Week 6, 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 past week has been an exciting one for our Year 9 cohort who took on challenges outside of the classroom based at Talima Lodge in Waikanae. Our students had the opportunity to dive into a variety of activities that not only tested their physical capabilities but also strengthened their team building skills. Rafting down the rapids on Otaki was an absolute highlight as was the rock climbing, tramping and other outdoor activities which saw students learn invaluable survival skills. There were many times where they were pushed outside of their comfort zones and learned the importance of trust, teamwork and perseverance. An enormous thanks to all the staff and instructors who made such a wonderful contribution to the camp.

Our student leaders also made us very proud this week representing the school at the GRIP leadership conference. This event was a significant opportunity for our students to hone their leadership skills, learn from professionals and connect with peers from other schools. Our delegates participated in workshops and activities focussed on effective leadership, teamwork and community service, embodying the values we hold dear at Whitby Collegiate. 

Our debating teams have kicked off the season with an impressive start showcasing their critical and strategic thinking in their weekly competition amongst other schools in the region. Debating enhances students' ability to develop their public speaking skills as well as the ability to construct compelling arguments and with three teams competing this year we look forward to supporting them into Term 2.

Without a doubt, the highlight for the week was the news of the acceptance into a two week Global Scholars programme at Yale University in the USA of Year 12 student Ishaan Badiyani. We are so very proud of Ishaan who has always been someone who has striven to search out and find opportunities to extend his thirst for knowledge. We are excited to share this journey with him as one of a handful of kiwi students who have been afforded this opportunity out of the 10,000 who applied from all round the world. Read the full article here.

Next week we are looking forward to having three exchange students from Japan with us for the week and thank the Anamanis and Stevens families for hosting them. They will join our students for classes in the morning and have other activities to experience life here in NZ as well as their passion for rugby. 

All the best for a restful weekend.

Shelley Addison
Executive Principal

DEPUTIES’ UPDATES

From the Deputy Principal (Academics)

Kia ora e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,

Thank you to all parents and caregivers who were able to attend the NCEA Information session on Tuesday evening. It was the biggest turn out we have had to date. If you were unable to attend, or wish to access the presentation from the evening, please find a copy of my powerpoint, and all the handouts from NZQA, on our website. 

Term 1 Progress updates for individual subjects will be added to the KAMAR portal right up until the end of the term. Grades will be published separately, and as appropriate. In Years 7-10 students are assessed against Curriculum Levels, and when working at NCEA Levels 1-3 students are graded against Achievement Standards with Not Achieved, Achieved, Merit, and Excellence results. If you would like to read more about our Student Reporting process, please see our website. 

It has been a busy start to 2024, and now that we are over halfway through Term 1, our senior students are beginning to be offered Internal Assessment tasks, and practice assessments for external achievement standards. Whānau are reminded that the Levels 1-3 Assessment planner can be accessed by students, who were sent the link last week, to assist with organisation and study.

In assembly yesterday, students were reminded that when they require a leave of absence for a family occasion or trip, the school must be notified by parents/caregivers in advance via office@whitbycollegiate.school.nz. Students must be aware that they are missing valuable learning time. Should there be an assignment affected by an absence, then the student must apply for an extension, if appropriate and in line with the Assessment Policy. Students may contact me directly for the extension request form, or access the pdf on our school website.

If students need support in regards to time away from school, or have other concerns about their subjects and/or NCEA, I encourage them to come and see me as soon as possible. 

Ngā mihi,

Debbie Mitchell
debbie.mitchell@whitbycollegiate.school.nz

From the Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Wellbeing)

Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,

Our Year 12 and 13 student leaders thoroughly enjoyed the GRIP Leadership Conference held at Piptea Marae this week. Students had a fantastic experience with the practical and hands-on activities, leadership sessions, and elective workshops. They were able to interact with leaders from other schools, providing them with valuable networking opportunities and diverse perspectives on leadership. Our students represented us well during the conference, and look forward to putting into action, the ideas & expertise gained from the workshops.

At assembly yesterday, we congratulated Ishaan Badiyani for earning a place in the prestigious Yale Young Global Scholars programme in the USA. It's a great achievement and a testament to Ishaan's dedication to understanding global issues, enhancing critical thinking, and developing problem-solving skills across disciplines. By connecting with diverse peers from various countries, Ishaan has a unique opportunity to build teamwork, leadership, and communication skills, which are invaluable in addressing global challenges effectively.

Ishaan's aspiration to return more confident, inspired, and prepared to contribute meaningfully to both global challenges and the communities of Whitby, Wellington, and New Zealand is truly commendable. Well done, Ishaan! Your accomplishments have brought immense pride to your school community and we look forward to hearing all about your experience when you return.

Year 7 students Lucy Rees-Thomas, Faustina Anamani, Charlie Land, Aashiya Kaushal and Chloe Newland are doing great work in R.E. and in their leadership roles during school assemblies. Their enthusiasm, and willingness to contribute positively to their school environment is admirable. Stepping up to lead during assemblies showcases their confidence and sense of responsibility, setting a great example for their peers. Keep up the great work, Lucy, Faustina, Charlie, Aashiya and Chloe! Congratulations and well done also to Kaavya Badiyani and Louisa Egley-Turner for their inspiring messages during assembly on cultivating a culture of respect at Whitby Collegiate.

Finally, I look forward to seeing all our Year 7 students and their families at the Year 7 Parents Evening on the 4th April at 6pm. 

Have a safe and blessed weekend everyone.

Ainslie Sauvao

UPCOMING EVENTS

Term 1 Activities/Events (Week 7)

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

Junior Certificate Debate against Paraparaumu

Whitby Collegiate Junior Certificate Debating Team debated against Paraparaumu College on Wednesday and won! The team in the Wellington Speaking Union Junior Certificate competition comprised Year 9 students Xiangyi Liang and Anvi Sankrit, along with Rhoswen Tay from Year 10 who kindly stood in for Iris Chen who was on camp. Xiangyi and Anvi were just back from camp. For the Year 9 students, this was their first time participating in a Junior Certificate debate. Ellie Beaumont generously stepped in for Cody Chen to chair the debate and time the speeches. This was a prepared debate.

Our team affirmed the moot: This House would abolish the Olympics.

All three of our debaters can feel very pleased with how they acquitted themselves. The adjudicator commented on how strong all three of the Whitby Collegiate speakers were. The beginning debaters learned a great deal and I look forward to seeing their growth in confidence having now experienced a real live debate for themselves. I look forward to their next debate against Kapiti College 4 on Wednesday 3 April. 

Sonia Visser
Convenor

Peer Support & Lunchtime Clubs In Action

Our Year 12 and 13 student leaders continue to do amazing work with our junior students through Peer Support and Lunchtime Clubs.

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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