Word From Ms Addison
Kia ora, e te whānau - parents, caregivers and families of Whitby Collegiate,
A very proud week for Whitby Collegiate this week with a large number of activities and achievements that our students have been involved with.
Congratulations to Caleb Whelan and Gabriel Anthony who were recognised on Monday, at the Porirua City Council leadership awards for their outstanding service and leadership to the school community. Standing amongst all the other young leaders in the region it is a testament to their commitment and dedication to Whitby Collegiate and we are very proud of their efforts.
As the time gets closer for our Girls Softball team to head to Japan, the players, parents and supporters have been involved in a wide range of activities to support the team on their trip. It was a fabulous night at the Quiz evening on Sunday with huge support from the community with a special mention of the Chair of our Proprietor’s Board, Mr Fiso very generously supporting the evening. Thank you to all those who have been involved in making this event possible and this tour is going to provide lifelong memories and all the hard work will certainly be rewarded.
Our Music showcase was a highlight this week, with some wonderful performances by our students. This event allows the opportunity for senior students to be meeting their NCEA music performance requirements as part of their academic programme and also gives our junior students the opportunity to perform. Of particular note this year was the wide range and diversity of performances which is highlighting the development of the school music programme. We were treated to excellent piano playing, AC/DC on the bass guitar, violin concertos, a number of choral items, and musical ensembles. A special mention to Marcia Laurenson and Leo Gore for hosting the evening, Ms Ting and Ms Ahmad and many thanks to all those family members and those who came to support the event.
Our junior Netball team provided an absolute highlight this week also, with an outstanding silver medal in the CSW Junior Netball tournament. From 18th place last year, to make the final against much larger schools the result was exceptional. On the way to the final they defeated Wellington Girls, Chilton St James, Aotea College, Tawa and Kapiti Colleges and defeated Sacred Heart in the semi-final. The final was a hard-fought contest against St Mary's and many thanks to parents Katelyn Coxsan and Onour Murray who put so much time into coaching our teams.
House activities have also been to the fore this week with the prefects leading the Futsal competition as well as planning for the upcoming Whitby's Got Talent in a few weeks and keeping a close eye on the pastoral needs of our younger students. Our senior student leaders continue to lead by example and I thank them for their service.
Wishing everyone a restful and relaxing weekend.
Ngā mihi nui,
Shelley Addison
Executive Principal
Deputies’ Updates
From the Deputy Principal (Academics)
Kia ora e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,
Our senior students for this year are busily preparing for their Derived Grade Examination week, to be held Monday 4 - Friday 8 September. An examination timetable has been given to students today, and can also be found on the school website. Individual subject teachers are already preparing students for what will be included in each exam. Level 1 English examinations will be held digitally through the Assessment Master portal, a format similar to that in the external NCEA examinations. All History, English, and Spanish NCEA examinations will be digital through Assessment Master at the end of the year. I will be meeting with all senior students to ensure they can all login to the NZQA website, and to go through the examination process.
Students have the opportunity to purchase useful AME subject revision workbooks via this order form. Level 1/2 books are $20, Level 3 books are $21, and Scholarship books are $24. I will be making the first order on Tuesday 22 August so the revision books arrive before the Derived Grade examinations, but there will be subsequent orders before the NCEA examinations, as demand requires. See the range via the ESA website.
If there are any questions about the DG examinations, or anything related to NCEA, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Ngā mihi,
Debbie Mitchell
debbie.mitchell@whitbycollegiate.school.nz
From the Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Wellbeing)
Kia ora e te whānau,
It was truly heartening to witness the impressive musical talents shown by some of our students during Wednesday’s music showcase. The role our music teachers and tutors play in nurturing students’ musical talents and providing a space for their growth in this area contributes to the cultural and artistic vibrancy of our school. I am grateful to Miss Ting and Mrs Ahmad for the wonderful work they do in mentoring our music students. I am also looking forward to our ‘Whitby’s Got Talent’ show organised by our prefects later this term.
Leo Gore
“Music is an important part of our lives here at Whitby Collegiate; it is part of our identity. Music is beneficial for our well-being, it helps us learn to set goals and constantly encourages us to strive toward new and wonderful opportunities as we learn from others and ourselves. The music showcase at Whitby Collegiate is an opportunity for me to show my improvements, to feel comfortable performing in front of our amazing audiences and, most importantly, to have fun.”
During last Friday’s assembly, I spoke to our students about the importance of inclusivity and building a caring and aware student community. We have welcomed many new students to Whitby Collegiate this year and my encouragement to our students is to always be mindful of and aware of the impact their actions and words has on others, and how they can better serve their peers and the school community.
As part of the wellbeing check-ins I have had with students this week, I have enjoyed gaining more of an insight into what some of our students are doing outside of school. Ishaan, Siddesh, Aanya, Kaavya and Ayush have spent long hours preparing for their upcoming Bollywood concert next month and I am very much looking forward to seeing them perform.
As we embark on a busy and exciting term, I encourage parents to get in touch with any of our pastoral team. Whether you have a question about your son/daughter’s progress or wellbeing, want to discuss an idea, or simply wish to connect, I would love to hear from you. Thank you to those parents who have already reached out.
Wishing everyone a safe and restful weekend ahead.
Ma lou fa’aaloalo lava,
Ainslie Sauvao
Chaplain’s Corner
As a child I used to love Lego. I would create magnificent structures and spaceships, but the problem is that the more “magnificent” they became, they also became exceedingly fragile. Oftentimes I would melt down in frustration when everything would fall apart in my fingers. It seems to me that in the middle of winter we become more fragile - our relationships and responses slip a little. Resilience struggles. At this time of fragility we need even more to be people of grace, forgiveness, mercy and kindness – admit when we are in the wrong and ask for forgiveness; think the best of people instead of assuming the worst; keep our standards high; reset our frustrations with a spiritual practice of delight and gratitude.
Stay kind,
Rev Chris
Upcoming Events
Term 3 Activities/Events (Week 4)
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 here by clicking the button that reads “subscribe to this calendar”.
| ACTIVITY/EVENT | DATE |
| AIMS Netball Burger Fundraiser ICAS English Exam Auckland Uni Course Planning Information Evening, 6pm |
Tuesday 15 August |
| Swimming Sports | Thursday 17 August |
| 2PHED Coaching Sessions | Friday 18 August |
School News
Whitby Collegiate ICAS Examinations Calendar 2023
We have kicked off ICAS this week with students having sat their Writing and Digital examinations. The English examination is scheduled for next Tuesday, with Spelling, Science, and Mathematics coming up in weeks 4 to 6. A reminder will be posted in the school notices both the day prior and on the morning of the examination. Please remind your son/daughter to attend their examination with their device fully charged.
ICAS Examinations Calendar 2023 |
||||
| Week | ICAS Examination | Date | Time | Room |
| 3 | Digital (Year 7 and 8 only) | Monday 7 August | 1.35 pm (P5) | Rm 7 |
| 3 | Writing (all years) | Tuesday 8 August | 9.05 am (P1) | Rm 18 |
| 4 | English (all years) | Tuesday 15 August | 11.05 am (P3) | Rm 18 |
| 5 | Spelling (Year 7 and 8 only) | Monday 21 August | 1.35 pm (P5) | Rm 7 |
| 5 | Science (all years) | Tuesday 22 August | 9.05 am (P1) | Rm 18 |
| 6 | Mathematics (all years) | Tuesday 29 August | 9.05 am (P1) | Rm 18 |
Music Showcase
Yet another spectacular Music Showcase was held on Wednesday night, highlighting the exceptional musical talents of our students! A huge thanks to our dedicated music department for orchestrating such a wonderful event, and to all who joined us in showing their support. Anticipation builds for the next encore!
whakatauki o te wiki
proverb of the week
He moana pukepuke, e ekengia te waka
A choppy sea can be navigated
Sports Update
We have lots of events to look forward to in the coming weeks:
17 August – Whitby Collegiate School Swimming Sports
20 August – Manawatu Junior Netball Tournament (AIMS Netball)
24 August – Parumoana Swim Sports (YR 7/8)
27 August – 1 September – Winter Tournament Week – hockey & netball
2 – 8 September – AIMS Games (YR 7/8)
19 September – Aotea Kotiro Sports Participation Day
21 September – 3 October – Whitby Collegiate Girls Softball trip to Japan
Summer Sport
Please look out for summer sport (Term 4) registrations that open mid-term.
CSW Junior Netball Tournament
An incredible journey for our girls at the CSW Junior Netball Tournament yesterday! From 18th place last year to a triumphant 2nd place this year, thanks to the amazing coaching of Onour Murray & Katelyn Coxson. Our team conquered challenges, defeating Wellington Girls, Chilton, Aotea, Tawa, and Kapiti. Dominating the semis with an impressive 18-5 win against Sacred Heart, we faced off against St Mary’s in an intense finals showdown. We are extremely proud of the team's journey, teamwork, and determination!
SCORES
Game 1: Whitby Collegiate vs Wellington Girls College 19-14
Game 2: Whitby Collegiate vs Chilton St James 23-7
Game 3: Whitby Collegiate vs Aotea College 23-8
Game 4: Whitby Collegiate vs Tawa College 12-11
Game 5: Whitby Collegiate vs Kapiti College 24-16
Semi-Final: Whitby Collegiate vs Sacred Heart College 18-5
Final: Whitby Collegiate vs St Mary’s College 10-27
Japan Softball Trip Quiz Night
A fantastic night for the fundraiser for our Softball team heading to Japan in a few weeks time. Our students were great ambassadors and a huge shoutout to the parents and sponsors for their fantastic support of the event. A big thank you also to Chairman of the Proprietor’s Board, Mr John Fiso, for his support of the evening.
For all sports information, latest draws & results, sport clubs and registrations please visit our online sports hub 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
Anvi Sankrit
Badminton
Anvi participated in College Sports Wellington Junior Badminton Championship this week. Lots of children from various colleges across Wellington participated in this tournament.
She was successful in progressing to the semifinals which was a great outcome given that this event was a Year 9 and Year 10 competition and Anvi is a Year 8 student.
We love to celebrate our students’ achievements. For inclusion in the Whitby Collegiate newsletter or on our Facebook page, please forward student achievements to communications@whitbycollegiate.school.nz
Community Notices
Taal Se Dhamal Bollywood Performance
“We are thrilled to announce an upcoming performance that promises to ignite the stage with the vibrant spirit of Bollywood! A group of students from our school (Ayush, Aanya, Kaavya, Ishaan and Siddhesh), are gearing up to perform in and showcase their annual dance production. We invite you to join us at the start of September to watch SDANZ put up a spectacular Indian dance show. Hope to see you there!” - Ishaan Badiyani
Entertainment Book August Deal
Show your support for the Whitby Collegiate Parents' Association by purchasing an entertainment book packed with incredible savings.
