Wellesley PE and Sport

 Newsletter Report @ 30.04.12

 The new term brings about a change from summer to winter sport.

The Year 4, 5 and 6 Zone Swimming team, along with Chilton, finished second at the zone event.  Christopher Bramley, Hugh Morrison, Nick Cooke and James Wilson represented the winning Central Zone team at the Inter-Zone meet.   

The Year 7 & 8 Swimming team took part in the Hutt Zone meet and large number of top three placings.  Andrew Loveard was the star in winning all three of his individual events.  Jonny Joyce and Thomas Watkins both won an event each.  Wellesley had a first and second in the two relay events.  Thank you to Shelley Watkins for managing the team and Amanda Wilkinson for officiating. 

The two Year 3 and 4 basketball teams completed their Term 1 competition.  The Globetrotters won seven of their eight ‘A’ grade games and won their final.  The Breakers won three of their eight ‘B’ grade games.  These teams are entered in a new competition this term, along with a senior team in the Karori competition.

The School Cross Country took place on the last day of last term.  The weather cleared and we had a beautiful day for the event.  Cross Country is not all the boys’ favourite event but it encourages perseverance and improves fitness levels leading into the winter season.  The following boys were the top three place getters in the middle and senior year groups:

Year 4 – Archie Chandler, Ethan MacKenzie, Hugo Lethbridge

Year 5 – Ruaridh Ferguson, Tyler Hornsby, Ben Morton

Year 6 – Hugh Morrison, Tom Chisnall, Henry Chandler

Year 7 – Matthew Sutcliffe, Tom Valentine, Zac Jones

Year 8 – Harrison Stewart, Andrew Loveard, Conor Butler

The top ten Year 4 to 8 finishers at the School Cross Country qualify for respective Zone events.  There will be some organised runs for these boys at school but they will need to do some extra running outside of school hours.  Dates for these events are on the intranet and notes will go home with the details closer to the time.

The senior school has their winter sports trials over the first three weeks of this term (refer to letter sent out last term).  The senior teams will be announced after these trials.  The boys not involved in these sports teams will take part in the Multi Sports programme which exposes the boys to a range of different sporting and active activities.  The boys involved in trials need appropriate mufti practice and safety gear on those days.  Boys not involved in the trials require Wellesley PE/Sports gear.  Please ensure your son has his school gear on PE days.

The coaches endeavour to make the selection of teams’ process as fair as possible.  Unfortunately, boys do miss out on teams and this can be distressing for some boys.  We do have a lot of talented boys and we try to find opposition to cater for the demand.  There has been an increase in the number of teams competing in some of our traditional fixtures plus new opposition has been found in recent years.

The Year 5 and 6 boys have chosen to play football, rugby, hockey or join the Year 4 boys in various games each week.  The squads practice each Tuesday afternoon during their sport time and there are internal matches every few weeks.  We find it difficult finding schools to play these teams so if opposition is secured then teams are chosen from the squads.  We do enter teams in various Zone tournaments as well.  The squad members require appropriate mufti practice, safety sports gear and a towel on Tuesday’s.  Boys not involved in the squads wear Wellesley PE/Sports gear for sport.  All boys require school gear on their PE days.

If you are intending on purchasing a school tracksuit please contact Fiona Donnelly in the Clothing Shop for more details.  All senior boys should have one by now as they are a compulsory item this year.

I encourage parents and boys to refer to the various sports blogs, especially the ‘Sport Admin’ one which has updated fixture information.  Please return transport slips by the date stated (even if you can’t help) so they can be processed quickly.  I realise parents need time to organise time off work and family commitments.   

We are fortunate to have very supportive parents at Wellesley and we rarely have situations where parents overstep the mark with their comments or behaviour on the sideline.  We will be making it clear to the boys what is expected in the upcoming winter season so thought it appropriate to remind parents of their role as well.

• Encourage my son, and other people’s children, in their efforts in sport
• Insist that my child plays within the rules and by the principles of fair play
• Respect my boy’s efforts the same regardless of whether he has won or lost
• Display self-control on the sideline.  Be positive, never shout at or ridicule a player
• Watch my son play and enjoy the game
• Show my appreciation to people who volunteer their time so my son can play or practice
• Remember that my son plays sport for his reasons not mine
• Never place undue pressure on my child to play or perform

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report 26.03.12 

The swimming sports were held on Friday 2 March.  The boys swam very well with the following individual and house results: 

• Year 4 – 1^{st =} Jonathon Hill and Ethan McKenzie, 3^{rd =} Archie Chandler and Fin Kruger
• Year 5 – 1^st James Wilson, 2^nd Kyle Foo, 3^rd George Buist
• Year 6 – 1^st Chris Bramley, 2^nd Hugh Morrison, 3^rd Nick Cooke                                
• Year 7/8 – 1^st Andrew Loveard, 2^nd Thomas Watkins (1^st Y7), 3^rd Jonny Joyce
• Year 4/5 – Wellington
• Year 6 – Selwyn
• Year 7/8 – Selwyn

The middle school swimming team competed in their Zone event last week and a lot of that team have qualified for the Inter-Zone event this week.  The senior team have their meet on the last Monday of this term.

 The Year 7 and 8 Athletics team competed in the Zone event at the Hutt Rec.  There were a lot of great performances and the team were a credit to the school.  The following boys won events: Harry Cook (2), Matthew Sutcliffe (2), Tom Valentine, Rob Dickson, Conor Jacobs (2) and Thomas Watkins.

 Wellesley hosted Hadlow School (Masterton) in week 5.  Hadlow don’t have any cricket teams this year so the Tennis VIII and Softball teams were only involved.  We won the tennis convincingly and Hadlow taught the softball players some valuable lessons in their first fixture.

 St Mark’s were hosted in the second fixture of the term.  The 1^st XI Cricket, Softball and Tennis VIII all won convincingly. 

 Wellesley visited Huntley School last week.  The 1^st XI, 2^nd XI and the Year 6 Colts Cricket teams played along with two Tennis VIIIs and the softball team.  Thank you to the large number of parents who supported and provided transport.

 The following boys were appointed 1^st team captains: 

• Cricket – Harrison Boyle
• Tennis – Angus Liddell
• Softball – Xavier Seal 

The Year 3 and 4 basketball teams have been competing in their competitions.  The Globetrotters have won the majority of their games and the Breakers were chasing their first win after their first five games but are improving all the time. 

Since the swimming finished the boys have been training for the Cross Country.  The School event takes place on Thursday 5 April (last day of term).  All year groups start and finish on the school field.  The start times are as follows: 

• 12.45pm – Juniors
• 1.00pm – Year 4
• 1.15pm – Year 5
• 1.35pm – Year 6
• 2.00pm – Year 7
• 2.20pm – Year 8 

Three senior classes took part in the Yachting New Zealand “Have a go” programme earlier in the term.  The boys spent half a day learning the basics of sailing in Yachting NZ boats at the Seaview Marina.  The three other senior classes have their turn in term 4. 

The senior boys will be asked to indicate what winter team or teams they want to trial for this year.  The trials will take place on the first three Thursdays of term 2.  The Year 5 and 6 boys will have the option of joining the hockey, football or rugby development squads which start training on the first Tuesday of next term.  Teams for any inter school games will be chosen from these squads.  The boys not in teams will be involved in other sport options.

The uniform shop has school tracksuits for sale and they have become a compulsory item for senior boys this year.  They will be well used in the winter months so contact Fiona Donnelly for more information if your son doesn’t have one.  Both the old and new styles can be worn but please name them clearly!  

Wellesley has a large number of sporting teams over a wide range of sports.  We are open to the idea of parents running other teams outside of school hours which don’t put more pressure on the already busy school programme.  Sarah Arnold has offered to manage the Underwater Hockey which involves senior boys in seven Saturday tournaments throughout the year.  We have experienced teachers who manage our senior waterpolo teams in the middle part of the year but we are open to the idea of a parent running a Year 5/6 Flipper ball team.  If any parents are interested in managing basketball teams in any of the Year 5 to 8 years next term then let me know as well.  We do enter teams in the Hutt Valley leagues in term 3 which teachers manage.  I’m happy to discuss these and any other options.

Wellesley has a lot of talented sportsmen and a huge number have made zone or club representative teams during the summer.  The following boys have gone a step further: 

• Andrew Loverard – Junior Swimming Nationals
• Harrison Boyle – Hutt Valley Cricket
• Cade Young – Wellington Basketball
• Conor Butler – Wellington Football
• Jacob Masseurs – Wellington Football
• Harrison Stewart – Wellington Football
• Oliver Whyte – Wellington Football
• Angus Liddell – Central Region Tennis
• Thomas Watkins – Junior Swimming Nationals
• Isaac Becroft – Wellington Tennis
• Chris Bramley – Wellington Touch
• William O’Connor – Colgate and Wellington Athletics Championships (3 medals in each)
• Gerry Green – Hutt Valley Tennis
• Toby Cook – Colgate Athletics (2 medals) 

Darren Houston.

 

 

EOTC, PE and Sport Report – 27.02.12

The swimming programme is nearing its conclusion with the preparation for the swimming sports well underway.  Below are the following times and venues for Friday this week:

• Junior School – School Pool (1.30pm)
• Year 4 and 5 – School Pool (10.45am)
• Year 6 – Eastbourne Pool (11.00am)
• Year 7 and 8 – Eastbourne Pool (1.00pm)

Boys in Year 4 and above require school togs, plain black speedos or black racing togs ie. No multi coloured or beach shorts to be worn.  Goggles and swim caps are optional.  Middle school boys are required for afternoon classes but juniors and seniors can leave with their parents at the conclusion of the sports.  Parents are free to take their own seats to the sports at the Eastbourne pool. 

Wellesley entered a Year 4 Rippa rugby team in the Wellington Rugby Union run tournament at Fraser Park last week.  There were forty teams involved in the tournament which signaled the start of Rugby Awareness Week.  The Year 5 and 6 tournament clashes with other activities Wellesley won’t be entering teams this year.  We hope to enter these boys in the tackle tournament later in the year. 

A group of 41 Wellesley boys took part in the Weetbix TRYathlon.  Wellesley entered boys and the rest entered individually in the 20^th anniversary of the event.  The majority of the boys were in a group photo after the Prize Giving and Wellesley won $500 to be spent on sports gear. 

Year 3 and 4 boys playing basketball have started their Randwick School based league on Monday nights. 

The senior trials have been trialling since the start of term and the teams are due to be announced later this week.  With the large number of talented sportsman at Wellesley we try to cater for the demand by playing as many teams as opposition schools’ can field.

Wellesley has three table tennis tables.  Boys in Year 6 (Tuesdays) and Year 7/8 have the use of these tables during breaks and lunch times.  These boys require their own bats and balls but equipment is supplied when used as part of the PE programme across Year 4-8 levels.

Approximately thirty middle school boys have been receiving tennis coaching from Mark Flannery.  The final three sessions take place on Friday 9^th, 16^th and 23^rd March.  This is mainly for beginners to give them an introduction and encourage them to join clubs.

The camps have been very successful with the boys thoroughly enjoying the varied experiences offered.  It is great to see the boys being put in situations outside their comfort zones and then seeing the sense of achievement once an activity is mastered.  The senior early morning tramps have been popular.

The boys receive badges for various teams they are involved in and value these highly.  The school covers the cost of the initial ribbon badge and individual badges but will charge for any replacement badges ($6 for ribbon badges and $4 individual badges). 

The 1^st XI cricket practice takes place after school on Tuesdays along with ‘A’ ladder tennis.  2^nd XI practice takes place at Tuesday lunch times.  At the time of writing planning was in place for a final cricket trial tomorrow (28 February) until 4.10pm and Steve Girvan will send the relevant information out to those involved.  Boys are to speak to coaches if they are unclear of any details.  Basically, the boys should be dressed in PE gear and wear school tracksuits home.

There is an extensive outline of the various sports via the school web page.  Once on the web page click on Intranet, then Sport Admin and finally General Information.  Details about fixtures are put on the intranet calendar and letters/emails sent out when necessary.  If you have any queries feel free to email the coaches or myself.

Darren Houston.

EOTC, PE and Sport Report – 01.02.12

The first PE focus this term is swimming. The boys will be swimming at least twice a week in the school pool or the sea thus will need to have the appropriate “togs” at school on their designated swimming days. Boys can wear swim shirts and any other appropriate gear like caps and goggles.  Wharf jumping is set aside for the Year 6, 7 and 8 boys where mufti togs are acceptable.  This allows these boys to have the appropriate school togs for PE sessions.  Later in the month the boys will be readying themselves for our School Swimming Sports which are to be held on Friday 2^nd March.

Boys in Y7 and Y8 will be trialling for the Softball, Tennis VIII, 1^st and 2^nd XI Cricket teams from Thursday 2^nd February. A 3^rd XI Cricket team and a 2^nd Tennis VIII may also be chosen for fixtures if opposing schools have enough players.  The tennis ladder will also commence at this time and the Tuesday after school tennis for the top 20 boys (‘A’ ladder) will start in the second week. The boys will be told in advance what days their trials will be. They will be conducted on a house by house basis. 

Boys in Y6 will be trialling for the Colts Cricket Team starting on Tuesday 7^th February.  The boys involved will be given all the relevant information before then.  Year 6 boys have the opportunity to enjoy tennis at breaks, lunch times and sport sessions during the first term.

The Year 4 rugby players will have an opportunity to trial for the Rippa Rugby team which has been entered in the Wellington Rugby Union run tournament on Wednesday 23^rd February. 

Information about lunch time tennis coaching for middle school boys will go home soon. This involves six introductory sessions for beginning or novice players with a coach.  A cost is involved for those who choose to do this.

The boys not involved in sports teams will participate in a range of different sporting activities.  The coaches aim to give the boys every opportunity to show their skills when trialling for teams.  Selecting teams is a difficult job and there will always be disappointed boys when teams are named.  We are fortunate to have so many talented sporting boys at Wellesley so competition for places is strong.  We have tried, with some success, to increase the number of teams and sporting opportunities over recent years to cater for the demand.   We will endeavour to do this, where possible, during the year ahead.

Just a reminder that boys are required to wear sunhats from day one of this term. Boys without sunhats will not be able to go outside and play at lunch time, nor partake in outside PE or sport sessions. We would also ask that parents ensure that their son has his correct PE gear and that on days that they have PE or sport that they do not wear boxer shorts to school.  Plain black tennis shorts are available from the uniform shop and can be used for PE and sport.  Wellesley caps are available for tennis players and the senior softball team.  Outside of these two activities white floppy hats (Year 4 – or blue legionnaire’s hats (juniors) are required.

The whole school will be involved in some form of camping experience over the first half of the term.  The camps are designed to gradually expose the boys to new and challenging activities while building confidence and relationships with their peers.  Camp information will come via your son’s classroom teacher.

There are several sporting blogs which provide reports and information.  Any changes to dates will be changed on the intranet calendar.  If you have any other queries I recommend you email the teacher/coach or me.

Darren Houston

Newsletter Report @ 05.12.11

The main part of the School Athletics didn’t take place on Monday last week due to the weather.  However, the Year 6 and senior 800m finals did place despite the weather.  The rest of the Year 4-8 sports took place after the Nativity on Wednesday.  The Junior Sports is scheduled to take place today.

The overall results were as follows:

Wellington was the winning house followed by Selwyn and Marlborough 

The individual results are as follows:

• Year 4 – 1^st Ruaridh Ferguson, 2^nd Oliver Hall, 3^rd = Toby Cook and Tyler Hornsby
• Year 5 – 1^st William O’Connor, 2^nd Chris Bramley, 3^rd Nick Cooke
• Year 6 – 1^st Rob Dickson, 2^nd Harry Cook, 3^rd Tim Campbell
• Year 7/8 – 1^st Jack Barlow, 2^nd Jules Harrey, 3^rd = Thomas Bramley, Oliver Paotonu and Charlie Waddy

Wellesley entered 25 boys in the Year 4-6 Zone Athletics sports at the Hutt Rec Ground in Week 6.  The team won the Central Zone Cup by one point from the second placed school which had girls and boys entered.  Harry Cook won three events and William O’Connor, Hugh Morrison and Toby Cook winning two each.  Sixteen boys qualified for the Inter-Zone event in Naenae last week.

The weather prevented the summer fixture with Scots.  This was very disappointing for the boys as three cricket XIs, two tennis VIIIs and a softball team were looking forward to playing.  Both schools were unable to find another date to play due to both schools’ busy calendars.

The senior tennis championships have been completed.  Theo Beaumont and James Watkins defeated Ben Wolyncewicz and Hamish Webster in a very close senior doubles final.  Felix Humphries and Angus Liddell were the top two seeds and made their way through opposite sides of the singles draw to meet in the final but an injury prevented Angus from playing.  We hope to play this match this week but Felix has been awarded the title.

The senior triathlon took place last week.  The senior boys organised themselves into teams of three with each doing the swim, run or cycle legs in Eastbourne.

The Colts cricket team played Waterloo School in Week 6.  Wellesley hosted which meant there was a lot of support from the boundary but Waterloo proved too strong in the end, winning by 18 runs.

The 1^st XI Cricket boys were involved in the traditional father/son cricket match on Friday last week. These boys plus other senior cricketers are involved in the Suburb of Origin Cricket game on Tuesday this week at Wellesley.  Some of the Year 8 boys pair up with their mothers for the mother/son tennis tournament today.

Year 6 and senior boys intending to play tennis next year can purchase black shorts with pockets and caps from the uniform shop.  The shorts can be used for PE instead of the normal plain shorts.

Any boys changing to Croydon House next year who require their PE shirts to be changed over, need to send them to me by Wednesday this week.  Please pin a label with your son’s name to the bottom of the shirt so we know who it belongs to when the collar is replaced.  Our swimming togs supplier is able to stick green triangles over the old yellow, red and blue ones so these can come in with the shirts if you wish to change these over as well.

School tracksuits are a requirement for the senior boys next year.  Both the old or new styles are acceptable and I encourage leaving boys to try and sell theirs to those boys who haven’t purchased one yet.  I have some tracksuit tops which haven’t been claimed over the year so come and see me if your son is missing his.

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report @ 14.11.11

 Athletics has been the main component of the PE sessions in the early part of the term.  Boys have learnt a range of athletic disciplines and challenged themselves to get the highest standard or grade possible.  The Year 4 and 5 boys have compounded these skills in their sport afternoons as well.  Some finals have taken place and others will take place in the next two weeks.  The remainder will be decided on the Athletics day on Monday 28^th November.  The Year 4 to 8 classes start at 9.30am and aim to be finished by 12.30pm.  These boys are required for afternoon classes and should have their PE gear with white Wellesley hat.  The Juniors start at 2.00pm and can go home with their parents at 3.00pm.   Parents and supporters are welcome to watch the Athletics but Year 4 to 8 parents are asked to stay on the outside of the track please!

HIBS hosted three Wellesley teams recently.  This fixture was rescheduled after the weather prevented it taking place in Term 1.  Wellesley dominated the tennis and only dropped one match with a couple of matches being decided by super tie-breakers.  HIBS won the 1^st XI cricket match and Wellesley won the 2^nd XI match.       

Wellesley players featured strongly at the Central Region Primary Schools’ Tennis tournament on Friday 4November in Palmerston North.  Felix Humphries was runner-up in the Open, Finley Hall won the Intermediate and Isaac Becroft won the Year 6 & below with Harry Hunter runner-up.  Felix Humphries qualified for the North Island Championships.

Wellesley was scheduled to host six Scots College teams last week.  The St George’s School fixture didn’t take place due to the wet ground conditions and we have been trying to find a suitable postponement date.  Lindisfarne College decided not to travel to Wellington for their camp which was to include some games with Wellesley.

Last week Wellesley entered three Year 5 teams in the Central Zone Kiwi Cricket tournament.  The teams enjoyed the experience and showed great basic skills in this modified format.  The teams were competitive and the ‘A’ side was unbeaten.  Thank you to the parents for their help with transport and support!

There are a lot of sporting and other outdoor activities taking place over the remaining weeks of the term.  Please refer to the school intranet and Sport Information blog for any related information.

The boys changing over to the New Croydon House in 2012 will be notified in the next couple of weeks.  This notification will include information about changing existing PE shirts over to Croydon.

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report @ 25.10.11

The new term brings a change in sporting season.  The athletics track and cricket pitch are down, and along with the tennis courts and cricket nets are all being used extensively.

The Athletics programme dominates the PE sessions for the majority of the term.  Boys learn various athletic disciplines and the Year 4 to 8 boys achieve standards for their efforts.  Those standards and results are used in the organisation of the School Athletic Sports morning and help select the School Zone teams.  A list of the events and standards used to find the Year 4 to 8 athletic champions can be found via the Sport Admin link on the intranet.  Some of the Year 4 to 8 finals are held prior to the sports morning to help with time and the number of events on the morning.  The junior boys learn and are exposed to many of the same disciplines which they display in their Athletic Sports afternoon.

The tennis courts were in strong demand at the end of last term and this has continued this term.  The Year 6 and senior championships are progressing with week 7 the planned finals week.  A large number of middle and senior boys were entered in the Hutt Valley championships at the end of last term.  Initial entry restrictions were later relaxed to fill the draws which enabled Wellesley to enter more players.  Isaac Becroft beat Harry Hunter to win the Year 6 and below section.  Finley Hall won the Intermediate section.  Felix Humphries made the final and Angus Liddell made the semi final in the Open section.   Isaac, Finley and Felix have qualified for the Central Region tournament in Palmerston North on 4^th November.   Tuesday ‘A’ ladder tennis started last week and is open to senior boys in the top 20 on the ladder.  If catching public transport at the end of the after school practices (including cricket) boys need to wear either their full school track suit or full school uniform.

The cricket season is also upon us.  The 1^st XI was scheduled to have their first Tuesday after school practice of the term last week and the 2^nd XI their first one at lunch time followed by the Colts at 2.00pm.

The sport and cultural photos are being held this Friday.  Eventually, the photos will be displayed in the student foyer and envelopes given out for ordering purposes.  Boys require their PE gear and all their playing gear that they normally supplied for their chosen sport(s) apart from rugby and football boots. The school gear used for matches will be given out on the day eg rugby jerseys.    

The various classes and syndicates have taken a keen interest in the Rugby World Cup.  Some have used the New Zealand Rugby Union produced material and have tracked the results through the numerous media types.  The Juniors rounded off their unit with a Rippa rugby tournament on the school field.  Each year group was split into four teams and given the name of a competing country.  The members of 8B and 8P did a fantastic job filling the roles of referees and coaches.

The Year 7 and 8 basketball teams finished their competitions at the end of last term and the Year 5 and 6 teams in the first week of the holidays due to a missed week.  Thank you to the parents who assisted with the teams during the season!

At the end of last term Sam Hyde-Smith represented the Wellington Region at the Inter-Provincial Cross Country event in Picton after initially just missing out on the team.  Sam missed out on the top ten at the regional event for the second consecutive year so it was pleasing he was given the opportunity when someone withdrew.

Sun hats are compulsory next week but we advise boys to have these at school now.  All boys require a named white peaked hat and tennis players can wear a Wellesley cap on the courts.  Mufti caps are not permitted at school.  Sunscreen is available at school but it is advisable for boys to have a small tube in their bags.

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report 9 @ 26.09.11

A shortened two fixture South Island tour was arranged for the three senior first teams to replace the original tour.  The boys played a return fixture against St Andrew’s College on the first day and had wins in the rugby and football, and a loss in the hockey.  St Andrew’s billeted the teams overnight and then played Medbury School on the second day.  The football team had another good win, the hockey team drew and the rugby team suffered a hard fought loss.  The feedback from the boys was extremely positive and being able to see some of the destruction in Christchurch first hand allowed the group to have a better understanding of how difficult it’s been for the Christchurch people.

Six senior (1^st and 2^nd) and three middle (Colts) school teams travelled to Palmerston North and Marton to play Huntley School.  Wellesley was convincing winners in all three Colts games.  The 2^nd rugby and football were also convincing winners but the 2^nd hockey team had a narrow loss in a very competitive game.  The 1^st football team continued their good season with a comfortable five goal victory.  The 1^st rugby and hockey teams had wins against opposition who have been traditionally difficult to beat.  Wellesley teams are always well supported by parents and this fixture was no exception!

The three Colts teams played their final fixture against Eastern Hutt School.  They are a big school so we knew they would be a tough challenge for the Wellesley teams.  The rugby team had a narrow seven point victory in a tough game on the school field.  The hockey boys carried on from their Huntley victory and won comfortably on the school turf. The football was played on a full sized pitch at Memorial Park in Petone.  The skill level by both teams was high and a two all draw looked the likely outcome before a late winner gave them a deserved victory.

Wellesley’s Year 5, 6, 7 and 8 basketball teams have developed their skills over the first seven weeks of their eight week competitions.  The finals are being held this week.

Wellesley ran the Year 5/6 Zone hockey tournament.  Both Wellesley teams acquitted themselves well against solid opposition.  Thank you to the Year 8 1^st XI umpires, coaches and parents for transport!

The four senior table tennis teams were again very successful at the Wellington Regional Schools’ competition.  The first team lost in a very close match to Hutt Intermediate who went onto win the top division and the second team acquitted themselves very well to finish third in the same division.  The third and fourth teams took out the second and third places in the second division.  The table tennis tables are constantly in use during breaks which contributes to the large amount of success Wellesley has enjoyed in this sport over a long period.

Wellesley entered 22 boys in the Hutt Valley Primary Schools’ tennis tournament.  The Year 6 and senior tennis championships are underway and will conclude around the middle of next term.  The tennis courts are in demand with priority given to championship matches.  Most local clubs are organising their junior coaching and inter-club teams so don’t delay if your son is considering playing tennis this summer.

There are Junior Touch competitions starting next term.  If any parents wish to run a team in either the Macalister Park (Wellington), Fraser Park or Hutt Park (Hutt Valley) leagues please email me by ASAP.  I hadn’t received the information at the time of writing but am sure a league will be operating next term. 

Cricket Wellington coaches came into Wellesley last week as part of the Cricket Awareness programme.  They took sessions with the Year 0 to 5 classes.  They aimed to encourage boys to consider joining a club while having fun at the same time.  The bonus was a prize pack for each boy who took part.

There have been a large number of Wellesley boys who have made representative teams over the winter season.  The following boys have represented Hutt Valley, Wellington, Wellington Region and/or competed at national level:

• Toka Sopoaga – Hutt Valley U13 restricted rugby
• Jason Wester – Hutt Valley U13 restricted rugby
• Callum Harkin – Hutt Valley U12 rugby
• Ashad Langdana – Wellington U13 ‘B’ hockey
• Gus Edmond – Wellington U13 ‘B’ hockey
• Pierce Day – Wellington U12 rugby
• Jake Elston – Hutt Valley U13 restricted & open rugby
• Gus McPherson – Hutt Valley U12 rugby
• Oliver Sutcliffe – Hutt Valley U13 football
• Ben Wolyncewicz – Hutt Valley U13 football
• Sean Aitchison – Wellington Swimming rep. 5 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals at Wellington Champs.
• Olly Paotonu – Wellington U13 restricted rugby
• Jacob Masseurs – Federation football
• Tim Schulpen – Wellington Hatch Cup U13 hockey
• Oli McLaren – Wellington Hatch Cup U13 hockey
• Pere Wi Rutene-Pomare – Wellington U12 restricted rugby
• Xavier Seal – Hutt Valley U12 rugby league
• Conor Jacobs – Wellington U12 restricted rugby
• Sam Hyde-Smith – Wellington Regional Cross Country
• Ben Strowger-Turnock – Wellington U12 restricted rugby
• Conor Butler – Federation football and National Development squad
• Thomas Bramley – Wellington U12 restricted rugby
• Gus Ashton – Wellington U11 rugby
• Cade Young – Wellington U13 basketball
• Harrison Boyle – Hutt Valley U11 rugby
• Andrew Loveard – Wellington U12 rugby, Silver and bronze at Wellington Swim champs and qualified for Junior Nationals
• Thomas Watkins – Qualified for Junior Swimming Nationals

 Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report 8 @ 05.09.11

The winter season is drawing to a close with nine teams away to Huntley School, Marton this week being the final major fixture of the term.  There have been a large number of boys in a variety of different sporting and challenging activities.  The boys who have represented Wellesley have also been large in number and they have gained a great sense of pride in doing so!

Wellesley played nine teams from Scots College in week 2.  This was a return fixture for the seniors and the first against Scots for the Colts teams.  Wellesley won all three rugby games with the highlight being the 27 nil win by the 1^st XV after losing last term.  The two senior football teams fought out competitive and tense draws but the Colts football team outplayed their opponents to win relatively convincingly.  Scots won the 1^st hockey exchange 4-1 but Wellesley won both of the other hockey games.  This was another worthwhile fixture with a large number of boys involved and very competitive games.

The South Island tour had to be cancelled due to the horrible weather both here and in the South Island.  This was especially disappointing for the boys but unfortunately Mother Nature had the final say!

The Year 5/6 tackle tournament took place and Wellesley entered two teams.  Both teams acquitted themselves well and thoroughly enjoyed playing in a tournament format.  Thank you to Phil Bramley and Neil Gray who coached the teams.

Wellesley is running the Year 5/6 Zone hockey tournament this week.  There are two school teams involved with five 1^st XI boys umpiring.

Wellesley has entered five basketball teams from years 5 to 8 in the Hutt Valley league.  The boys involved have enjoyed the competition and are improving with each game.  The competition finishes in the last week of term.

The Waterpolo teams finished their seasons with a celebratory breakfast. Both teams were in their respective finals and this was reward for the effort and improvement shown by both teams.  Thank you to the parents and coaches for the early morning starts and general commitment to the season.

The senior table tennis championships reached their conclusion.  Jules Harrey beat Conor Butler in a great match to win the senior singles. In the doubles, Hector McLachlan and Charlie Waddy combined to beat James Watkins and George Coles.  Wellesley will be sending senior teams to the Regional championships and hope to continue the success of previous years.

The majority of the school has concluded a gymnastics unit recently.  The highlight, for the majority, was the tramp and the big mats.  The boys gained a large amount of confidence and satisfaction from using this apparatus.

Cricket Wellington coaches are coming to Wellesley as part of the Milo programme.  They will take sessions with the Year 0 to 5 classes.  They aim is to encourage boys to consider joining a club while having fun and developing skills at the same time.

The Wellesley staff would like to thank the huge number of parents who have billeted boys, coached teams, transported and generally supported the various teams.  It has been wonderful to see large numbers of supportive and positive people on the sidelines because this helps to bring the best out of the boys!

Darren Houston.

 

Newsletter Report 7 @ 08.08.11

The winter season continues into this term.  The term is busy with various tournaments and fixtures with the highlight for the senior teams being the trips to the South Island and Huntley School in Marton.  St George’s School, in Whanganui, was unable to host any teams so a return fixture with Scots was arranged for this week.

Wellesley hosted St Andrew’s College towards the end of last term.  This doubled as an Old Boys’ Day where a large group came back to watch and support the teams.  The Old boys presented awards to Wellesley players at the end of the matches.  Wellesley won the rugby and football comfortably on the score board but the games were very competitive. The hockey game was a thrilling 3-all draw so the return game this term is eagerly anticipated.  Thank you to the host families for taking the St Andrew’s players into their homes and looking after them so well!

Congratulations to Jake Elston (rugby), Jack Barlow (football) and Theo Beaumont (hockey) who were appointed first team captains for this year.

The Year 3/4 Basketball teams finished their term 2 competitions.  The Globetrotters and the Breakers have developed their skills and enjoyed their basketball over the two terms this year.  It will be the turn of the Year 5/6 and 7/8 groups this term.  The timing of the competition does make it difficult for a large number of boys to play as it clashes with Saturday team practices, waterpolo and other activities.

There were twelve Year 4-8 Wellesley boys who represented Wellesley and the Lower Hutt Region at the Wellington Regional Cross Country at the Kaitoke Regional Park.  Ruaridh Ferguson continued to show the talent that won him the previous two zone events by finishing 4^th in the Year 4 race.  The two next best finishers were Sam Hyde-Smith (11^th in Year 7) and Felix Humphries (14^th in Year 8).  Congratulations to all the boys for their effort and behaviour on the day.

School tracksuits will be compulsory for Year 7 and 8 boys next year.  This will help with the various sports practices and mulitsport trips the boys are involved in during the course of the year.  They are also useful in PE sessions and enable the boys to look more uniform in sporting activities.  We have held off making these compulsory but now feel they will be a valuable and well used item.

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report @ 04.07.11

 A 30 strong middle school Cross Country team ran in their Zone event in Lower Hutt.  Wellesley had nine boys qualify for the Inter-Zone event and several were just outside the qualifying mark.  The highlight was Ruaridh Ferguson winning the Year 4 boys’ race at both events.  Our combined team points with Chilton’s placed us second.  The Year 7 and 8 boys performed very well in their Zone event at Trentham Memorial Park with seven boys making it directly through to the regional event this week.  Felix Humphries, Oliver Sutcliffe and Charlie Waddy took out the first three places in the Year 8 event.

Senior rugby, hockey and football teams have had fixtures with Scots, HIBS, St Mark’s, Raroa Intermediate and St Andrew’s recently.  The Scots fixture was again very competitive with Wellesley finishing with 2 wins, a draw and 3 losses.  The HIBS fixture was rescheduled after the earlier date was affected by bad weather.  Wellesley won both rugby games and the hockey but lost the three football games.  Wellesley played St Mark’s and won both senior football, colts football and the 1^st hockey very comfortably.  The 1^st XV has played Raroa Intermediate on the same day as the hockey and football teams have played St Mark’s over recent years.  The previous three games were very competitive and this was no different with Wellesley winning by two converted tries.  Raroa agreed to put up a 2^nd XV this year but this game was cancelled due to Raroa’s heavy ground conditions.

The first rugby, hockey and football teams have a tour of the lower part of the South Island next term.  They have games at Waihi School (north of Timaru), St Andrew’s College and Medbury School (both Christchurch).  Our hosts are happy to have us tour but we are monitoring the situation in Christchurch closely.   

Trinity Grammar School, from Sydney, cancelled their New Zealand tour this year.  Wellesley has selected Year 7 dominated rugby and football teams to play Trinity over a very long period of time.  A combination of the strength of their rugby and the number of boys being able to tour contributed to their decision not to tour this year.

The bulk of the 2^nd XI hockey team played in an 8-a-side tournament last week at Fraser Park.  All the games were competitive and the boys enjoyed the experience.

The Colts ‘A’ rugby, hockey and football teams got their seasons underway against Waterloo recently.  Waterloo was affected by sickness but Wellesley were far too strong winning all three games by large margins.

The two senior Waterpolo teams have been training before school and playing after school.  After 6 rounds the ‘A’ team is unbeaten and the ‘B’ side has registered 4 wins, a draw and a loss.

The Year 3 and 4 basketball teams have continued in their term 2 competitions.  The Globetrotters have won 3 and lost 3, and the Breakers have won 2 and lost 4.

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report @ 07.06.11

The senior school boys completed their winter sports trials and are right into the swing of the new season.  The Year 5 and 6 squads missed the first week but have started their season enthusiastically.

Wellesley’s first winter inter school fixture was home to Hadlow School from Masterton.  Hadlow was only able to provide hockey and football teams this year.  The Wellesley 1^st XI hockey team won 5-1 at Fraser Park and the 2^nd XI defeated Hadlow’s 1^st XI football team 4-2 at Bishop Park.

Six senior teams were scheduled to host HIBS in week 4.  The weather prevented this fixture from taking place then so it was rescheduled for three weeks later.  The seniors travel to Wellington to play Scots this week and there is a scheduled return fixture in week 2 of next term which will incorporate the Colts teams.

Hereworth School from Havelock North brought down five senior teams to play Wellesley.  This is always a competitive and enjoyable fixture. Thank you to the billeting families and the large number of people that helped behind the scenes to make this a successful exchange.

The Year 5 and 6 Zone Football tournament was held in week 4.  All 50 Year 5/6 football players were entered in our six 6-a-side teams.  The boys played well and enjoyed the tournament environment but having three teams in the each section provided a big challenge for our boys.  Thank you to Willie Maclennan, Frank Gradwell, Peter Barlow, David Lister, Helen Clarke, Vicki Jones, Chris McPhee, Mark Wilkshire and James Hutton who coached the teams.

Year 3 and 4 basketball teams are well into their second competition for the year.  The Globetrotters have had a two wins/one loss record and the Breakers a one win/two loss record.

The Senior Multi Sports boys played golf at Seaview, had a Body Combat session at Les Mills and have done Hydro Aerobics at H2O Extreme.

Wellesley entered two teams of four in the Zone Table Tennis Tournament held at Waterloo School.  Andrew Phillips led Wellesley 1 to a win over Wellesley 2 to go unbeaten.  The senior table tennis championships are well underway with some fantastic games being played.

The main PE focus in the early part of the term was on large ball and hockey skills.  The boys have been encouraged to practice the skills relevant to their team sports at home to improve their skill base further.  The middle and senior boys have moved onto learning the fundamentals of badminton and table tennis.

The Senior Zone Cross Country runners had their event at Trentham Memorial Park last week and the Year 4-6 boys have their equivalent next week at the Boulcott river bank.

Darren Houston.

 

Newsletter Report @ 02.05.11

 

The new term brings about a change from summer to winter sport.  The rugby posts are up, the tennis nets moved to the side and Williams Park is nearly ready for use.

 

The Year 4, 5 and 6 Zone Swimming team, along with Chilton, won their meet by a large margin.  The majority of our boys represented the Central Zone team at the Inter-Zone meet.  This team comfortably won this meet as well.  James Wilson, Chris Bramley, Hugh Morrison (2), Rob Dickson and Thomas Watkins achieved individual first placings.  Wellesley had all four members in the Medley relay team who won and Hugh Morrison was in the winning Year 5 Freestyle Relay team.

 

The Year 7 & 8 Swimming team took part in the Hutt Zone meet and dominated the boys’ section.  Oli McLaren, Sean Aitchison and Andrew Loveard (2) achieved first placings and Wellesley won both the Freestyle and Medley Relays.

 

Thank you to the parents of swimmers who transported and to Kimberley Bramley-Stott, Penny Campbell, Helen McQueen, Sasha Fletcher and Amanda Wilkinson who were timekeepers.  A special thank you to Erin Hunter for doing the tough recording job at the Inter-Zone event and Shelley Watkins who managed two of the Wellesley teams.

 

The two Year 3 and 4 basketball teams completed their Term 1 competition.  The Globetrotters won three of their eight ‘A’ grade games and the Breakers were Runners-up in the ‘B’ grade after winning or drawing five of their eight games.  The teams are entered in a new competition this term.

 

A team of eight Year 4 boys were chosen to play cricket against Muritai School. Each pair batted in four over partnerships and each player bowled two overs.  Wellesley restricted Muritai to 45 runs off their 16 overs and made 57 runs in reply.

 

The top ten Year 4 to 8 finishers at the School Cross Country qualify for respective Zone events.  There will be weekly runs for these boys at school but they will need to do some extra running outside of school hours.  Dates for these events are on the intranet and notes will go home with the details closer to the time.

 

The five senior classes took part in the Yachting New Zealand run “Have a go” programme at the Seaview Marina.  The wind varied over the five days which affected how much sailing the boys did.  Overall, the feedback from the boys was very positive. Thank you to Matt Truell who used his sailing instructors’ qualifications to good use in assisting the Yachting NZ instructor.

 

The senior school had their first sports trial at the end of last term and the final two take place over the next two weeks.  The senior teams will be announced after these trials.  The boys not involved in these sports teams will take part in the Multi Sports programme which exposes the boys to a range of different sporting and active activities.  Some of the Multi Sport boys will be offered places in any 2^nd XI hockey and 3^rd XI football teams if opposition is available  The boys involved in trials need appropriate mufti practice and safety gear on those days.  Boys not involved in the trials require PE gear.  Please ensure your son has his PE gear on PE days.

 

The coaches endeavour to make the selection of teams’ process as fair as possible.  Unfortunately boys do miss out on teams and this can be distressing for some boys.  We do have a lot of talented boys and we try to find opposition to cater for the demand.  There has been an increase in the number of teams competing in some of our traditional fixtures plus new opposition has been found in recent years.

 

The Year 5 and 6 boys have chosen to play football, rugby, hockey or join the Year 4 boys in various games each week.  The squads practice each Tuesday afternoon during their sport time and there are internal matches every few weeks.  We find it difficult finding schools to play these teams so if opposition is secured then teams are chosen from the squads.  We do enter teams in various Zone tournaments as well.  The squad members require appropriate mufti practice, safety sports gear and a towel on Tuesday’s.  Boys not involved in the squads wear Wellesley PE gear for sport.  All boys require PE gear on their PE days.

 

If you are intending on purchasing a school tracksuit there may be a waiting period.  Contact Fiona Donnelly in the Clothing Shop for more details.  Senior boys can wear their tracksuit after their after-school Tuesday practices.  Boys without a tracksuit are required to get back into full uniform if travelling on public transport.  Any new senior 1^st team players will be issued with a pair of 1^st socks and the cost will be charged to school accounts.

 

Thank you to the Parents’ Association for funding the new 1^st XI Football strip and the Senior Softball team shirts.

 

I encourage parents and boys to refer to the various sports blogs, especially the ‘Sport Admin’ one which has updated fixture information.  Please return transport slips by the date stated (even if you can’t help) so they can be processed quickly.  I realise parents need time to organise time off work and family commitments.   

 

There has been some media attention recently about the behaviour of parents and supporters on the sidelines of school and junior club sport.  We are fortunate to have very supportive parents at Wellesley and we rarely have situations where parents overstep the mark with their comments or behaviour on the sideline.  We will be making it clear to the boys what is expected in the upcoming winter season so thought it appropriate to remind parents of their role as well.

• Encourage my son, and other people’s children, in their efforts in sport
• Insist that my child plays within the rules and by the principles of fair play
• Respect my boy’s efforts the same regardless of whether he has won or lost
• Display self-control on the sideline.  Be positive, never shout at or ridicule a player
• Watch my son play and enjoy the game
• Show my appreciation to people who volunteer their time so my son can play or practice
• Remember that my son plays sport for his reasons not mine
• Never place undue pressure on my child to play or perform

 

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report 28.03.11.

The swimming sports were postponed until Friday 11 March.  The boys swam very well with the following individual and house results:

·         Year 4 – 1^st James Wilson, 2^nd Marshall Wilson, 3^rd Kyle Foo

·         Year 5 – 1^st Chris Bramley, 2^nd Hugh Morrison                                      

·         Year 6 – 1^st Thomas Watkins, 2^nd Harry Cook, 3^rd Rob Dickson

·         Year 7/8 – 1^st Sean Aitchison, 2^nd James Watkins, 3^rd= Andrew Loverard (1^st Y7),

3^rd= Jake Elston

·         Year 4/5 – Wellington

·         Year 6 – Wellington and Selwyn

·         Year 7/8 – Selwyn

The middle school swimming team are competing at their Zone event this week.  The 14-strong team will combine with Chilton and some will qualify for the Inter-Zone event next week.  The senior team have their meet on the last Monday of this term.

A Year 4 Rippa rugby team competed in the Wellington Regional event.  They had mixed success but thoroughly enjoyed the day.  Two Year 5 and 6 teams competed in the Hutt Valley tournament with both teams topping their pools.

The Year 7 and 8 Athletics team competed in the Zone event at the Petone Rec.  There were some great performances and the team were a credit to the school.

Wellesley hosted Huntley School in the first fixture of the year.  The 1^st XI, 2^nd XI and the Year 6 cricket teams all comfortably won their matches at Te Whiti Park.  The two tennis teams also won comfortably at the Wellesley and Muritai Club venues.  The softball team continued to carry on the dominance of the previous two years by winning both their games.  The boys enjoyed the occasion especially the boys who were in their first fixture.  Thank you to the large number of parents, who supported, helped with lunch and provided transport after the games.

The following week Wellesley was supposed to host one tennis selection VIII and two cricket teams from HIBS.  The weather forced the fixture to be postponed or possibly cancelled.  The weather in Masterton was more favourable which allowed for the Hadlow fixture to take place.  The Year 6 Colts cricket team were too strong for the Hadlow 1^st XI but the Tennis Selection VIII lost 9-3. 

Lindisfarne College visited last week bringing two senior cricket teams.  Lindisfarne hosted our winter teams last year so we were keen to repay their hospitality.

St Mark’s School are scheduled to play this week.  Wellesley is now hosting this fixture with the tennis and softball at Wellesley and the 1^st XI playing at Sladden Park in Petone.

The 1^st XI Cricket is scheduled to play a Milo Cup quarter final.  If they win that game they will play a semi final before the end of the term or early in term 4.

The following boys were appointed 1^st team captains:

·         Cricket – Arun Betty

·         Tennis – Felix Humphries

·         Softball – Toka Sopoaga

The Year 3 and 4 basketball teams have been competing in their competitions.  The Globetrotters won one of their four matches and the Breakers are unbeaten with three wins and a draw.

The two senior touch teams have improved with each game and are now displaying great skills individually and as teams.

Since the swimming finished the boys have been training for the Cross Country.  The School event takes place on Tuesday 5^th April with the postponement date on Thursday 7^th.  All year groups start and finish on the school field.  The start times are as follows:

• 12.45pm – Juniors
• 1.00pm – Year 4
• 1.15pm – Year 5
• 1.35pm – Year 6
• 2.00pm – Year 7
• 2.20pm – Year 8

The five senior classes are taking part in the Yachting New Zealand “Have a go” programme at the end of the term.  The boys spend half a day learning the basics of sailing in Yachting NZ boats at the Seaview Marina.

The senior boys will be asked to indicate what winter team or teams they want to trial for this year.  We hope to have the first trials on either or both of the last two Thursdays of term because of the length of this term.  Field availability and Milo Cup Cricket commitments will influence our decision with this.  The Year 5 and 6 boys will have the option of joining the hockey, football or rugby development squads which start training on the first Tuesday of next term.  Teams for any inter school games will be chosen from these squads.

Darren Houston.

EOTC, PE and Sport

Newsletter #1 – 2011

The main PE focus of this term is on swimming. The boys will be swimming at least twice a week in the school pool or the sea (the more able Y7 and Y8 boys) thus will need to have the appropriate “togs” at school on their designated swimming days. Towards the end of February and the beginning of March the boys will be readying themselves for our School Swimming Sports which are to be held on Friday 4^th March.

Boys in Y7 and Y8 will be trialling for the Softball, Tennis VIII, 1^st and 2^nd XI Cricket teams from Thursday 3rd February. A 3^rd XI Cricket team and a 2^nd Tennis VIII may also be chosen for one or two fixtures if opposing schools have enough players.  The tennis ladder will also commence at this time and the Tuesday after school tennis for the top 20 boys (‘A’ ladder) will start in the second week. The boys will be told in advance what days their trials will be. They will be conducted on a house by house basis. 

Boys in Y6 will be trialling for the Colts Cricket Team starting on Tuesday 8^th February.  The boys involved will be given all the relevant information today.  The first fixture is against Hadlow School.  Year 6 boys have the opportunity to enjoy tennis at breaks, lunch times and sport sessions during the first term. 

The Year 4 rugby players will have an opportunity to trial for the Rippa Rugby team which has been entered in the Wellington Rugby Union run tournament on Wednesday 23^rd February.  The date has recently been changed due to ground booking clashes.

Information about lunch time tennis coaching for middle school boys will go home soon. This involves six introductory sessions for beginning or novice players with a coach.  A cost is involved for those who choose to do this. 

The boys not involved in sports teams will participate in a range of different sporting activities.  The coaches aim to give the boys every opportunity to show their skills when trialling for teams.  Selecting teams is a difficult job and there will always be disappointed boys when teams are named.  We are fortunate to have so many talented sporting boys at Wellesley so competition for places is strong.  We have tried, with some success, to increase the number of teams and sporting opportunities over recent years to cater for the demand.   We will endeavour to do this, where possible, during the year ahead.

Just a reminder that boys are required to wear sunhats from day one of this term. Boys without sunhats will not be able to go outside and play at lunch time, nor partake in outside PE or sport sessions. We would also ask that parents ensure that their son has his correct PE gear and that on days that they have PE or sport that they do not wear boxer shorts to school.  Plain black tennis shorts are available from the uniform shop and can be used for PE and sport.  Wellesley caps are available for tennis players and the senior softball team.  Outside of these two activities white floppy hats (Year 4 – or blue legionnaire’s hats (juniors) are required.

The whole school will be involved in some form of camping experience over the first half of the term.  The camps are designed to gradually expose the boys to new and challenging activities while building confidence and relationships with their peers.  Camp information will come via your son’s classroom teacher.

There are several sporting blogs which provide reports and information.  Any changes to dates will be changed on the intranet calendar.  If you have any other queries I recommend you email the teacher/coach or me.

Darren Houston

Newsletter 12 @ 29 November

The School Athletics took place last week in beautiful conditions.  The middle and senior syndicates started at 9.30am and were finished by lunch time and the junior school had their event between 2.00 and 3.00pm.  Athletics had dominated PE and sport sessions in the first six weeks of the term with boys learning different techniques and being timed for races.

Selwyn was the winning house followed by Wellington and Marlborough.  The individual results are as follows:

• Year 4 – 1^st Chris Bramley, 2^nd William O’Connor, 3^rd Hugh Morrison
• Year 5 – 1^{st =} Harry Cook, 2^nd Rob Dickson, 3^rd Harry Hunter
• Year 6 – 1^st Thomas Bramley, 2^nd Olly Paotonu, 3^rd Harrison Stewart
• Year 7 – 1^st Jack Barlow, 2^nd= Felix Humphries and Charlie Waddy
• Year 7/8 (overall) – 1^st Alec Cannons, 2^nd Louis Stevens, 3^rd Christian Davey

Wellesley entered 24 boys in the Year 4-6 Zone Athletics sports at the Petone Recreation Ground last week.  The boys started the day well winning two of the three relays and were prominent in the other events.  Wellesley will have a large group representing the Central Zone at the Inter-Zone event this week.

Wellesley had their annual summer fixture with Scots on 11^th November.  Eight teams competed this year with the highlights being the 1^st softball and two tennis teams winning again which extended their unbeaten streaks to two years. 

The tennis championships are nearing their competition.  John Vogel and Felix Humphries defeated Christian Davey and Louis Stevens in the senior doubles final.  John and Christian are fighting out the singles final this week.

The Junior and Year 4 classes had golf lessons with James Donnelly (old boy).  They learnt the basic skills with modified equipment and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

The two Year 8 classes have their half day yachting sessions this week. This is introductory session is always enjoyable and interesting for the boys.  The senior triathlon takes place on Thursday.

The Colts cricket team is playing Waterloo School on Friday at Wellesley.

The 1^st XI Cricket boys are involved in the traditional father/son cricket match on Friday. These boys plus other senior cricketers are involved in the Suburb of Origin Cricket game on Tuesday 7^th December at Wellesley.  Some of the Year 8 boys pair up with their mothers for the mother/son tennis tournament on Monday 6^th December.

Boys intending on playing tennis can purchase black shorts with pockets and caps from the uniform shop.  The shorts can be used for PE instead of the normal plain shorts.

Darren Houston. 

 Newsletter Report 11 @ 08.11.10

Athletics has been the main component of the PE sessions in the early part of the term.  Boys have learnt a range of athletic disciplines and challenged themselves to get the highest standard or grade possible.  The Year 4 and 5 boys have compounded these skills in their sport afternoons as well.  There will be some finals in the next two weeks with the rest to take place on the Athletics day on Wednesday 24^th November.  The Year 4 to 8 classes start at 9.30am and aim to be finished by 12.30pm.  These boys are required for afternoon classes and should have their PE gear with white Wellesley hat.  The Juniors start at 2.00pm and can go home with their parents at 3.00pm. 

Our 1^st XI Cricket team and Tennis VIII travelled to Whanganui last week..     

Wellesley sent 18 boys to the Hutt Valley Tennis championships.  Thank you to the parents who transported and supervised on the day.  John Vogel finished fourth in the Open section and Hamish Webster won the Intermediate section.  Isaac Becroft defeated Conor Butler in the Year 6 and below section final.  Isaac and Hamish qualified for the Regional event in Whanganui.

Scots is scheduled to host eight teams this week.  This is always a keenly and evenly contested fixture.

Last week Wellesley entered three Year 5 teams in the Central Zone Kiwi Cricket tournament.  The teams enjoyed the beautiful weather and showed great basic skills in this modified format.  Thank you to the parents for their help with transport, managing and scoring.

Pere Wi Rutene and Max Quinn-Tapara made the Primary Schools’ tournament rugby team after their performances in the holiday tournament.  We also received a very nice email about how well Max led a team in a recent representative rugby game.  His team was struggling but he showed all the attributes of a great leader to inspire his team.

There are a lot of sporting and other outdoor activities taking place over the remaining weeks of the term.  Please refer to the school intranet and Sport Information blog for any related information.

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report 10 @ 18.10.10

The new term brings a change in sporting season.  The athletics track and cricket pitch preparation has been delayed due to the contractor being affected by the weather. 

The Athletics programme dominates the PE sessions for the majority of the term.  Boys learn various athletic disciplines’ and achieve standards for their efforts.  Those standards and results are used in the organisation of the School Athletic Sports and help select the Middle School Zone team.

The tennis courts were in strong demand at the end of last term and this has continued this term.  The Year 6 and senior championships are progressing with week 7 the planned finals week.  Some middle and senior boys are entered in the Hutt Valley championships in week 3.  Wellesley is very strong in tennis but there is a limit on the number of boys we’re allowed to enter so the Tennis VIII and best four Year 5/6 players are entered.  Tuesday ‘A’ ladder tennis started last week and is open to senior boys in the top 20.  If catching public transport at the end of the after school practices (including cricket) boys need to wear either their full school track suit or full school uniform.

The cricket season is also upon us.  The 1^st XI is scheduled to play Scots in a re-jigged Milo Cup competition 20 over game this week.  They will play them again, along with several other teams, in week 5.

The sport and cultural photos are being held this Friday.  Eventually, the photos will be displayed in the student foyer and envelopes given out for ordering purposes.  Boys require their PE gear and all their playing gear that they normally supplied for their chosen sport(s) apart from boots. The school gear used for matches will be given out on the day eg rugby jerseys.   

A senior cricket team and Tennis VIII are travelling to St George’s School in Whanganui on Thursday 4^th November.  This is a day fixture, therefore, no billeting is required. 

The Year 5, 6, 7 and 8 basketball teams finished their competitions at the end of last term.  The highlight was the Year 7 team who were beaten finalists.   The Year 8 and Year 5 Pistons were both fourth and the Year 5 Titans and Year 6 Giants were both eighth.

At the end of last term Felix Humphries (Y7) and Christian Davey (Y8) represented the Wellington Region at the Inter-Provincial Cross Country event in Hanmer Springs.  Felix finished 8^th and Christian finished 25^th which were fantastic achievements in strong fields.

Christian Davey achieved some credible performances in the recent National Schools’ Cycling series.

Nico van der Wilt achieved four gold medals at the recent National Life Saving Pool Championships with one being a new national record!

Sun hats are required after Labour weekend but we advise boys to have these at school now.  All boys require a named white peaked hat and tennis players can wear a Wellesley cap on the courts.  Mufti caps are not permitted at school.  Sunscreen is available at school but it is advisable for boys to have a small tube in their bags.

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report 9 @ 20.09.10

Wellesley’s Year 5, 6, 7 and 8 basketball teams have developed their skills over the first seven weeks of their eight week competitions.  The Year 5 Pistons were second and the Giants and Titans had shown improvement in their tough competitions.  The Year 7 had won a third of their games and the Year 8 team had won just over half of theirs.  The finals are being held this week.

Wellesley ran the Year 5/6 Zone hockey tournament.  Both Wellesley teams acquitted themselves well in trying conditions.  Thank you to the Year 8 1^st XI umpires and parent coaches!

Two teams of four from the senior school travelled up to Whanganui for the Collegiate relay run.  The weather forced a move from Virginia Lake to the Collegiate grounds.  The boys enjoyed the experience of running in such a historic and well attended event.

The senior Underwater hockey team won their second consecutive tournament on the 28^th August.  The boys thoroughly enjoy these tournaments and the recent results have added to the experience.  Thank you to Michael Pearson for taking the team on the night in the absence of the regular managers.  The next tournament was scheduled for the holidays but has been cancelled.

The four senior table tennis teams were again very successful at the Wellington Regional Schools’ competition.  The first team lost in a very close match to Hutt Intermediate who went onto win the top division.  The second team acquitted themselves very well.  The third and fourth teams took out the top two places in the second division.  The table tennis tables are constantly in use during breaks which contributes to the large amount of success Wellesley has enjoyed in this sport over a long period.

The Year 6 and senior tennis championships are underway and will conclude around the middle of next term.  The tennis courts are in demand with priority given to championship matches.  Most local clubs are organising their junior coaching and inter-club teams so don’t delay if your son is considering playing tennis.

The senior boys have been learning to juggle two balls in one hand.  Most have found this a difficult exercise with some mastering it through determination and practice.  A few have moved onto three balls and two hands.

There are Junior Touch competitions starting towards the end of October.  If any parents wish to run a team in either the Macalister Park (Wednesday), Fraser Park or Hutt Park (both on Friday) leagues please email me by the end of term. 

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report 8 @ 23.08.10

The winter season is drawing to a close and sport is going to take a back seat for the remainder of the term.  There have been a large number of boys in a variety of different sporting and challenging activities.  The boys who have represented Wellesley have also been large in number and they have gained a great sense of pride in doing so!

Wellesley hosted nine teams from Huntley School in week 2.  This was the second year the Year 5/6 boys were included in this fixture.  Wellesley won all three football games, lost all three hockey games and had a win, loss and a draw in the rugby.  The 1^st XV had their chances to win and were camped in the Huntley half but the final pass didn’t quite go to hand. 

The following week the same nine teams played Scots College in a fixture split between the two schools. All three Year 5/6 teams played at Scots.  The football team won convincingly, the hockey salvaged a draw late in the game and the rugby boys scored a converted try late to win a very close match.  In the senior matches the football teams had wins in very competitive and skillful games.  The 2^nd XI hockey had won but the 1^st XI hockey was outplayed.  The 2^nd XV were too strong for their opposition but the 1^st XV were beaten 19 nil.  Old Boys were invited to the senior leg of the fixture with special presentations made by them to 1^st team players.

Last week St George’s, from Wanganui, was hosted in the final senior winter fixture for the year.  They were unable to field a hockey team so just the 1^st rugby and football teams were involved.  The three Year 5/6 teams had their final fixture against Eastern Hutt School.

The senior Multi sport group has finished their programme. They have experienced a variety of different activities like ten pin bowling, golf, aquatics, karate, inline skating and body combat.

The weather and ground conditions prevented the Year 5/6 tackle tournament from taking place last week.

Wellesley is running the Year 5/6 Zone hockey tournament this week.  There are two school teams involved with five 1^st XI boys umpiring.

Wellesley has entered five basketball teams from years 5 to 8 in the Hutt Valley league.  The boys involved have enjoyed the competition and are improving with each game.  The competition finishes in the last week of term.

The waterpolo teams will finish their season with a celebratory breakfast. The ‘A’ team was on track to make the semi finals and was hopeful of making the final.  Thank you to the parents and coaches for the early morning starts and general commitment to the season.

The senior table tennis championships reached their conclusion.  Willem van der Wilt beat Christian Davey in a great match to win the senior singles. In the doubles, Willem and Christian combined to beat Carlos Speirs and Ben Linton.  Wellesley will be sending senior teams to the Regional championships and hope to repeat their ‘A’ grade win from last year.

The majority of the school has concluded a gymnastics unit recently.  The highlight, for the majority, was the tramp and the big mats.  The boys gained a large amount of confidence and satisfaction from using this apparatus.   The current unit is focusing on large ball skills through basketball.

Cricket Wellington coaches are coming to Wellesley this week as part of the Milo programme.  They will take sessions with the Year 0 to 5 classes.  They aim is to encourage boys to consider joining a club while having fun at the same time.

There have been a large number of Wellesley boys who have made representative teams.  The following boys have represented Hutt Valley, Wellington, Wellington Region and/or competed at national level:

• Cillian Butler – Hutt Valley Cross Country
• Harry Cook – Hutt Valley Cross Country
• Thomas Watkins – Junior Swimming Nationals
• Charlie Porteous – Wellington Regional Indoor Cricket
• Cade Young – Wellington ‘B’ Basketball
• Pere Wi Rutene-Pomare – Wellington Maori Rugby
• Olly Paotonu – Wellington Zone Rugby
• Jack Barlow – Wellington District Football; Hutt Valley Cross Country
• Arun Betty – Wellington District Football
• Toby Bowron – Wellington Junior Swimming
• Felix Humphries – Hutt Valley and Wellington Regional Cross Country
• Theo Beaumont – Hutt Valley Cross Country
• Charlie Waddy – Hutt Valley Cross Country
• Tim Schulpen – Wellington Zone Hockey
• Toka Sopoaga – Hutt Valley Softball
• Benjamin Wolyncewicz – Hutt Valley Football
• Callum Harkin – Hutt Valley Rugby
• Sean Aitchison – Junior National Swimming Champs
• Cameron Irving – Hutt Valley Football
• Fergus Brodie – Hutt Valley and Wellington Maori Rugby
• Taylor Belsham – Hutt Valley Rugby
• Josh Rippin – New Zealand Waterpolo Training Squad
• Oliver Chiaroni – Wellington District Football
• Harry Calcott – Wellington District Football
• Isaac Hay – Wellington District Football
• Gabe Tennent – Wellington District Football
• Joe Boswell – Hutt Valley Rugby
• Christian Davey – Hutt Valley and Wellington Regional Cross Country
• Elliot Moss-Pearson – Wellington District Football
• Max Quinn-Tapara – Hutt Valley Rugby
• Louis Stevens – Hutt Valley Cross Country
• Nico van der Wilt – Wellington Zone rugby, Hutt Valley Cross Country, Wellington Junior Swimming
• John Vogel – Wellington Zone Tennis
• James Walton – Hutt Valley Rugby

The Wellesley staff would like to thank the huge number of parents who have billeted boys, coached teams, transported and generally supported the various teams.  It has been wonderful to see large numbers of supportive and positive people on the sidelines because this helps to bring the best out of the boys!

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report 7 @ 26.07.10

The winter season continues into this term and it’s hoped the weather is a little nicer than in the last!

The five senior teams enjoyed a successful and enjoyable trip to Hawke’s Bay towards the end of last term.  The hockey XI had a good win over Lindisfarne on the Thursday and then ended a long unbeaten streak of the Hereworth 1^st XI on the Friday.  The 1^st XI football turned defeats by Hereworth over the previous two years into a convincing win to go with their other win over Lindisfarne.  The 2^nd XI Football produced two good wins over Hereworth teams.  The 1^st XV competed with Lindisfarne but couldn’t repeat their win over Hereworth on the last visit and lost convincingly.  The 2^nd XV had a narrow one point win in their first game and then lost 10 nil on the Friday.  Thank you to the large group of parents who made the trip and for their help with transport and support!

We hosted Trinity Grammar from Sydney in our annual rugby and football fixture at the end of last term.  They arrived on the Saturday afternoon and played Sunday morning.  The Year 7 based Wellesley teams played in wet and heavy conditions.  The football game was very even with Trinity narrowly winning 2-1 but Wellesley was far too strong in the rugby.  Thank you to Lisa McPherson and Julia Sutcliffe and their helpers for catering the fixture.  Also, thank you to the parents who billeted especially those who took more than one.

King’s School played our three senior first teams last week.  They are a large school who always bring strong teams.  Thank you to those parents who billeted the King’s teams.

James Walton and Max Quinn-Tapara (rugby), Matt Smith (football) and Louis Stevens (hockey) were appointed 1^st team captains.

The Senior Waterpolo teams are part way through their season.  The ‘A’ side only lost one game last term and they were under strength so they are on track to make the final later this term.  The ‘B’ side won their last couple of games last term and is improving with each game.

The Year 3/4 Basketball teams finished their term 2 competition.  The Globetrotters won the ‘A’ grade and the Breakers were promoted to the ‘B’ grade and performed credibly.  The Magic were playing for the first time and finished with a fifty per cent win/loss record.

Felix Humphries won the Year 7 Boys’ Section at the Senior Zone Cross Country.  After several postponements the final date clashed with the Hawke’s Bay trip.  Wellesley was allowed three places in each of the Hutt’s senior boy’s teams to join Felix.  There were nine Wellesley boys in total from Year 4 to 8 that represented the Hutt Region at the Wellington Regional Cross Country in Waikanae in the holidays.  Felix Humphries qualified for the Wellington team and the other boys performed credibly.

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report @ 24.05.10

 The senior school boys completed their winter sports trials and are right into the swing of the new season.  The Year 5 and 6 squads have had an uninterrupted beginning to their seasons.

Wellesley’s first winter inter school fixture was away to HIBS.  The 2^nd XV were too strong for their opposition but the other teams were on the wrong side of the score sheet.  The teams benefited from the match experience and are building for the upcoming fixtures.

The two senior football and hockey teams made the trip over the hill to Masterton to play Hadlow School last week.  Unfortunately, Hadlow don’t have any rugby teams this year so another fixture with Scots has been arranged.

Capital Football coaches started taking focused skills sessions with 1^st XI, 2^nd XI and Colts ‘A’ squad.  They have also started taking the junior and Year 4 classes for PE sessions.  The boys have benefited greatly from these sessions.  Aussie McLean (parent) has been helping the senior rugby boys and his technical knowledge has been extremely valuable.

The Year 5 and 6 Zone Football tournament was held in week 4.  All 49 Year 5/6 football players were entered in our six 6-a-side teams.  The boys played well and enjoyed the tournament environment and the ‘United’ team won the ‘A’ section.  Thank you to Andrea McCarty, Denny MacArthur, Suse Reynolds, Vicki Jones, John Masseurs and Tom Harker who coached the teams.

Year 3 and 4 basketball teams are well into their second competition for the year.  They have developed with each game and have enjoyed great success.  The Globetrotters are unbeaten after three games, the Breakers have lost three, and the Magic have had a win and two losses.

The senior Multi Sports boys played golf at Seaview and are looking forward to future activities.

The scheduled Underwater Hockey tournament on the 5^th June has been cancelled.

Wellesley entered two teams of four in the Zone table tennis tournament held at Waterloo School.  Oliver Whyte lead Wellesley 1 to a win over Wellesley 2 to go unbeaten.  The senior table tennis championships are well underway with some fantastic games being played.

The main PE focus in the early part of the term was on large ball and hockey skills.  The boys have been encouraged to practice the skills relevant to their team sports at home to improve their skill base further.  The middle and senior boys have moved onto learning the fundamentals of badminton and table tennis.

The Middle and Senior Zone Cross Country runners have their respective events this week. 

Wellesley had a visit from the ‘Project Skate’ people recently.  The four members demonstrated the various sports based around inline skating.  This was a very entertaining and informative session with the contacts for local clubs included in this newsletter.

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report @ 26.04.10

The new term brings about a change from summer to winter sport.  The rugby posts are up, the tennis nets moved to the side and Williams Park is ready for football. 

The Year 4, 5 and 6 Zone Swimming team, along with Chilton, won their meet by a large margin.  The majority of our boys represented the Central Zone team at the Inter-Zone meet.  This team comfortably won this meet as well.  Gus Ashton and Thomas Watkins achieved first placings which were highlights.

The Year 7 & 8 Swimming team took part in the Hutt Zone meet and dominated the boys’ section.  Sean Aitchison and Rory McNay achieved first placings.  Wellesley’s two medley relay teams were first and second and the freestyle relay team were second.

Thank you to the parents of swimmers who transported and those who did timekeeping – very much appreciated!

A senior Underwater hockey team placed second in the first tournament of the year.  This was an excellent achievement considering many players had never played before.  This is aimed at introducing boys to the sport and having a lot of fun.  Thank you to Dave Aitchison for managing the team and to Perry Lark who assisted him.

The two Year 3 and 4 basketball teams completed their Term 1 competition.  The Globetrotters won the ‘A’ grade and the Breakers won the ‘C’ grade.  The teams are entered in a new competition this term.

The top ten Year 4 to 8 finishers at the school Cross Country qualify for respective Zone events.  There will be weekly runs for these boys at school but they will need to do some extra running outside of school hours.  Dates for these events are on the intranet and notes will go home with the details closer to the time.

The senior boys are involved in a series of trials over the first three weeks of this term.  The senior teams will be announced after these trials.  The boys not involved in these sports teams will take part in the Multi Sports programme which exposes the boys to a range of different sporting and active activities.  Some of the Multi Sport boys will be offered places in any 2^nd XI hockey and 3^rd XI football teams if opposition is available  The boys involved in trials need appropriate mufti practice and safety gear on those days.  Boys not involved in the trials require PE gear.  Please ensure your son has his PE gear on PE days.

The coaches endeavour to make the selection of teams’ process as fair as possible.  Unfortunately boys do miss out on teams and this can be distressing for some boys.  We do have a lot of talented boys and we try to find opposition to cater for the demand.  There has been an increase in the number of teams competing in some of our traditional fixtures plus new opposition have been found in recent years.

The Year 5 and 6 boys have chosen to play football, rugby, hockey or join the Year 4 boys in various games each week.  The squads practice each Tuesday afternoon during their sport time and there are internal matches every few weeks.  We find it difficult finding schools to play these teams so if opposition is secured then teams are chosen from the squads.  We do enter teams in various Zone tournaments as well.  The squad members require appropriate mufti practice, safety sports gear and a towel on Tuesday’s.  Boys not involved in the squads wear Wellesley PE gear for sport.  All boys require PE gear on their PE days.

If you are intending on purchasing a school tracksuit there may be a waiting period.  Contact Fiona Donnelly in the Clothing Shop for more details.  Senior boys can wear their tracksuit after their after-school Tuesday practices.  Boys without a tracksuit are required to get back into full uniform if travelling on public transport.  Senior 1^st teams will be required to purchase the new socks before their first games (we are waiting for these to arrive).

Thank you to the Parents’ Association for funding the new 1^st XI hockey goalie gear, 1^st XV rugby strip and the 1^st team sports bags!

I encourage parents and boys to refer to the various sports blogs, especially the ‘Sport Information’ one which has updated fixture information.  Please return transport slips by the date stated (even if you can’t help) so they can be processed quickly.  I realise parents need time to organise time off work and family commitments.   

Congratulations to Matt Johnson (old boy) who has made the New Zealand Handball Team.  He is off to Europe in July for two weeks and then in August he will be in the Youth Olympics in Singapore.  We will be adding a couple of handballs to the gear in the PE shed.

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report 29.03.10

The swimming sports were held on a beautiful day and being staged outside helped make them such a success.   The boys swam very well with the following individual and house results:

• Year 4 – 1^st Chris Bramley, 2^{nd equal} Henry Chandler and Nick Cooke                                                              
• Year 5 – 1^st Thomas Watkins, 2^nd Harry Cook, 3^rd Rob Dickson
• Year 6 – 1^st Gus Ashton, 2^nd Jacob Masseurs, 3^rd Oliver Whyte
• Year 7 – 1^st Sean Aitchison (3^rd in Year 7/8), 2^nd Toby Bowron, 3^rd James Watkins
• Year 8 – 1^st Nico van der Wilt, 2^nd Rory McNay, 3^rd Josh Rippin
• Year 4/5 – Selwyn house
• Year 6 – Selwyn house
• Year 7/8 – Marlborough house

The middle school swimming team competed at their Zone event last week.  The 14 strong team performed superbly and combined with Chilton won the trophy again.  The final individual results were not known at the time of writing but Thomas Watkins had achieved some Central Zone records.   The Wellesley boys won the medley relay and combined with Chilton won the freestyle relay in a very exciting finish.  Several of those boys will be involved in the Inter-Zone event this week and the senior boys would have had their turn today.

The summer sports teams have just completed their three weeks of scheduled inter-school fixtures.  Wellesley hosted Hadlow from Masterton in the first fixture.  The Year 6 Colts cricket team won their game against their 1^st XI, the softball won their two games and a Tennis Selection team drew nine games all.  On the same day the two senior cricket teams lost to HIBS and another tennis selection team beat their HIBS opponents 8-4.

The following week Wellesley hosted St Mark’s School.  The two senior cricket teams and a Tennis Selection VIII were too strong for their opposition.  The softball team won both their games but were pushed a lot harder with some vocal support from the supporters adding to the atmosphere!

The last main fixture was against Huntley School.  Wellesley sent a large number of boys up to Marton leaving very early in the morning in cars.  The long drive didn’t affect the boys’ performances with the 1^st XI restricting Huntley to 88 runs and easily chased them down.  The Colts team continued to have a strong season with another win.   The softball and two Tennis VIIIs were comprehensive overall winners but there were several matches that were decided by tie breakers in the tennis.  The 2^nd XI were the only team to loss albeit very narrowly.  We appreciate all the parents who made the trip and supported the boys.

The 1^st XI Cricket won their first Milo Cup pool game with an exciting bowl off after the teams were locked on the same score after 20 overs.

The Colts Cricket team have their final game against Waterloo School on Wednesday.  This fixture has been running for several years and the teams play for a trophy.

The following boys were appointed 1^st team captains:

• Cricket – James Walton
• Tennis – Christian Davey
• Softball – Taylor Belsham

The Year 3 and 4 basketball teams have been competing in their competitions.  The Globetrotters have had 5 wins and a draw and the Breakers have had 3 wins, 2 losses and a draw.

Christian Davey placed second at the Wellington Schools Year 7 and 8 triathlon recently.  He was presented with his medal and certificate at assembly.  His brother Lachlan (old boy) won the Under 19 equivalent.

Since the swimming finished the boys have been training for the Cross Country.  Ever year group ran last week around the various courses based around Wellesley.  There is an increase in distance and difficulty from the junior courses through to the senior course.  The top finishes from the school event will represent the school at Zone events next term.

The senior boys have been asked to indicate what team or teams they want to trial for next term.   The trials will start on the first Thursday and continue for the two following weeks.  The Year 5 and 6 boys will have the option of joining the hockey, football or rugby development squads which start training on the first Tuesday of next term.  Teams for any inter school games will be chosen from these squads.

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report @ 01.03.10

Recently we finally received the confirmed results from the Hutt Valley Inter-Zone Athletics meet.  Harry Cook (Year 4) continued to show his skills in this area with three first placings in shot put, vortex and high jump, and a second placing in the discus.  Thomas Bramley won the Year 5 boys’ long jump and Jules Harrey gained a third place in the Year 6 boys’ 100 metres.  Our zone (Central) won by a substantial margin.

The swimming programme is nearing its conclusion with the preparation for the swimming sports well underway.  Below are the following times and venues for Friday this week:

• Junior School – School Pool (1.30pm)
• Year 4 and 5 – School Pool (10.45am)
• Year 6 – Eastbourne Pool (11.00am)
• Year 7 and 8 – Eastbourne Pool (1.00pm)

Boys in Year 4 and above require school togs, black speedos or black racing togs (above the knee).  Goggles and swim caps are optional.  Middle school boys are required for afternoon classes but juniors and seniors can leave with their parents at the conclusion of the sports. 

7D, 7M and 7/8T took part in an introduction to Yachting course at the beginning of the term.  Each half class spent half a day learning about and sailing optimist boats.  The wind fluctuated over the three days but the boys thoroughly enjoyed the experience. 

Wellesley entered a Year 4 Rippa rugby team in the Wellington Rugby Union run tournament at the Petone Recreational Ground on the 22^nd February.  There were thirty nine teams involved in the tournament which signaled the start of Rugby Awareness Week.  The boys played well to comfortably win all of their four games.  It is the turn of the Year 5 and 6 Rippa rugby boys next week at Fraser Park.

Year 3 and 4 boys playing basketball have started their Randwick School based league on Monday nights. 

A parent is coaching a Year 6 touch team that was entered in the Hutt Park competition and had a narrow first up loss against a Year 7/8 team.  They were awarded the game because of the age of the opposition.

The senior trials have been trialling since the start of term and the teams are due to be announced today.  With the large number of talented sportsman at Wellesley we are trying to cater for the demand by playing HIBS (away) and Hadlow (home) on Thursday.  Unfortunately, some boys don’t make teams but we are restricted by what opposing schools can field.

The Year 6 cricket team plays their first game against Hadlow’s 1^st XI on Thursday.

Over fifty middle school boys have been receiving tennis coaching from Mark Flannery.  The six sessions take place throughout the term.  Thursday and Friday are the main days but other days will be used due to clashes with other activities.  This is mainly for beginners to give them an introduction and encourage them to join a club.

The camps have been very successful with the boys thoroughly enjoying the varied experiences offered.  It is great to see the boys being put in situations outside their comfort zones and then seeing the sense of achievement once an activity is mastered.  The senior early morning tramps have been popular.

The boys receive badges for various teams they are involved in and value these highly.  The school covers the cost of the initial ribbon badge and individual badges but will charge for any replacement badges ($6 for ribbon badges and $4 individual badges). 

Cricket practices take place after school tomorrow (Tuesday) along with ‘A’ ladder tennis.  Boys are to speak to coaches if they are unclear of the details.  Basically, the boys should be dressed in PE gear and then get into uniform or school tracksuit if travelling on public transport.

Upcoming fixtures:

Thursday 4 March

• Vs. Hadlow – Colts cricket and Tennis Selection VIII at Wellesley; Softball at Fraser Park – 10.30am start
• Vs. HIBS – 1^st and 2^nd XI Cricket, Tennis Selection VIII at HIBS – 10.00am start (9.30am arrive)

Tuesday 9 March

• Vs. Tawa Intermediate – 1^st XI Cricket at HW Shortt Rec, Eastbourne (Milo Cup) – 11.30am start.  One other Milo Cup game to be added this term.
• Year 5/6 Rippa Rugby tournament at Fraser Park

Thursday 11 March

• Vs. St Mark’s – Colts at Wellesley, 1^st & 2^nd cricket (venue to be confirmed), Tennis Selection VIII and Softball at Wellesley – 10.30am start

Tuesday 16 March

• Year 7/8 Zone Athletics at the Petone Rec

Thursday 18 March

• Vs. Huntley – Colts, 1^st & 2^nd Cricket, Tennis XVI, Softball at Huntley, Marton – 10.30am start

Tuesday 23 March

• Year 4-6 Zone Swimming

Thursday 25 March

• School Cross Country

Monday 29 March

• Year 7/8 Zone Swimming

Tuesday 30 March

• Year 4-6 Inter Zone Swimming

Wednesday 31 March

• Vs. Waterloo – Colts Cricket (venue to be confirmed) – 12pm start.

Darren Houston.

Newsletter Report @ 02.02.10

The main PE focus of this term is on swimming. The boys will be swimming at least twice a week in the school pool or the sea (the more able Y7 and Y8 boys) thus will need to have the appropriate “togs” at school on their designated swimming days. Towards the end of February and the beginning of March the boys will be readying themselves for our School Swimming Sports which are to be held on Friday 5^th March.

Three senior classes will attend an introductory yachting course.  7/8T has their session on Friday this week, 7N on Monday and 7M on Tuesday next week.  Boys will receive the relevant information and permission forms via their teachers.  The permission forms have to come back as soon as possible.  The two Year 8 classes have their turn in term 4.

Boys in Y7 and Y8 will be trialling for the Softball, Tennis VIII, 1^st and 2^nd XI Cricket teams from Wednesday 3rd February. A 3^rd XI Cricket team and a 2^nd Tennis VIII may also be chosen for one or two fixtures if opposing schools have enough players.  The tennis ladder will also commence at this time but the Tuesday after school tennis for the top 20 boys (‘A’ ladder) won’t start until the second week. The boys will be told in advance what days their trials will be. They will be conducted on a house by house basis. Our first inter-school fixture is not until we play Hadlow and HIBS on the 4^th March.  However, there will be a Milo Cup cricket fixture early in the term (waiting on the draw).

Boys in Y6 will be trialling for the Colts Cricket Team starting on Tuesday 9^th February.  The boys involved will be given all the relevant information today.  The first fixture is against Hadlow School.  Year 6 boys have the opportunity to enjoy tennis at breaks, lunch times and sport sessions during the first term. 

The Year 4 rugby players will have an opportunity to trial for the Rippa Rugby team which has been entered in the Wellington Rugby Union run tournament on Monday 22^nd February.  The date has recently been changed due to ground booking clashes.

Lunch time tennis coaching for middle school boys is to be confirmed once we hear from the coach.  A note will go out when this happens. 

The boys not involved in sports teams will participate in a range of different sporting activities.  The coaches aim to give the boys every opportunity to show their skills when trialling for teams.  Selecting teams is a difficult job and there will always be disappointed boys when teams are named.  We are fortunate to have so many talented sporting boys at Wellesley so competition for places is strong.  We have tried, with some success, to increase the number of teams and sporting opportunities over recent years to cater for the demand.   We will endeavour to do this, where possible, during the year ahead.

Just a reminder that boys are required to wear sunhats from day one of this term. Boys without sunhats will not be able to go outside and play at lunch time, nor partake in outside PE or sport sessions. We would also ask that parents ensure that their son has his correct PE gear and that on days that they have PE or sport that they do not wear boxer shorts to school.  Plain black tennis shorts are available from the uniform shop and can be used for PE and sport.  Wellesley caps are available for tennis players and the senior softball team.  Outside of these two activities white floppy hats (Year 4 – or blue legionnaire’s hats (juniors) are required.

The whole school will be involved in some form of camping experience over the first half of the term.  The camps are designed to gradually expose the boys to new and challenging activities while building confidence and relationships with their peers.  Camp information will come via your son’s classroom teacher.

There are several sporting blogs which provide reports and information.  Any changes to dates will be changed on the intranet calendar.  If you have any other queries I recommend you email the teacher/coach or me.

Darren Houston

Newsletter Report @ 19.10.09

The new term brings a change in sporting season.  The athletics track is marked and the cricket pitch is down.

The tennis courts were in strong demand at the end of last term and this has continued this term.  The Year 6 and senior championships are progressing with week 7 the planned finals week.  Some middle and senior boys are entered in the Hutt Valley championships in week 3.  Wellesley is very strong in tennis but there is a limit on the number of boys we’re allowed to enter so the Tennis VIII and best four Year 5/6 players are entered.  Tuesday ‘A’ ladder tennis started last week and is open to senior boys in the top 20.  If catching public transport at the end of the after school practices (including cricket) boys need to wear either their full school track suit or full school uniform.

The cricket season is also upon us.  The 1^st XI has made the semi final of the Milo Cup and is due to play HIBS.

The sport and cultural photos were held last week.  Eventually, the photos will be displayed in the student foyer and envelopes given out for ordering purposes.

Wellesley’s 1^st XI and Tennis VIII are hosting St George’s School, Wanganui this Thursday.  This is a day fixture, therefore, no billeting is required. 

The Year 5 and 6 football boys have their tournament on Wednesday this week.  The weather prevented the tournament taking place in term 2 and the organisers worked hard to find another suitable date.

The Year 5, 6 and 8 basketball teams play their final games this week.  The Year 5 and 6 teams were 3^rd and 2^nd equal respectively, in their pools, heading into the semi finals.  The Year 8 team was mid table.

At the end of last term Jack Barlow (Y6) and James Fletcher (Y8) represented the Wellington Region at the Inter-Provincial Cross Country event in Nelson.  Jack finished 22^nd and James finished 17^th which were fantastic achievements in strong fields.

Nico van der Wilt achieved five gold and three silver medals at the recent National Life Saving Pool Champs.  This was a fantastic achievement!

Sun hats are required after Labour weekend but we advise boys to have these at school now.  All boys require a named white peaked hat and tennis players can wear a Wellesley cap on the courts.  Mufti caps are not permitted at school.  Sunscreen is available at school but it is advisable for boys to have a small tube in their bags.

Darren Houston.

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