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,
Such a celebration on Saturday night at the Whitby Collegiate Foundation Gala Dinner. We were so blessed to have such a large number of family, friends and supporters of the school at the event to enjoy an evening of acknowledgement of the achievements of the school and to support the Foundation’s commitment to some of our families who may be facing some adversity at this time through the bursary programme.
We had a large number of special guests including the Chair of the Proprietor’s Board, John Fiso and Board member Tony Hanning, the incoming Deputy Prime Minister Nicola Willis, along with MP for Hutt South Chris Bishop and MP for Mana Barbara Edmonds. We were also fortunate to have the Mayor and Deputy Mayor from Porirua City, Anita Baker and Kylie Wihapi, and councillor Tracey Johnson lending their support to this occasion.
Our guest speakers provided wonderful messages and we heard Silver Fern Karin Burger and her journey and the connections she has with the school along with our "off the bench" panel, All Blacks alumni Piri Weepu and Tamati Ellison who again provided insightful comments from their experiences with relevance to our young people.
A very big thank you to the parents on the Foundation Board for all their hard work to get this event together and to all of our stakeholders thank you for your ongoing support of the school.
As we rapidly head towards the end of the year, it has been great to see the large number of senior students approaching the upcoming exams with real focus and taking advantage of the additional support being provided by the teachers. Year 10 students have completed the Literacy and Numeracy tests this week which are a very important precursor to the requirements for them gaining NCEA in the future.
Junior sport has been extremely busy also, with the teams doing well at all the events they have participated in including the 3x3 Basketball Tournament and the CSW Junior Volleyball Tournament. We have Touch, Ki O Rahi, and Golf next week, and on Sunday night we will be celebrating with Lonasei Lolo who has been named as a finalist in the College Sport Wellington Sportsperson of the Year Awards for Golf.
Next week we also welcome our parents into the school at the upcoming Year 9/10 Parent-Teacher Interviews and I look forward to seeing as many people there as possible.
Wishing you all a very restful and happy weekend.
Warm regards,
Shelley Addison
Executive Principal
Deputies’ Updates
From the Deputy Principal (Academics)
Kia ora e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,
This week we held the Common Assessment Activities (CAA) for most of the Year 10 cohort. Students completed separate assessments for Literacy: Reading, Literacy: Writing, and Numeracy. I couldn’t be more proud of the way our students conducted themselves, especially in the face of technical difficulties from the NZQA side of the programme used to manage the assessments. Our students really exhibited the school values of Excellence, Respect, and Resilience. Results will be published in January 2024, via NZQA accounts, the same as the Levels 1-3 results for senior students. Further opportunities at these CAA will be provided next year.
Thank you to those parents and caregivers who were able to attend the Y10 NCEA Information session last week. Here is the presentation for reference, and for anyone who was unable to attend. There will be an NCEA Information session again at the beginning of 2024.
Last week we farewelled our Y11-13 students at the final assembly, and we now look forward to NCEA examinations beginning next week. Preparation is in full swing as regular classes for our senior students swapped out for tutorials. Teachers have been very impressed with the way our students have approached the tutorials, being prepared with questions and requirements for specific guidance. Students coming to school for tutorials or to study must remember to sign in and out at the school office, using the tablet.
From Monday 6 November, if students are only coming to school for NCEA examination sessions, they do not need to sign in at the office. Students will meet in Room 7 before the examination sessions and wait to be escorted down to the Pavilion. Bags can be left, tidily, at the back of Room 7. Students will only take only their examination supplies and their emergency pack (to be stored under their desk during the examination).
If students lose their Admission Slip (required for all examination sessions) then they can print a new slip using their NZQA login, and ask either me to sign the copy. Corrected Admission Slips, with examination sessions appearing in chronological order, are available from Mrs Taylor in the office if they are still to be collected.
With digital examinations for English, History, Spanish, and Chinese as part of the NCEA examinations that start next week, here are some important reminders for students:
Practice logging in with your NZQA login www.nzqa.govt.nz/login. Memorise your login username and password. If you have any issues logging in, sort these now by calling the NZQA Helpdesk on 0800 697 296.
Bring your fully charged, compatible device
Be ready at school 30 minutes before the exam starts (9am and 1.30pm)
Check your headphones are compatible with your device for language exams - bluetooth earbuds/headphones are okay
Make sure you have your target language (e.g. Spanish) installed on your computer
Turn off all notifications on your devices
Turn off your screen saver
Turn off your standby/sleep mode
Go full screen when you open up your browser
Only have one tab open
If students open a standard in the digital examination to read the question and decide not to answer, assuming they type nothing, this will be considered 'blank' and they will get a "standard not assessed" (SNA). This standard will be removed from their Record of Learning. This is the same process if the student leaves a paper completely blank (absolutely no writing) in written examinations.
For extra information about digital examinations see here.
Students need to read and understand the Candidate Information Sheet, bring their Admission Slip to every examination, and to ask if they have any questions.
If a student will be absent from their examination session for any reason, they need to let the school know as soon as possible by calling 04 234 1070. If they need to apply for a Derived Grade due to illness, bereavement or some other reason, please contact me as soon as possible. Find the Application Form for a Derived Grade here.
Here is the live timetable for tutorials held by subject teachers, which students are encouraged to attend. Only students, using their Whitby Collegiate account, can access the tutorial document.
All the best to students with their revision and examinations.
Ngā mihi,
Debbie Mitchell
debbie.mitchell@whitbycollegiate.school.nz
From the Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Wellbeing)
Tālofa lava, Mālō e lelei, Ni Hao, Namaste, Kia orāna,Tāloha ni, Kia Ora e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,
I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful occasion our school community experienced last weekend at the Foundation Gala Dinner. It was a great opportunity to continue strengthening the partnership between school, families and the wider community.
I wish to thank our Foundation committee, with special mention to Mr Tim Green, who led the committee with unwavering dedication. The committee’s hard work and tireless efforts were instrumental in making this event a huge success. Thank you also to our Chairman of the Proprietor's Board, Mr Fiso whose vision and commitment to education and our Whitby Collegiate community has paved the way for our school's success.
During the evening, it was a joy to witness the incredible musical talent and cultural performances showcased by our very own students. Their performances were a testament to their hard work, and dedication to the arts. It was a proud moment for all of us. Photos by Mark Tantrum Photography.
Staff enjoyed catching up with parents and supporters and we thank you all for your continued support. We look forward to more opportunities to come together as a community, to celebrate our students’ achievements, and to work hand in hand for the betterment of our school and our students.
Yesterday, our junior touch rugby players had the privilege of having Keelan Whitman, a Wellington Lions representative rugby player, help them with their ball skills. The students not only enjoyed the opportunity but also relished the chance to learn from and play alongside a rugby representative of high calibre. Keelan’s skills session left a lasting impression on our junior students, instilling in them both valuable skills and a sense of inspiration. This interaction serves as a reminder of the positive impact that role models and experienced athletes can have on the development of our students, not only in terms of sportsmanship but also in building a strong sense of aspiration and achievement.
We extend our sincere thanks to Keelan Whitman for taking the time to contribute to the growth and development of our junior rugby players, and we look forward to further opportunities for such enriching experiences in the future.
Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Fa’afetai tele lava ma ia manuia.
Ainslie Sauvao
Upcoming Events
Term 4 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 | NCEA EXAMS | DATE |
| NCEA Exams Start | Schol Calculus L3 Spanish |
Monday 6 November |
| L1 Geography L2 Spanish L3 Statistics |
Tuesday 7 November | |
| CSW Jnr Golf Championships (YR 9 & 10) CSW Jnr Ki O Rahi Tournament Y9/10 Parent Teacher Interviews |
L2 Maths L1 Music L3 History |
Wednesday 8 November |
| L1 Maths L3 Chem Schol Statistics |
Thursday 9 November | |
| L1 English Schol Physics L2 Music |
Friday 10 November |
School News
Year 7 and 8 Beach Education Days
As part of our school curriculum, students will be attending a Beach Education day. This event will be hosted by Surf Lifesaving NZ (SLSNZ) staff at Titahi Bay Surf Lifesaving Club on Wednesday 22 November. The Beach Education course is designed to provide practical water skills in a real beach setting. It teaches young people how to be beach safe, using materials that align with the New Zealand Curriculum and Water Skills for Life.
These trips all contain risks associated with swimming, activity in a beach environment, exposure to the elements, extreme weather conditions, travel in a vehicle and the discomfort and anxiety caused by participation in a challenging activity. If you wish to see the safety plan or have questions about the trip, please contact merita.levave@whitbycollegiate.school.nz.
As part of the safety management plan, SLSNZ requires a minimum of 1 adult to every 5 students throughout the day. We would love for whānau to join us to make this event happen. Adults are expected to participate in both water and beach activities. It is essential that adults bring their togs (wetsuits optional) and are prepared to be in the water up to their waists. If you can help to provide supervision on the day, please indicate this on the form linked below.
Please complete the online trip form by Wednesday 15 November.
Year 7 Form
Year 8 Form
YUMMY Fruit Stickers
Bring in those YUMMY fruit stickers to earn new sports gear for our school. YUMMY fruit stickers help us purchase sports equipment for students to play with at lunch times. Please bring your stickers, or cut out labels from the big bags of apples into the school office!
YUMMY fruit can be purchased from New World, 4 Square, Pak n Save, your local fruit retailer and Fruit World. Apples: Genesis, Lemonade, Granny Smith, Ambrosia, Sweet Tango, Mariri Red, NZ Rose, Red Delicious, Royal Gala, Smitten, Ballarat, Braeburn and Fuji. Stone Fruit: Nectarines and Peaches.
Community Market Day - Saturday 25 November
Whitby Collegiate will be hosting our inaugural Community Market Day at school on Saturday 25 November 2023 to help fundraise for school scholarships. We would appreciate your family’s support to realise our vision.
What do we need from you, our school community?
RAFFLE PRIZES
We are collecting prizes for quick fire raffles at the Community Market Day. If you or your business would like to contribute an item or two, your donation can be dropped off at the Whitby Collegiate school office. Your donation could be cans, bottles, toiletries or any other non-perishable grocery items.
DONATIONS
We are accepting anything from books, clothing, homeware and other items suitable for resale. To arrange drop off or pickup of your donations, please email events@whitbycollegiate.school.nz or phone Nadine on 021 969 618.
SCHOOL UNIFORM ITEMS
As part of the Community Market Day, the team would like to include a second hand uniform stall. If you have any Whitby Collegiate school uniform items to donate, they will be gratefully received.
We thank you for your on-going support for the Whitby Collegiate Community Market Day, to be held on Saturday 25 November, 10am to 3pm.
For further information email events@whitbycollegiate.school.nz
Whakataukī o te wiki
proverb of the week
He manga wai koia, kia kore e whitikia?
Is it a river that cannot be crossed?
This whakataukī talks about encouraging us to persevere, because most obstacles can eventually be overcome. Remain staunch, set your sights high and dive in!
Sports Update
Term 4 Sports Dates
Basketball 3x3 Slam Tournament
Some great results for our junior basketball players who competed in the CSW 3x3 Slam Tournament at Walter Nash Sports Centre this week. Congratulations to our Whitby Collegiate girls team that finished in 2nd place in the Division 1 competition and our boys who placed 3rd in the Open Division.
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
CSW Sportsperson of the Year Awards Finalist
Congratulations to Lonasei Lolo who has been named as a College Sport Wellington Sportsperson of the Year Awards finalist for her achievements in golf.
Ella Reuelu
Toloa Scholarship
Ella was awarded a Toloa Scholarship earlier this year and also completed the Le Va Niu Wave wellbeing programme. These scholarships are run by the Ministry of Pacific Peoples. Outstanding achievement Ella!
Ella Mackay
Equestrian
Ella Mackay is competing in her last eventing season on her pony Forest before heading off to university next year. Ella came 3rd in the over 18 NZPCA 65 class at the Flaxmere ODE in the Hawkes Bay over the weekend. There were 22 riders in the class, with Ella being the youngest. Outstanding Ella!
Olivia Lu Golf
Olivia Lu competed as a member of the Wellington team at the Booth Shield New Zealand Junior Interprovincial Golf Championship in Te Awamutu over the Labour Weekend. Olivia’s team won both the Webber Shield and the Booth Shield.
Booth Shield is a 62 year old event and this is the 1st time Wellington has won since 1983. Congratulations to Olivia and her Wellington golf team!
Amber Sceats
Equestrian
Amber recently competed at the Wairarapa A&P show on her pony Master High Voltage. They had a very successful weekend placing 2nd 80cm and 4th 90cm.
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
