Māori and Pasifika Coordinator, Jason Tuhaka, has congratulated Tra Mi Nguyen (7W2) for designing the winning Mission Heights Junior College picket to represent the school at this year’s Kōanga Festival. The picket reflects our students voices characterising aroha (love) kotahitanga (oneness) and kia mana ake (growing greatness). Great work Tra Mi.
There will be over 30 South-Eastern schools taking part, showcasing the beautiful taonga (treasure) of kapahaka.
Dr Fu, the National Advisor for Chinese, visited our College in August to present awards to the winners of the Chinese Bridge Speech Competition. Congratulations to winners Elsa McCormack (8M2) and Aadi Singh (9C1) shown below, receiving their prizes. Dr Fu was impressed by our facilities and our Chinese Teaching Programme. Later, he taught a Year 7 class how to use chopsticks with first prize of the Chopsticks Challenge going to Leo Cao (7C1).
Dr Fu gave advice on expanding our language programme to include trips, scholarships, culture and language exchanges and establishing a relationship with a ‘sister school’ in China.
Dr Fu specialises in Chinese teaching pedagogy and is skilled in calligraphy and Tai Chi. He supports Chinese teaching programmes throughout New Zealand by visiting schools, organising events and running workshops.
Congratulations Nathan Zheng (8C2) for being placed first in the Kelston Deaf Education Centre Year 7 & 8 Speech Competition. Nathan is really happy to have won as he set himself this goal after placing second last year. Organisers described his presentation as outstanding!
Year 9 students took part in an exciting day trip to the Capital this week. First up was a visit to the Beehive, New Zealand’s parliament buildings. With the 52nd general elections looming, this was perfect timing to learn more about our country’s electoral system and a chance to visit the House of Representatives – where Ministers of Parliament (MPs) and Select Committees meet to debate and vote on matters of national importance. The MPs weren’t sitting at the time of our visit as they were campaigning for their Party in their own electorates.
This was followed by a fascinating guided tour exploring Te Papa Museum with its rare exhibitions and collections. Students were in awe of the stories behind many pieces from New Zealand’s history.
A phenomenal result for this year’s 40-Hour Famine from Mission Heights Junior College was recognised at a celebration Awards evening held this week at Elim College, Botany. Over $10,000 was raised by our pupils choosing to either give up food, technology, furniture or even talking – for a whole weekend in June! As one of the top fundraising schools this year, a special acknowledgement was also made to Maddison Taylor’s personal effort of raising $1,000. Thanks all for a huge effort for a great cause raising money for the Syrian Refugees. Shown here are students (from left) Maddison Taylor (10W1) and Georgia Hall (10F2) accepting the awards on behalf of our school.
