Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Howick College,
 It is not often that a government education policy has an immediate and positive effect on students once it is introduced. The current government's law banning smartphone use during the school day is one policy that has. Given the many issues that smartphones have caused for young people, the ban was a good call.
Here at Howick College, we already had a policy in place for inside the classroom—this law strengthened what we were already doing. At the time the legislation was passed, I did not feel it was necessary to tighten up restrictions outside the classroom. I favoured a more liberal approach that allowed students some freedom. I admit that this was a mistake, and, as a result, we tightened things up to a blanket ban at the end of last year.
The change has been dramatic. Before we adopted the approach, we had many students in corridors—regardless of the weather—on their phones. Now, with the threat of confiscation and reflections, the students have, by and large, changed their behaviour.
 Students off their phones enjoying the fresh air and sunshine with their friends This shift, along with the great start to the term—weather-wise and school “vibe”-wise—has meant that we have had significantly more students on the fields playing games. More students have been in the library, playing cards, or just in groups, talking to one another. The noise levels have increased dramatically, and we now have issues with balls hitting windows, getting stuck on roofs, and damaging gardens - far better problems to be dealing with!
It is quite interesting to see the students getting their last “fix” before they arrive at school in the morning, and glued to their phones once they leave. Hopefully, the government can take further steps in this space, and follow some Australian states by introducing a minimum age for smartphones or an age of consent for social media.
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Have a great weekend.
Dale Burden
Principal/Tumuaki
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Non-Uniform Day - House Colours
Monday 7 - Thursday 10 April
Senior Drama Production -
Te Awarua
Monday 7 - Friday 11 April
Spirit Week
Tuesday 8 April - Friday May 2
Dental Planet on Site
Friday 11 April
Term 1 Ends
Friday 18 April
Good Friday
Monday 21 April
Easter Monday
Friday 25 April
ANZAC Day
Monday 28 April
Term 2 Begins
Wednesday 30 April
Parent/Teacher Interviews
From 4:00 - 7:00pm
Wednesday 7 May
Parent/Teacher Interviews
From 4:00 - 7:00pm
Saturday 24 May
School Ball
*Girls' Rugby 7s
Sausage Sizzle Fundraiser
Every Thursday at Lunchtime
During Term 1
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MEET THE TEAM BEHIND THE SCENES Mr Lyall Carter and Mrs Holly Kerrigan-Morley At Howick College, a dedicated team works behind the scenes to support our students and staff. Over the next few weeks, we will introduce you to the key individuals who help keep our school running smoothly and support our students. Our dedicated Youth Work team provides support, guidance, and mentoring to help students navigate challenges and reach their full potential. Whether through one-on-one mentoring, group programmes, or various activities, they are here to foster resilience, confidence, and well-being.
Mr Lyall Carter joined Howick College in 2019 and brings nearly two decades of experience in youth work and pastoral care, having worked in both schools and not-for-profit community organisations. He offers a range of programmes designed to support students' personal growth and well-being including:
- Blue Edge Programme: A combination of physical activity and mentoring to develop confidence and resilience.
- Strength Programme: Provides mentoring to help students build resilience, self-confidence, and strategies for managing emotions.
- Interval Hangouts: Open to all, the Interval Hangouts in the Huakina Mai building offer a relaxed space to socialise, play board games, and connect with the youth work team. Visit Huakina Mai to see what’s on the current hangout schedule.
- One-on-One Mentoring: Individualised support tailored to students' needs.
Mrs Holly Kerrigan-Morley joined Howick College in 2023 and has previous experience as a volunteer community youth worker. She offers:
- Shine Programme: A mentoring programme focused on resilience, self-confidence, and emotional well-being.
- One-on-One Mentoring: Personalised support to help students navigate challenges and develop strategies for success.
YEAR 9 &10 EFFORT REPORT PILOT Starting in Term 2, Year 9 and 10 students will receive fortnightly Effort Reports providing feedback to both parents and students on their effort in each of their subject classes. These reports are being piloted to encourage junior students to focus on 'Effort for Engagement" and to emphasise the importance of applying our school values to their learning in order to maximise outcomes. Fortnightly attendance and lateness data will also be included.
Year 9 students will receive their fortnightly Effort Reports from the end of Week 1 in Term 2.
Year 10 students will receive their fortnightly Effort Reports from the end of Week 2 in Term 2.
At Howick College, we believe all students should strive for their personal best by demonstrating outstanding effort in every class by:
- Showing Commitment – Arrive on time, wear the correct uniform, and bring all necessary equipment, including a charged device.
- Engaging in Learning – Take an active part in lessons by asking thoughtful questions, showing curiosity, and using feedback to improve.
- Working with Courtesy – Show respect and kindness to teachers and classmates through your words and actions.
- Seeking to Progress – Be open to challenges, try new things, and learn from mistakes to keep improving.
STUDENT VOLUNTEERS SUPPORT CARNIVAL Howick College students have been praised for their outstanding support at the recent Cockle Bay School Carnival, where they volunteered their time and effort to help ensure the event's success.
With over 4,000 visitors attending, the carnival was a vibrant celebration of community spirit. The Cockle Bay School Board Presiding Member expressed deep appreciation for our students, highlighting their strong work ethic, flexibility, and positive attitude as they assisted across various activities throughout the day.
A special acknowledgement goes to Deputy Head Students Lucy O'Hanlon and Callum Edwards, who played a key role in recruiting and coordinating volunteers while also contributing their own time on the day. Their efforts, along with those of all the students involved, were instrumental in delivering a successful and well-organised event.
We are extremely proud to see our students making a meaningful impact in the wider community, demonstrating leadership and service beyond the classroom.
READ THEORY - IMPROVING LITERACYAt Howick College, we utilise Read Theory to provide students with valuable opportunities to read a variety of texts, enhancing their literacy skills and preparing them for the Literacy Co-requisite.
Read Theory is a powerful educational tool offering online reading activities suitable for all ages and ability levels. The programme adapts to each student’s individual ability, providing thousands of skill-building exercises tailored to their needs. The quizzes cover the full range of reading levels, from primary school to the most advanced college-level passages. As students progress, they earn points and achievement badges, reflecting their reading scores.
ReadTheory.org is completely free to use and ensures that student accounts are not linked to personal information such as social media profiles, photographs, or home contact details. Your child’s data is kept private and will never be shared with third parties. Students can access Read Theory both at home and at school, requiring only an internet connection. For more information, visit www.ReadTheory.org.
Our Expectations:
- All Year 9 and 10 students will complete Read Theory sessions during tutor time.
- Students are encouraged to achieve at least 100 Knowledge Points per week.
- Students are welcome to complete additional Read Theory activities at home.
Congratulations to the following TopTen Year 9 and 10 achievers for weeks 4-8:  SPIRIT WEEKGet ready for a week of fun, creativity, and House pride as we celebrate Spirit Week at Howick College!
With a House Colours Dress Up Day (non-uniform dress code applies), exciting activities, and friendly inter-house competitions, this is a fantastic chance for students to showcase their creativity, get involved, and bring our school community together as we wrap up an amazing Term 1.
Join in the fun and make this a Spirit Week to remember!
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YEAR 12 DRAMA PRESENTS  Our Year 12 Drama students have been working incredibly hard to bring this production to life, and we’re excited to invite you to see their dedication and talent in action. Join us next week for their performance of Te Awarua, by acclaimed New Zealand playwright Albert Belz. Set during World War I, this powerful play weaves Māori mythology with Western storytelling, exploring themes of love, hope, and alliance amidst the turmoil of war. It is a moving and thought-provoking experience that is sure to captivate.
We’re very proud of the commitment shown by our Drama students, backstage crew, and technical team throughout the rehearsal process. Don’t miss the chance to support their efforts and enjoy this unique production.
General Admission
When: Monday 7- Thursday 10 April at 7:00pm
Where: Bill Dimery Performing Arts Centre
Tickets: $5.00 - Available at the Door
(By arrangement with PlayMarket)
HELP US ERADICATE MOTH PLANT Dedicated Howick College moth plant collectors have so far collected 1145 pods and vines. Moth plant is an invasive species, native to South America, introduced to New Zealand in the 1880s for ornamental purposes. Since then, it has spread throughout the country, posing a significant threat to our native flora by smothering and killing plants in its path. A distinctive feature of the moth plant is its pods, which can contain up to 1,000 seeds. These seeds are spread by the wind, enabling the rapid colonisation of new areas.
To help eradicate this pest plant, Howick College has entered the Regional Moth Plant Competition, with prize money awarded to the school that collects the most moth plant pods and roots. We encourage YOU and our COMMUNITY to join us in gathering as many moth plant pods and roots as possible. So far, Howick College has collected 1145 pods and vines since the competition began!
What you can do if you spot a moth plant:
1. Fill out the following form to report the sighting: https://forms.gle/8rmeLHVEuNRUdV6c6
2. Get permission from the property owner to remove the moth plant pods and vines.
3. Take photos of the pods/vines and send them, along with the location details, to enviro leaders Courage Chang or Jacob Powell.
If you would like to participate in collecting moth plants, please fill out the following form, and we can provide you with plant locations:https://forms.gle/vaZjuu6ia2mangXe9. The total number of pods/vines collected will be submitted for the regional competition, which closes on 9 May. For more information on moth plants, including identification and removal methods, please refer to this guide.
Moth plant locations map:
https://earth.google.com/earth/d/1mNlqHnYN0wgMGrADUoqH0pbcy1JqOVLk?usp=sharing
If you know a location and it is not on this map, please contact us so we can add it to our list.
If you have any questions, please email Courage Chang and Jacob Powell (Envirogroup leaders) or Mr Henty (SCI-HoLA) at [email protected].
CAREERS DEPARTMENT NEWSUPCOMING EDUCATION PROVIDERS VISITS
Who: Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
When: Tuesday 8 April, 1:40pm (lunchtime)
Where: Theatre
NCEA LITERACY AND NUMERACY WORKSHOPSWorkshops will run over the last three weeks of this term and the first three weeks of Term 2 to help prepare students for the NCEA Co-Requisite exams in Week 4 and 5 of Term 2. All students are welcome to attend any of the following lunchtime workshops.
Literacy - Mondays at lunchtime in A1
Week 10 - Writing: Grammar multi-choice questions - How to choose the best option?
Numeracy - Tuesdays at lunchtime in C18
Week 10 - Process Idea 2: Using maths and statistics to solve problems
STUDY CENTRE TUTORING | | If you are a student looking to enhance your learning or a parent encouraging your child to seek extra support, student tutors are now available to help. Tutoring sessions can be booked through the Study Centre button on the Howick College website. Students must use their school email to book. Parents and caregivers cannot book on their behalf.
Tutors can be booked for a one-off session or set up for ongoing weekly support. The Study Centre also provides a quiet space for students to work independently on their classwork and homework.
Take advantage of this valuable support service to build confidence and improve learning outcomes!
Where: A4
When: Interval & Lunchtime
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SPORTS NEWSSanix World Rugby Tournament Countdown | |  |
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As the countdown to the Sanix World Rugby Youth Tournament continues, we continue our player spotlight series with seasoned players Charli Taituha, Ffion Penney, Malena Lavea and one of our younger members of the team, Daisy Leat. These talented athletes bring skill, strength, and determination to the squad, each driven by personal goals and guiding mottos that sustain them in their pursuit of sporting excellence.
Charli Taituha: My personal goal is to better myself as both an athlete and person, and work on my 1% gains on and off the field. My favourite motto is: "What you’re not changing, you’re choosing!."
Ffion Penney: My personal goal is to put my family name there on the big stage in a black jersey! My motto is: "Everything comes to you at the right time, be patient."
Malena Lavea: A personal goal is to grow my knowledge as an athlete so that I can build a deeper connection with the sports I love to play and better appreciate them. As well as being able to learn the BTS of motivation, pressure, commitment, consistency, and to just enjoy it. The motto I live by is a bible verse: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6
Daisy Leat: My personal goal is to have a full and clear understanding on the game of rugby so I can build and improve my individual skill set and become a stronger player. My motto is: "Great opportunities come to those who make the most of small ones." This resonates with me because of the opportunities I have been given, like the chance to be a part of the Condors team and now going to Japan. 1st XI Cricket Wraps Up Half Season On Winning Streak
 What a fantastic way to close out the first half of the 2025 season for our 1st XI Cricket Boys! On Saturday, the team defeated Selwyn College, in an impressive 8-wicket win that keeps them firmly at the top of the 1A competition table, now 3 points clear as they head into the season break.
Batting first, Howick College restricted Selwyn College to a total of 151 runs, with standout bowling performances from Prabh Jawanda, who took 4 wickets for 30 runs off 10 overs, and Billy White, who followed closely with 3 wickets for 30 runs from his 10 overs. Ewald Engelbrecht also made a handy contribution, taking 2 wickets for 35 runs from 7.3 overs. Our bowlers’ discipline and consistency were key to limiting the opposition and setting the team up for success.
In response, our boys chased down the target with ease, finishing at 152/2 after just 24.4 overs. The innings was built around solid contributions from Gurkanwal Singh, who top-scored with 55 runs off 63 balls, and Kamal Singh, who followed closely with 50 runs off 62 balls. Jack Read also added quick runs, finishing unbeaten on 28 from just 16 balls.
This victory marks another excellent achievement in a season full of promising performances, and the team is now eagerly looking forward to continuing their success when the season resumes in Term 4. A huge thank you to all the supporters who have backed the team this term—your encouragement has been greatly appreciated.
Milestone Achievement for 1st XI Co-Captain Last weekend’s win against Selwyn College was extra special for 1st XI co-captain and wicketkeeper Callum Edwards, who became just the second Howick College cricketer to play 50 games for the 1st XI! To mark this incredible achievement, Mr Burden presented Callum with a commemorative baggy cap - a well-earned recognition of his dedication and contribution to the team.
Water Polo Player Selected for NZ U16 Squad Congratulations to Isaia Tafau (Y11), who has been selected for the New Zealand U16 Water Polo squad. This achievement is the result of his dedication and hard work, and it opens the door for further training camps and the exciting possibility of competing in the World U16 Water Polo Championships in Croatia in 2026.
Isaia’s journey began in December 2024, when he was invited to trial for the NZ U16 Water Polo Team. The first camp, held on 15-16 February at Auckland Boys Grammar, saw approximately 50 boys from across the country competing for 25 initial spots. The programme aims to develop players who will continue to represent New Zealand at the Senior Men’s level.
In January 2025, Isaia received an invitation from NZ U16s Coach Rahiti Teokotai-White to attend the HBHS High Performance Water Polo Camp from 21-23 January. Coach Teokotai-White selects a just a few standout players from across New Zealand, and Isaia was fortunate to be one of them. The camp was an intense experience, with Isaia staying onsite at Hamilton Boys High School and training up to four times per day.
More recently, Isaia, along with teammates Samantha Ellis (Y12), Jacob Nolan (Y13), Julian Beretta (Y11), and Jack Powell (Y12), played for a composite Macleans/Howick College team in the Division 2 North Island Secondary Schools Championships. Despite some technical paperwork issues that prevented them from playing their second game, the team fought hard and finished 5th, defeating Long Bay College in the final. Isaia’s outstanding performance earned him a place in the Tournament Team.
Looking forward, Isaia is excited to join Marist club, where he will play in both the U16 and U18 divisions while continuing to develop his skills with his NZ U16 teammates. We wish Isaia every success in pursuit of his goals!
Volleyball National Tournament Well done to our boys and thanks to Lucca Trailers for their support. Our Senior Boys' Volleyball team drove to Palmerston North last week to compete in the National Secondary Schools Tournament during Summer Tournament Week. This prestigious event features over 90 teams from across the country, divided into seven divisions.
After a strong start on Day 1, the team was graded as Division 4—two divisions higher than in 2024! For some of the boys, this was their first experience at a national tournament, bringing a mix of nerves, excitement, and valuable learning moments. The competition was tight, with every team in the pool having their share of wins and losses. In the playoffs for 5th to 8th place, the boys demonstrated determination, teamwork, and outstanding sportsmanship, finishing in 5th place—a significant improvement from last year.
A special thank you to our Year 13 players, especially captain Ariel Huni, along with Miller Rogers, Joshua Briones, and Zhilin Shen, who have shown incredible commitment to the sport over the years and leave it in a stronger position for the future.
We are extremely proud of these outstanding young Howick College men!
Girls' 1st XI Cricket - Summer Tournament Round Up  After a rollercoaster tournament and disappointing loss to St Cuthbert’s College earlier in the week, our girls dug deep to finish the Summer Tournament on a high note. With a motivating pep talk from both coach and captain, the team came out strong in the final match. Danielle de Villiers, took two fantastic catches off the bowling of Sonnia Vaia and Nitya Choudhary, while Avneet Kaur made her mark with a run-out and a catch off Poppy van Rensburg’s bowling. This conclusive 7-wicket win was a well-deserved end to a hard-fought season.
There were many highlights across the 6 games played throughout the week. Chloe Pratt delivered an outstanding innings, scoring 53* not out. Alyssa Reid struck with two consecutive wickets in the 19th over, and Poppy van Rensburg sealed the win with an incredible hat-trick in the final over. Star batter Zamera Ikiua provided a major boost to the team, finishing with a brilliant 50 not out. The bowlers were backed by committed fielding, with excellent catches and run-outs helping to lift the team effort.
Game 1: Baradene College 5/125 (18.2) defeated Howick College 7/124 (20)
Game 2: Howick College 7/107 (18.5) defeated Westlake Girl High School 8/104 (20)
Game 3: Howick College 3/135 (20) defeated Glendowie College 9/99 (20)
Game 4: Takapuna Grammar School 6/124 (20) defeated Howick College 10/51 (15.1)
Game 5: St Cuthbert's College 8/104 (20) defeated Howick College 10/78 (15.3)
Final: Howick College 3/74 (12.4) defeated St Cuthbert's College 10/71 (18)
Final Standing - Howick College finished in 7th place overall.
Upcoming Preseason Games1st XI Girls' Football - Promotion/Relegation Game
Versus: Glendowie College
Where: Howick College
When: Wednesday 9 April at 4:00pm
This is an important game for our girls and they would love to see as many supporters there as possible.
1st XI Boys' Football
Versus: Macleans College
Where: Macleans College
When: Friday 11 April at 3:30pm
1st XV Boys' Rugby
Versus: Pukekohe High School
Where: Howick College
When: Saturday 12 April at 12:00pm
Come and Play
Underwater HockeyHowick College Underwater Hockey is looking for more players to get involved in this sport and welcomes anyone who is interested in giving it a go.
Come along this Sunday, 6 April from 2:30-4:00pm at the Manurewa Pool. Training runs on Sunday afternoon from 2:30-4:00pm and games are played across terms 2 & 3 on Tuesday nights. Any questions please contact [email protected]
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HEALTH CENTRE NEWSFree Mobile Dentist Service On SiteAll Year 9–13 students under 18 years of age who are New Zealand residents are eligible for free dental care through the Ministry of Health. As part of this initiative, Dental Planet Mobile Dental Units will be on-site at Howick College from 7 April – 1 May and 15 September – 3 October 2025, offering free comprehensive dental check-ups and treatment.
Dental Planet’s qualified professionals provide services including:
- Dental examinations
- Cleaning and polishing
- Necessary dental treatments (Fluoride treatment, fillings, sealants, etc.)
For any questions or further details about the services offered, please contact Dental Planet at 0800 262 2022 or [email protected].
To enrol in the programme and complete the consent form, please click on the link below:
Dental Planet Enrolment & Consent Form
HOWICK COLLEGE LIBRARY - BOOK OF THE WEEKThe Lion Women of Tehran
by Marjan Kamali | | In 1950s Tehran, seven-year-old Ellie lives in grand comfort until the untimely death of her father, forcing Ellie and her mother to move to a tiny home downtown. Lonely and bearing the brunt of her mother’s endless grievances, Ellie dreams of a friend to alleviate her isolation. Luckily, on the first day of school, she meets Homa, a kind, passionate girl with a brave and irrepressible spirit. Together, the two girls play games, learn to cook in the stone kitchen of Homa’s warm home, wander through the colourful stalls of the Grand Bazaar, and share their ambitions for becoming “lion women.”
However, their happiness is disrupted when Ellie and her mother are afforded the opportunity to return to their previous middle-class life. Now a popular student at the best girls’ high school in Iran, Ellie’s memories of Homa begin to fade. Years later, however, her sudden reappearance in Ellie’s privileged world alters the course of both of their lives. Together, the two young women come of age and pursue their own goals for meaningful futures. But as the political turmoil in Iran builds to a breaking point, one earth-shattering betrayal will have enormous consequences.
This is a work of historical fiction and is suitable for mature readers.
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