Dear Parents
Kia Ora Tena Koutou Katoa
I would like to spend a little time responding to some of the publicity which has occurred around the board decision to meet the desire to have teachers' contractual entitlements met. While I do not feel it appropriate to enter into public debate on issues raised in the media about our school, it is important you hear my views on the articles which have appeared in The Northern Advocate recently.
Firstly I stress that we are not “sending students home”. What we are doing, in fact, is inviting students to work at home on a pre-determined day, ensuring they have plenty to occupy them for the full day. (Many parents have commented on the effectiveness of the work set, both in quantity and quality.) While obviously there is some class time lost, there should be no interruption to student learning. There are also numerous students who in fact do attend school on that day – some to make use of the school facilities; some who are offered a productive, alternative programme of work.
The Minister is clearly contradictory in saying, on the one hand, that the government has supplied schools “with enough teachers to cover increased contact time”, while on the other saying that “increasing class sizes and reducing the number of option subjects” are “quite sensible options” to cover non-contact time. That is the reality. We had to decide whether increased class size, and reduced option choice - particularly at senior school level - was a better way to meet the demand. Obviously the staff and board of your school did not consider that to be the case.
We read every day of ways in which schools are trying to meet the demands of providing quality education on inadequate resourcing – from staff and parents cleaning buildings through to constant and varied efforts at fund raising. This strategy is, we believe, the most effective in meeting this particular shortage.
One alternative which was considered, and rejected, was choosing one day a week and either requesting students to arrive at school one hour later, or leave one hour earlier than usual. While this strategy has been used by many schools, both in Whangarei and other areas, for us it was not an acceptable option, given the number of bus students attending our school who have no choice but to arrive and leave at the same time every day. It would, in our opinion, be a quite unreasonable burden on our community to have those 600 or so students unsupervised during this time every week. In addition, such an arrangement would result in a significantly greater amount of class-time being affected through the course of the year, with the added disadvantage of the difficulty in setting, and having expectations of completion, of work.
It is our hope that the government will respond to public demand and resource schools more adequately in all ways – including appropriate staffing - to ensure contractual entitlements can be met without adversely affecting students' educational opportunities. As this year is the only one in which we will be able to respond to the additional allocation of non-contact hours in this way, government failure to do so will inevitably result in the school having to choose from the above options – larger classes or fewer senior options. I believe this community expects its school to look for the best way to cater for your sons and daughters. Our decision is justifiable for that reason.
Thank you to the many who have contacted us with your support this week. Any encouragement you can give the government to bring all resourcing to an adequate level in all areas will be to the benefit of all schools, and all students.
STUDENT DRIVEN CARS
A number of students drive cars to school, and while there are many excellent reasons for this, there are also potential risks. I would like to ask parents to emphasise with students the importance of them driving responsibly at all times, and in recognition of any restrictions they may have – with regard to passengers for example. It is also most important that you know, and give permission, if your son or daughter is a passenger in a student-driven car.
We provide a limited amount of parking for students in the grounds, but those who choose to use that must not make use of their car between the time they arrive, and the time they leave at the end of the day. Unfortunately, cars parked on the road are at risk of vandalism, and there are incidents of that occurring from time to time. We always involve the police immediately we are informed of the occurrences.
HOMEWORK
I have included for your information some comments and ideas with regard to homework. The importance of the “lifestyle” of young people at times when they are not at school is highlighted by all these issues, and I would welcome an opportunity to talk with you about that – either if there is any way we can support you in managing your son's or daughter's time, or in any other way work more closely with you to achieve the best results for everyone of our students.
LIBRARY
A reminder to parents that our library is open until 4.25pm every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon for student use. Please encourage your sons and daughters to make use of this opportunity to access a very valuable resource, and quiet work area.
Richard L. Abel
Principal
7 April 2005
In the past, most students have managed the use of cellphones appropriately. Unfortunately there have been some recent cases where this is not so. Cellphones are to be turned off and out of sight during class time. The school will take no responsibility for lost, stolen or damaged phones. If the telephone rings or is used during class time, a teacher may impound it and the usual school procedures for return of property will apply. That is, a letter will be sent home and the phone must be picked up by a parent or caregiver. The school will not accept responsibility for any phone which is not picked up within four weeks.
Karen Crowe – Senior Manager: Students
Last month I spent a few days in Invercargill and I couldn't help but notice the smart appearance of students from Southland Boys' and Girls' High and other local secondary schools. The girls were wearing mid-calf length tartan kilts (which incidentally cost about $200), blue stockings and red shoes, and the boys were in dark dress pants; both worn with long sleeved white shirts, school ties and blazers or jerseys. I think our own school uniform is very casual and flexible in comparison, and we try to keep the cost reasonable yet adaptable to our northern climate. The Board's current policy is that school uniform be worn by all students at Kamo High School , except those in Year 13 who can wear presentable casual clothes (with specific limitations). The Principal and staff have the responsibility of ensuring students adhere to the Board's policy, and students, parents and staff form the Uniform Committee which welcomes and considers suggestions and requests for changes or additions to the uniform guidelines. Recommendations are then made to the Board of Trustees to ratify and it is very rare for the Board to vote against a Committee recommendation. I would challenge you to give a thought to the regimented uniform styles in Southland if your son or daughter is one of those who continue to push, what I consider to be, our very liberal uniform boundaries.
Sometimes the Board of Trustees has to make a stand on an issue or make a tough decision knowing that it will not be popular with everyone and just like decisions about uniform, the decision relating to the provision of non-contact time for teachers which has received recent publicity, was made after lengthy consideration and discussion. The Board is not party to the contract negotiations between the Government and the teachers' union but is required, as good employers, to make every endeavour in 2005 to meet the non-contact requirements of the contract. Options we considered included the two suggested by the Minister of Education, i.e. increasing class sizes or reducing senior subject choices, neither of which we believed would be acceptable to our school community. Starting late/ finishing early once a week as some schools do was also not an option with over half our students dependent on timetabled bus transport. Thank you to those of you who have expressed support for what we believe to be a legal option of five one-off days of non-contact time for 2005 (which incidentally equates to fewer teaching periods than if we had decided to start later or finish earlier one day in every week).
Claire Watts - BOT Chairperson
We are looking forward to the prefect additions to help us continue our mission of “Carry the Spirit”. With the ball rapidly approaching all the team is in full flight. The preparation is coming along well with our theme based upon the “Golden Era”.
The prefect team is also actively involved within other groups and committees in the school, including the environment, sports, social, arts and student support teams, to help organise activities for other students.
We are in the process of setting up a team of students to help Mrs Smith in the Learning Support Centre. It's turning out to be an exciting and busy year and we look forward to working alongside other students throughout the year.
James Robbie, Erin McCulloch, Jahnea Garden ,
and David McAteer – Head Prefects
Reports will be issued to all students on the last day of this term, Friday 15 April. If students are not present on that day, their reports cannot be collected until Term 2 which begins on Monday 2 May.
… is Tuesday 10 May from 10.00am until 6.00pm – for all parents of students at all year levels in the school.
Bruce Furrell – Senior Manager, Curriculum
Rather than recycle your old margarine, take away or any other clean containers, why not go one better and reuse. We in B4 are trying to collect old clean containers for students to use to take their food products home. If you have any please ask your son or daughter to drop them off at B4 and we will put them to good use, you never know you might even get them returned with food inside.
Lisa Egerton – Food Technology
You will have noticed that the school has two logos. The first is the traditional school logo born at the same time as this school. It depicts an eagle on a shield and bears the slogan “Ad Vitam Progrediamur”. The slogan means “Let us go forward to life”. It impresses on us the importance we place on a full and rounded education.
In 1997 the school introduced our second tohu. This logo depicts the prow of a waka cutting through the water. Contained in the prow is a carving pattern known as the “takarangi”. “Me Hi koitahi tatou” translated means “Let us Walk together as one”. The takarangi represents growth. This tohu was designed by Wallace Hetaraka. It was collectively decided that both logos would be put on all signage and newsletters. This was to show everyone Kamo High School 's commitment to Maori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Lucille Spring – Te Reo Maori
On Friday 4 March the International Students who arrived this year were officially welcomed to Whangarei city by her Worship the Mayor, Ms Pamela Peters. The students enjoyed the welcome and morning tea. Many of the students were able to get their photo taken with the Mayor.
The new students have settled into their new families and school with ease. It is wonderful to see these students actively involved outside the classroom; so many entered the swimming sports, athletics sports, Kapa Haka, and Triathlon.
Ms Gaylene Sanford has just returned from two weeks marketing in Thailand and Vietnam . Once again this was a very successful trip, with possible enrolments for students to start in July expected.
We held a homestay parents meeting on Thursday 3 March; thank you to all those parents who attended. It is useful for us to hear your feedback, for parents to meet other homestay parents and to share experiences. A reminder to parents to encourage their international child to complete all the correct requests regarding independent travel for the April school holidays.
Karen Crowe - Director International Students
The Public Health nurse has one more Award to present in April to a student who demonstrates the SunSmart Message: Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap. Our Northland weather is extremely damaging to skin, so do take care when outside.
This month's winner is Lee Warmington. Congratulations.
This is our second year of being a smoke free campus. This includes students, staff, visitors to the school (including after hours and weekends). All Year 9 and 10 students will shortly be covering a unit of work in their Health classes on making positive choices in relation to drugs (including tobacco).
Students are not allowed to smoke at school (or on the way to or from school), or on a school trip or event. While there is not one prescribed course, it is possible that the following accumulative consequences will be applied for students caught smoking or associated with smokers, or in possession of tobacco at school.
We urge all parents to support their children and our school on this matter. Encourage your children to be smoke free.
Karen Crowe - Senior Manager Students
It is the time of the year when we start looking at Reader/Writers for external assessments. Please email me the names of any students that might need this. We do not formally provide reader/writers for Internal Achievement Standards or Unit Standards. However if you feel that a student would benefit from help in internals let me know.
I also have a flier from SPELD about their training course I am contemplating attending and if anyone would like to attend it with me, please let me know or talk to me about what is involved.
The staff working in Learning Support would appreciate parents contacting us if you have SPELD reports or any other assessments which may assist us in better catering for your student's special learning needs. Please send them to school or contact Beryl Smith .
Beryl Smith – Careers and Learning Support
Close to 300 eager young enterprisers got together recently for introductory YES seminars and workshops, setting them up for their year ahead. YES Regional Coordinator, David Templeton, was overwhelmed by the response - up 100% from 2004. Sponsorship from Top Energy and Northpower supporting a Coordinator in every one of the 21 participating schools is certainly a factor in this success, not to mention the enthusiasm and passion of young Northlanders.
The secondary students attended workshops under the following key directorships: finance, sales and marketing, production, and communication. Tony Casey from Action International, a new national sponsor for the scheme, led the well received Managing Directors workshop, enthusing and inspiring our future leaders. Other invaluable workshops were run by representatives from the private sector including Mahmood Kahn, BDO Spicers, Sasha Webb, CPR, Mark Wilson, Enterprise New Zealand Trust, and Frank Leadley and Lindsey Banta from Enterprise Northland.
David said it was invaluable for these students to get first hand advice from business people in the community, enhancing the “real experience” that the scheme offers to Northland's budding young entrepreneurs. The fact that the students can see first hand the relevance of the programme and have the opportunity to engage in self directed learning ensures a high level of enthusiasm.
The students were also presented with a challenge from sponsor ACC, to come up with a concept for a new summer safety product or service. The creativity demonstrated by the groups of students in both the product concepts and the presentations was among the best in the country. Kamo student, Awatea Michael, lead his team to victory in this event - a sure sign of a great year ahead for our nine Kamo High School teams entered this year.
Alan Bayly - Social Sciences Department
Community Education provides adults with lifelong learning opportunities. Broaden your educational pathways – join a class and enjoy the camaraderie of other students whilst expanding on your existing knowledge and skills. Classes being introduced next term include:-
Tivaevae Life Balance MYOB Payroll
Rag Dolls Writing Poetry Word 2003
Pen & Wash Modern Greek Creative Writing
Calligraphy Healthy Cooking Biblical Greek
The programme for Term Two will be available shortly from Kamo High School or your local library. If you wish to have a brochure mailed direct to you please let us have details of your postal address. For further information phone/fax 435 0889 or email mailto:cew@kamohigh.school.nz
Learning for Fun – Learning for Work – Learning for Life
ANNUAL ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP TO AUCKLAND
A thoroughly good time was had by all of the 29 students together with Mrs Dugmore and Mr Pritchard, in spite of a nearly 12 hour round trip; with road works and accidents we finally arrived back at school at 8.00pm!
We visited an excellent gallery in Titirangi called Lopdell House, with friendly assistance from the education liaison officer who explained some of the works on show from contemporary New Zealand artists. The gallery had an exhibition ‘Background' from NZ artists, including Laurence Aberhart, Mary McIntyre and Peter Siddell.
Upstairs there was a ‘wearable art' exhibition and a ‘found objects' sculpture exhibition.
Later at the main Auckland Art Gallery we saw a major exhibition by the photographer Ans Westra, one of NZ's most celebrated photographers. Whilst at the New Gallery a more controversial exhibition was on display entitled ‘Mixed up Childhood'.
There was just enough time to visit some of the closer small Galleries:
Anne Dugmore – HOD Art
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
Hello from the Arts Department. We have started 2005 with some exciting events happening.
The senior drama classes enjoyed an evening trip to Auckland to savour the talents of Auckland University Shakespeare Group in their production of Romeo and Juliet. This was an outside production set in the grounds of the university, which suited the romantic theme of the production. I accompanied Mrs Bell on the trip, having never been on this type of outing before. I was impressed with the way in which the students represented our school, even their choice of music there and back (though rather LOUD at times) was to my taste. It was a great evening.
Senior Art students visited the Whangarei Art Museum to view the current exhibition “Floridus” which focuses on still-life and floral works by Olive Hawken-Udy. Also included are works by Colin McCahon, Janet Bayly, Gavin Chilcott and others. 11ARM also visited the art museum – their focus was on the “Kaitiaki”, the abstract pottery sculpture that guards the museum.
On Monday last week we hosted the Kulpiyam Aboriginal Culture Group. This was attended by around 100 students in our new auditorium. The duo performed cultural dances and explained traditions of the aboriginal tribes, and included audience participation.
A group of students under the supervision of Mr Pritchard have started up a Video/Short Film Council. We look forward to hearing of their progress over the year.
Upcoming Events:
• Sandbach and Barnsley performers – lunchtime concert
• Visit to the Maidment Theatre for the production “Equus”
• In school Ceroc dance tutor
• Smokefree Rockquest
• “Stars in their Eyes”
Our new Arts Council members for 2005 are as follows:
Congratulations to you all.
Kay Haigh – Arts Co-ordinator
The first term of 2005 has been crammed with sporting events – School Champs, Northland Secondary School Champs and inter-whanau competitions. Some students have been very, very busy on the sporting field. It is with extreme pleasure that I list the following athletes who have excelled in our school competitions:
SCHOOL CHAMPIONS:
Surfing
Boys' Surf Champ - Oliver Bone
Boys' Body Board Champ - James Phipps
Girls' Body Board Champ - Jodie Shaw
Athletics
Senior Boy Anton Wickens
Intermediate Boy Nathan Steel
Junior Boy Keegan Sullivan
Senior Girl Erin McCulloch
Intermediate Girl Kylie Wright
Junior Girl Stacey Michelsen
Swimming
Senior Boy Jordan Phillips
Junior Boy Matthew Bodman
Senior Girl Simone Ackermann
Junior Girl Kelly Durham
Tennis Senior Boy Diego Avacine
Junior Boy Alvin Rapana
Senior Girl Katharina Benusch
Junior Girl Leila Nicholson
Triathlon Senior Boy Nathan Steel
Junior Boy Blair Walker
Senior Girl Erin McCulloch
Junior Girl Kendra Going
Full results are available for viewing on the school website.
WHANAU RESULTS so far:
|
Event |
Rangi |
Kaha |
Moana |
Tapere |
Waima |
|
SWIMMING |
15 |
50 |
30 |
15 |
40 |
|
ATHLETICS |
50 |
40 |
20 |
10 |
30 |
|
TRIATHLON |
40 |
50 |
30 |
10 |
20 |
Inter-whanau Five Cricket is currently being played during lunchtimes and proving extremely popular. The competition is very even with wins being scored on the last ball in some cases. Results next newsletter. Next whanau event is “Stars in Their Eyes” to be held during the last week of this term. Next term is the Cross Country where all participants can earn a point for their whanau.
CONGRATULATIONS to:
…the Senior Boys' and Girls' Volleyball Teams which are the 2005 Northland Secondary School Champs and are presently competing at the nationals being held in Palmerston North. These teams deserve every success that comes their way as they put in many, many hours training with their experienced coaches, Lenna and Jason , and of late have even travelled to Auckland seeking stronger opposition than can be offered by Northland school teams. Good luck!
… Michael Villanova who, as a member of the Whangarei 8s, won a bronze medal at the rowing nationals recently and
… Warrick and Reuben Wright who came 4 th at rowing nationals in their event.
… Jordon Phillips who was a member of the Northland swimming relay team which earned gold at the Div 2 Swimming Champs. Well done also to Simone Ackermann and Matthew Bodman who competed at the Div 1 Swimming Champs and Elliott Frizelle who competed at the Div 2 Swimming Champs also.
… Ollie Bone and Keiran Pullman who were selected as members of the Northland Scholastic Surf Team to compete at the nationals in Taranaki.
… James Robbie and Marcel Mills goalkeepers in the Northern Force soccer team.
… a number of Kamo High School students who competed with distinction in their respective divisions at the Auckland/North Regional Taekwon-Do tournament held in our gymnasium recently and earned the following: Todd Drinkwater - three Golds and Junior Black Belt Champion title; Xian Konia - Gold and Bronze; Andrew Watson - Gold and Silver; Gary Fyfe - two Golds; Amy Reeder - two Golds and Blue Belt Champion title; Ben Heffey - Gold; Blair Drinkwater - Silver and Bronze; Natarsha Ganley - two Golds and Green Belt Champion title; and Jacintha Harvey - Gold. Todd, Xian, Andrew, Gary, Ben, Blair and Natarsha have been selected to compete at the New Zealand nationals in Levin later this year.
… Stacey Michelsen who set a new athletic record in the Junior Girls' 200m with a time of 27.60 seconds.
… Stacey Michelsen, Kim Aitken, Samantha Davies, Keegan Sullivan, and Simone Ackermann who will be representing Northland Schools at the North Island Athletic Champs being held in Hastings this weekend. Good luck. Also Ebony Edwards, Olivia Siakisini, Holly Reti, Troy Woodman and Jason Prowse who were selected as Northland reps but were unable to travel away.
… Hayden Smith who was 3 rd at the Kitty Hawke national Under 19s Bowls Championship played during Easter.
SPECIAL THANKS:
…to the parents who coached our teams during this first part of the 2005 season. The 1 st XI competed in the Robertson Shield and Reserve Mens' Grade, and the 3 rd Grade team in the Northpower Cup competition as well. The Under 15s team improved noticeably and the girls' team had a good couple of wins in the Leaf Cup competition. Cricketers will be pleased to know that a new mat will be laid on the school wicket before next season starts. Reminder to pay the $40 sub , please, asap.
WINTER SEASON SPORTS:
The hockey trials have been held and the following teams entered in the Northland competition: Boys' 1 st XI (Reserve Mens grade), Girls' 1 st XI (Premier Women's grade), Girls' 2 nd XI (Division 1 grade), and a Boys' Collegiate and three Girls' Collegiate teams. We appreciate those who have volunteered to coach these teams. The Boys' 1 st XI team had the privilege of being the curtain raisers to the NZ Men –v- Malaysia game at North Harbour recently when they played Westlake Boys' 1 st XI in a closely contested match just going down 2-3 to Westlake .
Subs for 2005 : 1st & 2nd XI teams $215; Collegiate teams $137. Different goalies' subs apply, please see Mrs Miller.
Eight Netball teams have been selected and named, but so far we only have five coaches willing to assist. An SOS has been sent out to the parents/caregivers of players in teams without coaches so we can get the support and assistance to enable all teams to compete in the Whangarei Netball competition which begins on Saturday 9th April.
Subs for 2005 : $65 total ($15 trial fee and $50 balance)
Players from Teams 10A and 9A have been invited to join our Netball Academy with the first session getting underway on Tuesday 5th April at 7:00am in our gymnasium.
Fee : $20
After having no rugby teams last year, we are pleased that this year we are able to field the following Rugby teams:
In addition to the above coaches/managers we have a small committee that meets once a month in the school library - next meeting Tuesday 5th April at 7:00pm.
Every attempt was made to field a JB9 (Under 16s) team, however, early indications showed we had insufficient numbers so these boys have been encouraged to play for clubs. Apparently numbers in this grade right throughout Whangarei are down with approximately 4 teams only entered in this grade. The 1 st XV games have begun and are usually played at 12:00 noon on a home and away basis.
Subs for 2005 : $45.00
Senior Basketball teams are presently competing in a huge Secondary School Tournament in Rotorua and will be gearing towards the Regional Tournament to be held in Whangarei later in the year. Trials for teams to play Friday night Secondary School basketball next term are presently being held and teams sorted.
Subs for 2005 not yet set .
Soccer is once again proving a popular sport at school with more than enough interested students to have two girls' and two boys' teams to compete in the mid-week Secondary Schools' competition held during Term 2. The Senior Boys' Soccer Team wil gear towards tournament later in the year.
Subs for 2005 not yet set .
More congratulations:
... to cricket representatives - Northland and Northern District reps: Curtis Cherrington, Samantha Garvitch and Brooke Morrison; Northland: Jamie Millar, Nathan Cain, Phillip McIntosh, Aaron McIntosh, Jason Prowse and Lee Neumann ;
… to our Golf Team who came 3 rd at the Northland Secondary Schools Champs: Carl Donaldson, Terry Lamb, Alvin Rapana and Adam Mansbridge. Carl and Alvin have been selected in the Northland age group team.
EVENTS NEXT TERM:
5th May Boys' 1 st XI Hockey –v- St Pauls at Hockey Stadium
11th May Rugby 7s (Girls & Boys) at Kensington
20th May Indoor Bowls at Toetoe Road
25th May KHS Cross Country Champs at Kamo Rec
5thJune NSSSA Mt Biking at Whangarei
9 th June NSSSA Cross Country at Tikipunga
13th -14th June NSSSA Rugby League Tournament at Whangarei
22nd June NSSSA COLLEGE DAY
3rd July North Island Trap Shooting
My sincere thanks to parents and community members who are assisting with sports at Kamo High School . Our students are extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in such a variety of sporting events.
Gloria Miller - Sports Co-ordinator
See the previous newsletters here.
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Updated 07 April 2005 by S Barker