Term 3, Week 4, 2025

FROM THE PRINCIPAL Another Uplifting Week at Howick College Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Howick College. This week, like every week at our College, was positive and uplifting - even though the weather was a bit chilly! There are always many highlights; however, I have limited space each week. On Wednesday, we welcomed a record number of families to our Open Evening. The demand from in-zone families was so strong that we needed to run two separate sessions just for them, along with one specifically for out-of-zone families. Clearly, Howick College is in demand! It was wonderful to receive so much positive feedback from parents, both in person and via email over the following days. As always, it was our students who made the evening so special. Our teachers were fantastic too, but even they remarked on the positive impact our students have at occasions such as this. Then on Friday, at the Year 13 assembly, we had the pleasure of sharing a powerful story of belonging, mateship, goal-setting, and achievement — the journey of our Year 13 students in the 2025 Boys’ 1st XI Football team. Most of the team, Trent McVeigh, Levi Saunders, Liam Wessels, Finn Wessels, Blake Davis, Heath Mitchell, Tanner Gilpin, Lou Mengal, Aarav Lal, Dylan Hartnoll, and Nathan Cox, are Year 13 students who have been together since the start of high school. Along the way, they’ve built strong friendships, had enormous fun, and enjoyed plenty of success, all while learning valuable life lessons. They’ve also been fortunate to have the support of dedicated parents, coaches, and managers. Former Deputy Principal Mr Adam Bannister was their first coach and played an influential role in shaping the early stages of their journey, including a memorable Auckland Championship win in the 15th grade back in 2023. Now, under the expert guidance of 2025 coaches Kyle Parks and Moh Reynolds, the team has reached a new high. They have secured the A1 title, and with it, promotion to the top tier of Auckland Secondary Schools Football for 2026 — a tremendous legacy! 1st XI Boys Football with Principal Dale Burden and Moh Reynolds (right) and Kyle Parks (left) But the journey isn't over. The team is determined to remain unbeaten in the league, take down St Peter’s College in next week’s Knockout Cup quarter-final, and hopefully advance to the semi-final and final. Beyond that, they’ve qualified for the National Premier Tournament — their first appearance in over 30 years — where they’ll face the best school teams in New Zealand. Football Y9 Boys 13A1 (2021) with coach, Mr Adam Bannister. Back in the 2021 Yearbook, Mr Bannister wrote this insightful piece about the team’s very first season —  “The Year 9 boys can look back at their first season together with a feeling of accomplishment, having played in the highest division in Auckland schools’ football for their grade and acquitting themselves superbly. They applied themselves well and consistently demonstrated the school’s 4C values both on and off the field. . . . The future of football at our school looks bright indeed.” And so it has proven to be! Have a great  weekend. Dale Burden Principal/Tumuaki

KEY DATES Wednesday 13 - Friday 15 August Dance Showcase 7:00- 9:00pm SOLD OUT! Wednesday 13 August Howick College Board Elections: Parent Representative Voting Opens Thursday 14 August KBB Music Festival - Jazz Band 6:30pm - 7:00pm  Monday 18 August Teacher Only Day Wednesday 20 August NCEA Drama Performances  6:00 - 8:00pm Thursday 21 - Friday 22 August NIWA Science Fair Sunday 23 - Friday 29 August Winter Tournament Week Wednesday 27 August Y9 2026 Out-of-Zone Enrolments Close Monday 1 - Friday 5 September Literacy & Numeracy Exams Wednesday 3 September Y9 2026 Out-of-Zone Ballot Drawn Full Board Meeting, 5:00 - 8:00pm Monday 8 - Friday 12 September Derived Grade Exams (Seniors) Wednesday 10 September Howick College Board Elections: Parent Representative Voting Closes Monday 15 - Friday 19 September Te Wiki o te Reo Māori Monday 15 September - Friday 10 October Dental Planet On Site Monday 15 September Rugby Prizegiving Tuesday 16 September Football Prizegiving Spring Carnival Wednesday 17 September Netball Prizegiving Thursday 18 September Distinguished Alumni Awards Friday 19 September Arts & Technology Showcase Last Day Term 3 Monday 6 October Term 4 Begins Wednesday 8 October Howick College Fashion Show Thursday 10 October Creative Arts & Culture Awards Saturday 11 October  Model United Nations Simulation Tuesday 14 October NCEA Drama Performances Wednesday 15 & Thursday 16 October NCEA Music Concert, 6:00 - 8:00pm Friday 17 October  Sports Awards Evening Tuesday 21 October House Honours Thursday 23 October  Senior Honours & Last Day Y13 Friday 24 October Y12 & Y13 Study Leave Begins

HISTORIC WIN FOR 1ST XI FOOTBALL BOYS

Jubilation as the team claims the Auckland A1 League Trophy  (photo by Phonthawat Kudan)

Our 1st XI Boys’ Football team has earned a place in the Premier Auckland Secondary Schools Football League for 2026, following a decisive 5–1 victory over King’s College on Tuesday.

Undefeated throughout the season, the team has made school and regional history by winning the A1 League with two games still to play — a feat never before achieved in Auckland senior boys’ football.

Captain Finn Wessels led from the front scoring 3 of the 5 goals, bringing his season tally to an impressive 23 goals. He was joined on the scoresheet by Blake Davis, who added two more to seal the result. The team has impressed all season with consistent performances, discipline, and a clear sense of purpose.

With promotion now secured, the squad is focused on finishing the season unbeaten, progressing in the Knockout Cup, and making a strong showing at the Premier National Tournament in Palmerston North.

Congratulations to the entire team, coaches Kyle Parks and Moh Reynolds, managers Michel Mengal and Nathan Cox, and assistant manager, photographer, and dedicated supporter Don McVeigh. We also extend our thanks to all the fantastic families and supporters who have stood behind the team every step of their five-year journey.

Click here to view the match photos. Click here to view the trophy presentation photos.

DERIVED GRADE EXAMS - WEEK 9, TERM 3

Senior students (Years 11–13) will sit their Derived Grade Exams from Monday 8 to Friday 12 September. These important assessments provide evidence for final grades should students be unable to sit their NCEA exams at the end of the year.

Important Information:

• Attendance is compulsory, and students must be in full school uniform. 
• Study leave for all Year 11–13 students runs from Monday 8 to Friday 12 September.
  Exceptions:  Only students sitting the Scholarship MAC (Calculus) exam will have study leave on Friday 5 September. Only students sitting the Scholarship DRA (Drama) exam will have study leave on Monday 15 September.
•  Exam times and expectations will follow the NZQA Exam rules and Conditions.
  
• Rooming details will be shared closer to the exam week
• Any students with exam clashes with be notified about what to do in the next 2 weeks.
• If a student is unwell and cannot attend, parents/caregivers must notify the school.
• Buses will run at normal times. Students finishing earlier or later than the regular schedule will need to arrange their own transport.

Please click here to download the derived grade timetable.
We encourage all students to take these exams seriously and make the most of their study leave to prepare thoroughly. NZQA Exam rules and conditions apply.

PASIFIKA ARTIST WORKSHOPS

This week our art students had the unique opportunity to work alongside renowned Tāmaki Makaurau-based artist Numa Mackenzie in one of two special workshop hosted at Howick College, an experience made possible through the generous support of Te Tuhi Art Gallery in Pakuranga.

Numa’s art practice draws deeply from his Pacific heritage, weaving together traditional forms such as tapa, tatau (tattoo mark making), and contemporary techniques including printmaking, painting, street art, and spoken word. His work explores themes of identity, belonging, and culture, all of which resonated with our students.

During the workshop, students designed and printed their own wood block works, using tools and blocks crafted by Numa himself. It was a hands-on, creative session that encouraged self-expression while fostering deeper connections to cultural heritage.

We are incredibly grateful to Numa for sharing his insight, talent, and passion, and to Te Tuhi for making the experience possible. It was an enriching and empowering day for our young artists, that will continue to inspire their creative journeys.

PAT HANLY CREATIVITY AWARDS

Arna's successful entry - "Amongst Carbon-Copies"

We are proud to announce that Arna Vincent (Y12) has been selected to represent Howick College at the prestigious Pat Hanly Creativity Awards Exhibition at the Auckland Art Gallery. Arna’s artwork was selected for its creativity, authenticity, and technical skill,  a well-deserved recognition of her talent and dedication. This year’s theme, Ko wai au? Who am I?, attracted entries of an exceptionally high standard, and the selection panel found it extremely difficult to make a final decision. While only a small number of students were chosen for the main exhibition, we also congratulate the following students whose work will be showcased at the upcoming Young Gallery Night: Emily Stewart, Estiann Botha, Olive Powley, Von Collins, Sprig Jeffs, Charlotte Steele, Mika Hendry, Larissa Adlington, and Joseph John Watson. Details: Young Gallery Night When: Thursday 15 August, 6:00–9:00pm Where: Auckland Art Gallery Cost: Free (Food and drinks available for purchase)

This vibrant evening event will feature all submitted artworks, alongside fashion, dance, music, and interactive creative experiences. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate youth creativity, and we encourage our school community to attend and support our young artists.

ANOTHER ACCOLADE FOR YOUNG DESIGNER

Congratulations to Casey Ferguson (Y12), who placed second in the Secondary School division of the Eye on Nature Wearable Arts Awards with her striking design Wētāpunga. Inspired by the endangered native insect, the piece featured a sculptural overskirt crafted from harakeke and showcased Casey’s technical skill and creative vision. This award is the latest in a series of national accolades for Casey. At the TOI Wearable Arts Showcase, held at Auckland’s Aotea Centre, she earned two major awards: Innovative Use of Materials for Wētāpunga and Powerful Storytelling for Interface, a collaboration with fellow student Natania Walsh exploring the psychological impact of digital life. Last term, Casey placed third in the costume design competition at the SCGNZ Sheila Winn National Shakespeare Festival with her design for Romeo and Juliet’s Friar Lawrence. She was subsequently selected as the Costumier for the prestigious National Shakespeare Schools Production (NSSP), to be held in Wellington later this year.

MID-WINTER DINNER BRINGS CULTURES TOGETHER

On Wednesday, the International Department hosted a Mid-Winter Dinner, a special evening for host families and international students to come together in celebration of our cultures and shared experiences.

The evening showcased international cuisine, with families and students bringing along tasty dishes to reflect their own culture or that of their student. From the traditional Kiwi offerings such as cooked ham, bread rolls and pavlova, to dumplings, sushi, and samosas, the dinner table became a delicious map of the world. It was a heartwarming opportunity for our host families to connect with one another, share stories, and build friendships, while our international students enjoyed a relaxed and social environment to strengthen bonds and create new connections.

A huge thank you to Sarsha Baker, our Accommodation Coordinator, for taking the lead in organising such a memorable event. Her hard work and thoughtful planning were key to the evening’s success. We also thank the  whole International team for their support behind the scenes. Most importantly, we would like to acknowledge and thank our incredible host families. Your ongoing care, support, and hospitality are what make the New Zealand experience truly special for our international students. By opening your hearts and homes, you play a vital role in their journey — one that leaves a lasting impact.

CO-REQUISITE EXAM PREPARATION

The next round of Co-requisite exams will take place in Week 8. These exams are only for students who still need to achieve their Literacy and/or Numeracy credits. To support preparation, lunchtime workshops are available, and all students are welcome to attend — no booking required:

Literacy - Monday in A1
Numeracy - Tuesday in A1

In addition, Tutor Time workshops will run daily for students who require more targeted support. Bookings are essential for these sessions and can be made by students, caregivers, deans, or teachers. If you would like to recommend your child for a Tutor Time workshop, please contact:

Literacy – [email protected]
Numeracy – [email protected]

It is important that students understand the need to take ownership of their preparation. This includes completing tasks at home and attending their booked workshops. All Tutor Time workshops will be held in A Block.

INTER-HOUSE COMPETITION UPDATE

Congratulations to Ingham House, winners of the Junior Inter-House Netball Competition and current leaders on the Inter-House points table at the end of Week 4. Strong participation and consistent performance across events so far have put them just ahead — but with Minerva House only a single point behind, every result counts!

With results from the Battle of the Bands and the Senior Inter-House Netball Competition still to come, the leaderboard remains wide open. We look forward to seeing how the remainder of the term unfolds.

CAREERS DEPARTMENT 

Upcoming University Visits 

Universities will be returning from next week to support Year 13 students with course planning and provide guidance on the transition from school to university.

Monday 11 August – Massey University, 1:40 PM, H3
Thursday 28 August - Waikato University, 10.50am, H3

Howick College Careers Month

The Careers Department is launching a full month of events and activities designed to inspire and inform students across all year levels. From alumni talks to CV workshops and fun challenges, there’s something for everyone.

Alumni Presentations - Week 5
Hear from former Howick College students as they share their pathways through industries such as health, business, law, engineering, and fashion & beauty.

Georgia Patten - Owner / Designer at Bored George sunglasses, Tuesday 12 August, library at 1:40pm. 
Victoria Pickett - Senior Process Engineer at Mint Innovation, Friday 15 August, H3 at 1:40pm.
Rachel Maidment - Director at NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Friday 15 August, library at 1:40pm.

CV Workshops - Week 5 
Get career-ready with tailored CV sessions Tuesday 12 - Friday 15 August in H3 at 10:50am.

Week 6 – Careers Fun Week
Join in the fun with daily activities and great prizes up for grabs!

Stay tuned for daily updates via the Howick College Careers Instagram and Google Classroom.

ENROLMENT INFORMATION EVENING SUCCESS

Above: Mr Burden explains our high expectations. Below: Student guides prepare to meet our prospective families.

On Wednesday, Howick College welcomed a record turn-out of families to our annual Enrolment Information Evening, held across three well-attended sessions. The event was strongly supported by in zone school families as well as those from out of zone, reflecting the high level of interest in joining our college community.

Each session began with a welcome and introduction from our Principal, Mr Burden, who spoke about the wide range of opportunities available at Howick College. He highlighted our knowledge-rich curriculum, vibrant arts and cultural programme, extensive co-curricular programmes, and strong student wellbeing and support systems. He also emphasised the high expectations we hold for both staff and students — expectations that underpin our culture of excellence.

A highlight for many was the student-led tour, where prospective families enjoyed the chance to explore the school, interact with staff and students across a variety of learning areas, and even take part in some hands-on activities. These tours allowed our visitors to experience the energy and warmth of daily life at Howick College.

Special thanks to the outstanding students who acted as tour guides and subject demonstrators, representing the school with maturity, enthusiasm, and pride. Visiting families spoke very highly of these young ambassadors, impressed by their knowledge and warmth on the night. Thanks also to the participating teachers and to Deputy Principal Mrs Cheryl Jaffar, for ensuring the evening ran smoothly from start to finish.

KBB MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025

The KBB Music Festival is one of Auckland’s premier events for young musicians, featuring over 4,500 students from more than 50 schools across the region. The Howick College Jazz Band will be performing on Thursday 14 August from 6:30–7:00pm at St Mary’s-in-Holy Trinity Church, Parnell.  Come along, enjoy this free concert and support our talented musicians. For more details visit the KBB Music Festival website.

DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS

On Thursday 18 September, Howick College will host our 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award ceremony honoring athlete, author,  motivational speaker and mental health advocate, Steve Gurney, whose remarkable achievements continue to inspire our school community. This event will celebrate Steve's outstanding contributions and provide a wonderful opportunity for our students to hear from someone who has made a significant impact in their field. If you would like to attend this ceremony or feel your child would benefit from this inspiring occasion, please RSVP to [email protected] by August 21st, 2025. Please note that seating is limited, so early confirmation is appreciated. We look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with our school community. You can learn more about Steve Gurney here: https://www.stevegurney.co.nz/

SUSTAINABLE STYLE - SWAP DON'T SHOP!

Who: Year 11 Sociology Classes Where: Rooms L1 & L5 When: Thursday, 14 August - Week 5 Time: 1:40 pm - 2:20 pm (Lunchtime) Our Year 11 Sociology classes are taking real action on an issue they care about, fast fashion and its impact on our planet. As part of their Social Action assessment, they are hosting a Clothing Swap open to all students. Fast fashion is one of the biggest contributors to global waste, with millions of tonnes of clothing ending up in landfills each year. Through surveys, the students found that many of their peers were unaware of just how damaging fast fashion can be and wanted to change that. This clothing swap aims to give pre-loved clothes a second life, encourage more sustainable habits, and show that small changes can lead to meaningful impact.

Here’s how it works:
Bring along any clean, undamaged clothes you no longer wear (no underwear, bras, or socks). For each item, you’ll receive a token to exchange for another item at the swap. You can swap as many as you bring or choose to take fewer. It’s a fun, free, and eco-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe while supporting a student-led movement for change.

Join us in Rooms L1 and L5 during lunchtime on Thursday 14 August and be part of the shift toward a more sustainable future.

SPORTS NEWS

Combined Points Netball Tournament

Our undefeated premier netball team with coach, Mrs Tania Tuinukuafe (far left) and manager, Mrs Amy Du Plessis (far right).

Howick College had a strong showing in this year’s Secondary Schools Combined Points Competition, with our netball teams performing impressively across all divisions. From the Premier Team’s undefeated run to promising results from our junior and boys’ teams, our players demonstrated skill, determination, and great sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

Our Premier Team had an exceptional day, delivering quality netball and remaining unbeaten to win the Premier Grade. For eight of our players, it was a fitting final tournament. Their humility and sportsmanship set a great example for our younger players. They have put in an immense amount of work throughout the year and have exceeded the expectations of their coach, Mrs Tania Tuinukuafe.

Our Year 10 Team were unbeaten across all seven games, winning the final 21–8 over Mt Albert Grammar School. With two years of consistent coaching from Avah Sila, Charlie Lindsay, and Mia Petford, they are building an impressive reputation. Thanks to Mrs Adelita Sotutu for her support and expertise as coach on the day, stepping in for Avah and Charlie, who were playing in the Premier Grade, and for Mia, who had other commitments.

Our Year 9 Team had four solid wins and a close two-goal loss to eventual finalists Hamilton Girls High School. This promising group has had an outstanding season in the Auckland Secondary Schools Netball competition under the leadership of Samantha Cooper, Lucy Mano, and Amy Sila - future of netball at Howick College  looks bright, both on and off the court.

We also entered a Men's Netball Team for the first time this year. After a strong season winning the Howick Pakuranga men's netball competition, they held their own in a tough tournament, placing fifth in pool play. Special mention to Amosa Brown, Leikhar Hill, and Isaac Knox, and thanks to coaches Chrissy and Kylie Grey.

We would also like to thank and acknowledge our umpires, as well as Mrs Catherine Simpson for her continued leadership and support.

Tournament Umpires:
Mrs Catherine Simpson – Premier final
Paige Patten – Year 10 final
Jorja Cooper – Year 9 umpire
Ashlee Sinclair – Boys’ games

1st XI Girl's Knockout Cup Thriller

The First XI Girls Football team delivered a strong performance in the third round of the Auckland Premier Knockout Cup, defeating Selwyn College’s Premier team 2–1. The team held up under pressure thanks to a strong defensive effort led by Lucia White, Maddie Bailey, and goalkeeper Lucy Fyfe. Up front, Sarah Enslin and Kyah Walmsley found the back of the net, with Kyah scoring the crucial goal just five minutes from full time!

The team has shown great progress throughout the season and now shifts focus to the upcoming Maurice Hulme Tournament in Napier during tournament week.

Rower's Achievements Recognised

Congratulations to Yazhini Velmurugan who was recognised for her contribution to rowing at the11th Annual Indian Newslink Sports, Community, Arts and Culture Awards. Held in Auckland, the awards celebrate individuals who have distinguished themselves across a range of disciplines within New Zealand’s Indian and wider multicultural communities. Yazhini was presented her award by the Honorable Minister for Sport, Mark Mitchell, and Her Excellency Neeta Bhushan, Consulate General of India. The Rt Hon Chris Hipkins was also in attendance as a special guest.

This honour follows a strong season for Yazhini, who was earlier named Best Sculler for the 2024–2025 season by the Howick Rowing Club. The award reflects her commitment and dedication to the sport, as well as her broader contribution to rowing within her community.

Third Straight Title For Ice Hockey Player

Liliana Reeves recently travelled to Dunedin as part of the Auckland Steel, the women’s semi-professional ice hockey team, to compete at the 2025 Women’s National Championships. After two hard-fought matches, Auckland Steel claimed the national title and gold medal for the third consecutive year — a testament to the team’s consistency and determination. Liliana has worked hard to earn her place in the regional side and continues to pursue excellence in her sport. Although she has been selected for the New Zealand U18 team at the World Championships over the past three years, she has been unable to compete due to citizenship eligibility. This latest success highlights her perseverance and commitment to high performance in ice hockey, and we congratulate her on her achievement.

Premier Teams Sports Draw - Week 5

MONDAY 11 AUGUST
1st XV Girls' Rugby vs Auckland Girls' Grammar, Venue: Colin Maiden Park, Kick-off: 4:15pm - FINALS

TUESDAY 12 AUGUST
1st XI Boys' Football vs St Peter's College, Venue: HOME GAME, Kick-Off: 3:00pm - Knockout Cup
Premier Boys' Basketball vs Botany Downs College, Venue: Botany Downs College, Start: 6:45pm - FINAL
Senior Open Underwater Hockey vs Mahurangi College, Venue: West Wave Pool, Start: 8:20pm - FINALS

WEDNESDAY 13 AUGUST
1st XI Boys' Hockey vs Selwyn College,  Venue: LEP Turf 1, Start: 4:30pm - FINALS
1st XI Girls' Football - Season Completed
Netball - Competition Semi-Finals, Venue: ANC

FRIDAY 15 AUGUST
1st XI Boys' Football vs Takapuna Grammar School, Venue: HOME GAME, Kick-Off: 3:00pm

1st XI Girls' Football Fundraiser

Never get time to wash the car? Then let our girls do it for you and help get them to Winter Tournament Week!

KINDO PAYMENTS   Kindo is now our preferred payment system for donations, course and sports fees, school trips, fundraisers, and more. What this means: Payments can no longer be made via the Kamar Financial tab or direct bank deposits. Families are encouraged to set up a Kindo account, remembering to use the email address on file with the school. If you already have a myKindo or ezlunch account, simply update your details—no need to create a new account. If your account has been inactive for over 15 months, contact the Kindo Helpdesk to reactivate it. For full sign-up instructions, click here to download the flyer or visit our website. If you need assistance, please visit the Kindo online support pages. Need more help? Kindo Helpdesk: 8:00am – 4:00pm (weekdays) Freephone: 0508 4 KINDO (0508 454 636) Email: [email protected]

HOWICK COLLEGE LIBRARY - BOOK OF THE WEEK