Kia ora e te whānau o Whangaparāoa,

When I last wrote, I made mention of our Year 13 camps. From the reports back from learners and staff, both the at home and Tongariro camps were overwhelmingly positive. They gave learners the opportunity to bond and celebrate being senior learners, whilst also developing leadership and resilience skills. We now anticipate they will use these skills to positively lead the school throughout the year.

The activities outside the classroom continue with our Senior Wānanga being away this week on their annual camp. The Wānanga is now in its fourth year and is currently catering to 130 learners who wish to study half of their timetable in te reo māori. The results in the senior years for the Wānanga are incredibly positive, with an average pass rate in excess of 99%!

Currently, and not unlike what we expect at Whangaparāoa College, there is a nationwide push from the government to increase attendance of learners at school. Whilst we do not want learners who are unwell coming to school, I want to take the opportunity to remind whānau of the need for learners to attend school regularly. We know how important being in class and ready to learn is for our learners to achieve their best possible result and we appreciate your ongoing support with this. If you need additional support, please contact your learners Kaiārahi via email or the appropriate staff member through the school administration. 

Continuing with the theme of learning and being ready to learn, we are rapidly approaching the halfway point of the term. By now, your learners should be well adjusted to school life for the year and fully immersed in their learning. If you have any questions regarding learning and progress, you can connect with your learners Kaiārahi via email, or reach out to the specific teachers via email. Additionally, we have our first parent evening of the year on March 24 and 25. More information will be released closer to the time, including booking instructions, but this is a great opportunity for you to connect directly with your learners Kaiārahi in person.

Last week we held our annual NCEA information evening. Thank you to the 200-plus people who attended and learned what NCEA is and how it works. If you were unable to attend, you can view the presentation on our website.

In the next few weeks, as well as positive teaching and learning, we have Rōpū Whānau photos at the end of this week, and a number of school trips to enhance learning occurring. All this alongside many different extra curricular activities happening. As parents, please check out the numerous forms of communication through the school app, website and official school social media channels.

Ngātahi, Whakapono, Tutuki - Together, Believe, Achieve

Steve McCracken
Tumuaki | Principal

February

26 - 27      Photo Life - I.D and Class Photos

March

05             Photo Life - Catch up I.D Photos
11             Whole School Assembly
24             Year 9 - 13 Meet the Kaiārahi
                 (School closes for all learners at 12:30pm)
25             Year 9 - 13 Meet the Kaiārahi 
31             Open Night for 2027

April

01             Last day of Term 1