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Hokonui Fashion Awards 

The HFA is a platform for all amateur fashion designers to showcase their designs in front of well-regarded industry leaders.  Our Technology students submitted their work to the  awards held recently in Gore.  In the School section they won : 

Gore District Council, Auaha Award

• Winners - Nan Walden, Eva Mokalai, Sylvie Hardie-Boys, Issy Taylor, Fendi Von Hoff  (Collection)

School Merit Awards

• Lucia Hay, Wellington East Girls' College (Glamour)

• Scarlett Prescott-Mason, Wellington East Girls' College (Streetwear)

The HFA website has a video of the evening, but if you want to check out our students you can spot their creations at 38:28, 39:20 and 2:49:21

https://www.hokonuifashion.co.nz/livestream

UC Boost Economics Competition 2023 

Olivia Wu, Yr13 , competed with Lewis Collins (St Bernard’s College) in the finals of the recent University of Canterbury Boost Economics Competition 2023.  The event, held as part of the University of Canterbury's (UC) 150th anniversary celebrations under the theme 'Ka titiro whakamuri, ki te anga whakamua | Guided by the past, shaping the future,' provided an opportunity to pitch innovative ideas for regional economic growth.

We competed against 10 other teams throughout New Zealand and came out as the winners of the competition! Our idea was to boost Ōtautahi Christchurch tourism with a wāhine-based historical tour in the heart of Christchurch, with the name "Wāhine Toa: Warrior Women". The tours would include going to landmarks around Christchurch based on wāhine toa including Margaret Mahy, Kate Sheppard, Ada Wells, Elizabeth McCooms and Ngaio Marsh.

The judges loved our presentation, especially noting that it perfectly matched the theme, was an economically feasible idea and included bicultural aspects. Our presentation was simple, easy to understand, and perfectly outlined our tour.

This was a great learning experience about considering economic issues and solutions and presenting to judges, especially remotely. If you are interested in studying commerce, I would highly recommend entering this competition in 2024.

By Olivia Wu 

Tu Tangata Festival 2023

https://youtu.be/3tUhSr4Y_QY

Tu Tangata was held in July at the TSB.  Wellington East Girls' College were given the prestigious spot at the end of the Festival, which is a testament to the hours of practice and commitment by the students, teachers and parents.  You can watch their Festival video in the link above.  

EOTC : HHT and Kids Count trip to the Capital Trout Centre

He Huarahi Tamariki (HHT) provides education for students unable to complete their studies  through pregnancy or the birth of a child.   They offer a range of subjects in partnership with the New Zealand Correspondence School, Te Aho o Te Kura Pounamu, Wellington East Girls’ College, the Open Polytechnic of New Zealand and other providers.   The complex in Linden also provides onsite child care through Kids Count, a licensed and registered ECE.

One of the students, Hannah Cuttle, wrote a piece for us about their recent EOTC trip.

Last term, Kids Count and HHT School spent a day of excitement together. It was for trout fishing in Owhiro Bay.  We were met by a volunteer who gave a very brief but informative rundown on how the day would go. Of course, the children just wanted to get straight to it. 

It took about three minutes for the first fish of the day to be caught. Everyone watched closely as the fish struggled to be free from the hook. The child, who had the first fish, giggled with excitement and pointed out to the fish while her mother took over from the instructor to reel the fish in. The successful fisher exclaimed, “MY FISHY!” and ran over as close as she could get to it. All the kids had their turn fishing, everyone was successful and was able to hand in their fish to get weighed and gutted. Some of the children did have a harder time parting from their now most prized possession when weighing time came, but it all worked out in the end.

After a packed lunch, it was time for the presentation. Everyone huddled together in the shelter with the kids sitting on the floor and the adults on a seat, if they were lucky. We all tried hushing our children so we could listen to the quiet voice of the lady calling out the children’s names for their certificates and to return their gutted and wrapped fishes to them!  Everyone clapped and you could see the pride on the children's faces as they showed off their fish in the bag and had their photo taken for the record.

International Languages Week 6-9 June 

During this Language week we explored the richness and vibrancy of languages and cultures from all corners of the world. Our students are from more than 60 countries in the world and we are incredibly proud of our rich cultural diversity!  Together, we create a tapestry of cultures that fosters understanding, appreciation, and unity.  Throughout the week, we had an exciting lineup of activities and events including Library Display showcasing a curated collection of books in various languages.  We also held lunchtime activities including board games from different cultures, French cooking class, Chinese calligraphy, a Tai chi class, Bracelet making and a staff cultural attire day to end the week. The prefects decorated the school for the week and our café offered dishes from places such as Samoa, China, India and Mexico. 

International students - Homestay

This term we have welcomed students from Japan, Korea, Taiwan and China.  It is great to see how responsive our students are towards these new arrivals.  New international students are matched with a student buddy.  We are extremely grateful to these students who play a significant role in ensuring a smooth and less anxious start to school in a new country.

Our next group of new arrivals will be in Term One of 2024.  We will have both long term (full school year) and shorter term (two to ten weeks) students coming.  Each student needs a local host family.  Our host families provide a comfortable room, three meals a day and some kind hospitality.  The hosting fee in 2024 is $340 per week (tax exempt).  The school has a dedicated Homestay Co-ordinator who is available at all times to ensure that homestay families and students are well supported.  Please email Athena London - athena.london@wegc.school.nz if you have any questions about hosting a student.  We would love to hear from you.

Queen’s Guide Medal Recipient: Caitlin Leogreen

A big congratulations to Caitlin Leogreen, who is not only completing her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, but has also just completed and been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Guide Medal by the Governor General, Dame Cindy Kiro, at a ceremony at Government House on July 22.

Similar to DOE, the Queen’s Guide Award is achieved over several years and is the culmination of a range of tasks completed in the fields of service, skills and leadership. Since moving from Guides to Rangers in Year 9, Caitlin’s efforts have included organising expeditions, helping other Girl Guide units as a Ranger-In-Leadership and serving on advisory groups. In January this year Caitlin attended a 6 day residential camp on Rakiura, Stewart Island, initially knowing no-one else on the trip! Caitlin identifies the opportunities for personal growth and the invaluable skills and life lessons gained through local, regional and national activities as some of what she has got from working towards this Award, along with the chance to form lasting friendships with Guides from around New Zealand and overseas. 

Ka pai Caitlin - what an amazing achievement.

DoE 60th Anniversary Birthday Party - WEGC are the winners! 

As part of the 60th Anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Aotearoa this year, Award Units were encouraged to come up with a creative birthday party idea, host and send in their photos. 

WEGC hosted a garden art party at the Miramar Prison Community Gardens and were lucky enough to win $2500 of Macpac Vouchers for the programme!!! The win will be well used, upgrading the old tents for the next round of adventurous journeys.  

A big thank you to Siena Remacha for her creative input with this, Patty, Kate and Milan from the Community Gardens for their support and to the students that came and participated - Ka pai!