Alan Coughlan: Associate PrincipalHaving started teaching at Rutherford College in 1969, Alan Coughlan has been party to new innovations in the school for decades.  Although he trained to teach Geography, History and Social Studies, like all staff members, there have been occasions when he has taught outside this area in Mathematics, Health Education, Commercial Practice and Physical Education.  The latter would not have fazed him too much, as he has played both rugby and cricket at provincial and club level and has also coached teams for Rutherford.

Taking part in school field trips have been highlights for Mr Coughlan.  Travelling for two weeks to the South Island, Fiji and Western Samoa sparked his enthusiasm for finding ways to promote internationalisation to the College for the benefit of all.

Mr Coughlan has had the privilege of working alongside each of Rutherford’s four Principals.  His approach to education reform has been complementary to each of their styles.  Mr Coughlan supported the school’s name change to Rutherford College as a response to off-shore marketing advice.

Restorative justice, although extremely under resourced in time allocation, financial support and provision of facilities, has been a concept that Mr Coughlan has modelled with students in need.  It is a system based on helping students to be accountable for their actions.

Mr Coughlan, Rutherford College sincerely thanks you for your loyal service over so many years.  Enjoy family time, travelling and fishing in your retirement. We wish you the best of health and happiness.

An assembly will be held for Mr Coughlan on Friday 25 September to acknowledge his contribution to the school.  If any parents or members of the community would like to attend, please contact the School Office for details on 834 9790.

On 30 August we're making some changes:

NEW Website for Go Rider cardholders www.gorider.co.nz

Register your Go Rider card:

If you lose your card and it is found, we'll return it to you. Keep updated on service changes, special offers and promotions. Register your Go Rider card and be in to  win $1000 (closes 31 October).
 
Go Rider Child 20 Ride multi journey fare change from 30 August

Child 20 Ride                  Cost today                    Cost as of 30 August

1 Stage                             $15.00                               $17.60
2 Stage                             $29.00                               $32.00
3 Stage                             $39.00                               $43.00

For fare details on 4 Stages or more visit maxx.co.nz

No Change to Child 10 Ride or child cash fares

NEW Go Rider Weekly Pass (7 days)

Unlimited all zone travel over 7 consecutive days on any Metrolink, North Star, Waka Pacific, GO WEST, or LINK bus
Go Rider Weekly Pass costs $40 (from ticket agent) or $45 (on bus)
3 Day Rover Pass no longer sold from 30 August, however passes can be used for travel until 30 December

For more information on Go Rider cards visit gorider.co.nz. For more information on fares and timetables visit maxx.co.nz or call 09 366 6400

2010 START UP DATES

January 25 Office Opens 8.00am
             26 
             27 Senior subject verification
             28 Senior subject verification, Staff Induction
             29 Staff Induction

February 01 Anniversary Day

Following on from the news of a measles outbreak, the Auckland Regional Public Health Service have provided some information for parents and guardians.

Please see attached information sheet.

10 August 2009

Dear Parents/Caregivers

During options week (10th – 14th August), all students will be focusing on subject choices for 2010. To keep their career choices open, students are encouraged to select a broad range of subjects for as long as possible. Students should consider possible pathways for the future and they need to choose subjects that will develop their skills and talents. Their curriculum handbook is designed to help them do this.

Rutherford College announces the appointment of a new Associate Principal.

Ms Judy Farrar will start as Associate Principal at the start of term 4 this year. Ms Farrar joins us from Epsom Girls Grammar School (EGGS) where she is currently Deputy Principal.  Ms Farrar has a vast array of educational and senior leadership experience in a range of different schools. 

Dear Parents and Caregivers

INFLUENZA A (H1N1) SWINE FLU

With the Swine Flu having spread to some of our neighbouring countries and the bulk of reported cases involving young people it is important that as a school and community we react appropriately to any risk associated with the potential spread of this flu.

Schools have been contacted by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health to ensure that we have reviewed our pandemic planning and to prepare for the possibility of school closures and the need for students to access the curriculum through the internet or other distant learning options.

Should the school need to close or is asked to close by the Ministry of Health updated information on a daily basis will be provided through letter or the school website; www.rutherford.school.nz. 

For the school to be able to effectively deal with potential school closure, we request that you ensure that your contact details particularly those around e-mail and cellphone contacts are up to date.  Contact details can be updated by emailing [admin@rutherford.school.nz] or phoning the office 834 9790.

The Ministry of Health advises that parents keep students home from school if they develop flu like symptoms and to contact a doctor whether they have been overseas or not.  Under the current situation it is important that standards of personal hygiene need to be given additional consideration. Use of tissues and regular washing and effective drying of hands are simple things that can and will make a difference to the potential spread of H1N1.

If you would like any further advice on Swine Flu, please phone the Health line on 0800 611 116 or access the Ministry of Health website; www.moh.govt.nz

Yours sincerely

GARY MOORE
PRINCIPAL

A group of students spent 3 weeks preparing a presentation on Rutherford's waste, water and energy, making a poster on rubbish, interviewing an expert on recycling amongst other things.

The organisers and other schools were in awe of the highly polished and organised Rutherford team who took the competition by storm. Particularly impressive were the use of IT and public speaking skills of Toby King who is phenomenally good at delivering a message.

Scholars' Assembly2008’s top achievers were honoured at the third annual Scholars’ Assembly on Friday March 13. Students who gained individual subject scholarships, the top three students in each of the three senior years, and those gaining Merit and Excellence endorsements on their NCEA certificates all received awards.

 28 Rutherford students gained NCEA Level 1 endorsed with Merit in 2008, up from 19 in 2007. Seven gained Level 1 endorsed with Excellence, up from four in 2007.

18 students gained Level 2 endorsed with Merit, and three gained Level 2 endorsed with Excellence. 19 students gained Level 3 endorsed with Merit, up from nine in 2007. Three students gained Level 3 endorsed with Excellence: John Kim, Dux Artium 2008 Aonghas Anderson, and Craig Robertson, a Year 12 student.

Swimming Sports 2009Due to the adverse weather on Friday 20th we had to postpone the swimming sports until Tuesday 24th. What was supposed to be a whole school event, was reduced to a competition for serious swimmers only, but produced good results.