Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Howick College,
 Last week, the Education Review Office released a report outlining the poor state of classroom behavior in New Zealand. The media quickly seized upon the report, labeling the situation in New Zealand as the worst in the OECD. The report highlights that behavior is worsening, students are not enjoying school as much, attendance is dropping, and managing increasingly difficult student behavior is seen as a major reason why so many teachers are leaving the profession. Interestingly, only 25% of teachers reported that school policies for behavioral issues are consistently followed, which was higher than the 2% of principals.
However, there was good news in the companion report "Good Practice: Behavior in Our Classrooms." The study found examples of really good practices that are currently working in schools. I found it interesting to read that the six key recommendations are things that have worked as long as I have been teaching and are what I would call fundamentals. They may seem a bit "old school" to some, but they have survived many other "fads" and are now front and center in the latest ERO report on what good practice looks like in terms of managing student behavior.
 These six key recommendations for good classroom practice are:
1. Have clear and known expectations for students.
2. Respond effectively and consistently to behaviors that do not meet these expectations.
3. Know and understand your students.
4. Have a consistent approach across the school to prevent and manage students who do not meet expectations and intervene early to prevent escalation.
5. Use strategies to support expected behaviors, such as reinforcing positive behavior and developing specific consequences.
6. Use targeted approaches to meet the needs of some individual students.
It is pleasing to see that our "expectations" reset this term is clearly in line with the good practice outlined by the ERO. Term one has been about setting the foundations for the year ahead. Our new strategic plan and annual plans are very clear about the future direction of the college and the need to "expect more" from our students, staff, and community. Our 4C values of Courtesy, Commitment, Courage, and Curiosity are important guides for us, as our behaviors determine our culture.
Resetting behavior and uniform expectations has been a significant part of this. As our students know, we have been relentless about correct grooming and wearing our Howick College uniform correctly and with pride. Punctuality and attendance are being closely monitored, with students facing consequences when standards fall short. These changes have been well-supported by the community, and the students have, for the most part, met our expectations.
As we know, sweating the small stuff is important. Building a successful school culture starts with getting the small things right. |
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Have a wonderful holiday.
Dale Burden
Principal/Tumuaki | | Monday 15 - Friday 26 April
Term 1 Holiday Break
Thursday 25 April
ANZAC Day (public holiday)
Monday 29 April
Term 2 Begins
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
2023 Yearbook Update
We are pleased to advise all those who have purchased a 2023 yearbook that it is now available to collect from the Student Office.
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Drama Students Shine at Shakespeare Competition The Howick College Drama team- Front: Alex Hardaker. Middle: Aria Takle-Lee, Lola Tavan, Kate Baxter. Back: Freya Newbould, Finn O'Sullivan, Maddie Kirby, Loui Camus, Xavier Simpson.
We are extremely proud of our talented young actors and directors who shone at the SGCNZ Sheila Winn Shakespeare Auckland South & East Regional Shakespeare Competition held at Macleans College last Sunday.
Congratulations to actor/director Freya Newbould and cast, Finn O’Sullivan and Aria Takle-Lee, who won the overall prize with Freya's rendition of "Two Gentlemen of Verona." This remarkable achievement is particularly notable in the face of tough competition from the 24 other entrants, including Saint Kentigern College, Botany Downs Secondary College, Rosehill College, Ardmore Homeschool Group, and the host school, Macleans College.
The group has now qualified to go to Wellington in May to attend the SGCNZ Sheila Winn Shakespeare National Festival, where they will take part in specialist workshops and the National Shakespeare Competition. They will also have the chance to win an opportunity to "tread the boards" at the Globe Theatre in London.
 Two very proud directors. | |  "Two Gentlemen of Verona" cast. | |  Twelfth Night" cast. |
We also congratulate director Alex Hardaker and cast, Xavier Simpson, Loui Camus, Maddie Kirby, and Kate Baxter, whose rendition of 'Twelfth Night" won the Most Impressive Stage Combat award. They will receive a free workshop with the New Zealand Stage & Screen Combat School, who will come to Howick College to work with our Drama students.
Well done to all involved, and thanks to our fantastic Drama Department for their unwavering support of our incredible students. Po Fiafia Evening 2024We 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!
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.
Howick College Book of the Week
Slice by Steven HerrickDarcy Walker is a normal 16-year-old boy but he can handle that. He can even cope with parents, deal with parties, and soldier through the occasional fight. He’s certainly got his infatuation with the beautiful Audrey under control, is clearly the best at spending quality chess-time with his nerdy best friend, Noah, and doesn’t blink an eye at the misadventures that can occur when kayaking on a school excursion. He’s a teenage boy – he can handle anything. That is, if only he’d learn to keep his mouth closed first.
A funny, refreshing look at the most awkward time in any young boy’s life from school, girls, and parties to parents, friends, and the dreaded “sex talk”.
This book is suitable for students in Year 9 and 10.
Come and borrow it from L6 | |  |
Study Centre Off to a Great StartThe Study Centre has been going extremely well during term 1. We have a wide range of students who are making the most of the space in A4. For some. it is a quiet place to during intervals and lunch times to work independently completing their class tasks . We also have many students taking advantage of the tutoring being offered by members of the Academic Council. It is wonderful to see students taking up these opportunities, being focused on their learning and striving to be successful!
If you would like to book a tutor, simply click on the Study Centre button on the school website. Students MUST use their school email when making a booking. Students who would just like a quiet place to study are also welcome to come along to A4 during lunch times.
A huge thank you to Academic Council leaders Eason Yang and Simran Parmar for leading and organising our dedicated students and tutoring team.
Paid Union Meeting - Early ClosureWe would like to advise 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. Parent/Caregiver InterviewsParent/caregiver interviews will take place in term 2 on Tuesday 7th May from 4:00pm - 7:00pm and Wednesday 15 May from 4:00pm - 7:00pm. In light of this, the school will close early on these days. Please see the amended 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
Please note: This excludes the Maraetai overflow bus which will run at the normal time.
Careers Department
 | | Careers in Hire Expo The Careers in Hire Expo is a student based experience taking place during HireCon2024. The event is on Tuesday 23 July at the Viaduct Events Centre from 9:00am to 12:00pm.
The hire industry covers a huge range of options including boom lifts, forklifts, diggers, trucks, marquees, AV, exhibition and party hire, events supplies, tools, machinery and more. This is a chance for students to engage with interactive and hands-on stands and speak with professionals from the industry.
If you are interested in going along to this event, please click on the link to register you attendance . |
Sports News
Year 13 Touch Player to Represent NZ | | Congratulations to Skylah Tainu-Takerei on her selection to represent NZ in the Open Woman Touch Rugby team that will compete in Nottingham in the World Cup in July. Also attending the competition will be past students Alex Howearth (2019) playing in the NZ Mixed team and James Davison (2018) playing for the Tonga Open Men's team.
Skylah is also a 2024 Tania Dalton Foundation Scholarship recipient. Launched in 2018, the Scholarship Programme provides a unique three-year financial scholarship to young sports women to assist them in their high-performance journey. |
Shonan High School, Japan - Rugby Group VisitAt the end of March, we welcomed 27 students from Japan who visited Howick College specifically to play rugby. Besides having the exciting opportunity to be coached by Blues player, Hoskins Sotutu, students also enjoyed a variety of other unique Kiwi experiences including learning harakeke and kapa haka, as well as brushing up on their English skills.
We would like to thank all our students for being wonderful hosts and a special thanks to our kapa haka teachers, AJ McConnell and Rakim Vaha'akolo and our harakeke workshop leaders Athalia Ieru - Sioloa, Sierra Kino and Lila-Beth Pitman. We would also like to thank and the International Department for their support in hosting this group.
Visiting Australian Rugby TeamThis weekend on Sunday 14 April the New South Wales Combined High School teams from Australia coming to play our Howick College 1st XV Boys and Girls teams. Although it is not the 7s season, we have also been asked to field a Girls 7s team to play them.
Girls 7s Games - Field 1, Kick off from 12:40pm
Howick A v NSWC A 7s - 12:40pm
Howick 1 v NSWC B 7s - 1:00pm
Howick A v NSWC A 7s - 1:20pm
Howick 1 v NSWC B 7s - 1:40pm
7s Games Finish at 2:00pm
Boys 15s Rugby - Field 1, Kick off at 2:00pm
Howick College 1st XV v NSWC Combined XV Upcoming Preseason GamesSunday 28 April
Netball Preseason tournament at Auckland Netball Centre.
Premier 1, Premier 2, 10A and 9A will be playing. Start times TBA.
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.
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]
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