“As we head into the holiday break, I pray for a special blessing upon the staff, students and community of our College. I give thanks for the continued commitment of our staff and community who work together to deliver the best possible educational experience for our students. ”
Matt Dalton Principal
Kia ora whanau,
I had the opportunity to lead staff reflection to end the term based on the daily scripture (28th September): “Who do you say that Jesus is?”
Scripture: Luke 9:18-22
Now it happened that as he was praying alone the disciples were with him; and he asked them, “Who do the people say that I am?” And they answered, “John the Baptist; but others say, Elijah; and others, that one of the old prophets has risen.” And he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” But he charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
Who is Jesus for you – and what difference does he make in your life?
Many in Israel recognized Jesus as a mighty man of God, even comparing him with the greatest of the prophets. Peter, always quick to respond whenever Jesus spoke, professed that Jesus was truly the “Christ of God” – “the Son of the living God”. No mortal being could have revealed this to Peter, but only God. Through the “eyes of faith” Peter discovered who Jesus truly was. Peter recognized that Jesus was much more than a great teacher, prophet, and miracle worker. Peter was the first apostle to publicly declare that Jesus was the Anointed One, consecrated by the Father and sent into the world to redeem a fallen human race enslaved to sin and cut off from eternal life with God.
SO, who is Jesus for you – and what difference does he make in your life?
I’ve been reflecting and praying a lot recently. I’ve been searching for support from Jesus in my mission to lead and be a role model as a father, a husband, a son, a brother and as a Principal. In my life I strive to be my best for others at all times, but sometimes I fall short, probably more often than I would like. I’m not perfect, no one is. I am making mistakes in my life, but this is what it is to be human!
It is through these mistakes that I put my trust in Jesus and I draw considerable strength from my relationship with Jesus. He takes care of me when I am down, lonely, or struggling. When I stand before him all my shadows are seen. Jesus gave us the most precious gift through his ultimate sacrifice. Forgiveness of sin. Who is Jesus to me? He is my saviour, he is my friend and he is my guiding light.
Term Three has been a challenging and eventful term that has offered lots of highs and lows, joy and fulfillment. I encourage you to engage with the rich content contained in this newsletter as it brings together all the wonderful things our students have been engaged with this half term.
Summer Uniform
Students are expected to be in the correct school summer uniform from Monday 15th October, Term 4. We are continuing with the initiative that allows our Year 7/8 students to wear their Physical Education uniform on Tuesday and Thursday to support the wellness activities on those days. The full summer uniform is listed below:
BOYS’ SUMMER UNIFORM – YEARS 7-11
Multi-seasonal wool-blend tailored navy shorts
Short sleeved, open necked navy shirt with monogrammed pocket
McKinlay black leather sandals
Navy bucket-style College hat
Optional forest green navy-striped wool jersey featuring monogram and striped v-neck line
BOYS’ SUMMER UNIFORM – YEARS 12-13
Multi-seasonal tailored navy shorts
Short sleeved, open necked navy with green pin-stripe shirt
McKinlay black leather sandals (compulsory)
Optional forest green navy-striped wool jersey featuring monogram and striped v-neck line.
GIRLS’ SUMMER UNIFORM YEARS 7-11
Short sleeved white shaped, piped blouse
Multi seasonal tartan wool-blend green/navy box pleated skirt
Multi-seasonal navy shorts (to be worn with McKinlay black leather sandals)
McKinlay black leather sandals
Navy bucket-style College hat
Green and navy cardigan Green, wool jersey featuring monogram and striped – neckline
GIRLS’ SUMMER UNIFORM YEARS 12-13
Short sleeved navy with green pin-stripe necked shaped blouse
Multi seasonal navy skirt, featuring front pleating detail
Multi-seasonal navy shorts (to be worn with McKinlay black leather sandals)
McKinlay black leather sandals
Green and navy jacket styled cardigan
Green, wool jersey featuring monogram and striped – neckline
External Catholic Special Character Review
We welcomed Mrs Mary Cook and Mr Terry Consedine to the College this week as they undertook External Catholic Special Character Character Review. At the heart of this review was the overarching question: How does this College deliver an authentic Catholic education? In 2014, the New Zealand Catholic Bishops, in their document, ‘The Catholic Education of School-Age Children’, stated: “Catholic education is above all a question of communicating Christ, of helping to form Christ in the lives of others.”
The review assessed all aspects of the Catholic Character of our College, and will provide indications of ways to further strengthen our Catholic Character. It is designed to assist us in providing an authentic Catholic education, which is always aspirational and focused on continual improvement and transformation. The feedback we received throughout the review was positive and we now look forward to a finalised report which we will share once it is received.
Education Review Office (ERO) External Evaluation
During the first two weeks of next term, we will be hosting the Education Review Office as they undertake their scheduled external evaluation of our College. They have shared with us their key evaluative questions, which are:
1. How well is the school achieving equitable and excellent outcomes for all its students?
2. How well is the school accelerating learning for those Māori and other students who need this?
3. What school processes and practices are effective in enabling achievement of equity and excellence, and acceleration of learning?
4. What further developments are needed in school processes and practices for achievement of equity and excellence, and acceleration of learning?
It’s coincidental timing that these external evaluations are occurring so close together, but at the same time it is a wonderful opportunity for us to gain valuable feedback from which we can grow and develop as we aspire to offer the best educational experience for all of our students.
Staffing
Over the course of this term the College adjusted to the departure of Mrs Annette White (teacher of ESOL) and Mr Paul Mahon (Property Manager) to changes in vocation. We wish them both well as they begin their new chapters. At the same time we welcomed Mrs Noelene Taylor as our new teacher of ESOL and Mr Jason Yorke as our new Property Manager. We are fortunate to have Mrs Taylor and Mr Yorke join our staff team.
As we head into the holiday break, I pray for a special blessing upon the staff, students and community of our College. I give thanks for the continued commitment of our staff and community who work together to deliver the best possible educational experience for our students. I pray that the good Lord strengthens our heads, hearts and hands and keeps us safe so that we may return in Term Four ready to continue our mission at Aquinas College.
To Him be the glory.
Matt Dalton
Principal
SPECIAL CATHOLIC CHARACTER
This year we had four recipients of Special Character Honours. These students were Laura Smith (Yr. 12), McKenzie Frear (Yr. 13), Jessica Phayer (Yr. 13) and Ethan McKay (Yr. 13) in recognition of their servant leadership. These students exemplify the Aquinas College Touchstones and are excellent role models by freely giving their time to a range of social actions. They are also actively involved in Church ministries.
“We can’t all do great things, but we can do small things with great love”
Blessed Mother Teresa.”
SPECIAL CHARACTER
Fiji Service Trip
During the first week of the Term Two holidays, a group of Aquinas college students along with parents and teachers, were lucky enough to travel to Fiji. This was to be a part of the annual Fiji Service Trip that to provide a helping hand to the people of Vanuakula. We began each day with a 50 minute drive to the village of Vanuakula which was located just out of Suva.
SPECIAL CHARACTER
Shoe Box Appeal
This year the AC Army and the Young Vinnies are working together to fill 70 shoe boxes with Christmas cheer for children who need an extra helping hand this festive season. Any student wanting to fill a box individually or in a small group is welcome to come along to Rm. 36 every Tuesday interval and lunchtime. The AC Army and the Young Vinnies will be working on this through until November 13, 2018. Donations of small gifts or large shoe-boxes can be dropped off to Mr. Smith at Rm. 36 or brought to Tutor Class.
The rules for filling a shoe box are:
- Items should be new
- No food, cash or gift vouchers
- Include something to read
- Include something a child needs such as a toothbrush
- Include something to wear such as a sunhat, warm hat, socks, t-shirt or underwear
- Include something to play with such as puzzles, Lego, art supplies, cars, dolls or play-dough
Thanks in advance from the AC Army!
SPECIAL CHARACTER
Service in Action
On Wednesday the 12th of September two Aquinas College students attended the Trust Power Community Awards. These Awards celebrate the service and spirit of volunteers in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. Yr. 13 student Teri Dawson won the Youth Community Spirit Award and Yr. 13 Jessica Treanor was a finalist for the Youth Community Spirit Award. Congratulations girls on living out the Touchstone of Service within our community.
CURRICULUM
Yr. 7 and 8: A comprehensive review of this curriculum area been submitted to the Board of Trustees. The use of a data wall has been an effective tracking mechanism with this team and priority learners are being well-supported through programmes such as STEPS (Literacy) and ALIM (Mathematics).
Yr. 9 and Year 10: REACH continues to be a mechanism for tracking student progress. To date the data is comparable to previous years. High priority learners have been identified for additional support via the Deans of Yr. 9 and 10.
Level One NCEA: Academic tracking indicates that we should have a very high achievement rate for NCEA Level 1. Currently 30% of the cohort have achieved their Level 1 NCEA and another 27% are within 10 credits of gaining their certificate. We should have over half of the cohort achieving their certificate before leaving for external examinations.
Level Two NCEA: More than 85% of our students have already gained NCEA Level Two. Most of the remaining students in the cohort are within 15 credits of gaining the certificate .
Level Three NCEA: Just under 40% of our Yr. 13 students have already gained NCEA Level Three. Another 38% are within 15 credits of gaining Level Three. The Ministry target is for 85% of school leavers to gain NCEA Level Two (currently our achievement rate is over 90%).
CURRICULUM
BYOD
Following on from a successful implementation of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) at Yr.11 in 2018, Aquinas College will move to Yr.11-13 BYOD from 2019. Students from other year levels are also encouraged to bring devices if they have them. It is envisaged that from 2020, we will have BYOD from Yr.9-13. Staff are being supported in their use of teaching and learning with digital technologies through professional development with Cyclone Computers and a number of staff are upskilling by completing a Post Graduate Course in Digital and Collaborative Learning. Minimum device specifications can be found on the school website (https://www.aquinas.school.nz/information/bring-your-own-device/|) along with information about BYOD. If your child is considering courses in Digital Technology, Photography or Design please esnure they consult with their teacher around specific courses requirements.
CURRICULUM
2017 Graduates
Victoria University of Wellington have advised us of the following former students of Aquinas College who graduated between June 2017 and May 2018. We are very proud of their achievements and it is a real testament to their teachers and families who have supported them to achieve these qualifications. We hope you will join with us in acknowledging and celebrating their success.
| Aquinas College | Rhys | Allan | BCOMHO – Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) | 2017 |
| Emma | Crosby | BCOM – Bachelor of Commerce | 2017 | |
| Holly | Fuller | BDI – Bachelor of Design Innovation | 2017 | |
| Aimee | Lavelle | BA – Bachelor of Arts | 2017 | |
| Kelsey | O’Neale | BSC – Bachelor of Science | 2017 | |
| Tia | Robinson | BAS – Bachelor of Arch Studies | 2017 | |
| Patrick | Ryan | BSC – Bachelor of Science | 2017 |
Students considering Victoria for Tertiary Education in 2019 should get in touch with the Careers Department or e-mail msmith@aquinas.school.nz.
CURRICULUM
Economics Achievers
Aquinas College students shone at the recent New Zealand Economics Quiz. This is a New Zealand-wide competition with 2,500 candidates . Hosted by Auckland University, students are required to answer 40 multiple choice questions about the New Zealand economy using macro and micro economic theory.
Congratulations to Yr. 12 students Issie Dekker and Fergus Lellman who earned a High Distinction (top 5% of NZ).
The following students received Distinction Awards (top 15% of NZ).
- Lilli Scott
- Connor Hilton
- Jamie Minnell
- Max A Hill
Congratulations to all students.
SPORT
Aquinas College was well represented at Winter Tournament Week with teams competing all around the North Island. It was a big week of competition and travel for many of our teams. Congratulations to all the players who were selected to attend. You represented your College with pride and showed great determination and sportsmanship.
SPORT
Aims Games
The 2018 AIMS GAMES was a wonderful experience for Yr. 7 & 8 students at Aquinas College. We experienced winning and losing but always enjoyed the opportunity to spend time with students from other schools. During the week our teams spent a lot of time together so got to know each other better. We also had the chance to make new friends from all around New Zealand. Thank you to all the parents, coaches and managers for supporting our teams during this week.
SPORT
Gymsports
Congratulations to the following students who have qualified to represent the Bay of Plenty at the New Zealand National Championships for Gymsports in October at ASB Baypark.
Yr. 12 Hunter Mortleman – Artistic Level 7
Yr. 11 Amber Trusler – Artistic Step 5 & Tumbling
Yr. 9 India Jarden – Artistic Step 8
Yr. 9 Jazmine Watene- Artistic Step 7 & Tumbling
Yr. 9 Jazmine Trusler – Tumbling
Yr. 9 Sam Eastergaard – Tumbling
Yr. 8 Zoe Haydock – Aerobics
SPORT
Secondary School’s Nationals
Congratulations to the 6 students who attended the recent New Zealand Secondary School’s National Championships for Tumbling, Trampoline and Artistic Gymnastics. The College put forward a particularly strong team this year, with many athletes competing in multiple codes. The medal tally testifies to the hours of training and dedication that these athletes have dedicated to their sport. Aquinas College came home with 6 Gold medals, 5 Silver medals and 5 Bronze medals. The Team of Yr. 9 students Sam Eastergaard and Jazmine Trusler along with Yr. 11 student Amber Trusler was awarded the prize for “Champion School Team Overall” for the Tumble Divisions.
Many thanks to the parent supporters and to Mrs. Trusler for her organisation and logistical assistance in getting everyone to and from Auckland for the weekend. Results are as follows:
ARTS AND CULTURE
ARTS AND CULTURE
Te Wiki o te Reo Maori
Senior Te Reo students stepped up to organise a range of events as part of this years’ Te Wiki o te Reo Maori week. Activities started with a presentation at the full school assembly. This included prizes given to those teachers and students who could pronounce the longest Maori place name “taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu“. Other activities coordinated throughout the week included a poster competition for Yr. 7 and 8 students, Pukana & Maui-Matau games, a Kahoot quiz and a screening of the movie ‘Moana’ in Maori. Maui Studios featured throughout the week by providing augmented reality posters of Traditional Maori Atua. Click this link to learn more about Maui Studios. This is a technology, entrepreneurship and graphic design company run by two ex-Aquinas College students. A big shout out to Whaea Egan and Mr. Kennedy for supporting the organisation for Te Wiki o Te Reo Maori. Mean Maui Mean? https://www.mauistudios.co.nz/
ARTS AND CULTURE
Groundswell Innovation
As part of the Groundswell Innovation Festival held recently in Tauranga, nine of our senior Maori and Pasifika students were invited to attend a one-day event featuring some of the best Māori Technology Innovators and Entrepreneurs from around the country. The event was designed to capture the hearts and minds of Rangatahi who have an interest in Digital Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship. Rangatahi heard from some of the best Māori Technology Innovators and Entrepreneurs and learned about their journey, experiences and challenges.
In attendance was MP Tamati Coffey who caught up with the team from Maui Studios (including Whaea Egan’s sons and ex Aquinas Students, Vinny and Luke Egan).
Yr. 12 student Laura Smith was also able to share some time with Jacinda Ardern. Each of the attending schools nominated a student to ask the Prime Minister a question. Laura was prompted to ask her what jobs or subjects do you see being useful for our generation to pursue? Ms Ardern answered that she should “do what you love and take subjects you enjoy and you will find the right path!”
ARTS AND CULTURE
Tauranga Youth Orchestra
Aquinas College was proudly represented by five talented students at a concert by the Tauranga Youth Philharmonic Orchestra at Tauranga’ Boy’s College on Saturday September 15th. To be part of the Orchestra, students must have achieved a high level of competency or learned their chosen instrument for at least 3 years.
Yr. 11 student Put Suthisisinlpa played lead violinist. Having joined Aquinas College in May this year, Put is a Thai national who has been learning violin since he was 10 years old. Also in the violin section was Yr. 11 student Emma Harper. Another Yr. 11 student Madoka Fujimoto is also an International Student. Madoka plays trumpet and is from Japan. She has been a student at Aquinas for the past 4 years. Yr. 8 student, Sylvester Green also plays trumpet. Finishing off the brass section is yet another Aquinas College musician. Yr. 12 Elise Oxenham who played Trombone.
Conducted by Justus Rozemond, the Orchestra played a variety of traditional operatic numbers from Beethoven and Mozart as well as some more modern pieces such as the theme song to Game of Thrones, composed by Djawadi.
ARTS AND CULTURE
Big Music Day
A group of students from our Aquinas College String Group, Concert Band and Jazz Band had the opportunity to attend the ‘Big Music Day’. This is a one-day event where students from all over the Bay of Plenty come together to form a mass orchestra. The event was held at the Great Lake Centre in Taupo on Thursday 13th September. Repertoire included the theme from Jurassic Park, Pictures at an Exhibition, Orpheus in the Underworld, The Oregon Trail and Celtic Farewell. The students gained a better understanding of performing as part of a large ensemble and were given the opportunity to rehearse and perform alongside students from different schools and backgrounds. The day was a phenomenal success and we look forward to attending The Big Music Day again next year.
ARTS AND CULTURE
ITM Band and Orchestra Festival
The Waikato ITM Band and Orchestra Festival was an exciting one-day Music Festival held at Waikato University, on Friday 24 August. Over 1,000 high school students and their various different musical ensembles met to perform in front of their peers and adjudicators. The Aquinas Concert Band and Jazz Band travelled by bus to take part in the Festival and the students conducted themselves beautifully, both on and off stage. The Concert Band and Jazz Band delivered outstanding performances, under the direction of Mrs. Cooney and each band was awarded a Silver Medal for their efforts. The Jazz Band also received a special Merit Award for their performance, which involved an impressive range of solos. Repertoire included Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Stillmeadow Overture and The Crossings, from the Concert Band and Green Onions, All Of Me. A timely tribute of Respect by Aretha Franklin performed by the Jazz Band. An outstanding result and a thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all. A special mention also of Mrs. Jones, Mr. Thomas and Mr. Barlow for their contribution to the rehearsal process leading up to the event and for also displaying their musical prowess on the day. Congratulations to all students who participated, we look forward to returning to this fantastic Festival next year!
ARTS AND CULTURE
Primary School’s Festival
The Junior Choir performed an extensive repertoire for the Tauranga Primary Schools Music Festival on Monday 3 September at Baycourt Theatre. The theme of the Festival this year was ‘It’s About Time’, so songs about time were included, such as ‘Time After Time’ and ‘Seasons of Love’. These songs were performed in a mass choir with six other choirs from primary schools around Tauranga, so the sound was impressive!
The Junior Choir put in many hours of rehearsal in the months leading up to the event and their hard work definitely paid off. The Queen classic ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ was enthusiastically performed as the choir’s individual item and was well received by the audience. Miss Fahy directed the choir and Mrs. Cooney accompanied them on the piano.
Year 8 students Charlotte Mitchell and Anna Tustin featured as soloists in several items and did themselves and the school proud. Also worthy of special mention were Zoe Sherlock (Yr. 7) and Chloe Hawes (Yr. 8), who were MCs for the evening, as well as performing in the choir. A huge congratulations to all who were involved!
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Other News
Parish Youth Groups
Did you know there are vibrant, fun and inspiring parish Youth Groups open to all Aquinas College students.
Click here for the details.
Computing Course
Toi-Ohomai is offering a FREE Certificate in Computing Level 2, which is based around cloud computing. Many parents may feel are unsure about the tools that their children are using within the school classroom, and this 12-week course will help parents to understand a little more about using Google Apps (Gmail, Docs, Sheets etc), basic trouble shooting, cyber security, privacy and social media.
Some of the classes are tailored around school hours, to enable parents of children to attend while the children are at school.
For more information, contact Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology on 0800 86 46 46 or email Suzanne.hart@toiohomai.ac.nz
