Te Pūrongo o te kura - Newsletter
Term 1, Week 6 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
NGĀ KAUPAPA KEI MUA I TE AROARO- UPCOMING EVENTS
NGĀ KUPU O TE TUMUAKI- PRINCIPALS PIECE
Ka nui te nihi mahana ki a koutou,
As we continue our journey together to support our students, we want to emphasise the importance of communication around your children's learning progression.
You should have already received contact from your child's Learning Advisor (LA) teacher, who serves as your main point of contact. Additionally, you should have access to a course overview, including an assessment schedule, which helps you track your child's progress throughout the semester.
In addition to this please note the following important connect points for this term.
Reports:
Student reports will be emailed out on Friday, 15th March. These reports provide valuable insights into your child's progress and achievements, and we encourage you to review them carefully.
Student Led Individual Development Plans (IDPs):
Spotswood College has implemented Student Led Individual Development Plans (IDPs) to strengthen the partnership between students, parents/caregivers, and the school. An IDP is a written plan that identifies the student's learning needs, interests, goals, and the actions required to improve achievement. IDP meetings will take place on Wednesday, 20th March, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. These meetings will be held in the student's LA classrooms and will last approximately 20 minutes. Appointments can be made through Skool Loop. Instructions for booking appointments are provided below. As this meeting is highly valuable, no normal classes will run on this day, and all students and families are required to attend an IDP meeting.
Te Waka Manaaki will be having Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) on the same day. Key teachers will make contact to arrange a time. Please note: not all Te Waka Manaaki students are due an IEP on this date.
Parent Teacher Evening:
Following the IDP meetings, there will be a further opportunity to meet with individual teachers if required at the Parent Teacher Evening on March 27th, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, in the school hall and surrounding break out spaces. This will provide an opportunity to address any concerns around learning and achievement further with subject teachers. Appointments for the Parent Teacher Evening can also be made through Skool Loops.
We look forward to working with you to support your child's learning and development. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.
SKOOL LOOP INTERVIEW BOOKING GUIDE
Ngā mihi nui,
Nicola Ngarewa
PRINCIPAL
Spotswood College
HE KAUPAPA POUMAHI- STAFFING NEWS
Spotwood Staff Embrace Cultural Learning Through Cloak Weaving: A Gift to Remember
In a beautiful fusion of cultural appreciation and professional development, some Spotswood College staff recently embarked on a journey of cloak weaving, with the creation of two cloaks gifted to our school community. This unique endeavor not only celebrated Indigenous artistry but also symbolised a commitment to inclusivity and diversity within our school.
Under the guidance of Indigenous artists, our dedicated staff members delved into the intricate art of cloak weaving, immersing themselves in the rich traditions and stories woven into every thread. These two cloaks are a testament to the creativity, craftsmanship, and collaborative spirit of our staff. In the coming weeks, they will integrate cloak weaving into their classes, offering students the opportunity to learn and contribute to the creation of future cloaks.
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
Spotswood Gazette: Building School Spirit through Beach Day and Athletics Day Extravaganza!
Ka nui te nihi mahana ki a koutou,
We hope this newsletter finds you well and filled with the same excitement and enthusiasm that we experienced during our recent Beach Day and Athletics Day events. These two days were packed with fun and opportunities to showcase talents and competitive spirit.
Beach Day Bonanza:
Our Beach Day was a sun-soaked extravaganza where students had the chance to kick back, relax, and enjoy the sand, surf, and sunshine. From sandcastle building competitions to beach volleyball showdowns, there was no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. Students showcased their creativity, teamwork, and beach prowess.
Whether they were soaking up the sun, splashing in the waves, or cheering on your friends from the sidelines, Beach Day was a fantastic opportunity to unwind, recharge, and connect with each other outside the classroom.
Athletics Day Action:
Following the success of Beach Day, we went to track and field events. Athletics Day was a high-energy celebration of athleticism, sportsperson-ship, and school spirit.
Students showcased their speed, strength, and agility as they competed in a wide array of events, including sprint races, long jump, shot put, and much more.
Congratulations to the following 2024 Athletics Champions:
Junior Boys: Neihana Allison
Junior Girls: Katie Takarangi
Intermediate Boys: Joel Penno
Intermediate Girls: Poppy Entwisle
Senior Boys: Matteo Schild
Senior Girls: Paula Singer
Junior 4 x100m Relay Champions: 10CHOMo
Senior 4 x 100m Relay Champions: 13CKUMa
Staff vs Prefects 4 x 100m Relay Champions: STAFF!
Beyond the thrill of competition, Athletics Day was also a fantastic opportunity for students to come together as a community, support one another, and foster a sense of belonging and pride in our school.
Building School Spirit:
Both Beach Day and Athletics Day exemplified the spirit of unity that defines the Spotswood community. These events provided students with the opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and try new things. Whether you were a seasoned athlete or a casual beachgoer, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
We want to extend our thanks to all the students who participated, the staff who helped organise and supervise the events, and especially Matua Carlin Kumeroa and the Year 13 Sports Prefects.
Until next time, keep shining bright, Spotswood!
Exploring Futures: Spotlight on Ongoing University Visits and the Importance of Career Guidance
At Spotswood College, the journey towards higher education is not just a destination—it's an ongoing exploration of possibilities, passions, and potential. As our students navigate the exciting landscape of post-secondary options, they are guided by a commitment to the holistic well-being and flourishing of every individual.
One of our approaches to higher education is the ongoing series of university visits that take place right here at school. These visits offer students a firsthand glimpse into the diverse array of academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and campus cultures that await them beyond High School.
In a rapidly changing world, where the landscape of higher education is constantly evolving, it is more important than ever for students to have access to accurate information and personalised guidance. Our dedicated career counsellor, Chell Lusk, has a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for helping students succeed, Chell serves as a trusted mentor and advisor, offering individualised support to students as they navigate the complexities of college applications, career pathways, and life beyond Spotswood College.
Whether it's refining a college essay, exploring potential majors, or mapping out a career plan, Chell is there every step of the way, providing guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear. So as our students continue to explore the wide world of higher education through university visits, let us also remember the importance of touching base with Chell Lusk. clu@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
Te Waka Manaaki
The students and staff in Te Waka Manaaki have had a busy start to the year and we can’t believe that we are already in week 6! We have welcomed three new students: Henry, Zin Zan and Will. All three students have settled in well to our space and, along with their families, are a wonderful addition to our Te Waka Manaaki whānau. We have also welcomed Colleen Fawkner to our teaching team. Colleen works in Te Waka Manaaki every Friday.
Te Waka Manaaki Transition Group
A focus for our teaching and learning in Te Waka Manaaki is ‘preparation for life’. This year we have been fortunate enough to receive funding from Mellowpuff Charitable Trust for our Transition Group (18 - 21 year olds) in order to focus on physical health and mental wellbeing and become more active members of our community. Over the coming year the transition students will take part in 10 pin bowling at Bowlerama, aqua jogging / swimming at the Aquatic Centre, dance / zumba classes, yoga at Flex Fitness, circuit training and adaptive cross fit at Latitude 39. So far the students have taken part in 10 pin bowling and are not only gaining some fantastic skills but are also having a ball! The group are also working on daily living skills and this term are focussing on the start of the day; the importance of sleep, setting an alarm and looking at what a healthy breakfast is.
Spanish Trip
We would like to thank everyone involved in the 2024 Spanish Exchange Trip. Over the course of 18 days Spotswood students visited Madrid, Valencia and Barcelona. The majority of the trip was spent in Valencia where our sister school “La Sagrada Familia” is located. Spotswood College and La Sagrada Familia have a robust and powerful relationship which has been built over the years. This relationship has fomented great relationships between the students of both schools which will last a lifetime. During our visit this year the Spotswood students were billetted by students from La Sagrada Familia School.
The trip was an action packed adventure. The students were able to view the beautiful architectural work of the Gaudi influenced Barcelona streets. They visited majestic castles and royal palaces in Madrid. In Valencia, they were able to live with Spanish families and experience true Spanish culture from eating paella, experiencing European soccer games, learning about Valencian culture like Las Fallas and setting sail on a catamaran cruise on the Mediterranean.
We would like to thank all of the local businesses with their contributions that greatly assisted our fundraising efforts. Thank you to everyone in the community that supported our fundraiser events. Without your support the trip would not have been possible.
We look forward to continuing our exchange with La Sagrada Familia in the future and we are looking forward to their next visit to New Plymouth in 2025.
KO TE HAPORI TE MANAWA - COMMUNITY AT THE HEART
Spotswood Kapa Haka Group: Ambassadors of Culture, Welcoming Visitors with Aroha
With the cruise ships coming into New Plymouth our Kapa Haka group stands proudly at the forefront of this welcoming committee, greeting guests with vibrant performances.
As the faces of Spotswood College, our Kapa Haka group embodies the spirit of whanaungatanga —building relationships and connections that extend far beyond our shores. Through their dedication, talent, and unwavering manaakitanga, they leave a memorable mark on those who have the privilege of experiencing their performances.
To our Kapa Haka group, we mihi to you for your dedication and commitment. You are great ambassadors of Aotearoa!
NGĀ PĀNUI HAKINAKINA - SPORTS AND CULTURAL BULLETIN
With the TSSSA calendar in full swing, Spotswood College has had some great success across 2 events this term. Firstly, TSSSA Surfing where Mr Cleland took 5 students along to the black sands of Fitzroy Beach hoping for the second coming of Pipeline. The waves didn’t eventuate but that didn’t stop 2 of our students from podium finishes. With some deteriorating conditions, Year 11 students Poppy Entwisle and Jean ‘Shredder’ Smiley made it to the Under 16 Girls Finals. Poppy came out the winner on the day, with Jean finishing fourth. Awesome effort and results wāhine mā!
The following day International Students Paula Singer, Haruki Oishi and Bjarne Jürgensen represented Spotswood College at TSSSA Tennis. One of the popular individual sports events on the calendar, Pukekura Tennis Club was doing its best Wimbledon impersonation with the grass fast, but our students’ faster! Again we had great success with Paula taking out the girls singles event and Haruki winning the boys plate event. Very rarely have we seen Spotswood College go back to back at events as such, so a great result by all and hopefully the start of more to come throughout the year.
TSSSA Athletics Championships
On Tuesday 5th March the TSSSA Athletics Championships were held at the TET Stadium in Inglewood. It is the premier regional event for students to represent their school in their track and field disciplines.
Katie Takarangi (Year 9) was our only competitor from school and competed in the Junior Girls long jump, Junior Girls 100m sprint and Junior Girls 200m race. Her results are as follows:
3rd in long jump, with a personal best jump of 3.90 metres
5th in 100 metres (15.11 sec)
5th in 200 metres (31.23 sec)
Congratulations Katie! That is a wonderful achievement.
NGĀ KAUPAPA KEI MUA I TE AROARO- UPCOMING EVENTS
TERM 1 UPCOMING DATES
WEEK 7
Monday 11 March - Taranaki Anniversary - No School
Wednesday 13 March - TSSSA Golf Croquet
Thursday 14 March - PHOTOLIFE Catch up student photos
TSSSA Sailing
WEEK 8
NZSS Summer Tournament Week
Tuesday 19 March - First Aid Course VP Department
Wednesday 20 March - Student Led IDPs
First Aid Course VP Department
TSSSA Swimming
Thursday 21 March - TSSSA All Abilities Swimming
WEEK 9
Monday 25 March - TSSSA Orienteering
Wednesday 27 March - Parent Teacher Interviews
Friday 28 March - GOOD FRIDAY - No school
WEEK 10
Monday 1 April - EASTER MONDAY - No school
Tuesday 2 April - EASTER TUESDAY - No school
Wednesday 3 April - Health and Safety Course - VP Department
Thursday 4 April - TSSSA Senior Rugby League
WEEK 11
Tuesday 9 April - Sheilah Winn Regionals Stratford
Beyond COP21 Symposium hosted by Green School 9am to 4pm
Wednesday 10 April - Risk Assessment Course VP Department
TSSSA Cycling
Friday 12 April - Last Day of Term 1
TERM DATES 2024
Term One: 31/01/2024 - 12/04/2024
Year 9 and 13 students start on Wednesday 31st January
Year 10 students start Thursday 1st February
Year 11 and 12 students start on Friday 2nd February
Monday 5th February = No school on this day
Tuesday 6th February = Waitangi Day
Monday 26th February = BOARD MEETING
Monday 11th March = Taranaki Anniversary Day
Wednesday 20th March = Student Led IDPs
Monday 25th March = BOARD MEETING
Wednesday 27th March = Parent Teacher Interviews
Friday 29th March = Good Friday
Monday 1st April = Easter Monday
Tuesday 2nd April = Easter Tuesday
Term Two: 29/04/2024 - 05/07/2024
Thursday 25th April = ANZAC Day
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.
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 2: Send a text to the Attendance Officer (Jenine) on 021 023 93060
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.