{subject}Whangaparāoa College News

Term 4 Issue 3

Kia ora e te whānau ō Whangaparāoa,

It’s that time of year again — the final stretch of Term 4, where effort, perseverance, and celebration all come together.

NCEA exams are now well underway for our senior learners. While many have already completed several papers, there’s still a long way to go. Keep working hard, stay focused, and remember — every exam matters. Each one is another chance to show what you’ve learned and finish your school year with pride.

Tomorrow, Thursday, we will host our Senior Academic Prizegiving — a highlight of our year. It’s a time to celebrate the dedication, achievement, and excellence of our senior learners across all areas of learning. There are some truly outstanding results and stories of perseverance that we look forward to sharing and applauding.

Next week, around 200 of our Year 10 learners head to Karāpiro for the annual Year 10 Camp — a major milestone in their Whangaparāoa College journey. We wish them an incredible week of adventure, friendship, and reflection on a positive year. Most of all, travel safely, look after each other, and represent yourselves, your whānau, and our school with pride.

This Friday is a Ministry of Education Staff Only Day. Our staff will be focusing on preparing for the upcoming curriculum changes in the junior school for 2026 — important work that ensures we continue to deliver high-quality, engaging learning opportunities. Thank you for your understanding as we dedicate this time to planning and improvement.

A quick reminder about attendance: every day counts. Consistent attendance is one of the strongest predictors of success, and with important learning, assessments, and celebrations still to come, it’s essential that all learners are at school, on time, and ready to engage right through to the end of term.

Finally, a message to our learners:
The finish line is in sight, but this is not the time to ease up. The effort you put in now defines how you finish the year — not just academically, but in attitude and pride. Whether it’s an exam, a camp, or your final classes, give it your best. Finish strong, support one another, and make these last few weeks count.

Ngātahi, Whakapono, Tutuki - Together, Believe, Achieve

Steve McCracken
Tumuaki | Principal

November

13             Senior Prizegiving
14             Teacher Only Day (MOE Curriculum) School Closed
17 - 20      Year 10 Camp

 

December

05             Junior Prizegiving
                 Juniors last day

Recent News

 
 

2026 Uniform Implementation Phase

As we approach the 2026 school year, we are continuing with the next planned step in the uniform transition we commenced this year.  Information has been emailed to all families to remind them of the uniform requirements for which year levels in 2026 and expectations around the wearing of the school uniform.  We are sharing this information again now so that whānau have clarity around what will be needed for next year.

This information is also available on the school website https://www.wgpcollege.school.nz/apply-now/uniform-stationery

 
 
 

Trades Academy Information Evening

What a success! We had a great turnout for our Trades Information Evening last week. It was wonderful to share our long-term vision for our Trades Academy with our supportive community.

We were especially inspired by the presence of so many local tradespeople who came to learn how they can help us teach and inspire the next generation of skilled workers. Your knowledge is truly invaluable!

Ngā mihi nui to our incredible speakers, Peter Wolfkamp & Joe Lyth, for their fantastic insights. We look forward to building these future pathways together!

 
 
 
 
 
 

Class of 2025

To our Year 13 leavers, the class of 2025! What a celebration it was last Monday morning at your Graduation Assembly! It was fantastic to have a full house celebrating your success.

Congratulations to those who received the Rōpū Whānau Awards from your Kaiārahi and the highly coveted Year 13 Dean's Award from Ms. Gilmore.

It was an honour for Mr. McCracken to congratulate each of you as you received your graduation certificate.

This is not a final farewell but a simple 'see you later'. Go forward with confidence and know you will always be part of our school community.

We wish you all the very best for your future!

 
 
 

Sport Coaches and Managers 2026

We're on the lookout for passionate Coaches and Managers to lead our teams in 2026!

Whether you're a returning legend or a keen newcomer, your support is vital to our success. It's a hugely rewarding role where you get to help develop our players.

Fill out our Expression of Interest (EOI) form now!
https://forms.gle/RTLmim5z4LkcgAx5A

 
 
 
 
 
 

Attendance Tracking

We have implemented a new attendance tracking and reporting tool for all learners and staff to ensure better monitoring and communication.

During this term learners will be receiving a weekly attendance summary and learners with a '?' will be prompted to follow up with their subject teacher.
Your child's Kaiārahi will also receive weekly emails flagging learners with attendance below 90% or those with unexplained absences ('?').

From 2026 as a part of a larger attendance initiative, parents / caregivers will also begin receiving attendance emails. More details surrounding this will be shared soon.