WHANGAROA COLLEGE

Tēnā koutou katoa

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It is great to return to school with a bit of sunshine following the huge amount of rain we have experienced lately. The vibrant energy of our students returning, coupled with the improved weather, sets a positive tone for what promises to be a productive and engaging Term 3.

 

We continue to promote regular attendance at school, and your ongoing support with this is much appreciated. We firmly believe that consistent attendance is a cornerstone of academic success and personal development. We expect our students to attend every day when they can and to also attend every class for the duration of those classes. This commitment ensures they don't miss crucial learning opportunities and allows them to fully participate in classroom discussions and activities. We acknowledge that the cooler months can have an impact on our children's health, and it is important that children remain at home when they are ill to recover fully and prevent the spread of illness within the school community. If your child is to remain at home, please contact the school office on (09) 4050 199 and let the staff know your child will be absent. Your cooperation in notifying us promptly is vital for our attendance records and for ensuring the well-being of all students.

 

Term 3 is an especially important time for our seniors to really consolidate their knowledge and to prepare diligently for the end-of-year exams. This period marks a critical phase in their academic journey, and we encourage them to approach their studies with focus and determination. Quality sleep and good nutrition can significantly support their ability to do well in these exams, providing the necessary energy and mental clarity. However, regular attendance throughout the term remains one of the main factors to prepare our students for the exams, ensuring they are exposed to all curriculum content and learning strategies. We will be providing various revision sessions and support mechanisms to help our seniors achieve their full potential.

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Alongside Matauri Bay School, part of our Kahui Ako mahi is to gather pepeha from our local marae. This initiative is a vital component of our commitment to cultural preservation and understanding. Our students write their own pepeha in class, a deeply personal and culturally enriching exercise that connects them to their heritage and identity. We are going to make an online space to store these pepeha so others can access and become familiar with the different pepeha in the area. This digital archive will serve as a valuable educational resource, fostering a deeper appreciation for the unique cultural tapestry of our community. As we work through developing this space, we will be reaching out to whānau to ensure the pepeha we have is accurate and respectfully presented. We are committed to upholding the integrity and authenticity of these significant cultural statements. Also in this space, we are always keen to receive any pūrakau about significant events that have occurred in Te Taitokerau and especially Whangaroa. These traditional narratives offer invaluable insights into our history, landscape, and values, enriching our collective understanding and providing a powerful link to the past.

 

As usual, we have a lot going on this term, with a diverse range of events and activities planned to enrich our students' learning and development. It is important you keep up to date with these events and activities by regularly reading our school newsletters. These newsletters are our primary channel for communicating important dates, upcoming events, student achievements, and general school news. We also encourage you to keep an eye out on our Facebook page, which provides timely updates, photos from school events, and a more interactive platform for community engagement. We look forward to a successful and fulfilling Term 3 for all our students and their whānau.

 

Jack Anderson

Principal