Thanks to everyone who supported our 40 hour famine night market. Students slept overnight at the school in cardboard boxes, fasting from talking, technology, furniture, food, among other things.

The final tally for amount raised will be announced after the Secondary Arts showcase on the 26th of June, where pieces of art made over famine weekend will be auctioned. 

Hopefully we can raise a good amount for the children of South Sudan. 

Cornerstone hosted the second annual Hastings Christian School Sports exchange this week. From the first game where Cornerstone lost 25 to 26 in Netball, to the last game of basketball at the Arena, it proved to be not Cornerstone’s event. Regular Cornerstone sports teams, like Senior Boys Hockey, had convincing wins, and sports that Cornerstone doesn’t regularly play, like Senior Boys Football, had convincing losses. An honourable mention should go to Amon, the only Year 9 on the field in senior boys who earned man of the match as goalie despite the final score being nine to nil.
The event was about more than just sport, starting with a welcoming powhiri ceremony and song, eating meals together, and a combined games night all developed healthy friendships off field – despite the rivalry on field. As one student described it ‘ after spending all this time together, it started to feel like we were all at the same school’. As the Hastings bus left the carpark, Hastings students held up signs to their windows showing contact details, and also showing the strong connection between the schools. 
​Photos by Year 12 and 13 photography students.

As part of the annual Rotary Music Festival, Cornerstone Senior Music class performed at Bethany's Cafe this week. The performers included recent Rockquest groups, original songs and NCEA compositions by Level 1, 2 and 3 Music class students.
For many the memorable moment was Namory's latest entertaining and memorable  lyrics, with his hiphop song about christian parties.
​Thanks to Palmerston North Rotary Club and Bethany's Cafe for having us. 

With flashing lights, evolving costumes, a Robotic Ninja, and a giant Cell Phone and Twink bottle, the wearable arts festival was a celebration of creativity. Organised and ran by the Year 13 social committee, students completed for prize packages, and plaza vouchers. The biggest surprise came from Industrial Revolution Category entrants; Hannah and Emily whose giant candle costume suddenly dropped to reveal two models wearing digital lighting.
 
The Supreme Award went to Amy and Sarah Pinkney - who spent over 20 hours cutting and folding paper flowers and butterflies, for their garden themed dress. 

In their final year at Cornestone, Year 13 Music students rocked the globe theatre at this year's Rockquest. Entering the tightly contested Solo/duo category, Levi and Bailey (pictured) scored a near perfect score for their original song.
Fresh from headlining his first local concert, Namory Keita who goes by the stage name "Sketchy Mugz" brought his own brand or African Rap Hip-Hop to the stage as a crowd favourite.  Neither act managed to win their category, but certainly did the school proud. Images courtesy of Smokefree Rockquest .nz

International Pink-Shirt day came to Cornerstone today, as a show of solidarity against bullying. Students dressed in pink and wore stickers with slogans such as "Stand Together" and "Speak Up".
​Organised by Year 13 prefect, Alice Tate-Davis, some students made pink items seem to fit well within their wardrobe, while others went all out with pink bunny ears, tutus, wings and even hair.   

​Over $600 was donated for Ms Stewart's Zambia trip today. Cornerstone Teacher Ms Stewart was delighted at the generosity of students, knowing the money goes so much further overseas.
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In previous trips, donated money has bought hundreds of stationery packs, uniforms for poor families, and teaching resources for Limapela Cedric's school near Kitwe in Zambia. It is neat to see students donating their personal money, especially considering our focus value this term is Kindness

Ms Stewart wanted to thank the generosity of the school, and felt humbled by having such support as she steps on the plane for this next mission trip. 

The last of the Term 2 Senior Biology trips saw the Year 12 Biology class trek through hours of native flora at Totara Reserve in Pohangina. Students were analysing the interaction between plants, and tracking the distribution of native trees.
Head of Science Mr Hewitt was impressed with student fitness on the lengthy tramp, as well as the curiosity and passion they had for the forest.

Naphtali tribe returned to their 2017 winning form, by coming out clear winner in this year's Cross Country. Run through reserves near Celaeno park, the 3km track, the hills were a quite a challenge for a few runners. This year's competition featured a new collect and combine clues competition for lesser competitive runners. Second place was a close battle with Issachar drawing ahead of Zebulun tribe by a single runner, with Asher tribe a single runner further back - remarkably close considering all runners from Year 5-13 were considered. 

The Year 13 Biology class traveled to Kahuterawa Stream near Linton today, to collect field data. As part of an internal NCEA standard, students needed to collect a raft of invertebrate samples from the stream. The experience shows us how complex and wonderfully made the micro eco-system of a stream really is. 

Teacher in charge, Mr Hewitt enjoyed the day, appreciating students' inquisitive minds, and willingness to "get in there up to your knees".