Whitby Collegiate News, Week 10, Term 2

Week 10, Term 2 | 2026

Executive Principal’s Update

Kia ora, Talofa, Bula vinaka, Malo e lelei, Fakatālofa atu kia te koulua, Kia orana, Hallo, Hola, Ni Hao, Namaste and Greetings - parents, caregivers and families of Whitby Collegiate,

It has been an inspiring week at Whitby Collegiate, with a strong focus on creative arts, music, academic engagement, and student leadership across a range of activities.

We were especially proud to support our students attending Showquest for the very first time. Their dedication and creativity were evident in their performances, and we are delighted to celebrate their success in gaining both the Recognition of Dance and Excellence in Drama awards. Our sincere thanks go to Mr Leota for providing this valuable opportunity, and to student leaders Alex Lee and Emma Whyte, who demonstrated outstanding organisation, leadership, and commitment throughout the process. It is always rewarding to see our students stepping forward and leading with confidence.

We were very proud of Adelle Tipper, Isabela McLean and Ellie Beaumont in their powerful presentation to the mock select committee at Parliament this week as part of their Strengthening Democracy project. The team ended up third overall which is a fantastic achievement for their first time in this level of competition and so no mean feat. What an experience it was for them to be in the halls of Parliament.

In another area of achievement, Mr King guided our chess teams through two highly successful days at the Regional Chess Championships. Congratulations to our Intermediate team, who finished an impressive third overall after a countback and have secured a wildcard entry into the National Championships later this year. This is a significant accomplishment, and we look forward to seeing them compete at the next level.

Adding to the week’s highlights, we proudly hosted our House Battle of the Bands competition on Thursday. The event was a fantastic showcase of talent, with outstanding performances from all houses. Congratulations to Resolution and Discovery, who took out the top awards. The event also revealed some hidden talents among our staff, with memorable performances from Mrs Mitchell, Mrs Patel, and Ms Ansel, who impressed with their unexpected rap skills. Mr Leota and Mr Wilson brought great energy to the stage, and Ms Newlands delivered an exceptional performance on the saxophone. We also saw cameo performances from Mr Gledhill, Mr Ryburn, Mr Atkinson, Ms Sauvao and Mr Free all getting into the spirit of the event.

On the academic front, it is encouraging to see a large number of students entering the Junior Kiwi Competitions, with students participating in the Junior Kiwi English competition this week and Science to follow next week. These opportunities provide a valuable chance for students to extend their learning and challenge themselves beyond the classroom.

We also look forward to the release of mid-year reports next week. These reports provide an important snapshot of student progress and achievement, and we encourage families to take the time to review them carefully and discuss goals for the remainder of the year.

Sport will be a little challenging this week with the upcoming weather but we also wish our Year 7/8 Basketball team all the very best as they head into the finals next week of the weekly competition held at Rangikura School. A fantastic achievement to make the finals, and well done to everyone involved. A special mention also goes to our Senior A Netball team who took out a major win for the season in the Premier division of the Kapi Mana Club competition this past week. Congratulations for all the hard work put into this.

It seems like we will have to hunker down this weekend with the wild weather on our doorstep and wish everyone a safe and dry weekend.

Shelley Addison
Executive Principal

Deputies’ Updates

Deputy Principal (Academics)

Kia ora e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,

Well done to those students who participated in the Literacy: Reading Common Assessment Activity (CAA) back in May. With results released on Tuesday, I am pleased to report that we had a pass rate of 100%. Congratulations to all those students. Numeracy and Literacy: Writing CAA results will be released on Monday 20 July, with students able to access their results via their NZQA portal.

Students are reminded to keep an eye on deadlines for internal assessments. Year 11–13 students all have access to the live document with due dates for each subject. Other useful resources, such as extension request forms, are all available on our website. Students are able to speak directly to their subject teachers if there are any reasons they are not able to meet deadlines, or they can approach me to help with other concerns. All teachers are here to help and maximise chances of success, while also looking after the health and wellbeing of our students.

Next Friday afternoon parents and caregivers will receive their child’s Mid Year Report. In addition to email, reports are also available on the KAMAR portal. Students studying Level 2 and Level 3 subjects are encouraged to check their results and entries carefully, and let teachers know if there are any discrepancies.

I have already had some enquiries regarding subject selection for 2027. More information will be made available early Term 3 about this process. However, it is never too early to consider subject pathways; our subject specialist teachers are always keen to chat with students about why their subject area is the best choice.

As the term comes to a close, I am looking forward to acknowledging academic excellence at next week’s Scholars’ Assembly. At this event we will bestow Scholars’ Badges and Academic Colours upon students who earned NCEA certificate endorsements in 2025. To those invited parents and caregivers who have yet to RSVP, please do so by Monday 29 June.

I wish everyone a very warm and safe weekend.

Ngā mihi,

Debbie Mitchell
debbie.mitchell@whitbycollegiate.school.nz

Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Wellbeing)

Talofa lava, Vanakkam, Mālō e lelei, Ni Hao, Tāloha ni, and Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,

When our students fully embrace the opportunities we provide them, amazing things happen. It keeps them busy and motivated with a genuine willingness to serve their school community with care and enthusiasm. As a natural byproduct, disciplinary issues become less, which means our pastoral team can focus more time on providing opportunities. So, where do I even begin with the awesome highlights of this past week? Our students have been leading by example across a variety of fields, showing exactly what it means to embrace opportunities.

Firstly, Adelle, Ellie, and Isabela could have easily opted out of the Regional Strengthening Democracy Project, but they chose to dive in. This week, they presented in the finals and placed an incredible 3rd out of 26 schools. Speaking with conviction, confidence, and eloquence to a select group of MPs, all three students were outstanding ambassadors for our school and thoroughly deserve to be placed in the top 3.

Other students embracing opportunities are Year 11 students Alex Lee and Emma Whyte. They have stepped up and put in countless hours mentoring and coaching dance and drama routines to our youngest students for the annual Show Quest competition in Wellington. This opportunity for our Year 7 & 8 students simply wouldn't have existed without Alex and Emma’s willingness to serve and lead with excellence and pride in their school. Congratulations to our Show Quest team and thank you to Mr Leota for overseeing the organisation of the trip.

I also had the absolute pleasure of taking Year 9 student leader Zephaniah Tele’a back to his old intermediate school, Postgate School. Zephaniah spoke to the students about his journey so far at Whitby Collegiate, connecting his past with his present. Zephaniah shared how Whitby Collegiate stood out to him and his family when choosing his secondary school because its core values perfectly align with Postgate’s own "PRIDE" values (Participation, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Excellence). He explained that while Whitby's high standards regarding uniform, behaviour, and punctuality might seem like strict rules at first, he views them as vital habits that are preparing him for life. It was a proud moment witnessing him pass the torch of leadership back to his old school and encouraging students to attend our future Experience Days.

Yesterday, we celebrated our annual House Battle of the Bands competition. The photos below really do speak for themselves. It was a fun event that provided a much-needed lift to our House and school spirit as we get through the final stretch of a long term. Even our staff unleashed their hidden talents, with the Discovery House staff taking home the coveted Best Staff Performers title. Well done Mr Ryburn, Ms Newlands and Ms Ansell. Congratulations to Resolution Band members Gal Becher, Olivia Lu, Zayn, Oliver Cayford, Hamish Wood, Elena Power, Alina Babko, Evie Haughton, and Kayshyn Evalu on their winning band performance.

The photos below were taken by Year 9 student leader photographers Hudson Swain, Yufan Lu and Finn Spohr. Thank you all for your service to the school.

When I witness our students' willingness to step up, lift others, and encourage their peers to just "give things a go," my cup is truly full. Thank you to all of our student leaders who lead by example, even when balancing their own personal challenges. You make the school experience a positive one for everyone around you. Special thanks to Prefects La'ie Nimarota - Vatuvei and Leo Gore for organising this year's House Battle of the Bands competition, our House Leaders, MCs Gabriel Chionh and Zephaniah Tele'a and Mr Brad Hudson and his AV team for setting up all the sound equipment.

My prayer for these students is that they never grow weary of doing good for others, not just within our school community, but within their families and home lives as well.

Fa’afetai tele lava ma ia fa’amanuia le Atua ia te outou.

Ainslie Sauvao
ainslie.sauvao@whitbycollegiate.school.nz

School News

Double Award Win at Showquest Regional Performing Arts Event

On Wednesday night, a small group of our students performed in their very first Showquest at St James Theatre — and they delivered.

Showquest is a regional performing arts event for Years 1–13 where students create and perform a live stage show incorporating art, music, dance, drama, culture, and technology, all built around a chosen theme.

Our students represented Whitby Collegiate with pride and were awarded Recognition in Dance and Excellence in Drama. The performance was recorded by Showquest, and we'll share the link as soon as it's been uploaded by the organisers.

A special mention to Alex Lee and Emma Whyte, the driving force behind the entire production. Their leadership, commitment, and creative vision are what brought the show to life. One of our parent helpers commented on how impressed she was by their leadership, and how much she appreciated that Whitby Collegiate provides opportunities like this for students.

A big thank you to everyone who supported our students along the way.

Chess Championships

On Wednesday the intermediate chess team participated in the NZCF Wellington schools championship. They came a very close third, losing second place by one point on countback the last game was very exciting. The organisers were very impressed and offered the team the chance to apply for a wildcard entry to the national event.

The senior team played in the secondary competition where they were up against much older and experienced players. They never gave up despite a tough start finishing in the bottom half of the field.

Art of the Week - Water Themed Paper Cuts

Inspired by their recent investigations of water patterns, our talented Year 10 art students explored intricate collage and paper-cutting techniques. Their goal was to create a mixed-media response centred around the fluid theme of water. By layering their paper-cut designs the students successfully added an extra dimension of depth. Our showcased artists this week are Abbey Joostens and Olivia Lu whose artworks beautifully capture light and shadow to bring their creative watery visions to life.

Student Perspective

Upcoming Events

Key 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”.

We invite you to RSVP for our upcoming Grandparents Morning on Friday 14 August at 9:30am. This special occasion allows us to express our gratitude and appreciation for the support, love, and guidance our grandparents provide to our students.

RSVP link: https://form.jotform.com/261719158963873

Celebrating Matariki 2026 at Whitby Collegiate

As Aotearoa New Zealand marks Matariki, we take time to reflect on the past year, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. Matariki is the Māori New Year and is signalled by the rising of the Matariki star cluster in the winter sky. It is a special time for remembrance, gratitude, learning, and connection with whānau and community.

Throughout the final weeks of Term 2, students will have opportunities to learn more about the significance of Matariki and the values it represents, including whakawhanaungatanga (building relationships), manaakitanga (showing care and hospitality), and reflection on our hopes and aspirations for the year ahead.

Shared Kai with Tutor Classes

To celebrate Matariki together, each Tutor Class will participate in a Shared Kai during the final week of Term 2. This event provides an opportunity for students and staff to come together, share food, strengthen connections, and reflect on the themes of Matariki.

Students are invited to bring a plate of food to share with their Tutor Class that is representative of their culture.

We look forward to celebrating this important occasion as a school community and embracing the spirit of Matariki together.

Matariki hunga nui - Matariki brings people together.

Manawatia a Matariki!

Holiday Programmes

3D Design & Modelling

Tuesday 7th – Thursday 9th July

Got a wild idea for a character? Let's bring it to life! Join us for a hands-on three-day programme where creativity meets technology.

Year 6–8 students, all experience levels welcome
Create digital objects, environments, and imaginative worlds
Use tools inspired by real designers, architects, and game developers
9am–3pm | $250 per person | Whitby Collegiate

Please note: students are kindly asked to bring their own laptop and lunch

[Sign Up Now]

Animation & Design with Rive

Monday 13th – Wednesday 15th July

Bring your ideas to life with Rive — a professional animation tool used in games, apps, and websites worldwide!

Year 6–8 students, all experience levels welcome
Design moving characters, interactive graphics, and animated stories
Hands-on challenges and creative projects all three days
9am–3pm | $250 per person | Whitby Collegiate

Please note: Students are kindly asked to bring their own laptop and lunch

[Sign Up Now]

Sports Update

For 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.

Student Achievements

We 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

Community Notice

Support Our Equestrian Team!

Join us for a fundraiser screening of Disney's Moana at Light House Pauatahanui, 3 Paekakariki Hill Road, on Monday 13 July at 5.45pm (doors open from 5.15pm).

Our Equestrian team is heading to the North Island Secondary Schools (NISS) event in Taupō and are fundraising to make it happen!

Tickets are $25 each and include a raffle ticket and a bag of lollies.

To book your seat, contact Leanne Edwards at leanneedwards1@me.com.

School Notice

Important: How to Reach Us by Email

Please 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 Parking

A 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.