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This week marked the last week at school for our senior students before they head into their examinations. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
Executive Principal’s Update
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Kia ora, Talofa, Bula vinaka, Malo e lelei, Fakatālofa atu kia te koulua, Kia orana, Hallo, Hola, Ni Hao, Konnichiwa, Namaste and Greetings - parents, caregivers and families of Whitby Collegiate. This week marked the last week at school for our senior students before they head into their examinations. It is always sad to see them go, and we greatly appreciated the powerful farewell messages and sentiments shared with the school by our Year 13 students at assembly. We wish them all the very best for their upcoming exams. Our Year 11 students have been sitting their examinations this week, and it has been another week of academic highlights across the school. The final literacy and numeracy co-requisite results have been released, with Whitby Collegiate achieving outstanding results once again. 100% of our Year 11 students have completed the literacy and numeracy requirements for NCEA. Our Year 10 cohort also achieved outstanding results, with 87% achieving Numeracy and 96% achieving Literacy. This compares with national pass rates across both the May and September CAAs of 72% for Reading, 68% for Writing and 63% for Numeracy.
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The Young Enterprise Scheme has brought another outstanding result for Whitby Collegiate, at last night's awards ceremony, with Marcia Laurenson winning the Innovation Award for her invention of a tradies’ toolbelt combined with a back brace. Kate McGinley was also named a finalist for the Leadership Award. Of special note was the awarding of both Teacher of the Year and Most Inspiring Teacher of the Year to Mrs Patel. Teachers are often selfless contributors to students' success, and particularly moving were the attestations from students themselves about the impact Mrs Patel has had. Congratulations to Marcia, Kate and Mrs Patel on these wonderful achievements. |
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We are also delighted to congratulate two of our students on being awarded 2026 ICAS medals: Jiyanshi Dubariya in Year 9 English and La’ie Nimarota Vatuvei in Year 13 Mathematics. An ICAS medal is awarded to the student with the highest score in New Zealand for each subject and year level, making this an outstanding achievement for both students. |
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Summer sport has had a great start, with six Volleyball teams, four Futsal teams and one Floorball team all taking to the courts representing Whitby Collegiate. A special mention goes to our Junior A Volleyball teams this week. The Junior A Girls won both games of their double header, defeating Aotea College 2-1 and St Catherine’s College 2-0, while the Junior A Boys won 3-0 against Aotea College. Our Junior B Volleyball team also defeated Onslow College 2-0. In Futsal, our Senior 1 Boys team won 7-3 against Kāpiti College, and our Senior 2 Boys team edged out Bishop Viard College 6-5. We are thrilled to announce that Whitby Collegiate will be represented at the CSW Sports Awards, with Bella Coxson named a finalist in two categories, All Rounder of the Year and Softballer of the Year. She is joined by Olivia Lu, a finalist in the Golfer of the Year category. Congratulations as well to Ms Frances Solia, coach of our Senior A Netball team, who has also been named a finalist for Coach of the Year. |
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Next week is a very important one in our school calendar. On Monday night we welcome everyone to our Sports Prizegiving, and we are delighted to welcome back former staff member Ms Shakira Baker as our guest speaker. Ms Baker has represented New Zealand at the Olympics as a sevens player, and is now adding to that as a professional athlete competing in the NRLW with the Warriors. |
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On Tuesday night we hold our Senior Prizegiving, our most important formal occasion, recognising our students’ achievements throughout the year. We look forward to welcoming family and friends to celebrate with us. Wishing everyone a restful weekend ahead of a very full week. Ngā mihi nui, Shelley Addison
Executive Principal |
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Deputy Principal (Academics)Kia ora e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate, As we farewell the Year 12 and Year 13 students who are starting study break next week, I want to acknowledge the contribution these student leaders have made to the school. I wish everyone well in their NCEA examinations, encourage the school leavers to keep in touch, and look forward to welcoming the Year 12s back next year as they begin their final year of secondary schooling. Next week is “Opportunities Week”, a new initiative for Year 12 and Year 13s to come into school during their normal timetabled classes, should they wish to take the opportunity, and ask questions of their teachers in a less formal, tutorial-style format. Those on study leave who elect to come in next week (with the exception of Tuesday 3 November which is a Teacher Only Day), must wear their school uniform and sign in and out at the office. In preparation for examinations, and to reflect on the academic year that has been, Year 12 and Year 13 End-of-Year reports will be published to KAMAR this evening. I also remind NCEA candidates of the NZQA candidate information sheet with important rules and regulations for the NZQA-run examinations. Please read over this carefully with your child/ren to ensure there is no confusion. I would rather help with queries in advance of any issues, so please let me know as soon as possible if there is anything that needs to be clarified. We have an expectation that students appear for all examination sessions in which they are entered. This is indicated very clearly on students’ Admission Slips and on their report. If a student will not be attending an examination session, it is vital that I am informed via email the day of the scheduled exam. Any unexpected absences will result in a phone call home. If the reason for the absence is due to illness or bereavement, then the student should apply to use their derived grade/s. I am able to assist in this process - it will require supporting documentation, for example a medical certificate, as well as a completed application form. More information about the derived grade application can be found on the NZQA website. I am looking forward to the Sports Prize Giving on Monday 2 November, and of course the Senior Academic Prize Giving on Tuesday 3 November. Both of these events are at Te Rauparaha Arena. The Senior Prize Giving is a compulsory event for all Year 11, 12, and 13 students, and of course families are invited as well. We will celebrate the completion of the Collegiate Diploma for Year 11 students in the afternoon of Friday 20 November, and the Junior Academic Prize Giving will be at school on the morning of Friday 4 December. Whānau are more than welcome to attend these special events as well, so please keep an eye on your inbox for more information regarding the timings of the ceremonies. Student-led Tutor Teacher Conferences for Year 7 - 11 are scheduled for Monday 23 November. On this day, parents will be able to book a 15 minute time slot to meet with tutor teachers, with a coffee lounge available to have short informal conversations with members of the Senior Leadership Team, Pastoral Deans, and the Heads of Faculties. Over the next few weeks, students will be reflecting and preparing for these important conferences. Booking information will be sent to parents next week, with times available between 9am and 4pm. Have a wonderful, safe, weekend. Ngā mihi, Debbie Mitchell
debbie.mitchell@whitbycollegiate.school.nz
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Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Wellbeing)Fakamālo atu kia te koutou uma o te kāiga o Whitby Collegiate, Mentoring our Year 13 student leaders this year has been an absolute privilege and pleasure. The synergy, unity, and purpose with which they have worked together has made our entire school community exceptionally proud. In particular, our Head Prefects, Evie Haughton and Gal Becher, led with integrity and humility ensuring every event was meticulously planned and that all leaders were well supported in their roles. To mark their final week, our Year 13 leavers took part in the traditional Spirit Week, featuring dress-up themes such as "My Future Self" and "Favourite Celebrity." Today was Prank Day, and they chose to fill my office with balloons! I will miss this Year 13 cohort dearly and have really appreciated their meaningful contributions, care, and compassion in organising events that our whole school enjoyed.
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As we look toward the end of year events following NCEA exams, our future leaders, Year 12 students will be stepping up to organise a range of junior activities. These include a sports carnival, a Hollywood-themed dance for Years 7 & 8, the Year 7 Retreat, and a Christmas Toy Drive for families in need across our wider Porirua community. During today’s final whole-school assembly, I was moved by the speeches given by our leavers, particularly from our Cultural Prefect, Tiyamika Banda. Her message was inspiring and empowering, offering key wisdom for us all to carry forward: Excellence is a daily choice: While results often measure success, true excellence is built in quiet, unseen moments - choosing discipline over convenience, curiosity over complacency, and persistence over defeat. Purpose-driven success: True achievement is most meaningful when grounded in character and service. We should dream boldly, work hard, and use our knowledge, influence, and success to lift others up and make a positive difference. Quiet growth is worth celebrating: Behind every accomplishment are silent moments of uncertainty, disappointment, and effort. Learning, adapting, and persisting through those times is just as worthy of celebration as any award or academic distinction. Personal progress over perfection: Excellence is not about being perfect, being the smartest in the room, or comparing ourselves to others. It is about continually striving to be better than we were yesterday, holding ourselves to high standards while remaining humble, courageous, and resilient.
As Tiyamika so eloquently shared, my hope and prayer for our future student leaders is that they embrace the true heart of leadership: knowing that achievement means the most when grounded in character and service. May they always dream boldly, work hard, and use their knowledge and influence to serve others and use their success to lift up those around them. I look forward to mentoring our student leaders over the coming weeks as we continue to grow a culture of servanthood, compassion and care. Ultimately, this is what matters most when our students step beyond our school gates, carrying these values alongside their qualifications. Ke manuia te fakaokinga o te vaiaho. Ainslie Sauvao
ainslie.sauvao@whitbycollegiate.school.nz |
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Artists of the Week - Exploring Ideas Through Art: Level 2 Painting PortfoliosA celebration of creativity, individuality and diverse perspectives, our Level 2 Painting students have explored a range of personal themes and ideas in their final portfolio submissions. Maddy Riley-Hathaway explores adolescence and the journey into young adulthood, portraying it as a complex maze shaped by multiple stages of growth and change. Faith Bennett captures the imagination and freedom of childhood through dress-ups and vibrant colour palettes, celebrating the playful joy of being young. Ellie Beaumont’s intricate paintings explore pattern, contrast and marine life. “I aim to celebrate the ocean as a space connecting culture, identity, and nature.” Brooke Solomon creates a surreal world to explore the fragility of femininity. “I aimed to reflect the feeling of being vulnerable and out of place, in a world where young women are criticised for their appearance, while predators are free to prey on them.” Lucy Wray draws inspiration from her love of birds and conservation. “My own photography and experiences with native birds grounded the work in direct observation. The depth I find in extinction, and in the revival of hope, inspired me to create this portfolio.”
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Upcoming EventsKey dates are located on the website calendar. Please check for your activities. Subscribe to the Whitby Collegiate calendar from the school website calendar page by clicking the button that reads “subscribe to this calendar”.
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Sports UpdateFor all sports information and registrations visit our online sports hub here. Join the Whitby Collegiate Sport Facebook Group to keep up to date with all sport news and achievements.
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Student AchievementsWe love to celebrate our students’ achievements. For inclusion in the Whitby Collegiate newsletter or on our Facebook page, please submit via the button below or email communications@whitbycollegiate.school.nz
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Whitby Collegiate Foundation Pop-Up Second-Hand Uniform SaleThe Whitby Collegiate Foundation’s Pop-Up Second-Hand Uniform Sale will take place on Wednesday 9 December 2026, from 3.30pm to 6pm in the Pavilion. Donations of clean, good-quality uniform items are now welcome and can be dropped off at the school office by Monday, 7 December 2026. Families who wish to sell their items on a sell-on-behalf basis can receive a portion of the sale proceeds. Please complete the Seller Information Form and securely attach it to your bag or box of uniform items. Weekend drop-off points will also be available on 5 and 6 December. For locations and times, please email events@whitbycollegiate.school.nz. To learn more about the Whitby Collegiate Foundation and its work, please visit the Foundation’s website. |
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Christmas Toy & Treats CollectionLast year, our school collected 13 large bags of toys and Christmas treats, helping dozens of Wellington families enjoy a happier Christmas. Thanks to Clark & Co, every donated gift and food item was matched, doubling the impact of our school community’s generosity! This November, we’re bringing the initiative back and inviting everyone to get involved. Have a look through your cupboards, pantry and garage for any new, unopened toys or non-perishable food items to help stock Santa’s kitchen. You could also add an extra item or two to your next grocery shop. Please place your donations in your House box under the Christmas tree in the Office. Clark & Co are partnering with us again and will match every donated item, doubling the difference we can make. Plus, there are House Points up for grabs! Together, let’s spread some Christmas cheer and help make the festive season brighter for families across Wellington. Thank you,
Gabriel Anthony |
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Reminder Regarding Student Absences & IllnessIf your child feels unwell during the school day, please remind them to report directly to the school Office. To ensure student safety and proper attendance tracking, we ask that students do not contact parents directly to be picked up. All communication regarding sick students will come directly through the Office. Thank you for your cooperation and support! Friendly Health Reminder: Keeping Our School Community HealthyUnfortunately, we have had quite a few bugs and viruses doing the rounds at school. Please be considerate of fellow students, families, and staff by keeping your child home if they show any signs of illness—such as a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, or upset stomach. If your child will be absent, please remember to notify the school office as early as possible. Thank you for your consideration and ongoing support in keeping our community healthy! Important: How to Reach Us by EmailPlease note that emails ending in “school.kiwi” are sent from our student management system, KAMAR. These are used for school communications and absence notifications and have limited functionality, as KAMAR isn’t designed to be a primary email system. You’re welcome to reply to these emails; however, new emails sent directly to a “school.kiwi” address won’t be received. Forwarded messages and attachments also won’t come through. To ensure your message reaches us, please use staff email addresses ending in @whitbycollegiate.school.nz A Reminder About Car ParkingA friendly reminder to all whānau, please ensure you are not parking in the staff car park when dropping off or picking up your children. The staff car park is reserved exclusively for our teachers and staff. Your co-operation helps keep our school running smoothly and ensures our staff can get to their classrooms on time. Thank you for your understanding and support.
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