May 2017

HIBS Newsletter

Key Dates for your Diary:

1 June — Whanau Meeting

6 June — Queens Birthday: School Closed

9 June — Mufti Day: IS Fundraiser

14 June — Year 7 Vaccinations

Inside this issue:

From the Principal 1-2

Staffing 2

From the School Office

2

Science 4-7

Careers 7

Sports 8-12

Dear Parents/Caregivers One of the commitments I made to myself when I became the Principal of HIBS, was to read the most up to date research and other material affecting young people, education and schools. It isn’t always easy to find the time but it is often rewarding. Titles like ‘Raising a Child is Mission Impossible. That’s why it takes a school’ do catch the eye – particularly with the prospect of COOLs (Communities of On-line Learning) in New Zealand from the start of 2020 (as stated in the Education (Update) Amendment Act 2017). I recently came across an extract from a publication called : “What Great Parents Do: 75 Simple Strategies for Raising Kids Who Thrive,” by Erica Reischer. While much of it seems like common sense, it is often useful to be reminded of what research and clinical experience tell us are effective methods of parenting. Here are some excerpts from the article: Effective strategies include “Great parents do what they say they are going to do”, “Great parents see that actions speak louder than words”, and “Great parents are transparent about their decision-making process”. One easy-to-implement tip is replacing the word ‘but’ - which can have negative connotations - with ‘and’, which sounds more agreeable. For instance, instead of saying “That was a good job but you missed out an important part”, you could say “You did a great job and you could consider this part too”. Another technique is to pivot. This means to use words that get your point across in a more positive way. Pivoting is the art of saying yes instead of no, and meaning the same thing. For instance, “No, we can’t go to the park until after you have a nap” may get a better response if pivoted to “Yes, we can go to the park as soon as you’ve finished your nap”. It’s best to avoid labels. If your son is reluctant to join an activity, resist commenting to other adults that “He’s just shy”. Acting shyly is a behaviour and not always a permanent characteristic. Your child is listening and could come to think of himself in the manner you’re describing. Even a positive label should be avoided. By labelling your child clever, they may internalise this as “I am smart/creative/good at sports and I want to stay that way”, which might lead to a reluctance to try new things for fear of failure and no longer being defined by that label. Great parents focus near and far. Focusing only on the moment and not the long term can create problems. If your son typically whines for something at the store and you usually buy it for him, he’ll learn that whining helps him get his way. A short-term solution has created a long-term issue. This is also true of yelling to get your point across. If we habitually yell to get our kids’ attention, we are teaching them to ignore us until we yell and we are also teaching them that yelling is the way to get someone’s attention.

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Three questions to ask: “Is what I’m doing something I would be happy to see my kids emulate? Is what I’m doing creating a positive family dynamic? Is what I’m doing solving one problem but creating another?” And I particularly liked: For parents with older kids, there is one last tip, titled “Great parents start where they are”. Rather than fretting over past actions, keep in mind that you can only act on what you know, and most parents have been doing the best they can with what they know so far. Thankfully, most kids are both resilient and forgiving; they are more like hardy weeds than delicate flowers. The Ministry of Education website also has a lot of information for parents as well as schools. Updated physical guidelines for children aged 5 to 17 can be found on this link: https://education.govt.nz/news/updated-physical-guidelines-have-been-released-for-children-and-young-people-aged-5-to-17/

Mike Hutchins Principal

ASSISTANT HOD MATHEMATICS Dmitri Fedoulov has been appointed Assistant HOD Mathematics. Dmitri has considerable experience as a teacher as well as working with Statistics outside of school in a range of contracts. I am confident that he will make a valuable contribution to the teaching of Mathematics at HIBS. We are also very fortunate that Dmitri is able to start at HIBS on Wednesday, 31 May. He will be replacing Shona Norris, who has her last day at HIBS on Friday 26 May. I would like to thank Shona for the work she has done in the Mathematics Department since the start of 2012 and wish her all the best for the future.

BROTHER ENROLMENTS FOR 2018

Please note that if you have another son intending to come to HIBS in 2018, please contact the school office if you have not received an enrolment pack.

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ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS

Entertainment Books are now due back to school. Can you please ensure that books are paid for or returned to school as soon as possible. All funds raised go towards International Service. Link for online payments: https://www.entertainmentbook.co.nz/orderbooks/104g194

WHĀNAU MEETING

You are invited to a Whānau meeting at HIBS on 1 June at 6.30pm for refreshments and nibbles and 7pm for the commencement of the meeting, to be held in the Year 13 Common Room. We are expecting to finish the evening by 8.30pm. We will address the following questions – · Where are we up to with regard to the long-term Māori Strategy? · What are our priorities for outstanding activities which haven’t advanced much, if at all? · How do we lift the visible presence of Māoritanga in our school environment? (This will include a tour of the new Visual Arts building). · What level of commitment and/or involvement can we expect from members of our Māori whānau with regard to the questions above? The invite is extended to all HIBS families and if you would like to attend please RSVP your numbers to Tarsh thall@hibs.school.nz

BUILDING MEN OF CHARACTER WORKSHOPS

Building Men of Character workshops are a new initiative in response to the BOP’s request to implement a faith based programme for our senior students. All seniors will participate in six one hour workshops which will run on a different period each week so that the students will in effect miss only one period from each class over the six week period. We are launching the programme next week with the Year 13 students and will run the programme for the Year 11 and 12 students in Term 3. The course is designed to inform and engage discussion about relevant issues that young men face on a day-to-day basis. We will explore the way in which the HIBS DNA values can be used as a framework for decision-making and aim to help students gain a greater understanding of how the principles underpinning Christianity can be applied. The intention behind this course is to extend our senior students by providing them with greater perspective, strong values and the tools to make good decisions when it counts. Our hope is that the Special Character aspects of our school will become pillars on which they can build their character. The workshops will be facilitated by Mrs Sharon Dalgety, Mr Paul Cotton, Mr Craig Johnson and Mr Craig Stevenson.

2017 Building Men of Character Workshops 1. Living Online 1 - Social media, self-esteem and real relationships 2. Living Online 2 - Why pornography is harmful 3. It’s the Weekend - Disconnecting from your values due to peer pressure 4. Under Pressure - How to deal with the pressure 5. What makes a Relationship Work? Important values

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STEMM CHALLENGE

A couple of weeks ago, 24 boys took part in the STEMM Student Challenge at the Dowse in Lower Hutt. The competition tested their knowledge of the STEMM subjects, namely Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Manufacturing, with an element of fun clearly apparent! There were three age categories, each made up of 20 teams from around the Hutt Valley. In the Intermediate section, our two Year 7 teams, “The Test Tubes” came 3rd and the “Pi Pies” came

4th. A tremendous achievement!

The Test Tubes: Benedict Woolf, Connor Miller, James Patrick and Alex Prince

The “Pi Pies”: Adithya Ramaswamy, Ashton Harrison , David Lillis and Vincent Luo

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STEMM CHALLENGE CONTINUED In the Junior Secondary section, “the LODS” came 6th and “the Australasians” certainly made their presence felt, beating the opposition to claim 1st Place.

The LODS: Luke Cousins, Spencer Rangihaeata, Dom Fransen and Ollie Saxton. The tension mounts as Ollie puts his hand in the box! (top right).

Heads together. A winning combination for “the Australasians”.

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STEMM CHALLENGE CONTINUED

The proud and worthy winners of the DHB Trophy. Pictured with Chris Bishop (a HIBS Old Boy) and Claire Tahu, are Wade Keys, Kai Ferrier, Michael Yee and Jared Chan. In the Senior Secondary section, “All the Best Puns Argon” came 3rd and the “Anions Have Layers”

came 5th.

“All the Best Puns Argon”: Henry Oakley, Bill Gray, Henry Li and Eli Campbell-Stokes

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STEMM CHALLENGE CONTINUED

“Anions Have Layers”: Ollie Craig, Lachlan Smith, Cameron Draper and Tobin Armstrong. This was the first time HIBS has participated in this event and from the enthusiastic response from the

boys, it will become a firm fixture from now on!

CAREERS Wellington Careers Expo - Saturday 17 June, 10am - 3pm, TSB Arena, Queens Wharf. This is open to all students of any age and their families.

Year 13:

Massey University - Lunchtime information session, 22 June in C3.

Scholarships - now is a good time to start checking University websites for opening dates for scholarships. For each University these will be different. Students also need to take note of closing dates as late entries won't be accepted.

Accommodation - Halls of Residence applications open on 1st August. Information regarding the procedure for these will be distributed to Year 13 students later this term by email.

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HIBS FIRST XI HOCKEY MALAYSIAN TOUR

The past school holidays saw a touring party of 31, including 16 HIBS Hockey players, wing their way to Kuala Lumpur and finally Penang to immerse themselves in the culture and sights of Malaysia whilst at the same time thoroughly preparing themselves for the Hockey season that lay ahead, against some quality opposition. The most commonly asked question upon our return has been, “How many did they win?” The record will read played five, won two and lost three. What it will not tell you was the way the boys responded in such adverse conditions, how well they played together as a team, how many of them improved their skill and fitness levels as a result of this trip and how they all gained a greater insight into the country of Malaysia and its people. It can be a lottery when travelling to find opposition that are suitable for you. Ones that will give you an appropriate challenge where the results are relatively close. We did pretty well with being provided some excellent opposition provided by sports schools within the provinces we visited. Our biggest winning margin came in the last game where we won against the Penang Sport School 6-1. In the first three games we were shocked to see the opposition bring two teams of 25 -30 players each!! Can you imagine playing against one team for half a game, then another team comes on with fresh legs in the second half in playing conditions never experienced by these players before. The conditions in Malaysia were so humid and hot that the threat of dehydration was always looming. Careful lengths were gone to, to ensure that this was prevented in terms of nutrition and water intake. During one game the temperature was 36 degrees in the middle of the day. The local players never appeared to struggle, and often played with skins on under their uniform. When it rains, it pours. We had not seen rain like it before whilst waiting to get onto the turf to resume the second half. The thunder was deafening as was the force of the rain. The threat of lightening was never immediate but we had heard stories of how players’ lives had ended whilst hit by lightning during a game. It is a Secondary School law in the country that you may not play sports fixtures out in the lightning storms due to the threat of death. On one occasion a game was postponed as the Muslim call to prayer rang out from a local mosque. As a sign of respect to the Muslim players in the opposition, the referees stopped the game to allow six of their team to pray. It was not only a welcomed break for us but also gave us insight to the ‘Malaysia One Asia’ that their people are so proud of. Aside from the Hockey, a lot was packed in to the 12 days that we were away. The interaction with orangutans, elephants and feeding monkeys that ran wild on a local hilltop. Some of us were not as willing to be involved and took a back seat as the silver tails clambered up our legs and over our shoulders. Some were with infants that would cling to their mothers. The infants were remarkably ginger in colour. The Batu Caves was a short ride from where we were staying and were well worth the 300 odd steps (which seem more in Malaysia’s heat) to walk in and investigate.

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HIBS FIRST XI HOCKEY MALAYSIAN TOUR CONTINUED

A peaceful night time ride on a river Delta in small boats to examine the fireflies was a welcome break from the heat and the smells of Kualar Lumpur. The fireflies were not dissimilar to our glow-worms except they gave the impression of Christmas lights scattered all within the mangrove trees of the Delta. In complete darkness we witnessed these lights whilst a troop of monkeys ruined the peaceful evening. Some of the boys made regular visits to the markets, particularly in Chinatown. Anish Rama proved to be the most entrepreneurial of all of the boys with his very aggressive and no-nonsense bartering. Some of us were determined to go back after making such poor efforts earlier. Our final three days were spent on the island of Penang where the boys and parents, had the chance to overcome their fear of snakes. There were many varieties of snakes, some of which you could be photographed with and some which you were clearly instructed to stay away from. The touring party was;

Peter Watt

Josh Alston Ron Koshy

Graham Alston Graeme Murrell

Callum Booth Louise Murrell

Eli Campbell-Stokes Mark Murrell

Jaiden Chhika Jack Petter

Robbie Christie Anish Rama

Karen Christie Sam Rama

Liam Cooper Nathan Watt

Nick Cooper Harrison Watt

Benjamin Crook Lea Watt

Harrison Crook Peter Watt

Kristene Crook Sam Wilkes

Kerry Crook Darren Wilkes

Cameron Draper Fraser Wilson

Liam Ferrier Ross Wilson

Michael Ferrier

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HIBS FIRST XI HOCKEY MALAYSIAN TOUR CONTINUED

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CROSS COUNTRY

The Wellington Cross Country Relay Champs were back to their traditional location at Karori Park this year, in what was the 40th annual running of the event. The races attract very competitive fields; often with schools from around the lower North Island and once again our boys did us proud. The Senior team (Logan Slee, Andrew Ledger, Daniel Dorton Brand, Felix McKay, Cameron Draper, Jack Laird) finished in 7th place in the Under 19 grade, with Logan running the 4th fastest lap of 6.26 over the hilly 2.5km course. Our Under 16 team (Finn Seeds, Jonathon Sceats, Aidan Fleming, Ryan Staples, Ryan Brydges, Leyton Tapa) were 3rd behind Wellington College and Palmerston North Boys. Finn Seeds blitzed the field on the opening lap, running the fastest lap of 6.38 - 20 seconds faster than second place.

Our Junior (Year 9) teams placed prominently in their 17 team field, with the Junior A (Jonah Seeds, Dan McKay, Theo Jones, Max Young, Will Young, AJ Prichard) were 2nd with Jonah’s 7.31 lap the third fastest. The achievement of these boys is more significant given that only two of the team are Year 9’s, with three Year 8’s and one Year 7 who will return next year. There was a fierce battle between our Junior B (Reegan Kowalczyk, Harry Lamont, Nkhata Hollywell, Alex Hewitt, Lachlan Wesley-Smith, Jamie Read) and Junior C (Toby Harrington, Corey Lovell, Ethan Bingham, Luca Siegel, Angus Ross, Daniel Brownsword) teams throughout the race, with the B team finishing a mere 15 seconds in front of the Junior C team. Again, it is very encouraging to note how strongly our Year 7’s were competing against the region’s best Year 9 runners. The Cross Country team will next be in action at

Wednesday’s College Sport Wellington Cross Country

Champs at Harcourt Park, where Logan Slee and Finn

Seeds will be among the firm favourites to take out

individual titles. Dan McKay and Jonah Seeds are also

going to be strong contenders in their Junior race. Races

start at 1.15pm.

Andrew Ledger sprinting to the finish

Cross Country team post-race

Finn Seeds leading out from the start

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ATHLETICS CSW Regional Champs: A number of HIBS athletes were selected to attend the CSW Regional Champs. All athletes competed well and represented the school with pride. Andrew Ledger, Logan Slee, Leyton Tapa all came first in their respective events. Jack Laird also had a great day picking up second in the 400m and making the final of the Senior Boys 100m. Finn Seeds had another record breaking day. Finn broke both the 800m and 1500m records in the Junior Boys grade. This feat is made all the more impressive by the fact that they were both his own records, set at this event in 2016. North Island Secondary Schools Athletics Championship: Four HIBS students were selected to compete for Wellington at the North Island Secondary School Champs. Selection in this team came as a result of outstanding performances throughout the season. At the event, Finn Seeds was again the standout athlete winning both the 800m and 1500m in the Junior Boys grade. Finn’s time in the 1500m was just 0.35 seconds off the meet record and would have placed him well in either the Intermediate or even Senior Boys grades. This finished off an outstanding season for Finn. NI Champs full results below: Junior Boys: Finn Seeds: 1st in 800m, 2.02.17, 1st in 1500m, 4.10.82 (0.35s off record) Intermediate Boys: Andrew Ledger: 14th in 800m, 2.05.69, 19th in 1500m, 4.28.63 Senior Boys: Logan Slee: 10th in 3000m, 9.07.94 and Jack Laird: 10th in 400m, 52.61, 7th in Long Jump, 5.79m

GRAND TRAVERSE Josh Platt, Jamie Norris and Alan McVicar competed in the Porirua Grand Traverse, a multisport event including: 10km kayak (Alan), 24km mountain bike (Jamie) 18km mountain run (Josh). They were amazing and came 1st in the Open Mens Division, at 14 and 15 years old – blitzing Mahe Drysdale and his team. Huge day starting at 7am and finishing with prizegiving at 4.30pm. Thanks so much to HIBS for covering entry fee.

NATIONAL SHOW HUNTER SERIES

Abe Baker has finished in 3rd place for the season in the NZ National Show Hunter Series. There are about 75 children competing across NZ for points throughout the season. We are super proud of him as it is hard work and dedication that sees these kids get to the top. Ike Baker had a great season too but has stepped up a couple of grades so is happy finishing in the top 20 (98 competing).

HUTT INTERNATIONAL BOYS' SCHOOL

PO Box 48101 Silverstream Upper Hutt 5142 Phone: 04 528-6227 Fax: 04 528-6237 E-mail: admin@hibs.school.nz www.hibs.school.nz

HIBS Daily Times

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday Period 1 8.35am-9.30am Period 2 9.35am-10.25am Tutor/ Hse Mtgs 10.25am-10.45am Interval 10.45am-11.05am Period 3 11.05am-11.55am Period 4 12.00pm-12.50pm Lunch 12.50pm-1.40pm Period 5 1.40pm-2.30pm Period 6 2.35pm-3.25pm

Principal’s Assemblies are held each Tuesday - note period times below Period 1 8.35am-9.25am Period 2 9.25am-10.10am Interval 10.10am-10.30am Period 3 10.30am-11.15am Period 4 11.15am-12.00pm Break 12.00pm-12.10pm Assembly 12.10pm-1.05pm Lunch 1.05pm-1.55pm Period 5 1.55pm-2.40pm Period 6 2.40pm-3.25pm