Kia ora e te whānau,
The end of the 2025 school year is almost here, and what a year it has been. This is the last school newsletter of the year. However, before Christmas, all learners, both new and those returning in 2026, will receive the ‘Welcome to 2026’ full document via email.
Before a short recap, the last few weeks have been highly positive around the school and the community. Our international learners have had three weeks of activities from white water rafting in Rotorua to beach activities at Shakespear. Our Year 10 learners had an amazing (and sometimes a little wet!) camp at Lake Karapiro last week, making memories and new friendships. This week, our Year 9s have had career experience on Tuesday and later this week, our Year 7s have their beach day, and on Friday, there is a market day run by Year 10s. It is certainly a busy end to the school year!
Additionally, our senior learners are completing their NCEA external examinations this week. I am sure they are all eagerly awaiting their results that will be published on the NZQA portal around January 15, 2026.
We have recently received our confirmed Education Review Office (ERO) report. Highlights were emailed to all families, but I want to make a special mention through this medium, also. It was an outstanding report that has confirmed the positive direction and trajectory our school is headed. It made particular mention of the care and support we give our learners, the continued efforts to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the ever-increasing academic outcomes for all. Thank you to our Board, staff, and community for the continued support to help our learners achieve their potential.
In the final week of the year, we have the chance to celebrate our junior learners through Dean's assemblies and the Junior End of Year Prizegiving, next Friday. Congratulations in advance to all our junior prizewinners.
As we reflect on the year that has been, it is clear that 2025 has been a year of growth, learning, and collective effort. We have navigated challenges together, celebrated successes—big and small—and continued to strengthen the foundations that make Whangaparāoa College such a vibrant and connected learning community. Whether through academic achievement, cultural events, sports, service, or the many special moments that happen every day in classrooms and hallways, our learners have once again shown resilience, compassion, and a readiness to step into new opportunities.
Looking ahead to 2026, we do so with optimism and a clear sense of purpose. Our focus on calm, settled, and engaging classrooms; strong relationships; high expectations; and giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi will continue to guide our direction. With a refreshed strategic plan, exciting new initiatives, and a community that consistently stands behind its young people, we are well-positioned for another year of growth, success, and connection.
As we now approach the summer break, I wish all our learners, staff, and whānau a safe, restful, and joyful holiday season. May you enjoy time with loved ones, take a well-earned pause, and return refreshed for an exciting 2026 ahead.
Ngātahi, Whakapono, Tutuki - Together, Believe, Achieve
Steve McCracken
Tumuaki | Principal |
