Maddi Makes NZ Secondary Schools' Track and Field History
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Congratulations to Maddison Wesche (Y13) who has created history at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Track and Field and Road Championships held in the Hawkes Bay, winning her fifth consecutive schools title in the senior girls’ shot put, breaking her own championship record with a throw of 17.02 m.
Maddi, whose final NCEA exam was Level 3 history last Friday, was philosophical about her last act in school colours. “It’s pretty sad to be leaving school, but I’m moving on to bigger and better things, which is good!” Bigger also includes an increase in the size of the shot put. “I just threw 3kg for the last time ever, so from now I’ll be throwing 4kg.”
Maddi said her next goal is to qualify for the World Junior Athletics Championships in Finland next year. “I’ll be training hard, trying to qualify for the worlds next year, so 14.90m with the heavier put is my aim.”
Maddi is the only student to have held a title in the same event for the five years she has been in secondary school.
Hillary Outdoors Education Centre Tongariro
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In Term 2, 74 Lynfield College Year 13 Physical Education students spent a week at the Hillary Outdoors Centre in Tongariro National Park. This camp formed the practical component of an achievement standard looking at issues in safety management in the outdoors. While at the camp the students were split into groups and spent the week under the guidance of highly skilled and inspirational outdoor instructors. The days consisted of an assent of Mt Tongariro, abseiling, caving, tramping, high and low ropes courses, kayaking, rock climbing, skills for outdoor survival and an overnight expedition.
The ethos at Hillary outdoors is ‘challenge by choice and the students certainly were challenged! For many, this was their first experience in an alpine environment and sub-zero temperatures. The students were pushed out of their comfort zone both physically and mentally and learnt the value of working as a team to overcome the challenges put in front of them. An overnight expedition was the culmination of the week and tested students’ leadership, endurance, safety management and teamwork ability.
This camp was a once in a lifetime learning experience, both in the outdoors and also for what the students themselves were capable of achieving under adversity. Their PE teachers were extremely proud of the ways in which the students represented the school. They rolled up their sleeves, accepted the challenge and embraced the College motto
‘Learn to Live’.
‘Learn to Live’.
Hitting the Hillary Trail
Our Level 2 Outdoor Education Students completed tramping and navigation assessments in the Waitakere Ranges during week 6.
Although tracks were a bit muddy, weather conditions generally were excellent and allowed stunning views all along the Hillary trail. The students navigated successfully, maintained a sustainable camp at Whatipu and prepared nutritious food.
The students are looking forward to the next steps in this assessment in August … at Piha!
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