Word From Ms Addison
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,
It is very hard to know where to start after the huge amount of activity and engagements that our students have been involved in over the last weekend and this week.
We celebrated the achievements of our young scientists at the NIWA Science Fair Awards Ceremony held at Victoria University on Saturday and it was wonderful to share the occasion with them and their parents. At the same time, Whitby Collegiate had three teams competing at the Tournament of Minds, also at the university. This was an all-day competition testing the students in both a spontaneous and planned challenge with our teams winning first place overall in the Arts and the Social Sciences section. Congratulations to our Year 7/8 team who picked up a well-deserved Merit award. This means that the two winning teams have qualified for the national event being held in a couple of weeks.
Whitby Collegiate was also proud to host the Ministry of Education Science Roadshow, again another opportunity for students to engage in what Science as an educational discipline has to offer. This was an engaging and interactive session which our students thoroughly enjoyed.
Most winter sports have finished their seasons with the completion of the Winter Tournament Week and congratulations to our Netball teams with the Senior A, Senior B and Junior A teams all winning their final matches. Additionally, the Senior A team has been promoted to the Premier grade in 2024, which is an outstanding result.
Our Year 7/8 students who represented Whitby Collegiate at the AIMS Games embraced the experience, from the opening ceremony to competing at their very best in Futsal, Netball and Golf. Our Futsal team has improved on their experiences since last year with their first-ever wins in the competition, and our Netball team won their pool and finished 32nd out of 145 teams.
Lastly, but by no means least, our senior students have been diligently working towards their derived grade exams this week as the precursor to their final grades and external exams in Term 4. Our teachers will be working hard over the coming days to complete the marking of these exams and give any very important feedback to the students.
Wishing everyone a relaxing weekend.
Shelley Addison
Deputies’ Updates
From the Deputy Principal (Pastoral and Wellbeing)
Mālō e lelei, Tēnā koutou, Ni Hao, Namaste, Yassou, Kia orāna, Namaskara, Fakalofa lahi atu, Kamusta, Tāloha ni, Vannakkam, Shalom, Hej and Tālofa lava parents, caregivers and families,
As we approach the end of the term (just 2 weeks to go!), it is important to recognise the toll that a busy academic and extra-curricular schedule can take on students. During my wellbeing check-ins with students, I have reminded them to use their upcoming holidays wisely for rest, relaxation, and self-care. By promoting the wellbeing activities discussed and emphasising the importance of self-care during these next few weeks, students can return to the final term feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and better equipped to tackle their academic challenges. Balancing academic excellence with wellbeing is a valuable lesson that will serve our students well in the long run.
Last weekend, I had the pleasure of watching our students Aanya, Kaavya, Ishaan, Ayush and Siddesh perform in the Kathak & Bollywood Dance Production. Their vibrant performance not only entertained but also highlighted the beauty and depth of Indian culture. Well done to our students for their dedication and hours of hard work preparing for such a fantastic event.
My Year 7 Science class earned a well-deserved celebratory shared lunch this week. Recognising and rewarding students for their hard work and diligence reinforces a positive classroom culture and encourages students to continue working hard and contributing positively to their learning. A class shared lunch also promotes wellbeing providing a break from the daily academic routine and allows students to relax, de-stress, and recharge.
On the last day of term, our students and staff will be treated to our very first ‘Whitby’s Got Talent’ show. This event not only showcases the wonderful talents of our students but is a celebration of creativity, and self-expression. I would like to thank our Prefects, Madeline and Scarlet, for their efforts in organising this fantastic event. I am sure the show will be a resounding success, and the performances will leave a lasting impression on everyone in attendance.
Finally, may I take this opportunity to extend my thanks and appreciation to the following parents for their amazing support in coaching and taking care of our netball and futsal teams at the AIMS games this past week: Piri Weepu, Candice Russell, Cherie Phelps, Kim and Michael Rousell. Your time, expertise and care for our students all contribute to a more enjoyable overall school experience and I know how much they all appreciated it. Thank you also to our Sports Coordinator Sally Rose for her dedication and time in organising all the administrative work for the event.
As always, please feel free to contact any member of our pastoral team if you have any questions relating to pastoral care. I have appreciated the meetings I’ve had with parents this past week.
Go the All Blacks!!
Soifua ma ia manuia.
Ainslie Sauvao
Upcoming Events
Term 3 Activities/Events (Week 8)
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 MCAT 8LM Social Sciences Trip |
Tuesday 12 September |
| Y9 & 10 EPro8 Finals | Wednesday 13 September |
| Pasifika Families Fono, 6pm | Thursday 14 September |
| Onesie Day CSW Senior Volleyball Prem and Div 1 matches start |
Friday 15 September |
| Senior Ball | Saturday 16 September |
It is with pleasure that Whitby Collegiate formally invites you to the Whitby Collegiate Foundation Gala Dinner, an unforgettable evening, celebrating not just our achievements, but also the incredible journey we’ve embarked on over the last four years. Our story is one of resilience, commitment, and a shared vision for excellence.
The evening will be held at the Hotel InterContinental Wellington, on Saturday 28 October 2023, from 6:30pm. It includes a three-course meal, our incredible guest speaker; Karin Burger, Silver Fern Netball World Champion, Stand Up Comedian Tofiga Fepulea'i, special guests, entertainment from our talented students, engagement with our fabulous sponsors, and a fundraising auction.
A table of 10 seats is available for purchase at $1,850 or $185 per individual.
Join us, celebrate with us, and be a part of Whitby Collegiate’s continuing journey of excellence!
Year 11-13 Parent Teacher Interviews
Parent Teacher Interviews for students in Years 11 to 13 will be held on Wednesday 20 September at Whitby Collegiate. Appointments will each be 5 minutes long and will be available between 3pm and 7.30pm. We strongly advise that you include your son/daughter in the Parent Teacher Interview so they too can hear the feedback regarding their Derived Grade Examination results. Should you be unavailable for this evening, please remember that a summary of grades will be available on the Kamar Parent Portal at the beginning of the upcoming school holidays.
In addition to subject teachers, you are welcome to make an appointment to see Ms Ainslie Sauvao, Deputy Principal (Pastoral), Mrs Debbie Mitchell, Deputy Principal (Academics), or Mrs Briony Bradley, SENCo (Learning Support).
Interview bookings will open on Tuesday 12 September at 5pm and will close on Tuesday 19 September at 3pm.
BOOK ONLINE www.schoolinterviews.co.nz
Event Number: wdgef
School News
Tournament of the Minds
Last Saturday we had three teams represent our school at the Tournament of Minds (ToM) Wellington Regional competition at Victoria University.
ToM is a competition that encourages and fosters student cooperation where activities are performed in teams of seven students who are faced with challenges that build inclusivity, creativity and collegiality.
Teams choose one of the following four disciplines to compete against other schools in their division: Language Literature, the Arts, Social Sciences, and STEMM. On the day, teams had to present two challenges - the ‘long-challenge’ which they had five weeks to prepare for, and a ‘spontaneous challenge’ they were given on the day with only a few minutes to prepare.
Our intermediate team competed in STEMM discipline and they achieved an overall Merit placing. Our two senior teams competed in the Arts and Social Science disciplines, respectively, with both teams winning their divisions and earning a place at the National Final on 16 September. The Social Sciences team also won the ‘Spirit of the Tournament’ award.
Very well done to all the students who participated, and a big thank-you to the wonderful group of parents who were there on the day to provide support, and also those who helped in the weeks leading up to the competition!
Ms. Lindsay
Gifted and Talented Coordinator
NIWA Science Fair Awards
We were thrilled to congratulate some exceptional young minds on Saturday who shone at the NIWA Science Fair held at Victoria University!
Gabriel Anthony (1st in Class Winner)
Aanya Badiyani
Kaavya Badiyani
Asher Lim
Science Roadshow
On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of hosting the Science Roadshow and it was an incredible day filled with science enthusiasts! We were honoured to have special guests Anita Baker - Mayor of Porirua City and Barbara Edmonds MP visit us this morning, along with students from Holy Family and Adventure School join us for the day.
A huge shoutout and heartfelt thanks go to the amazing Science Roadshow team and a special mention to Mr Ray Vowles for his effort in organising this fantastic event.
whakatauki o te wiki
proverb of the week
Nōku te tūranga, nō koutou te mana
Mine is the position, yours is the prestige
This whakatauki acknowledges the elders and kaumātua in a leader’s community, who have contributed to their success.
Sports Update
It's been a busy few weeks for Whitby Collegiate sports teams as winter sports wind down and our winter tournament teams and AIMS teams headed off to compete.
Our AIMS Games teams had a great week competing in Tauranga, despite some horrible weather. Our netball team finished in 32nd place (144 teams participated), our futsal team finished in 25th place (38 teams participated) and Olivia Lu finished in 41st place (80 competitors) in the 18-hole Golf Tournament. Congratulations to all of our athletes and a big thank you to the coaches and managers that made competing at AIMS Games possible.
Summer Sport (Term 4) Registrations NOW OPEN
Summer sports registrations are now open and close on Monday 18 September so please have a look at what's on offer and register for Term 4 summer sport this weekend.
Please note that if you are a senior volleyball player (boys and girls) your first match will be on Friday 15 September. All other summer sports start in Term 4.
Return Winter Sports Uniforms
If you have not already returned your winter sports uniforms (and in some cases Term 1 summer sports uniforms), please do so next week. Uniforms not returned will be disbursed to the student’s school accounts.
Athlete Development Programme
The Athlete Development Programme runs termly and is designed to support athletes' personal goals, whether it be a personal best or a long term future in sport. Students will learn from expert coaches in an environment that grows confidence, strength and ability in their chosen sport.
The programme comprises 14 sessions over 7 weeks. Students attend 2 sessions per week. Sessions are held on Mondays and Wednesdays during lunch period.
For more information please read the full programme details here.
AIMS Games
Over 11,500 children from nearly 400 schools across New Zealand and the Pacific Islands participated in this year’s AIMS Games in Tauranga. On Sunday night our Netball and Futsal teams, along with 3,000 participants, had a great time at the Opening Ceremony hosted by Jono & Ben from The Hits.
Congratulations to the Whitby Collegiate futsal and netball teams for their outstanding performances at the Zespri AIMS Games 2023! Here's a summary of their achievements:
FUTSAL TEAM:
Dominated in the final match against Katikati College with a thrilling 3-1 win and had an electrifying 3-2 win over Levin Intermediate. Special thanks to the dedicated coach and manager, Mike & Kim Rousell, for their 2nd year of commitment to the AIMS futsal team.
NETBALL TEAM:
Remained unbeaten in all five pool games, and finished 32 out of 145 teams. Congratulations to the coaches and managers, Cherie Phelps, Piri Weepu, and Candice Russell for their outstanding work.
A big shoutout to Sports Director Sally Rose for her oversight and support for our teams and to all the supporters who made the trip up to cheer on our teams.
AIMS Games 18-Hole Golf Tournament
Congratulations to Olivia Lu who competed in the AIMS Games 18-hole Golf Tournament at Tauranga Golf Club this week. Olivia hit 91 on day 1 and 87 on day 2, and after 2 rounds placed 11th out of 22 girls in gross, 29th out of all 80 players in gross, Stableford 5th out of all players. Well done Olivia.
Netball Season Wrap Up
Our Senior A Netball team secured victory in their final over the weekend against Te Tai Temu, earning them a spot in next year's Premier Division. The Junior A team also won their final capping off a great season!
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
RYAN COLLINS &
CAMPBELL EGGLETON
RUGBY
Congratulations Ryan and Campbell after their under 55kg rugby team won the David Scott Cup as part of the College Sport Wellington Championship.
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
