IONA COLLEGE
HAVELOCK NORTH, HAWKE’S BAY
HEADLINES
October 2014
Dear Parents and Caregivers
The beginning of Term 4 is upon us and whilst Term 3 seemed to have flown by, so much was achieved
by our staff and students. We finished the term by celebrating the sporting and cultural achievements
of our girls as our annual colours assembly. And whilst our congratulations were extended to all those
who received awards, I reminded all the students that it was through striving and continuing to give
their best in all their endeavours that they will continue to be rewarded.
We have been sharing a number of messages with the girls in assembly and in chapel about the
importance of developing the habits of mind.
The Habits of Mind are an identified set of 16 problem solving, life related skills, necessary to effectively
operate in society and promote strategic reasoning, insightfulness, perseverance, creativity and
craftsmanship. The understanding and application of these 16 Habits of Mind serve to provide the girls
with the skills to work through real life situations that equip them to respond using awareness, thought,
and intentional strategy in order to gain a positive outcome. In particular, we have focused on
persistence, striving for accuracy and precision, finding humour in everyday situations and listening with
understanding and empathy.
Another concept that we have explored is the fixed versus growth mindset and how this impacts on
student performance. Carol Dweck, a renowned researcher at Stanford University describes the two
mindsets and their impact on performance as follows:
“In a fixed mindset students believe their basic abilities, their intelligence, their talents are just fixed
traits. They have a certain amount and that’s that…in a growth mindset, students understand that their
talents and abilities can be developed through effort, good teaching and persistence. They don’t
necessarily think everyone’s the same, but they believe everyone can get smarter if they work at it.”
Below is an image that illustrates the difference between people of each mindset.
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The benefit of a growth mindset for our young women is obvious. If a student possesses a fixed mindset, they may
make statements like, “I’m no good at maths” and that belief acts as an excuse to avoid persevering through
difficulty. On the other hand, a student with a growth mindset would be willing to practise their maths, even if they
failed at first, due to the belief that practice and hard work translates into improved performance. Our Head of
Department (Maths), Jane Atkinson, describes how this concept is being used in our program here at Iona later in
this edition of Headlines.
Staff News
At the end of Term 3, we farewelled our Head of Department (Music), Miss Angela Warmke. Since 2006, Angela
has contributed much to the musical life of the college through her teaching in the classroom and through her
commitment to the co-curricular program. Miss Warmke’s students spoke of her as an inspirational, humorous and
dedicated role model who encouraged and nurtured a love of music. We wish Angela all the very best as she takes
up her new position at the Ministry of Education.
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Miss Warmke’s successor is Miss Georgina (Georgie) Cole. Georgie attended Woodford House as a music scholar
and was Music Prefect in her final year. She completed her studies at Victoria University and in addition to her
Bachelor of Teaching, she holds a Teachers Diploma in Pianoforte and is an opera singer. Georgie has spent the
past four years working in international schools in Dubai and Hong Kong and prior to this, she was the Head of
Department (Music) at Central Hawke’s Bay College.
In Term 3, we welcomed to the College Ms Chris Chaplin who has replaced Judith Knauf in the role of Boarding
House Supervisor. Chris has worked extensively in the publishing industry and has also held a variety of customer
service roles. She is a qualified English teacher and has a background as a guidance counsellor. Chris holds a
Bachelor of Arts Degree (majoring in English and Psychology) and a Higher Diploma in Education. She lives in
Havelock North with her husband and two children.
Congratulations to science teacher, Hannah Stafford and her husband Matt on the exciting news that they are
expecting their third child in April 2015. Mrs Stafford will be taking her maternity leave from the end of Term 4 this
year in order to facilitate a smooth transition for her students.
Mrs Lisa Smith has been appointed to the role of Information Services Administrator. Lisa has been volunteering at
Elsthorpe School, Central Hawke’s Bay. She is a qualified librarian who worked most recently at the International
School of Aberdeen, Scotland. Lisa is also an Honours Graduate in Psychology. Lisa commenced her role in the
school holidays and spent this time transferring our collection of books to the new Information Resource Centre.
Our congratulations are extended to our Head of Department
(Art) Mr Patrick Tyman who was selected as a finalist in the
2014 Wallace Art Awards. Patrick’s work (right), entitled
Better to be an authentic fake than to assume fake
authenticity will be exhibited alongside the other finalists at
The Pah Homestead, TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre in
Auckland until 9 November.
Blossom Festival
In celebration of our centenary, the College participated in the
2014 Hastings Blossom Festival Parade held on 13 September.
The theme of our float was Moving Forward, Looking Back, the
title shared by our magnificent Paul Dibble sculpture at the
front entrance. This also tied in beautifully with the theme of
the Blossom Festival Spring Back to the Future.
Old Girls Sally Cranswick, Penny Manahi and Maree Apatu
worked tirelessly on the float assisted by current students and
staff, in particular Kirsty Duff and Lisa-Jane Easter. Thank you
also to the Apatu family also generously provided the truck.
The weather threatened all day but Iona was awarded the Best
School Float.
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Fred Hollows Foundation
As you may be aware, our fundraising efforts this term have been directed to the Fred Hollows Foundation. The
foundation is inspired by the work of the late Professor Fred Hollows. Fred was an eye doctor, a skilled surgeon of
international renown and a social justice activist. Led by our Chaplain, Ellie Burge, the girls came up with a range
of creative fundraising initiatives including bake sales, a car wash, sausage sizzle, raffles, guessing competitions,
arts and crafts stalls, donations at Chapel and the popular staff baby photo competition, which kept the girls very
entertained! We were pleased to be able to present to Fred’s brother Monty Hollows, a cheque for $4,500 which
will provide cataract operations for 180 people. The girls can be very proud of the tangible difference they will
make to so many lives.
Building Program Update
I am thrilled to announce that from the commencement of Term 4, we will be able to occupy the new Information
Resource Centre. The building is a wonderful addition to our campus and the learning spaces provided allow for
flexible delivery of the curriculum through the provision of informal learning areas that support collaborative
activities, small seminar rooms and meeting places, sunny corners in which to study and classrooms equipped with
21st century technologies such as interactive whiteboards and a robust wireless network to support the use of
mobile devices.
The Blythe Performing Arts Centre is almost at practical completion stage and we do hope to be able to have the
girls enjoying this magnificent building in Term 4.
Whilst we are currently in the process of finalising the details for the official opening of the buildings, I would like
to extend an invitation to all families to take a tour of both buildings from 12 noon until 4.00pm on Thursday, 23
October. Student guides will be happy to take you through and point out the features of these wonderful new
additions to the Iona College landscape. We know that our learners will be inspired and transformed by these
state-of-the-art facilities.
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College Uniform
A small number of families have queried if there will be any changes to the College uniform in 2015. I would like to
reassure you that no major changes will take place next year and that any future changes that may be considered
will be part of a College wide consultation process and will be communicated well ahead of any change being
implemented.
We are tweaking the design and lining of the winter sports weather jacket (based on feedback) and we are also
introducing a pair of sports leggings/tights in Iona colours as the girls like to wear these to their various training
sessions. Details regarding these items will be made available in the coming weeks.
Mock Examinations
The beginning of Term 4 marks an important milestone for our Level 2 and 3 students as they undertake their
mock examinations. These provide important feedback in the lead up to NCEA examinations at the end of the term
and the girls should focus their energies into preparing well and putting their best efforts on show. It is important
that they establish and stick to routines that have worked for them in the past and that they remember that it is
never too late to consolidate their knowledge. As parents, even those at a distance, you have an important role to
play in supporting and encouraging your daughter to achieve her goals.
Shannon Warren
Principal
Mathematics
When the NCEA standards were reviewed and changed in 2011, there was a shift from just “using mathematics in
context” to “using mathematics to solve problems”. Teaching students to solve problems was now the emphasis –
mathematics was now the context in which to do this. This is a challenge as some students have preconceived
attitudes about maths – some positive but many negative. Ideas have been formed like “Maths is hard”, “I haven’t
got the brain for Maths”.
In the Maths department, we are working with the girls on developing a “growth mindset” towards the learning of
Mathematics. The upshot is the everyone can do Maths – it’s just that some have just not developed confidence
and the belief in themselves that they can be good at maths. Anyone can do Maths by dedication and hard work.
Four teachers from the department have completed or are completing a course run online through Stanford
University “How to Learn Math”. There are key points that are made by Jo Boaler, who runs the course:
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Everyone can learn maths to the highest level
Mistakes are valuable
Questions are really important
Maths is about creativity and making sense
Maths is about connections and communicating
Maths class is about learning not performing
Depth is more important than speed
We are incorporating these key ideas into our classrooms. Fostering an environment, where making mistakes is
welcomed and encouraged. While some students get frustrated that an answer is just not given to them but they
have to take time and work through the problem, a good ethos is beginning to appear in classrooms where
students are becoming better mathematical thinkers.
A lot of prep being set is based on the premise of getting students to make sense of Mathematics. They may have
to discover how to use a new concept and then practice this and help others make sense of it in class. Two ways
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we have found helpful is by using the “Mathletics” online programme and through the development of the Iona
Maths website (ionamaths.weebly.com). We put information that the girls can use to understand new concepts
and use them to solve problems. Please feel free to take a look.
The key message is that it is really important to communicate “growth mindset”” messages and believe that
everyone can do Maths. It is important that students are positive and show perseverance.
If you are interested in reading further into this there are some great readings through the following link:
http://youcubed.org/parents/
Mrs Jane Atkinson
HOD Mathematics
English
Since Term 2 we have been using the program ‘Write That Essay’, developed by Dr Ian Hunter, throughout all year
levels. It is a fully interactive, student-centred, ‘21st-century solution to the challenge of writing well’. There has
been a particular focus in years 11-13, for whom essay writing is a significant assessment format. Students
appreciate the way it scaffolds each component of writing an essay, from the introduction through to the
conclusion. It encourages them to use a variety of sentence types, make regular links to the argument and widen
their vocabulary. We have found an improvement in the structure and the overall clarity of their essays.
In some classes of the junior school we have introduced the use of the program ‘Grammatikus’. It aims to improve
understanding of parts of speech, spelling and sentence structure. There is a competitive element to which
students have responded positively. It consists of quest themed games in which students aim to defeat the tyrant,
Aalius Donatus; travel through dark territories to retrieve eight fragments of the Great Seal; and learn about
English grammar and parts of speech. It allows us to monitor student progress through tutorials, games,
interactive worksheets, and tests. It also generates frequent individual reports which students can use to identify
their strengths and weaknesses.
Miss Morag Deeley and Mrs Saffron Riddell
English Department
Technology – Year 12
The definition of Technology is Intervention by Design, using research, skills and resources to address a need in
the community, identified by exploring a context and its associated issues.
At level 2, the girls identify the context they wish to work in then consult their stakeholders to identify the need.
This year the girls asked to work in a cultural arena so each has selected a culture they are interested in and have
spent a lot of time exploring how things such as customs, food, geography, climate, colours, patterns, textures can
be represented in textiles and the way textiles are used. Using this knowledge, they then work through the
process of stakeholder consultations, design development, textiles research, pattern production, construction trials
including toiles, how to apply design, how to construct their outcome. During this process there is on-going
evaluation against criteria such as sustainability of resources, ethical and cultural appropriateness, fitness for
purpose of all testing and of outcome, health and safety issues. There also needs to be justification of practice and
outcome.
The outcomes the girls have developed are representative of their chosen culture and have been designed for
specific occasions. There was a range of skills that needed to be learnt, as well as the pattern drafting and
construction skills. This year that range has included silk painting, fabric painting, stencilling, beading, texturizing,
piping and how to work with special fabrics such as different types of silk, fur, georgette, organza, satins. The
completed outcomes are all of a high standard and the girls have worked hard to achieve what they have.
Mrs Margaret Coombes
HOD Technology
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Jae-Won Shin - East meets West
Georgia Smith – Japan
Rose Pardoe – Morrocco
Tanisha Lovell – American Indian
Anna Morete – India
Kelly Nelson – Egypt
Alannah Iorns – Africa
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Looking Back at Term 3
Year 12 Biology visit the Aquarium
Wednesday 13 August
One of our topics for Year 12 Biology is on the gas exchange systems of three animal groups. To get a more
hands on approach to the fish section of the topic, all Year 12 biology students visited the Aquarium in Napier.
During our visit, we studied conditions that affect the rate at which gas exchange occurs in fish as well as study
the sometimes unique systems of different fish during our exploration of the aquarium. We had the opportunity to
immerse ourselves in some practical learning when we were given a yellowfish to dissect. Through this we were
able to locate the parts we had only previously seen in diagrams. It was really great for our understanding of the
content to see the gas exchange systems in real life.
We followed this with a tour around the aquarium to study how different fish use their particular gas exchange
systems to meet their habitat conditions. After this we were allocated some free time to explore the aquarium but
now with our new knowledge on what the bubbles actually were.
Overall the trip was a great experience to increase our understanding of our gas exchange topic and allowed us to
see these systems carried out in the physical environment.
Kate Scott (Year 12)
Senior Winter Quadrangular Tournament
17 – 18 August
This year we travelled to St Matthew’s in Masterton for the annual Winter Quadrangular tournament against
St Matthew’s, NgaTawa and Woodford. Our girls enjoyed being billeted and meeting girls from other schools.
Unfortunately the results on the sports fields were not as rewarding, our hockey and netball teams being beaten.
However, our footballers were able to come away with two good wins.
These three teams then went away to Secondary Schools’ Winter Tournament week where we met up with some
of our quadrangular opponents and managed some good wins against them.
A big thank you to our coaches and supporting parents who accompanied us on this trip.
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Year 7 & 8 explore the Rocky Shore
Wednesday 27 August
On Wednesday 27 August the Year 7s and 8s visited the Rocky Shore in Napier. We have been studying it in
Science and know how to identify most of the creatures we would encounter. Although the weather wasn’t the
best, we all still found the trip really interesting.
We left Iona at 11.00am and when we got to Ahuriri (Napier), we were greeted by two friendly Rocky Shore
guides, Jackie and Carly. They were from the National Aquarium and knew a lot about the shore itself and the
organisms that lived on it. After a short briefing and a safety reminder, we were off exploring the shore. The
Rocky Shore was packed with lots of different types of starfish, a few sea anemones, a variety of seaweed, hermit
crabs, and so much more.
We have recently done presentations on Rocky Shore organisms and this really helped us identify the organisms
that lived there. After an hour or so of exploring, we said our thanks to the guides, had lunch, and saw a seal with
its flipper in the air cooling itself down. We then finally hopped on the bus with soggy shoes. The visit was great
experience and was very informative.
Kate Manahi and Grace Windhager (Year 7/8)
Secondary Schools’ Winter Tournament
31 October – 5 September
Football
In Week 7 of Term 3, the First XI travelled to Tauranga where we participated in the Kathy
Seaward Winter Tournament for Football. This tournament was held in Papamoa.
Our first game day didn’t go as well as expected and we came away with two losses against
Whangaparaoa and Marist. However, on the second day, we managed to come away with a
win and a draw, which definitely lifted all the girls’ spirits. Due to our losses on Day 1, we
were unable to go through to the play off for the top 8 positions. We did, however, play an incredible game
against Woodford House beating them after having to go into a penalty shoot-out. Overall, we placed 11 out of
the 23 teams in the tournament. We played Marist, the winners of the tournament, losing to them by one goal.
Netball
While the other sports teams travelled the country, the netball team stayed in Hawke’s Bay for
the winter tournament week. For the first couple of days it poured with rain, which was not
ideal. The ’not so flash’ weather showed in our results as we lost the first few games quite
convincingly against some highly ranked teams from very large schools. However, the girls
managed to keep a positive attitude. When the weather started clearing, our results started
improving!
On Day 3, we faced our neighbours, Woodford House. The last time we had played them was at Quad
Tournament a few weeks prior where we lost by 6 goals. Every single member of our team played with grit and
determination, and we pushed through to beat Woodford by 1. But playing them once was obviously not enough
as the way the draw worked, we faced them again the next day and this time they had their star defence back in
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action. We beat them by 5 and played one of our best games yet. It just shows what you can achieve when you
set your mind to it and work together as a team!
We were placed 29th out of 64 teams around the lower North Island and secured our spot in A Grade which was
our goal.
Hockey
The 1st XI Hockey team’s winter tournament was held in Timaru. It was a great week away.
The first day we played Nga Tawa and lost 5-0, however, this was not as bad as it sounds as
we played well as a team despite some of us not having played together due to new players
joining us.
The next two games we also lost which was disappointing but we put up a strong fight and didn't let the
opposition win easily. Our cross over game was against Marian College from Christchurch. This was to determine
whether we would be in the top or bottom half of bottom 8. We drew this game so it went to penalty strokes. We
ended up winning 4-3 with some great goals and awesome saves by our goalie Gabby Luscombe. The next game
we won 1-0 this meant that we would be playing of for 9th and 10th. We were thrilled with this achievement as we
had decided as a team that we wanted to be top 10.
Our final game was played with some sore girls but everyone was determined to get the win. We scored early and
kept the lead 1-0.This was the final score meaning we came 9th overall in our tournament. This was the highest
position we could get after not such a good start in our pool play. The tournament was a great success for us as
the majority of our team consists of Year 9 and Year 11 players. With hard work and a great team spirit which
continued to build over the tournament week we aim to bring back some silver ware in the near future.
Columba College Exchange
2 – 27 September
This year, Margot Fowler and Anna McCaughan came north from Columba College and Hannah Crosse and Katie
Holden went south for two weeks. All the girls enjoyed their time away and it is always interesting to see how
another school operates.
Margot Fowler
Anna McCaughan
Hannah Crosse
Katie Holden
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Year 9 & 10 Social at Iona
Thursday 11 September
Iona Girls meet the Prime Minister
Thursday 18 September
A couple of the girls ran into the Prime Minister in the village. Zara Harnett (left) and Niamh Barnett (right) had
the courage to ask for a selfie!
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Board of Trustees Student Trustee Election
Friday 19 September
Congratulations to Kate Scott who was elected as Student Representative on the Board of Trustees. We thank
Phoebe Ayers for her input over the past year and wish Kate well for her tenure.
Kate Scott
Sports Awards evening
Thursday 25 September
We recognised and celebrated the sporting successes of our girls at this special
function.
Our guest speaker was Emily Naylor, a New Zealand Black Stick (Women’s Hockey)
from 2004 – 2014, the most capped Black Stick of all time.
General Knowledge Quiz
Friday 26 September
And the winners are:
Years 7 & 8 (Intermediate)
1st
Grace Windhager
2nd
Bella Greig
3rd=
Zillah Daysh
Kate Manahi
78KT
78MG
78MG
78MG
56
54½
51
51
Years 9 & 10 (Junior)
1st
Isabella Smith
2nd
Laura Friel
3rd
Aimee Pitcher
9DL
10PR
10PR
68½
59
54
Years 11-13 (Senior)
1st
Danielle Maynard
2nd
Aimee Clark
3rd
Olivia Druzianic
13MR
11TH
12RY
68½
63
60
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Colours and Awards Assembly
Friday 26 September
Congratulations to the following girls for their contribution to Iona’s sporting and cultural life.
Cultural Junior Commended Certificate
Bonnie Allen
Music
Amiria Bates
Speech and Drama
Lucy Druzianic
Speech and Drama
Isobelle Walker
Music
Cultural Junior High Achievement Certificate
Allie Chesterman
Music
Imogen Daysh
Music
Isobelle Walker
Kapa Haka
Cultural Senior Commended Certificate
Sophie Pilbrow
Music
Olivia Whyte
Music
Cultural Senior High Achievement Certificate
Olivia Druzianic
Speech and Drama
Rose Kirkham
Music
Annelise Roadley
Speech and Drama
Jean-Louise Roberts
Music
Sarah Thompson
Music
Cultural Service Certificate
Phoebe Ayers
Ella Brown
Olivia Druzianic
Helen Holt
Kate Mabin
Georgia Mossman
Jenny Nimon
Tessa Rao
Olivia Unaç
Sally Ward
Music
Debating
Debating
Music
Debating
Speech and Drama
Drama and Music
Drama and Music
Music
Cultural Activities
Cultural Colours
Rosie Allen
Ella Brown
Bridie Casey
Olivia Druzianic
Laura Friel
Courtney Hayward
Helen Holt
Claudia Karlsson
Tanisha Lovell
Kate Mabin
Georgia Mossman
Kelly Nelson
Jenny Nimon
Tessa Rao
Sally Ward
Speech and Drama
Speech and Drama
Drama
Debating
Drama
Speech and Drama
Music
Drama
Music
Debating and Cultural Leadership
Speech and Drama
Drama
Music and Drama
Drama and Music
Debating
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Sports Junior Commended Certificate
Gemma Burnside
Allie Chesterman
Isabella Crichton
Flora Devonshire
Bella Greig
Jamie Mactaggart
Katie Nichols
Meg Redshaw
Harriet Williams
Phoebe Williams
Rollerskating
Hockey
Football
Football
Hockey
Hockey
Netball
Swimming
Swimming
Football
Sports Junior High Achievement Certificate
Amiria Bates
Equestrian
Kate Hewitt
Swimming
Holly Moroney
Triathlon
Emmie Mulinder
Athletics
Olivia Shannon
Tennis, Hockey and Athletics
Arabella Sheild
Hockey
Denby-Rose Tait
Hockey, Athletics and Equestrian
Sports Senior Commended Certificate
Lucy Bambry
Annabel Beal
Leslie Bolton
Samantha Bolton
Bridie Casey
Lucy Collin
Kim Douglas
Emma Freebairn
Megan Hassall
Maia Ihimaera
Chacha Jindapadungrat
Claudia Karlsson
Kate Mabin
Georgia Mossman
Olivia Potter
Jean-Louise Roberts
Caitlin Shannon
Abigail Weaver
Football
Football
Football
Football
Cricket
Hockey
Football
Tennis
Cricket
Football
Badminton
Swimming
Tennis
Football and Tennis
Tennis
Cricket
Tennis
Football
Sports Senior High Achievement Certificate
Milly Bowen
Netball
Kate Cregoe
Equestrian
Kim Douglas
Athletics
Hannah Mason
Hockey
Olivia McLeod
Hockey
Caitlin Shannon
Netball
Brittany Tilson
Equestrian
Ellie Tilson
Motocross
Sports Service Certificate
Phoebe Ayers
Leslie Bolton
Lucy Bowen
Kim Douglas
Olivia Druzianic
Emma Freebairn
Courtney Gettins
Laura Hitchcock
Kate Mabin
Georgia Mossman
Olivia Potter
Caitlin Shannon
Netball
Football
Netball
Athletics
Swimming
Netball
Softball
Netball
Netball
Football
Netball
Netball
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Sports Colours
Flo de Bièvre
Courtney Gettins
Emma Godwin
Kate Laracy
Amy Martin
Phoebe Treseder
Athletics
Softball
Swimming
Rowing
BMX
Cycling
Year 9 Sports Scholarship
Jess Burke
Allie Chesterman
Arabella Sheild
Denby-Rose Tait
Football
Hockey
Hockey
Athletics
Colours are the highest awards at Iona, recognising excellence in a field of endeavour. The recipients have not
only been outstanding performers in their areas for 2014 but also positive role models to other students and reflect
the values and vision of the school.
Congratulations to our 2nd XI Hockey team (left) who went
through the season unbeaten to win the Hawke’s Bay Secondary
Schools Girls Division 2 grade.
Our thanks go to Chris Chesterman who coached the girls and
Scott Pease who filled in for Chris. These two fathers managed
to juggle calving and lambing around their coaching duties.
Courtney Gettins (left) was named Female Pitcher of the Year at the New Zealand Softball
Awards.
Our Year 7 & 8 Netball team (right) was unbeaten in the
Wednesday competition in their grade.
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Our Year 7 & 8 Hockey team won the All Girls grade and
then had to play Hereworth for the overall winner of the
Hawke’s Bay Intermediate Schools competition. Despite
putting up a great fight, they went down to the boys team.
The Senior Premer Netball team were winners of the Bowl in their final of the
Top 12 Secondary Schools division.
Our Centre A and B Senior Netball teams were runners up in their respective
pools while the Year 7 & 8 netball girls were also placed second in their pool.
The Junior Football team were winners of the Junior Girls division.
Olivia Shannon (left) was awarded the Robert
Hickland Memorial trophy for Dedication and
Commitment to Rugby in her Feilding club and
was also named Player of the Year for her
team.
Holly Moroney competed in the New Zealand Age Group Duathlon champs in
Taupo where she gained a very commendable 6th place as one of the youngest
in her age group.
Year 12 student, Georgia Smith, was one of 22 finalists from all over New
Zealand in the junior category of the Newmarket Young Fashion Designer Award
and the only student from Hawke’s Bay to make the finals. Her design was
influenced by Givenchy and Japanese high
fashion. “Givenchy’s body of work demonstrates
restraint and refinement, with gradual transitions from one style to the next. He
introduced a funnel collar which I have incorporated into my design”. Georgia has
also drawn on the influence of Japanese high fashion in introducing the structured
look to her garments. “Givenchy was an inspiration because he was far more than
a couturier; he was a creator of personality”
Head judge Belinda Watt, Head of Department of Fashion Design at Whitecliffe
College of Arts and Design, said the calibre of this year’s finalists is high and shows
creativity: “It is always really exciting to open the boxes of journals and this year
some of the young designers have experimented with creative textures through
fabric manipulation, origami and dye techniques. Having seen the final designs I
really believe we have some talented New Zealand designers in the works.”
Georgia Smith came 4th at Newmarket which was an amazing achievement in a
national field of competitors.
Well done, Georgia!
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Looking Forward to Term 4
Year 13 Graduation Dinner
Friday 31 October
All parents of Year 13 students should have received their invitation to the Graduation
Dinner by email. This event will be held at The Black Barn Bistro on Friday 31 October
and is a special way for staff, parents and students to celebrate the end of their time at
Iona.
Prior to the dinner, Year 13 parents and girls are invited to a special cocktail reception to be held in The Blyth
Performing Arts Centre. This will commence at 5.00pm and finish at 6.15pm allowing enough time for families to
make their way to Black Barn for a 6.30pm start. This will be a wonderful opportunity for our leavers and their
families to enjoy a tour through our beautiful new facility.
Scholarship Day
Monday 3 November
All students entering Iona in 2015 at Year 7 and Year 9 (which includes our current Year
8 students) attend Iona for Scholarship Day. This day allows time for student orientation
to the school and for students to sit tests in Mathematics, Reading, Reasoning and
Writing. These tests are used to award Year 7 and 9 scholarships.
We look forward to welcoming 24 students into Year 7 and 53 students in Year 9 in
2015.
Grandparents’ Day
Friday 28 November
This year, Grandparents’ Day will be held on Friday 28th November for all grandparents of
Year 7 and 9 students.
This is a special moment for grandparents and granddaughters and we hope you can share
the day with us.
End of Year Procedures, NCEA Examinations and Study Leave
The procedures for end of year examinations and study leave were included in the recent
mailout. Please read this information carefully to ensure the leave form is filled in correctly.
Study leave forms must be returned by Monday 20 October.
Carol Services
Wednesday 3 & Thursday 4 December, 7.30pm
Venue: St Martin’s Chapel
Students attend both services and dinner is provided for them at school on both days. We suggest
daygirls’ parents attend the first service and boarders’ parents the second, although you are
welcome to attend either or both.
Prize Giving
Friday 5 December, 10.00am
Prize Giving will be held in the Sports Centre, commencing at 10.00am and all students are
required to attend. Parents, family members and friends are warmly invited to attend this
occasion as well. Girls are free to go home at the conclusion of Prize Giving.
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Information
Sports Options - Term 4
We have asked the Year 7-10 students to give an indication of the sports activities they would like to do in Term 4
as the entries into competitions closed at the end of Term 3. As per other terms, there will be a cost involved.
Please check with your daughter as to what activities she has signed up for.
Due to examinations and study leave for our Year 11-13 students, it is not practical for them to commit to a team.
However, we are very happy to accommodate them in any activities where possible but they need to inform the
Sports Department.
Lines of Communication for Parents
Parents are welcome at school to discuss matters relating to their daughter’s education and welfare. In the first
instance, please contact the school office (telephone 877 8149 or email office@iona.school.nz) to ensure the
relevant person is available.
Staff have specific areas of responsibility as follows:
Ms Marianne McKnight (Director of Boarding)
 boarding matters including weekend/overnight leave and domestic or health issues
 specific pastoral support for boarders
Mrs Julie Shears (Deputy Principal – Director of Operations and Guidance Co-ordinator)
 day to day operations
 NCEA matters
 guidance matters
Ms Felicity Benge (Deputy Principal – Director of Studies, Curriculum Co-ordinator and Junior Dean)
 academic or other concerns relating to the classroom situation for Year 7 - 10 students
 general curriculum matters
Mrs Jay Jones (Senior Dean)
 academic or other concerns relating to the classroom situation including courses/subjects for Year 11-13
students
 Year 12 and 13 leaders
 student prep supervisors
Mrs Nic Harty (Director of Sport)
 co-curricular sport assisted by Gail Hall (Sports Co-ordinator)
Mrs Lisa-Jane Easter (Director of Performing Arts)
 music tuition (instrumental, voice and theory)
 co-curricular music (concert band, choir, chamber music)
 music performances (concerts, festivals, Kids Sing, Big Sing, etc.)
The Principal and Deputy Principals are also available to discuss any other matters of concern to parents.
For Parents of Boarders
To contact the Boarding House during the week regarding day to day matters or weekend arrangements for your
daughter, please email boarding@iona.school.nz. The Director of Boarding, Marianne McKnight and her assistant
Mrs Janet Blundell access this address. If you need to communicate with Ms McKnight on a private matter, her
direct email is marianne.mcknight@iona.school.nz or you can phone her on 06 877 8149.
Outside of school office hours (8.00am–4.30pm) including the weekends, the boarding house staff will take
messages via 06 877 8149 (not via email). Please note; boarding house staff may not be near the phone when
you ring. If your call is not answered immediately – try again!
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One-Way Traffic System
In the interests of safety for students, staff and visitors, please remember that a one-way traffic system operates
through the school. The one-way system operates for the length of the driveway, from the entrance at Lucknow
Road gate to the exit at Iona Road gate.
Seeking Flower Ladies
It’s near the end of the year and soon some of the Year 13 mums who help with the
flowers will be moving on. We have a small team of women who take turns to help make
Iona more beautiful each week with fresh flower arrangements in the Chapel and office.
You don’t have to be an expert, just someone who loves flowers and is keen to have a go.
We will show you the ropes and help you if you want. Generally each person will have one
week a term to do arrangements with fresh flowers from Flowerlands (paid by Iona) and
foliage from your own or the school’s gardens.
If you are keen to join the roster or have any questions, please phone Ailsa Ericksen on
834 4614 or 021 206 5030
Attendance on Special Character Days
Every state and state-integrated secondary school in New Zealand must be open for instruction a
specified number of half days each year.
As a boarding school, all our students benefit from exeat weekends which we build into each
term. To make sure we meet Ministry requirements with regard to our half days, we count our
Special Character Days (such as swimming sports, inter-House sport, Chapel services) which
usually occur on a Saturday or Sunday as part of our half day requirements.
These are compulsory school days. Rolls are taken and any absence recorded as if it were a school week day.
These days are published well in advance, form part of our Special Character and are needed to meet attendance
requirements. Your support in ensuring your daughter attends is appreciated.
Dates for 2015
Term 1
Monday 26 January
Friday 6 February
Saturday 14 February
Saturday 14 – Monday 16 February (inclusive)
Friday 6 March
Sunday 22 March
Saturday 28 March
Thursday 2 April
Term 1 begins
Waitangi Day
Swimming Sports
Exeat (begins after Swimming Sports)
Athletic Sports
Founders’ Day
Open Day
Term 1 ends
Term 2
Monday 20 April
Monday 27 April
Saturday 30 May - Tuesday 2 June (inclusive)
Friday 26 June
Term 2 begins
ANZAC Day holiday
Exeat - Queen’s Birthday weekend
Term 2 ends
Term 3
Monday 20 July
Tuesday 21 July
Friday 25 September
Teacher Only Day
Term 3 begins for students
Term 3 ends
Term 4
Monday 12 October
Friday 23 – Monday 26 October (inclusive)
Monday 7 & Tuesday 8 December
Wednesday 9 December
Term 4 begins
Exeat - Hawke’s Bay Anniversary and Labour Day
Carol Services
Prize Giving
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