September 2005 Newsletter
Principal's MessageBoard of Trustees
Uniform
Science Fair
Reader/Writer Support
Community Education
English Department
International Students Department
Mathematics
Arts Department
Canteen
Sports
Coming Events
Questions and Answers
"To encourage a culture of high expectations
that celebrates success and promotes pride"
Dear Parents
Kia Ora Tena Katou Katoa
It is appropriate, at this time of the term, to remind parents of the very important process your sons and daughters have been involved in over the last few weeks. We should now have in all the option request forms from students, on which they indicate the subjects they wish to study next year. I hope you have each been heavily involved in this selection, making use of the wide range of resources available for you, including the staff themselves. The importance for considered and correct choice is one we have stressed to students, as it is on the basis of those choices that future opportunities rest.
FUNDING:
We have recently received some interesting statistics following a survey which investigated school funding. You will be interested to know that for our school there was a shortfall of $797,120 between the funding provided by the government and the budgeted expenditure. This represents 33.8% of our total budget, and is in line with the findings of other schools where there is an over-all deficit nationally of 34.4%.
What that means, of course, is that as a school we must find that money ourselves if we are to provide the facilities and opportunities for our students. It is pretty clear why administrators and boards are expressing major concern about the financial viability of schools.
Richard Abel
Principal
15 September 2005
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Uniform:
Following information in the August newsletter and presentations to student assemblies of the uniform changes for 2006, a number of comments, questions and suggestions were received by Board members and the Uniform Committee. The Committee comprises parent, student, staff and BOT representatives, who consider suggestions submitted by the school community, investigate and consult re proposed changes, and bring a final proposal to the Board of Trustees for approval. They have a largely thankless and very time consuming job, are seldom praised but often criticised. My thanks on behalf of the Board to all the members of that Committee for your time and effort, and meeting yet again recently to consider and make several amendments to the original proposal in response to community feedback (see below).
Sports:
With the annual secondary schools sports tournament week held at the beginning of September, there were a number of teams away representing us all over the country (from Whangarei to Dunedin) in lots of different sports. This involved a number of staff, coaches, parents and students and I would just like to acknowledge the great effort put in by all our sportsmen and women, and supporters involved during that week. A special thank you to the staff in the sports office who have a huge role to play in the organisation of all those teams. Thank you to everyone who participated for representing Kamo High School with pride and commitment.
Claire Watts - BOT Chairperson
UNIFORM
UNIFORM
The Uniform Committee met on 2 September to consider responses received regarding the changes to the uniform for 2006. In response to the points raised, the committee has made the following amendments:
• Term 1 options: The Uniform Committee recommends that shorts/skirts be worn in Term 1 (because of the heat), but both boys and girls now have the option to wear trousers if they wish. Trousers must be worn with shoes and socks (not sandals).
• Senior Uniform 2006: There will be a transition time for current Year 10 students entering Year 11 next year. They may choose to continue to wear this year's uniform or the new senior uniform. All seniors will be required to wear the new uniform in 2007.
A couple of points which the Committee has clarified regarding footwear:
• Shoes: There will be a transition time for 2006. All current students may continue to wear their 2005 uniform shoes. All students will be required to wear the leather or leather-look shoes in 2007. Leather-look shoes such as ‘Adio' which many students are currently wearing will be acceptable as part of the new leather-look shoe requirement in 2007.
• Girls can choose to wear shoes and white socks with their skirt or shorts if they wish. However, if wearing trousers, students (boys and girls) must wear shoes and socks, i.e. sandals cannot be worn with trousers.
The Uniform Committee is happy to receive and respond to written queries, comments or suggestions at any time.
The full uniform code will soon be posted on our website. Please check this carefully.
Karen Crowe – Chairperson, Uniform Committee
SCIENCE FAIR
Congratulations to everyone involved in the Science Fair held on 16 August. Once again Kamo High School students did well with the following awards:
| Elliott Frizelle : | Year 9 -10 Presentation Award |
| Nicole Dempster: | NZ Baking Industry Research Prize Year 9 -10 Investigation – Highly Commended Year 9 -10 Applied Science Award |
| Ashley McCaw: | Year 11 -13 Presentation Award |
| Sarah Trass: | Year 11 -13 Technology Award |
| Ashley Morris: | Year 9 -10 Investigation – Highly Commended |
Hazel McIntosh – HOD Science
READER/WRITER SUPPORT
READER/WRITER SUPPORT
If you think your student would benefit from having reader/writer support for the Year10 examinations please contact Beryl Smith. Students who qualify for this assistance are those who read very slowly, have difficulty comprehending written words, or write very slowly. We need Speld reports or diagnostic test results to apply for students to have access to this assistance in the senior school.
Beryl Smith – CALS Department
COMMUNITY EDUCATION WHANGAREI
We invite you to explore the many learning possibilities available through our programme and experience the joy of learning. Brochures will shortly be available detailing the courses being offered in Term Four. If you wish to have a copy mailed to you please provide us with your name and postal address. Alternatively brochures can be collected from the local library or Kamo High School . If you have a bright idea for a course please let us know. Our contact details are ph/fax 4350889 or email cew@kamohigh.school.nz .Learning for Fun – Learning for Work – Learning for Life
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
With the end of term approaching, it is a good time to remind your sons and daughters to return their English text books. There are some books still outstanding from Term One. Please encourage students to have a clean out and return all Kamo High School books that they are finished using. Books are a valuable resource that is easily lost. Your help with this is appreciated. Books can be returned either to the teacher, or the School office.
Bruce Furrell - HOD English
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS DEPARTMENT
This term has been a very busy one for our department. Already, it is only a week until we are saying goodbye to three of our new students. Silvia Garone ( Italy ), Naoko Kashiro ( Japan ) and Sachiko Matsuda ( Japan ) are returning home after a term with us. Naoko and Sachiko are part of a group of five Japanese girls studying in Whangarei schools after having two weeks intensive English lessons at Northland Polytechnic. This is a new venture and it appears to have worked well for all concerned.
Silvia is one of our first two international students from Italy . Karen Crowe, Director - International Students, is currently in Germany and Italy on a promotional trip for future students. Germany is, of course, our largest contributor of international students. We currently have nine German students on our roll and have had 18 altogether in 2005. We are expecting a further two next term.
The new students who had been at Kamo High School for one week before senior exams took place, participated in an alternative programme. As part of this, the students created powerpoint shows which they later presented to Year 10 Social Studies classes. The effort the students put in to these presentations was admirable and very informative. They are now available on the school intranet for all students to access.
Gaylene Sanford - International Student Coordinator
MATHEMATICS
This term we have been providing a Problem of the Week for both senior and junior students. Many of the junior students are enjoying the senior problems. The following have achieved success with several of the problems. Melany Ginders, Sarra Ali, Natarsha Ganley and Rochelle Judkins.
Year 10 students have been reminded that they must have a calculator in order to complete their Mathematics examination in Week 9. They also need a ruler, as well as the standard writing equipment. Please encourage them to be organised, check the calculator works etc. We do not have spare equipment available.
Dianne Anson - HOD Mathematics
ARTS DEPARTMENT
Music
We've had a lot of great singing going on here a Kamo High School recently. Our choir ‘The Kamo Chameleons' attended the New Zealand national Big Sing event in Palmerston North from the 17 th to 20 th of August. It was a glorious time, with about 20 of the best choirs from all over the country attending. Adjudicators from both England and Australia were impressed that choirs were doing very difficult repertoire and performing it well…in many different languages! NZ really is at the forefront of International success in the choral world.
I'd also like to say that our trip really was heart warming. We'd like to thank the following: Tokoroa High School who hosted, fed and entertained us when we arrived on the Tuesday night. Our Palmerston billets were just fantastic, and treated everyone like family. A special thanks to Shelley Pattinson who volunteered to join Carol Stanley and myself, on what was a long and intense journey. Thanks to all!
Mark Harris – HOD Music
A Big Hi From The Arts Department
We've done it again….” Kamo High School winner of the Northland WOW quest ”…. The WOW quest was showcased in Whangarei for the first time on Thursday 1 st September at Forum North. This is similar to Stage Challenge but on a smaller scale. The only stipulation is the group has to have a wearable art garment made by the students. We entered two Year 10 Drama classes. Team One's performance was on the human destruction of our oceans. Team Two was a little girl's nightmare about the fighting between her toys - the Barbies representing good and the clowns representing evil. The groups took the following titles:
| Team Two: | |
| Team One: | Theme Supporting Costumes Lighting |
A big congratulations to all who participated, you have done us proud.
Our Senior Drama students are busy working on their final year class productions, for achievement standard. We look forward to seeing their work, in the second week of term four.
Another huge congratulations to the Whangarei Youth Orchestra who won triple gold in Australia last week.
On Monday last week Kamo Intermediate School visited with their road show which was performed to a full house, we will reciprocate this with a visit to Kamo Intermediate School later in the year with our Talent Quest winners.
The Talent Quest 2005 will be held between 10 th and 13 th November.
Our art Students were lucky to have Laurence Berry visit this week to talk to them about his current exhibition now showing at Whangarei Art Museum . Berry is a celebrated New Zealand artist and we were honoured to have him visit. Visiting artists in the school are of great value to our students, in the future we hope to invite more into the school.
“Where for ART thou trips” are to start as soon as we have some interest shown. Please register your interest at the Arts Office. The trips will leave from school on Day 5 every week for one hour during lunch break, and will visit local art exhibitions. You will have to fill in a permission slip by Day 6 the week before.
Kay Haigh - Arts Co-ordinator
CANTEEN
Following are the new breakfast items being served up at the school canteen from 8.15am:
- Croissant & Jam $2.50
- English muffin with bacon and egg $2.50
- Hot cakes with maple syrup $2.50
- Bacon, banana & maple syrup on an English muffin $2.50
- Spirulina $2.50
- Fruit Smoothie $2.00
Julie McKeefrey – Canteen Manager
SPORTS
SPORTS EXCHANGE
On 15 th August our school enjoyed a great sports exchange day with Rosehill College from Papakura. This is the 9 th year of competition and we are very pleased to let you all know that the shield is back in Kamo High School 's possession after a three year absence. And did we do well!!!
GAME |
WINNER |
SCORE |
KHS PLAYER OF DAY |
KHS FAIRPLAY |
Rugby |
KAMO |
32 - 8 |
Carlos Mita |
Derek Carpenter |
Girls Soccer |
BOTH |
2 – 2 |
Katie Mullenger |
Jessie Barrell |
Boys Soccer |
KAMO |
2 – 1 |
Ben Heffey |
Nathan Steel |
Girls Hockey |
KAMO |
4 – 0 |
Alanna Clare |
Odette Ackermann |
Boys Hockey |
KAMO |
4 – 3 |
Jeff Cunningham |
David McAteer |
Netball 1 |
KAMO |
37 – 15 |
Erin McCulloch |
Kylie Wright |
Netball 2 |
KAMO |
33 - 28 |
Zane Davis |
Carys Burkhardt |
Girls B'ball |
KAMO |
42 – 41 |
Erin McCulloch |
Rowena Davis-Cooper |
Boys B'ball |
ROSEHILL |
66 - 34 |
Scott Wong |
Jason Edwards |
A huge “ thank you” to all the families who hosted the Rosehill students. This exchange would not have been possible without your hospitality. Also “ sincere thanks ” to the members of our community who assisted with reffing and umpiring duties. The support, encouragement, and camaraderie shown by our players and spectators were a pleasure to see. This was a wonderful day for our school.
RUGBY
From no teams in 2004 to three very competitive teams in 2005 is a giant leap forward for rugby at Kamo High School, and we thank all the coaches, managers and parents who have assisted.
The 1 st XV (coached by Tim Eves and Brad Kini and managed by Bill Griffin) ended their season on a very high note being the co-winners, with Kaitaia College , of the Northland Under 18s and the Northland Secondary Schools competitions. Four of our players, Derek Carpenter, Cass Walding, Roy Griffin and William Job have been selected in the Northland Under 18s team and nominated for the Northern Region Secondary School team.
The JB8's (coached and managed by Alan Pye and Richard Lund) had a great result also, winning the JB8 competition in a closely fought final battle with Tikipunga. A number of players from this team will be competently stepping up to 1 st XV level next year.
The JB7's (co-coached by Bo Davis and Darryl Davies) went from strength to strength all season, just failing to make the finals in their grade. They had some great wins and narrow losses.
HOCKEY
The Boys' 1 st XI hockey team won through to the finals in the Premier Reserve Mens' grade, just being pipped at the post in the final against Springfield which was played the day after the 1 st XI's week long tournament in Dunedin .
The Girls' 1 st XI have yet to complete their Premier Women's last game but didn't they do well at the Federation Cup Tournament?!? This tournament is the national Girls' Hockey Tournament in which the top 16 secondary school teams compete. Our team placed 3 rd after just one loss during the whole week. Our thanks to Barb Michelsen, the coach, and Jo Nicholson, the manager.
NATIONAL TOURNAMENT WEEK
Last week we had six teams competing in New Zealand Secondary School tournaments held throughout the country. This is a huge undertaking to get this number of teams (80+ students) involved in national tournaments. The expenses are substantial and sometimes beyond the reach of some students. However the assistance we received from local businesses and Funding Trusts was tremendous and enabled our players to participate and enjoy a very worthwhile competitive experience.
TOURNAMENT WEEK RESULTS
Team |
Tournament |
Venue |
Wins |
Losses |
No. of Teams participating |
Overall placing |
1 st XI Boys' Hockey |
India Shield |
Dunedin |
2 |
4 |
16 |
8 th |
1 st XI Girls' Hockey |
Federation Cup |
Whangarei |
5 |
1 |
16 |
3 rd |
Netball |
Upper North Island |
Mt Maunganui |
9 |
1 |
32 |
5 th |
Soccer Boys |
Rex Dawkins Cup |
Auckland |
1 |
4 |
16 |
12 th |
Soccer Girls |
Northern Satellite |
Whangarei |
1 & 3 Draws |
3 |
20 |
14 th |
Basketball Girls |
National Northern |
Whangarei |
1 |
5 |
7 |
6 th |
The Girls' 1 st XI Hockey Team would like to thank the following firms who sponsored their T-Shirts (they looked sharp!)
| Abacus Café Narnia Coalminers Family Restaurant Design Time Fisher Aluminium Ice Supplies Northland Kamo Bookshop |
Kamo Dairy & Lotto Kamo Mower & Cycle World MAI FM Steve Taylor Tyres Tait Real Estate Widdowson Sprague Medical |
The Boys' 1 st XI Hockey Team who had the extra expense of air travel to Dunedin for their national tournament, received great support for their T-Shirts as well, and would like to thank the following firms and encourage the support of these businesses:
| Bacio Bar and Brasserie Bay Engineers Supplies BAYLEYS MREINZ Café Narnia Calico's Catering Cartridge World Northland Cates Transport Ltd Cowleys Hire Craig's Firestone Direct Dent Magician Designtime 1996 Ltd GJ Gardner Homes Highway Supplies iGRIN Internet Industrial Stainless Inferno Jesters Pies Kamo Automotive |
magwarehouse.com Mike's Magic Murray Smith Contractors Northland Underground Drilling Oakleigh Service Station Riverlea Farms Robinson Asphalt 1992 Ltd Rodney Wayne Hairdressing Ron Kay Plastering Sophisticut Storytime Books & Toys Sutherland Security Centre Travel Smart Whangarei USANA Health Sciences Whangarei Suit Hire Wilkinsons Sports Yamaha Motorcycles |
CONGRATULATIONS
… to Anton Wickens, Zinzan Bristowe and Hunia Kingi selected in the Northland Secondary Schools' Rugby League team;
… to Elyse Lewis and Erin McCulloch selected in the Netball North Under 19s team;
… to Shari Diamond selected in the Northland Under 13s hockey team;
… to Carli Michelsen, Stacey Michelsen, and Nicky Howes selected in the Northland Womens' Hockey team;
… to Vaughan Gillingham and Rama Unka selected in the Northland Under 18s hockey team
… to our Badminton Champs Corey Popata (Junior Boy) and Sven Walter (Senior Boy) . The Girls Championship event is being held this week.
… and to all our many other students who have been selected in Northland rep teams (who don't come and tell the Sports Office!)
CELEBRATIONS
Kamo High School is finally the proud owner of a newly laid artificial cricket wicket – thanks Lion Foundation! Our cricket players will certainly appreciate this new facility. Saturday cricket games will get underway immediately Term 4 commences. Therefore:
CRICKET MEETING for all interested players and parents Monday 10 th October 7:00pm in School Library |
WHANAU SPORTS
Just completed is the indoor soccer competition with some closely fought games having been played. Coming out on top due to scoring more goals was Waima, followed closely by Rangi, then Moana, Kaha and Tapere. Being played presently are the unihoc games so points could change over the next week or so. The exciting Talent Quest is on the agenda for early next term. Updated total points in next newsletter.
SPECIAL SPORTING EVENT
K.H.S. SPORTS AWARDS EVENING Wednesday 2 nd November 2005 6:30pm in the school hall
DINNER, GUEST SPEAKER, ENTERTAINMENT, PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES
Students $25 Adults $30 Tickets available from Sports Office next term |
UPCOMING EVENTS
Event |
Date |
Venue |
NSSA & KHS Golf Champs |
19 Sept |
Northland Club |
NZ Table Tennis |
28 & 29 Sept |
Christchurch |
NSSSA Jnr Girls' Volleyball |
12 Oct |
Kensington |
NSSSA Jnr Boys' Volleyball |
14 Oct |
Kensington |
NZSS Mountain Bike Relay |
15 & 16 Oct |
Rotorua |
NSSSA ASB Sports Awards |
28 Oct |
Kensington |
KHS Sports Awards Evening |
2 November |
KHS Hall |
NSSSA Jnr Touch |
8 November |
Okaihau |
NSSSA Jnr Tennis |
9 November |
Thomas Neale Cts |
North Island Jnr Volleyball |
23-26 November |
Palmerston North |
Armstrong Shield Cricket |
29 November |
Whangarei |
NZSS Athletics |
3 & 4 December |
Auckland |
NSSSA Beach Volleyball |
5 December |
Waipu |
As you can see, most of the sports events from now until the end of the year are for the Juniors as our Senior students are expected to be concentrating on their exams. If you can assist with coaching/managing cricket or touch please phone our Sports Office on 435-1688. Your help would be much appreciated.
Once again, grateful thanks to the aforementioned sponsors who have enabled some of our students to experience participating in national tournaments and thanks also to the coaches and managers of our sports teams. You have all helped to provide wonderful sporting opportunities for Kamo High School students!
Gloria Miller - Sports Coordinator
KHS RUGBY CLUB
End of season luncheon to be held in the school staffroom on September 17 th at 12 noon!
Our first season of offering rugby to pupils who wish to play for the school has drawn to an end with some very pleasing on field results (see above). However, equally important is the recruitment and retention of boys into the game and the coach development that we have been able to facilitate.
Players, family and supporters are invited to a shared lunch to be held in the school staffroom on Saturday September 17 th from 12.00 noon. This will provide an opportunity to mix and mingle and for team coaches to present a brief summary of their season. A sausage sizzle will be provided - please bring a plate of finger food.
It would be great to see you all there.
Our rugby club trophies will be presented at the annual sports awards dinner to be held in the school hall on Wednesday November 2 nd . Specific details regarding this can be obtained through the sports office.
Darryl Davies - Rugby Co-ordinator
COMING EVENTS
15/22 September |
Year 9 Assessments/Year 10 Exams |
19/20 September |
Senior Drama Assessments |
22 September |
Board of Trustees Meeting, 7pm |
23 September |
Last Day of Term |
2 October |
Daylight Savings Begins |
10 October |
Term 4 Commences |
10/13 October |
Talent Quest – lunchtimes in the hall |
12 October |
PTA Meeting, 7.30pm – “Positive Choices” |
20 October |
Blood Collection Service |
24 October |
Labour Day |
2 November |
Kamo High School Sports Awards |
3 November |
Next Newsletter |
4 November |
Kamo High School Arts Awards |
10 November |
Senior Prizegiving |
15 Nov/2 Dec |
NCEA Exams |
21/25 November |
Junior Assessments |
28 Nov/2 Dec |
Year 9 Camps |
1 December |
December Newsletter |
6 December |
Junior Tabloids |
7 December |
Junior Prizegiving |
8 December |
Senior Clearance and Reports |
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
HOMEWORK
International research strongly indicates that students who have regular homework habits are more likely to be successful at school and in their adult life.
• Why is doing homework important?
• It fosters independent learning, students take ownership of their learning, it encourages independent thought, self reliance, increase self confidence.
• What can I do as a parent to encourage my child to do homework?
• Positive reinforcement is the only way!
Q. What facilities/environment should I provide?
A. A quiet place, a proper desk to work at (not the kitchen table), a regular time slot, good food.
Role modelling:
Students are more likely to do homework if the family has a culture of learning. It does not matter what form that takes, it could be through sports, hobbies, club membership, library membership. Passive time passing such as watching TV, playing video games etc is a disincentive, not an incentive.
Computer:
As learning increasingly makes use of the internet, access to the www that you as a parent can monitor is becoming essential for students.
If there is something you would like to know with regards to the school, please get in touch with us and we will print the answers in the next newsletter. For your convenience you may e-mail sherryl.barker@kamohigh.school.nz
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