Te Pūrongo o te kura - Newsletter
Term 2, Week 9 2024 Newsletter
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
NGĀ KUPU O TE TUMUAK I- PRINCIPALS PIECE
KO TE AKONGA KEI TE PITO - STUDENTS AT THE CENTRE
KO TE HAPORI TE MANAWA - COMMUNITY AT THE HEART
NGĀ PĀNUI HAKINAKINA - SPORTS AND CULTURAL BULLETIN
PANUI - NOTICES
NGĀ KAUPAPA KEI MUA I TE AROARO - UPCOMING EVENTS
TERM DATES 2024
SCHOOL CAREERS & COUNSELLING SERVICES
ATTENDANCE
STUDENT WELLBEING SERVICES
NGĀ KUPU O TE TUMUAKI - PRINCIPALS PIECE
Invitation to Our Open Night: Join Us for an Evening of Exploration and Community
Kia ora koutou,
We are excited to extend a warm invitation to our community and the whānau of our Year 8 students to join us for our upcoming Open Night.
Date: Tuesday 30th July
Time: 5.30-7.30
Location: Spotswood College Hall
Our Open Night is a fantastic opportunity for prospective students and their families to explore our school, meet our staff, and learn about the diverse programs and opportunities we offer. Whether you are new to the area or considering options for next year, this event is designed to give you an understanding of what makes our school a special place for learning and growth.
What to Expect:
Guided Tours: Explore our facilities and vibrant learning spaces.
Meet the Teachers: Engage with our passionate and experienced educators.
Program Presentations: Learn about our academic, cultural, and extracurricular programs.
Student Performances: Enjoy performances showcasing the talents of our students.
This is an excellent chance to see firsthand how we nurture a supportive and dynamic learning environment where every student can thrive. We believe that strong partnerships with whānau and the wider community are key to our students' success, and we look forward to building these connections with you.
We hope to see you there!
STAFF
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
Mrs Hilary Takarangi email: hta@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
KO TE AKONGA KEI TE PITO - STUDENTS AT THE CENTRE
Celebration Assembly
Congratulations to the following students who received a certificate during the whole school celebration assembly:
Cordell Campbell - 1st Golden Gloves Under 57kg Division
Eden Piquette - Represented NZ - World Skate Artistic Roller Skating Pacifc Cup
Sylvia Larkin - Taranaki Netball U16 Girls
Robert Manu - Taranaki Netball U16 Mixed
Bella Tuavao - Taranaki Netball U14 Girls
Amaia Sherry - Taranaki Netball U14 Girls
Paul Hinz - Taranaki Sharks Rugby League U18
Breez Manu - Taranaki Sharks Rugby League U18
Jesse Friar - Tarsnaki Sharks Rugby League U14
Tyler O'Regan - Taranaki Sharks Rugby League U14
Samantha Hart (VC) - Taranaki Under 19 Volley Ball - Gold Team
Anna Clough - Taranaki Under 19 Volley Ball - Gold Team
Scarlett Dinnis - Taranaki Under 19 Volley Ball - Gold Team
Haruna Saito - Taranaki Under 19 Volley Ball - Gold Team
Aliana Scholey - Taranaki Under 19 Volley Ball - Gold Team
Chelsea Garner (C) - Taranaki Under 19 Volley Ball - Black Team
Tia Christiansen - Taranaki Under 19 Volley Ball - Black Team
Lola Crawshaw - Taranaki Under 19 Volley Ball - Black Team
Jean Smiley - Taranaki Under 19 Volley Ball - Black Team
Paige Casey - New Plymouth Competitions - Vocal Section 2nd Place Junior Secondary Class
Aster Danenhauer - 1st 15 -17yr Concerto Competition
Tipene Stephens - Access Radio Show
Gaige Tito - Access Radio Show
Zoe Yagolnitzer - Chamber Music Crew - Highly Commended
Kyarne Broughton-Pratt - Chamber Music Crew - Highly Commended
Olly Smith - Chamber Music Crew - Highly Commended
Tipene Stephens - Chamber Music Crew - Highly Commended
Emme Ace - Chamber Music Crew - Highly Commended
Aster Danenhauer - Chamber Music Crew - Highly Commended
Bodhi Danenhauer - Chamber Music Crew - Highly Commended
Faye Mula - Rockquest Winner - South Road
Kyarne Broughton-Pratt - Rockquest Winner - South Road
Sam Malili - Rockquest Winner - South Road
Mitchell Fraser - Rockquest Winner - South Road
Aster Danenhauer - Rockquest Winner - South Road
Jacob Burns - Rockquest Winner - South Road
Mason Horo-Maddaford - Rockquest Participant - Grillatron
Grace Collins - Rockquest Participant - Mondegreen
Kalani Watson-Kingi - Junior English speech Participant Nga Manu Korero 2024
Kyarne Broughton-Pratt - First Foundation Scholarship Recipient
Jahlia Manukonga-Te Uira - Taranaki Netball U14 Girls Development Squad
Tali Te Runa - Taranaki Netball U14 Girls Development Squad
Celebrating Careers Week: Exploring Futures and Building Dreams
Careers Week was dedicated to exploring future possibilities and building dreams. The week was packed with events and activities designed to inspire and inform our students about various career paths and opportunities.
Our Careers Week kicked off with a special school assembly where we guessed the previous careers of our staff who shared their career journeys, offering insights and advice. Their stories encouraged our students to think about their own futures with optimism and determination.
Alongside the student-focused events, our staff also engaged in professional learning sessions. These sessions provided teachers with tools and strategies to support career education in the classroom. By equipping our staff with the latest knowledge and resources, we aim to better guide our students in making informed decisions about their career paths.
The week featured a variety of workshops and hands-on activities tailored to different year levels. Students participated in resume-building workshops, mock interviews, and interactive sessions on emerging career fields. These activities provided practical skills but also sparked curiosity and enthusiasm about the wide range of career options available.
A Night to Remember: Celebrating Elegance and Joy at the School Ball
Our recent school ball was a great success, filled with elegance, joy, and unforgettable moments. This special evening brought together students, staff, and whānau for a night of celebration and community spirit.
The theme for this year’s ball, “Vintage Hollywood,” was beautifully brought to life with stunning decorations, setting a magical atmosphere from the moment guests arrived.
Great kai was complemented by music which kept the dance floor buzzing with a mix of music.
Highlights of the night included the crowning of the Ball King and Queen, as well as several fun and engaging activities that kept everyone entertained. A photo booth captured the moments, allowing students to take home keepsakes of their memories.
We are immensely proud of our students, who conducted themselves with respect throughout the evening, embodying the spirit of our school community. A special thank you goes out to the ball committee led by Aly Scott, staff, and volunteers whose work and dedication made this event possible. Your efforts ensured that the school ball was a night to remember for everyone involved.
KO TE HAPORI TE MANAWA - COMMUNITY AT THE HEART
Celebrating Puanga: A Time of Reflection and Community
This past week, our school community came together to celebrate Puanga with festivities that left everyone feeling connected, joyful, and grounded in our shared heritage. Puanga, the star that heralds the Māori New Year in many parts of Aotearoa, is a time of reflection, renewal, and celebration. Our festivities reflected this with an impressive turnout and enthusiastic participation from students, whānau, and staff.
The centerpiece of our Puanga celebrations was the shared hāngī. The preparation began early in the morning, with volunteers from the community coming together with students and staff to prepare the kai. The hāngī was a great success.
Our festivities also included a range of cultural performances and activities that showcased the talents and hard work of our students. The kapa haka group delivered a powerful performance. Arts and crafts stations allowed students to engage in traditional Māori weaving and carving, while storytelling sessions provided insights into the significance of Puanga and the Māori lunar calendar.
Thank you to everyone who contributed their time, energy, and resources to make our Puanga celebrations a success. Your efforts have made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for your support.
NGĀ PĀNUI HAKINAKINA - SPORTS AND CULTURAL BULLETIN
Taranaki Volleyball Reps 2024
The following 9 senior girls were selected for the Taranaki Under 19 Indoor Volleyball teams to compete at the Volleyball New Zealand Inter-provincial championships to be played in Wellington at King's birthday weekend.
Taranaki Under 19 Gold team:
Samantha Hart (Vice-captain)
Anna Clough
Scarlett Dinnis
Haruna Saito
Ailana Saito
Taranaki Under 19 Black team:
Chelsea Gartner (Captain)
Tia Christiansen
Lola Crawshaw
Jean Smiley
PANUI - NOTICES
NGĀ KAUPAPA KEI MUA I TE AROARO - UPCOMING EVENTS
TERM 2 UPCOMING DATES
WEEK 10
Monday 1 July - Vietnam Trip meeting in the Staffroom from 5.30pm to 8pm
Tuesday 2 July - Tuesday Night Spotswood College Volleyball League 5.00pm -9pm
Wednesday 3 July - Respond to Small Emergencies VP Department
TSSSA Senior Festival Day
Taranaki Rugby Football Union from 2.10pm to 3.10pm
Friday 5 July - QRC Promotional visit in the Staffroom at 9am
Period 5 End of Term Whole School Hui in the Gym
TERM DATES 2024
Term Three: 22/07/2024 - 27/09/2024
Tuesday 30th July = Open Night
Wednesday 11th September = Student Led IDPs
Friday 13th September = Staff Only Day (school is closed for instruction)
Wednesday 18th September = Parent Teacher Interviews
STUDENT WELLBEING SERVICES
Counselling Services
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.
Sick or Injured at School
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.
CAREERS
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
Career News
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.
ATTENDANCE
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: 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 2: Send a text to the office on 02102466182
Option 3: Use the school app - SKOOL LOOP to submit an absence
Option 4: Send an email to absent@spotswoodcollege.school.nz
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.
Skool Loop
Spotswood College will be using Skool Loop to send out notices and information to our whānau. This is a free app available on Apple and Android devices. You can also access newsletters, contact the school about absences and find helpful links as well as quick access to Kamar.