From the PrincipalFrom the Principal

To succeed or not succeed. That is the question.To succeed or not succeed. That is the question.

Tena koutou katou, merhba, assalam alikom, kia orana, ni sa bula vinaka, talofa lava, malo ele lei, kumusta, malo ni, konnici wa, ni hau, bien venidos, witajcie, dobrodosao.

So early in the year and it is starting to become clear who is going to make it academically and who is not. To tell a student he is on the way to academic success this year is encouraging and motivational. Yet, it is a tough call to tell a student that unless he pulls his head in, then failing to achieve is already written on the cards.

It is that time of reckoning – a time when term 1 is over, the first senior school assessments are out of the way and the students start gearing up for the mid-year assessments. It is a time of reckoning because the first term report has been issued. The first term teacher-parent-student progress interviews have been held and the first indication of student achievement (or lack of it), of student effort (or lack of it) has been put on record.

I know that many of our students have taken the time to analyse their first report. It could be that the junior students take these reports more seriously and discuss them with their parents. Hopefully seniors do that as well. They realise that a cohort of grades 1 and 2 means that they are on the right path. However, a cohort of grade 3s sets off the alarm bells. These reports have created the opportunity to take stock and work out the next steps so that the mid-year report shows more promise, based on the aspiration and goal to finish the year successfully and on a positive note. I believe that most of the senior students are onto it as well, realising that every credit gained on internal NCEA assessments gets them closer to the magic number to gain the appropriate certificate. It will be crunch time pretty soon for these students to work out that they need to achieve most if not all the credits on offer rather than rely on making it over the line through the November externals. It is also critical for students to understand that portfolio work has to do with the completion of incremental work carried out week after week. This may sound tedious and long-term boring, but the fact has always been that students who leave work to be completed till the very end do not actually complete it and miss out on achievement standards carrying 6 to 12 credits – which credits may be the difference between gaining or failing Level 1, 2 or 3.

Teachers have been offering opportunities for students to catch up on work at lunch time and after school. Tutorials are already being scheduled. The boys know that these are available, and those who have set themselves realistic goals and are committed to reaching these goals are taking up these opportunities. It is disappointing that those who set themselves goals, but have no clue how they are going to achieve these goals are the ones that are conspicuous by their absence from these tutorials, study centres, etc. “Pie in the sky!” may be an apt description of these goals.

“Pray to God in every situation. Use every kind of prayer and request there is. For the same reason be alert and never give up. Use every kind of effort and pray for everyone” adapted from Ephesians 6:18

Peter Fava

Achieve @ St Bernard’sAchieve @ St Bernard’sAchieve @ St Bernard’s

May 2015May 2015May 2015

O’shea Shield 2015O’shea Shield 2015

For over sixty years secondary Catholic schools from the Wellington Archdiocese and the Diocese of Palmerston North have come together to compete in the prestigious speech and drama competition. Students participate in eight events including debating, religious questions, prepared and impromptu speeches, religious drama, scripture reading, and oratory. This year, scripture reading in Te Reo Maori was also introduced. Our team of twenty one participants and initiates made the school very proud with their excellent preparation and execution on the day. It has been many years since St Bernard’s College received so many top awards First in Religious Drama, First in Affirmative Debate , First in Scripture Reading. Religious Drama was coached by Ms Jeanne Howell and Ms Jaeger-Letts and the team included Lio Soane, John Ulu, Sam Su, Connor Bliss, Daniel Raju and Troy McGuinness. Debating was coached by Ms Sue McNab and the team included Declan Wilcock, Nathan Chan and Itai Mumwiro. Scripture Reading was coached by Sr Trish Hanaray and Br Doug and this was won by Luke Pynenburg. Overall the team gained 40 points with the winning team on 43 points. This put us at eighth equal out of seventeen schools. Our aim was to make it into the top half and we achieved this. It was a fantastic weekend of comradery,

healthy competition and the achievement of excellence.

Stephanie Baucke has been re-elected as Chairperson and Br Doug Dawick re-elected as Deputy Chairperson at the first Board meeting of 2015. Mrs Baucke thanked the Board for her re-election and commended them on their commitment and enthusiasm for St Bernard’s College and our students.

The Board farewelled Sandra Niko who was a Parent Trustee for five years. Mrs Niko’s help, guidance and service to our St Bernard’s community will be missed. The Board wishes her and her family well for the future. Replacing Sandra Niko will be Josephine Netzler who we look forward to welcoming at our next meeting.

The College’s 2015 Board of Trustees comprises of: Tapu Alaifatu, Natasha Gilmour, Kath McGuinness, Josephine Netzler, Jim Nicolle, Mary Margaret Schuck (Parent Trustees); Stephanie Baucke, Br Doug Dawick, Kate Dominikovich, Stephen Hewson (Proprietor’s Trustees); Brenten Higson (Staff Trustee), Connor Bliss (Student Trustee) and Patricia Pynenburg (Board Secretary).

Board of Trustees NewsBoard of Trustees News Special CharacterSpecial CharacterSpecial Character

The Yr 12 retreat was held on Wednesday 1st of April at Brookfield Scout Camp, Wainuiomata. The focus of this retreat was ‘The Ascent’. The theme was about moving closer to the top, with a special focus on our Marist pillar of Simplicity. The Yr 12 students were reflecting on how Jesus can be a model of servant leadership for the students to follow and also moving into becoming the leaders of the College in 2016. The Yr 12 students impressed with their faithful reflection and the focus they had for themselves and each other as fellow St Bernard’s brothers and children of Christ. A special thanks Ms Jaeger-Letts and the Yr 12 homeroom teachers for supporting the boys on this special day in their faith journey. Congratulations to all Yr 12 students. They made this retreat incredible and your attitude and faithful presence is a beacon of hope moving forward in the College.

The term two holidays began with several senior students attending the Jesus for Real Camp at Palm Grove in Paraparaumu. There was a fantastic contingent from St Michael’s Parish in attendance, thanks to the commitment of their families and the students fundraising efforts as well as some St Bernard’s old boys helping run the camp.

Class Masses have begun with our senior classes. We have been fortunate to have our new Parish priest, Fr Patrick Bridgman officiating. Our Chaplain, Mrs Anna-Marie Dickinson has been preparing the classes beforehand by helping with roles, the writing of the Prayers of the Faithful and the music. For all of our year 13 students this is their last class Mass of their school life so it has been a very special experience. Recently staff participated in a teacher only day on special character at Silverstream retreat. Dan Dungey from Champagnat Partnership and Br Carl Tapp from the Grove led us in a history of the Marist brothers and St Bernard’s College. We were all encouraged to share the gospel with each other and put our talk into action.

ArtsArts

ARTS NEWS – TERM 1 Celebration of Success in the ARTS Morning Tea We began the second term by recognizing students who have particularly impressed with their application and success in the ARTs subjects already this year. Congratulated were; Daniel Satur, Moana Hibbert, Elisha Alasdair-Day, Thomas Mingins, Kane Hailwood-Tunbridge, Mark Phillips, Wan Gatket, Brayan Yepes Osorio, Joseph Dalton, Kiannu Kohka, Zac Whiteside, Thomas Smith, Sherwin Peat and Caleb Dominikovich.

Vocal Club- Years 7-9 Students A new initiative takes place on Fridays at lunchtime in the Music room. The Years 7-9 Vocal club uses voices to maximum effect and welcomes all Years 7-9 interested students. If your student or a student you know needs something to do on a Friday at lunchtime, here is an option!!

Vacancy for Clarinet and Saxophone Lessons The clarinet and saxophone teacher does have room for one or two more students – it would be great to get a beginner started. If you think this might be you or your student, contact me!! (mhorner@sbc.school.nz)

Cinderella at the Opera A selection of drama and music students attended the dress rehearsal of La Cenerentola. While the costumes and music were lovely, the set was amazing and it was good there was humour involved!! Fancy them having NZ wine over there??!! Comments following included;” it was cool!!” “ It was quite strange with it all in Italian!!”” It was pretty long …. “”The stamina of the singing impressed me!!” “Cinderella needed more bling!!!”

Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.

Scott Adams

ANZAC Day ANZAC Day

Field of Remembrance 103,000 New Zealanders served overseas, 59,500 were causalities and 18,200 died. To commemorate their service and sacrifice, we have created a Field of Remembrance. These white crosses are a silent reminder of those New Zealanders who fought during 1914-1918. They bear the names of men and woman who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. Our field of remembrance has been respected and acknowledged by our students as a sacred place. Please feel free to visit.

Official Opening of the Lower Hutt War Memorial lawn and rededication of the cenotaph

On Sunday 19th April several students

represented Saint Bernard’s College by

taking part in the official opening of the

Lower Hutt War Memorial lawn and

rededication of the cenotaph.

We had students take part in ceremony

by marching which was very moving.

I encourage whanau to visit the site.

Sport Sport

1stXV 2015 – Marist Quadrangular Tournament 22 boys, 2 coaches, 1 manager, 1 teacher headed up to Sacred Heart College for our annual Marist Quad. This year we were the only Wellington school to attend with Sacred Heart hosting, St Pauls & Marcellin colleges making up the other teams. With only 6 boys available from our 2014 1stXV we took a very new and inexperienced squad. The trip was a huge success with the boys getting to know each other, learning a lot about 1stXV rugby, and bonding as a team. Sadly the rugby wasn’t such a success with a huge loss to Sacred Heart on the first day. Our game vs St Pauls was a vast improvement but the heat & humidity wore the team down. We have since had a win vs HIBS and are looking forward to a season of growth and development for all. The Squad: Saga Tanu (C), Eli Afoa, Brandon Va’a, Salemona Tuala, Elia Ta’anoa, Xavius Tuita, Isaac Tuulima, Junior Foaitoa, Victor Taase, Moapi Mua’au, Sean Marshall, Cody Rodway, Viliami Fine, Laau Finau, Ben Meafou, Bradley McEwan, Bree Henderson, Lupi Luka, Eddie Asovale, Aaron Ualo, Jaydon Turara, Campbell Bishop

Taekwondo Adam Armstrong competed in the Taekwondo New Zealand Open held in Auckland over the weekend of 18-19th April. Adam won Gold in the Men's Black belt under 73kg division, beating three Black belts including a current New Zealand representative and he also won Gold in the Men's under 73kg Red belt division. His club, Hutt City Taekwondo, also won Top Club in the sparring events. Senior Water polo Our Senior water polo team, consisting of; Mataio Pou, Troy McGuinness, Chris Cunningham, Zach Ahearn, Jakob McGuinness, Liam Win, Bill Roberts, Nathaniel Russell (NISSC), Ethan Moore (NZSSPC), Sam Taylor, Logan Hoare and Matthew Quin have competed in three competitions so far this year all finishing in the last 4 weeks. North Island Secondary School Championship (NISSC) was held during week 8 of term 1. 11 boys travelled up to Auckland along with Mr and Mrs McGuinness and I. Each day the boys had to play 2 games. Their goal for the tournament was to finish top 12 and they

placed 10th in the competition. Highlights include having the 3rd best score against Sacred Heart College (who went on to place 1st) playing in the pool where we stayed, having Miss shout us yoghurt at Mission Bay, and finally reaching McDonalds to have an after dinner snack on the last night. The Wellington competition which ended on the last day of term, the boys finished 2nd. They lost the final to St Pat’s Town. Their latest competition was New Zealand Secondary School Premier Championship (NZSSPC). This was held over four days during the holidays. Unfortunately we could not have a full team throughout the competition, due to other commitments, but they still did themselves proud by placing 7th out of 16 teams. Their tournament goal was to reach top 8. This is only the second time a team from St Bernard’s has gained entry to this competition. Highlights for the tournament include; beating Westlake which was at the top of their pool, playing St Kentigern and beating them to finish top 8. Lastly, we congratulate Mataio, as he was named in the tournament team for his efforts throughout the competition. I’d like to say a big thank you to all the parents and supporters that have helped the boys to and from the pool, your efforts and theirs have been rewarded with a successful start to the year. It is a pleasure to be involved in Water polo and I look forward to the Naenae competitions. Winter Sport Winter Sport is now under way with Badminton (6 teams), Basketball (5 teams), Football (6 teams) and Rugby (5 teams) entered into the College Sport Wellington Competitions. All Draws / Results & CANCELLATIONS can be viewed on the following website: www.collegesport.org.nz

Water Polo (4 teams) are entered into the Hutt Water Polo Schools Leagues competition. Draws and results will be published on www.huttwaterpolo.org.nz

Hockey has 1 team entered into the Wellington Hockey Association Secondary School Grade competition, their web page is www.wellingtonhockey.org.nz

Basketball Y7/8 (2 teams) are entered into the Hutt Valley Basketball League at Walter Nash Stadium.

Up Coming Events: Cross Country- SBC Championship - Thursday 21 May, College Sport Wellington Championships – Wednesday 27 May – Trentham, Y7/8 Championships – Tuesday 16 June – Trentham;

Football Y7/8 Interschool Tuesday 26 May Exchange: Francis Douglas Memorial College, St Bernard’s College Tuesday 2 and Wednesday 3 June

Board of Trustees NewsBoard of Trustees News

Ngā Manu Kōrero Regional Speech Finals This year’s competition was held at Sacred Heart College on Friday 1 May and the school was represented by the following four students:

Junior Māori – Tahu Ross-Hotene (9KE)

Senior Māori – Brodie Henare (12MF) Junior English – Jakeb Moore (9SU) Senior English – Orban Waitaiki-Messenger (11UI)

Congratulations to Orban Waitaiki-Messenger for placing third in the Senior English section. Orban’s placing was very creditable when you consider this was his first year in the senior section of the competition. Tahu, Brodie, and Jakeb all placed fourth in their respective sections which were equally creditable results when you consider most schools in the Hutt (Lower and Upper) region, as well as a number of schools from the Masterton-Wairarapa area were represented. Tahu, Brodie, and Orban still have another year in their respective sections next year. The prospects for 2016 look bright.

ArtsArts

MaoriMaori

Upcoming dates on St Bernard’s College Māori community calendar

Term two Matariki – the Matariki star cluster rises in New Zealand

skies on June 18, beginning a month of celebration. Kapa haka regional finals – Fri 26 Jun at Walter Nash

Stadium, Naenae (second to last Friday of term) Term three

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2015: The theme is Ngā Mātua /

Whāngaihia te reo Māori ki ngā Mātua - Dates: 27 July – 2 August 2015.

Trip to Kāpiti Island for Juniors – Thru 17 and Fri 18 Sep (second to last Thurs/Fri of term)

Term four Ki-O-Rahi tournament for Y7/8s – Mon 3 Dec (last week

of term)

Contact DetailsContact Details

May

15. Workday

16. Open Day

21. SBC Cross Country

26. Board Meeting

June

4. PFS Meeting

6. St Marcellin Champagnat Feast Day

26. Preference Enrolments Close

30. Board Meeting

July

2. PFS Meeting

3. Last Day of Term 2

The full school calendar is available on the school website http://www.sbc.school.nz

Diary NotesDiary Notes PFS NewsPFS News

The PFS meet on the first Thursday of each month at 7.30pm in the school staffroom and

we would love to have you join us. It is a great way to get to meet other parents and get

first-hand knowledge of school happenings.

Got any old uniform that you need to get rid of? 2nd hand uniform needed:

Blazers, Ties,

Rugby shorts. Please contact : Deborah 0272519553 or deborah@nourishe.co.nz

Opening Hours

Monday 8.15 to 9am Wednesday 10.30 to11am Thursday 12.30 to 1.30pm

Sponsors of the St Bernard's College Newsletter

Uniform ShopUniform Shop

Term 2 20 April to 3 July

Term 3 20 July to 25 September

Term 4 12 October to 8 December

Term DatesTerm Dates

CareersCareers

P:04 560 9250 F:04 560 9251 E:office@sbc.school.nz W:www.sbc.school.nz

Physical/Postal Address 183 Waterloo Road Lower Hutt 5010 New Zealand

Preferred method of payment school fees The school prefers all school fees to be paid directly to our bank account. This is a safer means of payment that provides a reliable trail. Our bank account is ASB Queensgate 12-3142-0164653-00. Please include your son’s first name and surname, and your phone number in the reference fields. Receipts are issued for all payments and given to students in class. If you are facing financial difficulties please contact The Business Manager. Thank you.

FREE

Doctor’s consultation at St Bernard’s College

Plan to be as fit and healthy as you can be!!

Appointments with our school nurse Alex Ferrier-Kerr are Tuesday mornings

Appointments with our doctor Dr Beena Hegde are

Wednesday afternoon

570-0883 or 560-9250 (College office)

---------------------------

Free Dental Treatment offered by

Graeme Yee Dental Care, 66 Bloomfield Terrace, Lower Hutt,

566-1119

This free treatment is available to all secondary students until their 18th birthday. All new patients, students and parents are

welcome. If you have any questions please feel free to call on the above number.

Careers: Guide for Parents – Victoria University If you would like a copy of this publication, let me know and I will order one for you. They are free and I think it has useful information in it. Gateway: Just a reminder that boys over 16 need to have their Learner Drivers Licence to go out on placement. With 25% Youth un-employment, we know that employers are not hiring as many young workers without a licence. SBC has a very high rate of students leaving school without their licence and we want to change this to make them more employable. Please help us in this matter

jlomax@sbc.school.nz

A new era begins at St Bernard’s College. The Board of Trustees recently approved the formation of a new St Bernard’s College Old Boys Association. The Constitution was adopted in October 2014. An Executive Committee has been formed and the Old Boys are up and running again. The purpose of the Old Boys Association is to:

Support the college through Fellowship, Initiative and Investment. Support the students and especially in their transition from student to Old Boy

The Champagnat is the official newsletter of the Old Boys Association and families of current students will be included on their mailing list. Families will also be especially invited to Old Boy events and functions

SBCOBASBCOBA

Preference Enrolment Forms to sign: Because of the large number of people going to Catholic Schools who need to meet Fr Ron to have their form signed, there will be special times set aside for this.

St Joseph’s Catholic Presbytery, 1 Pine Avenue Tuesdays 3pm to 5pm (except 19 May)

Our Lady of the Valleys Catholic Presbytery, 5 Palmer Crescent Thursdays 5pm to 7pm (except 21 May).

Fr Ron will sign the form as long as you are living in St Joseph’s or Our Lady of the Valleys Parish. Please sign the 1st part of the form before you come and bring any necessary documentation.