News 2013

Cross Country The Upper School cross country was run at Ian Galloway Park in fine but slightly muddy conditions on Monday. Congratulations to Bridget Kiddle (Y12) for coming first. (22/05/2013)

Netball Moment

It was a proud moment for Marsden Primary student, Libby Rodgers (Y6), who carried the ball onto court for the college curtain-raiser at the Pulse and Mystic ANZ Netball Championship at Te Rauparaha Arena last night. The Central Pulse went on to win 63-48 over the Northern Mystics much to the delight of the Wellington fans. (21/05/2013)

Cross Country Relay

Marsden was well represented at the Girls Cross Country Relay Competition at Karori Park last week, with half of the six teams entered finishing in the top three. The intermediate team came second, while the senior and Y9 teams both finished third. Madeline Wilson (intermediate) tied for the fastest individual time running her lap in 7 min 43 secs and Bridget Kiddle ran the third fastest in the Senior event with a time of 7 mins 41 secs. We are proud to have had so many girls compete and perform so well for our school!

Senior Girls Team 3rd Place (34 mins 56 secs)
Bridget Kiddle
Lorin Lambert
Lucy Knowles-McCreanor
Hannah Fletcher

Intermediate Girls Team 2nd Place (34 mins 31 secs)
Ruby Leverington
Emily Lyons
Rachel Witkowski
Madeline Wilson

Year 9 Girls Team 3rd Place (36 mins 51 secs)
Christy Robinson
Lucy Preston
Madeleine Ferrier
Jessica Seow

Wellington West Netball Reps

A remarkable number of  Marsden Y7/Y8 students have been selected to represent Wellington West Netball for 2013. Well done to:

Year 7 team:
Charlotte Strowger-Turnock, Grace Masseurs, Hanna Jacobs-Grant, Kylie Haynie and Saro Thomson
Year 8 team:
Abbie George, Brittany Osborne, Cici Davie and Rebekah Hartley

China Trip

Thirteen students along with teachers Mrs Herrington and Mrs Crawford travelled to China for two weeks in the April holidays. The trip was to give students experience of Chinese culture and the opportunity to use the Chinese language they had learned at school in real life settings. Read more ... or see Marsden's Facebook page for photo album (17/05/2013)

TePapa and Dowse Museum Trips

Art students had thought provoking trips to Wellington museums this week. Y7 visited TePapa for a talk on  distinctive Aboriginal art and Y12/13 students discovered the varied exhibitions at the Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt. (17/05/2013)

Model UN Conference

Well done to Isabel Kelly (Y13) who has been invited to attend the UN Youth New Zealand Model United Nations conference held in Wellington from 5-8th July. The committee were impressed by her entry which was chosen from an overwhelming number of delegate applications. UN Youth runs the NZ Model UN in June/July of each year, and sends delegations to the UN Youth Conference in Australia and The Hague International Model UN in the Netherlands. (15/05/2013)

Soccer Talent

During the school holidays Emma Fulbrook (Y11) attended a NZ Football National Talent Centre. As a result of her performance, Emma has been selected into the NZ Football U17 wider training squad for the 2014 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica. We are excited for Emma who will now have to work and train even harder to ensure her selection in the team that travels to the World Cup. (14/05/2013)

Service in Fiji

A fabulous team of ten Y12/13 girls with teachers Christine Barlow and Celia McCarthy had an action packed week in Fiji during the holidays where they spent time at St James Anglican Primary School. Our senior girls worked hard and took responsibility for assisting in each of the four classes. Fundraising in the preceding term allowed them to take resources to share: they enjoyed creating some Science lessons, reading lots of new books, playing with new sports gear, sewing, reinforcing good dental health, sharing musical expertise and many more fun things. Although the visit was short, our team has come away with a new understanding of the idea of service. (14/05/2013)

Guest Conductor

Marsden was fortunate Old Girl Gemma New could spare time from her busy itinerary to address Monday's assembly. Gemma is Assistant Conductor for the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and Director of the Lunar Ensemble. She began conducting at 15 and was student Head of Music in 2004. She has conducted orchestras on multiple continents, and is currently touring NZ as guest conductor for the Opus Orchestra's May concert tour. Gemma is pictured with Principal Jenny Williams and Y13 student, Ainsleigh Stone. (07/05/2013)

Inaugural Economics Prize

Old Girl and Otago economics student Anna Robinson (Y13, 2009) is the inaugural recipient of a special prize established in honour of former NZ economist Sir Frank Holmes that recognises both general academic excellence and strong quantitative skills required to support world-class research and high quality public policy. She receives $3,500 towards completion of her Honours.

Anna wishes to pursue a career as an economist and chose to study Mandarin Chinese in order to gain a deeper insight into the changing international economy. Last year she researched China’s rising household savings rates, a trend which has ramifications not only for China, but also the world economy including NZ. She’s recently returned to her studies at Otago after working as an intern at Treasury over the summer holidays. (07/05/2013)

Equestrian

Congratulations to Isabella Harley (Y13) who came 4th in the Intermediate Rider of the Year Competition at Horse of the Year 2013. What an amazing photo of her round! (06/05/2013)

Farewell and Welcome

After years of service to Marsden, Director of Sport, Paul Tessier is moving on to new challenges at Nga Tawa. We thank him for all he has done to raise the profile of sport at Marsden and wish him well in his new role.

We warmly welcome, Ms Tamra Thompson as our new Director of Sport. Tamra comes to us from the United States where she has had a similar role. She has a passion for sport, in particular basketball and we look forward to her input into Sports at Marsden. She is supported by our two part-time administrators, Leigh Perry (Primary, Cricket & Football) and Sandra Edge (Netball). (03/05/2013)

Sheilah Winn

A warm round of applause for Jessy Reese (Y13) who has been selected to participate in a week long workshop run by Shakespeare's Globe Centre New Zealand in October. Jessy was chosen by the regional Assessors at the SGCNZ National Schools competition as a direct entry to the workshop for her interpretation of a scene from 'Timon of Athens'. She directed and played Timon supported by Isabel Kelly as Alcibiades, Emily and Leandra Fiennes as Bandits 1 and 2, Emily Fisher as Painter and Emma Marsland as Poet. The October workshop is taken by high calibre theatre professionals and the students work with leading directors, culminating in two public performances of reduced versions of three of Shakespeare's plays. From there winners will be picked to go to the Globe in London next year! (01/05/2013)

ANZAC Day

Principal, Jenny Williams accompanied Head Girl, Leandra Fiennes and Head of Student Council, Emily Fiennes to a moving ANZAC Commemoration service at the Wellington Cenotaph on 25 April where the girls laid a wreath of remembrance. Lest we forget.(30/04/2013)

Swimming Sports Results

Congratulations to our 2013 swimming champions:

Scholars' Assembly

2012 Dux, Rachael Wiltshire addressed Scholars’ Assembly this morning about life after Marsden, studying at University as well as her experience of being on the Government appointed panel of top scientists and researchers tasked with identifying the biggest science challenges facing New Zealand.

Principal Jenny Williams presented our top scholars in Levels 1, 2 and 3,  Scholarship and Cambridge exams in 2012 with academic colours. Scholars’ Parents were clearly delighted to share in the success of their daughters’ academic achievements. With most of our level 3 Scholars now away at University their Colours were presented to their very proud parents. (16/04/2013)

Hockey

Exciting times ahead for Harriet Aburn (Y13), Lucy Chandler (Y11) and Julia Gluyas (Y10) who have been named in the Wellington U18 Hockey squad currently preparing for the National U18 Women's (Association) Tournament in Palmerston North in July. (18/04/2013)

Cricket

Keen cricketers, Florence Marshall and Emma Fulbrook (Y11) played for the Wellington Under 15 Team which won the national tournament in Janaury. They were also members of the Wellington U21 and Wellington Secondary Schools teams over the summer. How's that! Wellington Cricket article ... (18/04/2013)

Professional Contract for Old Girl

White Fern, Sian Ruck (Y13, 2001) becomes one of the first New Zealand women cricketers to be awarded a professional contract as announced by the New Zealand board yesterday. As part of her one year contract, Sian will work closely with Cricket Wellington to help increase awareness and interest in the game at school and club levels. Read full article ... (17/04/2013)

Swimming

Swimmer, Maggie Burns (Y11) has had brilliant start to the year. At the Wellington Long Course 14yrs Champs in January she won Gold in the 50 free, 50 Fly and 100 free, Silver in the 200, 400, and 800 free, 200 Medley, 100 Fly and 50 Breaststroke and Bronze in the 200 Fly. At the NZ Age Groups in March, Maggie continued her success with the following results:

• Gold (NZ age group Champ 14yr) 50 Free
• Silver 400 Free
• Silver 800 Free
• Silver 100 Free
• Bronze 50 Fly
• Bronze 200 Free
• Bronze 100 Fly
• 3 Relay medals

Whole School Photo

It was quite a feat by the School council to arrange a whole school photo last week, but thanks to the very efficient team at Southlight Pictures and an enthusiastic crowd of students and staff it was done in no time and a whole lot of fun. The finished photo is brilliant and available to be ordered via this link http://southlightbigpicture.weebly.com/samuel-marsden-2013.html

Orders placed before 10 May receive a significant discount!

Outdoor Shooting

Great shooting by Jess Fair (Y13) who competed at the outdoor shooting nationals finishing 2nd overall in D Grade. She was 1st in both the D Grade 2 day aggregate Graded match and the 3 day aggregate, receiving trophies and a medal. Jess also came 2nd in the Pauatahanui Open Champs. She has been included in the NZ Junior Women's team for outdoor shooting. (16/04/2013)

Hockey

Congratulations to Bridget Kiddle (Y12) who has been named in both the Capital U21 and U18 hockey teams for regional tournaments later on this year. The Capital team is one of 8 NZ regional sides and is made up from Wellington, Wairarapa, Nelson, Marlborough and Buller. (16/04/2013)

Guest Conductor

Old Girl and Student Head of Music 2004, Gemma New, will be touring NZ in May as guest conductor with the Opus Orchestra. Gemma is Assistant Conductor for the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, and Director of the Baltimore-based Lunar Ensemble. She has conducted orchestras on multiple continents, including the Danish National, BBC Scottish, Baltimore, and Christchurch (NZ) Symphony Orchestras as well as the Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivières (Canada). She will be in Hamilton on 10 May, Tauranga 11 May and Rotorua 12 May. See details ...
(15/04/2013)

Holocaust Survivor talks to History Students

Today 31 Y11 History students had the honour of hearing a talk by Eva Lavi, a Schindler Holocaust survivor. The girls were emotionally moved by the stories they heard of 2 year old Eva hiding in the Krakow ghetto, at the age of 5 being sent to Plaszow, a concentration camp in Poland, where her mother worked cleaning the villa for one of the most notorious soldiers, Amon Goeth, and her time in Auschwitz before being saved by Oskar Schindler. Eva called herself a child of miracles and the girls were amazed and inspired to hear of her experiences. (10/04/2013)

NZ Handball Team

Cassie O'Regan and Vishmi Heleratne Y13 have been named in the NZ senior women's Handball team for the upcoming Oceania World Championship Qualifier series against Australia on 26/27 April. The winners of this series qualify for the World Championships in Serbia in December this year. Catherine Graham Y12 and Casidhe Maguire Y13, 2012 are in the extended training squad. The team could do with your support so get along to the ASB Sports Centre on 26 April 5.30pm to cheer them on. See poster for more details. (09/04/2013)

NISS Athletics

Fantastic results from the North Island Secondary Schools Athletics championships on the weekend.

• Emma Fulbrook (Y11) won the Intermediate girls title setting a new NI record with a new PB throw of 41.56m.
• Bridget Kiddle (Y12) was 2nd in both the Senior Girls 800m and the Open Girls 2000m steeplechase.
• Madeline Wilson (Y10) was 2nd in both the Junior Girls 800m and 1500m
• Rachel Witkowski (Y11) placed 5th in the Intermediate Girls High Jump and 6th Intermediate Girls Long Jump
• Morgan Archer (Y13) came 5th in Senior Girls Long Jump and 9th Senior Girls Triple Jump
• Ruby Leverington (Y9) was 10th Junior Girls 3000m.

Congratulations girls on a great event. (09/04/2013)

Kids Lit Quiz - regional heat

A fabulous result for our two Y7/8 teams competing in the regional heat of the Kids Lit Quiz at Papokowhai School on Friday 5 April, they came first and second. Approximately 50 teams from the Wellington Region were involved. The competition tested the girls knowledge on literature around 10 chosen genres, including cattle, illness, etc. The girls were coached by a combination of students Head Girl, Leandra Fiennes and Jess Fair and Librarians, Karen Richards and Jennifer Nicholas. The first team progresses to the NZ final on 12 June at Parliament and we wish them all the best. The world final will be held in South Africa, 18 days later. Congratulations to:

	FIRST TEAM Katie Mackenzie Annabelle Jessop Amy Cooper Anna Featherstone-Wright
	SECOND TEAM Lauren Benseman Ruby  Hooper Elinor Bann Fenna Holmes

Parents' Association Presentation

President of the Parents' Association, Ursula Egan, presented the school with a cheque for $63,000 in assembly yesterday, being the final total raised at this year's Gala. We would like to thank the gala organising committee, stall convenors, donors, all the helpers, families and friends who worked so hard towards this fantastic result. Principal Jenny Williams pictured holding cheque (05/05/2013)

Installation Gift by MOGA

Thank you to the Marsden Old Girls' Association for the fascinating installation 'Escape House" which is now hanging in the trees by the Primary School driveway. Created by artist Louise Purvis (pictured left) it is made of galvanised steel and powder coated to match the colour of our school bricks. It was commissioned by the  Old Girls to celebrate 100 years of MOGA. (03/04/2013)

Easter Message

Easter eggs are the symbol of the resurrection of Jesus. The empty egg after new life has hatched reminding us of the empty tomb from which the resurrected Jesus brings new life to us. Students handed out Easter eggs yesterday with this message to remind us of the true meaning of Easter. (28/03/2013)

Australian Exchange

Three Y10 students Dana King, Caitlin Cresswell, Sarah Miliken head off to Perth this week on an exchange to St Mary’s Anglican Girls' School and we wish them all the best. (26/03/2013)

MAADI Cup Rowing

Our MAADI girls have returned from one of the most successful regattas in Marsden's rowing history. Congratulations to:

MAADI rowers pictured with Olympic Gold medallist, Eric Murray. (26/03/2013)

Commonwealth Day Service

Our Head Girls' Committee attended the Commonwealth Day Service at the Cathedral of St Paul on Monday 12 March. Cassie O'Regan and Morgan Archer were flag bearers. Every year on the second Monday in March, 54 countries join together in celebration of the links they share as members of the modern Commonwealth. The the theme this year was 'Opportunity through Enterprise.' The event celebrates economic innovation throughout the Commonwealth and a shared commitment towards youth, social and sustainable enterprise. (22/03/2013)

Relay for Life

The school grounds are a riot of colour today as students have swapped their uniforms for mufti to raise funds in support of this weekend's Relay for Life. Last week Y12 students held a bake sale - funds raised go to the Cancer Society. The Relay for Life takes place at Frank Kitts Park from 3.30pm on Saturday to 9.30am on Sunday with a team of 58 Marsden Y12/13s running through the night and we wish them all the best for their efforts. (21/03/2013)

Model United Nations

Four Y13 students, Hannah Fletcher, Isabel Kelly, Patricia Wright and Katie Fitzsimmons recently attended the Model United Nations held at Marsden School. The event challenged Wellington secondary school students to represent a member country and debate various topical world issues from that country’s perspective. The girls enjoyed guest lecturers, human rights workshops and the chance to be involved in a Model UN Plenary session against human trafficking. (21/03/2013)

Welcome Toin Gakuen Students

We welcome exchange students visiting from Toin Gakuen, Japan for three weeks. While here they will stay with host Marsden families who will show them a bit of the country as well as some warm Kiwi hospitality. They will also take part in normal classes and enjoy some of what Wellington has to offer.

Winning Poster

We are thrilled for Anjali Gentlejohann (Y8) whose wonderful Imagine Peace Poster went on from winning the local Karori Lions Prize, to win at District and then at National level. The competition is run by the Lions Clubs International and attracts more than 400,000 entries worldwide. The grand prize was won by Jenny Park, a 13 year old from the USA. Anjali has done really well to be the top NZ entrant and she received $200, a badge and certificate at an awards ceremony in Silverstream last Saturday. (19/03/2013)

Dragon boating

Our dragon boat girls showed great team work and spirit throughout the competition on the harbour last weekend with the Y12 team winning the B final and Y13 making the petite A final. (18/03/2013)

Lacrosse Nationals

Well done to three Marsden students who played for Wellington at the Lacrosse Nationals in Cambridge during the weekend. Wellington won the B grade and was promoted to the A grade where they finished 4th overall. International students Shizuka Nakamura scored numerous goals, Yurika Shimane did a sterling job in defence, while Sophie Snaddon scored the first goal and was selected in the All Stars team to play against the NZ Lacrosse team. All three had a great tournament. (18/03/2013)

Equestrian

Great riding by Isabella  Harley (Y13) to finish fourth in the Intermediate Rider of the Year on Gold Dust and her pony Wilful won the Pony Six Bar, jumping 1.52m, at Horse of the Year last week. (18/03/2013)

Head Chorister

We are delighted for Bria Renai (Y9) who has been named as Head Chorister for Wellington Cathedral of St Paul and will be formally recognised at the Palm Sunday Service on 24th March. As Head Chorister, Bria holds a key role in the choir as a leader and mentor and it is a wonderful opportunity for her. Congratulations Bria (pictured left) (15/03/2013)

Football

Great news for Emma Fulbrook (Y11) who joins Ella Vincent-Hyde in the NZ Football National Talent Squad. (11/03/2013)

Education Fair

Principal, Ms Jenny Williams, recently travelled to Hong Kong to attend the AAS Education Fair, where she had the opportunity to discuss the benefit of a Marsden education with families keen to have their daughters study in New Zealand. (11/03/2013)

Gala Auction

This stunning Simon Woolf photo canvas 'Moon over Wellington Clouds' was part of a wonderful list of items auctioned off at the Marsden Gala on Sunday 10 March. Thousands came on a brilliantly sunny day to enjoy great food, stalls and fun activities. Thank you to our Sponsors and the hard working Gala committee who together with their vast team of volunteers, worked tirelessly to make our Gala a huge success. (11/03/2013)

Big Sister

Student Head of Middle School, Jessica Reese, has instigated a Big Sister programme from an idea developed by the Head Girls' Committee. It is a buddy system where every Y7 has a Y12 buddy and every Y13 buddies up with a Y8 student.  The Y12s will continue the relationship through their Y13 year. This will provide our younger students with a senior friend who can answer any questions they may have or where to direct them for help. We think this is a brilliant student initiative. Pictured Ellessia with her 'Big Sister' Catherine. (06/03/2013)

Football

Congratulations to Ella Vincent-Hyde (Y10) who has again been selected for the New Zealand Football National Talent Centre. (06/03/2013)

Surf Life Saving

Joanne Cook will compete at the National Surf Life Saving Championships in Mount Maunganui on 8 and 10 March.  Joanne came 1st in the Under 16 Flags, Under 16 Beach Sprint and Open beach sprint at the Wellington Surf Life Saving Championships earlier this year, and her beach relay team came 2nd in the Central Regional Surf Life Saving Championships. (01/03/2013)

Music Camp

The annual Music Camp at El Rancho was held on 22-24 February. 90 students participated in a wonderful weekend of music, sun and fun which culminated in a fabulous concert on Sunday. All groups performed and our Y13 leaders were outstanding, coaching their groups to performance standard. Madeline Hayward Y11 outdid herself stepping up to run the flute group. Many thanks to Julian Raphael, the community musician, our wonderful parent musicians and helpers and staff members, Adair Grant, Kaz Bartsch, Mike Savage, Deborah Emsley and Head of Music Marian Campbell for another stunning music camp. See photos (26/02/2013)

Leadership Assembly

Our Heads Girl, Leandra Fiennes and deputy Georgia Beverley wrote positive messages on 600 miniature suns and placed them under everyones seats for the Leadership assembly on Monday. They introduced themselves and their committees with an inter-galatic space theme, each committee was a planet that revolves around the Marsden Sun and is held together by the Marsden Spirit. A great concept, well executed, well done girls. (26/02/2013)

NZ Designer

Principal Jenny Williams is pictured with NZ designer, Tamsin Cooper and a sample of the gorgeous brooches and accessories featuring a blue hydrangea (the Marsden school flower).  We look forward to giving these as special Marsden gifts over the next years.

Tamsin Cooper started her business in Arrowtown in 2003 with a small range of women’s silk wallets and coin purses, exquisitely hand embroidered in Vietnam. Since then her range has grown to include an extensive range of fashion accessories and coats which over the last few years have gained National acclaim. Tamsin is particularly proud of the links her family-owned business have established with Vietnam and the talented and skilful craftspeople that work for her. Trading with a conscience is essential to the way her company works, and Tamsin Cooper donates a percentage of her profits to a respected New Zealand/Vietnamese aid organisation.  Tamsin will return to Marsden to speak to students later in the year. (21/02/2013)

Athletic Sports Results

Congratulations to Jellicoe our grand Athletics Champions for 2013 and to all students for their good sportsmanship and achievements at Athletics Day Newtown Park last Monday. See results below (18/02/2013)

Induction Service

Principal Jenny Williams is pictured with Past Principal, Miss Jennifer Button, and Mrs Shona Willis herself an OG, past Management Board member and past parent, who presented the inaugural Jennifer Button Salver for the Cultural Captain at the Year 13 induction service yesterday. Reverend Ben Johnson-Frow took the special communion for our girls. This was followed by breakfast for parents and their daughters. A special day to start the final year for our Year 13 students. (15/02/2013)

National Science Challenge

The Beehive has just announced that Rachael Wiltshire, our 2012 Dux, will join a panel of top researchers to identify New Zealand's National Science Challenges for the Government. This is an amazing opportunity for Rachael who was also the 2012 Royal Society of New Zealand science prize winner. Warmest congratulations Rachael we are thrilled for you and wish you all the best for this exciting challenge. Press release
(08/02/2013)

Sad News

The Marsden family is deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend and Chaplain Rosemary Poland on 22 January 2013. Rosemary joined us in May 2006 but was diagnosed with a terminal illness in 2010, and retired in Dec 2011. Rosemary was a vibrant and much loved member of our community. She loved the great outdoors, accompanying many students on their Duke of Ed tramps. We miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Read more ... (23/01/2013)

Dream Dressage

Sofia Letteri (Y10) competed at the New Zealand Pony and Young Rider Dressage Championships at Manfield Park Feilding on January 12th & 13th. She rode four dressage tests at Level 1 (Preliminary) accumulating 67.5 points coming 2nd overall and winning the Reserve Champion sash. She narrowly missed out on the Championship by half a point. Sofia has already qualified for the Horse of the Year competition in Hastings in March where she will compete for the Level 1 Championship and we wish her well. (23/1/2013)