Performing Arts - Music

Dear Parents,
Whangaparaoa Learners are often encouraged to learn, participate and achieve
well – all with a spirit of respect during their college years. It has been a delight in
recent weeks to visit many of our learners as they participate in their winter sports
teams. Not only are they enjoying their sports, they are representing their families
and the college with distinction. Feedback from coaches, managers, parents and
officials suggests a high level of sportsmanship is being displayed. In addition,
there are a number of very pleasing successes. In another arena we have over
200 learners and many staff involved with Stage Challenge and J Rock. These
performances will be in the last week of term.
Term 2 Week 6
Subject and sports fees: Sadly, we do not have a fully state funded education
system. This means that when we offer something that is extra to the narrow
definition of curriculum delivery, we need to ask families to pay. Winter sports fees
are now overdue. Learners have been told at assembly that if their fees have not
been paid they must pay them now, or see Mr Williams (Director of Sport).
Otherwise, they may be unable to continue in their team.
Internal assessments: The next four weeks will be very busy for those learners
working towards an NCEA qualification. In most subjects all internal assessments
are to be completed by the end of Term Two. The focus for the rest of the year will
then be on success in the external examinations.
Toilet blocks: Late last year we became aware that learners do not like to use the
toilet blocks. To improve the situation we now clean all toilet blocks twice a day,
and we have explored ways to improve these amenities. One issue is that many of
the internal walls are made off rather porous concrete that were not sealed
correctly. To this end, toilet blocks of the college will be upgraded during the
coming term breaks.
Building closer college, family, community relations: There was a very positive
meeting last week of a group interested in enhancing school, family, community
communication; and supporting the college, families and
learners via a range of activities. The next meeting will be
on Monday 18 June.
31 May 2012
In addition...
James Thomas
Principal
Paid Union Meeting – on Monday 11 June there is a paid
union meeting for members of the Post Primary Teachers Association. School
will finish at 12.00 pm and buses will be arranged to leave by 12.15 pm. If you
need your son or daughter to be supervised at the college until 3.15 please
contact the school office.
Teacher-only Days: The Ministry of Education has provided two teacher-only
days. These will be on Friday 3 August and Friday 16 November.
Whangaparaoa College 2012
Important dates to remember...
June
June
June
July
Aug
Nov
Dec
1,8,14-15
6
11-13
12,14 -15
25 - 28
26
27
18-19
3
4
16
7
Year 12 Pinnacles (Outdoor Education)
Sports Excellence Breakfast
NZ Chamber Music Contest
Big Sing
Year 9 Stardome
J Rock/Stage Challenge
WGP College Careers Expo
Yr9/10 Learner/Parent Interviews
Yr7/8 Learner-led Conferences (Term 3)
Teacher-only Day
Senior Ball
Teacher-only Day
Last Day of Term 4 - finish 1.00pm
Reports and Interviews
Term Two
Year 11 – 13 Progress report + NCEA results printout SENT HOME WEEK 7, June 5
Year 9 – 10 Progress report + assessment results SENT HOME WEEK 9, June 19
Learner/parent/teacher interviews Year 9 -10 WEEK 10, June 27
Term Three
Year 7 – 8 Portfolios + reporting against National Standards
Learner lead conferences Year 7 -8 WEEK 1, July 18/19
Year 11 – 13 Progress report + NCEA results printout SENT HOME WEEK 3, July 31
Learner/parent/teacher interviews Year 11 -13 WEEK 4, Aug 8
Morning Tea with Mr Thomas: Recently a group of Year7 learners enjoyed
morning tea with Mr Thomas. It was an opportunity for them to share how their year
was going to make suggestions about what they would like to see in our college. They
were very positive about their experiences to date. Some of their Ideas included: super
ultra fast Wi/Fi broadband, no school uniform, and a swimming pool! They were also
asked what they think is the best thing about the college for them. Replies included: it
is BIG, sports, and they like moving to different specialist classrooms.
BOOK AMNESTY FORTNIGHT - English Department
Starting Monday 28 May and running through until Friday 8 June


Any books you have stashed away from last year bring them
in, we will accept them all with welcome arms.
Any books still outstanding after this time will be charged to
your account.
So make sure that your parents will love you more by bringing
them in and saving them money!
ICT
Cybersafety and Digital Citizenship
at Whangaparaoa College
LGP stands for Learn: Guide: Protect: It is a frame-work that supports schools in
creating a culture of responsible, safe use of digital technologies. LGP promotes a
learner-centered approach to teaching and learning about cybersafety and digital
citizenship across the curriculum.
Learn: Guide: Protect: (LGP) has three components or layers:
The skills learners learn to keep themselves safe.
1. The guidance they need from educators to learn how to manage challenges.
2. The protective mechanisms schools can use to improve their immediate safety.
A digital citizen:
 is a confident and capable user of ICT
 uses technologies to participate in educational, cultural, and economic activities
 uses and develops critical thinking skills in cyberspace
 is literate in the language, symbols, and texts of digital technologies
 is aware of ICT challenges and can manage them effectively
 uses ICT to relate to others in positive, meaningful ways
 demonstrates honesty and integrity and ethical behaviour in their use of ICT
 respects the concepts of privacy and freedom of speech in a digital world
 contributes and actively promotes the values of digital citizenship
We will be working on Digital Citizenship at Whangaparaoa College and more
information will be given in future newsletters.
IT Tip
Antivirus software.
There are two FREE antivirus software downloads we recommend.
1. www.avgfree.co.au
2. Microsoft Security Essentials
windows.microsoft.com/mse
Congratulations
Xingzi is a star!
Whangaparaoa College learner Xingzi (Tracey) Gu was
recently selected as a finalist in the Auckland Secondary
School Art Competition, in conjunction with ‘The Original Art
Sale’ held at the Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre.
Xingzi was presented with a $1000.00 cheque by Auckland
Mayor Len Brown as First Place Winner!
The Visual Art Department was very proud to
receive an invitation to attend the prizegiving
ceremony to accompany Xingzi on this special
occasion.
We look forward to seeing Xingzi’s future art
works and would like to congratulate her on behalf
of Whangaparaoa College learners and staff for
this impressive achievement.
Penny Eustace
H.O.D Visual Art
Children learn to read by reading. If you are not sure how to join our local library,
here is a helpful guide.
Sue Smith - Head Of Learning Years 7 & 8
Membership
How to get a library card if you are under 18:
The cost is free!
Your parent, guardian or homestay host must accompany you to the library to sign
as guarantor.
He/she must supply two things:
Photo ID (driver’s licence, passport etc.)
Proof of address (mail posted to residential address - not P.O. Box
in the Auckland Council region, e.g. power bill, bank statement).
Feel free to drop by and see one of our friendly librarians any time.
We’d love to see you!
Whangaparaoa Library hours:
Contact us:
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
Sue Bodmer
(Senior Librarian, Children’s & Youth )
9 Main St
Whangaparaoa Town Centre
Ph: 09 427 3710
Email: [email protected]
9.30am–5pm
9.30am–5pm
9.30am–5pm
9.30am–8pm
9.30am–5pm
9:30am–4pm
Closed
Notices from the counsellor’s desk...
Handy Hints for Improving Learning - Final section...
No. 9
Monitor their use of video and computer games.
Video games are incredibly popular and give a sense of great mastery, challenge and
involvement. Boys particularly use video games in a social way. It is important to
realise that the use of video and computer games is not completely passive.
Too much playing of these games can be negative. These games can be so
compelling they become addictive. While some games require quite intricate problem
solving, the skills learned on these games do not appear to readily transfer into other
arenas of life. Very few of the games require creative problem solving or an
opportunity to be an active participant in determining a story line.
Some exposure to computer games is good. Too much, though, can be toxic.
Sadly, there is no research that tells us what the right amount of time spent on
computer games should be, so you’ll need to think about the balance of your child’s
life and their range of activities and interests.
No. 10 Help them to build the essentials skills for success.
Three of the skills needed for success at school (and in most areas of life) are
concentration, memory and sequencing or getting things in the right order.
The games that parents play with their children such as Snap, Uno, Concentration,
Battleship, Monopoly, Chess, and Jigsaw puzzles, all play an incredibly important role
in developing these skills of success.
Computer versions of these games are not as effective in helping children develop
these skills. To really help your child to succeed at school, every so often switch off
the TV, unplug the computer and pull out a game.
No. 11 Limit the amount of part-time work.
Senior secondary students should not work more than ten hours a week at a
part-time job. If they do so, there is clear evidence that their marks will suffer.
From “ Help Your Child Succeed at School” by Andrew Fuller
www.andrewfuller.com.au
About Andrew Fuller - Andrew has recently been described as an ”interesting
mixture of Billy Connolly, Tim Winton and Frasier Crane” and as someone who “puts
the heart back into psychology”. As a clinical psychologist, Andrew Fuller works with
many schools and communities in Australia and internationally, specialising in the
wellbeing of young people and their families. He is a Fellow of the Department of
Psychiatry and the Department of Learning and Educational Development at the
University of Melbourne.
You are invited to…
Community Action on Suicide
Prevention and Research
‘Casper’ will be hosting an afternoon of Professional Development that is open to all
staff, parents/caregivers and interested local agencies.
Due to the limited number of spaces available to attend, please
College Reception Desk 09 424 9177
Date:
Venue:
R.S.V.P. to WGP
Monday 11 June
Whangaparaoa Baptist Church
4.00 – 6.00pm
Mother and Daughter Evening
Whangaparaoa College and Coast Youth Community Trust would
like to invite mothers and daughters to an evening get-together.
Join us for supper and an opportunity to hear guest speakers from -
“A Girl Called Hope”.
This is an opportunity not to be missed!
R.S.V.P. to WGP College Reception Desk 09 424 9177
Date:
Venue:
Wednesday 13 June
Whangaparaoa Baptist Church
7.00 – 9.00pm
LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE – DON’T MISS OUT.
Congratulations
Performing Arts - Drama
UGLY SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
Last week, both junior and senior Drama students were treated to the annual Ugly
Shakespeare Company's action packed visit. The company brings Shakespeare to life
in its own unique way, run by Waikato University the show breaks down Shakespeare
to an enjoyable, memorable and more relatable play. The junior drama students
(current and future) enjoyed Hamlet, whilst the seniors enjoyed Romeo & Juliet and a
workshop. The students had a wonderful time and William Shakespeare lives on over
400 years since his first work.
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Last Sunday our Year 13 Drama students attended the Auckland Theatre Company's
rendition of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. One of Shakespeare's more loved and well
known comedies, the production was performed with a modern twist. Students are
working closely with teachers on this play as part of their NCEA learning.
Performing Arts - Music
NZ CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION
For the first time, Whangaparaoa students
are entering the NZ Chamber of Music
Competition. It is a chance for budding
musicians to show off their skills, no
matter their experience.
The two college groups entering the competition were given a master class sponsored
by ABRSM, which will make for excellent preparation for the competition. An hour long
workshop with cellist, Katherine Hebley of the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, was
an incredible experience and very useful to the groups going into the competition.
Entering are:
Piano Trio: Natalie Wilson Y9, Bobbi Noon Y11, Jessica Faulkner Y12
Clarinet Trio: Hannah Osborne Y13, Kelly Peterken Y12, Min Park Y12
JUNIOR CONCERT
Last week our junior musicians and choirs wowed their audience with a fantastic
concert in the college auditorium. Acts included Loud and Proud, Junior Choir, a duet
by Annah Clune and Meg Spittall, solo performances by Rachel Johnson and Kieran
McNair, Year 9 songwriters and a group of brave, budding year 7 singers.
A wonderful afternoon was had by all, and a big thank you to all the supporters who
came along.
7 June - Senior Concert
Auditorium, 7.00 - 9.30pm
Tickets $8 advanced purchase, $10 at the door
Featuring senior bands, choirs, ensembles and soloists
Tickets available from Learner Accounts Office NOW
Sports Talk WGP
Netball
Tuesday 15 May saw our top two senior netball teams attend the North Harbour
Secondary Schools Tournament for the day, playing some fantastic netball.
The following Tuesday saw four junior Year 9 & 10 teams attend the junior tournament
with a lot of great games being played.
Well played teams - great results.
Year 10 Team 2
Congratulations
Congratulations to Micheala Sokolich-Beatson for
making U17 Netball North Representative Netball.
ANZ Grant Scheme
Please log onto the below link to vote for the opportunity for our
netball teams to win some money from the ANZ Bank. This would
help buy new gear bags and tracksuits for the senior teams that
play at North Harbour. You can vote daily.
www.anznetball.co.nz/gransche/gallery-application/
application.html?id=18071
Grading
All teams have now finished their grading rounds. They will start competition rounds on
Saturday 9 June, except the Intermediate teams at North Harbour, who will start their
first round of competition on Thursday 31 May. Good luck to all the teams.
Umpires Wanted
This season we are very short of umpires as we have more teams and not enough
umpires to cover all the games. If you know of anyone that would be available to umpire
both at Hibiscus Coast and North Harbour please contact:
[email protected]
If you are interested in learning how to umpire Hibiscus Netball Centre will be holding
their next class on the 10 June please log into the following site for more details:
www.hbcnetball.co.nz/umpires
Saturday morning netball
Below is a few lines from an email received last week in regard to what netball is all
about when you are in Year 7 & 8. This email is from a senior player’s mother.
I remembered why and when all this madness of Saturday morning netball started, yep
it was when our girls where the Year 7's. It was the most enjoyable morning, it made
the heart sing, all these little girls (because they are tiny) they have the biggest hearts
and the most enthusiasm you will ever see.
They are not worried about the score or the time on the clock or even if they are in
Team 1, no they just want to play. They are all just so happy being out there doing their
thing and having Mum, Dad, Grandparents and the rest of the family out supporting
them. I listened to one dad saying “she can't do that, take the ball like that, can she?
And that girl shouldn't be allowed to jump in front of her like that, she's trying to shoot,
oh are they allowed to do that?” All said with absolute conviction and not an ounce of
knowledge, but always followed with a question. Dads are precious on the side line.
We are lucky to have such lovely coaches and managers, and they deserve to be
praised because they are doing a fantastic job, sometimes under difficult situations.
Saturday 26 May
Senior Team 1 played a fantastic game against Northcote Senior 1 and came down to
the wire in the last quarter, with the final score 30-28 to Northcote! First loss of the
season… The team played extremely well for having at least 4 injuries going into it
and we had 2 players go down in the game. (Get better soon Courtney David!
Michaela Sokolitch-Beatson, being a tough superstar that she is, went down and came
straight back for 3rd quarter and held the defence together!) We started off really well
with a turn over after the first whistle, and were 2 up. Then Northcote came back
fighting and realised that we meant business! It was a tight game and extremely
intense, but the girls really gelled together. It was definitely frustrating at the end of the
game, because everyone worked so hard and it showed we wanted it more than
Northcote. Especially 3rd and 4th quarters! Still so proud of the girls and the way they
played. It was intense and they held it together very well 
Alexis Sadgrove
Captain Senior 1 Netball Team
Wednesday 23 May
Girl 1st XI football team played away against Western Springs, and after a long trip,
tiredness began to show in the first half and at half time we were up 2-0. At the
beginning of the second half, Western Springs scored an unfortunate goal to bring the
score to a close 2-1, this seemed to wake everyone up and a few minutes later we
were once again two goals ahead. It seemed to be a long game, but the girls kept
going, and the final was a 4-2 win. Laura Marlow and Alysha Mills both scoring goals
and Katie Lanigan scored two.
Lucy Marlow
Captain XI Girls Soccer Team
Fantastic start to our season for our U17 Basketball girls team. The teams first game
was against Westlake Girls White, coming away with a win 41-17.
Our second game, played on Friday 25 May against a team close to our strength and
play. This game was more like a rugby match than basketball. Bodies on the floor,
basketballs ripped out of opponents hands, uniforms being pulled and umpires trying
to keep up. Great defence from Chloe Beggs and Deearna Lucas plus a great
3-pointer from Deearna. Fierce play from Razzie, Alesha, Bridie and Amber.
Great backing up from Kaycee and Mania. Even though it was a win to Carmel 28-24,
it was an amazing game to watch.
Next time girls.
Elizabeth Erueti
U17 Girls Basketball Manager
Thursday 24 May
It was a really tough and exhausting game we played against Diocesan girls top team.
We had the ball for the majority of the game, but their defence was really strong. The
final score was 7-5 to us. Brooke Thodey, did really well as it was only her second
game ever as the goalie, and she blocked most of their goals. Our goals were scored
by Kath, Brooke, Yasmin, Krysta, and Paige.
Yasmin Nouri
Senior Girls Lacrosse Captain
Congratulations
Emma Clarke 8 HEF, was delighted to finally receive her
certificates from the State 2012 NZ Junior Championships
for all of the North Island. Emma swam in six events
obtaining qualifying times in all. For 11 Year Olds, she
placed 8th in the 100m Butterfly, 7th in the 50m and 4th
regionally overall.
Whangaparaoa College is still seeking voluntary coaches...
...for the 2012 season to cater for the growing
number of teams in all grades.
Netball, Rugby, Soccer, Hockey. Basketball,
Touch, Softball, Cricket, Lacrosse, Athletics, Cross Country.
Enquiries and applications to
Mrs O’Brien, Sport Coordinator
Whangaparaoa College
PO Box 775
Phone: 09 424 9291 Email: [email protected]
www.wgpcollege.school.nz
Congratulations
Last month Georgia Clasby 11FIT, travelled to Florida
with Team New Zealand to compete in the ICU World
Cheerleading Championships. This event is considered
to be the ‘Olympics of Cheerleading’ with one team in
each division representing each country.
Over 50 countries participated and Team New Zealand
placed second and won silver in both All-Girl and Co-ed
divisions.
Photo: Team NZ All-Girl
Congratulations to Yasmine Brooke,
Cerys Holleron and Tyler McDowall for passing
their Surf Lifesaving Award on Sunday 6 May at
Red Beach SLSC.
Well done girls we are all very proud.
Dates for your Diary
All details will be updated on the Sports Board.
Wednesday 30 May
Soccer 1st XI Girls v
U19
U15
Hockey 1st XI Boys v
Rutherford
Orewa
Rangitoto
Rangitoto
4.00pm
4.00pm
4.00pm
5:20pm
Away
Away
Away
Harbour
Thursday 31 May
Lacrosse Senior v
Lacrosse Junior v
Hockey 1st XI Girls v
Auckland Girls
Diocesan
Wentworth
4.00pm
4.00pm
4:10pm
Away
Home
Harbour 4
Friday 1 June
Hockey 2nd XI Girls v
Long Bay
4:10pm
Harbour 2
Thank you to our sponsors...
The dates for the next Defensive Driving Course are as follows:
6, 8 , 12 and 18 June. Each session runs from 6 - 8pm.
Each student is required to attend all four sessions.
Contact [email protected] for a registration form. Registration forms and payment,
must be received by 5pm on Monday 4 June. Limited places available.
The new test has seen a sharp decline in the "Pass Rate" at the local test centre, 40%
only.
Roadcraft School of Motoring continue to have a 100% pass rate for our students...
If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact:
Tricia O'Connor
Roadcraft School of Motoring
021 269 3246
Calling all future New Zealand swimmers
Coast Swim Club is one of the top competitive swim clubs in
New Zealand and based at Northern Arena, Silverdale.
Our coaches Mihai and Mariana, both former Olympians, have
more than 25 years coaching experience and are keen to talk
with you about being part of their aspiring team.
On Friday 8 June from 5.00pm - 6.15pm we are holding open trials at Northern Arena
to give your children the opportunity to become part of the team and start enjoying this
great sport.
Suitable for children 7 years up with ability to swim 25 meters freestyle, breaststroke
and backstroke. Also to those swimmers 13 and up who have a keen interest to swim
competitively.
For further information call club secretary Monique Veen on 021 858476
or email [email protected]
or check us out at our website www.coastswimclub.org.nz
Whangaparaoa Hospice Shop
2nd Hand School Sweatshirts
Good Quality
Our local Hospice Shop has a good supply of
second-hand Whangaparaoa College sweatshirts for
sale NOW. Be in quick to avoid the winter cold!!!
Please SUPPORT HOSPICE
The Hilarious Hypnotist - Dave Upfold
Come and see your friends and relatives be hypnotised at what promises to be an
absolutely hilarious show! Dave will also be running an auction during the interval with
all sorts of fantastic items up for grabs at potentially bargain prices!
Whangaparaoa Primary School Hall - 39 Ladies Mile, Whangaparaoa
Friday 8 June - doors open 7.30pm, show starts at 8.00pm.
Tickets : $20 available from the Whangaparaoa Primary School office.
Cash bar and snacks will be available - strictly no BYO alcohol.
Want to Stay Healthy This Winter?
At Agewell we have the best remedies to help your family stay
healthy this winter.
Have less time off work—Stop the kids getting sick over and over again.
“I had frequent colds and was feeling rundown. I now feel energised, healthier and more
optimistic about my health. I can’t thank Deborah enough”. Ashley
For information phone 0800 249 35
or visit: www.agewellnz.com - 7 Tamariki House, Orewa
Mature Responsible Experienced Caring
Baby Sitter
Looking for baby sitting and child minding
opportunities weekends and evenings, school holidays