Kia ora e te whanau o Whangaparāoa,

This week we have been celebrating history being made - our Premier Netball team became North harbour Champions for the first time in the school’s history, defeating Rangitoto Premiers in the final by 5 goals.  This is a remarkable achievement and is by far the highlight of the winter team sport season to date.  This is the second time our school has been in the final, losing by one goal in 2017.  Congratulations to everyone involved in supporting this team specifically and we look forward to following your journey through the upcoming UNISS tournament.

We have recently had some concerning interactions with whānau members towards our staff, both teaching and non-teaching.  I want you to know that our staff will do everything possible to resolve concerns as fast as possible.  Sometimes, there will be disagreements, and we will work with you to resolve these in a respectable manner.  However, all staff deserve to be treated with respect and enjoy being part of learner growth and development.  We expect our cornerstone values of Ngatahi/Together, Whakapono/Believe, Tutuki/Achieve to be modelled by us all, particularly our adults.  Thank you in advance for your support with this.

The end of year exams are approaching rapidly for our Senior learners.  These are vital for our learners, particularly if they need external results and are unable to sit their NCEA examinations at the end of the year.  Our internal examinations are used to support learners who seek Derived Grades.  They will also give a very clear indication to learners, staff and whānau as to the progress learners have made and any areas of concern leading into the NCEA examinations.  Over the next few weeks, and into the end of year, please support and encourage learners to use their time wisely and complete final assessments and a rigorous study programme.  If you have any specific questions, please contact your learners kaiarahi or subject teacher.

We are a really busy organisation and offer so many opportunities for our learners and support for our community.  If you know of whānau considering sending their learner to our school next year, and are still wanting more information, please encourage them to reach out to us. Likewise, if you know of people who have not yet enrolled, but are going to, please do give them a nudge to get in touch or complete the online enrolment form.

Finally, and to wrap around to where I started, we have so much to be proud of at Whangaparāoa College.  If your sport, arts or cultural activities are nearing the end of their season, I wish you all the best.  Good luck to everyone travelling away during Winter Sports Tournament Week or to AIMES Games.

Ngā mihi

Steve McCracken
Tumuaki | Principal

August

24               Hahana Dance Show

September

1                 Staff only day
11 - 20       Senior school exam week
13              Wig Wednesday
20              Enrolment interview evening
22              Last day of term 3

October

9                First day of term 4

Geography Trip On the 25th July the year 13 geographers went to Orewa to investigate and assess the impact of coastal erosion in the area. They collected primary data such as surveys with the public, observations and photographs to use in their research assessment. We had a fantastic day and the weather managed to hold out! Later on in the term we will also be interviewing a Coastal erosion specialist from Auckland Council to gain a more detailed understanding about the impacts and some of the possible solutions.

Lifting Literacy Summarise Have you ever asked your child to hurry up and get to the point? If yes, they may need summarising practice. The art of identifying key points and retelling a shortened version, summarising teaches learners to disregard irrelevant information and focus only on essential ideas, and is useful across all subjects. Try asking your child to summarise a TV episode, book chapter or event from their day. If they need some structure, there are plenty of helpful guides online, such as the 5Ws (Who, What, Where, When and Why), ‘Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then’ and ‘First, Next, Then, Last’.

School TV Exam Jitters Setting a schedule is vitally important. Students need to schedule everything from sleeping and eating, to studying and exercising. It is one of the best ways to manage inevitable exam stress. Students need to look after themselves when they have big demands in their life. When it comes to productive study, sometimes less is often more. It is recommended that students hit the books in 50-minute stints, broken up by 15-minute breaks. This gives the brain, and body, a rest. Adolescents will often underestimate the amount of sleep they need. Getting enough sleep is key to successful study practices. Research shows that physical activity also has a very positive impact on mental wellbeing. Eating well is another crucial factor to maintaining concentration and staying focused on the task ahead. To view, please visit: Exam Jitters

Arkles Bay Splash Thank you to all the hardy souls who showed up at this years Arkles Bay Mid-Winter Splash in aid of Hospice. House points awarded to all the following: Thomas, Axel, Gail, Lis, Quaid, Milla, Lexi, Jessica, Luke, Joseph, Fern, Justin, Thales, Alex and Skye. Water House won with 7 members braving the sea, next was Fire with 3, Air had 2 and Earth House 1. Everyone had a fantastic time so looking forward to more participating next year!!

Bus Reporting Did you know - Learners are now able to report any issues on our school buses using the WGP app. Learners, look for this icon on your app.

Kaitiaki - Save the Date Interested in getting involved to help the school environment? Kaitiaki Tangata is getting together on the morning of September 23rd for a weeding blitz on the school grounds! We’re aiming to get rid of as many pest plants as we can, for the sake of our precious wildlife. It’s open to not just other members of the school, but the wider community as well. Anyone interested should bring along gloves and a pair of gumboots, or shoes they don’t mind getting muddy. Equipment will be provided, but anyone with a good saw, pair of secateurs, or similar, is encouraged to bring their own. Just meet at 9 am at the turf entrance (using the Berdinner Ave entrance) and get ready to help make a difference! Come along for as long as you are able to, we will be there from 9am til around midday.

Careers CAREERWISE WEBSITE Explore the latest Career news, jobs & events on the new Whangaparāoa College CareerWise website! https://wgpcollege.careerwise.school/

REMINDERS FOR YEAR 13 STUDENTS WANTING TO STUDY AT
UNIVERSITY

• University Scholarships close 1 September 2023
• Submit your accommodation application now for the first selection
  round for Halls of Residence
• University of Auckland Open Day - Saturday 26 August 2023 
  
• AUT Live Open Day - Saturday 26 August 2023
  
• AUT Presentation - Friday 25 August lunchtime in Auditorium

Course Planning Sessions coming Term 4 - an opportunity for school
leavers wanting to study at University to confirm their programmes of
study, their majors and submit applications if required. Ask questions
and prepare timetables etc for the 2024 University Year.

2024 SUBJECT OPTIONS
School subject options should have now been submitted. If you or your
learner have any concerns, contact their Dean or Careers
[email protected]

FOR MORE HELP
Learners can book an appointment with Mr Davies the Careers Advisor
at https://peterdavies-wgp.youcanbook.me/