Te Pūrongo o te kura - Newsletter
Term 1, Week 11 2024 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
SCHOOL NOTICES
NGĀ KAUPAPA KEI MUA I TE AROARO- UPCOMING EVENTS
TERM DATES 2024
SCHOOL CAREERS & COUNSELLING SERVICES
ATTENDANCE
STUDENT WELLBEING SERVICES
NGĀ KUPU O TE TUMUAKI- PRINCIPALS PIECE
Ka nui te mahana ki a koutou,
As we approach the end of term 1, I want to take this opportunity to extend my gratitude to our students for their hard work, resilience, and dedication throughout the term. Your commitment to learning and personal growth is great, and we are proud of all that you have achieved.
I would also like to acknowledge our dedicated teaching and support staff who have continued to go above and beyond to create a positive and enriching learning environment for our students. Your passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence are the driving force behind our school's success.
As we look ahead to the upcoming break, I encourage everyone to take some time to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones. Whether you're planning a holiday getaway or enjoying a relaxing staycation, I hope you make the most of this break and return to school feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Finally, I want to express my appreciation for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we make a wonderful team, and I am confident that we will continue to achieve great things in the months ahead.
Ngā mihi
Nicola Ngarewa
PRINCIPAL
STAFF
Principal
Whaea Nicola email: nng@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Deputy Principal/Senior Leadership
Mr Daryn Shaw email: dsh@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Deputy Principal/Senior Leadership
Mrs Hilary Takarangi email: hta@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Deputy Principal/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 Hilary Takarangi email: hta@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Year 10 Dean
Matua Matty James email: mja@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
Koru Programme | Wellington Regional Model United Nations 2024
Over the weekend of 16th / 17th March two Spotswood College students from the Koru Programme - Hannah Butler and Lilla Thomas - attended the Wellington Model United Nations event. This event involved two days of public speaking, debating, building diplomacy skills and problem solving from the perspective of a member state of the United Nations. This year’s theme was ‘UN+Addressed’ which included looking at issues that might be overlooked, and looking at how to solve long-standing issues facing the global community.
Here’s what Hannah and Lilla had to say about the event:
Hannah
“I enjoyed the experience, meeting new people, getting to try something new, being on the crisis committee and the workshops. I learnt where the Hormuz Strait was, that there are many different ways of solving world problems, what the UN is all about, and what life is like in Wellington!”
Lilla
Most memorable moment: having my amendment to the motion at the Crisis committee passed.
Best thing: working with new people
Most proud of: speaking up and engaging
Weetbix Triathlon
Kia ora, My name is Bryn Smith, and I was one of the outstanding 60 Spotswood volunteers who assisted with this year's Weetbix Triathlon. As in previous years, there was a setup day followed by the Weetbix Tryathlon itself. On the set-up day, the Weetbix team leaders showed us how to set up the course, over 15 gazebos, and even bouncy castles. We were able to bond in ways that we wouldn't have been able to do at school, we were able to work with and meet new people, and a day off school with your friends isn't too bad.
The real Weetbix event began the next day at a very early 7 am. Weetbix was kind enough to supply us with breakfast, a volunteer shirt, a cap, a drink bottle and a few other goodies. Then we were assigned our stations for the day, these stations included things such as merchandise, breakfast and cheering on the athletes at specific points. This was also a good opportunity to bond with people you wouldn’t normally talk to and see during school. For example, I was part of the best station… Breakfast! Where we created delicious Weetbix bowls for hundreds of hungry athletes. There, I got to work beside people I didn’t know very well, but by the end of the day, it was as if we had known each other since primary. This however wasn’t the best thing about the day, for me, the best part was seeing all of the big smiles, giving out high fives and feeling the positive energy of the whole event wipe off on everyone involved.
This was my third year helping out with the Triathlon and I enjoy it more and more each year. I would strongly recommend volunteering to anyone interested as it is a great way to meet new people, do something for the community and take a few days off school!
Bryn Smith
NGĀ PĀNUI HAKINAKINA - SPORTS AND CULTURAL BULLETIN
54th New Zealand Secondary Schools Senior Volleyball Championship
This year’s 54th NZSS championships were again played in Palmerston North during summer
tournament week in mid-March. Our senior girls’ squad was: Anna Clough, Samantha Hart,
Scarlett Dinnis (Captain), Aliana Scholey, Haruna Saito, Tia Christiansen, Lola Crawshaw, Jean
Smiley plus 2 Internationals from Germany - Paula Singer and Mia Hopf.
After finishing third in the Taranaki regional series we qualified for pool play in the middle 48
division for teams regionally ranked from 33-80. This year, Volleyball New Zealand introduced a
new format with our games being played on a best of 3 sets basis.
A close 2 point(14-16) loss to Nayland College in a third set decider saw Spotswood miss out
on a Division 3 spot but qualified for Division 4 where we finished in a disappointing 12th place.
The girls played extremely well throughout the week winning four of their 9 games played and
were a credit to the College on and off the court. Their sportswomanship was exemplary.
Good luck to those who are trialing for the Taranaki Under 19 Women’s team for the inter-
provincial tournament in Wellington at King’s birthday weekend.
A big thank you to our support staff of Mr. Gayton (Head coach), Robbie Booth co-coach and
ex-pupil Jessica Proctor co-coach/chaperone. Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated.
To Paula and Mia--safe travels back to Germany next week- we will miss you both.
The results were:
Pool play for teams ranked 33-80.
lost to Nayland College-B (Nelson) 1-2; 14-25, 25-22, 14-16
beat Hilmorton HS (Christchurch) 2-1; 25-22, 19-25, 15-9
beat Onslow College (Wellington) 2-0; 29-27, 25-22
beat Whangarei GHS 2-1; 25-22, 19-25, 15-10
lost to Mt. Maunganui College 0-2; 17-25, 17-25
Division 4 championship play:
lost to Napier GHS 1-2; 25-19, 23-25, 9-15
beat Western Heights High School-B 2-0; 25-21, 25-23
lost to Horowhenua College (Levin) 0-2; 23-25, 23-25
lost to Whangarei GHS 0-2; 19-25, 21-25
Played 9, Won 4, lost 5, Sets For 10, Sets Against 12
Final placing 12th in Div 4 (60th overall out of 102 teams).
Excellence Awards Assembly
Congratulations to the following students for the following academic, sports and performing arts achievements. They were awarded with certificates at a whole school assembly on Friday 5th April.
SCHOOL NOTICES
Uniform
It is essential that students wear the correct uniform, including school sweatshirts or jackets, as outlined in our uniform expectations.
If your child does not already have the correct uniform items for winter, we encourage you to make the necessary purchases before the start of the new term. This will help to avoid any disruptions to their learning and ensure they feel comfortable and prepared for the school day.
Thank you for your cooperation and support in this matter. Together, we can help create a conducive learning environment where all students can thrive.
Parking and Blocking Accessways
Reminder to everyone to please refrain from parking on the yellow lines and using them as drop off zones which block school entrances including the Te Waka Manaaki entrance/driveway as this is causing major health and safety issues for our students as well as oncoming traffic.
Please note: the Te Waka Manaaki entrance and parking around this area is to be used only by SESTA vehicles and parents of students in Te Waka Manaaki for drop off and pick up.
Temporary Closure of S Block
Please see the link below for information regarding the temporary closure of S Block during Term 2.
S Block Temporary Closure Letter
For further information please contact our office by emailing admin@spotswoodcollege.school.nz.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we undertake these essential maintenance works.
NGĀ KAUPAPA KEI MUA I TE AROARO- UPCOMING EVENTS
TERM 2 UPCOMING DATES
WEEK 1
Monday 29 January - 9am Levels Assembly
Year 9 - Hall
Year 10 - Hall
Year 11 - B16
Year 12 - Gym
Year 13 - Gym
Friday 3 May - Why Ora Promo for Yr 11 + Yr 12 Maori Students in the Staffroom at 9am
WEEK 2
Monday 6 May - Year 9 (class 1) Koru Programme Puke Ariki Museum Visit
Heights Course Vocational Pathways Department
Thursday 9 May - TSSSA Cross Country
Friday 10 May - Year 10 Koru Programme Taranaki War Battle Sites field trip 9:30am - 12:30pm
WEEK 3
Monday 13 May - Year 9 (class 2) Koru Programme Puke Ariki Museum Visit
Thursday 16 May - Ngā Manu Kōrero Regional competition
Spottys Got Talent at 7pm
Friday 17 May - Massey University Promo in the Staffroom for any Yr 12 + Yr 13’s at 9am
WEEK 4
Tuesday 21 May - Barista Course VP Department
TSSSA Netball
Wednesday 22 May - PPTA PUM Meeting 1pm in Stratford: school will be closing at 12pm
Barista Course VP Department
WEEK 5
Monday 27 May - TSSSA Skateboarding
Board Meeting
Thursday 30 May - TSSSA e-sports
Friday 31 May - Teacher Only Day - NCEA Accord Day
WEEK 6
Monday 3 June - Kings Birthday
Tuesday 4 June - TOPEC Week
Wednesday 5 June - Manual Handling & Hearing VP Department
Thursday 6 June - TSSSA Badminton
Friday 7 June - Semester 1 ends
Art Auction - 5.30pm to 7.30pm
WEEK 7
Monday 10 June - Semester 2 begins
TSSSA Squash
Wednesday 12 June - Youth Responder VP Department
Thursday 13 June - TSSSA Junior 3x3 Bball
Saturday 15 June - School Ball
WEEK 8
Monday 17 June - PUANGA Festivities
Wednesday 19 June - TSSSA Snr 3x3 Bball
Thursday 20 June - Puanga Afternoon Festival
WEEK 9
Monday 24 June - Period 5 Levels Assembly
TSSSA Māori Games
Board Meeting
Wednesday 26 June - Life Education Trust Theatre programme in the GYM
9am-10am Smashed (year 9)
10am-11am Behind the Scenes (year 10)
11:35-12:30 SMART$ (year 11)
Friday 28 June - Matariki public Holiday (School Is Closed)
WEEK 10
Wednesday 3 July - Respond to Small Emergencies VP Department
TSSSA Senior Festival Day
Friday 5 July - Period 5 End of Term Whole School Hui
TERM DATES 2024
Term Two: 29/04/2024 - 05/07/2024
Thursday 25th April = ANZAC Day
Wednesday 22nd May = PPTA PUM Meeting (School will finish at 12pm)
Monday 27th May = BOARD MEETING
Friday 31st May = Teachers Only Day
Monday 3rd June = King’s Birthday
Monday 24th June = BOARD MEETING
Friday 28th June = Matariki Public Holiday
SCHOOL CAREERS & 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.
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.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Please see the link below for more information on scholarships available
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: Call 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.
Option 3: Send an email to absent@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Option 4: Use the school app - SKOOL LOOP to submit an 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.
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
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.