James Thomas Principal

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Dear Parents, Last week the Education Review Office (ERO) visited our college. It will be many weeks before we receive an official report, but I can say now that the process of review has been very positive for the college. Members of the ERO team were very impressed with the clear focus on learner achievement, the quality of teaching, and support available for your sons and daughters. They spoke with many learners and were impressed by their engagement in their learning and their pride in being Whangaparaoa learners. The review process has changed dramatically over recent decades. I remember when the review team would come, examine different areas of a school, and file a report. There would be no discussion - let alone positive contribution. Our recent review was based on our own self-review, without which there would be no real improvement. We look forward to receiving our official ERO report which will include our agreed areas of focus for continuing improvement. We will continue to reflect and improve on our practice, so that learners maximise their potential. I am aware that the large majority of seniors are currently working very hard to complete NCEA internal assessments. Their hard work will earn an appropriate reward. At assemblies last week learners were reminded about our uniform regulations; and that non-regulation items are likely to be confiscated. An important exception is that black or navy rain jackets can be worn in wet weather. Some learners have chosen to wear additional items; but simply wearing them does not mean they will be added to the uniform code. If learners do not have the warm items of uniform, we can assist. Thermals and black or navy scarves are very helpful this time of year. Next week over 200 of our learners will be involved in J Rock or Stage Challenge. We wish them - and the staff who have made this possible - all the best for their performances.

NZQA Feedback

Every two to three years NZQA conduct an audit of our NCEA policies and practices. Jason Pocock is our ‘Principal’s Nominee’ who oversees this important area. We recently received the audit report, which was very positive. I have included the summary below.

Whangaparaoa College 2013 Important dates to remember…

July 1 - 5 Stage Challenge / J Rock 6 - 7 Duke of Edinburgh Silver 9 Career Expo 10 Yr 9-10 Learner/Parent Interviews 11 Matariki Celebrations 12 Last Day Term 2

Year 9 - 10 Learner /Parent Interviews will be held: Week 10 - Wednesday 10 July

This provides an opportunity for you to discuss how your child is achieving. Bookings will be LIVE from Monday 1 July on the school website using the

code: APFWM

The Rodney Youth Group was formed by Mark Mitchell, MP for Rodney, and is represented by eight students from all five colleges in the Rodney electorate. Whangaparaoa College has four members; , Thomas Stiven, Christopher Liu, Olivia Soesbergen and Maddison Lisle (to Mark Mitchell’s left) . The group are working on a proposal for a youth community event, preparing submissions for Youth Parliament and discussing local issues that affect youth in the area.

Rodney Youth Group meeting the Prime Minister Thursday 20 June at the Hibiscus Coast Youth Centre

Performing Arts

WETLANDS TREE PLANTING On June 11 and 12, all the Year 7 and 8 students helped plant, mulch and lay out plants, so we can conserve the ecology of the Rata Road wetlands. We worked with the Auckland City Council and their contractors, who showed us how to rake the mulch safely and showed us how thick it had to be, so weeds wouldn’t grow and too much would stop the trees from growing properly. They also showed us how to pull the plants out of their plastic pots without getting little paper cuts, but the best part was planting and dropping the blue tablets which were food that would last for 2 to 3 years. We all learnt a lot, and we are now very interested to keep watching our plants grow and help to save the wetland’s water, birds, plants and fish.

By PIPER Widdison 7TURK

Tree Planting

Year 8 Trial eClasses – some brief feedback – more info soon …..

This year we have had three trial eClasses in Year 8 with learners using iPads or other devices in class. Teachers have reported improved attitude and engagement from the use of these devices and a higher rate of classwork and home learning completion. Boys, in particular, have been better organised and are able to produce neater work. Teachers are able to, more easily, provide choice and differentiation in the learning. Learners are taking more responsibility for their own learning and there is improved behaviour in the classroom. We are undertaking surveys of learners, teachers and parents and hope to report to you about that early to mid Term 3. Also, in Term 3 we intend to have a Digital Citizenship information evening for parents. Lisa Ballantyne Deputy Principal

CAREERS EXPO 2013 Tuesday 9 July

Where: College Gymnasium Time: 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm Who: Learners from any year level and their families

Learners and their families are welcome to attend the annual College

Careers Expo. Come along if you have any questions regarding a specific

career path, or would like to investigate and discuss any of the career and/or

tertiary options with the many Providers who will be available to discuss a

variety of jobs or University courses.

We will have Providers available to discuss a wide range of areas including: Universities of NZ - Auckland, Massey, Victoria, Otago, AUT, & Unitec Digital Media Camp Counsellor’s USA Graphic Design Waitemata Health Board Animation Roadcraft School of Motoring Digital Filmmaking Futureintech Digital Production Business Management Fashion Design Hospitality Business Mahurangi Tech Travel & Tourism Early Childhood Education South Seas Film & Television ETCO (Electrical Training Co) and many more……………….

**** Coffee will be available to purchase from The Coffee Guy***

Peter Davies - Careers Advisor peterda@wgpcollege.school.nz h. 09 424 9177 ext 234

Performing Arts

Will be performing a 20 minute programme on Wednesday 3 July at lunchtime in the Auditorium. Featuring the latest music, dance and drama. Looking at image and identity, including a humorous look at Facebook profiles! Starring our very own Jimmy Martin (past learner). Gold coin donation.

Duke of Edinburgh The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award Celebrates 50 years – 1963 to 2013

Whangaparaoa College has taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award since 2006. Many learners have taken part at Bronze and Silver level. It is a prestigous award when completed to Gold level. The few learners who get this far display high levels of discipline, persistence, a willingness to challenge themselves and give of their time to benefit others.

Hannah Giess and Sara Brooksmith are two such learners. Both girls received their awards at Government House this term. Whangaparoa College proudly congratulate these past learners in their wonderful achievement.

Newsletters If you do not already receive the newsletter link via e-mail, and wish

to do so, could you please e-mail newsletter@wgpcollege.school.nz

and advise Learner’s name and class.

WHANGAPARAOA COLLEGE’S MARKET DAY! YEAR 11 MARKET DAY 4 JULY Lunchtime Come buy our brownies outside Music classrooms, $2 each. Pre-orders are available for pick up at interval 4 July in B1. Email cameron.rossouw@wgpcollege.school.nz for details. Sales from Market Day will be donated to the Leukaemia and Blood foundation. Nike product spot prizes for purchases over $4 and $6 are proudly donated by Stirling Sports Silverdale.

Sports Talk WGP

Year 9 – 13 Sports

Year 7 - 8 Sports

Year 7 & 8 Table Tennis 27 June

Zone Days

Year 7/1 & 8/1 Netball 6 August

Year 7 & 8 Boys Basketball 7 August

Year 7 & 8 Girls Basketball 8 August

North Harbour Cross Country 13 August

AIMS Tournament Week 16 – 20 September

Term 2

Term 3

Squash Zone Day

Well done to the following boys who competed at the Squash Zone Day held last Thursday. The Year 8 squash team played well at the North Shore Squash Club Takapuna. The boys all enjoyed the experience as they have only starting playing squash this term. From left to right: Luke Ferreira, Charles Small, Harrison Thompson

Lacrosse report Congratulations to the Lacrosse Girls B team for winning their last game against Diocesan B. It was a big improvement from last week. Well done to Amy Ferreira, Johanna Guyatt-Lewis, Tyler McDowall, Dannielle Carr and Sarsha Davies for scoring. A big thanks to Natasha Wade for being goalie. Final score 8:6 to Whangaparaoa. Sarsha Davies

For the first time in the history of Whangaparaoa College, we have a team

attending a Premier Grade tournament. The Girls 1st XI Football team

secured a spot in the NZSS Premier Football tournament by winning a play-

off game against Whangarei Girls High School a month ago. The team will

travel to Nelson to compete against the other 31 top teams from around the

country in the week long tournament. This is the pinnacle of girls secondary

school football, and will be the first time that any team in the school has

reached such a level. It is a great honour to make such an event, and the

girls should be very proud of this accomplishment.

GIRLS 1st XI FOOTBALL Make the Big time!!!

To help the girls get to Nelson, please support their fundraising events where you can.

Events for your calendar: * Bingo Nights – 12 July and 2 August

* Quiz Night – 9 August * Year 7/8 Disco – 16 August

North Island Secondary School Fencing Champs

Congratulations and well done to Joe Pearson and Roman Amor, who competed in the North Island Secondary Schools Fencing Competition over the weekend. Joe Pearson was ranked first overall after the first 3 rounds and eventually came joint 3rd in the final last Saturday, with Roman Amor in 8th place.

Whangaparaoa College had a great week of sport, with the majority of teams walking away with a victory. Team sport is a huge part of Whangaparaoa College and our players show fantastic levels of participation, commitment and skill. Make sure you come and support the teams over the week and get involved with the College and the learners on the sporting field. RUGBY: 4th Grade won by default against Birkenhead 6th Grade won 20-6 against Kingsway SOCCER: Boys: 1st XI lost 6-1 against Waitakere 2nd XI drew 1-1 against Kirstin Girls: 1st XI lost 3-1 against Massey HOCKEY: 1st XI won 3-0 against Westlake Junior 2nd XI won 3-1 against Orewa Black NETBALL: Senior 2 lost against Rangitoto LACROSSE: B Team won 10-2 against St. Cuths A Team game cancelled BASKETBALL: Girls: U17 won 58-2 against Rangitoto Boys: U17 lost 31-35 against Westlake

College Physio Clinic Monday, Wednesday & Friday 11.30am – 2.30pm - J Block John Lanigan Physiotherapist for all College sports teams, teachers and learners - Get all those pre-season “niggles” treated! ACC treatment $10 Co-payment (subsidised) For the convenience of on-school assessment / treatment / referrals Text /Phone: 021 187 3299 or Manly Physio Clinic: 424-1309 Proud to support Whangaparaoa College Sport

Sponsors Whangaparaoa College would like to thank the following sponsors for

supporting our sports teams.

Netball

Netball & Rugby

Rugby