News Archive

News from 2011

Farewell Year 13

On Thursday 1 December we held the traditional Parents Association Y13 Leavers' Breakfast to thank and farewell our Y13 students.  The Guest Speaker, Mayor of Porirua, Nick Leggett spoke about the need for perseverance in life and the fact that goals will not always come easily.  It was an excellent moment for the students to take away with them as they embark upon the next phase of their lives and we wish them success and happiness in whatever they undertake. (19/12/2011)

Y12 Leadership Camp

Our Y12 students went through physical challenges and mental problem solving at the Leadership Camp on 1-3 December. Director of Whitby, Mrs Anne Winnall and Whitby Dean, Mr Tim Overton oversaw this cohesive and supportive group of students as they worked together to solve the testing situations they faced at camp. Our 2012 student leadership looks to be in good hands. (12/12/2011)

School leaders for 2012

We are delighted to announce our new leaders for 2012:

Cricket Career

Taylor Wenlock (Y11) is leaving us at the end of this year to follow his ambition to become a professional cricketer and will spend the next three years developing his skills as a cricketer, coach and umpire.  In 2012 Taylor’s timetable will include two practice sessions a day, commencing at 6am, fulltime study at the Institute of Sport (NZIS Certificate in Sport Studies), assisting daily with coaching at the Wellington School of Cricket and a full season of cricket (4 months) in India, as well as a full New Zealand season, along with any invitation games that come along.  Taylor, (pictured with his cricketing idol, Indian test batsman VVS Laxman) had a very successful four weeks at St John’s Academy, Hyderabad and has an open invitation to return.    We look forward to celebrating a Black Cap amongst the Past Pupils of Marsden Whitby before too long! (28/11/2011)

Dance Performance

Nikita Bublitz (Year 7) and Landen Hale-Brown (Year 11) are performing in the dance production “Tectasia 3000” at Pataka on 9, 10 and 11 December. (28/11/2011)

Mountain Bike Success

Congratulations to Ben Eagle for finishing second overall in the U15 category of the PNP Mountain Bike Series Competition.  Ben competed in all five of the races for this series and should be very proud of his achievements. (14/11/2011)

Dance Scholarship

Landen Hale-Brown has won a return scholarship in the advance dance room at Phoenix Dance Workshops. He also has a nomination for a New Zealand Association of Modern Dance (NZAMD) scholarship gaining 97 out of 100 for his hip hop exam. During competion last weekend Landen came second from a total of 63 dancers and we think this is a tremendous achievement.  He dances at Dance Plus Performance Studio that teaches tap, jazz ballet, hip hop, contemporary and musical theatre exams or open work for pre school to adults. Dance Plus Studio has a production at Pataka Performing Arts studio on 9 December at 7pm, 10 December at 4pm and 11 December at 1pm for anyone interested in this vibrant sport. (14/11/2011)

Katherine Mansfield Award

Congratulations to Chelsea Le Roux (pictured right) and Alex Hollis (Marsden Karori) who received a Katherine Mansfield Birthplace Literature Award for secondary school students in the Wellington region. This was presented today by New Zealand author, Dame Fiona Kidman (centure), at Katherine Mansfield Birthplace in Thorndon.
(01/11/2011)

Summer Uniform

All students are required to be in summer uniform from Week 2 of next term so the holidays would be a good time to check the condition of summer uniform items ready for the day after Labour Day.  Please also make a note that the first day of Term 4 for students is Tuesday 18 October. (04/09/2011)

Music Showcase

Thursday night’s Music Showcase Concert was a veritable musical smorgasbord of creative and artistic talent, ranging from classical to contemporary, solo to ensemble and voice through to dance.  It was a highly entertaining event and great testament to the musical talent of our students and the work and energy of Mrs Edgecombe, and other staff, in guiding and nurturing that talent. (04/09/2011)

Athletics

Mana Amateur Athletic Club 2011/2012 season registration nights for adults and children aged 5 yrs and older will be at 6pm on Tuesday 4 October and Tuesday 11 October at Adventure Park, Discovery Dr, Whitby. Season starts 26 October - $60 fee for the season (which includes T1 & T4). For pre-season registrations please contact Joanne Thompson on 235-7394.

Music Showcase Concert

We have some spectacular musicians and singers in school who will be showcasing their talent with an end of term concert on Thursday 29 September at 7pm in the Music Room. Parents and friends welcome. (26/09/2011)

Brilliant Biking

Congratulations to Ben Eagle (Y9) on finishing 1st in the U15 PNP Wellington Spring Mountain Bike Series at Mt Victoria on Sunday.  It was a great achievement as the course was a very muddy after lots of rain.  Ben has entered in the next three rounds at Makara & Belmont and we wish him well. (19/09/2011)

Year 7 Service

Students Alex Long, Aaron Itinteang and Charles Cooling get quite a workout cleaning ambulances as part of their Year 7 service to the community. What a great job! (13/09/2011)

House Music

The standard of performance at  this year's House Music on Wednesday raised the event to new heights. Each House had to perform 3 songs – a waiata, a version of Nickelback’s “If Everyone Cared” and then a song of their own choosing.  The variations in interpretation and presentation style were tremendous and hugely entertaining. Congratulations to the following students who were singled out for special awards:

It was once again a very close run event but in the end the winner was Adventure House, ably led by Simon Yip and Rochelle O’Donnell.  Second was Endeavour and equal 3rd place went to Resolution and Discovery Houses. (12/009/2011)

Super Scientists

Marsden Y9 science students developed and tested some fascinating theories to impress the judges in the recent NIWA Science Fair. Well done to:

Thank you

The PE Dept would like to thank St Anne's Primary School Newtown & their Principal Doreen O'Sullivan for the kind donation of their Heart & Soul Music CD. Thank you!

Big thanks also to Angie Egerton who came in and spoke to Y10 Health classes about Mental Health - very insightful and well received. (31/08/2011)

Swimming records fall

Oliver Lusk was in record breaking form at the recent swimming Nationals. He won a silver medal in the 50m breaststroke breaking the Wellington record. His time of 29.66s is a real milestone: only a very few swimmers break 30 seconds, and it puts him in the top ten in the country. In the 100m breaststroke he gained a bronze medal and another Wellington Record. A memorable day for an incredible swimmer! (17/08/2011)

Parents Association Quiz Night

The Parents Association held their annual Quiz Night fundraiser last Friday evening, facilitated by Lynda and Michael Corcoran.  The event was a terrific success.  A big thank you to The Lodge Pauatahanui, Peter and Viv Gurrey, for the use of their function premises, and to Progressive Homes, Danielle and Andrew Leslie and the Henshaw family for their generous prize donations. Also Henshaw Signs who supplied the signage up at the school.  We truly appreciate your support.

We couldn't have managed without Susan Eagle and Caroline Walker,  our official markers, and Suzanne Wareham and Jane Inge who spent the night running up and down securing jokers and selling raffles - thank you.

A narrow margin separated the top three teams, but the quiz was eventually won by "Fencing Wire" featuring Marsden Director, Anne Winnall and Marsden Whitby teachers. Second was "J Not Again" and third, "Raining champions". It was wonderful to see the evening being supported by school families and also those out in the greater community. (17/08/2011)

Old Girls lunch at Whitby

The MOGA Committee organised a wonderful lunch for senior Marsden Karori Old Girls at Marsden Whitby on Saturday 6 August.  Director of Marsden Whitby Anne Winnall gave a most entertaining and informative talk on Marsden Whitby to date and student leaders took Old Girls on tours around the school.  These impressive young leaders were knowledgeable, patient and obviously very proud of their school.  It was a pleasure to meet them and see the vibrant campus that is Marsden Whitby. Director of Development, Mrs Martine Foster

Staff only day – Friday 26 August

The Ministry of Education recently announced the provision of two staff only days to assist staff working on the implementation of new curriculum-aligned NCEA standards for 2012.  This time to work together will be of enormous benefit to staff and students and Marsden’s Y7-13 teachers will take a ‘staff only day’ on Friday 26 August.

Classics Tour 2012

The Humanities department at Karori are organising a Classics trip to Europe in 2012.  If your son or daughter is interested in attending please contact Fiona Crawford on 476 8792 Ext 810 or Fiona.crawford@marsden.school.nz

Whitby Waves Netball

Our Whitby Waves netball team faced a fired up North's Emerald last week. It was a very physical game but the Waves were undaunted and made the most of their few scoring opportunities.  With a lot going against them the girls continued to play with determination. As a result the whole team was made Player of the Day. (04/07/2011)

CSW Swimming

Oliver Lusk had a great day in the pool today at the CSW Individual Swimming Championships.  With over 140 swimmers competing, Oliver finished second in the 100m and 50m Breaststroke, 8th in the 50m Backstroke and 14th in the Individual Medley. Well done! (22/06/2011)

CSW Cross Country Championships

Marsden Whitby's top nine runners competed in the College Sport Wellington (CSW) Cross Country Championships at Trentham Memorial Park on 1 June.  Cailtin Foster, Tait Hoby, Abdullah Inayatullah, Nopera Dennis-Maccarthy, Danny Evans, Joshua Hamilton, Joseph Demetriou, Jesse Baxter and Benjamin Eagle had brilliant weather conditions for a very fiercely fought event. Hundreds of students took part in this event with schools represented from as far as Wairarapapa. In the Intermediate Boys catorgy there were 102 entrants alone. All of our students were placed in the mid-field which is a great accomplishment. Thank you to the parents who came along to support. (22/06/2011)

Vietnam Volunteer

We are delighted for Joshua Hamilton (Y10) who has successfully applied to be part of the Global Volunteer Network Youth Tour to Vietnam from 26 July to 4 August.  Joshua is one of only 4 New Zealanders to be chosen and needs to raise $5000 - part of these funds will be used to buy equipment for the children in the orphanage with whom he will be working.  Joshua has put the word round in his local area asking for work such as gardening, stacking firewood and so on.  If you are able to offer Joshua an outlet for raising funds for this trip please contact the school and we will put you in touch with Joshua’s family. He is going to be cleaning some staff cars one afternoon for starters! (20/06/2011)

Rock ‘n’ Cheer Nationals

Congratulations to Hayley Thompson (Y7) and Bronte Johnston (Y9) who have successfully auditioned for the Zone Cheerleading Elite Team. They have been training hard, twice a week, learning their routine for the upcoming Cheerleading National Competition in Auckland, 2-4 July. Hayley is also a member of the Zone Dance Team which is competing at the Rock 'n' Cheer Competition as well, in the Open Dance section.The girls will also attend the International Cheerleading Competition in November. Go girls! (20/06/2011)

Football

Joanne Sullivan (Y13) and Caitlin Foster (Y10) are regular members of the Marsden Karori 1st XI football team. This team has just qualified for the College Sport Wellington Regional premier competition, played at Te Whaea artificial turf on Wednesday evenings.  They will also be travelling to Whanganui during winter tournament week, 22 to 26 August 2011, to compete in a National Satellite Tournament.  Congratulations to the team and, in particular, to Joanne and Caitlin. (20/06/2011)

Cross Country

The Whitby Y7 & 8 Parumoana Cross Country Team of Jessica Eagle, Bronte Johnston, Callum Wilson, Jason Deery & Charles Cooling had a brilliant day competing  at Battle Hill Forest Park, Pauatahanaui. Hundreds of students from local schools took part in this event in beautiful weather conditions, although it was very muddy underfoot.
We were thrilled with our team's results.  Outstanding congratulations to Jessica Eagle who finished 5th in Y7 Girls – making it into the Regional Team. Thank you to all the parents who came along to support. (15/06/2011)

Big Sing Winners

Congratulations to our Director of Music, Mrs Marian Campbell, Whitby music teacher, Mrs Felicia Edgecombe and their choirs for outstanding performances at the Big Sing yesterday.  Karori Year 13 student Anna McKinnon lead the Ad Summa choir to win an award for the best student led choir. Marsden Karori and Marsden Whitby were announced joint winners of the Festival Cup which goes to the school that best represents the spirit of the competition – what a fantastic result. (09/06/2011)

Debating

Congratulations to Adventure House who won this year’s debating competition, against stiff competition from the Resolution House team.  Teams were debating the moot “That New Zealand should become a republic” and we had some highly entertaining and imaginative arguments put forward from both sides of the coin. In the end Adventure had the edge and also the Best Speaker in Angela Bauman. (02/06/2011)

Photographic Competition

Well done to Jessica Eagle (Y7) who won the Junior Human Impact and Junior Scenic Impressions sections of a recent photographic competition run by the Guardians of the Pauatahanui Inlet. (02/06/2011)

Open Days

Our Open Days were tremendously successful last weekend.  For the first time we held a “School in Action” day on Friday 20 followed by the more traditional Open Day on Saturday 21.  The two days saw in excess of 70 families come through the school and everyone was very positive about what they saw and experienced.  Many families commented in particular on the students who assisted as guides both days saying that they were most impressed with their maturity, articulacy and clear love of the school. (02/06/2011)

Soccer

The first game of the 2011 Marsden Whitby Football season began with a great performance, winning 3-0 against Silverstream 5. Player of the match was Abdullah Inayatullah, his hard work and effort on the left hand side of the pitch was awesome. Terence Collins-Hawkins also played a stunning game, scoring a hat-trick. Callum Boniface in goal kept a clean sheet and the new players this year were superb: Joseph Demetriou, Hamish Wareham, Amanjot Singh and Jarred Pead. (02/06/2011)

Masked madness

Masks added a touch of drama to a recent performance for English by our Year 8 students. Click on the image to see their full brilliance.

Cross Country

Congratulations to all the runners on a hugely successful Cross Country event last Monday.  It was a beautiful day and although the rain made the going under foot slower than anticipated everyone did a magnificent job. (01/06/2011)

Cross Country Results

Swimming Sports

Last week we held our annual Swimming Sports at Te Rauparaha Arena. Congratulations to all who participated, in particular those who are less accomplished swimmers but who were keen to participate on behalf of their house. 

Swimming Sports Results

Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund

Our students enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to support the Relief Fund.
Our Mufti Day theme was “Red and Black” requiring students and staff alike to dress in those colours. Senior students arranged a bake sale for the same day. Many students displayed their fine baking talent presenting some very creative and impressive red and black sweet delights! Together, both fundraisers totalled over $1400.00.

As a further fundraising initiative students organised a lunchtime concert which showcased the many talents within school ranging from karate to ballet; rock bands to classical items; cheerleading dancers to hip hop. This was such fun – our Director concluded the programme with a resounding rendition of “Mom’s Song” much to the huge delight of students and staff alike!

A few days later Discovery School invited Marsden Whitby to join them in a fun run with funds being collected for the Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund. Students were to seek sponsorship from amongst their family and friends for each lap of Adventure Park they completed. Once again we were thrilled with the outcome: just over $4000 was raised by our school.

We were very pleased to have 3 Christchurch students attending Marsden Whitby during this time.

Hockey

This year we are fielding a mixed team playing in the boys’ league.  

In the first game of the season, Terry Collins-Hawkins scored 3 times to lead Marsden Whitby to a 3-1 win over St Patrick's Silverstream.  

Despite starting with a reduced team due to traffic delays, our second game was just as successful with a 5-4 win over Paraparaumu College B. What a great start to the season, we are looking forward to continuing good results. Go team! (16/05/2011)

House Debating

The week begins with the first round of the House Debating Championships taking place during assembly on Monday. (16/05/2011)

Workchoice Day

On Tuesday Y12 students will be out visiting various workplaces for the Workchoice Day. (16/05/2011)

Athletics

We are delighted for Terence Collins Hawkins (Y12) who finished 5th in 100m at the North Island Secondary Schools Athletic Championships in Hamilton on 2-3 April. Terence had an incredible day & has now qualified to compete in the Nationals in December.  Congratulations Terence. (04/04/2011)

Soccer

Congratulations  to Joanne Sullivan (Y13) and Caitlin Foster (Y10) who have been selected to play in the Marsden Karori First XI Soccer team.  We look forward to following your progress. (05/04/2011)

Scholars Assembly

Parents of students who gained Endorsements at either Merit or Excellence for NCEA Levels 1, 2 or 3 in 2010 are warmly invited to attend the Scholars Assembly to be held Monday 4 April, at 11.30am in the School Gymnasium.  We look forward to recognising and celebrating the tremendous achievements of our senior students in 2010. (28/03/2011)

Guitar Tutoring

Our new guitar teacher, Rob Matthews is soon to begin teaching guitar at Marsden Whitby on Mondays and Fridays after school. Rob is a graduate of Whitireia Performing Arts School and is an experienced guitarist, teacher and band-member.Students wishing to take up this opportunity can either contact Mrs. Edgecombe  or, better still, email Rob directly robmatthewsguitar@Gmail.com or phone 027-307-5141. (28/03/2011)

Violin Tutoring

We can also offer lessons in violin from Mrs. Anthea Shelton, who is a member of the Wellington Vector Orchestra and a tutor at Chilton St James School in Lower Hutt. She is also able to arrange for the hire of instruments if that is necessary. Again – if you are interested, please contact Mrs. Edgecombe  or contact Mrs. Shelton direct anthea_shelton@hotmail.com or phone 970-3349. (28/03/2011)

Parumoana Cricket Tournament

On Tuesday 22nd March, eight Y7-8 students attended a Cricket Tournament for the schools in the Parumoana Zone. The team consisted of Kajal Modi, Callum Wilson, Jason Deery, Gabrielle Johnston, Bronte Johnston, Aaron Itinteang, Jack England and Connor Dollimore. They played 2 games, each consisting of eight 6-ball overs per side. The team played extremely well and won their first game against Adventure A 55-12 runs and their second game against Adventure B 38-25 runs.  Each student bowled an over, and batting pairs stayed for two overs, despite the number of times they got out. A fun and enjoyable afternoon was had by all, with most of the players keen to play more games. (28/03/2011)

Cookery Evening

Marsden Whitby Parents Association are thrilled to be running a second Cookery Evening hosted by local culinary expert Lynda Corcoran on Wednesday 11 May 7.30-9.30pm at the Lodge, Pautahanui. The theme this time is Slow Cooking and Easy Meals for families and flatters. Last years’ Cookery Evening sold out quickly so if you are keen please call in at the school office or contact Lynda direct on 04 234 1703. Tickets $25 which includes tastings and free recipe sheets. Raffle and other goodies on offer. Wine and refreshments will be available to purchase.  (24/03/2011)

Athletics

Nineteen records were broken at Marsden Whitby Athletic Sports last week. Our 2011 champions are:

Congratulations to our title holders and all students who competed with energy and enthusiasm. See full list. (21/03/2011)

Athletics Success

We are delighted for Terence Collins Hawkins (Y12) who has been selected for the Wellington Secondary Schools Athletics team to compete at the North Island Secondary Schools Athletic Championships in Hamilton on 2-3 April. Terence had an incredible day with his events at the recent Western Zone Athletics finishing first in the Intermediate Boys 100m and second in the 200m. We wish him well for the North Island competition. (18/03/2011)

Commonwealth Observation Ceremony

Head Boy, Michael Ricardo Winton, and Head Girl, Alexandra Foote, represented Samuel Marsden Whitby at a Commonwealth Day Observance Ceremony at the Cathedral of St Paul, Wellington on Monday evening. They took part in a flag parade of all the commonwealth countries. It was a very moving event attended by many distinguished figures.   (18/03/2011)

Student Leadership Team 2011

Our full leadership team has now been appointed and we look forward to working alongside such a tremendous group of young people.  Congratulations to them all.

Mufti Day/Fundraising

Thank you to the entire school community for such a wonderful fundraising Red and Black Day last Monday.  The mufti day and bake sale raised in excess of $1400 for the Christchurch earthquake relief fund. Our next fundraiser is a sponsored Fun Run in conjunction with Discovery School, next Friday 18th March.

Civil Defence

In the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquake, NZCER are making available for free download a book to help schools support students.

After Disaster was published by NZCER Press in 2000 and written by registered psychologists Peter Stanley, now senior lecturer, Department of Human Development and Counselling, The University of Waikato, and Sarah Williams. Described by the authors as a psychological first aid guide, it contains research-based information to help teachers understand children’s likely immediate and longer-term responses to disaster. It includes ideas of questions to prompt classroom discussion, and activities to help students work through their experiences. It is also a very useful tool for parents to use Download the book

Academic results – Whitby

Congratulations to the Whitby students and teachers for a fine set of results for 2010.  As numbers grow, it is becoming more relevant to gather comparative data for Whitby.  96% of students gained their Level 1 certificate, with 62% gaining a merit or excellence endorsement (compared to 38% nationally).  100% of students gained their Level 2, with 50% gaining a merit or excellence endorsement (compared to 27% nationally).  Our four Level 3 students gained their Level 3, with two gaining a merit endorsement. (14/02/2011) 

School redevelopment

We are excited about the major transformation of our school site over the holidays. (Pictured: Director of Marsden Whitby, Mrs Anne Winnall helping to demolish walls in the admin block.) While there are still some finishing touches needed, we can report on work accomplished so far:-

• The admin block has been extensively remodeled and refitted to provide extra office space, meeting rooms, a second sick bay area, a new classroom and an improved office/reception area.
• One of the rooms in the prefab building has been altered to provide a new senior teaching space.
• The Lockwood which was brought on site from Karori at the end of 2010 is now fully utilized – mostly as a Maths classroom.
• The new classroom underneath the Art Room will be completed and ready for occupation at the end of next week.
• The senior science lab and new cafeteria facility will not be available for another couple of weeks, hence the need for students to bring their own lunches until next Wednesday and for some room changes to be necessary over the next week or so.

Once all the work is complete we will be holding an Open Day during the school week so you can come and see what a difference this development has made to us all. (08/02/2011)

No Parking on Starboard Lane

We are concerned about several safety issues regarding access to and parking on Starboard Lane, particularly with our ongoing building programme. Therefore we repeat an earlier request that parents park in Discovery Drive at all times when visiting the school or dropping off/collecting their sons and daughters.The buses which collect our students at the end of the day have priority over other drivers and it is essential that we keep access to them as clear as possible for students.  Thank you for your cooperation, our students' welfare is our main concern. (08/02/2011)

Dux 2010

Warmest congratulations to our 2010 Dux, Alex Embury.
Full list of Whitby prize winners