Tempus WOODFORD HOUSE MAGAZINE ISSUE ONE 2016
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Tempus
WOODFORD HOUSE MAGAZINE
ISSUE ONE > 2016
IIssue
sssue One
On
O nee | 201
0 6 | Pag
2016
01 Page
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Principal’s Perspective
When seated in the School’s Chapel, we empowering young women for an undefined future in a
only need to lift our eyes towards the globalised context. Clarity of purpose, vision and guiding
principles enable us to firmly secure our position and
spectacular rose window to see the beauty
reputation as a leading school for day and boarding girls,
of our past and the interwoven threads of nationally and internationally.
all that we value here at Woodford House. The Strategic Plan is a living document and we are confident
Each part of the luminescent window symbolises the four the priorities will come alive in all aspects of the School. In
cornerstones - academia, sport, cultural and spiritual, and this magazine, you will see the stories have been categorised
our new strategic priorities - learner centred, family focused, by the four strategic priorities.
forward thinking and securing our future. When these are
put together they create a beautiful pattern of unity with the The Woodford Girl lies at the heart of who we are. As
Holy Spirit and the Woodford Girl at the centre. educators, stewards, leaders, supporters and mentors we
are united in our shared moral and educational purpose to
In 2015, the Woodford House community entered into a
Strategic Plan consultative process. As a result, we have a clear provide an an exemplary education for every Woodford Girl.
mandate that enables us to shape the roadmap ahead. Our The Strategic Plan provides us with an anchor to the past and
2020 Vision is one that will enable us to treasure our rich a rigorous blueprint for a bright future.
heritage, yet build an exciting and sustainable future for this
fine school.
The Woodford House Strategic Plan clarifies the values we
hold as a learning community and the strong traditions
upon which the School is firmly founded. It also enables
us to embrace the challenges inherent in equipping and Julie Peterson, Principal
Issue One | 2016 | Page 1
CONTENTS
LEARNER CENTRED
4-7 ....... 100% NCEA Success
8 .......... Boarding upgrade
FAMILY FOCUSED
9 .......... Founders’ Day
10-11 .... Getting to know our new girls
FORWARD THINKING
12 ......... Innovation is a mind-set
13 ......... Growth in Performing Arts
14 ......... School pianos gifted
SECURING OUR FUTURE
15-16 .... Exceptional staff
17 ......... A global village
18-19 .... Winterim Exchange
20-23 ... Old Girls’ News
24 ......... History
25 ......... Cherishing the Past
OUR COMMUNITY
28 ......... Board News
28 ......... Parents’ Association
Tempus is the official magazine of Woodford House. It is designed to share information
with our school parents, families and wider community. It is prepared and distributed by
Woodford House, copyright 2016. All editorial and advertising enquiries should be addressed
to Woodford House, Private Bag 1001, Havelock North 4157, New Zealand,
Telephone: +64 6 873 0700, Email: communications@woodford.school.nz
LEARNER CENTRED 100% NCEA Success As you drive into the grounds of Woodford House, a large sign proudly congratulates the girls on 100% NCEA success. As you step out of the car and walk into the School a little further, it is evident as to how the girls reached this result. In 2015, every girl in Year 11, 12 and 13 gained their respective NCEA Levels, and 97% of Year 13 gained entrance to university. In addition, 83% of girls passed their Year Level with an endorsement. An endorsement is given to students who consistently perform above the achieved level. These exceptional results put Woodford House in the top five schools in New Zealand.* Each year, New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) award about 3000 scholarships to students across the country. Seven of those scholarships were awarded to girls at Woodford House for their academic excellence in physical education, classical studies, chemistry, biology, accounting and photography. NZQA Deputy Chief Executive Kristine Kilkelly says the New Zealand Scholarship is regarded as the most prestigious secondary school award available in New Zealand. “Students are required to demonstrate a very high level of critical thinking and clear application of knowledge, skills and ideas,” Mrs Kilkelly says. Principal Julie Peterson says the outstanding academic results are a testament to the students and staff commitment to excellence and reaching personal bests. “This is an outstanding outcome that we, as a school, are extremely proud of. Congratulations girls, the results are a reflection of your dedication, drive and passion for being the best you can be.” NZQA Data * Tempus Woodford House Magazine
Issue One | 2016 | Page 5
LEARNER CENTRED
100% NCEA Success
Girls at Woodford House are unique individuals, from their interests
to their study habits. Communications and Development Manager
Chloe Johnson discovers the girls’ approaches to achieving their
personal bests in NCEA.
Sarah Williams
Year 11, Weekly Boarder
Excellence is a word that can easily be associated with Sarah
Williams. So too can the words dedicated, committed and
hard-working. Last year, Sarah received an overall excellence
endorsement for her year level. She also received merit
course endorsements for economics, English, history and
science.
Sarah says her favourite place to study is in her room in the
Morea boarding house.
“There are no distractions in my room so it is easier to
concentrate,” Sarah says.
Her top study tip for other girls is to “start planning early so
you have time to do everything to the best of your ability”.
Although Sarah’s success comes from hard work and lots
of study, she says having the support of her father Phil Tajpreet (Taj) Padda
Williams, who is also Chair of the Board of Proprietors, Year 12, Weekly Boarder
and friends really helped. Tajpreet Padda has a clear vision for her
Sarah hopes to study communication or commerce at future – she wants to be a chiropractor and
Victoria University in Wellington, but this year she will be has her sights set on joining New Zealand’s
focusing on an overall year level excellence endorsement, only chiropractic school in Auckland.
an excellence in English and merit in economics. Tajpreet has always been interested in health
sciences and making people’s lives better
through service, charity or healing.
“I knew I wanted to become a chiropractor
when I was in Year 9. Before starting high
school, I was generally interested in the
health sciences, but after doing lots of
research I decided I really wanted to be a
chiro,” Tajpreet says.
Georgia Mischefski-Gray Having a clear vision has allowed Tajpreet
Year 13, Full Boarder to focus on courses that will help her reach
that goal.
For someone who grew up on a sheep and beef farm
just outside of Whakatane, it is no surprise that Last year, she gained an overall excellence in
Georgia Mischefski-Gray’s favourite place to study is her year level and excellence endorsements
outside in the fresh air amongst nature. in every course - mathematics, English,
science, accounting, economics and history.
Georgia, who joined Woodford House two years ago,
gained an overall excellence endorsement in NCEA “At the beginning of 2015 my academic
last year, and every course was endorsed with merit. goal was to get all courses endorsed with
excellence. At the time, I definitely thought
So how did she do it?
I was pushing it with that goal, but I set my
Georgia says she balanced study and physical mind to it and worked hard throughout the
exercise, including her favourite sport, rugby. year to reach my goal.”
“I tried to do all my study in the mornings and into Like many of the girls at Woodford House,
the afternoon. I would never do last minute crams or Tajpreet says her close friends were always
late night studying. I always made sure I got a good willing to help and give advice along the way.
night’s sleep and ate well,” Georgia says.
She also says, “my teachers, Deans and
Surrounding herself in supportive people such as her Homeroom Mentor held the most important
parents and good friend Manaé Feleu also helped and valuable positions in my schooling life
throughout the year. last year and will do for years to come. Their
At the end of this year, Georgia wants to study law support and endeavour to encourage me in
majoring in either politics, rural or criminal, at reaching my full potential had a huge impact
Victoria University in Wellington. on my academic achievements.”
Tempus Woodford House Magazine
Eva Goodisson Farren McGregor-Smyth
Year 13, Day Girl Year 12, Weekly Boarder
As a top athlete who is part of the “If you want to be the best you can be, you
Woodford House Sports Academy, must work hard.”
Head Prefect Eva Goodisson knows how That is Farren McGregor-Smyth’s
important it is to set goals. In 2015, her advice to other students. Her determined
main goals were around excellence in sport and realistic attitude has been the driver
and academia.
to Farren’s success in both academia
“I was aiming for five to six excellence and sport.
endorsements and 100 NCEA Level 2
Farren, who is originally from Auckland,
excellence credits. This was a lofty goal as
is the national kayaking champion in New
I was also training for the triathlon world
championships and other sports events.” Zealand for her age group. She is currently
working towards competing in the 2020
Eva ended the year on a high as she gained and 2024 Olympics and hopes to study
excellence endorsements for six courses - medicine in Auckland.
mathematics, English, chemistry, biology,
physical education and accounting, and Last year, she also set her sights high on
become the world champion in aquathon achieving NCEA Level 1 and, as a result,
for her age group. gained course endorsements for English
and physical education.
Eva says sport helped with studying because
training “made me think more clearly”. “I would always use mind maps to plan and
She also puts her success down to having a study, especially in science. These would
strong support network of parents, friends help me understand the topic better,”
and teachers. Farren says.
Her advice to other students is, ask When Farren wasn’t studying or training,
questions, attend tutorials, make a timetable she would visit friends or read a book to
during exam study and have breaks. take her mind off things.
Eva hopes to study health sciences at “My friends played a major part in helping
Otago University before taking a few years me achieve success. This is because we
off to focus on triathlon training and
Manaé Feleu all supported each other by helping with
travelling the world. Year 13, Full Boarder things we didn’t understand.”
When Manaé Feleu arrived at Woodford
House as an international student, her
English was basic.
“I could understand quite a bit if it was said
slowly but my speaking and writing were not
great,” Manaé says.
Three years on and she has passed NCEA
Level 2 with an overall excellence. She
also passed five courses with excellence
endorsements, including English.
Manaé joined the Woodford House family
from Futuna, a small island between Fiji and
Samoa, in 2014.
She says consistency and support from her
friends was the key to her exceptional grades.
“I worked consistently throughout the year
in all of my subjects which meant I didn’t
need to revise too much ahead of exams.
Doing your prep and keeping your notes tidy
throughout the year helps make the end of
the year less stressful.”
She says Year 13 boarder Georgia Mischefski-
Gray, who is one of her best friends, was a
key support person when studying.
“We encouraged and reminded each other
that we really had to study. When I got
distracted she just reminded me that I had
to study. It was the little things like that that
really helped.”
When Manaé needed a break from study she
would go to town for the afternoon or meet
friends for lunch.
“It was so important to have breaks and
some down time to relax with friends.”
Issue One | 2016 | Page 7
FAMILY FOCUSED
Home is not a place, it is a feeling.
BY ANGE RATHBONE, DIRECTOR OF BOARDING
The Richards and Nelson and inspiration of Johann Wolfgang von Georgia says, “Sometimes I choose to stay in
Goethe, author of the Theory of Colours. The for the weekend rather than go home”.
boarding houses are no longer junior boarding house has bursts of orange to
Lynnette Porima, mother of Year 10 boarder
just boarding houses but a place offer a jolt of energy and innovation. It also
Katarina Porima, says walking into the
has pops of bright pink for a youthful, fun,
the boarding girls can call home. and exciting feel. Red is used in some places renovated boarding house after the holiday
The Board of Proprietors made a commitment to give spaces a sense of warmth alongside period felt like a new and exciting experience.
last year to invest in the girls’ surroundings neutral tones for a relaxing vibe. “The refreshing light coloured walls were
to create a better sense of ‘home away from The senior boarding house has pops of green, warm and inviting. Then the splashes of vi-
home’ for our boarders. During the summer which is known for its soothing qualities, brant colours and the modern-contemporary
holidays, the Richards and Nelson boarding orange for energy, and grey for a sense of features added to the extra buzz as our girl
houses went through an amazing makeover relaxation and serenity. arrived back at Woodford House.”
with builders, painters, electricians, carpet
layers and our own maintenance staff Year 11 students Sophie Svenson and Lynnette says it is a cosy and homely
working tirelessly to complete the project in Georgia Mansell say they love relaxing on the environment where the girls can play the
time for the start of 2016. comfortable couches. piano, engage in rich conversations, lounge
During the renovations, a tiled plunge “Staying in for weekends is so much better around on their beanbags, play games, read
pool was discovered below Nelson, which now that the boarding houses are comfy and their favourite novel, watch television and
caused much amusement and interest in the homely,” Sophie says. catch up on their homework.
past lives of the girls living in the Nelson
boarding house. School archivist Gaye
Robertson revealed that after the 1931 Napier
earthquake, the plunge pool was filled with
cold water and used every second day for the
girls to walk through as part of the cleanliness
regime (read the full story on p24).
The current girls in Richards and Nelson
are thoroughly enjoying the new look. It is
amazing what an interior makeover can do
to lift the spirits of our girls. The girls now
want to hang out in the common areas
because they are homely, inviting, colourful
and, above all, inclusive.
The use of colour in the boarding houses has
been chosen carefully through the direction
Tempus Woodford House MagazineFounders’ Day
BY THE REVEREND JOY HAMILTON-JONES
Faith, vision and endless Emily’s sister, Lucy Crosse, spent five years
at Woodford House, and her Aunty, Sarah
possibilities. These are the Crosse, is also an Old Girl.
ideals our school was founded Mabel Annie Hodge was the first person to
on in 1893. lead Woodford House to new heights and
initiate a group of entrepreneur visionaries
On Sunday 28 February, Woodford House who had a keen desire to see education
held a Founders’ Day service in the School with grounded virtues for their daughters
Chapel to acknowledge and remember where in Hawke’s Bay. This group formed the
we have come from. Woodford House Company in 1909, and
Seven students, who are descendants or comprised of William Nelson, Mason
relatives of the founders, presented a lit Chambers, Thomas Crosse, Winifred
candle to celebrate their memory and Beetham Nelson and Mabel Hodge.
continuing influence on our lives. We have much to be thankful for these
Year 11 student Emily Crosse is the great, inspiring people who tirelessly worked to
great granddaughter of Thomas Ezekiel secure a solid foundation upon which this
Crosse who was an early supporter of the school continues to thrive.
School. Thomas’ three daughters and two Founders’ Day is a good time for us to give
sons attended the School and in 1909 he thanks and reflect on the past activities and
became a founding director of the Woodford achievements, as well as on the continued
House Company. developments, innovations and, above all,
Emily says she has always known about her visions for a bright future.
family connection with Woodford House What then do we find in God’s word on
because her grandfather, Thomas Hugh Foundation Day? We find, as is so often the
Crosse, also had a lot to do with the School. way in Scripture, a challenge. We find God
Emily Crosse
“He helped build the Woodford House asking us to expand our vision, to thank
driveway, which has been named after him,” God for the foundation of Woodford House,
Emily says. but to also place that foundation within its philosophy of Challenging the Future,
proper context, which is much larger than the Embracing the Present and Cherishing the
“Being a relation of a Woodford House
buildings around us. We are challenged to Past, remains.
founder gives me a deeper connection
put God and God’s work at the centre of our
with the School, which will always be a We are called to be just as attentive to the
thanksgiving and our vision.
special place for my family as it is a reminder foundations of our spiritual life, in prayer and
of our family members and their incredible As we look forward at the endless in action. We give thanks for the wisdom,
achievements.” possibilities, it is important that our foresight and guidance of our founders.
Chapel Prefect Caitlin Snell with
Jemma Williams, Emily Crosse,
Bianca Kitchin and Mrs Peterson
at the Founders’ Day service.
Issue One | 2016 | Page 9FAMILY FOCUSED
Getting to
know our
new girls
Sixty-two new students joined
the Woodford House family
this year and, as with every
Woodford Girl, our new Aleeshia Ujdur We walk through mud up to our chests to
Year 9, Full Boarder get to the fish, it is heaps of fun. In the
students have unique stories term break, I hope to be able to go duck
Q. Tell us a about your family shooting with dad.
about where they come from,
A. I live with my mum, Melanie, and dad, Q. What made you start thinking about
what interests them, and why Woodford House?
Clifford. I also have two dogs, Lily and
they chose our school. It is Cocoa. A. I did not know Woodford House
our girls’ stories and their Q. Where is home? even existed. It was my mum who made
journeys that help form the me think about it. She met Mrs Jackie
A. Waihopo, a 45 minute drive from Cape
Barron at the Gisborne A and P Show a few
special character of Woodford Reinga. It is in the really skinny part at the
years back. They started talking about school
top of the North Island.
House. Deputy Principal and boarding. Mrs Barron mentioned she
Q. What is special about living there? was the Principal and that was when my
Catherine Bentley talks to mum started receiving the Tempus magazine
A. It has beautiful beaches. When we go to
two new students about their Cape Reinga there is a sacred ground there in the mail. I started looking at them and I
journey so far. where the spirits depart for Hawaiki and could see all of the great opportunities that
that is really special for me. They say there Woodford House had. That was when I
is a hole in the rock, and that is where the started to want to come here.
spirits depart from. Q. So who made the decision for you to
Q. How is the beach important to come here?
your lifestyle? A. I did. I remember being in the car when
A. It is absolutely beautiful. We try to not we picked up the mail and looking forward to
take it for granted because we see it every finding stuff about Woodford House. I really
day. There is plenty of kaimoana and it wanted to come here. I have been on a three-
is perfect for surfing, which I love to do. year waiting list. I was really excited during
There is also a harbour. My dad, Uncle the last summer holidays because I knew I
Billy and I go fishing together in a creek. would be starting at Woodford House.
ALEESHIA UJDUR
TESSA WALDIN
Tempus Woodford House MagazineQ. What has been the hardest part for you?
A. Leaving my family. I miss them terribly,
but I talk to them most nights. I also miss
my dogs and walking them along the beach,
which is what I would do every night after
school. Oh, and the stairs. There are lots
and lots of stairs here at school.
Q. What has been the most surprising
thing for you since being here?
A. Joining the Futsal team. Prior to coming
here, I used to play football. Recently Mr
[Chris] McIvor sent some information to
my parents explaining I had been chosen
to play in a Wellington Futsal tournament.
That has been a big achievement for me.
Q. What has been the best bit?
A. Probably meeting new people and
making new friends. It is a life changing
experience at Woodford House.
Tessa Waldin the lunches and so far the pizza is my
favourite. Mum and Granny said the
Year 7, Day Girl
food was not too great when they were at
Q. Tell us a bit about your family school and they never really wanted to eat
it. The uniform is really different to wear.
A. I have my dad, Dirk, and my mum,
At primary school we just wore shorts
Kate, and my two sisters Zara and Milly. and a t-shirt.
Milly is my twin, we are not identical, but
people always get us mixed up. We are both Q. What has been the trickiest part
at Woodford House this year. Milly rides about coming here?
horses and I do gymnastics. A. Getting lost as I am not always sure of
Q. Why did you come to Woodford House? where to go. And there are lots of stairs.
A. It is kind of a tradition in our family Q. What has been the best part?
because we are the 5th generation to come A. Changing classes. At primary school,
to Woodford House. There was mum, we stayed in the same class with the
Granny, Great Granny, then her mum same teacher and I did not really look
(she was a Chambers, part of the founding forward to any of the subjects like I
family). At the Founders’ Service I lit one do now. I also knew quite a lot about
of the candles. Woodford House before I arrived,
and I knew lots of girls already.
Q. Did you always know you were going to
come to Woodford House? Q. What are you looking forward to
most this year?
A. Yes, we had been on the waiting list
for a while. A. All the different activities we will be
able to do in our Houses. We only used
Q. What did you look forward to the most
to do athletics and swimming at my old
about coming here?
school. I go to the House meeting on a
A. I thought it would be quite cool having Wednesday with all the big girls, and we
lunches here because we had to pack our get to contribute to what is happening
own lunches at our last school. I really like at House events.
Issue One | 2016 | Page 11FORWARD THINKING
Williams, as part of the Woodford House
Trust, which showed her ability to look
beyond their current operations and identify
the needs of the future.
This innovative culture was carried on by
all of the subsequent school leaders. Each
leader continued to introduce new ideas,
improve the existing framework and
challenge the thinking of staff, students,
parents and the wider school community.
In recent times, former Principal Jackie
Barron spearheaded our journey to become
a leading school in e-Learning with the
introduction of digital platforms. We were
the first school in New Zealand to use the
learning management system Schoology,
which forms the basis of our teaching and
learning hub. From this launching pad we
have been able to integrate Bring Your Own
Device (BYOD) and online portfolios, which
allow our girls to learn anytime, anywhere.
So what will innovation look like at Woodford
House this year and beyond? Some may ask, is
it even important to focus on innovation
in education?
There is no doubt that the current world is
evolving far quicker than the capacity of the
existing New Zealand and global education
systems. Harvard Innovation Education
Innovation is a mind-set, Fellow Tony Wagner says, “Today knowledge
is ubiquitous, constantly changing, growing
exponentially. Today knowledge is free. It
not a department is like air, it is like water. It has become
a commodity. There is no competitive
advantage today in knowing more than the
BY TONI DUNSTAN, DIRECTOR OF INNOVATION person next to you. The world does not care
what you know. What the world cares about
Six girls crowd around a table tinkering with robotics. They aren’t is what you can do with what you know.”
saying a lot to each other, but the looks on their faces show they are We need to create a better system than the
one we grew up with. We need to develop
thinking about its mechanics - pondering the whys and fascinated students with creative and innovative minds
with the hows. At the next table, four girls are learning to code a that can adapt and manage unpredictable
website and, not far from them, teachers are discussing how the girls challenges in the future.
will develop an app this year. Forward Thinking will be at the core of what
we do and how we think at Woodford House.
We are committed to developing girls who
There are two words that sum up the activities Woodford House was established on
will continue to be flexible, creative and agile
happening in this room: Forward Thinking. innovation 122 years ago. Founding Principal,
learners, and well prepared for their lives
Forward Thinking is one of Woodford Mabel Annie Hodge, was described by Rae
beyond school.
House’s four strategic priorities, set to take the Webster in the Dictionary of New Zealand
Biography as a gifted and innovative educator Yes, innovation will involve tangible
school through to 2020. The other three
who had the vision to establish Woodford initiatives such as coding websites, discovering
are Learner Centred, Family Focused and
House for girls. Miss Mary Holland, the mechanics, project-based learning and
Securing our Future.
second Principal, continued to develop the working with 3D printers. But it is more
The Forward Thinking priority, which focuses School while steering its community through than that, it is a mind-set, one which will be
on leading the way in everything we do, a World War, depression and the 1931 Napier reflected across all areas of school life whether
provides us with a mandate to nurture the earthquake. Her foresight to recycle the bricks that is in the classroom, on the sports field, or
innovative culture at school. from a demolished boarding house to build on a stage.
Innovation at Woodford House is not a new courtyards and swimming pool surroundings We will look beyond where we are currently
story, but it is an exciting one that evolves can still be seen today. Miss Holland also successful, identify what skills our students
alongside, if not in front of, educational ensured there were two women, Mrs Winifred need for tomorrow and put them into
research and industry trends. Beetham Nelson and Miss Elsie Beetham practice today.
Tempus Woodford House MagazineCreativity is the Conquering the
new literacy Pop-up Globe
BY JOSEPHINE CARPENTER, DIRECTOR OF PERFORMING ARTS A small group of drama students
ventured to Auckland this year
The underground vibrations and the of these courses at Woodford House. to experience the famous Pop-up
roar of machinery on campus is not cause This year, there has been an increase in
for concern. Instead it is the sound of
Globe Theatre. Fitting with the
students studying music and drama at
new beginnings for performing arts at theme of creativity and drama,
each NCEA Level. The growing demand
Woodford House. and interest in performing arts is also Arts Coordinator Fiona Mackenzie
The last remnants of the music block evident by the number of new ventures shares the group’s experience in
have been removed as we make way for we will experience this year: the form of a play script.
a new performing arts space, specifically • This is the first year we will have two
designed for teaching and learning. scenes entered into the Shakespeare Characters:
The arts space is being built in response Globe Centre New Zealand regional Dedicated Woodford House drama students
to increasing demand for more creativ- festival. A 15-minute scene from
Setting:
ity in schools, particularly within music, ‘Twelfth Night’ and a student directed Downtown Auckland, New Zealand
drama, speech and dance. 5-minute scene from ‘The Tempus’.
It has been proven literacy levels are higher Act 1 Scene 1
• We have a team registered for
if a student takes part in drama activities. the Waikato University Mooting After a long journey from the fertile plains
Competition – a prestigious event of Hawke’s Bay, the characters arrive in
Research conducted by Indiana University Auckland eager to experience the city,
found attending live theatre increased where students learn the skill of its sights and its sounds.
students’ literary knowledge, tolerance mooting practised in the legal world.
The cast move quickly as they unpack the
and empathy in a way that seeing the • Sarah Ardin, a Year 13 student van and make their way to the former corner
movie or reading the book version of the was part of Project Prima Volta, a carpark which now presents itself as the Pop-
same story didn’t. up Globe theatre, the world’s first full scale
programme to foster the skills and
working replica of London’s Globe Theatre .
Research also suggests that arts students love of opera in young people. Sarah
was part of the cast at Festival Opera’s The theatre looms large ahead of them, rising
are twice as likely to volunteer and give from the asphalt in scaffolding and ply. One
back to the community. recent season of La Bohème. man’s passion and a number eight wire attitude
Our girls recognise that employers and • Debating skills are being fostered created this opportunity for New Zealanders.
forward-thinkers are calling for this in a weekly training session. Student One: “Much Ado About Nothing’
generation of learners to be armed with is being performed by the Auckland Young
• Disney’s The Lion King Jr is a Shakespeare Company, actors not much
skills around creativity, communication, combined production between older than us.”
teamwork and critical thinking. Woodford House and Lindisfarne Student One: “This is bringing what we have
Last year, a large number of arts students College. It attracted 45 girls read to life.”
received excellence endorsements in to audition. Student Two: “I have a greater understanding
NCEA, indicating the academic strength of what I have read.” Cont on p14
Issue One | 2016 | Page 13FORWARD THINKING
Conquering
the Pop-up
Globe Cont ...
Student Three: "Watching it on this
Hastings City Business
stage helps me to understand the play
Association General
and the performance space.”
Manager Susan McDade
Act 2 Scene 1 and Hastings Councillor
Adrienne Pierce.
The following day the girls return to the
theatre to watch ‘Twelfth Night’.
Student Four: “Another inspiring
performance with plenty of on and off School pianos make
stage action.”
The cast leaves the theatre in awe. sweet street music
Act 3 Scene 3 BY ANDREA JACKSON, COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING COORDINATOR
After a behind the scenes tour of the The streets of Hastings and Havelock North “It is sad to say good-bye to our Haddington
theatre, the girls are invited to tread the will come alive to the sound of three much- music block, but it is also exciting to have
boards of the stage. loved pianos gifted by Woodford House. a space where more innovative methods of
During a workshop with the Director The pianos were given to the School over teaching and learning can take place,”
of the Auckland Young Shakespeare a number of years and it is now time for Mrs Carpenter says.
Company, the cast are challenged on Woodford House to ‘pay it forward’ so the She says the walls of Haddington have ab-
their knowledge of Shakespeare and their instruments can be enjoyed by the wider sorbed 22 years of music from the orchestra,
willingness to explore both the language community for many years to come. chamber ensembles, choirs and rock bands.
and the Globe stage. The pianos will be given a new lease of life “Haddington has seen many tutors teaching
Student Five: “This space is a reflection and decorated with artwork. Two will be in a range of instruments – flute, violin, cello,
of a stage, which has seen more than 400 Hastings and one in Havelock North. saxophone, drums and the piano. It’s a
years of performing Shakespeare’s great Director of Performing Arts Josephine building where passion has been at home and
works, what a priceless opportunity.” Carpenter says the gifting of pianos also a place of happy memories, laughter and fun.”
Student Six: “I feel like I am part of signifies the end of an era for the Woodford Hastings Councillor Adrienne Pierce, who
its history.” House music department, which recently is also a member of the Havelock North
demolished its music block to make room for Business Association, says many cities
Act 4 Scene 4 an expanding performing arts curriculum. around the world have street pianos, so why
A new performing arts centre designed for not Hawke’s Bay?
The girls make the journey back to
Havelock North with knowledgeable teaching and learning will be built this year. “Our focus is to make our Central Business
insight of the works of William (see drawing below). Districts vibrant and fun places, and who
Shakespeare, well prepared for creating While the School still has some pianos, doesn't enjoy a community piano?”
their own Shakespearean scenes Mrs Carpenter says electronic keyboards Two further pianos were gifted, one to
at school. that can be moved around easily will be Kohupatiki Marae and another to a
more practical for students. private household.
Tempus Woodford House MagazineSECURING OUR FUTURE
> Art teacher, Barb Benson and Visual Arts
teacher Diane Morris:
Ran a regional professional development
day for more than 30 Hawke’s Bay art
teachers.
> English teacher, Greg Semmens
Presented at the national U-Learn
Conference, New Zealand’s number one
Information Technology conference.
> Intermediate teachers,
Hayley Dustin and Lorna Morice
Developed resources for Years 7 and 8
alongside Dr Ian Hunter, the online
developer of Write that Essay, a national
Exceptional Staff
tool that helps students write essays.
> Mathematics teacher, Dr Marina
Alexander
Lead a group of Hawke’s Bay mathematics
BY DIONNE THOMAS, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
teachers to create secure resources for New
Zealand Young Farmers network.
Woodford House has had a long tradition of
outstanding academic, sporting and cultural “New Zealand > Languages teacher, Sue Pommarède
success, but this success does not come by the
girls’ efforts alone.
teachers are Organised a national Professional
Development day for regional officers in
New Zealand teachers are among the world’s among the world’s Wellington, including the use of Skype and
most professional educators, according to a
recent Teaching and Learning International most professional.” TedEd in French classrooms.
> Director of Innovation, Toni Dunstan
Study (TALIS).
OECD, TALIS (2016) Acknowledged as a world Schoology
The study ranked New Zealand teachers ambassador for 2016.
fourth out of 35 participating countries,
behind the Russian Federation, Estonia and
Singapore.
Researchers looked at more than 2800
Year 7-10 teachers and their principals at
primary, intermediate and secondary schools
in New Zealand. The teachers not only did
well in teacher training and professional
development, but also in the autonomy in
their work and networking with peers.
At Woodford House, we are also proud in
knowing our teachers are some of the best in
their chosen fields. In 2015 several members
of staff shared their expertise with other
educators around the country, from speaking
at conferences to developing resources for
teachers to use nationwide.
It is this professional ‘reaching out’ of our
staff that continues to show our girls and the
school community that service starts at home.
Issue One | 2016 | Page 15SECURING OUR FUTURE
> Charissa Barham - Head of Physical
Education and Health:
• High Performance Coach
Programme with Netball New
Zealand
• Emerging Talent Selector - NZ
Secondary Schools and NZ Under 21
• Coach - Hawke’s Bay U19 and
Women’s Team
Exceptional Staff > Kelly Ives – Physical Education
and Health Teacher:
• New Zealand C Level Umpire
Acquiring exceptionally committed and talented staff is crucial for our school. While • Umpired at New Zealand Under 17
staff continually upskill in academic spheres by attending regular professional develop- National Championships in 2015
ment regionally, nationally and internationally, they are also encouraged to participate in
areas of personal passion or interest as a co-curricular activity. • In the Emerging Talent Squad for
Netball Central Zone
The myriad co-curricular opportunities our girls are exposed to is testament to the wide
range of talent and skills our staff have. > Dionne Thomas – Assistant Principal:
One key area is netball, with our staff being national umpires, regional coaches and • Hawke’s Bay Netball Board Member
talented players. It is not surprising then that, historically, Woodford has continued to
maintain large player, coach and umpire numbers, as well as having success in pre-elite • Hawke’s Bay Super 6 and
and social competitions. Super 12 Umpire
Let’s look at some of the faces you will see on the netball side-lines in key playing, • Hawke’s Bay Umpire Coach
coaching, officiating and governance roles: > Briar Chalmers – Sports Coordinator:
• Player for Otane Force – Hawke’s
Bay League Champions for 10 years
• Player for Hawke’s Bay Women’s
team
• Coached Napier Girls’ High
School A – Hawke’s Bay Super 12
Champions 2014-2015
• Coach Year 7/8 and U17/U19
Hawke’s Bay talent development
programme
Teachers Jo McDowell, Rachel Roberts,
Barb Benson, Marina Alexander, Toni
Dunstan and Director of Boarding, Ange
Rathbone, can also be seen at the netball
courts supporting the girls in coaching,
umpiring or managing roles.
It is this depth of staff talent that enables
us to keep giving girls exceptional learner
centred experiences in physical pursuits.
Tempus Woodford House MagazineA global
village
In recognising cultural diversity
as a valuable and desirable asset,
and embracing the concept of
a global village, we welcome a
new Director of International
Students to the Woodford Director of International
Students Gabrielle Nguyen
House family.
Director of International Students Gabrielle an international student herself on a full where she doubled the international student
Nguyen is passionate about increasing scholarship to study a bachelor degree in number in just over two years. Among the
the number of international students and international business. She later pursued many things that she has achieved, including
improving the international education further study in marketing at a postgraduate securing two funding projects with Education
experience for both international and level at Massey University. Gabrielle New Zealand, Gabrielle has established an
domestic students at Woodford House. has been actively participating in New active and collaborative international school
Zealand’s international education industry partnership network, which resulted in a
“By celebrating cultural diversity and
since 2006. She has played different roles positive increase in student interaction and
simulating a global village model at school,
as a student support advisor, education exchange programmes.
our students will have the opportunity to take
consultant, business development manager Gabrielle says she is excited about taking the
advantage of multiculturalism, be equipped
as well as an educator. She is experienced prestigious Woodford House brand and our
with effective intercultural communication
in working with various government elite educational experience to international
skills and be better prepared for a world
agencies including New Zealand Trade clients. In doing so, she hopes to stimulate
beyond Woodford House,” Gabrielle says.
and Enterprise, Education New Zealand, thoughts, discussion and learning about
“More importantly, our girls will have the overseas New Zealand embassies and internationalism and global citizenship among
opportunity to build international friendships regional strategic bodies. the Woodford House and wider community,
that last a life time.” Prior to Woodford House, Gabrielle was while preparing our girls for greater
Gabrielle is originally from Hanoi, Director of International Education at international achievements and building
Vietnam. She came to New Zealand as Palmerston North Girls’ High School, upon the School’s international profile.
Issue One | 2016 | Page 17SECURING OUR FUTURE
Caitlin with her friends at Harpeth Hall
Winterim exchange a busy and lively atmosphere is an experience in
itself. From my whole time in Nashville, the
city life is one of the things I miss the most.
life changing experience The other thing I miss dearly is the inspiring,
unique people I met, all with bold and
individual personalities. We can all travel the
Year 12 student Caitlin Maiorana shares her student exchange world and see famous sites, but it is a rare
experience from the unnerving solo flight across the Pacific Ocean opportunity to meet and stay with local people
and experience the way they live. Having the
to being welcomed into a group of friends and embracing the opportunity to stay with two different families
musical vibe of Nashville, Tennessee. and go to Harpeth Hall allowed me to meet
so many people I would never have met in
different circumstances.
As a Year 7 girl, I listened to speeches from day school, hosted me for two weeks each
and I took part in a Winterim programme I have not been in many situations where
senior girls who had returned from their
at the School. I did not know anyone, or been in places
adventures as exchange students overseas.
where I had to meet new people. I learnt
I was always amazed at the culturally rich This exchange challenged and strengthened so much after travelling half way across the
and unique experiences they encountered me in so many ways. Travelling by myself world by myself, staying with two unfamiliar
and I knew in my heart that that would and being in unfamiliar airports was quite families and going to a school with an already
be me someday. daunting, but now I have done that, I have tightly knit bundle of friend groups. I have
Time passed quickly and soon enough I was more confidence in travelling. learnt the art of conversation, to step out
on the first leg of my journey, flying solo, to Nashville, also known as Music City, is a city of my comfort zone and join in, be myself
Nashville, Tennessee in the United States of like no other. The talented and energetic vibe at all times and just relax. These skills are
America as an exchange student. The families of downtown Nashville was incredible and important to anyone as they leave home,
of two students from Harpeth Hall, an made me feel so alive. Listening to the country leave school, move jobs and interact with
independent all girls’ boarding and music pouring into the street and being in a more and more unknown faces.
Tempus Woodford House Magazine“We can all travel
the world and see
famous sites, but it is
a rare opportunity to
meet and stay with
local people and
experience the way
they live.”
CAITLIN MAIORANA, YEAR 12
I remember hearing the seniors say this
exchange is such a good experience.
However, until you take on that challenge
you really do not know how much it will
change you. A student exchange can help
you become a confident, independent young
woman who is equipped with life lessons
and skills for the future.
Issue One | 2016 | Page 19OLD GIRLS’ NEWS Where are they now?
News from Deborah Battell
the President
Autumn greetings to all Old Girls. I
hope your 2016 has started well.
If you started at Woodford House in
the decade of 1960 to 1970 (inclusive),
an exciting reunion is planned for you
on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 November,
this year. Gather your friends and book
your travel to Hawke’s Bay to rekindle
your memories of time at school, visit
your old haunts and regroup with
classmates. Look for your reunion
invitation either by email or post. If you
are not sure your details are correct,
email us at sec@woodfordoldgirls.co.nz
We are also excited to combine the Old
Girls’ Tempus award ceremony with
this event, and later in the year we will
announce this year’s recipient.
Do join us on Facebook and LinkedIn
as it is a great way for us to stay in
touch. I look forward to seeing as many
of you as possible this year.
because it is based on real experience and
Ms Susan Pattullo, WHOGA President
Deborah Battell much greater self-knowledge and awareness.
Independent Consultant, Deborah says growing up in a family
Director and Dispute that expected her to have a professional
career has been a key influence in her
Resolver 1970-1973 life. Leaders she has worked for, especially
Chief Ombudsman of New Zealand Dame
Deborah Battell’s grandfather once said to Beverley Wakem and former Chair of the
her, “it is not about doing what you love, it New Zealand Commerce Commission Dame
is about loving what you do”. For Deborah, Paula Rebstock, have also inspired her.
this has meant taking opportunities and
finding something to love and learn Deborah says she has always been prepared
throughout her career. to take a risk and is motivated by helping
organisations and staff increase their impact.
Deborah has had a remarkable career,
Deborah believes Woodford House helped
which includes working at the Commerce
her learn to be adaptable.
Commission, being the New Zealand
Banking Ombudsman for six years, and “I learned that you can’t always get what you
now an independent consultant, director want, and that it was a tremendous privilege
and dispute resolver. Her current portfolio going to Woodford House,” Deborah says.
includes the following, amongst other roles: One of her greatest memories was fully
• Consultant to the Qatar Ministry immersing herself in the expressive arts.
of Economy and Finance on
Deborah keeps in touch with her Woodford
consumer protection.
House friends predominantly on Facebook.
• Independent evaluator for the She says a reunion a few years back helped
Woodford Canadian Ombudsman for Banking
Services and Investment.
her get back in touch with friends and she
was impressed and fascinated by what her
House 1982 • Strategic and governance review classmates had achieved.
of the New Zealand Financial
Reunion Services Federation.
Her advice to the current Woodford girls
is to be really clear about your values and
The third form class of 1982 is invited • Member of the Victoria University, what you stand for. She also shared some
to a reunion in Hawke’s Bay during Master of Business Administration important words from the Dalai Lama,
the weekend of Friday 28 – Sunday (MBA) Advisory Board. “When you talk, you are only repeating what
30 October 2016. Please contact Dana you already know, but when you listen you
It has been 20 years since she was a
Rickey for further information or to may learn something new”.
management consultant with KPMG, so it is
express your interest. a case of back to the future as she does a full Deborah gave a speech to Victoria University
Ph: 06 876 4407, Mobile: 0274335430, circle in her career, but she feels that what graduates a few years ago, which can be
Email: kimanddana@xtra.co.nz she can now offer is so much more valuable viewed on Youtube.
Tempus Woodford House MagazineShe says it was her own mother who had the
Siobhan biggest influence in her life.
Waterhouse “She was really good at planting an idea
‘seed’ that she then helped come to fruition,
Owner and Director of all the while making me feel like I’d thought
Mr. Fahrenheit Publicity of it myself. It’s a really good mother, and
person, who can guide their children with
When Siobhan Waterhouse looks back at her absolutely no need for credit.”
time at Woodford House, she shares stories
Her advice to the current Woodford girls is to
of being in the choir – their trip to Australia,
competing in the Independent Schools’ challenge stereotypes, be good to each other,
Choir Competition, creating the 100th and save a portion of your salary every year.
anniversary choir CD, performing in the “Women can land any role they like, no
regional Shakespeare competition, playing in matter what,” she says. “Do not follow
the orchestra and singing on Praise Be. the crowd or the norm. Think about your
She says many of these events were captured strengths, about what you love and what
in the media from radio interviews to making drives you, and decide where you see
an album and performing on television. yourself, and then choose your career path. Melanie Harper
So it is no surprise that Siobhan now owns a “Save 10% of your salary from your first
boutique public relations agency called Mr. wage and every one from then on. Your Melanie realised her Aunt was not alone
30-year-old-self will thank you. There is and Havelock North was crying out for a
Fahrenheit Publicity, which specialises in
little more empowering for a woman than companion driving service. Melanie came
arts, entertainment, lifestyle and events.
financial independence.” up with the name Driving Miss Daisy and
“I’m pretty sure touring, making an album, soon discovered there was a similar service
being interviewed on the radio, performing www.mrfahrenheit.nz in Canada. She contacted the owner who
and creating TV might have helped launch a provided another source of inspiration and
career in media and the arts.” encouraged her to develop the business in
Prior to launching Mr. Fahrenheit Publicity, Melanie Harper New Zealand.
Siobhan worked in corporate PR for organisa- Owner and Director of Driving Miss Daisy New Zealand was born in
tions such as Lion Nathan, the TAB and 2008. Melanie started the small business from
IKEA. In 2007, she received her first job in an Driving Miss Daisy NZ her own home, with a handful of clients. She
arts publicity agency, which changed her life. had a vision to cover Havelock North and,
1969-1974
with the help of her husband and business
“From the very first day, everything felt When Melanie Harper’s youngest child left partner Jack Harper, the business has grown
right. I got to watch plays, talk to people home she felt driven to start a business of magnificently. They now have 60 franchises in
about theatre, work with the likes of Cate her own. The trained Medical Laboratory New Zealand and 16 in the United Kingdom.
Blanchett and Geoffrey Rush, and sit in on Technologist found the inspiration for her
rehearsals and call it work.” Melanie’s current role in the business is
business from her Aunt, Trish Beamish. Company Director with operational and
As well as running a successful business, Melanie was often taking her Aunt promotional responsibilities. She works
Siobhan is a mother of two children, aged 5 shopping and to appointments as she was from the Head Office in Havelock North
years and 20 months old. unable to drive. and supports the Daisies throughout the
country, giving advice on how and what to
do with clients.
Siobhan Waterhouse
with her two children Melanie says she learnt independence and
loyalty at Woodford House and credits
the Woodford system for teaching her the
absolute importance of a team.
“All participants in a team are needed and val-
ued. This is invaluable in the business world,
particularly in franchising,” Melanie says.
Melanie says she has the “best school
friends in the world” and although they
live far and wide, she has found the loyalty
and love between them is the same now as
it was in 1974, the year she graduated from
Woodford House.
Melanie jokes that her fondest memory from
Woodford House was going home for the
holidays. She does, however, insist that she
had some great times with her friends and
was definitely inspired by her teachers, and
relished the all-encompassing education that
Woodford House offered.
She believes that self-discipline and education
are vital for young people today and her
advice to the current Woodford girls is to be
energetic, active and involved.
www.drivingmissdaisy.co.nz
Issue One | 2016 | Page 21OLD GIRLS’ NEWS Old Girl
Piera Hudson Zealand and won the Interfield race series
Cardrona, Treble Cone and Coronet Peak.
Updates
Claudia Clarkson (2009 – 2013)
Professional Athlete A few months later she was on the podium
Named top student for second year food
in Switzerland and Austria, much to the
For 12 months of the year, Piera Hudson science at Otago University
surprise of the Europeans who had not
travels the world’s ski fields in pursuit
seen a New Zealander ski so well.
of becoming the first New Zealander to Anna Gilmour (2009 -2013)
reach the top spot in alpine ski racing. By 15 years old Piera had won the New Anna is heading to Minnesota in the
Zealand Senior and Junior National United States of America in May to work as
Half of this time is spent chasing world
ski racing events in the Northern Championship titles and since then has a lifeguard at Camp Tanadoona.
Hemisphere. Since November 2015 held the first seed position in Giant Slalom,
she has been competing or training in Slalom, Super G and Super Combi. No Alice Green (2006 – 2010)
the United States of America, Canada, other women in New Zealand have achieved Living in Brisbane, Alice works as an
Europe, Scandinavia and Russia. what Piera has across all disciplines in alpine enrolled nurse for Heather Hill, a large
ski racing in the past 20 years. aged-care specialist nursing agency.
Each event is one ski closer to Piera
competing in the 2018 Winter Olympics Piera says pursuing a professional sports She graduated as an enrolled nurse in
in South Korea. career comes down to wanting it so much December 2015.
that you are willing to sacrifice other areas
While on tour, the 20 year-old is not in Marthie Wright (Meyer 1999 - 2005)
in life, including the social aspects.
any one place for more than a few days, Marthie lives on an arable and sheep farm
which means she has had to master the “Whenever people ask me if I feel like I’m in the Methven area of the South Island.
skill of time management. missing out on my social life, all I can say is, Marthie has a 2-year-old son, Andy, and
“I will always remember how much my ‘I would rather be at the Olympic Games their latest addition, Clara, who was born
teachers pushed the importance of being after party than a familiar weekend bar.”
in December 2015.
organised and on time for everything,” Although Piera is often away from her
Piera says. “At the time I was a very hometown of Havelock North, the girls Pip Wyley (1999 -2005)
unorganised, messy Year 7 who couldn’t she met at Woodford House are still Pip is working as the animal welfare
tie her tie and wanted nothing less than some of her closest friends today. Her inspector for Napier and Hawke’s Bay
to have to write everything down in a advice to other Woodford girls is, do not SPCA. She encourages Old Girls to get in
diary, but looking back on it now, it has sweat the small stuff. touch if they are interested in adopting a
helped me so much in the real world, from pet, or need to report any animal welfare
travelling by myself and making flights and “Just have as much fun as you can and
enjoy it while it lasts.” issues in our community.
connections to knowing what gear I will
need in a certain country. I can definitely All of Piera’s ski endeavours are self-funded, Heidi Johnson (Martin) (2001 – 2005)
thank Woodford House for those skills.” including the 2018 Winter Olympics. To Heidi is currently working at ASB after
Piera’s love for skiing and “going fast” help get her to Korea, Piera’s parents have finishing a nine-year career at TV3.
began at a young age after her parents set up a fundraising initiative called Coastal
introduced her to ski racing. She was only Cowhides. You can support Piera by Leeza Macleod (1995 – 1998)
8 years old when she first competed in New visiting: www.coastalcowhides.co.nz Leeza is a branch manager for Fire Security
Services in Hawke’s Bay.
Charmaine McGillan (nee Christie)
(1986 – 1989)
Charmaine is married with three girls.
She is a registered nurse at Middlemore
Hospital, living in Waiuku.
Lisa Wilson (1984 -1988)
Lisa has just accepted a new role as a
senior claims consultant in the disability
insurance team at Sovereign Insurance.
She received her Post Graduate Diploma
in Rehabilitation Studies from Victoria
University in 1995.
Vicki Taylor (1981 – 1984)
Vicki runs a spice emporium, consisting of
a retail shop, a cooking school and tours
to Kerala, India. Her business is called
Red Hot Chilli Pepper and she is based in
Caloundra, Queensland, Australia.
Victoria Perry (nee Palmer)
(1997 -2001)
Victoria and Richard Perry welcomed
a son into their lives in September 2015.
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