PRINCIPAL'S PIECE

QUALITY TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP

STAFFING NEWS

LEARNERS AT THE CENTRE

CONNECTED AND INCLUSIVE

FUTURE OF LEARNING AND WORK

SPORTS AND CULTURAL BULLETIN

FEATURE ARTIST

TERM DATES 2025

SCHOOL CAREERS & COUNSELLING SERVICES

ATTENDANCE

STUDENT WELLBEING SERVICES

Talofa lava

Kia ora whānau,

As we wrap up Semester 1, it's a great time to reflect on the progress we've made and the lessons we've learned. Semester 2 is a fresh start—an opportunity to set new goals, stay focused, and make the most of the learning ahead.

To support students on their journey, we will continue offering study sessions every Wednesday after school throughout Semester 2. These sessions are a great way to get extra help, collaborate with friends, and stay on top of learning in a supportive environment.

Nelson Mandela once said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." Every challenge we face and every achievement we celebrate brings us closer to reaching our full potential.

I’m looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together in Semester 2. Let’s make it a great one!

This time is a chance to come together to reflect on the past year and to remember your loved ones. It is a time of wānanga or learning, so as to set the path for the new year.

This year our Puanga Whakanui will be held in the evening from 5 - 7pm on Weds the 18th of June. We warmly invite your whānau and hope this will allow all to come and join in the festivities with their child. This is an event for teachers and family to enjoy the celebration of Puanga. This year's kaupapa focuses on wānanga, as traditionally this was a time not only for special kai, but food for the mind also. Long nights were filled with the time of learning and connecting. We will have tents where you can make your own printed bags/tees, poi, hoa bracelets, and add to a korowai with your own sentiments. This will be accompanied with karakia, hāngī, fried bread, fire, and merchandise. The celebration is made possible, organised and run by our talented students. Students in the Puanga Event class have been working towards this from the start of the year and Inquiry classes are contributing steamed puddings, fire barrels, light displays and fruit preserves. We hope to see you all there!

Tiro atu ki a Puanga, i a Whiro. Me kāngia te ahi kaaroa,

mō ake tonu

Gaze up toward Puanga, during the rise of Whiro, And keep the home fires burning, forever more.

Since 1983, year 7-13 students compete each year in the Taranaki Science & Technology Fair. More than 60 schools are eligible from all over Taranaki to participate in this 3 day event. The science fair provides students the opportunity to solve real life problems via their innovative ideas and projects. During this event many amazing prizes are awarded for winning projects in each category. See your Science teacher for further information.

Pūtaiao me Hangarau ki Taranaki. E 60 ngā Kura i roto i tēnei rohe e hono ana. He nui ngā wero, he nui ngā koha ki tēnei whakaaturanga.

A huge congratulations to our two bands and soloist (pictured below) who recently represented Spotswood College at the regional Rockquest Competition!

Both bands performed two original compositions, showcasing not only their musical skill but also their creativity and songwriting talent.

Our junior band, The Infestation — made up of Malachi Kirk, Frauline Mula, Levi Bines, and Dom Ridout — impressed with their high energy and originality.

Our senior band, South Road — featuring Mitchell Fraser, Faye Mula, Zac Court, Aster Danenhauer and Jacob Burns — brought maturity and polish to the stage with their powerful performance.

Congratulations to Emme Ace, who entered the Solo/Duo section of the competition, and was awarded 2nd place for her work. Emme performed her original song "Piggy Bank", captivating the audience with emotionally powerful vocals and her own guitar accompaniment.

We also congratulate Caitlin Collins (Yr 13) who joined forces with NPGHS band Mantra as a vocalist and was awarded 3rd place.

These achievements reflect many hours of dedicated composition, solo practice, and group rehearsals, all leading to performances in a professional, real-world music setting.

We are incredibly proud of the representation of our music department at this event and of the musicianship and passion the students displayed.

Well done to all involved!

Stay Tuned!

Don’t miss the latest music releases from South Road, We Don't Know, and Fine Wine—now streaming on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/@TheMusicDepartment21

Mark your calendars: the next single, Needing You, drops on Friday 13th June at 11am!

For updates, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming performances, follow The Music Department on Facebook.
Taranaki Regional Rockquest performance videos will be uploaded soon—stay tuned!

With Winter Sports season well and truly underway, it is always exciting to see not only our students out wearing the colours of Spotswood College, but also those who carry this into the colours of our region.

Congratulations to our students selected in regional representative programmes and campaigns for this coming winter season.

TARANAKI NETBALL

Under 14 Development:

Kaitlin Taylor (Year 9)

Under 14:

Tali Te Runa and Brianna O'Keefe (both Year 10)

Under 16 Development:

jahlia Manukonga-Te Uira and Bella Tuavao (both Year 10)

Under 16:

Amaia Sherry (Year 11)

Under 18 Boys:

Robert Manu (Year 11) Rakim Kavanagh and Komene Te Nana (both Year 13)

Photo attached from L-R: Robert, Jahlia, Tali, Amaia, Bella

TARANAKI VOLLEYBALL:

Congratulations to Westley Oakes-Hill (Year 11, #11), Wairangi Davey (Year 12, #10) and Zander Dodunski (Year 13, #3) who took part in the Volleyball Inter Provincial Championships over King's Birthday Weekend. Competing in the Taranaki U19 Men's team, the boys had a 3-4 win/loss record and finished in 11th place overall.

TARANAKI BASKETBALL:

Katie Takarangi (U16 Amber), Ashleigh Te Riini and Talei Lilo (both U16 Black) spent Kings Birthday weekend in Ahuriri/Napier as they competed in the regional qualifiers.

Tuesday Kai 2 Badminton Club will be running in the gym. If keen to play and take part please come to the gym. Just make sure you eat your kai before entering the gym to participate. The first Tuesday we had 20+ students participate. It would be great if you are keen to join also.

Nau mai haere mai ki te rōpū whaikīngi, Hei te B Whetu, hei te Rāapa, 2:10pm

Welcome one and all to the Spotswood College Chess Club. B7 Wednesdays, 2:10pm

UPCOMING TOURNAMENT:

New Plymouth Chess Club Rooms

11 Gilbert Street

Saturday 19 July 2025, 1:00 PM till 6:00pm

We are very happy to be hosting an open day at the Pacific International Hotel Management School.

This is going to be a great way for everyone to come and explore the unique educational approach we have.

What to look forward to:

• Guided tours will be led by current students, offering a unique, first-hand perspective of both the campus and operational areas.
• We will have hotel representatives from international brands on hand to answer any questions
• A three course meal provided by our year 1 Dream Team students (free)
• A chance to find out about Industry Placement and where PIHMS can take students on their journey.

The open day will be taking place on Friday the 13th of June 2025 from 2pm – 5.30pm

4 Henwood Road, Bell Block 4312

Please spread the word and RSVP to info@pihms.ac.nz
ANY FURTHER INFORMATION / QUESTIONS PLEASE SEE US IN THE VOCATIONAL PATHWAYS OFFICE

We look forward to hosting you and showing you the PIHMS way.

Come and see us in the Vocational Pathways office to sign up for this awesome opportunity to have a look behind the scenes at some of the bigger and well known Taranaki Engineering Companies.

SPACE IS LIMITED AND WE NEED YOU TO SEE US PRIOR TO REGISTERING FOR THIS EVENT

When

Tuesday 24 June, 2025

Any Yr 13's wanting more information on Student Allowances, Student Loans and other financial support areas. You are invited to attend this very useful session in the STAFFROOM at 9:30am on Friday 13th June.

Jess from MSD will be host this session and run through StudyLink and how it could work for you while preparing for 2026 and beyond.

When

Friday 13 June, 2025 @ 930am

We recently said goodbye to Kara, a valued member of our administration team. Their dedication, expertise, and camaraderie have left a lasting impact, and while we’ll miss them, we wish them all the best in their next adventure. Mā te wā!

A huge shoutout to our admin legends, Linda and Tania, who have kindly stepped back in to support the team as we navigate these changes—we truly appreciate you both!

Looking ahead, we’re excited to welcome Joe as our new Tech teacher and Simon, a property tradesman, who will be joining us in Semester Two. We can’t wait to have them on board!

Principal

Whaea Nicola email: nng@spotswoodcollege.school.nz

Deputy Principal/Senior Leadership

Mr Daryn Shaw email: dsh@spotswoodcollege.school.nz

Deputy Principal/Senior Leadership

Mrs Hilary Takarangi email: hta@spotswoodcollege.school.nz

Deputy Principal/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

Whaea Tulah Katene-Wall email: tka@spotswoodcollege.school.nz

Year 10 Dean

Matua Matty James email: mja@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

At Spotswood College, we believe that student-led initiatives are at the heart of meaningful learning and personal growth. By taking ownership of their learning and school experiences, students develop leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for life beyond the classroom.

Through inquiry-based learning and specialised programmes, our students explore real-world issues, drive projects, and develop solutions that matter to them. Beyond the classroom, student-run clubs—such as the Queer-Straight Alliance (QSA)—provide safe and supportive spaces for diverse voices to be heard and celebrated. Similarly, student-led academic, sporting, and cultural, social and political clubs and events highlight the talent, dedication, and teamwork within our school community.

Our student leadership forums further empower young people to influence school decision-making, ensuring that Spotswood College remains a place where student voice shapes our future. Whether through advocacy, event planning, or peer support, student-led initiatives foster confidence, responsibility, and a strong sense of belonging.

We encourage all students to get involved and those with further ideas or initiatives to reach out!

Does your child do something out of school that you'd like to let us know about so it can be celebrated? Please let us know. It could be in the sporting, cultural, musical, performing arts, community service realms or something else!

We would appreciate photos of your child to accompany the celebration post so please send those to admin@spotswoodcollege.school.nz.

(We reserve the right to determine how the achievement is acknowledged - it could be a school newsletter, School Facebook post, other Social Media platforms and/or an assembly).

School Counselling Services are available at Spotswood College for students who wish to get additional wellbeing support.

To make an appointment please email:

Guidance Counsellors - manaakitanga@spotswoodcollege.school.nz

Public Health Nurse

Drop in Public Health Nurse hours - Monday 9.00 am - 2.00 pm.

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.

Career support and advice is available to students who would like some guidance on career pathways, tertiary studies and scholarships available.

To make an appointment please contact the Careers Advisor

Chell Lusk - clu@spotswoodcollege.school.nz

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.

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: Report an absence using the school app SchoolBridge

Option 2: Call 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 3: Send a text to the office on 02102466182

Option 4: Email absent@spotswoodcollege.school.nz. Please provide your child's name, and reason for absence.

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 Jenine the Attendance Officer or she will pass you on to the DEAN or your child’s Learning Advisor.