Term 2, Week 10, 2024

FROM THE PRINCIPAL Tēnā  koutou, e te whānau o Howick College, This has been a positive term with much to celebrate and be proud of. The highlights of the term are published in our termly publication "High Five," which will be in your inbox during the holidays. This week, we have been encouraging students to finish well, with a focus tailored to different age groups. For juniors, we have emphasised the fundamentals: being on time to school and class, wearing the correct uniform, bringing the necessary equipment, maintaining a positive attitude towards learning, and doing their best. For seniors, the focus has extended beyond the basics. We have stressed the importance of completing and handing in assessments, staying committed to school activities while balancing academic workloads, and managing their well-being in terms of diet, sleep, and exercise. We have encouraged our students and staff to reflect on their progress to date: consider what has gone well, what could have been better, and how they can improve. As we approach the end of the term, we encourage everyone to ensure they get a good break to rest and reset for Term 3. While we consider every term an "academic term," Term 3 is traditionally when "the rubber hits the road" and the effort put into work in Terms 1 and 2 pays off. For some, it may be a realisation that they should have worked harder. These students should not despair or give up; all is not lost if they dig in and work hard. Have a wonderful break. Rest, reflect, and reset. Dale Burden Principal/Tumuaki

KEY DATES Friday 5 July Term 2 Ends Monday 22 July Term 3 Begins Tuesday 30 July - Saturday 3 August School Production 2024 Blood Brothers Wednesday 7 August Y9 2025 Parent Information Evening Monday 12 - Tuesday 13 August  Winter Teams & Groups Photos Thursday 15 August Y10 Subject Information Evening   Monday 26 August Teacher Only Day Monday 2 - Sunday 8 September Winter Tournament Week Wednesday 4 September Y9 Out-of-Zone Enrolment Applications Close Wednesday 11 September Y9 2025 Out-of-Zone Ballot Drawn Monday 16 September - Friday 20 September Senior Practice Exams Friday 27 September Battle of the Bands PHOTOLIFE PHOTOS Now available for collection from the Student Office.

LOOKING BACK

1992 - A Year of Transformation

Students model the new look summer and winter uniform options.

Described by new principal Bill Dimery, as the "year of take-off", 1992 was a year of significant change at Howick College. The local area was experiencing a housing boom which saw our roll reach 1,520. Eleven new classes, a new computer room, a science lab, a 7th Form common oom and a new canteen were all built to accommodate the growth.

In the midts of this change, it was decided to phase out the existing "Jaffa" brown and red uniform which featured a plain red shirt for girls and boys with regulation brown shorts for boys in summer, and long brown corduroy trousers in winter. Girls could choose their own style of dark brown skirt, provided it wasn't too tight and had no slits. Both boys and girls sported a plain brown regulation jersey.

By the end of 1992 all students had transitioned to the new look uniform with a black and white tartan skirt and crisp white round-necked blouse for girls while boys now wore a white and navy pin-striped shirt with regulation grey shorts or trousers both with a mandatory black leather belt. Girls wore short white ankle socks while boys wore long grey socks with a blue and red stripe. Both boys and girls donned the navy with red stripe regulation jersey. 

These updates marked a significant shift in our school’s direction and reflected the dynamic changes of the time, setting the stage for future growth and development.

JUBILEE REGISTRATIONS OPEN JULY 8TH! Enjoy a weekend filled with a trip down memory lane, reconnecting with old friends and meeting familiar faces. You are welcome to join any or all of the events happening on the Friday and Saturday including Golf, High Tea, School Tour, Decade Photos and a Mix & Mingle. For updates follow us on Facebook Howick College Alumni

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP FORGED

An important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed this week between the International College of London (ICL) AUNZ, represented by Executive in Charge Kelly Kwon, and Howick College principal Dale Burden, facilitated by our International Director, Lisa Crossley. This collaboration aims to promote Howick College to prospective international students in Korea.

The MoU signifies a mutual commitment to promoting Howick College as a preferred study destination for Korean international students. Through this partnership, ICL will utilise its extensive network and expertise to highlight the school's strengths, including its robust curriculum, diverse extracurricular activities, and supportive community environment. Additionally, this MoU opens a pathway for Korean students who have attended Howick College to obtain degrees from universities in Europe and the UK more easily and quickly.

With this MoU, Howick College and ICL are set to embark on a promising venture, fostering educational excellence and cultural exchange between Korea and the school community, as well as facilitating further international educational exchanges.

KAPA HAKA GROUPS CELEBRATE MATARIKI

Last Friday, kapa haka groups from local schools gathered at Point View School to celebrate Matariki through shared performance. This event was a wonderful display of cultural heritage and unity, as our kapa haka group and those from seven other schools came together to honor the Māori New Year. The evening commenced with a karanga led by Alyssa Ready, welcoming everyone and setting the tone for the celebration. This was followed by moving mihi from AJ McConnell that expressed gratitude and the importance of the event.

The performances were filled with powerful waiata and haka that highlighted the significance of the season and the spirit of renewal. We closed our performance with AJ’s closing remarks and ended on a celebratory note.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL WAIKATO MUSIC TOUR 

A young Waikato audience waits in eager anticipation for the Jazz Band to perform.

On Monday this week, our Jazz Band and Orchestra embarked on their annual music tour to perform for five Waikato primary schools. The ensembles began their performances on Tuesday, visiting Pirongia School, Paterangi School, and Pokuru School, delighting audiences with a diverse range of musical styles. A highlight was Loui Camus (Year 13) performing "How Far I'll Go" from Moana. The tour continued on Wednesday with performances at Ngahinapouri School and Te Kowhai School before returning home.

This music tour was not only a memorable experience but also extremely beneficial for our musicians, providing a valuable opportunity to develop and hone their performance skills. The students enjoyed working as a team to set up and perform, and they loved sharing their music with such enthusiastic audiences.

LEO CLUB INDUCTION 2024

Howick College LEO Club members with advisor, Neil Hornblow (centre row 2)

YEAR 13 SCIENCE INVESTIGATES BACTERIAL GROWTH

Our Year 13 Science students recently conducted a practical experiment for their NCEA internal assessment, Earth and Space Science 3.1. Students were required to carry out an independent investigation of the growth patterns of E. coli bacteria in different pH solutions. Throughout the experiment, the class worked diligently under strict health guidelines, ensuring that their investigations ran smoothly and safely. Teachers were greatly impressed by how focused and engaged these young scientists were in their work!

This hands-on experience provided valuable insights into bacterial growth dynamics. It not only highlighted the students' dedication and enthusiasm in their scientific pursuits but also their commitment to rigorous experimentation and adherence to safety protocols.

100 PERCENT PASS RATE FOR LEARNERS LICENSE

Proud learner drivers Taylor Bennett and Vina Lomawai.

Obtaining a driver’s license as soon as possible provides our senior students with greater independence, increased job opportunities, and essential life skills. The process of obtaining a driver's license can also contribute towards NCEA credits, supporting academic achievement. Twenty-four of our Year 12 and 13 students recently participated in a two-day Learners Licence course, organised by the Careers team and facilitated by the Auckland Business Chamber. Thanks to their great efforts, 100 percent of those who attended passed the test and received their Learners Licence. Congratulations to everyone who took part!

The Careers Department can assist students by offering resources, guidance, and support throughout the licensing process, helping them understand the requirements and benefits, and ensuring they take full advantage of this opportunity for personal and academic growth. If you would like to find out more, pop in for a chat with our Careers team. 

CHESS TEAM DEBUTS AT INTER-SCHOOL CHAMPIONSHIP

Board 1 player, Tony Gao (right) and Ethan Loo prepare to do battle against Macleans College.

Following a highly successful inter-house chess competition earlier in Term 2, four top performing chess players, Tony Gao (Y10), Ethan Loo (Y9), Shravan Sriram (Y10), and Charlotte Steel (Y12), were selected to represent Howick College at the 2024 East Auckland Secondary Inter-school Chess Championship. Held on June 27 at the Eastern and Bucklands Beach War Memorial Hall, the championship featured 22 teams from schools across East Auckland.

The Howick College team played an intense six rounds of 15+5 minute chess against seasoned competitors such as St Kentigern's and Macleans Colleges. Despite this being their debut competition, our team acquitted themselves well and notched up some great wins, achieving a commendable 19th place with 4 team points and 9.5 individual board points. Special mention goes to our board 1 player, Tony Gao, who faced the tournament's toughest opponents throughout the day, emerging with 3.5 points from 6 games.

The Howick College Chess Club is extremely proud of the team's achievements and looks forward to building on this success in future competitions. Congratulations to our talented chess players for their outstanding performance!

RECONNECTING WITH INTERNATIONAL ALUMNA LILY DO

Lily with International Director, Lisa Crossley

Our International Department was delighted to welcome back former international student,Thi Linh Nhi 'Lily' Do, this week. Lily, who came to Howick College from Vietnam in 2020 and graduated with NCEA Level 3 and University Entrance in 2023, recently returned to Howick College to reconnect with international staff and share her journey. Lily is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Nursing at Whitireia WelTec in Wellington. During her visit, Lily reflected on her positive experience at Howick College, noting that the teaching and learning here provided her with the knowledge and life skills needed to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse. We are incredibly proud of Lily and look forward to seeing her continue to thrive and make a positive contribution to the New Zealand healthcare system.

WELCOME AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT TO YOUR HOME

Are you interested in opening your home and heart to an international student?
Become a Howick College approved homestay caregiver and be a part of our vibrant Howick College community. Hosting an international student provides a unique opportunity for cultural exchange, enriching the lives of both the host family and the student.

How to get started:
1. Express your interest: Please complete the online application form
2. Home visit We will arrange a home visit to provide more information about hosting an international student for Howick College
3. Great Support We provide ongoing advice and support for a positive experience for everyone
4. Homestay reimbursement: $340 per week ($370 per week – 2025)

Join us in making a difference to an international students experience by becoming a Howick College host family. For more information, please email our Homestay Coordinator at [email protected] or visit www.howick.school.nz/international

UNIFORM REMINDER With winter upon us and the days much 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/white Howick College scarf  Those wearing the knee-length or ankle-length skirt may also choose to wear black opaque stockings Those wearing shorts, can chose to wear the knee-high charcoal/red stripe sock (pulled up to the knee) or the black/red stripe crew sock 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. MAJOR MUSICAL PRODUCTION, 2024 Blood Brothers by Willy Russell Set in Liverpool, Willy Russell’s captivating musical Blood Brothers tells the poignant tale of twin brothers separated at birth. Growing up on opposite sides of the tracks, their lives take dramatically different paths until a fateful reunion leads to tragic consequences. Dates: Tuesday 30 July - Saturday 3 August at 7:30pm Tickets: $10 Child, $15 Student/Senior, $25 Adult. Available from the Cashier's Office in person or by phone on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Phone 09 534-4492 extn 825 Venue: Bill Dimery Performing Arts Centre ​SPECIAL EVENT: Tuesday 30 July Meal & Show: $65 (Limited spaces - be in quick!) HOWICK COLLEGE LIBRARY BOOK OF THE WEEK Dirt Poor Islanders by Winnie Dunn This book is available from our temporary library in L6.    Meadow Reed used to get confused when explaining that she had grandparents from Australia, Tonga and Great Britain. She'd say she was full-White and full-Tongan, thinking that so many halves made separate wholes. Despite the Anglo-Saxon genetics that gave Meadow a narrow nose and light-brown skin, everybody who raised her was Tongan. Everybody who loved her was Tongan. This was what made her Tongan. Growing up in the heat-hummed streets of Mt Druitt in Western Sydney, Meadow will face palangis who think they are better than Fobs, women who fall into other women, what it means to have many mothers, a playful rain and even Pineapple Fanta. For this half-White, half-Tongan girl, the world is bigger than the togetherness she has grown up in. Finding her way means pushing against the constraints of tradition, family and self until she becomes whole in her own right. Meadow is going to see that being a dirt-poor Islander girl is more beautiful than she can even begin to imagine. Dirt Poor Islanders is a potent, mesmerising novel that opens our eyes to the brutal fractures navigated when growing up between two cultures and the importance of understanding all the many pieces of yourself.  SPORTS NEWS 1st XV Through to Top of 1B Competition  Photo credit - Amber Te Whaiti Y11 Congratulations to our 1st XV on their crucial 21-8 victory over Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate last Saturday! This win, achieved through well-worked team tries and staunch defense, saw the team finish fourth in Pool B. They will now advance to the Championship crossover starting on Saturday, July 6th where they will face the top four teams from Pool A as follows: Saturday 6 July - Howick vs Tangaroa College, Venue: HOME GAME, Kick-Off 12:00pm Saturday 27 July - Howick vs Waitakere College, Venue: Waitakere College, Kick-Off 12:00pm Saturday 3 August - Howick vs Aorere College, Venue: Aorere College, Kick-Off 12:00pm Saturday 10 August - Howick vs Southern Cross Campus, Venue: HOME GAME, Kick-Off 12:00pm Bittersweet Victory for Hockey Girls The 1st XI Girls' Hockey team continued to impress on Thursday night, winning 8-3 against Diocesan Girls College. Their teamwork and determination on the field were truly inspiring. A special mention goes to Samantha Ellis, who was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance and for exemplifying the school's values at all tmes. However, the win was bittersweet as the team said farewell to international students and team mates Carla Dammann and Lotta Goerz, who will return to Germany at the end of the term. Having international students as part of the team has been an incredible experience. Carla and Lotta fitted in from the start, bringing a rich cultural diversity that has enriched the team's dynamics. Their unique perspectives and playing styles have been a great asset, contributing significantly to the team's success. As the term nears its end, we realise just how much they'll be missed, both on and off the field, when they return home. Their contributions have left a lasting impact, and they will always be cherished members of our hockey family. Touch Rugby World Cup 2024 Huge congratulations to Skylah Tainui-Takerei (Year 13), who will be representing NZ Women at the upcoming Touch Rugby World Cup in Nottingham, England. Skylah will be travelling to Nottingham on Wednesday, 10th July, to take part in the competition, which will run from the 15th to the 21st of July. She will be joined in Nottingham by past students Alex Howearth (2018), who will be playing in the NZ Open Mixed team and James Davison (2018), who will be playing for the Tonga Open Men's team. Former Howick College teacher and Minerva House Dean, Mark Hodson, will also be playing in the NZ Masters 30 Men.   We are incredibly proud of them all and wish them the very best! Premier Teams Draw - Term 3, Week 1 SATURDAY 6 JULY 1st XV Boys vs Tangaroa College, Venue: Home Game, Kick-off: 12:00pm MONDAY 22 JULY 1st XV Rugby Girls vs Kelston Girls' College Venue: Archibald Park, Kick-off: 4:00pm TUESDAY 23 JULY Basketball Prem Boys TBA UWH Senior Open vs Glendowie College, Venue: MAGS, Start: 8:25pm UWH Senior Open vs Glendowie College, Venue: MAGS, Start: 8:25pm UWH Senior Girls vs Diocesan, Venue: Manurewa Aquatic Centre, Start: 7:40pm UWH Senior Girls vs Glendowie College, Venue: Manurewa Aquatic Centre, Start: 8:30pm WEDNESDAY 24 JULY 1st XI Hockey Boys vs Auckland Grammar, Venue: Auckland Grammar, Start: 6:45pm 1st XI Football Girls TBA   THURSDAY 25 JULY 1st XI Hockey Girls vs Marist, Venue: LEP 1, Start: 5:00pm FRIDAY 26 JULY 1st XI Football Boys vs Macleans College, Venue: HOME GAME, Kick-off: 3:15pm SATURDAY 27 JULY Netball Premier 1 vs One Tree Hill College, Venue: ANC Ct B, Start: 9:30am Netball Premier 2 vs St Cuthbert's College, Venue: ANC Ct A, Start: 8:30am 1st XV Boys vs Waitakere College, Venue: Waitakere College, Kick-Off 12:00pm 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.        HEALTH CENTRE Students Unwell At School If students are feeling unwell during class, they will need to obtain a permission slip from their classroom teacher to go to the Health Centre, students can also choose to drop-in during interval or lunchtime. The nurse will assess the student's health and, if necessary, contact their parents/caregivers for their consent to send the student home. If contacted by the nurse to pick up their child, parents can collect the student from the Health Centre and sign them out of school. Students are NOT to contact their parents/caregivers directly to make their own arrangements to go home. If your chld contacts you independently, please encourage them to go to the Health Centre for assessment. COMMUNITY NEWS Howick Rotary - Bookarama Howick Rotary is organizing a “Bookarama 4 Kids & Teens” Sale at the War Memorial Information Centre in Picton Street Howick between 10 -12 July. The project has been established to encourage reading in young people and as an activity for families to participate in during the school holidays. For the event, they urgently need donations of kids and teens books, puzzles, games and toys. Collection points have ben set up in and around the greater Howick area. For further information email [email protected] or call Rob on 021 413341.