Tag Archives: School

Sep 03 2012
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Article

Wearable arts winner aims big

Jessica Clough, 12, and Paige Collinson’s, 13, show off their winning entry in the Highlands Intermediate Wearable arts competition. Photo:
CAMERON BURNELL

Highlands Intermediate students have taken to the catwalk to showcase their creative talent in the school’s annual wearable arts competition.

The contest involving more than 100 students featured designs made from a range of recyclable materials, including newspaper, bottles, cans, plastic and even rugby balls.

Highlands teacher Tony Basile said the wearable arts show held on Friday was an expression of the school’s artistic side.

“Students are able to show off their creative flair and it’s a great way for students to get involved. This is their moment,” he said.

“The arts are a key aspect of Highlands.”

The winning design, Queen of Cans, took more than five weeks to create, said its 13-year-old designer Paige Collinson.

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Aug 29 2012
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Article

Young reporter takes youth angle

Ashlee Butler is one of five young New Zealanders selected to write for 3youth, a TV3/Unicef news website. Photo: CAMERON BURNELL

Ashlee Butler isn’t afraid of asking the difficult questions.

The Sacred Heart Girls’ College student is one of five young New Zealanders selected to write for 3youth, a TV3/Unicef news website.

She has already done a follow-up on the Paritutu climbing tragedy and interviewed an Olympic athlete.

Miss Butler, 18, found out about the competition to write for the website, dedicated to news with a youth perspective written by young people, through school.

“My teacher found out about it and gave me the form, so I filled it out, not thinking I would get in,” she said.

The students had to write an essay and submit a video, which was judged by television journalist and presenter Mike McRoberts.

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May 13 2012
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Article

Schools co-operate to raise funds

High school students Kerry-Anne Maloney, 17,left, Blake Wilson, 16, and Aaliyah Ormsby, 17, are joining forces to help feed more than 70 families in Mali and Niger. Photo: KYLE WADSWORTH

Two New Plymouth high schools are putting competition aside for this year’s 40-hour famine to try to raise $20,000 to build irrigated gardens in Mali and Niger.

Students from the New Plymouth Boys’ and Girls’ high schools have joined forces for the May 25-27 famine in an effort to reach the formidable target.

Boys’ High organiser Rasyad Che Ismail said instead of trying to outdo each other in fundraising, better results could be achieved by working together.

“It’s not about which school is better … it’s for the well-being of the kids that are calling for help. It’s for Mali and Niger because they have suffered enough.”

The gardens, which include solar-powered sprinkling systems, could feed up to 70 families.

“In a sense, we are trying to give the people in Mali and Niger the gift that keeps on giving,” Rasyad said.

Girls’ High organiser Kerry-Anne Maloney said more than 300 girls had signed up to the famine so far and other activities were also planned.

“Last year we raised $7000, and this year we’re doing a lot more to contribute, such as famine week with Boys’ High and quiz night fundraisers,” she said.

“It’s more achievable to do it together.”

Kyle Wadsworth is a Witt Journalism student.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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Apr 30 2012
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General Post

Kyle the reader

I’ve always had a secret love for reading.

Since I was a kid, where I was a librarian at every school I attended, I’ve been fascinated with how books brought my imagination to life and had me really engrossed in the story.
Recently, I discovered this really clever website called Goodreads, and if you’re a reader, I suggest you check it out too.

It’s like a Facebook, for books – it keeps record of the books you’re reading, have read, and want to read, and you can review the books, share your thoughts with the community and have your own group of friends. With the app, you can scan the book’s barcode on your phone and add it to one of your online “bookshelves”. You may or may not have noticed, I have a Goodreads widget at the bottom of my site.

I’m doing a reading challenge, where I will read 20 books over the year. I’m a really busy guy with course, work, and of course just living my life, so time for reading is minimal so I think I’ve set a realistic goal. Next year, I’ll bump it up to 30 books. Reading a good work is worth more merit to me over sitting in front of a screen, TV, phone, computer or otherwise. You can see my reading challenge progress at the bottom of this page.

I’m about to start reading the final book in The Hunger Games series, Mockingjay. I’m really excited, I’ve loved the series. I finished the first book over the weekend, and read the second over a 24 hour period. The books are so gripping, I just couldn’t put them down!

That’s probably enough on reading for now, but if you are a reader, or you think you could be, please make sure you have a look at https://www.goodreads.com. There’s a world outside of Facebook ;)

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Sep 08 2009
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Article

Students farewell stand-in mother

FAREWELL TO 'MUM': Retiring dean of international students and ESOL teacher Val Moore surrounded by her New Plymouth Boys' High School students.

Retiring teacher Val Moore will always be known as “mum”to hundreds of New Plymouth Boys’ High School students.

The popular ESOL teacher is retiring this month after a 30-year association with the school.

Headmaster Michael McMenamin says Mrs Moore has given a great amount to the boys and the school.

“I will always remember Val as playing a `mother role’ with the boys who are often separated a long distance from their families,” he says.

Mrs Moore has held her current position teaching English to international students for the past 12 years.

“Students come in without knowing a single word of English and you have to teach them from scratch,” she says.

“Some of the kids who come in from overseas are brilliant. It’s not unusual for them to be able to speak up to six languages.”

Over the 30 years, Mrs Moore’s roles at Boys’ High have covered everything from teaching English to economics, as well as a three-year stint as assistant-matron. As for the future, Mrs Moore is swapping it all for a career in the rag trade.

“I’ve bought a pre-loved clothing shop in Fitzroy.

“I’ve never done retail before and I’m looking forward to the new challenge I can please myself and be the boss for once. No more 6am starts,” she says.

“Pre-loved is the new black!”

Despite the change, she says she “will miss the international boys and their intellect”.

Source: Taranaki Daily News

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