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Sheppard House
 
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Sheppard House

Keith Anderson —

Sheppard House News

Kaua e mate wheke, mate ururoa!

Kia ora te whānau o Ngāti Mako - at the close of Term 3 there is much to celebrate. The big news for Sheppard House was our win in the Annual House Choir Competition. This year’s entry was only our second ever win in this marquee event. The vision for our entry was provided by Jeni Schdroski, who decided early on that 'Waterloo' by Abba was the song for us. Obviously Jeni had done her homework as 'Waterloo' won the 1974 Eurovision song competition. Our choice of Waiata was more of a group decision and we went with 'Waitaha e'. This year we were led by virtuoso guitarist and chanteuse Ms Chloe De Boo, who provided outstanding leadership throughout rehearsals and performance. Both songs were delivered with immense passion and dulcet vocal stylings. I congratulate all of the Sheppard students who participated. 

We are currently in the middle of Junior Winterfest. This event involves the best junior footballers and netballers each house has to offer. As always seems to be the case, we are oversubscribed with players in both codes. While this makes for selection headaches, it is really pleasing to be involved with such an enthusiastic and committed bunch of students. Currently results are looking good for Sheppard House, as we are undefeated in football and have taken a win and two losses in netball. 

Rangiora High School’s 48 Hour Filmfest took place on the weekend of September 1 – 3. We assembled a crack team of writers, actors, stunt-people, 'caterers' and technical crew. Ably led by impresario Shayla Thomas, the team has produced a stunning piece of cinema depicting a harrowing encounter with a kidnapper. Filmed in the majestic Loburn region, the film takes full advantage of the local setting. I would like to thank the Millar and Oldenberger families for hosting this event and I look forward to hearing the results at the Oscars. 

This term has seen a number of our students gain their Bronze Aspire badges. This is a great indictment on these students' commitment to their academic progress. Here is a full list of all the Sheppard students who have gained this prestigious award; Jordan Nortman, Theo Van Dorp, Kaitlin Feather, Ashleigh Woollett, Logan Benson, Sian Badcock, Mul Kang, Ben Dykes, Kaitlin Keith, Scott Wake, Makayla Barnes, Montana Potter, Mya Manuel, Georgia Stephens. 

I would like to acknowledge the truly outstanding contributions of Mrs Paula Howard our outgoing Dean of Sheppard House. Paula made a genuine and positive impact on all the students she encountered in her time in the pastoral corridor. She is a true professional with a work ethic second to none. I wish her all the best in her new role as Specialist Classroom teacher. I welcome our new Dean of House, the inimitable and indefatigable Ms Mel Anderson. I know we will receive the very best of pastoral care and really look forward to working with her.