July 21st. 2010

STUDENTS ARTWORK EXHIBITED

JeeSean Mah, Yr 8, Rm 12

Kirvil Searancke, Yr 8, Rm 3

Thirty four students have had their Art work exhibited in the Newtown New World Mall since July 12th. The exhibition will run until 23rd July.

The works have drawn considerable praise from the public.

Thanks to Koka Rea for arranging this display of student work.

SEEKING HOST FAMLIES FOR 3 WEEKS JULY/AUGUST

We are urgently seeking school families to host these students. It is a very positive learning experience for the Korean students, as well as a chance for your family to learn about another culture and an opportunity to form friendships.

Please contact Cathie Gasson or Mike Debney at school if you can host a child. They arrive next week.

CHESS CLUB

Wednesdays 3.00—4.30 p.m.

Library

Cost $2 per session

All interested students very welcome.

STUDY CENTRE

Tuesdays   3.00 p.m. —4.00 p.m.

School Library

Students are welcome to attend for supported independent study.

Afternoon tea provided.

Quote of the Week

“Children have never been good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”

James Baldwin

Principal’s Comment

I am very pleased to be back at school after having a sabbatical during Term Two. I feel refreshed and ready for what the term will bring.

During last term I completed a research project looking at the effectiveness of rewards and punishments at school, comparing students views with teacher beliefs. There were some interesting correlations and anomalies which will be considered as we review our school processes.

Students stated that contacting parents was the most effective reward for good behaviour and the most effective consequence for poor behaviour which clearly shows the importance of a positive home and school relationship and a readiness to communicate.

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A topic seldom discussed in reference to young adolescence is that of spirituality. American research shows that spiritual young people manage the stresses of life more successfully. It concludes that having a sense of connectedness to something that transcends the material world protects young people because it can offer meaning when life is difficult, and comfort if tragedy strikes.

There are many systems of belief, both inside and outside the recognised religions. The research simply stated having a belief system in things other than the material is beneficial. From this I suggest young people should be encouraged to have a basic belief in life and its meaning and purpose. Parents are able to help by teaching their young adolescents that there is value and meaning in their lives.

A large part of this involves ensuring young adolescents know they are precious members of their family. Parents can also lead by example in assisting their children to appreciate life and live life to the full. The research added that young people who viewed their parents as enjoying life and approaching life with optimism are more likely to have the same attitudes.

Parents can teach their children to be optimistic and realistic. Young adolescents need to know that, while some things are out of their control, many things are within their control. Parents who respond positively to difficulties and disappointments teach their children the importance of  resilience— the ability to pick oneself up and go forward after a setback.

Adolescent psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg states “Spirituality is important to the health of young people”. He says spirituality “assists (young adolescents) find peace and fulfilment”. These are things I would desire for everyone.

My readings suggest parents can foster a sense of spirituality in their emerging adolescent by;

• Engaging in open conversations about the ‘big’ questions of life such as the meaning of life and death. This can be difficult as many of us realise we don’t have all the answers. I suggest we don’t need the answers. An open discussion will encourage the young person to think for themselves.
• Encourage celebration of significant life events (e.g. completing intermediate schooling). Young people enjoy ritual and such events will meet with a positive response.
• Encourage engagement with nature. Young people appreciate connection with the natural world.
• Encourage self-expression of spirituality through drawing, poems, dance. Don’t force sharing of this.
• Parents to develop their own sense of spirituality. Nurture your feelings away from the material world.

Mike Debney

TOP  HOUSE

Kiwi

Four Ways to Get Out of Trouble

at School and at Home

Say “It was me. I am responsible.”

Say  “I am sorry.”

Say “It won’t happen again.”

Say “What can I do to make up for it?”

Paul Setch,

Brisbane Boys College

SITUATION VACANT

South Wellington Intermediate

Caretaker

20 hours per week

Some flexibility of hours possible

May suit an active semi-retired person

Contact Mike Debney, Principal, for more information and application details.

Available Term Three Dates

26 July       Mona Williams “Tales with a Difference.”

        Parent Interviews

27 July       Parent Interviews

28 July       Korean visitors arrive

29 July       Powhiri for Korean visitors

        Ski Trip parent helpers meeting 7pm

03 Aug       ICAS English Examination

        Inter Intermediate Hockey & Volleyball

        Puberty Information Evening 7pm. Staffroom

10 Aug       Tree planting with WCC.

17 Aug       ICAS Mathematics examination

20 Aug       Last school day for Korean visitors

25 Aug       Inter Intermediate Netball

26 Aug       Gardasil 2 for Year 8 girls

27 Aug       Postponement day Inter Intermediate Netball

01 Sept      Mathswell competition

03 Sept      Open Day, prospective students

06 Sept      Inter Intermediate Football—Boys

        Open Evening

07 Sept      Inter Intermediate Football—Girls

08 –10 Sept        Ski Trip

08 Sept      Postponement Inter Intermediate Football—Boys

09 Sept      Postponement Inter Intermediate Football—Girls

13-17 Sept Girls Self Defence

15 Sept      Waterman’s Rugby Tournament

16 Sept      Postponement Waterman’s Rugby Tournament

20—21 Sept        Science Roadshow

24 Sept      Last day of Term Three

11 Oct       First day, Term Four

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

CONTACT

Lindsay Daysh (Chair)

027 261 5840

Michael Priest

934 4738

Alison Kelly

021 595 026

Malcolm Menzies

972 5804

Stu Print

383 4206

CELEBRATING NELSON MANDELA DAY

The South African High Commissioner, Anthony Mongalo

The football game was enjoyed by everyone.

James Bannatyne adds to the ‘Friendship Cards’

On Tuesday we were very pleased to welcome special guests to our school to celebrate Nelson Mandela Day and the attitude of helping and giving it promotes.  Guests at a special assembly included the High Commissioner for South Africa, Anthony Mongalo who spoke about the life of Nelson Mandela, and James Bannatyne, an All White at the recent World Cup in South Africa. James talked about his experiences.

Volunteer Services Abroad workers spoke about their programmes to help others.

After the assembly a group of students played football with James and created three ‘Friendship Cards’ with painted hands to be displayed here, at VSA, and at the South African High Commission.