DHS Dispatch The ISSUE 6 THURSDAY 18 APRIL 2013 Calum Gray Selwyn Youth MP Page 2 Rock Climbing in Wanaka Page 8 Thai Exhibition Day Page 5 Cross Country Pages 10-11 Selwyn Youth MP - Calum Gray A few weeks ago, local MP Amy water quality, local public transport Adams came to Darfi eld High School and many other local and national to talk about the position of Youth MP. issues. It is a position that comes up only After we had given our speeches, we once every three years and I went were invited back in one at a time to mostly out of curiosity. However, after be interviewed by the judges so they listening to her speech, I decided I could see how well we could think on might as well apply for the position. our feet. Everybody had the same Each school was allowed to submit three questions: What would we do two candidates and from Darfi eld about youth drinking? How would we the only two applicants were Henry consult the public about the issue we Oliver and me. had given a speech on? and lastly, To decide who would get the position, if we were in government, which Henry and I, alongside seven another portfolio would we take and what high school students from around would our fi rst action as minister be? Selwyn, had to give a fi ve-minute Following this, we waited anxiously speech on one national issue and while the judges deliberated and one local issue that are important to tea and coffee were served. The us. In addition to this, we would to judges then came out and Amy be interviewed by a panel of judges. Adams announced the Youth MP for The judges were Amy Adams, 2013. When my name was called Mayor Kelvin Coe and ex-mayor I was very surprised, but pleased. Michael McEvedy. On the national The position lasts until the end of issue, I gave my speech on the very the year. Throughout the year, I will boring sounding, but actually quite remain in regular communication with interesting topic of copyright law, Amy Adams about the issues that MP Amy Adams congratulates and for the local issue I spoke about are important to the youth of Selwyn Calum Gray on becoming Selwyn irrigation. Other applicants spoke on and I will go to a Youth Parliament in Youth MP for 2013 the emissions trading scheme, youth Wellington with Youth MPs from all wages, asset sales, local drinking over New Zealand. Board of Trustees Six years ago, about this time of to my children’s education, not just High School. by paying school fees or taking them the year, I received a phone call So don’t be shy. Have a go - all you to the bus stop, but by helping to from a member of the Darfi eld High need are the will and the desire to formulate policy and make decisions School Board of Trustees asking me help in the education of your children. on the myriad of issues involved in to consider standing for election. If anyone wants to call me to discuss running a large school. He lived in West Melton and was standing, I’m more than happy to talk standing down after a considerable There have been many to you. term on the Board. He was looking achievements and changes over Jerry Sharp for someone from West Melton, to the years, which have seen Darfi eld Parent Representative ensure the area was represented High School establish itself in a very Board of Trustees as it is on the outskirts of the school strong position, both academically zone. I hadn’t thought of standing and fi nancially, and I have enjoyed until that point and, I guess, assumed being a part of that. However, the Election Timeline that someone else would always put best part has been the people. their hand up, and that it wasn’t for Darfi eld is fortunate to have a 15 April Nominations open me. highly motivated team of senior 16 May Nominations close But being asked the question really management, teachers and support made me stop and think, not why, staff, whose efforts translate through 30 May Voting closes but why not? I felt unqualifi ed as I to the improvement in student Our Returning Offi c e r, didn’t have a teaching background, achievement that we are now Shona Staddon, will be and apprehensive, but decided to seeing. My fellow BOT members sending information to all view it as an opportunity to learn and have been brilliant to work with and parents/caregivers. In the get involved. I was subsequently Board meetings have always been meantime, if you have any elected and again three years later. enjoyable, working with committed queries, you can contact her I have never regretted the decision. people who share the common by phoning the school or at It provided me with the opportunity goal of providing the best possible ss@darfi eld.school.nz to feel like I was really contributing education for all the pupils of Darfi eld 2 Issue 6/ DHS Dispatch Principal’s Comments And so endeth Term 1 2013. This We want to be responsive to the 6. Modifi cation to a school newsletter provides a good idea of concerns of our community and guideline, procedure, policy or the wide range of activities we have so included in this newsletter is an structure been up to during the term. In sports, excerpt from the school Complaints we have had Athletics, Triathlon, policy. 7. Professional development of Swimming and Cross Country. Complaints Policy (Excerpt) staff There have been many trips away OBJECTIVES from school, including History and Geography trips and Year 7 and Year 1. To ensure that there are clear 8. Restorative justice process 9 Camps. We’ve done training for policy and process when dealing with peer mediators, books with Bob and complaints regarding the school. 9. Formal discipline processes Brian Falkner, and Enterprise Day, 2. To ensure the school enables – staff and student as well as visits from three overseas those involved in the school schools. This is as well as the usual community to express their concerns range of class activities, sports and so that explanation or resolution can cultural events. No wonder we are be obtained. looking forward to the term break. 3. To ensure that all complaints are Do we try and squeeze too much dealt with fairly and with regard to in? There is a balance that needs natural justice. to be found between class time and other activities so that students have PRINCIPLES the time for solid blocks of in-class learning. Despite the challenge of 1. Any staff member or BOT member scheduling and running such a large may receive a complaint. number of activities, the experiences students have and the things 2. To ensure that complaints are they achieve show the effort to be dealt with at an appropriate level worthwhile. the complaint or complainant should be directed to the person who most Looking forward to next term, directly manages the person or the rehersals for Stage Challenge and area the complaint is about. the Production are well under way and continue through the holidays. 3. Every effort should be made by all concerned to resolve matters In response to a query regarding among those directly involved and, Board of Trustees the early arrival at school of some only if this is unsuccessful, should students, I wish to clarify that formal Election the complaint be referred to higher organised supervision for students levels. by staff is provided between 8.30am Nominations are invited for the and 3.25pm. Students are permitted 4. Complaints can be verbal or election of fi ve parent representatives on the grounds outside these written (including via email) however to the Board of Trustees. times however there should be no more serious complaints should be in A nomination form and a notice expectation of supervision except on writing. calling for nominations have been organised school activities and sports 5. Complaints should be dealt with in posted to all eligible voters. practices. a timely manner and the complainant Additional nomination forms can be informed of the progress and obtained from the school offi ce. outcome of any complaint. PRINCIPAL’S Nominations close at noon on 16 Some possible outcomes from a AWARD May 2013 and may be accompanied complaint Congratulations to by a signed candidate’s statement. 1. No further action The voting roll is open for inspection James Doherty 2. Explanation at the school and can be viewed during normal school hours. Year 9 3. Written or verbal apology who has earned a Principal’s There will also be a list of candidates’ Award. 4. Financial or other names, as they come to hand, for compensation or reparation inspection at the school. He will be presented with his certifi cate at Assembly and will Voting closes at noon on 30 May also receive a $10 voucher. 5. Mediation by school or 2013. external mediators Shona Staddon, Returning Offi cer Issue 6/ DHS Dispatch 3 Meet IMMANUEL Get House JUSTIN Points: Sign up for the 40 Hour Famine! Immanuel Justin lives with his Events This parents in Tanzania in the Magugu years team has a number of events community. His favourite subject planned for you all, beginning in is mathematics and his favourite Term Two with pastime is playing football. This year, Darfi eld High School will sponsor Odd Sock and Cool Hats Mufti Day Immanuel ensuring he can continue on Thursday 9 May in secondary school (he will have A White and Bright Disco for Years books and a desk: and helping his 7-10 on Friday 17 May community to reach its long-term development goals.