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Field trips
The Biology field trips to Arataki and Auckland Zoo took place under perfect conditions. Students experienced Biology in action, many at high speed, when a bee took an interest in a group of students. The Liggins Institute also provided hands on experience of applied Biology and helped to extend and expand the student’s understanding and passion for Science.
Year 13 Physics students once again visited Rainbow’s End and were able to study the rides using sensitive data loggers, many of them looking really cool whilst wearing the blue GLX vests. Mrs TeBay’s group got an extra special look at the Invader when it broke down while they were on it, leaving them trapped in the seats (and the pouring rain). Many students also provided further evidence as to why Mr Boasman never goes on the rides after they turned green and had to lay very, very still. Ah the wisdom of age.
Staff News
Towards the end of 2010 the Chemistry department said farewell to two wonderful colleagues and welcomed back some old friends. Louise Geck went on maternity leave, and in her place we welcomed Hannah Dhanaraj, who had previously trained at Lynfield College. Chris Raos departed to take Chemistry to the furthest reaches of the world, and was replaced by Farhana Aiyaaz, who previously left Lynfield in 2008 after three years working in the Chemistry department. The Science Faculty also celebrated the wedding of Sarah O’Brien, who returned as Mrs Allfrey in 2011.
Sadly (for Lynfield College anyway) we will be saying farewell to Bob Howard, who retires after 33 years of service! Bob is an amazing educator with a passion for Science as deep as his knowledge is extensive. He has played many roles in the school, both in Science and in the Learning Support area, championing the cause of students of all backgrounds and abilities. He has pioneered our involvement in the NIWA Science Competition and shared his prolific experience with his colleagues. Bob leaves us to spend more time at the beach. Bob, staff and students alike cannot thank you enough for your contribution to Lynfield College.
BrainBee
Six students also made it into the 2010 International BrainBee Competition, hosted by the Auckland School of Medicine. Akash Charles, Tim Hight, Kevin Yu, Lydia Choo, Holly Sun and Bryan Chong all studied a university level text on the Brain and Brain diseases and took part in the BrainBee North Island final. They all did an excellent job of representing the school. Tim and Lydia got through to the individual finals, with Tim coming 5th overall and Lydia 8th for the whole of the North Island. All the students had a great day looking round the School of Medicine and examining pickled parts in perspex!
Robotics
Building on the successes of 2010, the Robotics team, under the expert guidance of Sarah Allfrey, won the Regional Competition and so went to Dallas to compete in the International VEX Robotics Competition. Back at home the Science Faculty has continued to use NXT Lego Mindstorm Robots in the Year 09 Advanced program, where they are being built and programmed to solve problems and investigate Science ideas.
Summary
Working in partnership, staff and students have excelled both personally and as a part of the community during 2011. We can look back on many successes during the “Year of Chemistry” and we look forward to the results for the Australian Chemistry Competition 2011, the outcome of the Biology Olympiad participants, and the potential successes of the New Zealand’s Next Top Engineering Scientist Competition. We wish all our students success in the end of year exams, particular the Year 13 students, who leave us to take their science studies to the next level.
Rob Boasman
Faculty Manager of Science