Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Howick College, Recently, there has been some commentary in the media about the "perfectionist" culture prevalent among some of our teenagers. While striving for improvement is a good thing, the obsession with perfection has led to an increase in mental health issues. It is easy for us, the pre-smartphone generation, to blame social media and technology for enabling perfection to be portrayed as the norm. However, it's important to understand that technology itself is neither positive nor negative; it simply amplifies human behavior. Rather than blaming or banning technology, I believe that schools should instead focus on managing behavior.
Making mistakes and embracing imperfection is a natural part of life. As someone once said, "Your best teacher is your last mistake." There are many ways we can help our teenagers realise that mistakes are a critical part of learning. One of our Howick College 4C values is Curiosity. Curious students take risks, and a mistake-friendly environment, whether in the classroom or at home, helps teenagers relax. When they know it's okay to make mistakes and to be less than perfect, it alleviates pressure and helps them feel more at ease.
At Howick College, we encourage our students to take risks, try new things, and become comfortable with being uncomfortable. Mistakes are seen as learning opportunities. We always remember to celebrate and acknowledge effort, not just results. If students try their best and learn something new, that is what matters most.
|
|
Have a great weekend.
Dale Burden
Principal/Tumuaki | | Saturday 18 May
Senior School Ball
Wednesday 22 May
Y11 NCEA Music Concert
7:00pm in Theatre
Thursday 23 May
Y12/13 NCEA Music Concert
7:00pm in Theatre
Friday 31 May
Teacher Only Day
Uxbridge Fridays@12 Concert
Monday 3 June
Kings Birthday Observed
(Public Holiday)
Wednesday 5 June
School Board Meeting
Wednesday 19 June
East Auckland Schools
Career Expo
Friday 21 June
Howick College Food Festival
Friday 28 June
Matariki Observed
(Public Holiday)
|
Looking Back - Howick College 1974 This October, Howick College will celebrate 50 years since we opened our doors to the 1974 foundation cohort of 132 third-form students. With just one building, very few paths, and limited landscaping, the staff of 16, led by Principal Don Ingham, faced challenging working conditions at times. The principal's secretary, Mrs Gorringe, worked out of a makeshift office located in the garage of Mr. Ingham's home while construction on the administration block was being completed!
 Howick College foundation staff. | |  Aerial view of Howick College, 1975 |
For updates and information regarding our 50th Jubilee celebrations, please visit our website and follow us on our Howick College Alumni facebook page. If you are interested in becoming a 50th Jubilee sponsor, please email [email protected] Po Fiafia 2024 What a joyous evening we had last Thursday as we came together to celebrate the diverse and vibrant cultures that make up our community. The performers, including our Kapa Haka, Chinese, Cook Island, Indian, Niuean, Tongan, Filipino, and Samoan cultural dance groups, worked incredibly hard to make the evening a success as they proudly showcased their cultures and celebrated their heritage.
Huge thanks to all those who gave their time and talent to ensure this was a wonderful community event.
Celebrating Support Staff Day Principal Dale Burden thanks our support staff for their hard work and dedication at a Support Staff Day morning tea. On Thursday, 16 May, we took the time to express our deep appreciation for our hardworking and dedicated support staff. Schools today are busy and multifaceted environments, offering a variety of services that extend far beyond the classroom. Creating a safe and nurturing learning environment, one that embodies our vision of inspiring a community of learners at Howick College, requires the dedicated efforts of an entire team.
A important part of that team is our support staff, who play a crucial role in realising our vision and ensuring that we achieve our strategic and annual goals. Often operating behind the scenes, these unsung heroes work quietly to ensure the smooth running of the college. They may be the first point of contact for parents or the last friendly face students see at the end of a day.
Although their contributions may often go unseen and unheard by the wider school community, they are undeniably vital. Through their dedication and commitment, they not only ensure the smooth functioning of our school but also contribute significantly to the overall well-being of our students and community.
Literacy & Numeracy NCEA Co-requisites TimetableAll students in Year 10 and seniors without the Literacy and Numeracy NCEA Co-requisites will be sitting the new tests in Weeks 4 and 5 of this term. All students have been informed. Please support your child by ensuring they know where and when to attend. The Year 10 assessment timetable can be found here.
Senior students who have yet to attempt or achieve the co-requisites, will receive a personalised timetable detailing the sessions they must attend.
If you would like more information regarding the new tests, please see our website.
NZ World Vision 40 Hour Challenge | | The climate crisis affects us all, but our Asia-Pacific neighbours are feeling it first. Children in Timor-Leste are caught between extreme storms, droughts and rising seas. The good news is, you can be part of a global movement working with nature to restore forests.
If you are interested in making a difference, then join us next week to find out more about what the challenge involves from our 40 Hour Challenge Ambassadors.
Date: Monday 20 May
Time: 1:40 (lunchtime)
Place: Bill Dimery Theatre
The challenge takes place from 21-23 June but if you cannot make this time, you can select another 40 hour period to support World Vision and support those Asia-Pacific countries adversely affected by climate change.
|
Fridays@Twelve ConcertsThe popular Fridays@Twelve concerts are back for 2024!
Where: UXBRIDGE Arts & Culture Centre When: Friday, 31 May at 12:00 noon.
Admission: Just $5:00 at the door.
Our talented musicians are practicing hard and looking forward to entertaining you with a variety of styles and musical genres. This year, alongside our fabulous Howick College Jazz Band, String Orchestra and Choir, there will also be solo and duet vocal performances.
See you there! | |  |
Uniform Reminder
As the days shorten and become a little chillier, we would like to remind students and caregivers that there are a number of warmer uniform options that students can choose from if they are feeling the cold. These include the following Howick College regulation items:
- Black waterproof jacket with crest
- Black V-necked jersey with crest
- Charcoal/white pinstripe ankle-length skirt
- Charcoal/white pinstripe trousers
- Black/red Howick College scarf
- Those wearing the knee-length skirt may also choose to wear black opaque stockings
- Singlets ONLY may be worn under the uniform shirt but must not be visible
| |  |
PLEASE NOTE: Beanies, tee-shirts and thermals (short or long sleeved), hoodies, sweatshirts and any other non-regulation items are NOT permitted and will be confiscated as outlined in our Uniform Process. Careers Department Term 2 has seen a busy start for the Careers Department with students completing STAR courses during the April holidays in Forklifting, Make-up and Flight Attending. We also have our Gateway students starting their work placements in Health Care, Plumbing, Animal care and Aviation and at The Warehouse. Visits from NZ Customs and the NZ Defence Force (pictured) allowed our both junior and senior students to learn more about these organisations and career pathways they offer. Up-Coming Careers EventsCOMPETENZ VISIT
Thursday 23 May, H3 at lunch time
For students interested in learning more about apprenticeships in Engineering, Food & Beverage, Forestry, Manufacturing, Print, Packaging & Sign making, Transport & Furniture. This is an opportunity to build connections and learn about job opportunities.
WHITECLIFFE COLLEGE VISIT
Tuesday 4 June, H3 at lunch time
This popular college covers areas of learning in Fine arts, Design Innovation, Fashion & Sustainability, Creative Art Therapies. If you are a creative person and would like to gain a qualification in a smaller environment, we encourage you to come hear them talk and take part in their creative workshop. Please register your interest in the careers office or email [email protected].
| | EAST AUCKLAND CAREERS EXPO
Wednesday 19 June, Howick Leisure Centre
We encourage all Y 12 students to take the opportunity to travel with us to the Careers Expo held in Highland Park, at no cost. The expo provides exposure to a variety of career pathways, ranging from world work, apprenticeships, Defence force, polytechnics or universities. An email has been sent to all parents/caregivers of students to register; numbers are limited.
YEAR 13 CAREER INTENTIONS WORKSHOPS
For the past few weeks, Mrs Fa’amalepe has provided career presentations on a variety of degrees and trades within NZ for year 13 students. One-on-one conversations have now started, and will continue for the remainder of the year. If your child hasn't yet had a career chat and you feel they would benefit from one, please encourage them to contact us via the QR code located in the Careers Department to make a booking or email [email protected] |
Howick College Book of the WeekA Face for Picasso: Coming of Age with Crouzon Syndrome by Ariel Henley“I am ugly. There's a mathematical equation to prove it.” At only eight months old, identical twin sisters Ariel and Zan were diagnosed with Crouzon syndrome - a rare condition where the bones in the head fuse prematurely. They were the first twins known to survive it. Growing up, Ariel and her sister endured numerous appearance-altering procedures. Surgeons would break the bones in their heads and faces to make room for their growing organs. While the physical aspect of their condition was painful, it was nothing compared to the emotional toll of navigating life with a facial disfigurement. Ariel explores beauty and identity in her young-adult memoir about resilience, sisterhood, and the strength it takes to put your life, and yourself, back together time and time again.
This non fiction book is suitable for readers of any age interested in the extraordinary challenges faced by Ariel and her sister Zan in a world where physical appearance is considered to be of paramount importance.
| |  |
Sports NewsFirst Game for Inaugural 1st XV Girls Team | |  |
It's been a long time coming, but our rugby girls finally played their first ever 15-a-side competition game! We have played two preseason games this year against Southern Cross and Wesley College, which were real eye-openers for the girls. Fifteen-a-side rugby means bigger bodies, more players, and less room, requiring quicker feet. The results have been pleasing in the preseason, but since the game is new to many of the girls, we still have a lot of work to do.
The timing of this week's first game was challenging as we were down 7 players for various reasons. With just two players on the bench, we took on Rosehill College who, like us, were trying out 15s rugby for the first time. The game started with a bang, with returning Sydney Bulldogs age group star Asha Taumoepeau-Williams scoring Howick's first try within minutes. We are fortunate to have a background in 7s rugby, which adds sharpness to our 15s game. This was probably the deciding factor in the end.
There is still a lot we can improve and a lot more we can learn before we play Epsom Girls Grammar next week, and the following week, last year's champions, Mount Albert Grammar. The game finished with a convincing 89-0 win for Howick College. The most pleasing aspects were that we got through the game with 17 players and no major injuries. Additionally, we have now played our first home game for Howick College's Girls 15s Team. Outstanding Success at National Archery CompetitionCongratulations to Elisa Prattley (Y13), who competed at the NZFAA Marked Nationals held on the Kapiti Coast last Saturday and Sunday. Elisa not only won the Young Adult Female Barebow-Recurve division, she also secured TWO national records. In addition, she won the League Series Trophy for her division, making this the 3rd time she has won both the Marked Nationals and the Marked League in her division. Elisa now has more than 15 national records to her name, a very impressive achievement for someone who discovered her passion for archery at her Year 8 camp! Underwater Hockey Continues to Improve Congratulations to our Senior Girls, who won their game against Baradene College this week with an impressive score of 18-0. Although they faced a tough challenge in their next game against Glendowie College, losing 0-12, they still put up a determined effort. Our Senior Open team (pictured) also fought hard against a strong Glendowie College team but was missing their star player, Ben Hew, and ultimately lost both matches (6-2 and 5-1). However, the team can be proud of the result, especially considering they only managed to score one goal against GDC throughout the whole of last year! Despite a loss to GDC, our Junior Open team showed great progress as they come together and start to find their feet.
Well done to all. We are so proud of your dedication and hard work. Premier Teams DrawSATURDAY 18 MAY
1st XV Rugby Boys vs Tamaki College, Venue: Tamaki College, Kick-off: 12:00pm
Netball Premier Girls vs Auckland Grammar Girls, Venue: ANC court B, Start:11.30am
MONDAY 20 MAY
1st XV Rugby Girls vs Epsom Girls Grammar, Venue: Cornwall Park, Kick-off: 4:00pm
1st XI Football Boys vs Ormiston Snr College (Knock Out Cup), Venue: Ormiston Snr, Kick-off: 3.30pm
TUESDAY 21 MAY
UWH Senior Open vs MAGS Senior Open A, Venue: Mt Albert Grammar Pool, Start:8:25pm
UWH Senior Open vs MAGS Senior Open B, Venue: Mt Albert Grammar Pool, Start:8:50pm
UWH Senior Girls vs DIO Senior Girls, Venue: Manurewa Aquatic, Start:8:05pm
UWH Senior Girls vs GDC Senior Girls, Venue: Manurewa Aquatic, Start:8:30pm
Basketball BYE
WEDNESDAY 22 MAY
1st XI Hockey Boys vs King's College, Venue: LEP, Start: 5:00pm
1st XI Football Girls vs Takapuna Grammar, Venue: Takapuna, Kick-off: 4:00pm
THURSDAY 23 MAY
1st XI Hockey Girls vs Botany, Details: TBC
SATURDAY 25 MAY
1st XI Football Boys vs King's College, Venue: King's College, Kick-off: 12:00pmpm
1st XV Rugby Boys vs Pakuranga College, Venue: Howick College, Kick-off: 12:00pm
Netball Premier Girls vs Westlake Girls High School, Venue: ANC Court C, Start: 9.30am
Sports NoticesAuckland Gymsports ChampionshipsThe College Sport Auckland Gymsports Championships for Artistic, Rhythmic, Trampoline & Tumbling will
be held on Thursday 13 June 2024 at Pulman Recreation Centre, Takanini.
If you would like to be entered into an event please contact Mrs Tanya Parsons, in the Sports Department,
[email protected].
Follow Sport @ Howick College
For sports draws, results and the latest sports news, follow Howick College Sports on Facebook and Instagram or visit the Sports page on the Howick College website by clicking on the icons below.
Community NewsHowick Rotary - Blankets 4 Kids 4 WinterWinter is on its way and the unfortunate truth is that many families in the community will not have enough blankets to keep their kids warm on winter nights. If you have spare blankets that you would like to donate, please see the flyer below for community drop of points. If you would like to make a monetary donation instead, please go to https://howickrotary.org.nz/
Thank You for Your Support!  |
|
