Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Howick College,
 Over the past couple of weeks, several senior leaders and I have visited university schools of education, alongside other principals from around New Zealand, to interview teacher graduates who will be seeking positions in New Zealand secondary schools for 2025. These graduates have diverse backgrounds: many have completed a master’s degree in teaching and learning, while others have undergone a year of training following their undergraduate degree. Some have spent additional time at university, completing their masters in other fields before transitioning to education. Some have participated in the "Earn as You Learn" programme, through the University of Waikato, which involves placement at one school for the year as part of the staff. Howick College is one of around 40 schools involved in this programme.
Regardless of the programme or university, all these graduates have completed teacher observations, taught classes, coached sports and/or arts, organised and participated in trips, learned extensive educational theory, and applied it in practice. It has been fantastic to meet so many motivated and passionate up-and-coming teachers who universally recognise the importance of building positive relationships with students as the most critical aspect of their engagement and learning. I am hugely encouraged and believe these graduates will easily find roles in New Zealand schools next year. They all seem as prepared as possible for what is a very demanding job.
The government recently announced more places for trainee teachers and is open to additional providers entering the marketplace. This move is positive and well-received. However, the fundamental issue of the quality and quantity of the supply remains unaddressed. Too many top graduates do not consider teaching a profession they wish to enter. Governments have been aware of these issues for years but have not fully addressed them. The same can be said for nurses, police, and doctors. The working conditions, including remuneration, do not compare favourably to other roles or the same professions overseas, particularly in Australia.
In the past, the teaching profession attracted the nation’s top graduates because they were paid to attend university and were obligated to the profession upon completion. Many of the high achievers in secondary schools - the change-makers, teachers, and leaders who made a significant difference and are now retired or retiring - were all recipients of this scheme. It was costly, but like most sound investments, it paid huge dividends over a long period. In the meantime, principals will continue to travel around the country and compete for a small but excellent pool of graduates in a situation where demand outstrips supply.
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Have a great weekend.
Dale Burden
Principal/Tumuaki | | Monday 12 - Tuesday 13 August
Winter Teams & Groups Photos
(Schedule in Daily Notices)
Monday 12 - Wednesday 14 August
Year 13 Production - Shakers
Thursday 15 August
Subject Information Evening
KBB Music Festival
Monday 19 August
NZ Blood Collection
Monday 26 August
Teacher Only Day
Wednesday 28 - Friday 30 August
Dance Showcase - Contrast
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
Thursday 12 Sepember
Arts & Extra Curricular Awards
Monday 16 September - Friday 20 September
Senior Practice Exams
Thursday 26 September
Howick College Fashion Show
Friday 27 September
Battle of the Bands
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LOOKING BACK
1992 - Asian Student Adviser Appointed Mrs Monica Lok - First Asian Student Adviser | | In 1992, Howick College organised a teacher-only day to better understand its growing Chinese student population, which would eventually make up 33 percent of the school roll by the end of the decade. One of the key speakers was Mrs Monica Lok, a Howick resident and former teacher from Hong Kong. Her presentation, marked by deep knowledge and empathy, made a strong impression on the staff. As a result, the school offered her a permanent role as the Asian Student Adviser - a position likely the first of its kind in the country.
Mrs Lok’s support proved invaluable to many teachers who suddenly found themselves with large numbers of Chinese students in their classes, many of whom had limited English. She became a much valued figure, not only within the school but also in the broader Chinese community.
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Acting as an unofficial community social worker, Mrs Lok supported families, many of whom consisted of mothers and children while fathers remained working in their homeland. With limited English fluency and little knowledge of the New Zealand education system, many of these mothers turned to Mrs Lok for advice and guidance, finding in her a reliable and compassionate ally.
Over her 16 years in this role, Mrs Lok’s contributions were nothing short of outstanding. She was widely respected and appreciated by both the school community and the wider Howick community. Beyond addressing school-related issues, she played a key role in fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse cultural values and practices that enriched the school environment, leaving a profound and lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
50TH JUBILEE REGISTRATIONS OPENEnjoy a weekend trip down memory lane, reconnecting with old friends and meeting familiar faces.
To register online for your preferred the events please go to https://howick.ptly.com/goldenjubilee
 SENIOR SUBJECT SELCTION INFORMATION EVENINGTo support our current Year 10 students, parents and caregivers with the 2025 subject selection process, we will be holding a Subject Information Evening on Thursday 15 August. Teachers from all subject areas will be available to explain their courses and how students can pathway from Year 9 through to Year 13. While this evening is particularly focused on Year 10 students who will begin their NCEA journey in 2025, Year 11 and 12 students and their families are also welcome to attend.
The evening will begin in the Theatre at 5:00pm with a brief presentation from the Head of our Careers Department. We look forward to seeing you there. 2025 SUBJECT SELECTION PROCESSIn term 3, students in Years 10, 11 and 12 will choose their subject options for 2025. Parents and caregivers should support their children to make these important decisions. All the information about the various subjects available at Howick College can be found on the Subject Pathways page of our website. Additional information and activities can be found at: https://www.careers.govt.nz/
All students will begin the process by completing a careers activity and attending a subject selection assembly. Students will select their options in the relevant tutor times shown below:
Year 12 - Term 3 Week 2
Year 11 - Term 3 Week 5
Year 10 - Term 3 Week 7
Year 9 - Students will select their 2025 subjects in Term 4. PRACTICE EXAMS 2024Year 11 - 13 students will sit practice exams in Week 9 of Term 3 from Monday 16 - Friday 20 September (exam timetable available here). During this time, senior students will be on study leave to prepare for their exams. We encourage all parents and caregivers to ensure their children are taking these exams seriously and making the most of the study time provided to prepare for their exams.
Practice exams are crucial as they provide students with a clear indication of their progress, highlighting any areas that need further attention before the external exams. They also serve as evidence for derived grades in the event of a legitimate absence during the NZQA exams.
Bus students please note: Buses run at their normal times during practice exams. Students finishing early or late will need to find an alternative way home. GIVING BLOOD SAVES LIVES | | The NZ Blood Collection team will be at Howick College on Monday, 19 August, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm in the theatre. Eligible students can sign up from Monday 12 - Thursday 15 August at the Student Office during lunchtime.
Encouraging students to donate blood is vital for fostering a lifetime habit of contributing to their community. Individuals aged 16 and over can independently decide to donate blood according to the Care of Children Act 2004. NZBS recommends that students discuss this decision with their families. If there are any objections, please inform the student and the school before the blood drive.
NZBS respects the privacy of all donors and recommends sensitive conversations around blood donor eligibility. For more information, please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) or visit www.nzblood.co.nz.
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2024 DANCE SHOWCASE - CONTRAST Our Dance Department is excited to bring you Contrast, the 2024 Dance Showcase. This is one of the highlights of the dance calendar providing students with the opportunity to display their talent and work through multiple dance genres. Ticket sales are now open.
Dates: Wednesday 28 August - Friday 30 August at 7:00pm
Tickets: $5:00 - Door sales are not available.
Venue: Bill Dimery Performing Arts Centre
Shows sell out quickly so don't delay booking your tickets!
SENIOR GIRLS PRODUCTION - SHAKERS Step into the vibrant world of a bustling cocktail bar with Shakers, a witty play by John Godber. Follow four waitresses as they navigate the chaos, humour, and challenges of their shifts, revealing colourful characters and the dreams they are chasing. With sharp dialogue and a fast-paced plot, Shakers offers a hilarious and insightful look at life behind the bar. Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter and heart!
Dates: Monday 12 August - Wednesday 14 August at 7:00pm
Tickets: $5:00. On sale from Monday 5 August. Door sales available.
Venue: Bill Dimery Performing Arts Centre
JUNIORS EXCEL AT EPRO8 ENGINEERING CHALLENGE The EPro8 Challenge is a prominent inter-school science and engineering competition in New Zealand, engaging over 25,000 students annually. This competition fosters creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills through a series of challenging engineering tasks. Schools initially hold internal events to select their top teams, who then compete regionally.
On August 1st, senior EPro8 teams, and on August 2nd, junior teams from various schools competed at Pakuranga College. These events are designed to test students' abilities in building complex structures, solving engineering problems, and working collaboratively under time constraints.
Howick College's junior Year 9 team did extremely well, winning their heat and advancing to the next stage. We wish them the very best of luck in the semi-finals.
DANCER SHINES ON INTERNATIONAL STAGE Max Homan (pictured right with team mate) the Identity Dance Company. Year 10 student Max Homan along with the Identity Dance Company (IDCO) recently competed in the World of Dance Finals in Los Angeles. Over the past two weeks, this global competition showcased various styles of dance across different age groups, with teams performing in categories such as Hip Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, and Musical Theatre.
Max’s team, “Imprint” from IDCO, achieved an impressive 1st place in the Junior Division Finals (under 18 years). They then advanced to the overall finals, where they competed against the top 10 teams from each division to take 4th place. In addition to their competitive success, IDCO and Max performed as a guest act in both the Opening Ceremony and the Finals Awards Night, delivering outstanding performances.
Congratulations to Max and the Identity Dance Company for their hard work and exceptional results. We are proud of your achievement and look forward to your continued success! THE GREAT HOUSE BAKE OFF Once again, we challenged our talented house bakers to create their most delicious and decorative masterpieces for the annual House Bake Off, and they did not disappoint! Our judges - Ms Clearwater, Mrs Higgins and HoD Hospitality, Mrs Roberts - were wowed by the flavours and skill on display.
Congratulations to the following category winners (clockwise from top left):
Best Show-Stopper: IRVINE - Cupcake bouquet baked by Alexia Delport.
Best Savoury: MINERVA - Fried breads and dips baked by Saniya Shaikh and Caleb Carr.
Best House Cake: BACOT - Cake pops baked by Lucia White
Best Small Sweet Bake: MACDONALD - Chocolate brownies baked by Milly Belcher.
Overall Winner: IRVINE
Runner Up: INGHAM
Well done to all our bakers - your creations were a feast for the eyes and utterly irresistible!
KBB MUSIC FESTIVALWho: Howick College Jazz Band
Where: St Mary's Church, 446 Parnell Road, Parnell
When: 6:30 pm
Tickets: FREE
The KBB Music Festival is a celebration of music, showcasing some of New Zealand's finest young musicians. The festival attracts talented students from more than 50 schools across the greater Auckland region, who perform in secondary school orchestras, concert bands, jazz bands, and chamber orchestras.
This year, our talented Jazz Band, led by Mr Hamish McArthur, will be performing at 6:30 pm on Thursday, 15 August, at St Mary's Church. We would love to see you there, supporting these wonderful young musicians.
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SPORTS NEWSHowick Netball Wins Combined Points Trophy Clockwise from top left: Premier Girls' Netball team, Year 9A Team, Combined Premier, 10A and 9A teams. On Wednesday, August 7, netball teams from across the greater Auckland area competed at the Auckland Netball Centre in the annual Combined Points Netball Tournament. This event brings together teams from the Premier, Year 10, and Year 9 grades, all vying for the coveted Combined Points Trophy.
Howick College made an impressive start, with all three teams - Premier, Year 10A, and Year 9A - winning their sections and advancing to the crossovers. The Premier and Year 9A teams won their crossover games to reach the finals, while the Year 10A team lost a close match to Avondale College.
In the finals, the Premier team was narrowly defeated by St Kentigern College, while the Year 9A team took a 2-point win over Westlake College. Thanks to there combined efforts Howick College claimed the Combined Points Netball Trophy for 2024. After previously winning the trophy in 2021 and 2022, it’s a tremendous achievement to reclaim it this year after missing out to MAGS in 2023.
Congratulations to all the teams! We are incredibly proud of your achievement and look forward to seeing you defend the trophy in 2025!
Premier Teams Sport Draw SATURDAY 10 AUGUST
Netball Premier 1 vs Avondale College, Venue: ANC Ct A, Start: 11:30am
Netball Premier 2 vs King's College, Venue: ANC Ct A, Start: 10:30am
1st XV Rugby Boys vs Southern Cross, Venue: HOME GAME, Kick-Off 12:00pm
MONDAY 12 AUGUST
Rugby Girls 1st XV vs Southern Cross: HOME GAME, Kick-off: 4:00pm
TUESDAY 13 AUGUST
UWH Senior Open vs Mahurangi College SO Venue: West Wave, Start: 8:10pm
UWH Senior Girls vs Glendowie College Venue: Manurewa Aquatic Centre, Start: 7:40pm
WEDNESDAY 14 AUGUST
Football Girls 1st XI vs Carmel College, Venue: HOME GAME, Kick-off: 4:00pm
Hockey Boys 1st XI BYE
THURSDAY 15 AUGUST
Hockey Girls 1st XI vs Mt Albert Grammar, Venue: LEP, Start: 4:30pm
Football Boys 1st XI vs King's College, Venue: HOME GAME, Kick-Off: 3:30pm
FRIDAY 16 AUGUST
Football Boys 1st XI vs Waitakere College, Venue: Waitakere College, Kick-off: 3:15pm
SATURDAY 17 AUGUST
Netball Premier 1 vs Baradene College, Venue: ANC Ct B, Start: 11:30am
Netball Premier 2 vs Macleans College, Venue: ANC Ct C, Start: 10:30am
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 CENTRESore Throat Assessments COMMUNITY NOTICESWarm Up Winter - Community InitiativeThe Howick and Pakuranga Community Houses Inc Society Board is excited to announce Warm Up Winter Homemade Soup Fridays and Used Clothing Repair Evenings at Highland Park Community House, 47 Aviemore Drive, starting 2nd August.
Every Friday in August (2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th) from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, attendees can enjoy a free cup of homemade soup and benefit from complimentary clothing repairs by an experienced seamstress.
Everyone is welcome to this free, no-strings-attached community service. For more information, contact Jennie at 09 534 5584.
 RAISING CONFIDENT & RESILIENT KIDS WORKSHOP |
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