Wairoa College
Newsletter: 15 December 2021
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Tēnā Koutou Katoa
Staff have been working hard completing reports, marking final assessments and planning for next year. I would like to thank them for all the work they have done this year and will do over the next few weeks.
As we are coming to the end of the year I would like to thank students, caregivers, the community and staff for another successful year. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday.
Below is some updated information on the Covid-10 Protection Framework. I know that being in Red has added another layer of anxiety for some.
New COVID-19 Protection (Traffic Light) Framework
On the 3rd December 2021 Wairoa under the new COVID-19 Traffic Light Framework has moved to Red.
We don’t have to change the way we are operating classes this year and everyone can continue to attend school onsite.
For next year, we can confirm that everyone will be back onsite for learning from the start of the school year, regardless of what setting under the new Traffic Light Framework we will be in (Red/Orange/Green). This is good news and means we can plan for a great 2022.
Health measures in place at school
This year and next, health, safety and wellbeing will continue to be a priority for us and the same public health measures you are very familiar with will remain in place:
good hygiene and cleaning
contact tracing systems in place
vaccination requirements for workers (paid and unpaid)
if you are sick, you must stay home and get tested
good ventilation.
For regions at Red from 3 December one change is that face coverings are encouraged to be worn when indoors for students and staff in years 4 – 13.
And if we are at Red at any stage next year:
face coverings will be required at school when indoors for students and staff in years 4 – 13
we will ask that only essential visitors come onsite.
With all these measures in place, public health has confirmed the risk of infection remains low when at school, with households continuing to be where COVID-19 is spreading the most.
If you’d like to learn more about the framework visit COVID-19 Protection Framework.
Sport
At this stage indications are that students 12 years and over are likely to need to be fully vaccinated to play inter-school sport. As more confirmed information comes through I will let you know.
If your child is fully vaccinated they can go to the office and present their vaccine pass to be sighted. We appreciate your support and understanding in this matter.
Ngā mihi nui
Mrs Jo-Anne Vennell
Year 7 & 8 Department
This year has brought many exciting opportunities and challenges that have allowed our
teachers to encourage and develop our Year 7&8 students into creative and successful
learners.
Don’t give up! I believe in you all!
A person’s a person
No matter how small!
Dr Seuss
This year we have watched our students flourish and grow. Our school values have been the
main drive and focus for 2021.
Kotahitanga has taught our students that we are all in this together
“He waka eke noa”
Manaakitanga has taught our students about compassion, kindness and caring.
“Being caring whenever possible. It is always possible”.
Whakamana has taught our students to be respectful.
“Be kind to one another. Even if you disagree on stuff”.
Aumangea – has taught our students that you can overcome anything and be resilient.
“Oh the places you’ll go,
Today is your day!
Your mountain is a waiting,
So get on your way!
Teachers have planted the seeds of knowledge that will grow for ever.
Year 7 & 8 PE Shirts
This is the first year that we have implemented our own P.E uniform. Our students look
amazing. They never have to worry about bringing spare clothes for P.E. This has allowed
all our students to be more involved in P.E lessons, class games and district events.
All our students are not restricted and P.E is part of daily lessons and learning.
Our students look smart and feel smart.
Your Āhua determines your Ātaahua
Kapa Haka
All our Year 7&8 students have been involved in Kapa Haka. We are proud of our students
efforts, participation and motivation. We can go anywhere and represent our school with a
waiata or do our school haka. Our students do this with pride and vigilance – Kia Mataara e.
Well done Year 7&8 students!
Ehara taku toa I te
Toa taki tahi, engari he toa taki tini.
My strength is not that of one
But that of many.
Adrenaline Week
Adrenaline Week was a fantastic adventure for our Year 7 & 8 students. It was a big hit. We
were able to give each student an experience of a life time. We know that for years to come
we will share stories of the time an unseen force, called COVID, changed our world. We
overcame this challenge and made the Adrenaline Week happen. As Ms Kirby said “School
camps create lifelong memories and incredible friendships”. A huge thank you to First Light
Community Foundation, Wairoa College Principal and Board, staff members, parents and
every whānau member who sponsored a student for their fitness fundraiser. To our
wonderful Year 7 & 8 teachers, without their time, commitment and dedication in organising
these trips, our students would not have enjoyed an amazing experience.
Our Last Message For The Year
We would like to take this opportunity to farewell our Year 8 students. Thank you for your
wonderful contributions throughout your two valuable years. We sincerely wish them all the
very best as they move to Year 9.
Lastly, but certainly not least, we would also like to say a huge thank you to Mrs Hardie for
relieving throughout the year. We wish you all the very best, and would like to thank you for
caring so deeply for our students.
We wish all our students a safe and happy holiday. We are looking forward to having lots of
fun and great adventures in 2022. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
“Don’t cry because it’s over, Smile because it happened”. Dr Seuss
Mrs Makareta Keil
Year 7 & 8 Department
END OF YEAR PROGRESS REPORTS
End of year progress reports for Year 7 – 10 students have been distributed to students. A digital copy has been emailed to you if we have an email address on record for you, as well as being available on the KAMAR app.
Talented Fashion Designer - Tiana Douglas
Top Achievers in Year 7
- Wairoa College Cup, All Round Excellence
Luke Kopilovic
- Jo-Anne Woolf Memorial Cup - Top Academic Excellence
Laverda Huata
- Wairoa College Trophy for Year 7 Female Sportsperson
Regan McCormack
- Wairoa College Trophy for Year 7 Male Sportsperson
Top Achievers in Year 8
- Tarrant Family Trophy for Top Academic Excellence
Vahn Forrest-Solomon
- Donald, Richard, Sally Smith Cup - All-Round Excellence
Rose Greaves
- Venus Ngareta Mitchell Memorial Trophy for Year 8 Female Sportsperson
Moby Couper-Harker
- Venus Ngareta Mitchell Memorial Trophy for Year 8 Male Sportsperson
Top Achievers in Year 9
- Brenda Allen Cup for Top Academic Excellence
Ronan Gemmell
- Venus Ngareta Mitchell Memorial Trophy for Intermediate Male Sportsperson
Top Achievers in Year 10
- M. Fraser Memorial Cup for Top Academic Excellence in Year 10
- Wairoa College Cup for All Round Excellence in Year 10
Kaylah McMurtrie-Reynolds
- Venus Ngareta Mitchell Memorial Trophy for Intermediate Female Sportsperson
Farewell Mr Neil Matcheson
Tuesday 30th November marked Mr Neil Matcheson’s last day here at Wairoa College. Neil has worked at the college for four years, travelling from the bay once a week to give itinerant music lessons. What a massive amount of dedication to his mahi Neil has put in over the last four years, where he has taught instruments ranging from guitar and drums to bass, keys and vocals! What a talented musician. Neil primarily worked with our NCEA performance students, but has also helped out with bands and junior music items too.
Thank you, Neil for your service to Wairoa College.
2022 Start Dates
Thurs 27 Jan & Fri 28 Jan ------------- UNIFORM SHOP OPENS - 12:00 to 5:00pm
Thurs 27 Jan & Fri 28 Jan ------------- UNIRORM SHOP OPENS - 12:00 to 5:00pm
Monday 31 January --------------- Year 13 Prefects Only
Tuesday 1 February --------------- Year 11 to 13 Course Confirmation Day
Wednesday 2 February ---------- Year 9 & 10 Ready to Learn Day
Thursday 3 February -------------- Year 7 & 8 Ready to Learn Day
Friday 4 February ------------------- Full School Attending
Holiday Program "Breakaway"
Enabled Wairoa will be hosting a holiday program called "Breakaway", mid to end of January.
Week 1 Dates:
Monday 17 Jan 2022
Tuesday 18 Jan 2022
Wednesday 19 Jan 2022
Week 2 dates:
Monday 24 Jan 2022
Wednesday 26 Jan 2022
General info:
- Breakaway is fully funded, so there is no charge- Places are limited, so get in quick for an enrollment pack. Pick one up from the Enabled offices on Apatu Street.
- All participants must be vaccinated with their first shot before coming onto the programme or engaging with other participants.
- Your child will need a vaccine pass.
(If the above covid info is not adhered to your child will not be allowed to participate. If you need assistance with a covid vaccine pass please ask one of our friendly team for assistance when you pick up an enrollment pack.)
Rangatahi will need to bring:
- Suitable swimming gear.- Suitable footwear i.e sneakers. - Hat.- Change of clothes.- Enough food for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.
- Enough water to drink for the day.
Muster time: 8:30 am at the Enabled offices
Programme finish: Times will vary between 3:30pm and 5pm
Age group: 11 - 17
Enrollment packs will consist of,
- Weekly/daily schedule.- Enrollment forms.- Covid info.- Dive Tata pouri consent forms.
Contact Us
Email: info@wairoacollege.school.nz
Website: https://www.wairoacollege.school.nz/
Location: Wairoa College Lucknow Street, Wairoa 4108, New Zealand
Phone: +64 06 838 8303
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wairoacollege