From the Limited Statutory Manager
Kia ora koutou, I was disappointed to read the report about the College in the Manawatu Standard on Thursday 14th August. I decided to write a letter to the Editor saying that I thought the report in the paper was too focussed on bringing up the past instead of understanding the many great things the College does every year. You can see that this version is longer than the version in the paper because to fit my letter in the Editor left out my description of the 2013 prize giving. Yet what lies at the heart of a school and its community if it is not students, their whanau and their shared accomplishments. I have asked that this full letter be posted here for the whanau of Horowhenua College to read if they so choose. Ken Wilson LSM (Finance & Personnel) Horowhenua College LSM Letter to Manawatu Standard.pdf
Meijo University High School visit 2014
Thirty three students (7 boys and 26 girls) arrived at Horowhenua College on 29 July to enjoy a two week programme as part of a short term visit. This was their 5th visit to Horowhenua College. The students were hosted by 33 families from our community. The programme included ESOL lessons, time in the classroom with our local students and trips to local attractions, Nga Manu (Waikanae) and a day in Wellington visiting Parliament and Te Papa. Our local students buddied the Meijo students and put on a great farewell party for them at the end of their stay. A short term visit gives both countries the opportunity to share their cultures. The Meijo students were great ambassadors for their country and many of our local students benefited from the experience. We are expecting 38 students in 2015. Should you be interested in hosting a student next year, please contact…
Mr Grant Congdon appointed as new Principal
UPDATE TO STAFF AND COMMUNITY Monday 13 October. Further to my update of 28 July I had a telephone conversation with the principal of Ashburton College and we have collectively agreed a start date for Mr Grant Congdon here at the college. I am pleased to announce that Grant will start at the commencement of Term 4 2014, Chris Hartwell Board Chair Horowhenua College 28 July 2014 I wish to give you an update on the appointment of a Principal at Horowhenua College. Our four shortlisted candidates visited the college and met with staff, student groups and prefects. The calibre of applicants made it very hard to separate the candidates. I am very pleased to be able to announce that Grant Congdon has accepted the position of Principal at Horowhenua College. I wish to thank all staff and students who have helped and contributed to the process. I think the following…
China Trip 2015 – April School Holidays
China Trip 2015 – April School Holidays Another Exciting Overseas Trip For Horowhenua College Students! Hosted By PanYu ZhiXin Middle School, Guangzhou – Sister School Exchange Close estimate cost, $2,500 (includes flights, insurance, accommodation, entry fees) Students will be accommodated in the school’s boarding department during the week and billeted with families arranged by the school during the weekend. The Chinese students hosting our students will be making a return visit to Horowhenua College in February 2016. Each student will have a buddy during their stay. Horowhenua College staff will accompany the trip. Activites on programme include: • School classes: basic Chinese class; calligraphy, sports and fitness, traditional painting, music, cooking, art; ceramics; Students’ Music Show • Sightseeing: Chimelong paradise/Water park; Chimelong International Circus/Safari Park, GuangZhou Museum/GuangZhou Opera House; GuangDong Teenagers’ Palace/GuangDong Library; Haixinsha Sports Park/Canton Tower/ Huacheng Square; Shamian Island/Ersha Island/Xinghai Concert Hall; Night cruise on Pearl River; Chan Clan Temple/Lai Chi…
Vikatolia selected for the National Shakespeare Schools Production
Congratulations to Vikatolia Finau, who performed as Witch One in the recent SGCNZ Shakespeare National Festival and has now been selected for the National Shakespeare Schools Production (NSSP). Vikatolia is one of only 22 students selected from the Nationals out of 500 performers from all around the country. She will join another 25 on this week-long programme of workshops and performances with professional tutors in the September holidays. These students have been chosen out of the 5500 who competed nationwide. We are so proud of you Vikatolia!
Challenging performance draws praise
Horowhenua College has again impressed judges by taking on a tricky issue in their Stage Challenge performance depicting human trafficking. Four Horowhenua schools took part in the Palmerston North round of the national dance and drama competition on Monday at the Regent on Broadway. Wanganui High School won the event, with Horowhenua College finishing runner-up for their production Collected Innoncence. Manawatu College also participated in Stage Challenge, while Levin Intermediate and Ohau School took part in J Rock, the parallel event for primary schools. All four local schools walked away with two or more awards. The teacher in charge of the Horowhenua College Stage Challenge team, Gary O’Brien, said the students chose their own topic after some had looked at human trafficking in social studies. The story planning, choreography and soundtrack design were all completely student led, as well as fundraising efforts to support their entry, he said. “We have…
HC students win two awards at the National Shakespeare Festival
Horowhenua College Drama students Ryan Burnell, Vikatolia Finau, Sina Moala, Sierra Tafeamaalii and director, Roha Taiapa attended the University of Otago SGCNZ Shakespeare National Festival in Wellington over Queen’s Birthday weekend. The group were awarded the prestigious Minister of Arts The Hon. Christopher Finlayson Award for Outstanding Movement/Dance and the Trinity College of London Award for Best Recovery. This group previously performed at the Kapiti Regional Festival on the 5th of April gaining a First place for Best student direction from Roha thus gaining entry into the nationals. Congratulations team, you make us proud!
Ryan joins The Basement Theatre Company
Level 2 Drama student Ryan Burnell has been selected to join The Basement Theatre Company. Attached to professional theatre Centrepoint in Palmerston North, this is a company of young high school performers and directors from all over the Manawatu region. This is the first time a student from Horowhenua has been involved. Congratulations Ryan, you make us proud!