March to the beat of our own drum, what's the music that's special to you, your whānau and community? |
As we return to school from a restful break I speak on behalf of the staff when I say it has been a refreshing and re-energising start of term. Next week is the start of New Zealand Music Month. Music enriches all of us and becomes the soundtrack to our lives. It evokes memories and emotions whether it's remembering loved ones, celebrating milestones or sharing a joint experience.
This week we commemorated Anzac Day on the 25th of April. “The Last Post” is a score of music originally played by a bugler to signify the end of a day for those serving in the Armed Forces. However, it is also played to remember those who have fallen, marking the end of their duty and the sacrifices made. It is a haunting and evocative composition that I know for me personally brings tears to my eyes, as I think about the bravery and courage shown during WW1 and WW2, as well as in the more recent conflicts. At Waitākere College, as part of our 2023 Anzac Day Remembrance, our Service Academy also played “The Last Post”. As a proud Kiwi, I am always grateful to stand amongst others, honouring our Servicemen and Servicewomen, reflecting on their valour, whilst listening to this moving piece of music.
Music also has a way of uplifting and uniting people, and as someone passionate about sports, this is ever evident. My personal favourites are hearing Dave Dobbyn's “Loyal” or Six60 Kia Mau Ki Tō Ūkaipō / Don't Forget Your Roots blast out at a packed stadium and the crowd singing along to it at International sporting fixtures. And who can forget Ruby Tui when the Black Ferns won the World Cup she led a 40,000-strong Eden Park crowd in waiata Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi which symbolises people coming together in unity.
New Zealand Music Month 2023 is focusing on community and collaboration. This is also a major focus for our professional development at Waitākere College. During the Teacher Only Day on the 5th of May, staff are continuing on their journey of implementing the NCEA changes. Part of this is forming a relationship with local iwi Te Kawerau a Maki. Through this reciprocal relationship, we are forming a partnership to develop and broaden our knowledge of the local curriculum.
"Dance like nobody's watching; love like you've never been hurt. Sing like nobody's listening; live like it's heaven on earth." -Mark Twain.
Nga mihi
Olivia Fugmann
Acting Principal |
Kapa Haka at Polyfest 2023
Tēna koutou e ngā whānau maha e o Te Kura Auraki o Waitākerekere. Anei Ngā Pae Maunga o Waitākere i tū i te Polyfest 2023. | |  |
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Te Reo Māori, Whakataukī And Words Of The Week
As this week was a short week, we will continue on the same words for next week, week 2. | |  |
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School Immunisation Catch Up
As part of the services offered by the health centre at Waitākere College, we are providing an immunisation catch-up to ensure our community is protected against infectious diseases. This is a free service that will be offered in 2023, with a Vaccinator Nurse coming to the school to complete these immunisations. | |  |
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The Waitakere College Foundation is Looking for New Volunteer Trustees
The Waitākere College Foundation is a charitable trust formed by community leaders and past pupils of the College. Our sole purpose is to raise funds which are used to remove barriers to succeeding in education. | |  |
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Sports Results
Last weeks sports results | |  |
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Sports Draws/Fixtures
Upcoming Draws - Come along and show your support! | |  |
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English Workshops
Catch up and stay ahead on Thursday afternoons in B3 | |  |
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1st XV Rugby Training Camp
The 1st XV rugby team had a fun and productive training camp from Wednesday - Saturday of the second week of the holidays. | |  |
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Healthy Lunch Initiative Starts Monday
Free & Nutritious Hot Meals are provided to all students each day! | |  |
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Former Waitākere College Student, Christopher Alan Moore Performs his show 'Nepal'
Last term, Year 9 Performing Arts, Year 13 Drama and Year 9 & 10 Shine students were thrilled to see the show, both written and performed by Christopher. | |  |
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Book Of The Week - The Mortal Instruments 1: City of Bones By Cassanadra Clare
If you like a book that’s a mix of The Hunger Games, Divergent and Twilight, but with way more action, then you’ll love The Mortal Instruments series.
Check out next week's book of the week! | |  |
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- Fri 5th May Teachers Professional Development Day - No School
- Mon 5th June Public Holiday - King's Birthday - No School
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