 Term 4 Issue 2 |
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Kia ora e te whānau o Whangaparāoa
The past fortnight has been one of celebration, honouring the achievements and growth of our senior learners as they complete an important chapter of their educational journey. It has been wonderful to see their hard work come to fruition, and we are incredibly proud of the resilience, dedication, and leadership they have demonstrated. Our recent senior academic prizegiving where we celebrated not only top academic performers but also those who have shown remarkable perseverance and commitment, was a testament to this. We wish our leavers all the best for their future and look forward to celebrating their future successes with them. Additionally, we extend our best wishes to our senior learners as they prepare for their NCEA examinations — good luck, and know that we are cheering you on every step of the way!
As we recognise the accomplishments of our senior learners, our focus remains steadfast on quality teaching and learning for our Year 7-10 learners. Just the other day, I was speaking with a Year 8 learner who shared their excitement about a project they were working on – the kind of enthusiasm that shows true engagement. Moments like this are at the heart of our mission; they remind us why nurturing curiosity and building a solid foundation for our younger learners is so vital. Our teachers are committed to creating these meaningful experiences every day, helping learners build the skills and confidence they need for lifelong learning.
Looking ahead, we are well down the pathway of planning for 2025 and are genuinely excited about what the year will bring. With a high intake of new learners, we are on track to have our largest roll ever. To support these plans, we have a Staff Only Day scheduled for November 15, dedicated to finalising the changes necessary to provide the best curriculum and learning experiences possible for our learners. This day will ensure that our planning is not only thorough but also aligned with our mission to continually enhance student learning.
Alongside academic growth, high attendance and ‘doing the right thing’ remain cornerstones of our college ethos. Regular attendance and a commitment to positive behaviour are fundamental to learner success, helping our learners build habits that will support them not only in school but throughout their lives. We ask for your ongoing support in encouraging these values at home, as together we create a strong foundation for our young people to thrive.
Ngatahi, Whakapono, Tutuki (Together, Believe, Achieve)
Ngā mihi nui
Steve McCracken
Tumuaki
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Recent News
Senior Excellence AwardsA Night of Honour and Achievement for our Senior Learners.
Last Wednesday, we celebrated the incredible achievements of our Year 11-13 learners at Ngā Tahu Kairangi, our Senior Excellence Awards. It was a night of recognition and respect as we honoured our rangatahi and acknowledged their hard work and dedication with Nicholas Bainov and James Boutell taking out the top two academic awards.
We were very fortunate to once again have multiple community and university awards and scholarships bestowed upon our learners this year:
Hibiscus Coast Astronomical Society Prize:
Aimee Dobbyn - Earth and Space compendium and a set of binoculars
Dr. Chris Benton Scholarship for Excellence in Biology:
Liam Zganec - $1,000
Hibiscus & Bays Local Board Scholarship:
Ruby Douglas - $1,000
Rotary Club Scholarship:
Indiana Shields & Lexie Ferguson - $1,000 each
University of Auckland 140th Academic Scholarship:
Nicholas Bainov - $5,000
University of Otago Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship:
Aimee Dobbyn - $5,000
University of Otago Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship:
Jesse Lu - $10,000
Auckland University of Technology Find Your Greatness Scholarship:
Maya Russell - $14,000
University of Otago 150th Entrance Scholarship:
Jessica Rigg & Eden Munro - $16,000 each
Nui te mihi to all our award recipients! Your success inspires us all, special mention to our Major Award winners. | |   |
Navigating AI RelationshipIn today's world, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has infiltrated almost every aspect of our lives, including relationships. The rise of AI-powered romantic and companion bots is particularly popular among young people, offering a new frontier in human interaction. Initially emerging in the gaming world, AI companionship has evolved into mainstream culture, with apps providing personalised experiences that range from platonic friendships to romantic encounters. These apps allow users to create and interact with virtual partners, raising significant privacy and ethical concerns, particularly for younger generations.
To find out more, visit: Navigating AI Relationships | |  |
ICAS ResultsThis year, we held 99 ICAS tests across Years 7 to 11, with some fantastic results. International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) is an internationally-recognised gold standard in academic competitions that challenges learners' higher thinking and rewards academic excellence. Of special note, our ICAS Writing results were the highest in Whangaparāoa's history, and well above the New Zealand average at all levels. A huge thank you to Bonita Menezes, our GATE coordinator, who ensures our learners have such rich opportunities each year.
Well done to all our participants
Year 7 - Lara Dutton & Joel Henwood
Year 8 - Harlan Gruebner, Matylda Radziszewska, Isla Moran, Jesse Radford, Jessica Chenery, Lilly Kearney
Year 9 - Rebekah Mountain, Amelia Gausden, Ashley Coultard, Jada Roxmouth, Livvy Graham, Mia Balmer, Molly Thorne, Yuki Cross
Year 10 - Ana Walker, Genya Sumac, Jorja Kearney, Sebastian Thorne
Year 11 - Amanda Fitzgerald, Balazs Papai, Holly Cheriton
Special congratulations to the learners who gained ICAS Distinction
- Matylda Radziszewska
- Jesse Radford
- Rebekah Mountain
- Amelia Gausden
- Amanda Fitzgerald
| |  Three of our learners who gained distinction: Jesse, Rebekah and Amelia |
Attendance UpdateAs mentioned in our last newsletter 48% of our learners attend school regularly ( 90%+).
We are focusing on improving this low statistic. It takes a collaborative approach between home and school and sometimes external providers to support regular attendance.
49% of absences relates to parents informing us their child is unwell. For extended periods of medical absence ( 4+ days) we may request a medical certificate.
In a young population we generally expect learners to be past the infectious stage of a viral illness in 2-3 days.
Sometimes there are lingering symptoms such as a cough. Please teach your child cough etiquette and hand hygiene so they can safely return to school.
Late to school
The expectation is that learners are on time and ready to learn each day.
In week 5 we will be tightening up our lates process
If a learner is justifiably late, we require written confirmation from a parent/ caregiver via the school bridge app or email [email protected]
Learners who are unjustifiably late will receive a lunchtime detention. | | We have a process to monitor and support learner attendance
- Kaiarahi (Regularly monitor and contact home)
- Deans (Followup regular non attendance)
- Attendance dean
- Referral to attendance services
- External agency referrals (PHN's, parenting support, mental health support, police)
- Section 19 referrals to Oranga Tamariki
- Removal from Whangaparāoa College roll under regulation 11 for continual non attendance
We have a wide range of pastoral support available in school and externally. Contact your child’s kaiārahi or dean if they require support with learning, ADHD assessment, counselling, health, bullying, school reluctance/ avoidance. They can connect you with the right support
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