Dear Parents/Caregivers The last newsletter for 2015! A very strong year for Tauranga Girls’ and one that has gone very quickly since we returned to school in February to our usual outstanding results in NCEA and scholarship and picked up the challenge for another year of empowering tomorrow’s women. We started the year still engaged, as we were for all of 2014 , in the process of building remediation, focussed on our hall, Music and Performing Arts areas, as they were revamped as well as repaired. By the end of Term Three we had confirmation that the next stage of remediation, addressing the issues for our three storied J Block, will not commence for another two years or so. While students and staff have coped well with all the changes it is great to have breathing (and planning) space (and to be able to return to Year 13 their common room). The break in the programme allows us to evaluate the work to date, consider the needs of twenty first century education, and ensure the next stage takes the college forward into the campus wide reforms needed to future proof our learning environments. To finish 2015 there are still some highlights for our community to share, including activity days, year level concerts and the junior school prize giving celebrations for Year 9 and 10. We invite all parents and whanau who have the time available to join us in those

celebrations on December 14 for Year 9 and December 15 for Year 10. The strength of the learning community here at Tauranga Girls’ College, and as acknowledged in our August ERO review, is a tribute to the work of every member of it, each taking responsibility for their own and others learning experiences. Sincere thanks to all who have contributed to the outcomes for 2015, to all parents and caregivers for your role in the partnership between school and home, to our talented and dedicated staff who have taken every opportunity to ensure that students succeed, and to the talented young women who make up the student body. On behalf of Tauranga Girls College I wish all of you a well-deserved, safe and restorative time over this upcoming holiday break as we look forward to 2016 and the opportunity to again continue together our journey of “empowering tomorrow’s women”.

December 2015

North Island / Bay of Plenty / Local Achievements Beach Volleyball: Meagan Warren and Olivia Philpot won the Gold medal in the Year9 Division at the Bay of Plenty Beach Volleyball Championships, with Sophia Lawrence and Kiana Gear winning the Silver medal.

Rugby 7’s: The Tauranga Girls’ College U15 Rugby 7’s team won the U15 Division of the Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools Championship for the 3rd consecutive year. They have not lost a game in the championship for the last 3 years. The U19 team was placed 2nd in the championship. Piatarihingamare Devon, Hope Garner, Bree Meyer, Payton Silvester and Jade Tuilaepa have been selected in the Bay of Plenty U19 Girls Squad. The team also won the Pacifika Aotearoa Cup in Auckland , after drawing the first game against Auckland Samoa , then beating EBOP Wasps 27-0, Te Kauwhata 61-0, they placed top of their pool and played Auckland Samoa in the final. After being down 14-0 at half time they came back to win 17 -14. The team consisted of Jade Carter, Savannah Hinga–Miller, Ro Silo Togotogorua, Minardi Daniel, Teagan Meyer, Frances Lloyd, Kiri-Lee Delamere-Ririnui, Hope Garner, Eva Hinga-Miller, Wirinia Tapsell and Laurene Walker.

Tennis: Junior BOP Tennis Results 2015: Division One Singles: Kalais Going Division One Doubles: First: Grace Ede & Rebecca Rickard Division Two Singles: First: Britney Emery Second: Isabel Baker Division Two Doubles: First: Teagan Meyer & Anika Russell Second: Arleah Tippins & Janaya Vinson Third: Minardi Daniel & Holly Topp

Underwater Hockey: Kirsty Burrows, Geogia Coughlan, Jerushah Keightley and Jordan Ross were selected in the Mid Northern U18 Underwater Hockey team that will competed in Wellington 26-29 November.

Congratulations to the following Year 13 students who achieved an ‘Excellence in Subject’ award for 2015:

Nell Ager Maths with Statistics Ana Morris Drama

Rosemary Barker Physical Education PRP

Erica Bertram Business Studies Aimee Muir Practical Design

Sarah Buet Design Innovation Leah Nicholas Mathematics

Sophie Cameron Photography Emma Rea PRP

Rae Charman Practical Design Hannah Reid Photography

Bridget Clarke Practical Design Sh'vaughan Ririnui Sociology

Naomi Cox Photography Kaleigh Rout Photography

Jessica Crockett Chemistry Mariko Sakurai Photography

Hannah Cundy Photography Brooke Somerfield Sociology

Maia Dixon Sociology Sophie Te Whaiti Accounting

Larissa Futter Business Studies Business Studies

Sophie Godden Maths with Statistics Erin Whitaker Sociology

Lucy Happé Accounting Ella Williams English

Laura Harkness Practical Design History

Lauren Hines Sociology Practical Design

Aleisha Hulbert Chemistry Eva Wilson Design Innovation

Schiehallion McKelvie Practical Design

Janaya Worthington Accounting

Kari Wratten-Lowe Business Studies

Academic Prizegiving 04 November 2015 Congratulations to our:

Dux Proxime Accessit

Ella Williams Aleisha Hulbert

Student Leaders for 2016

Head Girl:

Tate Fountain Deputy Head Girl:

Molly Alton Arts Director:

Sarah Coleman

Sports Director:

Georgia Coughlan

Maori Prizegiving: 13 November Te Mana o Ngā Tuakana Tori Bain

Te Mana o Te Ara Poutama Heni Gardiner

Te Wahine Marae - Teina Heni Gardiner

Te Kahu Taketake Aleisha Hulbert

Whaia te iti kahurangi - teina Lena-Vaughn Kaifa Lolohea

Te Kauanuanu o te Hākinakina Jessica Lawrence

Te Amorangi ki Mua Maraea Ranui

Kaupapa Māori Committee Meteria Tapsell

Ngā Kete o te Wānanga Sophie Te Whaiti

Te Mana o Ngā Teina Sela Tupou

Te Wahine Marae - Tuakana Tayla Turner-Paki

Whaia te iti kahurangi - tuakana Georgia Winnard-Koha

Mathematics Department 2015

Our competition results are finally in and the Mathematics Department would like to formally congratulate the following students on their wonderful results in each competition. Mathematics Olympiad Twenty seven girls took part in five maths Olympiad competitions during the 2015 academic year. Olympiad Competitions were problem solving in nature where students are asked to answer 5 questions. Tauranga Girl’ College Maths Olympiad team gained a top 25% team award with individual awards going to the following girls: Top 2%: Jueun Jang Top 10%: Madeline Thompson, Olivia Donaldson, Emily Kneale, Hojeong Chang, Jeongeun Park, Holly Topp Top 20%: Hannah Pasquali, Grace Westenberg, Brenna Coleman-Smith, Myosung Gwak Top 25%: Bridie Waterreus, YuWen Huang, Dannika Worthington Top 30%: Nadia Snegirev, Shari Webber, Alexis Cowbourne, Hannah Evans Top 40%: Tabitha Marshall Top 50%: Phoebe Nicholson, Shaista Ali, Ella Waterreus Completion: Zoe Booth, Min Kyung Kim, Chris Bae, Rebecca Kneale, Lucy Paterson

Otago University Junior Mathematics Competition (OUJMC) Thirty three students took part in this competition. The exam had 6858 entries from 148 secondary schools in New Zealand. Students are asked to solve five open ended, problem solving type questions from all strands of the curriculum. The examination assesses the important skills of processing information, critical thinking, and expressing mathematical ideas logically and coherently, all of which are important skills when striving for Excellence in NCEA. Again the Mathematics department is proud to announce our student who did exceptionally well. Top 200 (out of 6858) Young You. (ICAS) International Competition for Assessment in Schools One hundred and forty nine students from Tauranga Girls’ college entered the ICAS competition this year, competing against over 355,500 students from all over New Zealand, Australian and the Pacific region. This competition takes 60 minutes and students are asked to solve a number of multi-choice questions from all strands of the curriculum and a number of problem solving free response questions. Again we are proud to announce our schools successes. 8 Certificates of Distinctions (awarded to the top 10% of entrants in each Year Level) 34 Certificates of Credits (awarded to the top 35% of entrants in each Year Level)24 Certificates of Merit (awarded to the top 45% of entrants in each Year Level) 83 Certificates of Participation

Distinctions Top 10%: Dannika Worthington, Breana Allum, Rebecca Barron, Ellie Buchanan, Olivia Donaldson, Jueun Jang, Alexis Cowbourne, Madeline Thompson. Credits Top 25%: Year 9: Ella Waterreus, Natasha Barnett, Zoe Booth, Gabrielle Dackers, Jordan Gilby, Myosung Gwak, YuWen Huang, Rebecca Kneale, Abigail Mortimer, Jeongeun Park, Chloe-Michelle Turner Year 10: Nadia Snegirev, Brooke Cameron, Hojeong Chang, Brenna Coleman-Smith, Trinity Gaby, Ellie Hansen, Emily Kneale, Claudia Lamberton, Alyssa Lewitt, Tabitha Marshall, Laura McKee, Hannah Pasquali, Lara Rasmussen, Lucy Street, Sasha Tanner, Cleo Wearne, Katrina Williams Year 11: Leah Godkin, Dael Summerhays-Sunnex Year 12: Tessa Catley, Emma Godden, Soomin Kim, Brooke Taylor

Keep Your Teenagers Safe this Holiday Season and into the New Year The summer holiday is a time when teenagers tend to have less structure and more freedom. They will be spending more time at home without supervision, possibly because parents/caregivers are at work. To monitor the teenager’s every move will be impossible and of course, we all know how difficult it is to keep these teenagers occupied when all they want is to spend more time with their peers. They will see their friends on a more regular basis and may attend parties where alcohol and drugs are involved. Even the most trustworthy can be at risk at this time of the year.

Food For Thought Do not relax your rules just because it is the holiday season: Teenagers still need limits and close monitoring. Expectations may need to be re-negotiated or reiterated.

Be a good role model: Show your teenagers that you know your own limits, always designate a driver and never let someone drive away from your home intoxicated. Know that your behaviour is a major influence on your child. Drink responsibly, and do not abuse alcohol or drugs. Never drive under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance.

Remember the law: Remind yourself and your teenagers there is a law in New Zealand that prohibits any youth or adult from allowing underage access to alcohol.

Ensure alcohol will not be served at parties your teenager attends: The law does not allow teenagers under the age of 18 to drink alcohol. Be sure your teenager understands that it is illegal and unacceptable. Check in with the parents of your teenager’s friends, even though this may be unpopular with your son or daughter. Also, be available to provide a ride home if something unexpected happens. Know where your teenager is going, and ask lots of questions. Who will be there? Will alcohol or other drugs be present? Will adults be home? Do those adults tolerate drinking in their home?

Discuss with your teenager situations in which she might be offered drugs or alcohol, and plan

ways for how they can respond: Be sure your teenager knows how to say no to peer pressure. Provide them with www.youthline.co.nz OR free call 0800 376 633 OR TXT 234. Email is also available on talk@youthline.co.nz. Your daughter should also be assured that she can call you whenever or to call 111 immediately if a partygoer needs medical attention.

Make a plan with your teenager for how she will get home: Remind her never to get in a car with a driver who has been using drugs or has had alcohol. Provide money for a taxi or public transportation if it is available and safe in your area. Make an agreement with your teenager that if she calls to ask for a ride, you will come immediately (no matter where or what time), with no questions asked until later.

Be aware that unsupervised teenagers are at risk for alcohol use: If you leave home for a night of celebration, unsupervised teenagers may get into your liquor cabinet. Be sure to lock alcohol up and set expectations for having friends over. If possible, have another adult stop by to check in with your teenager.

Supervise your own parties: If you host adult parties in your home and plan to serve alcohol, keep a clear head so that you can supervise any teenagers that may be present. Make sure that you or another adult is monitoring the situation and keeping an eye on both the alcohol and teenagers at the party.

Be sure to lock your medicine cabinet: Alcohol is not the only substance that is easily accessible to teenagers. Prescription drug abuse among teenagers is growing rapidly so it is important to keep your medicines locked away, whether you are hosting a party or leaving your house unattended.

Materials are from Keeping-your-Teen-Safe

Have a safe, summer break

Positive Behaviour for Learning

Treena Blythe (HOD Science), Richard Hendra and Rachael Leckie from the Science Department, attended a Royal Society Science Leadership course in Wellington where we met with experts in Science education and teachers from around the country. On the table was discussion and planning to improve student engagement and achievement in Science at all levels.

GARAGE SALE AT TAURANGA GIRLS’

COLLEGE ON SATURDAY 05 DECEMBER

9.00AM TO 12 NOON CLOTHING

BRIC-A-BRAC TOYS

PRODUCE & MORE … SO COME ALONG FOR SOME

GREAT BARGAINS FUNDS RAISED GO TOWARDS TAURANGA GIRLS COLLEGE

LUMINOSA ARMONIA CHORALE PERFORMING

IN SYDNEY 2016

Junior Prizegivings You are cordially

invited to attend

your daughter’s

prizegiving ceremony

Year 9 Awards

Monday 14 December

10.00am, Hall

You are cordially

invited to attend

your daughter’s

prizegiving ceremony

Year 10 Awards

Tuesday 15 December

10.00am, Hall

PTA Greetings from your small but tenacious PTA! The great news is that we have found a Director for next year’s Fashion Show. Now it is just a matter of getting a group of us together to do the leg work. We particularly need extra helpers to secure sponsorship, prizes and ideas for a big raffle, people to liaise with the clothes shops, and someone to really push the publicity for the event. In particular, we need a good MC for the shows...someone who can lift the audience into a happy place where they cheer, laugh and buy lots of raffle tickets!! Basically, any offers of help (physical or monetary) will be gratefully accepted.

The show next year is the 30th show, originally started by Judith Philips in 1986, so we would love to have a group of mums (ex-pupils) who were in those first shows. Was that you? Do you know someone who was? Please get in touch.

And finally, a big thank you to everyone who has been involved with the PTA over the year. It’s a great way to keep informed about the school and to support our girls, and it’s been lovely getting to know the other mums, teachers and student leaders. Have a lovely Christmas and summer.

Carol Jenkin Secretary 07 548 0161 Erin Robson Chair 021 2597795

Special Assessment Conditions for the NCEA exams 2016 You can apply for Special Assessment Conditions for the NCEA exams if; your daughter has a sensory, physical, medical and or learning difficulty that affects the assessment of their classroom learning, and might be able to be overcome or reduced with appropriate assistance.

What are Special Assessment Conditions? Special Assessment Conditions (SAC) provide extra help for approved students when they are being assessed for their NCEA so that barriers to achievement can be removed and they can have a fair opportunity to achieve credits. The support is used for internal standards and external standards (exams). Examples of SAC are use of a writer or a computer, extra time, braille or enlarged papers, or a reader.

How is an application made for Special Assessment Conditions? You daughter will need to complete a student application for entitlement to SAC form. These are available from the Deputy Principal in charge of NCEA, Ms Rowlands or from the NZQA website. The application will need to be supported by a report written by a registered professional, certifying the medical condition and or learning disability and making recommendations for the assessment of learning (SAC). The report must have been completed within the last three years.

What happens then? The school applies online through a very secure portal providing data and other information showing the need for the SAC requested. Applications close in mid-February 2016. NZQA assessors may approve or amend or decline all or any of the SACs requested for your child on the basis of the information provided. Approval means that they are entitled to use the SCA for internal and external assessment (exams) for that year.

Who to contact at school If you think your daughter may be eligible for SACs contact one of the following people;

Glenda Rowlands, Deputy principal in charge of NZQA The year level Dean Mrs Mordue, SENCO

Contacting the College for 2016

We encourage parents to contact the College (578 8114) for support at any time during the year. The Pastoral Team includes: Year 9 Senior Leader: Mrs Bird Deans: Mrs Carolyn Nemeth & Mrs Judith Somerville Ext 766 Year 10 Senior Leader: Mrs Summerville Deans: Mrs Kylie Valentine Ext 769 Year 11 Senior Leader: Mrs Ferguson Deans: Mrs Audrey Keightley & Ms Margot Glaser-Brown Ext 770 Year 12 Senior Leader: Ms Rowlands Deans: Mrs Jackie Gould & Mrs Robyn Mankelow Ext 767 Year 13 Senior Leader: Ms Rowlands Deans: Ms Caroline Gill & Mr Don Wallis Ext 768

Student Beginners Class (Year 9 equivalent)

Mondays and Wednesdays 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Student Intermediate Class (Year 10 equivalent)

Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Student NCEA Level 1 Class (Full year course. NCEA credits available here)

Mondays and Wednesdays 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Student NCEA Level 2 Class (Full year course. NCEA credits available here)

Tuesdays and Thursdays 4:00pm to 5:30pm

Adult Class (2 levels)

Tuesdays only 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Mandarin Corner (a social time to practise your Mandarin) Everyone welcome!

Wednesdays only 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Student NCEA Level 1, 2 & 3 (shortened course. Terms 1 & 2 only) NCEA credits can be obtained here

Thursdays only 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Children’s Class (Primary and Intermediate age students)

Saturdays only 1pm to 2:30pm

Chinese Community School 2016

Private lessons or customised lessons also available on request. All classes are held in B Block Tauranga Girls’ College, 930 Cameron Road, Tauranga. For more information, email Nena, nrovekamp@tgc.school.nz or ring Nena or Li Feng at Tauranga Girls’ College 5788114 ext 763.

Fees 2016 The Saturday Children’s Class will cost $50 per term. All other classes, except Mandarin Corner, cost $90 per term. A gold coin donation for Mandarin Corner is appreciated to cover refreshment costs.

To enrol, print out an enrolment form from www.tgc.school.nz/Community

Starting Date 2016 Classes will start the week beginning Tuesday 09 February (No class Waitangi Day)

Fame 03-06 August 2016

Baycourt Director:

Toni Henderson

Tauranga Girls’ College with Tauranga Boys’ College look forward to show casing the talent of our students in the production FAME. Information packs are now available from the office covering characters, songs and storyline. A full audition pack will be available in February 2016 and auditions will be held the second weekend in March.

This stage version of the original film and TV series is set in the 80’s and follows a group of students at New York’s School of the Performing Arts through their four year course. We see them coming to terms with life and relationships; we see those who persevere, who are resilient - and those who are not. Above all, we see them perceiving the need to strive for excellence. If being on stage is not you - there will be a number of backstage roles available including stage crew, technical, wardrobe and props. This is a high energy show and will be a great experience!

Spanish with Sonia Beginners Class Monday evenings 7pm to 9pm. This class is suitable for complete beginners. Room C5

Intermediate Class Wednesday evenings 7pm to 9pm. This class is suitable for people with some knowledge of Spanish, eg last year’s beginners. Room C5

Advanced Class Monday evenings 5pm to 7pm. This class is suitable for people who have been studying Spanish for 1 to 2 years or people with previous knowledge. Room C5

Japanese with Yuko/Renée Level 1 Japanese with Renée. Tuesday evenings 6:30pm to 8:30pm.This class is suitable for

complete beginners. Room C6 Level 2 Japanese with Yuko. Tuesday evenings 6:30pm

to 8:30pm. This class is suitable for students with some knowledge of Japanese. Room C4

Korean with Sally Absolute Beginners Class (free) Monday evenings 6:30pm to 8:30pm. This class is suitable for complete beginners. C4 Beginners Class Tuesday evenings 6:30pm to 8:30pm. This class is suitable for those who started last term. Room C5

Classes start week beginning 9 February, 2016 (no class Waitangi Day) Classes cost $80 per term. Please email nrovekamp@tgc.school.nz for an enrolment form. Absolute Beginners Korean Class is free.

Board of Trustees 2016 Elections Proposed timeline: The suggested election date is Friday 03 June 2016. We will provide you with further advice as it comes to hand. For assistance contact our trusteeship helpdesk on 0800 782 435, option 1, or email helpdesk@nzsta.org.nz.

Select Returning Officer by Wednesday 27 April 2016

Close main roll noon Wednesday 04 May 2016

Call for nominations by Friday 06 May 2016

Close supplementary roll noon Wednesday 18 May 2016

Nominations close noon Friday 20 May 2016

Voting papers sent by Wednesday 25 May 2016

Close poll election day noon Friday 03 June 2016

Count votes Thursday 09 June 2016

Board takes office Friday 10 June 2016

Adult Continuing Education 2016 Tauranga Girls’ College Language Classes

Stop Press! Over the weekend 27-29 November the NZ U18 Interzone Underwater Hockey Championship was held in Wellington. Four students from Tauranga Girls’ College were in the U18 Mid Northern team - Kirsty Burrows, Georgia Coughlan, Jordan Ross and Jerushah Keightley. Their team was motivated from the start and were rewarded with first place, Gold medal in the U18 women’s grade. Georgia, Jordan and Jerushah were also named in the NZ U18 Squad for 2016.

Term Dates for 2016

Term 1: Wednesday 03 February - Friday 15 April Easter: Friday 25 – Tuesday 29 March

Term 2: Monday 02 May - Friday 08July Queen’s Birthday: Monday 06 June

Term 3: Monday 25 July - Friday 23 September Term 4: Monday 10 October - Thursday 15 December Labour Day: Monday 24 October

Starting Dates for 2016 Tuesday 02 February: Teacher Only Day Wednesday 03 February: Year 13 Thursday 04 February: Year 9 Friday 05 February: Whole School Monday 08 February: Waitangi Day

Office Hours Tauranga Girls’ Reception and Office will close on Tuesday 22 December 2015 and will reopen on Wednesday 27 January 2016.

School Buses Below are the outcomes of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s decision regarding the Schoolhopper fares for 2016. Bus fares on Tauranga’s Schoolhopper bus

network will increase in 2016. The increase, to $1.51 from $1.15 for those

using a Smartride Card and to $1.90 from $1.60 for a cash fare, will come into effect for the start of the 2016 school year.

It will apply on both the Schoolhopper and Bayhopper networks.

Student fares will be standard across both the

Tauranga urban Bayhopper and Schoolhopper networks from the start of Term 1, 2016.

The increase has been made in line with other increases that occurred across the region on our networks earlier in the year and follows the regional policy for setting fares.

This increase forms part of the transition from the Ministry-funded service to the Schoolhopper network the service needs to pay more of its way like the other bus services funded by the Council and this means that the fare increase for 2016 is required.

For more information about the Schoolhopper

network, please visit www.baybus.co.nz

Bring Your Own Technology (Device) 2016 Tauranga Girls' College is committed to implementing twenty first century, student centred learning environments. As part of that, in 2016 and in addition to the on-site devices currently in use, your daughter is invited to bring her own device to school in 2016. A letter with further details will be sent home to all students prior to the end of Term Four.

Contacting the College for 2015

We encourage parents to contact the College (578 8114) for support at any time during the year. The Pastoral Team includes: Year 9 Senior Leader: Mrs Bird Deans: Mrs Kylie Valentine Ext 769 Year 10 Senior Leader: Mrs Summerville Deans: Mrs Audrey Keightley & Ms Margot Glaser-Brown Ext 770 Year 11 Senior Leader: Mrs Ferguson Deans: Mrs Jackie Gould & Mrs Robyn Mankelow Ext 767 Year 12 Senior Leader: Ms Rowlands Deans: Ms Caroline Gill & Mr Don Wallis Ext 768 Year 13 Senior Leader: Ms Rowlands Deans: Mrs Carolyn Nemeth & Mrs Judith Somerville Ext 766 Guidance Counsellors Ms Judy Burr Ext 728 & Ms Chantal Stopford Ext 724 If any matter remains unresolved, or is taking too long, please contact the Principal, Mrs Cowens.

930 Cameron Road, Tauranga 3112 Ph: (07) 578-8114 Fax: (07) 578-8447