Week 8, Term 4, 2023

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 another remarkable year, we take a moment to reflect on the journey we've shared and the accomplishments that have shaped our school's narrative. Filled with gratitude, we extend our appreciation to everyone who has been an integral part of our school's success story.

Last night's prize giving ceremony was a celebration of the hard work, perseverance, and talents of our students and we were so grateful to everyone who attended along with our very special guests. I would like to formally thank the Chair of the Proprietors Board John Fiso and members Tony Hanning, Keith Taylor, Roger Moses and Api Fiso for their guidance over the past year and to the Hon Chris Bishop for taking the time out of his very busy schedule to be with us. We are also grateful to Mayor Anita Baker who has always been such a strong supporter of the school and to Tim Green, Danielle Leslie and Sue Payne, who as parents of the school we thank them always for their past and ongoing contributions.

We were also privileged to host an event thanking all those sports coaches, managers and members of the Parents Advisory Board and Foundation Board for their service earlier in the week, and again appreciate all the hard work that our community dedicates in supporting Whitby Collegiate. 

We look forward to signing off the year this coming Tuesday with our final assembly and as we bid farewell to 2023, we look forward to continuing the spirit of collaboration, resilience, and community that defines us. May the coming year bring new opportunities, growth, and continued success for our school and each member of our cherished community.

Finally a very special thanks to all our staff here at Whitby Collegiate and we sadly will farewell Mr Winfield, Ms McLeod, Mr Ogden and Mr Holt at the end of the week. We wish them all the very best for their future endeavours and acknowledge the part they have played in our students' lives and the life of the school.

Thank you once again for your unwavering support throughout this year. Wishing you all a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and precious moments with family and friends.

Warm regards,

Shelley Addison
Executive Principal


Deputies’ Updates

From the Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Wellbeing)

Kia ora e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,

As we finally reach the end of the year, I want to say a big thank you to all our parents, students, families and supporters for the incredible support we've received throughout this year. Working with and mentoring our students has been a joy, and I am immensely grateful for the positive energy and enthusiasm they have brought to our school community throughout the year. 

My sincere gratitude to our student leaders who have played a key role in helping to encourage a sense of togetherness amongst our students. They have been instrumental in creating an atmosphere where every student can embrace the joy of learning, personal growth, and shared experiences. Special thanks to our Head Boy Ryan Field, Head Girl Madeline Wareham and the wonderful team of prefects who have supported them admirably.

I am also grateful to our future student leaders who did a great job assisting our pastoral team with our Year 9 retreat today. It was a day of reflection, fun activities and the opportunity to develop leadership skills for next year.

As we look ahead to 2024, our pastoral team is gearing up for the big task of ensuring that every student at Whitby Collegiate continues to feel cared for, valued, and understands the importance of being part of a faith-based community. This mission encompasses not only academic success but also the development of resilient, empathetic, and compassionate individuals who are ready to face the world with confidence. We consider ourselves immensely blessed to be part of the Whitby Collegiate whānau, and we are excited to continue our journey of shaping the leaders and role models of tomorrow.

Ia manuia tele le kirisimasi ma ia maua se tausaga fou fiafia. Wishing you a joyous festive season and restful break. 

Ainslie Sauvao


Upcoming Events

Term 4 Activities/Events (Week 9)

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
Year 7 & 8 Dance
Monday 4 December
Last Day of the Year
Year 7 & 8 Regional Athletics
Junior End of Year Reports Live on KAMAR portal
Tuesday 5 December
Wednesday December
Thursday 7 December
NZSS Athletics Championships Friday 8 December

School News

Year 8 Beach Education Day

Our Year 8 students were hosted by Surf Life Saving New Zealand this Wednesday. They learned about the role of a lifeguard, sun safety, rescue techniques and equipment, and how to spot and survive a rip. Finally, they enjoyed splashing about Titahi Bay beach and putting their swimming skills into practice. Many thanks to our amazing parents and supporters Hatti Jones, Bex and Mike McMorran, Clint Phelps, Tania Taylor, Helen Richardson, Doug Havea, Belinda Warrington and Clayton Barnett for allowing this great day out to happen! 

Community Market Day

Congratulations to the Whitby Collegiate Foundation for a highly successful Community Market Day on Saturday! A special shoutout to the incredible organisers—the exceptional event coordinator Nadine Green, Foundation Co-Chair Tim Green, and all the dedicated parents who supported the event. The feedback has been outstanding, with fantastic bargains, a great atmosphere, and all for a wonderful cause. The Foundation's support will contribute to our scholarship and bursary program, helping families attend Whitby Collegiate.

A heartfelt thank you to all the amazing stallholders who contributed. Your presence created a fantastic atmosphere, and your offerings were truly appreciated. We're incredibly grateful for your support, making it a memorable experience for everyone.

It was fantastic to witness the active involvement of our staff and see many familiar family members. An outstanding school community event, bringing everyone together for a great cause. We're already looking forward to the next one!

Year 13 Leavers' Dinner

As the academic year comes to a close, we bid a fond farewell to our exceptional Class of 2023 last Friday at the Year 13 Leavers' Dinner, hosted at Nikau Cafe. A heartfelt thank you goes to Head Prefects Ryan Field and Madeline Wareham, as well as to all the incredible students and parents for your leadership and dedication to the Whitby Collegiate community.

Special appreciation is extended to the Parents' Association, led by Chair Sue Payne and Arlaina Loibl, for their invaluable support in making the Leavers' Dinner a great success. Additionally, we express gratitude to the entire Whitby Collegiate staff for your commitment to this group of students.

Cheers to the memories, the achievements, and the friendships forged at Whitby Collegiate. Wishing the Class of 2023 all the best!

Coaches/Managers/Supporters Dinner

Earlier this week we celebrated an exceptional year for our sports community! A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated parents, coaches, supporters, administrators, and teaching staff for making our school the best it can be. A very special appreciation to our Sports Director, Sally Rose, for her incredible efforts in a busy year, leading to continued success, increased participation, and our students upholding values of respect, resilience, and excellence. Congratulations to all involved this year and we're looking forward to the next!

Last Days of School

We are all looking forward to enjoying the last days of the school year together and celebrating a successful 2023 at Whitby Collegiate.

Monday 4 December

  • Normal school hours for all students.

  • Junior Students in Years 7 to 10 will participate in an Activities Day to be held at school and details will be confirmed closer to the time.

  • Senior Students in Years 11 to 13 will be required to attend a Document Return Day and information will be provided to them towards the end of their NCEA examination period.

Tuesday 5 December (Final School Day for 2023)

  • This is a compulsory school day for all students in Year 7 to 13. The day will commence with Tutor Time at 8.45am.

  • A copy of the school magazine will be issued to each student, and the cost has been disbursed to your school account.

  • Students will attend an end of year Assembly where we will farewell our Year 13 Students.

  • School will be dismissed for the year at 11am and school buses will depart from outside the school at 11.05am.

Whakataukī o te wiki


proverb of the week

Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa
Let us keep close together, not wide apart

This whakatauki reminds us of the value of community . It speaks to the importance of keeping connected, of maintaining relationships and dialogue so that we can keep moving forward together. It could be used when sharing information about community events or projects that bring people together.


Sports Update

Term 4 Sports Dates

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

Amber Sceats Equestrian

Amber competed at the Wellington & Horowhenua show jumping championships at the weekend on both her ponies. She won 1st place on Motutangi Made U Look in the 60cm and 70cm classes. She placed 10th and 12th (out of 25 riders) the 90cm and 1mtr classes on Master High Voltage. It was also a busy weekend as Amber volunteered her time helping the judges and course designers with changing jump courses over the two days.

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