Greg Murphy Visit - 30 June Racing car driver Greg Murphy, spoke to students at a special assembly to deliver the Motor Trade Association's Eliminate the Risk message, in an attempt to curb unnecessary road accidents in the age group most at risk - young drivers.
Welcome Home to Old Boy - 24 June
The 1st XV rugby team performed a haka in honour of Julian Savea, at the airport, on his return from the IRB Junior World Championship in Argentina. Julian was a member of the New Zealand team (known as the Baby Blacks) who won the tournament. He was also named the IRB Junior Player of the Year.
Open Evening - 22 June
A very successful Open Evening was held with many prospective parents and their sons attending. If there is anybody who missed this evening and would like to have a look at the college, please contact the Principal to arrange this.
Rongotai Experience - 18 June Year 8 boys from contributing schools spent the morning or the afternoon at Rongotai College experiencing what it is like to be a Rongotai student.
Parents' Association Quiz Evening - 16 June
An evening of fun and laughter, resulting in funds raised to assist with projects within the school. Thank you to all those volunteers who made the evening such a success and to all the businesses who donated prizes. Thank you also to Amanda Millar for hosting the evening so well.
Traditionals against St Pat's Silverstream - 16 June
A win and a loss. Rongotai College were the 19-13 winners of the rugby, but unfortunately lost the football 2-4.
Old Boys' Assembly and Lunch - 4 June
A good number of Old Boys attended including foundation student, Mr Ernie Sellens (96 years old). Old Boys and current students enjoyed the talk by Old Boy, Mr John Lister, O.B.E (1952-57). Mr Lister has had a distinguished career in business as General Manager of Watties Exports, and as CEO of New Zealand CCS and latterly the Spirit of Adventure Trust. He talked about what school was like in his day, his life since leaving school, and how to make the most of your opportunities in life.
WYNRS Football Academy Launch - 3 June Distinguished guests (including old boy Terry Serepisos) and media were entertained in the Board Room over a light lunch, prior to moving to the football fields where another old boy, Wynton Rufer launched the Rongotai College Football Academy. The Academy, which will be overseen by Wynton and a professional coach, will operate a specific Rongotai College programme at lunchtime for identified students that will focus on developing technique and skills. The Academy coach will also work with local primary and intermediate aged children with an after-school and holiday football programme. This is an exciting development for us at Rongotai, and hopefully we will be able to operate academies in other sports in the future.
ANZAC Assembly – 26 March
A special assembly was held to recognise our ANZACs and particularly the 93 Rongotai College Old Boys who lost their lives in World War II.
World Cross Country Champs – 21 April Congratulations to Hassan Roble who finished 19th in the World Secondary Schools’ Cross Country Championship in Slovakia in April. Thank you also to all those who so generously contributed to make this trip possible for Hassan.
Level 2 Biology – 1 April
After having their original date cancelled due to inclement weather, the Level 2 Biology class finally managed to complete their field trip to Kapiti Island on 1 April.
Billy Graham – 30 March
This inspirational speaker addressed our Year 12 and 13 students. Billy was not only entertaining but inspiring.
Pacific Island Level 1 NCEA Day – 17 March
Level 1 NCEA Day for Pacific students focussed on NCEA qualifications and goal setting. PI keynote speakers addressed the students on how to be successful.
Year 9 Camp - 10-12 March
Our Year 9 students enjoyed the outdoor education experience at Palm Grove Camp. Students participated enthusiastically in the range of activities provided by camp staff and our teachers and supporters.
Athletics Regionals – 9 March
Chantra Khoun won the senior long jump and Hassan Roble finished third in the senior 3000m at the Wellington Regional Athletics Championships.
Dragon Boating – 7 March After being cancelled due to the tsunami warning, the regatta was rescheduled to the following week. Rongotai College paddled their way to win the Petite Final.
Year 9 Parents' Evening – Wednesday 3 March
Parents and caregivers of Year 9 students attended an evening to give them the opportunity to understand the college’s structures and systems, so that they can best assist their son in his learning. The evening was also an opportunity to meet all their son’s teachers and establish contact with them.
McEvedy Shield – 2 March
Another fun day at Newtown Park, competing against our old rivals – Wellington College, St Pat’s Town and St Pat’s Silverstream. St Pat’s Town took out the Shield.
NCEA Week - 22-26 February
In order to ensure that all students entering for NCEA are fully organised and prepared for the assessment programme required, students in Years 11, 12 and 13 were issued with a booklet containing all assessment statements for all subjects and options. Students were also given a tracking sheet to keep a record of the credits they have earned.
An NCEA Information Evening was held on 23 February for parents to enable them to understand the NCEA system and the organisation required by each candidate.
Athletics - 9 & 11 February Two very successful school athletic days were held at Newtown Park. Students were encouraged to dress in their house colours and some very interesting ‘characters’ were in attendance.
Some school records were broken and some budding young athletes were identified.
Academic Excellence Presentation – 5 February
At the first assembly of the year the Principal briefly outlined the NCEA performance of our students in 2009. In all areas, our students are performing above or at our benchmarks.
Academic Excellence and Merit Awards were presented to those students who gained endorsed certificates for NCEA.
An Academic Excellence certificate was awarded to Josh Wright (Year 13 2009 – Level 3), while the following 2009 Year 11 students were also awarded Academic Excellence Certificates: - Jake Buck, Fionn Cahill-Fleury, Simon Cross, Paresh Dayal, Saif Fawzi, Cameron Goodman-Martin, Jed Harland, Jarrod O’Brien and Joshua Rippon. Congratulations also to the large group of boys who gained Merit endorsements.
2010 Prefects Announced – 5 February
At the first whole school assembly of the year, the Principal, Mr Carter, announced the Prefects for 2010.
Reuben Davidson (Head Prefect)
Geordie Mansford (Deputy Head Prefect)
Nathan Wells (Arts Captain)
Timmy Melesala (Deputy Arts Captain)
Chantra Khoun (Sports Captain)
Luke Bryant (Deputy Sports Captain)
House Captains
Jordan Aquila (Renner)
Wei-Jie Lim (Lock)
Divesh Prakash (Mackay)
Callan Tapine (Heron)
Prefects
Isaac Barnett
Michael Cook
Rhys Hopkin
Saumani Taimalelagi
A further three prefects were added later in the first term – Andrew Akioka, Ben Lindsay and Henry Williams.
Powhiri – 2 February We welcomed our new students and staff members with a powhiri in the Renner Hall. Hopefully, this allowed them to feel a part of the Rongotai family from their first day at this school.
In his welcome, the Principal, Mr Carter, pointed out that to get the best out of their time at Rongotai College, our boys
• should aim to be the best they can be at all times;
• should fully embrace and involve themselves in all that the school has to offer;
• should show pride in themselves and the school at all times (particularly through the way they wear the uniform); and
• should aim to have left their mark on the school, and for it to be a better place, when they leave.
Racing car driver Greg Murphy, spoke to students at a special assembly to deliver the Motor Trade Association's Eliminate the Risk message, in an attempt to curb unnecessary road accidents in the age group most at risk - young drivers. 
Year 8 boys from contributing schools spent the morning or the afternoon at Rongotai College experiencing what it is like to be a Rongotai student. 
Distinguished guests (including old boy Terry Serepisos) and media were entertained in the Board Room over a light lunch, prior to moving to the football fields where another old boy, Wynton Rufer launched the Rongotai College Football Academy. The Academy, which will be overseen by Wynton and a professional coach, will operate a specific Rongotai College programme at lunchtime for identified students that will focus on developing technique and skills. The Academy coach will also work with local primary and intermediate aged children with an after-school and holiday football programme. This is an exciting development for us at Rongotai, and hopefully we will be able to operate academies in other sports in the future.
Congratulations to Hassan Roble who finished 19th in the World Secondary Schools’ Cross Country Championship in Slovakia in April. Thank you also to all those who so generously contributed to make this trip possible for Hassan.
After being cancelled due to the tsunami warning, the regatta was rescheduled to the following week. Rongotai College paddled their way to win the Petite Final.
Two very successful school athletic days were held at Newtown Park. Students were encouraged to dress in their house colours and some very interesting ‘characters’ were in attendance.
We welcomed our new students and staff members with a powhiri in the Renner Hall. Hopefully, this allowed them to feel a part of the Rongotai family from their first day at this school.
Daily Notices
