In the academic arena, congratulations go to Max Tai who achieved the top result in the Kiwi Year 9 Mathematics competition. An exceptional accomplishment, Max, well done!  Our scientists have also been working towards the NIWA science fair held this week and with the largest number of entries we have had, the students again have performed to a very high standard.

We are pleased to announce that Gabriel Anthony, Ishaan Badiyani, and Siddhesh Kalyanasundaram all gained 1st Prize awards for their Science projects. Gabriel was also awarded the overall best exhibit for 2025, with Ishaan and Siddhesh winning runners-up for this same category. Further results will be announced and students acknowledged at our next school assembly. Our Head boy Ishaan Badiyani has been recognised as a finalist in the Economics World Cup and international Economics Olympiad where the objective was to test entrants ability to think like an economist, a great achievement. To cap off our week of awards, congratulations to Gabriel Anthony, Lai’e Nimarota and Tiyamika Banda, who have been awarded a Porirua Youth Award, which will be presented at a special ceremony in early September.

Senior students are now working diligently towards their derived grade exams, scheduled in just a couple of weeks. These exams serve as an important milestone in their academic journey, signposting their progress to date in important preparation for internal assessments and external exams later in the year. Any students requiring any support in preparation for these are encouraged to reach out to their teachers.

Sport has also been a highlight this week. Our Senior A Netball team have wrapped up their competition at the Lower North Island Championships defeating Aotea College and Heretaunga College along the way and finishing in 26th place overall, an improvement by seven places on last year's result. Many thanks to Coach Julia Price for all her hard work over the season. The Senior Girls Basketball team proudly competed for the first time at the NZ A National Tournament, where they have made the semi-finals, defeating Stratford HS, Te Aroha College and Ōpunake College (96–51). Thanks to Mike LeToa for his expert coaching and all the support staff.

While in Stratford, our Hockey teams have also been putting in outstanding performances, showing determination and teamwork throughout their games. They closed out their tournament strongly, winning their last match against Tauraroa School 2–0 to place 9th out of 15 teams. Thanks to coach Stefan Cavill-Fowler.

Our AIMS teams are off to Tauranga this weekend and we look forward to keeping up with these results. We are proud of all our students and staff who continue to demonstrate the Whitby Collegiate spirit both in and out of the classroom.

Warm regards,

As highlighted in Ms Addison’s report, we had excellent results, with two 1st prize winners and overall winner for best exhibit. This is an outstanding accomplishment that reflects their creativity, dedication, hard work, and innovation. We are equally proud of all our students who participated, and we look forward to celebrating their achievements together at our next school assembly and again at our end of year prizegiving. Here is a summary of some of our students’ projects:

Gabriel Anthony impressed again this year with his AI-based multilingual app, Pill-AI, designed to help Kiwis understand and safely take their medications. The app interacts with users in their preferred language — including te reo Māori and Samoan — and draws on authoritative NZ medicines information to provide guidance and education.

Year 11 students, Mehar Batish and Ellie Beaumont developed the PulsePower Thermal Charger, a power bank powered by body heat. Their invention offers a sustainable, always-available energy source, particularly valuable in emergency situations, and a strong alternative to traditional power banks.

Our student leaders, Ishaan Badiyani and Siddhesh Kalyanasundaram created an AI-powered drowning detection and rescue drone system. Their design uses real-time technology to identify struggling swimmers and autonomously deploy life-saving equipment.

Max Tai in Year 9 designed a project based on a model that educates people about the fascinating features of moss and the science behind what makes it so resilient.

We also celebrate the efforts of our other outstanding participants: Year 7 students Yiqi Liang, Aryaveer Chopra, Daniel Deng, Lawrence Wang, and Junyi Zhang, all of whom presented impressive science projects. We are proud of every student who took part — their projects highlight the innovation, problem-solving, and passion for STEMM learning that we value at Whitby Collegiate. Congratulations on your awards.

With the busyness of preparing for Derived Grade examinations, it is encouraging for our senior students to have opportunities that support their wellbeing and personal growth. One such opportunity is the Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment (RYPEN), a weekend-long leadership camp for Year 11 and 12 students. We are proud to announce that Isabela McLean and Faith Bennett have been selected by the Plimmerton Rotary Club to represent Whitby Collegiate at this year’s camp. RYPEN is aimed at emerging leaders and encourages participants to broaden their horizons socially, culturally, and academically. Through this experience, Isabela and Faith will have the chance to strengthen their teamwork and leadership skills, while also building friendships, embracing diversity, and growing in confidence, integrity, and responsibility. We look forward to seeing how they bring these valuable experiences back into our school community.

Finally, we are incredibly proud to celebrate the achievements of our students who have recently been awarded the Porirua Youth Leadership Awards.

La’ie Nimarota received her award in the area of Education. La’ie has made an outstanding contribution through a wide range of initiatives, including establishing a STEMM after-school tutoring programme, tutoring violin through orchestra, and achieving success in National Chamber Music competitions on both violin and viola. She has also been involved in the planning of Whitby Collegiate’s upcoming 2026 Medicine and Health Programme, while continuing to pursue academic excellence through scholarship programmes, excellence endorsements, and reaching the National Final of the New Zealand Physics and Mathematics Competition. La’ie hopes to use these skills to continue growing as a leader and to contribute positively to our school community in the future.

Gabriel Anthony received his Porirua Youth Award in the area of STEMM. As mentioned earlier in my report, Gabriel continues to impress with his creations of AI models that aid New Zealanders in taking the right medication safely. Gabriel has already attained outstanding achievements in the STEMM space, and we look forward to seeing the next part of ‘Pill’Bot’.

Tiyamika Banda also received her award in the area of education. With aspirations to study medicine and contribute meaningfully to the health and wellbeing of others, Tiyamika has already demonstrated the work ethic, intellect, and compassion required to thrive in such a demanding field. Her pursuit of knowledge and academic integrity make her a standout student in every sense.

Well done La’ie, Gabriel, and Tiyamika! We look forward to celebrating your success with your families at the Awards ceremony next month. This event is being hosted by the Mayor, Anita Baker.

If you have any questions or concerns relating to pastoral care, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Have a safe and blessed weekend.

Kia manuia.

Ainslie Sauvao
ainslie.sauvao@whitbycollegiate.school.nz

Gala Dinner - Tickets Are Selling Fast

The Gala Dinner is a critical fundraiser for supporting Whitby Collegiate students with scholarships and resources, but it’s also going to be a unique evening of laughter and entertainment.

Tickets are selling fast! Grab a ticket and join us at The Wellington Club on 12 September.

Book your ticket now

We’re delighted to confirm that Sir Michael Jones and Tofiga Fepuleaʻi will speak at the upcoming Gala Dinner.

Immunisation Programme – Week of 1 September

Our public health nurses are coming to school in the week starting 1st September to continue with the immunisation programme for year 7 tamariki.

• If you have changed your mind or your child’s medical situation has changed please contact us at gwnphsimmunisation@tewhatuora.govt.nz, or call us on 04 587 2949.

• If you have not yet consented, but want to, please collect a consent form from the school office or contact us.

• If you declined the vaccines last year but you have changed your mind and you now want your year 8 child to receive the vaccine(s) please collect a consent form from the school office or contact us.

• If your Year 8 child missed out last year and you would like them to catch up on their vaccinations, please collect a consent form from the school office or contact us.

• If you have any questions or concerns please contact us at
  gw-nphsimmunisation@tewhatuora.govt.nz, or call us on 04 587 2949.