 Term 1 Issue 1 |
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Kia ora e te whānau o Whangaparāoa,
Welcome to the 2026 school year. It has been an incredibly positive start to the school year, and I want to highlight and acknowledge the efforts that all whānau have made to ensure our learners are ready to learn for the school year.
As we begin the school year we deliberately take time through our Rōpū Whānau classes to engage all learners in our ‘Ready to Learn’ programme. This has proven very successful in the past few years reengaging all learners in the expectations and rigour required to be successful throughout the year. This year has been no different and it has been great seeing learners engaged in this as I have been popping into lessons.
As a school, we do our absolute best to communicate with you directly, through email, the SchoolBridge App, and sometimes through the school sanctioned social media accounts. We appreciate there is a lot of information coming through as we begin the year, but if you have any questions, comments, or concerns please reach out to us directly to get the accurate answers and responses. We appreciate the communications already received.
No matter if you are a new or returning parent or family, you will understand the importance of our learners being connected to the school and therefore engaged in their school and learning. To do this, there are numerous clubs, activities, sport, arts and cultural events that are starting or even underway already. It’s never too late for a young person to join, so please encourage them to connect with the activities on offer, even during lunch times! As parents, you can stay on top of things coming up through the SchoolBridge App that gives you direct access to all the relevant information including the learner's daily notices.
There are a number of exciting developments and renovations that are happening within the school. Over summer we have had significant property maintenance developments including air conditioning in nearly every teaching space. This on top of the routine maintenance. Later this year we will see the addition of four classrooms as part of our growing roll, and of course, this year we begin our Trades Academy rebuilding the house that was located on site late last year.
In addition to property and learners, we also welcome a number of new staff, particularly to our Junior School. We hope you all feel welcome and enjoy your careers with us and the wider community.
Finally for this newsletter, we have our Year 13s on their two respective camps, the ‘at home’ camp and the Tongariro Crossing camp. We wish them safe travels and many memories made.
The year ahead is really exciting. Thank you in advance for your ongoing positive support of our learners and the wider school community.
Ngātahi, Whakapono, Tutuki - Together, Believe, Achieve
Steve McCracken
Tumuaki | Principal
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February10 - 13 Year 13 Camp | At Home Camp
18 Community Sport & Facilities Evening
NCEA Information Evening (Year 10 - Year 13)
23 - 26 Senior Wānanga Camp
26 - 27 Photo Life - I.D and Class Photos March11 Whole School Assembly
31 Open Night for 2027
April01 Last day of Term 1
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Recent News
National Leadership role for Steve McCrackenWe are delighted to share that our Principal, Steve McCracken, has been appointed Chair of the New Zealand Secondary Principals’ Council. This national role sees Steve representing secondary principals across Aotearoa and contributing to key conversations on education policy, leadership, and the future of secondary schooling. His appointment reflects the respect he holds within the sector and his commitment to strong, collaborative leadership. While Steve takes on this additional responsibility on top of his Whangaparāoa College Principal role, his focus and dedication to our school and our community remain unchanged. We congratulate him on this important appointment and are proud to see our school represented at a national level. | |  |
PōhiriOn Wednesday 4 February, we officially started the new school year welcoming our new learners and their whānau to Whangaparāoa College with a Pōhiri. The turnout and support from our families was incredible. Whether you are starting as a Year 7, joining us in Year 8 -13 or travelled from overseas as an international learner, we are excited to have you here. Welcome to the Whangaparāoa College whānau. | |  |
SchoolBridgeDates for whole school, year level assemblies and morning kōrero are available via the Calendar feature on the SchoolBridge app and website. Parents / Caregivers, please encourage your tamariki to check their schedules (calendar, notices etc) on a regular basis, it is a great way to help build independence and not miss important information. | |  |
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Road SafetyFollowing the events of this past week, we would like to ask all parents and caregivers to join us in reinforcing essential road safety habits with our learners. To ensure everyone gets to and from school safely, please take a moment to discuss these key practices at home: - Wait for the Green: Only begin crossing when the pedestrian signal clearly indicates it is safe.
- Stay Alert: Even with a green light, learners should look both ways before stepping out and continue to scan for hazards while crossing.
- Walk don't Run: It's important to maintain a steady walking pace to stay in control and visible to drivers.
- Unplug to Cross: For full awareness, please remind your children to remove AirPods and put away phones until they have safely crossed the road.
While we always encourage using a designated crossing, we know they aren't always available. In these moments, these safety habits are more important than ever. Thank you for helping us keep our community safe. | |  |
Bus ChangesThis year there have a been a few updates to our school bus service. To better serve our learners, a new route has been introduced and there have been some adjustments to our existing schedule.
For full details and to see how these changes might affect your child's journey, please visit our website or click the link below:
Bus Information
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CareersWe have an action packed term ahead to help you and your children navigate their next steps. - University visits: Check out our poster for a full list of universities visiting campus this term - don't miss the chance to ask your questions in person!
- 1 to 1 Support: Need help with a plan? Learners are invited to book a personal careers appointment for tailored, one-on-one advice. They can now do this through SchoolBridge.
We look forward to working with your tamariki. | |  |
Te Whare HauoraMobile Dental Clinic Year 9 - 13 The Lumino the Dentists Mobile Unit is currently at Whangaparāoa College.
Term 1: 5 February - 20 March
If you would like for your child to be seen during our visit, please complete the online enrolment form via the link below. Click here to enrol with Mobile 3
Immunisations Year 7 & 8 There have been some changes to the immunisation schedule. From this year, Year 7 learners will be offered Boostrix and HPV. Consent forms will be sent home with your child later this term and parents / caregivers can choose to consent / not consent to one or both immunisations. - Y7 Boostrix/ HPV1 (1st dose): Tuesday 2 June
- Y7 HPV2 (2nd dose) AND Boostrix catch up (if learners missed it due to absence): Thursday 5 November
- Y8 HPV1 (1st dose): Monday 16 March (consent forms were completed last year)
- Y8 HPV2 (2nd dose): Monday 24 August
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Community Sport & Facilities Information SessionOn Wednesday 18 February, we are hosting a Community Sport & Facilities Information Session and tour at the College, bringing together local sports clubs, community groups, and active recreation providers to explore how we can better share facilities, build partnerships, and support increased participation in sport and activity across Whangaparāoa. The evening is focused on practical outcomes — understanding access to school facilities, funding opportunities (including Tu Manawa, the funding entity for sport for 8-18 year olds), and creating stronger connections between schools and community organisations. It’s very much about collaboration and helping shape the future of sport and recreation locally and we’re working on this in conjunction with a number of community entities. Come along to the college auditorium on Wednesday, 18 February at 4:30pm to hear more. | |  |
LockersLockers are available for hire at $65 per year, plus a refundable $15 bond.
If you would like a locker this year, please fill out the online order form at Stowaway Lockers Order Form
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ISA Rookie ChampionsWe are thrilled to celebrate the recent success of Alec Grisselle at the North Harbour Softball Under 13 Rookie Tournament. Alec’s team showcased outstanding skill and teamwork to be crowned Winners of the ISA Rookie Championship in Palmerston North over the weekend!
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