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13 March 2020

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Year 18 Issue 7 of 40

Public Office Hours 8.15am -

3.30pm Monday - Friday

From our Principal, John Maguire

Take a Moment:

Health is about more than what you’re eating. It’s what you’re thinking, saying and believing.

Tēnā koutou katoa ngā whānau, On the eve of our House Games day tomorrow, I am looking forward to seeing the

house colours out in full force, hearing the house chant off, the participation in events and the leadership of our sports leaders, house leaders and their Yr 13 peers, as they embark on providing this fun day for all Garin Students. Enjoy the spirit of the day everyone and good luck to all houses as you start your point collection for the year. May the best house win.

I have really enjoyed the interaction of school and our parent community this week as we launched our Wellbeing Strategic focus with our “Whanau Wellbeing Hui” and our “Parent Evening for NCEA.” I am encouraged by the number of parents who are participating in these events. I hope the information provided is keeping you informed and that the interaction with our Wellbeing provider and staff at these events is supporting your understanding and interaction with your children. We appreciate the feedback from parents about wellbeing initiatives that are valued in the College and suggestions that were given for future consideration for Wellbeing. I hope to see parents joining us again Friday night for the Showquest Quiz Night Fundraiser Friday, 13 March 7:00 – 8:00pm.

As reports continue in terms of the COVID-19 and the World Health Organisation status has confirmed a pandemic, we are ensuring we keep on top of the advice coming out from the Ministry of Health and Education. Our school pandemic planning has been reviewed. Please see latest update further on in this newsletter. Staff continue to remind students of the hygiene precautions we all need to consider to protect the health of ourselves and others.

Washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after eating as well as after attending the toilet

Covering coughs and sneezes with clean tissues or with an elbow

Putting used tissues in the bin

Staying at home if they are unwell. Communicate with the school on absence.

Call your medical centre before arriving for an appointment if you are experiencing flu like symptoms.

I wish our group of Yr 10 students and teachers well as they head out on their Journey Camps at Old McDonald’s Farm, Marahau, on Monday and Wednesday this coming week. This is the last of our term 1, Journey Camps for 2020. Thank you to all staff involved, it is a big time commitment for staff but the bene-fits of sharing this experience with the students really enhances building great relationships for learning for the year ahead. Tracy Stock completes an amazing job in organising the Garin Journey Programme and all the planning that goes into these events. Thank you Tracy.

This weekend and next week we also have our Adventure Racing team heading to Cromwell and our Senior Volleyball Teams competing in their events locally. Good luck to all and thank you to our staff, Tom and Martine, and our parent helpers who are supporting these events.

Another week rolls over in our Lenten period. May we take the time to remember a Lenten message in our busy days - PRAY is love for God, FAST is love for yourself, GIVE is love for others.

Mā te Atua koe e tiaki - May God be with you

John Maguire, Principal

From our Principal, John Maguire

S c h o o l C a l e n da r :

Mon 16th - Fri 20th March - Year 10 Journey

Sat 21st March - Mission Expo 2020

Mon 30th & Tues 31st March - Year 9/10 Parent Conferences

Mon 30th March - 3rd April - Summer Tournament Week

Sat 4th April - Shakespeare Festival

Thurs 9th April - Last day Term 1

Fri 10th April - Good Friday, School closed

Mon 27th April - ANZAC DAY holiday, School closed

Tues 28th April - Term 2 Begins

Coronavirus COVID-19 Update 13 March 2020

Kia ora Parents and Caregivers You may have seen that the World Health Organisation has now declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic. As noted by the Minister of Health, this doesn’t change what New Zealand is doing to respond to coronavirus. The Ministry of Health has been working through its pandemic plan since January. You will also know the Government has already implemented a range of measures to minimise the impacts to New Zealand. This includes border restrictions, a requirement to self-isolate on arrival in New Zealand from China, Iran, Italy and the Republic of Korea and immediate and detailed contact tracing of any confirmed cases. It is important to note those four countries account for more than 90% of cases globally and China and the Republic of Korea have significantly declining numbers of new cases. We have 5 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Zealand and it is pleasing to know they are all doing well and are at home. Their children, four students at Auckland schools, continue to be well and show no symptoms. While we expect that more cases will arise, the Ministry of Health says that with continued vigilance the chance of widespread community outbreak is expected to remain low in New Zealand. We all have a role to play in this. For our school, our pandemic plan is also ready to be implemented if needed. In the mean time we will continue to focus on good hygiene practices. Hand washing and good cough etiquette are very important tools in preventing the spread of illness including colds, flu and COVID-19. With that, there is a good video clip from Nanogirl that will help your children to better understand the virus - copy this link and paste into your browser You may have also seen the Prime Minister sat down with Dr Michelle Dickinson (aka Nanogirl) and the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, Juliet Gerrard, to talk about coronavirus: copy these links and paste in your browser

One other action we can all take is to be vigilant about our own health and the health of our children. I will be encouraging my staff to stay away from school if they are showing signs of illness such as coughs and colds. I ask that you please do the same with your children. Colds and flus are common in schools and by staying away, seeking medical attention and practicing good hygiene, we can all keep any spread of illness to a minimum.

Ngā mihi

John Maguire Principal

NZWIR On Monday 9th March, many parents gathered in our school library to listen to Adrienne Buckingham from the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing and Resilience. The focus was Practical Strategies to Protect & Promote Wellbeing in Your Whānau. Adrienne has been a teacher for 15 years and has a Diploma in Positive Psychology and Wellbeing from the Langley Group Institute in Australia and is the developer of MenFit, a classroom program for 14 year old boys, demonstrated to improve wellbeing. Adrienne said, "We know there’s no point in schools taking wellbeing seriously if their whānau and wider community don’t understand the need. We also know that every school is different and that considering context and culture is vital when it comes to promoting wellbeing.” The one-hour session introduced the community to key scientific findings around wellbeing in a relatable way. She discussed what wellbeing means to you, strategies to promote per-sonal and collective wellbeing and what wellbeing might mean for our particular community. Thank you to all the parents/whanau who attended. We realise that not all parents and whanau could attend, so we will make available Adrienne's valuable and helpful slides on our website next week. The key points that I took away as a parent is that: - We need to be compassionate to ourselves. - Stop trying to be perfect, life isn't. - Take time to be grateful for what we do have. - Focus on the positive in our kids - their strengths. - Success comes in many forms in a child and we need to value that. For example; praise your child if they are generous or kind. Question for your whanau: What is one good thing that happened today? The NZ Mental Health Foundation have come up with 5 Ways to Wellbeing:

How is your wellbeing? Just some food for thought. Take care and be kind to yourself :)

Jen Dalton

Wellbeing Educational Leader for Garin College

“This year’s camp was full of new and fun experiences: caving, outdoor rock climbing, mountain biking and navigating were activities I had not done before. Despite the wet and cold weather, I had a great time having a go and having fun with my friends.”

“I think that this camp was a great experience, and I enjoyed it a lot. One of the highlights for me was Mountain Biking as I got to stretch my abilities in something I really hadn't done before. The rain & wind enhanced the experience as it was nice brushing on my face.”

“Camp was good this year especially the mountain biking which was my favourite activity as I feel like it was the one that I haven’t really done before. The people and vibe of the whole camp was amazing as well I think we all got on really well and just had a good time.”

“I felt as though I got closer to everyone on camp and got to know them better, I really enjoyed all the activities and working with my group, but my favourite activity was caving. I banged my head on the same place twice and loved going through the wormhole.”

“I learnt lots of things from camping. I did a lot of things that I’ve not done before. I’ve never caved before, it was very nice in a cave it was very dark and cold but stalactites and stalagmites are so beautiful and I met a lot of new friends.”

“On camp we did lots of things: mountain biking, navigation, caving and rock climbing. Each of these activities presented different challenges for everyone. It was difficult when the rain was poring down and all you wanted was to have a hot shower and crawl into your sleeping bag, but fun when you were racing down a trail on your bike. Overall it was a good adventure.”

“The staff of Whenua Iti did a great job of explaining the areas around us and keeping us entertained on the way with riddles and jokes. One of my favourite activities was the caving; this is because it was something I

have never done before and brought me closer together with everyone.”

“The activities on camp this year were great. Each one had its high and lows and they all sent adrenaline rushing through your body, whether it was at the top of the rock climbing wall or speeding down the hill on your mountain bike, it was fun!” “Camp was a really fun new experience for me. I did lots of activities that I had never done before, which was awesome fun to do with my friends. I became really close with people I never thought I would talk to.” “Year 11 camp was a good time, not only was it fun but it was a good time to hang out with your friends, it was fun to do activities like caving, climbing, mountain biking and navigation and interesting to learn how to navigate with a compass and all about what is going on in a cave.”

“Caving gave us all a chance to get outside our comfort zones, as going underground is not an everyday thing! It was really interesting seeing all of the structures and features of the caves, and learning about how caves are formed.”

“Mountain biking was a good opportunity to have some time to myself, we were able to go at our own speed and be alone in the bush for awhile. I loved mountain biking because I got to enjoy the scenery and have fun at the same time. All up, camp was a really great experience and I feel like I have gained skills that I can now put to use in my everyday life.”

Year 11 Journey to Canaan Downs was a great experience. Here are some thoughts from Mrs Walter’s REL class:

Hi, my name is Emily-Rose Reeve. I am a year 13 student at Garin College, I have been awarded the role of health and well-being captain for 2020. I

would consider myself to be a motivated, hard working student who wants to create a positive learning environment for all students at Garin. I see this role as a way of giving back to the school and helping to improve health and well-being within the college.

Hey guys, I’m Westley and I am currently a year 13 student attending Garin College, I am fulfilling the role of Health and Well-being Captain for 2020. I will be trying my best in order to make health and well-being an important part of the school. I am a hard working individual who is motivated to ensure that we can make events that revolve around Health fun for everyone within the college for all students and teachers. I am hoping that I can make 2020 a good year and that the legacy of Health and Wellbeing is fulfilled.

NCEA Regulations for Learning

This week all Year 11-13 students have been sent online information which indicates to us that you and your daughter/son have discussed and understand our Garin College NCEA policy and procedures. It is important that all senior students understand NCEA procedures so that they are well equipped with information to guide them through this important part of their school career. Please click here for this online booklet.

All Year 11 learners have received a hard copy of the school’s NCEA information booklet and this has been shared with the students via email also. Please do not hesitate to contact your son/daughter’s teachers should you wish to discuss any matters pertaining to NCEA going forward.

Year 9 & 10 Parent Teacher Interviews

On Monday 30th March & Tuesday 31st March from 3:30 - 5:30pm in the Redwood Block Garin College invites Parents/ Caregivers to attend Parent Teacher Interviews for Years 9 & 10. Bookings will be completed through the KAMAR Parent Portal where Parent/Caregivers click under the “Interview” tab to select times and your son/daughter’s teacher. The bookings for Parent Teacher Interviews are live on the KAMAR Parent Portal on Friday 20th March at 9am. We look forward to connecting with you and sharing the development in learning your child has made.

Teaching and Learning @ Garin College

NZ Ocean Swim Race NZ Ocean Swim Race Series

Takapuna King of the Bays 2.8 km – Abbey won overall woman and age.

Wellington Habour Classic – 3.3km – Abbey won overall woman and age.

NZ Open Waters Taupo -7.5 km – Abbey won overall woman and age

La Grande Akaroa - 5.0km - Abbey won overall woman and age

Big Tahuna - 3.0 km - Abbey won overall woman and age

Coming up: March 21st Rotorua - 5th Race in the Series - Representing Garin - Event

doubling as Secondary Schools Open Water Series

Abbey has qualified for the NZ Opens where she’ll race against NZ elite level all ages .

During the school holidays, National age groups – she is targeting selection to the Worlds.

Lenten Reflection: “I was thirsty, and you gave me drink”. People are poor or thirsty or hungry in so many different ways. There are those who hunger for a smile, or for attention, or understanding, or for love. There are those who are naked. There are so many ways of being naked - people whose faults are well-known for one reason or another find themselves exposed to curiousity or exploitation. They are vulnerable to criticism because their inadequacies are on their sleeves. There are people in prison in so many ways. There are many ways of being a stranger. I can experience these needs in one form or another too. There are people in my family who experience them. There are people with whom I work who experience them. There are people in my neighbourhood who experience them. I don’t have to look halfway round the globe to think of ways in which I might respond to those needs - or fail to respond to them. When I come to the end of my life, the greatest things I will have done will be to have extended a consoling touch, a word, a smile, to those who in so many different ways are hungry, thirsty, strangers, in prison. (From ‘The Little Black Book: 6 - minute meditations on the Sunday Gospels of Lent)

Mission Expo 2020 - A Call to Everyone Whakaaturanga Mīhana 2020

MISSION EXPO UPDATE:

Date: Saturday 21st March, 2020 Time: 11am - 2.30 pm

Where: Garin College, Champion Road, Richmond, Nelson Organisation is well underway for this big Diocesan event. We are now wanting to confirm the availability of Garin students for the following jobs:

Waiters and waitresses for the High Tea Cafe (Garin College Staffroom). Students will be rostered on in shifts and will have an adult supervising them at all times. Music/Technical support students to set up and manage the Sound System, microphones and musical instruments (between Performing Arts Block and C-Block). Games and activities leaders - to organise and run games such as 3-legged race, sack race, egg’n’spoon race etc.

If you would like to be here and take one of these leadership roles, please let Mrs Ward know as soon as possible. Mission Expo 2020 will be a celebration of who we are in the Archdiocese and will take place rain or shine. Bring your family, invite your friends. There will be workshops, display booths, cultural exchanges, food fares, games and more, to highlight who we are as a Missionary Church here in the Archdiocese. We will welcome Cardinal John Dew and many other presenters who will be here to launch the year’s programme.

"Faith Facts"

mailto:kathrynhunt@cloud.garincollege.ac.nz

Special Olympics Swimming

At the special Olympics on Wednesday Garin College competed against many schools including Waimea, Queen Charlotte, Nayland, Salisbury and Tapawera at the Aquatic Centre.

Garin won the relay race in a time of 1.41.69 and lots of firsts in other events.

CONGRATULATIONS: Nixon Laming-Griffiths, Ryan Turner-Maxwell, Lucy McDonnell and Alfie Linn

Board Required

Private Board arrangement required for a female student attending Garin College Please contact Shona on email: shonaerasmuson@cloud.garincollege.ac.nz or phone: 03 543 9488

Many thanks for your consideration