Latest News

350 at MAC

Over two hundred trees were planted around the grounds of Mount Aspiring College on Friday to support and highlight 350 day.

The 350 organisation has the long term goal of reducing Carbon Dioxide (which currently stands at around 385 parts per million) to a more acceptable 350 ppm.

All over the world groups of volunteers have been doing their best to raise support and awareness to this cause. Click here to see the photos of Mount Aspiring College in fine tree planting form.

Welcome Back - Climbathon Success!

The holidays are long forgotten and Term Four has taken off like a rocket ship! The Aspiring to Everest 24 hour Climbathon was an amazing success. A fantastic turnout by the student and the very suppoortive community.

A great big thanks to all the sponsors for the event (click here for the Thank You note) and a big shout out for all those who climbed.

The work is not quite done - keep collecting that sponsorship money and watch this space for announcing the total donations collected.

Click here for the slideshow.

The End of Term 3!

After a busy term you may want to relax during the holidays!? Not so! All MAC students will be out and about collecting sponsors for the 'Aspiring to Everest' 24hour Climbathon at the beginning of next term (17th & 18th October).

See this weeks MAC Newsletter or watch this space for further information.

Today's Notices At MAC

Notices are entered to inform staff and students of events, meetings or announcements.

Click here to see the Mount Aspiring College notices that are distributed today.

This Weeks MAC Newsletter

Keep up to speed with all the goings on at Mount Aspiring College by reading the weekly newsletter.

Click here to view the latest edition.

MAC News Archive

MAC v Wakatipu Year 8 & 9 Sports Exchange

Lots going on at MAC these days - Years 7 & 8 have just entertained Wakitipu High School in a sports exchange. All students were involved in basketball, football, netball and rugby.

All those involved competed with fantastic attitude and enthusiasm which resulted in six out of the eight competitions being won by Mount Aspiring College teams.

Click here or on the image to the right or here to see the slideshow of some of the action.

Bon Jour Pour Lycée Du Mont Aspiring

There was a distinct French flavour at the college last Friday (1st May). As part of the Festival of Colour, the visiting play "Le Sud" (in which the South Island was colonised by the French and Wanaka is the capital city of the colony) asked the town to turn French for a day to join in the fun.

A Mufti day allowed students and staff alike to get out their berets and baguettes to create the Gaulic atmosphere.

To see some of the photographs of 'Le MAC' click on the image on the right hand side.

Sporting Success

There have been a number of outstanding sporting achievements lately but two events in particular need special mention.

Harry Llewellyn, Contantin Vogt and Liam Vincent competed in The 2009 Goldrush multisport event that covers over 375 kilometres of greulling Central Otago terrain. The Boys put in an outstanding performance and came first of the school teams.

A number of students competed in the South Island Adventure Race and our MAC Boys Team and our MAC Girls team came first in their events that involved navigation skills and exercises as well as all out slogs on bikes and treturous countryside.

All the students involved demonstrated passion, determination and a desire to enjoy the success of taking part and winning these events. Congratulations to all those involved.

For more information on these events have a look at the MAC Newsletters, and look out for the upcoming Success Story.

Success At The A & P Show

Well done to all those that were down at the A & P Show, either taking part in a activity at the MAC stand or just coming by and supporting by those at the display.

The site had a vibrant and fun vibe with plenty going on. Interactive computer displays, firelighting fund raisers, enterprising students, music drama and art students were all there. Even the weather came to compliment the party atmosphere with scorching sunshine for both days.

Feedback has been very positive with our site comparing favourably to other, more stuffy exhibitions on the show ground.

If you were there and took some photographs of the MAC tent send them to millera@mtaspiring.school.nz and we can display them here.

MAC Attack at the A & P Show

When you’re at the Show this weekend, make sure along with the normal highlights such as the Jack Russell Race the Alpacas and the Hay Bale Throwing Competition you catch what is going on at the Mount Aspiring College Site. Although the site won’t be able to compete with such incredibly dazzling and show stopping rural events it will be showing off everything that has made MAC what it is over the last twenty years. “Twenty Years Young” this year (since the official opening by Princess Anne) the site demonstrates the best of what we have here at MAC now and how we got to where we are today.

The display features a photographic, magazine and video archive of the twenty years to browse through. So step back in time at the MAC site and then get right up to date by signing up to the Facebook Group where you can catch up with old friends and the latest events here at Mount Aspiring College.

See you there,

Swim Day

This year's swimming sports day took place on Tuesday this week (24th February). Competition was as hotly contested as the atmosphere was in the Wanaka Community Pool. As ever, the spirit displayed was exemplary, with the enthusiasm and the noise levels reflecting this.

Thanks to the support from the community in helping the running of the day with the time keeping.

The following records were broken
• Boys Open 100m Freestyle, Liam Vincent (1.00.37secs)
• Boys Open Butterfly 25 m Liam Vincent (13.37secs)
• Boys Open Individual Medley 100m Liam Vincent
• Boys Over 16 50m Freestyle Liam Vincent (26.98secs)

Click here to see the slideshow

Athletics Day

What a stunning Wanaka day! Beautiful sunshine graced the 2009 MAC Athletics Day. Both track and field events were as hottly contested as the day turned out to be.

With all the events happening almost simultaneously it is very challenging organisationally but all went smoothly, greatly assisted by the hard work put in prior to the day, the help from 'The Friends of MAC' and the fantastic behaviour of the kids taking part.

Click here to see some of the action

House Day and Tug O' War

Thursday the 5th of February saw all our pupils take part in their various house at four special venues around Wanaka. Barker were located at Eely Point, Iron were based at Bremner Bay, whilst over the other side of the lake Pisa were ensconced on Pemboke Park and Roy were hanging out at Wanaka Station Park.

Numerous activities were played out on a gorgeous Wanaka sunshine day. The afternoon saw everyone on the school field to compete in the prestigious MAC Tug O' War.

There was blood, sweat and tears (not much blood actually!) with the House Challenge Shield up for grabs for the first time this year. Each house put in a girls and a boys team for each year. The team that won their qualifying heat and then the final took maximum points. At the end of the days all the points were tallied up to reveal the champion tugger house.

A great day, with great sense of adventure, involvement and fun displayed by all.

Click here for the House Day slideshow

and here for the Tug O' War slideshow

Sosei High School Visit

The Sosei Exchange has been up and running for a number of years and was established to give students from MAC and Sosei Junior High School an opportunity to experience each others countries, homestays, culture and language. For three lucky students the programme is for a 10 week period. Currently Sosei are on their ‘taster’ exchange time when a large group visit for one week accompanied by their two teachers.

In 2010 we are looking for MAC students keen to join this 10 week programme. The English Teacher from Sosei Junior High School, Mr Kenji Sataka has suggested that MAC students can arrange to come to them in Japan any time (traditionally the exchange students from MAC went in December & January and forfeited their summer holidays).  Of course, MAC students will have to liaise with their teachers, Deans and the ILC as to the appropriateness of when they do travel over there so as to not impact on their exam preparation etc but this is an opportunity not to be missed.

Sapporo has 10 ski areas within 1 hour of the school and so for keen skiers and boarders it may be a great way to check out that amazing Japanese snow!

Staff OP Day

The MAC Outdoor Pursuits programme is such an integral part of the college. In an day to celebrate this importance, the OP department shouted the other MAC staff to a day out. The crew hit the cliffs and the water at Riverside, a beautiful venue in the Matukituki Valley. Climbing, abseiling, canyoning and walking activities tested the metal of those involved.

Click on the image or here to see the slideshow of the days pictures.

2009 - A New Year, A New Term

Welcome to the start of the new year. We have new pupils and new staff here at MAC for the new year. Make sure you do all you can to make their beginnings here at the college as comfortable as possible.

In January we saw a special ceremony to welcome our new Deputy Principal, Greg Thorton. The ceremony was delivered in the traditional Maori fashion, with a party from his old school graciously handing him over.

Click here to see the more photographs from the event.

Prize Givings A Great Success

This year saw the Juniors (Years 7 to 9) and the Seniors (Years 10 to 13) showcased in their own rights for the first time. After a lengthy consultation with parents, staff and students alike, it was decided that the prize giving should be separated into two events. Junior Prize Giving was held on Thursday 4th of December and the Seniors Prize Giving was held the next evening on the 5th.

Both events saw the best offerings of live performances from both the Juniors and the Seniors, including performances from the national success The Slur Tones, and continued the tradition of being the 'Best Free Show in Town'.

The two evenings were very well attended by the community with 'standing room only' proving that that divide was not only a sound practical decision but a popular one too.

A recording was made of both events and dvds are available to buy, on request, from the college. Email millera@mtaspiring.school.nz to place an order or for further information on the contents of the discs.

It would be fair to say that all involved, both spectators and participants 'Enjoy(ed the) Success' of the two evenings.

Click here to see a full run down of all the awards for the Senior Prize Giving evening.

MAC Garden Furniture Fund Raising Raffle

Congratulations to Heather McClintock who has won the MAC Garden Furniture Raffle. A big thank you to Mitre 10 who donated the wonderful furniture to the college.  We are very grateful for their support. Thank you to all those that bought tickets but were unlucky. All proceeds of the raffle will be put to good use within the college.

Wayne Bosley Appointed New Principal of MAC

After a lengthy application and interview process that involved applicants from all over the country being quizzed by both the staff and student bodies of MAC a successor for Mr Maurie Jackways has been found.

Mr Wayne Bosley, whom you may already know, was found to be the best man for the job and was delighted by being chosen to lead the college.

Wayne has been the Deputy Principal here at MAC since 1999 and although he has been Acting Principal while Maurie has been on placement he is looking forward to the new challenges of officially being the top man.

ILC Oscars (Nov 08)

Whilst the bulk of the senior school has been under the whip for their exams the International students here at MAC have been feeling the pressure too. They have been racing against time in a 72 hour film making competition.

They brief - to make an informative, entertaining documentary style short film set out at Wanaka Airport. The four teams put together some great footage of Wanaka Beerworks, Wanaka Toy Museum, Have A Shot and Wanaka Skydive.

Eight ILC Oscars were then awarded by the judging panel with The Beerworks Boys picking up the much revered Best Movie and People's Choice.

Congratulations to all that took part

Maurie Jackways Student Farewell (Jul 08)

In their own inimitable style the students of Mount Aspiring College, lead by the Student Council, gave Maurie Jackways, retiring Principal of ten years a grand send off. Skits, slideshows and sketches, the Haka and Abba.

A real display of college talent for a very fitting cause.

Well done to all that were involved.

Maurice Jackways Staff Farewell (Jun 08)

A quiet little gathering was held (fittingly within the college) to celebrate the time and effort that Maurice Jackways has dedicated to the college over the last ten years.

Staff and good friends of Maurice really made the effort to go with the groovy flow in the 70's themed event. A 'This Is your Life' style presentation was shown and great fun was had by all.

Click here to see the photos

And here to see the presentation

MAC Champs 2008 (Jun 08)

In the winter months skiing and snow boarding are a large part of being here at Mount Aspiring College. Over 150 students took part in this years MAC Ski & Snowboard Champs this year at Cardrona Alpine Resort.

Although the visibility on the day wasn't great, the snow was and consequently a fantastic, if not exhausting, day was had by all.

Well done to all those competing - great spirit, determination and good sportsmanship was demonstrated by all, and congratulations to the overall champions.

Click here to download the list of competitors, their times and the overall places.

Or click here to see the slideshow.

Smokefree Rockquest Wanaka Region 2008 (May 08)

In a right royal battle of the bands, several bands from Mount Aspiring College competed for the honour of being in the running for selection to compete in the national play off.

With bands coming from Queenstown to Alexandra the competition was steep but one band conquered all, and will hopefully be flying the MAC pennant in the national finals. Congratulations to The Slur Tones!

Click here to see a slideshow of the night.

40 Hour Famine (May 08)

You can do your bit for the less fortunate on the planet by taking part in World Vision's '40 Hour Famine' next weekend (23rd - 25th May).

Every little helps, so don't think you can't do it. There are plenty of alternatives to famine for sponsorship too. Check out the website or get hold of Mr John Turnbull to get involved.

You can do it!

www.famine.org.nz

Term 2 - Off to a Flyer

After the endless summer that was Term 1 it really feels like the winter is upon us. An ideal time to get into those warm classrooms and put in a little quality time with your books or your latest project.

There is a lot of field trips and visits coming up, so it is really shaping up for another amazing term at MAC.

A Busy Term - A Busy Week (Apr 08)

After a knock out first term that has seen so much excitement we are now in the midst of the Quadrangle Tournament. Cromwell College and Fiordland College are currently visiting Wanaka to compete in a number of exciting challenges. Unfortunately the team from East Otago were unable to compete as planned so Mount Aspiring College is lucky enough to have two teams competing to make up the four teams.

The teams compete, in four age groups, at athletics events, swimming sports, volleyball, ultimate frisbee and a multisport based event that comes under the banner of 'Clash of the Colleges' (Click here to see the photos).

It is all go here at the college with another fantastic week at MAC!

NCEA Results 2007 (Feb 08)

Our Year 11, 12 and 13 students earned some great results last year – both in external examinations and internal assessments.

Scholarship Success (Feb 08)

These results were outstanding with 12 Scholarship passes achieved from eight Year 13 students. The really exciting aspect from our point of view is the wide range of subjects in which our students achieved these scholarships. Special mention should go to Laura Ferguson and Romain Poilvert who passed Scholarship with an ‘Outstanding’ Grade in Graphics and French respectively.

Tara Hurley Economics	James Mountier Statistics & Geography	Alison Reid Physical Education	Claire Davis English, Economics & History
Laura Ferguson ‘Outstanding’ – Graphics	Romain Poilvert ‘Outstanding’ – French	Mark Hogg Physics and Calculus	Jess Dean Physical Education

Welcome Back To MAC (Feb 08)

Another exciting year has begun at Mount Aspiring College. Welcome back to all those students that are returning from their summer break and a special welcome to those that are joining us for the first time. After the excitement of House Day (including the Tug O'war) has barely left us, we have the Athletics Day coming up and the Swimming Champs just around the corner.

The ILC Summer School Never Rests! (Jan 08)

There is no rest for the wicked. If you have a burning desire to learn English over the festive season you have come to the right place. The International Language Centre is open for business. From the 17th to the 21st of December and from the 7th of January until February there are classes available.

Click here to email us here at the Language Centre.

Or for more details click here to see the ILC Summer School Poster.

The MAC Boulder Has Arrived (Sep 07)

Yesterday morning (26th September 2007) one very large piece of equipment was added to the Mount Aspiring College inventory, a massive climbing boulder! It completed a long journey from where it has been lovingly manufactured in Christchurch, and was installed in it's final resting place on the school grounds.

As a valuable resource for the whole community of climbers, the boulder has a prime spot at the front of the college, just off Plantation Road.

Although it has been a while in arriving, this is just the beginning of the story of the MAC Boulder. We look forward to it educating and entertaining us for many years to come.

The Fastest Car in New Zealand History! (Aug 07)

Year 10 Technology students have been racing their CO2 Dragsters in a national competition last week and our two MAC representatives were placed forth and first! The winning car recorded the fastest ever time for a New Zealand built car and will be competing next against the Australians.

Click here to see the slideshow

MAC Boulder Is On Its Way! (Jun 07)

Finally thanks to much hard work and fund raising (See 'Boulder Fund Raiser (May 07) below) The Mount Aspiring College Climbing Boulder is on its way to its position on the school grounds. Excitement mounts as chatter of where the boulder will be placed. The boulder will be available for use by the general public and so will be in a prime site somewhere outside the front of the college.

All going well the boulder should arrive this week!

OKC Conference and Expo (Jun 07)

Anyone in Japan who wishes to find out more about Mount Aspiring College should attend the OKC Conference in Osaka and Tokyo. Our agent and friend Mr Kazu Hisatomi will be there to assist and inform on all the exciting goings on at MAC. The Conference is in Osaka on the 29th of September and Tokyo the very next day (September 30th).

For more information on this item email ilc@mtaspiring.school.nz

Boulder Fund Raiser (May 07)

Thanks for all your support at the Wanaka Home Show last weekend (19th May). The fantastic turn out and it's contributions to the boulder fund will be very gratefully received.

Keep watching this space for upcoming news of the MAC Boulder.

Level 1 to 3 Assessments Coming Up (March 07)

With assessment approaching for the Level 1, 2 and 3's, you need to keep up to date with when and where they are. Click below to view the times and dates of all the assessments taking place at MAC in the near future.

MAC Level 1 to 3 Assessment Schedule

OP Questionnaire (March 07)

Would you like to win a $50 dollar voucher from Katmandu? If you were a former student on Mount Aspiring College's Outdoor Pursuits Programme, then you could can enter the draw right now.

Download the two short questionnaires below (only one entry per person) and return them by the 18th of May to be in the draw.

Good Luck!