 Term 1 Issue 4 |
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Kia ora e te whanau o Whangaparāoa,
We have had our first Board meeting for the 2025 school year. With this being an election year, Craig Caminos stepped down as Board Chair to support our new Board Chair through the first few months and into a new Board later in the year. Craig has been on the Board for 13 years, and the last year as Chair. On behalf of the community, thank you for your service and dedication, Craig. The next chapter in the school begins, with Kat Porter being elected Chair. Kat brings significant education knowledge and experience to the role of Chair and has been a Board member for 2 ½ years. We know the future of our school is in sound hands with Kat as Chair.
Last week I attended an Auckland Secondary Schools Principals meeting and was reminded of how lucky we are to be living and working on the Hibiscus Coast. Speaking with one Principal of a school south of the Harbour Bridge, it was clear the momentum we have as a school and community is enviable to many. With record NCEA pass rates, high learner engagement, and reflecting on a positive start to the year, I had great pride in sharing what we are doing as a school.
We are rapidly approaching the end of Term 1. With less than 4 weeks to go until the break, I want to take this opportunity to remind our learners of the fundamentals for success at Whangaparāoa College. If learners are at school on time, and engaged in their learning, they will succeed. We know this time of term can be challenging to maintain motivation, particularly as the days get shorter and the season heads towards winter, but continual encouragement by parents and reminders of the school’s expectations to our learners, is appreciated.
We are right in the middle of the Year 8-13 Meet the Teacher event. I hope you have found this useful, as an initial conversation, to see how the year has started for your learner, and the next steps needed for further success. If you are unable to see a specific teacher, or have further concerns, please feel free to email your learner’s Kaiarahi to get the feedback you need.
Another way to support our young people is to support them with device and social media use. I highly encourage our whole community to attend the “Ultimate Guide to Online Safety” evening, next Tuesday, from 7-9pm. It is an R18 event, and based on feedback from last year, you don't want to miss it!
Finally, we are already planning for 2026. If you know of community members, neighbours or friends who are thinking of joining our school next year, we have our Open Evening on 1 April, followed closely by our first enrolment night. Shoulder tap and encourage people to attend - they will thank you afterwards!
Ngātahi, Whakapono, Tutuki
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March19 Meet the Teacher evening
20 Meet the Teacher evening
24 Staff Only Day
25 Our Kids Online Presentation April01 Enrolment Open Evening / Tours
09 Enrolment Interviews
11 Full School House Day
Last Day of Term 1
28 First Day of Term 2 |
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Recent NewsOur Kids OnlineA hard-hitting, eye-opening and often hilarious two hour In-person "Parent Cyber Safety Evening" With Rob Cope
Tuesday, 25 March 2025
7:00 - 9:00pm
Whangaparāoa College
Ticketed Event
$10 per ticket, via Eventbrite
Please follow the link for more information and to order tickets: https://shorturl.at/bLDVg | |  |
Year 7 Rotoroa IslandOur Year 7 learners embarked on exciting learning adventures to Rotoroa Island over the past couple of weeks. These excursions provided valuable opportunities to learn about conservation practices and the importance of island sanctuaries in supporting biodiversity and endemic species. Their current topic, 'Turangawaewae,' builds on this experience, emphasising connections to the natural environment and fostering problem-solving skills in a nature-based context. | |   |
PhotoLifeHave you seen the Photolife email yet?
It contains your child's portrait and class photo ordering details! Remember, to get free delivery to the school, orders need to be placed online by midnight Sunday, March 30. | |  |
Careers UpdateYear 13 Learners - University OverviewsNow is the time to be considering options for what and where to study for 2026.
Recently we have had AUT and Massey University in at school to give our Year 13 learners an overview of university study options. Victoria University of Wellington will be here on 27 March, followed in early Term 2 by Otago University, Canterbury University, Waikato University and University of Auckland.
Later in the year Universities hold their Open Days which we encourage learners to attend, as well as course planning sessions here at school.
Key information for entry into tertiary studyEntry requirements for different Universities or Tertiary Providers and different degrees and courses can be so confusing!
What do I need to get University Entrance?
Are there specific subjects I need?
What is rank score and do I need it?
What happens after Year 1 of a law degree?
What is the 17 English credit requirement for UoA?
Answers can be found in this fantastic guide:
https://wgpcollege.careerwise.school/page/156
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Triple Record Break! Sacha Fu-Oughton's Dominance in Dunedin
We're incredibly proud to announce our Year 10 learner Sacha Fu-Oughton's phenomenal success in Dunedin!
At just 13 years old, Sacha won her age group hammer event, breaking the Auckland record not once, but three times! Her outstanding 48.38 meter throw, (a 2.5 meter improvement on the previous record) has also put her in contention for the under 16 New Zealand record. Sacha's achievements position her for potential selection for the Oceania competition. This follows her recent win at the Auckland championships, she is still ranked as number one in the world for 13 and under 16 for New Zealand.
Congratulations, Sacha!  |
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