Term 2, Week 9, 2025

FROM THE PRINCIPAL BOYS' SPORT ON THE UP AND UP Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Howick College. The outstanding success of girls’ sport at Howick College has been well documented and continues this year, with most premier teams topping their competitions. This year, free of netball commitments, Director of Sport Adelita Sotutu has been able to spend more time strategically focusing on growing depth and structure across many codes, particularly in boys’ sports where numbers and performances have until recently lagged. Consequently, at the halfway point of the year our boys’ participation numbers are up and most teams sit in the top half of their tables. Notable achievers include the First XI Hockey, Premier Basketball, First XV Rugby, First XI Cricket and First XI Football teams, all currently leading their competitions. The rugby, football and cricket sides are in prime position for promotion to the A1 competition, which would see these codes reach the top grade for the first time in many years. A special mention goes to our first ever boys’ netball team for their fantastic second place finish at a recent tournament. I have been particularly impressed with the boys’ football team. They currently top their grade, have reached the quarter-finals of the Knockout Cup, and have secured a Top 8 finish to qualify for the Premier National Tournament for the first time since 1992.This success is no accident. These boys are honest and hardworking, and many of the core players have been together for a while now. Our Year 13s have represented the College for five years and were part of the 15A side crowned Auckland champions in 2023. Like all successful sides, they are well coached. Kyle Parks and Moh Reynolds are two outstanding young coaches whose dedication and skill have been invaluable. Parent manager Michel Mengal is backed by a strong parent group, another example of what happens when you win students’ hearts and minds by surrounding them with great adults.They do well! Have a great  weekend. Dale Burden Principal/Tumuaki

KEY DATES Friday 27 June Last Day Term 2 Monday 14 July  Term 3 begins Tuesday 15 July Parent Teacher Interviews 4:00pm - 7:00pm Monday 21 July Inter-House Bake-Off Competition Tuesday 22 July Parent Teacher Interviews 4:00pm - 7:00pm Wednesday 23 July School Board Meeting, 5:30pm   Wednesday 23 & Thursday 24 July from 6:00 - 8:00pm NCEA Music Concerts Thursday 31 July Y10 Subject Selection Evening 6:00 - 8:00pm Tuesday 5 August Winter Teams Photos Wednesday 6 August Year 9 2026 Enrolment Information Evening Thursday 7 August  Eastern Zone Speech Competition Wednesday 13 - Friday 15 August Dance Showcase 6:00- 9:00pm Wednesday 20 August NCEA Drama Performances  6:00 - 8:00pm Thursday 21 - Friday 22 August NIWA Science Fair

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL

On Thursday, Howick College came alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of the world as students hosted our annual International Food Festival, a vibrant celebration of culture and community. Food stalls lined the theatre, offering a mouthwatering selection of dishes from across the globe. From the savoury flavours of Italy to the bold spices of India, the comforting tastes of South Africa to the vibrant street food of the Philippines, there was something for everyone.

More than just a food event, the festival was a celebration of identity, inclusion and student leadership. The afternoon buzzed with music, colourful dress and joyful conversation, bringing people together in a shared journey of discovery and appreciation.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this event possible, especially Mrs Sundrum and the Community Council, our theatre technicians, and event support crew, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Your efforts made this a memorable occasion for all. All proceeds from the event will support our six House charities: SPCA, Mental Health Foundation, Blind Low Vision NZ, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, Ronald McDonald House, and the Child Cancer Foundation.

Thank you to our students, staff and wider whānau for making the 2025 International Food Festival a huge success. We look forward to celebrating our shared cultures and connections again next year!

40KMS FOR 40 HOUR CHALLENGE 

From left: Asher Coomes, Bella Johnson and Charlie van Asten

As part of this year’s 40 Hour Challenge, Minerva House Leader Charlie van Asten went above and beyond, walking an extraordinary 40km from Pukekohe to Howick College on Saturday 21 June to raise funds for World Vision. She was joined by fellow students Asher Coomes and Bella Johnson, who completed the 10-hour, 6-minute trek alongside her in a wonderful show of friendship and support.

Charlie’s effort is especially inspiring. As you may remember from an earlier article, she was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), a rare condition that causes tumours to grow on nerves. After suddenly losing the ability to move her legs, she underwent urgent spinal surgery to remove a large tumour in her neck, one of 10 discovered at the time. Just 2 years later, she has not only regained her mobility but has turned her recovery into purpose, raising $718 to support communities in need.

Her strength, determination, and deep sense of compassion reflect the very best of Minerva House and the wider Howick College community. Special thanks also go to Asher and Bella for their energy and support throughout the journey. Well done, Charlie - we’re incredibly proud of you.

PARENT/TEACHER INTERVIEWS 

You are warmly invited to meet with your child’s teachers on Tuesday 15 July and Tuesday 22 July, between 4:00pm and 7:00pm. Interviews are 5 minutes each and will be held in G and L Blocks.

To book interviews, parents/caregivers should log in to the school portal, click the Parent Teacher Interviews icon and then select suitable time to meet with you child's teacher. .Your child’s Term 2 Progress Report will be sent home this Friday. We strongly encourage parents to book interviews if the report includes:

• NA grades, Improvement Needed, or Below Expected for the year level
• Effort grades of 1 or 2 on the Fortnightly Reports (Years 9–10)

If your child is achieving Excellence, is At or Above expected levels, or shows Good/Excellent Ownership of Learning, a meeting is optional this term.

At Howick College, we value strong partnerships between home and school. We look forward to connecting with you to discuss your child’s progress and next steps for Terms 3 and 4.

MEET YOUR BOARD - PARENT VOICES IN LEADERSHIP

In the lead-up to this year’s Board elections in September, we will be sharing a series of profiles from our current Board members. This is a chance to hear directly from those already serving about what motivates them, what they have learned, and why they believe contributing to the Board makes a difference. This week, we hear from parent representative Peter Cunningham. With two children at the college, Peter joined the Board in 2023. He brings extensive experience from major infrastructure projects, including his current role managing the asset handover for the City Rail Link, due to open in 2026. He holds professional governance qualifications and chairs both the Board’s Finance and Property Committees. If you would like to know more about what is involved in becoming a Board member, please email Miles Stratford at [email protected].

What motivated you to join the Board?
I joined the Howick College Board around 18 months ago. With previous governance experience and involvement in local football coaching, I was keen to contribute more to our community. Joining the Board has allowed me to apply my professional and life experience in a meaningful way. I believe Howick College plays a vital role in shaping our young people, and I wanted to support that purpose.

What have you gained from being involved with the Board?
Being part of the Board has deepened my understanding of how the school operates and how governance supports the leadership team. I’ve worked alongside a diverse group of parents, staff, student representatives, and the principal to support planning, curriculum, staffing, property, finances, and community engagement. It’s been a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the future direction of the college.

Why should others consider standing for the Board?
If you’re interested in education, community service, or governance, this is a great place to start. It may seem unfamiliar at first, but your skills and perspective can make a real difference. Being on the Board gives you a deeper insight into the college and the chance to help shape its future - far beyond just being a parent.

What commitments should you expect as a Board member?
The role requires time for meetings and preparation - including reading reports and Board papers. You don’t need to be an expert, just open-minded, curious, and willing to consider different perspectives. Schools are complex, so asking questions and digging deeper is a valuable approach. I’ve really enjoyed my time on the Board and encourage anyone interested to get involved.

MUSICIANS ON TOUR IN THE WAIKATO

This week, 32 dedicated students from the Howick College Orchestra and Jazz Band took their talents on the road, delivering a series of engaging performances to primary schools across the Waikato. Over two days, the group visited five rural schools - Pirongia, Paterangi, Puahue, Ngāhinapōuri, and Te Kowhai - where they were met with enthusiastic audiences and a warm welcome. The performances sparked curiosity and excitement among the young students, many of whom were experiencing live orchestral and jazz music for the first time.

The tour not only provided a memorable musical experience for the primary schools but also gave our students a valuable opportunity to grow as performers, develop their ensemble skills, and represent Howick College with pride. Special thanks to Mr O'Ryan, Head of Music, and Mr Hamish Arthur, Jazz Band Leader and specialist music teacher, for their expert guidance and ongoing support of our young musicians.

Congratulations to all involved for your professionalism, energy, and commitment to sharing the joy of music.

CO-REQUISITE RESULT RELEASE DATES

Students who completed the Reading standard as part of the Literacy and Numeracy assessments in May can now access their results through their learner login on the NZQA website: https://www2.nzqa.govt.nz/login/. 

Results for the Writing and Numeracy standards are expected to be released on 14 July. We encourage all students to review their results and discuss any questions or concerns with their subject teachers.

DANCERS SHINE AT BOLLYWOOD SHOWDOWN 

Standing: Harjap Singh, Saneh Kaur, Ruhani Bhatti, Utam Kaur, Inaaya Shaikh, Vedavali Sharma, Pal Patel, Bristi Gopal, Ashlyn Bains, Nawaab Singh.  Kneeling: Monisha Andala, Anisha Bangar, Paridhi Sood, Rachel Das.

On Saturday 14 June, our Indian Cultural Dance Group lit up the stage at the Bollywood Showdown,  New Zealand’s biggest Indian high school dance competition, held at the Victory Convention Centre in Auckland. With 22 colleges from across Auckland and Hamilton competing, the energy was electric and the standard incredibly high.

This marks the first time Howick College has competed in this prestigious event, and our dancers delivered a dynamic, high-impact performance that reflected months of dedication. Since the start of Term 1, the team committed themselves to rehearsing almost every lunchtime and interval as well as after school, and it showed. Their energy, precision, and passion captured the spirit of the event and made a strong impression on stage.

While the group didn’t place this year, they made an impressive debut, showcasing not only technical skill but the growing strength of Indian dance at Howick College. This experience has laid the groundwork for even greater things to come.

Congratulations to all involved, we are so proud of your hard work, discipline, and talent.

WANT TO REACH LOCAL FAMILIES?

We have advertising spaces available in our weekly school newsletter and our termly digital magazine, High Five! It’s a fantastic way to reach your local audience while supporting Howick College.

Spots are limited – email [email protected] to learn more about our competitive rates. 

CAREERS DEPARTMENT NEWS

External Tertiary Scholarship Applications

Applications are now open for university and external scholarships available to Year 13 students. These scholarships provide financial support for tertiary study and are offered by a range of providers. Over the past three weeks, we have been running workshops to help students understand the process. If you're planning to apply, please make sure to: 1. Follow the application process for each organisation (These are available online). 2. Complete the Howick College Scholarship Support Form so we can assist with references and guidance. Need more support? Come and see us in the Careers Department - we’re here to help!

SPORTS NEWS

First XI Boys Claim Thrilling Extra-Time Victory

Congratulations to our First XI Boys’ Football team, who secured a hard-fought 4–3 extra-time win against King's College in this week’s home Knockout Cup clash. In a fiercely contested match, our boys played with intensity and composure, with the score locked at 3–3 at the end of regular time. They found the breakthrough in extra time with a crucial fourth goal, then defended with determination to close out a well-earned victory.

This is the team’s second extra-time win in as many weeks, having defeated Macleans College just last week to claim the final spot in Auckland’s Top 8 and qualify for the NZSS Premier National Tournament. The result reflects the group’s continued focus, resilience, and commitment throughout the season. Well done to all players, and sincere thanks to the coaches, managers and supporters for their ongoing encouragement and belief in the team.

1st XI Girls in Top Form for Tournament

Our Girls’ First XI Football team is enjoying an outstanding season in the Auckland A1 League, with eight wins from nine matches. The team has claimed impressive victories over Pukekohe High School, Rutherford, Western Springs, Marist, Carmel, Avondale, Pakuranga, and Lynfield Colleges, with their only loss a narrow 2–1 result against current league leaders Long Bay College.

With 18 goals scored and just six conceded, the team has shown consistent strength in both attack and defence. Their cohesion on the field, resilience under pressure, and ability to grind out results against strong opposition have been a hallmark of their campaign so far, making coach Brendon White incredibly proud.

As the team looks ahead to the Maurice Hulme Tournament in Napier next term, spirits remain high and preparations are already underway. A special thank you goes to Julie Koesters (front row, second from left), our international student from Germany, who has played in every league game this season and embraced the team culture. Julie returns to her home country at the end of this term and will be greatly missed both on and off the pitch.

Pitch Perfect - A New Era Of HC Football

Following the First XI Boys’ Knockout Cup victory this week, attention wasn’t just on the result, the condition of the playing surface also drew widespread praise. The match was played on a pitch that has arguably never looked better, setting a new benchmark for football at Howick College.

This outstanding playing surface is the result of the dedicated work of Terry and the team at Turftec, whose expertise and care have transformed the field into a facility worthy of top-level school competition. Players, coaches, and even the match referee commented on the exceptional quality of the turf,  a fitting stage for a team that has just qualified for the Premier National Tournament!

As football at Howick College continues to grow in strength and profile, the condition of our grounds reflects this exciting new era. We are incredibly proud of the work being done both on and off the field and deeply grateful to those who maintain and support our sporting facilities.

Players Named in North Island U18 Rugby Team

Congratulations to three of our talented Howick College students who have been selected to represent the North Island U18s in the upcoming inter-island match against the South Island. The game will take place on 11 July in Cambridge, with a van of supporters heading down to cheer on our girls. This opportunity is part of a national initiative led by New Zealand Rugby to support high-performance development and identify future Black Ferns. It’s an exciting step forward for these players and a reflection of their commitment and talent.

The selected students are:
Asha Taumoepeau-Williams – Year 12
Ffion Penney – Year 13
Levonah Motuliki – Year 13

We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved and wish them the very best as they take the field representing the North Island.

BRING THE WORLD TO YOUR HOME

Do you have room in your family for an international student?  Hosting is an unique way to share Kiwi culture, and connect and learn about other cultures firsthand! With more international students from around the world including Europe, South America, South East Asia, Japan wanting to study at Howick College, we are currently seeking warm welcoming families or couples interested in becoming homestays from term 3 in 2025.

If you're interested in becoming part of our International Homestay Family, please contact our Homestay Coordinator at [email protected]. For more information and to apply, please visit the Become a Homestay Family page of our website.

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

How to Play Chess by Claire Summerscale