Whangaparāoa College News

WHANGAPARĀOA COLLEGE NEWS - TERM 1 ISSUE 3

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Kia ora e te whanau o Whangaparāoa

The last two weeks have been a real showcase of our school with a number of events, both internal and external, being completed by our learners. You will see more information further into the newsletter, but I wanted to highlight the following:

Our Pasifika learners combined with Ōrewa College and performed on the Diversity Stage at Polyfest for the first time ever. Not only did they participate, but they came away with a very credible third place. 

Last week we hosted 60 young learners from Dairy Flat all the way through to Gulf Harbour to participate in ‘Whangaparāoa 2050’, a Minecraft event where groups had to collaborate and design what Whangaparāoa could look like in the year 2050, using Minecraft.

International Women's Day was celebrated with a guest speaker, Racheal Wallis, speaking to a group of Year 8-10 learners.

On Tuesday we launched our partnership with HP with Intel and Utilising Technology Better to be the first school in New Zealand to ‘Reinvent the Classroom’ as part of our digital strategy and connecting our learners to be global citizens.

The main focus, however, is still the productivity and learning that is happening in our classrooms. This coming week, I strongly urge you to make time to connect with your learners' teachers if they are in Years 8-13.  The importance of a partnership between learner, whanau and school is so important in determining the success of the learner. Please make this meeting a priority.

I also want to take this opportunity to remind our community, and learners, that our main focus is to allow teachers to teach and learners to learn. Over the past ten days we have experienced an increase in paraphernalia that is not suitable for school, being bought in and used as distractions, or in a threatening and harmful manner. We will not tolerate any behaviour that compromises learner and staff safety in any way, and I ask you to have the conversations at home, with your learner, around what is and is not appropriate behaviour for schools.

Further to the above, I was extremely disappointed to receive a phone call from the manager of Countdown Whangaparāoa this morning, regarding shoplifting by multiple groups of Whangaparāoa College students, both before and after school.  Whilst up to now, their staff have been reluctant to involve the police where these young people are concerned, requests to cease and/or not enter the store have been ignored.  If this behaviour continues, the store will have no option but to involve the police.  Again, please speak to your learners about actions and consequences, particularly if you suspect they or their friends could be making poor choices.

Finally, a reminder that Whangaparāoa College will be closed for instruction tomorrow, Thursday, 14 March, due to industrial action from the PPTA and NZEI.  Details have been previously sent to you, so please do complete the Google Form provided if your learner is under 14 and requires supervision.

Ngā mihi nui

Steve McCracken
Tumuaki | Principal

March
15 - 17 - Year 12 Outdoor Education Tawharanui Camp
16 - PPTA/NZEI Strike - school closed for instruction
21 - Year 7/8 NorthHarbour Cricket Girls
     - School finishes at 12.30pm
21 - 22 - Year 8 - 13 Meet the subject teacher.
22 - House Tug of War
23 - EVO - Build Launch Day 2023
     - Gateway - LifeCare H&S
     - Year 11 Geography Shakespear Trip - Sustainability
     - Year 7/8 NorthHarbour Orienteering
25 - Junior Waterpolo
27 - 31 - Summer Tournament Week
28 - Year 7/8 Tennis Girls
29 - 31 - Year 13 Outdoor Education Huia Camp
29 - Year 7/8 Tennis Boys 

PPTA Strike - Thursday, 16 March

The PPTA and NZEI unions have now combined for the strike day on Thursday, 16 March.  As a result, Whangaparāoa College will now be closed for instruction on this day.

However, there will be limited supervision for those learners under the age of 14, that require it. This supervision will entail self directed learning but no specific teaching.

Any learners attending for supervision need to be in correct uniform, have equipment
(device/laptop) and learning material with them on the day, ready to work independently for 5 hours, and to bring their own lunch and refreshments as the Kura Kai (canteen) will not be open.
If you are intending on sending your children to school on Thursday for supervision, please complete this form,
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7czk5JhdUMxPJHlxIj0xl_qUkVDfhHSK_
BlAk_AeXDqwmjw/viewform


Note, there will be no school buses running on Thursday.

 
 
 

Meet the Subject Teacher

Meet the Subject Teacher for Years 8-13 (meet the teacher for Year 7 has been held previously) is on Tuesday, 21 March 1.00 pm-8.00 pm and Wednesday, 22 March 3.30 pm-5.30 pm.  The main purpose of these interviews is for you to meet your learner's teachers, to check their progress and to find out how you can work with their teachers to best support your child.

It is expected that learners will attend the interview with parents/caregivers if possible.  You can make a booking by clicking on this link https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/ and using the code vm46w. 

Please note that school finishes at 12.25 pm on Tuesday, 21 March for ALL Learners, this includes Year 7 as the Year 7 teachers will be taking this time for planning.  Buses will leave school at 12.35 pm. 

 
 
 
 

International Woman's Day 

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The 2023 theme was Embrace Equity. The college wanted to empower our girls to embrace their quest for equity while also celebrating the difference and special qualities of being a girl.

We were fortunate to invite Racheal Wallis from strongerwithin.org to run a lunchtime workshop with our Year 8, 9 and 10 girls who wanted to attend. In her interactive workshop, the girls learnt about managing their emotions, making choices that best suit them even in difficult situations, and the importance of being strong in who we are.

This was wonderfully supported by several Year 13 prefects and the workshop certainly had an incredibly positive and supportive vibe. Thanks, Rachael, and well done to all the girls who took part. 

 
 
 

Polyfest Success

This year, for the first time in the College’s history, Whangaparāoa College entered a Pasifika group at Auckland’s Polyfest.  This was a joint venture with learners from Orewa College, led by Marina Vaha and a dedicated group of tutors, including past learners. The hours and weekends of rehearsals certainly paid off with an incredible performance on the Diversity Stage, which earned them third place in the Fusion category. Marina said this was “beyond the expectation and we are stoked for the recognition.” Indeed, we can all be proud and we are extremely grateful to all the tutors, cultural leaders, whanau and teachers who helped in a variety of ways to make this happen. 

Our Polyfusion performance was made up of a beautiful Tongan tau’alounga, Niue meke & a famous Samoan dance known to many as a Sasa. Our students wore beautiful Tongan tau’alounga costumes and Samoan puletasi. They looked magnificent on stage, and the pride, passion, skill and genuine enjoyment was clearly evident. The future is certainly bright for Pasifika at the College.

We also took 3 buses full of eager supporters, including most of our international learners. After several year’s forced absence, it was wonderful to see the biggest school celebration of Pasifika in the world once again filled with culture, diverse performances and delicious food to be enjoyed by all. 

Pasifika Fusion:

- Iman Makaola
- Kennedy Makaola
- Elena Iosefa
- Ashleigh-Marie Iosefa
- Christina Semulii
- Kyra Barclay
- Jess Washer
- Lisa Murata
- Rania Wilde
- Vai Poafa
- Justyce Baltus
- Shakayla Clinton
- Tanisha Clayton

 
 
 
 
 

Kickstarter 2023

This term our Level 2 and 3 Business Studies Students went to the Young Enterprise Scheme Kickstarter in Freeman's Bay. 
During this workshop learners looked at how to fill a void in the market and use a business to solve problems.  We had a variety of tasks around ideation. We heard from a range of speakers, including Stanely Henry from Attention Seekers, on how to use social media to create brand awareness.  The Business teachers are super excited to see this year's start up enterprises rolling out. 
From Samantha Penman, Kamala Pillai and David Winstone. 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Year 7 Softball Zone Day

The first day of March was a glorious day for Softball and the weather treated us well. As the day progressed, our skills improved 10-fold with outstanding pitching, catching, batting and fielding.

Our toughest game was with Northcross Intermediate and they were formidable, although our chanting and cheering certainly ruffled their feathers. We left the field triumphantly having reached the finals and very satisfied with 2nd place in the tournament.

A big shout out to Liam's Mum and Quinn's Mum for their amazing support and Tristan's parents for the backup transport. The day finished with celebratory pizza and tree climb to burn off remaining energy.

 
 
 
 
 

Year 12 PE Camp - Mangawhai Heads

Last week, the Level 2 PE learners enjoyed an action-packed camp at Mangawhai Heads. 
First up they had surf lessons with Aotearoa Surf School. Both learners and coaches had a blast!
Next learners were tested physically and mentally as they raced around the magical Mangawhai Heads Amazing Race.

Thanks to Damian from CYC for coming and helping with all our activities. 

 
 
 
 
 
 

EnviroGroup

Last month, Whangaparāoa College officially joined the Enviroschools Programme- a fantastic step towards greater environmental responsibility within our school community. But what is the Enviroschools Programme, and what does that mean for us, as members of said community? 

EnviroSchools has five main kaupapa, which direct their efforts across the schools within their programme. Each school follows a unique path, due to its unique circumstances. However, each path endeavours to include these principles. They aim to empower learners, by offering opportunities for learners to have a voice in some meaningful way, allowing their perspectives to contribute to the growth of the school in question. Effort is made for students to learn about the environment, develop their own perspectives, and foster a setting where learners can make decisions, act on these decisions, and create positive change. 

The perspectives of the tangata whenua and Te Ao Māori as a whole are also consulted, with the knowledge and wisdom of indigenous beliefs and practices to be incorporated into Enviroschools’ methodology. In addition to this, there is an aim to respect the culture and contributions of all diverse groups within the community. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a way of life within each Enviroschool which strives to maintain the health and success of the environment, community, etc. 

As aforementioned, the Enviroschools Programme looks different in every case, because every school has their own unique history and circumstances. So, it can be hard to truly say what to expect from Whangaparāoa College’s involvement, beyond the broad strokes. Included is a visual from the Enviroschools website, which some schools find useful in developing their Enviroschool plans. This may provide a bit more detail as to what is coming in the long-term. Ultimately, we have made the first step, and there is no doubt a long journey ahead of us, where we must forward to a better tomorrow.

By Ruby Douglas, Yr 12
Senior EnviroGroup Leader 

 
 
 

NZPMC (New Zealand Physics and Mathematics Competition) 

The NZPMC is a nationwide standardised Physics and Mathematics organisation for High School students of all year levels throughout New Zealand. The goal is to help young Kiwi Scientists to extend their interest in Physics and Mathematics by providing a standardised national competition in a test-format, rather than a competition that involves extensive research or a project. The NZPMC is a competition created to test candidates' ability to use their Physics and Mathematics knowledge to tackle a wide range of problems based on Physical and Mathematical theory that matches competitions provided overseas, nationally.

The competition is open to any Physics and Mathematics students from Year 9 to Year 13 of any high school curriculum. There are two separate papers for Junior division (Year 9-11) and Senior division (Year 12-13).  Learners can see Mrs Menezes in S11 to register.

 
 
 

Junior Theatre Festival Atlanta USA 2024

Aimee Beard (11FRA) and Courtney Gray (10PRN) are off to the USA in January next year to take part in the Junior Theatre Festival. Firstly, they will fly to NYC and will immerse themselves in the lifestyle of a New York Broadway artist.

They will work collaboratively to develop and rehearse a performance piece under the guidance and direction of industry experts and performers. Students will also be exposed to Broadway musicals, talk-back sessions with Broadway performers, exclusive performance workshops, masterclasses with some time to explore the iconic sights of New York. Then, traveling to Altanta, they will join thousands of like minded young performers at the Junior Theatre Festival presented by iTheatrics.

There, they will perform their adjudication piece for feedback, attend skill development workshops presented by the world's best teaching artists, watch performances of brand new musicals and get advice from celebrity guests. Finally, they'll land in LA for a couple of days at Disney including workshops with Disney performers.

Ka Pai Aimee and Courtney, we look forward to hearing all about this!

 
 
 

Sports

 

Huge Congratulations to Aimee Bright, Kosta Gladiadis and Finn Pye who have been competing over the last 8 days at the GWA International World winging tour event at Mount Manganui. This event was the first stop in the GWA World Tour 2023.

Over 48 Athletes from 15 different countries competing in 2 disciplines.  Aimee made the podium in both events placing 4th in the Freestyle and 2nd in the Freeride Slalom behind the Spain. She was the only NZ female competing in event and beat some of the best girls in the world.

Kosta Placed 15th and Finn 23rd in the open men’s Freeride Slalom.

@georgiasphoto / @plateauproductions

 
 

Our Senior Girls Volleyball team had a great season finishing 9th in the North Harbour competition. Well done Girls on a great season

 
 
 

Lumino 2023

 

The Lumino the Dentists Mobile Unit is scheduled to come to Whangaparaoa College in 2023. Term 1, weeks 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9. 

The Lumino the Dentists, School Smiles Programme is fully funded by the Ministry of Health. It offers free dental examinations, oral health education, x-rays and a professional dental clean for students in year 9 to year 13, *up until their 18th birthday.

Treatment including white fillings, sealants and extractions of baby teeth are also provided on the  school grounds as required. For other treatment not completed on board the unit, you will be referred to your local  practice or orthodontic specialist. 

Enrol with us! 

If you’d like us to see your child during our visit, please complete the online enrolment form via the link below. If we have seen your child at Whangaparaoa before, please also complete this online enrolment form, to make sure we have up to date contact/medical information for your child, as we now advise our patients/their parents of upcoming appointments via text message. 
Please call or text us on 0272228521 if you have any questions. 

Click here to enrol with Mobile 3

 
 
 

Community Notices

 
 
 

Manly Volunteer Fire Brigade

Manly Volunteer Fire Brigade - Expression of Interest is now OPEN.

Volunteer Firefighters: Join the Brave Few and Make a Difference!

Are you looking for a way to help your community? Are you looking for a way to make a difference? Become a volunteer firefighter at Manly Volunteer Fire Brigade!

Volunteer firefighters make up a vital part of New Zealand's emergency services. They are the first responders when emergencies strike and help to protect lives and property in their local area.

Volunteer firefighters are highly trained and equipped with up-to-date skills and knowledge to help those in need. They are a dedicated, brave and compassionate group of individuals who are committed to helping the community they serve.

If you are looking for a rewarding way to make a difference, come join the brave few and become a volunteer firefighter.
Access to the Expression of Interest application via our facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/manlyvolunteerfirebrigade/

Fill out the form, and we will contact you.