Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Howick College,
 Schools today are busy and multifaceted environments, offering a variety of services that extend far beyond the confines of the classroom. Creating a safe and nurturing learning environment, one that embodies our vision of inspiring a community of learners at Howick College, requires the dedicated efforts of an entire team.
Our support staff play a major role in supporting this vision and ensuring that we achieve our strategic and annual targets. Often operating behind the scenes, these unsung heroes work quietly to ensure the smooth running of the college. They may be the first point of contact for parents or the last friendly face students see at the end of a day.
For a good example of the impact of our support staff, you need go no further than our front office, where Sam Monoyoudis, Carol Andrew and Cathie Johnson, tirelessly assist students and parents in a variety of ways and for a multitude of reasons. As frontline staff, they are the face of our school, but what truly impresses me about their work is their intimate knowledge of the students and how effectively they work with them. They adeptly navigate complex problems, maintaining a solution-focused approach even in challenging circumstances, all while radiating calmness and positivity.
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From left: Sam Monoyoudis (front office reception) with Carol Andrew and Cathie Johnson (student office admin team).
Although their contributions may often go unseen and unheard by the wider school community, they are undeniably vital. As principal, I rely on their firsthand knowledge and observations to fully understand the reality of day-to-day operations within the school. Their perspectives offer valuable insights into the needs of our students and the effectiveness of our support systems. Through their dedication and commitment, they not only ensure the smooth functioning of our school but also contribute significantly to the overall well-being of our students and community.
It is worth taking a few minutes to reflect on and acknowledge the essential work that happens behind the scenes of learning. Operating our college, like any secondary school, is a complex task. The efforts of those who work diligently in the background should never be taken for granted, as our systems and structures rely on their dedication to ensure smooth operation.
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Have a great weekend,
Dale Burden
Principal/Tumuaki
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Friday 29 March
Good Friday (public holiday)
Monday 1 April
Easter Monday (public holiday)
Tuesday 2 April
Easter Tuesday (school holiday)
Friday 12 April
Term 1 Ends
Thursday 25 April
ANZAC Day (public holiday)
Monday 29 April
Term 2 Begins
Tuesday 7 May
Parent Interviews
(4:00 - 7:00pm)
Thursday 9 May
Po Fiafia Evening
Wednesday 15 May
Parent Interviews
(4:00 - 7:00pm)
Friday 17 May
Pink Shirt Day
Saturday 18 May
Senior School Ball
Friday 31 May
Teacher Only Day
Uxbridge Fridays@12 Concert
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Championing Awareness for Scoliosis & Curvy Girls
Stella Donaldson (5th from left) with Z-Club representatives from Howick and Macleans Colleges . Also pictured, Zonta East Auckland President, Gay Gallagher (far left) and Mrs Neera Sundrum, TiC Howick College Z-Club (2nd from right).
Wednesday 20 March marked an important day for Stella Donaldson, Howick College Z Club secretary and a New Zealand representative for Curvy Girls (see her profile here). Stella courageously spoke out about a significant change in her life in an effort to raise awareness about the effects of scoliosis among the Z Club students at Macleans College.
Curvy Girls is a global organisation that provides support to those identifying as girls between the ages of 8-18 who are living with scoliosis. Scoliosis, characterised by an abnormal bending of the spine, can manifest in physical changes, such as unevenness in the affected area. Approximately 1 in 25 people are affected by scoliosis, and Stella was among them. Diagnosed with lower back scoliosis in June 2022, Stella underwent a year-long journey filled with discomfort, mental stress, and numerous appointments. Finally, in July 2023, she successfully underwent spinal fusion surgery to correct the significant curve in her lower back.
 | | During her search for surgical advice, Stella discovered the Curvy Girls support group for scoliosis and was deeply impressed by their efforts to support young women and girls facing this challenge. Motivated by her own experiences, Stella took the initiative to establish a Curvy Girls branch in New Zealand, aiming to ensure that "no one with scoliosis feels ashamed or alone in their condition." To raise awareness and establish a support network for individuals with scoliosis in Aotearoa, Stella collaborated with the Z Club of Macleans College and the Zonta East Auckland president, Gay Gallagher, to deliver a presentation about her journey and gain support for Curvy Girls.
Howick College takes immense pride in Stella's commitment to serving her community and her courage in sharing her story to raise awareness, ensuring that no individual with scoliosis ever has to face it on their own. |
Howick College Z Club
The Fight Against Moth Plant Continues
Howick College Moth Plant teams hard at work collecting vines and pods.
Howick College now has four teams entered in the Pest Free Howick Ward annual Moth Plant Competition and they are all diligently working to eradicate this devastating noxious weed from our area. To date, they have collected a total of 3,000 pods containing potentially 3,000,000 seeds! If you would like to form your own team, please contact Mr Henty or come to an Envirogroup meeting to find out more details. Meetings are held every Tuesday at lunchtime in D10.
Prizes include:
1st $500, 2nd $400, 3rd $300, 4th $200, 5th $100, 6th-8th - $50, 9th-10th - Certificates
Top Secondary School Team (maximum of 10 people) - $500
Thickest Vine - $150
Most Small Vines Pulled By the Roots - $150
Special mystery prizes for teachers and students.
Last day for registration is 5 April 2024. |
Howick College Book of the Week
Legacy: What the All Blacks can teach us about the business of life by James Kerr
In the best-selling Legacy, author James Kerr goes deep into the heart of the world's most successful sporting team, the legendary All Blacks of New Zealand, to reveal 15 powerful and practical lessons for leadership. Legacy is a unique, inspiring handbook for leaders in all fields and asks: What are the secrets of sustained success? How do you turn vision into action? How do you achieve world-class standards, day after day, week after week, year after year? How do you handle pressure? How do you train to win at the highest level? How do you turn purpose into practice? What do you leave behind you after you're gone? What Will Be Your Legacy?
This book is suitable for senior students who may be thinking about the kind of person they want to be in the world.
Come and borrow it from L6
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Study Centre - Tutors Now Available | |
Where: A4
When: Every lunch time
What: A quiet place to work independently or with a tutor
Tutors can now be booked using the Study Centre button on the school website. Students MUST use their school email when making a booking. Students who just want a quiet place to study are also welcome to come along during lunch times.
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Careers Department
Air NZ School Holiday Student Hangar Famils
The Engineering Team at Air New Zealand is restarting their School Holiday Hangar Famils for 2024 in the April school holidays. They are offering students a half-day tour of their Maintenance Base at Auckland Airport to help promote a pathway for passionate, hands-on students who are interested in aviation.
This tour will help students to understand the day-in-the-life of an aircraft maintenance apprentice and the career pathway and working environments they can look forward to! They are looking for students who have a keen interest in practical work, engines, and aviation as these individuals are likely to flourish in the industry.
If this sounds interesting to you, please come to the Careers Department to register your interest.
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STAR Short Courses
If you are in Yr 12 or 13 and interested in attending a school funded short course during the holidays, please visit the Careers Department to find what course are available.
University Visits
University of Auckland
When: Tuesday 26 March
Where: Theatre
Time: 1.40pm (lunch)
University of Sydney
When: Wednesday 27 March
Where: H3
Time: 11:10am (interval)
Victoria University
When: Thursday 28 March
Where: H3
Time: 1:40pm (lunch)
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Sports News
Boys Volleyball Undefeated at NZSS Nationals
Boys Volley Ball team proudly receive their GOLD medal.
Congratulations to our Howick College Boys Volleyball team on their outstanding success at the NZSS Nationals in Palmerston North this week. The team, gave a remarkable performance, winning all 8 of their Division 6 games and going through to the final undefeated. The battle for first place which played out early on Friday morning on live TV, saw them emerge victorious against Hutt Valley High School with scores of Howick 25 - Hutt Valley 17, Howick 25 - Hutt Valley 27, and Howick 15 - Hutt Valley 9. A Howick College boys' volleyball team has not made it to nationals since 2018, so we couldn't be prouder of this team, who put in the hard mahi to achieve their goal.
 | | Congratulations also go to our girls' volleyball team who finished 16th in the Division 1 competition. With volleyball on a rapid rise across the country and more teams than ever participating in the 5 day competition (103 girls' teams and 95 boys' teams) the team can be justifiably proud of their result which is the best our girls have ever achieved.
We would also like to acknowledge and thank PUB CHARITY LIMITED for their generous financial contribution towards the costs of our boys and girls teams taking part in this national tournament. |
Highs and Lows for 1st XI Boys
Howick College 1st XI face Sacred Heart at Summer Tournament.
Last Saturday our 1st XI boys took a remarkable 97 run victory over Rangitoto College. Batting first, the boys scored an impressive 306-5 off their 50 overs. The top order made significant contributions, with Prab Singh (30), Kamal Singh (54, marking his first 1st XI half-century), Callum Edwards (98), and Saket Kapania (71) leading the charge. Subsequently, they successfully bowled out Rangitoto for 209 runs. All the bowlers played their part in dismantling the opposition, and there were some exceptional moments in the field, notably a run-out by Kamal Singh and a spectacular one-handed catch by Billy White.
On the Tuesday during Summer Tournament week, the boys faced a Sacred Heart team striving to reclaim their spot in the Premier league. Once again batting first, the boys got of to a solid start but lost wickets at regular intervals, ultimately being bowled out for 109. Several batsmen made promising starts, with Jack Read top-scoring with 23 runs. Kamal Singh (18) and Jadin Gouws (18) also looked good while at the crease.
In reply, Sacred Heart chased down the target with the loss of only 2 wickets. James Dennis' exceptional opening bowling effort of 2-19 off 6 overs provided an early breakthrough for Howick, and the boys remained competitive in the field throughout. Despite a commendable 1st XI bowling debut by Mathew Scragg, luck eluded him in adding wickets to his impressive performance.
Rianco Haggard Does it Again!
Rianco takes the top spot on the podium for the 100m and 300m Hurdles. Congratulations to Rianco Haggard who competed in the U16 100m and U16 300m hurdles at the 2024 Jennian Homes, New Zealand Track & Field Championship at Newton Park in Wellington (March 14-17). A flagship event on the annual Atheletics NZ calendar, it attracts top-tier competitors from around the country. Rianco's outstanding achievement of winning GOLD in both events is a testament to both his talent and dedication.
Junior Oceania Cup Tag Tournament
The NZTFI Junior Oceania Indigenous Invitational Cup Tournament is a 3-day international event held every year in late March in Auckland. It comprises New Zealand-based Pacific nations, also known as Heritage Nations, who compete for Oceania Cup honors to determine the Best of the Best in their respective grades. New Zealand-based heritage nations such as Samoa, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tonga, American Samoa, Fiji, Tokelau, and the Aotearoa Maori are all invited to compete at this event.
Congratulations to the following students who performed extremely well and proudly represented their respective nations, communities, and whānau. | | 
Ezekiel Greig (MacDonald House)
Cook Islands U14 Mixed - BRONZE Medal |
Zeighani Samuel-Tuaiti (MacDonald House)
Cook Islands U16 Girls - SILVER Medal | | 
Sarai Peleti (Bacot House)
Cook Islands U14 Girls - SILVER Medal |
Sailor Roebeck (Ingham House)
Pasifika U14 Girls - GOLD Medal | | 
Jackie Matangi (Ingham House)
Pasifika U14 Girls -GOLD Medal |
Sports Notices
Junior Boys Basketball Trials
Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 March in the school gym at 11:10 am on both days. Please bring water bottles and playing gear. Final U17 Boys Basketball Trials Monday 25th March in the school Gym. Starts at 3:30pm and ends around 5pm. You are eligible for U17 if you remain 17 or under this year | |
Equestrian
Equestrian is a specialist sport and students are required to have their own horse to compete.
Upcoming events (Dressage, Show Jumping, Show Hunter and ODE's) will be advertised in the notices for students interested in entering Please see Ms Hartley in the PE Office if you have any questions.
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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.
Health Centre News
Dental Planet Onsite During School Holidays
The mobile dental van provides free dental care for NZ residents under 18 years of age. Students in years 9-13 can be enrolled for their free check up and treatment from Monday 15 April - Friday 3 May by clicking the link below and following the prompts.
https://analytics-au.clickdimensions.com/cn/avjqi/onlineenrolment
If you can’t access the link, call Dental Planet on 0800 262 2022, or email [email protected]
Physio Appointments
If you require a physio appointment, please book an appointment by emailing Jo in the Health Centre on [email protected]. Parental consent is required for students under 16 years of age and can also be emailed to this address.
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