BACKCongratulations to all our prize winners for their hard work and achievements this year. We are incredibly proud of each one of you for your dedication and perseverance. A special mention must go to Kevin Chen (Dux) and Martin Leung (Proxime Accessit).
We are thrilled to extend our warmest congratulations to Kevin Chen for earning the International Baccalaureate DUX Award. Kevin has distinguished himself with a predicted IB score of 43, placing him in the top 3 per cent globally. His academic excellence is matched by his active engagement in school clubs and community service. Kevin is set to further his passion for the sciences by studying Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne.
Likewise, congratulations to Martin (Cheuk Wing) Leung on receiving the International Baccalaureate Diploma Proxime Accessit Award. Martin’s predicted IB score of 43 reflects his academic dedication and extracurricular achievements, including his leadership in the Harvard Model United Nations and successes in various sports and school clubs. Martin is poised to pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Hong Kong, where his future in medicine shines bright.
Congratulations are also due to Minwoo Kim on receiving the International Baccalaureate Diploma Summa Cum Laude and to Zhenni Liu for receiving the Excellence in Service Award.
These students exemplify the highest standards of scholarship and citizenship, and we are proud to recognise their exceptional achievements. Congratulations!
IA Days – Physics and Biology, Chemistry
The Year 12 IB students are currently immersed in the practical world of science, working diligently on their Internal Assessments (IAs) for Chemistry and Biology. These IAs are designed to challenge students with real-world scientific inquiries that they investigate independently.
Chemistry students are exploring a vast array of experiments, from calculating reaction rates and activation energy to analysing the effect of temperature and concentration on biodiesel production. Their investigative journey extends to experimenting with voltaic cells under non-standard conditions, conducting environmental analyses of aquatic ecosystems, and quantifying the oxygen content variations in streams and estuaries. An intriguing study on caffeine is also on the table, where students determine the temperature effect on its concentration.
Biology students are undertaking a similar rigorous exploration, delving into the intricate workings of living organisms and systems. These young scientists are not only honing their laboratory skills but also developing a deeper understanding of the scientific process, critical thinking, and data analysis.
As they navigate through these complex assessments, the students are laying the groundwork for future academic and professional pursuits in the sciences. Their dedication to these individual projects is a testament to the rigorous and enriching education that the IB program provides. For those with a keen interest in science, the work of these students serves as an inspiration and a benchmark for the exciting challenges and discoveries that lie ahead in the journey of scientific exploration.
CAS Service Day in Term 3
In a commendable display of community service and environmental stewardship, the Year 12 IB students recently rolled up their sleeves at Rosedale Park in Albany. This visit was a part of their Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) Service Day, a core component of the IB program that emphasises community engagement.
Rosedale Park is not your ordinary park; it’s part of an award-winning, community-based project that transforms neglected, wasteland into a flourishing eco-sanctuary, blooming with native New Zealand flora. The IB students, alongside their teachers, dedicated their day to clearing the land and planting trees, contributing to the park’s ongoing mission to nurture a natural habitat.
Beyond the physical labour, the day was an educational journey. The students absorbed valuable lessons on sustainability and the critical role of environmental health in our lives. The effort was taxing, but the spirit of volunteerism burned bright. Many students, inspired by the work and its impact, have pledged to continue their involvement with the park.
The Rosedale Park project is an open invitation for volunteers of all ages to make a difference. For those interested in environmental conservation and looking to contribute to a greener future, visit https://www.restoringrosedalepark.org.nz/ for more information and volunteer opportunities. Let’s come together to invest in our planet’s health, one tree at a time.
IB Year 13 Celebration
As the academic year draws to a close, we are always excited to attend the Year 13 Celebration Evening—an event that marks both the culmination of our IB students’ hard work and the start of their new adventures. This special night is a chance for Year 13 students and their teachers to share memories, laughter, and good cheer beyond the classroom walls.
The festivities kicked off with an entertaining evening of bowling, where students and teachers can showcase their skills—or perhaps their amusing lack thereof—in friendly competition. Strikes or gutters, it’s all in good spirit as students celebrate the end of an era and the bonds forged over these transformative years.
Following the thrill of the lanes, we gathered for dinner, a time for toasts and tales. Here students were awarded prizes, as voted for by students, in categories designed to highlight their unique and quirky talents. It’s an opportunity to recognise the lighter moments that have filled our days.
As we raise our glasses in farewell, we also look forward with anticipation to the bright futures awaiting our Year 13s. This evening is not just a goodbye but a celebration of beginnings, achievements, and the enduring connections that make our school community so special.
