 Term 4 Issue 1 |
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Kia ora e te whanau o Whangaparāoa,
Term 4 is already in full swing, despite us only being a week and a half in. As we rapidly progress through to the end of the year, I need to ask for your support in getting learners to school on time. On Monday this week, we had over 100 learners sign in to school late. This is, at the moment, a bit of a trend we are seeing. School starts at 8.40am and learners that arrive after that cause disruption to teaching and learning of the whole class, as well as their own learning. Please ensure your learners get to school on time and are ready to learn.
Last week we had our last full school assembly for the year where we were able to celebrate, with the whole school, our Year 13 learners and their incredible journeys at Whangaparāoa College. There is a series of events planned over the coming week or so, to celebrate their accomplishments and provide a memorable send-off. These celebrations include a Year 13 Graduation for all Year 13 learners and their whānau, on Monday, 30 October, where we will recognise and honour these outstanding young people (more detail has been emailed to Year 13 families and is included in this newsletter).
Congratulations also to all the awardees celebrated at our Cultural & Performing Arts Prizegiving on Monday evening. It was a wonderful evening and an absolute testament to the learners who have reached new levels of performance or excelled this year, and the committed and passionate staff who drive and encourage them.
For most of our senior students, the end of the year brings the challenge of NCEA exams. It is essential that they remain focused and dedicated to their studies during this critical period. The hard work and effort they put into these exams can shape their future academic and career pathways. We wish them the best of luck in their exams and assure them that the entire school staff is here to support them. Teaching staff are available to senior students right through the exam timetable and learners should seek help if they encounter difficulties or have questions.
For our junior students, the end of the year is an opportunity to finish strong and set the stage for a successful transition into the next academic year. We encourage them to maintain a strong work ethic, ask questions when needed, and finish the year with a sense of accomplishment.
As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to staff if you have any questions or concerns.
Enjoy the upcoming long weekend.
Steve McCracken
Tumuaki
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October
23 Labour day
26 Senior prize giving
27 Year 12 & 13 last day of classes
30 Year 13 Graduation
31 Year 13 Leavers dinner
November
2 Year 8 HPV Vaccination
3 Gumboot Friday
6 - 30 NZQA Exams
17 Staff Only Day
20 - 23 Year 10 Camp
December
1 - 5 NZQA Exams
8 Last day of Term 4 |
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Recent News
Cultural & Performing Arts PrizegivingOn Monday night our Cultural & Performing Arts Prizegiving was held to honour the amazing learners who represent Whangaparāoa College in Music, Pasifika Performance, Kapa Haka, Drama and Dance - as well as the dedicated learners who assist with the technological aspects to all of these disciplines.
The invited audience was wowed with several lively performances in between presenting the awards – showcasing the enormous talent we have at our Kura!
To all of our hard-working nominees and winners we say; Mahi tika ana.
Please follow this link for a full list of nominees and winners:
https://shorturl.at/ciINV
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Nurse UpdateYear 13
If your child is going to uni halls next year we recommend you talk to your family practice nurse about the meningitis vaccine. Next year is the last year it will be funded.
PROCESS FOR LEARNERS LEAVING SCHOOL DURING THE DAY
Learner has an appointment
- Parent/Caregiver contact reception 094249177 or email [email protected] ( min 2 hours in advance) so a runner slip can be sent to the classroom.
- Learner must sign out at reception
Learner becomes unwell/injured
- Learner goes to School Nurse
- School Nurse will contact Parent/Caregiver if they are too unwell/injured to remain at school
WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT…
IF YOUR CHILD FEELS UNWELL AT SCHOOL AND CONTACTS YOU
PLEASE ADVISE THEM TO VISIT THE SCHOOL NURSE
WHO WILL CALL YOU IF WE HAVE ANY CONCERNS
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Great outcome for our Evolocity team!Katie started the project two years ago and took time out of her university studies to return and see it to completion. Quinten and William put in countless hours over the last three terms to develop steering, braking, suspension, an ideal gear ratio and install the electrical system. The vehicle was the only entry of the competition with a homebuilt lithium polymer battery. All the effort paid off as the team came home victorious.
- 2nd Drag Race
- 1st Endurance
- 1st Efficiency
- 3rd Overall Performance - Open Class Competition
- Special awards: 3rd Show Stopper, 2nd Engineering Design
Thank you Mr Watts for putting the team together and coaching them throughout the project.
| |    Katie Nottage (Alumni class of 2021) William Mueggenburg (Team leader) Quinten McDonald South (Racing Engineer) |
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Year 13 EventsA series of events have been planned to acknowledge this year’s Year 13 learners, their accomplishments and provide a memorable send-off for both them, and the staff who have guided them during their years here. Events are as follows
Wednesday 25th October
Tradie Dress-up Day
Normal school day
Thursday 26th October
Uniform Swap Day
Normal School Day (Last official day in classes)
Senior Prizegiving - Whānau will be notified and invited if your child is receiving an award. All learners must be in the correct school uniform.
Friday 27th October
Parade day (Dress up as something starting with the first letter of their name eg: Liam-Lemon). Please note any learners who turn up intoxicated will have whānau phoned to come and collect them, as per any other school day.
BBQ at Auditorium Foyer
Learners Parade
No Year 13 classes this day
Monday 30th October
Year 13 Dean’s Assembly and Graduation 9.00 - 11.30am, followed by light refreshments. All whānau are invited to this event, please RSVP via this link
https://forms.gle/uzFz7KN4N9juzxVE8
Tuesday 31st October
Leavers’ Dinner 6.00pm Red Beach Surf Club
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Recycling Week 16-22 OctoberFrom the 16th to 22nd of October, Whangaparāoa College is participating in Recycling Week 2023, so welcome to the first day! Procurement Monday is all about reflecting on the products we buy, and investigating whether they can be recycled, reused, or repurposed. It’s important to remember that buying a product means buying the waste which comes along with it, such as the packaging, so it’s important to minimise our impact where possible.
Curious to test your waste recycling knowledge? The Day One Quiz is available here, with a kids version here. Additionally, the Recycling Week Webinar series starts up today, with groups such as The Compost Collective, as well as Love Food Hate Waste NZ joining in the discussion on how we can better deal with food waste. Registration is available at this link.
Like Monday, each of this week’s days will be themed around an aspect of recycling, so keep an eye out in the notices for more information. Additionally, information about each day is available at https://www.reclaim.co.nz/recycling-week.
If you’ve got a passion for recycling, we’ll welcome you with open arms at Kaitiaki Tangata. Come down to S13 next Friday lunchtime, for a discussion with like-minded individuals. New members are always welcome in Kaitiaki Tangata, from Year 7 to 13, or even staff. An extra pair of hands is always appreciated!
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Careers UpdateCAREERWISE WEBSITE
Explore the latest Career news, jobs & events on the new Whangaparāoa College CareerWise website!
https://wgpcollege.careerwise.school/
UNIVERSITY PLANNING SESSIONS for Year 13s
The last of our University Planning Sessions are being held this week with visits from Massey and Otago Universities. Any learners planning on going to Uni in 2024 who haven’t attended these sessions should see Mr Davies to put them in touch with their University rep.
JOBS… JOBS… JOBS
See the latest job opportunities, including local summer jobs at:
https://wgpcollege.careerwise.school/posts?category=jobs
SUMMER CAMP USA
Awesome opportunity to spend nine weeks at an amazing location in the US, making a positive impact on the lives of children and young adults.
Meet amazing people, have fun and get paid, with all meals and accommodation provided. Find out more -
https://wgpcollege.careerwise.school/post/30
DEFENCE FORCE INFO EVENINGS
Free 1 hour information sessions for anyone considering a future in the NZ Defence Forces. Monday 6 November & Monday 4 December.
https://wgpcollege.careerwise.school/post/65
FOR MORE CAREERS HELP
Learners can book an appointment with Mr Davies the Careers Advisor at
https://peterdavies-wgp.youcanbook.me/ | |  |
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Overall Cultural Excellence - JuniorLiam is a dedicated and integral part of multiple aspects of the cultural arts, both technical and performing.
He displays kindness and calmness in everything he does, he is always respectful to not only the adults he encounters but to his peers as well, and will always go the extra mile to ensure everyone is supported.
In 2023 Liam has been involved in multiple bands, including the Bugsy Malone production band for which they received a group award for MOST IMPROVED earlier.
Liam is also a reliable and cheerful member of the WGP sound and lighting team and has been a guitar accompanist and technical support for our junior kapa haka - Whāngai i te Hautapu.
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Overall Cultural Excellence - SeniorElena is one of the foundation member performers of Hibiscus Tuakana and has displayed grace and passion in performing with them ever since. As a Cultural prefect and leader of the school, she is regularly supporting and encouraging younger learners at Whangaparāoa College.
Her upbeat and jovial personality makes her a joy to have in class and a favourite for her peers to work with.
Elena is a very accomplished thespian, giving a fantastic double-whammy performance, both singing and acting in this year's senior production Bugsy Malone.
She discovered her acting potential in the 2021 senior production, Niu Sila – blowing everyone away with her rendition of Mrs Tafioka and was touted as being the best thing on stage by many!
She has taken drama as a subject since then, receiving all excellences - and one merit - for every assessment so far! | |  |
Outstanding Cultural Achievement AwardIn his time at WGP Jonte has been part of J- Rock, Mulan, Junior Production, Junior Choir, Senior Choir, Kids Sing, Whangaparāoa College Shakespeare group, Junior Band, WGP’s Got Talent, and the 2023 Senior production Bugsy Malone – to name but a few of his WGP College involvements. He has also been actively involved in many other local performances and has garnered quite a community following! Lots of people know Jonte and look for his name in upcoming shows.
The passion and talent he exudes is palpable. We know that Jonte will continue to thrive in the performing arts for the next steps in his educational journey. He recently earned a Distinction grade for his Grade 8 Trinity College of London Exam, for Musical Theatre.
We will continue to be proud of and follow his performing journey and hope he doesn’t forget us when he is rich and famous!
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Hosting an International Student Kia Ora Whānau
We have had a fantastic return to welcoming our wonderful international students to the coast.
Welcome to all our new families who have joined our hosting whānau and hello to future homestays.
We are asking for expressions of interest for hosting 2024 and beyond.
This is a great opportunity for you to experience hosting a student from another country and share with them your family and community.
If you would like to be considered for this opportunity please email Sue McKay [email protected] to discuss further. Alternatively, you are welcome to visit our college website and explore the information listed in the International tab.
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SNOWPLANETTerm 4 program options
Open Schools
Term 4 program will run on Thursday 5.30pm-6.30pm.
The program will run for 6 weeks starting Thursday 26th October
Open schools program is a great starting point for those aged 5 years to 12years. It’s a shorter program so perfect for those families with a full schedule.
$252 includes 1hr access to the snow, 1hr hire of helmet, skis/snowboard and boots and 1hr group lesson.
To book please click on the link:
https://bookings.snowplanet.co.nz/book/groups-schools-parties/schools/term-programs/523
High Flyers
Term 4 program will run on Tuesday 6.30pm-8pm.
High Flyers is ideal for children 12 years to 17 years of age to learn and improve with students of a similar age.
The program will run for 5 weeks starting Tuesday 26th October.
$305 includes 1.5hr access to the snow, 1.5hr hire of helmet, skis/snowboard and boots and 1.5hr group lesson.
To book please click on the link:
https://bookings.snowplanet.co.nz/book/groups-schools-parties/schools/term-programs/high-flyers/526
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