Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Howick College,
 This has been a very special week as we welcomed our students back to school, including nearly 600 new students. It was also great to see our staff return, refreshed and ready for the year ahead. A particular welcome goes to the 25 new staff members joining us in 2025.
The start-up for a school of our size is a major undertaking, and I would like to acknowledge the hard work of our Deans, pastoral staff, Heads of Learning, enrolment team, support staff, and the wonderful timetable team. All play a major role in getting us moving at the start of the year. The fact that students are settled in class and learning is well underway is a testament to their excellent efforts.
 The pōwhiri for our new staff, students, and families was a memorable occasion. Our kapa haka group was outstanding, and our new staff and students felt truly welcomed. The work of the Deans, tutor teachers, and student leaders then played an important role in settling new students into the routines of our college and supporting our Year 9s in the traditional inter-house "Top Town" sports competition. My thanks to all those involved in these initial moments of welcome, which are so important in helping our 2025 new students feel at home and part of the Howick College whānau. (More photos from the first day can be viewed on our facebook page)
2024 was an outstanding year for the College. The feedback from the community has been strong, with in-zone enrolments at a record high and plenty of positive responses from the community survey. We were also really pleased with the NCEA results—more to come on these soon—which reflect ongoing improvement.
The start-up vibe has been extremely positive, energy levels are high, and 2025 promises to be an even better year.
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Have a great weekend.
Dale Burden
Principal/Tumuaki | | Monday 10 - Thursday 13 February
Registration for Instrument Lessons
Monday 17 - Tuesday 18 February
Student ID Photos (Compulsory)
Wednesday 19 February
Cultural & Extra-Curricular Arts
Muster
Thursday 20 February
Athletics Day - Y9 Compulsory,
Y10 Optional sign up
Thursday 20 - Friday 21 March
Summer Sports, Cultural &
Y13 Photos
Monday 24 - Friday 28 March
Summer Tournament Week
Wednesday 26 February
Meet the Y9 Tutors Evening
Friday 28 March
Teacher Only Day
Tuesday 1 April - Friday May 2
Dental Planet on Site
Friday 4 April
NZ Blood Collection
Friday 11 April
Term 1 Ends
Friday18 April
Good Friday
Monday 21 April
Easter Monday
Thursday 25 April
ANZAC Day
Monday 28 April
Term 2 Begins
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NEW KINDO PAYMENT SYSTEM SIGN-UP We are pleased to advise that Howick College has introduced Kindo as our new, preferred payment system, making school payments easier and more flexible for our families. Kindo can be used for donations, course and sports-related costs, school trips, fundraisers, and more. There are several safe, convenient payment options available including, internet banking, instant transfers, and credit card.
As part of this transition, payments can no longer be made via the Kamar Financal tab on the Portal or though direct deposits into the Howick College bank account. Therefore, we encourage all families to set up their Kindo account by visiting myKindo.co.nz. Please ensure that you use the email address we currently have on file for you.
If you already have a myKindo or ezlunch account through another school or organisation, you can continue to use the same account for Howick College by updating the “my details” page. You DO NOT need to create a new account. If your account has been closed, or inactive for longer than 15 months, please contact the Kindo helpdesk to reactivate your account.
For more details about how to sign up to Kindo, please click here to download the flyer above or visit our website at https://www.howickcollege.school.nz/kindo-payments. If you need assistance with your myKindo account, please see the online support pages, and contact the Kindo helpdesk if you are still having any difficulty.
The Kindo Helpdesk is open 8:00am to 4:00pm weekdays.
Freephone: 0508 4 KINDO (0508 454 636),
Email: [email protected]
Thank you for your support in making this a smooth transition for our school community.
INTRODUCING OUR NEW STAFF MEMBERS Last week we were delighted to welcome the newest members of our Howick College staff and are excited to have these talented educators join our team! They spent a 2-day induction and orientation programme getting to know our school, connecting with their colleagues, and eagerly preparing to meet their students. Special thanks to Mrs Al-Obidi for putting together a comprehensive programme to ensure our new arrivals feel both welcomed and well-prepared for their new roles.
Our new staff for 2025 are:
Back row (from left): Ms Seletute Siale (History & Social Sciences), Ms Danelle Cresswell (Food Technology & Hospitality), Ms Xingfang Cai (Chinese Language), Ms Tracy Spiers (Maths & Commerce), Ms Amy Nield (Science), Mrs Dana Navarro (English), Miss Imaan Suhail (English), Mrs Heidi Stubenitsky (Maths), Ms Shannon Nelson (Deputy Principal)
Front row: Mr Matthew Cornere (Dance & Drama), Ms Pauli Roodt (HoD Hospitality), Ms Vanesa Montes (Science), Ms Lucy Mano (Health & PE, Outdoor Education), Mr Sam Paterson (Health & PE), Ms Lucy Tomlinson (Deputy Principal), Mr Glen Mrkusich (Social Sciences), Ms Charmain Williams (English), Mr John Fa'amausili (Maths, Boys' Rugby Academy), Mr Ashneel Vikas (Science), Mr Andrew Schroll (Social Sciences), Dr Justin George (Technology)
2025 STUDENT LEADERS CAMP Our 2025 student leaders began Term 1 a little earlier than the rest of the student body, taking part in last week’s annual student leadership camp. This two-day programme enabled them to bond as a team, develop leadership skills, reflect on school culture, and set strategic aims for each House and Council. During the camp, we were pleased to introduce the leaders of the newly created Paihere Council to the leadership team. Many thanks to Deputy Principals Mrs Jaffar and Mrs Jones for their hard work in making this valuable opportunity possible.
Our Student Leaders for 2025 are:
Head Students: Yoshini Anantharangan and Nathan Cox
Deputy Head Students: Lucy O'Hanlon and Callum Edwards
Bacot House Leaders: Pika Ranzinger and Tanmay Sahota
Bell House Leaders: Stella Donaldson and Kalos Bryers
Ingham House Leaders: Bhavya Madan and Nathaniel Moran
Irvine House Leaders: Ashlee Kingdon and Jordan Wade
MacDonald House Leaders: Wardah Sahib and Mitchell Somfan
Minerva House Leaders: Charlie van Asten and Luke Marshall
Academic Council Leaders: Jack Harrison and Manas Suryadevara
Arts Council Leaders: Kate Donnell and Blake Ingram
Community Council Leaders: Mannat Kumar and Aakarsh Nair
Cultural Council Leaders: Caitlin Fitzpatrick and Calais Panoho-Ikitule
Hauora Council Leaders: Maddie Averis and Lenoli Kuruduhewage
Paihere Council Leaders: Sierra Kino and Nasus Ue'lese
Sports Council Leaders: Poppy van Rensburg, Trent McVeigh, Deacon Deyzel, Ella Worthington
Student Board Representative: Sachi Siope-Taniue
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT LESSONS FOR 2025At Howick College, students are able to learn a variety of musical instruments. Those interested in making the most of this opportunity should register their interest by Thursday 15 February. This year the following instruments can be learnt at school: violin, viola, cello, string bass, trombone, trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, singing, drums, guitar, bass guitar.
If there are too many students for a particular instrument, you may not be able to get lessons and will be put on a waiting list. Students studying music for NCEA, Y10 music students, Y9 students and students who play in the Jazz Band or Orchestra will get priority.
Year 10 to 13 Music students can sign up during Music class. All other students (including Y9) can register during interval and lunchtime in D1 from Monday 10 February - Thursday 13 February.
The deadline for registration is the end of lunchtime on Thursday 13 February. Lessons will start on the week starting Monday 17 February (unless your teacher contacts you for an earlier lesson) and the times will be posted on the Music Lesson Noticeboard in the Performing Arts Block corridor. Please make sure you go to your lesson at the correct time or your place will be given to someone else!
Please see Mr O’Ryan in D11 if you have any questions.
CULTURAL & EXTRA CURRICULAR ARTS MUSTER
Want to meet like minded people that share your interests? Then come along on Wednesday 19 February to find out more about what's on offer including: Theatre Sports, Art Club, Culture Club, Film Club, a variety of music, dance and cultural groups, debating, and so much more! Information and sign up sheets for all Year 9-l3s will be available in the Theatre at lunchtime.
STUDENT OFFICE NOTICESLOCKER HIRE
Student lockers can be hired for $40 for the year. Once your payment has been made via myKindo, please visit the student office to select your preferred locker. Proof of payment will be required (eg. a screen shot).
BLAZER HIRE
School blazers can be hired for $50 for the year. Once your payment has been made via myKindo, please visit the student office for your blazer fitting and collection. Proof of payment will be required (eg. a screen shot)
REPORTING AN ABSENCE
If your child is absent for any reason, please follow the absence procedure and notify us by emailing [email protected] Please DO NOT phone the school office. 2024 YEARBOOK UPDATEWe are on track to have the 2024 Yearbook available by the end of February. While this remains our expected delivery timeframe, please note that it is an estimate, and we will keep you updated should there be any changes. Thank you for your understanding—we look forward to sharing this record of the year with you soon.
SPORTS NEWSAthletics Day - Thursday 20 FebruaryAthletics Day is compulsory for all Year 9 students. Entry for Year 10-13 students is optional and sign-ups can be done through their tutor teacher, however, students must enter a minimum of 3 events and must be on the field for the whole day. Students will be competing in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, high jump, long jump, shot put and discus. There will be competitive and non-competitive groups.
Students that belong to an athletics club and would like to enter a specialist event for Counties Manukau Zones eg. 3000m, 1500m, hurdles, javelin etc., should visit the sports office for more information. Our school athletes will be selected to represent the school at the Counties Manukau Zones and from there can progress to the Auckland Championship.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We require event managers and marshals, so if you are available to help on the day, please email [email protected].
Riancco Haggard Claims Gold Congratulations to Rianco Haggard (Year 12) who, in the last week of Term 4, 2024, added two more national titles and two more records to his already impressive athletics achievements. Rianco's commitment and focus were on full display as he broke the 300m hurdles record on the first day of competition at the NZSS Athletics Championships—only to break his own record the following day!
Well done, Rianco! We look forward to seeing what you will achieve in 2025.
2024 Christmas Rowing Regatta Success At the end of 2024, our Rowing Squad travelled to the picturesque Lake Karapiro to compete in the highly anticipated Christmas Regatta against schools and clubs from across the region. The conditions were ideal, with calm waters and minimal wind, though the intense heat tested every competitor’s endurance.
One of the standout performances came from the Girls U16 Coxed Quad Sculls crew of Yasmin Drake, Sacha Worthington, Danielle de Villiers, Yallini Velmurugan, and coxswain Claudia Farrell. The crew delivered a strong effort, finishing fourth in their heat and placing seventh in the B Final—an encouraging result for the start of their season.
Our Novice Boys, competing in the Men’s Club events, made a solid debut. Matthew Harrison, James Burt, Cole Lindsay, and coxswain Niek Erkkila raced in the Men’s Novice Coxed Quad Sculls, while Matthew Harrison, Nathaniel Strang, James Burt, Cole Lindsay, and coxswain Niek Erkkila competed in the Men’s Novice Coxed Four. Although these crews didn’t progress to the finals, their determination and teamwork were evident, setting the stage for a promising season ahead.
Congratulations to all our rowers and coxswains for their efforts and resilience. We look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in the upcoming regattas!
Sports NoticesHOCKEY TRIALS
Trials for the girls and boys team will be held in the next few weeks, for both the 1st and 2nd XI teams.
Please fill in the following form if you are interested in attending: https://forms.gle/RaRWdijc7YDYNdcm6
OR email:[email protected]
Boys: Wednesday 12th Feb, 19th Feb and 26th Feb 4:00 pm until 5:15 pm.
Girls: Thursday 13th Feb, 20th Feb and 27th Feb 4:00 pm until 5:15 pm.
Location: Lloyd Elsmore Park hockey turf.
Transport is not provided. If you need any hockey equipment, please let Ms Richards know and she will arrange loan gear for you.
UNDERWATER HOCKEY - HAVE A GO
Come along and have a go at Underwater Hockey
Sunday 23rd February & Sunday 2 March 2.30pm to 4:00pm at Manurewa Pool, Sykes Rd, Manurewa
Gear is supplied.
RUGBY TRAINING
Senior boys and girls who are potential 1st and 2nd XV players must attend training session. Please see Coach Sotutu in the Sports Office for more information.
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If you are interested in learning Judo/Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at school this year, please get in touch with Mr Uy. Either e-mail [email protected], or come to the Languages Resource Room (i.e. the G Block Office) during interval or lunch time for more information. We are planning to start trainings from
Thursday next week after school in D8. Beginners welcome.
BADMINTON
We are still finalising the times for the club sessions,
but there will be 1-2 lunchtime sessions and 1 after school session each week. The lunchtime sessions are for people of all skill levels, with rackets provided. If you are interested, keep a lookout for the sign up information in the daily notices.
If you have not played previously for a competitive team, but you think you have what it takes, then please email Mr Hills at [email protected]. Competitive teams will start in Term 2.
Last year's club website can be found here: https://sites.google.com/howick.school.nz/hcbc/home
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Get involved in Howick College SportWe are looking for coaches, managers, and helpers for both our summer and upcoming winter sports teams. This is a fantastic opportunity to support our students in doing what they love while encourage them to take on new challenges.
At Howick College, we challenge our students—and we challenge you to be part of our team! Volleyball, Touch, and Tag are getting underway soon, with winter sports on the horizon. If you have a passion for sport and want to make a difference, we would love to hear from you.
For more information or to get involved, please email [email protected]
HOWICK COLLEGE LIBRARY BOOK OF THE WEEKGothic Fashion: The History from Barbarians to Haute Couture
by Kate Goodman
From the ancient barbarians responsible for the fall of Rome, to the black-lipped teenager updating their Instagram from a graveyard, Goths have been with us for a long time. Ideas about what is Gothic have changed and mutated, but a fascination with the dark and dramatic has remained a constant. The History of Gothic Fashion charts Gothic dress from its ancient and medieval origins to its various revivals and romanticised rebirths, examining its cultural inspirations including folk lore, 19th-century novels, the silver screen and rock music. The History of Gothic Fashion provides an in-depth overview of the evolution of the darker side of style.
This book It is full of photographs and illustrations and can be found in our Non Fiction section at 391.
*The library in G Block is now open. Hours are from 8:30 am - 3:30 pm Monday to Friday.
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THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY Thanks to the generosity of our school community, local families in need received a little extra joy last Christmas. On 23rd December, a dedicated group of Howick College students and staff gathered at All Saints Church to pack hampers filled with essential items and donated chocolates and sweet treats.
Our students embodied the school’s values with pride, and their efforts were deeply appreciated by members of All Saints Church. The most rewarding part of the experience was delivering the hampers and seeing the heartfelt gratitude of the recipients.
A huge thank you to all the wonderful Howick College families who contributed chocolates in Term 4—your kindness made a real difference. We look forward to supporting this initiative again later this year!
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