Kia ora Rutherford whānau,

Term 4 is always a busy one that seems to just fly by. The focus for our senior students is, of course, their NCEA exams. I wish everyone all the best for these important examinations and hope that they go well for you.

We’ve been busy with the House competition but sadly it seems that 2020 will not be our year to win the cup. After starting so well this year by winning the House Athletics day, and by also winning House Choir, we were certainly in the hunt this year to win the House Cup again. Alas, it was not to be. I would like to thank everyone who has participated and contributed this year in the House competition - your input and enthusiasm to see Rutherford do well has been appreciated.

During Term 4 we’ve had Senior and Junior Public Speaking. In the Senior Public speaking we were represented by Verona Conole and Ruby Gill-Clifford; whilst in the Junior Public speaking we were represented by Rose Hussey and Millie Wright. They performed admirably and reminded me that we’ve got some real talent in Rutherford House.

We also played in the Junior Summerfest competition, where we were placed third. The team mainly comprised of Year 9’s and a small number of Year 10’s. It was great to see the fun that they were having and the banter on the side-lines was great. It looks like we’ll have a great team for next year as the Year 9’s become Year 10’s. Our Senior and Junior Quiz teams gave it their best shot. With only a few points separating first to last, the competition was certainly tough.

A personal highlight of Term 4 has been our final House assembly. It was really touching to see sentiments expressed from the Year 13’s towards their form teachers who have been with them on their journey through high school. Thank you to our wonderful Year 13 group this year, you’ve all been wonderful ambassadors for Rutherford House. Thank you too to Mrs McLorinan and Mr West for the guidance and support that you have given this group. A big thanks to William Grant for his piano performance of “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. I’d also like to thank our House Captains, Anne and Tom, for their touching words in their Captain’s address.

As the year comes to an end, I’d like to pass on my thanks to the Student Exec for all the hard work that they put in this year. Anne Rowe- Mitchell [House Captain], Tom Marsh [House Captain], Georgie Lindsay, Georgia Shaw, Abbey Lumber and Libby Hector all did a great job in leading the House with pride. Our Junior Exec Jonty Howard, Samantha Perry, Jackson Wright and Chloe Wilkinson also gained some valuable experience.

A final thank you to the hard working Rutherford form teachers for all the hard work that you have put in with our students. 2020 has certainly been one that we won’t forget in a hurry and your hard work has made a difference.