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,
Welcome back to the final term of the year. It's fantastic to see all our students back, recharged and ready for the challenges this term holds. We hope you had a wonderful holiday break and are geared up for the last leg of this academic year.
Our seniors who are now in their final stages of preparation for their external exams and our academic team are working hard to ensure that all students are on track. Of particular note this week has been the completion of the senior art portfolios. To see the finished work of the students after a long process throughout the year is nothing short of inspiring. A big thank you to Ms Keilty for all her work with the students on getting them to this point.
In assembly this week we have recognised the student achievements across a range of subjects, particularly in Spanish, Science and the ICAS, Kiwi competition and Australian Maths competition awards. The range of opportunities for students to extend themselves in their academic studies is exceptional and many thanks to all the staff who are so committed to ensuring students can reach their potential.
One of the standout moments these past holidays was undoubtedly the Softball team's adventures in Japan. Hearing their stories of cultural immersion and sporting opportunities in a professional environment has been a real highlight for all of us. This once-in-a-lifetime trip not only provided unforgettable experiences but also valuable life lessons that will stay with the team members forever. We are immensely proud of their achievements and the way they represented our school on the international stage. A very big thank you to Mrs Sally Rose who's organisation of this extensive tour was outstanding.
We look forward to another very busy sports term, particularly for the junior school, and many many opportunities to participate and be involved in the wider activities on offer. The chance to be active is a great way to enhance student wellbeing and I am pleased to see the number of students who are also volunteering their skills to help with officiating at events and providing support to the teams involved.
On behalf of the Whitby Collegiate Foundation, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our community to the Gala Dinner being held at the Hotel InterContinental on Saturday 28 October. It promises to be a night of celebration, fun, and inspiration, especially from our special guests Karin Burger, current Silver Fern, and former All Blacks Piri Weepu and Tamati Ellison. The evening will be MC'd by comedian Tofiga Fepulea'i who will bring his very special humour to the event. Many thanks to parent members of the Foundation who have been working tirelessly to make this an outstanding night.
Finally, I want to extend our thoughts and prayers to Danielle and Andrew Leslie, longstanding members of our parent community and supporters of the school as Andrew recovers from major surgery over the coming months.
Ngā mihi nui,
Shelley Addison
Executive Principal
Deputies’ Updates
From the Deputy Principal (Academics)
Kia ora e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,
As we begin the final term of the academic year, there are quite a few upcoming events up for our Years 10 - 13 students.
I will be holding a second NCEA information evening on Tuesday 24 October at 6pm in the Pavilion. This session is specifically targeted at parents and caregivers of our Year 10 students who will be working towards their NCEA Level 1 next year. The national dates for the Common Assessment Activities (CAAs) for the new Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy co-requisites is Week 4 this term. Our students will be sitting their assessments on Monday 30, Tuesday 31 October, and Thursday 2 November. Year 10 students may be sitting none, some, or all of these CAAs during this week. There will be two more opportunities to sit the CAAs in 2024 should students not achieve this year. Next week more information regarding the LitNum CAAs will be shared with parents / caregivers of Year 10 students. Year 10 students will soon be receiving more information about their end-of-year examinations conducted in some subjects. These are school-based examinations, and test the understanding of concepts covered over the course of Year 10.
The last order for Learnwell AME revision workbooks for Level 1-3 and Scholarship subjects will be made next Friday 20 October, to allow enough time for delivery before seniors leave on study break. Parents / caregivers must pay directly with a credit card when ordering via this order form. Level 1 and 2 books are $20, Level 3 books are $21, and Scholarship books are $24. See the range via the Learnwell website.
Senior Art, and Design and Visual Communication portfolios are due for submission next week, and I have been very impressed with the folios I have seen so far. L1-3 Digital Technology students will be completing their Common Assessment Task (DCAT) external examination next Thursday and Friday. Additionally, senior students will have their examination briefing with the Exam Centre Manager next Friday 20 October. A very busy start to Term 4 before NCEA examinations begin in November. The full NCEA examination timetable is here.
If you have any questions about NCEA, assessment, or achievement, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Ngā mihi,
Debbie Mitchell
debbie.mitchell@whitbycollegiate.school.nz
Upcoming Events
Term 4 Activities/Events (Week 2)
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 |
| L1-3 Art Portfolios Due WCPA Meeting |
Monday 16 October |
| CSW Junior Volleyball matches start | Wednesday 18 October |
| L1 DCAT NZ ShakeOut |
Thursday 19 October |
| L1-3 DVC Portfolios Due L2 DCAT L3 DCAT Exam Briefing |
Friday 13 October |
The Whitby Collegiate Foundation warmly invites you, your colleagues, friends and whānau to our Gala Dinner on Saturday 28 October 2023, from 6:30pm at the Hotel InterContinental Wellington. The dress code is formal.
Please join us for an evening of sport, celebration and fun on the eve of the Rugby World Cup final. Indulge in a sumptuous three-course meal and be entertained by guest speaker and Silver Fern world champion Karin Burger, stand-up comedian Tofiga Fepulea'i, special guests and our talented students. We are also thrilled to announce a special All Blacks panel discussion featuring rugby legends Piri Weepu and Tamati Ellison. Gain unique insights into the world of rugby from these esteemed players, as they share their experiences, stories, and perspectives on the sport.
The evening also includes a fundraising auction. Funds raised will facilitate the inclusion of a diverse array of students at our school, encompassing those seeking academic, excellence, sport and cultural scholarships, enhancing the richness and diversity of our community.
Join us as we bring together our community, celebrate the occasion of the Rugby World Cup, and fundraise for scholarships.
Tickets are $185 each. If you prefer, you can book a table for ten for $1,850.
You may also know businesses in your network who would like to support the fundraiser through sponsorship of the event - of a table, or an auction prize. If so, please let us know at foundation@whitbycollegiate.school.nz.
School News
Young Navigators 2023
In the first week of the school holidays Lonasei Lolo (Year 11) and Aifili Patelesio (Year 12) were very fortunate to represent Whitby Collegiate at the Young Navigators 2023.
They travelled to Auckland along with 21 other Pasifika students from around the country to begin their three day journey of innovation, team building and business.
Young Navigators is about experiencing business at a fast pace, competing in a business challenge, and meeting other YES (Young Enterprise) students with a passion for enterprise. Together they embarked on a journey of connection, and leadership to tackle a real-world business challenge, all while having a blast collaborating with innovative young leaders, Alumni and business mentors.
"The experience was very rewarding, and I learnt so much from the company hosts and business advisers, helping us navigate through the business challenge. It was fun making new friends and I feel more confident on delivering a business pitch." - Lonasei Lolo
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.
STALLHOLDERS
If you, your student, a friend, neighbour or family member would like to have a stall, please apply here. Stall bookings are limited, so please get your application in early.
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
*We had a glitch with our email address which has now been fixed, we apologise if you had problems getting in touch with our team over the school holidays.
Sports Update
U15 Women’s Softball World Cup
Best of luck to our students that flew to Japan yesterday to compete in the inaugural U15 Women’s Softball World Cup. Bella Coxson, Kim Aurupa, Georja Keall and Safira Schultz will be competing in the New Zealand Developing Sox Team at the Tokyo based event from 21-29 October.
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
Gabriel Anthony
Speech & Drama
Gabriel Anthony (7AH) was awarded a Distinction in his Trinity College Speech & Drama (Grade 3) examinations this week. Very proud of how hard to prepare for the examinations and this excellent achievement.
Amber Sceats
Equestrian
Amber Sceats recently competed in two equestrian events in her pony Master High Voltage.
The first was North Island Pony Club Show Hunter Champs with 20 teams competing. Amber placed well throughout the two day competition with her team finishing 4th overall.
Amber also recently competed at the Central Districts show jumping, she placed 2nd in 70cm, 5th 80cm and 3rd 85cm. Competition was tight in the 85cm class
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
