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,

After the initial flurry of activity that marks the start of a new school year, we are pleased to see our students seamlessly settling into the rhythm of their academic and extracurricular engagements. Teachers and students are now diving deep into the curriculum and the progress made in these early weeks is commendable, setting a robust foundation for the year ahead.

At Whitby Collegiate we believe in the power of experiential learning, understanding that education extends far beyond the confines of the classroom. We've already embarked on several educational excursions, providing our students with invaluable real-world experiences that complement and enhance their in-school learning and look forward to these contributing to their academic growth.

Ms Sauvao has been working with our Prefects who have been interviewing the junior students for leadership positions across the school. This has been a very professional process and I commend the seniors for their attention to this and the juniors who have been preparing in earnest in putting their best foot forward. I know the prefects are having a very hard job in determining the final selections as there have been so many to choose from. We are looking forward to announcing these at next week's Commissioning Assembly.

Congratulations to our Girls Softball team who clinched the title at the College Sport Wellington Regional Championships this Tuesday. Facing off against St Mary’s in the final, our team demonstrated exceptional all-around ability, securing a well-deserved victory. Many thanks to our coaching team of Junior White Sox Coach Kiri Shaw, ably supported by Craig Symons, Mel Symons as scorer and Katelyn Coxson as Manager, along with the many parents who were there in support of the team.

Our Golf Skills Programme has started this week and it is great to see a significant number of junior golfers from within our community seizing this opportunity to refine their skills and learn from experienced coaches. This programme is tailored to encourage not only the technical aspects of golf but also to instill values such as patience, discipline, and sportsmanship. We're looking forward to seeing our young golfers flourish. Volleyball continues its weekly competition with the players looking forward to the regional tournament next week.

We are looking forward to our performing arts extra curricular programme getting underway and with the expertise of Mr Leota our dance troupe are preparing for the Velocity Dance competition coming up shortly. Ms Ting has also had some keen interest in developing a school band and we also look forward to this as well as the Big Sing for our choir next term. As mentioned previously, we have had significant interest in debating, and our lunchtime clubs are well underway. There is certainly no excuse for our students to be bored at lunchtime with all that is available to them.

Next week we look forward to welcoming the Proprietor’s Board to Whitby Collegiate for the first board meeting of the year. We were also very grateful to Tim and Nadine Green for hosting the first get together of the Foundation at their home in the weekend, as we prepare for the year's activities ahead.

Wishing everyone 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,

Please come along to the NCEA Information evening, from 6.30pm on Tuesday 12 March in the Ioane Fiso Pavilion. I will summarise the NCEA programme, including the changes that are being implemented this year, and of course I will answer any questions that you may have. The information session is targeted at Parents and Caregivers of students in Years 10 and 11, but everyone is welcome.

I will meet with all Year 11 students in the coming weeks to ensure they are comfortable with the requirements to gain NCEA Level 1 this year. I look forward to speaking with these students on a one-to-one basis as well, during the rest of Term 1 and into Term 2, to discuss their academic goals and the support they require to meet these goals.

Every year students in Years 10-13 and their parents are asked to read and sign the school’s NCEA Assessment Policy. There are specific updates to this year’s policy to keep us in line with NZQA’s official line that no AI Chatbots are used to produce assessments. I would appreciate it if you and your child could take the time to read the Policy carefully, and sign electronically to submit an agreement that these guidelines will be followed.

NCEA Assessment Policy 2024

Have a lovely and safe weekend, the first one of Autumn.

Ngā mihi,

Debbie Mitchell
debbie.mitchell@whitbycollegiate.school.nz

From the Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Wellbeing)

Tālofa lava, Mālō ni, Ni Hao, Mālō e lelei, Kia orana, Namaste, Kia Ora ki te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,

This week, our Prefects diligently conducted interviews for House Captain leadership roles with exemplary professionalism and maturity throughout the process. I am grateful to our Prefects team for their commitment and servant leadership as they continue to develop connections with fellow students beyond their usual circles. We eagerly anticipate honouring our student leaders for 2024 at our upcoming Commissioning assembly next Thursday, where we will recognise Prefects, House Captains, Student Council representatives, and Peer Support Leaders.

I have had the pleasure of engaging in meaningful conversations with students this week who continue to demonstrate genuine care for upholding our school's positive culture. At Whitby Collegiate, we are dedicated to nurturing a culture of care, kindness, compassion, and positivity. Each member of our school community plays a vital role in contributing to this collective effort and I appreciate the work that many of our students are doing in the running of lunchtime clubs, and fundraising events. Keep up the great work!

As a reminder to our students, we uphold high standards in all aspects of school life, including the correct and proud wearing of our school uniform. Upon leaving school premises at the end of the day, students are expected to be in their full school uniform. Exceptions are made only for students representing the school in sporting events, who may wear the correct PE uniform. Our Prefects have been observant of students consistently adhering to uniform guidelines, both within the school environment and in public spaces.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am happy to arrange a meeting to address any inquiries or discuss any matters of importance relating to pastoral care.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and may you have a blessed weekend.

Soifua ia ma ia manuia.

Ainslie Sauvao

Upcoming Events

Term 1 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
Netball Preseason (Y9-13) @ 7:00AM	Monday 4 March
L2 PE X-Stream Event	Tuesday 5 March
L3 PE X-Stream Event	Wednesday 6 March
Netball Preseason (Y9-13) @ 7:00AM L1 PE X-Stream Event Commissioning Assembly @ 1:30PM Netball Information Evening for Parents @ 5PM Pasifika Families & Students Gathering @ 6PM	Thursday 7 March
	Friday 8 March

Pasifika Families Gathering

Talofa lava, Malo ni, Kia Orana, Malo e lelei

Thursday 7 March, 6:00pm in the Ioane Fiso Pavilion
Please bring a plate for a light supper
Our students and staff look forward to hosting this event
Email Ainslie Sauvao if you have any questions

School News

Whitby Collegiate App

We are thrilled to introduce the Whitby Collegiate App! Stay connected with important school alerts and access quick links to permission forms, newsletters, contacts, the absentee line, parent portal, term dates, the school calendar, and much more - all in one convenient location.

To get started, you can download the app directly from here OR visit your phone’s app store and search for “School Apps NZ”. Once downloaded, simply search for Whitby Collegiate and add our school to your app. Don't forget to join all relevant alert groups to ensure you receive timely push notifications.

PM's Reception (NZ vs Aus Cricket)

Attending the PM's reception for the Australian and New Zealand cricket teams was an absolutely amazing experience. Meeting my favourite players made the day enjoyable, and the event was a wonderful celebration of cricket camaraderie and welcoming the Australian team for a test series for the first time in almost 8 years.

Connecting with these athletes in person added a personal touch to their on-field achievements, making the overall experience truly memorable. In particular, the highlight of the day was the unique opportunity to participate in a classic backyard cricket match alongside names like Marnus Labuschagne, Rachin Ravindra and Christopher Luxon. Playing the sport together with these esteemed athletes and politicians not only added an exciting element to the experience but also provided an unparalleled chance to engage with them on a more interactive level including going up to them, talking with them and getting pictures and autographs to finish off the night.

To finish, thank you very much to Ms Addison and Mr O’Neill for your ongoing support with the cricket team and for giving me this awesome opportunity.

Tuck Shop Helpers

The school is looking for parent volunteers who might be available to assist Jess in the school Tuck Shop on a rostered basis during some lunch times. If you would have some time available to help out each week, we would love to hear from you. Please contact the school office by phone, or email office@whitbycollegiate.school.nz

Billets for Visiting Japanese Students Required

Would you and your family be interested in hosting a small group of visiting Japanese students for a week in mid-March? We have three young ladies spending a week in New Zealand from Sunday 17 March for approximately 5 nights. They are travelling for sporting and educational experiences and will have busy schedules during the day but would love to experience a Kiwi home during the evenings. If you think that this is something that you would like to be involved in or would like further information, please contact Lorraine Rose in the school office by phone, or email enrol@whitbycollegiate.school.nz

Relay for Life

Students interested in taking part in this year’s Relay For Life event in support of the New Zealand Cancer Society, the event will take place at Trentham Racecourse, Upper Hutt, beginning at 3.00pm Saturday 23 March and finishing at 8.00am Sunday 24 March, with a free breakfast. Please see the full event information and permission forms here.

Sports Update

If you missed the sports update email yesterday with upcoming events, registrations and notices: view here

Our Softball Team Seizes Gold in the 2024 CSW Senior Softball Tournament

An outstanding start to the 2024 sporting season this week as our softball team triumphed over St Mary’s with a 5-0 victory in the final of the College Sport Wellington Senior Softball Tournament. Congratulations to all our players, coaches and managers on this remarkable achievement!

Futsal

Our two Whitby Collegiate junior futsal teams are having a great season in the College Sport Wellington Northern Division 2 Futsal Competition. Both our teams remain unbeaten so far. Well done to Austin Song, Eli Wicken, Cam Rowe, Tim Lee, Ben Ludlow, Niko Joronen, Cam Parkin, Gabriel Anthony, Bryn Murrell, Josh Farrand, Jack Lord, Ashton Chen, Charlie Wood, Will Hansen and Oliver Cayford. Thank you to coaches Aaron Ludlow and Simon Chen and managers Naomi Lee and Heidi O Reilly.

Sports Registrations

Athlete Development Programme
The Athlete Development Programme runs termly and is designed to support athletes' personal goals, whether it be a personal best or a long term future in sport. Students will learn from expert coaches in an environment that grows confidence, strength and ability in their chosen sport.

Total Sessions: 10 (5 weeks)
Coach: Andrew Matsuoka-Webber
Dates: Monday 11 March
Training Days: Monday & Wednesday lunch break
Venue: Whitby Collegiate Gym / Field / Adventure Park
Cost: $143 (per term - to be charged to your school account)
Contact: sports@whitbycollegiate.school.nz

REGISTER HERE

Winter Hockey & Netball
Registrations for Winter Hockey and Netball have now opened and must be made using the online registration forms on the sports website (registration links below). All other winter sports registrations will open next week.

**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

We love to celebrate our students’ achievements. For inclusion in the Whitby Collegiate newsletter or on our Facebook page, please fill in the online form here or forward it to communications@whitbycollegiate.school.nz