Ad Augusta May 2012 - Takapuna Grammar School

Ad Augusta
A NEWSLETTER OF TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
The judges with the place getters. Mr Simon Lamb, second runner up Emerson
Howitt, fi rst runner up Sam Johnston, winner George Greig and Mr Terry Holding.
Senior Speech Competition
The Senior Speech Competition was strongly
contested this year with 14 semi fi nalists. From
these 14, the 7 who made it through to the
fi nal were: Luke Rundle, Claudia Brick, Sam
Johnston, Emerson Howitt, Chelsea Van Duin,
George Greig and Max Burney.
The winner of this competition is awarded
the Farqueson Shield at Senior Prize giving.
The judges, Mr Simon Lamb and Mr Terry
CONTENTS May 2012
Principal’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
PTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Business & Enterprise . . . . . . . . .6
Holding had an exceptionally tough decision
to make.
The second runner up was Emerson Howitt
with a passionate speech about the government
and taxes. The fi rst runner up was Sam Johnston
who eloquently discussed the “Redvolution.”
George Greig was the winner, he entertained
and engaged the audience with his provocative
speech about modesty and why it is a bad thing.
Student Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Visual Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 & 15

Principals Report
2
Dear Parents and Guardians
We are enjoying the peaceful yet vibrant environment of
engaged, learning students at present, as we work with
them through important content and internal assessment
activities. It is a gratifying experience for us all.
Many of you may have noticed the recent changes to
the website, particularly in terms
of its function and navigation.
We look forward to adding more
images to the website in the next
fortnight, updating the current
stock with more recent images
and photography. I would also
like to promote the section “From
the Principal’s Desk” which
is updated fortnightly, a more
conversational piece on the most
recent developments and issues of
the school.
Those who follow this update will
be aware of the restoration of the
main block. This signifi cant and
important work will start next year. If you are interested in
a general description of this work I encourage you to have
a look at the latest update of “From the Principal’s Desk”.
I will continue to update the community as time progresses
and the details become clearer.
Winter sport is well underway. I have been impressed with
the commitment of students, parents, community groups
and individuals who support our codes. Most recently, I
watched the First XI Boys’ Football team playing Mount
Albert Grammar in one of their fi rst games in the premier
grade. I was very proud of our students and the commitment
they made playing in a more diffi cult and challenging grade.
I wish them and all codes all the very best for this season.
We are progressing very well with the implementation
of International Baccalaureate. Staff are trained and we
are well prepared for some visits from the International
Baccalaureate Asia/Pacifi c Branch later this year. Mr.
Holding is surveying the Year 11 students, the fi rst cohort
to be given this choice, this week.
The purpose of this survey is to
give the school some concept of
the numbers of students intending
to take up the International
Baccalaureate option. It does not
commit students to fi rm option
choices for next year at all, it simply
will assist us with planning for
2013. All students will be making
their fi nal option choices later in
the year, as usual. Mr. Holding and
I will be talking to Year 11 students
directly next week, outlining the
two very valid assessment options
for students next year, NCEA and
the International Baccalaureate.
Thank you for your continued support of the school. We
appreciate the depth of this support and encourage you
always to make contact you have any questions or if things
are less than satisfactory at principal@takapuna.school.nz.
Regards
Simon Lamb
Principal

PTA News
The PTA welcomed four new
members at our AGM, which was
held at the beginning of March.
There are several other people who
have expressed an interest in joining
and we look forward to meeting
them at our next meeting. Wendy
Duncraft our Deputy Chair, resigned
from the committee. Her role has
been taken over by Darnelle Louie.
Wendy played a major role in the
publication of our cookbook; without
her energy the cookbook would
not have been produced. Wendy’s
support, enthusiasm and commitment
to the school is enormous. Thank you,
Wendy, for your tireless hard work.
Parents Dance
Our annual parents’ dance, ‘Rock
the Winter Blues Away’, will be held
on Friday 18th May from 7.30pm in
the school hall. Popular local band
‘Ran For Cover’ will get you dancing.
Tickets are $25, which includes a light
supper, cash bar, so 18+ only.
This is a social event for parents and
friends of TGS. All funds raised go
directly back to the sports, cultural and
arts groups selected by the attendees.
If you want to raise funds for any of
your children’s school groups, please
be sure to get your friends to join us
for a great night.
AD AUGUSTA - TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Tickets are available now from
PTA members, the school offi ce, or
Nord in Devonport. Contact Ruth
phone: 489-2764 or email willblacks@
vodafone.co.nz for tickets or further
details.
Taste of Takapuna
At the beginning of Term 2 we sent
two cookbooks home to all our new
families of the school and ask that you
buy one for yourselves and sell one to
a friend, family member or neighbour.
We would really appreciate your
support of this fantastic project. This
cookbook is ‘the most useful cookbook
I’ve ever owned’ said one happy
recipient.
Golf Day 22 November
The annual Golf Day will be held
on Thursday 22nd November. Please
put this date in your diary. It is a huge
fundraiser for the school and we would
love to have some new teams join us.
One competitor noted last year that
it was the best golf day he had ever
attended.
If you are interested in joining our
friendly team please call Desiree
phone 4466043 or 021831560 or
email desiree.m.mason@gmail.com.
We look forward to your support this
coming year.
PTA News
3

Technology
4
Technology visits the Yellow Treehouse
Technology, as a subject, is concerned with the interaction
of design and technology in the real world and is used
to inform classroom teaching and learning. We actively
seek experts to present and work with classes, and where
possible we encourage learning outside the classroom by
way of technology outings and trips.
Students of Year 11 Spatial Design and Year 12 Resistant
Materials (formally known as Hard Tech) took up the
fantastic opportunity to visit the Yellow Treehouse
Restaurant in Warkworth, last term.
The treehouse was an advertising campaign for the
Yellow Pages and was intended to surprise people and
help the public see Yellow in a different light. The project
was to be designed and made from services found in the
book.
Peter Eising and his team at Pacifi c Environments were
given this adventurous design brief with only three
months available from start to fi nish. The ambitious
project was completed with huge success and functioned
as a restaurant for the three months, as detailed in the
original brief.
Peter Eising spent a morning with our 11 Spatial Design
students explaining the process from the fi rst planning
and designing stages through to construction. Students
quickly realised the similarities between this project and
the design brief they had been given in class.
This was a fantastic opportunity to give students a true
understanding of the meaning of “Technology” and the
problem solving and designing that is such a vital part of
this process.
Students were able to explore this magnifi cent structure
in all its glory. They took photographs and collected
evidence for their external achievement standard, whilst
appreciating true innovation.
Former Year 11 students who are now in 12 Resistant
Materials worked with Peter last year. They visited the
structure that they studied so closely, while collecting
vital research for their current design brief. Peter gave
them a tour of his structure, giving information and
advice on their work. This prior knowledge has been
utilized to add continual development in the fi eld of
critical design thinking.

AD AUGUSTA - TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Fine Dining at
Blake’s Restaurant
Level 3 Hospitality students show-cased their creative skills
alongside professional chef Kurt Paulsen when they prepared
a three course dinner at Takapuna Grammar’s own Blake’s
Restaurant. Family and friends were impressed with the
professional standard of the food and its presentation.
Fine Dining
5

Business & Enterprise
6
Above: Inov Corporations
Business and Enterprise News
Year 10 – Enterprise and Financial
Literacy Course
Following on from a very successful set of business pitches at
the end of last term, over 120 Year 10 students were selected
to develop their enterprising ideas. They will be working in
groups to create a product or service and sell their efforts at
a school Market Day on Friday 1st June. There will be an
extensive range of products available to purchase and the
students are looking forward to selling to fellow students and
teachers. Parents are invited to attend in order to support
the event which will run in the school hall on Friday 1st June
between 1.30 and 2.00pm.
Level 1
Level 1 Business Studies students are working hard to create
an enterprising product and writing their own business plans
to support their venture into the business world. This work is
towards an NCEA internal standard. The business plans are
taking shape and the students are working on the elements
of fi nance by raising their own and taking the business risk!
They will also have their products available for sale on the
school Market Day.
Level 3
The Level 3 students have been extremely busy putting
together their business pitch for a panel of dragons at Massey
University. This is part of the Young Enterprise Scheme
where they present their business plan to a panel of judges.
The projects they are working on include: an innovative
gluestick by Sector Solutions; The Waste Wizard by Genesis;
A recycled event light by Lumiere; an i-phone application
by Urban App Development; a personalised greeting card
by Inov Corporations and an environmental cushion by
Perpetual Corp. Congratulations go to Sector Solutions
who secured themselves a place in the YES Regional Finals
and we wait to see the results of their efforts.
The students are participating in the YES as part of their
course and are currently writing their full business plans for
their 9 credit internal standard. If you have any business areas
of expertise, especially in the area of Marketing and would
like to support and assist any of our students Mrs Emma
Johnson would be very pleased to hear from you. They are
fi nalising their comprehensive marketing plans and require a
consultant to provide advice for any contingencies they may
need to consider.

Above: Lumiere
Above: Urban App Developments
AD AUGUSTA - TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Above: Sector Solutions Above: Genecis
Business & Enterprise
7

Student Activities
8
Year 12 Physical
Education Camp
This year, 70 Year 12 Physical Education students attended
the PE camp based at Muriwai Beach. While on camp the
students worked towards gaining seven credits towards their
Level 2 Achievement Standards. They were required to lead
an outdoor activity and in doing so demonstrate leadership,
social responsibility and risk management strategies.
This year our camp began with a 10km tramp along the Te Henga
Walkway. This track is part of the Hillary Trail that follows the
coastal cliffs from Bethells Beach along to Muriwai Beach. Many
of the students and staff found this to be a highlight of the trip.
Day two saw the students participate in three main activities,
mountain biking, orienteering and surf survival. It also saw the
start of the rain! On our third and fi nal day students ventured
out to Woodhill Forest where they completed the challenging
Tree Adventures low and high ropes course.
As well as seeing the students participate in challenging and
fun activities, seeing them setting up their tents and cooking for
themselves was also a highlight.
Despite the constant rain throughout the camp, the students
coped extremely well and can be congratulated in the way they
acted and participated in the various activities during the camp.
Huge thanks must also go the PE staff and additional TGS
teachers who came and helped out during the camp.
We are already looking forward to heading out to Muriwai
again in 2013!
Year 9 Sports Institute
The Year 9 Sport Institute class have been working
hard during the fi rst term. Students have been
learning about Methods of Training in preparation
for the class Triathlon. It has been tough work,
students have felt the ‘deep burn’ and a lot of
perspiration has been sweated out. Students have
learnt valuable ways in order to prep them for the
coming winter sports season.
Contact us
If your contact details (including email) have changed,
please contact the Enrolment Administrator; Helen
Parker by emailing h.parker@takapuna.school.nz
or telephone 4894167 extension 0221. The school
now sends newsletters and any urgent information
by email.

AD AUGUSTA - TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Waterpolo Nationals
By Max Revill
For the fi rst time in many years a Takapuna Grammar
Waterpolo team qualifi ed for the premier division for
nationals. Eleven Takapuna Grammar school students
in the senior Boys’ team ventured down to Wellington to
compete in the premier national waterpolo tournament.
The next morning our team travelled to the Kilbirnie
Aquatic Centre, where we went head-to-head against
King’s College and were defeated 5-2 in a well fought game.
A second defeat was to follow, as Westlake Boys’ High
School came out all guns blazing and won 13-7, yet a large
number of positives were gained during this high scoring
encounter We triumphed in the six games that followed,
including a thrilling 6-5 win over Palmerston North Boys’
High School, which gained us entry into the plate fi nal
against Scots College.
With nerves in our stomachs and winning in our minds, the
TGS Summer Surfi ng Competition 2012
With the promise of 2ft conditions and offshore winds the
TGS Surfi ng group headed out to Muriwai for a 7:30am start
for the annual TGS surfi ng competition. The boys’ side of
the draw was heavily contested with many entries across three
divisions: longboard, Junior Boys’ and Open Men’s. The girls
were absent except for Emma Rzepecky who competed in the
Junior Boys’ division instead and managed to beat the boys
in the repechage round, making Emma the girls’ champion
for summer 2012. As the tide went out, the surf diminished
and by the semi-fi nal rounds was virtually non-existent. The
decision was made to put the event on hold.
Three days later the event resumed at Forestry, Te Arai in
larger but less clean surf. The Waiheke High School ring in,
Harry MacIntosh claimed the Open Men’s division but Tom
Mason claimed both the Junior Boys’ and the Longboard
Back Row: Louis Harknett, Guy Le Noel, Callum Orr, Ben Clarke (coach), Carlo
Burney, Jake Benson, Fynn Blackwood, Max Revill.
Front Row: Gavin Woodward, Hugo Adams, Mitchell Donnelly, Eli McKeown.
whole team united and played an outstanding game which
gained us a 7-2 win over Scots college, winning us the plate
and gaining us an extremely memorable victory to cherish.
A special thanks to coach Ben Clarke, who is the key to
the elevation in performance in Waterpolo at Takapuna
Grammar School. Also thank you to Carolyn Harper, Sue
Orr and Mr Nathan Jackson for organising and managing
a successful tournament.
titles gaining the award for Best Surfer.
Thanks go out to all the parents who came to help organise
the students and kept them fed throughout both days. Huge
thanks to Craig Lloyd of The Boardriding School for providing
competition vests, being Head Judge at both events, and
running the fi nals at Forestry. Thanks to Primal Surfboards for
bringing out the demo boards for all the surfers to try out. Also
thanks to our generous sponsors North Beach Surf n Skate
and Sanuk for providing a range of prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and
3rd place getters in all divisions, and the spot prizes.
Final placings:
Longboard - 1st, Tom Mason; 2nd, Tom Fraser; 3rd, Hugh Raines. Junior Boys’ –
1st, Tom Mason; 2nd, Harry MacIntosh (Waiheke); 3rd, Isaac Mennie. Open Men’s
– 1st, Harry MacIntosh (Waiheke); 2nd, Tom Mason; 3rd, Julian Speck. Open
Women’s – 1st, Emma Rzepecky. Best Surfer – Tom Mason. Best Heat Score –
Isaac Mennie, 9.9. Biggest grom – Sam Fraser. Most competitive – Hugh Raines.
Student Activities
9

Student Achievement
10
Athletics Day 2012
The weather was kind to us on our annual athletics
day with some sun and cloud which proved just right.
The day started at 7am for many with the setup of each
station, drink preparation and the 1500m run at 8.30am.
All students made their way to their stations and the 35
minute rotations began. The DJ kept the music pumping
throughout the day which was a hit for all involved. At
one point all races seem to come to a halt while a giant
‘Macarena’ dance surrounded the 100m track!
49 students were selected for the North Harbour
Secondary Schools Athletics. Special thanks must to our
fantastic groundsmen who spend hours on fi eld set up
and assist with the big clean up at the end of the day.
Also to our student Sports’ Council who worked all day in
order to get through the day’s programme.
AKSS Team Tag Triathlon
Rain, wind and slippery conditions welcomed the Auckland
secondary schools to the Team Tag Triathlon held at St
Kentigern College. TGS had 4 teams competing on the
day and came away with the following results;
Intermediate Girls: Tessa McNair (swim), Lily
Macdonald (cycle), Lucy Jacobs (run) fi nished 6th
Senior Girls: Claudia Brick (swim), Hannah Sykes
(cycle), Steffi Burrows (run) fi nished 4th
Intermediate Boys: Hayden Worsfold (swim), Harry
Elworthy (cycle), Logan Moore (run) fi nished 4th
Intermediate Boys: Mitchell Donelly (swim), Piers
Mrkusic (cycle), Jack Lochhead (run) fi nished 14th
This was the fi rst event on the AKSS series so a good warm
up for the TGS students.
Well done to all.
Above: Lucy Jacobs
Above: Hannah Sykes

AD AUGUSTA - TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Oldies but Goodies Grace West Side Story Orchestra
West Side Story is a gigantic show in every way, but none
more so than in its music. The score challenges both cardiac
and cognitive systems.
Musical Director, Mr Stent, has assembled an accomplished
orchestra from among the students of TGS but also from
past pupils as well as several talented parents.
When she heard we were doing West Side Story, former
orchestra leader and member of The Trio of Doom, Emily
Bouhuis, insisted on being invited. Mr Stent shoulder tapped
some of our most talented former students. Susannah Jaques
on fl ute, Michael Tidbury on trombone, James Brooke on
electric bass and John McCall on guitar. John pointed out
it is the hardest music he’s had to play. No-one is denying it.
Paddy and Julia Cornfi eld are professional musicians
and bring keyboard (the cello part) and saxophone to the
ensemble. “It’s the only musical I’d do for free,” said Paddy
Cornfi eld. He also doubles as rehearsal pianist when needed.
Our nationally renowned clarinet teacher and director of
the Concert Band, Mr Andrew Uren, takes on the diffi cult
B and E Flat and bass clarinet parts. He currently has a CD
out championing contemporary music for the clarinet. The
Auckland Philharmonia has kindly leant us the instruments.
Several students are playing multiple parts. Holly Griffi n
plays four – fl ute, clarinet, bass clarinet and tenor saxophone.
Gemma Price does fl ute, oboe and cor anglais. Jordan
Griffi th plays clarinet and baritone sax.
Head of Maths, Ms Sam Cooke, picks up the standing bass
and has rediscovered her skill while losing feeling in the
fi ngers of her right hand. She is thrilled and challenged by
the highly layered score.
The orchestra dazzled the cast at the one complete playthrough
before showtime. A number of players are
professional as the parts are simply too diffi cult for students.
Since we have to pay them we don’t train that often with
the pros. We get only 2 rehearsals with the entire orchestra
before we’re on.
But at the play-through, the cast felt like surfers riding the
biggest, bounciest wave. “It’s such a huge sound”, “Sounds
just like the sound track we’ve been singing and dancing to”,
“Sooo cooooool” were some of the responses.“ It was really,
really good” said one clearly overwhelmed student.
Music
11

12
AD AUGUSTA - TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
13

Visual Arts
14
Level 2 & 3 Painting
This is a selection of work from
our senior painters fi rst NCEA
internal assessment. Level 3
students were asked to work with
the theme of “fi gure in space”,
whilst Level 2 painted and drew
from a still life arrangement.
AD AUGUSTA - TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Visual Arts
15

For Your Information
16
Successful High School Essay Writing with Dr Ian Hunter
An informative evening for parents
and students.
NZ educator and best-selling author Dr
Ian Hunter, will deliver an interactive and
engaging evening on essay writing for
students and parents. In the 60-minute
workshop, students and parents are taken
step-by-step through the essay-writing
process. The evening offers parents and
students a chance to raise questions in
an open forum with practical advice
to improve their writing performance.
Attendance Matters
If your son/daughter is going to be absent from
school, please notify the school that day by phoning
489 4167, press to report an absence or by emailing a.soh@
takapuna.school.nz. If you leave a voicemail message, a
follow up note is required for the school’s records. This
would greatly assist the Deans when following up absences.
Similarly, if your son/daughter needs to sign out during
the day for any reason, she/he needs to bring a note and
get an Exeat slip from SSC (during form period, interval
or lunch) which she/he will then show the class teacher at
the time of departure. Any departure from school during
the day for reasons of ill health must be done through
the school nurse in the Health Centre. It is unhelpful for
us when students contact their parents directly in this
situation.
It is important that these procedures are followed for
reasons of Health and Safety and to comply with Ministry
of Education requirements.
Thank you for your support in this.
The presentation covers essay planning
techniques, tips for getting started, how to
write an A+ or Excellence essay, how to
interpret questions, writing introductions,
mastering exam essays, using evidence
more effectively and much more.
This evening will be held in the school
hall on June the 13th, at the conclusion
of the senior parent interviews. The
presentation will start at 7:30p.m. All
Takapuna Grammar School parents
and students are welcome to attend.