Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Howick College, After many years as a principal, I have learned that in education, no news is often good news. I have also learned that for every negative comment received, there are usually 100 positive ones that go unsaid. This week has once again reminded me just how exceptional our students are.
On Saturday, I watched our 2nd XV boys' rugby team play. Despite being down on numbers due to illness and injury, they did not give up, and each player should be proud of their efforts. Later in the day, while finishing some work, I received an email from the referee of the game. The first line read:
"I don’t think I’ve ever felt so compelled to provide a principal with feedback in my time refereeing Rugby Union."
Given my past experiences with correspondence from rugby referees, and wondering what I had missed at the game, I braced myself for the worst and hesitated to read further. However, when I finally did, I discovered a pleasant surprise:
"Your team, although outplayed, held their spirit, their values, were articulate, grateful, and were an absolute credit to Howick College. As we know, rugby can sometimes be uber combative, leading to aggressive behavior and attitudes. Your boys faced some of that from their opposition but stood their ground well and competed without compromising the good faith and spirit they played with until the final whistle. Please pass on my congratulations to both the team and their coach, and keep up the good work you’re doing at Howick. I’ve had the fortune of refereeing the Girls 10s in past seasons, and they’re equally impressive humans on the field with similar great humanity."
 Deputy principal Mr Bannister with our student leaders at Senior Ball. Later that evening, at the school ball, venue staff provided unsolicited feedback about our students, praising their behaviour and noting what outstanding young people they are. These staff members manage at least 20 balls every year, so they have a clear idea of what well-behaved looks like.
Both these moments reinforced for me the importance of giving positive feedback when it is deserved. You never know - you may be the only one who bothers to send that email, text, note, or comment. Remember how good it feels to receive a positive comment and make an effort to pass it on.
These experiences also reminded me of the exceptional character of Howick College students and the importance of maintaining high expectations for them while supporting them to achieve even greater heights. |
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Have a great weekend.
Dale Burden
Principal/Tumuaki | | Friday 31 May
Teacher Only Day
Uxbridge Fridays@12 Concert
Monday 3 June
Kings Birthday Observed
(Public Holiday)
Wednesday 5 June
School Board Meeting
Wednesday 19 June
East Auckland Schools
Career Expo
Friday 21 June
Howick College Food Festival
Friday 28 June
Matariki Observed
(Public Holiday)
Monday 1 - Wednesday 3 July
String Orchestra & Jazz Band Tour
Friday 5 July
Term 2 Ends
Monday 22 July
Term 3 Begins
Monday 29 - Wednesday 30 July
School Production 2024
Blood Brothers
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Looking Back - 1979:
The First Howick College Yearbook The 1979 yearbook editors from left: Chris Hebditch, John (Bull) Hancock and Martin Scott. After an initial five years of rapid growth in student numbers and buildings, 1979 was an eventful year for the school, culminating in the publication of the first Howick College yearbook. Edited by 7th formers John Hancock, Chris Hebditch, and Martin Scott, the yearbook featured highlights such as the major school production of "Oliver," a French trip to Noumea, and the school's second ever ball held at the renowned Mandalay Lounge in New Market. The first ball had been held the previous year in the Howick Intermediate School Hall.
The editors modestly described the publication as "the first year that Howick College has produced a magazine of this nature. It may not be particularly awe-inspiring, but this is not through lack of trying."
While no longer edited by students, this inaugural yearbook marked the beginning of a tradition that continues to celebrate the events and achievements of Howick College to this day.
 For updates and information regarding our 50th Jubilee, please visit our website and follow us on our Howick College Alumni facebook page. If you are interested in becoming a 50th Jubilee sponsor, please email [email protected] Pink Shirt Day 2024 Our Howick College student leaders get behind Pink Shirt Day Huge thanks to everyone in our Howick College whānau who got behind Pink Shirt Day last Friday! Our school was a sea of pink, showing incredible support from students and staff. Special mention to the Social Studies Department for their mahi with the pink bunting that adorned our school with thoughtful anti-bullying messages. Your dedication to kindness and inclusivity truly shone through. By participating, we sent a powerful message: bullying is never okay.
Let’s keep this spirit alive every day!
Inter-house Chess Competition This term, we hosted our inaugural inter-house chess competition, where teams of four from each house battled it out during their lunchtime over five intense days. The competition was fierce, with only two points separating the top four teams by the end. Congratulations to our champions, INGHAM House!
Teachers as Lifelong Learners This week we celebrated 7 Howick College teachers who have this year gained their full registration and are now recognised as fully qualified teaching professionals. In recognition of their achievement, we hosted a celebratory morning tea, where they were presented with a certificate and small gift. Well done to all!
Celebrating HYC Youth Week Our 3 HYC representatives and Ingham Council members (centre) dish out hot chocolate and compliments. Youth Week is a nationwide event held from 20-26 May that aims to bring youth together to take on challenges, share ideas and focus on the positive aspects of being young. The theme this year was "we may not have it all together, but together we have it all." Our dedicated Howick Youth Council representatives Bhavya Madan, Prajna Chaudhry, and Kate Donnell, organised various activities throughout the week including compliment notes around the school that students could give to their friends, Jump Jam in the theatre during Tuesday lunchtime and free hot chocolate for students as they arrived at school on Wednesday morning. Drawing Club Competition - Term 1 Winner Manvir Sidhu and her winning entry Congratulations to Manvir Sidhu (Y9), who was named the Term 1 winner of the Drawing Club competition for her detailed study of a human eye. The Drawing Club runs during Thursday and Friday lunchtimes in C17, with the support of Mr Dymond and Mr Thompson. The club offers a relaxed space where students can hone their drawing skills with pencils, charcoal, pastels, and more, with all materials provided.
The club holds a termly competition where the best pieces of artwork not only receive a prize but will also
be featured in the school yearbook. New members are very welcome. Careers DepartmentEAST AUCKLAND CAREERS EXPO
Wednesday 19 June, Howick Leisure Centre
We encourage all Y 12 students to take the opportunity to travel with us to the Careers Expo held in Highland Park, at no cost. The expo provides exposure to a variety of career pathways, ranging from world work, apprenticeships, Defence force, polytechnics or universities. Emails have been sent to all year 12 parents/caregivers. Those wishing to attend should complete the google form included in the email ASAP. Spaces are limited.  | | UPCOMING VISITS
NZMA Visit:
Mon 27 May, Lunchtime in H3
Get a glimpse into a range of courses like Trades, Health, Early Childhood Education, Pharmacy and much more of what they have to offer.
University Scholarships:
Weds 29 & Thurs 30 May, Lunchtime in H3
Offering to provide support to those year 13 students who require guidance with researching school leaver scholarships.
University Applications:
Thurs 30 May, Interval in H3
Offering to provide support to those year 13 students who require guidance with university applications
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Fridays@Twelve ConcertsThe popular Fridays@Twelve concerts are back for 2024!
Where: UXBRIDGE Arts & Culture Centre When: Friday, 31 May at 12:00 noon.
Admission: Just $5:00 at the door.
Our talented musicians are practicing hard and looking forward to entertaining you with a variety of styles and musical genres. This year, alongside our fabulous Howick College Jazz Band, String Orchestra and Choir, there will also be solo and duet vocal performances.
See you there! | |  |
Howick College Book of the WeekMiss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs“I am ugly. There's a mathematical equation to prove it.” At only eight months old, identical twin sisters Ariel and Zan were diagnosed with Crouzon syndrome - a rare condition where the bones in the head fuse prematurely. They were the first twins known to survive it. Growing up, Ariel and her sister endured numerous appearance-altering procedures. Surgeons would break the bones in their heads and faces to make room for their growing organs. While the physical aspect of their condition was painful, it was nothing compared to the emotional toll of navigating life with a facial disfigurement. Ariel explores beauty and identity in her young-adult memoir about resilience, sisterhood, and the strength it takes to put your life, and yourself, back together time and time again.
This non fiction book is suitable for readers of any age interested in the extraordinary challenges faced by Ariel and her sister Zan in a world where physical appearance is considered to be of paramount importance.
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Sports News1st XV Girls Claim Another Victory A damp but elated team celebrates another convincing win. Our 1st XV Girls continued their winning streak as they notched up another impressive win, this time against Epsom Girls Grammar. Despite Monday's dismal weather, they dominated EGGS to come out on top with a final score of 79 -5. Next week they face McAuley High School in a home game on Monday 27 May at 4:00pm. They would love to see you there. Bronze for Howick College Inline Hockey Team Back row: Mr Uy, Nathan Hahn, Jack Brown, Cohen Hollins, Hugo Rice, Owen Brown. Front row: Devin Cooper, Dash McCann. Despite a tough semi-final loss against hometown favorites and last year's champions, Hamilton Boys' High School, our boys played exceptionally well at last weekend's NZSS Inline Hockey Tournament. The team was the only one to score goals against Hamilton Boys' in the whole tournament, with 3 impressive goals. In the bronze medal final against Hillcrest High School, our boys claimed a convincing 10-7 win. Their bronze medal is even more impressive considering they played with only 6 players plus 1 goaltender, showing incredible fitness and determination as they had to play for much longer shifts and with no rolling subs.
We are extremely proud of each and every player who contributed to the team's success-
Jack Brown: Captain and top goal scorer in every game except the final.
Owen Brown: Outstanding performance with 7 goals in the bronze final and 2nd highest goal count for the competition.
Devin Cooper: A solid defender who normally plays ice hockey, this was only his 2nd time playing inline.
Nathan Hahn: Impressive improvement.
Cohen Hollins: Only other goal scorer and some good assists.
Dash McCann: A promising newcomer.
Hugo Rice: Despite being new to the position, he stepped up as goalie.
Roller Hockey Player Off to Italy With NZ U19s Connor Vazey (pictured centre in blue) with U19 NZ team members and the Macau China team (in green) We are delighted to share the exciting news that Year 11 student Connor Vazey (MacDonald House) has been selected to represent New Zealand in the U19 Men's Roller Hockey team. This selection reflects Connor's outstanding dedication, talent, and hard work in his chosen sport. Connor and his team are set to compete at the 2024 World Skate Games Italia, taking place in Novara, Italy, from September 7th to 14th. This international event will bring together the best roller hockey players from around the world, and it is a significant honor for Connor to be part of it.
We are incredibly proud of Connor and look forward to cheering him and his team on as they strive for success at the tournament.
Premier Teams DrawSATURDAY 25 MAY
Netball Premier Girls vs Westlake Girls High School, Venue: ANC Court C, Start: 9.30am
1st XI Football Boy vs King's College, Venue: King's College, Kick-off: 11:30am
1st XV Rugby Boys vs Pakuranga College, Venue: HOME GAME, Kick-off: 12:00pm
MONDAY 27 MAY
1st XV Rugby Girls vs McAuley High School, Venue: HOME GAME, Kick-off: 4:00pm
TUESDAY 28 MAY
UWH Senior Open vs Mahurangi Senior Open B, Venue: Westwave Aquatic Centre, Start:8:10pm
UWH Senior Open vs Mahurangi Senior Open A, Venue: Westwave Aquatic Centre, Start:8:35pm
UWH Senior Girls vs EGGS Senior Girls B, Venue: Manurewa Aquatic, Start: 7:40pm
UWH Senior Girls vs EGGS Senior Girls A, Venue: Manurewa Aquatic, Start: 8:30pm
Basketball Prems vs Dilworth, Venue: Dilworth, Start: 8:30pm
WEDNESDAY 29 MAY
1st XI Hockey Boys vs St Kentigern's, Venue: LEP, Start: 5:00pm
1st XI Football Girls vs St Kentigern's, Venue: HOME GAME, Kick-off: 4:00pm
Squash vs BDSC, Venue: Howick Squash Club, Start:3:15pm
Badminton vs Sacred Heart College, Venue: LEP Badminton Centre, Start: 3:30pm
THURSDAY 30 MAY
1st XI Hockey Girls vs Baradene College, Venue: LEP 1, Start: 5:00pm
FRIDAY 31 MAY
1st XI Football Boys vs Northcote College, Venue: HOMEGAME, Start: 3:15pm
Sports Notices
Follow Sport @ Howick College
For sports draws, results and the latest sports news, follow Howick College Sports on Facebook and Instagram or visit the Sports page on the Howick College website by clicking on the icons below.
Community NewsHowick Rotary - Blankets 4 Kids 4 WinterWinter is on its way and the unfortunate truth is that many families in the community will not have enough blankets to keep their kids warm on winter nights. If you have spare blankets that you would like to donate, please see the flyer below for community drop of points. If you would like to make a monetary donation instead, please go to https://howickrotary.org.nz/
Thank You for Your Support!  |
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