Board of Trustees Farewells

On Wednesday evening, the out going Board of Trustees farewelled the members who have chosen not to stand for another term. Mrs Lynley Irvine -Chairperson, Nicky Wallace and Gerry McSoriley were thanked by their peers and the principal for the work they have undertaken in this important role. Mr McSoriley started in 1992 and has served on four consecutive boards. This is an impressive achievement that demonstrates a powerful commitment to Catholic education in our region.

ANZAC Day

Verdon Head Students and Deputies represented the College at the ANZAC Day dawn service wreath laying service at the cenotaph. On Tuesday the College focused on the ANZAC tradition with a commemorative service at assembly. Ben Simpson played the bagpipes to start the service, Mr Olsen recited "In Flanders Fields", Mr Melvin gave the address, Patrick Collins presented his ANZAC speech and Fr Martin concluded with the Blessing.

Yr 10 Wearable Art Class Display

The year 10 wearable arts class has just completed a quilting topic. Mrs Manson is pictured organising a display in the administration foyer.

Board of Trustees Elections

Dear Parents/Caregivers

I am happy to report we have received seven nominations for the Board of Trustees and they are as follows in alphabetical order:

Bernadette Gourley
Peter Heffernan
Fergus More
John Prendergast
Richard Tattersfield
Colin Telfer
Bryan Townley

Voting papers will be distributed by Tuesday 28 April along with the candidates statements.

Poll closes on 7 May 2010 and votes are counted on 13 May 2010.

Please exercise your right to vote and return your voting papers to me at the School Office in the addressed envelope that will be provided with your voting form.


Karyn Dykes
Returning Officer

Junior Swimming

This week the year 7 and 8 classes have commenced their swimming program at Splash Palace. Our swim skills program aims to develop core skills that are essential for all young New Zealanders. We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the ILT. The following article was released by the Water Safety Council and at Verdon College we are trying to address these concerns.

Drownings Forecast to Soar as Swimming Ability Sinks

Water Safety New Zealand (WSNZ) has released research indicating that the swimming ability of our youth has reached a crisis point and forecasts that continued failure to address this issue will inevitably result in a significant increase in drownings in New Zealand.

Matt Claridge, General Manager states: “when the findings of the research are matched with increases in population and increasing participation in water based activities, we believe the drowning toll will exceed 150 deaths per annum within the next 12 years and then up to 180 beyond 2030.” New Zealand already has one of the highest rates of drowning in the developed world, currently averaging 114 per annum (2003-2007).

“The underlying basis and ability to enjoy aquatic environments and recreation is the ability to swim and survive. WSNZ commissioned Nielsen’s to investigate the swimming skills of students, following a similar study conducted in 2001. The findings revealed the ability of our young people to swim and survive is deteriorating and has reached a crisis level. This decline can be directly attributed to inadequate opportunities to develop this fundamental skill.”

Seussical the Musical

The annual College Production Seussical is underway and staff and students are all extremely busy rehearsing and planning for a great show. This musical is based on the works of Dr Seuss. It is being performed at Centrestage, Don Street, Invercargill on the following days:

Wednesday 5 May at 7.30 p.m.
Thursday 6 May at 7.30 p.m.
Friday 7 May at 5 p.m.
Saturday 8 May at 4 p.m.
Sunday 9 May at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available from the Verdon College Office and will also be available at Centrestage before each performance.

For Wednesday Night's performance all tickets are $5.00 each.

For all other performances - ticket prices are as follows:
Adults: $15.00
Children: $ 8.50

Director: Jan Brown
Musical Director: Alan Menzies

Junior Basketball Success

Verdon entered 4 teams in the Year 7/8 Basketball competition and all were very successful. Results are as follows.

Year 8 Girls Verdon Diamonds 3rd

Year 8 Boys Verdon Rebels 2nd

Year 7 Girls Verdon Saints 2nd

Year 7 Boys Verdon Vipers 1st

Thank you to all our student coaches who put in a lot of time and were rewarded with this success.

Sheilah Wyn

The Verdon College entry to the annual Sheilah Wyn Shakespeare Competition performed the Graveyard scene from Hamlet. A strong performance from Patrick Collins was rewarded with the Individual Prize allowing him to travel to the New Zealand workshop to be held in Wellington. Thank you to Mrs Crawford and Mrs More for their coaching and management of the group.