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NCEA ACHIEVERS AWARDS
CELEBRATION 2015
ISSUE 1 Term 1
5 March 2015
From the Principal’s Desk
Achievement Rules!
“What a great start to the
year!
Our academic results are up at
all levels and also above the
national averages of each of
these levels as well as very
good Scholarship exam results,
including a 1st in New Zealand.”
What a great start to the year!
Our academic results are up at all
levels and also above the national
averages of each of these levels, as
well as very good Scholarship
exam results, including a 1st in
New Zealand.
Our staff, students and parent
community have put concerted
energy into making “Achievement
for All” a reality for our students.
The reward for all this effort has
been the significant rise in student
success each year since 2012.
The table included gives an
overview of the increases in pass
rates from the previous year and
indicates whether pass rates are
either ‘At’ or ‘Above’ the national
average.
The rise of academic achievement
over 2013 and 2014 has been
motivating for staff and students
alike. To be above the national
averages for every indicator for
2014 is an excellent endorsement of
the teachers and learners at the
College.
University Entrance (UE) pass rates
declined nationwide as did our own
UE results, but we still remain well
above the national average. We are
clear what is required and will continue to ensure our students are
well prepared to be eligible for UE
Mark P Shanahan
in 2015.
PRINCIPAL
With three of our students achieving at the highest level in NZQA
scholarship exams, the College is on
a very positive roll.
At our College “Achievement for
All” is the motto. For us that means
each student achieving, so they can
progress on to tertiary education or
a relevant vocational pathway. It has
to be a ‘real’ course with ‘real’ L2 or
L3 achievement for us to measure
success.
NCEA RESULTS
LEVEL:
2013
PASS RATE
NATIONAL
AVERAGE %
2014
PASS RATE
L1 NCEA
74.9
+43
At
80.3
+7
NATIONAL
AVERAGE
%
Above
L1 NUMERACY
82.2
+32
At
92.2
+12
Above
82
+1
At
90.2
+10
Above
L2 NCEA
76.4
+17
At
79.3
+4
At
L3 NCEA
67.6
+19
At
70.1
+4
Above
UE
67.6
+21
Above
55.5
-18
Above
L1 LITERACY
% CHANGE
% CHANGE
2015 House Points So Far
HOUSE
POINTS TOTAL
POSITION
Aroha
1349
1st
Matauranga
1189
2nd
Manawanui
1164
3rd
WELL DONE MATAURANGA!
Page 2
WELCOME TO NEW AND RETURNING STAFF
Ms Esther Dantra: Assistant Head of department Maths
Ms Yasmin Kelly: History
Ms Emily Baigent: Returning from maternity leave History
Ms Tania Wilson: Dance
Ms Joanne Vercoe: Inclusion Support Centre
Mr Laurie King: Technology
Ms Maryam Shahsavar: Science
Ms Natasha Wade: Science
FAREWELL
Dr Terry Brown
Ms Sara Hampton
Mr Vince Hapi
Ms Celia Haggit
Ms Sandra Maera
Mr Arnold Lobo
Ms Donna Lambert
SUCCESS IN THE NZQA SCHOLARSHIP EXAMS
These are awarded only to the top 3% of candidates nationwide.
Congratulations to our three students who achieved four Scholarships
2014 DUX MICHELLE CHEN achieved two Scholarships in English and
Biology
2014 PROXIME ACCESSIT SYLVAIN BECHET achieved an outstanding
Scholarship in French and is 1st in New Zealand (top scholar)
2014 TE TAUMATA TOI KERRY SAYEGH achieved a Scholarship in
Painting.
Teachers pictured with their successful students. Back left: Ms Dawn Jarbeau
(Languages)with Sylvain Bechet , Michelle Chen with Ms Shona Smith (English)
left and Ms Jane Coup (Biology) right. Kerry Sayegh (back middle) and Ms
Jacqueline Dwyer (Art)
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY ELECTED HEAD PREFECTS
Aroha House
Samantha Parker
Rewa Clark
Matauranga House
Melissa Waru
Calum Milne
Manawanui House
Chris Moore
Molly Fausett
CONGRATULATIONS TO MADELEINE COATES WHO IS ONE OF THE
RECIPIENTS OF PHYL TWYFORD’S PARLIAMENTARY INTERNSHIP.
Potential future politicians will get the chance to see
government in action this year thanks to a new parliamentary internship
programme. Te Atatu Labour MP Phil Twyford wants more young people
to be engaged in politics. The internship allows five secondary students
from his electorate to get an insiders view at how New Zealand Politics
works.
They will get to see question time and have lunch in the cafeteria where
all the politicians eat.
Students will be in the capital for four days where they will attend select
committee meetings, sit in the gallery
when parliament is in session and work directly with
Mr Twyford assisting with research and even speech writing.
Mr Twyford, left, with pupils from
four surrounding schools and
Madeleine Coates, Front.
FORMER WAITAKERE COLLEGE DUX, HEAD GIRL AND BOARD OF
TRUSTEES REPRESENTATIVE
DR MALVINDAR SINGH-BAINS IS AMONG THREE FINALISTS IN
THE YOUNG NEW ZEALANDER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Dr Singh-Bains works at Auckland University's Centre for Brain Research as a post doctoral
research fellow. In 2013 she established the Huntington's Disease Youth Organisation of New
Zealand. The charity is dedicated to supporting young people impacted by
Huntington's disease.
The award is open to people aged between 15 and 30 and recognises young leaders who
strive to improve themselves and their communities.
Read the Western Leader front page article (17th February) about the award, Dr Singh-Bains'
work, research and charity.
http://fairfaxmedia.newspaperdirect.com/epaper/viewer.aspx
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR STUDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN
SELECTED FOR THE WAITAKERE RANGERS U16S REPRESENTATIVE
TAG NATIONAL TEAM
We have a few of our students who have been selected for the Waitakere Rangers U16s Representative
Tag National team and will rep this province in the world cup tag national tournament Congratulations
to:
Back left to right
Maui Rawiri
Nathaniel Potter
Conrad Uaongo
Dason Masiutama
Mastar Ulutuki
Front
Nasra Mirzaee
Tavita Siufaga
Ash Seddon
Page 3
NCEA ACHIEVERS AWARDS CELEBRATION 2015
WEDNESDAY MARCH 4
The Hall was packed out with 270 NCEA Achievers along with their parents, wider whanau and
teachers for our annual Achievers’ awards ceremony, when we recognise the achievement of all Year
12 and 13 students who gained their NCEA Level 1 or 2 Certificates with their year groups in 2014.
Guest speaker was Auckland City Mayor Len Brown, who noted that “with the investment that
families, staff and students are making in their future the anniversary year is off to a great start”.
Mayor Len Brown presented Michelle Chen and Sylvain
Bechet their Scholarship Award certificates. Kerry Sayegh
was absent due to attending his lectures at Auckland
University
Auckland City Mayor Len Brown with our Prefects
Recipients of Level 1 Excellence Awards
Recipients of Level 2 Excellence Awards
YEAR 9 POWHIRI
The College Kaumatua, Mr Warahi Paki
led staff and Year 13 students in our
powhiri to welcome our Year 9
students and new staff.
More than 300 students packed into the
Jackson Auditorium along with whanau
at the start of their first day at
secondary school.
From left to right:
Our College Kaumatua Mr Warahi Paki,
Mr Shanahan and BOT Chairman Mr Eric
Bechet
Papa Fred Holloway who led the Year
9 students into the Powhiri
Page 5
YEAR 9 WELCOME BARBEQUE
Thank you to all the parents
and students who attended
the Year 9 welcome evening.
This was a great opportunity
to meet tutor class teachers
and other parents who have
children in the same class. The
partnership between school
and home is strengthened
when you are able to put a
face to a name.
EVERY POINT COUNTS : CONGRATULATIONS TO CALEB GLEW
Back in January, Caleb Glew (race number 71a) raced at the New Zealand Solo GP meeting No 5 at
Rosebank Speedway. The first two races of the day didn’t start off the best for Caleb but that’s racing
sport for you sometimes. The scoring system is complex, but the goal is simple—every point counts—
3 for 1st, 2 for 2nd, 1 for 3rd.
In race 3, Caleb’s grid starting position was 4. The
race started and for 3 & 1/4 laps of the 4 lap race he
was in 4th place. To take third place on turn 3, to
edge his way forward on turn 4 and to take 2nd
place in a time of 1:05.04 minutes, meant that Caleb
was averaging 26.26seconds per lap. In race 4,
Caleb’s grid starting position was 1. The race started
and he was in third place for lap 1 & 2. As he came
into turn 3 of lap 3, he took 2nd place to easily hold
this position to the finish line.
Even if the start of the day didn’t go to plan, the end of the day got better. Caleb didn’t give up on
achieving the important points he needed. Just like NCEA, if you don’t achieve at first it is important
not to give up and work hard towards achieving elsewhere. It will pay off.
Well done Caleb on an awesome day’s racing. Caleb also raced in February, achieving 2 firsts and 2
second places. PS The 500cc bike Caleb rides only has one gear and no BRAKES. A huge result for a
AUCKLAND TRANSPORT SURVEY
well-deserving and gutsy young man.
As a follow up to the Back to School programme that you have recently been involved in at your school,
Auckland Transport would like to ask parents to complete a brief online survey to understand how well we are
communicating these types of important messages within the Auckland
community. We are keen to get feedback from your school community (parents ) on our recent ‘Back to
School’ campaign. The attached link will connect parents directly to the online survey, which should not take
more than a few minutes to complete. The information gathered assists Auckland Transport to improve and
adapt our campaigns so that we can continue working to keep school communities safe. All information and
responses that we receive are used for internal research purposes only.
http://tinyurl.com/AT-BackToSchool2015
OPENING HOURS
UNIFORM AND
STATIONERY SHOP
Uniform shop open
9.30-2.30pm
Stationery shop open
8.30-230
NEW WHARE ENRICHES COLLEGE AND COMMUNITY LIFE
“The Whare provides a
facility for our whole
community and reinforces a
sense of pride and identity
for our school”
Waitakere College is getting
its 40th Anniversary
celebrations off to a
magnificent start with the
completion of Te Whare
Wananga (House of Learning).
The opening ceremony for the
Whare on March 6 will mark
the culmination of 20 years of
planning and involvement by
people of many ethnicities to
bring the school’s new House
of Learning to life.
Taking pride of place at the
front of Waitakere College,
Te Whare Wananga will have
primary use as a classroom to
help accommodate the
growing college roll, but will
also be a place for cultural
events.
It has been specially designed
for the school, built in Huntly
and transported by road up to
Waitakere College. There is a
long term plan to adorn both
it’s exterior and interior with
meaningful carvings that
reflect the school’s cultures and
guiding values.
Principal Mark Shanahan says
that a number of iwi leaders are
working with the school to
make all the community feel
welcome. “The Whare provides
a facility for our whole
community and reinforces a
sense of pride and identity for
our school.”
A pre-dawn opening ceremony
is taking place Friday March 6. A
large team of teachers and
students who are experienced
at catering for large numbers of
guests will work through the
night to prepare breakfast for
the event.
Entertainment will be provided
by the Waitakere College jazz
band, the College’s Military
Services Academy and a n
umber of cultural groups
representing the school’s
diverse cultures. Later in the
day the College will be
entertained by a live band
performing courtesy of MAI FM.
The opening of Te Whare
Wananga is the first of a series
of public events to be held by
the school in 2015 to celebrate
its 40th anniversary.
The building project is the first
of many underway this year,
including a new Drama wing,
and Woodwork and
Engineering suites in the
Technology
Department.
The new Technology
Department will be used by
Engineering and Automotive
Academies, two of the
successful Vocational
Academies run by Waitakere.
The arrival of our Whare, by truck, from Hamilton
Artists impression of our Whare Wananga
You are warmly invited to
attend the blessing to formally open
Waitakere College’s Whare Wananga
Friday 6 March 2015
Assemble at front of school 5.45 am
Artists impression of our Whare Wananga
ATHLETICS DAY 2015
This year’s Athletics Day was
again a compulsory event for
all students held here at the
college on Friday 20th
February. Students looked
fantastic in their house
colours with a few students
getting creative with their
athletic attire.
Most students entered into
more than the compulsory
two events, which was
awesome to see. A big thank
you to all the staff who helped
out in various roles on the
day.
With the weather disrupting
the latter part of the day,
everyone still showed great
house and school spirit,
particularly in the house tag of
wars and haka competition. In
the Tug of war Aroha were the
eventual winners taking out
three wars over two for
Manawanui and one for
Matauranga. The haka saw
Manawanui pip Aroha for
bragging rights with Matauranga
again coming in third place.
These events were a great way
to finish off an enjoyable day
with each house showing great
passion and school spirit.
Once all points were tallied up
Aroha proved to be the overall
champion house with
Manawanui in second narrowly
Page 7
beating Matauranga in third
place by only six points!
Showing that each event you
enter does make a difference!!
From performances at these
school championships a
twenty one strong squad has
been named to attend the
Zone
Championships being held at
the Trusts Stadium Tuesday
10th March. Good luck to all
students attending this event
and well done everyone on
another fantastic day.
AGE GROUP CHAMPIONS
Junior Girls Winner: Jess Harris - Aroha
Junior boys Winner: Joseph Tonga - Aroha
Intermediate Girls Winner: Hosanna Ball - Manawanui
Intermediate Boys Winner: Jarrod Tahi Tahi - Aroha
Senior Girls Winner: Sam Waru - Aroha
Senior Boys Winner: Solomon Osei - Matauranga
HOUSE
POINTS
PLACING
MATAURANGA
1100
3rd
AROHA
1290
1st
MANAWANUI
1100
2nd
SCHOOL SWIMMING SPORTS 2015
Fifty students headed to West
Wave swimming complex on
Friday the 13th Feb (unlucky
for those who had to stay in
school) to compete in our
annual school swimming
championships. A fun filled day
was had once again with the
usual mix of serious swimming
races, novelty events, relays,
water polo and a splash of
diving and bombing.
Rish Hinwar again proved he
is the school’s outstanding
swimmer taking out the senior
boys championship but this
year he was pushed all the
way by Matt Horniman who
narrowly missed out by one
race!
Hazel Latoa won the girls
senior competition showing
good form in her events while
Monique Rees and Jordan
Todd showed they were the
outstanding intermediate
swimmers in the school –
Jordan narrowly beating Ollie
Evison to win the boys
intermediate championship.
Newcomer Maggie Li won the
girls junior championship
while year 10 student Nishan
Shrestha showed great
potential in winning the junior
boys championship.
The day also included a
number of fun events such as
the underwater competition,
the hoop relay, a water polo
competition and a chance for
students to show off their
diving and bombing skills!!
Nathan Brown and Chris
Moore both showed off some
silky skills from the diving
boards as did Miss Vetch!
action and then the diving and
bombing exhibition.
Well done to all students who
attended swimming sports for
bringing a great attitude and making it
a thoroughly enjoyable day, a big
thank you also to all staff who helped
out on the day.
Mr. Mulrooney
Individual Age Champions
JUNIOR BOYS
Nishan Shrestha
JUNIOR GIRLS
Maggie Li
INTERMEDIATE BOYS
Jordan Todd
INTERMEDIATE GIRLS
Monique Rees
SENIOR BOYS
Rish Hinwar
SENIOR GIRLS
Hazel Latoa
It was great to see all the
students in the pool at once
for some of these events. The
hotly contested relays were
again won by Matauranga
proving they were too strong
for all involved easily beating
Manawanui, the teachers and
then Aroha. The day finished
off with some water polo
Manawanui
Matauranga
Manawanui
Matauranga
Matauranga
Matauranga
2015 Swimming Sports House Results
HOUSE
POINTS TOTAL
POSITION
Matauranga
89
1st
Aroha
59
3rd
Manawanui
64
2nd
YEAR 9 EDUCATION OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Page 9
This term our Year 9 students
will be involved in an exciting
outdoor trip as part of their
learning programme. Each
Year 9 class will spend one
day in the Waitakere Ranges
between March 2 and March
6. Students will be involved in
team building activities, a bush
walk and a swim in a waterhole.
The cost for this trip is $10. This
payment was due to the
Accounts Office by February
25.
Many parents completed a
parent consent form for this trip
on enrolment. If you have not
done this, then your son/
daughter will bring a letter home
for you to sign. This letter will
provide details of
important times and what
students need to bring with
them.
This trip is an important part
of our Year 9 programme and
therefore all students are
expected to
attend. If you have any
concerns or difficulties with
your child’s attendance then it
is important that you contact
your son/daughter’s Tutor
class teacher immediately so
that we can discuss this.
Greetings, Kia ora, Kia orana, Talofa Lava
This is an invitation to the families and friends of
Waitakere College’s
Kapa Haka group, African group,
Filipino group, Tuvalean group, Niuean group,
Indian group and Samoan group
to attend our
Fiafia night on
MONDAY 16 MARCH 2015
in the College Hall
STARTING AT 6.30pm
Entry is by ticket which can be purchased at the
Student Centre, $3.00 adults/children
See our cultural groups in action with their performances
for the
ASB POLYFEST
Festival 2015
Term 1 Parenting
Courses at LIFEWISE
Early Years (0-6yrs)
Toolbox Course
Six Mondays - 9 Feb to 16
Mar (7pm-9.15pm)
Middle Years (6-12yrs)
Toolbox Course
Six Tuesday evenings - 10
Feb to 17 Mar (7pm9.15pm)
Tweens & Teens (12+)
Toolbox Course
Six Wednesday evenings 11 Feb to 18 Mar (7pm9.15pm)
Building Awesome
Whanau (0-12yrs)
Toolbox Course
Six Thursday evenings –
12 Feb to 19 Mar (10am –
12.15pm OR 7pm9.15pm)
Cost: Select $75 per person; $110 per couple;
Subsidy is available; free to
foster parents and caregivers
Venue: LIFEWISE Family
Services, 3131 Great
North Road, New Lynn
Contact: Sharon Zand
818.6834
SharonZ@lifewise.org.nz
SPORTS RESULTS as at 22/0115
Volleyball
Senior Girls vs St Doms WON 2-1
Senior Girls vs Rutherford Lost 1-2 Solid leadership and performances by Lisika Timaio
& Siniue Peia
Senior Boys vs Dilworth Lost 0-2
Senior Boys vs Rutherford lost 0-2
Boys Cricket
Senior Boys vs Green Bay WON
Junior Boys vs Kelston WON
Touch
Senior Boys vs Rutherford WON 10-0. Stand out player Alfred Kolio
Senior Boys vs Henderson WON 10-0. Stand out player Javarn Welsh
Senior Girls vs St Doms B WON 9-1. Stand out player Alexandria Wilson
Senior Mixed vs Massey Lost 2-5. Stand out player Leo Sului.
Senior Water Polo
Senior Water Polo Team vs Birkenhead WON 11-1
Tennis
Girls vs Hobsonville Point WON 9-0. Player of the day was Azariah Brown who won all her games
and then umpired others which was much appreciated.
Boys vs Auckland Grammar Lost 0-9. They lost to a more experienced team. Player of the day was
Axel who lost a close match 7-5
Rowing
Zach Hinton and Jarid Haydon competed at the Head of harbour rowing regatta on the 14th
February. This was their first ever competitive rowing event where they competed in the U17 Boys
double skulls. The boys finished a respectable 4th out of 9 teams-a great effort for their first
regatta!
Health News
At VisionWest we believe that
we all need to have a vision and
hope for the future. As a community development based
organisation, our vision is to
build a place of trust and
openness where people feel
valued and loved.
We believe in the value of
holistic care and support and
offer an integrated range of wrap
-around services and supports
that care for all people
physically, emotionally, spiritually
and intellectually.
The Year 9 health checks are under way. All students will be seen
for a vision test, hearing test and general health check during the
year. If you would like your child seen earlier please phone the
nurses.
The doctor’s clinics run twice a week. Appointments can be made
with the nurses. The service is free and is supported by
Healthwest. We have Maria Kekus, Nurse Practitioner, running our clinic at the
moment.
Sore Throats Hurt Hearts
The nurses continue to swab throats for Strep. An untreated Strep A throat infection
can lead to Rheumatic Fever and hospitalization.
Please see the nurse at the student centre.
If your child is sick, please phone the absence line (8367890 ext 852) and leave a
message. Sending a student to school unwell puts other students and staff at risk of
catching the illness.
Thanks. Your nurses Michelle, Rebecca and Karen.
Contact Vision West
P 09 818 0700
F 09 818 0701
EOffice@VisionWest.org.nz
Address: PO Box 20406, Glen
Eden, Auckland, 0641
Web: www.visionwest.org.nz
Asthma Bus
The Asthma bus will be at Waitakere College, Wednesday 25th March.
If your child has asthma and you would like them seen by the Asthma Nurse
Educator, please contact the school nurse.
Calendar of Events
Mon 2 March-Friday 6
March
Year 9 Outdoor Education
Week
The Barfoot & Thompson World
Triathlon Auckland is more than
just watching the world's best
triathletes racing through the
city...it's also about our young juniors
taking part and giving it a go!
Tues 3 March
10 Food Technology trip
Held on Queens Wharf in the heart of
Auckland city on Sunday 29 March
2015, there are a couple of great
events that are fantastic for kids to
be involved and experience the
buzz!
Wed 4 March
Achievers Evening
Fri 6 March
Official Opening Whare
Wananga
5km Fun Run - this easy and flat
run in downtown Auckland is open to
anyone 5yrs and older, and is perfect
for families. Finishing on the blue
carpet of the Elite course is an
Wed 11 March
ESOL Trip
experience for all to remember!
Thurs 12t March
10 FAS Trip
Cross Country
Fri 13 March
Teacher Only Day.
No Classes
Mon 16 March
Fia Fia Night
Bus201/301 trip
Wed 18-Sat 21 March
Polyfest
Mon 23 March
PED 201 Camp
Check out our website for full
calendar for year
We’re on the Web
www.waitakerecollege.school.nz
WAITAKERE
COLLEGE
Street Address: 42 Rathgar Road
Henderson
Waitakere City 0612
Auckland
New Zealand
Postal Address: P O Box 21144
Henderson
Auckland 0650
Phone: +64 9 8367890
Fax: +64 9 836 7892
E-mail: secretary@waitakerecollege.school.nz
The Super Sprint Tri event is for
11yrs and older and is super
ATTENTION
PARENTS
Individual tuition
Years
1-13
Experienced, qualified
Teachers.
Reading, Spelling, Writing, Comprehension,
Maths /Numeracy, Dyslexia Screening
Call Jo on 836 9061 for a free assessment
www.kipmcgrath.co.nz
3.05 HIVE. Last session
for the year is this week.
3.05 Hive takes place on
Tuesdays and Thursdays
after school. Students come
with their homework or
classwork and get the
support they need. Last year we had lots
of students coming!
Please encourage your child to take
advantage of this invaluable opportunity
for extra tutoring.
Tuesday after school for Maths and
Science focus.
Thursday after school for English/Social
Science focus.
Parents are welcome to come along.
Look forward to seeing you there!
achievable with a 300m swim, 10km
bike and 2km run. Great intro to the
triathlon scene and no flash gears
or tight pants required!
The Sprint Tri event is for all those
13years and over. It's the next step
up, but not as hard core as the
Standard distance with just a 750m
swim, a 20km bike and an easy 5km
run! This can be done as a team of 2
or 3 as well so a great way to
introduce a different angle to winter
sports training!
Check out www.triauckland.co.nz
for more information and how to ENTER
Or call (09) 307 3310 and ask for Dee!
presents
Special Catered Performance
ONE NIGHT ONLY
Saturday 28th March 6pm
Catered Performance $20,
includes nibbles at your table.
Cash bar available. Strictly for 18+ years
Non-catered on 31ST MARCH
and 1st April 7pm
Non-catered Nights $12 Children $15 Adults
Buy your tickets NOW from the Student Centre
By Tim Firth. Music & Lyrics by Madness. Presented by arrangement
With Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd