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,
What a great way to wrap up a busy week watching our Year 7 students showcasing their scientific prowess as they launched their rockets across the school field. The enthusiasm, creativity and innovation displayed was inspiring particularly the design and execution of their rockets.
We find ourselves on the brink of bidding farewell to our senior students and next week marks a significant moment as they embark on their external exams, a culmination of the year’s hard work. There will be a tutorial schedule made available to all students so that they can access the support that their teachers will continue to provide.
We are also embarking on a very busy term four sports programme with a large number of activities available for the junior school and again we appreciate all the invaluable support by parents who lend their expertise in coaching our teams.
Whitby Collegiate also looks forward to welcoming the Proprietor’s Board to the school next week as important planning occurs for the upcoming 2024 year.
Finally, we again extend a very warm welcome to everyone to the Foundation Gala Dinner next Saturday night and I want to pay special tribute to Tim Green and his team of parents who have been working so tirelessly on this wonderful event. It will certainly be a celebratory night and we look forward to seeing as many of our community there as possible.
Wishing everyone a very safe and happy break over the long weekend.
Warm regards,
Shelley Addison
Executive Principal
Deputies’ Updates
From the Deputy Principal (Academics)
Kia ora e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,
It is hard to believe that next week we will farewell our Senior Students as they begin their study leave from Monday 30 October. NCEA examinations begin on Monday 6 November with Scholarship Calculus.
NCEA Examinations
Today our Exam Centre Manager Mrs Helen Moran visited the school to meet the examination candidates to assist me to give students their NCEA exam briefing. Students had a rundown of what to expect from the exams and how to abide by the NZQA guidelines, and were given the NCEA Candidate Information Sheet with rules and instructions for the exams. Students must notify the school if they are running late for an exam - they cannot enter the exam room more than 30 minutes late and no extra time will be given. If a student is unable to take an exam for an acceptable reason (a serious illness / injury / bereavement etc), then they may be eligible to apply for a Derived Grade and should contact me immediately. More information about the Derived Grade application process can be found here. Application forms for Derived Grades can be found on the NZQA website, at the school office, and on our website.
As the NCEA examinations are very similar to how we run our school exams, our students should be prepared. The biggest change is that all students will need to bring their NCEA admission slip with them to all exams. Students must have their Admission Slip for each exam. Admission slips, another copy of the examination timetable, and Candidate Information sheets have been issued to all students who were present at the exam briefing today; all students who were absent on that day or who were sitting the DCAT will have an exam briefing with me next week. If a student loses or defaces this admission slip they must see me for a replacement which I will authenticate prior to the start of the exam. Additionally, all Scholarship students must have a photo ID for their examinations.
Next week, all senior students will be emailed, as well as parents/caregivers, a copy of the tutorial timetable, set up by teachers, so that students are able to come into school and get extra help in the lead up to their exams. This is a live document, with tutorials constantly being added, so please encourage students to check their emails for access to this timetable. Students are reminded that, for health and safety reasons, when coming into school they need to sign in at the school office, and they are expected to be wearing their full school uniform. Students are able to use Room 7 for quiet, focussed study.
For extra information about the NCEA examinations, including the digital exams for English, History, Spanish, and Chinese, please visit nzqa.govt.nz/ncea/ncea. For the digital language examinations, students must bring headphones. Once again a reminder about the information on NCEA student exam hub with exam tips, reminders about digital devices, and links to other resources. Other useful resources include studyit.govt.nz and studytime.co.nz.
Year 10 - Changes to NCEA and LitNum Assessments
As indicated in last week’s newsletter, and on the calendar, I will be hosting an Information Session for parents and caregivers of Year 10 students. This will be held in the Ioane Fiso Pavilion at 6pm next Tuesday 24 October. The presentation will be very similar to that which was held at the beginning of the year, with an emphasis on what next year’s Year 11 cohort can expect for NCEA. I will also be able to give more information about the upcoming Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessment Activities (CAAs) that a lot of our Year 10 students will be sitting in Week 4 this term. Additionally, an information letter will be sent out to Y10 students and their parents before Tuesday 24 October, so if you are unable to attend there will be information available.
If you have any questions about the examinations, subject selection for 2024, or how your child is tracking with their credits for this year, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Ngā mihi,
Debbie Mitchell
debbie.mitchell@whitbycollegiate.school.nz
From the Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Wellbeing)
Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Whitby Collegiate,
Amongst the busyness of preparing for end of year events, it was an honour to host one of my former students who came to speak to my Year 7 Science class about his Ph.D. thesis on Artificial Intelligence. Our students relished the opportunity in gaining insights from someone who has pursued their passion and achieved a high level of education in the field. As part of Taran’s presentation, he showed our students the real-world applications of Artificial Intelligence as a great way to foster their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. It's a testament to the importance of mentorship and role models and I am grateful to Taran for taking the time to share with our students his expertise and inspirational journey. Taran has also agreed to assist and mentor our juniors with science projects on Artificial Intelligence in the future.
“It was absolutely lovely presenting to the diligent junior students of Whitby Collegiate. I was incredibly impressed by both their achievements and the numerous engaging questions that were asked. It’s awesome to see that the future of New Zealand science is in very capable hands!” Taran John (Ph.D student, Victoria University)
As part of the planning for the end of year activities, our Junior House Captains are taking the initiative to organise House games for when the seniors leave. Having strong senior student leaders has made a significant impact on our junior students, and the fact that the juniors have organised something special for our next school assembly to express their appreciation for the work our prefects have done is a testament to the strong bonds and respect they have for their student leaders.
During our recent school assembly, I spoke to students about uniform expectations. Wearing a school uniform with pride and respect is not just about appearance; it's a reflection of the values and standards of our school. It fosters a positive and inclusive learning environment, instills discipline, and prepares students for future success. Thank you for supporting our school’s uniform requirements and expectations.
I must admit that I will be sad to farewell such an extraordinary group of Year 13 student leaders who have made a positive impact on our school community. Exceptional student leaders can leave a lasting legacy and create a supportive and positive atmosphere around the school and that is exactly what our student leaders have achieved.
While it's natural to feel a sense of loss when these leaders move on, it is also important to remember that they are taking with them valuable experiences and skills they acquired during their time as leaders. Our hope is that they carry these leadership qualities into their future endeavors, further contributing positively to society.
As one chapter ends, a new one begins, and the departing student leaders leave behind a legacy that can inspire the next generation of leaders within our school. I leave with you a verse that was shared by our Deputy Head Prefect Albertus Viljoen during one of our assemblies this year. Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Kia kaha, kia toa, kia manawanui.
Ainslie Sauvao
Upcoming Events
Term 4 Activities/Events (Week 3)
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 |
| Labour Day | Monday 23 October |
| CSW Junior Touch Rugby starts | Tuesday 24 October |
| L3 Bio Zoo trip | Wednesday 25 October |
| EPro8 Year 7-8 | Thursday 26 October |
| Last day for Y11-13 students | Friday 27 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
Year 7 students preparing their rocket launches during Ms Sauvao’s Science class
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
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
Anvi Sankrit - Badminton
Congratulations to Anvi for her outstanding achievements in the world of badminton in the past month, which have been nothing short of remarkable.
Whanganui U15 Open Tournament (23/09/2023 - 24/09/2023): Winner of the U15 Girls' Single Classic Plate Event.
Wellington North Junior Championships (25/09/2023 - 27/09/2023): Participated in a fantastic local tournament with teams from Hut, Wellington Central, and Wellington North.
New Zealand U15 National Championships 2023, Hamilton (05/10/2023 - 08/10/2023): Competed against the top teams in New Zealand. Progressed in the main draw and had the honor of facing the top-ranking player representing NZ U15.
Lindsay Johnson Cup, Wellington (14/10/2023): Won all games, including doubles and mixed doubles. Helped her team, Wellington North, reclaim the trophy after several years.
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
Community Notices
