Principal's Message...
Kia Ora Koutou
A surprisingly short message from me.
2021 is drawing to a close quickly and seniors have only five weeks of school left. I have been going through the NCEA progress information, “reconciling the books” so to speak. On the whole most are well on their way, with the DGEs ahead to provide that necesssary look at what lies ahead in the National exams. And let’s not forget the importance of those DGEs- which are not mock at all. They are in fact essential preparation for the exam experience, used for awards determination, and in the event the exams cannot occur, used as evidence to determine final results. I said ‘most’ are well on their way with NCEA, that means ‘some’ will be gifted rockets to blast them into the required action to complete all that they need to complete before exams ( I am quitely confident that they will be small rockets).
I have been meeting a number of families just recently as late enrolments for 2022. There is theme to them all- they are corker people. As has become the norm, day places have been taken up quickly and I have had to close off some cohorts because they are full. Generally, the interest is in Boarding, so I am excited for next year.
Adding to the Boarding excitement is that we are soon to advertise for the Director of Boarding. The matrons are certainly looking forward to the fresh ideas this person will bring to our setting.
Also being refreshed is the Lower classroom block. From next week this block will be moving items into storage so that we can refurb and strenghten the first stage of the block over the holidays. Students and teachers will be reroomed for term four.
Have a safe weekend.
Ngā Mihi
Kiri
Year 9 Taha Māori - Celebrating Te Reo
We continued to celebrate Māori Language Week this week, with a range of activities organised by the Year 9 Taha Māori classes:
There were some activities run for the students in Years 7 and 8 such as Poi making and a Te Reo Kahoot as well as others for the whole school: a colouring competition, Māori language board games, a scavenger hunt, a library display and a Karakia Kai for the dining room.
9C also enjoyed sharing some kai together.
Art at Aratoi
Congratulations to the following students whose work has been selected for the annual Breadcraft Exhibition at Aratoi Art Gallery.
The exhibition is on until 17 October - entry is free.
Year 8 - Milly Butler, Madison McKenzie
Year 9 - Mackenzie Roil, Peta McKay, Lucy Wyeth, Sophie Sweeney, Francesca Wells, Madeleine Kennedy, Sally Booth, Nadia Lamnoa
Year 10 - Isla Carnachan, Frankie Shaw, Olive Percy, Sophie Joblin
Year 7/8 Speech Competition
House Event
The Houses are in the last stages of preparation for the House Event next Thursday. It is very different event this year with time constraints and lack of preparation due to lockdown. They are doing extremely well. Thanks to all the girls for their House spirit and rehearsal ethic.
End of Season - Winter Sport
Last night our Senior A Netball team had the opportunity to finish their season. They played in the final of the Premier Two grade in the Wairarapa Netball Competition. Their opposition was a very strong Makoura College team. It was a great game to watch with SMS emerging as winners by two goals. Thank you to Deb Julian and Amy Williams for coaching the girls throughout a difficult season.
For the following students, this was their last game for St Matthew's:
Ruby Radford
Ocean Bartlett
Sophie Renton
Jorja Julian
First XI Hockey
Last night our girls played in the semi-final for their Manawatu Competition, beating Feilding High School 3-1 (in very wet conditions). They now play in the final against old foe Wairarapa College on Sunday in Palmerston North. We wish them all the best for this game.
Staff Versus Student
This week we have had some staff/student games in the gym. Firstly we had basketball on Wednesday (feature photo), with the students narrowly winning. Today the students joined the staff for a game of dodgeball. These were great lunchtime activities with more planned for the future.
School Notices
Orientation Day
On Friday 22 October (Term Four, Week One), we welcome our new students for 2022 to SMCS for Orientation Day. All our current girls in Years 7/8 will sit the exams along with the new students. There are three 35 minute tests to sit - English, Mathematics and Reasoning. This gives us a snapshot of where the girls are at.
This will be a non-uniform day for all girls in Years 7/8.
Summer Uniform
A reminder that from the start of Term Four, all girls will be required to wear summer uniform. The scarves will have to be put away! Please check the length of your daughter's shorts over the holidays as your daughter may have grown taller. They need to be at the knee.
End of Year Dates
Due to the changes to NCEA exams we have had to reconsider the timing of our end of year events. There are some significant changes to absorb! Dates and times for some events are yet to be finalised.
1. Final Assembly for whole school, Wednesday 10 November 8.10am (normal school day).
2 . Last day for Years 11-13 (Study Leave), Friday 12 November. Senior College Prizegivng will take place that night at 7pm in the Rathkeale College Auditorium.
3. SMS Prizegiving, Saturday 20th November, 9am in the Rathkeale Auditorium. Leavers' Service and breakfast before this. Time to be confirmed.
4. Last day for Years 7-10, Friday 3 December, Junior Carol Service
5. Year 13 Leavers' Ball - Wednesday 15 December
Coming Up on the Calendar.......
Term Three - Week 10 - Spirit Week (Prefects)
Monday 27 September - Mental Health Awareness Week, Whanau Time, Junior Choir, Viva Rehearsal, Year 12 Ski Trip
Tuesday 28 September - Year 11 Chapel, MCAT (Y11 Mathematics Assessment)
Wednesday 29 September - House Event Rehearsal, Y13 Interviews 2022, Orchestra
Thursday 30 September - Year 7/8 Chapel, House Event (SMS)
Friday 1 October - Final Assembly, Effort Grade Report Six published to the portal
End of Term Three
Term Four - Week One
Monday October 18 - Whanau Time, Junior Choir, Viva Rehearsal
Tuesday October 19 - Senior Chapel, Voting closes for student BOT representative
Wednesday October 20 - Year 11 Derived Grade Exams begin, Orchestra
Thursday October 21 - Year 11 Derived Grade Exams, Junior Chapel, BOT meeting
Friday October 22 - Year 11 Derived Grade Exams, Orientation Day for new students 2022, Whanau Time