Year 10 Philosophy Zoo Trip

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On Friday 6th June, our Year 10 Philosophy class had a day trip to Auckland Zoo. Ā We have been studying Ethics in class this term, where we try to figure out what is right and wrong. As part of this topic, we travelled to the zoo to question whether or not it is morally right to keep animals in a zoo. We gathered info on the habitats of each animal we encountered, questioning the animal’s physical and mental condition to see if these habitats suited their welfare or not.

One highlight of the trip was when we were in the education centre. We learnt about the history of the zoo and its change in values over the 100 years: What was once a place purely for entertainment, is now a place of conservation for endangered species such as Little Blue Penguins, Kiwi, Tigers, Orangutans, Rhinos, and so much more. Ā However, while we were learning about that, the parrots in the room beside us started dancing for us; it was really cute. (That was the real highlight.)

Another highlight was watching through the window of the Zoo Vet centre as two vets tried to put a live kiwi to sleep with sleeping gas, so they could perform tests to see why the kiwi was losing weight. The kiwi was putting up a fight – it did not want to go down easily! Ā We also went to the ā€œflight schoolā€ encounter where the zookeepers brought birds out of their cages and had them flying back and forth right over our heads. Ā They flew so close we had to dodge out of the way!

Our takeaway from this trip was that the zoo was here to support animals in danger of extinction, and thus while the zoo isn’t perfect, it’s definitely working towards an ethical way of treating the animals.

by Adam Yuan and Kaa Malcolm 10FI, with Mr Willow MaxwellĀ 

Readers Cup Challenge

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On Wednesday night, two teams headed to Te Manawa Library in Westgate to take part in the Readers Cup competition, facing off against 13 other schools. Over the term, students were tasked with reading six books in preparation for the event, where they were quizzed on their knowledge and understanding.

We’re thrilled to share that one of our teams placed third—a fantastic achievement! Congratulations to Emma D’Anvers, Oliver Gray, and Louis van Renen for their outstanding performance and teamwork.

A big shout-out also goes to our other team members: Clayton Li, Amethyst Moneda, Evie Redgwell, and Delilah Smale for their effort and participation.

A huge thank you to Mrs. Jacelyn Gowen for her invaluable support and to the parents who came along to cheer us on. Your encouragement made a big difference!

by Mrs Deborah DaviesĀ 

Launching two new weekend courses for adult students

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On Saturday, the 14th of June, Ā we had our last weekend courses for Term 2. We are excited to share the launch of 2 new courses:

– Ā  Ā Sculpture Painting Workshop – Kia Ora Board Themed

As Matariki draws near, our students had the special opportunity to take part in this course for the first time — weaving Te Reo Māori with sculptural painting. Through this creative journey, they produced beautiful artworks.

– Ā  Ā The Ultimate Makeup Guide for Women of 50 years plus.

Our wonderful students learned new makeup techniques and skincare tips tailored to enhance their natural beauty. Let’s celebrate the beauty of confidence, self-care, and glowing gracefully through every chapter of life!

For more info, please visit our website: www.rutherfordcomed.co.nz

Our team wishes you: Kia hari Matariki koutou katoa – Be joyful during Matariki Celebration!

Snow in the Park

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Henderson-Massey’s favourite winter event is back, coming Saturday 14 June!Ā 

Snow in the Park is a FREE event for the whole whānau that will leave you snow happy! ā›„ā„ļø

šŸ“ Join us at Royal Reserve, Massey from 1pm-5pm and fill your boots with snow, ice, and wintery goodness

Come along for:

ā„ļø Snow slide

ā„ļø Snow play area

ā„ļø Face painting

ā„ļø Hunger Ball

ā„ļø Goats

ā„ļø Picnic area

ā„ļø Community stalls

ā„ļø Delicious food trucks

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/975012124463469/

Rutherford Community Education Champions Safer Roads for Everyone

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This week, Rutherford Community Education proudly promoted road safety for all users—pedestrians, drivers, and even our “fur babies”.

This year’s key focus was raising awareness about safe drop-off and pick-up practices on Kotuku Street. With high foot traffic during morning and afternoon hours, we encouraged drivers to park responsibly and remain alert to ensure everyone’s safety.

We also took this opportunity to award 24 superstar teachers from Rutherford College as Road Safety Heroes. These dedicated staff members work tirelessly to manage traffic flow at both school gates and daily support smooth school bus operations.

A special shout-out goes to Isaac, a Year 13 student at Rutherford College, who Brake NZ recognized as a Road Safety Hero. Isaac has been actively promoting the use of public transport at West City Mall in Henderson and on social media, nationally. Ka pai – great mahi, Isaac! We’re incredibly proud to have such a passionate advocate for sustainable, safer transport alternatives within our school community!

You can be a Road Safety Hero too!

by Ramona Toth

Rutherford Dominates at World Scholar’s Cup Auckland Round!

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The alpacas were out, the debates were fiery, and Rutherford College brought the heat at this year’s World Scholar’s Cup (WSC) Auckland Round, held at Kelston Boys’ High School on May 13–14. With two junior and two senior teams, Rutherford didn’t just show up—we showed off!

This exciting international academic competition celebrates learning, curiosity, and teamwork, bringing together students from around the region to compete in debates, writing, quizzes, and collaborative challenges. It also offers a shot at the prestigious Global Rounds and, ultimately, the Tournament of Champions at Yale University.

The competition was fierce, with powerhouse schools like St Kentigern, Rangitoto, EGGS, ACG Parnell, and more in the mix. But it was clear the main rivalry was between St Kentigern and Rutherford College—who walked away with a trove of top-tier trophies and medals.

Star of the Show:

In the junior division, Suleman Hamdani (10FI) absolutely stole the spotlight. He was crowned Overall Junior Champion Scholar, took home six gold medals (yes, six!) across literature, history, science, art, social studies, and the special topic—and topped three individual subject challenges! Talk about an academic triple threat.

Team Triumphs:

• Ā  Ā Suleman, along with Adam Yuan and Samuel Chan, claimed third place overall in the junior division.

• Ā  Ā Our other junior team—Emma D’Anvers, Oliver Gray, and Noel Mendonca—were crowned Overall Junior Champion Team!

o Ā  Ā Emma was named Champion Writer, while Oliver and Noel were Top Debaters of the entire competition.

Seniors on Fire:

• Ā  Ā Maire Hohepa snagged a gold and came second in Collaborative Writing.

• Ā  Ā Neil Menonca scored a gold and placed fourth in History.

• Ā  Ā Kaia Evans took gold and second in Literature and Media.

• Ā  Ā And Natalia Noone-Jones? She absolutely dazzled:

o Ā  Ā Three golds in Art and Music, Literature and Media, and Social Studies.

o Ā  Ā Second place overall scholar!

Together, Kaia, Amy Thompson, and Natalia formed the Second Place Senior Champion Team.

These students not only worked incredibly hard across two intense days of competition, but they also brought joy, creativity, and school spirit to the event—taking part in the talent show and lifting the atmosphere with every round.

We couldn’t be prouder. You represented Rutherford with brilliance, humility, and heart. Congratulations, Scholars—onward to the next round!

by Ana GerzicĀ 

ESOL Courses Start Monday, 12th of May – Morning & Evening Options Available

Looking to improve your English language skills? Our new ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses begin this Monday, the 12th of May, and we’re excited to welcome new learners!

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to build on your knowledge, our friendly and supportive classes are designed to help you develop your speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in the English language.

This term, we offer the following courses:

– General English Levels 1,2,3 and 4

– English for Conversation Levels 1,2,3 and 4

– Online English for Conversation Level 4

– English in the Workplace Level 4

– IELTS Ā – How to Succeed Levels 3 and 4

For more info and enrolments, please visit our website: www.rutherfordcomed.co.nz

Year 9 Mindfulness and Wellness Trip

We stood outside the temple, in the shelter of ancient Chinese sloped roofs with golden trims. Monks in orange robes and shaved heads greeted us with warm smiles, and the smell of incense invited us in. ā€œWelcome to the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple!ā€ called a monk standing at the entrance. We looked around in awe as they led us through the grand wooden doors, adorned with brass lion knockers. A huge, golden Buddha statue sat in a hollow on the far wall. Every side of the room was covered in beautiful carved tiles.

On the 29th-30th of April, all the Year 9s were given the amazing opportunity to go to Auckland’s Fo Guang Shan Buddhist temple to participate in the 3G4G festival of cultural sharing. The festival teaches students from all over Auckland about the 3G4G values. 3G stands for the 3 goods, good thoughts, deeds, and words, while 4G stands for the 4 givings, joy, convenience, hope, and confidence. It’s a Rutherford tradition for Year 9 students to participate in the festival.

First, we lined up in the grand entrance shrine in front of a monk, who taught us about the different types of offerings to the Buddha. Volunteers in red and gold jackets handed out smoking sticks of incense and taught us how to correctly offer them. Row by row, we walked up and offered our incense.Ā 

Then we were led further into the shrine, through the beautifully calm gardens, and into an art gallery. Five trees covered in fairy lights lit up the room. Everybody sat down quietly, in awe of this sparkly place, and listened as a monk told the story of how a prince became the enlightened Buddha. We each took a little roll of paper with wise words written on them from a small box before being ushered into another art gallery.

The walls of this gallery were covered in calligraphy. We sat down among rows of desks laid with calligraphy pens and tracing sheets. A monk at the front held out a pen, telling us the correct way to hold it. We all tried our hand at calligraphy before being taken outside, to the zen courtyard again.

Monks directed us to sit on soft grass growing in gaps between the concrete. They showed us how to cross our legs, do the lotus position, and let our thoughts flow gently through our minds. Everyone sat there, perfectly silent and still, meditating.

Next, we were led through the courtyard toward a hall filled with volunteers, monks, and even two local police constables. Projected onto the wall were the lyrics to the 3G4G song, ā€œWe Got Itā€ So with the monk in the front, we sang and danced until we knew it off by heart.Ā 

Then the two police officers stood up and introduced themselves. They called for volunteers, and hands shot up all over the room. The volunteers acted out real-life scenarios as the officers explained and taught how to make the right decision.

Next came the bit we had all been waiting for: the refreshment! We rushed outside and quickly lined up for a cup of fried rice, prepared by the police that very morning. Cups in hand, we were free to wander the temple and even take a few selfies.

Overall, we had a unique and wonderful experience, learning how to think peacefully and have a calm mind, helping us to be the best we can be. After visiting the temple, we left refreshed and happy. This trip taught us how being a good person can improve our lives for the better, and gave us so many new perspectives on life. It’s a treasured Rutherford tradition, and we’re so glad to be a part of it. Thank you to the teachers for organising this trip and the monks for welcoming us there, thank you to the police for cooking the fried rice and making time to chat with us. The food was very delicious, and we want to thank everyone who made this happen.

by Delilah Smale and Jiao Jiao Liu (9HO)

Luv Music 2025

Come along and support our senior music students on Wednesday, May 14th and Thursday, May 15th at 6:30 PM for two special evenings of live music. Each night will feature a different group of performers, so come enjoy both!

Tickets at $5, available here.Ā 

https://www.trybooking.com/nz/XBM

How to use Post template feature inside campaign editing ?

This answer also apply for:

  • How to add all fetched enclosures or media files in the post content ?
  • How to add a Gallery with all images in the post ?
  • How to add shortcodes automatically in the fetched post contents ?

Campaign post template allow to modify the content fetched by adding extra information, such as text, images, campaign data, etc. before save it as post content.

We’ ve created our own tags to arrange and print the different values of the variables that we can find inside the header of the feed and inside each feed item.
You can use some tags that will be replaced for its current value. See below the description and examples on how to use each one.

There is also the possibility of using WordPress shortcodes, writing them in the Post Template of the campaign so WordPress will take care of processing and printing its content.
You can use any shortcode here; will be processed by WordPress.

For example, you can add shortcodes to add all fetched enclosures or media files in the post content.

Supported tags

A tag is a piece of text that gets replaced dynamically when the post is created. Currently, these tags are supported:

  • {title} The feed item title.
  • {content} The feed item content.
  • {itemcontent} The feed item description.
  • {image} Put the featured image on content.
  • {author} The feed item author.
  • {authorlink} The feed item author link (If exist).
  • {permalink} The feed item permalink.
  • {feedurl} The feed URL.
  • {feedtitle} The feed title.
  • {feeddescription} The description of the feed.
  • {feedlogo} The feed’s logo image URL.
  • {feedfavicon} The feed’s Favicon URL.
  • {campaigntitle} This campaign title
  • {campaignid} This campaign ID.
  • {item_date} The date of the post item.
  • {item_time} The time of the post item.

Examples:

If you want to add a link to the source at the bottom of every post and the author, the post template would look like this:

{content} 
<a href="{permalink}">Go to Source</a><br /> 
Author: {author}

{content} will be replaced with the feed item content, {permalink} by the source feed item URL, which makes it a working link and {author} with the original author of the feed item.

Shortcodes:

&lsqb;gallery]

it’s a WP shortcode for insert a gallery into the post. You can read more info here.

You can add a gallery with three columns with all thumbnails images clickables at the bottom of every content, but before source link and author name, the post template would look like this:

{content} 
&lsqb;gallery link="file" columns="3"] 
<a href="{permalink}">Go to Source</a><br /> 
Author: {author}

If you want to display all the media videos or audios in the content you could use

&lsqb;playlist]

The playlist shortcode implements the functionality of displaying a collection of WordPress audio or video files in a post.

The playlist shortcode has several attributes, which are making it possible to alter its output.

&lsqb;playlist type="video" style="dark"]

Read more about &lsqb;playlist] shortcode and its attributes here.

To get best results you could also use external plugins that add new shortcodes to display playlists or different galleries by adding their shortcodes in the post template textarea.
Take a look at this example: https://xlino.com/projects/wordpress-playlist-shortcode-with-external-audio-or-video-files/