Palmerstonian 2019

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CLASSICAL STUDIES

Head of Department: Mr J. Richards University. Students enjoyed a day at the university with a
series of insightful and interesting lectures on topics ranging
Staff: Mrs C. Belton from ancient warfare to marriage in Rome. It has also been
rewarding to see how the lessons from the ancient times still
Firstly, I would also like to thank Mrs. Belton for teaching echo in the minds of today, and for the students to be able
Year 13 this year and thank her for her enthusiasm and to make links to their own lives from teachings from over
passion for the subject. With that in mind, it has been a two thousand years ago shows the durability of the classical
successful year for the team, as the topics we have covered thinkers. The motto of my alma mater, Durham University,
for all three year groups have been enjoyed by many of the springs to mind, “shaped by the past, creating the future.” I
students. This was coupled with very encouraging internal hope that this important message will continue next year
assessment results, which will hopefully translate well into and beyond.
pleasing external assessment results. We also enjoyed a
“Classics Day”on Thursday 29 August, facilitated by Massey

COMMERCE

Head of Department: Mr D. Turnock TRADE FAIR (YEAR 10)
As part of Year 10 Business Studies, students are required
Staff: Ms J. Crosswell (Business Studies), Mr H. Forbes to set up and run their own Trade Fair stall. Students were
(Economics), Mr S. Kenzie (Economics, Business Studies), tasked with producing a food product and sell it to the school
Mr M. Leighton (TIC Accounting), Mr S. McFarlane in a lunchtime. We had Trade Fairs in both Terms II and IV and
(Accounting), Mr A. Noema-Barnett (Accounting, so students undertaking Business Studies in both halves of
Business Studies), Miss K. Norman (AgriBusiness, the year completed this activity.
Business Studies), Ms S. Power (Business Studies), Mr
G. Sinclair (Economics), Mr N. Tutty (TIC Senior Business TRADE FAIR (YEAR 11)
Studies), InTerm I, theYear 11 Business Studies students were required
to set up and run a small business as part of their course.
2019 has been an extremely busy year in the Commerce They were challenged to run stalls to represent foods from
Department. After achieving some excellent results in 2018 around the world and sell to their peers at school. This tasked
we offered a record number of classes within the department students with learning more about their chosen country and
spread across Accounting, Business Studies and Economics. attempt to produce some traditional food whilst gaining
There were also a large number of co-curricular activities that knowledge and skills in marketing, budgeting, and profit
took place, ranging from the Young Enterprise Programme and loss.
to the SELL Business Challenge and Trade Fairs
SELL BUSINESS CHALLENGE
We welcomed Mr. Noema-Barnett to the school and into 40 Year 10 Business Studies students were given the
the department on a full-time basis, while Ms. Crosswell, Ms. opportunity to compete in the‘Solve It’Business Programme
Power and Mr. Forbes joined on a part-time basis and I would in conjunction with Palmerston North Girls’High School and
like to thank them for their efforts throughout the year. Cornerstone Christian School. Students were challenged to
develop an innovative idea that would solve a problem in
COMMERCE TOUR TO THE USA 2020 the world. They had three days to formulate the idea and
It has been an extremely busy year as we have completed produce a Business Plan before presenting it to the judges.
the vast majority of fundraising activities in preparation
for the tour to Washington, New York, San Francisco and
Los Angeles in April 2020. I would again like to formally
thank Mr. McFarlane, Mr. Leighton, Mr. Noema-Barnett and
Miss. Norman for all their efforts in supporting a successful
fundraising campaign. Special thanks must also go to Mrs.
Wenham for her ability to garner support and make things
happen.

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DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Head of Department: Mr A. Stern The introduction of an internship with the school’s
Technology provider, Norrcom, drew a lot of interest from our
Staff: Mr D. Toomer, Mr D. Waters senior students. This will hopefully continue on to become
an annual appointment for a successful Year 13 applicant.
This year we had two classes at Year 11, one class at Year The class continued with industry visits to local software
12 and one class at Year 13 with a total of 91 students. companies, offering the opportunity for students to ask
Topics covered in the department were Programming questions and see what a career in Digital Technologies
in Python, HTML and JavaScript, using PHP to develop a might look like.
database driven website, Computer Science concepts such
as Algorithms, Encryption, Software Development and
Interface Design.

DRAMA

Heads of Department: Mr C. Burton, Miss S. Belcher Theatre/Event Technologies. This will create a number of
opportunities with clear career possibilities in the technical
Staff: Miss S. Belcher (Year 9 and 10, Level Two; Co-HOD side of staging theatre and events.
with responsibility for Junior Drama, Theatresports and
Junior Play; Makeup Leader for Senior Production), Mr CO-CURRICULAR
C. Burton (Level Three, Co-HOD with responsibility for Theatresports (Miss S. Belcher)
Senior Drama, Junior Musical Theatre; Director of Senior Senior student, Trent Hooper, has been running the Junior
Production), Mr B. Greer (Level One and Co-Producer of and Senior Theatresports club every Monday and Tuesday
Senior Production), Mr C. Higgie (Year 9), Mrs P. Marks lunch time across the entire year. Miss Belcher, who
(Year 9 and Co-Producer of Senior Production) supervises the club, is pleased with how it is expanding and
progressing. Junior and Senior teams competed at the 2019
CURRICULUM Super Eight Cultural Festival, which was held at PNBHS. The
All senior classes completed two internal Achievement Senior team was placed second, and Juniors were placed
Standards with very pleasing personal development and third. It has been a great pleasure to have Artistic Director
results across all classes. Before beginning their major of Centrepoint Theatre, Daniel Pengelly, run theatresports
production, Level One studied and performed Melodrama, workshops for the students at PNBHS Little Theatre, during
Level Two Commedia del Arte and Level Three, performing lunch times. In 2018 the Senior PNBHS Theatresports were
monologues from the NZ Drama, Verbatim. Dramafest was awarded the trophy for Manawatu Interschool Theatresport
exceptionally strong this year. The NCEA classes performed champions, held at Centrepoint Theatre. Unfortunately,
the following plays with the number of Excellences gained in 2019, PNGHS deservedly pipped us at the post and we
in brackets: Mr Greer’s Level One Mountain Language were second. 2019 competitors were: Trent Hooper, Ollie
(5/14), Miss Belcher’s Level Two Devising - New Zealand Gillespie, Ollie Grant, Tyler Purdy, Ali Alaswad, Cam Baker,
Disasters (6/22), and Mr Burton’s Level Three Shuriken Camille Chemasle, Lachlan Fraser, Wilson Hannon, James
(9/15). Dramafest also provided the opportunity to upskill a Pinfold-Whanga.
number of our budding technicians in stage management,
lighting, sound and props. Sally Darby and Carol Kellett The Rector’s Company (Mr P. Mills)
again assisted with costume. Year 10 Drama is now available This is a group of young men interested in performing
as a half-year option and covers two practical assessments, Shakespeare’s works and other classic plays. The goal of
including Greek Theatre and a modern, humorous two-man the group is to participate in the Sheila Winn Shakespeare
script. There were some strong performances displayed and Festival and have a short run production of a Shakespeare
great experience was gained for the years ahead. We were play once a year. The group is open to Year 11 and above.
pleased to again host a number of local secondary schools
to An Unseasonable Fall of Snow, performed by Simple Truth The inaugural performance was in the 2019 Super Eight
Theatre in the Speirs Centre in May. This allows a number Cultural Festival. The piece required the ability to deliver the
of students from the region to cheaply access professional rhythm and sense of Shakespeare’s lines clearly, which many
theatre and then participate in an excellent seminar with will agree is not an easy process. The boys’ commitment to
company members. Some students choose to write about achieving a high standard of fluency in delivery was superb
this in their external examinations. Numbers permitting, and they demonstrated the ability to take direction during
2020 will see the beginning of a new subject at Level One: the development process. Their hard work and commitment

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 59

earned them third place in the Drama competition, a very instructions, listen, challenge your own boundaries, learn
creditable outcome considering the overall standard of resilience and make improvements; to attain excellence in
performance. DuringTerm III,The Rector’s Company has been the performing arts and have a good time doing it.
able to visit the Pop-up Globe in Auckland for a production
of Twelfth Night. Since our successful first performance in 2019 A Company: Axis Simon, Eli Hancock, Jack
the Super Eight Cultural Festival, the company has begun Parker, Hyacinthe Chemasle, Ben Algie, Isaac Luoni,
preparing for a full play performance in Term II, 2020. Parts Louis Duckworth, Mateo Godoy da Rosa, Tui Kaisami,
have been cast and rehearsals will begin soon. The company Toby Collis, Telson Liuvaie, Camille Chemasle, Vealata
has begun to grow in size, and we welcome new members Tongati’o, Cameron Baker, Jack Billing, Noah Purcell,
enthusiastically. We look forward to performing for you all Joseph Nicol, Cody Whitley, Fraser Babb, Connor
next year. Puanaki, Alex Dench, Aaric Prasitdamrong

Super Eight competitors: George Ambridge: Duncan, Mrs Kirsten Clark.
Fergus Congdon: MacBeth, Nathan Emeck: Banquo, Kieran
Giddens: Drums, Ollie Grant: Soldier, Zac Maskill: First Witch, “My name is Sophia Parker and I own and run the Helen
Noah Purcell: Second Witch, Caleb Rayner: Malcolm/Angus, O’Grady Drama Academy. I have been working with the
Karmeehan Senthilnathan: Ross|, Vealata Tongati’o: Third JMT Bravo group this year on a version of ‘Aladdin’. It has
Witch been a wonderful experience working with the boys and
watching them develop their confidence and skills in
Junior Musical Theatre (Mrs Kirsten Clark, Mrs Sophie the art of musical theatre. I have been running the Helen
Parker, Mr Mark Kilsby, MsTaryn Baxter, Mr Chris Burton, O’Grady Drama Academy for nearly 20 years and so have
senior students) had experience working with dramatics and teens, but this
This year, with the assistance of Miss Ella Mitchell and the has been my first experience without females in the mix! A
publishers, we have been able to include this year’s Term IV slightly different style of teaching! In saying that, the boys
Showcase, as well as including photos from last year. Photo have made it nothing but fun and have come in prepared
credit Mr D. King. and ready to move on each week. Some of them have never
danced before, but they have come in week after week ready
2019 to give anything a go. We have certainly had some giggles
This drama, dance and singing based co-curricular activity is along the way! Thanks to Zac Maskill and Taryn Baxter who
in its sixth year and, as in previous years, the number of keen have been there to help every step of the way. I love the
Year 9 and 10 boys has grown, with 50 boys turning up for fact that Mr Burton welcomes tutors into the school who
the initial meeting. As JMT was set up as a building block for are experienced in the arts so the boys can get experiences
the senior production, we are delighted with the continuing from many different teachers. There is so much talent in this
high levels of enthusiasm. We suspect there would not be Bravo group and I look forward to watching these boys take
another school in the country with 38 junior boys singing, this love of musical theatre and what they have experienced
dancing and acting at 8:15am weekly, throughout the year! with Zac, Taryn and myself this year through to Senior
It was soon obvious to Mrs Kirsten Clark, their teacher, that Production or shows outside of school, or just embrace the
there was more than enough talent to run two classes of confidence they have developed over this year for life in
approximately 20 boys.  The highly experienced Mrs Sophia general. Thanks, lads, for making my Friday’s fun, I couldn’t
Parker was brought on board to run the second company. be any more proud of you all.”

In Term I, before we split into two companies, boys were 2019 Bravo Company: Jonathan Stone, Shariff Ellicott,
taught and rehearsed dialogue from the script of Bugsy Orlando Janse, Thomas Orr, Joshua Webster, Felix Shaw,
Malone, along with  songs from the show and a dance Ethan Barratt, Joel Wakely, Jackson Hesp, Ben McQueen-
choreographed by Ms Tarryn Baxter. We rehearsed every Davis, Jacob Smith, Lachlan Fraser, Ryan Duke, TJ Johnson,
Thursday morning, along with learning theatre terminology, Johnathan Hillas, Sam Ross
directions and expected behaviour. Several senior boys who
had been part of JMT in previous years volunteered to help, 2018
with many of them experts in their chosen discipline. This
year’s senior students were Oliver Lodge, Seb Cave, Tyler 2018 JMT A Company Peter Pan in Neverland directed
Purdy and Zac Maskill. Our long-serving dramatic expert by Mrs Kirsten Clark
and mentor, Old Boy Mark Kilsby, again gave our fledgling
performers the benefit of his huge experience. 2018 JMT Bravo Company West Side Story directed by Ms
Taryn Baxter
At the end of Term I, the boys had to individually perform
in each of the three disciplines while Mrs. Clark and Mrs. 2019 Junior Play (Miss S. Belcher)
Parker and the team evaluated them.  We were completely
blown away by the talents of the boys, and the support Junior Play 2019 has been a real team effort with senior
and encouragement they must have had at their previous students Karmeehan Senthilnathan and Caleb Rayner
schools was obvious.  The boys showed different strengths writing the script and co-directing with Miss. Belcher. The
in different areas and were split into two groups - Mrs Clark’s play revolves around a student teacher and his experiences
Company working on“Bugsy Malone”- a 1920 gang warfare in a new school environment. Junior play focuses on drama
musical, and Bravo Company on “Aladdin”.  Both shows are techniques, elements and conventions where students
comedies with good messages about friendship hidden experiment with devising scenes and collaborating with
behind some slapstick side-splitting frivolity and of course, the directors. This year there are nine talented junior actors
some stage fighting!We were very grateful that Dan Pengelly, who started rehearsing mid-Term III and performed as part
the Artistic Director of Centrepoint Theatre, came in to work of the Junior Theatre Showcase in Term IV. Caleb Rayner and
with our young men on stage combat techniques which can Karmeehan Senthilnathan (Writers and co-Directors), Fraser
look very effective but require careful planning and trust Babb, Lachlan Fraser, Matthew Gennills, Eli Hancock, Thomas
between actors. The boys have been encouraged to play a Malone, Jack Parker, Axis Simon, Will Tate-Davis, Miss Belcher
mixture of genders in the musicals which adds more humour.
Community Theatre
The result of our JMT programme is not to just be able to Never before have we had so many students (and staff,
perform to parents and friends; it is to establish friendships Old Boys and Senior Production girls) involved in a variety
with others who have a similar interest; it is to learn to follow of shows around the city. These included Les Miserables,
Shortland Street, Mary Poppins, Alice in Wonderland, Mamma
Mia and the various productions of Centrepoint Theatre’s

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Basement Company (Trent Hooper, Ollie Gillespie and Hayden The Addams Family surprised us with how much it had to
Day were selected to be part of this awesome opportunity to offer in humour and values; as we plumbed its depths it just
work alongside and under theatre professionals). kept on giving! However, it was the all-round skills of our
young company in tech operation, musicianship, acting,
Co-HOD and Senior Production Director, Mr. Burton, had the singing and dancing - not least in comic timing - which
great pleasure of a quick trip to Whangarei to watch Old Boy allowed us to fully exploit the show’s potential. It challenged
Cam Dow star as The Phantom of the Opera on their opening us in new areas in makeup and gave the opportunity to be
night. This was a major achievement for Cam and a first for uniquely creative in costume.
Senior Production former performers
This was a superb group of young adults - helpful, mature
PNBHS/PNGHS SENIOR PRODUCTION - THE ADDAMS and grateful, and we would like to thank their families for the
FAMILY support you have given them. We hope you feel it has been
Director: Mr C. Burton worth it. We have seen huge personal growth in your sons
and daughters and this, to us, is the most important factor.
This was another remarkable season from another
remarkable company. However, I will leave the comments to Skill levels were high across the company but, as always, we
local Arts critic Richard Mays, whose review is included below. acknowledged our standout performers in each area – cast,
band and crew:
It is important to acknowledge the adults whose leadership in
a variety of areas made this made this opportunity available High Five Award for the most promising understudy: Ethan
to our students: Paul Dredge (Musical Director), Kirsten Clark Bringas (Uncle Fester)
(Vocal Director/Co-director), Alex Hughes (Dance Director,
Co-director), Producers: Brett Greer, Jenn Mann, Pam Marks Alex Hughes Award for Most Promising Chorus Dancer:
with assistance from Brendan Lodge; Costume Directors: Trent Hooper
Sally Darby and Carol Kellett with Cherie Smither; Props
and Special FX: Nikki Weston, Saskia Gilbert; Makeup and Liz O’Connor Award for Most Promising Musician: Annabel
Hairstyling: Sophie Belcher, Kelly Pfeffer-Marshall, Jess Lowry, Orwin, Oliver Inman
Colleen Calder, Susan Marshall, Kayla Kaandorp; Backstage
security: Sue Taylor and Catherine Mills with PNBHS and Monaghan Award for Excellence in Theatre Technology:
PNGHS staff; Direction assistants: Sophia Parker (Helen Zanoor Penny, Ollie Grant, Jacob Molyneux, Jewel Arthur,
O’Grady Drama Academy) and Mark Kilsby; Refreshments/ Ella Aull, Maggie Nie, Max Clough, Thomas van Stipriaan,
supper: Barb Shorter; Photography: Brendan Lodge, Melissa Jake Burgess-Hight
Renner; Sound: Nev Lauridsen (nlproductions) and Heather
Dearlove; Lighting: Rhys Doherty (ignz). Cara O’Neill Award for Excellence in Choreographed
Movement: Brie O’Malley, Grace Mainwaring
It was a great pleasure to add four of these adults to our Life
Member’s list: Sandra Wheeler Musicians’ Award: Ciaran Carroll, Nicole
Cheng
Old Boy Mark Kilsby has offered his dramatic wisdom since
The Wedding Singer (2008). Barbara Shorter Award for Outstanding Contribution to the
senior production (winners of other awards are ineligible):
Carol Kellett began as a Director of Costume with Paris (2004) Lily Warnock, Keegan Leask, Leanora Potten, Izzy Purdy, Jude
and has helped for 13 shows Wightman, Ciaran Egan

Sally Darby began as a Costume Director with Off Broadway/ Oscar – Chris Burton Award for Excellence in Performance
The Muppets (2000) and has assisted with 16 shows. Drama (male)
William Wood as Mal Beineke
Barbara Shorter has been a strong supporter since this run Callum Prichard as Fester Addams (Gold)
of annual productions began in 1997. She has assisted with Oliver Inman as Gomez Addams (Gold)
selling refreshments and programmes and final night supper
ever since. Big Bird – Chris Burton Award for Excellence in Performance
Drama (female)
The appalling attack on the Christchurch Muslim community Emily MacKay as Alice Beineke
fell at the start of our season and we acknowledged their Annabel Orwin as Wednesday Addams (Gold)
suffering and our total unacceptability of the terrorist ethos Lily Bourne as Morticia Addams (Gold)
before our performance the following day. We also found
ourselves in a challenging position, presenting a show which Review by Richard Mays
lampoons death, against the event which brought that ‘Monster mash’ a graveyard smash!
tragedy to so many Kiwi families. We believe the only way to
respond to such an act is to keep on keeping on and honour The Addams Family by Marshall Brickman, Rick Elice &
the memories of those taken, by giving our very best to this Andrew Lippa
important thread of normal Kiwi life. Directed by Chris Burton with Kirsten Clark & Alex
Hughes
Musical director Paul Dredge
Dance Director Alex Hughes
Vocal Director Kirsten Clark

The Addams Family may be a macabre comic-book musical
about a family of obsessively morbid misfits, but this terrific
Boys’ and Girls’ High production is marvellously multi-
dimensional.

Superbly slick, this scenery-chewing, wise-cracking, gallows-
humour laden extravaganza is delivered with pots of poise,
plenty of panache and a surfeit of swish from an ensemble
of committed and disciplined young performers.

An award-winning 2010 Broadway mock gothic horror that
normalises Hallowe’en as a way of daily living, it offers any
cast an opportunity to embrace creative characterisation

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embellished by inventive costume, make-up and lighting Love, Emily Vickerman
effects.
Lighting Design: Mr Rhys Doherty (ignz), Mr Chris Burton
Setting further performance standards for youth shows,
this combined production doesn’t hold back. The result is Sound Design and Operation: Mr Neville Lauridsen
a visual feast of well-designed choreographed movement (nlproductions)
and dance, crowned by sophisticated portrayals and vocals.
Set Design: Mr Chris Burton
As well as embodying alt teenage angst, petite Annabel
Orwin as crossbow-toting malice-maid Wednesday Addams, Props Construction: Ms Nikki Weston, Ms Saskia Gilbert, Ms
opens her throat to reveal an amazing voice. Trish Hickmott, Props team, Mr Chris Burton, Mr Gary Clark,
Mrs Kirsten Clark
This contrasted nicely with the mature smouldering contralto
of Lily Bourne’s pale ‘necropolitan’ Morticia, especially Set Construction: ACROW, Mr Chris Burton, crew
enjoyable during the song Just Around the Corner – or was
that Just Around the Coroner? Bourne is also a terrific dancer. Set Painting: Ms Kelly Pfeffer-Marshall, Ms Nikki Weston

Husband Gomez, her perfect ‘foil’ and epitome of ‘smooth’, Upholstery: Ms Trish Hickmott
complete with cod-Spanish accent and velvet vocals, was
played with aplomb, presence and wonderful timing by The Addams Family Grotto: Ms Saskia Gilbert, Ms Nikki
Oliver Inman. Weston

Making an impact as the beaming looney-toon moon-struck Photography: Mr Brendan Lodge, Ms Melissa Renner, Mr
Uncle Fester, Callum Prichard has licence to further explore Dom King
his role, while William Wood was more than convincing as
the strait-laced middle-class Mal Beineke. Poster Graphic and Design: Mr Ben Pryor

The talent depth doesn’t stop there, with Jude Wightman as Programme Design and Compilation: Mr Rich Marshall
the glowering growly Lurch; Grayson Lodge as Wednesday’s (Computercare)
younger masochistic brother Pugsley; Tyler Purdy as
Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend, Lucas Beineke, and Izzy Bookings: PNBHS Finance Office staff, Mrs Pam Marks, Mr
Purdy’s beautiful classical ballet moon-dance. David Hop Wo, Mr Brett Greer, Patronbase

Emily MacKay effectively transformed dominated conformist Sponsorship and Advertising: Mr Brett Greer, Ms Jenn Mann,
wife Alice Beineke into a freer spirit, with Rachel Hodgson a Mr Brendan Lodge, Mrs Pam Marks
spritely potion-peddling Grandma Addams.
Matinee Arrangements: Mr Brett Greer
Making best use of the Speirs Centre space, the whole
mad-cap ménage is underpinned by Paul Dredge and his Direction Assistants: Mrs Sophia Parker (Helen O’Grady
admirable 12-piece orchestra, and ends in a flourish of Latin Drama Academy), Mr Mark Kilsby, Mrs Nikki Cockburn
dance.
Publicity and Administration of website and Facebook
The only real criticism is that sometimes the song lyrics were pages: Mr Chris Burton
indistinct – a pity when numbers are relying for effect on
their wit rather than on memorable melodies. Administration Assistant: Zanoor Penny

Director’s note: to this I would add special congratulations to Company Reps: Trent Hooper, Lily Warnock, Ethan Bringas
our superb crew, ably led by Stage Managers Zanoor Penny
and Ollie Grant, and our exceptional student band. Backstage Security: Mrs Sue Taylor, PNGHS and PNBHS staff

Production Personnel (*denotes senior crew) Refreshments and Programme Sales: Mrs Barbara Shorter
Stage Managers: Zanoor Penny*, Ollie Grant*
Front of House: Mr Brett Greer, Mrs Maryanne Kensington
Head Mechanist: Jacob Molyneux*; Assistant: Zainab Bibi*
Exterior Security: PNBHS Staff
Lighting Operator: Thomas van Stipriaan, Assistant: Thomas
Orr Ushers: PNGHS and PNBHS prefects

Props: Ms Nikki Weston, Ms Saskia Gilbert, Ms Samara Doole, Band: Drums - Ciaran Egan, Bass - Nick Dewhurst, Keyboards
Jewel Arthur* (HOD), Aishani Sarkar, Brandon Winter, Kezia - Nicole Cheng, Ciaran Carroll, Lizzy MacKay, Violin - Ray Su,
Gowan, Kaitlyn Gravit Cello - Paul Teoh, Flute - Myro Mao, Tenor and Soprano Sax
- Connor Hurnard, Alto Sax and Clarinet - Connor O’Leary,
Special FX creation: Ms Saskia Gilbert Trumpet - Joe Inman, Trombone - Jordan Long-Lay

Microphones: Xinning Gong*(HOD), Maggie Nie*, Grace Cast (US = Understudy):
Little*, Georgia Yeats, Max Clough
Gomez: Oliver Inman, Morticia: Lily Bourne (US Gabby Clark),
Stage Crew: Max Clough, Rae Greenwood, Hunter Morton, Wednesday: Annabel Orwin-Higgs
Eli Hancock, Daniel Fox, Jack Sinkinson, Ethan Barratt
Fester: Callum Prichard (US Ethan Bringas), Mal:WilliamWood
Fly crew: Jack Sinkinson (US Piripi Pinfold-Whanga),

Followspot Operators: Jake Burgess-Hight* (HOD), Logan Alice: Emily MacKay (US Leanora Potten), Pugsley: Grayson
Schwartfeger* Lodge (US RV Quijano), Lucas: Tyler Purdy; Grandma: Rachel
Hodgson (US Leah Chrisp), Lurch: Jude Wightman (US Seb
Lift Operator: Jack Sinkinson Cave), Violinist: Anna Prasitdamrong

Costume Directors: Mrs Sally Darby, Mrs Carol Kellett Principal Dancers: Breanna O’ Malley, Grace Mainwaring,
assisted by Mrs Kirsten Clark and Mrs Cherie Smither Leanora Potten, Aylin Atalay, Isabelle Purdy, Selena Ton,
Breanna Cheetham (reserve)
Sound Reader: Mrs Heather Dearlove
Cast not listed above:
Special and Sound Effects Operator: Sophie Collis
Lily Warnock, Alanna Gray, Ayesha Satya, Jessica Slimin,
Makeup and Hairstyling: Ms Sophie Belcher, Ms Kelly Pfeffer- Bethany Mitchell, Laura Dodd, Kaiya Lloyd, Sophie Searancke,
Marshall, Ms Jess Lowry, Ella Aull* (HOD), Arianah Reid, Jewel Elizabeth Tichbon, Andrew Karatea, Trent Hooper, Caleb
Arthur, Monique Lau, Syedda Hussain, Amy Pereira, Charlotte Rayner, John Cole, Zac Maskill, Karmeehan Senthilnathan,
Keegan Leask, Ollie Gillespie, Tom Varney, Dylan Cryer, Ben
Cen, Boston James, Piripi Pinfold-Whanga, William Hince

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Lily Bourne (Morticia Addams) recounts The Addams have imagined and she will forever remain a part of who I am.
Family:
Overall my story is a little bit different: I’ve never taken a
I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect show to end on drama class, or private singing lesson, and only started
for my final year in the PNBHS/PNGHS Senior Production dancing in Year 9 - to say that I felt like these shows were out
Company. I have been fortunate enough to perform in of my league would be an understatement, let alone landing
Footloose (2016/2017), Anything Goes (2017/2018) and a lead role. The biggest thing I’ve learnt from my experience
now The Addams Family (2018/2019), and I can honestly is that if you want something bad enough and leave nothing
say that these shows have been the highlight of my High behind, you can make anything happen. Musical theatre
School career. Sitting in the audiences of West Side Story means everything to me and these shows have been the
and Happy Days during my Year 9 and 10, I knew that I had turning point that has changed my life forever; I wouldn’t
to find a way to be up on the Speirs Centre stage one day. have my last years spent any other way. 
When the opportunity to audition for Footloose came up, I
nervously took my chance - I can’t imagine how things would
have turned out if I hadn’t. I remember how excited I was
the night the cast was announced, knowing that I was about
to enter a legacy which included so many people whom I
looked up to: prefects and leaders at school, as well as some
of the most talented people I knew. 

As a chorus member in Footloose and Anything Goes, I got to
learn about the exciting world of live theatre and how much
work truly goes into putting on a show. Some of the most
rewarding skills I’ve learnt are about professionalism and
what it takes for a company to produce something to that
standard - hours of hard work and commitment are required,
but to hear the roar of an audience as you finish a number
or bow at the end of a show makes it all worth it tenfold. I’ve
made lifelong friends and connections with people through
these shows too and I’m eternally grateful for them all, it was
as much a family offstage, as it was onstage. 

It was an honour and an absolute privilege to play the
sizzling, sensual Morticia Addams this year, and to take on
the responsibility of a leading principal role. The dream of a
lead role was something I’d chased since I’d started and as
daunting as it seemed, I wanted Morticia with all my heart.
I knew how much work it would be, having watched two
casts of principals go through the same thing - but honestly
I couldn’t wait to start and live in that world for the next five
months. Morticia gave me so much more than I could ever

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SENIOR PRODUCTION 2019 – THE ADDAMS FAMILY

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Proud to be here

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JUNIOR MUSICAL THEATRE

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ENGLISH

Head of Department: Ms S. Morgan level of depth in Year 11, prior to entering Year 12, the
development of analytical thought processes has become
Staff: Miss S. Belcher, Mrs C. Belton (TIC Level Two NCEA), increasingly more important as it leads students to success in
Mr D. Braddock, Mrs R. Burgess (TICYear 9), Mr C. Burton, future years. Teachers in charge ofYear 9 andYear 10 are now
Mr B. Greer, Mr C. Higgie, Mrs J. Lowry, Mr H. Macdonald, in the process of consulting with staff who have taught at
Mrs P. Marks (TIC Year 10), Ms S. Morgan (HOD English, these levels this year in order to fine tune the above sample
TIC Level Three NCEA), Mrs A. Nixon (TIC Level 1 NCEA), programme. Feedback will inform any changes for 2020.
Mrs M. Papworth, Mrs K. Rankin (Asst. HOD English), Mr
L. Retemeyer, Ms J. Scott, Mr D. Shankaran, Mrs J. Siebert SENIOR ENGLISH
(TIC Alternate English), Miss K. Tutavaha, Mr S. Trembath
Senior courses were also altered in 2019. Decisions around
The English Department has a long history of success in great changes were based on the need to ensure that students
part due to my predecessor, Dr. Gerard O’Connor and the read and wrote regularly, that thinking skills were developed
team of teachers he gathered to support academic success and that we offer Year 12 students the chance to achieve
in English for the students of the school. The department University Entrance Literacy internally. Focus areas in the
is well resourced other than with audio visual equipment senior school were developing close reading skills and
that would facilitate the collection of student speeches, writing ability, that is reading more frequently and writing
role plays etcetera. This is something that I will look at in more frequently. We also added Research to our Level One
2020. In 2019 we purchased some sets of texts that not only and Level Two courses. Knowing that many of our students
engage our young men but also feed into our Character will go on to tertiary education, we recognised that the
Education focus. The department is lucky to have highly ability to find, interpret and use information is a necessity.
experienced specialist teachers of English, who are fully In some cases, writing achievement standards were not
committed the developing our students’ reading, writing being taught in Level Three classes, a clear issue when
and oral skills. Teachers in the English Department work in students who complete Level Three English courses may
a variety of areas, which comprise mainstream English and be heading to university, where they will need to write at
associated disciplines like Drama, Media Studies, Classical that level or above in their first year of study. With regard to
Studies, Learning Support and ESOL. We currently have external NZQA Examinations, our observations were that
no Provisionally Registered Teachers in the department our students were underperforming at Merit and Excellence
but when and if we do, we offer regular opportunities for levels. We hope to see an increase in achievement at theses
support, guidance, visits to established teachers, resourcing higher levels in our 2019 NZQA results. Teachers in charge
and debriefs with experienced staff on effective learning and of Year 11, 12 and 13 classes are currently in the process of
management strategies. consulting with staff who have taught at these levels this
year in order to fine tune the above sample programme.
JUNIOR ENGLISH Feedback will inform any changes for 2020.

2019 has seen the introduction of new courses for both Year PROFESSIONAL LEARNING GROUPS
9 and Year 10 students. Teachers of junior English (Years 9
and 10) have continued to monitor (i) essay writing skills English Department staff are engaged in professional
and (ii) knowledge of basic punctuation and grammar. A learning that links to the school’s Character Education focus.
particular focus has been to encourage the development Department staff are committed to this initiative, with many
of critical thinking skills from the beginning of Year 9. This choosing to influence the development of character in our
initiative aims to enable students to become increasingly students via the written, visual and oral texts that they teach
more capable of analysing texts, a skill which also informs in the classroom. Students are regularly asked to reflect on
their thinking around what they themselves write. With the actions and ideas reflected in the texts that are presented
changes being made to Year 11 courses throughout the to them. Students are able to express their reactions to these
school and the resulting need for students to master this texts and often demonstrate facets of their own character
via these responses.

Readers Cup – Advanced Alligators 4th - Josh Berry, Jack Waikato University Scholarship English
Duff, Nikau Joseph and Rafferty White, Thomas Malone

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 67

GEOGRAPHY

Head of Department: Mr H. Drake trip with a Horizons staff member was arranged, but
unfortunately had to be cancelled due to weather, after two
Staff: Mr G. Atkin, Mr C. Bester, Mr T. Gunning, Mr C. attempts at completing.
James
Year 13
In 2019, more than any other year that I can remember, the The Year 13 Mountain Trip again incorporated field work
news media has been dominated by matters geographical. for the geographers. The weather this year was very good,
Climate change (very topical – with implications now with all students completing the Tongariro Crossing (the
glaringly real for us), rubbish pollution (much related to geographic issued studied, looking at increased use of/
climate change and sea level rise), fresh water quality in NZ tourism pressure).
(the second highest priority for Government to deal with
in the latest opinion polls), plastics pollution, clean energy
production, are among issues that are now priorities for
humans to deal with and plan for. This makes Geography
more relevant than ever before, because it is the only school
subject which studies people and the natural environment.
At PNBHS, our courses reflect these issues, so that we can
prepare our students to be responsible global citizens, living
in a rapidly changing world environment.

YEAR HIGHLIGHTS Year 13 students - fieldwork at Tongariro National Park

Year 11 The field trip to Rotorua again took place in Term III looking
With the changes to NCEA, and earthquakes no longer the at tourism development, to reinforce information for the
focus for the natural environment topic, the field trip to external examination. The trip is always a highlight, and
Napier was replaced by a trip to Wellington in March. This included visits and speakers at the Rotorua Museum,
trip had a wider geographical focus – on both the natural Rainbow Springs (which included a ride – The ‘Big Splash’),
environment (looking at the fault lines and flood hazards Agrodome, Tamaki Māori Village (including hangi dinner),
in the Hutt Valley), and human environment (looking at the Kuirau Thermal Park and Skyline Rides and the Luge.
history of settlement, the structure of Wellington city, and
land use zones), as well as lunch in the city and a ride on Excellence 2018-19
the cable car. Several students excelled in Geography in 2018-19.
Congratulations are extended to the following students:
For the seventh year, the current geographic issue studied
was the issue of the closure of the Manawatu Gorge. This First in Geography 2018: Year 11 – Finn Hannan, Year 12
included a field trip, with the focus on the alternative routes – Josh Haines, Year 12 Accelerate – Taine George, Year 13
to the Gorge. As such, we visited the farm of Stu Bolton, – Reuben Brown.
whose farm will be divided by the new route. He spoke
to the boys, as well as a representatives from the Land YEAR 11 GEOGRAPHY COMPETITION (MAATANGI
Transport Authority. We then travelled to Woodville, where WHENUA) 2019
the Economic Development Manager for the Tararua District There were 11 strong teams from the greater Manawatu
Council spoke about the reasons for the choice of the new region competing for the title, and Palmy Boys’ had two
route and its future implications for the district. teams competing. Halfway through the rounds, our A team
of Martin Vibart, John Minton and Thomas Harding had a
three-point lead. They maintained the lead and by the end of
the night, they extended this to 5.5 points, ahead of second
place getters Awatapu College, to retain the trophy won last
year. Our B team of Thomas van Stipriaan, Eugene Stassen
and Callum Eaton also competed well to finish in sixth place.
It is good to again have the trophy in the cabinet for a second
consecutive year.

Year 11 students at planned new Manawatu Gorge
road site

Year 12 Maatangi Whenua competition winners - Thomas
The Year 12 Geography students took part in a field trip Harding, John Minton and Martin Vibart
looking at the Manawatu natural environment, and
incorporating a stream study looking at fluvial processes,
and gathering stream flow data – the subject of the research
project.

The current geographic issue studied at Year 12 is topical
- water quality of the Manawatu River. An afternoon field

68 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 69

INTERNATIONAL

Head of Department: Mr L. Retemeyer We are very lucky to have Mr. van Stipriaan in the
International Department, where he takes on the role of
Staff: Mrs W. Christophers, Miss E. Mitchell, Mr B. van International Dean. Mr. van Stipriaan has been integral in
Stipriaan, Mr B. Kensington organising many fun days, as well as the academic success
of all students. Mr. van Stipriaan meets with all the students
The school has been bustling with international students; on a regular basis, mentoring and giving advice as to options,
in 2019 more than 130 have come through the gates and tutorials and different co-curricular activities they may
contributed significantly, both in and out of the classroom. participate in. Mr. van Stipriaan manages all of the above
Students will come here, mostly without parental support, and also has the extremely busy workload in coaching the
and sometimes at a very young age, work hard and have 1st XV rugby team.
tremendous success. They are required to fit into a New
Zealand family, College House, or in other cases, with their Mrs. Christophers is tireless in her recruitment and retention
parents or relatives. The success of international students of homestays. She ensures the boys are happy in their
not only comes down to attitude in the classroom but being home away from home. Not only does she organise
involved in our co-curricular programme. It is vital for them to homestays for our full and part time students, she has also
make friends, learn colloquial New Zealand sayings, improve managed to place around 60 students completing short-
their English and for them to belong to their school. term programmes and College House students during the
holidays. Mrs Christophers has also organised many events
Sadly, students must move on to further their careers and for our homestays and international community.
education. This year over 20 students will graduate or leave
PNBHS, to move on to their next stage of life. Special mention Miss. Mitchell is part of the international team in a marketing
must be made of our senior leaders, many that have been and administrative role. This year Miss Mitchell represented
with us for a significant period of time. the school and International Department in Hong Kong,
China and Japan. She has ensured that all the visas have
Teacher scholarships were awarded in 2019 to Mr. Moore been completed on time, students have all their stationery
(Thailand) and Ms. Cameron (Vietnam). Both represented and also assisted with orientation and parent tours around
the school with distinction. Our sincere thanks for McVerry the school.
Crawford Motors and the Palmerston North Boys’High School
Board of Trustees for their support of these scholarships. The Finance Office is integral in the operation of the
International Department. Mrs Martin has been a saviour in
Our sincere thanks must also go to the homestays, managing our finances and Ms. Burgess ably keeps an eye
designated caregivers, parents and College House staff who on our budget and future projections. The ladies in the Main
look after all of our students. From helping with homework, Office are also vital in our operation, ensuring that packages
dropping off to school and town, washing, cooking and are sent, and guests are well looked after.
cleaning, the job is tireless, but very rewarding.
We look forward to 2020 and to watch the many successes
There are a number of international students that choose to international students will have at Palmerston North Boys’
board rather than stay in homestays. College House provides High School.
a safe and quality option for our students that come from
overseas. Mr. Matthew Davidson and Mr. Jason Cudby have
been a great support to these international students and
now Mr. Bruce Kensington is assisting them with the pastoral
care at College House.

LANGUAGES (FRENCH, GERMAN AND JAPANESE)

Head of Department: Mrs A. Dickinson with Kris and to enjoy his guided tours of his home region
and country on the German Tour. He is a proud Bavarian as
Staff: Mrs C. Belton, Mrs K. Price, Mr J. Richards well as an adopted Kiwi, who has a great future in teaching.

Our department remains passionate about language Mr Malicki’s replacement, Mr Marius Hümpfer, joined the
learning and teaching. We all work hard to guide students staff in August, and is proving to be a great role model
to gain an understanding and appreciation of other cultures for our students and a fine example of a second language
and to become more aware of the opportunities and benefits learner and teacher. Together with Mr Lars Herbold, the
that another language brings in the competitive global job new gap student, also from Germany, they make a dynamic
market of the 21st century. We continue to offer overseas pair, encouraging our boys in their language learning and
tours and challenge students to extend their skills and being living examples of the advantages of studying a
understanding first-hand. We believe that it is important for second language. Native speakers add a new dimension and
us to prepare our young men for the world of work in the perspective in the classroom and are real assets, especially
global village that the world has become. when it comes to speaking with the boys in the target
language and helping them to improve their communicative
This year we welcomed Mrs Kathie Price as the new Japanese competence.
teacher. She settled into her role quickly and is proving to be
a keen, collegial and conscientious teacher, who is indeed NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION OF LANGUAGE
an asset to the department. TEACHERS’ CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE

Mr Kris Malicki, a charming and friendly trilingual teaching Five students gained New Zealand Association of Language
assistant from Germany, left in mid-August to return home Teachers’ Certificate of Excellence awards because of their
for a 12-month contract at a school near Munich. His year fine results in NCEA in 2018. Fergus Congdon gained an
with us sped by, as he quickly developed an excellent rapport Excellence endorsement in Level One French, along with
with both students and staff alike. He was a great help in the Alistair Keay-Graham and Lachlan Walcroft in Level Three.
classroom, especially in our Year 12 and Year 13 combined Samuel Goodman gained an Excellence endorsement in
classes in French and German. It was a pleasure to work Level Two Japanese and Eric Kwon in Level Three.

70 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

Fergus Congdon - Thomas Sun - Excellence to native speakers in various careers, help to underline the
Excellence endorsement endorsement in Level importance of language-learning in a society today where
in Level One French Two Chinese communication will be the most important skill in jobs in
the future.
DELF SCOLAIRE EXAMINATIONS
INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGES WEEK 19-23 AUGUST
In August, a number of our students sat the French DELF
Scolaire examinations. This is an internationally recognised We continue to celebrate annually five main languages
and accredited four-levelled qualification that tests listening, taught in New Zealand schools – Chinese, French, German,
reading, speaking and writing. This examination gives our Japanese and Spanish. During International Languages
students an extension to NCEA and a qualification that could Week we try to raise the profile of languages, showing the
enable them to study in a French university. whole school community the importance of valuing other
languages and cultures and making people aware of the
The following students gained the A1, the first level of the advantages of learning another language in the global
examination: Payton Bamfield 90.5%, Sean Foote 79%, community today.
Rohan Kanagasundarum 90.5%, and Matt Watson 85%.
Hughin Ross-Veale 62.5% and Michael Watkins 73% were
successful in the A2 examination. These students are to be
congratulated on their success in challenging examinations.
Official certificates will arrive from France in due course.

MUSIC AND LANGUAGE LEARNING Rohan Sharma reads The Lord’s Prayer in Japanese during
International Languages Week
In February this year, we worked again with the Alliance
Française, an organisation whose mission is to promote the The Lord’s Prayer was read in assembly in the language of the
French language and culture, as well as between France day and staff and students were encouraged to greet each
and other countries, to organise the visit of Grégoire Gilg, other in this language. The Year 9 French football team beat
a musician from Lyon. He delivered lessons to students of the Year 9 German students 2-0 in a very even match. The
French on singing to improve pronunciation. These lessons French team was able to capitalise on their opportunities.The
were received with enthusiasm. Without the support of senior French team was also victorious, winning the match
the Alliance Française, our students would not have had 3-1. Both matches were hotly-contested and spectator-
this unique opportunity to reflect on the importance of friendly, showcasing some skilful play. Unfortunately, the
pronunciation in language learning and learn techniques Year 10 football match had to be postponed, due to the
to improve their skills in spoken French. sodden pitches.

On the French Tour next year, we will be staying in Lyon for Our French students hosted students from PNGHS in the
a few days. Grégoire will show us what his city has to offer. annual eagerly-anticipated sandwich au jambon and movie.
He and his family had a great time in Palmerston North and The students of German enjoyed a Frankfurter mit Brot, some
would love to return to do more work in this field. These Gummibärchen and a movie. The Japanese students enjoyed
kinds of activities, where our students can meet and talk an anime movie and some sushi.

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 71

German
Tour



PNBHS FRENCH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE TOUR, KZ concentration camp left us all rather emotional, having
MARCH/APRIL 2020 seen man’s inhumanity to man and trying to make sense of
it all. It was certainly shocking and provoked reflection on
Preparation for the PNBHS fourth French Language and how important it is to not allow such nationalistic policies
Culture Tour is ongoing. We are currently working on to cause racist and catastrophic effects on people.
confirming a busy and varied itinerary, as well as fundraising
activities. It promises to be another unforgettable experience We had time to eat at the Viktualienmarkt with all the other
for those involved. locals celebrating Easter, climb up the Old Peter Church
tower for an amazing panoramic view of the city, watch
PNBHS GERMAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE TOUR, APRIL surfers surfing on the Isar River in the English Garden, where
2019 everyone was out enjoying the hot weather, and visit BMW
World, Olympia Park, that hosted the 1972 Olympics, the
On 1 April we left for Frankfurt, via Singapore. For many of Allianz Arena, home of FC Bayern Munich, and the amazing
us, this was our first real international travel. However, the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein castle in the Bavarian Alps.
long, arduous 25-hour journey was all worth it, when we
were greeted by the cold early morning Frankfurt air, excited For this tour, an overnight stay in Salzburg was added, so
with the knowledge that our German Tour had finally begun, that we could visit the Berchtesgaden salt mines, which we
and by the warm welcome at Ziehenschule, the Frankfurt all really enjoyed. We donned navy boiler suits and took a
high school hosting us. The home-stay families spoiled us train down into the mine, where we slid down steep wooden
and we had a great experience of family life in Germany and slides to the depths of the mine, just as the miners did to
made new friends. The former home-stay co-ordinator had enter their workplace.The worst part was waiting on the train
retired but was still involved by hosting Mrs Dickinson. The for at least three hours for the rails to be cleared of a train that
new co-ordinator did a great job and is keen to try to make had overshot the tracks, only to be bussed to another station
this a true exchange in the future. and wait for a train to Salzburg, where we arrived, exhausted,
in the early hours of the morning. At least we could go to
We spent the next ten days attending school, getting to McDonalds for dinner, as everything else was closed!
know our homestays and their families and enjoying this
beautiful economic hub of Germany and the surrounding After our trip to the salt mines we went for a short walk
region. in the countryside to appreciate the magnificence of the
Bavarian Alps. It was nice to enjoy the afternoon exploring
Highlights included: Salzburg – Mozart’s birth house, Mirabell Gardens, where
• standing on the podium at the Hockenheim race track scenes from the Sound of Music were filmed – before heading
back to Munich.
where many Grand Prix races have been held
• visiting the beautiful castle and Renaissance buildings in The German Tour was a wholly different experience from the
familiarity of New Zealand and an eye-opener for many of
the university city of Heidelberg us. We were able to experience an entirely different culture,
• admiring German engineering prowess in the Porsche that although had some similarities to our own, had many
stark differences that took getting used to as well. However,
Museum in Stuttgart while our cultural experiences were enriched, we were also
• climbing the 150-metre-high spiral staircase up the tower living in hostels and had to learn to work together with our
fellow travellers for the better part of a month, which has
of the beautiful 13th century Gothic cathedral in Cologne resulted in many friendships and close bonds that would
for a stunning view of the city never have otherwise existed.
• visiting the Lindt Chocolate Museum.
While in Germany we got to try our hand at speaking the
Sadly, we had to say farewell to our homestays and take our language we had been learning for between two to four
first high-speed train ride to Berlin, the beautiful, vibrant years; this inevitably came with varying degrees of success.
and historic German capital. It was an amazing city to visit; However, many of the boys managed to engage in small
a place where east meets west. Our visit to the DDR Museum conversations with locals. Overall, it was a truly unforgettable
showcased life here in the former Soviet times. It was hard chapter of our lives. The places we visited, the delicious
to believe how different and difficult life was here then. The traditional food and the new friendships forged have left
Checkpoint Charlie Museum gave us another perspective on their mark on us all, not forgetting the Business Class flight
a divided city, as did the Berlin Wall and the Brandenburg from Frankfurt to Singapore, because of a cancelled flight!
Gate which once separated West and East Berlin. The Jewish
Museum and the Holocaust Memorial provoked much Some of the boys may not realise the tour’s true value until
reflection and reminded us that we must learn from history reflecting upon it in the future. We are all in debt to Mrs
and not repeat our mistakes. The visit to the Bundestag, Dickinson, Mrs Belton and Mr Maliki for their work herding
the parliament building with its glass dome that you walk us around Germany in the time that they would probably
up to get to the roof terraces, was an incredible piece of rather have spent with their family. On behalf of the boys,
architecture which provided a fantastic view of the city. We we thank them deeply for that. We extend thanks also to
also enjoyed the hospitality of the New Zealand ambassador Mr Paul Roache from Property Brokers, whose sponsorship
and his team, which made us more aware of our country’s enabled us to stretch the budget to include some more
place in global affairs. expensive meals in traditional restaurants. We would also
like to thank Frau Rogler, the headmistress at Ziehenschule,
The big city experience of Berlin was amazing, and this for welcoming us to her school so warmly, Fabio Ballaera, for
continued for the rest of our tour. The panoramic view organising home-stay partners and the German students
over Leipzig at sunset from the highest city skyscraper and their families for sharing their lives with us for ten days.
was beautiful. The visit to the medieval dungeons and Without such support, PNBHS German Tours would not be
torture chambers and Courtroom 600 in Nuremberg were possible. If in the future, our German Tour were part of a true
interesting. The display in the museum was very thought- exchange, we would be very happy to reciprocate and host
provoking and it was amazing to sit in the courtroom and students from Ziehenschule.
imagine the scenes that took place there during the Nazi
criminal trials after World War II. We met up with old boys By Cody Hiri and Andrew Karatea
Robin Stalker and Conrad Lissington, who joined us for a
delicious traditional meal.

Our final stop was Munich, where we had plenty to keep
ourselves busy. A very passionate guided tour of Dachau

74 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

LEADERSHIP

Leadership Director: Mr A. Lobb Apart from the two adjustments already outlined, the 2019
Barrowclough programme remained the same with the Year
MENTOR PROGRAMME 9 and 10 students attending regular seminars throughout the
year with an expectation that they volunteer to participate
Throughout the year the Mentor Programme, which had in at least one community event. For those junior students
over a hundred Year 13 students working in partnership who gained high attitude grades in their end of year report,
with the teachers of all junior form class, met three times received merit referrals for exemplary character, confidence,
a week. Many of those senior students involved took this and general excellence, they were acknowledged publicly
responsibility seriously, developing meaningful relationships with the presentation of a certificate acknowledging their
with students in their placement classes. extra efforts at Junior Prizegiving.

MANA POTENTIAL To help junior students better understand what is
required the acronym, CAPS was introduced. The ‘C’
The Mana Potential model is an exemplar of how the represents  Community  and signals that students need to
mentorship provided by senior students (tuakana) can participate in a community event, for example volunteering
have a positive influence on younger students (teina). to help with the Poppy Day Collection or the Relay for Life.
This group met on Thursdays and under the guidance of The‘A’relates to Attitude and the fact that all students should
the RTLB team senior students assisted junior students in do what is required to secure A or B grades for attitude in
developing goals and guiding conversations around those their end of year report. The ‘P’ stands for Passion, namely
goals. A special thanks to those senior students involved in being a dedicated and reliable member of a sports, cultural
this year’s programme for their time, effort and assistance or performance group. The last letter, ’S’, relates to the quality
throughout the year. of Service and giving back to the school for example being
a tour guide, form leader, mentor, and so forth.͒
JUNIOR LEADERSHIP
Those Year 11 and 12 students involved in the senior
The selection process of this year’s junior form class leaders component of the Barrowclough Programme, known as the
was completed in tandem with the Year 9 and 10 form class Barrowclough Award, firstly completed and submitted an
teachers. Once again, the high standard of each applicant application. Throughout the year they completed related
made it a difficult process but with the assistance of each activities focusing on their goals and aspirations. Year 13
form class teacher the selection was much easier. students completed a ‘Personal Project’ and meet ‘One
on One’ with the Leadership Director for updates, advice,
Leadership at any level is not easy but for those in the junior guidance and support. 
school it can be a lot more difficult, especially when trying
to maintain relationships with peers. Feedback provided by For all students involved in the Barrowclough Award
last year’s junior leaders resulted in minor adjustments to a detailed ‘Personal Event/Activity Log’ evidencing
those responsibilities of our junior student leaders for 2019.  their  CAPS  (Community, Attitude, Passion and Service)
participation throughout the year. Congratulations to all
Those selected were asked to focus on providing support those recipients of the coveted Barrowclough gold badge.
to the form teacher; being an ‘Up-Stander’ against bullying;
welcoming new students; and providing friendship to SVA (STUDENT VOLUNTEER ARMY) SERVICE AWARD
those in need of a friend. Instead of dealing with negative
behaviour, which is best left to the teacher, student leaders In response to the 2010 Christchurch earthquake, University
were encouraged to be the‘exemplar’of positive behaviour of Canterbury student, Sam Johnson, created a Facebook
within their classroom environment.  In short, the Junior group to assist with non-life saving tasks. From this came the
Form Class Leaders were asked to be character ambassadors Student Volunteer Army (SVA) which has developed into the
and display the positive aspects of our schools’ values of SVA Foundation.  The Foundation has been instrumental in
courage, humility, pride, respect, industry and integrity. mobilising youth to provide disaster relief not only in New
Zealand, but around the world.
BARROWCLOUGH PROGRAMME
Recently the foundation introduced the SVA Service Award
At the start of 2019 two adjustments were made to the to reward the participation of youth in any voluntary work.
Barrowclough Programme. The first was a name change They can work in groups, or as individuals, to receive SVA
to the junior (Year 9 and 10) component of the programme. Service Award pins for volunteering hours at school, in the
The rationale for the name change was to remove the community and at home. 
confusion created by the dual use of the term Barrowclough
Programme firstly as a title for the programme, as well as A core component of the Character Education programme
the title for the junior component contained within the and the Barrowclough Award at PNBHS is service to
programme itself. Renaming the junior component as the
Barrowclough Certificate reinforced it as the precursor to the
Barrowclough Award the senior (Year 11 to 13) component
of the programme.

The second adjustment was the introduction of a ‘Personal
Project’ for all Year 13 students participating in the
Barrowclough Award. The rationale for this was to maximise
the student’s involvement in their last year at PNBHS.
The ‘Personal Project’ for 2019 was a 1000-word essay
titled, ‘Failure, how important is it for success?’ This task
was introduced to assist the students to critically reflect
on their personal journey as a young leader and thereby
contextualising new learning and refining future actions
and approaches.

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 75

others through volunteering. To assist with this, we are those students who help other people. This can be as diverse
encouraging students to register for the SVA Service as putting out cones at sports events, organising the school
Award. Like the Barrowclough Programme, the SVA Service ball, caring for a sick whānau member, washing dogs at the
Award is a tiered system. The SVA Service Award provides SPCA, planting trees or picking up rubbish at the beach,
those who participate with an opportunity to receive as long as they are making a positive contribution to their
three pins progressing upwards from bronze, to silver and community it will count.
on to gold. Participants receive pins at 32, 250 and 500
hours respectively. The Barrowclough Programme rewards PREFECTS’ DAY, SATURDAY 9 JANUARY
participation in individual events or activities rather than
focusing on the total number of hours completed. Following the badging ceremony an orientation day for
the 2019 Prefects’ Day was organised and well supported. 
The SVA Service Award and the Barrowclough Programme Prefects met in the main quad and following a quick
complement each other with both systems acknowledging welcome they were placed into teams and they worked
collaboratively to complete various challenging activities. 

Throughout the day they were supported by the Rector, the
Deputy Rector, Mr Higgie and Mr Lobb. The day provided
the prefect team with an opportunity to recognise their
own strengths and then set personal and team goals.  The
overall focus was on being effective, committed and positive
role models in 2019. 

76 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

This year also saw a change in the number of nights the
students spent in the field. This was increased from one to
two nights. Despite the weather conditions being excellent
this did not eliminate the many challenges each student
faced throughout the week.

HILLARY OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE, A special thanks to Mr Johnson and Mr S. Leighton who
10-15 FEBRUARY gave their time and effort to ensure that each student
had a rewarding experience.  Further thanks must also go
As in previous years sixty Year 12 students participated in to the HOEC staff, who made the week a challenging and
the 2019 Hillary Outdoor Education Centre (HOEC) camp.  thoroughly enjoyable experience. 
Each day began with the introduction of a school value
for the students to focus on throughout the day. On their
return each group finished the day discussing how that
value was represented in the efforts and actions of the boys
while participating in those daily activities such as; caving,
rock climbing, rafting, high ropes or the two-night camping
experience.

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 77

WORLD VISION REGIONAL CONFERENCE, POPPY DAY COLLECTION, FRIDAY 11 APRIL
FRIDAY 15 MARCH
Palmerston North Boys’ High School students have a proud
The year started with the selection of Jayden Burgess to tradition of assisting with the annual RSA Poppy Day
attend a World Vision students conference in Auckland prior Collection.  This year, the event occurred on Friday, 11th
to the start of the school year. The committee’s first official April.  Appropriately, this event is well supported by many
event was this year’s regional conference, held in Lower Hutt.  of our students across all year levels.

Unfortunately, the day of the 2019 conference will always Those who volunteered were divided into three groups. Each
be remembered for those tragic events that occurred in group met at the front the Memorial Gallery, and following
Christchurch which made the group more determined to a uniform and grooming inspection, then they walked with
focus on promoting a key message from the conference a staff member to the co-ordinating centre located in the
to - ‘Put a hand up and volunteer’.  Senior Citizens Rooms. On their arrival they were partnered
with other students in their group and were sent out to
Once again, this year’s ‘World Vision - 40 Hour Famine’ was various assigned locations.͒
a success and the funds raised will make the lives of many
much better. Congratulations to Jayden and the World Vision The success of the day was a direct reflection of the diligence
committee for demonstrating leadership skills in organising and hard work done by Prefect, William Wood. William co-
this event. ordinated the placement of all students working closely with
respected former PNBHS staff member, Mr Mike O’Connor.
Ensuring the transition between those students arriving and
those departing ran smoothly, was a logistical undertaking
that positively contributed to the day being a success.

Often the efforts of those who volunteer go unrecognised,
but the positive feedback this year from organisers and
members of the public meant that all those who helped
received the acknowledgement they deserved. Once again,
thank you toWilliam and each and every student who helped
in this special event.

WEET-BIX KIDS TRYATHLON, TUESDAY 19 MARCH

Thirty PNBHS students volunteered to help in this event,
most starting at 7.00am.  They enthusiastically assisted in
all areas of the TRYathlon and it was very pleasing to hear
praise from both the organisers and parents, for the way our
students assisted throughout the entire day.

78 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE COLLECTION, BRICKCON LEGO CONVENTION,
FRIDAY 10 MAY THURSDAY 30 MAY – SUNDAY 2 JUNE

Ronald McDonald House provides free accommodation and The annual Brickcon NZ Lego Convention held in Central
support to the families of children in hospital, reducing those Energy Trust Arena 3 over Queen’s Birthday weekend,
financial, emotional and practical burdens that families face brought together over one hundred exhibitors from around
during a highly stressful time. A nationwide collection for the country.
the Ronald McDonald House took place on Friday the 10th
of May and as part of the Barrowclough Programme, Year 10 Amongst the hundreds of complex and intricate Lego
students assisted in the collection of money. Under the care displays were creations by PNBHS student Cory Stewart, and
and supervision of the Year 10 Deans, Mr Meehan and Mr Teacher Mr Ducre. Mr Ducre’s metre wide re-creation of the
Macdonald students were placed at various venues around iconic Death Star trench-run dogfight from Star Wars was a
the central city area with collection boxes. huge hit with people, especially those Year 10 students who
were selected to assist with the set-up of the venue. 
RED CROSS BOOK SALE, SUNDAY 26 MAY
Featuring a variety of displays from rocket ships to pirate
Every year, thousands of books, DVDs, jigsaws, board games ships and everything in-between the convention opened
and more are displayed for public purchase during the annual for public viewing throughout the Saturday and Sunday
Red Cross book sale. Prior to the four-day sale, volunteers from raising $10,000 for Kids Hearts.  The time and assistance
around the city come together to sort through those donated given, not only by the Year 10 students but also those senior
items and pack them into empty boxes. students who helped supervise on the Saturday and Sunday,
is part of the service component of this year’s Barrowclough
Once again PNBHS students supplied the manpower to Certificate (Years 9 and 10) and the Barrowclough Award
lift, load and move hundreds of boxes from the Red Cross (Years 11, 12 and 13).
buildings to Barber Hall, where the contents would be
displayed and sold. The sale of those donated items raises Every student who took part in all aspects of the convention
funds to support the work done by the Red Cross throughout should be commended for their sterling effort, impressive
New Zealand and overseas.This year’s sale raised $140,000 all contribution to the overall success of the event, and their
of which goes to support Red Cross initiatives and activities. enthusiasm throughout the four days.

Congratulations to those young men who gave up a Sunday
to help move hundreds of boxes. One elderly volunteer
reported that he estimated that the group had moved
close to 150 ton of books throughout the day. The service
by these volunteers, and our school’s continued support,
was greatly appreciated by the Red Cross volunteers and
their community.

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 79

TAMA TŪ TAMA ORA CAMP, STUDENT COMMONWEALTH HEADS OF GOVERNMENT
MONDAY 10 JUNE – FRIDAY 21 JUNE MEETING, MONDAY 26 – TUESDAY 27 AUGUST

As in previous years PNBHS staff joined with Makahika staff In 2019 two students travelled to Wellington for the annual
to develop a programme to support the Leadership and National Student CHOGM conference held in the Legislative
Character Development programmes on offer at PNBHS.  As Council Chamber, Parliament building. The two-day
in previous years this camp offered a unique opportunity for conference gave students an opportunity to experience
those who participated, to face a variety of challenges that life as a Head of Government, or Foreign Minister, of a
took them out of their comfort zone and assisted in students Commonwealth member state.
building personal resilience by being courageous enough
to give everything a go. Main objectives of the National Student CHOGM are:
• an accessible network for young people to connect to
The camp began with a departure briefing by the Rector on
the steps of the Memorial Gallery. Those parents assembled other aspiring young leaders, and inspirational figures to
were reminded that the focus of the next twelve days was nurture their goals and ambitions;
to develop resilience and independence within their sons. • a platform to promote the achievements of young people
They acknowledged that this was not a ‘normal’ camp and in New Zealand and the wider Commonwealth;
that their sons would be pushed to complete a range of • representative of the voices of young people on issues
testing activities. significant to the Commonwealth on a local, national and
international level
Throughout the camp those conversations with students
always focused on their achievements and successes, rather Our student delegates attended plenary sessions on topics
than the hardships experienced. As a result, all those who from policy making to human rights. Following each plenary
participated describe the camp as a challenging experience, session, the students assembled to debate various global
filled with many enjoyable moments. issues of concern.  All were required to think critically,
articulate a point of view, and assertively summarise
For Tama Tū, Tama Ora to be successful the selfless their position whilst under the watchful eye the Student
involvement by staff is imperative and once again, I would Secretary-General.
like to thank those regulars: Mr Hann, Mr Jochem, Mr
Macdonald and Old Boy John Gummer for their tireless Our student delegates agreed that the two-day conference
support and dedication to the students and programme. A was an amazing opportunity to develop new knowledge
pleasing aspect of this year’s camp was the support offered and competencies and make lasting friendships with others
to the above staff by Ms Cameron, Ms Pfeffer-Marshall, from schools across New Zealand. The appointment of Year
Ms Norman, Mr Meehan, Mr Mafi and Mr Dawson. Their 13 Prefect, William Wood, who shared the Student Secretary-
assistance with the supervision of the boys was an imperative General role this year was a real highlight.
safety requirement, while in the field. 

80 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

WHITE RIBBON AMBASSADORS CONFERENCE, Throughout the three-day conference the students engaged
FRIDAY 2 AUGUST in eye-opening activities, listened to the success stories of
past yLead participants and learnt valuable skills that would
The White Ribbon Ambassadors Conference offered a select assist us in the future.
group of Year 12 students the opportunity to attend a one-
day conference hosted by Wellington College. Those who The aim for those students who attended was to gain skills
attended engaged in group conversations with the key that would provide a platform for a positive start in 2020.
messages that violence against women is never acceptable, They returned from the conference:
violence is not just physical and men are part of the solution • Empowered with a stronger sense of self-awareness, self-
all discussed. Collectively they worked on creating a platform
to make a difference in 2020. worth & self-belief
• Prepared with essential skills & tools to effectively lead
• Motivated to make a difference in their school &

community
• Equipped with clear goals & action plans
• Connected to a powerful network of young leaders from

across New Zealand

YLEAD, WEDNESDAY 9 – SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER Elyjah Crosswell and Brody Zander present their yLead
conference report at assembly
yLead Rangatira was launched in 2012 and offers Year 12
students from around New Zealand an opportunity to
attend a three-day conference to instil a stronger sense of
self-awareness and to develop those essential skills required
to make a positive difference in their schools.

The Māori word, ’Rangatira’, comprises of two Māori words
– Raranga (meaning to weave) and tira (meaning a group of
people). Rangatira translates to mean Leader - a person who
brings others together to achieve a common goal.

10 Year 12 students were lucky enough to travel to Rotorua
Boys’ High School to participate in this year’s conference.
As soon as they arrived in Rotorua, they all signed into Tai
Mitchell House, Rotorua Boys’ High School’s hostel and
once settled in they spent the rest of the day mixing and
mingling with those students from other schools who were
also attending the conference.

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 81

LIBRARY

STUDENT LIBRARIANS
Back Row: Ali Alaswad, Daniel Fox, Kester Lucas, Ethan Shingleton, Locky Hooper, Kris Harrowfield
3rd Row: Charlie Philps, Matthew Allen, Luke Scott, Keegan Leask, Trent Hooper, Kavish Desai, Dylan Cryer
2nd Row: Mrs D Kennedy (Library Assistant), Mrs T Burt (Librarian), Tyler Purdy, Nicholas Dewhurst, William Hince,
Eli Hancock, Brandon Winter, Mrs V Langley (Library Manager)
Front Row: Robert Roos, Ryan Morgan, Thiliner Ariyaratne, Andrew Karatea, Connor Hurnard, Ethan Barratt, Harry Neill
Absent: Thomas Sun, Matthew McEwen

Head Librarian: Mrs V. Langley HEAD STUDENT LIBRARIAN REPORT

Staff: Mrs T. Burt, Mrs D. Kennedy Head Student Librarian: Andrew Karatea
My tenure as Head Student Librarian has given me many
We have had another busy year as a popular teaching things to be thankful for. Primarily, I have been delighted to
space, study and relaxation venue. The Library is well used work with such a talented, dedicated and driven team of staff
before school, during interval and lunchtimes – and bursts and student librarians. The work they do is invaluable in one
at the seams during the Winter terms. I was very involved of the areas of the school that sees the most use by the boys.
with organising and selecting the team for the Manawatu It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as the Head
Readers Cup Quiz (for literature) competition in June for Student Librarian and to watch the tireless effort of the boys
Year 9 students. We support the year-long Year 9 Reading who give up their free time routinely to help out. It is safe to
Challenge too. We still issue out many books and DVDs say that the future of the Library is in good hands with the
and buy to please our library users. We welcomed the student librarians coming through the ranks. Their hard work
following new Student Librarians to our experienced team: and diligence is immensely appreciated. Beyond the hard
Tyler Purdy, Dylan Cryer and Harry Neill (Year 12), as well as work, I have also found my time in the Library to be extremely
Daniel Fox, Brandon Winter, Locky Hooper, Ethan Barratt enjoyable and it has bought many happy memories that I
and Eli Hancock (Year 10). Kavish Desai returned after a doubt I will ever forget. I look forward to coming back and
break and Jordan Neall and Christian Budden left after two visiting the School Library in the coming years to see how the
terms. Thiliner Ariyaratne worked especially hard to win the future generations of student librarians have continued to
all-time record of covering over 550 library books! We say a contribute to the school community. I would also like to take
sad goodbye to our senior students who have been with us the time to thank Mrs. Langley, Mrs. Kennedy and Mrs. Burt
for years: Andrew Karatea (Head Student Librarian), Connor for their continued and unwavering support of me and my
Hurnard (Deputy Head Student Librarian), Trent Hooper, development, but also for going above and beyond in all of
Luke Scott, Keegan Leask, Thiliner, Kavish and Matthew their duties. Without their devotion, we would not have such
McEwen. Thank you for your hard work and best wishes a high-quality facility and one which caters to the needs of
for your future! so many boys. I am sure that I speak on behalf of all student
librarians when I say that the Library would not be what it
is today without them.

82 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 83

84 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

MATHEMATICS

Head of Department: Dr M. Smith Year 10 Mathex team

Staff:  Mr K. Benn, Mr M. Davidson, Mr A. Ducre, Mr win first prize, the Mathex Banner for the 2019 Manawatu
H. Forbes, Mr P. Gibbs, Mr G Gooch, Mr L. Higgie, Mr Mathematics Association MATHEX competition. Our Year
B. Kensington, Mr T. McTamney, Mr J. Meehan, Mr G. 10 team of Thanh Nguyen, Mitchell Liang, David Wu and
McQueen-Davies, Mr V. Ong, Mr H. Pinder, Mr J. Ross, Mr Benjamin McQueen-Davies also did well, achieving second
D. Toomer, Mr P. Truter, Dr A. Tularam, Mr S. Vindriis, Mrs overall among 11 other schools in the region. It will be a good
N. Woisin.  challenge for our Year 9 winners to work hard to ensure we
bring back the Year 10 banner in 2020. Many thanks to Dr
2019 saw the introduction of a revamped course for our Year Tularam for giving up his time to help train the teams.
11 and accelerate Year 10 students. The extra time created
allowed more time to explore concepts without the burden CALCEX
of over assessment. The extra time allowed us to better A group of Year 12 students won the regional round of the
prepare our students for our Level Two and Three courses. Calcex (Calculus) quiz competition held at Awatapu High
School. It is a nationwide competition. The questions were
The department offers three different programmes the challenging and the competition fierce but our boys’ stood
senior school to better meet the needs of our students.
We offer Calculus and Statistics, at Level Two, to mirror the
options in Year 13. The Level Two Calculus course, which is
predominantly algebra, gives our students better curriculum
coverage of the concepts required for Level Three Calculus.
The Level Two Statistics course while containing very little
traditional mathematics, challenges our students to think
critically about data and variation. The results produced by
boys in these courses are encouraging and bode well for
success at Level Three. These courses are offered to students
who want to continue with some Mathematics but do not
relish the challenge of Calculus.

Our focus areas for 2020 will be continuing the development
of problem solving skills, an emphasis on the correct setting
out of solutions and basic facts. We will also continue to
develop resources to ensure our students have a seamless
transition from the junior school to senior school.

The Mathematics Department continues to offer the
opportunity for young men to extend and challenge
themselves through participation in competitions (the
University of Otago Junior Mathematics Competition and
Mathex).

MATHEX
This year the Year 9 team; Aidan Brown, Wilson Hannon,
Mitchell Cole and Liam Nielsen, beat 11 other teams to

Year 9 Mathex team

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 85

firm as the regional leaders. The team consisted of Jacob The Mathematics department staff are a highly trained and
Mildenhall, Kavindith Rodrigo, Thomas Sun and Paul Lee. professional group that go out of their way to ensure that
each of their students has the opportunity to reach their
MASSEY YEAR 12 QUIZ potential in Mathematics. There have been a large number
Massey University hosted the seventh Level Two interschool of tutorials offered both at lunch time and after school. The
Mathematics Quiz.  Fifteen schools took part in this event academic results below are testament to their efforts.
coming from as far as New Plymouth. The questions were
very searching and the competition fierce. PNBHS fielded KEY ACADEMIC RESULTS
four teams of three students in this event and won first, Academic Results (2018):
second and third place. The winning team consisted of Scholarship
Thomas Sun, Kavindith Rodrigo and Jacob Mildenhall. Calculus - Nikhil Banerjee
Statistics - Rishabh De
STAFF Massey University
Mr L. Higgie joined the department at the start of this Calculus 1 160.101 - A: Finn Martin, Ronan Carroll
year after a number of years teaching various levels at Academic Results (2019):
primary level. He has fitted into the department well and Waikato University
has already made a significant contribution. He is heavily Statistics 121-18A - A+: Travis Adkins, Ahmad Barzak, Ajay
involved in co-curricular activities. We look forward to him Bansal, Caleb Martin, Josh Ellingham, Nikhil Banerjee,Thiliner
continuing to broaden his teaching knowledge and skills Ariyaratne. A: Antariksh Nag, Campbell Jackson, Cody Larsen
at high school level in the years to come. The department Otago Junior Mathematics Competition
wishes to acknowledge the contribution of Mr. Forbes, who Top 100: Aidan Brown, Oscar Hodgson, Thanh Nguyen, Lucas
will be on leave in 2020. His organisation of our Level Two Richardson.
programme and his work with the school timetable has Top 200: Liam Nielsen, Callum McKinnon, Benjamin
been noteworthy. We would also like to acknowledge the McQueen-Davies, Henry Yan, Connor Clarke, Alex Cole.
significant contribution Mr. Forbes made to the co-curricular Merit: Josh Berry, Liam Bryers, Alex Odom, Daniel McDougall,
life of the school including Tennis, Football, Squash and David Wu, Manu Easton, Harrison Hook, Ashford Taylor.
Basketball. We also would like to wish Mr McTamney farewell.

MEDIA STUDIES

Head of Department: Mr C. Higgie pleasing, with almost every Achievement Standard
attempted gaining an Achieved grade or better. Two of our
Staff: Mr B. Greer, Mrs A. Nixon more academic students managed to gain scholarships, the
first for some time. Another highlight was that two of our
Media Studies is staffed by a small, but passionate group Level Three students gained places at Broadcasting School
of teachers. Mr. Higgie and Mrs. Nixon led the Level Two (ARA) in Christchurch.This highly esteemed school has a very
course, while Mr. Higgie and Mr. Greer took Level Three. limited intake and PNBHS has gained at least 11 places in the
These teachers continue to reflect, adapt and innovate last eight years. Our students seem to be highly respected,
their practice in order to get the best out of their students. both at ARA and in the industry, for their practical, hard-
Recent examples include Mr Greer’s suggestion to change working and no-nonsense approach.
the industry studied at Level Three and Mrs Nixon’s idea to
change the production task as well as a better alignment
of all three internal assessment tasks. External examination
results for 2018’s Level Three students were particularly

86 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

MUSIC

Head of Department: Mr G. Young The Stage Band put in an excellent performance for the
Manawatu Jazz Festival and were justifiably awarded Best
Staff: Mr P. Dredge Manawatu Big Band and Best High School Band overall. Liam
Peck was awarded Best Saxophone player and the complete
Arts Co-ordinator: Mrs H. Dearlove Trombone section was awarded the Trombone award for
their work together as a section which shows the quality of
2019 has once again proven to be a busy year for the Music ensemble playing the band has. They followed this up with
Department. The classroom Concert Band progamme is a gold award at the Auckland KBB Music Festival where they
now in its fifth year and successfully provides a conduit for were rightly lauded as one of NZ’s top student groups. Stage
students to learn new skills and become part of a number band also squeezed in a concert for D Day commemorations
of ensembles. Such has been the success of this that we and combined with OK Chorale and staff for three Goon
have had to initiate additional groups to cope with the show performances.
numbers of capable students, as we have around 150 brass
and woodwind players in the department. Students must In the midst of all this, the vocalists had to step up. Firstly
now audition for limited places in the Senior Concert Band in one of the more bizarre gigs that I have been involved
and Mr. Dredge now leads a Jazz Big Band at Years 10-11 to in (which is saying something) OK Chorale were invited to
upskill students for Stageband and other ensemble groups. take part in the TV Comedy show ‘7 Days’ at the Regent. We
Also, of note this year was the blowout of numbers in our all- were given doctored lyrics to sing about tattooed models
comers choir, Son of a Pitch which reached over 100 singers and misleading advertising in sports drinks which the
for the first time. The numbers of enthusiastic students is comedians then riffed on in front of a boisterous full house.
exciting but at times also a little daunting as we try to do The highly edited version was then broadcast two days later
the best by everyone. to a national audience. Great fun - I would love to have the
master tapes. We then took over 160 singers back to the
There have been many highlights throughout the year. Regent to the Regional Big Sing. Our 100 strong S.O.A.P. choir
First, was the news that last year’s Prizegiving performance and press-ganged Year 9/10 option music classes performed
from ukulele group Uketopia went somewhat viral with creditably and OK Chorale were rewarded with the Best
over seventy thousand views and an invite to the national Acappella award. Girls’High won the Best Overall award and
festival. This was followed by the coup of getting Dr Karen went on to gain a very creditable Silver award at the National
Grylls to mentor OK Chorale in early February- she is the Finale. Chorale did not make the Finale but were invited to
“Yoda”of choral music in New Zealand and to have her work attend the inaugural second tier Cadenza Festival in a glacial
with the guys and mentor choral leaders was very special. Whanganui. Competing against 11 other choirs from the
From there things really got under way. Stage Band has had central region, Chorale lifted their game and received an
a great year. With only one change to the group from 2018, Excellence award, which is the highest at this event.
they were already a well-oiled machine and they were able
to build on this through a number of community events as Following the trend of the last couple of years, the School
they prepared for their tour to Australia. Their trip to Mount Concert was not themed, but more a showcase of the
Gambier to compete in the ‘Generations in Jazz’ Festival breadth of talent we have in the department. After opening
showed the class of the group as they won Division Two, with the Year 9/ Symphonia bands, Carson Taare took the
beating out 25 other local bands. Ciaran Carroll was selected stage and entertained with ‘True Love Ways’, made famous
on Trumpet as the division’s Super-band. Generations in by Buddy Holly. Along with Carson there were some
Jazz is an outstanding festival with over 6000 participants exceptional solo performances by senior students, Ciaran
in a really inclusive and supportive environment, which is Carroll on piano, showing the talent and skills that won
different to the highly competitive festivals in which we him the ‘Emerging Young Performer’ award at the National
usually compete. We will be back. Young Performers awards in October last year. Joe Inman on
cornet showed why he was placed 3rd at the NZ Youth Cornet
Term II is manic at any time and this year we had the added Championships. We were also entertained with a saxophone
stress of hosting the Super Eight Cultural Festival. This was solo by Liam Peck, who along with Ciaran Carroll is member
a great event, largely thanks to the organization of Mrs of the NZ Youth Jazz Orchestra.
Dearlove, and the diversity and camaraderie of the groups
made for a fun couple of days. Even better for us, we won all The Concert Band and 100 strong S.O.A.P Choir wowed
of the music sections with Stage Band winning best group with their professional and accomplished performances.
against some stiff competition from Tauranga Boys’College Super Eight clashed with the Hawke’s Bay Festival and
who had been awarded Best Big band at the National Youth the cancellation of the Feilding Band Festival meant that
Jazz Festival atTauranga in April. Ciaran Carroll and HenryYan Concert Band had no competitive outings this year, but they
both on piano took out the senior and junior solos. showed their class here. They were supported throughout
the concert with various ensemble groups; Reed Me First,
Five groups entered in NZ Chamber Music regionals: two Honkers, Grum (jazz combo), Gone with the Woodwind,
string groups‘No Frets’(Ray Su, Paul Teoh, Ciaran Carroll) and Drum Squad and the very accomplished No Frets.
the junior ensemble ‘Strings Attached’ (Torrence Cheung,
Ian Teoh, Daniel van der Spuy), along with a sax group Stage Band rounded out the evening with an awesome set
‘Reed Me First’ ( Dominic Rankin, Grayson Lodge, William with the bonus of playing“Whomp, Whomp, Whomp, Yeah!”,
Leong, Richard Cheng), a brass quintet ‘The Honkers’ (Tom written by their lead saxophone player Liam Peck.
Varney, Liam Edmunds, Manu Easton, Arahan Pilkington,
Ryan Hirst) and a wind ensemble‘Gone with the Woodwind’ The Pasifika group and Kapa Haka added an extra burst of
(Campbell Jackson, Connor O’Leary, Liam Hotter).‘No Frets’, energy and flair to a great couple of nights.
‘Strings Attached’and‘Gone with the Woodwind’all achieved
Highly Commended, ‘ The Honkers’ were awarded the To finish a busy term, we were delighted to host Auckland
adjudicator’s Special Award and‘Reed Me First’was awarded Grammar’s Big Band led by old boy Eddie Hare. Workshops
the Manawatu regional prize for a brass or woodwind group. saw the bands mentored by the legendary Rodger Fox, who
Not a bad haul. busted out some fantastic solos to show the young bucks

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 87

how it is done. The evening concert showed the skills of two Ciaran Carroll: NZ Youth Jazz Orchestra
of the top school bands in NZ and the combined numbers Liam Peck: NZ Youth Jazz Orchestra
were moments that will be remembered for a long time - Douglas Bilsland: NZ Foundation Youth Pipe Band
simply stunning music making. Reuben Bilsland: NZ Foundation Youth Pipe Band

So finally the year winds down and we actually start to
think about classroom work (maybe). Term IV will see all
three Concert bands, our Jazz Big Band and Stage Band
present a fundraising concert for the Salvation Army Food
Bank. Ok Chorale will combine with PNGHS Cantatrices
for an afternoon recital at St Peter’s Church, before Stage
Band wraps up their hugely successful year with a dine and
dance. Then we will draw a collective breath before exams
and Prizegiving.

Thanks as always to parents and whānau who support your
sons’ music making and to the amazing staff of tutors that
make the magic happen.

Kirsten Clark:Voice, Paul Dredge: Bass/Cello, Sheran Hancock:
Bagpipes, Winston Hoare: Brass, Matt Hubbert: Electric
Guitar, Christy Hunter: Flute, Neville Lauridsen: Brass/Stage
Band, Jeanette McGrath: Guitar, Marise McNeill: Strings,
Johnny Robert: Drums, James Tait-Jamieson: Saxophone,
JamieWallace:Woodwind, ChrisWelch, Drum Squad, Graeme
Young: Voice/Guitar.

The NZ Representatives in the Music Department:
Carson Taare: NZ Secondary Students Choir – Leader
Carlos Fung: NZ Secondary Students Choir
Sebastian Cave: NZ Secondary Students Choir
Oliver Inman: NZ Secondary Students Choir
Antariksh Nag: NZ Secondary Students Choir
Ray Su: NZ Secondary Schools Orchestra
Joe Inman: NZ Secondary Schools Brass Band – Principal
Cornet

OK CHORALE

Director: Mr G. Young were selected. Under the direction and leadership of Mr.
Young, who has been Director of the OK Chorale for over 25
Student Leader: Carson Taare years, we gave our best attempt at the Big Sing Regionals
in June and managed to get the award for Best A capella
This year, the OK Chorale got off to a good start with the Performance. Unfortunately, we were not selected as one
audition workshops mentored  by choral guru, Dr Karyn
Grylls, where the final 16 members of the 2019 OK Chorale

88 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

of the top 24 choirs for the National finale held in Dunedin. (L) Ciaran Egan: KBB Music Festival 2019 Gold Award –
However, we did end up being selected for the inaugural Stage Band, (R) Carson Taare: The Big Sing 2019 Cadenza
Big Sing Cadenza competition which was held in Whanganui Excellence Award – Ok Chorale
at the Whanganui Opera House.  Not only was it a great
experience to be competing against other schools, but the
addition of Cadenza to the Big Sing allowed choirs from
all over New Zealand the chance to compete in a Big Sing
competition when they had not succeeded in making it
to the main Big Sing Nationals. This allowed us to connect
with some other choirs and put our hard work and practice
to good use. Our performance among the 12 choirs from
the central region gained an Excellence award, which was
the highest possible achievement at the competition. As
Choir Leader of the 2019 OK Chorale, it has been a pleasure
and an honour to be able to sing with this year’s OK Chorale
at numerous gigs to a wide range of audiences. Not only
were they a great group of singers, but they were also just
a bunch of good lads and, in the end, that is what we will
all remember most about this year is each other. I would
like to thank Mr. Young and Mrs. Dearlove for their support
and guidance and for helping us to achieve all that we did
this year.

By Carson Taare.

Ok Chorale on 7 Days

SHAND SHIELD CHORAL COMPETITION in the competition and this was especially apparent as it soon
became clear that some were just too challenging within
The Shand Shield Choral Competition was held in the last the time constraints. Kia Ora were the clear winners with
week of Term III. This event gives students an opportunity to Fly Me to the Moon, well utilising their strong contingent of
step out of their comfort zone by venturing onto the stage vocalists and the supporting musicians, but the highlight of
and performing, some for the first time and each year I am the day was Gordon Club who from very scrappy beginnings,
astounded by what the boys present in just one day. The became a formidable unit thanks to the leadership of Josh
choirs are kept to a maximum of forty voices and with only Ellingham and Carlos Fung. Taking a bunch of individuals
four hours of rehearsal time, the pressure is really on the and making them into a team in a short time is not easy
student leaders to mould the students into a cohesive and and all student leaders are to be applauded for challenging
confident looking ensemble that sings with heart, so unlike themselves and stepping up to make this event work. I am
what we hear weekly and weakly at assemblies. sure they are exhausted by the end of it, but hopefully proud
of their efforts.
The School Song was compulsory for each club, and there
were some well thought-out additions to the original, using
harmony and repetition to good effect. Celebrating the
fiftieth anniversary of the moon landing, this year’s theme
was‘Out of this World’, any song that has a reference to space
in the title. Song choice for the themed song is a huge factor

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 89

Results and Optional Songs: Police; Fifth Equal: Albion - Here Comes the Sun,The Beatles;
Murray - Man on the Moon [REM].
First: Kia Ora - Fly Me to the Moon, Frank Sinatra; Second:
Gordon - Dancin’in the Moonlight, Toploader; Third: Vernon Award for Outstanding Student Leadership: Josh
– Stars, Skillet; Fourth: Phoenix - Walking on the Moon, The Ellingham and Carlos Fung from Gordon Club.

STAGE BAND

Stage Band Director: Mr N. Lauridsen the world, Generations in Jazz. We arrived in Australia on 1
May to the company of our friendly tour guide and driver.
Student Leader: Ciaran Egan It was through our partnership with ‘TourTime’ where we
got to see many aspects of Australia, including Melbourne,
Generations in Jazz and Beyond the countryside and even the zoo! A few days into our trip,
we began our drive to Mount Gambier, the location of
2019 was a year to remember. Every year, the Stage Band Generations in Jazz. The day after arriving at our destination,
must deal with losing a significant chunk of Year 13 players we drove through the small town that surrounded us towards
from the previous year. However, this was not the case this the enormous marquee that could hold 11,000 people at a
year. We began the year with only one new player, Dom time. This marquee was one of the biggest in the world and
Rankin, who has done an excellent job fulfilling the role of was the venue of Generations in Jazz. Later that day, we
the baritone saxophone.This nearly identical band permitted began to watch the other bands play in our division and was
us to build on everything we gained in 2018. This allowed surprised by the technical ability of a lot of our competitors,
us to push our limits and surpass our expectations. The year perhaps 300 people watching at this point. However, when
started off as usual with Relay for Life. Playing music for it got to our performance at the end of the day, there were
such a great cause is always fulfilling. After this, the playouts no more than 20. It almost seems ironic that later that day,
started rolling in consistently. during the placing announcements, something unexpected
happened. We heard third place get announced; some sighs
Every year is busy for the Stage Band, but this year was of disappointment in the band as that was all we thought
something else. As a band, we slowly started to gain more we could get. Second place was then announced,“Blackburn
experience and develop our sound in preparation for perhaps
one of the biggest secondary school jazz competitions in

90 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

High School!”; a lot of us became confused as this was the would not exist without Stage Band Director Mr. Lauridsen;
school that are well-known for winning. Then suddenly, our he has driven this band to limits we did not know we were
complete surprise, “First place, Palmerston North Boys’ High capable of and we are thankful he has done so. Mrs. Dearlove
School”. We were on our feet cheering before he could say has been an essential part of the Stage Band’s success and
“North”. We erupted with joy, as the rest of the marquee of made sure the Tour and the year ran smoothly. From the
Australian bands remained quiet. This experience is one that boys and I, thank you both for all the work you have done
I know the boys and I will cherish for a very long time. for the 2019 Stage Band.
By Ciaran Egan
After returning from Australia, we played in our usual
competitions. At the Manawatu Jazz Festival, we were Stage Band – 1st Place 2019 Super 8 Cultural Festival
awarded “Best Manawatu Big Bang”, “Best Overall Big
Band” and “Best Trombone Award” was given to the whole
section. With this, we had just weeks until our Wellington
competition, where we played well and were privileged to
stay for a concert later in the day.

Palmerston North Boys’ High School hosted the Super Eight
Cultural Festival this year and the Stage Band placed first.

Amongst many other gigs, Auckland Grammar Big Band
came down to do a joint concert with us where we were
mentored by Sir Rodger Fox. This was a great experience
for both bands and Auckland Grammar were friendly and
humble. As the year comes to an end, we look forward to
our annual Dine and Dance, where we play an abundance of
charts every year. Furthermore, if you attended Prizegiving,
you would have seen this outstanding band play for the
very last time.

The general attitude and commitment of everyone in the
2019 Stage Band was the real reason for such a successful
year. Individual practice, especially for solos, improved the
overall quality of the band and pushed our sound to a level
it has not reached for some years. Everyone in the band
gelled very well, which increased the overall enjoyment of
gigging and practicing. However, the success of the band

Stage Band – 1st Place 2019 Generations in Jazz

Stage Band depart for Australia

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 91

MUSIC CONCERT

92 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Head of Department: Mr D. Durie

Staff: Mr D. Barwick, Ms L. Cameron, Mr J. Cudby, Mr S.
Davidson, Mr R. Doyle, Mr P. Finch, Mr S. Henderson, Mr
S. McFarlane, Mr J. Moore, Mr D. Tomlinson, Mr B. van
Stipriaan
Every year is a busy year and 2019 has been no different.
At the start of the year, we go straight into Year 9 Talent
Identification Day, the School Athletics Preliminaries and
Championships, Swimming Sports and Road Race – all of
which has a large involvement from the Physical Education
Department staff. In the third week of school, the Year 13
Mountain Trip and Crest to Crest Challenge week take eight
percent of the Physical Education department out of class.
This is a large undertaking from our staff and puts pressure
on the department. In 2019, we introduced Level Two Health
as an NCEA topic following on from Health in Level One
last year. A major focus for this year has been ‘Character
Education’. The department has been working on this focus
for the past two years and have been a leading light in the
school-wide approach to developing educated men of
outstanding character. A focus in the department has been
‘managing self and how we do that’ Academic results have
continued to improve and this is a good testament to the
work staff put in with students and the extra work they do. 

(L-R) Ishan Laghai, Tyler Green, Kylem Vunipola and Jatin
Lal at the Health ‘Smashed’ Programme

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 93

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SCIENCE

Head of Department: Mrs G. Reid

Staff: Dr R. Bland, Mrs R. Calton, Mr C. Currie, Mr J. Cudby,
Mr L. Ensing, Mr D. Hop Wo, Mr R. Jochem, Mr S. Lambert,
Mr M. Liddicoat, Mr D. Liengme, Mr M. Lowe, Ms. J. Mann,
Mr A. McDougall, Mrs C. Mills, Mr P. Mills, Dr N. Parker, Mr
D. Pegler, Mrs T. Pinkney, Ms S. Taylor, Mr S. Trembath,
Dr S. Van Eyk, Mr D. Waters

STAFFING
2019 – where did the year go? We have have had an
unusually settled year this year in terms of staffing, with no
movement into or out of the Science Department. This has
meant that our students have had the best of all twenty
Science teachers and the two technicians throughout the
year, which has been great for their comfort and continuity.
We are very lucky to have such highly qualified, experienced
and dedicated Science staff at PNBHS.

NCEA RESULTS 2018
The 2018 NCEA Level One Science results were a bit of a
mixed bag. The Internals completed in 2018 resulted in an
average pass rate of 85%. The External Standards examined
had pass rates of approximately 80% for Mechanics
(Physics), 60% for Acids and Bases (Chemistry) and 70%
for the Genetics (Biology) standards. These results were
comparable to the national averages, which was pleasing.
This year, the Level One Science programme consisted of
students learning three external standards (Mammals as
Consumers, Acids and Bases and Mechanics) throughout
the year. Of these three, the students only had to choose
one External Standard for the end of year national Level
One Science examination. During the year, they also had
to complete one Internal. The total credits available to each
student, therefore, was only up to eight credits. Looking back
at 2019, it seems as though the students were pleased about
the change as were the teachers, in terms of workload and
pressure. However, I can’t help feeling that we are making
the academic environment in New Zealand for our average
students and our young men less competitive, which in
turn, makes them more complacent, less motivated and not
aspiring to their true potential. This is just my own personal
opinion, however.

The Level Two Science programme is well and truly in place,
now in its third year. Most of the students attain their Level
Two Science credits and can use these for further study in
vocational areas. Mr Liddicoat has looked after the Level One
and Two Science programmes for a few years now and he
has done a truly remarkable job at setting up the courses,
writing exams and unit tests, moderating Internals and
organising the rest of the Science staff.

S BLOCK REFURBISHMENT
The teachers in S-Block are very excited for the refurbishment
of S-Block to start. The refurbishment has been on the cards
for over 10 years now and finally, the project is getting
underway. So, with a slim budget and lots of wishful
thinking, the architects have come up with a plan which
hopefully gets the go-ahead!

EVENTS
Science Roadshow:
In March, the National Science-Technology Roadshow
made their annual visit to school. The interactive displays
and exciting hands-on activities were thoroughly enjoyed
by those who attended. Unfortunately, as this is an add-on
activity to our Science curriculum, we had to charge our
students to attend the show. As a result, many students from
the Junior school chose not to attend the Science Roadshow,
which was a real pity as they missed out on a brilliant session
of first-hand Science.

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 95

• Thomas Sun – ‘Grass is Greener’
Massey University Distinction Prize

• NZ Agricultural and Horticultural Science - Soil Science
Prize

• Olioni Taumoepeau – ‘OGT Sensor’
Massey University Internship 
Vaka Science Excellence Awards – first in Engineering,
second in Technology

• Nathan Emeck – ‘Acid gelation in goat, sheep and cattle
milks’
Massey University Internship 
NZ Institute of Chemistry Education Trust Prize – first place
Vaka Science Excellence Awards – first in Science, third in
Engineering MSTF Approval Prize.

Otago Science Quiz: OPERATION WALLACEA FIJI TRIP JULY 2020
The Otago Science Quiz was held in June this year. Again, the Next year, a group of 16 students and two teachers are going
numbers taking part in these competitions are dwindling, on a conservation trip to Fiji organised by the Operation
mostly due to a lack of interest and students not wanting Wallacea team of scientists. The trip is to help scientists with
to pay the extra to partake. their data collection in a remote part of Fiji – the Ngatewa
region. The data collected will contribute towards the
Manawatu Science and Technology Fair: establishment of Fiji’s first ever national park. We will be
It was a little dubious as to whether the Manawatu Science spending our July holidays in Fiji, leaving on 3rd July 2020
and Technology Fair would run this year due to a lack of returning on the 19th July. We will spend two weeks in the
volunteers to help out. However, when it was announced Ngatewa region, working in the forests for the first week and
that the competition would go ahead PNBHS put forward then study marine and coral health in Ngatewa Bay during
a few projects supervised and overseen by Ms Sue Taylor. the second week. (https://www.opwall.com/location/fiji/).
The Manawatu Science and Technology Fair was held on
Friday 16 September. The purpose of the fair is to encourage The trip costs around $5000 per student and each student
creative thinking, innovation and enthusiasm in Science will be involved in small individual fundraising projects. The
within the Manawatu region. group has been doing quite a lot of fundraising for the trip.
We have had sausage sizzles, a quiz night, a dinner and the
This year, four projects were entered, all receiving prizes: boys have also been helping with a couple of tree pruning
jobs. These projects have been great for the young men in
• Campbell Jackson/Callum Walcroft – ‘Blonde dye-bleach’ terms of team building and getting to know each other. This
Massey University Distinction Prize trip will be a true testament of their character and tenacity.
Duncan Liengme and Mrs Geedha Reid are really looking
forward to this trip next year, as are the boys.

ENGAGING YOUNG MĀORI IN STEM (SCIENCE,
TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS)
SUBJECTS

Pūhoro  was launched in 2016 and is an exciting trans-
formative programme aimed at advancing Māori leadership
and capability to deliver a world class science community.The
programme works directly with secondary school students
and their whānau across the country. It provides students
and whānau with mentoring, tutoring, wānanga (experiential
learning/field trips) within culturally appropriate settings to
help students navigate career pathways into Science and
Technology related industries.

At PNBHS, the Pūhoro Academy continues to provide weekly
support and guidance to Māori students in Years 11-13, in
the form of tutorials and wānanga. Participant numbers in
each year level have increased and the equity gap between
Maori and non-Māori achievement in STEM subjects at
PNBHS has decreased to a level that the difference is
insignificant.

Potiki Watling, Tipene Anderson and Davis Farrar-Ferguson

96 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019

This year saw three students participate in a once in The Biology department has had a great year doing a large
a lifetime, all expenses paid, overseas experience. The amount of practical investigations and investigative work.We
students went to Taiwan and then on to Singapore. This have a broad course looking at Physiology and Anatomy of
was all sponsored through connections Massey holds with humans and animals, all the way to Ecology and how New
the Council of Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan, Environmental Zealand would deal with Flu Pandemics.
Science and Research (ESR)  and  New Zealand Trade and Otago University and other Universities have just released
Enterprise (NZTE). a requirement and recommendation list for the degrees
they offer (this can be found here https://www.otago.ac.nz/
Pasifika Science Tutorials future-students/otago556016.pdf). Biology is recommended
A pilot programme began this year to replicate the success for: Heath Science, Biomedical Sciences, Oral Health,
of the  Pūhoro  program.  Science department teachers Dental Technology, Radiation Therapy. BSc Majors that
have made themselves available to attend weekly tutorials include – Anatomy, Biochemistry, Botany, Clothing and
to support 11 Pasifika students to engage and succeed in Textiles, Ecology, Food Science, Genetics, Human Nutrition,
STEM subjects. Microbiology, Neuroscience, Oceanography, Pharmacology,
Physiology, Plant Biotechnology, Psychology, Zoology,
This was an initiative to support the Amanaki STEM Academy, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Consumer Food Science,
which is a community group working with many of our
Pasifika Students at PNBHS.  Many of the students that DNA Profiling
attended the tutorials were students who could not get into
the Amanaki STEM Academy but still wanted some support.
Most of the participants were Level One.  

- Mr S. Lambert (Dean of Māori Student Achievement)

Overall, the year has been a busy but good one. The Science
department has amazing staff, from whom our young men
receive the best in terms of academia and co-curricular
activities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank
my team, the Science department, for their commitment,
dedication and for always giving their best to our faculty, the
school and to their students. Wishing you all a very restful
holiday and looking forward to 2020.

BIOLOGY

Head of Department: Mr D. Waters

Stream Study

DNA Extraction

2019 THE PALMERSTONIAN | 97

Environmental Management, Forensic Analytical Science, The Year 12 course has been well embedded at PNBHS over
Molecular Biology, Sports and Exercise Nutrition, Sports several years and appears to be a popular choice amongst
Technology, Sports and Leisure Studies, and the list goes on. the boys, particularly those who are reassessing their career
It is very important that young men looking to progress to paths. This course has traditionally been the first time
university make the correct subject choices at school, this many of the students have been introduced to electronic
will allow them to reach their future dreams and aspirations. components and systems, however, with the introduction of
the Year 11 course in 2018 the Year 12 course was reviewed
In 2020 we will have a returning member to the department, for 2019. A large portion of the course involves project work.
Mr Jake Blanks who is an asset and brings new and exciting The course comprises a combination of Unit Standards and
ideas to the department. Mr Stacey Lambert will take a year Achievement Standards as deemed appropriate. This may
study leave in 2020 to work on his Te Reo Māori and tikanga have implications for course endorsement.
Māori. The current members of the department Dr Ross
Bland, and Mr Deane Pegler have done an amazing job this The Year 13 Electronics is also popular with students, the
year and the department has flourished. Mrs Ruth Calton is current class has 20 students. Several students selected this
the laboratory technician and plays a very valuable role in as an option in Year 13 but have completed Physics at Level
the smooth running of Biology. Two and some at Level Three. TheYear 13 course is constantly
under review with new standards due to be released in
CHEMISTRY November 2019, with the changes to take effect in 2020. The
current course is a mix of analogue and digital electronics
Head of Department: Miss S. Taylor with the major focus being on microcontrollers (PicAxe) and
semiconductor devices. There is a strong emphasis on design
The number of students studying Chemistry was similar to and prototyping leading to the construction of a project.With
the previous year. NCEA pass rates for both Level Two and the changes in 2020 a project-based course is envisaged.
Three remain above 70% and very similar to the percentage
of students achieving nationally. Although the results in HORTICULTURE
general across all levels of Chemistry taught are similar to
previously obtained results, focus still remains on reducing Head of Department: Mr R. Jochem
the percentage of students not achieving and improving
the number of students obtaining Excellence and Merit The Horticulture department has hosted another two
grades. To assist with this help outside the classroom has student teachers from Massey Teachers’ College this year
continued to be offered. This year changes were also made (Miss April Bliss and Miss Saskia Brosnan).  There is a growing
to the curriculum content being taught at both Level Two number of student teachers aiming to teach in this subject,
Chemistry and in the Advanced Chemistry classes. and we are finding that industries we contact throughout
the year are generally willing to be helpful and encourage
The results at Level Two last year highlighted more class us to access their resources.  The primary industries in New
time was needed to teach the content for the three External Zealand are economically significant, and it is encouraging
Achievement Standards. This year one of the practical to see new teachers coming through that are passionate for
Internal Assessments was removed and replaced with an the subject.
optional research Internal that students did in the Term II
holidays. This has provided an additional three weeks of This year, we made the decision to teach Agriculture in the
teaching and revision time. With this change it is hoped NCEA classes.  Year 11 students were taught a livestock topic
that a higher percentage of students will obtain Merit and for the first half of the year, and all the students have opted for
Excellence grades in the External NCEA examinations in this as their NCEA External examination in November.  Year
November. 12 students have done two Agriculture standards and two
Horticulture standards.  The results in the NCEA examinations
The Advanced Chemistry students were able to study the will be interesting.
Massey University First semester Chemistry paper. Previously
the second semester paper had been taught, which meant TheYear 12 Agribusiness andYear 12 Horticulture classes went
that there was little opportunity for Scholarship revision on a combined field trip to a dairy farm near Hiwinui in Term
prior to the Scholarship examination, due to the focus being III. The visit was to research animal behaviours for an Internal
on the Massey University examinations. As per other years, Assessment that both classes were studying.  Hopefully the
the students entered into the Massey paper performed well success of this field trip will see more regular trips taken in
with 80% of students obtaining an A grade. the future.

ELECTRONICS Finally, it is pleasing to see the number of students leaving
school during the year to follow job opportunities and
Head of Department: Mr D. Liengme apprenticeships. For too long, it seems that University was the
default option, when, for many students coming through this
Electronics is a sub-department of the Science faculty course, “getting out there and doing it” is a much-preferred
offered in Years 11, 12 and 13. It continues to be a popular option.
choice amongst the students, often being over-subscribed.
The Year 11 course was introduced in 2018. The course PHYSICS
is a balance of theory and practical work and is assessed
using Unit Standards developed by the Skills Organisation. Head of Department: Mr C. Currie
It can lead to a separate NCET qualification. Electronics
provides the students with a solid understanding of the Once again, 2018 was a good year for Physics at Palmerston
basic electrical concepts and the functioning and role of a North Boys’ High School. Over 300 boys elected to study
variety of components. In 2019 students were introduced Physics in 2018 spread over Levels One, Two, Three and
to micro-controllers and the concept of project work. This Scholarship. The Scholarship group was not as successful
year saw a growth in numbers, requiring Mr Mills to join the as previous groups, with only one student gaining a
department and teach a second class. It was really beneficial Scholarship, however another Scholarship was attained by
to have another staff member to share ideas with. a Year 12 student. At Levels One, Two and Three the number
of boys attaining the Standards was again generally ahead
of the national averages.

98 | THE PALMERSTONIAN 2019