Form Class Netball

This year our theme for the year group is sports. We are running a Year 9 inter-form class sports competition that has just kicked off. The first event was netball and this will be followed by table tennis, football, basketball, dodgeball, chess and finally, cross-country. The aim is to have two events in Term 2, two in Term 3 and the final three in Term 4. The six form classes will compete in events at lunchtime, with points being awarded from 1st down to 6th place for each sport. The class who wins the competition overall will be the inaugural winner of the form class cup, as well as being invited to a morning tea. The teams have been decided during form class (all students must pick one sport), and bonus points are available for participation if all named member show up. 

Congratulations to 9WR for taking out first place in the netball competition!

Speeches, Songs & Politicians

Time for a varied update showcasing what our Year 9's have been up to recently. 

• One of our students, Moana Le Sueur, recently entered a regional speech making competition for junior students of Maori descent. The Manu Korero competition at Takapuwahia Marae is held each year and Moana entered the Junior English speaking section. We are proud to say that Moana bought home second place with her speech. She was accompanied by a group of Newlands College students for the day. 

• As part of our Active Learning initiative this year we have a group of student from 9GW who are focusing on what can be done in the community to improve the Newlands shops & surrounds. The students involved are Jeandre, Dillan, Kristian, Connie & Emma. They independently arranged to have a meeting with our local MP The Right Honorable Peter Dunne. We are very pleased that Peter could find some time in his busy schedule to listen to what our students had to say.  This Active Learning project is on-going and I look forward to seeing what impact our students can have on the local community.  I am immensely proud of the students for the initiative they are showing in their Active Learning projects.

• Finally, In Music we have had a group of students compose a very unique song (video below). The subject matter is Donald Trump, and let's just say it shares their opinions strongly. It is awesome to see this type of cross-curricular learning going on. Great efforts guys.

Check out the media below.

Dessert Competition

To finish off the latest technology rotation all the food technology students worked in groups to create delicious desserts. Think Masterchef (Newlands edition!). The brief required them to use sponge, chocolate 'work' & berries to create an edible masterpiece.  I was fortunate enough to swing by the kitchen at the end of the lesson to be one of the judges. It is fantastic to see the amount of varied talent our Year 9 students have. I have told them they will have to take their talent home and prepare desserts for the whole family!  Have a look at their mouth-watering creations below.

Hairspray The Musical

It's all over! 

...an amazing, exhausting, rewarding, and unforgettable experience for all involved (myself included!) has come to an end after a sold out run of five shows. Hairspray the Musical was a huge hit with audiences and I have a feeling it will take a few more weeks to get those songs out of my head. A big shout out to Mr Cargill (Director) and Mr Pegram (Producer) for their unrelenting effort and attention to every part of this show. Over 30 Newlands College staff were involved in the show, including everything from playing music, costumes, backstage, lighting, sound, supervision, ticket sales, makeup, set construction, props and front of house. The real stars though are in the photos below. The cast was the best I have dealt with in my 5 years of Newlands Musicals. The Year 9's in particular were an absolute joy to be working so closely with. The enthusiasm and dedication was very evident and the learning and development that each student will gain from being part of a cast of supportive peers reflect the Newlands College philosophy of learning through engagement and being connected with others. 

Ka Pai everyone. It was a fun ride to be part of, bring on next year!

Don't Stop the Beat!!!!