Seeking sponsors for CanTeen BikeBash

in General News

Pukekohe High School is committed to fundraising for CanTeen, a charity that supports young people living with cancer.

Last year we raised over $16 000. We are now seeking sponsors for our 2019 Bike Bash event.

If you are able to help in anyway by donating goods to be raffled, used as prizes or a financial donation to cover lighting and sound (tax receipts are available) please contact wz@pukekohehigh.school.nz or leave a message below and the teacher in charge (Suzanne Williams) will be in contact.

Thanks from the PHS community council.

Growing a Workforce at Home

in General News

Andrew Bayly

National MP for Hunua

5 July 2019

Growing a workforce at home

Franklin teenagers are planting the seeds of their future – right in their own backyard.

Twelve Pukekohe High School students are taking part in a pilot programme forging a partnership between the school and local growers desperate for qualified staff.

Under the Horticultural Pathways initiative, the students spend one day a week with different horticultural growers having real-work experiences in a wide range of roles.

It has opened their eyes to the industry and the potential careers in their own community.

And they admit they’ve been blown away by the huge range of jobs involved.

“It’s not just sticking plants in the ground and watching them grow,” one says.

Their work experience spans from fruit production and outdoor vegetables to indoor crops and nurseries.

And while they’re learning about growing, harvesting, packing, machinery maintenance and crop agronomy, they also get to meet key personnel in different roles – from chief executives and marketing managers to data analysts, agronomists, quality assurance specialists and team supervisors.

Already some are looking at studying genetics at university or seeking on-the-job roles in quality assurance.

The driving force behind the scheme is Pukekohe High’s Agriculture & Horticulture Department head Dave Matthews.

It’s been his vision since he started at the school in 2017 and found that horticultural studies were not as strong as they could be “considering we’re right slap-bang in the middle of all these growers who can’t get skilled staff”.

Matthews had been involved with setting up vocational pathways training for years so it was natural for him to start thinking of setting up a scheme for horticulture.

He began by talking to NZ Hothouse managing director Simon Watson who he met through the Bombay Rugby Club.

Then he took his ideas to Hunua MP Andrew Bayly who realised their potential and began putting Matthews in touch with his networks.

Bayly says after he became an MP in 2014, he was astounded to find there was no pathway for local students to train in the skills needed by local growers.

“That seemed crazy when the growers were crying out for people.

“There was general support among the industry for such an initiative but the biggest barrier to getting a successful programme in place was finding the right person to drive the concept forward.

“Everyone is grateful that Dave Matthews picked up that cudgel.”

Together they worked to set up an advisory group involving the school, the growers and the Primary Industry Training Organisation.

Punchbowl, IntaAg, T & G Global, A S Wilcox and the Pukekohe Vegetable Growers Association all signed up to help.

Their representatives have been meeting regularly for the past 18 months while they work through the complex issues involved in getting the initiative started.

The pilot finally launched in May when six of the students began their work experience out in the field with the growers. The second group of six students will get their chance in term 3.

Matthews was thrilled to see the pilot finally underway and to find the students buzzing about what they’re learning.

His biggest challenge in setting up the programme has been breaking down the perception of the industry among the students “and more so their parents”.

“They don’t really understand the industry and what it can offer. They don’t see horticulture as a viable career path or the huge range of jobs it offers – it’s so much more than just planting vegetables.”

New Pukekohe High School principal Richard Barnett wasn’t so difficult to convince – he’s been right behind Matthews and his ideas.

“He’s been fully supportive and offered to help wherever he can,” Matthews says.

“Money’s tight but he’s allowed me to rearrange the curriculum so I can offer three horticultural options. That all affects the timetables so it’s a big ask.”

Growers have also backed the scheme by providing mentors to share their knowledge and expertise with the students.

And the Primary ITO has supported it with two staff members involved at the school level and on-the-job training.

“These students are one way of addressing future skill shortages in the area,” says production horticulture training adviser Kay Airey, who works closely with Michelle Turner in the ITO’s schools team.

Primary ITO sees the programme as a way to “feed the pipeline” of qualified people into the industry, Airey says.

“Every week we interact with growers who are desperately wanting staff interested in growing, engineering, quality assurance roles. Demand for staff exceeds supply.

“Industry training is about meeting the skills needs of industry, helping people develop their careers, and Franklin businesses and organisations to be more productive.”

Airey says the programme is a win-win for all involved. Students will benefit from having a clearly defined path into jobs in an industry close to home, and growers will get well-qualified staff who understand their sector and its local importance.

“It’s also relevant and cost-effective because it’s largely funded by the Government through the Fees Free initiative. That means school leavers can earn an income while getting their qualifications.”

Horticulture is becoming increasingly high-tech and automated so it needs people with aptitude and skill, Airey says.

“Being digital natives, students are very adept at learning new technology.”

But the sector is also still labour intensive so it needs “people managers” skilled at coordinating staff.

“Many of the roles available in the industry have high-earning potential for the right person long-term. It has been stereotyped as low-earning but it offers many highly skilled and well-paid jobs and career opportunities.”

Matthews and Airey say the programme now needs industry mentors keen to connect with the students and guide them to making the right career choices.

The programme ultimately aims to get more schools involved and increase the support from horticultural businesses.

“Five years from now we hope to have a steady stream of locally qualified horticultural students transitioning from school into university and industry qualifications. They’ll have defined career pathways to meet the needs of Franklin businesses,” Airey says.

The programme is also looking for help with funding through internships, apprenticeships, scholarships or school awards.

“That will give the horticultural community the chance to have a say in the right skills and knowledge so schools can be teaching relevant material.”

Although the scheme is still in its infancy “and not the final product”, Matthews has a big vision for the future.

He’d like to see a Horticultural Academy set up at Pukekohe High and similar programmes running at other high schools in Franklin.

“Whatever shape the programme takes in the future I’d like to see Pukekohe High School as the No 1 choice for students interested in horticulture.”

Measles at Pukekohe High School

in General News

Students who are not vaccinated or who are immune-suppressed have been advised to stay at home tomorrow, Friday 5 July.

We advise that there will be no timetabled classes scheduled for Friday 5 July 2019.

Auckland is in the grip of a measles epidemic and late today the Auckland Regional Public Health Service confirmed that a student at Pukekohe High School has the viral infection.

Auckland Regional Public Health Service advised that students and staff who are not immunised against measles, or who are immuno-suppressed should not attend school. An extract from the notification is included below that provides more detailed information about the disease.
A number of teachers are also in this category and combined with normal winter sickness and other staff absences the school does not have sufficient personnel to manage scheduled classes.

Consequently, we advise that there will be no timetabled classes scheduled for Friday 5 July 2019.

Although the school will not be delivering scheduled classes, supervision will be available for immunised students who are unable to make alternative arrangements. Supervision will start in the school hall from 8:40am, where a roll will be taken and activities organised.

We apologise for the very late notice. Information affecting Pukekohe High School was only received today and every step has been taken to inform you as promptly as possible about the circumstances. In this situation the school is obliged to put student safety first and has had to act very quickly.
Fortunately, school holidays will provide an opportunity to assess the situation and plan further, and we will keep you informed.

What you need to do now
You do not need to do anything if:
• You or your child has had at least one dose of measles vaccine (MMR). Vaccinations should be in the Well Child (Plunket) book, or your family doctor may have records. Please show the school your vaccination record.
• OR You or your child has been diagnosed with measles in the past
• OR you were born before 1969.
You are almost certainly protected from measles if one of the above applies.
If none of the above 3 points apply to you or your child, we ask that you stay at home (quarantine) from tomorrow, Friday 5th July, returning after the school holidays if well. You or your child might become unwell with measles in the coming days.
It usually takes 10 to 14 days for someone who has caught measles to start showing symptoms.
During this time, people in quarantine should stay away from all activities where they may expose others if they are in the early stages of becoming unwell. For example, this means not going to school, work, birthday parties, sports games or practice, churches and other religious places, shopping malls or cinemas.

Please refer to the fact sheet for more information about measles.

Download the Factsheet
If you or your child develops a fever, cough, runny nose, or a rash:
 See a doctor (call ahead to alert your doctor about the possibility of measles before visiting and take this letter along)

If you or your child has a weakened immune system (e.g. if they have an inherited immune problem or are receiving chemotherapy for cancer), please contact your usual healthcare provider to discuss further.
Should you require more information about measles, please contact Healthline on 0800 611 116. You can also find information on our website: www.arphs.health.nz.

Vaccination is the best protection
Once you or your child is out of the quarantine period, we strongly recommend MMR to provide future protection against measles, mumps and rubella. Please ask your family doctor for more information.

Dr Maria Poynter Public Health Medicine Specialist Auckland Regional Public Health Service

Mercer Rowing Club Learn to Row

in Sport

Mercer Rowing Club Learn to Row

Sunday 28 July 10:00 a.m.

Sunday 4 August 10:00 a.m.

Sunday 11 August 10:00 a.m.

Sunday 18 August 10:00 a.m.

($50:00 charge for the 4 sessions- this will be credited off your fees when you join for the season.)

To register your interest or for more information contact :

Jim Matchett 0212 833836

Leanne Henry 021 323795

Keryn Grey 0274477509

If you’ve been wondering if rowing might be the sport for you,

Come along and have a go!

*** Check us out on Facebook: Mercer Rowing Club ***

WAIRUA AND WELLBEING WEEK TAKES CENTRE STAGE

in General News

The last week of term 2 brings us the annual Wairua week into our school. There will be lots of activities for everyone to take part in, from the highly entertaining Lip Sync battle, to the immense Haka-Off, to the House Chant competition. Get involved, get competitive and fill your selves with wairua and spirit to celebrate the last week of term. Listen out for announcements from your house leaders and within the daily notices.

SENIOR PARENT-TEACHER SUBJECT INTERVIEWS

in General News

Term 3 Y11-Y13 Parent-Teacher Subject Meetings be held on Wednesday 31^st July 2019, from 2:45 to 7:00.

 These meetings will provide parents with access to their child’s subject teacher and specific information.  They will be 5 minutes each. We expect that students will be actively involved in these meetings.

The day will have the following timeline:

• Lessons finish at 1:50
• Meetings from 2:45 – 7:00

THE RISING FOUNDATION RACE DAY

in General News, Sport

To our Sponsors and Supporters

At our major fundraiser at The Rising Foundation Race Day at ELLERSLIE racecourse in late March, Andrew Mehrtens (Mehrts) kindly offered to host a celebrity lunch post the Bledisloe Cup rugby game in Auckland to be held on August 17th.

We are very happy to confirm that the lunch is on at the amazing award winning Sails Restaurant in Auckland on Monday 19th August. 

We have attached a flyer highlighting the details of the afternoon.

It would be great if you could confirm your attendance for what will be an entertaining day reviewing the test match and previewing the Rugby World Cup !  Please email diane@therisingfoundation.co.nz as per the flyer.

Of course any money raised will be going directly to The Rising Foundation.

Measles Outbreak

in General News

Due the significant increase in reported measles cases in Auckland and Counties Manukau we would like to pass on some important information from the Counties Manukau District Health Board.

In Auckland and Counties Manukau, older children and adults aged up to 50 years who have no documented evidence of vaccination against measles are recommended to get vaccinated. Two doses of MMR vaccine are free for eligible people, however practices may need to defer appointments for those seeking a second dose..

A person who has been given one dose of the MMR vaccine has a 95 percent chance of being immune to the virus. More than 99 percent of people who receive two MMR doses (given at least four weeks apart, and the first dose given after age 12 months) develop immunity to measles.

Almost everyone aged 50 or older had measles as a child and is therefore immune. 90 percent of people in their 30s and 40s are immune. Teenagers and young adults are least likely to have been immunised as young children. If you’re not sure of your vaccination history, you can check your Well Child/Tamariki Ora (or Plunket) book, or ask your general practice.

• Measles is highly contagious, but can be prevented through timely vaccination.
• If you have been exposed to measles, but don’t have symptoms, you should immediately get vaccinated (if you are between 12 months and 50 years and have not already had at least one MMR vaccination).
• If you are aged between 12 months and 50 years and are unsure whether or not you have received a vaccine previously, it’s fine to have an MMR vaccine.
• People aged 50 years and over are assumed to be immune to measles as they are likely to have contracted it as a child.
• If you think you have measles, please contact your doctor. Phone ahead to advise you are coming so they can put you in isolation on arrival.
• If you think you have been exposed to measles and are concerned either speak with your doctor or call Healthline 0800 611 116.
• The measles vaccine is free. General Practices may charge you an administration fee.
• Going to the GP is free for under 14 year olds.

Measles symptoms include a high fever, runny nose, cough and sore red eyes, followed several days later by a rash starting on the face and neck before spreading to the rest of the body. Someone with measles can spread it to others from five days before the rash appears until five days after.

The best protection against measles is vaccination.

For more information, please visit the ARPHS website: https://www.arphs.health.nz/

EARLY FINISH ON THURSDAY

in General News

Thursday 27 June – Paid Union Meeting – school closes at 12:15pm.

Normal lesson times until that bell at 12:15pm.

MARKET DAYS ARE COMING

in General News

Year 10 Market Day is on this Friday 28th June and next week on Tuesday 2 July in the hall at lunchtime.

Please bring coins to buy yummy food and give them a ‘well done’ for building a business!!

Thanks – see you there!

KATTI WORKSHOP EXPERIENCE

in General News

On Thursday 20 June, Whaaea Kahiwa and Whaaea Rawinia took seven Year 12 Maaori students to a workshop called KATTI – Kei a Taatou te Ihi. It is a workshop designed to help Maori students realise their own potential held at Te Wananga o Aotearoa, Mangere campus.

Initially, our Pukekohe High School students wanted go home when they realised they would be separated into groups mixing with other kura.  By lunch time our students had made so many connections with other students they were more than happy to stay – it was an awesome sight.  By the end of the day leadership qualities were oozing from our Pukekohe High School students. Charismah Te Rangi and Eileen Davis were the Kaikaranga (callers) of their groups, they had to stand in one spot as their group listened for their voice, guiding their blind–folded group who were carrying a blind–folded person on a chair around a little pond.  We also had Whitiora Purua feature in a video clip. Whitiora is a quiet young man from Pukekohe.  He does not usually put himself in these situations, and so being the main feature of their clip was very different!

The workshop involved a speaker, Toiroa Williams, who came to share his academic journey. Williams is a young 26 year old Maori man from Oopotiki, who has travelled half way around the world while being paid to do so and who is also currently completing his PhD. He spoke about the importance of real friends and whaanau. He exaggerated the fact that without these people in his life he would not have achieved even half the things that he has today. His journey began with his hobby of watching movies.

This workshop is a great resource for our rangatahi Maori.  The trip out of Pukekohe alone was eye–opening for them and experiencing another suburb like Mangere helped them to see that Pukekohe is a great place to be from.