Term 2, Week 4, 2025

FROM THE PRINCIPAL Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Howick College, Every day at our college, I witness the extraordinary achievements and quiet acts of dedication from our students and staff. Too often, these go under the radar, so in a school of this size, it’s important that we actively seek out these moments and ensure they are recognised and encouraged. Fortunately, you don’t have to look very far. Each week, we have been shining a light on the incredible members of our support staff—colleagues whose work may not always be visible, but is absolutely essential to the smooth running of the school. Last Friday’s support staff morning tea was a small gesture of thanks, and a sincere acknowledgement of the wonderful people they are. Last week, we shared the story of Michael Collins—a Year 9 student whose great attitude and entrepreneurial spirit truly stand out. This week, we are highlighting Charlie Van Asten, whose daily challenges with NF2 are met with extraordinary courage and positivity. Her story, whether you read it on our Facebook page or later in this newsletter, is deeply inspiring. Another group I’ve stayed closely connected with is our student prayer group—a dedicated team of caring young people who meet each week in fellowship to pray for our students and staff, especially those facing difficult times. The introduction of the prayer box, and the continued growth of this group, is a testament to the strong faith and selfless spirit of these remarkable students. This week also saw the celebration of Youth Week, a wider East Auckland initiative led at Howick College by our student representatives Bhavya Madan and Charlotte Hutton, with support from a fantastic team of volunteers who organised a range of activities throughout the week. These and other stories in this week's newsletter are a powerful reminder of the heart, resilience, and community spirit that make Howick College such a special place to be. Have a great weekend. Dale Burden Principal/Tumuaki

KEY DATES Friday 30 May Fridays@Twelve Concert - Uxbridge Arts and Cultural Centre Monday 2 June King's Birthday - Public Holiday Tuesday 10 & Thursday 12 June Y13 Drama presents The Odyssey Wednesday 11 & Friday 13 Y13 Drama presents Yerma Thursday 19 June Midwinter Festival Friday 20 June Matariki - Public Holiday Sunday 22 - Tuesday 24 June Jazz Band & Orchestra Tour Monday 23 June Teacher Only Day Thursday 26 June International Food Festival Non-Uniform Day Friday 27 June Last Day Term 2

ATTENDANCE MATTERS

ERO Caregiver Survey - Improving Attendance

Earlier this week, we emailed our caregivers inviting them to take part in a survey as part of the Education Review Office's research regarding school attendance. This important national research project is looking at how attitudes have changed to regular attendance in the last few years, and the strategies that work. Completing this short survey (5-10 mins) is a small way to make a big difference. 

If you haven't already completed the survey, please access the link through your email. Please note that the survey will close next Friday 30th May.

MEET THE TEAM BEHIND THE SCENES

At Howick College, building strong connections with our wider community plays a vital role in supporting student success. This week, we shine a light on Mrs Kate Pike, our Community Development Coordinator, and the work happening behind the scenes to grow sponsorship, partnerships, and alumni engagement—efforts that help create lasting opportunities for our students. Mrs Pike joined Howick College in 2024 to help organise the school’s 50th Jubilee. Following the success of that milestone event, she was invited to remain in a permanent role. In her position, Mrs Pike oversees alumni engagement, fundraising, and sponsorship initiatives—strengthening ties between the College and the wider community. She is passionate about building partnerships that create meaningful experiences for our students. Before joining Howick College, she worked for several years as cabin crew—a role that developed her strong interpersonal skills. She also brings a background in organising community events and fundraisers, experience that continues to serve her well.

Mrs Pike looks forward to connecting with more families, alumni, and community partners to support the ongoing growth and success of Howick College. If you would like to explore how you can be involved, please email her at  [email protected]

ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

From left: Mr Burden, Alanna Stang, Ethan Royer, William Tukuleva-Hal and Mrs East from the Howick Rotary Club.

Each year, the Howick Rotary Club awards three in-zone Year 8 students who will attend Howick College in Year 9 the Rotary Academic Scholarship. The scholarship is presented to applicants who have demonstrated their academic ability, an excellent attitude towards their learning, and have made a positive contribution to their previous school. Valued at $1,000 each, the scholarships can be used towards school uniforms, subject materials, school fees, subject-related activities, trips and camps, digital devices, and other educational resources.

Presented in 2025, the Rotary Academic Scholarship recognises the outstanding achievements of the following  recipients – Alanna Stang, Ethan Royer, and William Tukuleva-Hall. The trio, along with their proud parents, were invited to a formal morning tea this week with our Principal, Mr Dale Burden. During the event, the students were presented with their awards by Madeline East, representing the Howick Rotary Club. Congratulations to all!

CELEBRATING HYC YOUTH WEEK

This week we celebrated Youth Week (19–23 May), an East Auckland-wide event run by the Howick Youth Council. Our dedicated representative students, Bhavya Madan (Y13) and Charlotte Hutton (Y12), organised a range of fun and engaging student activities throughout the week. 

On Monday and Wednesday mornings, they were assisted by a dedicated group of volunteers — Ruhani Bhatti (Y13), Olivia Gu (Y12), Eliza Bannister (Y11), Catrina Lin (Y11), Chanelle Good (Y11), Layla Hills (Y11), and Kaitlyn Daintree (Y10) — serving free hot Milo outside the theatre in exchange for a kind message written on a large poster. In tutor time on Monday, students had the chance to write letters of appreciation to friends or classmates. These were delivered later in the week, helping to foster a strong sense of connection and support among students. On Thursday at lunchtime, members of our Sports Council hosted rounds of multisport in the gym, offering students a opportunity to get active and have fun. 

A huge thank you to all those involved — especially Bhavya and Charlotte — for making Youth Week a meaningful and memorable experience at Howick College.

NCEA LITERACY & NUMERACY EXAMS

All 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 Year 10 and 11 students in our Numeracy targeted 11MATI and 11MATN classes have been informed. Please support your child by ensuring they know where and when to attend. The Year 10 (and 11MATI and 11MATN ) assessment timetable for Week 4 can be found here.

Senior students who have yet to attempt or achieve the co-requisites, will receive communications next week that include a timetable and information detailing the sessions they must attend in Week 5.

If you would like more information regarding the new tests, please see our website.

NCEA MUSIC CONCERTS IMPRESS AUDIENCES

Last week, our Level 1 and 2 Music students took to the stage for their first NCEA performance assessments of the year — delivering polished performances of an exceptional standard across a wide range of styles and instruments. These evenings mark an important milestone in their NCEA journey and provide a valuable opportunity to share the progress they’ve made so far. Their success is supported by our dedicated Music Department, led by Mr Matthew O’Ryan, along with a talented team of visiting specialist music teachers in voice, strings, brass, woodwind, and percussion.

It’s been a fantastic start to the year — we look forward to seeing how our senior musicians continue to grow and develop.

ASTROMANIA THROUGH TO REGIONALS

Congratulations to Howick College rock band Astromania, who have advanced to the next stage of the Smokefree Rockquest and will be representing the school at the upcoming Manukau Regional Final on Thursday 6 June at 7.00pm The band — London Morrell (guitar), Casey Fergusson (vocals), Harry Moore (bass), and Fynn Stewart (drums) — impressed judges at Manukau Rockfest over the weekend with two original songs: Terra and Artists and Animals. Their talent, energy, and originality stood out on stage, earning them a place in the regional competition. We are incredibly proud of their creativity and commitment, and look forward to seeing them take the stage again. The regional final will be held at the Dorothy Winstone Centre, Auckland Girls’ Grammar School. Tickets are available via Eventfinda or can be purchased at the door.

CHARLIE'S STORY - LIVING WITH NF2

Charlie van Asten, spent two weeks in hospital after major spinal surgery.

Charlie van Asten, Co-Leader of Minerva House, is one of an estimated 175 New Zealanders living with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2) — a rare genetic condition affecting around 1 in 30,000 people. Globally, NF2 impacts just over 260,000 individuals. It causes benign tumours to grow on nerves, often affecting hearing, balance and movement.

Charlie was diagnosed in 2023 at just 16 years old after suddenly losing feeling in her hands and struggling to control her legs. The symptoms were especially noticeable during netball games, where she felt disconnected from the ball and found her legs lagging behind. Despite this, she played nearly the full season — and was named MVP — all while unknowingly living with ten tumours (four on her spine and six in her brain).

She was rushed to hospital later that year and underwent major surgery to remove a large tumor at the top of her spine. After weeks in hospital and months of recovery at home, Charlie returned to school and physical activity with determination and a fresh sense of appreciation. She continues to play netball, enjoys running again, and coaches novice gymnasts at Howick Gymnastics Club — adapting her coaching to match her physical capabilities and keep everyone safe. She is also a member of our kapa haka group.

Charlie refuses to let NF2 define her. She embraces each day with resilience and positivity, leads by example, and lives out our Howick College 4C values — Courtesy, Courage, Commitment and Curiosity. She is now using her voice to raise awareness of this rare condition, making the decision to share her story this week to support NF2 Awareness Day on the 22nd of May This date was chosen because the NF2 gene is located on chromosome 22. It’s a chance to shine a light on this rare condition and support those affected.

To show your support, Charlie suggests learning more about NF2, sharing a post using #NF2, and learning some basic NZ Sign Language. Many with NF2 lose their hearing and Charlie, who wears a hearing aid, has been learning NZSL for over a year to prepare for this possibility. She says it's really fun, and even if you just learn the alphabet and a few basic greetings, that's a great start!

We are so proud of Charlie and all she continues to achieve. Her message is simple but powerful: BE KIND — you never know what the person next to you might be going through!

PERSONALISED STUDENT ASSESSMENT CALENDAR

We have created a personalised student assessment calendar for Year 11 - !3 students which displays the due dates of Internal Assessments for your child. Students and parents can login to the school Portal, select child (if more than one sibling), click the Assessment Calendar icon which will show the current month and any assessments that are due. To change to a Term view, please click on the Display button, top right of page and all four Terms with assessment due dates are shown. 

Students have been emailed with how to login and see the calendar. Please be aware that some assessment dates may vary as learning programmes develop in response to student needs.  If you have any queries about due dates, please contact the subject teacher. 

WHEN HOPE IS NEEDED 

From left: Ashlé Granich and Bianca Smith

A recent student-led initiative at Howick College is offering students a meaningful way to seek support during challenging times. When Hope is Needed is a group founded by Bianca Smith and Ashlé Granich, with a focus on spiritual wellbeing. The group aims to provide hope and encouragement to anyone in need, and is open to all students. At the heart of the initiative is a prayer box located in the library. Students are invited to write down anything they would like supported in prayer — whether it’s a personal struggle, a concern for a friend or family member, or simply something that’s been weighing on their mind. Bianca and Ashlé believe that knowing others are thinking of you in their prayers can be a source of real comfort. Even the simple act of writing something down can help lighten the emotional load.

The prayer box is anonymous and completely confidential, handled only by the group leaders. The only exception is if a message raises concerns about someone’s safety, in which case the group’s Teacher in Charge and/or school Deans would be informed, in line with the Howick College duty of care. This initiative is open to everyone. There is no expectation to belong to any faith — only an invitation to seek support in a way that feels right for you.

SENIOR DEBATING GOING STRONG

Our Senior Open debating teams have been making great progress in the Auckland Schools’ Debating competition this season. Howick 2 (pictured)— made up of Nikita Keeling, Isla Donaldson, and Aliya Symister (pictured)— had a standout performance in their latest round, winning against Sacred Heart with a well-argued case on banning social media for under-16s. That win puts them in a strong position to reach the octo-finals. Howick 1 — Harnain Dhaliwal, Eva Malez-Ocampos, and Anisha Bangar — have also been developing their skills and gaining valuable experience. They’ve got their sights set on qualifying for the Advanced Open league next year.

We’re proud of both teams’ dedication and critical thinking, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to develop throughout the competition.

CAREERS DEPARTMENT NEWS

Introducing Our 2025 Careers Ambassadors

Back: Maryam Noori, Cooper Gillett, Jackson Everts, Eva Malez Ocampos. Front: Arshpreet Singh, Matei Rusu, Jayni Patel.

Howick College is proud to introduce our team of seven Year 12 and 13 Career Ambassadors for 2025. These dedicated students work closely with the Careers Department to support and inspire their peers. Our ambassadors play an important role in raising awareness of career-related opportunities, promoting events, and ensuring students are informed about the services available to them.

Their leadership and enthusiasm helps bridge the gap between students and the Careers Department, creating a more connected and career-ready school community. Keep an eye out for our ambassadors at upcoming events and initiatives — they’re here to help you take the next step toward your future!

Upcoming Education Provider Visits

New Zealand Police 
What: Discover more about exciting career opportunities where you can make a difference.  
When: Monday 26 May, 1:40pm (lunchtime)
Where: Library

AUT - Auckland University of Technology 
What:  Learn about life on campus, available courses, and more.
When: Tuesday 27 May 1:40pm (lunchtime)
Where: TBC 

ITC - International Travel College 
What: A leading provider of training for careers in the airline, airport, travel, and tourism industries.
When: Thursday 29 May, 1:40pm (lunchtime)
Where: H3

QRC - Queenstown Resort College 
What: New Zealand’s premier college for Tourism, Business, and Hospitality studies.
When: Friday 30 May, 10:50am (tutor class)
Where: H3

SENIOR DRAMA PRODUCTIONS

The Odyssey – Splendid Theatre’s adaptation retells the epic journey of Odysseus and his famously inconvenient return home from the Trojan War. A decade of adventures is packed into a breathless hour of high-energy storytelling. A heroic cast of multi-roling performers brings to life a mythical world filled with hungry monsters, devious sorceresses, and frequent shipwrecks, as the ever-resourceful Odysseus battles to return to his family. A classic tale reimagined with pace, humour, and theatrical flair.

Directed by: Isabella Murray & Aria Russell 
Tickets: $10 via your myKindo account.  Members of the public can purchase tickets online via Kindo here.
Door sales also available. PG

Yerma -The second play in García Lorca's renowned rural trilogy, Yerma was written and first performed in 1934. Described by Lorca as "a tragic poem," the play explores the powerful forces of fate and societal expectation in rural Spain, ultimately sealing a young woman’s destiny. Yerma centres on its title character, whose desperate longing for motherhood grows into a consuming obsession — one that leads her down a dark and tragic path.

Direct by: Courtney McAnally & Mrs Dryden
Tickets: $10 via your myKindo account.  Members of the public can purchase tickets online via Kindo here.
Door sales also available. PG Suitable for year 11+

FRIDAYS@TWELVE MUSIC CONCERT

Join us on Friday, 30 May at 12 noon for a vibrant celebration of music as Howick College takes the stage at the Uxbridge Fridays at Twelve concert. This special concert will showcase the talents of our Jazz Band, String Orchestra, and Choir, along with a variety of instrumental and vocal solos and duets. From classical to contemporary, it’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the skill and passion of our student performers. Time: 12 Noon, Friday 30 May Venue: Uxbridge Arts and Culture, 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick Tickets: $6 – Available online, from the Uxbridge customer services desk, or at the door (from 11:30am, on the day if not sold out) Come along and enjoy an hour of exceptional music, from our talented performers. Bring a friend and treat yourself to a midday musical escape!

BOOKS FOR STARSHIP CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

The Howick College Academic Council has launched a new initiative to support young patients at Starship Children’s Hospital through the gift of reading. As part of this drive, the Council is collecting new and pre-loved picture books, interactive storybooks, fairy tales, and early learning books in good condition. These donations will be delivered to Starship, where they’ll help bring comfort, entertainment, and a sense of normality to children undergoing treatment. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has already contributed to our cause - every book makes a difference! Please leave your donations at the Student Office.

MOTH PLANT COMPETITION 2025

From 3 March to 9 May, students from the Howick College Envirogroup took part in the local Moth Plant Competition, organised by Pest Free Howick Ward. The aim of the competition was to help reduce the spread of the invasive moth plant by removing pods and pulling out vines by the roots—each of which earned the students valuable points.

Throughout the competition, students actively searched local communities for moth plants, collecting a total of 5,538 pods and pulling 541 vines from the ground. In total, more than 40 hours were dedicated to the project—an impressive effort and a great achievement for everyone involved. We now await the results, which will be announced at the next Enviroschools cluster meeting. A big thank you to everyone who shared moth plant locations—your support made a huge difference!


Why Eradicating the Moth Plant Matters
The moth plant is an invasive species native to South America, introduced to New Zealand in the 1880s as an ornamental vine. Since then, it has spread rapidly and poses a serious threat to native flora, smothering and killing other plants as it grows. Each distinctive pod can hold up to 1,000 seeds, which are easily dispersed by the wind—allowing the moth plant to quickly colonise new areas.

SPORTS NEWS

Runaway Victory for 1st XV Girls

The Howick College 1st XV Girls delivered a commanding 122–0 win over Kelston Girls’ High School on Monday, showcasing both grit and attacking flair. Facing a big, physical opponent and challenging windy conditions, the team took early control of the match and never looked back — running in nine tries in the first half and adding five more after the break. 

The defensive effort was particularly impressive, with the team showing relentless hunger to regain possession at every opportunity. The match also provided an opportunity to introduce newer players in the second half, giving them valuable time on the field and contributing to a strong, collective performance.

Levonah Motuliki led by example with a powerhouse display at number 8, crossing the line five times and setting the tone for the forward pack. Brooklyn Peters also made a strong return to the field following ACL surgery, marking her first full 15s match back with a well-earned try. However, it was a solid team effort across the board, and while the result is a positive, the team remains focused as they take on Epsom Girls' Grammar in an away game next week.

Tennis Success for London Morrell 

Congratulations to Year 12 student London Morrell, who was recognised at the Howick Tennis Club Prizegiving on Saturday 17 May with two impressive honours: Intermediate Player of the Year and Under 18 Girls Doubles Champion at the Club Championships. London has been playing tennis for just two and a half years, and only competing at club level for two seasons—making this achievement all the more impressive. Alongside her talent and commitment, she credits the support of her interclub team for helping to push and inspire her throughout the season. You may have also spotted London’s name earlier in this newsletter—she’s also the guitarist for Howick College band Astromania, who are heading to the regional finals of Smokefree Rockquest. A fantastic example of talent and focus across both sport and the arts!

Premier Teams Sports Draw - Week 5

MONDAY 26 MAY
1st XV Girls' Rugby vs Epsom Girls' Grammar School, Venue: Cornwall Park Field 1, Kick-off: 4:00pm

TUESDAY 27 MAY
Premier Boys' Basketball vs Elim College, Venue: Dilworth School Court 1, Start: 5:00pm
1st XI Boys' Football vs Pukekohe High School (Knock-out Cup), Venue: HOME GAME, Kick-off: 2:30pm
Snr Open Underwater Hockey vs TBC, Venue: TBC, Start: TBC

WEDNESDAY 28 MAY
Howick 1 Badminton vs TBC, Venue: TBC, Start: TBC
1st XI Girls' Football vs Avondale College, Venue: HOME GAME Kick-off: 4:00pm
1st XI Boys' Hockey vs Selwyn College, Venue: LEP Turf 2, Start: 5:00pm
Premier 1 Netball vs TBC, Venue: TBC, Start: TBC

THURSDAY 29 MAY
1st XI Girls' Hockey vs Mount Albert Grammar School, Venue: Macleans College Turf 1, Start: 5:15pm

FRIDAY 30 MAY
1st XI Boys' Football vs Waitakere College, Venue: Starling Park Field 1, Kick-off: 3:15pm

SATURDAY 31 MAY
King's Birthday Weekend - No Sport

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