Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Howick College, We were delighted to welcome our students back for Term 2 this week. The break has provided us all with an opportunity to rest, reflect, and recharge for the upcoming term. Collectively, we can take pride in the progress made during Term 1 and the positive steps we've taken toward achieving our annual goals for the year. In particular, the resetting of our expectations regarding uniform, attendance, and behavior has yielded very positive results. We recently sent out a reminder about these areas, along with mobile phone expectations, in a separate letter during the last week of the holidays (which can be read here).
Attendance has been particularly pleasing, and I extend my congratulations to Ingham House and our Year 13s for leading the attendance table in Term 1. Well-deserved recognition with 6 points awarded to Ingham.
  We understand the significant link between academic success and attendance, but merely being present is just the beginning. Engagement in learning is the next crucial step. An article in The Guardian newspaper on January 11, 2024, by Caitlin Cassidy highlighted how lower PISA scores in many western countries can be attributed to lower levels of engagement and enjoyment in school. PISA also collects data on this aspect.
A present and engaged student stands a better chance of realizing their full potential. An engaged student understands the purpose of being at school. They thrive in classrooms where teachers know them as individuals and learners, catering to their learning needs and demonstrating the relevance of their studies. A positive learning relationship in a classroom fosters engagement, where students respect and appreciate their teachers, and disruptive behavior is effectively managed. Engaged students feel safe, free from bullying, and have access to clean, well-maintained school facilities. They receive support from both adults and peers when needed and have ample opportunities to explore their interests in sports and the arts beyond the classroom. Engaged students are content and feel a sense of belonging.
While I commend the government's efforts to improve attendance, we must recognize that engagement is paramount. This necessitates a closer examination of what happens once students are at school. At our college, we are continually striving to enhance our practices. The feedback we receive from students is invaluable as we make decisions. I particularly appreciate direct feedback from students about their experiences at our college.
We are pleased with our progress in Term 1. Our students not only attend but are also actively engaged. May this continue. However, we remain committed to further improving our college to ensure the best possible student experience, setting them up for success now and in the future. |
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Have a great weekend.
Dale Burden
Principal/Tumuaki | | Tuesday 7 May
Parent Interviews (4:00 - 7:00pm)
School will close at 1:40pm
Thursday 9 May
Po Fiafia Evening
Monday 13 May
Paid Union Meeting.
School will close at 12:00pm.
Wednesday 15 May
Parent Interviews (4:00 - 7:00pm)
School will close at 1:40pm
Friday 17 May
Pink Shirt Day
Saturday 18 May
Senior School Ball
Friday 31 May
Teacher Only Day
Uxbridge Fridays@12 Concert
Monday 3 June
Kings Birthday Observed
(Public Holiday)
Wednesday 5 June
School Board Meeting
Friday 21 June
Howick College Food Festival
Friday 28 June
Matariki Observed
(Public Holiday)
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2024 Distinguished Alumni Award - Daniel Williamson Dan Williamson with his proud parents, Simon and Diane, and Howick College principal, Mr Dale Burden The Howick College Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to former students who have shown outstanding accomplishments in their chosen field or profession. These individuals have not only excelled in their careers, they have also made significant contributions that positively impact various aspects of community wellbeing, including physical, mental, social, arts and cultural, sporting, environmental, and economic. These awards are a celebration of the diverse achievements of our expanding alumni network and serve to recognise and commend the recipient's positive impact on society.
On Thursday, April 11th, we warmly welcomed Daniel Williamson and his family back to our college to honour him as a recipient of the 2024 Howick College Distinguished Alumni Award. Daniel, a 2020 Olympic gold medallist and professional athlete for Rowing New Zealand, grew up in Beachlands and attended Howick College from 2013 to 2015. As a founding member of the Howick College Rowing team, he notably represented the college as both the team flag bearer and sole team member at the 2015 Aon Maadi Cup Regatta. Dan went on to take 5th place in the Single Sculls event, an exceptional achievement for a novice rower, which also earned him the 2015 Howick College MVP Award for rowing.
Daniel fondly recalls his time at Howick College, reflecting that it holds a special place in his heart as it was where his passion for sports was born and his rowing career began. He credits the college for nurturing his love for rowing and helping him to develop the resilience to overcome challenges, injuries, and setbacks. Since his days at Howick College, Daniel's rowing career has continued to flourish, culminating in his gold medal win at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to Covid-19).
Having earned a scholarship to Yale University, Dan travelled to the USA in 2019 to join their top varsity eight rowing team. The first ever first-year to sit in the stroke seat, Dan captained his team to victory at the Rowing Association National University Championship that year. His rowing performance at Yale and in New Zealand went from strength to strength, eventually leading to his selection for the NZ Men's Eight team, who rowed their way to the Olympic gold medal in 2020. Dan graduated from Yale in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in Astronomy. In that same year, he was honoured with Yale's prestigious William Neely Mallory Award for outstanding sporting achievement and exemplary sportsmanship.
In his Distinguished Alumni Award acceptance speech, Dan expressed his gratitude for his recognition by Howick College and spoke of the significance of returning to his former school to receive the award and share his experiences with the next generation of young athletes. His inspiring story embodies our college's values of Courtesy, Commitment, Curiosity, and Courage and we are immensely proud of Daniel's accomplishments. We congratulate him once again on this well-deserved honour and look forward to watching his journey continue as he now prepares for the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
To read Dan's full award citation, please click here.
 Dan's acceptance speech inspires the audience to pursue their goals. | |  The Howick College Rowing Team was excited to meet an outstanding role model. |
 Dan takes the time to listen to our aspiring young athletes and offer words of encourage and advice. | |  Head student, Kalos Robinson-Frani enjoys the chance to wear an Olympic gold medal. |
Parent/Caregiver Interviews - Bookings Now OpenWe are pleased to welcome parents and caregivers on site for our 2024 Parent Interviews. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 7 May and Wednesday 15 May, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Bookings can be made via the Portal on our website or by clicking here. When booking multiple interviews, please remember to allow time to get from one interview to the next. Our campus map with highlighted interview rooms can be viewed here.
Please note: To accommodate preparation for the interviews, the school will close early at 1:40pm on both dates. Please see the ammended timetable below:
9:10am – 10:10am Period 1
10:10am – 11:10am Period 2
11:10am – 11:40am Interval
11:40am - 12:40am Period 3
12:40am - 1:40pm Period 4
Buses will run from 1:40pm.
This excludes the Maraetai overflow bus which will run at the normal time.
Paid Union Meeting - Early ClosureWe would like to remind parents and caregivers that there will be a regional PPTA paid union meeting on Monday 13 May from 1:00pm - 3:00pm. All PPTA staff members are required to attend. Therefore, due to the resulting shortage of teaching staff, the school will close early at 12:00 noon.
The timetable will be amended as follows:
8:45am – 9:24am Period 1 (40 mins)
9:25am – 10:05am Period 2 (40 mins)
10:05am – 10:35am Interval (30 mins)
10:35am - 11:15am Period 3 (40 mins)
11:15am - 11:55pm Period 4 (40 mins)
Buses will run from 12:00pm
Please note: This excludes the Maraetai overflow bus which will run at the normal time. Po Fiafia Evening 2024 We are delighted to invite our Howick College community to join us in an exciting celebration of culture at our annual Po Fiafia evening featuring traditional dances, music, and cultural performances that showcase the rich diversity of the Howick College community. From the energetic beats of the Pacific Islands to the graceful movements of Asia, this will be a night to remember!
Date: Thursday 9 May 2024
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm (doors open at 5:30pm)
Venue: Howick College Gymnasium
Admission: Free entry but we welcome koha at the door!
Bring your friends and family to celebrate our community's rich cultural tapestry. Join us for an evening of entertainment and unity that you won't want to miss!
Future Leaders Academy, Cook IslandsCongratulations to Kaide Toia, our Howick College Board student representative, for being selected for the inspiring Future Leaders Academy programme held in Rarotonga during Week 2 of the Term 1 holidays. As one of 87 students aged 16-18 from across New Zealand (44 in week 1 and 43 in week 2), Kaide fully embraced this opportunity to step out of her comfort zone (click here to view Kaide’s Future Leaders Academy introduction video).  Kaide and her team work on real-life issues facing Air NZ. | |  Students took part in planning and strategy sessions.
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During the program, students were grouped into teams to tackle tasks related to business/economics, climate change/environmental issues, team problem-solving, and cultural/community activities. Kaide’s team faced real life challenges, such as strategizing customer service and marketing for Air New Zealand, but it was the climate change activity that made a significant impact on Kaide. Snorkelling the coral reef, she saw first-hand the effects of climate change. With bleached and with minimal plant and sea life, the reef had become an “underwater ghost town”.
 Learning to prepare food to cook in a traditional umu.
| |  Immersing themselves in the rich Cook Island culture.
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Community participation saw Kaide's team take part in cleaning up local beaches, while the cultural activities included attending Church on Sunday, learning traditional songs and dance, weaving flax baskets and preparing food to cook in an umu. Among the many unforgettable highlights was learning how to husk and grate a coconut, completing a very challenging 6 km hike to Needle Point, learning the traditional Cook Island dance, and most importantly, making new friendships.
Surrounded by young people similar to herself with strong opinions and high aspirations, was at times a challenge but it taught Kaide how to listen, compromise and draw diverse personalities together to achieve a common goal. Kaide strongly recommends the Future Leaders Academy experience to any young person looking to build their confidence, independence and leadership skills.
Environmental Action Leaders Project | | During the school holidays, Envirogroup members, Nikita Keeling (left) and Bella Hargreaves-Judd had the privilege of attending a 3-day Rangatahi Environmental Action Leaders (REAL) programme. The programme focussed on issues related to the environment, sustainability, and how to protect the earth and influence others. Students from schools across Tamaki Makaurau collaborated to develop action plans that would make a difference in their schools and communities. Our representatives, chose to organise an upcycling project to create a Howick College mural using plastic bottle caps.
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Members of our community can help the Envirogroup achieve their goal by dropping off their plastic bottle tops to the Student Office before the end of June. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Drama Students Bring Books to LifeAt the end of term 1, our scholarship Drama students had the pleasure of entertaining Year 0-3 pupils at Botany Downs School. The group brought three New Zealand picture books to life on stage, much to the delight of their young audience. It was an extra special experience for our students to perform The Littlest Lifeguard as the author and BDS librarian, Vanessa Hatley-Owen, was also in the audience. A former Howick College staff member, Mrs Hatley-Owen’s other books include When Dad Came Home and Farewell Anahera.
 With children’s author, Vanessa Hatley-Owen (centre front)
| |  Drama students performing “The Littlest Lifeguard”
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Pink Shirt Day All staff and students are encouraged to wear pink on Friday 17 May in support of “Pink Shirt Day”. Pink Shirt Day aims to raise awareness and help create a positive school environment free from bullying where everyone feels safe and valued and diversity is celebrated. By taking part in Pink Shirt Day 2024, you will be doing your part to eliminate bullying by celebrating diversity and promoting kindness and inclusion
Please note: Pink shirt day is a non-uniform day for those wearing major items of clothing (i.e. hoodies, sweatshirts, jackets, skirts, trousers etc.) that are pink. If you are not supporting Pink Shirt Day, then you must come to school in your normal school uniform. No donation is required however, the normal rules surrounding appropriate non-uniform clothing apply.
Uniform Reminder
As the days shorten and become a little chillier, we would like to remind students and caregivers that there are a number of warmer uniform options that students can choose from if they are feeling the cold. These include the following Howick College regulation items:
- Black waterproof jacket with crest
- Black V-necked jersey with crest
- Charcoal/white pinstripe ankle-length skirt
- Charcoal/white pinstripe trousers
- Black/red Howick College scarf
- Those wearing the knee-length skirt may also choose to wear black opaque stockings
- Singlets ONLY may be worn under the uniform shirt but must not be visible
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PLEASE NOTE: Beanies, tee-shirts and thermals (short or long sleeved), hoodies, sweatshirts and any other non-regulation items are NOT permitted and will be confiscated as outlined in our Uniform Process.
Careers Department
BCITO - Build Your Future EventPlacemakers is excited to launch "Build Your Future" with the support of BCITO. This event is ideal for those considering a career in the construction industry.
Date: Thursday May 9th
Venue: Placemakers in Mt Wellington
Time: From 6:00pm - 7:30pm.
Come along and enjoy an evening of connecting, learning and sharing valuable knowledge about the building and construction industry and the exciting career opportunities it has to offer.
This is a free event for students and their whanau. All attendees must register online by the 4th of May. Please scan the QR code for more information and to register. | |  |
Up-Coming Careers EventsNZ Customs School Visit - Monday 6th May
NZ Defense Force School Visit - Thursday 9th May
Future Intention Workshops for Year 13
Health Science / Medical - Monday 6th May at 10:10am in H3
Architecture / Art and Design - Tuesday 7th May at 10:10 in H3
Engineering - Thursday 9th May at 10:10 in H3
Business - Friday 10th May at 10:10 in H3
Sports News
Howick College Rugby Howick U15 Open Boys Team: The U15 Boys played their first pre-season game last weekend against Sacred Heart College, taking a convincing win of 38 - 17. There were some great individual performances but the most pleasing aspect was the teamwork displayed on attack and defense. For a relatively new team with some inexperienced players, there is a strong foundation to build on over the next few years and a bright future ahead for our 1st XV. Howick will meet Sacred Heart again when the competition kicks off in a few weeks as they are in the same pool.
1st XV Boys: The team will play Dilworth on Saturday 4 May at 1:30pm at Dilworth College in a promotion relegation game. Break out your RED and come along and support our boys in this important match.
1st XV Girls: The girls head off to Wesley College for what will become an annual fixture.
2nd XV Girls: The team played their first game of the season against Southern Cross, winning 6 tries to 2.
Our 7s girls will also play the Japanese National Secondary 7s champions on Tuesday next week at Howick College in an exhibition game against one of our sister schools, Kanto Mutsuura.
NZ Underwater Hockey RepresentativesCongratulations to following past and present students selected to represent NZ at the 2024 Underwater Hockey World Championship that will be held in Kuala Lumpur in July.
Women’s U19: Juliet Curwood (2023) Captain, Kendra Scully (Y13)
Men’s U19: Ben Hew (Y13), Rhyan Galloway (Y13) Res.
Women’s U24: Phoebe Ata (2023), Rebecca Deen (2019)
Men’s U24: Sam Marshall (2019), Tim Bavelaar (2019)
We wish them all every success! Sports Notices
Coaches, Managers, Organizers & Drivers Urgently Needed
This year, we are very excited to announce that we have more students than ever signing up to play winter sports, including netball, football, hockey, basketball, and rugby. In order to provide a quality experience for all these enthusiastic young players, we need your help! If you can offer your knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm and would like to become a part of TEAM RED, our Sports Department would love to hear from you! To find out more about how you can help, please email [email protected].
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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