Friday 5 June Congratulations to Viridi Vocem and Mrs Young for an outstanding performance in yesterday’s Big Sing and Gala Concert. The choir performed wonderfully and were rewarded with huge applause and cheers from the audience at the Michael Fowler Centre. There is a report on their success further on in his update. WORLD VISION FAMINE DONATION/WORLD HUNGER GAMES 12 June 2015 We would ask that your son/daughter does not bring any cash to school for this. You can bank your son/daughter's World Vision famine donations directly into the School Bank account and use reference "World Vision" and then have your son/daughter bring their famine booklet to school. Also, you can pay on line the World Hunger Games participation fee of $30 and use as reference your family school account name. Please notify the school of any electronic payment by emailing jenny.monk@marsdenwhitby.school.nz Found Tracksuit A school tracksuit has been handed into the school office. It is unnamed size small. It most likely belongs to a student in year 7 or 8. It can be collected from the office. Big Sing On Thursday 4 June, the Samuel Marsden Whitby Choir, Viridi Vocem, performed in the annual Big Sing Festival. They performed three pieces: When You Believe, by Steven Schwartz, from the movie The Prince of Egypt, a jazz number called Ain’t No Sunshine, by Bill Withers, and Kiss the Girl, from The Little Mermaid, by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. The choir also performed When you Believe at the evening Gala Concert. The choir put many hours into perfecting these three songs, each of which had their own challenges: When You Believe had a spirited bridge section sung entirely in Hebrew, Ain’t No Sunshine explored vocal percussion and featured Brianna Dickinson and Michael Jay Winton singing a small duet, and Kiss the Girl incorporated the use of effective and, at times, amusing choreography. Forthcoming Events Friday 12 June School In Action Day World Vision Hunger Games fundraiser, p5 – 6 (whole school)/overnight for seniors only) Tuesday 16 June Musical Showcase concert, 6.30pm Friday 19 June Bishop Justin Duckworth in school all day Tuesday 23 June Parents’ Association, 7pm Wednesday 24 June Final of House Debating, 1.05pm Thursday 25 June Kapo Kapo Festival, Taiko drummers, all day + evening performance 8pm Friday 26 June Term 2 ends The choir’s hard work and dedication paid off and all three pieces were well-received by the audience, particularly “Kiss the Girl”, which won a special adjudicator's award for the song with the Best Ending. The choir was directed by the wonderful Mrs Young and accompanied by Helena Hackner, one of our Head Girls. Special thanks go to Mrs Hunt and Linda Monk for coming along to assist the choir for the duration of the day, Helena for her beautiful accompanying and of course, Mrs Young for all the hard work and countless hours she put into getting the choir ready for this year’s Big Sing. It was a special event that was enjoyed by all. - Bronte Page Useful NCEA information for Students and Parents As we near the middle of the year it is timely for students and parents to refresh what we understand about how NCEA works, especially the requirements for University Entrance. Understanding NCEA is a booklet designed for use by students, parents, and the wider school community. It is designed to be a guide to understanding how NCEA works and the importance of having a plan, choosing subjects, career planning and aiming for endorsements. All students have a copy of this booklet, given to them either in year 10 or 11. It can also be viewed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/aboutus/publications/nzqa-brochures/. It is the green booklet on the right. A recently updated digital resource is also available on the NZQA website http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/qualifications/ncea/understandingncea/how-ncea-works/video/. The How NCEA works video is a popular animation that provides basic information about NCEA and is particularly useful as an initial overview for parents and students new to secondary school. To help clarify information about University Entrance (UE), NZQA have put details in one place on their website. By visiting http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/UE you can find out more about the minimum requirements, approved subjects, and background to the changes implemented in 2014. Last year NZQA introduced an App http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualificationsstandards/qualifications/ncea/understanding-ncea/mobile-app/ that also contains clear and succinct information about UE. The NCEA Guide App includes a link to the more detailed UE information on the website, as well as plenty of useful advice about NCEA itself. The app also contains information about how parents and whanau can support family members studying towards gaining their secondary school qualification. SPORTS Senior Netball After last week’s rest Marsden Blue plays at 9am tomorrow morning and Marsden Re at midday. Both games are at the courts at Mungavin Avenue. Junior Netball Last weekend our Junior Netball team competed in the Kapi Mana Queens Birthday Weekend Tournament. It was a long and tiring day for the girls with five 24-minute games. The weather did not start off promising and the first game was played in a slight drizzle, but luck was on our side as it cleared for the afternoon. The girls who participated represented the school with great sportsmanship and pride. It was a very tough competition and the girls did fantastically to come away with one convincing win from the day. Ms Hunt Football The Marsden Whitby football team played HIBS 5 at their home ground last Saturday. After conceding a penalty early in the first half, we kept our heads up and warmed into the game. Some excellent defending kept us in the game and we came into the second half playing some excellent football. Some good work in the defence and midfield created some great opportunities but, ultimately, we failed to score. We slowed down late in the game and the opposition capitalised on this with two late goals to bring the score to 3-0. Player of the day was Daniel Gorczynski who made some critical tackles in the defence that kept us in the game. We are looking to learn from this game and move forward this week when we play Aotea 2 tomorrow at 1pm at Aotea College. Pravin Vaz CAREERS INFORMATION Upcoming events: June 25 Otago Law School Information afternoon, Wellington 1.00-3.00pm June 28/29 Careers Expo, Wellington July 9 University of Canterbury Open Day, Christchurch (in the school holidays). August 5 Marsden Careers evening 7.00-9.00pm August 14 University of Auckland Engineering Futures Evening 6.30-8.00pm August 29 University of Auckland Courses and Careers Open Day Wellington Engineering Futures Evening. Friday 14 August, 6.30 – 8pm. Venue TBC If Mathematics and Physics are your passion and making a real difference in the world is your dream; then chose a career in Engineering. Come along to the Engineering Futures Evening in Wellington and hear everything you need to know about studying at the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Auckland. For more information and to register your interest visit: www.engineering.auckland.ac.nz/engineering-futures Massey University (University of New Zealand) Information Evening An information for prospective students and their parents/caregivers will be held on June 10th at The Pyramid, Entrance A, 63 Wallace Street, Mt Cook, Wellington from 5.00pm7.30pm Find out more about : Undergraduate or postgraduate programmes Choosing your papers and completing your pre-enrolment for programmes on any of our campusesThe acceptance process and what else you might need to do What our current Massey students have experienced so far and how to make the most of your time at Massey Recruitment advisers will be available to answer your queries and help you out with any of those hard decisions. Please register by emailing your name and details to Meta Hill at n.n.hill@massey.ac.nz University of Auckland The University of Auckland will be hosting a Parent Information Evening on Thursday 18 June 2015 at the Westpac Stadium in the Members Lounge from 7.30pm-9.00pm. This will provide parents and caregivers with an opportunity to learn about the University’s various Undergraduate programmes, facilities, support services, accommodation options, entry requirements, scholarships, campus life and more. If you are planning to attend this evening please register via the following website:www.auckland.ac.nz/parentseminar so that appropriate numbers can be catered for. Parking is free at the Stadium after 7pm. You may also be interested in attending the University of Auckland’s Course and Careers Open Day on Saturday 29 August. This is the University of Auckland's open day, where you can visit the City Campus and find out what it's like to be a student there. Massey University Engineering/Food Technology Camp 6-9 July 2015 Applications for this four-day, intensive-learning camp for Year 11 to Year 13 students are now open. The goal of the camp is to let students experience how engineers approach problems using the engineering method. The cost of the camp is $200 (or $500 if accommodation is required) The camp is at the Palmerston North campus and students can stay at in the halls of residence if they need accommodation. The challenge this year is set in the year 2070 and students will come up with creative distribution solutions in response to a major disaster. They will interact with some of Massey’s brightest engineering students and staff and be involved in some fun challenges to solve the problem. This is a link to details and registration for the Engineering and Food Tech Camps http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/colleges/college-ofsciences/about/engineering-technology/engineering-your-future-camp--sign-uphere.cfm University of Otago A presentation on studying law at Otago will be held for interested year 12 and 13 students and their parents on Thursday June 25 from 1-3pm at the Royal Society, 11 Turnbull St, Thorndon, Wellington. Meet the Dean and hear about studying law at Otago. The structure of the Otago law degree and the career opportunities the degree offers will be explained. These career opportunities are not limited to legal practice but range widely from business, through government departments to working for international organisations. Practical examples of how the law is taught will be a major feature of the session. Interested students should register at http://www.otago.ac.nz/law/news/otago086685.html University of Canterbury The University of Canterbury will hold an Information Evening for school leavers and their parents on Wednesday June 10th from 6.00 pm at the Wharewaka Function Centre, 15 Jervois Quay, Wellington Waterfront (west of Frank Kitts Lagoon). The University’s Open Day is Thursday 9 July from 10.00 in the next school holidays. Interested parents and students are encouraged to register their attendance at http://www.canterbury.ac.nz/future-students/campus-tours-and-future-studentevents/uc-openday/ Careers Expo This national event is being held on Sunday 28 and Monday 29 June (the first Monday in the school holidays) at the TSB Centre in Wellington. You can download the Careers Expo magazine here http://www.careersexpo.org.nz/magazine/ Cambridge Immerse 2015: An unparalleled educational experience in August 2015 The programme: www.cambridgeimmerse.com Cambridge Immerse is a two-week residential educational experience that allows participants to gain an unrivalled insight into a chosen discipline, ranging from the arts to the sciences. Subjects offered include Medicine, Law, Economics and Engineering. Tutorials and seminars are taught by highly regarded tutors from Cambridge University in an optimal learning environment that stimulates academic enquiry; yet the carefully planned schedule ensures that the programme not only meets the academic needs of the participants, but also provides a unique insight into the university through an abundance of activities. A carefully designed curriculum provides participants with an in-depth understanding of a wide range of topics, allowing students to share and develop more informed and engaging responses to key debates within each discipline. Students are challenged, and emerge more confident and ready to articulate what they have learnt, with knowledge of their chosen fields that provides fascinating insights beyond the school syllabus – and, of course, many unforgettable memories along the way. Students reside in Queen’s College - one of central Cambridge’s most beautiful university colleges. Within its historic walls, we pride ourselves on providing unique experiences of leadership and academic excellence through a programme for participants that instills the confidence and passion for learning that are essential to success in higher education. Enrolment in the program is ongoing, and students aged 15 and above are welcome to apply. We've added lots more subjects this year, so please take the time to explore www.cambridgeimmerse.com A PDF version of our prospectus is also available to view at https://www.cambridgeimmerse.com/CambridgeImmerse2015.pdf If you are interested in applying, please apply online through our website, or alternatively, if you require further information please don't hesitate to email emailenquiries@cambridgeimmerse.com Whitecliffe College of Art and Design This Auckland based college has open days during this term to showcase their courses. The college offers degrees in photo media, fine arts, fashion design and graphic design. See www.whitecliffe.ac.nz/opendays for details. If travelling to Auckland in the holidays and you are interested in their courses contact Lianne Saunders lianne@whitecliffe.ac.nz to arrange a personal visit. UC Emerging Leaders' Scholarship - closes 15 August 2015 In 2016, the University of Canterbury is offering over 100 scholarships for All-Round Excellence, Head Boy/Head Girl, Maori, Pasifika and outstanding sporting achievement. Selection criteria include academic achievement, leadership potential and involvement in sport, cultural and/or community activities. UC Foundation Sports Scholarship - closes 15 August 2015 This scholarship supports students who have demonstrated strong academic achievement and potential for high levels of performance in sports. UC Bright Start Scholarship - closes 15 August 2015 This scholarship supports students who may be experiencing serious financial or personal hardship that might deter the applicant from entering tertiary study. The Keystone Trust offers a number of different study grants and scholarships for those interested in entering the property and construction industry. Please visit their website for more information on these scholarships. There is also information on the type of careers that students could pursue within this industry. www.keystonetrust.org.nz Scholarship Opportunity for School Leavers - Ski & Snowboard Industry EA Ski and Snowboard training are offering Ski & Snowboard Instructor Internship Programmes at top ski resorts around the world. Their programmes provide an opportunity to obtain paid employment at a top resort, whilst completing an internationally recognised ski or snowboard instructing qualification. The winner will receive a free place on an EA programme for the coming 2015-16 Northern Hemisphere winter season at one of their partner resorts around the globe… that could mean Canada, USA, Japan, or Switzerland! EA are also offering a number of substantially discounted runner up places. Interested pupils can visit their website, www.easkiandsnowboard.com for more information including how to apply. Note: Scholarship applicants should have been skiing or snowboarding before and have financial support to pay for flights, gear & insurance (as these are not included in the scholarship). Vex Robotics Wellington The Kiwibots Bootcamp is coming to town. New Zealand have been World Champions for seven years in a row! Join in on the craze. This is a free event, open to secondary school students. They work in teams and build and test their own vex. When: Saturday 6 June (9am - 4pm) and Sunday 7 June (10am 3pm). Where: The Hub (main reception area), WelTec, Kensington Avenue, Petone. Contact vexrobotics@weltec.ac.nz to register your interest SUMMER SCHOOLS, CAMPS AND THE LIKE 2015 International Science Opportunities offered by the Royal Society of New Zealand London International Youth Science Forum, 22 July - 5 August (Open to Year 13 students only) Three students will be selected by the Royal Society of New Zealand to attend the London International Youth Science Forum which takes place over two weeks in July/August of 2015. This is a residential event held at Imperial College London. Participants will attend lectures and demonstrations from leading scientists, visit research centres, scientific institutions and world class laboratories and universities. Professor Harry Messels International Science School, Sydney, 28 June 11 July (Open to Year 12 and Year 13 students only). 5 students will be selected by the Royal Society of New Zealand to attend the Professor Harry Messels International Science School which will be held at the University of Sydney. The theme of ISS is BIG - big experiments, big discoveries, big ideas. Students will be treated to a unique lecture series by leading researchers, participate in hands-on activities and attend formal University events and social outings. Students will be accommodated on the university campus. USA International Space Camp, Huntsville, Alabama, 18 July - 23 July (Open to Year 12 and Year 13 students) The Royal Society of New Zealand will select three students to participate in an international gathering, and experience the Advanced Space School Program at Huntsville, Alabama. Successful students will be immersed in a programme that is designed to promote space science and exploration. Activities will include hands-on astronaut training, as well as learning about the mental, emotional and physical demands astronauts must face. Leadership training is also included and the students will experience scuba diving and four G's of lift-off force and actual weightlessness in the space simulator. Asia Science Camp, Patumthani, Thailand, 2-8 August (Open to Year 13 students only) The Royal Society of New Zealand will select 5 students to attend the 9th Asia Science Camp in Thailand. The programme will involve lectures from 7-9 Nobel Laureates and will include science workshops, discussion sessions, excursions and social activities. XLAB International Science Camp, 22 June - 13 July, Gottingen, Germany (Open to Year13 students only) The Royal Society of New Zealand will select just one student to be selected for this three week intensive science program. This programme attracts interested high school and undergraduate students aged between 17-22 years. The number of participants is limited to 32 world-wide. Youth ANZAAS (Australia, New Zealand Association for Advancement of Science), Adelaide, Australia, 5-10 July (Open to Year 12 and Year 13 students only) The Royal Society of New Zealand will select 6 students to experience a five day programme together with up to 50 Australian secondary school students. Students that are selected will visit top scientific and technological institutions and participate in a hands-on programme. More information regarding criteria, application forms and closing dates of the above opportunities can be found on the Royal Society of New Zealand website: Please visit: http://www.royalsociety.org.nz/programmes/competitions/international-secondary/ Youth ANZAAS (Australia, New Zealand Association for Advancement of Science), Adelaide, Australia, 5-10 July (Open to Year 12 and Year 13 students only) The Royal Society of New Zealand will select six students to experience a five day programme together with up to 50 Australian secondary school students. Students that are selected will visit top scientific and technological institutions and participate in a hands-on programme. More information regarding criteria, application forms and closing dates of the above opportunities can be found on the Royal Society of New Zealand website: Please visit: http://www.royalsociety.org.nz/programmes/competitions/international-secondary OF INTEREST Newtown Movie School Holiday Programme In the July Holidays, Newtown Movie School are again offering popular movie making and animation holiday programmes. Monday 13 to Wednesday 15 July Stop Motion Animation - Popular 3 days of creativity with Lego (based in Newtown). Thursday 16 to Friday 17 July Blockbuster Studios - Make a movie trailer of the next big thing (based in Porirua). For more information go to www.newtownmovieschool.co.nz or contact Craig Lauridsen 021 966 277 or nms@acumen.net.nz. The Cinderellas Project Cinderellas Project is a non-profit service that has just started here in Wellington, providing young female students with the opportunity to hire ball gowns for free. Hair and makeup services are also provided. This service is all about helping our young girls get to their important school balls stress free. For more information about the Cinderellas Project NZ please visit the web page on the Confetti Love Boutique website http://www.confettiloveboutique.com/cinderellas-projectnz/. If you have any queries please contact Romaine Solomona phone 0275181390, email romaine.solomona@hotmail.com Wellington Superstar Talent Quest $1000 worth of prizes up for grabs. 'Goodtime Music Academy' and 'Musicworks Wellington' are holding the annual 'Wellington Superstar Talent Quest' on the 18th July. Students can enter in a group or as a solo act. There's $1000 worth of great prizes up for grabs and first prize is a $500 voucher from 'Musicworks'. To get more details or to enter, please visit goodtimemusicacademy.co.nz Raising happy, confident and resilient children with John Cowan North Porirua Baptist Church, 69F Discovery Drive, Whitby on Tuesday 9 June, 2015. Resilient, confident children deflect trouble, resist pressure, handle stress and recover from set-backs and trauma. All children can be helped to tackle life and grow up to have a 'cando' attitude! 7.30pm - 9.00pm John's presentation. Doors open 7.00pm (Light supper provided). Ticket: $5 per person. Tickets available from church office/from the door on the night/purchase online www.theparentingplace.com Flight Attendant Holiday Programme Travel Careers and Training Wellington is now offering a One week Flight Attendant Holiday Programme! This is running from 13th-17th July 2015 and students will gain 7 credits upon completion of two unit standards. Please see the attached flier for more information and if you have any questions or would like to book any students into the program, please do not hesitate to contact lucynewrick@travelcareers.co.nz. Space Night Have you ever launched a water-powered rocket from your school sport’s field, or seen a playground full of telescopes poised to capture the moon, or watched beautiful, bioluminescent bugs that seem almost alien? This and more is coming to Crofton Downs Primary School as we proudly prepare for Space Night 2015 on 20 June. Go to http://spacenight.friendsofcdps.org/ for more details.