Term 3 was off to a flying start last week with plenty happening, including the senior students being given a strong message that final exams are just around the corner and solid work is needed from here on in. The mid-year report evening was held on Wednesday evening, and a large number of parents took the opportunity to discuss reports and student progress with teachers.

We welcomed four new exchange students this term as well as the return of Matthew Percy from his exchange stint in France for the last six months. The new students are from Japan, Norway and Finland and are staying from 6 to 12 months at Tararua. Last term Tyler Austin from Australia joined us for his 3 month Rotary exchange.

Exchange students(L to R): Mrs Forrest (International Student Dean), Aoi Yamamot (Japan), Tyler Austin (Australia), Minna Hirvi (Finland), Mads Pedersen (Denmark), Kristin Gravdal (Norway)

At the end of last term, on Thursday the 1st of July, eight of our talented Year 9 physical education students competed in the Manawatu/Wanganui section of the Youthtown ‘Get to Go Challenge.’ The team consisted of Tayla Hemopo, Tyla Keedwell, Natasha Bailey, Mackenzie Clince, Daniel Lochhead, Regan Davy, Gareth Cannon and Jeremy Cooper. The students were required to work together in three outdoor adventure challenges designed to test their problem-solving, leadership and team work skills.
Overall the team was placed 5th, with a 3rd placing in the mountain-biking challenge, 5th in the kayaking challenge and 5th in the orienteering challenge. The students worked exceptionally well together and displayed a great deal of leadership potential which we will encourage them to pursue in the future. A great day was had by all and we look forward to attending again next year.

On the first Saturday of the holidays, the annual rugby challenge against St Peters College in Palmerston North was held . There were three games of rugby, and this year was the most closely contested in the six year history of the Shield, with St Peters taking the honours. It was played in very good spirits and was a most enjoyable fixture for all concerned. The individual results were:
U14 won by St Peters 8 – 7 after they scored in the last 5 minutes of play.
2nd XV was a win to Tararua 26 – 22.
1st XV was won by St Peters 25 – 20 again after they scored in the last movement of the game.

Two groups from the Year 12 and 13 Drama classes took part in the Theatre in the Bush One Act Play Festival held on the last Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the school holidays at the local Regent Theatre.
Setting the standard on Thursday night was the play ‘Ward 17’ directed by Jamie Tamainu. This performance received a fantastic response from the adjudicator, and scored 82 out of 100.
Opening Saturday night was the Tonii Alexander directed ‘The Wicked Web We’ve Weaved.’ This performance won the Best Youth Play, scoring 90. Congratulations to Ali Chapman who won Best Youth Actor for her performance in this play. Congratulations to all of the participants who represented Tararua very well in this event. Thanks also to Miss Sheridan for her huge input of time in this Festival.
(Written by Georgia McDonald, Yr13)

A rehearsal scene from ‘The Wicked Web We’ve Weaved’


Cast members from ‘Ward 17’ are Billy Van Der Wiel, Stephany Walker and David Harvey

Winter sports will be underway again this weekend, though the Girls’ Hockey team played competition leader Nga Tawa on Wednesday night, last week, in Feilding. It was very intense and closely fought game. Tararua played very well and had chances to score, but the game finished in a 0 – 0 draw.

For further information on this column or about Tararua College events, please contact the School office or email Mr. Mcknight at the College.