Menzies College Newsletter
4 March 2022 - Term 1 Week 5
Kia ora koutou katoa
What a fabulous bunch of Year 13 and Year 7 students we have. Last week the Year 13 group were at Edenview Camp sharpening up on their leadership skills under the watchful eye of their Dean, Mr Lewis. They also spent time with Mrs Lee and Mr Kerslake working on Peer Support skills before being let loose on Thursday and Friday with the Year 7 students at Camp Columba. This was an innovation organised by Mrs Knapp, the Year 7 Dean and worked extremely well. Thank you to Mr Lewis and Mrs Knapp for all the time and energy that went into these camps.
Covid has started to appear in our school community. Thank you for being vigilant and reporting the reason for absence. At this stage there are only a handful of confirmed cases among students with more students being affected as household contacts. There has been little effect on staffing at this stage. From Monday all staff will be putting their work in the Google Classroom as well as teaching face to face. Anyone who is at home isolating will be able to access work in the Google Classroom.
Changes to laws about vaccination and sports participation are expected to be passed by Parliament in the next two weeks, to allow unvaccinated school students to participate in normal sports competitions. This includes community competitions that involve adult competitors.
Despite Covid, we will be trying to keep routines as normal as possible now that camps are over for the term. Next week we will be focusing on uniform. In particular shoes, socks and hoodies. Please ensure your children leave home in the correct uniform. If there is a problem, then let us know. Students not in correct uniform are expected to come to the office before school to get a uniform pass.
Attitude to Learning grades are now available on Edge, there is information later in the newsletter on how to access the Edge portal and the School App if you are new to the school. Staff will also be emailing home to keep you informed of what is happening in class.
Many thanks to Josh Bucknell and Yvonne Stewart for their service to the Menzies College Board of Trustees. Josh moves off the board after more than five years service. His knowledge of Health and Safety and willingness to seek answers was particularly appreciated. Yvonne moves off the board in her third year of service. Her common sense approach and deep caring for the welfare of students is hugely appreciated.
A casual vacancy has now occurred on the Board of Trustees, an election is not required. If you are interested in joining the Board of Trustees please feel free to contact the Principal or any of the trustees to discuss observing a meeting. The Trustees are:
Mrs Rachel Wilkinson (Board Chair) 0272173910
Jo Brand 021585994
Allister Gauldie 0274345213
Rosemary Crump 0274247777
Nga mihi nui
Kath Luoni
Exploring Lake Manapouri - Year 12 Hope Arm Camp 2022
Too Good To Be True
True Adventure is not defined by the activity, nor its length, nor the level of danger. Adventure is defined by the participation, being in the arena, having the dust on your face and the sweat on your brow.
Our venture began on Monday with the two hour drive to the remarkable Manapouri. In convoy we went by bus or car with boats, jet ski and kayaks in tow. A team of 31 incredible Year 12 students accompanied by 15 top notch adults, made up of teachers, parents, grandparents, past students and knowledge extraordinaires! Nearly a 1:2 ratio, what could go wrong eh!
From the wharf we loaded up the boats with gear, our backs with packs and our kayaks with necessities. The group split in two and we began our breathtaking journey into Hope Arm. Half crossing the Waiau river by boat before walking through beech forest. Half kayaking the short stint up the Waiau before exploring Lake Manapouri and all its beauty. On the way to Hope Arm the kayakers took the 10 minute portage between Surprise Bay and George Bay to save ourselves an hour or so of paddling. Alas, it was hot work dragging those boats through the bush and the day was too good not to miss the chance of a quick dip in the lake at George Bay before setting off again. We paddled the remaining 40 minutes taking in the astounding scenery of conspicuous and familiar landmarks such as the Monument and Mt Titiroa (with its white granite sands that glisten on its summit that appear to be snow) as we headed towards Hope Arm. We paddled our boats ashore and claimed our camping spots around the shore where we were also treated to a surprise lollie scramble thanks to Mr Scobie! Groups made their campfires and started cooking dinner for their group which was made up of students and adults. Some/many making and cooking on an outside camp fire for the very first time.
Tuesday saw us up bright and early ready to tackle Bicycle Ridge, a track 1000m to the summit carved by Menzies students and teachers back in the 1980’s! This challenged people both physically and mentally but the sense of achievement that was felt was real! That night, snuggled up in our tents, we were treated to an epic thunder storm that rattled and echoed through the valley.
Next up, Wednesday wbeach volleyball, (a real hit) waterskiing, biscuiting, kneeboarding, wakeboarding, jet ski rides, archery, tramping and rock jumping. Needless to say the new learning and skills that were achieved here were phenomenal! A lot of firsts!
Thursday was similar to Wednesday with abseiling also on offer. Now this is no ordinary abseil! This is a picturesque abseil down from a rock face part way up the renowned, steep track called the Monument. Students were ferried across the lake to the base of the Monument where they needed to then walk a steep 200m before reaching the abseil. From here they could look out and see Bicycle Ridge towering above opposite them and really feel a sense of achievement in climbing this two days prior.
Friday saw us pack up camp and either hike or kayak back out. What an adventure! The only thing we’re pleased to see the back of was the mozzies!
A sincere and big thanks to all that made this camp happen! Firstly to all the Year 12 students that were on the camp - you are all awesome and we are proud of you all for different things and in different ways! Thank you to all the parents for helping to get your child ready for camp. To the teachers/principal Kath, Pete, Tim and Eamon, the planning, organising and knowledge you all have is to be commended. Parents/grandparents, Jono, Sara-lee, Lisa, Jan and Jane plus past students and helpers Bradley, Eamon, Phil, Luke, Cindy and Mark - cheers for your teaching, your time, your skills, your help and your boats/jet ski! Thank you to Simon for helping us tie the kayaks on before we left and to Sarah, Kath and Dean for helping sort various things like food and tents when we arrived back. And last but by far the least, thank you to Graham Scobie for year after year driving, giving up your time and allowing us to put the majority of our gear on your boat and for taking this to and from Hope Arm. We really appreciate everyone who played their part to make this an unforgettable experience for these students.
Camping with friends gives us an experience to share and reflect on later down the line. Experiencing challenges along the way which you work out and solve together, both at your best and your worst you get through it. These fantastic memories and moments you get to share with them, and let's face it, you only truly understand how good it was if you were actually there to experience it!
Now go back and read paragraph one! Year 12, Hope Arm Camp 2022.
ADVENTURE COMPLETED!
Mrs Hayley Clarke
Outdoor Education Department
Quick dip before kayaking in to Hope Arm
Beach Volleyball
Maxine Lomboy about to abseil
Quade Ryan and Chase Moir with 'catch of the day'
Chase Moir and Tyler Davies-James
Kayaking
Year 7 and Year 13 students at Camp Columba Pukerau
Relaxing on the last morning after a fun filled few days.
The Year 7 students went to Camp Columba last week. We spent three days pushing our limits and experiencing the outdoors.
We were lucky enough to have the Year 13 students join us for the second day and night. We thoroughly enjoyed having them there and made some great memories.
Thank you to everyone who came along and made camp such a fun experience.
Sharee Knapp
Teacher in charge , Year 7 & 8 Dean
YEAR 13 LEADERSHIP RETREAT
The Leadership retreat was held from 22 to 26 February.
The Senior Students had two days at the Edenview camp. On the first day they did activities relating to Leadership and Team Work. On the second day Mr Kerslake and Mrs Lee did activities relating to Peer Support and how to lead a group of junior students new to Menzies College. That evening the group prepared a delicious formal dinner. Traditionally it’s the night parents attend but due to the restrictions, this did not take place. Ham, chicken, salads and roast veggies. Outstanding.
On the Thursday the seniors went to Camp Columba and joined up with the Year Sevens. This is where they put their Leadership training to the test. This is the first time the seniors have joined the juniors on camp and it was an amazing success. Here a huge thanks goes to Mrs Knapp and her team.
This is an amazing group of young adults and it was an absolute privilege to be a part of this. Much is expected from this group for the remainder of the year.
Dave Lewis
Senior Dean
Ella Kelly
L to R: Arlo Weston, Sean Clement, Lincoln Haenga, Jonty Rhodes
Coby Power
Junior Science
Year 7 Science students are learning about special features in the lab, how to keep safe and using lab equipment. This week we investigated the most accurate way to measure volume.
Pictured are L to R .. Top photo: Ella-Jay Davey and Samara Moir
Bottom photo: Sean Clement and Kyan Knapp
Senior Science
Year 12 Chemistry students completing their practical assessment this week. Students had to identify ions in a solution using qualitative analysis.
Pictured L to R .. Top Photo: Rose McDonald and Maxine Lomboy
Bottom Photo: Hunter Richards and Brad Hedges
Year 9 Metal work
A demonstration of the metalwork skills from Year 9 students. Cutting, measuring, drilling, finishing and designing.
Sports
Due to the current Red setting, the annual Southland Secondary Schools athletics sports day and the Southland Primary Schools athletics day have been postponed until term four. The South Island Secondary Schools Athletics Championships have been cancelled for 2022.
Coming into 2022 sports, we have many events that are being modified, postponed or cancelled. If you have any questions about up coming sports events at school please email Mrs Hayley Adam the sports coordinator at hayley.adam@menzies.school.nz
Menzies Rugby registrations open for 2022
If you wish to play for Menzies College rugby for the 2022 season please register. All players must be registered to take the field. At this stage there is no close date, this date will be notified approximately mid March 2022.
Apart from First XV intending players, your close date is 28 February 2022. You can register online at www.sporty.co.nz. There is a link on the Menzies rugby Facebook page and if you played last year you should have received an email with the link.
Menzies Rugby Committee
Device Security 2022
With the increased emphasis on BYOD (Bring Your Own Devices) at Menzies this year there are some security/safety measures students can take to look after their devices. In the Year 7 and 8 homeroom classes students have access to a locked cupboard to store their devices during the day. For Year 9-12 students we have a number of lockable lockers around the school. If a student would like to hire a locker they need to see Mr Bennett. These cost $20 a year. Year 13 students have space in the common room to store their devices. If students take their devices down to the gym they can have them locked in a draw in the PE office. It is encouraged that students have some sort of cover for their devices as well.
Uniform
We have been advised that The Warehouse no longer stock our Menzies College Blazers.
We now have more in stock for hire, these are $15 a term or $60 a year.
We also sell new Green Menzies jackets $100, PE tops $35 and kilts ranging from $175-$205 depending on the size.
Second hand uniforms are always available in the office to purchase.
Please remember to name your child's uniform so we can find the owners of lost property.
Achievement Slip Draw
Congratulations to the following students and staff member:
Week ending 25 February
Senior: Tyler Olive, Darrian Skilling, Matthew Smith, Ben Bastiaansen and Mrs Beth Campbell.
Week ending 4 March
Junior: Ella Kelly, Sean Clement, Baylee Morris, Wylie Clarke and Mrs Margy Dale.
Your canteen vouchers can be collected from the office.
Covid
Immunisations for 11 year olds
All 11 year olds are offered free immunisations against tetanus (bacterial infection), diphtheria (serious infection of the nose and throat) and whooping cough (infection which affects the lungs). You can get this free from your GP or Medical Centre and is part of the childhood immunisation schedule. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact the Health Nurse Maria 027 523 7891.
Year Seven Vision testing on Monday 28 March
YEAR SEVEN VISION SCREENING
The Vision Hearing Technicians from Population Health team, Southern District Health will be visiting your school to screen all year seven students for distance vision on
- Distance Vision (Amblyopia & Hyperopia)
This determines how well your child is able to see at a distance. It involves reading an eye chart.
(This free vision check is not required if student wears glasses and/or is currently under care of an optometrist or eye specialist).
If you do not wish your child to be screened please fill out an opt-out slip, which are available at the school office before our visit.
Important Dates
March
- 9 - Year 12 Biology 'Stream' trip
- 14-18 Green week
- 21-25 Green week
- 28 - Year 7 Vision testing (also any year 8 missed last time)
April
- 5-8 Wanaka camp, Outdoor class
- 13 - Menzies Cross Country
- 14 - Last day of Term 1
- 15 - Good Friday (school closed)
May
- 2 - First day Term 2
Menzies College Musac Edge Parent Portal & School App
Edge Parent Portal
- Go to the home page of the Menzies College Website http://www.menzies.school.nz/ find the Hotlinks and Downloads part and click on the edge login to the parent portal link. It will take you to the screen shown below:
- Your login is the email address that Menzies College has on file. If you do not remember which it is then please contact Menzies College office to check. If you have not given Menzies College your email you will not be able to log in.
- First time login you need to click on ‘forgot password’. You will be emailed a temporary password.
- Put your temporary password in. You will then be asked to change the password to something permanent.
To Download the Menzies College School App
Go to the App Store and search ‘SchoolAppsNZ’ and follow instructions. The following picture shows what can be accessed through this App.
When using the school App it is also a good opportunity to check out contact details etc for your child. Please notify the school if you wish for any alterations to be made.
Attitude to Learning grades
Careers News
Jasmine Bent - The Regional Defence Force Recruiter will be visiting Menzies to talk to interested students about possible careers in the Air Force, Navy, and Army. This will be on Tuesday 8th March (12.35-1.15) in the Transition Room. The Otago Polytechnic liaison visit will be on Wednesday 9th March (1.45-2.30) in the Transition Room for interested students. Lastly, The University of Otago Liaison visit will be on Friday 18th March (8.50-9.50) again in the Transition Room for interested students. Lincoln Joyce - Careers Support
Wyndham Pioneer Lions Club Recycling
The Wyndham Pioneer Lions collect many things that raise money for the underprivileged and disadvantaged but we can do more with your help. Bread tags raise funds for wheelchairs (if they are colour coded before they are handed in that would be great).
- Tear tabs from aluminium cans and wine bottle tops to raise funds for ‘Kidney Kids’.
- Glasses (both reading and sunglasses) and hearing aids are distributed to places like the Pacific Islands, to improve the quality of lives of those who cannot afford such ‘extravagances’.
- Aluminium cans and cardboard are collected by The Pakeke Lions in Gore.
If you can help it would be appreciated if you could take them to Menzies College or contact
Mrs C Garthwaite on (03) 206 6223.
Edendale R.S.A. Education Scholarships
These scholarships have been established by the Edendale R.S.A. to assist students of the district (Wyndham/Edendale), past students of Menzies College or direct descendants of past members of the Edendale R.S.A. in the first, second or third years of tertiary study. Applications close at 4pm on Thursday 31 March 2022. Applications are now open and full details are available from the Menzies College office.
Wyndham & Districts Community Rest Home Inc – Volunteers needed
As we plan for Omicron, the Wyndham Rest Home is looking for volunteers who could assist the Home if the district suffers a serious outbreak and our staffing rosters are impacted. Assistance offered could include delivering meals on wheels, volunteering in the Home making cups of tea or serving meals or other tasks which would free up our staff to continue caring for our residents. Full infection protocol training will be provided. For further information or to register your interest please contact Nurse Manager, Annette Sinclair on 03 2064901 or 0273860428. We appreciate the communities continued support during these challenging times.
Contact Us
Email: admin@menzies.school.nz
Website: https://www.menzies.school.nz
Location: Alma Street, Wyndham 9831, Southland, New Zealand
Phone: 03 206 4979