Rutherford House

With regards to the House Competition this year, we’ve been aiming for the “come back story of a lifetime”. Having been last at one stage, we’ve slowly moved up as Term 3 has progressed to a point where we are currently first equal with “our old mates” Hillary House. So how has it all gone this term?

Well, we started with the Junior House Quiz where we placed……. last. Enough said. This was followed by Senior Winterfest where our Seniors managed to win the competition, taking maximum points for first place. The big one for the term is always the House Choir Competition. This year we were led superbly by Jonty Howard and his team. They chose “E Minaka Ana” for their waiata and “Don’t stop me now” by Queen. This year’s theme was “Glam”, and this was certainly a great choice. I’ve included some photos that really captured the event. I’m always amazed at how choir brings our so much in our students- leadership; creativity; choreography; musical skill and, perhaps most importantly, togetherness. We managed to place first equal with Sheppard House and the students were understandably stoked. We haven’t yet received the results for the 48 Hour Filmfest however I understand that the students had a fantastic time making the film. We will round out the term with the House Public Speaking contest, but as I write this, we have managed to go from last place to first equal. Next term we will wrap up the House Competition with two new events- Junior MasterChef & the Chunky Chalk Art contest. We’ve certainly got our fingers crossed for good results in those events.

As we come towards the end of the term, I know that our Seniors will be flat out with getting their feedback from their derived grade exams and starting to prepare for their externals. My piece of advice comes from personal experience. Back in 1985 I remember sitting School Certificate. I was worried most about my English exam and whether I could pass it. I remember having to knock on the door of a smoky staff room [yes they smoked back then] and ask to see my English teacher. I asked her for help. To cut a long story short, English was my best grade that year! My advice to you all is to ask for help if needed. Don’t be afraid to admit that help is needed and have the strength to knock on the door and take that first step.

I’d just like to pass on my thanks to the Student Executive Team for all their hard work that they have put in to keep our students aspiring to do well throughout Term 3. Ka nui te mihi team.