Week 9, 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,

As we approach the end of a very busy term, our students continue to be fully engaged in all aspects of school life.

We celebrate the range of achievements of our students and none more than our Year 12 students, Ellie Beaumont, Isabela McLean, and Adelle Tipper, who have been named as finalists in the Cullen Breakfast “Strengthening Democracy” project, competing against schools across the Wellington region. This is a significant accomplishment, and a testament to their hard work over this term. Only four teams have been selected to make a submission to a mock select committee at Parliament (made up of current MPs) next Tuesday. We wish them all the very best and congratulate them on the hard work and commitment that has brought them to this point.

Deputies’ Updates

Deputy Principal (Academics)

Kia ora e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,

Our Year 11 students worked marvellously during their mid year examinations earlier this week. As we followed the rigid NZQA examination guidelines, they should be proud of the respectful manner they approached these assessments. An important component of many subjects’ learning programmes for the Collegiate Diploma, results and feedback will be crucial to assist further academic development so that students can achieve their potential. It is timely to remind students and whānau of the structure of the Collegiate Diploma; in addition to the information communicated via email to parents, and in tutor groups and subject classes at the beginning of the year, an outline can be found on our website.

Tutor Teachers will soon be relaying to their Year 11 students the outline of Service Week, one of the holistic components of the Collegiate Diploma. Service Week is Monday 9 - Friday 13 November, in Term 4. There will be opportunities for students to participate in both work and service placements, complete a portfolio including a CV, and choose to take an optional course. More information and guidelines will be available at the beginning of next term.

Those students that completed the May session of the Literacy Reading US32403 Common Assessment Activity (CAA) will be able to access their result on Tuesday 23 June. Students can log into their NZQA portal. I’m pleased to relay that completed digital assessments will also be available for students to view - this is a new feature introduced following feedback to NZQA. Students who have not accessed completed examination papers via their MyNZQA student portal can find information about the process here.

Finally, our Year 7 and 8 classes will be changing their subject modules from next Monday 22 June. Updated timetables are available on the KAMAR portal. Thank you to 7NA and 8JE who were our first classes to enjoy Technology (Hard Materials, Soft Materials, and Food Technology) at Plimmerton School. I trust that 7NT and 8SV will similarly enjoy their Technology lessons, starting Thursday 25 June, and represent Whitby Collegiate admirably.

Have a lovely weekend, and I hope the weather is fine for those attending the Super Rugby final on Saturday evening.

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,

We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 students Adelle Tipper, Isabela McLean, and Ellie Beaumont, who have earned a place in the grand final of the prestigious Strengthening Democracy Project.

Run in collaboration with the Cullen Breakfast Club and the Rotary Club of Wellington, this initiative challenges young leaders from across the region to engage meaningfully with the issues facing modern society. Established by prominent Wellington lawyer Peter Cullen, it was designed to inspire student leaders to actively shape and strengthen our democratic systems.

Competing against strong representation from high schools across the greater Wellington region, reaching the grand final is a remarkable achievement. It speaks to Adelle, Isabela, and Ellie's exceptional critical thinking, public speaking, and leadership — qualities we are deeply proud to see flourish at Whitby Collegiate. Please join us in congratulating them and wishing them every success in the final.

Chaplain’s Note

It was lovely to be part of a student-led worship night at Whitby Collegiate on Tuesday. The gym looked amazing, we sang worship songs and heard testimonies of God at work in our lives.

The theme was “let there be light” - words that echo through from the beginning of creation, are the prayers and cries of our hearts in the dark places of the world, and also the mission we are commissioned with:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Thanks to Marcia, Maddy and team for doing a great job in organising this event.

Blessings,
Rev Chris

School News

Art of the Week - Year 8 Artists Celebrate Rhythm and Lines

Our wonderful Year 8 artists have been exploring the vibrant world of Sandy Adsett and how he modernised traditional kōwhaiwhai patterns. By focusing on the energy and flow found in nature and landscapes, the students have learned to simplify what they see into essential colours, lines, and kōwhaiwhai shapes.

Their beautifully painted responses capture a wonderful sense of rhythm and movement. These four examples (Sienna, Ellie, Charlotte, and Katherine from 8SV) show the unique pieces our young creators have produced and demonstrate their growing confidence in abstract design and composition.

Student Perspective

My Journey with St John Youth

Last year, I decided to join St John Youth, looking to learn first aid skills and challenge myself outside of school. We meet once a week at division and work towards a range of badges from Casualty Simulation and Emergency Management to Innovation and Environment, all underpinned by first aid knowledge. In my time there, I've been fortunate to take part in experiences that have helped me grow enormously as a person.

One of the highlights has been the first aid competitions. The most recent was held in mid-May and consisted of a variety of tests, primarily conducted in teams of four, though some require you to work with just one partner or as an individual. The competition, and the many training sessions leading up to it, pushed my teamwork and communication skills to another level. During simulated emergencies, your ability to work and communicate effectively with your team can mean the difference between life and "death."

Then, just three weeks ago over King's Birthday weekend, I attended Youth Leadership Development Training (YLDT). A four-day programme held in Turangi, just south of Lake Taupō. From 6:30am physical training sessions to full days of leadership classes, discipline was very much the order of the weekend. Even so, we still found plenty of time to have fun, and I made some great new friends along the way.

Whether you're looking to learn first aid, meet new people, or simply take a break from the relentless study grind, St John Youth has something to offer. I'd strongly encourage anyone to join, or at the very least, come along for a night and see what it's all about.

Enrichment Opportunities

ICAS assessments 2026

We know our students are amazing, so we’re giving them the opportunity to once again showcase and celebrate their talents in the world-renowned ICAS competition.

What is ICAS?

ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee, and Digital Technologies.

ICAS results are in-depth and meaningful, and ICAS evaluates student performance against other competition entrants across the state and nation. The data reveals student strengths and weaknesses and can help you recognise and support your child's academic journey.

For further information and to register your child in one or more ICAS assessments, please click here.

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”.

Holiday Programmes

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

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.