Word From Ms Addison
Kia ora, e te whānau - parents, caregivers and families of Whitby Collegiate,
It has been a settled and productive week here at Whitby Collegiate, students have been diligently working through their academic studies. We have continued our involvement in the ICAS (International Competition and Assessment in Schools) examinations this week with students completing English and we look forward to those upcoming results. These are important benchmarks for students who have been given the opportunity to extend and test themselves.
As we move forward throughout the year, planning for the future continues. It's essential for our Year 10, 11, and 12 students to start considering their subject choices for the upcoming year, 2024. This process is crucial in helping our academic team prepare a well-rounded curriculum that caters to each student's aspirations and academic strengths and these options will be available shortly.
A special thank you to Ms Keilty who has ensured that our senior art students have had the best possible lead into the completion of their art portfolios for their NCEA assessments with a two day workshop. This enabled a concentrated effort built on their work over the holidays and with the input of both Ms Keilty and Michel Tuffery, our artist in residence, our students can feel very confident in putting their best foot forward.
It was fabulous to be able to host our School Swimming Sports this week, after a long hiatus due to COVID-19. It was a wonderful day of competition and fun with plenty of opportunities for students to participate in not only championship events, but also to ensure their houses gained valuable house points by competing in non-Championship events. Outstanding swims came from Ace van Noort, Daniel Turetsky, Camille Zhou, Jade Lin, Robi Zuba and James Willetts. Many records were broken and we look forward to publishing the final results once they have all been fully scrutinised. A special mention to Ms Levave for her organisation of the event and the Year 13 PE students who put their event management knowledge into practice as part of their NCEA programme.
Some of our winter sports codes are winding up this week with Junior Boys Basketball teams having their final games, and a very big thank you to Mr Bigwood, Mr O'Neil and Mr Reichenvater for the tremendous support of these teams. There is such a strong foundation for next year, as the majority of our students were Years 8 & 9, competing against mainly Year 10 students and I have been so impressed with the enthusiasm, character and skill development of our players over the season. We are looking forward to the Junior A Basketball girls playing in the final of Division 1 at Walter Nash Stadium on Tuesday night and following on from our Netball success and the CSW Junior tournament the Senior team have played their way to the final of their division in the weekly schools competition. Our Hockey team will also be playing in the final of their grade against Scots College on Tuesday night as well. We are so thrilled with the level of participation in such a wide range of sports at the school.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy weekend.
Ngā mihi nui,
Shelley Addison
Executive Principal
Deputies’ Updates
From the Deputy Principal (Academics)
Kia ora e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,
Senior Derived Grade Examinations
Our senior students 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, with spare copies in Reception, and can also be found on the school website. Students do not need to be at school for DG Examination week unless they have an examination session - the Art and DVC workshops are compulsory for those students involved. I have gone over the rules and requirements for DG examinations, and these are the same as the NZQA rules. The one exception is that students are not allowed to leave exam sessions during the DG exams, a difference to the external examinations. Please take the time to read the rules with your child; these are on the back page of the timetable.
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. It is important that all students are able to log in to the NZQA website.
Revision Workbooks for Sale
Students have the opportunity to purchase useful AME subject revision workbooks via this order form. Level 1 and 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.
Subject Selection for 2024 Courses
Today in Deans’ Assemblies, and via email, Years 10-12 students received a copy of the Senior Subject Selection Booklet for 2024 (also available on the website here). Students are encouraged to read this booklet with their parents / caregivers before completing their subject selection via the student or parent KAMAR portal. Please note that ALL Year 10-12 students are expected to complete their selection before Thursday 31 August. I encourage parents / caregivers to have a discussion with students regarding their selections; following subject selection a confirmation form will be emailed to all parents /caregivers as well.
Year 10s will have the opportunity to hear from option teachers before confirming their choices. However, students are encouraged to speak directly with any subject teachers if they would like to learn more about those subjects at NCEA level. An information session regarding the NCEA changes will also be held with Y10 students, and if parents have any further questions following the NCEA information evening earlier in the year, they are welcome to contact me directly.
If you have any questions about Derived Grade Examination week or 2024 Subject Selection, please contact me via email.
Ngā mihi,
Debbie Mitchell
debbie.mitchell@whitbycollegiate.school.nz
From The Pastoral Dean
Kia ora Students, Parents & Caregivers,
As part of our continuous effort to foster our school values I have encouraged students to think very carefully about the words they use in their everyday interactions. We are fortunate to have so many kind and considerate students at our school but it is still very necessary for all of us to pause and reflect on the impact our words can have on those around us. A useful tool for managing our speech was suggested long ago by the philosopher Socrates. Socrates believed in the importance of filtering our speech through asking ourselves three essential questions.
Is it true?
Are the words we share true? Do they align with facts and reality? Are we being honest?
Is it useful?
Is there a practical relevance to the words we use? Do the words we share add value to our discussions? Will what we plan to say further strengthen our relationships with others?
Is it good?
We should think about the moral implications of what we say to others. Is what we are about to say kind, empathetic, and considerate? We should strive to contribute positively to the conversation and create an atmosphere of respect and care.
By applying these principles to our everyday speech we can contribute to a school community that truly adheres to its values of Genuine care, True connections, Full awareness and Working to achieve.
Words really are powerful but you do not need to take my word for it. Give someone you know a genuine and specific compliment and watch the expression on their face.
Ngā mihi nui,
Maurice Atkinson
Upcoming Events
Term 3 Activities/Events (Week 5)
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 |
| 8BN Social Sciences Trip ICAS Spelling Exam |
Monday 21 August |
| Taco Tuesday AIMS Games Fundraiser ICAS Science Exam |
Tuesday 22 August |
| The Get Group Workshop (Level 3) Otago University Course Planning Y10 Spanish Mexican Lunch SADD Introductory Workshop |
Wednesday 23 August |
| Y7 & 8 Parumoana Swim Sports | Thursday 24 August |
| CSW Open Badminton Team Finals Victoria and Massey Uni Open Days 2PHED Coaching Sessions |
Friday 25 August |
School News
Swimming Sports 2023 - House Results |
||||
| Event | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |
| House Chant Competition | Endeavour | Resolution | Discovery Adventure | |
| House Relays | Resolution | Endeavour | Adventure | Discovery |
| Junior House Big Splash | Adventure | Discovery | Resolution | Endeavour |
| Intermediate House Big Splash | Discovery | Resolution | Adventure | Endeavour |
| Senior House Big Splash | Resolution | Adventure | Endeavour | Discovery |
| TOTAL POINTS |  Resolution 194 points |  Endeavour 188 points |  Discovery 144 points |  Adventure 108 points |
Whitby Collegiate ICAS Examinations Calendar 2023
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 |
| 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 |
Victoria University - Spanish Day
On Wednesday, Milly and I were given the opportunity to attend a Spanish Day at Victoria University to celebrate Aotearoa Spanish Language week. Throughout the day we participated in two workshops to enhance our spanish speaking skills. We were also given a tour of the Victoria University campus. We also got the opportunity to hear from students who we’re currently studying spanish at university and learn about their experiences. We are so thankful for the opportunity and the chance to make new friends. Gracias to Ms Huertas for organising the day for us.
Aifili Patelesio
whakatauki o te wiki
proverb of the week
Ko koe ki tēnā, ko au ki tēnei kīwai o te kete You at that handle, and I at this handle of the kete
This whakataukī emphasises collaboration; working together and shouldering our share of the responsibility.
Sports Update
We have lots of events to look forward to in the coming weeks:
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.
Netball Manawatū Junior Netball Tournament
We're thrilled to share the fantastic results of our Whitby Collegiate Junior A Netball Team at the Netball Manawatū Junior Netball Tournament in Palmerston North. Our incredible players gave their all on the court, showcasing their skills and determination throughout the day. With an impressive 4 wins and 2 losses, our team finished 3rd place in the tournament!
Match Results:
Whakarongo School: W 21-7
Huntervillians: W 23-3
Taihape: W 22-6
Hinetoa: W 14-10
North Street School: L 16-20
Dannevirke: L 14-16
A huge shoutout to the dedicated players, coaches and all the supporters who cheered us on throughout the day.
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
Lonasei Lolo Golf
Lonasei Lolo recently had an incredible opportunity to participate in four tournaments in the US, competing against some of the best junior golfers from around the world. She embarked on her tour starting with the World Stars Junior Tournament at Las Vegas Golf Club. In the team event, she achieved her personal best scores of 76/82/78, securing a commendable 4th place. During the individual event, she placed 17th out of 30 participants in the 15-18 year old division. This experience allowed her to compete with girls who were on their way to university scholarships and prestigious golf academies.
The next tournament was the IMG Junior World Golf Championship at Torrey Pines, San Diego. This event attracted 1,250 junior golfers from 56 countries and 42 US states. It was a true privilege for Lonasei to play at Torrey Pines, a course renowned for Tiger Woods’ accomplishments, including his victory in the Junior World Championship and eight PGA titles. The challenging course and difficult conditions presented a significant test. Lonasei's performance placed her 166th out of 184 girls in her age group.
Lastly, Lonasei participated in the FCG Callaway World Juniors in Palm Springs, CA. This tournament boasted a record participation of 719 golfers from 36 countries and 17 states. Despite the intense heat ranging from 115 to 121 degrees Fahrenheit over three days and with 11 girls withdrawing due to heatstroke, Lonasei persevered. She finished 96th out of 126 participants in her age group.
Throughout these competitions, Lonasei not only enjoyed the high level of competition but also established new friendships and connections. She extends her gratitude to the Whitby Collegiate School community for their unwavering support and encouragement.
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
