Newsletter Term 3 Week 10
Wairarapa College 1st October 2021
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
This week is mental health awareness week. We all face challenges in our daily lives and Covid-19 has added extra disruption and uncertainty.
Research shows that gratitude is an effective way to deal with these challenges. Being grateful helps people feel happier, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships. I am grateful to be back at school, to have had time with family over lockdown and that it is the last week of term.
Thank you to our staff and students for their work over alert levels 3 and 4 while balancing their own family and personal commitments.
Thank you to the essential workers in our community which included a number of our students.
Thank you to Helena Barwick our school’s limited statutory manager for her support and guidance to our school since 2017. This intervention has been revoked by the Ministry of Education and signals the significant work of our Board of Trustees, our Business Manager, Ms Michelle Stanley and Senior Leadership. We are a self-governing and financially stable school.
What are you grateful for?
Have a relaxing and safe break.
Matt White
Principal Tumuaki
Message from the Board of Trustees
As the circumstances surrounding the school and the Donation Scheme have not changed since the Board agreed to opt in, the Board of Trustees reconfirmed the school will opt in again for the year 2022.
Covid-19 Expectations at Wairarapa College
When you visit Wairarapa College can you please follow these Covid-19 expectations:
- Sign in as a visitor at Reception using the Covid-19 register or use the QRcode
- Use the sanitizer provided
- Wear a mask
- Maintain the two metre social distancing rules when in meetings and around our school.
- Sign out of our school at Reception when you leave.
Thank you
Thank you to our newsletter sponsor.
Message from Ministry of Education
Home internet connections available for order
After working with secondary schools in Covid-19 priority regions, we now have approval to extend our proactive connectivity project to all schools/kura nationwide.
We’re now able to order more free connections for ākonga of any year level who are without a current home internet connection. New and existing connections have been extended until the end of December.
If you could benefit from this programme, contact Mrs Pam Redpath and email office@waicol.nz as soon as possible.
Ngā mihi
Social Media
Although most teens know how to navigate digital technology like the back of their hands, there will be times when situations arise that they may not have the emotional maturity or experience to deal with.
Here are Netsafe’s top tips for supporting young people to be safer on social media accounts:
- Make sure they know the online safety basics (this includes how to set up a strong password, what information they need to protect online, what is appropriate online behaviour and what they should do if they need help or if something makes them uncomfortable or upset).
- Encourage them to pay particular attention to the privacy settings when they sign up. Go through these settings together to make sure you both understand how they work.
- Encourage them to enter their actual birth year in the sign-up process so they’re less likely to see inappropriate content.
- Become their friend, or follow them – that way you can keep track of what they’re doing online.
- Teach them about the safety tools available – most social networks include tools to block, report or remove harmful content. Make sure they know how to use these to keep themselves safe.
- Set boundaries and expectations and talk to them about what they do online, how they use devices and who they’re talking to.
- Check in with them often about their social media life and be on the lookout for any negative changes in behaviour.
For more information about keeping your children safe online visit netsafe.org.nz/social-media-parenting
WaiCol Nurse
Kia ora Waicol Whānau
It has been great to hear from many students who have had their first dose of the Covid vaccination. Unfortunately, it looks like Covid-19 and its variants are something we will have to learn to live with. However, as many of our population become vaccinated, it should mean fewer lockdowns and less impact on our people, our hospitals, and our economy. Our vaccination numbers are looking good in Wairarapa, but we still have a long way to go.
The vaccine is available to people aged 12 years and over and is free to everyone, no matter their NZ residency status. Appointments are preferred but not necessary, without an appointment you may have a slightly longer wait time. There are permanent clinics at the Departmental Building 35-37 Chapel Street, Masterton (beside Subway), and at the Featherston Community Centre (Monday to Saturday from 10am). Tekau Mā Iwa is open Friday and Saturdays from 9.30am-4pm and can be accessed via the Whaiora carpark. To book an appointment call 0800 28 29 26 or go online to www.BookMyVaccine.nz
If any of our students or whānau have questions or are unsure about getting the vaccine, I would love to hear from you. Get in touch and I will be happy to have private discussion with you and answer your questions.
Thank you for keeping at home any children who are unwell. Just a reminder that all students with cold or flu symptoms must stay at home and seek medical advice about getting a Covid-19 test. We cannot afford to be complacent.
Finally, we need to acknowledge that the recent lockdown has added stress to our whole community. Thinking particularly of the students sitting exams in the coming months, you have had a curve-ball thrown at you that none of us would have expected 18 months ago. Do not be afraid to reach out for help. We are blessed to have such a supportive pastoral team at Waicol. Do not suffer in silence. Sleep is also very important. As exams draw near, it is important that you get enough rest to allow you to function at your best during the day. Attached is a link from the Ministry of Health website about sleep for teenagers. There is also more information about ‘sleep hygiene’ available online. Helping teenagers sleep better | Ministry of Health NZ
As ever, if you have any concerns about the health of our Waicol students, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. This is a confidential service provided by Tu Ora Compass Health.
Ngā mihi
Claire Marara
School Based Nurse
022 495 8933
CONGRATULATIONS
- Aleisha Wooller Gregory recently achieved her 3 year ‘Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Security and defence studies’ at Massey in Palmerston North.
Mrs Kate Murray (teacher), Prima Adams and Mia Te Whare-Manson who received 40 Hour Famine lower North Island Greatest Individual Impact awards. The College received an Above and Beyond award which will displayed in reception.
- Squash boys placed 10th and girls 13th in the NZSS tournament. Mackenzie Tait was selected for the New Zealand junior squad.
- Cantate who received a silver award at this year's Cadenza Festival Finale in Whanganui.
- Boston Moylan – winning the 50kg flyweight Slam Muay Thai competition.
- Harrison Miller – placed 7th in the 15-19 year old 125cc NZSS Motocross Championships
- Molly Donald (2020 Head Girl) awarded Duke of Edinburgh Hilary Gold Award.
- David Rees, Noah Anderson and Charlotte Cusack gained merit in the the Otago University Junior Maths Competition.
WaiCol Sports Roundup
Netball
Snr A – Prem 1 Champions
Snr B – Prem 3 Runner-Up
Snr C – Senior 1 Runner-Up
Snr Blue – Senior 3 Winners
Jnr Blue – Senior 5 Runner-Up
Jnr Red – Senior 7 Winners
Hockey
Girls 1st XI – Hockey Manawatu Premiership – Champions
Boys 1st XI – Hockey Manawatu Premiership – 4th
Girls 2nd XI – Wairarapa Girls College Grade – 2nd
Boys 2nd XI – Wairarapa Boys College Grade – 4th
Girls 3rd XI – Wairarapa Girls College Grade – 4th
Boys 3rd XI – Wairarapa Boys College Grade – 5th
Boys and Girls 4th XIs – Comp not completed due to COVID-19
All 2nd, 3rd teams would have moved into the Mixed Grade for end-of-season finals but that did not happen due to COVID-19
Football
1st XI Girls – Manawatu Girls Premiership 5th (Season not completed)
1st XI Boys – CSW College Premiership 8th
Girls Blue – Wairarapa Sec Schools Div A – 3rd
Girls Yellow – Wairarapa Sec Schools Div B – Winners
Boys Yellow – Wairarapa Sec Schools Div A – 6th
Harlequins – Div B – Winners
WaiCol Boys Blue – Div B – 2nd
Speedies – Div B – 4th
Junior Boys – Div C – Winners.
Rugby
1st XV – CSW Premier 2 – 3rd
2nd XV – Wairarapa Sec Schools 1st XV Comp – 3rd
Jnr Blue – Wairarapa Sec Schools – 5th
Jnr Yellow – Semi-finalists (comp not completed)
Basketball
Senior A boys – 1st in YMCA Senior Boys Basketball Competition. Runner-Up Manawatu Prem 2
Senior boys blue – 5th in YMCA Senior Boys Basketball Competition
Senior Boys gold – 7th in YMCA Senior Boys Basketball Competition
Senior A girls – 3rd in YMCA Senior Girls Basketball Competition
Junior A boys – 3rd in YMCA Junior Boys Basketball Competition
Junior boys green – 5th in YMCA Junior Boys Basketball Competition
Junior boys red – 10th in YMCA Junior Boys Basketball Competition
Junior boys blue – 11th in YMCA Junior Boys Basketball Competition
Junior A girls – 1st in YMCA Junior Girls Basketball Competition
Junior girls green – 2nd in YMCA Junior Girls Basketball Competition
WaiCol Squash Team ready to go
WaiCol Boys Squash Team
WaiCol Girls Squash Team
New Zealand Secondary School Squash Tournament
On Thursday 5th August Mrs Jones and three parent helpers took a boys’ and a girls’ squash team to Tauranga for the New Zealand Secondary School Squash Tournament.
The teams, parent helpers, boys’ coach and Mrs Jones all had a very rewarding few days. The student’s behavior on court was faultless and they had the parents and Mrs Jones crying with laughter on many occasions!
The boys’ team were seeded 10th and came 10th which was very impressive considering they had 4 new players in the team. In the second round they came up against the 7th seeds, St John’s College, Hastings. It could have gone either way with two of our new players who were graded D1 giving the St John’s C1 players a run for their money narrowly missing out on a win.
The girls’ team were seeded 12th and only dropped one seeding to come 13th. With some very tight matches they were unlucky to have not kept their seeding. Like the boys, the girls’ team had 4 new players. The whole team consisted of all Year 9 and 10 students.
Mackenzie Tait’s hard work has paid off. To add to her win a few weeks ago at the South Island Junior age group and runner up at the North Island junior age group, at prize giving she gained a well-deserved spot in the New Zealand Junior Trans-Tasman Team.
Unfortunately, they didn’t bring home the CoEd Cup this year but I’m sure due to the age of the team and their passion and dedication for squash they will be strong contenders next year at North Shore. To top off a successful few days the students got a relaxing soak at De Bretts in Taupo as well as a bonus of a few snowball fights on the way home.
A big thank you must go to Jannah Goodall (girls’ coach), Greg Cottle (girls’ manager), Geri Brooking (boys’ coach) and Matt Griffith (boys’ manager) for all their time and hard work, the teams really appreciated it.
Sam Jones
TIC Squash
Careers and Transition
Wairarapa College Senior Ball
Saturday the 7th of August, the red carpet was well and truly laid out for the Wairarapa College Senior Ball. The ball committee decked the school hall out to the Casino Royal theme with a black and white dance floor, glamorous mirror walls and casino game tables. It was wonderful to see all our students dressed up for the occasion dancing the night away. A big thank you to the ball committee, teachers and everyone who made this a wonderful night.
5* Casino Royale Food
5* Casino Royale Party
5* Casino Royale Students
Māori Language Week
Kia ora my name is Rose, I am in Y12 and a member of the kapa haka. I thought Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, Māori Language Week was amazing because everyone was celebrating while watching the hapa haka practice.
Whaea Huria has taught us about manaakitanga which means to "look after your guests", that is why our mums came in and fed the 350 plus, students and teachers who came to our practice.
Another reason I love kapa haka is because it's my culture, it ties me to my tipuna and the group is really funny, the tutors are hilarious. We get to do fun events and learn the language. I absolutely love it and enjoy performing with my friends.
Kapa Haka practice in the hall
Waiting in line
Homai he inu = May I have a drink
Homai he tōtiti = May I have a sausage
to receive a free drink and sausage.
Worth the wait
2021 Speech Competition
This year’s school speech competition showcased the fantastic depth of speakers at Wairarapa College, making each of the three categories very difficult to judge. Speeches were presented on a wide variety of topics including the value of farming, positive body image, our mental health system, and even a future plan for Pahiatua!
Our 2021 Winners
Year 9
1st - Lola McCartney
2nd - David Rees
3rd - Tia Lio
Year 10
1st - Sam Freeman
2nd - Megan McCaffery
3rd - Georgia Wells
Senior
1st - Rosie King
2nd - Lily Rees
3rd equal - Gemma MacKenzie and Amelia Morrison
Poto College Hostel Fundraiser
Poto College House logo
Emblazoned umbrellas.
Black or Blue - $30.00
Contact the hostel on 027 285 2320 or email office@waicolhostel.co.nz
Poto College Hostel Fundraiser
Poto College Hostel Trail Bike Ride
Sunday 10th October
2100 Te Ore Ore Bideford RD Masterton
- Sign-in 8am
- Briefing 10am
- Start 10-15
- Adult $40
- Children under 15 $20
BBQ food included in entry fee also available for support people to purchase on the day.
Please click on link below to register for the event.
https://www.silverbullet.co.nz/event.php?id=16498
We’re still looking for volunteers to help run the day if you’re interested in helping please contact Poto House office.
Contact the hostel on 027 285 2320 or email office@waicolhostel.co.nz
Cantate Choir – Cadenza Silver Award Winners
Congratulations to Cantate choir members, led by Choral Director Andrea Thomson and accompanied by Ruth Eckford, who received a well-deserved Silver (Korimako) Award at the Cadenza choral festival held in Whanganui in mid-August. All who took part were thrilled to receive this award.
Cantate received the invitation to attend Cadenza after winning the Festival Cup at Big Sing in June. This was an exciting opportunity for the choir, as there are just three Cadenza festivals held throughout New Zealand, with 12 choirs taking part in each festival. After lots of preparation and more fund-raising, the group set off for two days of choir performances and massed workshops which were led by a choral specialist who also acted as an adjudicator. This culminated with a public Gala Concert, which included individual and massed choir items.
Our grateful thanks go to Trust House, Masterton Holdsworth Lions Club and the Rotary Club of Masterton South for their generous support. Well done Cantate on a very successful year.
Cultural Awards Evening – 4th November
Don’t miss our Cultural Awards evening which will showcase our Performing and Visual Arts. Put the date in your diary!
Drama Workshop with Miranda Harcourt
This term, four of our senior students, Caelan Van Biljon, Tim Osbourne, Kodee Thorburn and Roy Rimene-Clark, were lucky enough to take part in workshops run by Rata Studios. This was run over eight weeks, each Saturday. Students had the opportunity to work with some of the best theatre, film and television practitioners from around New Zealand and develop and sharpen their skills. Miranda Harcourt led the sessions and is a prominent acting coach who was previously head of Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School. She has since gone on to be a leader in the acting world, coaching various Hollywood films and working with the best in the world. Here are what some industry professionals and leaders have to say about her:
- “Miranda’s skills as an actress and coach place her at the top of her field. The work she does is unique anywhere in the world.” Peter Jackson, director Lord of the Rings – The Hobbit – The Lovely Bones
- “For me it is wonderful to have a coach who is sensitive to my way of working… Miranda is great.” Jane Campion, director Bright Star
- “Her energy, tenacity and goal oriented nature was a breath of fresh air… She’s the stitch in time.” Lauren Levine, producer Bridge to Terabithia
Rātā Studios brings in only top-flight tutors operating at the top of their field. Their tutors are prominent actors, directors and casting directors who show their recent work and share their expertise. They connect via Skype with actors and directors all over NZ, and our teens interview them about their work and advice. Their programme is a unique blend of professional exposure and the safety of a class environment. It is exciting for us to know that they are kick-starting the careers of the next generation of actors and directors in NZ, connecting students with agents and lining up opportunities.”
These same students have also gone on to audition for Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School. We are waiting to hear if they have gone through to the next round of auditions and our fingers and toes are crossed for them!
Ngā mihi mahana,
Alix Bushnell
HOD Drama
Upcoming Events
- Term 4 starts Monday 18 October - Day 6
- Practice Externals - 20 to 26 October
- Kapa Haka Festival - 28 and 29 October tbc
- Niue Language Week 18 to 23 October
- Tokelau Language Week 25 to 30 October
- Labour Day Monday 25 October
- Cultural Festival Tuesday 26 October
- Sports Awards Tuesday 2 November
- Cutural Awards Thursday 4 November
- Senior Prizegiving Wednesday 17 November
- NZQA Exams begin Thursday 18 November
- Teacher only Day - NCEA Friday 26 November
- Junior Production begins Saturday 27 November
- Junior Activities Week 7 December
- Junior Prizegiving Friday 10 December
Contact Us
Email: office@waicol.nz
Website: https://waicol.co.nz/
Location: 83 Pownall Street, Masterton 5810, New Zealand
Phone: 06 370 0400