End of T3 Update

Kia ora RVS Community,
Another busy Term comes to an end with much action at all levels of the school. I have enjoyed, particularly in the last week, seeing the learning that has happened and the outcomes from this hard work.

The Board of Trustees of course have had a very busy term with the hiring of a new Principal, Mr. Tom Jarrett and Deputy Principal Mrs. Malanie van der Vyver. I was not greatly involved in the hiring but witnessed an excellent, robust, prayerful process and a lot of thoughtful, hard work. I fully back their decisions and know the new-look team are indeed the team to take things forward.
​Keep the members of the Board in your prayers as it is not an easy job, but a very important one.

The Proprietors are undertaking a special character review of the school, something we do every three or so years. There is an anonymous survey, please do take the time to fill it in.

https://forms.gle/9GXgQ5RYaSKzHEPb7
We have the privilege of Mr. Mark Larson leading this review. Mark is the CEO of The Association of Integrated School’s NE (AIS and was previously the Principal of Middleton Grange School).​

I join proud parents and teachers as a proud Principal looking at this year’s Science Fair exhibits and results. Susan Ramsay has done the most magnificent job in organising the 40+ entries into the school competition and the 35 entries into the Marlborough Lines 2024 Science Fair.
The results are incredible with RVS Students winning over $1500 in individual prize money and the prestigious $1500 prize cheque for the best overall school in the Marlborough region!
An outstanding result, congratulations to all involved and again, thank you Susan Ramsay for your excellent leadership that always goes well beyond.
​There were:
17 Highly Commended Awards
11 Gold Awards
Also, these students won stand-out awards:

Abigail de Jager - ABOVE & BEYOND; GOLD
Macey Harris - ABOVE & BEYOND; GOLD
Eli Todd - BAKING INDUSTRY RESEARCH AWARD; ABOVE & BEYOND; GOLD
Alex Lamb - LIQUID ACTION LTD - BEST USE OF COMPUTER DESIGN; ABOVE & BEYOND; GOLD; BEST PRIMARY

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The preliminary exams went well thanks to the team involved and the marks from these averaged well.  There will be a lot of investment in teaching and learning, now, and through until the end of exams mid next term by our Senior teachers and students.  
Likewise, our sports teams grew through and enjoyed the experience of such tournaments as basketball, frisbee and equestrian this term.  Thank you Mrs. Struthers, Mr. Newton and Mrs. Muir for making these experiences possible.  

Part of our camp and Education Outside The Classroom (EOTC) plan was to begin adding leadership development opportunities for our students in the Middle and Senior schools.  Mrs. van der Vyver and Mr. Rhambai took 13 Y10 students to the Tūāpapa 2024 Christian Conference at Hillview Christian School.  It was an excellent event and our Y10’s learned a lot and were able to enjoy a full day with other aspiring servant leaders from other South Island Christian schools. 

We now have four learning pods near the Middle/Senior hard court area. We have pods rather than a previously planned double classroom, due to building costs and our desire to keep the Attendance Dues from spiralling.
​These pods are insulated with heat-pumps, have wifi and are very comfortable. They can also be sold or moved when the time is right to build on that piece of land. The DVC-tech class are currently building a small deck in-between the two new pods as part of their project learning.

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Richmond View School has always appreciated and benefitted a lot from the relationship it has with the Marlborough Lines Stadium 2000. This relationship began back in the development of the application for the big Change of Class to add high schooling back in 2017. They have always been willing and keen to work with us and provide opportunities for learning. Our Y9 and 10 students still enjoy a well-run programme there as part of their PE calendar.

As well as this, the Y3-8 students have thoroughly enjoyed their time at the Stadium undertaking the Fundamentals skills program as part of their overall learning. They take part in so many exciting activities throughout the week and learn so many important skills for life. Thank you Stadium staff for your fine work with our students.

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Well done to the SHINE team for pulling together such amazing talent and for organising the show. Well done also to the performers for being brave and getting up on stage to show us your amazing God-given talents.
​I pray you are able to have a break with your precious families sometime over the next two weeks. I am looking ahead to Term 4, my last term at RVS, which I expect will be bittersweet. There is always still plenty to do but it will be a blessed time also of taking stock of the last 14 years here in this wonderful place.
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God bless you and see you next Term.

Dave Pauling
​Principal