Te Pūrongo o te kura - Newsletter
November 2023 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
Celebrating Success and Bidding Farewell
The Senior Prizegiving is an occasion of great significance in our school year, as we acknowledge the accomplishments of our students and extend our best wishes to those moving on to new horizons.
Congratulations to Our Prize Recipients
To our prize recipients, a huge congratulations is in order. Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have not only brought you recognition but have set an exemplary standard for your peers. We encourage you to wear your achievements with pride and continue your journey with unwavering determination.
Farewell to Our School Leavers
This week we also farewell our school leavers, a moment that is filled with mixed emotions. As you prepare to step beyond the confines of our school, please know that you carry with you not just knowledge but also the values, friendships, and cherished memories that will remain with you for a lifetime. As you leave Spotswood College, you take with you our hopes and best wishes for a future filled with success and fulfillment. Remember that you are forever a part of our school whānau.
As you embark on new adventures and face the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, I encourage you to embrace them with the same enthusiasm, resilience, and determination that you have demonstrated throughout your time at our school. Your potential is boundless, and we believe in your ability to make a positive impact on the world.
The future is bright for each and every one of you, and we are excited to witness the amazing paths you will follow. Stay curious, stay resilient, and always reach for the stars.
Congratulations and Best Wishes!
CHANGES TO SPOTSWOOD COLLEGE BANK ACCOUNT
Kia ora koutou,
We wish to advise whānau of the following changes to Spotswood College's bank details. Please amend your records to make sure all future payments are debited/credited to our new account.
New Account Details:
Bank: ASB
Account Name: Spotswood College Board
Account Number: 12-3212-0015830-00
If you have any questions, please contact the office on 751 2416.
NCEA EXAMS 2023
Earlier last week NZQA issued schools with NCEA examination admission slips. Students need to present these at the entrance to their examinations. The standards which students will sit are listed with the correct date and day, but are not listed in the correct time order. Any version of the admission slip will get them into the examination, but if they would prefer the most up to date slip, students can collect one from our school front office.
Below is a copy of the NCEA examination timetable for reference. Please ensure that your student carefully checks the day and time in which their exam is.
All students need to be at the southern side of the School Hall (closest to the Quad) 20 minutes before their examination begins.
Please also make sure that they have the correct equipment (pens, rulers, calculators etc) in a clear plastic bag for their examination.
If you or your student has any questions about these upcoming NCEA examinations, please don't hesitate to contact us at school.
NZQA DIGITAL EXAM - LEVEL 1 NCEA ENGLISH
BYOD 2024
In the past, we have been able to provide loaner Chromebooks and other appropriate devices to students who needed them for remote learning or classroom use. However, as we move forward into the new school year, we want to make you aware of a crucial change. Due to various factors, including increased demand and resource constraints, we will have limited devices available for loan during the upcoming year.
We understand that not all families may have access to the necessary technology, and we want to ensure that every student has the tools they need to succeed in their education. Therefore, we strongly encourage families to make provisions now to ensure that their child has a Chromebook or another appropriate device available for the upcoming school year.
Here are a few steps you can take to prepare:
Check Your Current Device: Please assess whether your child's existing device is in good working condition and suitable for their educational needs. Ensure it is up-to-date and ready for school-related tasks.
Explore Affordable Options: If your family does not already have a suitable device, consider exploring cost-effective options for purchasing or acquiring one. Many retailers offer budget-friendly Chromebooks that are well-suited for students.
Utilise Community Resources: Investigate local community programs or organisations that may provide assistance or loaner devices for students in need. These resources can be invaluable in ensuring access to technology for your child's education.
Reach Out to Us: If your family is facing exceptional circumstances and is unable to secure a device, please reach out to us for support. We will do our best to assist and explore available solutions on a case-by-case basis.
We want to emphasise that the availability of loaner devices will be limited, and it is crucial for all families to take proactive steps to ensure that their child has access to the necessary technology for a successful academic year.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to a successful school year ahead.
FREE WIFI
The Ministry of Education recognises that not everyone can currently access the internet at home. The Ministry’s Equitable Digital Access initiative provides fully funded internet connection to learners/ākonga who do not have home internet connection. To be eligible for internet connection, a learner/ākonga must:
be enrolled & attending a school
be in Year 0 to 15
not have access to an internet connection at home.
This support is only available until 30th June 2024.
Families, schools, & community groups can apply for student connections by:
emailing the Equitable Digital Access (EDA) team at EDA@education.govt.nz
emailing the Equitable Digital Operating System (EDOS) team at support@edos.kiwi
contacting the EDOS team between Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, on 0800 441 844
For more information about the initiative, refer to the attached flyer or go to the following websites:
The Ministry of Education website: https://www.education.govt.nz/school/digital-technology/your-schools-ict-network/enabling-home-internet-access-for-your-community/#Eduroam
The Equitable Digital Operating System (EDOS) website: https://edos.kiwi/
STUDENT START UP INFORMATION 2024
HE KAUPAPA POUMAHI- STAFFING NEWS
Taranaki Kiwibank Local Hero Medallist 2023
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
Prefects
As the school year draws closer, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our outgoing student prefects for their dedication, leadership to our school community.
Our outgoing prefects have not only upheld the values of our school but have also gone above and beyond in serving as role models, fostering a positive school environment, and supporting their fellow students.
As we bid farewell to our outgoing prefects, we are excited to introduce the new team of student prefects for 2024.
Head Prefects
Balu Molnar
Pippa Houghton
Deputy Head Prefects
Bryn Smith
Rin Riley Leadbetter
Lydia Aldridge
Anna Clough
Mitchell Wong Too
Prefects
Breeze Manu
Mia Te’o
Malachai Paraha
Kayane Broughton Pratt
Mason Cowley Mosen
Sam Hart
Joel Penno
Chelsea Gartner
Aliana Scholey
Tia Christiansen
Melissa Berridge
Aster Daenhauer
Scarlett Dinnis
Niklay Beere
Beckham Kennedy
Ella Carpenter
Zarah Amalia
Ayla Wilson
We have every confidence that this group of young leaders will continue the legacy of excellence set by their predecessors. They have been chosen for their strong character, leadership potential, and commitment to serving our school community.
We look forward to witnessing the positive impact our new prefects will have on our school as they take on their roles with enthusiasm, creativity, and a spirit of service. With their guidance and your support, we are confident that the 2024 school year will be filled with growth, achievement, and a strong sense of unity.
Thank you to our outgoing student prefects, and congratulations to our incoming prefects for 2024. We are excited for the great things that lie ahead.
The Annual Inquiry Showcase
At the heart of any school lies the pursuit of knowledge, the spirit of inquiry, and the quest for creativity. These values were on display at our recent Annual Inquiry Showcase, an event that left us inspired and in awe of the incredible talents of our students.
This year's showcase was a celebration of curiosity and the power of learning. Our students embarked on journeys of exploration, delving deep into subjects they are passionate about. They embraced the process of inquiry, from asking questions to conducting research, and from making discoveries to presenting their findings.
The showcase featured an eclectic array of projects, each a testament to the ingenuity, dedication, and hard work of our students..
Walking through the displays, one couldn't help but be impressed by the enthusiasm and confidence of our junior students. They shared their insights, described their research methods, and passionately discussed the impact of their projects on our world. The presentations were as diverse as the students themselves, with each participant bringing their unique perspective to the table.
The event would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our teachers, who guided, encouraged, and inspired our students throughout their inquiry projects. Their unwavering support and mentorship played a pivotal role in the success of this showcase.
As we reflect on the Annual Inquiry Showcase, we are filled with pride and gratitude. Our students have proven that inquiry is not just a concept but a way of life. They have shown us that learning is not limited to the classroom but extends to the world around us.
We eagerly anticipate the next Annual Inquiry Showcase, where we can once again marvel at the brilliance of our students and their unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge.
In the end, it's not just about showcasing projects; it's about celebrating the inquisitive spirit that drives our educational journey. Thank you to our students for your dedication and enthusiasm, and thank you to our educators for nurturing the flames of curiosity. Together, we create a community of lifelong learners and passionate explorers.
YES AWARDS
In an exciting showcase of entrepreneurial talent, our students have excelled in the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) Awards this year. We are thrilled to announce the winners of the Young Enterprise Scheme Trade Fair Award and the Young Enterprise Speak Easy Business Presentation Award for 2023.
Young Enterprise Scheme Trade Fair Award 2023
This prestigious award recognises excellence in multiple aspects of business presentation and customer engagement. It goes to the business that demonstrated the best stall, stand, exceptional customer service, and an in-depth knowledge of their product and business. The winning team is not only taking home well-deserved accolades but is also gaining further recognition through a stand at the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Trade Fair. Additionally, they will have the privilege of enjoying free stalls at the Seaside Markets for the remainder of the year.
Congratulations to the Winners of the Trade Fair Award:
Kiriwai Ora - Emma Goodin + Dusty Baldwin
Kiriwai Ora has truly set the bar high by combining product knowledge, business acumen, and top-notch customer service. We celebrate their remarkable achievements and look forward to seeing their continued success in the business world.
Young Enterprise Speak Easy Business Presentation Award 2023
The Speak Easy Business Presentation Award is a testament to the power of effective communication and a memorable pitch. Out of 45 regional teams, this exceptional business not only delivered an outstanding and moving presentation, but they also embodied the essence of their brand. What's more, they achieved this remarkable feat without the use of cue cards, captivating the hearts of all the panel of judges, and even bringing tears to their eyes.
Congratulations to the Winners of the Business Presentation Award:
Fruit Bowl - Catherine Reilly Leadbetter + Amy Pardington
Fruit Bowl's ability to convey their message with passion and authenticity is truly commendable. Their pitch left a lasting impact, and we applaud their dedication and extraordinary presentation skills.
KO TE HAPORI TE MANAWA- COMMUNITY AT THE HEART
Celebrating Our Year 13 Leavers
Thank you to all the students, their whānau, and our dedicated staff who came together to make the Year 13 Leavers Dinner a special event.
The atmosphere was filled with a sense of nostalgia, laughter, and celebration as we bid farewell to our Year 13 students.
To the whānau, we recognise your unwavering support throughout the educational journey of your child. Your guidance and encouragement have played an integral role in their success.
To our dedicated staff, thank you for your hard work and dedication to our students. You have not only educated but also inspired and shaped these young minds for the future.
The Year 13 Leavers Dinner was a reflection of the strong sense of community that defines Spotswood College.
Notification regarding Demolition
NGĀ PĀNUI HAKINAKINA SPORTS AND CULTURAL BULLETIN
Puanga Festival
We acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our Kapa Haka students who recently participated in the Puanga Kapa Haka Festival. Their dedication, talent not only shone bright but have also earned them an impressive 2nd place at the festival.
This outstanding 2nd place finish is a reflection of their exceptional talent and the countless hours of practice and dedication that went into their performances. We are incredibly proud of their achievements.
Congratulations to our Kapa Haka stars for this remarkable accomplishment., and tutors Wharekuka and Clive Tonga Awhikau. Your success not only brings honor to our school but also serves as an inspiration to us all. Your commitment to preserving and celebrating our Māori culture is a testament to the strength and diversity of our school community.
As we continue to support and encourage our Kapa Haka students, we look forward to their future successes and the positive impact they will undoubtedly have in our school and the wider community.
Volleyball
Spotswood College volleyball teams have been busy with various events over the last couple of months.
The junior boys team of Tahi TeAwa (captain), Wairangi Davey, Dhio Yoshimura, Kingston Davis, Swayde Jack, Jonah Bucksmith, Christian Liebenberg, Tate Upson, Kingston Lilo and Westley Oakes-Hill won both the TSSSA Junior Boys Volleyball title in August and the Taranaki Regional Qualifying event in November. They won all their games in both tournaments. The Junior boys team now head to the North Island Secondary School Junior Nationals Volleyball and the North Island SS Beach Volleyball championships, both being held in Auckland this term.
Zalan Lizan and Lucas Heggie attended the New Zealand junior mens volleyball trials in Auckland.
Six teams competed in the Stratford 4 aside tournament in September, with the team of Zalan Lizan, Balu Molnar, Joe Cocker and ex student Josh Kenny narrowly losing the final to a Wellington / Taranaki combined team.
Our junior active movement students travelled to Coastal school to help develop their junior volleyball programme. The students mixed with each other to share skills, knowledge and friendly competition. The Spotswood College students were able to see how lucky they are with the facilities and equipment they are able to use at school compared to other colleges in our region.
Year 8 Transition Day
We are holding a Transition day on Friday 24th November for those Year 8 students who have enrolled with us for 2024. This event will begin at 9.30am and will finish at approximately 2.30pm.
We ask that your child come directly to Spotswood College from home and ask that they leave from there at the end of the day.
During this Linkage day, your child will have the opportunity to meet a number of our staff, and to learn more about how the school operates. A key aim of the day is to help ease the transition from their current school to Spotswood College as much as possible so that students are not faced with too many surprises at the start of next year.
What to wear: Your child’s current school clothing
Spotswood College provides school lunches, which will include a limited number of vegetarian and gluten free options. Please note we may not be able to meet specific dietary requirements on this day,
If you would like any further information, please feel free to contact the School Office on 751 2416.
We look forward to seeing your child on Friday 24th November.
Ngā manaakitanga
Nicola Ngarewa
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.
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: 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.
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 to submit an absence
Option 5: Telephone the school on 06 751 2416 and speak to one of our reception team:
Kara, Jenine and Lana
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 4
09/10/2023 - 8/12/2023
NCEA Exams start Monday 6 November - Thursday 30 November
NCEA Accord Day = Monday 20th November
UPCOMING KEY DATES
TERM 4
Week 6
15th November - TSSSA Social Volleyball
Week 7
Junior Tournament Week
20th November - STAFF Only Day
21st - 24th November - North Island Secondary Schools Junior Volleyball Championships
Papakura, South Auckland.
24th November - Transition Day for Incoming Year 9s for 2024
Mahi Day
Week 9
Activities Week
8th December - LAST DAY OF TERM 4
Junior Prizegiving