PRINCIPALS 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

Kia ora e te whānau,

A huge thank you to all the parents, caregivers, and whānau who took the time to attend our Student-Led Individual Development Plan (IDP) meetings. Your presence and support play a vital role in shaping the success and aspirations of our ākonga.

These IDPs provide a valuable opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning journey, set goals for the year ahead, and plan for their future pathways. Having whānau involved in these conversations strengthens the connection between home and school, ensuring that our young people feel supported and encouraged to strive for their best.

We appreciate your ongoing partnership and look forward to working together to help our students achieve their goals for 2025 and beyond.

Ngā mihi nui,
Nicola Ngarewa

Principal, Spotswood College

At Spotswood College, we are committed to ensuring every student has the best opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. A key factor in this success is regular school attendance. The New Zealand Ministry of Education’s 2025 guidelines emphasize that attending school at least 90% of the time (no more than five days absent per term) is essential for academic achievement and overall well-being.

Why Attendance Matters

• Academic Success – Missing school means missing out on important learning. Research shows that students who attend regularly are more likely to achieve NCEA and other qualifications.

• Social and Emotional Wellbeing – Being present helps students build friendships, develop resilience, and stay engaged in school life.

• Future Opportunities – Good attendance habits lead to a better work ethic and increased opportunities for further education and employment.

Understanding Absences

While we understand that some absences are unavoidable (such as illness), every effort should be made to keep time away from school to a minimum. The Ministry of Education classifies attendance as:

• Regular (90% or more) – This is the goal for all students.

• At Risk (80-89%) – Missing 1-2 days every fortnight can quickly add up to learning gaps.

• Moderate to Severe Risk (below 80%) – Frequent absences lead to significant challenges in keeping up with learning and assessments.

What You Can Do

• Ensure your child attends school every day unless they are unwell.

• Communicate with the school if your child needs to be absent and provide a reason.

• Avoid scheduling appointments or holidays during term time.

• Encourage good routines at home to support punctuality and engagement.

Our goal at Spotswood College is to support all students to attend, engage, and achieve. If you have any concerns about attendance, please reach out to your child's Learning Advisor (LA) or the Poutiaki —we are here to help.

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 Photos for 2025 from PhotoLife are now available online to view and purchase. PhotoLife have emailed unique keycodes to parent/caregivers. Please check your SPAM/JUNK MAIL in case this has been directed there.

Please note that cut off for FREE DELIVERY EXPIRES Midnight Sunday 6 APRIL 2025. Photos that have been purchased by this date will be delivered to school directly and then distributed to students to take home.

Five of our Spotswood College whānau are fundraising to go on the experience of the year - on the Spirit of Adventure this October! The students are Eric Spencer, Lilla Thomas, Blake Hill, Reuben Francis and Sophie Madden. If you are able to help support them to raise funds and get dinner sorted at the same time by buying some samosas, please order through the link below:

https://fundraising.surti.co.nz/spirit-of-adventure-fundraiser

Spotswood College students showed their community spirit by volunteering at the Weet-Bix TRYathlon in Ngāmotu this week. Our students took on various roles, from marshalling the course to handing out medals, cheering on young athletes, and ensuring the event ran smoothly.

This was a fantastic opportunity for our students to give back to the community, develop leadership skills, and be part of an inspiring event that encourages tamariki to stay active and challenge themselves. Their enthusiasm and support made a real difference on the day, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts!

Ka rawe, team! 👏💙

Excitement is building as our on-site Build a House project nears completion! Over the past months, students have been working alongside experienced tutors and industry professionals to construct a fully functional home from the ground up. Now, as we approach the final stages, we can see the results of their teamwork, and hands-on learning.

This project has provided an invaluable opportunity for students to develop real-world construction skills, from framing to roofing. They gained practical trade experience, and they’ve also learned essential problem-solving and collaboration skills—qualities that will serve them well in future careers.

With the finishing touches underway, the house will soon be ready for its final inspection. This achievement is not just about building a house—it’s about building confidence, skills, and futures. Watch this space as the team now moves on to build another house.

Last weekend a team of sailors travelled to Taupō to compete in the CNISS Regatta on Lake Taupō. The team consisting of Albie and Amélie Staunstrup Moore, Sadhbh and Reija Treacy, James Casey, Declan Sutton and Fay Dalgleish; won 10 races in total and won 3rd place in the Silver Fleet. The first time a sailing team was entered from Spotswood College in 27 years, so an incredible feat! Ka rawe koutou!

Big mihi to team coaches Caleb Birrell and Amelia Otto, and team Manager Ida Staunstrup Moore.

Spotswood College recently held its annual Athletics Day, a vibrant celebration of school spirit, friendly competition, and community support. Students and staff embraced the day with enthusiasm, showcasing their athletic talents while cheering on their peers in various track and field events.

This year, the event had a special purpose beyond just sports – it was also a fundraiser for the Mellowpuff Trust, an organisation supporting young people and families going through adversity. As part of the initiative, students wore pink to show solidarity and raised funds to contribute to this meaningful cause. The energy and generosity of our school community were on full display, making it a day of fun, connection, and giving back.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, dressed up, and donated – together, we made a difference while creating memories!

Congratulations to the following students who have taken out the 2025 School Champions:

Junior Boys: Tiaki Power

Junior Girls: Talia Antill

Intermediate Boys: Kingston Lilo

Intermediate Girls: Katie Takarangi

Senior Boys: Joel Penno

Senior Girls: Aliana Scholey

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.