2017 Transpower Neighbourhood Engineers Merit Award

A team of Mission Heights Junior College Year 10 students have collaborated this year to produce an innovative project, earning the group a Merit Award in the 2017 Transpower Neighbourhood Engineers Awards and $750.00 for the school. Jamini Patel, Lia Arroyo, Camryn Chetty and Vanisha Rajan created ‘Robo-ish’ a robot programmed to sense and pickup litter and place it in rubbish bins.

The robot stays within a specific vicinity, using claws to move in a random order automatically sensing rubbish on its way, then finding its way to the bins. The project team was so determined to learn the new software of coding the robot and used certain codes to ensure the robot does the required job.

The students have used a small-scale robot (MBOT) currently being used for learning about robotics at the school and programmed it to achieve their goals. Special guests Craig Stephens, Consultant for Goodman Property and Sarah Kelly, Civil Engineer, Calibre presented the cheque from Transpower on behalf of Futureintech at the MHJC Champions Assembly this week. Congratulations Team Robo-ish! From left: Craig Stephens, Basil Taha, Teacher Maths & Technology, Jamini Patel, Lia Arroyo, Vanisha Rajan and Camryn Chetty and Sarah Kelly.

Spanish Learning gains more support

On Thursday, 16th November, National Adviser for Spanish, Señor Cristóbal Gutiérrez visited MIssion Heights Junior College. It was his first visit to the school since taking office in February this year. He met with staff and language teachers Ms Martin and Mrs Gao. Señor Cristóbal Gutiérrez discussed with Ms Martin a student trip to Spain and the valuable learning opportunities for the class. The goal is to make this trip a reality at the end of 2018 or early 2019. Señor Gutiérrez also brought valuable resources to share with teachers who are delighted he will provide ongoing support for our school’s Spanish teaching and learning programme.

Individual excellence and team work

Last Saturday two of our cricketers, Benson Ireland and Tannin (Ross) Khurana scored centuries against Kings’ College which is an amazing achievement saying much for their batting ability and powers of concentration. What is particularly pleasing is that when I congratulated them they both felt proud of their achievement but would have felt even better had the team won (the boys fell short by 8 runs in a high scoring game).

Cricket, like many sports helps young people to develop character and I am so proud of these boys as their attitude reflects what we promote at MHJC – individuals are encouraged to strive for excellence but also contribute their time and talent for the benefit of others.

Growing greatness – Kia mana ake!

The Awards Keep Coming!

A huge congratulations to former MHJC student Dylan Townsend for receiving the People’s Choice award in this years prestigious ASB Brightsparks Award announced last night.

Dylan has built a device that essentially records the impact or dangerous moves that an athlete’s head is exposed to during impact sports like rugby or American football. For the full story from case studies to development click here to view Dylan’s video http://www.brightsparks.org.nz/concussion-conundrum/

 

Have you “watered” your child today?

Yesterday I was told a story of a  young girl who told her grandmother that she enjoyed watering the garden because it meant she had a chance to look at the beautiful flowers.

I reflected on this comment and how it pertains to how we can and should be nurturing our children. I translate this metaphor to giving young people not just our time but quality time which provides them with a feeling that someone genuinely cares for their progress and wellbeing. With this important need satisfied our young can grow and thrive.

As parents and teachers it is a useful reminder of our obligations.

Growing greatness – kia mana ake!

 

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