or this link to book:
https://bit.ly/3hEftS4
Diversity Day
This year’s Diversity Day is on Friday 16 October – that’s week 1 of Term 4.
Nelson College’s Diversity Day is fast becoming one of the most popular events in the school calendar. Nelson College has students and staff from around 40 backgrounds, something we are very proud of. Diversity Day is a chance to celebrate this incredible mix in our school community, with everyone encouraged to wear cultural attire.
11.00am-1.25pm – International Food Stalls & Live Music in N Block Carpark 12.25pm – Assembly featuring guest speakers, music & dance 1.25pm – Chin wrestling in the New Gym.
We have a range of guests joining us for Assembly, including staff and student representatives from our English Language Partners, Multicultural Nelson Tasman, Q Youth, Red Cross, and our ESOL colleagues and incoming Year 9 ESOL students from Nelson Intermediate. Assembly will run during Period 4 and will include a range of student and guest speakers as well as Kapa Haka and Pasifika performances.
Special Guest Performer! Nelson singer/songwriter Liam Poole will be at Diversity Day, performing outside N Block during interval, P3 and lunch. Liam has released two albums onto streaming platforms. As well as performing and writing music of his own, Liam is a full time guitar teacher. He is passionate about inspiring and guiding the next generation of musicians.
Check out his brand-new single: https://youtu.be/Oviicfv_Boo
Contacts 03 548 3099 | [email protected] | www.nelsoncollege.school.nz
We are very excited with the range of food vendors for our international market. This will open at interval through to the end of lunch (the canteen will be closed all day). Vendors include:
• Mademoiselle Crepe
• A Taste of Nepal
• Gostoso Brazilian Snacks
• Saed’s Falafel
• Indo Churro
• Brazilian savouries and sweets
• Indo Nelson Cuisine
Diversity Day 2020 shirts are now for
• Shih’s Taiwanese food cart For sale for $25 each!
• Krishna Waffles and Smoothies Please contact Punn Cowarin:
• Food Tech class dumplings Email: [email protected]
• Business class milkshakes Mobile: 022 637 3097
Update from our Student Office
Senior Reports
• Available from Thursday 24 September on the Parent/Student Portal
• Incorporate Indicative grades and provide students with specific and useful guidance leading into final assessments, both internal and external.
NCEA External Exams Monday 16 November – Wednesday 9 December (link to timetable)
Admission Slips for NCEA exams
• Issued early Term 4
• Bring to all exams
• If lost reprint from the NZQA Learner login: https://secure.nzqa.govt.nz/for-learners/records/login.do or
from the Student Office
• Students sitting Scholarship also bring photo identification
Year 13’s Leaving Procedures – Deadline
• Leavers Forms and instructions distributed by Homeroom Teachers Term 4 Week 1.
• All Year 13s must complete the formal signing out procedures by Tuesday 27 October.
• Students may request a Nelson College Testimonial as part of this process if they have not already done
so.
The Nelsonian, Leavers Certificates and Testimonials
• These will be posted early December to Year 13s
• The Nelsonian can be purchased for other year groups
Queries about any of the above please contact the Student Office Email: [email protected] Phone: 03 5483099 Ext 833
Contacts 03 548 3099 | [email protected] | www.nelsoncollege.school.nz
Spirit of Adventure
What could be better than 10-days on the Spirit of Adventure? Learn new skills, make new friends, face new challenges and be empowered by your own potential.
Nelson College PTA has two 100% funded scholarships for this all-expenses-paid life-changing adventure, open to students aged between 16-18yrs at the time of sailing.
There are two sailing dates: 27 Dec to 6 Jan 2021 Auckland-Opua (Bay of Islands) 25 Jan to 3 Feb 2021 Auckland-Auckland
The 2020 Scholarship includes return airfares Nelson/Auckland. Applications close Fri 20 Oct. Info at: https://www.nelsoncollege.school.nz/our…/nelson-college-pta/
Charity Auction – NEW DATE
Thursday 29th October Nelson College Hall from 7pm
Tasty nibbles, wine and beer, 100% of monies raised goes to the Key to Life Charity (Mike King Founder & Ambassador)
Lots of great items to auction
• 7 days in a 2020 6 berth campervan, courtesy of Discover NZ Campervans
• 2 x $1000 mall vouchers, courtesy of Richmond Mall
• And the list grows
Table of 10 for $400 Single Tickets $45
Tickets are now on sale and available from students, the finance office or pay direct to
• Nelson College: 03 0703 0365073 03 (reference: your name/Charity Auction)
Still gratefully seeking products or services for the night’s auction. Call Steve on 027 544 94448
Contacts 03 548 3099 | [email protected] | www.nelsoncollege.school.nz
Clubs & Activities!
Nelson College Team Sailing Do you enjoy sailing? Join the Nelson College sailing team!
Training is on Wednesdays after school and inter-school races are on Sundays. Opening day/BBQ for new and
potential sailors is on Sunday 18th October at 10am with the opportunity in the morning to “have a go” in a 420
sail boat.
If you’re interested, contact Brigitte Landry at [email protected] /0204 1010104
