Week Ahead: Week 3 Term 3
Monday 31st July – Sunday 6th August
Headmaster’s Kōrero
The Polson Banner: A Historic Interschool Rugby Trophy in New Zealand
The Polson Banner holds the distinction of being the oldest interschool rugby trophy in New Zealand, with its origins dating back to 1907 when it was first contested. However, it is worth noting that the Banner was “backdated” to 1904 to ensure that all previous fixtures between the schools were included in its history.
Remarkably, since its inception, the Polson Banner has endured uninterrupted, even in the face of challenges such as war and recently, Covid. Notably, in 1942, during a time of petrol rationing, the game was played in Waipukurau, showcasing the unwavering dedication of the participating schools.
Over time, several versions of the banner have been produced to preserve the original silk creation. In 1998, the original sides of the banner were retired to the archives of each school, and a new banner was crafted. The significance of the Polson Banner in interschool events cannot be overstated. Both schools hold this event in high regard, and it traditionally involves competitive matches in five rugby teams, three football teams, three hockey teams, and two debating teams. In recent years, the programme has expanded to include Basketball, Badminton, Target Shooting, and Water polo, making it a comprehensive and inclusive sporting event.
Kudos must be extended to Kirsty McCallum, Sports & Cultural Co-ordinator, for her exceptional work in organising and coordinating all the teams. Her efforts were instrumental in making the event a resounding success, and the boys from both schools relished the opportunity to compete and proudly represent their institutions. Also, thank you to our parent coaches, and helpers who came to support the school.
As the most anticipated fixture of the event, the 1st XV rugby match culminated in a thrilling 12-all draw. The spoils may have been shared, but the prestigious Polson Banner remained in the possession of Napier Boys’ High School, as they are the current holders of this esteemed trophy.
The Polson Banner stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of interschool competition, tradition, and sportsmanship. It will undoubtedly continue to be a cherished and honoured tradition in in both schools sporting history.
Ngā Mihi
Jarred Williams Headmaster
School of Rock: The Musical
Get ready to rock and roll with School of Rock: The Musical. Join us, for the shared production with Napier Girls’ High School, on an exhilarating journey that hits all the right chords of friendship, empowerment, and the transformative power of music.
Prepare to be swept away by a symphony of laughter, electrifying performances, and heartwarming moments that will leave you cheering for the power of dreams and the boundless potential of the next generation. School of Rock: The Musical will have you tapping your feet and singing along as it celebrates the joy of finding your own voice and forging your path to greatness.
Tickets are available at the NGHS and NBHS office $25 adult, $15 for student.
The show runs in the Henderson Hall Wednesday 02 – Friday 04 August at 7:30pm. The production finishes with a matinee performance on Saturday 05 August 2:00pm.
Year 9 Enrolment, 2024
Enrolment packs for 2024 Year 9 enrolment are now available at all contributing schools.
Our information evening will be Tuesday, 15 August starting 6:30pm.
Y8 students and their families wanting a personal tour can arrange this by contacting Mrs White, Headmaster’s PA, HeadmastersPA@nbhs.school.nz or ph. 8335913.
Again, we anticipate strong enrolment at Y9 in 2024. We encourage in and out-of-zone families to enrol ASAP.
Parents and whānau can enrol directly by clicking here.
We appreciate you sharing this information in the community.
Senior Subject Selection, 2024
Course selection information will be made available at the start of Week 4 for students going into Y11 – Y13 in 2024. This information will be made available via email. At this time, you will receive a link to download the Course Guide, 2024 and instructions how to input the subject selection via SchoolBridge.
We encourage you to collectively make an ‘informed decision’ regarding the selection of subjects. Making an informed decision means talking to various parties, for example employers, tertiary institutions, teachers, deans and our Careers Adviser, Mr Te Rito.
Bookings for Mr Te Rito can be made directly by students at the Careers Office, or TTe@nbhs.school.nz
At home, encourage your son to lead out conversations and inquiries related to:
- What I enjoy doing?
- What am I good at?
- What do others say I am good at?
- What type of career / industry is going to give me the most enjoyment? Job satisfaction? Work / life balance?
- Career pathways – what subjects are required for possible careers? Up to what level of NCEA?
- School subjects and learning areas – what credits are available? Are these Achievement or Unit Standards? What pathway(s) does the subject track toward? Employment? Tertiary?
Senior Course Information Evening
To support our students and whānau with their course selection we will be running a course information evening on Wednesday, 09 August, starting 6:00pm, in the school Memorial Library.
This is targeted at students going into Y11 and whānau new to NCEA.
Fieldtrips in Week 3
Level 2 Science classes are out on Wednesday, 02 August visiting the National Aquarium, part of their internal assessment studying differing environments.
Level 1 Geography classes are at MTG Hawke’s Bay across the week, part of the internal assessment related to earthquakes.
NCEA Internal Assessments due in Week 3
| NCEA Level 1 | |
| Subject | Achievement Standard |
| Combined Materials | US91057 Implement basic procedures using resistant materials to make a specified product |
| Woodwork | US29677 Apply elementary procedures and processes for a BCATS project |
| Mathematics | AS1.7 Apply right-angled triangles in solving measurement problems |
| NCEA Level 2 | |
| Subject | Achievement Standard |
| Science | AS2.4 Investigate how organisms survive in an extreme environment |
| NCEA Level 3 | |
| Subject | Achievement Standard |
| Woodwork | US29677 Follow safe workplace practices, and contribute to a health and safety culture, in a BCATS environment |
NCEA Internal Assessments due in Week 4
| NCEA Level 1 | |
| Subject | Achievement Standard |
| Science (Alternative) | AS1.15 Demonstrate understanding of the effects of astronomical cycles on planet Earth |
| NCEA Level 2 | |
| Subject | Achievement Standard |
| Nil | |
| NCEA Level 3 | |
| Subject | Achievement Standard |
| Nil | |
KAMAR Parent Portal
Parents / caregivers can access results and school reports through the KAMAR Parent Portal. If you have difficulty accessing the portal, please contact Mrs J Gourdie jgourdie@nbhs.school.nz
You can access the KAMAR parent portal here: https://kamar.nbhs.school.nz/ or via the School Bridge app.
Super 8 Hockey
The 1st XI travel to Hamilton for their Super 8 Schools Group tournament 31 July – 02 August. They then back-up the day they return to play their local HB Hockey Division 1 quarter final. Fixtures are being livestreamed and can be viewed here.
Super 8 Basketball
We host the Super 8 Schools Group basketball tournament 31 July – 02 August. All games are played at Pettigrew Green Arena. Fixtures are being livestreamed and can be viewed here.
Polson Banner Results
1st Team Fixtures, Week 3
| Code | Date and time | Location |
| 1st XI Hockey v Taradale High School | Wednesday 2nd August, 7pm | Park Island |
| Basketball Senior A White v | ||
| Basketball Senior A Blue v | ||
| S8 Badminton v Taradale High School | Tuesday 1st August, 4pm | Taradale |
| 1st XI Football v HNHS 1st XI | Friday 4th August, 6pm | NCR 2 |
| 1st XV Rugby v |
Sports Draw
Sports Draws are updated here – https://www.nbhs.school.nz/students/sport-draws/ and on the sports noticeboard, outside the Administration Block.
Please ensure your son stays up-to-date with the daily notices, and related team updates. These are read in class and available daily via the MyMahi app.
The NBHS Parents’ Association is an opportunity for parents and caregivers to meet, creating a wider NBHS community.
The Association organises events to support our school community and supports school events.
The Association is self-funded, those involved can contribute as much or as little as they wish.
If you would like to be involved, please email scook@nbhs.school.nz
If you son has grown out of his current uniform, or, if he if has left the school, the Uniform Shop can sell NBHS uniform on your behalf, for a modest fee, or you can donate his NBHS uniform to the school. All proceeds go back to the Parents Association. These donations support the NBHS Community and fund school events.
If you have used current uniform to sell, please bring this into the school office.
