 Term 4 Issue 1 |
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Kia ora e te whānau ō Whangaparāoa
Term 3 is well underway, filled with celebrations of what has been an outstanding year, and a continued focus on learning as our senior learners prepare to leave for NCEA examinations.
Last week’s Sports Awards was a true showcase of talent, teamwork, and perseverance. The achievements we’ve seen across codes this year have been nothing short of remarkable — proof of the growing depth, opportunity, and passion within sport at Whangaparāoa College.
Last night’s Wānanga Awards — Te Heru Hāpai a Tāne — once again filled the auditorium with mana, pride, and aroha. The atmosphere was electric, and the wairua of the evening was something we can all be proud of as a community.
In the coming month, we look forward to celebrating our Arts Awards and Senior Academic Prizegiving — two more occasions that highlight the incredible breadth of talent, creativity, and academic excellence within our kura.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the privilege of visiting a number of classrooms. It’s been inspiring to see senior learners so focused — applying final touches to their understanding, revising deeply, and preparing to demonstrate what they’ve learned. I encourage whānau to continue providing that gentle push of encouragement; now is the time for our learners to lean in, not ease off.
For our junior and middle school learners, the message is the same — there is still so much learning to do, and plenty of opportunity to grow before the year ends. The sunshine might tempt us to drift, but the most successful learners are those who stay the course, right through to the finish line.
I want to acknowledge and thank our wider community for your patience and understanding during the current industrial action. It’s not an easy time for anyone, and your ongoing support for our staff and school means a great deal.
As we move into the final stretch of the year, let’s hold fast to what defines us — Ngātahi, Whakapono, Tutuki — working together, believing in each other, and achieving great things. Every lesson, every effort, and every act of engagement builds towards something bigger: confident, capable learners ready to step boldly into their future.
Let’s finish the year strong, together.
Ngātahi, Whakapono, Tutuki - Together, Believe, Achieve
Steve McCracken
Tumuaki | Principal |
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October16 Year 11 & 12 Rostered Home (PPTA Strike)
17 Year 13 Rostered Home (PPTA Strike)
22 Cultural & Performing Arts Prizegiving
23 School closed for instruction (PPTA Strike)
31 Seniors last day November04 - 28 NZQA Exams (Seniors)
05 School Closes at 12:30pm (PPTA Strike)
06 Last Enrolment Interview Evening
13 Senior Prizegiving
17 - 20 Year 10 Camp
December05 Junior Prizegiving
Juniors last day |
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Recent News
Community Code of ConductAt Whangaparāoa College, we're proud of the strong partnerships we have with whānau and community. Our Community Code of Conduct reflects the shared values that help us create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for learners, staff and community. We invite all parents and caregivers to revisit it here:
Community Code of Conduct
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Mental Health WeekA massive thank you to the dedicated CYC Trust youth workers! Their planning and organisation of engaging daily activities were the driving force behind a highly impactful Mental Health Awareness Week last week. Seeing our learners actively participate and prioritise conversations and activities around connection and well-being was a highlight for the whole school. We are so proud of their focus on these essential life skills. | |  |
Year 11 Community Giving ProjectOur year 11 learners have once again partnered with Love Soup Hibiscus Coast for their annual community giving project! As part of their curriculum, our learners prepared a range of delicious, high-quality meals for the charity. Love Soup praised the learners' "next level" professionalism, noting the customised labels and variety of flavours. A huge thank you to our learners for helping feed those in need in our community! | |  |
Careers UpdateStudyLink - for student loans & allowances For learners who have decided on tertiary study for next year and want to apply for a student loan or allowance - APPLY EARLY - before 16 December! It takes a bit of time to get everything sorted and you don’t need to wait for results or course confirmations.
CLICK HERE for more info on StudyLink and how to apply.
Free (online) Teaching Your Teen to Drive parent workshop If you are teaching a young person to drive, don't miss this free 1 hour ONLINE workshop on Thursday 30 October. More info here.
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Te Whare HauoraYear 8 HPV vaccinations (2026) Consent forms have been sent home with our current year 7 learners (2026 year 8's).
HPV vaccinations will occur on the 16th March and the 24th August 2026.
Parents can choose to consent or non consent, but all learners are required to return a completed form please.
The public health nurses have asked us to share this educational video with parents https://youtu.be/pG0cIf8nW9Q
Please look for the form in your child’s bag, complete it and ask your child to give it back to their kaiārahi.
Please note, the vaccination program is run by Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand. | |  |
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New Zealand Boxing ChampionA massive congratulations to our incredible Head Boy, Noah Collier, who has officially become the Youth 70kg NZ Champion!
After two years of training, dedication and hard work, Noah put on a phenomenal performance at the NZ Boxing Championships in Wellington. Over four intense days, he won all four of his fights by unanimous decision, securing multiple knockdowns along the way!
His next big challenge will be representing New Zealand at the Youth World Championship next year!
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The Hibiscus Coast Community RSA
43A Vipond Road, Stanmore Bay.
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