 Term 2 Issue 2 |
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Kia ora e te whānau o Whangaparāoa
It has been another incredibly busy and positive few weeks at the College, with a huge range of opportunities and events taking place both inside and outside the classroom.
One of the real highlights recently was our very first Mother’s Day celebration, hosted by our Junior School. It was fantastic to welcome so many parents and whānau into the College to celebrate together through special performances, shared experiences and the strengthening of the important connections between home and school. Events like these are an important part of making a large school feel connected and relational, and we are already looking at how we can continue to build on this in the future — including the possibility of a Father’s Day event later in the year.
There has also been a huge amount of winter sport getting underway over the last few weeks. The attitude, commitment and sportsmanship shown by our learners has been exceptional and continues to make us all incredibly proud. A huge thank you must also go to the many coaches, managers and supporters who generously give up their time to make these opportunities possible for our young people. School sport simply could not happen without your ongoing support and commitment.
Another exciting event on the horizon is our upcoming school production, Footloose. Rehearsals and preparations have been outstanding, and the excitement around the school is building quickly. Tickets are available through the school website, however the Friday evening finale is already almost sold out. Make sure you get in quickly so you do not miss what promises to be an unreal show and a fantastic celebration of the talent within our school community.
Next week is also an important time academically for many of our learners. Nearly all Year 10 learners, along with those in Years 11–13 who are yet to complete their Literacy and Numeracy co-requisites, will be sitting their examinations. These are important assessments and, for many learners, their first experience of ‘high-stakes’ examinations. Learners should ensure they have all relevant information from their teachers and are well prepared for the assessment environment. Parents and whānau can play a huge role by supporting healthy routines, regular study habits, good sleep and positive preparation leading into the examinations.
Finally, as we move further into the winter months and the weather begins to deteriorate, this is a timely reminder regarding correct school uniform. Full details and expectations can be found on the College website, however we ask for your support in ensuring learners arrive at school in the correct uniform each day. In particular, shoes must be plain black shoes, rather than sandals, slides or UGG boots, and waterproof jackets should be the approved school regulation jackets.
Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support of our school and our young people. It continues to be a privilege to work alongside such a supportive and engaged community.
Ngātahi Whakapono Tutuki | Together Believe Achieve
Steve McCracken
Tumuaki | Principal |
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May15 Pink Shirt Day
19 Co-Requisite - Numeracy
20 Co-Requisite - Literacy Writing
Co-Requisite - Literacy Reading
21 North Shore Careers Expo (Year 12)
27 Whole School Assembly
27 - 29 Production - Footloose
28 Co-Requisite Catch up
29 Staff Only Day (School closed for instruction) June01 King's Birthday
17 Whole School Assembly
18 Loves Me Not (Year 12)
20 School Ball
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Recent News
Pink Shirt DayThis Friday, 15 May 2026 This Friday we will be recognising Pink Shirt Day - a day that promotes kindness, inclusion and standing together against bullying.
Learners are encouraged to wear pink as part of a non-uniform day.
There will be a range of activities available during morning tea and lunch for learners to participate in, including a water slide. Learners wishing to take part in the water slide are encouraged to bring: - A towel
- A change of clothes
There will also be a sausage sizzle ($2) if they would like to purchase food.
We look forward to seeing our school community come together to support this important day. | |  |
Junior Sports CampWritten by: Olive Neary Echeverria (Year 10)This years sports camp was very special. Over the week there was a constant atmosphere of excitement, joy, healthy competition, and hope. This camp is a place to celebrate sport with very likeminded people who come from far and wide with the coolest personalities and same intentions. Compared to the other years I have gone to, none have been like this, I made more new friends than ever and strengthened many other friendships, also competing with an extremely positive mindset from those around inspiring me. It all gave me a very strong sense of belonging. I again would like to say a huge thanks to Michelle, Jenna and Storm for creating such a strong group of people and for giving all of us the support and encouragement that lead to our best moments. For anyone interested in the camp I can’t recommend it enough to you.
Results Overall finish - 5th
Winners in - Totara TAG Boys, Totara TAG Girls, Wallball, Frisbee Golf, Mini Golf, Quiz/Quality Living
Runners up in - Bowls, Croquet, Darts, Petanque | |    |
FootlooseThis entertaining full-blown musical experience features a 10-piece live school band that will have you tapping your toes in your seat!
Our learners have poured their hearts and souls into making this an unforgettable night for our college community.
Grab your tickets from our school website (or at the door if we don't sell out!) and join us for a night of music, dance, and drama!
Whangaparāoa College Auditorium
Wednesday 27 - Friday 29 May
Adults $15, Children/Learners $12, Whangaparāoa College Learners $10
www.wgpcollege.school.nz for tickets
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Co-Requisite ExamsFriendly reminder to the parents and caregivers of our Year 10 learners and selected Year 11 -13 learners who received notification via email regarding next week's co-requisite exams. Please ensure your learner is aware of the following schedule: - Numeracy - Tuesday, 19 May at 9am
- Writing - Wednesday, 20 May at 9am
- Reading - Wednesday, 20 May at 1:30pm
For specific details regarding exam expectations and a list of required equipment, please refer back to the email sent last week.
Wishing all our learners the best for these exams. | |  |
Auckland Writers FestivalWritten by: Lace Sanford (Year 8)On Tuesday, the 12th of May, some intermediates and Whangaparāoa College went to the Auckland Writers Festival. They heard from talented, hard-working authors who spoke about their writing journey and what inspired them most. One of the key takeaways was that Dr Hinemoa Elder highlighted the significant benefits of using pen and paper for our brain health and well-being. A speaker that many learners and teachers enjoyed was Kenneth Chapman, who humorously told us stories about his determination and resilience. He walked dangerous paths and even rode a bike 500kms in 2 days without training, the longest bike ride he had ever done previously was 60km. He taught many of us not to give up and keep on trying even when times are tough. It was encouraging to have so many learners in the room who love writing and telling stories. 5 individuals were given the chance to share a paragraph of anything they desired. It was a great opportunity to listen to other learners' stories and get new ideas. At the end of each author's presentation, there was a chance to ask questions, which helped us to see that everyone has their own story to share. | |   |
Junior School Mother's DayOur Junior School Mother's Day Showcase was a fantastic celebration of talent, confidence, and hard work. Over the past few weeks, our learners organised, rehearsed, and put in a huge effort to prepare for an afternoon full of energy and entertainment.
The audience enjoyed performances from our Junior Kapa Haka group, Junior School Choir, Year 7 Drama Group, a talented solo singer, and the energetic 7OGD Dance Group!
We are incredibly proud of all our performers and the way they showcased their talents on stage.
A huge thank you to our whānau and community who came along to support our learners. Your encouragement meant so much.
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School Day Reminders for WhānauA reminder that the school is unable to provide messaging services to learners during the school day unless there is an emergency. If you need to contact your learner during school hours, please do so via their school email address.
The school office is also unable to deliver lunches, clothing, or other personal items to learners during the day. We have nearly 2,000 learners on site each day and do not have the resources to provide a delivery service.
For the safety and security of our learners and staff, all visitors to the school during the school day must report to Main Reception on arrival and may not access other areas of the school, including Te Whare Hauora. If you need to sign your learner in or out during the day, this can be done via the Main Reception. | |  |
Te Whare HauoraThe 1% Fortnightly Shift Stable Fuel for Stable Moods - Pair a protein with a carb (e.g., an apple with peanut butter or yogurt with muesli). High-sugar snacks lead to a "glucose spike" followed by a "crash," which causes irritability and a loss of motivation. Protein slows down energy release.
- Consistent energy levels mean fewer afternoon slumps and more patience during challenging tasks.
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MoE Staff Only DayFriday 29 May To support the successful rollout of curriculum and assessment changes, Whangaparāoa College will be closed for instruction for all learners for a Ministry of Education Staff Only Day on Friday 29 May.
This day will provide an opportunity for teachers to participate in professional learning and planning focused on new curriculum content and smarter assessment approaches.
We appreciate your support. | |  |
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