Term 4, Week 2, 2024

FROM THE PRINCIPAL Tēnā  koutou, e te whānau o Howick College, The College celebrated its 50th Jubilee in grand style last weekend, and it was an absolute pleasure to be part of such a special occasion. The events were well attended, and our alumni were thrilled with the celebration. A huge thank you goes to our special events coordinator, Kate Pike, for her outstanding work in organising everything. She had tremendous support from a dedicated team behind the scenes, and her leadership was simply fantastic. While the entire weekend was a highlight, a few moments particularly stood out to me. The strong presence and enthusiasm of our 1974 foundation students were wonderful to witness - they turned up in large numbers and celebrated with great spirit. Another standout was how brilliantly our current students showcased themselves. From the Kapa Haka group leading the pōwhiri to Henry Simon's impressive performance of the wero, our students truly shone. Memorable performances from our music and drama students added to the occasion, and our tour guides received high praise from alumni, who couldn't stop talking about how well they were guided around the school. We warmly welcomed back many of our foundation staff and students. The environmental group also played a key role by collaborating with Kings Plant Barn to select the tree that was planted, symbolizing growth and unity. The morning was capped off perfectly with a wonderful morning tea provided by our talented Hospitality students. The evening's mix-and-mingle event brought together more than 300 alumni (with well in excess of 400 over all 3 events), and was another great success. Once again, our hospitality students excelled, and a small army of student volunteers generously gave their time to ensure everything ran smoothly. Overall, it was a truly wonderful celebration of the College's 50th birthday, filled with memorable moments that brought together the past and present in a meaningful way. In addition to our Jubilee festivities, we have had even more reasons to celebrate in recent days, including our annual music concert and various honours ceremonies. These events have been incredibly successful and will be covered in detail in next week's newsletter and on Facebook. Have a safe and relaxing Labour weekend. Dale Burden Principal/Tumuaki

KEY DATES Monday 28 October Labour Day Tuesday 29 October Sports Awards Evening Wednesday 30 October - Sunday 3 November Visual Arts Showcase Tuesday 5 - Friday 29 November NCEA Exams Tuesday 19 November -  Sunday 1 December Year 9 Camps Wednesday 29 November  School Board Meeting 6:00 - 8:30pm Monday 2 December Y10 Honours Assembly - Period 2 Tuesday 3 December Y9 Honours Assembly - Period 2 Wednesday 4 December Last Day Term 4 Thursday 5 December Y8 Transition Day Tuesday 28 January 2025 Y12/13 Course Confirmation Day  for students with gaps/ missing subjects in their timetable Mon 3 February 2025 Welcome Y9 & All New Students Tues 4 February 2025 Whole School Returns

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS

Howick College marked its 50th Jubilee last weekend, bringing together alumni, staff, and students to celebrate the school's rich history. The festivities began on Friday with an afternoon tea at Dispensa Café, setting the stage for a weekend filled with nostalgia, reconnection, and community pride.

Saturday’s events began with a powerful pōwhiri led by our Kapa Haka group, followed by a Performing Arts Showcase. Our scholarship Drama students captivated the audience with performances from Othello and Julius Caesar, along with impressive self-devised pieces. The talented jazz ensemble followed, with their renditions of "The Girl from Ipanema" and "Tom Thumb."

Following the performances, alumni gathered in the staffroom where they enjoyed a sumptuous morning tea laid out by Mrs Roberts and our Hospitality Department. Our visitors then embarked on a student-led tour of the school.  Many past students commented on how impressed they were not only with the school's growth and transformation over the decades but also with the incredible range of opportunities now available to students. The tours concluded with a symbolic planting of a kōwhai tree by past and present principals and students, starting with the foundation students, marking the growth, strength, and enduring spirit of our community.

The celebrations continued into the evening, where over 300 guests gathered for decade group photos - an entertaining and nostalgic interlude. This was followed by a lively mix-and-mingle, complete with DJ, in the newly refurbished library. One of the evening's highlights was the Jubilee cake, beautifully decorated by Irvine House Leader Alexia Delport, using iconic Howick College images. Once again, the hospitality team delivered with an array of delectable “posh nosh."

Throughout the weekend, the strong sense of community was evident, with alumni coming from around New Zealand and even further afield to attend. Our past students were impressed by the school's evolution, showcasing its high-quality facilities and wide range of programmes. Yet, it was clear that the enduring memories, vibrant school spirit, and sense of belonging remain stronger than ever. Huge thanks to the many staff, students, and wider community whose commitment and hard work made our 50th Jubilee such a success. It was an unforgettable weekend that celebrated both the past, present, and future of Howick College, with our current students serving as outstanding ambassadors, ensuring that the legacy of our school is in great hands. Here's to the next 50 years!

*To view more photos from the 50th Jubilee Celebrations, visit our Howick College Alumni Facebook page.

AUCKLAND 7s CHAMPIONS 2024

Last Friday, our senior girls delivered an outstanding performance at the Auckland Secondary Schools Rugby 7s tournament, finishing the day undefeated and bringing home the trophy with a 32-12 victory over Auckland Girls' Grammar in the final. Key players Marica Tukana (Y13), Charlie Lindsay, and Malena Lavea (both Y12) were rock-solid on both attack and defence, showcasing their exceptional skills throughout the tournament. Our youngest team member, Dejah Vaitai (Y9), made a significant impact, scoring a stunning 50-metre runaway try in her first-ever 7s tournament. This incredible win has earned the team a spot in the prestigious Condors National 7s tournament this December!

Special mention goes to our multi-talented athletes Charlie Lindsay, Avah Sila, and Unuhia Crosby-Te Whare, who seamlessly transitioned from the netball courts after winning the NZSS National Netball Crown to shine on the 7s field. Huge congratulations to all players for their remarkable achievements, and a big thank you to the coaches and supporters who have been instrumental in this success. We can’t wait to see our girls take on the competition at the Condors!

TEACHER RECIEVES TOP MATHS AWARD

We are thrilled to announce that Mrs Baljeet Saini, a dedicated member of our Maths Department, has been recognised by the University of Auckland with the prestigious John Kalman Charitable Trust Mathematics Teaching Prize. This award, which acknowledges excellence in teaching, is a testament to her exceptional commitment to fostering a love for mathematics and statistics among her students. The selection panel noted the extraordinarily high standard of all this year's applicants, making the decision a challenging one. However, Mrs Saini stood out not only for her dedication but also for her innovative teaching methods and her generosity in sharing her expertise. We congratulate Mrs Saini on this well-deserved recognition.

DRAMA STUDENTS OFF TO LONDON

 Aria Takle-Lee and Finnbar O'Sullivan in "Two Gentlemen from Verona"

We are proud to announce the selection of two outstanding drama students, Finnbar O'Sullivan and Aria Takle-Lee, for the 2025 SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company. Their journey began earlier this year at the SGCNZ Sheila Winn National Shakespeare Festival, where their impressive performances in a 15-minute adaptation of Two Gentlemen of Verona (directed by Year 13 student, Freya Newbould) caught the attention of the judges. This achievement earned them a coveted place among 47 students from across New Zealand, selected to attend the National Shakespeare Schools Production (NSSP) in Dunedin last month.

Following this week-long intensive programme, both students were selected to join the prestigious Young Shakespeare Company. As part of the company, they will travel to London next June, where they will spend three weeks visiting theatres and participating in intensive workshops and masterclasses led by industry professionals, honing their skills in acting, voice, movement, and stage combat. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will culminate in a live performance on the renowned stage of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

Their achievement is an especially proud moment for our Drama Department, as Aria and Finnbar's selection brings our count up to four Howick College Drama students selected for the company in the last few years. Lily Moore was the first to be chosen in 2020, followed by Bianca Day in 2022. The ongoing success of our students highlights the exceptional talent and dedication within the college's drama programme.

Congratulations to Finnbar and Aria on this remarkable achievement! We look forward to following their journey and celebrating their future successes.

2024 ZONTA EAST AUCKLAND AWARDS

From Left: Mrs Sundrum, Yoshini Ananthrangan, Inka Pleiss and Prajna Chaudhry

We are thrilled to announce that two remarkable leaders from Howick College, Prajna Chaudhry and Yoshini Ananthrangan, have been honored at this year's Zonta East Auckland Awards Evening. Prajna (Year 13) received the newly named Young Women in Leadership Award, while Yoshini was recognised with the Zonta Year 12 Women’s Empowerment Award.

Prajna, who was honored for her inspiring leadership both at school and in the community, was selected from candidates across East Auckland. This accolade is a testament to her inspirational leadership, dedication and hard work. Meanwhile, Yoshini stood out among nominees from Macleans and Pakuranga Colleges for her commitment to empowering her peers and making a positive impact within our community.

The guest speaker for the evening was Howick College alumna and former Head Student, Inka Pleiss (2018). A recipient of both the Zonta Leadership Award in Year 12 and the Young Women in Public Affairs Award in Year 13, Inka is currently pursuing her PhD in Biological Science, studying the effects of climate change on New Zealand's native birds.

Congratulations to Prajna and Yoshini on these prestigious awards!  We are incredibly proud of their achievements and the positive impact they continue to have at Howick College and beyond.

2024 YEARBOOK UPDATE

Each year, we take great pride in celebrating the people, events, and achievements of our school community through a high-quality, full-colour publication. Starting this year, to better capture the exciting milestones and accomplishments from Term 4, we are pleased to announce that the yearbook will now be released at the beginning of the following year. This updated schedule ensures that we include every major event, allowing the yearbook to reflect the full breadth of the school year. We believe this change will provide an even more meaningful keepsake for students, families, and staff to cherish for years to come.

You can order your copy of the 2024 yearbook for $30 by making an online payment to the Howick College bank account: 12 3011 0160054 03. Be sure to include your student ID number and the word "yearbook" as the reference. Alternatively, you can also place your order at the Cashier's Office. Orders must be place by Friday 15 November.

Yearbooks will be available for collection from the student office starting Monday 17 February 2025.

NCEA EXAM RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS

With NCEA examinations just around the corner, it's crucial for all senior students to familiarise themselves with the NZQA rules and expectations regarding these exams. When entering an external examination, students are expected to comply with the official NZQA Rules and instructions. This includes maintaining exam integrity by avoiding prohibited items, such as mobile phones and smart devices, as well as following specific instructions from the exam supervisor.

Students should be aware that any violation of these rules can lead to serious consequences, including disqualification from the examination or cancellation of results. It's essential to take these regulations seriously to ensure a fair and successful examination experience.

Students are also reminded that they must wear their full school uniform when they are onsite. We wish you all the very best off luck. 

STUDENTS COACHING STUDENTS PROGRAMME

We are pleased to announce that we now offer a Students Coaching Students Programme at Howick College. Student coaching is a supportive process that helps students set and achieve personal goals. Our trained student coaches are here to help clarify your aspirations and navigate school life. We have started with a small group of Year 10 students who were trained as Student Coaches at their previous Intermediate School. They have now completed a refresher training course and are ready to be of service to our Junior students.

We use Growth Coaching, which involves five simple steps:
1. Reality: Share what’s currently happening in your life.
2. Goal: Pinpoint what you want to achieve.
3. Options: Consider different paths to your goal.
4. Prioritise Actions: Determine the most important steps to take.
5. Set a Timeframe: Establish when and how you’ll take these actions, with regular check-ins for success.

Why Choose Coaching?  
Coaching helps you define your goals, promotes personal growth, and assists in overcoming challenges.

How to Book a Session:  
To book a session, our website and click the Student Coaching link on the top menu bar. Each session lasts about 30 minutes during tutor time. After your session, you’ll leave with an ISMART goal—Inspiring, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—and a clear action plan.

We encourage Year 9 students to take advantage of this opportunity. If you have questions, feel free to email Mrs. Henkin or Mr Bannister or speak to our student coaches: Archie Bourdillon, Ava Walden, Charlotte Charlotte French, Christian Curry, Jonas Shallard-Kerr, Shaelei Kirby.

YEAR 9 SUBJECT SELECTION FOR 2025

Year 9 students will be selecting their subjects for 2025 this week, therefore we recommend that parents and caregivers should have a conversation with their child regarding their subjects choices for Year 10 in 2025. For more detailed information about each subject, please see The Subject Pathways Map .

In Year 10, students have the opportunity to select their core programme (Single Subject, Sport in Education or Integrated Subjects) plus 2 half-year subjects and 1 full-year subject OR 2 full-year subjects OR 4 half-year subjects.

If students require further information about a subject pathway they should talk to their subject teachers.

STUDY CENTRE IN TERM 4

The Study Centre in A4 will remain open during Term 4 for independent study during interval and lunchtime. However, please note that, due to seniors leaving at the end of Week 2, there will be limited availability of student tutors. If you require a tutor after Week 2, please email Mrs Nairn at [email protected]

Please remember, the Study Centre is a space for quiet work, and phone usage is NOT permitted.

SENIOR ART BOARD EXHIBITION OPENS SOON Artists clockwise from top left: Kate Donnell, Myah Wood, Estelle Ruijne, Elisa Prattley and Mara Barrett. We warmly invite our community to attend the Howick College Art Board Show next week at the Bill Dimery Performing Arts Centre, celebrating the artistic talents of our senior students. This annual event showcases the stunning folio boards created as part of their NCEA Visual Arts assessment. The Art Board Show provides an excellent opportunity to engage with a diverse range of artwork, including painting, photography, printmaking, and design. Each folio board reflects the dedication and creativity of our young artists, and represents months of hard work and the exploration in various artistic expressions. EVENT DETAILS Dates: 30th October – 3rd November Opening Night: Wednesday 30 October, 6:30 - 8:00pm Exhibition Times: Thursday & Friday from 10:00am - 4:30pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am - 2:00pm Venue: Bill Dimery Performing Arts Centre, Howick College Entry: Free Please join us in supporting our talented students as they exhibit their remarkable achievements! SPORTS NEWS Year 13 Student Wins Dual Archery Titles Last weekend, Year 13 student Elisa Prattley achieved remarkable success by claiming first place in both the International Field Archery Association (IFAA) Asia-Pacific Regional Bowhunter Championship and the New Zealand Field Archery Association (NZFAA) Bowhunter Nationals. Competing in the Young Adult Female Barebow-Recurve (YAFBB-R) division, she not only earned the titles of Asia-Pacific Regional Champion and New Zealand National Champion but also set two world bests and one New Zealand best during the competitions. The IFAA competition, which attracts top archers from across the Asia-Pacific region, is known for its challenging outdoor courses and varied target distances. Competing without sights or stabilisers in the barebow-recurve style, Elisa relied on instinct and precision to excel. She followed this by claiming first place in the NZFAA Bowhunter Nationals, demonstrating her dominance in the sport. Congratulations, Elisa, on this impressive achievement! Solid Start to 2nd Half of 1st XI Cricket Season The Howick College Boys' 1st XI, currently standing in 4th place, began the second half of their A1 season with a challenging match against 2nd-placed St Peters. Bowling first, the team got an early breakthrough with a sharp catch by Gurkanwal Rahal off James Dennis. However, an injury to Dennis left the team without a key strike bowler. Saket Kapania stepped up with 1 wicket for 42 runs off 10 overs, while Ewald Engelbrecht, Kamal Singh, and Jadin Gouws contributed crucial catches. In reply to St Peters' total, Howick's batsmen fought hard, finishing with 276 runs. Highlights included a 57-run opening partnership from Kamal Singh (34) and Gurkanwal Rahal (26), Trent McVeigh’s 51 off 32 balls, and a 77-run stand between Jadin Gouws (56 not out - his first half century for the 1st XI) and Ewald Engelbrecht (46). Despite falling 53 runs short, the team’s performance shows promise for the remaining 5 matches of the season, with their next match against Selwyn College. National Ice Figure Skating Champs Last week, four Howick College students represented the Allegro Ice Dance Club at the New Zealand National Ice Figure Skating Championships, held from October 17 to 20, at the Alpine Ice Sports Centre in Christchurch. This prestigious competition showcased some of the top talents in figure skating across various categories. The team "Supremium," dressed in purple, won Gold in the Basic Novice Synchro category. Howick students Michaela-Joy Johnstone (back row, left), Hayley Nelson (front row, left), and Kyle Hui (back row in black) were proud members of this successful team. Meanwhile, the "Platinum" team, in red, which included student Lili Cooper (front row, second from the left), also took home Gold in the Advanced Novice Synchro category. These remarkable results reflect the dedication and hard work of our students in figure skating. Congratulations to all for their outstanding achievements! CAREERS DEPARTMENT MIT 2025 Enrolment Day    All students who have enrolled or are considering enrolling at the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2025 are invited to attend their Enrolment Day on Saturday 9 November, from 10:00am to 12:00pm. The day will offer an opportunity to ask questions in person, take a guided tour and find out more about the programmes on offer.  For more details, please visit the MIT website. International Travel College Open Evening   The International Travel College (ITC) is running an Open Evening event to help anyone understand the career options and study options in our tourism and airline industry.  Event details: Date: Thursday 7 November  Time: 6pm-7:30pm Location: ITC Botany Campus (level 1, Fashion Pavilions, Botany Town Centre) RSVP: Please click the following link to register your attendance -  https://forms.office.com/r/VHSsEBNiJK HOWICK COLLEGE LIBRARY BOOK OF THE WEEK The First Summer of Callie McGee   by A.L.Tait 'The water in a rip current is always calmer than the waves on either side. Once in it, you're best just to go with the flow.' It's the last summer before Callie starts high school and she's been dragged along to yet another 'family friends' holiday. Determined to change her nerdy reputation, Callie sets out to make waves - but nothing is quite as she expects. Her usual ally, Sasha, has outgrown Callie; her nemesis, Mitch, has brought his cousin Owen along; and the boring south coast town of Sawyer's Point has been rocked by a series of burglaries. Callie, Owen and Mitch decide to investigate the robberies, bringing them face to face with a local gang and a possible ghost. But when Sasha goes missing, Callie must draw on all her smarts to find her friend and discovers that being Callie McGee has its benefits. A mystery about growing up, figuring things out, and solving the puzzle of who you are. Perfect for junior students and summer holiday reading.   COMMUNITY NOTICES All Saints' Church Christmas Lunch Appeal   Exciting news from the Howick community this December! All Saints Church is continuing its "Christmas Lunch on Jesus" initiative to support families in need of a festive meal. On December 23rd, special boxes will be packed and delivered, containing everything needed for a Christmas lunch—meat, vegetables, drinks, and festive treats. Since its launch in 2015 with 50 boxes, the initiative has grown significantly. Last year, 305 boxes were delivered to 200 families, providing meals for 1,200 people. We receive many heartfelt messages of gratitude, including: “Thank you for blessing my family with food. May God bless you for your kindness.” Howick College families have generously donated boxes of chocolates for the hampers over the years. We kindly ask for your support again this year—please drop off a box of chocolates at the student office by December 4th to help make Christmas special for these families.