April 2013

Reflections on Anzac Day

 

On the 25^th of April, 15 prefects from Lynfield College attended the Anzac Memorial Service in Mt Roskill. We took part in the march which descended down May Rd. to the memorial, where our head boy, Rugved Deshpande, and head girl, Wiki Maihi, laid a wreath on behalf of our school.
 
About 7 years ago  I attended this Anzac memorial service, taking part as a Girl Guide. Now as a prefect representing my school, I noticed that the atmosphere was different.  Although there were now fewer old soldiers coming to represent their comrades, than I remembered from 7 years ago; what was interesting was the number of younger people who attended. It seems that the main reason we stood there on that stretch of grass surrounding the cenotaph, to acknowledge those who fought in the wars, is being discussed more in schools nowadays, and many schools and service related groups from the surrounding  area were well represented.
 
We will remember them.
 
Kylie Clarke
Student Representative on the Board of Trustees.

World Robotics Champions Again
 

Our Vex Robotics Team has this week competed again at the world championships in Los Angeles. Congratulations to the team for winning the High Schools Division and to Jack Barker in particular for his Champion Driver award.

 

Chris Hambling, who heads Kiwibots (Vex Robotics New Zealand) writes below about the phenomenal successes of the New Zealand secondary schools teams:

 

 

 

Youth Parliament Representative
 

Lynfield College has often had students chosen to represent Members of Parliament at the annual Youth Parliament. Peter MacClure has received this honour this year and below is the letter received by the College advising of his selection:

 

"As a result of a very closely contested interview process, a young person has been chosen to represent Hon Tim Groser at the Youth Parliament to be held in Parliament on 16 and17 July 2013.

 

The successful candidate is Peter MacClure of Blockhouse Bay who attends Lynfield College.

 

Although the standard of the nominees was extremely high and the candidates very impressive, the decision was unanimous that Peter should represent New Lynn- based list MP Hon Tim Groser.

 

Particularly impressive was the sincerity and enthusiasm of all the candidates and it is to be hoped they will all continue their interest in New Zealand politics, and congratulations to them all on their impressive academic, sporting and community achievements. It was a privilege to meet these young West Aucklanders, and there is no doubt that New Zealand will be very proud of all these high
achievers in the future.

 

Thanks particularly to the teachers of Green Bay High School, Kelston Girls’ College, Kelston Boys’ High School and Lynfield College for their support and encouragement to their young students who took part
in this contest.

 

Kind regards
Marie Hasler
Electorate Agent for Hon Tim Groser

 

Congratulations to Peter and we look forward to hearing of his parliamentary experience in July.

Cultural Celebration of Food and Performance
 

Our annual celebration of the cultures which make our college a rich and diverse environment was held last week, culminating in a day of food and performance on Saturday. What an inspirational and thoroughly enjoyable day! and everyone appreciates the effort and enthusiasm of the students and staff who worked so hard to ensure a well-organised event.

 

The images below give an indication of the calibre and spectacle of the performances and the food stalls.

 

Lynfield College Board of Trustees Election

 
Nominations are invited for the election of five parent representatives to the Board of Trustees. A nomination form and a notice calling for nominations will be posted to all eligible voters. Additional nomination forms can be obtained from the college office.
Nominations close at noon on 16 May 2013 and may be accompanied by a signed candidate’s statement.
The voting roll is open for inspection at the college and can be viewed during normal school hours. There will also be a list of candidates’ names, as they come to hand, for inspection at the college.
Voting closes at noon on 30 May 2013.
A Davis
Returning Officer
 

Staff Group to Visit China

For the past 10 years the college has organised student groups to travel to China. Now it is the turn of the staff and 20 who have not had the chance to travel with the student groups leave on Friday to have a similar cultural experience.

With 13% of the student body being of Chinese ethnicity it is a wonderful opportunity for staff to learn more about China and where many of our students come from. The staff will visit Shanghai, Hangzhou (a visit our sister school) Xi’an and Beijing. Mr Aitken and Ms Fang have put together a wonderful programme. The staff group is pictured below with Mr Bovaird (Principal).  

Geographers on Mt Tongariro

Recent eruptions of Mt Tongariro didn’t deter Level 2 Geography students from their field trip to the national park on 7-9 April. In fact, it is thanks to eruptions over thousands of years that the unique landscape of the area exists.

Students gathered data on stream velocity and vegetation types for the Research internal assessment and interviewed locals for the Geographic Issue assessment – asking whether ski field development should be allowed on Mt Ruapehu.	With study completed, the group rode the chair lifts to the highest café in New Zealand at 2020m. The return trip included a relaxing soak in the thermal pool at Tokaanu.

 

Big Band wins top award at Tauranga National Youth Jazz Festival.
 

On Good Friday the Lynfield College Big Band went to Tauranga to compete in the National Youth Jazz Festival.    This band involves 20 students from Years 9 to 13 and is directed by Paul Norman.  At the end of the day, dedicated to Big Band performances, they were awarded the New Orleans Trophy for Best Big Band.   The following day involved smaller jazz groups from both secondary schools and the open section for U20's.  At the conclusion of this day the Lynfield College Big Band was awarded the More FM Cup for Best of Festival, acknowledging them as the best band across the two days.   The prize also included some equipment for the band and a workshop with Wellington saxophonist Colin Hemmingsen.

Race Unity Speech Applauded

Congratulations to Lute Sikalu who was one of eight senior secondary students who progressed through to the National Finals of the “Race Unity Speech Awards”. The standard of speech making from competitors across the country was outstanding. Lute’s response to the theme of My Dream for Aotearoa New Zealand emphasised the enrichment she has experienced through being exposed to a diverse and rich mix of cultures. She also offered some practical steps which could be taken to reduce the level of racial stereotyping, which sadly still occurs in New Zealand today. Lute was commended by the judges, won a $200 gift voucher and delivered her speech again at the Auckland International Cultural Festival which was held on Sunday 7th April. She has had a number of other requests to deliver her speech as a guest speaker and to act as a speech adjudicator. Of the eight finalists, six were Year 13 students. Lute is in Year 12 and we are very proud of her achievement at this national level.

Waterpolo Junior Team's Winning Form

 

Our waterpolo enthusiasts are enjoying the new year and our junior team competed extremely well during Term 1. In a one-day tournament last week they finished 2nd behind Auckland Grammar in a field of 9 schools. They won two of their three games, scoring 14 goals with 9 against.

Germany Trip Leaves April 6

 

There are some very excited students at school this week as on Saturday 16 Lynfield College students are departing on their trip to Germany.

 

The flights will take them to Berlin via Melbourne, Dubai and London - a long journey of about 36 hours.

 

Once in Germany our students will be hosted by German students who attend our partner school Ernst-Haeckel-Gymnasium in Werder near Berlin.

 

The itinerary includes several trips to Berlin and Potsdam, a five-day-trip to Saxony and a day trip to Prague. The group will also visit Frau Zimmer’s hometown Treuenbrietzen and the local high school.

 

Everyone is very excited and can’t wait to finally put their German language skills into practice. Here is a link to their blog:

 

http://lynfield-werder-exchange-2013.blogspot.co.nz/

 

where the students are going to keep everyone updated while in Germany.

 

 

Tasty Gateway Experience
 

Jessica Orsbourn has always been interested in baking cakes and using her creativity to produce beautiful cupcakes. Her passion has now been realised as she enjoys a Gateway work placement at Alpine Patisserie in Henderson.
 

Jessica has the opportunity to work alongside and learn from Stephan Kohler. She has made fruit tartlets, marble cheesecakes, sponge cakes, frangipani tarts under the watchful eye of Stephan. “I appreciate the time and effort Stephan spends with me as I am exposed to new learning and new skills that have helped me decide to follow my passion and seek a pastry apprenticeship next year. My plan B would be to attend the AUT Culinary Arts course” Jessica said. “ I love the variety and quality of the goods we produce and am proud of my achievements. I have gained a great deal of confidence in my ability and Stephan allows me the freedom to work independently knowing I will ask questions if I am unsure. I love it”.

Jessica's Gateway Experience is one of a number arranged and coordinated by Mrs Raewyn Fairley for students keen to undertake some work experience to assist in their career decision-making. Lynfield College is very grateful to the many businesses who welcome our students into their workplaces through the year. Any business that would like to link in with the Gateway Experience programme can reach Raewyn Fairley on 6270600 ext 745 or email her at rfairley@lynfield.school.nz.

 
 

Dragonboating fun

The secondary schools' dragonboating day was thoroughly enjoyed by both our crews. The girls' team made it to the plate final and had the race of their life. Well done for first timers!

The  photos show both teams who had lots of fun and learned a lot.

2013 Tennis Championships Results

 

Almost 70 students took part in the School Tennis Championships this year. Congratulations to the following winners and runners up:

 

SENIOR BOYS SINGLES  CHAMPION Jason Pimenta     

                                   RUNNER UP Jason Sun

 

SENIOR BOYS DOUBLES CHAMPIONS Jason Pimenta and Liam van Rijn

                                    RUNNERS UP Jason Sun and Junhyuk Lim
 

SENIOR GIRLS SINGLES  CHAMPION Brooklyn Chitty
                                    RUNNER UP Maddy Dryland
 

SENIOR GIRLS DOUBLES CHAMPIONS Maddy Dryland and Kayla Englehardt
                                     RUNNER UP Brooklyn Chitty and Tialena Evening

 

YEAR 11 BOYS SINGLES CHAMPION Callum Magee
                                    RUNNER UP Jerome Schischka

 

YEAR 11 BOYS DOUBLES CHAMPIONS Callum Magee and Jerome Schischka
                                      RUNNERS UP Andrew Sampson and Robin Vortanov

 

YEAR 11 GIRLS SINGLES CHAMPION Fleur Skeen

 

YEAR 11 GIRLS DOUBLES CHAMPIONS Fleur Skeen and Adya Choudhary
 

YEAR 10 BOYS SINGLES CHAMPION Simon Stanimiroff
                                    RUNNER UP Kiriffi Leilua

 

YEAR 10 BOYS DOUBLES CHAMPIONS Simon Stanimiroff and Jaeyoung Heo
                                      RUNNERS UP Caleb Mellor and Scott Out- O’Reilly

 

YEAR 10 GIRLS SINGLES CHAMPION Adya  Choudhary

 

YEAR 9 BOYS SINGLES CHAMPION Felix Barrett
                                  RUNNER UP Casey Newbrook

 

YEAR 9 BOYS DOUBLES CHAMPIONS Felix Barrett and Casey Newbrook
                                    RUNNERS UP Andrew Isdale and Filip Trifunovic

 

YEAR 9 GIRLS SINGLES CHAMPION Casey Scott
                                   RUNNER UP Neve Stanimiroff

 

YEAR 9 GIRLS DOUBLES CHAMPIONS Casey Scott and Neve Stanimiroff
                                    RUNNERS UP Mia Osborne and Kitty Yu Sun