Week 7, Term 1 | 2024

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,

This week, we had the wonderful opportunity to host three international students from Japan, weaving the rich tapestry of global cultures into the heart of Whitby Collegiate. Their inclusion in the full range of school activities and the warm hospitality of the Anamani (Oriana and Faustina) and Stevens (Lily) families went above and beyond, and we thank them so much for looking after our visitors. At school, the spirit of camaraderie was kindled by Bella, Ella, Georja, Ellie, and Eleanor, who made such an effort in making them feel welcome. Student exchanges such as these are a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering global citizenship and understanding among our students and provides an enriching experience that cultural diversity brings to our educational journey.

This week also marked a milestone for Whitby Collegiate's sporting ambitions as our teams participated in national championships for the first time. At the NZ Secondary Schools Volleyball Tournament, our boys team competed in the final of their division having won their way through despite injuries to key players. They showed resilience and teamwork to succeed against the odds, placing second in their division. Our girls team also played with great heart and had their final playoff game today where they lost a very close game. We extend our enormous gratitude to Mr Gledhill, Arlaina Loibl, and Maria and Laurence Lolo for their dedication and support to our teams. Their efforts have been instrumental in providing a nurturing and competitive environment for our athletes.

The U15 Futsal team also made their debut at the championships, facing off against seasoned teams with courage and enthusiasm. A special thanks to Mr Bigwood, Mr Shaw, and Deputy Head Boy Jackson Bigwood for their coaching expertise, and Mrs Lee for her role as team manager. These contributions have been pivotal in shaping the experiences of our young athletes.

Our Netball teams have shown incredible commitment, with over 70 players participating in trials over the past few weeks. Their dedication to representing Whitby Collegiate with pride is commendable. We were fortunate to have the rising star Silver Fern, Tiana Meturau, provide inspiration and guidance to our players. We thank the whole parent community who have been instrumental in providing these opportunities and we are looking forward to the upcoming Netball season.

I have also been very proud of our senior leaders who have embraced the spirit of student service and leadership in working so hard on the upcoming Relay for Life this weekend. There have been so many activities in the build up to this event and we will have the largest representation ever at this event. A special mention to Lucy Bain, Corry Brown and Hannah Kansara for all their hard work in galvanising the student body.

Finally, a big thank you to all of the parents who contribute to our school and a special mention to Geoff Walsh and Victoria Kappagoda who have taken up the mantle of the Parents’ Association from our longstanding Chair Sue Payne and Secretary Arlaina Loibl. We thank Sue and Arlaina for their incredible service and we look forward to working with the Parents’ Association throughout the year.

As we head into Easter, we are very near the end of our first term of 2024 and time is flying by! All the best for a restful weekend.

Shelley Addison
Executive Principal

DEPUTIES’ UPDATES

From the Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Wellbeing)

Tālofa lava, Ni Hao, Mālō ni, Namaste, Kia orana, Mālō e lelei, Kia Ora, & Konnichiwa to our Whitby Collegiate whānau,

As we approach Easter, a time of reflection and renewal, let us embrace the message of new life and hope that it brings. The Easter story reminds us of the profound power of compassion and the promise of renewal.

This week, many of our students have demonstrated compassion through their service to others. Chloe Newland's initiative to organise an Easter Egg Appeal for the Wellington Children's Hospital, the dedication of many students in collecting for Relay for Life in public and through Bake Sales, and the kindness shown by Isla Green and Olivia Kilford through their Card Making Club for our neighbours at the retirement home, all exemplify the spirit of Easter.

It is heartening to witness our students embodying the teachings of Jesus Christ, which encourage us to love our neighbours as ourselves and to extend a helping hand to those in need.

As we celebrate Easter this coming week, let us carry the spirit of compassion and generosity, and may we be thankful for the sacrifices made for us.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter filled with joy, hope, and the warmth of loved ones.

Ngā mihi maahana,

Ainslie Sauvao

UPCOMING EVENTS

Term 1 Activities/Events (Week 8)

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”.

SCHOOL NEWS

7SL Technology Crochet 

Miss Longstaff’s 7SL Technology class has been hard at work on their crochet creations!

Kiwi Competitions

The University of Canterbury is delighted to offer their annual online Kiwi Competitions for Primary, Intermediate and Secondary schools. The English, Mathematics and Science competitions cater for students of all abilities, currently in years 5-10. They are skills based tests, closely aligned with the New Zealand curriculum. To register your son/daughter for this competition please complete this form by Friday, 10 May 2024. No late entries will be accepted. The competitions will be run in school in the last three weeks of Term 2. Dates and times will be announced closer to the time.

Easter Egg Donations for Ronald McDonald House Wellington 

Ronald McDonald House in Wellington is in desperate need of easter eggs for the children and their families currently staying there. If you would like to donate any easter eggs to the children and families to brighten their Easter, please drop off your easter eggs in the box outside the library each morning tea before Good Friday 29th of March. I will be delivering the donations on behalf of Whitby Collegiate to Te Rauparaha Arena which is a collection site. Thank you for your generous donations.

- Chloe Newland 7KL

SPORTS UPDATE

If you missed the sports update email yesterday with upcoming events, registrations and notices: view here

Join the Whitby Collegiate Sport Facebook Group

Keep up to date with all Whitby Collegiate sport news, draws & results, achievements, and LIVE updates at facebook.com/groups/whitbycollegiatesport

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 forward student achievements to communications@whitbycollegiate.school.nz

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