Term 2, Week 6, 2024

 
 

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

 

Tēnā  koutou, e te whānau o Howick College,

 

On Wednesday, we recognised World Environment Day. The theme for 2024 is "Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience." The day coincided with our college hosting the East Auckland Enviroschools Cluster Hui, featuring a special celebration of the eradication of the moth plant pest.

At the event, we were announced as the winners of the high school category in the Moth Plant Competition for collecting the most moth plant pods, seedlings, and vines. Congratulations to all the students involved and their wonderful teacher/mentors, Mrs Sundrum, Mr Henty, Mrs Slamat and Mr Barrett.

 

Mr Burden with members of the Howick College Envirogroup.

 

Our student envirogroup is very active, and their efforts over the years have helped us gain and retain our "Green-Gold" Enviroschool status. I greatly appreciate the way our students support the environment by taking direct action. Cleaning up beaches and rivers is far more productive and useful than waving placards and chanting slogans. Role modeling the behavior you expect is the best form of activism.

"Think globally, act locally" is a fantastic concept to understand and put into action. This could mean understanding a global environmental problem, such as plastics in the ocean, and focusing our efforts on cleaning up local beaches and waterways. Even closer to home, we can address the impact of litter on our college environment by encouraging students to use the many bins provided rather than littering.

This principle of taking action is echoed in the words of Ross Perot, a US businessman: "The activist is not the person who says the river is dirty. The activist is the person who cleans up the river." Similarly, Bill Nye, a renowned scientist, reminds us that to "leave the world better than you found it, sometimes you have to pick up other people's rubbish." These quotes highlight the importance of proactive efforts in making a tangible difference in our environment.

 

Have a great weekend.

Dale Burden
Principal/Tumuaki

 

KEY DATES

 

Wednesday 19 June
East Auckland
Schools Career Expo
 
Friday 21 June
Howick College Food Festival
 
Friday 28 June
Matariki Observed
(Public Holiday)

Wednesday 3 July

School Board Meeting

Thursday 4 July

Mid-Winter Festival

Friday 5 July

Term 2 Ends

Monday 22 July

Term 3 Begins

Tuesday 30 July - Saturday 3 August
School Production 2024
Blood Brothers

Wednesday 7 August
Y9 2025
Parent Information Evening

Monday 12 - Tuesday 13 August 
Winter Team & Groups Photos

Monday 26 August

Teacher Only Day

Monday 2 - Sunday 8 September
Winter Tournament Week

Wednesday 4 September
Y9 Out-of-Zone Enrolment Applications Close

Wednesday 11 September

Y9 2025 Out-of-Zone
Ballot Drawn

Monday 16 September - Friday 20 September

Senior Practice Exams

 
 
 

LOOKING BACK

2008: Howick College Presents Blood Brothers

 

Members of the original 2008 cast of "Blood Brothers"

 

In 2008, after three years without a major musical production, a determined group of Year 13 students petitioned the Drama Department for one last chance to showcase their talent. Mrs Dryden, the newly arrived head of the Arts Department, recognised their passion and decided to give these eager students the opportunity to perform the gritty British musical drama Blood Brothers by Willy Russell.

Mrs Dryden shared her thoughts with the Howick & Pakuranga Times in the lead-up to opening night: "The students have worked extremely hard over the past six months. They have done the college proud and are building a great name for the arts department."

The first Howick College production of Blood Brothers ran from August 19 to 23, 2008. The performance was a resounding success, revitalising the school's enthusiasm for a school musical and setting a high standard for future productions. Now, 16 years later, audiences will once again have the opportunity to experience this "bloody, brotherly tale" on stage at the Bill Dimery Performing Arts Centre. This revival promises to bring back the same intensity and emotional depth that captivated audiences in 2008.

 
 
 
 

For updates and information regarding our 50th Jubilee, please visit our website and follow us on our Howick College Alumni facebook page.

 
 
 

STUDENTS SHINE AT NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

 

From left: Lana Hattingh, Aria Takle-Lee, Finn O'Sullivan and Freya Newbould, proudly display their awards

 

The SGCNZ Sheilah Winn Shakespeare National Festival, held in Wellington over King's Birthday weekend, is a prestigious annual event celebrating student performances of Shakespeare's works. We are thrilled to announce that our talented Howick College students came away with FOUR awards!

Congratulations to the following awards winners:

  • Freya Newbould (actor/director) and cast members Finn O’Sullivan and Aria Takle-Lee, received the award for Most Outstanding Presentation of a Comedy with their 15-minute performance of "The Two Gentlemen of Verona."
  • Lana Hattingh took THIRD place in the SGCNZ/Ida Gaskin Shakespeare Essay Competition with her short story, which incorporated at least 20 phrases from Shakespeare’s plays, poems, or sonnets.
  • Finn O'Sullivan  earned the Assessor's Award for Excellence in Clowning.
  • Aria Takle-Lee was honored with the NSSP Selector Award: "Gosh You Make Me Look Good."
 

Well done to all our students on their incredible achievements! A special thanks goes to our Head of Drama, Mrs. Dryden, for her fabulous encouragement and support.

 
 
 

MOTH PLANT COMPETITION WIN

 

Howick Local Board representatives, Damian Light, Bruce Kendall  and Adele White don their jaunty moth plant pod hats to present Ashle Nicholls on behalf of her team "High Altitude Pickers" with a total of  $700 in prizes.

 

We are delighted to announce that Howick College team "High Altitude Pickers" (Nina Chiang, Tamara Hendry, Ishika Kapadia, Laura Lee, Bhavya Madan, Yastika Naidoo, Ashle Nicholls, Bailee Simon, Ashlee Stubenitsky and Tiffany Su), won two major prizes in the 2024 Pest Free Howick Moth Plant Competition. The team took 1st Place in the High School category, earning a $500 prize, and 4th Place in the open category, earning a $200 prize, with an impressive total of 9,482 pods and small vines collected.

All students in the Howick Ward were invited to take part in the competition, which saw participation from 53 teams (274 participants) ranging from early childhood centres to high schools. Together, they collected a total of 68,548 pods and 59,559 vines. It is conservatively estimated that as a result of our combined efforts, 2,132,584,600 noxious moth plant seeds will not germinate and negatively impact our native flora and fauna.

Winners were announced at the Enviroschools Hui hosted at Howick College this week. Well done to all participants!

 
 
 

EAST AUCKLAND ENVIROSCHOOLS HUI, 2024

 

Cate Jessup (far left) thanks our Envirogroup for their mahi in hosting the Hui and their commitment to the environment.

Held on World Environment Day, 5 June, the Howick College Envirogroup was delighted to host over 20 schools from the East Auckland cluster, including early childhood, primary, intermediate, and high schools, at the 2024 East Auckland Enviroschools Cluster Hui. This year's focus was on efforts to minimise waste in schools and announcing the Moth Plant competition winners. Members of our Envirogroup spoke to the Hui about the numerous projects they are currently undertaking, including building student leadership, creating a mural out of bottle caps to promote sustainability, supporting the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge Regreening project, the Howick College sustainable garden overhaul, the Terracycle Project to minimize soft plastic waste, the Mangemangeroa Reserve "nest" planting, and our ongoing waste management and recycling initiatives.

Sustainable schools advisor for Environmental Services, Cate Jessup, was incredibly impressed by the event and praised the Howick College Envirogroup for their mahi.

"I offer a huge mihi to our Howick College hosts, particularly the Envirogroup, for your commitment, leadership, and sharing your diverse sustainability actions. We wish you well in all of these projects. However, what impressed me most is how you are leading the way for a sustainable future. Thank you for your preparation for the cluster, which created such an inspiring space for everyone to come together. Sincere thanks go equally to your committed teachers and your principal, for supporting you and this kaupapa. We especially appreciate how you are nurturing your Envirogroup to become such empowered, courageous, courteous, committed, and collaborative leaders for your community. You are growing a generation of young people who instinctively think and act sustainably!"

 
 
 

JUNIOR CHEF WINS MIT COMPETITION

 

Left: Kalos prepares for the MIT competition. Top Right: His winning live-cooked breakfast. Bottom right: Addin the finishing touches to his decorated vanilla sponge cake.

 

Congratulations to aspiring chef, Kalos Bryer (Y12), for his outstanding performance at last week's MIT Junior Chef Competition. Kalos entered three events: Static Biscuits, Decorated Cakes, and a live cook-off where he had to prepare a full cooked breakfast in just 45 minutes!

Karlos earned a SILVER medal for his decorated vanilla sponge cake and took the GOLD in the live cook-off! He was also commended for his classic Kiwi afghan and ANZAC biscuits. This achievement is particularly thrilling as it's the first time in nearly 15 years that one of our students has entered the competition, and to achieve such an incredible result against seasoned schools and competitors is simply extraordinary.

In the live cook-off, Kalos impressed the judges with a hearty tomato, capsicum and chorizo shakshuka. This traditional Turkish dish featured perfectly poached eggs flavored with horopito and accompanied with buttered spinach, and the most delicious flatbreads. Not a single morsel was left after the tasting, with the judges even polishing off the last few crumbs!

Special thanks to Mrs Helanie Willemse and Mrs Rebecca Roberts of the Food Technology Department for the wonderful support they have given Kalos in the pursuit of his goal to become a chef and one day open his own restaurant.

 
 
 

FRIDAYS@TWELVE CONCERT: A RESOUNDING SUCCESS!

 
 

Last Friday, our string orchestra, jazz band, choir, and an array of soloists and group performers wowed the unprecedentedly large audience at the annual UXBRIDGE Arts & Culture Fridays@Twelve concert. It was very exciting to see such a large crowd turn out for the event, with additional seating brought in and many enthusiasts spilling out into the foyer!

From a stirring rendition of "Chariots of Fire" by Vangelis to the captivating "Femme Fatale" by The Velvet Underground, the concert offered something to delight everyone. Well done to our incredibly talented performers, and a huge thank you to our dedicated music teachers for their unwavering support and encouragement. Special thanks also go to Uxbridge Arts & Culture for providing this wonderful venue and opportunity for our student

 
 
 

MAJOR MUSICAL PRODUCTION, 2024

Blood Brothers by Willy Russell

 
 

SAVE THE DATES
After 16 years since it first appeared on stage at Howick College, Blood Brothers is back! 

Dates:
Tuesday 30 July - Saturday 3 August, 2024
Tickets:
$10 Child, $15 Student/Senior, $25 Adult
Venue:
Bill Dimery Performing Arts Centre

​SPECIAL EVENT

Tuesday 30 July
Meal & Ticket $65
(Limited spaces - be in quick!!!)

Tickets will be available for purchase from our cashier in person or by phone on
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, extn 825

 
 
 

CAREERS DEPARTMENT

 
 
 

Eastern Schools Careers Expo

 

Wednesday 19 June, Howick Leisure Centre

The Eastern Careers School Expo is taking place on the Wednesday, 19 June. We have organised a bus to take Y12 students to the event and encourage all Y12 students to make the most of 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. 

Parents and caregivers, please check your email to register your child. Spaces are limited and registration closes on Monday, 10 June at 3:00pm.

If you have not received it please email [email protected]

Upcoming Events

Who: Yoobee College of Creative Innovation
What:
Yoobee College of Creative Innovation is New Zealand’s largest specialist creative and technology college. Come along to hear about programmes they have to offer.
When:
Monday, 10 June during interval
Where:
H3

Who:
Your Education - Students Exchanges
What:
Come along, bring your friends and learn more about short-term, semester and full year exchanges to USA, Canada, Europe and Japan. All are welcome.
When
: Monday, 10 June during lunchtime
Where:
H3

 
 
 

HEALTH CENTRE

 

Having trouble getting over that cold or flu?

 

Body aches fever, chills, and nasal congestion can make you feel miserable. While home remedies can’t cure a cold or the flu, they can help relieve symptoms such as body aches, fever, chills, nasal congestion during your recovery.

Below are some home remedies that can help manage your symptoms and reduce the length of time you are sick.

If symptoms don’t improve or become  more severe, it’s best to seek medical help.

 

1. Chicken soup - There is no scientific proof that chicken soup can cure a cold or flu or speed up recovery, but its ingredients contain nutrients that support your immune system. It’s also a comfort food that provides hydration and may help you feel better overall. For some delicious and healthy cold fighting chicken soup recipes to try at home, click here
2. Ginger -
 has antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It may reduce muscle pain and manage nausea. Make tea by simmering a few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water. As well as providing hydration, it may soothe muscle pain, ease a sore throat, and reduce nausea if present.
3. Honey - 
has a variety of antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Drinking honey in tea with lemon can ease sore throat pain. Research suggests it may also act as a cough suppressant. You should never give honey to a child younger than 12 months.
4. Vitamin C
 - is an antioxidant that plays an important role in your body, including supporting the immune system. Good dietary sources of vitamin C include, citrus fruit, red peppers, and green leafy vegetables such as broccoli.
5. Probiotics
 - help keep your gut and immune system healthy and reduce your chances of getting sick with an upper respiratory infection.

 

Physiotherapy Booking Update

 

We're pleased to introduce our new physiotherapy email address: [email protected]. This dedicated email is now the primary method for booking appointments with our physiotherapist, who maintains regular availability throughout the week by appointment.

If you're a new patient this year, it's important to complete a consent form before your appointment. You can fill out the form online by visiting https://forms.finger-ink.com/total-body-physio/patient-intake-consent. For patients under 16, please note that a caregiver must complete this form. After completing the consent form, please notify us via the provided email address. This allows us to promptly schedule your appointment during school hours for your convenience.

Should you have any questions or require further assistance, please contact us via the above email.

 
 
 

HOWICK COLLEGE LIBRARY - BOOK OF THE WEEK

A Canoe Before the Wind  by Vitale Lafaele

 
 

This biography is the extraordinary memoir of an immigrant whose family were seeking a better future for their children.

In 1962, a Samoan family journeyed to New Zealand - the country that immigrants once called 'the land of milk and honey' - in search of a better life. Instead, their eldest son, Vitale, grew up in the era of dawn raids by police and immigration officials while encountering relentless racism and bullying at school. Yet he endured and, against the odds, grew up to become one of a select few civilians to pass New Zealand's elite SAS selection process.
After seven years in the army, Vitale scaled impressive heights to become tactical commander of the police special tactics group, commander of the armed offenders’ squad, head of dignitary and witness protection, and one of New Zealand's most decorated policemen.

From high-profile hostage situations to overcoming a career-ending stroke, Soifua Vitale Joseph Fatutoa Lafaele's story is an inspiring one about overcoming difficulty with values to guide you through life's challenges. Ua se va’a tu matagi - like a canoe before the wind.

 
 
 

SPORTS NEWS

 

1st XI Girls' Hockey Dominate Macleans College

 
 

Congratulations to our 1st XI Girls Hockey team on yet another impressive 9-0 win, this time against Macleans College. Special mention this week goes to Samantha Ellis, who scored 3 goals to be named Player of the Day. Huge thanks to parent, Helen Colenso, for turning up to support the girls and offer some much appreciated words of inspiration and advice. Thanks also go to parent, Nick Coyne, for the fantastic action shots below, we are always excited to receive high quality images of our teams on the fields and courts.

 
 
 
 
 

North Island Underwater Hockey Championship Medallists

 

Back Row: Isabelle Presig (Y11), Hannah Curwood (2018), Rebecca Deen (2019), Phoebe Ata (2023) , Kendra Scully (Y13), Mollie McHale (2023)  Front Row: Juliet Curwood (2023), Marieke Bavelaar (2017), Emma Bavelaar (2015)

 

We are pleased to announce that the GI Joes Underwater Hockey Club team took BRONZE in the Women's Division at the North Island Underwater Hockey Championships held in Tauranga over King's Birthday weekend. Congratulations to these talented players, who are all current or past students of Howick College. 

 

Rhyan Galloway (back left) and ex-student Heath Galloway (bottom right) with the Pakuranga Sharks.

 

Congratulations also go to brothers Rhyan (Y13) and Heath Galloway (2019) who played in the Pakuranga Sharks Mens' A grade team and won the SILVER medal in their division. The team fought hard but after a nail-biting 12 minutes of overtime, they lost the final 2-1.

This achievement is a testament to the strength of our Underwater Hockey program at Howick College and the calibre of players it produces. We're incredibly proud of all our athletes past and present, and our dedicated coaches.

 
 
 

Impressive Season in Motorsports 

 

Left: Toby with the FT40 car.   Rght: Toby drives the Formular Ford Scholarship vehicle.

 

Congratulations to Toby McCormack (Y12)on his significant success in motorsports this season. Competing in two prestigious race series, Toby has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, earning top honors in both.

North Island Formula Ford 2023/2024 Championship

Toby was awarded the Formula Ford scholarship car for the North Island Formula Ford 2023/2024 Championship, a vehicle owned by influential figures in the motorsport community such as Shane Van Gisbergen. This series has a rich history of producing top New Zealand motorsport talent, including Liam Lawson, Brendon Hartley, Scott Dixon, and Andre Heimgartner. Competing against some of the best young drivers, Toby excelled and was awarded the title of North Island Formula Ford Rookie of the Year. The title came with a Napa Auto Parts and SP Tools 237-piece SP Custom Series Tool Kit, valued at $3,000.

GVI.Kiwi Formula Open New Zealand 2023/24 Championship

Toby also competed in the GVI.Kiwi Formula Open New Zealand 2023/24 Championship for the first time. Driving the impressive FT40, which resembles a Formula 1 car, Toby gave an outstanding performance. The season concluded with Toby not only winning the Jim Palmer Cup for the TRS FT40 class, but also the overall trophy, the prestigious Howden Ganley Cup, named after New Zealand’s works BRM F1 driver. This victory marked Toby as the youngest-ever winner of the series. Additionally, Toby claimed the Rookie of the Year title for the Formula Open Championship.
Well done, Toby, on your impressive accomplishments. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for this rising star in motorsports

 
 
 

NZCT Supports Howick College Rowing

 

The 6m x 6m  marquee will provide essential shelter from the elements for our athletes.

 

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) for their financial support in providing a purpose-built 6m x 6m marquee for our Howick College Rowing Team. The Baytex marquee with base rails and longer roof overhang is the most suitable option for our team's needs during regattas, ensuring a secure all-weather environment.

The marquee will not only benefit our rowing team, but will also be utilised for events such as our annual Athletics Day, benefiting the entire school community. Thanks once again to NZCT for contributing to the success and comfort of our students.

 
 
 

Premier Teams Draw for Week 7

 

SATURDAY 8 JUNE
Netball Prem 1 vs MAGS Prem 1,  Venue: ANC, Start: 11:30am
Netball Prem 2 vs MAGGS Prem 2, Venue: ANC, Start: 10:30am
1st XV Boys vs Mangere College, Venue: HOME GAME, Kick-off: 12:00pm

MONDAY 10 JUNE
1st XV Rugby Girls vs MAGS, Venue: MAGS, Kick-off: 4:00pm

TUESDAY 11 JUNE

UWH Senior Open
vs TBA
UWH Senior Open vs TBA
UWH Senior Girls vs Diocesan, Venue: Manurewa Aquatic, Start: 8:05pm
UWH Senior Girls
vs Gendowie College, Venue: Manurewa Aquatic, Start: 8:30pm
Basketball Prem Boys vs King's College, Venue: Glendowie 1,  Start: 5:00pm

WEDNESDAY 12 JUNE

1st XI Hockey Boys
vs Selwyn College, Venue: LEP 2, Start: 5:00pm
1st XI Football Girls
vs BDSC, Venue: HOME GAME, Kick-off: 4:00pm 
Squash
vs BDSC, Venue: Auckland Squash Club, Start:4:15pm
Badminton
vs TBA

THURSDAY 13 JUNE
1st XI Hockey Girls
vs Rosehill College, Venue: LEP 2, Start: 5:00pm

FRIDAY 14 JUNE
1st XI Football Boys
vs Auckland Gammar, Venue: Auckland Grammar, Start: 3:15pm

SATURDAY 15 JUNE

Netball Prem 1 vs St Kentiger's, Venue: ANC Ct A, Start: 9:30am
Netball Prem 2 vs Baradene College, Venue: ANC Ct C, Start: 8:30am
1st XV Boys vs Mt Roskill College, Venue: Mt Roskill College, Kick-off: 12:00pm

 
 
 

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 NEWS

Howick Rotary - Bookarama

 

Howick Rotary is organizing a “Bookarama 4 Kids & Teens” Sale at the War Memorial Information Centre in Picton Street Howick between 10 -12 July. The project has been established to encourage reading in young people and as an activity for families to participate in during the school holidays.

For the event, they urgently need donations of kids and teens books, puzzles, games and toys. Collection points have ben set up in and around the greater Howick area.

For further information email [email protected] or call Rob on 021 413341.

 
 

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