Who or what do we teach?

A Tweet popped up in a feed a couple of weekends ago that caught my eye:

“After 20 years I’ve decided to give teaching away. I still like the actual teaching, maths especially. However, it’s more like a counsellor role for me these days. There’s so much sadness in the kids I teach. So much they shouldn’t have to live with. I’m done.”

This concerned me in a number of ways, not least that another teacher had left the profession due to despondency and disillusionment.

The Tweet concerned me for our children. When you look at this situation, the author is probably right for parts of the world today. There is so much sadness in the eyes of many kids; so much that they should not have to deal with. It is difficult for them to learn, especially when they may be dealing with emotional or physical abuse, lack of food or housing, anxieties about COVID, confusion about who they are and what the future holds for them and the world.

However, as I reflected on the sense of despair the author felt, I was also left wondering whether he or she realises the impact their decision will have on the students they teach.

That same weekend another set of Tweets also caught my eye. This time authored by two principals, one describing his time at school and the other mentioning an article about Sir Patrick Stewart (of Star Trek and X-Men fame) and the impact his English teacher had upon him, titled
“A moment that changed me.” *

• A moment that changed me: Patrick Stewart on the teacher who spotted his talent – and saved him | Theatre | The Guardian

Quite a contrast between those Tweets that weekend - one of despondency, the other two of gratitude. One message despairing that their time is taken up by 'counselling', and the others recalling the positive impact a teacher had upon them.

The world can be a tough place for a lot of people. COVID has made the feelings of despondency for many all the more real. But ultimately, if you are a teacher, or considering becoming a teacher you should ask yourself this question, “Am I a teacher of [Mathematics] or am I a teacher of children?”

Maybe spend a moment reflecting on your time at school as a child. What or who do you remember and why? If you had the opportunity to thank one of your teachers, what would it be for? For many, it may not be a sense of gratitude for learning algebra or geometry, or to read and write, although these foundational literacies are very important, but rather, for the inspiration that was passed onto you, for the care that was extended, for the words of encouragement you received, for the way they made you feel, especially when going through a low time.

We each need to be a teacher of children, the maker of people!

Trevor Barman
Headmaster

IMPORTANT DATES AND NOTICES COMING UP

SATURDAY 27 NOVEMBER
10.00am - Hereworth Supporters Sports Day this is happening at school. Teams involved are: 1st & 2nd XI Cricket, Tennis 1st VIII and Softball A

SUNDAY 28 NOVEMBER - Full Dress - REHEARSAL

• 11.30am - 5.00pm - Final Rehearsal before Production week
• Police boys need to bring - White shirt, black school shoes & grey/black socks 
• Compulsory attendance for ALL year 7 & 8 boys
• This also includes a band, sound and lighting rehearsal
• Boys may wear mufti, bring snacks, water bottle

MAKE UP - Senior School Production
If you are available to assist with make-up on our Yr 7 & 8 boys, on  the evenings of: 

• Monday 29 November to Thursday 2 December
• Tuesday 30 November - (Matinee)
• Sunday 28 November - Full Dress Rehearsal 

Please email Megs Small at: megs@hereworth.school.nz  to let her know which dates.

• No previous make-up experience required. 
• Direction will be provided on the night.  
• If you are available for ALL evenings that would be tremendous and a big help. 
• Please note: that due to the Covid mandate for schools,  and as you will be working “very” close with  boys,  helpers are required to have been vaccinated (at least first dose) and wear a face mask.

Watch ‘THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE’ LIVE! – Join us on Facebook this Wednesday for a special live-streaming performance of our 'Pirates Of Penzance' production.

This performance will be FREE as a ‘thank you’ to our community. So keep an eye out on Facebook this coming Wednesday Dec 1 from 6pm and we’ll have it streaming in HD Video. We'll see you then!

TUESDAY 30 NOVEMBER
At 12.00pm the juniors will be attending the Matinee performance - Pirates of Penzance.

YEAR 8 - VALEDICTORY CELEBRATIONS
Friday 3 December from 6.30pm - 8.30pm - New communications have already been sent out advising of the new format for this event.
Due to C19 L2 the format is now drinks & canapes served outside. Then everyone moves into the ASPAC for the leavers celebrations, which will be followed by a Year 8 Leavers' service for the presentation of Old Boys Ties. (‘Up to two significant adults per student are allowed to attend’.) Masks to be worn inside the ASPAC and social distancing. If you haven't RSVP for this please click the following link. >>>Valedictory RSVP

SALVATION ARMY GIFT
Thank you to those who have dropped gifts to the office already. This is much appreciated.

We are still asking if you are able to donate a gift for those less privileged than ourselves for a boy or girl to open on Christmas day.

If donating - can boys bring their gift to their homeroom class teacher. These presents will be stored in the Religious Education room at Hereworth. They will then be donated to the Salvation Army Gift Drive on Friday 3 December.

It is through these actions that we put our school motto into action 
Non Nobis Solum- Not for ourselves alone. 

If you intend to donate, please do so by Thursday 2 December. 

If you have any questions, please get in touch with David Wilson by email at: chaplain@hereworth.school.nz

SUNDAY 5 DECEMBER
The Community Carol Service at St. Luke's is CANCELLED

CHOIR PRACTICE
Due to production there is NO Choir practice next Tuesday 30 November

PARENT REPRESENTATIVE 
Nominations are now being received for the election of a new Parents Representative to the Hereworth School Trust Board.  Please click the following link for further information.
>>Elections

2022 Hereworth 4WD Trek - IS ON !!

Save the date for the highly anticipated Hereworth 4WD Trek at Tutira.

Happening on Friday 4 March - Sunday 6 March, 2022

For more information & to register via Hereworth's website for this exciting event - please click the following button.

COUNTING DOWN - AAaaarrrhhhh !!!


PERFORMANCE DATES AND TIMES - (ALL SHOWS SOLD OUT)
Please note there are NO DOOR SALES

Monday 29 November
 5.30pm Doors Open - The Pirates of Penzance
6.00pm The Pirates of Penzance Production - Opening Night 

Tuesday 30 November
11.30am Doors Open - The Pirates of Penzance
12.00pmThe Pirates of Penzance Production - Matinee' 
5.30pm Doors Open - The Pirates of Penzance
6.00pm The Pirates of Penzance Production 

Wednesday 1 December
 5.30pm Doors Open - The Pirates of Penzance
6.00pm The Pirates of Penzance Production 

Thursday 2 December
5.30pm Doors Open - The Pirates of Penzance
6.00pm The Pirates of Penzance Production - Finale'

 

WEEK OF PRODUCTION - Dinner Week
The week of production is bustling with excitement and extremely busy! 
It is the expectation that boys remain behind once school is finished. They will have dinner at school which will be charged to your account and then make up and costuming will begin from 4.30pm. 

Please complete the following link, ONLY if you are collecting your son from 3.15pm making sure he has had some dinner and then returning him to school by 4.30pm. >>>Dinner Leave

PIRATES OF PENZANCE  - Props List
Thank you to those who have dropped off props already. We still require a few more items. Please check out what we need by clicking the button below and take a look around home. You might just have what we are asking for. These can be dropped off in the main office or at Sundays rehearsals if your son is involved.

PIRATES OF PENZANCE - CAST
Pirate King: HEATH MORUNGA 
Frederick: JAMES REID
Mabel: ARIAN WARD 
Ruth: HUNTER MARSHALL
Major General: IZAAC CHADWICK 
Police Sergeant: CHRISTIAN PORCER
Sam: MIKA IOASA

Lead Maidens: Jackson Redshaw, Freddie Hunter, Leith Hay, Chalkie Williams, Hamish O’Meara, Tait Humphreys, Logan Tims, Leo Dixon. 

Lead Pirates - Act One: Nakaia Waitere, Kalle Tremain, Joseph Collings, Baxter Easthope, Angus Munro, Nate Solomon, George Giblin, Lenny Grupp, Caleb Hutchinson, Harvey Reid, Johnny Giblin.

Lead Pirates - Act Two: James Joblin, Jack Stableford, Sam Whiteside, Charlie Whiteside, Marcus Brownlie, Baxter Twist, Tom McHardy Jake Barbara, Will Symes, Ben Pringle.

Lead Police: Cordell Henare, Bernie Agnew, Johnson Blakely, Tom Martin, William Hunt, Kuki Green Thom, Daniel Barry, Baxter Dowling, Sam Wallingford, Sam Brittin, Cody Caton, John Read, Aidan Scott, Logan Von Dadelszen, Cooper Ellingham. 

Calling all Hereworth parents, caregivers, grandparents, friends and supporters – we have a fantastic offer for you!!

We are in the process of selling all the remaining stock to a book wholesaler of the beautiful Hereworth/Woodford House Cookbook.  

It’s a stunning hardback full of easy to prepare, tasty recipes and treats.  The photography and content are exquisite and would make a perfect Christmas gift.

Before we release all the stock to the wholesaler, the HPA are pleased to be able to give you one final opportunity to purchase as many copies as you wish at an amazing $5.00 per book. 

This offer is based on payment received before Wednesday 1 December. Collection is from the school office.

Another opportunity to own a beautiful memento of Hereworth School. 

Order NOW !!!! - click HERE

UNIFORM SHOP HOURS
The last day for the Uniform Shop this term is Wednesday 8 December between 8.00am - 10.00am.  Should you have any other requirements outside these hours, this can be arranged by appointment only. 

The shop will be closed for the School holidays and re-open on:

• Monday  24 January 2022 - 10.00am -1.00pm
• Friday 28 January 2022 - 1.00pm - 4.00pm

2nd HAND UNIFORM
We have many new families preparing for 2022 and they are wanting to purchase 2nd hand uniform.  As soon as you are able to, please drop off your clean uniform to the office.  Please ensure your name is on/in the bag and 
If you have any questions, please contact Erica at uniform@hereworth.school.nz

Please click the following link to view Hereworth's 2nd hand uniform policy >>>2nd Hand 
 

BYOD Made Easy - Shipping Delays (Order Early)
Due to the impact of COVID-19 on logistics and shipping of computers and devices, please ensure any order you place for new Chromebooks is made well ahead of when you require them. They are always popular as Christmas presents, so please be mindful of these delays and order well in advance. A reminder that Hereworth’s preferred supplier is Cyclone, click HERE to access their website. Then enter the Password: hwbyod

REMEMBER: To access the digital calendar please refer to the Hereworth App or via the Schools website. These are LIVE versions that reflect any additions or amendments made during the term. Click the following link for the schools website then click the CALENDAR tab  >>Hereworth website

CHRISTMAS MESSY CHURCH
Christmas Messy Church at St Luke's Church on Saturday 11 December
3.30pm – 5.00pm.  It‘s to start with BYO afternoon tea on the lawn and lots of Christmas stories and activities. All welcome! 

SAILING
Junior Learn to Sail - A great opportunity for your child/ren to experience sailing. For further details and to register please click the following links.
>>Junior Learn to Sail - Information
>>Junior Learn to Sail - Permission Form

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