I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge all the recipients of this year’s Cultural Prizegiving. What was obvious was the passion and enjoyment that many of our boys gain from being involved in their particular area of passion. The Arts are an essential part of living. We look forward to our Sports and Academic Prizegivings in Term 4.

Tēnā koutou te Whānau Whānui Te Kareti Taitama o Wairau

Arts education at Marlborough Boys’ College comprises of four disciplines:

Visual Arts, Dance, Drama and Music Sound Arts.

Given the past three years of interruptions, we strongly believe in the growing need for essential skills such as creativity, communication and collaboration; the Arts are gaining a renewed focus.

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge a number of tutors and volunteers who have supported our students to be the best that they can be in the Arts.

Jazz Combo - Tony and Coral Thiel, your contributions have been amazing, and we are humbled by your energy and involvement to continually support our Jazz Musicians.

Brass Ensemble - Kevin Moseley, for your ongoing support and passion for developing the next generation of Brass Musicians.

Choir – No Girls Aloud – Con O’Brien, for your experience and knowledge in developing the vocal talents of many current and past members of MBC.

To our Arts Faculty of 2022, Whaea Maisie Blackwood-Peters, Whaea Deborah Cave-Higgins, Whaea Kelly Mackenzie, Whaea Barbara Song and Whaea Courtney Ieremia. Ngā mihi nunui ki a koutou katoa!

To Whaea Ngaire Searle, thank you for your commitment and drive to ensure that we provide our students to develop their passions and interests in the Arts. This year's Variety Concert was a testament to her leadership in making things happen. In addition, Ngaire was instrumental in attracting the services and talents of Matua Robin Randall, and I know we have some fantastic opportunities on the horizon for 2023 and beyond.

To our budding artists, musicians, and creative performers, thank you for all that you have done to raise the profile of MBC. In recent weeks it has been amazing to hear the improvement in the quality of choral singing during Whānau time. I am looking forward to the House Choral Singing competition this Friday.

End of Year Examination Preparation

Your son/whāngai will have received his results from our recent Derived Grade Examination. It is important, that as whānau, you discuss these results and help him to prepare for the upcoming external examinations at the end of the year.

Are you ready for the NCEA Examinations?

· A regular and consistent study time. Have him share his study plan with you.

· NZQA Student Exam Hub - https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/ncea/

· NCEA Study Tips from students

· Targeting those standards where with a little extra determination and planning, a Merit or Excellence grade can be obtained

· Contacting his subject teacher for support or guidance. This is the staff members’ christian name, followed by their surname. e.g john.kendal@mbc.school.nz

Term 4 Old Boys’ Sports Afternoon

Te Tātoru o Wairau

On Monday, the 19 September, we were blessed to have Ngāti Kuia kaitiaki taiao, Matua Lewis, talk with tauira from MGC, MBC and Bohally at Te Hoiere. He shared the pūrakau of Matua Hautere and how the taniwha Kaikaiāwaro helped to carve out the awa between Motuweka (Havelock) and Te Hoiere.

Pakohe is a taonga which can be found in the riverbed and it is synonymous with Ngāti Kuia and their relationship to the environment. The mauri (or life force) contained in all parts of the natural environment binds the spiritual and physical world.

After the kōrero from Matua Lewis, our students were able to explore and locate some Pakohe. This will be taken back to each kura for students to imbue their mauri into the Pakohe before it is placed into the new Community Hub, which will open in Term 4 on the Marlborough Girls’ College site.