 Term 3 Issue 5 |
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Kia ora e te whānau ō Whangaparāoa
The past week and a half has been an important period for our senior learners, with Derived Grade Examinations and the Literacy and Numeracy Co-requisite Assessments taking place.
As results and feedback are returned, I encourage every learner to view them as an opportunity to grow - regardless of the outcome. The purpose of these assessments is not simply to receive a grade, but to identify what has been understood, where gaps remain and what needs to happen next. Learners should use the feedback from their teachers to strengthen their knowledge and prepare thoroughly for their external assessments and examinations in November.
Last week, parents and caregivers were sent a link to a survey on behalf of our Board, seeking feedback about what you want from Whangaparāoa College in the future. The survey closes this Friday evening, and I strongly encourage you to set aside 10 minutes to complete it. We genuinely value and need your feedback. The Board will use the responses to help inform our strategic planning when it meets in late October. This is an important opportunity for our community to help shape the future direction of our school. The link has been reshared in this newsletter.
On Thursday evening, we will hold our annual Sports Awards. This is always a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the commitment, achievement and contribution of our learners, staff, coaches, managers and volunteers. School sport could not happen without the many people who generously give their time and energy throughout the year. Congratulations to all our award recipients and to everyone who has represented Whangaparāoa College with pride.
As we look ahead to next term, the sprint to the finish is on for our senior learners. They have only a handful of school weeks remaining, and every lesson matters. They must finish their internal learning and assessments strongly while also preparing to complete their external examinations to the very best of their ability.
For our Junior and Middle School learners, there is still a full term of valuable learning ahead. While our Year 10 learners have camp and there will be numerous trips, celebrations and events across the school, our expectation remains clear: learning continues right through to the end of Term 4. Strong attendance, positive engagement and sustained effort will be essential as we work together to finish the year well.
As the term draws to a close, I wish all our learners and staff a relaxing and well-earned break. Thank you for the energy, commitment and hard work you have shown throughout the term. If you are travelling during the holidays, please travel safely and take good care of one another.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school, refreshed and ready for the final term, on Monday 12 October.
Ngātahi, Whakapono, Tutuki | Together, Believe, Achieve
Steve McCracken
Tumuaki | Principal |
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September24 Sporting Excellence Awards
25 Last day of Term 3 October12 First day of Term 4
13 Trades Academy Parents Information Evening
14 Cultural Performing Arts Prizegiving
20 Enrolment Interview Evening
22 Wānanga Prizegiving |
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Recent News
Have your say: Whangaparāoa College Whānau SurveyCloses 5pm, Friday 25 September A reminder that we would love to hear from whānau as Whangaparāoa College plans the next 3-5 years. What do you value about Whangaparāoa College? What is working well for learners, and what could we improve? The survey takes approximately 8-10 minutes to complete. It is independently facilitated by Identity Impact Consultancy, and responses will be treated confidentially. Whangaparāoa College and the Board will receive a summary of overall themes, without responses attributed to individuals. Survey Link: Whangaparāoa College Whānau Survey. Closing Date: 5:00pm, Friday 25 September | |  |
Our Kids OnlineWednesday 21 October We are delighted to welcome back to Whangaparāoa, Filmmaker and Author Rob Cope, sharing his messaging about understanding our kids’ online world. A straight-talking and hilarious presentation 'About keeping our kids safe'. Join us for an in-person evening all about keeping your kids safe online! This event is perfect for parents who want to get the scoop on cyber safety, learn practical tips, and ask those tricky questions. Don’t miss out on a chance to connect, learn, and feel confident about your child’s online world! Please note this presentation is designed for parents, and is an adults only event.
Tickets $10 from Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/1998393485711?aff=oddtdtcreator
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Trades Academy UpdateWritten By: Theo Gager (Year 13) It has been a busy and productive few weeks in the Trades Academy at Whangaparāoa College. Recently, Starke came in to measure up the window frames for the house project, giving us the opportunity to see how accurate measurements and planning are done in a real construction environment. We have also taken down the back end of the house and are now nearly finished completing the rebuild. Throughout the project, we have been developing our practical skills and learning how to understand and follow the project plans to make sure the work is completed accurately. It has been great to see the project progress and watch the work we have been doing slowly come together.
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Senior Art ExhibitionOur Senior Art Exhibition was a fantastic celebration of the creativity, talent and hard work of our senior artists. It was wonderful to see such an incredible turnout from our school community who came along and supported our learners and their work. A special thank you to everyone who purchased prints on the night. Your support means so much to our budding artists and is a wonderful way to recognise and celebrate their creativity. We would also like to extend out sincere thanks to our generous sponsors, National Art Supplies and Gordan Harris, for supporting the evening's awards and helping us celebrate the achievements of our learners. | |    |
Te Whare HauoraWith Term 4 nearly here, our Guidance team are now welcoming caregiver referrals and expression of interest for two upcoming learner programmes. Real You Programme - Year 7
This programme focuses on social wellbeing, values and self-worth, anxiety and stress management, conflict resolution, healthy boundaries and communication.
Real You Expression of Interest
Mindset & Movement - Years 9 & 10
The Mindset and Movement Programme focuses on Healthy mindset, habits, and self-awareness, Goal setting for life and wellbeing, Tools for resilience, Interpersonal skills - values, identity, and beliefs, Positive communication, Understanding my brain and nervous system, How to train for physical health and wellbeing, CrossFit training sessions at CrossFit Whangaparāoa.
Mindset and Movement Expression of Interest
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AIMS Games ChampionsWhat an incredible achievement for our Mixed Rippa Team, who have been crowned AIMS Games 2026 Champions, finishing 1st out of an outstanding 99 teams!
After a fantastic week of competition, our team earned their place in the final, where they faced our neighbouring school, Orewa College, in an exciting local showdown. Our learners rose to the occasion, delivering an impressive performance to secure a 3 - 0 victory and take home the title!
Finishing at the top of a 99-team competition is an exceptional achievement and a testament to the skill, determination, teamwork and sportsmanship shown by our learners throughout the tournament.
A huge congratulations to every member of the team, along with their coaches, managers and supporters who contributed to this fantastic result.
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