Term 2 Issue 3

{subject}

Talofa lava!

The King’s Birthday Honours list saw one of our much-appreciated community members receive the King’s Service Medal for his service to Māori. Kereama Nathan is Kaumatua at Te Herenga Waka o Orewa marae in Silverdale. His leadership, alongside his wider whānau who include our teachers Awatea Nathan and Josh Fox, have been instrumental in revitalising te ao Māori in our community. Many of our staff and whānau, including myself, have undertaken te reo Māori courses at the marae, and our school has benefitted from Kereama’s guidance and support for over 20 years. We had written a letter of support in the application along with other community organisations and we are most proud to celebrate his inclusive and determined mindset to ensure all our young people grow up with a sense of pride and identity in te ao Māori, whether they are Māori, Pākeha, or Tauiwi (immigrants).

This week we also celebrate New Zealand School’s Pride Week. This is an important way for school communities to affirm that rainbow learners, staff and whānau belong. Our amazing Rainbow Group has organised activities to support this and all learners can wear rainbow accessories with their House colours on Wednesday.

It is also Samoan Language Week, with the 2025 theme: ‘La malu lou sā. Folau i lagimā – A well-grounded self, is a successful self’. Within our Āhuatanga Whangaparāoa is the concept of Tangata Whenuatanga (Tangata = people; whenua = land). This āhua is about being grounded, knowing where we are from, embracing te ao Māori and other cultures, valuing diversity, and understanding the importance of community, a sense of belonging and identity.

At Whangaparāoa College, we are proud of the diversity in our community. We encourage our learners to seek to know themselves, their whakapapa, and to seek understanding beyond their immediate environment. Let’s all celebrate those who endeavour to create more inclusive environments and help us understand more about our community.

Tofa soifua

Davina Dean
Tumuaki Taupua | Acting Principal

June
10 Level 2 & 3 Music Performance Concert
17 ShowQuest
19 Matariki Festival at Orewa College
20 Matariki Public Holiday
21 School Ball
23 Year 11 - 13 Meet the Teacher
(School finishes at 12.30pm)
24 Year 11 - 13 Meet the Teacher
(Normal school day)
27 Last day of Term 2

July
14 First Day of Term 3
16 Year 7 - 10 Meet the Teacher
(School finishes at 12.30pm)
17 Year 7 - 10 Meet the Teacher
(Normal school day)

Recent News

Save the Dates

Year 11 - 13 Meet the Subject Teacher
Monday, 23 June (1pm - 8pm) and
Tuesday, 24 June (3.30pm - 5.30pm).

Keep an eye on your inbox as more information will be sent out shortly!

If you require supervision at school for learners under the age of 14 on Monday, 23 June, please email [email protected]

Year 7 - 10 Meet the Teacher
Will be held in Week 1 of Term 3 - more details will be emailed out in due course.

Attendance Survey

Researchers at the Education Review Office (ERO) are doing some research about school attendance. They want to hear your thoughts about what makes a difference for you and your children. Please help by clicking on this survey link: Parent / Caregiver Survey

Year 7 Camp

Our Year 7 learners embarked on an unforgettable adventure at Carey Park, nestled at the foot of the magnificent Waitakere Ranges.

The camp kicked off with a flurry of activity! After arriving and enjoying morning tea, the learners dove straight into an array of instructor-led challenges. Over the three days, they conquered the Flying Fox, scaled the Climbing Wall, strategically mastered Crate Stacking, and tested their limits on the Swingshot. Precision and focus were key during Archery and Rifle Shooting, while the Confidence Course and Poles & Planks course pushed them to work together and overcome obstacles. And when it was time to cool off, the Slip 'n' Slide and the Waterhole provided plenty of refreshing fun!

Evenings were just as memorable, especially the much-anticipated Campfire. Stories were shared, laughter echoed through the bush, and friendships were strengthened under the starry sky. Learners also enjoyed the Jumping Pillow and the Playground during their free time.

By the end of Day 3, after one more round of instructor-led activities, our Year 7 adventurers boarded the bus, no doubt tired but full of incredible memories and new skills. It was a fantastic experience for all involved, fostering resilience and teamwork.

North Shore Careers Expo

A Resounding Success!

Our Year 12 learners had a fantastic experience at the North Shore Career Expo last week; an event our school was proud to help plan. With over 50 exhibitors, including universities, tertiary providers and employers, the expo offered a fantastic glimpse into future possibilities.

Our learners engaged enthusiastically with exhibitors, returning to school bubbling with excitement, armed with new ideas and visions for their post-school journey. Events like these are invaluable, inspiring our rangatahi and connecting them with exciting career opportunities right here in our community.

School Ball Help

The Whangaparāoa College Ball Committee is thrilled to announce this year's ball theme:

A Night in Narnia!

We're busy planning a truly magical winter wonderland, and we'd love the community's help to bring it to life.

To help us transform the venue, we're kindly asking for donations or temporary loans of winter coats and Christmas trees. All items will be clearly labelled to ensure their safe return to their owners.
If you're able to contribute, please drop off your items to the main reception with contact details attached between June 1st and June 13th. We'll make sure everything is returned securely after the long weekend.

Thank you in advance for your support in making this a night to remember!

House Day - Giving Back

Today, we focused on valuing, respecting, and caring for the incredible spaces we're fortunate to have at Whangaparāoa College and in the surrounding community.

Despite the rainy weather, our enthusiastic Year 7 learners made fantastic progress, planting 2,200 plants alongside the path leading to the leisure center! Simultaneously, our Year 8-13 learners have achieved tremendous success in cleaning and tidying areas around the school.

AIMES Music Award 2025

We're thrilled to celebrate Connor Gentry, a Whangaparāoa College alumnus and the 2025 recipient of the AIMES Music Award, which included a $15,000 grant sponsored by RSM.

Connor, a talented jazz trombonist and composer, is currently pursuing his Master's in Jazz Trombone in Austria. His musical journey began right here at Whangaparāoa College, and he has since become one of New Zealand's most promising jazz musicians.

Connor's international career is taking off. He has performed with elite ensembles like the JM Jazz World Orchestra (touring Europe from Dubrovnik to Berlin) and the Rotary World Jazz Orchestra in Portugal. He's also collaborated with renowned artists such as Vince Mendoza and the Croatian Radio and Television Jazz Orchestra.

Later this year, Connor will perform at prestigious Austrian venues, Dom im Berg in Graz and Porgy & Bess in Vienna, alongside Mendoza. "Receiving this award is incredibly validating for my career path," says Connor, "It supports my studies and allows me to continue pushing boundaries in jazz."

Connor's dedication and talent are not only establishing his international presence but also inspiring the next generation of New Zealand jazz musicians.