Kia ora Rutherford whānau.

Term one is always a special term for the students at Rangiora High School. For our new Year 9’s, Term one is a period of transition. Many of the students have been looking forward to getting to High School and starting their teenage years here at RHS. I believe that the Year 9’s have settled in really well and we look forward to having them participate and contribute to Rutherford House and the wider school life. For our other students, Term one is a chance to re-connect and to face the challenges that come with being in a new year level. Beginning the year with the Mihi Whakatau and the House Sports' day is always a great way to start the year. I love the vibe that the mihi whakatau has and it must be a really special way to be inducted into a new school. Rutherford managed to pull off winning House Sports' Day for the second year running- something that we’ve never done before. Ka mau te wehi [awesome work] Rutherford!

Year 9 Camp to the Boyle River always provides some great opportunities for the new students to bond with each other and their new teachers. This year we had Lachie James, Zoe Frost, Lily Heidmann and Harris McRobbie attend the Year 9 camp as peer support leaders. The energy and the enthusiasm that they showed demonstrated what great role models our senior students are to our younger students. One of my lasting memories will be of Harris fast asleep on the last day, with his shoe laces tied together- he had given his all. The help and support of our senior leaders was appreciated. Ka nui te mihi.

Whilst on the topic of our senior leaders, the House Executive this year consists of the following students: Harris McRobbie [House Captain] Bailey Dodd [House Captain] Zoe Frost, Liam Dunseath, Abby Ladd and Lily Heidmann. They have been doing a great job organising the assemblies and helping to organise the House events. So far, we have had Sports' day and Senior Summerfest, where we were placed second overall behind Ngata. Next up is Junior Summerfest.

For juniors looking for leadership within the House, we are currently advertising for four positions on the Junior House Executive. Please contact Mr Sim and he will share with you the application forms.

In 2019 we have welcomed 3 new staff members into Rutherford House. Rachel Donaldson [Health and PE]; Annekie Badenhorst [Business Studies] and Guy Strawbridge [Health and PE]. Welcome to you all, we look forward to your input into the students here at Rangiora High School.

As usual, Mrs Koster and I are available to help support the students in Rutherford House. We can be contacted via our extensions 2108 for myself and 2109 for Mrs Koster. Also available is Mrs Ute Hoffmann, the Guidance Counsellor in Rutherford House and Mr Paul Donnelly, the Senior Manager for Rutherford House.

Kia pai to ra,

Mr Sim