Kia ora e te whānau o Whangaparāoa

It has been a busy, but very positive start to Term 2.  As a Kahui Ako (community of learning) our Staff Only Day on 24 April was a huge success.  We appreciate the ability to bring our secondary and primary schools together to collectively hear from expert practitioners and evaluate and look forward to developing our work for our community.

We are aware there have been murmurings within the community about some of our fee and donation requests.  Bluntly, the funding we receive from the government simply does not match the experiences that we wish to give our learners and our wider school community.  We want every learner to have a rich and full learning experience, and to do so, we do require additional revenue.  If you have any queries about your Kindo accounts or items on it, please feel free to ask.  To those who are able and have made voluntary contributions, we thank you. 

With the changes to the Education and Training Act 2020, every school in New Zealand is required to have a Physical Restraint policy in place by 7 May.  Ours is available here and has been approved by our Board of Trustees.  Our staff will receive the appropriate training, as per normal process, to ensure all members of our community are kept as safe as possible.

Within this newsletter, there are reminders of our basic expectations, particularly around uniform during the cooler and wetter months. Thank you for your support with this.

This week our Year 13 learners were meant to be at our annual camp, however for the second time this year due to inclement weather, we were forced to postpone. We are trying, for the final time, to go to National Park in two weeks time.  Fingers crossed for a more settled period of weather then.

Term two is traditionally a very busy time.  Winter extra curricular activities are in full swing already, but more importantly, the real ‘heavy lifting’ of academic studies continues.  This is the term where learners will make a real difference to their academic achievement.  Please do support your learners by having conversations with them about their learning and achievement, about appropriate use of devices and concentration time, and general good habits including balancing time and commitments.

Ngā mihi

Steve McCracken
Tumuaki | Principal

May
5             Year 7 Disco
7 - 11      Year 9 / 10 Sports Camp
10 - 11    Year 12 North Shore Careers Expo
11            Year 8 HPV Immunisations
               Year 7 Camp Information Evening
16 - 19    Year 13 Camp
19            Pink Shirt Day
22 - 26    Year 7 Camp
31            Bugsy Malone - School Production

June 
1 - 2         Bugsy Malone - School Production
7               North Shore Careers Expo
12 - 16      Exam Week
30             Matariki Fiafia Festival
                 Last Day of Term 2

Taradale High School Update

A message from David Oliver, Principal, Taradale High School:

I hope everyone at Whangaparāoa College is going well. I wanted to get in touch to let you know that the money raised by your kura and community has funded uniforms, devices and kai for those impacted by the cyclone flooding. We are so incredibly grateful for what your kura achieved in its fundraising for our community!

Five weeks on from the cyclone and flooding, many ākonga and whānau continue to manage different challenges, concerns and worries. As a community we continue to support each other, mindful that the path ahead looks different for all of us. Those staff members and students who were initially unable to return following the cyclone are all back with us now, which is great. We have found both within the kura and wider community, emotions remain heightened and we're aware that our pastoral response to the events of 13 & 14 February will continue over the coming weeks and months as we monitor wellbeing and focus on providing and enabling any additional support ākonga and kaiako need. 

The remainder of the funds raised by you and other donations we have received will be used to ensure continued support for our ākonga with practical assistance, and also enable the kura to undertake wellbeing projects to complement the pastoral support response.

Welcome to Whangaparāoa College

This term 9 new International students joined our WGP College whānau.  These students are from Thailand, France, Japan and South Korea.  Welcome!

PPTA Industrial Action

As you may be aware from ongoing media reports, the PPTA have advised it intends to continue industrial action through Term 2 (dependent on any settlement the PPTA may come to in the meantime or during the term). We have been advised that this action will, mostly, take the form of ‘rolling strikes’ and will be for designated year levels (apart from Thursday, 11 May).
At this time, the industrial action is scheduled as follows, and will involve the rostering home of specific year levels as noted:

May
Thursday 4th - Year 11
Tuesday 9th - Year 12
Thursday 11th - Whole School (Years 7 - 13)
Tuesday 16th - Year 9
Wednesday 17th - Year 10
Thursday 25th - Year 11
Tuesday 30th - Year 13

June
Thursday 1st - Year 12
Tuesday 6th - Year 10
Thursday 8th - Year 9

Supervision for Learners Under the Age of 14
There will be limited supervision available for those learners under the age of 14. If you intend to send your under 14 learner for supervision on Thursday, 11 May, Tuesday, 16 May and Thursday, 8 June, please complete the form linked here: PPTA Strike Action - Term 2, 2023

ANZAC Assembly

On Wednesday, 26 April we held our annual ANZAC Assembly.  The programme featured readings by learners, acknowledging the sacrifice of New Zealand and Australian servicemen and servicewomen, a wreath was laid and Year 13 learner Ben Fereday played a beautiful rendition of the Last Post.  We were joined by representatives from the Hibiscus Coast Community RSA who, afterwards, shared stories with learner and school leaders.  The ANZAC assembly is an important part of our school culture and Ahuatanga Whangaparāoa (our values).  Lest we forget.

Photo Credit: Jayden Murdie

School TV

Positive Parenting

“There is no such thing as a perfect parent. However, research shows that one of the most important protective factors in the lives of young people, is a close relationship with a supportive adult.” Dr Michael Carr-Gregg

The mental health of today’s young people is at an all-time low. Depression, anxiety and self-harm are sadly on the rise. Unfortunately, there are more risk factors than protective factors, facing young people growing up. To parent effectively, it is simply not enough to avoid the obvious dangers like abuse, neglect and overindulgence. Parents therefore, need to arm themselves with practical skills, knowledge and strategies when it comes to raising children. Numerous studies suggest that the best-adjusted children are reared by parents who find a way to combine warmth and sensitivity with clear behavioural expectations.

To view, please visit: Positive Parenting

School Uniform

Whangaparāoa College has high expectations regarding wearing of the college uniform. Learners at the college are expected to wear the uniform at school or when on activities related to the college.

As the rain is setting in and we approach the winter months, learners are allowed to wear a plain black rain jacket to and from school and while they walk between classes.  These need to be removed when in class.

Please see the link for more information regarding our uniform standards: Uniform Standards at Whangaparāoa College

EnviroGroup

The practice of bokashi is a style of composting which converts food waste into a type of soil conditioner, which can add nutrients to the soil, and improve its texture. This occurs thanks to a special bacteria called bokashi zing, which ferments the food waste, as opposed to the waste decomposing. As a result, the food waste does not emit greenhouse gases at any point in the composting process, making it a very eco-friendly way to compost. In fact, it’s one we use right here at Whangaparāoa College! The process of bokashi itself is relatively recent, having been developed by Teruo Higa, a professor in Okinawa, in 1982. However, it has its routes in ancient Korean practices, which also lend their history to a similar composting method called Korean Natural Farming. However, this latter method has some additional elements to it, and whether or not it actually has any particular benefits to using it is disputed. Bokashi, meanwhile, has far more proven benefits. 

Bokashi composting is, ultimately, a unique way to compost, with some fascinating history behind it. This brief summary only scratches the surface. If that sort of thing interests you, then you might be interested in Kaitiaki Tangata (previously called the EnviroGroup). We meet on Fridays during lunch in S2 and new members are always welcome! That’s anyone from Year 7 to Year 13, and staff. An extra pair of hands is always appreciated.

Photo- An example of a bokashi bin sold at Bunnings

ICAS Competition

Drawing on 40 years of international assessment experience and academic rigour, ICAS is a school competition that inspires, celebrates and challenges millions of school students across Australia, New Zealand and the world.

For some learners, it takes a special test like ICAS to identify extraordinary potential. Like Adam Ritchie, who went from classroom detention regular to creating the AstraZeneca COVID Vaccine after ICAS Science unlocked his true potential.
However, not only do you get a chance to compete academically, there are also some excellent ways the Results Portal can benefit you. Read the latest blog where 10 ways to use ICAS results to boost your school's performance is shared.

Let ICAS complement your curriculum!
You can deepen your understanding by incorporating higher-order thinking skills. Read here for  7 tips to prepare your students for ICAS.

This year ICAS are offering:
English, Maths, Science - Years 7 - 11
Digital Technology - Years 7 & 8
Writing - Years 7 - 11

If you are interested in doing the ICAS assessments please email or see Mrs. Menezes in S11 by the 10th May.

North Shore Careers Expo

10th - 11th May

THE EVENT to explore ideas for future career pathways... discover a wide range of education, training and career options all in one place and take advantage of the opportunity to talk face-to-face with the experts.
Whangaparaoa College will be taking all Year 12 learners to the event by bus on Wednesday afternoon. We encourage parents and whanau to support their young people in planning their future by attending the afternoon- evening sessions, where there will also be university and industry presentations.

Science Spinners

On Friday, 28th April, 10 learners from Year 8 through to Year 10 participated in the Science Spinners Program conducted at the Due Drops Events Centre, Manukau.

Science Spinners is the Kudos Science Trust’s education and outreach arm, connecting students with scientists, experts and industry through practical hands-on STEM programs.

Sports

Swimming

WGP student Zoe Pederson off to Israel to represent NZ in world Juniors

Year 11 learner Zoe Pedersen recently represented Coast Swim Club at the 2023 Apollo Age Group Championships in the Hawkes Bay.
Following on from Zoe’s amazing results at the NZ Championships, Zoe continued her record breaking run, breaking the 15 year old female record in the 50m Freestyle with a time of 25.63!!!

Zoe has also been selected to represent New Zealand at the 2023 Junior World Championships being held in Israel later this year. Zoe is one of only 7 swimmers from New Zealand to meet the very tough qualifying criteria. 

Well done Zoe what an amazing achievement!

Winter Sports

In other news, winter start has started with a hiss and a roar! All teams are now training and games starting for all grades. There has been an explosion of basketball and netball teams, alongside rugby, hockey, football and lacrosse. A massive thankyou to all the students and parents who have offered to coach or manage a team.

Good luck to the 32 year 9 and 10 athletes off to Matamata sports camp next week - pack some extra warm clothing ! 

Year 7 / 8 Aims teams for boys football, girls basketball, netball, ripper have trialed and will head to Tauranga in term 3.

For all up to date fixtures please follow us on: Whangaparaoa College Sport Facebook Page

Cross Country

Congratulations to the the school cross country champions.

Hosting an International Student

Kia Ora Whānau 
 
We are very excited to be welcoming a large number of International's for term 3 and beyond.
 
This is a great opportunity for you to experience hosting a student from another country and share with them your family and community.
 
If you would like to be considered for this opportunity please email Sue McKay [email protected] to discuss further. Alternatively, you are welcome to visit our college website and explore the information listed in the International tab.
 
We would love to hear from you.

Community Notices