Diocesan School Magazine 2013 Term 2

JULY 2013

Diocesan School for Girls
Clyde Street, Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand
P. 09 520 0221
F. 09 520 6778
E. [email protected]

DIOCESAN.SCHOOL.NZ

BOARD CHAIR Mr Andrew Peterson

PRINCIPAL Ms Heather McRae JULY 2013

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS Ms Chris Arthur

Mrs Margaret van Meeuwen

ASSISTANT PRINCIPALS Mrs Kate Burkin

Ms Sue Leslie

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL Mrs Suzanne Brewin
HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Mrs Amy Thompson
JUNIOR SCHOOL

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS Mrs Merle Boniface
AND PLANNING
13 “The attitude that hard work,
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Mrs Rachel Gardiner
commitment and effort make a
CHAPLAIN Reverend Sarah Moss difference is the single most important
element of success.”
ADMISSIONS DIRECTOR Mrs Kate Jones
Heather McRae
HEAD PREFECT Virginia Dougherty

DEPUTY HEAD PREFECT Phoebe Stanford

DIO TODAY is produced through the Marketing Office of Diocesan School for Girls and is designed and published by Hunter Creative www.huntercreative.co.nz. For information about this publication please contact
the Editor, Liz McKay, [email protected] P. (09) 520 0221 ext 7733. Old Girls’ Liaison: Georgina Rose P. (09) 376 3922. Commissioned photography by Real Image, www.realimage.co.nz P. (09) 846 8683
and Ollie Dale, www.olliedale.com P. 021 755181.

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LEADING COVER:
Dio Old Girl Kay Eady who,
02 From the Principal at the age of 71, has completed her
04 Heritage Foundation Master of Commerce degree.
08 Teachers as Learners Read her story on pages 72-73

LIVING of this issue of Dio Today.

40 Chaplaincy Photo by Kelley Eady Loveridge.
42 Sport – A winning
LEARNING
attitude
10 Scholars’ Awards Dinner
52 Performing Arts 15 The International
62 P&F Dio House Tour
Baccalaureate at Diocesan
Houses for Causes
18 Centre for Ethics events
LIFELONG 34 Leadership initiatives in
FRIENDS
Term 2
66 President’s column
68 An honourable volunteer EDITORIAL
70 Farro Fresh: a Mecca for
On the cover of the April issue of Dio Today we featured young
foodies Isobella Baggeley, a student in Diocesan’s Foundation Class,
where, in the school environment, learning begins at four. In
76 Reunions this issue of Dio Today we move to the opposite end of the
79 Obituary, Ellison spectrum where learning doesn’t end, featuring Old Girl Kay
Eady who, at the age of 71, has graduated from the University of
Johnson Auckland with a Master of Commerce degree.

In a school such as Diocesan, with its strong tradition of
academic excellence, where a wide variety of academic choices,
co-curricular, extracurricular, cultural and sporting opportunities
are offered, learning is an investment in life. The love of learning
that is fostered here flows on, not only to gaining qualifications
from tertiary institutions, but to embracing new learning
opportunities of every kind and keeping an active and inquiring
mind throughout life’s journey.

At a special Academic Council full school assembly on 24 June,
Lauren Fong concluded the assembly with the following prayer:
“God of mercy, we thank you for the educational opportunities
we each have at Dio. Thank you that this is a place where learning
is valued and where students can strive for academic excellence.
We thank you for the wonderful teachers and mentors here who
help us move closer to our individual goals. We pray for strength,
focus and commitment to our learning so that, as the year
progresses, we will experience the success we hope for.”

The July issue of Dio Today is filled with success stories – so, “Enjoy!”

Liz McKay, Editor

Leading

FROM THE PRINCIPAL their mobile phones from a young
age. Without satisfactory Internet
THE INTERNET filters, children can access highly
A transformational inappropriate material and join
tool or teenage websites like Facebook when they
time bomb? are underage.

A phone call from a distressed parent • Some websites enable anonymous
reveals that she is concerned about her comments to be made – ask.fm is an
daughter. The daughter is tired, stressed, example. Harassment and bullying
lacking self confidence and Mum never online undermines self-esteem. For
seems to be able to get her daughter those not familiar with the term,
off her mobile phone. The consequent cyberbullying is bullying - it is using
meeting demonstrates the positive and the Internet, a mobile phone or other
negative affects of technology. While we technology like a digital camera to
celebrate and use technology as part hurt somebody, harass or embarrass
of our everyday lives, we should also be them (definition from Netsafe).
prepared and respond to the negative Recent examples in New Zealand have
effects on our young people. been publicised by the NZ Herald.

Schools today are in the midst of • Anonymous questions posted on
these issues, and much of our role is to websites have been used to find out
also help and support our parent and personal details resulting in crimes
student community to address concerns such as child molestation and identity
about safety and wellness. As a theft.
community we put support, information
and guidance in place, but sadly, • Aps like SnapChat enable the posting
each year brings about new websites, of anonymous pictures that supposedly
technologies, scams and a range of disappear a short time later. However,
new issues to manage. This article will Internet forensic specialists have found
explore how proactive approaches that although the photographs do
will help, but just as with other disappear, they can be salvaged, and
dependencies in our society, we should have been used to embezzle funds
be highly aware and active participants from unsuspecting users.
in supporting our young people with
appropriate moral and ethical views to • Young people are spending hours
navigate the future. at night communicating on social
networking sites and are unable to cope
WHAT ARE THE ISSUES? with the rigors of work and are not able
• Many of our young people are able to develop sensible sleep patterns.

to access unfiltered Internet sites on • The language and photographic
materials posted online on sites such
as Instagram can be abusive, offensive
and uncensored. Where people are
not making face-to-face contact, the
level of abuse is much worse than
what they would say to each other in
person. This material creates a digital
footprint that lasts a lifetime.

2 DIO TODAY

LEADING

WHAT CAN WE COLLECTIVELY DO? “Just as with other dependencies in our society, we
Our school is well equipped with a should be highly aware and active participants
wireless network that is appropriately in supporting our young people with appropriate
filtered. Girls cannot access Facebook or moral and ethical views to navigate the future.”
inappropriate materials online. However,
their mobile phones have that capacity • Deans regularly talk about safe • Through our special character, we
through their 3G/4G networks and our Internet use and cover this in their year examine respect, ethical behaviour and
parents are diligent in ensuring that level assemblies. empathy and how we might choose to
appropriate software limits are set. Some apply these principles online.
great strategies involve collecting mobiles • Dealing with these issues at Full
in the evening so that they stay under School Assembly where girls have Arguably, the Internet is a phenomenon
parental control for the night. Parents are talked about their real experiences that has changed our lives for the better.
also not allowing pin numbers so that of communicating inappropriately But with some aspects of new innovations
they can have free access to the mobile through websites and email. We have and inventions, there is a negative side
and its history to check appropriateness discussed digital footprint and how that we must diligently manage.
of use. Placing a time limit on Internet this stays with a person for life.
access at home and switching wireless We appreciate the incredible support of
networks off at night is helpful – but be • Ensuring that each student signs a our parent community and girls in taking
aware that neighbouring wireless access new Internet Safety Agreement every on this challenge to ensure that we never
can often be used without parents year so that we can maintain a level of forget the power of human kindness in
knowing. Note that 3G and 4G networks currency with this agreement. caring about how we communicate with
will keep operating on mobiles, even if each other. We should never compromise
home wireless networks are turned off. • Making sure the Year 7 digital passport our standards of respect for another human
There is further help available through covers elements of safety and use with being – for the need to treat that person
Netsafe (netsafe.org.nz), who provide respect to digital communications. with integrity and for the need to make
much needed guidance. them feel valued in the world.
• Covering safe Internet use in Years
WHAT HAS THE SCHOOL BEEN DOING? 7–10 Health topics as part of our Heather McRae,
We believe that education is the best compulsory Health and PE curriculum. Principal
avenue to enhance high quality, effective
use of the Internet. It is still up to us
as a society to decide on the values,
principles and beliefs that guide human
communication. As part of this education,
Netsafe has provided workshops for
our Year 9 and 10 students and has
also run workshops for parents in the
Junior School. We have emailed and
communicated with all students and
parents to highlight the dangers of ask.fm.
We are also:

• Evaluating feedback from two
members of staff who attended a
conference in Australia in May/June,
tapping into emerging issues and
examining what new steps we can take.

• Delivering ‘The Ned’ workshops for
Years 6, 7 and 8 on bullying.

DIO TODAY 3

Looking to the future

Angela Anderson The purpose of this Fund is to aspects of the Heritage Foundation’s
ensure Diocesan can maintain its role. Our Trustees (along with their sub-
The Heritage Foundation is renewing independence, notwithstanding the committees Dio Arts and Dio Sport) are
its commitment to its goal of building vagaries of Government funding to currently reviewing the grant guidelines.
the Centennial Endowment Fund, which independent schools. The Trustees are To increase transparency we will
aims to accumulate a capital sum of $10 committed to increasing the funding of communicate updated guidelines in Dio
million by the time of the School’s 125th Student Scholarships based on hardship Beat and on the Dio Portal in Term 4 with
Anniversary in 2028. and/or merit. We want more students any changes effective from Term 1, 2014.
to be offered scholarships so that they
can access the education that Diocesan In May the School and the Heritage
offers. This is very much consistent with Foundation hosted two cocktail parties
the School’s founding values. for new parents, designed to welcome
them to the School and increase
In the meantime, the Foundation will awareness about the School’s financial
maintain its conservative investment policies and fundraising initiatives. These
policy which has served us well, and will functions resulted in donations which
continue to apply its income, after first are very much appreciated.
inflation proofing its capital base, to
assist students, staff and the School. The culture of philanthropy is evident
throughout Dio, with students involved
In the current economic climate, virtually every day in a range of
fundraising for Diocesan School does charitable and community support
not get any easier and the support of pursuits. There are numerous groups
all those who have contributed to the and individuals who assist the School
Heritage Foundation and Diocesan through fundraising activities, direct
School is greatly appreciated. The financial contributions, the provision
provision of grants to assist staff and of their own time and other ‘in kind’
students is one of the most satisfying support. We thank you all!

4 DIO TODAY

H E R I TA G E Term 3 dates LEADING

The Trustees are grateful for the MONDAY 29 JULY – FRIDAY 27 SEPTEMBER
ongoing assistance provided by staff
in the Development Office and Scott 29 July Term 3 begins for Foundation Class–Year 6
Christie, the School’s Finance Manager, Teacher Only Day Years 7–13
who provides regular financial reports 30 July Term 3 begins for Years 7–13
to the Heritage Foundation and its 1 August Aria ContestSchool Hall, 7:00pm
Investment Committee. 2 August Chapel Festival12:15pm
5 August House Music and DanceDawn Jones
Finally I would like to express sincere Sports Centre, 1:00pm
thanks to the Trustees who are so 6 August Year 10 2014 Options EveningSchool Hall,
passionate about Diocesan and making 5:00pm
sure we remain at the forefront of 8 August Concerto ContestSchool Hall, 6:30pm
education. The 2013 Heritage Foundation 11 August Independent Schools’ Expo
trustees are: Angela Anderson (Chair), 12 August Junior School Father Daughter Breakfast
David Ballantyne, Warren Couillault, Ian Dawn Jones Sports Centre, 7:00am
Gault, Mindy Levene, Heather McRae and 14 August Southwell Sports ExchangeAll day
Edwina Mistry. 16 August Year 7 Leadership DayAll day
18 August Mary Pulling Chapel Service
I look forward to achieving the next Years 7–135:00pm
phase of the Heritage Foundation’s Eliza Edwards Chapel Service
goals with you and ensuring that Years 7–136:30pm
the women in your family – for many 19 August Confirmatin RetreatAll day
generations to come – get the very best 20 August Ethics presentation in Languages
start in life to become ‘more than they Department by Gemma Wilson
ever imagined’. Student ConfirmationChapel of our
glorified Lord, 6:30pm
Angela Anderson, 21 August Innes House Chapel Service6:30pm
Chair of the Heritage Foundation 23 August St Peter's Exchange at CambridgeAll day
Ethics Community DinnerSchool Hall
HERITAGE FOUNDATION 6:00pm
COCKTAILS 27 August Year 12 PlayLittle Theatre, 7:00pm
28 August Mufti Day
Year 12 PlayLittle Theatre, 7:00pm
Big Sing National Final begins
2 September Winter Tournament Week begins
8 September Junior School House Services9:00am
Old Girls’ Baptisms11:30am
10 September Senior Old Girls' Morning TeaSchool Hall
10:00am
12 September Year 13 IB Diploma examinations begin
13 September NCEA Levels 1–3 examinations begin
Year 8 Leadership DayAll day
17 September Year 12 IB Diploma examinations begin
18 September Junior School Production/Exhibition
Junior School Hall, 6:00pm
19 September Junior School Production/Exhibition
Junior School Hall, 6:00pm
Year 7 LeadershipAll day
20 September Examinations end
24 September Year 13 MonologuesLittle Theatre, 7:00pm
25 September Year 13 MonologuesLittle Theatre, 7:00pm
26 September Music ShowcaseHoly Trinity Cathedral,
Parnell, 7:00pm
27 September Term 3 ends3:20pm

DIO TODAY 5

DIO ARTS: COPACABANA

Thank
you
event

On 30 May Dio Arts hosted a ‘Thank You’ morning tea for all the wonderful
volunteers who helped with the Senior Musical, Copacabana. While guests
viewed shots from the show, they enjoyed the delicious doughnuts and
muffins, organised by Jenny Speed.
Both Rosey Eady and Shelagh Thomson thanked those who attended for
their contributions. Heather McRae had the honour of drawing the raffle
winners for the Moses basket full of Del Monte products and two ‘photo
shoots’ by professional photographer, Michael Overend. The lucky winners
were Nicky Wells, Sam Scott and Marty O’Halloran.
Special thanks to Danielle Butler who co-ordinated the sale of ice creams
at interval every night and to Erika Farrant and her team of helpers for all
the costumes.
Dio Arts greatly appreciates the dedicated support of parents, family and
friends - for their assistance at school productions – and although it is not
always possible to have a formal thank you, without them our events would
not succeed.

6 DIO TODAY

Be more than you LEADING
ever imagined
through sport too...

Dio Sport (formerly The Sports representative level, engaging sports
Foundation) is a committee of avid Dio specialists such as nutritionists and
sports supporters, led by Jenny Cade physiologists to ensure best practice,
and guided by Director of Sport, Peg supplying tents for shelter at events
Lockyer, who are absolutely committed and conducting fundraising events
to fulfilling Diocesan’s purpose throughout the year to provide the
statement ‘be more than you ever funds for sports initiatives.
imagined’ through sport.
At times we need extra help for specific
Our goal is to support our athletes projects, so if you would like to be
and develop sport in general. Some involved we would love to hear from
examples of our support are: providing you! Please contact Jenny Cade at
grants for athletes competing at
[email protected]

THE ULTIMATE
AFTER MATCH

Hosted by James McOnie

from Prime TV’s ‘The Crowd Goes wild’

Saturday 21 Sept

AT dio sPorT Club rooms - sPC

Featuring a celebrity sports debate, live auction and the launch of the new sports uniform.
A fun, casual night out. Start thinking about your table now!

For sponsorship & general enquires, email: [email protected]

DIO TODAY 7

Teachers Alison Schofield

as learners HEAD OF FACULTY HEALTH
AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION
As part of an educational institution, teachers
are learners too. Most often they learn from Alison has been seconded to the
their students whose view on the world is University of Auckland as a Facilitator
understandably different to their own. With the for Health and Physical Education. She
movement to inquiry learning, teachers often is travelling up, down and across the
work as facilitators in the classroom, learning upper North Island. She reports, “My
alongside their students. This article highlights office drives are really amazing. I have
the learning of three of our staff who, through started to create a record of photos
a secondment, a fellowship and a sabbatical of some the spectacular scenery this
have the opportunity to pursue their learning off country offers.
campus for part of this year.
Most of the job is centred around
supporting Middle Leaders in the Health
and Physical Education learning area to
raise achievement for all students with
particular focus on priority learners, Māori,
Pasifika and students with special needs.

Stunning views like this, north of Gisborne, are
what Alison describes as her ‘office’.

8 DIO TODAY

André Worsnop LEADING

“I work in schools with the greatest need. “The opportunity to HEAD OF FACULTY ARTS
This is very varied - from supporting spend sabbatical time
teachers develop department action processing years of André was awarded a sabbatical for
plans to building capacity to lead others. accumulated thoughts Term One of this year to explore the
I also help out with National Workshops and questions has ever-changing world of technology
for all teachers in the region.” been invaluable, and in education. The Stanford University
I am very grateful Centre for Teaching and Learning
“The main focus is targeting priority to the School for the researched the benefits of a sabbatical
students at most risk of not achieving. experience.” for teachers, and he is pleased to
We work through a Teacher as Inquiry report that all of these are true from
model, using evidence to determine Ritu is looking forward to practising what his experience: rejuvenation, time for
what strategies are most likely to she teaches and so better understand reflection, a fresh perspective, building
support students with their learning. The the needs of her students. new professional relationships and the
challenge is being able to show progress infusion of new findings, new energy
in achievement for these students.” “For Food Technology scholarship, and confidence in teaching. His time
students are expected to provide away from teaching allowed him time
“I feel very privileged to have this evidence of an innovative solution to an to read, reflect, explore, play, develop
opportunity to support other teachers issue posed by a context. Companies are ideas, discuss, dream and create.
and their students. I would like to thank constantly aiming to be innovative and
Ms McRae for granting me leave to find a gap in the market through market André reports, “There are vast
take up this contract for the year. Also and consumer surveys. opportunities that have evolved in
a huge thank you to my Level 1 and Arts education through technology,
2 students, who willingly allow me to My project will give me a clear and but also challenges and concerns that
share their work to help others.” comprehensive knowledge and hands-on accompany them. My investigation
experience through new product was focused specifically on mobile
Ritu Sehji development from inception to finish and technology in the Arts (predominantly
enable me to discuss and justify aspects tablets and smartphones). The
TEACHER IN CHARGE OF of Food Technology with more confidence.” outcome is a resource that discusses
FOOD TECHNOLOGY the importance of developing an
understanding of mobile tools and their
Ritu has been awarded a New Zealand use in the classroom, and how teaching
Science, Mathematics and Technology practice can and should adapt to
Endeavour Teacher Fellowship for Terms incorporate evolving technology.
3 and 4. The purpose of the Fellowship is
to gain new and up-to-date knowledge “It also explores a variety of activities
to enhance her teaching and learning, in Dance, Drama, Music and Visual Arts
develop leadership capacity, and give that can enhance learning or create new
her an opportunity to experience how opportunities for students. The Arts
technology is used outside teaching. staff has vast experience across a range
of disciplines. Our teachers are at the
As part of the fellowship Ritu will have forefront of good practice in their fields,
an opportunity to participate in the and this resource will be a springboard
week-long residential leadership course for further exploration using mobile
which will be held in Dunedin at Otago technology tools. Their support and
University and will complete the two expertise has been invaluable in the
associated assignments and work with process of exploration.
the Research and Development team
at Goodman Fielder New Zealand to The opportunity to spend sabbatical time
develop a prototype that meets their processing years of accumulated thoughts
product brief. and questions has been invaluable, and
I am very grateful to the School for the
experience. I look forward to discussing
the future of teaching and learning with
colleagues, students and parents.”

DIO TODAY 9

Learning

Madeleine Ballard,
2013 Academic Prefect

10 DIO TODAY

LEARNING

ASwcahrdolsars’ to feel proud of their achievements.
As William Makepeace Thackeray, the
The annual Scholars’ Dinner was held on author of Vanity Fair, once said, “Next to
a cold, wintry night in early July, but the excellence is the appreciation of it”.
transformation of the Hall into a haven of fairy
lights and candles meant the guests felt warm After a beautiful dinner prepared by Let’s
and welcomed. Eat, guest speaker Rachael Patching
(profiled in the July and October 2012
issues of Dio Today) shared the story of
her journey with the scholars and their
parents. Rachael left Diocesan in 2000
and credits her love of scuba diving and
her desire to share the beauty of the
underwater world with her decision to
make films. For her it has been a case
of ‘living the dream’ ever since then as
her contracts have taken her around the
world making films for organisations
such as OXFAM, Greenpeace and the
World Bank. But she has been quite
determined not to take a job unless
it fitted with her passions, values and
lifestyle. As a freelancer she has also
known the value of working for free – she
worked to learn.

Although Rachael is most comfortable
behind the camera, she embarked
on a Master of Science and Natural

Our Principal, Heather McRae, opened Madeleine Ballard, the Academic Prefect Rachael Patching and her partner
the evening with the advice that a for 2013, reminded the girls that it is
growth mindset is the key to success, not both a gift and a challenge to succeed:
talent, luck or genetics. The attitude that a challenge, because you are always
hard work, commitment and effort make measured by your past successes,
a difference is the single most important but more importantly, a gift, because
element of success. She encouraged you have the potential to change
all the girls to continue to believe in the world. But she also reminded the
themselves and their ability to succeed. scholars that they should take the time

DIO TODAY 11

YEAR 11

Silver Scholar Awards

are awarded to students who achieve a grade point average
of 370 or more from their four best NCEA Level 1 subjects.

History Film Making to learn the art of Eloise Chin Emily Maclean
story telling and this has led to several Eugenie Chung Kate Maclean
successful projects, like Gone Curling Nancy Du Ellie McBurney
described in Dio Today. Rachael advised Olivia Gallagher Kirsty McRae
the girls to build strong relationships, Rachel Gao Ashleigh Parton
listen to people and understand their Kate Gatman Kira Pitman
stories – you never know where or when Laura Hadfield Hannah Pitman-Bell
they might pop into your life again. She Amy Hansen Libby Porter
credited Diocesan with giving her the Sarah Holland Sarah Reid
skills to believe in herself and the courage Lauren Holmes Sophie Roberts
to follow her ambitions – you could say Samantha Jacobson Sierra Sewell
Rachael has a strong growth mindset! Sarah Jones Shantel Smith
The evening concluded with the Hannah Kang Kathleen Williams
presentation of the awards. There Kelly Kim Ann Wu
were a large number of award winners Emily Lawson Peiyu Wu
this year because of the excellent
examination results in 2012 and the list YEAR 12
of those winners is printed here. We
warmly congratulate all the Scholars Silver Scholar Awards
and look forward to them putting their
growth mindsets to good use in the are awarded to students who achieve a grade point
coming months. average of 370 or more from their four best NCEA Level
2 subjects or Diploma students with Academic Honours
12 DIO TODAY or High Distinction. If it is a student’s first award they
receive a Silver Scholars’ Award.

Madi Bartlett Lily MacLean
Raina Chand Erin Maddren
Bianka Covic Vanessa Moodabe-Smith
Catherine Eaddy Abby Regan
Lauren Fong Charlotte Stuart
Holly Gillan Abby Thompson
Lucy Gregory Brittany Young
Pooja Kodakathi

YEAR 12

Gilded Scholar Awards

are awarded to students who achieve a grade point
average of 370 from their best four NCEA Level 2 Subjects
or Diploma students with Academic Honours or High
Distinction in 2012. Students receiving their second award
receive a Gilded Scholars’ Award.

Madeleine Ballard Katrina Pan
Ella Dobson Evelyn Qian
Sarah Fraser Xaviar Rego
Karin Ho Meghan Seel
Carena Lai Karen Sue
Wendy Lian Rachel Twyman
Yi (Evie) Liu Nicole Watt
Sian Morrison

YEAR 12 “The attitude that hard work, commitment LEARNING
and effort make a difference is the
Gold Awards
single most important element of success.”
are awarded to students who achieve
three or more Scholarships. Heather McRae

This year we were in the unusual but
delightful situation of awarding a Year 12
Gold Scholar Award. The Gold Scholar
Awards are generally awarded to Year 13
girls who qualify because of their results
in their final school examinations. But if
a Year 12 student is successful in three
or more Scholarship examinations, she
qualifies for this award.

Evelyn Qian is currently studying towards
her Diploma. In the 2012 Scholarship
examinations Evelyn achieved Scholarship
passes in English, Mathematics with
Calculus and Chemistry.

YEAR 13 Kerry has just finished her first semester Principal, Ms Heather McRae, with
at The University of Auckland and in Gold scholars Claire McRae, Evelyn
Gold Awards August will move to the UK to take up Qian and Kerry Mackereth (absent
the coveted Girdlers’ Scholarship and from photo - Madeleine Barber-Wilson
are awarded to students who achieve begin her studies at Cambridge.
three or more Scholarships or a total and Brooke Healey).
of 40+ out of 45 points in the Diploma Claire McRae, who received
Programme. Scholarships in Media Studies, Classical DIO TODAY 13
Studies and History. Claire is currently
This year we had four Year 13 Gold at The University of Auckland studying
Scholars, three of whom were able to towards a law and arts degree.
join us at the Scholars’ Dinner.

The Year 13 Gold scholar who was
unable to be there was Brooke Healey
who received a total of 40 out of a
maximum of 45 points in the Diploma
and was recognised at the Diploma
Awards’ Ceremony by the Governor
General earlier this year. Brooke is in her
first year at university in Melbourne.

The Year 13 Gold Scholars able to
join us on the night to celebrate their
achievements were:

Madeleine Barber-Wilson, who received
a total of 40 out of a maximum of 45
points in the Diploma and was recognised
at the Diploma Awards’ Ceremony by
the Governor General earlier this year.
Madeleine is currently at the University of
Otago studying Health Sciences.

Kerry Mackereth, who received a total
of 44 out of a maximum of 45 points
in the Diploma and was recognised
at the Diploma Awards’ Ceremony by
the Governor General earlier this year.

COMPETING WITH
THE WORLD’S BEST
YOUNG BIOLOGISTS

Diocesan student Evelyn, 17, who came home from last Biology. This will stand her in excellent
Evelyn Qian has year’s Olympiad in Singapore with stead at the international competition
surprised herself a bronze medal after competing and as she moves on to university study.”
and national against gifted Biology students from
judges by being 59 countries, is one of only four New Evelyn, who is in Year 13, said she had
selected for the Zealand students selected to take part decided not to enter the Olympiad
second year in a in this year’s competition. again this year but changed her mind at
row to represent the last minute when she was accepted
New Zealand The three other participants are into the training camp.
at the Biology David Chou from Macleans College,
Olympiad Stuart Curran from Lindisfarne College “I had much more time to study last
in Switzerland in Hawke’s Bay and Gillian McNaughton year and this year I have just had to fit
in July. from Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu in what I can, mainly learning off cue
in Wellington. cards that I made last year. But I am
14 DIO TODAY not so overwhelmed at the notion of
The New Zealand International Biology competing this time round.”
Olympiad provides a year-long training
programme for gifted and talented More than 200 students who are
Biology students who compete for competing in this year’s Olympiad will
a place on the Olympiad team in an spend 12 hours over two days sitting
elimination process which includes an four 90 minute practical tests and two
eight-day residential training camp three-hour theoretical ones on topics
for finalists who learn Stage I and II covering the whole Biology curriculum
university level practical and theoretical from Ecology to Biosystematics.
Biology skills.
Becoming a doctor is one long-term
NZIBO chairperson Angela Sharples said goal for Evelyn who is studying for the
Evelyn’s selection for the second year in two-year International Baccalaureate
a row was a notable achievement. Diploma and whose other favourite
subjects are Maths and Chemistry.
“Evelyn has shown remarkable dedication “I have heard that the International
and perseverance and has developed Biology Olympiad is a brilliant start for
a great depth of understanding in a medicine course at university.”

The International LEARNING
Baccalaureate
Diploma at Diocesan

2013 is the seventh girls may decide to do more than one
year that the science, to help them gain entry into
International medicine or engineering at universities
Baccalaureate (IB) in New Zealand or around the world,
Diploma has been and this too is possible.
offered at Diocesan.
The IB Diploma is a The core components of the IB Diploma
two year programme set it apart from other qualifications.
provided for Year 12 These three core components help
and 13 students as an students to: make connections across
alternative to NCEA. traditional academic disciplines and
explore the nature of knowledge
We call it the ‘Dual Pathway’ as the through the programme’s unique
IB Diploma provides a different way Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
of learning from the Achievement course; undertake in-depth
standards of the New Zealand research into an area of interest
qualification of NCEA. At Dio we offer through the lens of one or
both the IB Diploma and NCEA to allow more academic disciplines
students to choose the pathway that is in the Extended Essay (EE);
right for them and their future ambitions. and enhance their personal
and interpersonal
The IB Diploma programme is an development through
academically challenging and balanced Creativity, Action
programme that works to develop and Service (CAS).
students who live, learn and work in a
rapidly changing world. The programme Sizing up choices.
allows students to acquire breadth and Diocesan offers a dual pathway
depth of knowledge and understanding of the NCEA (National
as they study courses across six Certificate of Educational
subject groups. A second language Achievement) or the
is compulsory, which is welcomed by International Baccalaureate
Dio girls who have the opportunity to (IB) Diploma programme.
choose from six different languages.
For the few that may not have chosen a
language option in Years 10 or 11, there is
an option of doing an ab initio language
that begins at the basics and rapidly
builds knowledge and understanding
of the language and culture. Some

DIO TODAY 15

The IB Diploma is now a well-established alternative pathway at Diocesan
and teachers and students alike love the opportunities the Diploma offers.
The Diploma is not for every student, but it is an option for any student who
wants to challenge themselves, not just academically, but personally as well.

IB Biology students Maria Cardy, Amy Bissett,
Carena Lai, Vanessa Chow, Wendy Lian
and Grace Tao with Head of Science Faculty,
Mrs Sarah Boasman.

In a recent student survey, Diocesan work from different cultures and engage Zealander each year to cover their
students who have been through with different sources critically. It is similar university and college fees and some
the IB Diploma programme had the in this sense to my courses at university. living expenses while they complete a
following things to say about the core I also believe it made me an independent degree at Cambridge.
components and how they have helped learner. I am proactive and ask for help
them in their university studies. when I need it academically and in other From the first year of examinations in the
areas. The structure of the IB encourages IB Diploma Diocesan students have been
“The skills we learnt in TOK and EE, and me to approach my studies and life with scoring highly. In 2009 Stephanie Lee
in the big assignments were really useful balance and ‘all-roundedness’.” and Mavis Sun both scored 44 out of 45
because they directly translated to what points. Mavis went on to the University of
we do at uni. I also think the Diploma Successes for IB Diploma girls over the Sydney with a scholarship for All Round
was a lot more self-directed work, so past five years have been numerous. Distinction offered by the Combined
that’s really good to set you up for uni. Of our most recent graduates in 2012 Law and Faculty of Economics and
I’m glad that I did it.” three students achieved a mark of Business. Both girls said they loved the
more than 40 out of a maximum of international focus of the Diploma and its
“The things that really helped me included 45 points. These three girls, Brooke holistic approach to learning.
extensive knowledge of academic writing Healey, Madeleine Barber-Wilson and
and referencing, an understanding that Kerry Mackereth were honoured by Diocesan became an IB World school
there are no resubmissions in the real Sir Jerry Mateparae at a ceremony in 2008 after undergoing a rigorous
world, the ability to self-motivate and at Government House in Auckland authorisation process. Teachers of the
a better understanding of grading and in February. Not only was Kerry the IB Diploma take part in regular
marking at university.” highest scoring New Zealand student professional development that keeps
with a score of 44, but she has also them up to date with subject changes
“I think the EE and workload really won the 2013 Girdlers’ Scholarship and the IB philosophy of teaching and
prepares students for the workload which is given to one outstanding New learning. At the end of 2012, the school
in uni which is good. I also really
enjoyed TOK and CAS as it provided
me opportunities to think and be part
of different activities I wouldn’t have
otherwise considered.”

“The IB enabled me to view my studies
with a broader and open minded
perspective. It exposed me to academic

16 DIO TODAY

LEARNING

IB History students Madeleine Ballard and Evelyn Qian with
their teacher, Ms Nina Blumenfeld.

completed a five year evaluation that choice as to whether this programme is are open to challenge, make ethical
resulted in several commendations and the best for them. decisions, follow their passions and are
some recommendations. always striving to develop their abilities
The philosophy of teaching and and achieve their personal best.
Sue Leslie, who took over as the IB learning for the IB Diploma is based on
Diploma Co-ordinator at the beginning of the IB learner profile. IB learners are Many Year 10 and 11 students and their
2013, says it has given her clear direction encouraged to be: parents attended the IB information
and focus for improving the delivery • inquirers meeting on 20 June so they could learn
of the programme. She noted that the • knowledgeable about the IB programme as a whole
programme is already very successful at • thinkers and discuss individual subjects and core
Diocesan, and the evaluation has allowed • communicators requirements with the teachers. There
us to sharpen up on some processes that • principled was an enormous amount of in-depth
will support the girls to grow further as • open-minded discussion between parents, students and
internationally-minded students and to • caring teachers which was excellent to see, as at
achieve the highest grades possible. We • risk-takers Diocesan, we want every student to make
are aiming to have a better informed • balanced an informed choice about their future.
Board of Governors so they can fully • reflective
support the programme as well as Any students or parents who would like
involving parents and younger students These qualities of a learner sit very to discuss the possibility of entering
in discussing the advantages of the IB well with the Diocesan philosophy of for the IB Diploma are welcome to see
Diploma so they can make an informed teaching and learning where students Ms Sue Leslie at any time.

DIO TODAY 17

CENTRE
FOR ETHICS

Soap Box Final

Soap Box Sass, Reverend Robertson; The Man, Mr In summary, the afternoon provided fun
Final Cheetham and our new Sporty Spice, and thought-provoking presentations
Ms Lockyer. These brave teachers set for contestants, students and staff alike.
By Lily MacLean, Year 13 the soap box bar high as they all had With the second year of the Soapbox
their ‘rant’ about a relevant ethical issue Competition proving as successful as
A term’s worth of bravery, entertainment – Rev’d Rob on ‘the litter culprits’, Mr the first, it seems we are on the way
and hard work all came together at the Cheetham on the issue of man-candy in to establishing another rather unique
Ethics Soap Box Final Assembly, held the Year 11 Comm and Ms Lockyer gave a tradition here at Dio.
very appropriately in the last period of feminist twist on women in sport.
the last day of Term 1, Thursday 18 April, Soap Box winner Georgia Lala
providing an exciting treat for the whole This led on to the much-anticipated
school to mark the end of a busy term. Soapbox Final itself; beginning with
Junior High School contestants Alex
The assembly’s purpose was to present Gordon-Booth and Piper Whitehead,
the four soap box competition finalists whose pre-recording was broadcast
who would face some tough judging on the big screen as she was unable to
from the staff panel – Mrs Buswell, be at the assembly. With the comic MC
Mr Wilson and Ms Lin. Ms Woods, there was no shortage of
laughs that rattled the Sports Centre.
The proceedings began with a ‘laugh out Next up was Ashlee Doo from the
loud’ performance by Sarah Holland and Senior School, followed by Georgia Lala.
Sarah Heslin who hosted their very own
‘Ethics with Sarah’ show in which they Of course all the contestants gave
put forward some rather provoking and engaging and provocative performances,
comical questions to the ‘teacher couch’. each with their own twist, but at the
This panel consisted of the Queen of end of the day there could only be one
winner and from the Junior High School
category, the prize went to Piper who was
joined by Georgia from the Senior School.

18 DIO TODAY