Te Pūrongo o te kura - Newsletter
Term 3 Week 6 Newsletter
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
NGĀ KUPU O TE TUMUAKI- PRINCIPALS PIECE
HE KAUPAPA POUMAHI- STAFFING NEWS
KO TE AKONGA KEI TE PITO- STUDENTS AT THE CENTRE
KO TE HAPORI TE MANAWA- COMMUNITY AT THE HEART
NGĀ PĀNUI HAKINAKINA SPORTS AND CULTURAL BULLETIN
NGĀ KAUPAPA KEI MUA I TE AROARO- UPCOMING EVENTS
The Addams Family
Ensure you have your tickets to our amazing school production! A treat for the whole family not to be missed! Tickets can be purchased from EventBrite.
Dates:
23rd August - 7pm
24th August - 7pm
25th August - 7pm
26th August - 2pm (Matinee)
26th August - 7pm
NGĀ KUPU O TE TUMUAKI- PRINCIPALS PIECE
We were delighted by the incredible turnout at our recent School Open Night! Your presence and enthusiastic participation made the evening a resounding success.
Your ongoing commitment to our school community is very much appreciated, and it's evident that your support plays a pivotal role in our continuous growth and success. Your insightful questions, engaging conversations, and genuine interest in our programs and facilities reaffirm our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students.
It's our hope that you left the event with a deeper understanding of our school's values, goals, and the exceptional opportunities we offer to our students.
It is also with great pleasure that we welcome all Year 8s enrolling as Year 9s to Spotswood College. We look forward to sharing with you the incredible opportunities and nurturing environment we offer for your child's education.
Where possible please complete an online enrolment prior to your enrolment interview. To do this, please go to www.spotswoodcollege.school.nz and click on ‘ENROL NOW’.
Please find below key information regarding upcoming enrolment dates which are held at the contributing schools.
Enrolment Hui Day at Puketapu School:
Tuesday 22nd August from 9.30am
Enrolment Hui Day at Ōakura School:
Monday 28th August 2023 from 9am
Enrolment Hui Day at Ōmata School:
Tuesday 29th August 2023 from 9am
To book an enrolment interview, please follow the instructions below:
STEP 1: DOWNLOAD SKOOL LOOPS (Available on Android and IOS)
STEP 2: CHOOSE “Spotswood College” using the schools selection options
STEP 3: CLICK ON BOOKINGS
STEP 4: SELECT YOUR CHILD’S CURRENT SCHOOL
Please note: A, B, C etc refers to how many Spotswood College representatives we will have available on each day to do the enrolling. Please check other representatives if your preferred time is unavailable. If your child requires additional learning support, please book your interview with the SENCO - Ms Jo Sampson.
STEP 5: SELECT THE DATE OF INTERVIEW
These are preset by the schools and cannot be changed. If you are unable to make this date please call the Spotswood College school office for more information.
STEP 6: SELECT TIME OF INTERVIEW Please check other representatives for more availability.
STEP 7: ENTER YOUR DETAILS Please enter in details for your child and yourself. You will receive a confirmation from Spotswood College - but interviews will be held at the CONTRIBUTING SCHOOLS.
If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the school on
06 751 2416 or admin@spotswoodcollege.school.nz.
Student Led Individual Development Plans (IDPs): Wednesday 6th September
IDPs have been put in place by Spotswood College to strengthen the partnership between students/school and parents/caregivers. An IDP is a written plan which is part of the process of meeting students’ needs.
This day has been set aside for Learning Advisors to meet with students and parents/caregivers in order to review any previous IDP goals which were set and to develop new goals and next steps to achieve them. This will then lead into course selections for 2024. It is important that whanau and students both attend so they can sign off on their child’s 2024 courses at this meeting. (The meeting will be no longer than 30 minutes).
As this meeting is highly valuable, no normal classes will run on this day.
IDP Appointments
Appointments for the Student Led IDPs can be made through the Skool Loop app. Teachers have their LA class code next to their name to help you identify who to book with.
Please note that Te Waka Manaaki will be closed on the 6th September for IEPs. Appointments will be made directly with whānau by the teachers in TWM.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Following on from the IDP there will be an opportunity to address any concerns around learning and achievement, with subject teachers at a Parent Teacher afternoon from 3 - 6pm on Wednesday 13th September.
Appointments for the Parent Teacher Evening can be booked through the Skool Loop app. Bookings will open on 6th September 2023 (IDP day). Teachers are listed in alphabetical order to help you when making a booking.
Course Selection Booklets
The 2024 Course booklets will be available via the school website during Week 6. Please see the link from the website here: Course Selection 2024
The school course selection portal will be open for students to put their 2024 options in, from the IDP date. It will be closed on Monday 18th September (Week 10 of Term 3).
Nicola Ngarewa
TUMUAKI
HE KAUPAPA POUMAHI- STAFFING NEWS
As a school each term we open our doors to fellow educators and curious minds who are interested in witnessing our innovative approach to curriculum and learning. Our inviting environment, dedicated staff, and student-focused initiatives create a unique educational experience. We believe in the power of sharing ideas and experiences to enrich the field of education. Visitors have the opportunity to observe our dynamic classrooms, engage with our passionate teachers, and discover the creative methods we employ to nurture growth and learning. It's an honor to contribute to the advancement of education by welcoming visitors to witness our commitment to excellence firsthand.
The photos below are staff who are part of a Manaiakalani Digital Fluency Cluster of schools from Auckland.
Staff
Principal
Whaea Nicola email: nng@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Deputy Principal
Mr Daryn Shaw email: dsh@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Senior Leadership
Mrs Hilary Takarangi email: hta@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Senior Leadership
Mr Darren Scott email: dsc@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Year 12 and 13 Dean
Mr Wayne Cribb email: wcr@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Year 11 Dean
Mrs Tulah Katene email: tka@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Year 10 Dean
Mr Cameron Hopkinson email: cho@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Year 9 Dean
Mr Airana Ngarewa email: ang@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
International Director
Mrs Nicola Healy email: nhe@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Business Manager
Ms Christina Davis email: cdv@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Careers Advisor
Mrs Chell Lusk email: clu@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
KO TE AKONGA KEI TE PITO- STUDENTS AT THE CENTRE
Photos From Our Open Evening
Our School Robotics Team Shines at Regional Event
Our school's Robotics Team shone at the recent regional competition. With determination, innovation, and an unwavering team spirit, our students rose to the challenge.
They showcased their exceptional creativity and technical prowess. The team's innovative approach to problem-solving, coupled with their dedication to refining their designs, set them apart in the field. Throughout the intense competition, our students exhibited exceptional teamwork, adaptability, and perseverance. They navigated complex tasks, unforeseen challenges, and time constraints. Well done to all involved and a huge mihi to Jana Robertson who coaches and manages the teams.
KO TE HAPORI TE MANAWA- COMMUNITY AT THE HEART
A Sip of Sustainability
Our student run cafe offers hot drinks making your mornings even more enjoyable while also being mindful of our environment.
A Sip of Sustainability: Hot Drinks for $3.00
Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a fan of a soothing hot chocolate, our student-run cafe has got you covered. For just $3.00, you can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of your favorite hot beverage to kickstart your day. With a range of options available, you're sure to find something that suits your taste buds.
Coffee Card Option: Convenience and Savings
To make your experience even more convenient and budget-friendly, we're introducing coffee cards. Purchase a coffee card for $27.00
Disposable Cup-Free School: Bring Your Own or Borrow Ours
We're proud to be a disposable cup-free school, and we're excited to share how it works. You have the option to contribute to our sustainability efforts in two ways:
Bring Your Own Cup: Feel free to bring your own reusable cup from home. Your eco-conscious choice helps reduce waste and supports our commitment to a greener campus.
Boomerang Cup System: If you don't have your reusable cup, don't worry! We have a "boomerang cup" system in place. You can use a cup from the cafe and return it once you're done. This cup will be cleaned and ready for another use, making it a sustainable solution that minimizes single-use waste.
Alongside the freshly brewed hot drinks, we offer an assortment of delicious slices that perfectly complement your chosen beverage.
Whether you're looking for a morning pick-me-up or a midday treat, our student-run cafe is here to cater to your needs.
Visit Us Today!
The student-run cafe is open in the mornings and during kai time, ensuring you have ample opportunities to enjoy a hot drink and support our sustainability efforts.
Zero Emissions Day: Taking Steps Towards a Cleaner Future
Recently our school embraced a Zero Emissions Day, where students and staff made a conscious effort to reduce their carbon footprint by choosing sustainable modes of transportation. Staff and students opted for walking, biking, carpooling, or using public transportation on this day. By coming together and choosing eco-friendly alternatives, we collectively reduced our reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles and contributed to cleaner air in our community. Alongside this we had a Colorful Celebration of Sustainability with a Dress Green Day which was a vibrant and enthusiastic celebration of our commitment to sustainability. Students and staff adorned themselves in various shades of green, creatively showcasing their eco-conscious spirit. These events have left a positive impact that extends beyond the day itself. By participating in Zero Emissions Day and Dress Green Day, we collectively raised awareness about environmental sustainability and the choices we make in our daily lives. These events served as reminders that even small changes in our habits can contribute to a healthier planet.
With gratitude and eco-friendly regards, the Student Sustainability Group
NGĀ PĀNUI HAKINAKINA SPORTS AND CULTURAL BULLETIN
Student Coaches
Students in the Year 12 Lead the Game class have been coaching Year 8 students at Devon Intermediate, as part of a Leadership achievement standard.
The sessions have provided an excellent opportunity for the Devon students to meet, interact and learn from Spotswood College senior students.
Students involved
Jailbreak coaches = Anna Clough, Samantha Hart, Fern Cook
Football coaches= Bryn Smith, Mitchell Wong-Too
Ultimate Frisbee coaches = Tommy Priest, Aiden Donoghue, Lavendar Rawirii, Nikki Tamati, Mia Teo
Basketball coaches = Zalan Lizan, Balu Molnar
Spacies coaches = Joel Penno, Samuel Woodward
Hopefully students from both schools have benefitted from this exchange with our local intermediate school. The feedback from the teachers at Devon has been very positive and reflects the leadership skills that the senior students have been developing in the Physical Education programme.
The winter sports season, despite basketball starting later than usual, is gradually coming to a close for 2023. Our rugby teams finished up at the end of term 2 with our girls team narrowly missing a semi-final berth after a disrupted start to their season.
The girls had one last hit out versus Waitara High School in the recent Multi-cultural rugby festival, playing as the curtain raiser on Yarrows Stadium #1 before the Taranaki Māori vs Taranaki Pasifika game. In what was a free flowing exciting game, the girls had a hard fought 17-17 draw that could have gone either way.
Netball has wrapped up for 2023 with the 3 Spotswood teams being a class above in their grade. Congratulations to the Pono team who took out their section, winners with an unbeaten record.
A topic of conversation for Netball Taranaki moving forward no doubt, our girls showed class against their opposition often winning by double digits and showing for what is primarily a young group, the future of netball in our kura has potential to do well over the next 4-5 years.
All 5 basketball teams have started their seasons off well. A special mention must go out to our junior girls team, who after 7 weeks of competition, currently sit atop of the competition leaderboard.
Let's hope all teams can continue this form deeper into the season and push for a place in the finals.
As winter sports seasons come to an end, we turn our attention and focus to our summer sports seasons. Touch rugby will begin later in the term. All students wanting to play touch need to see Matua Carlin to register their interest.
In our vibrant school community, the richness of languages and cultures intertwines to create a truly diverse tapestry. We consider ourselves fortunate to offer a multitude of languages, each representing a doorway to understanding different ways of life. As we celebrate this diversity, we're thrilled to highlight the dedication of our students who are diligently fundraising for upcoming educational journeys. We have classes who are fundraising to travel to Vietnam, the enchanting Pacific Islands, and the picturesque landscapes of Spain. Through their efforts, they're not only expanding their horizons but also embodying the essence of collaboration, determination, and cultural exploration.
Be sure to support their efforts where you can!
NGĀ KAUPAPA KEI MUA I TE AROARO- UPCOMING EVENTS
TSSSA Events
Any students wanting to sign up for the following TSSSA events for this term please sign up at the student office.
Term 3
Thurs 7 Sept - Junior League
TBC - Motocross
Thurs 14 Sept - Ki o Rahi
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Health and Safety: School Sign-in Process
School Uniform Expectations
Note please students are expected to wear the school uniform to from and at school.
Items can be borrowed from the Uniform Shop for the day if required. Jeans and cargo pants are not part of the uniform.
Non uniform items will be collected from students and returned at the end of the week.
Career News
MoneyHub has 10+ NCEA resources to help everyone attain merits and excellences - check it out and prepare for upcoming internals and externals with confidence.
https://www.moneyhub.co.nz/resources-for-ncea-students.html
Please make sure your teens are checking, opening and reading their emails. Opportunities are being missed.
School Counselling Services
School Counselling Services are available to discuss academic, career, or personal/social support.
To make an appointment
Careers Officer Chell Lusk - clu@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Guidance Counsellors - manaakitanga@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Drop in Public Health Nurse hours - Monday 9.00 am - 2.00 pm.
Keeping Yourself And Your Whanau Safe In Our Digital World: Bullying And Harassment
Digital platforms can be useful tools, but in this time and age, there is a significant risk that social media platforms can be used by students to bully each other or spread rumours about others. We are asking for the support of this community to come together in addressing this.
The Spotswood College’s Responsible Use of Technology Policy is below.
As part of the enrollment process, an agreement is signed by both the student and the caregiver regarding the appropriate use of the school's ICT systems. The school offers a monitored internet connection and a safe environment for the students.
Unfortunately, students’ personal cell phones are not covered by the protections that the system offers. These devices can easily be used to cause harm including the form of unconsented recording or photography.
To prevent this, it is important that as a community we understand the Harmful Digital Communication Act and the impact that this form of bullying and harassment can have on the victims. In this digital age rumours and jokes can have lingering consequences.
The Netsafe organization is the best place to get help either by starting a conversation with your child, seeking advice to help create a safer home internet connection or getting support if you are already suffering from online abuse.
Skool Loop
Spotswood College will be using Skool Loop to send out notices and information to our whānau. This is a free app available on Apple and Android devices. You can also access newsletters, contact the school about absences and find helpful links as well as quick access to Kamar.
Website
Kamar Portal
Attendance
We have a school attendance target of above 90% for every student. To ensure that together we reach this, it is important that if you know your child is going to be absent from school, that you please contact the school by using one of the following options.
Option 1: Telephone the school on 06 751 2416 and speak to one of our reception team:
Kara, Jenine and Lana
Option 2: Send a text to the Attendance Officer (Jenine) on 021 023 93060
Option 3: Send an email to the Attendance Officer (Jenine) - jpr@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Option 4: Use the school app to submit an absence
Option 5: Leave a message on the Attendance hotline by calling the school on 06 751 2416 and press (1) to report a student's absence. Record your child’s name, parents' name, contact details and reason for absence.
Based on our attendance data system we will send an automated text to parents of any students that are absent, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
If for any reason you are concerned about your child’s attendance, you can speak with the Attendance Officer (see contact details above) or she will pass you on to the DEAN or your child’s Learning Advisor.
Student Wellbeing Services
Sick or injured at school
The sickbay is closed for any sick-related issues. If your child is sick, we will contact home and ask for them to be picked up immediately. Students should not arrange this themselves as we need to know where they are at all times.
The sick bay is open to help with injuries.
A public health nurse is available for you and your caregivers if you have any concerns. This could be a rash, not sleeping well, regular headaches, ongoing health issues etc.
Please ask to talk to her privately. Consultations are confidential, offering information and advice. Health resources are available, with a choice of providers for referrals to agencies.
If you would like to see the public health nurse, please ask staff at student reception.
TERMS AND HOLIDAYS 2023
TERM 3
17/07/2023 - 22/09/2023
Teachers only Day = Friday 8th September
School exam week Wednesday 13th September - Tuesday 19th September
TERM 4
09/10/2023 - 8/12/2023
Monday 23rd October = Labour Day
Senior Prizegiving Wednesday 1st November
NCEA Exams start Monday 6 November - Thursday 30 November
NCEA Accord Day = Wednesday 22nd November
UPCOMING KEY DATES
TERM 3
Week 6
20th & 21st August - Taranaki Careers Expo
22nd August - Puketapu Enrolments from 9.30am
22nd to 25th August - School production - The Addams Family
25th August - Reports Due Out
Week 7
28th August to 1st September
TOPEC WEEK
28th August - Oākura Enrolments from 9am
29th August - Ōmata Enrolments from 9am
Week 8
6th September - Student Led IDPs (no classes will run on this day)
7th September - TSSSA Junior League
8th September - Staff Only Day
Week 9
13th September - Parent Teacher Interviews
Assessment week begins (finished Tuesday week 10)
14th September - TSSSA Ki o Rahi
Week 10
18th September - Snapshot of Learning Survey for students
19th September - Assessment week ends
22nd September - End of Term Assembly