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 the end of the year rapidly approaches, the energy and enthusiasm of our students in various activities continue to impress us. We're proud to witness their dedication and involvement across numerous pursuits. Senior exams are steadily drawing to a close, and it's been incredibly heartening to witness the positive mindset and confidence displayed by our students during this pivotal phase of the academic year. Their determination and resilience, particularly with the NZQA digital issues and a fire alarm, are a testament to their attitude and commitment to excellence.
Our Year 10 cohort has successfully completed their internal exams this week. This milestone is more than just a series of tests; it serves as a crucial precursor for their academic journey ahead and provides an insightful gauge of their progress to date.
Once again we welcomed a large number of parents to the final parent teacher interviews for the year and these evenings are an important way to connect with our parents. We have also been very grateful for the support of the parents of the junior student organising committee who have shared the Dewali celebration this week with the wider school. The food was amazing and the performance presentations by the students were vibrant and great fun. Thank you to all of those involved that contribute to the richness of our school community.
This week was also marked by the continuation of a very busy sport calendar with our young athletes competing at the Parumoana Athletics Championships and we congratulate Camille Zhou on taking out the 1500m title and our 4 x 100m relay team of Eve Levave, Olivia Lu, Keira Weepu and Zaria Phelps who won the gold medal for this event. Special mention of our Tennis players who competed at the CSW Junior Championships, Eleanor Parker and Emily de Munnik with Emily winning her way through to the quarter finals but coming up against the top seed, a nationally ranked player, a fantastic effort. Our Volleyball teams will be competing at the North Island Secondary School satellite event next week and looking forward to building on their strong performances at the recent regional tournament.
Interhouse Debating is reaching the culmination of the competition with two excellent debates this week with Resolution and Discovery taking out the win for the moot "Young people today have it easy". The finals are being held next week and many thanks to the senior students Ruby Scott, Sam Cribb and Jade Lin for taking time out of their exam preparation to adjudicate the debates and Mr Atkinson for all his organisation of the event.
Education outside the classroom has also been an important part of student experiences with the Year 7 classes heading to the Wellington Zoo this week. I was thrilled with the feedback from the staff who fielded numerous positive comments from members of the public about the respectful and polite behaviour of our students. Well done to the Year 7 group for exemplifying the values that are so important to us here at Whitby Collegiate.
Next week promises to be even busier and we look forward to the wide ranging number of activities that our students are involved in.
Wishing everyone a happy and safe weekend.
Warm regards,
Shelley Addison
Executive Principal
Deputies’ Updates
From the Deputy Principal (Academics)
Kia ora e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,
Students have completed the majority of our NCEA examinations for 2023, with all Level 1 examinations finished, and only some Level 2 and 3, and Scholarship sessions to go. All senior students will have finished by Wednesday 29 November; the last examination being Level 3 Music Studies. Once again I have been impressed with the maturity and dedication with which our Whitby Collegiate students have approached their examinations. Resilience was tested with a number of small hiccups from NZQA, and our students have persevered admirably.
I look forward to seeing everyone all together again at Prize Giving and the Final Assembly, when we will recognise excellence and diligence shown this year. In the meantime, I encourage students to check their Internal Assessment results are loaded correctly with NZQA, and take some much deserved time off before checking their final NCEA results in January.
Subject Selection for Year 10 2024 options
For the 2024 academic year, Whitby Collegiate will be looking at implementing option subjects for those students in Year 10. At this stage, we want expressions of interest in particular option subjects from those students currently in Year 9; once selections are finalised then we will look at the viability of introducing Year 10 options. This will be based on clashes, number of students selecting each class, and staffing.
Parents and caregivers should discuss with their Year 9 child the potential options they would like to take next year. Once a decision has been made, option selection can be made via the student OR parent KAMAR portal, under Course Selection.
Compulsory subjects in Year 10 will continue to be: English, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, Physical Education and Health, and Religious Education. Students will need to select TWO option subjects and TWO alternate choices, from: Spanish, Performing Arts, Digital Technology, Music, Visual Arts, Design and Visual Communication, and Te reo Māori.
Please note that ALL Year 9 students are expected to complete their selection before Thursday 23 November. Students are encouraged to speak directly with any subject teachers if they would like to learn more about those subjects at Year 10 level.
Please let me know if there are any questions.
Ngā mihi,
Debbie Mitchell
debbie.mitchell@whitbycollegiate.school.nz
From the Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Wellbeing)
Happy Diwali to our parents, students and families of Whitby Collegiate,
Today, we had the honour of celebrating Diwali for the first time at Whitby Collegiate, and it was truly a spectacular event that showcased the richness of our Indian cultural diversity.
Our Diwali organising committee, led by Anvi, Aanya, Mehar, Kaavya, Ishaan, Ayush, Hannah, Anya and Siddesh, did an outstanding job in planning and executing a fun celebration. Their dedication and enthusiasm were evident in every aspect of the event, from their amazing performance, and promoting Indian culture to organising delightful food stalls, mesmerising Henna designs, and vibrant Rangoli displays. The school atmosphere was transformed into a lively and culturally rich space, thanks to their hard work and creativity.
I want to express my gratitude to the entire committee for their exceptional leadership and for bringing the spirit of Diwali to our school. Their efforts really enhanced our collective understanding and appreciation for the diverse backgrounds represented within our school community. Special thanks must also go to our parents who attended today’s Diwali performance and helped with the food stalls.
I also want to extend my appreciation to all the students at Whitby Collegiate for embracing the cultural festivities with open hearts and minds. It was heartening to see the genuine enthusiasm and respect for the Diwali celebrations, which reflects the inclusive and welcoming spirit that defines our school.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the possibility of introducing a House Bollywood competition as part of our Diwali celebrations next year. This promises to be another fantastic opportunity for our students to showcase their talents, creativity, and appreciation for the vibrant culture of Bollywood.
Once again, thank you to everyone who contributed to making our Diwali celebration a resounding success. Your support and participation are vital in creating a school environment that truly values and celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures within Whitby Collegiate.
Have a safe and happy weekend.
Ainslie Sauvao
Upcoming Events
Term 4 Activities/Events (Week 7)
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 | NCEA EXAMS | DATE |
| WCPA Meeting | L3 Psychology L3 Economics Schol Chemistry |
Monday 20 November |
| NISS Junior Volleyball Championships NISS Junior Satellite Tournament |
Tuesday 21 November | |
| Y7 Beach Education Day Junior House Debating NISS Junior Volleyball Championships NISS Junior Satellite Tournament |
L3 English L2 Economics |
Wednesday 22 November |
| NISS Junior Volleyball Championships NISS Junior Satellite Tournament |
L2 Biology L3 Geography |
Thursday 23 November |
| NISS Junior Volleyball Championships | Friday 24 November | |
| Community Market Day | Saturday 25 November |
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
Ruby Taylor
Dance
Year 7 student, Ruby Taylor, has auditioned and was accepted for the EnPoint Dance Academy Advance Program. The program is designed to provide students with both classical and contemporary training to assist them in entering their professional training and having an excellent level in both genres. This comprehensive program is intended to prepare young dancers for future success by providing the necessary skills, strengths and confidence as they prepare to enter professional training.
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
