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Lytton High School
Newsletter · Week 10 Term 2 2023
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What an amazing term! This newsletter captures many of the events that have occurred during the term. These stories attest to the character of our young people, their gifts, their hard work and resilience. These stories remind me of the words of the poet Maya Angelou “I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it.”
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Resilience is the "capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties". It is the ability to weather the inevitable storms in life, the capacity to bounce back. "Like building a muscle, increasing your resilience takes time and intentional practice."
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The American Psychological Association outlines four core components of resilience: connection, wellness, healthy thinking, and meaning.
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Together we can support our young people by deliberate, intentional acts of strengthening connection. We can do this by guiding, encouraging and speaking about the importance of seeking healthy, positive relationships.
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It is an investment of time and energy, and the rewards are immeasurable. Thank you.
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Prefect Camp to Rotorua
Our prefects initially were scheduled to go to Rotorua in February but due to cyclone Gabrielle we had to reschedule to May. Despite the setback our team made the most of our time there and took advantage of the many activities Rotorua has to offer such as ziplining, the luge, walks in the Redwood Forest during the day and night and learning about the history of Rotorua’s geysers at Te Puia Springs. During these activities we were given challenges like taking the best group photo at Te Puia springs, beating any of the teachers at the luge, filling out a scavenger hunt checklist by taking photos with different types of trees and foliage and dressing one member of our room in clothing made entirely of newspaper. It was really nice to see the team encouraging those hesitant to do certain activities and as a group celebrating them when they succeeded. Overall, our prefect camp was an amazing experience that the school gave us. It brought our team even closer together and has left us with memories of our last year at school that we can cherish forever.
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2023 Ngā Manu Kōrero & Kapa Haka Festival
In mid-June Lytton hosted this auspicious event. This is an annual event which is hosted under the Tairāwhiti Māori Teachers Association, an umbrella organisation for fourteen schools and kura who have secondary age pupils. The event opened with the pōhiri on the Thursday morning. Tamanui-te-rā shone brightly, a herald of tidings for the occasion!
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It was a genuine pleasure for Lytton High School to host the 2023 Ngā Manu Kōrero and Kapa Haka Festival. We witnessed our young people of this district perform in speechmaking and kapa haka. Our kapa represented us well, with a young team who are well placed for the future. Our speechmakers were proficient and engaging.
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Noah Ormond spoke in Tā Turi Kara Junior English, Ariana Stuart spoke in Te Rāwhiti Īhaka Junior Māori and Symphony Hira spoke in Te Korimako Senior English. Noah was placed second overall.
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Our staff were a credit to our school. Their service of the the two days was great, and the event allowed us to show off our school.
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Here are our three speakers
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- Noah Ormond spoke in Tā Turi Kara Junior English. He spoke on the topic 'Freedom of choice vs responsibility to our whānau, hapū, iwi, and hapori'.
- Ariana Stuart spoke in Te Rāwhiti Īhaka Junior Māori. Spoke on the topic 'He Māori ahau, kāore i kō atu, kāore i kō mai'.
- Symphony Hira spoke in Te Korimako Senior English. She spoke on the topic 'I am unapologetically Māori'.
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Year 11 Business Studies
Each semester we run a market day for the Year 11 Business Studies class. This semester students sold hot chips, popcorn, garlic bread, sausage sizzle, jumbo Mi Goreng noodles, ice cream, and crepes. Students prepared for 10 weeks, calculating their start up costs and their break-even point. They can choose any product to sell, but quickly learn that food sells fast and is appealing to their consumers. Each business puts in their own start up capital to purchase the raw ingredients needed to construct their products, as well as creating their own health and safety plan when cooking. Most groups sold out and were able to take home a decent profit. Market day can be not only stressful but nerve-wracking for our students, but they all did amazingly! The students get a real buzz when they see their product is popular and that working hard can be rewarding both in monetary terms and confidence. Well done to everyone who participated.
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Celebrating Success at Waka Ama
Secondary Schools Nationals 2023!
We are thrilled to share the exceptional achievements of our Waka Ama teams at the recent Waka Ama Secondary Schools Nationals held in Rotorua. Lytton High School proudly sent four teams to compete, and their dedication, perseverance, and teamwork truly shone throughout the event.
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The journey of our Waka Ama teams at the nationals began with a victory on day one. Our Junior 19 Boys and Girls combined their efforts and skills to win the ribbon, securing the B-grade final championship. This outstanding achievement not only showcased their talent but also provided a solid foundation for a successful national campaign.
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Our Junior 19 Boys' team made an impressive debut in their first-ever competition, consistently improving in each event. They reached the finals in both the 500m and 250m sprint, showcasing their incredible progress and determination. Their outstanding performance is a testament to their hard work and the support they received throughout their national campaign.
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The Junior 19 Girls' team also exhibited remarkable skill, making it to the semi-finals in the 500m and achieving a fantastic 4th place in the final of the highly competitive 250m championship. Their dedication and tenacity throughout the national campaign have been commendable.
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Additionally, our two Junior 16 Girls' teams, competing in their first national event, made us proud by advancing to the B-grade semi-finals, displaying their passion and talent. Their enthusiasm and commitment during the national campaign was impressive.
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We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to the Horouta, YMP, and Mareikura Waka Ama clubs for their unwavering support and collaboration during our national campaign. Without their awhi and support our school would not have been able to prepare and therefore not be represented at this year's nationals. No reira ka nui te mihi ki ēnei karapu waka hoe.
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As we celebrate the accomplishments of our Waka Ama teams, we are thrilled to announce that Lytton High School will be participating in the upcoming Australian Outriggers Junior Challenge in Gubbi Gubbi. This international event will showcase the talents of our Junior 19 teams on a global stage.
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The Australian Outriggers Junior Challenge is an incredible opportunity for cultural exchange, growth, and building connections with young paddlers from different backgrounds. Our teams will undergo intensive training programmes to further enhance their skills, technique, and endurance as they prepare for this competition.
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In order to provide our students with enhanced educational resources and extracurricular experiences, we are actively engaged in fundraising initiatives. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Turanga Health for providing us with the opportunity to pick mandarins, which has been a successful fundraising venture so far.
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We himbly request your support in identifying potential fundraising opportunities. If you have any ideas or suggestions or would like to discuss a potential partnership, please reach out to Matua Jason Devery, our Fundraising Coordinator, at de@lyttonhigh.net.
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We extend our deepest gratitude to all the dedicated teachers, support staff, parents, and community members who have contributed to the success of Lytton High School. Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
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The final but most important mihi of all must go to our pāpā Rob Nuku. Over the many years he picked up, dropped off, trained, motivated, cared for and was the constant for all of our rangatahi not just for Rītana but for all of our waka ama community. Our teams carried their
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pāpā with them in their hearts throughout this campaign, and he will always hold a special place in our Rītana whānau.
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Rītana Oratory Awards
As a first-time participant in a speech competition, Year 10 student Angel Saulala said that she felt “comfortable with those around her” until it was almost time for her to speak. Angel said she became “... nervous as. My heart was just pounding. But as soon as I started speaking I was able to calm down and just speak.”
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Angel won the junior section of the Rītana Oratory Awards which was held on the 1st of June in the school library. To write, structure and practice her speech took about a week. She was thankful that her older sister, Alex, helped to support her and be her sounding board.
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With a total of 23 competitors, the event was definitely a success. Students were able to choose from a number of given subjects and expected to deliver a speech between 6-8 minutes long in either the junior (Year 9-10) or senior (Year 11-13) section.
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2023 Ritana Oratory Award winners:
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Thom Caughley Senior Winner
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Linkin Ruru-Kingi Senior Runner-up
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Angel Saulala Junior Winner
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Iris Roe Junior Runner-up
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Secondary School Pride Week
This year Rītana celebrated our inclusive school by acknowledging Secondary School Pride Week June 12-16, 2023. The school’s diversity group is made up of a mix of students that identify as LGBTQ+, Allies and students who have whānau members belonging to the community. Rītana held a “Civvies” day where students did not have to wear their school uniform, along with a gold coin donation. Funds raised were given to InsideOUT, an organisation that supports school students nationwide with fun activities and appropriate resources. One student says, "Pride for me means to feel comfortable with who you are."
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Outdoor Education Term 2
At the beginning of Term 2 the Year 13 Outdoor Education class ventured into the Waioeka Conservation Area for their multi-day tramp. Conditions were wet and challenging and with rising river levels the intended Koranga Tawa Loop was not possible. Instead the group of keen students crossed over the Koranga River swing bridge and tackled ‘the burn’ - a steep climb through farmland before dropping down through native bush and following the Kahunui Stream to Tawa Hut. Students set-up camp here for 2 nights, completed a day walk and map-reading assessment, cooked on the campfire and displayed preparedness and resilience throughout the consistent rain. Lucky that no one forgot their rain jacket!
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Mason and Zania used their multi-day tramp experience to help them lead the Year 11 Outdoor Education class on a day tramp to Te Kuri Farm Walkway. They taught the Year 11 students how to set-up a tarp for an emergency shelter and how to use the gas cookers to make hot milos. This was a great outdoor leadership experience for the two Year 13 students that the Year 11 students thoroughly enjoyed.
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The Year 11 and 12 Outdoor Education class have also been having a go at Rogaine ‘a cross country navigation sport similar to orienteering’. Tairawhiti Adventure Trust kindly set up a course for us at both Titirangi and Whataupoko Reserve. Students worked in groups and with a map had to locate as many controls sites to clip their score card within a set time. This created an exciting and new way to explore our backyard.
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Kaiako - Outdoor Education
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Boys Football
The Lytton High Boys Football Team have been putting in a lot of effort and performing admirably against strong opponents like Campion and Boys High School. Drawing 3-3 against Boys High and winning 3-2 against Campion are impressive results. It's great to see that all the players played well and fought hard in those matches.
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The team is attending the Hillsdene football tournament in Tauranga later this year, it is a wonderful opportunity for players. Participating in tournaments like this can provide valuable experience and exposure to high-level competition. It's commendable that the team is working diligently in training both mentally and physically to ensure they perform to the best of their abilities in the tournament.
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Focusing on areas such as shooting, passing, and possession during training shows that the team is committed to improving their skills and developing a well-rounded game. These aspects are crucial for success in football, and it's excellent that the team is putting in the effort to work on them.
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Taking a development squad to the tournament is a significant step. It's an opportunity for them to showcase their abilities and gain experience at a higher level of play. Competing against teams from different regions can also help them gauge their progress and identify areas for further growth.
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Overall, it seems like the players are on the right track with their dedication and hard work. I wish them all the best in their preparations for the Hillsdene football tournament and hope they have a successful and enjoyable experience.
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Rītana Kapa Haka
This year, eight kapa haka competed to represent Te Tairāwhiti at next year’s Secondary School National Kapa Haka Competition. Lytton High School spent 10 weeks of fortnightly wānanga and weekday practices preparing for this event. Many of the performers were new to haka, let alone competitive haka, and all performed to the best of their abilities. The tutor team consisted of ex-Lytton students who gave up their time and energy, along with our students, to share their expertise, enthusiasm and aroha for haka.
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Te Rōpū Rangatahi o Rītana placed fifth overall in the regional competition and our congratulations go to both Tū ki Uta (first place) and Tūranga Wahine, Tūranga Tāne (second) who will represent Te Tairāwhiti in 2024.
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We would like to thank our whānau who supported us throughout this campaign - mei kore ko koutou, ka kore ko te kaupapa nei - without you, this kaupapa would not have happened. Parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, tuakana, teina, kaiako, tutors - and especially our students - nei rā te mihi ki a koutou, otirā ki a tātou katoa. We look forward to a short break and will be starting up again in Term 3 in preparation for Tamararo. We will be encouraging and inviting new members (Year 9-13) to join us for this, and future, campaigns.
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AROHA MAI AROHA ATU Anything can happen in the Forest
Rehearsals are continuing for this year’s Lytton High school production, ‘Aroha Mai, Aroha Atu’. The play is based on William Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’, but this is Shakespeare as you have never seen it! We set our scene here in the Forest of Makauri, right here in Te Tairawhiti - in an Aotearoa where all cultures are celebrated, Te Reo Māori sparkles in everyday use, and Te Ao Māori shows us a clear pathway in life through ideas and values. Our play has it all: comedy, poetry, music, dance, love, friendship, revenge, and even a taniwha attack!
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With a cast of 35 students and a crew of 15 more from all year levels of the school, this never before performed version of a world famous, widely loved classic will be on stage at the War Memorial Theatre at 7pm on July 26th and 12pm on July 27th 2023.
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Tickets are $5.00 and are available from the school office during school hours.
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Nau mai, haere mai! See you there!
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Kia ora from Rongomaiwhiti Angitu Wāhi Ako
It has been a very exciting term for Rongomaiwhiti Angitu. Students have enjoyed Science experiments and been encouraged and supported to observe, make predictions and test the science behind an experiment. A favourite experiment of the students is ‘the walking rainbow’. Students had previously experimented with colour mixing in an Art lesson and the ‘walking rainbow’ investigation reinforced that learning.
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They learnt about capillary action and secondary colour mixing.
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It is great to witness their expressions when the colours are mixed and ‘walk’. Wonderment!
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Our theme this term is Kōrero Maunga, Pūrākau - students were encouraged to choose a topic from their interests and share these with the class. Very original pieces of writing from our amazing students.
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Using props, some students shared the legends of Māui. That was a lot of fun and laughter!
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Our Matariki waiata was a way of introducing the celebration of Matariki - as a group, we decided to create our own star gazing piece of art and engage students in its creation and celebration. For four weeks, students and teachers worked very hard to complete this mammoth project. Students have been challenged to learn new skills and demonstrate that small steps lead to success. We are so proud of them.
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Angitu won a place in the H.B. Williams Memorial Library Matariki display with their piece - Matariki, Takiwātanga.
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Food & Fashion Technology
The Technology classes of Food and Fashion have been very busy creating individual pyjamas, patchwork cushions, quilts and some amazing hoodies. It's incredible to think that a lot of students in these classes have had no experience of designing with textiles and using sewing machines. The talent is overwhelming. The Year 10 Food class did themselves proud with their end of semester Cafe assessment. Some very creative students in this class and some very happy guests as well.
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Term Two Sports Roundup
Term 2 came and brought with it some challenges that we had to negotiate around, such as the Teachers Action, resulting in the assorted Year groups enforced time off school and the weather playing its part.
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Basketball – Senior Girls opened their season on Monday evenings, with a win at the YMCA and have given notice of their intention to do well. O’Shae Rangihaeata's Lytton team have a command of basketball ability (show and go, run and gun) that are a joy to watch. Lytton Senior Boys basketball opened at the Gisborne Boys High School gym on Wednesday evenings. Charlie Hughes, although new to basketball, can hold his own in the low post and is in the right position for ‘offensive put backs’. Ruka Leilua and Tumaurirere Tuwairua are back, and together galvanize the team both defensively and offensively. Another to join the Lytton basketball ranks this year, given space, is ‘3point shooter extraordinaire' Flex McGhee. The Lytton Junior Boys competition at the YMCA on Friday evenings, attracts a lot of followers. The games are exciting to watch, electrifying and thrilling. These young men have so much enthusiasm and energy that movement of the ball at both ends of the court is rousing and fun to watch. This makes a ‘Friday spectacle’ a must to check out. Lytton Juniors have talent all over the court, and have proved so far, not to be taken lightly.
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Cross Country – We had an ideal sunny day with hard underfoot conditions for the East Coast North Island/Tairawhiti Cross Country held at the Gisborne AMP Showgrounds. Our representatives Zyanja Rudge, Kyra Ensor and Bella Sowerby lined up for the Girls Y9 3Km's. Locky Scully Y9 Boys 3Km's and Capria Tamatea and Iris Roe in the Junior Girls 3Km's. The races were very competitive with Zyanja the fastest out of our lot to cross the finish line. Well done to you all.
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Football – Boys have registered to play in the Hillsdene Tournament in Tauranga 29 August – 1 September this year. Coach Breeze Parsons have the boys warming up quite nicely with regular training/practices Tuesdays and Thursdays and some friendly games Fridays against Gisborne Boys High School. Girls Football have registered to play in the Maurice Hulme Tournament in Rotorua come Winter Tournament week. The excitement is building and the girls are looking forward to this event.
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Golf – Lytton had a small representation at the Tairāwhiti Secondary Schools ‘Have a Go’ Golf at the Poverty Bay Golf Club. We couldn’t ask for a better day. The sun was shining, friendly students, clubs supplied and being outside following a little white golf ball around a 9-hole course in an Ambrose type tournament, was a pleasant enough start. I must add, that walking and searching for your ball takes a toll on one’s concentration and fitness and near the end as tiredness crept in replacing divots and repairs to pitch marks became the norm. It was a fun day. Many thanks to the Poverty Bay Golf Club for sharing their equipment and to Quentin Mill for his work in bringing this all together.
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Gymnastics – Capria Tamatea was our sole Lytton representative at the Tairāwhiti Secondary Schools Gymnastics Festival in the Senior A Grade. She took part on the beam, floor and vault and as a result of her effort overall, placed second. Way to go Capria. I’m glad I wasn’t a judge because all the girls did well. I enjoyed the Rhythm Gymnastics that followed. The music, lines, groups, shaking this and that, flips, tumbling in harmony to the beat was entertaining. Looking ahead, I reckon we have students that could take part in this section of the festival.
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Hockey- The team is developing okay and have made significant progress. They have improved on their offence, in that, they have had more shots at goal this round than in the first round. Perhaps with just a little bit of tweaking here and there with their body positions on the ‘strike’, the end result could have been different. The ball movement is fast at both ends of the turf and Cody Dyer seems suited to his role up front, while young Kegan van Zyl has his moments on defense. Zarneo Baker’s tireless presence all over the turf is always a threat to the opposition. Yuna Preddey leads the team and has support from Zyanja Rudge, Zania O’Neill, Stevie Durston, Dyna Clarke and Cassandra Gamiero just to name a few.
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Indoor Bowls – Coach Rachael Rickard has selected our pairs combinations for the upcoming North Island Secondary Schools Indoor Bowls Tournament to be held at Mount Maunganui 29-30 July. We have great expectation that they will do well.
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Netball – The Junior A Netball team each week is gaining in experience. They have players that can fit in anywhere on the court and coach O’Shae Rangihaeata is fair in giving every one of her team a go. However, In the shooting circle Hayley – Jade Nepe has shown promise, in fact, whatever position she plays. In the defense circle Kiki Casey and Dayna Clarke as a duo have adapted to their roles well. Ritana Mixed – I have seen a couple of their games and they are not bad. They have a fundamental and sound core of players that turn up week in and week out and have developed a friendship that is vital to their game. The results speak for themselves. Kei runga noa atu.
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Ngata 7s – What a wonderful experience for those taking part for the first time at the Ngata 7s Tournament this year. The day was perfect, sunny and hot. Coast hospitality second to none, with an all-day BBQ. It was easy to forget we were there for sports, Y9 &10 Netball and Rugby 7's. Anyway, some of the games did not all go our way, but overall we enjoyed ourselves. Our Y9 Netball did us proud in placing 2nd in the tournament. Our rugby representatives
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Te Ohomauri White and Romeo Brown gave a good account of themselves as they slipped in with Ngā Uri A Māui and Hawaiki Hou Rugby 7's. Nga mihi nui to all those who took part, to O’Shae Rangihaeata, Koka Sabrina Street, Koka Hana Ropata and umpire Jarrod Waikawa for their support. To driver Mr Don Evans of Go Bus Service, for getting us there and back safely. To TASSPA for their sponsorship, enabling that all students attend without any apprehension.
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Rugby U18s - We do not have enough players to stand alone this year so once again have amalgamated with Ngā Uri A Māui and Campion College. The trainings have been based at Campion with games played Tuesdays either at Barry Park, Rectory Field or Campion College. Lytton has contributed 11 players to the U18 Tūranganui Ā Kiwa squad. Sometimes we win and sometimes we lose. Usually either a try or a conversion, separates the win from a loss. U15s – The Teachers Actions and weather have caused disruptions to the U15s program on Wednesdays this term. We too have amalgamated with Ngā Uri A Māui, Campion College and Sonrise School to form Tūranganui Ā Kiwa.
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Swimming- The Lytton High School Swimming Champs was held at the Enterprise Swimming Pool. Those who took part were witness to two outstanding records being broken in the 50M and 100M Back Stroke by Zyanja Rudge. She was pushed all the way by Jesse Hobrough and Ruby Fergusson. Zyanja’s winning time of 35.50 in the 50M and 1.19.47 for the 100M, may stand for a while. Ka mau te wehi. To all those who supported the swimmers, your assistance was much appreciated, ngā mihi ki a koutou.
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Sports Calendar
29 - 30 July - North Island Secondary Schools Indoor Bowls Mount Maunganui 3 August - Ki o Rahi Regional Qualifier
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28 August - 1 Sept Winter Tournament Week
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11 September -Tairāwhiti Secondary Schools Lawn Bowls
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14 September - Tairāwhiti Secondary Schools Kī-o-Rahi Regionals
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23 -26 September - North Island Secondary Schools U15s Hockey Reps
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2024 Enrolments & Prospectus
2024 enrolments are now open, a copy of our Prospectus and enrolment forms are available on our website or from the school office.
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Welcome to New Staff
A very warm welcome to all the new staff who have joined us this term.
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Losaline Lauti -Teacher Aide
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Charmaine Pahuru - Teacher Aide Rongomaiwhiti
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Tyler-Rose Reid-Kahika - Teacher Aide Rongomaiwhiti
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Staff Farewells
For Term Two we bid a fond farewell to Clinton du Plessis, teacher and
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Upcoming Events
8th August Board of Trustees Meeting
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13th August Lytton High School Open Day
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16th September CACTUS Longest Day
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19 September Board of Trustees Meeting
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22 September Last day of Term Three
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