Te Pūrongo o te kura - Newsletter
Haratua (May) 2023 Newsletter
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
NGĀ KUPU O TE TUMUAKI- PRINCIPALS PIECE
NGĀ TAKE TŌRANGAPŪ- INDUSTRIAL ACTION
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 KUPU O TE TUMUAKI- PRINCIPALS PIECE
Ka nui te mihi mahana ki a koutou,
As we head towards the end of semester two, it's crucial that our students stay focused on their learning. This includes reviewing their learning progress, communicating with their teachers, and reaching out for further academic or pastoral guidance where it is needed. It is important to note courses for the upcoming semester have been selected.
We encourage parents and students to also regularly check the KAMAR parent portal for updates on student progress and stay in contact with Learning Advisory teachers. Communication between teachers, parents, and students is essential to ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed.
Additionally, to support this busy time of the year, we will be conducting our annual student wellbeing survey, which will provide valuable information about our students' needs and help us identify any areas where we can improve our support systems.
Seeking ways that we can improve how we operate as a learning community is very important to us as a school and we invite parents to provide general feedback by filling in the survey in the link here.
Your feedback helps us to better understand the needs of our community and to make any necessary changes.
While this is a time of the year which can be more demanding, it is also an exciting time, and we look forward to seeing all of our students' hard work and progress.
We want to emphasise the importance of staying focused and prepared for the future, knowing that with good communication and support systems in place, we can ensure that all of our students have the best possible learning experience.
Ngā mihi
Nicola Ngarewa
Tumuaki
NGĀ TAKE TŌRANGAPŪ- INDUSTRIAL ACTION
Week 4 Tuesday 16 May - Year 9 Wednesday 17 May - Year 10
Week 5 Thursday 25 May - Year 11
Week 6 Tuesday 30 May - Year 13 Thursday 1 June - Year 12
Week 7 Tuesday 6 June - Year 10 Thursday 8 June - Year 9
(Note please Te Waka Manaaki differs from this and will send communication directly to their whānau).
HE KAUPAPA POUMAHI- STAFFING NEWS
With pending changes to NCEA and the NZ Curriculum refresh, staff took part in a Professional Learning day that would help them to plan for the proposed changes.
Key information of the changes is captured here.
2024 will see the roll out of the new NCEA Level 1 standards, including the co-requisites of literacy and numeracy.
We will still be able to run both semester and full year courses which allows us to provide a wide range of courses, noting that the credits to utilise will be significantly less than what we have been accustomed to.
While there is a level of uncertainty around how the assessments will look, we are embracing this change as an opportunity to be a learning driven community as opposed to being assessment driven. Part of this includes ensuring we are ready to do assessments online as required by NZQA.
The Kaupapa Maori Committee is driving the implementation of Matauranga Māori, as this is expected to be in place in all schools as part of the changes by next year.
SCHOOL PHOTOS
Photo Life have emailed out your child's unique Key Code to go online to view and purchase the 2023 School Photos. Please keep a lookout in your trash/spam folder for the key code.
Free delivery expires midnight Sunday 21 May, all orders must be received before then otherwise postage will be charged.
If you do not receive your child's unique Key Code you can call the School Office on 06 751 2416.
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
KO TE AKONGA KEI TE PITO- STUDENTS AT THE CENTRE
Spotty's Got Talent Results
1st - Faye Mula
2nd - Sam Malili and Malachi Paraha
3rd - Sebastian McElderry
Most Promising - Rin Reilly Leadbetter and Cleo Burwell
Special Mention to Ngareta Kearns and Nikki Tamati for their beautiful harmonies
Finally, winter sports season is underway and our students have been busy training and competing in a range of different sports, including netball, rugby, soccer, and hockey. We're thrilled to see so many of our students getting involved in physical activity and representing our school with pride.
KO TE HAPORI TE MANAWA- COMMUNITY AT THE HEART
As a school community, we understand the importance of preserving and protecting our environment. One way we are doing this is by planting riparian trees on the wetland area of our school farm.
Riparian zones are areas of land adjacent to bodies of water, such as rivers, streams, and wetlands. These zones are critical for maintaining water quality, preventing soil erosion, and providing habitat for wildlife. Riparian trees, in particular, play an essential role in these zones by stabilising stream banks, filtering pollutants, and providing shade to keep water temperatures cool.
By planting riparian trees on the wetland area of our school farm, we are not only contributing to the health of our local ecosystem but also providing valuable educational opportunities for our students. Students have the chance to learn about the importance of riparian zones, the benefits of tree planting, and the role they can play in preserving our environment.
Moreover, planting riparian trees is an excellent way for our school to give back to the community and show our commitment to environmental stewardship. It's a small step we can take to make a significant impact on the health of our planet.
Overall, planting riparian trees on the wetland area of our school farm is an essential initiative that demonstrates our school's commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability. We're proud to be a part of this effort and look forward to seeing the positive impact of our actions in the years to come.
A huge thank you to for their sponsorship of this project and making such a significant investment into our young peoples future!
NGĀ PĀNUI HAKINAKINA SPORTS AND CULTURAL BULLETIN
This year Tracey Schuler will be the person overall in charge of netball, and also coaching Manaakitanga. We have Jaz coaching Whakamana and Aniwaniwa Waiwiri-Hetet coaching Pono.
Team practices will happen during sport active times on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2.10 - 3.10. All students are expected to turn up to trainings.
Students have a netball google classroom and all game times and other key information will be posted on this platform.
We ask that players turn up to the games 30 minutes before playing, in their netball uniform and with water bottles. Please ensure coaches know as soon as possible if they are unable to play on the day.
Rugby has started with a bang with the boys team 1-1 to start the season. They are a keen group of boys who are showing improvements on last year, with that word potential, still at the forefront of most conversations.
Girls rugby will begin at the end of May with a newly revamped girls competition. Training is held Tuesday and Thursday afternoon from 2:10 - 3:10, which all students are expected to attend unless coaches have been notified.
If your student is playing netball or basketball this year fees are now due and can be paid at the school finance office.
Spotswood College Sports Committee
Sports Director
Carlin Kumeroa
NGĀ KAUPAPA HĀKINAKINA KEI TUA- UPCOMING SPORTING EVENTS
The following TSSSA sports events are advertised through student notices.
Please contact sports@spotswoodcollege.school.nz if your child is interested in competing in any of the following regional events for this term:
Mon 15 May
Cross Country
Thurs 18 May
Indoor Bowls Boccia
Wed 24 May
Junior Futsal
Sun 28 May
MtB Enduro
Mon 29 May
Skateboarding
Thurs 1 June
Senior 3x3
Thurs 8 June
Junior 3x3
Mon 12 June
Squash
Fri 16 June
Senior Festival
Fri 23 June
Badminton
Tues 27 June
E-Sports
NGĀ KAUPAPA KEI MUA I TE AROARO- UPCOMING EVENTS
MIHI TO OUR SPONSORS
A huge thank you to Moturoa Pharmacy (492 St Aubyn Street) and Family Health Centre (Dr. Peter Egli) 70 Vivian Street who are generously willing to fund the kiln furniture.
Thank you to the Chapman family and Liqui Gas for the sponsorship of the new Vex IQ robotics kit which are being used in our Inquiry space. The kit will be a great help with Nationals this year.
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 the receptionist (Kara) or Attendance Officer (Jenine).
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 log attendance.
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 2
26/04/2023 - 30/06/2023
Monday 5th June = King’s Birthday
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 IN TERM 2
Week 4:
16th May - TSSSA Cross Country
18th May - TSSSA Indoor Bowls
19th May - Chess Tournament
Week 5:
23rd May - 25th May - Senior Koru Programme Wellington Trip
24th May - TSSSA Junior Futsal
Week 6:
29th May - TSSSA Skateboarding
1st June - TSSSA Snr 3x3
Week 7:
PRIDE WEEK
5th June - Kings Birthday
6th June - Semester 2 Begins
Free Dental Van
8th June - TSSSA Jnr 3x3
Week 8:
CAREERS WEEK/PUANGA FESTIVITIES
12th June- TSSSA Squash
16th June - TSSSA Snr Festival
Week 9:
23rd June - TSSSA Badminton
Week 10:
27th June - TSSSA E-sports
30th June - Whole School Hui