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Kristin Senior School PrincipalFrom the desk of...
David Boardman, Senior School Principal

With the school holidays approaching at an increasingly alarming rate I was intrigued to read some of the views from around the world on the impact and importance of these extended breaks.

There has been considerable debate over the past decade or so around the extended summer break, the reason for which in many countries stems back to agricultural practices. During the summer months, students were expected and needed to help gather crops and tend stock, not as wide spread an issue in modern times.

A lot of the debate is based on research coming out of America on summer learning loss, which has shown students returning from the long break perform less well than when they left off, a gap which is disproportionately evident in low socio-economic families.

Many of the regularly high-achieving OECD countries such as Singapore, Shanghai (which qualifies as a separate country), Hong Kong and Taipei, all have shorter summer breaks of approximately a month, with many students attending extra tuition camps during this time. Is this the reason they consistently achieve highly? It would be easy to draw this conclusion, until you look at Finland, often held in great esteem for their educational system, as it has one of the longest holidays and shortest school years. The latest data shows there is little correlation between school year length and achievement. The critical factor is what students do during the holidays, which does not mean educational camps or study programmes.

What is important are the experiences students have during their breaks. Travel, sporting and cultural events, camping and tramping are all opportunities for teaching by ‘stealth’. The focus may not directly be in the traditional academic areas, but rather on skills and experiences that cannot be offered during term time. Often these are impossible to replicate in the classroom, yet so valuable for a student’s personal growth. Problem-solving, physical challenges, leadership, social interactions and decision making are all areas that can be developed during these times.

My words to you in preparing for the upcoming weeks are, “Put your books aside, explore, challenge yourself, try new experiences, meet new people and take the opportunities the holidays give you to grow as a person.” If you are lucky enough to get out on a sailing boat or into the mountains during the break, you may even find the trigonometry and science you learnt earlier in the year do have some uses outside of the classroom, but that is for you to discover.

Just to let you know...
The Ministry of Education has informed schools of an incident involving an 11 year old boy in Ranui yesterday afternoon. The incident allegedly involved the driver of a grey van. Police are requesting staff and caregivers remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their communities immediately via 111 or to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
What's been happening?
Kristin Senior School
New Zealand University Scholarships Awarded to Kristin Graduates
We would like to acknowledge the large number of Year 13 students who were awarded a tertiary scholarship at this year's Senior School Prize-giving.

The University of Auckland Top Achiever Scholarship
Katja Brand, Charles Law, Nadia Meyer, Yilan Sun, Samantha Taveras, Chenyang Zhao
This scholarship is the University of Auckland’s premier award and is awarded for academic excellence, all-round ability and leadership potential. The scholarships are for three years and pay tuition fees and $2,500 per year. This award is worth up to $50,000.

University of Auckland Faculty of Science Entry Level Undergraduate Scholarship
Hattie Jones
Awarded to applicants who show excellent academic ability in subjects related to their chosen area of study.

University of Otago Academic Excellence Scholarship
Sohee Kwon, Charles Law, Jessica Tucker
This award offers support for up to three years of undergraduate study to an approximate value of $45,000.

University of Otago Leaders of Tomorrow & Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships
Katja Brand, Emma Cadman, Julia Pereira, Avanti Singhal
Awarded to students who have demonstrated all round ability and exhibit leadership potential.

University of Otago Performance Entrance Scholarship
Henry Will
Available to academically-able students with demonstrated high-level ability in their chosen area of performance. The award is worth up to NZ$16,000.

AUT University Vice-Chancellor’s Significant Student Scholarship
Oscar Gunn
As well as recognising academic achievement, this scholarship recognises potential leadership ability, contribution to the school, community or cultural pursuits.

Victoria University of Wellington Excellence Scholarships for School Leavers
Ruby Langstone, Josie Clarke, Lucy Guild
Valued at $5,000, these scholarships are offered to the top school leaver applicants in NCEA enrolling in any of Victoria University’s Bachelor degree programmes.

University of Canterbury ‘Go Canterbury’ Scholarships
Joe Gauld, Jacob Sutich
Based on academic merit and a student’s willingness to get involved in activities outside of the classroom to enrich their UC experience, this award includes a $5,000 accommodation scholarship, career and personal leadership development opportunities, as well as cultural and outdoor adventure activities.

Massey University Academy of Sport Scholarship
Hattie Jones, Clodagh McCullough
This scholarship was established to support new students enrolling at Massey University with a previous record of high achievement in academic or arts.

Benefitz Graphic Design Scholarship
Yilan Sun
This scholarship is awarded to the student who has attained a high level of design achievement and shows potential for future success.
Kristin Middle School
Paradice Ice
By Lauren Boyce
Our Year 9 Sports Studies class really enjoyed the trip to Paradice Ice Rink to learn how to play Ice Hockey. By the end of the day we had learnt that it wasn't too much fun when you fell over. However, it was a great way to learn about the skills needed and I hope that we can go back soon.

Mr Murray took us through some activities to become more comfortable on the ice. We played a game of ice hockey using the skills learned and many goals were scored.
Kristin School Performing Arts
The Lion King JR
After the dress rehearsal today, tonight's shows look to be a tremendous success. Limited tickets still available from iticket.
Kristin Junior School
Discovering Earthworms
By Chloe, Roy, Alex and Tamarah
“Wow, a gigantic earthworm. It is so big. It looks as big as the earth!” I held the long worm in my hand. It was slimy and sticky. It was all wiggly.

1C were in the Kristin forest. When we got there I saw a lot of twigs. Then I explored the forest. I found long, pink, wriggly earthworms. I picked up a log and saw some more worms. I saw a big snail and lots of black and brown slaters. I saw a magpie flying. I saw spider webs and a gigantic spider.

It was a very long walk to the Kristin forest, but we saw and touched lots of living things so it was very exciting.
Kristin School Sport
Slope Style Competition
This year has seen the introduction of a National Indoor Slope Style Competition sanctioned by New Zealand Snow Sports.

Kristin students dominated the event, held at Snow Planet, with the following results:

16 and Under Male Snowboard
3rd - Samuel Finnemore

16 and Under Female Snowboard
2nd - Juliette Perera

16 and Under Male Ski
1st - Connor Gilbert
2nd - Nathan Hughes

Open Female Snowboard
2nd - Juliette Perera
Kristin Junior School
Four Four Festival (FFF)
In groups of four, Year 4 celebrated being in Term 4 at Kristin School. We sat in a circle and placed our hands on the shoulders of the person sitting next to us and shared some of our highlights of our time at Kristin. We reflected on what makes us a Kristin student and what we have achieved at school. Then it was balloon time. We tried blowing up our balloon with four breaths and then we decorated our balloons to display our creative talents.

During our FFF day the square was symbolic and it reminded us that we are in Term 4, Year 4 of Kristin. We therefore thought of four things about Kristin, one for each side. We recorded four of our thoughts on the sides of a square which we displayed in class as the number four. To end our festival we all played Rob the Nest in groups of four.

Some of our thoughts about what makes a Kristin student are:
  • Being principled and balanced
  • Courageous and open-minded students
  • Caring about others
  • Passionate about inquiry learning
  • Vision, integrity and love
  • Knowledgeable thinkers and inquirers.
  • Reflective learners who set goals
  • Having fun and being happy
  • Amazing attitude and independence
Kristin School Community Project
The Caring Shed
By Harriet Powell and Bridget Swinburne
We recently shared our Community Project at a Junior School assembly. The students really enjoyed hearing about what we had achieved in such a short period of time.

The Kristin School Caring Shed is a shed that sits outside the Middle School office. It is used for families to donate goods to and then for those goods to be transferred on to the De Paul House. The De Paul House is a place where families that have nothing go and stay, they are then provided with food, schooling, counselling, job preparations and also a place to sleep and live during their stay.

From our community project we decided to donate the goods to the De Paul house as they are local to us and could always use some help. Leading up to Christmas though they are always in need for supplies. Find out more >>
Kristin School Performing Arts
Kristin School Performing Arts
More Latest News  
What's coming up?

Key Dates
  • Year 4-6 Athletics Day - 22 Nov, Auditorium Field
  • Year 0-3 Athletics Day - 23 Nov, Auditorium Field
  • JS Christmas Assembly - 25 Nov, Auditorium, 2pm
    (The Year 1 and 2 Choir is going to perform at the Christmas Assembly)

     
  • Year 9 Economics Trip - 21 Nov
  • Year 10 2017 Council Camp - 24-26 Nov
  • Year 10 Trip to Aria Gardens- 14-16 Nov, selected students
  • Year 7 Rangitoto Island Trip - 25 Nov
     
  • IB Exams End - 22 Nov
  • IB Year 1, Group 4 Project - 25 Nov
  • Year 13 Graduation Dinner - 1 Dec
More Upcoming Events   Term Calendar   Kristin Futures Key Dates
Things to note...

School Book Returns
Tuesday 22 November: Final day of IB exams - all Year 13 IB students should have returned their textbooks and Library books.
Friday 2 December: Final day of NCEA exams - all Level 1, 2 and 3 NCEA textbooks (Year 10-13) due back to the Resource Room.


Auckland Arts Festival: The Encounter
After the success of The KFF Arts Groups outing to Priscilla Queen of the Desert, we are now organising a group to attend The Encounter which is showing at the Auckland Arts Festival on Saturday 18 March, 7.30pm, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre.  Cost is $87 per person to be paid directly to the school account by Friday 2 December. Reference Surname / Encounter. Any queries please email Shelley.

Christmas Cakes and Cookies
We once again have our delicious Christmas cakes and cookies available for purchase. Orders must be received TODAY and will be available for collection from school on Wednesday 30 November. Cakes and cookies order form >>


Carol Service
Sunday 4 December, 6pm, Auditorium
Kristin School will be holding a community carol service with a gold coin donation for the Salvation Army. All welcome to attend.


Junior School Mist 'n Sip
A reminder order forms are available at the Junior School Office for the Mist 'n Sip Bottles. $25 each - $5 from every sale will support Junior School Fundraising. Mist 'n Sip technology combines misting and drinking for a refreshing way to stay cool and hydrated, BPA Free, No leak, pull top spout for easy drinking and storing.
   Service Projects        
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Kristin School, PO Box 300087, Albany 0752
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