Word from Ms Addison
Kia ora, e te whānau - parents, caregivers and families of Whitby Collegiate,
As we end the week, we continue to keep as much business as usual in our learning environment under the Omicron wave of the pandemic, while continuing to develop the appropriate communications strategy in this ever-evolving situation. Mrs Mitchell is the lead Covid Coordinator for the school and will be in contact with any affected parents of students who are having to self isolate. Along with our usual channels, we will be endeavouring to keep families as updated as possible and the most up to date information will be posted on the website. It was very much heads down this week and all staff are ensuring that the students will be well prepared should we be in the position to have to work from home over the next few weeks.
As a living example of the world in action, our Year 7 Social studies classes were very fortunate to speak via zoom with Hiria Wawatai, Protocol advisor for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade about the situation in the Ukraine and what this means for us in NZ. She also took the time to explain NZ's role at the United Nations and I know the students gained some wonderful insights.
We congratulated the Athletics Day winners and overall champions in two special assemblies this week. As mentioned in last week's newsletter, we had numerous records broken as well as the greatest number of participants all vying for the coveted house points which saw Discovery House run out the overall winners on the day. The full results can be found here.
Discovery House Leaders, Sam & Lior
Some of the major regional sports events have been given the green light to go ahead so our Softball team will take on other Wellington schools in a couple of weeks as well as the girls and boys Volleyball teams being able to compete in their regional championships also at the end of the month.
The musical talent of our students has also been showcased over the last couple of weeks with Leo G and Summer B entertaining us all at assembly on the keyboards. It is not always easy to get up in front of your peers, let alone the senior school. Both students were very professional and we look forward to more of our talented students being given the opportunity to perform.
I wish everyone a very safe weekend and a reminder for everyone to take care of themselves and each other.
Ngā mihi nui,
Shelley Addison
Executive Principal
DEPUTIES’ UPDATES
From the Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Wellbeing)
Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,
In times like these, our school community has always been able to step up to put into action our school value of resilience or manawaroa. Our students are regularly reminded to show kindness, empathy and compassion to those around them as these values are what has helped make our special school community what it is.
I have appreciated the communication from parents and caregivers over the past two weeks so please do not hesitate to connect with either your son/daughter’s Tutor Teacher, Mr Atkinson or myself if you have any questions relating to pastoral matters - we are here to support you and your child.
Finally, a friendly reminder that our online Mentoring Day is 14th March and there will be no scheduled classes on that day. As mentioned previously, this is a great opportunity for Tutor Teachers and staff to connect with students and their parents or caregivers to discuss goals, aspirations, extra-curricular activities or to raise any questions or concerns about your son/daughter’s learning or school life in general.
Please stay safe, stay connected and enjoy a restful weekend.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Ainslie Sauvao
ainslie.sauvao@whitbycollegiate.school.nz
We are actively following the information and advice being provided by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education with regard to COVID-19.
Please get in touch with us as soon as you can if your child, or a parent helper/coach has tested positive for COVID-19. You can contact our Health Administrator Mrs Angela Taylor between 8am and 4pm weekdays on 04 234 1070, or send an email to office@whitbycollegiate.school.nz. If anyone in your family is confirmed as having COVID-19, you will be asked to notify your close contacts yourself.
Upcoming Events
Term 1 Activities/Events (Week 6)
Key dates are located on the website calendar. Please check for your activities.
| ACTIVITY/EVENT | DATE |
| Netball Preseason Training | Sat 5 March, 9am-12pm |
| School ID/Class Photos | Tue 8 March |
| L3 PE Outdoor Ed Trip | Wed 9 March |
| L2 PE Rimutaka Rail Trail Ride | Thu 10 March |
| L2 Geography Trip | Fri 11 March |
| Mentoring Day (Online) | Mon 14 March |
Add the Whitby Collegiate calendar to your Google Calendar
To add the school calendar to your Google Calendar, click on the link above and then click the ‘+’ button located on the bottom right corner beside the Google Calendar logo.
SCHOOL NEWS
Athletics Day
A dewy 7.30am start for those setting up Athletics Day led to a bright and sunny day once everyone had arrived. A sea of house colours approached Adventure Park, the hype and house spirit was high, and we were set for an amazing day ahead. Boy oh boy! We were treated to some amazing athleticism across all events as students challenged themselves to do their best. For some, their best was giving events a go, seeing where that led them and accumulating house points where possible. For others, it was about beating their peers, achieving a placing, achieving a personal best, or even breaking a school record.
I am so proud of each and every student who did their very best, or at least tried to do their best. A big shout out to all of the student helpers; your efforts did not go unnoticed. I am already looking forward to Athletics Day next year! The full results can be found here.
Mrs Parish
School Photographs
On Tuesday 8 March we will have L C Scott Photographers on site to take Class, Individual, and ID photos. This will take place in the school gym during the morning. A schedule will be posted on the school notice board in the lower Admin Block foyer and on the Gym doors. There will be an opportunity for sibling photographs to be taken immediately after morning tea. Students will be provided with a ‘shoot key’ to bring home so that families may view and order photographs online.
All students must be in formal school uniform, this includes Blazers and Ties, with trousers for male students, and either skirt or trousers for females. Shorts may not be worn on formal occasions. Students will be required to wear masks whilst in the gym but will be invited to remove them momentarily just for the amount of time required to take each photograph.
Mentoring Day
The Whitby Collegiate Mentoring Day for 2022 will be on Monday 14 March for all students in Years 7 – 13 and their parents. There will be no scheduled lessons or classes on this day and students will not attend school. This is an opportunity for you and your child to meet with a Teacher to discuss the coming year and the goals set by your son/daughter. For parents who are new to the school, the Whitby Collegiate Mentoring Day is an opportunity for you and the Teacher to explore ways in which the home/school partnership can be used to assist your son/daughter in achieving their goals.
On the day, all students’ normal timetable is suspended, and parents and students are only required to login from home to an online interview with the Tutor Teacher at the booked interview time.
We will be using an online electronic booking system to make appointments with your son/daughter’s Tutor Teacher.
For online bookings, please go to www.schoolinterviews.co.nz, enter the event number 7q8tw (case sensitive) and from there please follow the prompts to make an appointment with your son/daughter's Tutor Teacher. You will need to know your child’s Tutor Group.
Bookings will open Monday 7 March at 5pm and close on Friday 11 March at 12pm. Should you have any queries regarding the online booking system please contact Lorraine Rose lorraine.rose@whitbycollegiate.school.nz.
Should you have any queries regarding the Whitby Collegiate Mentoring interviews please contact Ainslie Sauvao ainslie.sauvao@whitbycollegiate.school.nz or (04) 234 1070.
Whānau Hui
Tēnā koutou ngā whānau o Whitby Collegiate. He mihi maioha ki a koutou katoa. He pānui tēnei mō te whānau hui tuatahi o te tau hou.
Greetings to all of our school whānau. A special mihi to the new families who have joined our community this year. The Whitby Collegiate Whānau Group invites all whānau to attend our first hui of 2022. Anyone who would like to connect to our kaupapa of promoting Te Āo Māori at our special kura is welcome to attend. We will also be welcoming a special guest, the Honourable Nanaia Mahuta, who will be speaking to us about her mahi and how Te Āo Māori informs her work.
Alternative dates/ venues will be communicated closer to the time if circumstances require, but at this stage we will be meeting at 6pm Monday 21 March, Ioane Fiso Pavilion Block. Please note that all attendees will need to register prior to the event, and My Vaccine Pass and masks will be required under CPF Red guidelines.
If you would like to know more information about this event, or the Whānau Group, please contact Mrs Merita Levave merita.levave@whitbycollegiate.school.nz.
Nau mai, haere mai, afio mai whānau mā.
ARTS & CULTURE UPDATE
Junior Certificate Debating
Whitby Collegiate Junior Certificate Debating Team debated against Paraparaumu College via Google Meet on Wednesday. The team in the Wellington Speaking Union Junior Certificate competition comprised Year 9 students George L, Lachlan D and Emma E. This was their first time participating in a Junior Certificate debate. Evie H, who is also in the team stepped in to chair the debate and time the speeches. This was a prepared debate.
Our team affirmed the moot: Advertising aimed at children should be banned.
Hudson W, Year 12, adjudicated the debate.
Although they lost, all three of our debaters can feel proud of how they acquitted themselves in their first outing. George was our first speaker. He acquitted himself well, speaking clearly, with an unhurried delivery. Lachlan gave a controlled speech and did not let on how nervous he was. Emma was convincing in her emphatic delivery. These 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. Their next debate is on Wednesday 23 March.
Sonia Visser
Coach
Sports Update
Netball 2022
Preseason begins this weekend, with the first of our two sessions being held in the school gym 9.30am until 12pm on Saturday 5 March. The cost is $15 per student, which will be disbursed to school accounts. The session will cover rules, umpiring, skills and whanaungatanga. please wear school PE uniform and bring a drink bottle. Here's to a great season!
For all sports information, latest draws & results, sport clubs and registrations please click on the appropriate link below.
We are currently at Covid-19 CPF Red, please remember:
NO SPECTATORS/PARENTS allowed (only managers and coaches allowed). This includes children.
VACCINE PASSPORTS required from all players over 12 years of age competing in College Sport Wellington events.
Contract tracing is compulsory at venues.
Warmups should be completed outside the venue before entering.
Please use a Face mask/covering when if you are not actively playing.
Please sanitise when entering and leaving the venues.
Please cough/sneeze into your elbow.
Stay home if you feel unwell.
Teams must leave venues as soon as their game finishes.
Stay Safe Whitby Collegiate families
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
Equestrian
Summer B
Equestrian rider Summer (7NT) took part in a Dressage Wellington competition last weekend in Levin. She achieved a first in her class and was awarded the Champion Introductory Rider and Champion Young Rider (under 17 year) ribbons. Summer and her horse “Walking on Sunshine” take part in dressage and showing events at various locations around the lower North Island and recently Summer has been selected to be in a junior team representing the Hutt Valley in the upcoming regional Palmers Plimmerton Dressage Competitions.
Equestrian - Charlie S
Year 7 student Charlie S competed in the Central Districts Kiwi Arena Rakes Premier League Champions in February, a qualifying show for Horse of the Year and Nationals, where she came away with second place in Level 1 and Level 2. An outstanding achievement, well done Charlie!
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 and sporting results to the Sports Coordinator, sally.rose@whitbycollegiate.school.nz
