James Thomas Principal

16

Ma

y 2

01

3

Te

rm 2

W

ee

k 2

Dear Parents, Kia ora tatau, welcome back to the new term.

As parents, it is common for us to ask our children if they have any homework or assignments they need to work on. If you have a child doing NCEA, the answer will be “yes” any time you ask them this term. There are many internal assessments due, and your son/daughter has access to all the necessary information on our Moodle intranet. It is important that learners plan their term and get started.

To help you support your child with their internals; we are offering an information/discussion evening on Tuesday 4 June. The title is, “How to remain sane (and still on talking terms with your teenager), as they negotiate the maze of NCEA internals – and achieve well!”

To ensure your children do as well as possible, on-going professional development for staff is essential. As previously mentioned we scheduled three Staff Only Days this year (April 8, May 20 and Aug 23). The agendas of two cover NCEA as set by the Ministry of Education, and the other focuses on further improving the basics for any school – teaching and learning.

I heard last week that Mrs Robyn Brownlee (Deputy Principal) will be inducted into the Hall of Fame of New Zealand Squash. Robyn was a national title holder and represented New Zealand from 1976 to 1985, playing professionally from 1981 to 1985. During that time she was in the top eight on the world circuit and achieved 3rd in the world. We are very proud of Robyn, and offer her our congratulations.

Winter Sports have started! Thanks to all the staff, learners, parents and friends of the school who make this possible.

At assemblies last week, I spoke to learners about why we are at Whangaparaoa College. We are here to learn, participate, achieve; and we do all this with respect.

Kia kaha Have a great week

Whangaparaoa College Board of Trustees The Board of Trustees recently arranged a public meeting to give parents and others from the community, who were considering standing for election at the upcoming Board of Trustees Election, an opportunity to find out more about the purpose and operation of the Board. The meeting was run by Alan Curtis, who has spent many years working within the education sector and for the last 12 years has been the Board Chair of Westlake Girls. Drawing from his own extensive experience, as well as a range of Ministry of Education documents, Alan outlined the purpose, principles, and practices of effective governance. He explained that a key part of what the Board does is to receive advice from the principal – who is the chief executive and responsible for the day to day management of the College. Alan summarised the role of the Board as follows;

Governance, not management Working as a team – no personal agendas Main responsibility is designing the future Ensuring the Charter is central to the Board’s strategic direction Is hands off and mainly makes policy decisions Monitoring and evaluating school performance (by reference to policy) Make collective decisions and speak with one voice Managing risk Over the last 6 - 8 months, the Board has held specific meetings to discuss and debate strategic issues facing the school. This has been most helpful as we plan and look to the future.

We are fortunate at Whangaparaoa College, that capable and hardworking members of our school community give their time and expertise on the Board. I would like to thank and acknowledge Greg Ellis, who is standing down from the Board of Trustees at this election. Greg has been especially instrumental in fine tuning our strategic planning and reviewing of school policies at the College.

Stephen Parker Board Chairman Whangaparaoa College

Are you a REGISTERED NURSE looking for very occasional work? We are looking for someone to provide cover in the health clinic on a casual basis. Previous accident & medical or practice nursing experience desirable

but not necessary. Must have a current practising certificate.

Please contact Karen Thomas (School Nurse)

for further information. Ph 09 424 9177.

Whangaparaoa College 2013 Important dates to remember…

May 20 Staff-only Day 28 Year 7/8 HPV Boostrix Immunisation July 11 Matariki Celebrations

Parking Delshaw Ave - Safety Alert For the safety of our learners and the public, we ask that when collecting your child from school, if you choose to park in Delshaw Avenue you do so legally. Please have respect for the residents of Delshaw Ave, allowing them access to their homes by not parking over their driveways, or on the yellow lines. Alternative pick up points; Top car park of the College and surrounding road, the connecting road running between Delshaw and the College access-way.

Thank you for co-operation in this matter.

=

=

Skateboards have become more prevalent in the College over the past couple of months. The College has decided to review and update College Policy regarding skateboards. They can be used as transport to and from school, but will need to be locked up at the bike racks. Teachers will not take any responsibility for skateboards, however skateboards carried / used around the College can be expected to be confiscated.

Parents, please ensure that the usual safety issues are addressed.

LOCKERS Lockers are available, $40 per year plus a refundable $10 bond. If you would like a locker for 2013, you will need to call or text Robyn on (09) 4375818 or 0274 221 783 or fill in an online order form at www.stowawaylockers.co.nz. We now have lockers available in the ICT suite, J-Block and by J20.

THANK YOU - from one of our parents...

“A ‘Big’ thank you to the person who handed in a wallet at the start of term. Just nice to know there are some good kids at the college.”

Second Hand Ball Dress and Suit Sale

Whangaparaoa College is hosting a “Ball Essentials” sale as a fundraising event. This is open to members of the public and all

are welcome to come and buy or sell a dress or suit.

Selling a dress or suit? Registration of items: $10.00 Registration:10.00 am-12.00 noon Unsold item/money pickup: 4.00 pm Buying a dress or suit? Entry: Gold coin donation Sale: 1.00 - 3.00 pm

Sunday 26 May 2013

Whangaparaoa College

Auditorium

Cash Only

For further information please contact: erin.stroud@wgpcollege.school.nz

HOMESTAY FAMILIES NEEDED ‘Enjoy the Cultural Experience’

We are currently looking for Homestay families for Whangaparaoa College with school aged children in their home who are interested

in hosting International students.

Attractive remuneration is offered.

If interested please contact homestay@wgpcollege.school.nz or alternatively Ph: 424-9177 Ext: 236 for an application form.

Careers

Upcoming Events Massey Albany Open Day 2013 Saturday 18 May 10.00 am – 3.00 pm AUT Undergraduate information Evenings 2013 North Shore Campus Tuesday 21 May 5.30 – 8.30 pm Auckland Campus Wednesday 29 May 5.30 – 9.00 pm All Year 13 learners have been sent a link to apply for a Testimonial. This is a letter from the college signed by the Principal and the senior Dean outlining their qualities, achievements and awards. The deadline for the Testimonial application is 31 May. Please encourage your child to apply. Three local Universities will be presenting at the Senior Assemblies this Term: Massey University 31 May Auckland University 14 June AUT 28 June

****************** Full attendance at school is essential in achieving the Tertiary Entry Qualifications that our youth require today to enter a very competitive job market. Please encourage your child to attend all their scheduled classes. Each evening ask your child - What was the best part of their day? Peter Davies - Careers Advisor peterda@wgpcollege.school.nz

ph. 09 424 9177 ext 234

ANZAC Celebrations held at Whangaparaoa College In the last week of Term 1, we held special ANZAC Assemblies to honour war veterans from the Silverdale and Districts RSA. This year the assemblies were led by our prefects, and included ANZAC poems and personal stories told by our learners about members of their family who were also war veterans or affected by war in some way. We heard stories about a Great Uncle who flew Kitty Hawks, and a Great, Great Grandad who helped put out fires in London. They were very special stories that touched us all. Each day, we also heard some personal insights from one or two of the veterans. Both the National Anthems of New Zealand and Australia were sung - to remind us of the great comradeship forged on that day in Gallipoli so many years ago. The prefects were able to interact with the veterans on a more personal level over morning tea each day. We wish to thank the following veterans for attending our Assemblies; Jim Murray, John Taylor, Joe Pedersen, Jim Jamieson, Max Chilman, Stan Job, Rick Wadmore, John Zieglar and Derek Johnstone.

ANZAC Day Our Prefects, Mr Howarth, Mr Thomas and Mrs Argar joined the community to celebrate ANZAC Day at the Silverdale and Districts RSA. Matthew McKay read the lesson for the day, Paige Davies and Dallas Courtney laid a wreath on behalf of the College.

Home Learning Assistance - What is It? Year 7 and 8 have introduced a new group to help our learners get their Home Learning finished on time and to their best ability. After school on Wednesdays, some of our teachers will help the learners with their assignments by explaining and assisting, as well as using the facilities that we have here at the College such as the internet, computers and library. We are hoping that this time each week will help those who struggle to get their work completed on time. In addition we will have one teacher run a tutorial on a topic on which some learners may feel unsure, giving them a chance to solidify their understanding. We look forward to seeing many enthusiastic faces join us!

Picture – Mrs Conn launches the Home Learning Club Year 7 and 8 Home Learning Club started last week with a little afternoon tea to give those brain cells a boost! The club exists to support all aspects of Home Learning and includes tutorials addressing specific needs of learners. The club is the brainchild of Mrs Conn and she will be supported every Wednesday by a rota of Year 7 and 8 teachers. Last week the tutorial was on fractions. Learners may come on a regular basis or just for specific tutorials. Year 7 and 8 Home Learning Club every Wednesday from 3.30 - 4.30 pm in J28

Year 9 and 10 BBQ At the end of Term 1, learners who had perfect home learning for the whole term were given a free BBQ lunch as a reward for their fantastic effort. 113 learners were able to participate and the turnout was fantastic. We will be doing this again at the end of Term 2, so all Year 9 and 10 Science learners should be getting onto their home learning!

Year 13 Biotechnology Trip In April, our Year 13 Biology learners had the opportunity to go to the University of Auckland’s Liggins Institute. It is a research facility, where they specialise in DNA analysis. The learners had the opportunity to spend the day using a number of different technologies to amplify and analyse DNA samples. They were excellent ambassadors for Whangaparaoa College, and received many compliments from the researchers at the Liggins Institute regarding their depth of knowledge as well as their behaviour.

Performing Arts

ALL SHOOK UP!

Whangaparaoa College’s 2013 production saw the return of old school Rock & Roll. No costume detail went unchecked and if this visual feast for the eyes wasn't enough, the music had the audience foot tapping to the timeless classics. A big congratulations to all the hard working staff and learners involved.

CONCERT BAND - Library Performance

On Saturday 11 May, Whangaparaoa College Concert Band performed outside Whangaparaoa library as part of the celebrations for national music month. The band, conducted by Ms Baker, played a selection of pieces including music from the movies ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, ‘West Side Story’, and a piece called ‘The Spirit Soars’. Luckily, the weather was beautiful, with no rain. It was a great opportunity for the band to perform to the local community, who loved the performance so much that they requested an encore. Jessica Faulkner

COMING UP IN PERFORMING ARTS….

Music Fest - Thursday 6 June 2013, 7.00 pm, School Auditorium. A wonderful showcase of the college’s musical groups and solo performances. This year, our junior performers will be taking part. Always a good night, so we hope to see everyone there. Ticket prices: $8.00 - available at Learner Accounts. $10.00 door sales. Big Sing - Wednesday 12 June at the Auckland Town Hall. Our very own Cantilena and Girls Choir will be taking part. If family and friends wish to come along and watch the heats a small fee applies.

Tickets for the Gala performance by Cantilena can be purchased through Learner Accounts shortly.

Sports Talk WGP Year 7 - 8 Sports

Zone Days Term 2

If you would like to sign up for any of the zone days come into the Sports office.

RUGBY 1ST XV $150.00 includes jersey

JUNIOR RUGBY $80.00

GIRLS RUGBY $80.00

NETBALL NORTH HARBOUR $115.00

NETBALL HBC $110.00

FOOTBALL $80.00

SQUASH $50.00

LACROSSE GIRLS $70.00

LACROSSE BOYS $80.00

HOCKEY $120.00

BASKETBALL $90.00

Sports Fees 2013

Soccer Year 7 Girls 20 May

Soccer Year 8 Girls 22 May

Boys Rugby 29 May

Girls Rugby 12 June

Squash 19 June

Hockey Girls 25 June

Hockey Boys 27 June

Table Tennis 27 June

Year 9 – 13 Sports

Winter Sports Teams Most of our winter sports teams started their competitions last week with great results. Well done to our 1st XV, 6th grade and 4th grade rugby teams who all won their games on Saturday. 1st XV vs Orewa 2nd XV 8 - 5 6th Grade vs Kristin 19 - 15

4th

Grade vs Orewa 24 - 5

All players must have paid their sports fees by Friday 24 May 2013 as the school has a

“No Pay, No Play” policy.

Also an important note is:

The Board requires compulsory course fees to be paid

prior to any involvement in trips, sports and other

activities and this policy will be strictly enforced.

Useful Websites for results/fixtures

www.hbcnetball.co.nz www.northharbourrugby.co.nz www.harbourhockey.co.nz www.harbourbasketball.co.nz www.nzssfootball.co.nz www.asbcollege.sport.co.nz

www.netballnorthharbour.co.nz

SPORTS UNIFORM PRICE LIST 2013 RUGBY

RUGBY SOCKS $15.00

RUGBY SHORTS $30.00

NETBALL

NETBALL DRESS (YR 10-13) $120.00

NETBALL SKIRT (YR 7-9) $57.00

NETBALL TOP (YR 7-9) $67.00

SOCCER

GIRLS SOCCER SHORTS $20.00

GIRLS SOCCER SOCKS $15.00

BOYS SOCCER SHORTS $25.00

BOYS SOCCER SOCKS $15.00

BASKETBALL

SNR BOYS B/BALL SINGLET $70.00

SNR BOYS B/BALL SHORTS $70.00

SNR GIRLS SINGLET $70.00

SNR GIRLS SHORTS $70.00

MULTI PURPOSE SHIRT SIZE 10 - 14

$65.00

SIZE XS - XXL $75.00

MULTI PURPOSE SINGLETS $45.00

College Physio Clinic Monday, Wednesday & Friday 11.30am – 2.30pm - J Block John Lanigan Physiotherapist for all College sports teams, teachers and learners - Get all those pre-season “niggles” treated! ACC treatment $10 Co-payment (subsidised) For the convenience of on school assessment / treatment / referrals Text /Phone: 021 187 3299 or Manly Physio Clinic: 424-1309 Proud to support Whangaparaoa College Sport