Week 5, Term 3 | 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,

As we approach the end of August, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the achievements of our students and to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.

Our senior students have now completed their derived grade exams. These exams are a crucial marker of their academic progress and it’s gratifying to see everyone approach them with such seriousness. We remain committed to supporting our students as they continue their academic journey and look forward to their continued success.

Our students' contribution to the NIWA Science and Technology fair continues to be impressive with Ms Sauvao taking the largest contingent ever from Whitby Collegiate. Congratulations to Ishaan Badiyani, Asher Lim, Gabriel Anthony, Sai Emula, Ayush Mistry and Maya Kappagoda who were all award winners at this regional event. Some of the projects were so interesting and relevant in a modern world.

Congratulations to Lucy Bain (Year 12), Ishaan Badiyani (Year 12), and Te Aio Halatau (Year 10), who have been honoured by gaining recognition at the Porirua Youth Awards. These significant awards recognise their outstanding contributions and achievements. We eagerly anticipate celebrating their success at the awards ceremony on September 11th.

We are also thrilled for Year 8 students Mia Xuan and Alex Follows, who have been awarded the Bryce Jourdain Scholarship granting them the opportunity to participate next week in a week-long residential programme at the Taranaki Outdoor Pursuits and Education Centre. The programme will not only expose them to the outdoor environment but also help in developing their leadership qualities. It’s a wonderful chance for personal growth and self-discovery.

Our sports teams are gearing up for an exciting weekend of competition. The Boys Basketball team is heading to Palmerston North for the Basketball NZ Central Zone finals, while the Girls Netball team will compete in the North Island Secondary School Championships. Best of luck to both teams!

Additionally, our Football team is set to vie for their divisional championships this coming Saturday. We wish them the best of luck and hope for a successful outcome.

A special mention to our junior students who competed in the Parumoana Swimming Champs. Overall, Whitby Collegiate achieved a very respectable 2nd place. Well done to all participants for their hard work and dedication.

As we near the end of our winter sports season, planning is already underway for the upcoming summer sports. We are excited about the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and look forward to another successful season.

I also want to acknowledge the hard work that our Foundation team is putting into the events to support the school that are coming up very soon. Along with the privilege of having some of New Zealand's highest profile athletes attending our Gala Dinner we are pleased to announce that the event will be catered for by two of NZ’s preeminent chefs Karena and Kasey Bird, winners of Masterchef, and presenters of their own television series. This is going to be a night to remember and we are looking forward to the event on October 18th. 

Our “Claim your Turf” campaign is also gearing up as we look to provide outstanding facilities for our students into the future. 

Thank you for your continued support and engagement and wishing everyone a restful and relaxing weekend.

Shelley Addison
Executive Principal

Deputies’ Updates

Deputy Principal (Academics)

Kia ora e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,

It is hard to believe that we are officially halfway through Term 3. Our Level 2 and Level 3 students have completed their derived grade examinations. They are now focussed on completing remaining internals, and preparing for final NZQA examinations in November and December. The full NZQA examination timetable can be found here. 

I am so very proud of the Level 1 Science students who have now completed their first Submitted External under the new NCEA Level 1 programme. Results for this, and all subjects’ submitted externals, will be released via students’ NZQA portals in January 2025. This is at the same time as examination results.

In Weeks 7 and 8, the vast majority of Year 10 students will be completing their Literacy Reading and Writing, and Numeracy Common Assessment Tasks (CAAs). 

• Monday 9 September: Numeracy US32406

• Thursday 12 September: Literacy Reading US32403

• Wednesday 18 September: Literacy Writing US32405

Science students who have now completed their first Submitted External under the new NCEA Level 1 programme. Results for this, and all subjects’ submitted externals, will be released via students’ NZQA portals in January 2025. This is at the same time asFor students who are absent from one of these CAAs for a genuine reason, there will be a catch-up session on Thursday 19 September. Further opportunities to complete the CAAs will be available in 2025. Early next week, our LitNum coordinator Mrs Katherine McKinlay will send more information to parents/caregivers of students entered in these assessments.

Subject selection for students who will be in Years 11-13 in 2025 is due, via the KAMAR portal, next Tuesday 3 September. If students need any help, or have requests and/or questions, please encourage them to come and see me as soon as possible. Our Year 9 students moving into Year 10 next will have the opportunity to hear more about their subject selection, the options available, and the process to make selections, following the closure of senior subject selection.

The ICAS competitions are all finished, with results for Digital Technologies and English released. If your child completed one of these assessments and wishes to see their results, please encourage them to log into ICAS > Student results using their TAP-ID and PIN. Students that have sat ICAS at Whitby Collegiate before can find their TAP-ID and PIN on the back of a previous year's certificate. Students who do not have their details can send me an email and I can download it from ICAS. Certificates for students who have received an award will be acknowledged in an assembly once all results have been released.

Please reach out if there is anything I can do to assist.

Have a warm and restful weekend, and Happy Father’s Day to all our fathers and father-figures.

Ngā mihi,

Debbie Mitchell
debbie.mitchell@whitbycollegiate.school.nz

Deputy Principal (Pastoral & Wellbeing)

Kia Ora e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,

I could not be more proud of our student’s recent participation in this year's NIWA Science Fair. Our budding scientists were excellent ambassadors for our school, proudly showcasing their Science Projects—a testament to the many hours of dedication and hard work they invested. It was clear to see just how much pride our students took in their projects. Their enthusiasm was infectious as they presented their findings and projects to the judges. The standard of work on display was exceptionally high and our students can be proud of the way they represented their school. 

We would like to congratulate the following students who earned recognition and prizes at this years NIWA Science Fair:

• Ishaan Badiyani Victoria University of Wellington Faculty of Science Innovation Prize worth $5000 and 4th place overall for Year 12

• Asher Lim 1st place overall for Year 8 and NZ Association of Optometrists Prize

• Gabriel Anthony 3rd place overall for Year 8 and NZ Association of Optometrists Prize

• Sai Emula & Ayush Mistry Victoria University of Wellington School of Engineering and Computer Science Prize 

• Maya KappagodaHighly Commended prize & Victoria University of Wellington School of Psychology Prize

Congratulations also to Harshit Kumar and Aanya and Kaavya Badiayni for their amazing project work and for representing Whitby Collegiate at a high standard.

As we wrap up another week, I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all our Fathers and father figures a very Happy Father's Day this Sunday. Your contributions to our school community are invaluable, and we are grateful for all that you do.

As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns relating to pastoral care.

Blessings for a happy and restful weekend to you all.

Ma lou fa’aaloalo lava.

Ainslie Sauvao
ainslie.sauvao@whitbycollegiate.school.nz

Assistant Principal

Kia ora Students, Parents & Caregivers,

At Whitby Collegiate, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our students. With a growing number of students currently managing peanut allergies, including one who is highly sensitive to even airborne traces, it has become increasingly clear that we need to explore more comprehensive safety measures.

For these students, exposure to peanuts can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. One student, in particular, often experiences multiple allergic reactions each week. The frequency and severity of these reactions have meant that this student has been unable to attend school for much of this term. This again highlights the seriousness of peanut allergies and the urgent need to consider more effective protection.

We are considering the implementation of a peanut-free policy to better safeguard these students. This policy would specifically target peanuts and peanut-based products, such as peanut butter or peanut-based snacks. It would not extend to products that may contain traces of peanuts, as these pose a lower risk and are often more challenging to avoid. It would also not extend to other types of nuts. By focusing solely on peanuts, we aim to reduce the risk of allergic reactions while minimising disruption to the school community.

As we move forward, we would like to invite feedback from the wider school community and gauge support to develop a plan that works for everyone. Our goal is to create a safer, more inclusive environment where all students can thrive without the fear of allergic reactions.  

Please feel free to submit your feedback by clicking on the attached Google form. Your cooperation will be essential as we explore this important initiative. 

Maurice Atkinson
maurice.atkinson@whitbycollegiate.school.nz

Chaplain’s Note

As another part of my role, I get the joy and honor of spending time with the residents at the Bupa Care Home here in Whitby. The residents there are such a beautiful part of our community.

The other week, an elderly scottish gentlemen asked me if I knew the words of a hymn that his father used to sing (and continued to sing, even on the day that he died). It was a joy for us to be able to sing together:

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,

When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?

When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,

Will your anchor drift or firm remain?

We have an anchor that keeps the soul

Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,

Fastened to the rock which cannot move,

Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.

As I have faced into the literal and figurative storms of this week, it is such a comfort to know the security that faith brings. For me, this is the ultimate excellence and resilience. 

May you know the strength of God this week,

Blessings,
Reverend Chris

Upcoming Events

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 Notices

The Students Perspective

Kia orana, malo e lelei, talofa and greetings everyone.

I would like to say a massive thank you to Gabriel, Anvi, Ayush, Sai, Petro, and Jade, who have all been working so hard on the student-led newsletter, getting it up and running over these past couple of weeks. It has been really awesome to see this come together so quickly and with such dedication. 

Over the last few days, our year 12 and 13 seniors have been preoccupied with derived grades. I just want to congratulate everyone on making it through the week! You all deserve a pat on the back. Remember that your derived grades are a reference for areas that can be worked on between now and November. Don't get too hung up on the grades; instead, take them as a challenge to improve. 

Enjoy a well deserved break this weekend!

Liam Cumming - Head Prefect

Student Art of the Week

Every week we will choose an artwork made by a student to include in the Student Newsletter. If you are interested in showing your artwork come along to Art Club on Tuesday lunchtimes led by Lucy and Corry in year 12.

This week Kloe Maskell in year 7 SL did a painting inspired by the art she had been doing during her art classes.

Teacher profile - Mr O’Neill

1. Before Whitby Collegiate:

• Please tell us about your background and what you did before joining Whitby Collegiate.
  
  I studied a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science at Massey University. Also, I have played a number of sports and worked for Manawatu Cricket for 3 years.

• What inspired you to become a teacher?
  
  I have always known that my purpose in life is to help other people and to make the world a better place. Becoming a teacher was the best way to pursue this goal. Plus…I love sports so it seemed natural for me to become a PE teacher.

2. Teaching at Whitby Collegiate:

• What are the differences between Whitby Collegiate and Whitby students compared to other places you've taught?
  
  Much better behaved, incredibly hard working, and kind. The biggest stand out is that they enjoy school and actually want to be there. 

• Most memorable or funny moment you’ve had while teaching at Whitby collegiate
  
  A student literally broke my ankle in basketball, leading to a sprained ankle.

3. Outside of Whitby Collegiate:

• What is the one thing outside school that you’re most passionate about?
  
  I love exploring the outdoors and exercising.

• When you're not teaching what other hobbies or interests do you have?
  
  As mentioned above, I also enjoy socialising and travelling. I enjoy sport, with a particular interest in cricket and hockey.

• Is there a fun fact about you that students might find surprising?
  
  I participated in a dance competition at a musical in Paris.

4. Top Tips:

• If you could go back and give your high school self three pieces of advice, what would they be?

1. Enjoy life, you only live once so go out and have fun.

2. Pursue a career that you love, then work does not seem like a chore.