Author: Manuel

On Friday 6th June, our Year 10 Philosophy class had a day trip to Auckland Zoo.  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.  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!  We also went to the “flight school” encounter where the zookeepers brought birds out of their cages and had them flying back and forth right over our heads.  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 Maxwell 

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

–    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.

–    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!

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 Davies 

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

Snow in the Park is a FREE event for the whole whānau that will leave you snow happy! ⛄❄️

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

Come along for:

❄️ Snow slide

❄️ Snow play area

❄️ Face painting

❄️ Hunger Ball

❄️ Goats

❄️ Picnic area

❄️ Community stalls

❄️ Delicious food trucks

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

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

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:

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

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

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

Seniors on Fire:

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

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

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

•    And Natalia Noone-Jones? She absolutely dazzled:

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

o    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 Gerzic