Week 6, Term 4 | 2021

WORD FROM MS ADDISON

Kia ora, e te whānau - parents, caregivers and families of Whitby Collegiate,

It has been another whirlwind week and it is so hard to believe we are nearly at the end of another year.

Senior students have begun their exams in earnest and it has been great to see so many of them taking up the opportunity for tutorials with their teachers to complete their exam preparations.

It was wonderful to spend time with a large number of parents and supporters of the school at an event hosted by our Proprietor John Fiso, where we recognised the contribution of our sports coaches and managers. A vote of thanks also to the Parents’ Association for hosting a movie fundraiser last night, where it was another opportunity for the parent community to come together.

Our junior school has continued with their academic work this week and watching the Year 7 rockets being launched was certainly a highlight. Thanks to 10RV who managed assembly this week, with a Christmas theme with Mr Vowles starring as Santa.

Summer sport is also nearing an end and congratulations to the Futsal team who have won the Northern Zone Division and to the Volleyball teams who also had three wins this week. They are competing in a regional tournament this weekend and we wish them well.

Next week will be full of activities, with the Year 10 camp at Talima Lodge in Waikanae, and a range of opportunities for students to engage in some physical and mental exercise with a good dose of fun along the way.

All the best for a relaxing weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,

Shelley Addison
Chief Executive

FROM THE SENIOR PASTORAL DEAN

Kia ora e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,

Well, what an enjoyable few weeks it has been with so much happening in our special school community! This week, during our junior school assembly, students were informed of the upcoming fun-filled week they will experience doing activities such as papercraft, robotics, outdoor quests, and much more. 

I have appreciated the continued enthusiasm of our Year 7 & 9 students who always put their hand up to help with setting up for Prize Givings and school assemblies. Special mention and thanks must go to the following students: Lonasei Lolo, Nadia Roach, Dhilan Patel & Louisa Egley-Turner.

During our Rotation programme this week, I was impressed with the number of junior students who are keen to step up to leadership roles in 2022 and beyond. It was encouraging to hear their goals and aspirations but also hear what they are willing to contribute to their school in the coming years.

Today, my Year 10 Science class welcomed a new student and it was heartwarming to hear from members of 10RV, what being a student at Whitby Collegiate means to them. Almost all mentioned the genuine sense of community and how everyone knows everyone. They all really appreciate the smaller class sizes and the opportunities to become well rounded students who show a genuine care for others. Our class also farewelled Cerys Southward-Ellis. We wish Cerys every success and best wishes at her new kura. 

It was lovely to catch up with a few parents on Wednesday evening at Nikau Café. This was an opportunity for our Proprietor, John Fiso and Chief Executive, Shelley Addison to thank the many parents who have given up their time to support our sports teams in their roles as coaches and managers. Sport is just one of the many facets of school life that help grow our students’ overall confidence, leadership, resilience with a belief that Together Everyone Achieves More.

We look forward to an action-packed week with Year 10 camp and end of year activities. Have a restful weekend and thank you as always for your support and manaakitanga. 

Ia manuia,

Ainslie Sauvao
ainslie.sauvao@whitbycollegiate.school.nz

FROM THE JUNIOR PASTORAL DEAN

Kia ora Students, Parents & Caregivers,

Next week will be a busy time for our junior school. Firstly, our Year 10 students will leave for their much anticipated camp on Monday. They will spend two action packed days, exploring Kāpiti Island, rafting down the Ōtaki River and sleeping in tents under the stars.

Fortunately, for the rest of the school, it also happens to be activity week. Starting on Wednesday the students will have a number of activities to engage with. These include volleyball competitions, the building of robots and even papercraft based siege warfare. There will truly be something for everyone.

I encourage all students to fully engage with the opportunities they are provided with next week. Hopefully, the change of routine will provide some much needed stress release for students and staff alike.

Ngā mihi nui,

Maurice Atkinson

UPCOMING EVENTS

Term 4 Activities/Events

Key dates are located on the website calendar. Please check for your activities.

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SCHOOL NEWS

Whitby Supporters Dinner

On Wednesday evening at Nikau Café, Proprietor, John Fiso hosted a dinner to thank the many parents who have given up their time to support the school and our sports teams in their roles as coaches and managers.

Sports Equipment Gear Monitors

Our Sports Equipment can be borrowed by students during our lunchtime. Previously we had to ask Ms Levave to unlock the cupboard to give us the equipment, but now we can volunteer to become Gear Monitors and we can be responsible for issuing sports equipment to students at lunchtime. 

The job as a Gear Monitor involves us asking the students to write down their name and the equipment they are borrowing, we then cross-check and issue the items that they write down. We then ensure that they return the equipment at the end of lunch and tick off the items on the list. If for some reason a student does not return the item, they borrowed we are allowed to go to their classroom and ask for it back.

I think this is a good system because it teaches students responsibility, reliability, and assertiveness. It is also a good system because Ms Levave can finally enjoy her lunch instead of opening and locking up all the sports equipment by herself.

Alex Frame, Year 7

Parents’ Association Honey Fundraiser

The Parents' Association has partnered up with the Honey Fund again this year to bring you their delicious Whitby Collegiate branded multiflora honey. Each 500gm jar costs $15 and will help continue to raise funds for projects around our school. A great Christmas gift!

Given the current Covid-19 environment, kids won't be selling these door-to-door this year. Instead, they’ve got a limited supply on hand and ready to go. If you’d like to grab some, simply email wcpa@whitbycollegiate.school.nz and they’ll be in touch.

SPORTS UPDATE

Junior Softball Team at the CSW Junior Softball Tournament

Basketball

Capital Basketball has revised its Capital Zone referee education program and will be hosting a FREE Referee Practical Workshop on Tuesday 14 December, 5:30-7:30pm at Onslow College (CLICK to REGISTER).  Referees at college basketball games earn $20 per match.  If you would like more information on the referee workshop please email sally.rose@whitbycollegiate.school.nz.

Hockey

Wellington Hockey has announced the return of their Secondary Hockey Development Camp.  This exciting opportunity for our young players has been designed by Shea McAleese, one of the most experienced international hockey players to represent New Zealand. Shea recently retired from international hockey after amassing 320 caps for the Black Sticks, attending 4 Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and World Cups throughout his career. He is the 3rd most capped men’s Black Stick of all time. 

Shea McAleese will be joined by fellow coaches from Wellington Hockey development programmes for the camp on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 December from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the National Hockey Stadium. To book a place on the camp, please register here. 

Goalkeepers are welcome to enrol as there will be a goalkeeper specific trainer to assist your technical development. 

Sports Uniform Return

LAST CHANCE! Please return your winter sports uniforms to the Sports Office this week as unreturned uniform billing starts on Tuesday.

We are currently at Alert Level 2, please remember:

• NO SPECTATORS/PARENTS allowed (only managers and coaches allowed). This includes children.

• Contract tracing is compulsory at venues. 

• Warmups should be completed outside the venue before entering.

• Please use a Face mask/covering when if you are not actively playing.

• Please sanitise when entering and leaving the venues.

• Please cough/sneeze into your elbow.

• Stay home if you feel unwell.

• Teams must leave venues as soon as their game finishes.

SPECIAL NOTE: The government's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for the education sector has taken effect and the sports coordinator is required to confirm the vaccination status of all coaches, managers, drivers and other volunteers that come into contact with our school teams.

Stay safe Whitby Collegiate families ☺

For all sports information, latest draws & results, sport clubs and registrations please click on the appropriate link below.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

We love to celebrate our students’ achievements. For inclusion in the Whitby Collegiate newsletter or on our Facebook page, please forward student achievements to communications@whitbycollegiate.school.nz and sporting results to the Sports Coordinator, sally.rose@whitbycollegiate.school.nz

COMMUNITY NOTICES

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