Week 4, Term 4, 2017

Kia Ora, Talofa Lava and warm greetings,

A big congratulations to all of our students for the way they carried themselves on athletics day. The day was particularly warm for both teachers and students, however we were pleased with the resilience and positivity of our students. It was a shame there was no time for the relays as the staff team was well drilled and ready to perform well against the student selections. We wish those heading to Ashburton to represent Cobham, the best of luck. We know they will represent Cobham with pride and show 3RP@C in Ash-Vegas.

This week we’ve had three Year 8 classes away on camp and next week our remaining eight classes will venture off to various parts of the South Island. Camps are so memorable for students and from my own experience as a teacher, students often reflect fondly upon camps. We really do appreciate parental support to make these learning opportunities a possibility for our students.  We know that some parents take annual leave to attend school camps, and for that, we are grateful.  Without parental support we cannot meet the necessary ratios to host camps.

We have some individuals and groups that have achieved on a national level that need to be congratulated:

• Firstly, congratulations to Max Painter who achieved the top score in New Zealand across all Year 7 students in the ICAS Maths examination. A wonderful feat and Max will travel to Auckland in early December to collect his award at the University of Auckland. Well done Max.

• Another individual who has been recognised nationally is Jack Prebble who won the national Eureka video awards. Jack had to produce a clip about how science/technology was applied in a community setting. Jack was commended for his interview techniques and for having a consistent flow throughout his production. For Jack’s efforts he won the school $1000 and the same amount for himself. Spend it wisely Jack.

• Also on the national stage, we had 13 students represent Cobham Intermediate at the Future Problem Solving Nationals over the weekend in Auckland. Entry to the nationals is not easy with only the best students/teams invited. All students in our team were recognised nationally for their achievements. One Year 8 team consisting of Thomas Kamo, Prue McKay, Finlay Clark and Alex Wilson won the dramatic presentation component. Jack Prebble was placed 3rd in the Individual World Issues Problem Solving Competition and Alia Govin-Fowler placed first in the Junior Division of the Scenario Writing section. Our second Year 8 team consisting of Eric Huang, Benjamin Davey, Corin Simcock and Mac Craig were placed first in the Global Issues Problem Solving Junior Division section. This team along with Alia Govin-Fowler have been invited to the World Problem Solving Championships in La Crosse, Wisconsin, in June 2018. Congratulations to these students for their efforts and we must also take this time to acknowledge the work of Sue Williams who prepares and guides these students. Well done to you all.

• Well done to Katie Bond, Millie White (Captain), Mya Te Aho, Emily Jackson, Lily Pringle, and Abby Reid who were part of the Canterbury Hockey team that won the Collier Trophy during the last school holidays. Well done girls, a wonderful achievement.

As mentioned in the last newsletter we have been enforcing our Sun Safety policy with all students. Students who do not present at school with a hat have and will be supervised in the hall during interval and lunchtimes. All classes have sunscreen and we do encourage students to apply sunscreen in the morning before coming to school. We do appreciate your support with our sun safety procedures.

The Year 8 Formal will be held on the evening of Thursday 7 December. The Big Day Out for Year 7 students is Monday 11 Dec and for Year 8s is Tuesday 12 December. All fees (excluding donation) must be paid before children can buy tickets for the Year 8 formal or attend Big Day Outs.

Just some notes for the diary - Year 8 Prizegiving is being held on Wednesday 13 December at Christchurch Boys’ High School Hall at 7pm. This is the last day of school for Year 8s. The Year 7 prizegiving will be held in the Cobham Intermediate School Hall at 11am on Thursday 14 December. School closes for Year 7s at 12.20 pm this day.

Enrolments for next year are closed. Obviously we will accept any in zone applications and any out of zones enrolments will be added to our waiting list.

Ngā mihi nui,