A hot Friday meant the students needed to be well equipped for a hot tramp up through the Manawatu Gorge.
Many students had not had the chance to do this hike before, and enjoyed the time chatting with their friends while observing nature, some realising how we really are lucky to be living in such an amazing area, in such a beautiful country.
Year 8 Open Day was on the calendar for December 6. The open day is a time for Year 8 students to be introduced to the high school environment. They have the chance to meet the teachers, take part in activities within the subject areas for 2014 and ask any questions that may be on their minds before joining our whanau next year.
School ball was everything it was anticipated to be complete with vintage cars, Dr Eckleberg, fascinators, suspenders, canes and pipes.
The atmosphere in the school hall was electric. The staff and students capably led by Mrs Goggin did themselves proud, working their hearts out, to produce such an excellent environment.
Watching the students arrive is always an exciting experience for parents, staff and friends of the school. It is a time to reflect on the children that we remember and celebrate the amazing young people they have turned into. The dresses were incredibly beautiful from the classy black to the brightest pink. The young men in immaculate suits, scrubbed up handsomely.
In anticipation, the crowd waited for the arrival of the students, to see what they would be arriving in and they were not disappointed. There was a horse and cart, complete with driver and groom, hot rods, classic cars, modern cars and trucks. Well done to all those involved in the organisation for the night, it was truly breath taking.
Junior Achievers' Assembly was held last Tuesday. This marked the first year of awarding the junior students with Graduation Certificates. These certificates had three categories: Academic, reading, attendance and behaviour. Scoring on a points allocation system, each student could gain their Graduation Certificate endorsed with achieved, merit or excellence.
All students at Dannevirke High School earned a Graduation Certificate. It is now the challenge of each student to improve or maintain their endorsement heading into 2014. Some of the special awards presented at Achievers' Assembly that should be noted were: Duke of Edinburgh Hilary Award Bronze Certificates awarded to Ben Dais, Jeffery Gatchell, Monique Barrow and Tara Dornbusch; Go Bus Travelling with Excellence Awards presented to Marcus Briskie and Timothy Hands; Year 9 Tech Prize was awarded to Isacc Smith; Design and Visual Communications Prize to Year 9 students Sarah Wyatt and Shane Boyce; Year 9 Maori Prize to Tiana Sandbrook; Year 9 Maori Culture and Most Improved Te Reo student was awarded to Stevie Lawson and Year 10 Most Consistent Student of Te Reo Maori was awarded to Terina Nikora McLaren. Congratulations to all Year 9 and 10 students on their achievements.
It is nearing the end of the year. The next Highlife will reveal the prizewinners at the formal Prizegiving Ceremony at The Hub, as well as informing the community of the Head Boy and Girl of 2014. There will be photographs of the art exhibition and of course, farewells for the 2013 year. It will also be the last Highlife for 2013. Bring on summer.
