Kia ora e te whānau ō Whangaparāoa,

Welcome to term 3. It has been great seeing our learners, staff and the wider community return to school ready for a very busy term ahead.

As I have returned from sabbatical, I shared a few highlights with the school in the full school assembly today. I am very grateful for the support of our Board, the Ministry of Education, and the Senior Leadership Team for the opportunity to travel and bring some international trends and research back to Whangaparāoa. Over the next few months, as we transition a new Board to our school, we will be sharing more with the wider community about some findings as we confirm the strategic plan for the next few years.

Speaking of a new Board, don't forget to check your emails to ensure you have received the nomination forms to stand for the Board. It is an amazing opportunity to be part of New Zealand's largest democratic process and, if elected, take a governance role on our Board. More information can be found on our school’s social media pages if you need it.

Term 3 is a busy term for all learners, and incredibly important for our seniors. With upcoming exams and assessments, this term is the last opportunity for our senior learners to cement their learning and ensure they put their best effort in. It is easy for them to get distracted, so we strongly encourage and support you as parents to remain firm with them throughout the second half of the year. What they put in now will significantly increase their chances of success at the end of the year.

Next week, we begin our option selection process for the 2026 school year. This is relevant to all year levels except the current Year 13’s. On Monday, all learners will have specific assemblies to outline the process and answer the initial questions. This will be followed up by the option selection evening on Tuesday night, here at school. All the information can be found on our website, but please have a conversation with your child to get them thinking about subjects for next year. Encourage them to do their own research into requirements for pathways beyond school if they are set on a specific course, or if they aren't, ensure their options are varied to keep doors open in the future. And of course, initial questions will be answered on Tuesday evening.

A final reminder from me about the basics of being a member of our school. For learners, it is turning up to school on time, every day, in the correct uniform and ready to get into their learning without distracting others. 

Good luck to all of our learners participating in extracurricular activities over the next few weeks. It has been great to support our learners from the sidelines, and I am looking forward to seeing many more top performances in the next few weeks.

Ngātahi, Whakapono, Tutuki - Together, Believe, Achieve

Steve McCracken
Tumuaki  | Principal

July

29             Options Evening
30             Board Information Session

August

12             HIWA Dance Showcase
12 - 15      Wānanga Camp
14             Enrolment Interview Evening
15             School Closed (Compensation Day)
21             Photolife - Sports / Groups
22             Photolife - Sports / Groups
28             MusicFest Concert

Help shape the future of Whangaparāoa College

Board elections are this September.
Nominations are open and close 6 August. Voting will run 13 August to 10 September.  If you have an interest in governance, have good judgement, fresh thinking, and a commitment to local Tamariki consider standing for the Board.  Come along to the Board Information session on Wednesday, 30 July at 7:00pm in the school admin building. 
For more information on school boards take a look at this website:  https://www.schoolboardelections.org.nz/