Principal's Panui - 22 August 2025

Malo Lelei – Happy Tongan Language Week

The theme for this week is Uke Kātoanga’ i’ o e lea faka Tonga. Our language is a vital strand to our Tongan Culture.

I used the following Tongan proverb within my Rutherford Day address on Friday; Holo pe Tu’u he ko e ngalu e fasi. Stand firm and the waves will break. This is to remind people to be patient and that good will come.

It was another great Rutherford Week, starting on Monday with The Rutherford Cake where at least 1200 pieces were served to students as they came through the hall. Thanks to the prefects, Mr. Curran and the Hospitality Department for being on site the day before and baking up a storm.

I have had the pleasure this week of handing out Kotuku Badges to over 130 plus recipients. The number of badges would have exceeded 200 when we added in the multiple winners.

Rutherford Day

The week culminated on Friday with the 62nd annual Rutherford Day. Thank you to our performers, and particularly our guest speaker Mr. Ben Fernandez.

Following is a summary of what I spoke about at today’s 62nd Rutherford day.

Values can be taught and learned. Where a strong moral quotient guides us, happiness and success will be there to greet us more often at each of life’s crossroads. How can we learn and shape our own behaviours? It takes work and effort. It starts with shaping our thinking. 

Na te whakairo, Ka ora te tangata, as we think so shall we become.  

First thing is to stop the ‘stinking thinking’ and focusing on the negatives and things you can’t change. As we think so shall we become, including what we learn to stop thinking. When our thinking changes, everything around us changes. 

The art of positive thinking or shaping our thinking toward what we can change is important. This is often called having a growth mindset. The more we think positively and kindly the better chance our responses will be positive and kind, rather than negative, the less helpful alternative.

Again, as we think so shall we become.  

From having shaped our belief system, where what we do is embedded based on our values, we know who we are and what we believe in. We can trust our response process, the words we choose including the tone and body language attached to those words.

Prefect Applications

Year 12 students are able to apply to be a prefect in 2026. Applications opened on Monday. Access them via the SchoolPortal/Permission Slips and Student Forms. 

What makes a good prefect?

A good prefect is a positive role model who leads by example in both behaviour and attitude. They are approachable, responsible, and committed to supporting their peers while upholding the values of the school. Strong communication skills, reliability, and the ability to work well as part of a team are essential, as is the willingness to take initiative and contribute to school life. Above all, a good prefect demonstrates integrity, respect, and a genuine desire to make a difference in the school community. 

Timeline:

Prefect application: Open 18 August
Prefect Applications Close: 5 September
Prefect Voting Opens: 12 September
Prefect Voting Closes: 17 September

Board Elections

Voting is open for the School Board Elections. We have 10 candidates standing in the election. Now is the time to place your vote before the deadline of 10 September. Voting information will have been sent to all parents and caregivers by email. If there is no email address registered on the system, you will receive your information by mail. For people who receive a paper voting form, they can vote two ways -  You can scan the unique QR code on your form and vote online, or you can tick the boxes on the form and return the voting paper to the kura office.  All voting papers received by the school will be couriered to our Returning Officers.

Student Trustee Elections

Nominations are open for the Student Representative on the School Board, and we’re looking for someone who’s ready to listen, lead, and help shape the future of Rutherford College. It’s a great opportunity to build leadership skills, be part of important decisions, and ensure the student perspective is heard at the highest level. If you care about our school and want to make an impact—put your name forward!

Timeline:

Nominations Open 19 August - Log in to the School Portal, Click on Permission Slips and Student Forms, Create Form, Choose 'Nomination form'
Nominations Close 25 August
Voting Starts 31 August
Voting Closes 10 September

What's coming up?

25-29 August- tournament week with numerous teams away around the country competing.
29 August - Mid Term Break - School Closed
2-5 September - Literacy/Numeracy Exams
9 - 16 September - Derived Grade Exams1
10 September - Board Voting Closes
10 September - Community Education Open evening - 6pm in the Hall
19 September - End of Term

Kia Kaha

Gary Moore