TAWA COLLEGE
Issue 2
April 2019
Kia ora koutou It is hard to believe that we are nearly at the end of Term 1. I have been very pleased with the positive start that students have made to the school year in 2019. I want to thank parents and caregivers for your continued involvement in the school. Already this year students have achieved impressively on the sports fields. Our Girls Softball team won the Wellington Secondary School competition. The Boys Senior A Basketball team won the pre-season tournament for their grade. The Havelock North Sports Exchange went well and was won by Tawa College by 4 events to 2. My heartfelt thanks to parents and families who billeted students from Havelock North High School. I have received some excellent emails from members of the public which are very heartwarming. One individual expressed appreciation for the wonderful performance given by the Blue Notes at the Johnsonville Friendship Club. William Huang and past student Preston Lyons spoke very well at the Tawa Rotary Youth evening recently and a Tawa College Year 13 musical group performed well at the official opening of the revamped Tawa Civic Centre. Recently I met up with a former student Matthew MacDonald. He is currently completing his PhD at Harvard University on artificial intelligence. It is heartening to hear of past students who are making their mark not only in NZ but internationally. The final results for NCEA 2018 will be released soon. Already our results for Year 11 students in NCEA Level 1 and the number of our Merit and Excellence endorsements at all levels have been encouraging. The academic prizegiving to be held on Tuesday 9th April will be one of the highlights of Term 1. Earlier this term the Year 13 students of 2019 along with Ms Grigg organized two successful athletic events for the Year 9 and 10 students. The participants are to be commended on their positive and enthusiastic involvement. Congratulations to Year 12 student Jess Jenkins who won the Girls Intermediate High Jump at the
Wellington Regional Secondary Schools Athletics competition. I also want to acknowledge the respect and dignity shown by students and staff in the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque tragedy. They showed respect and empathy and behaved appropriately during the twominute silence observed on Friday 22nd March. We also had a very generous response to the mufti day appeal for the Christchurch Mayoral Fund. On Thursday 4th April 2019 the Tawa College PTA will host a seminar presented by John Parsons on Internet Health and Wellbeing. John Parsons is New Zealand’s leading authority on safeguarding children online and is well worth hearing. The presentation runs from 6.30pm to 8pm and will be held in the Tawa College hall. Can I thank all parents who contribute positively to the college whether it be as a member of the Board of Trustees, PTA, sports coaching and management or providing transport to school events. Can I also encourage Year 9 parents in particular to join the Tawa College Parent and Teachers Association which provides valuable feedback to me as well as organizing excellent health and wellbeing events for parents and students. Staffing Near the end of Term 1 we will be saying farewell to Mr Edmund Salem, our Head of Guidance and Mr Mitchell Thomas, English Department. Recently Dr Rachel Swindells began her maternity leave and she has been replaced by Miss Alice Reid. Mr Gavin Kennedy will join us at the start of Term 2, replacing Mr Thomas and Mr Paul Bowden will be the Acting Guidance Counsellor until a permanent replacement has been appointed.
Ngā mihi nui
Murray Lucas Principal BOARD OF TRUSTEE ELECTIONS 2019 This is an initial notification that 2019 is a Board of Trustees Election year. Please give some consideration over the next few weeks as to what support you may be willing to give Tawa College in a role on the Board of Trustees. Please watch out for further information and nomination forms which will be posted out to all parents in early May.
TAWA COLLEGE “DO JUSTLY”
TAWA KĀHUI AKO Tangata ako ana i te kāenga, te tūranga ki te marae, tau ana. A person nurtured in the community contributes strongly to society. (The eight schools in Tawa have been working together since the start of 2018 in a new, Ministry of Education supported, initiative called a Community of Learning (now changed to be called a Kāhui Ako). The focus is on providing teachers and students with more opportunities to learn from each other, and to strengthen transitions as students move through their schooling journey. In particular, we are looking at how to support student and staff wellbeing, and how to be responsive to the individual needs of students in our Tawa schools Some exciting things have been happening in our community recently: The Wellbeing cluster group meet twice a term to discuss staff and student wellbeing. Special focus for this year is the area of Growth Mindset (more information below), and how this can positively influence the learning mindset of the students. Hui focusing on Māori success also meet twice a term to discuss the elements that best support students succeeding as Māori. Whānau and student voice has been invaluable to inform the next steps for our schools. The important area of Oral Language is also an area of work in the community. Asking, answering, giving opinions, presenting are all areas of importance in the growth of our students. Principals from each school meet regularly to have in-depth thinking around educational visioning and how this impacts the teaching practice.
UNIFORM INFORMATION We are enjoying seeing students utilising the full range of uniform items this year. Please remember that students may now wear plain black socks in addition to the grey Tawa College socks, or plain white socks. The newly designed college blazers will be available soon. We would like to gauge an “expression of interest” from parents who wish to purchase a blazer for their child. We are going to host a “fitting” session for students to try on the new style blazers, following which we will submit our first order to the manufacturer. More details to follow in a separate communication. All uniform items are currently available via Classic Uniforms (Wall Place, Linden) or Argyle Online. Freda Kelly Executive Officer
The next whānau event for the Kāhui Ako is the Community Whānau Hui on Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm. All whānau are welcome to learn a little more of how the schools are planning to support their children’s success. Lots of food to enjoy and activities for kids so parents are free to meet and talk.
TAWA COLLEGE “DO JUSTLY”
PARENT PORTAL & SCHOOL APP
E2Learn
Parent/Student Portal
Is the site for students to find information about the day to day running of the school.
Your logon and password remain as per last year and this was sent to all caregivers and students (via their school email) at the start of the year. If you are unsure, please contact your child’s form teacher. The Portal has the function to change passwords. The Portal is the main source for both parents and students for Attendance, Timetable, Achievement and later in the year Course Selection.
ON LINE ENROLMENTS FOR 2020 This year we are introducing online enrolments for students starting at Tawa College in 2020. We are currently developing the system and will notify you when it is live. Online enrolments will be available to both in zone and out of zone applicants, and to all year levels. The system will require you to input information about the student, contact details, medical information etc. Particular items will need to be uploaded to the application including: Full birth certificate of student Proof of residency (power account only) for in zone applications Evidence of measles immunisation (2 doses)
School App
We are looking forward to introducing this new feature. Please be mindful that there may be some teething problems along the way. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns with the process. The School App continues to be an accessible source of information about the school and is used by many caregivers to notify school of absence. It will also be used to push out information throughout the year and in emergencies - please subscribe to a group.
School Website
The Tawa College Open Evening for parents of Year 9 students in 2020 will be held this year on Thursday 13 June 2019. Details about the event will be available on the college website at a later date. All incoming Year 9 students will attend an interview with a senior member of the college staff. Further details about this and other items of interest will follow the online enrolment process.
REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCES
https://www.tawacollege.school.nz/ is the site for parents and caregivers to find information about the school.
If your child is going to be absent from college, please ring 232 8184 and push 1 for the absence line. Please state your child’s name, form class and the reason for the absence. Please also ring the college office if your child plans to sign out at any time during the school day for an appointment.
TAWA COLLEGE “DO JUSTLY”
LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS YEARS 9-12 Some students are making their own arrangements with parents or caregivers to leave site and be collected during the day. If you make plans with your child, please ring the office to confirm in advance of their sign out. This saves the office doubling-up on calls and ensures students are not held up when wanting to sign out urgently. Students must wait at the office until we have heard from parents. We cannot accept text messages from parents on students' phones to confirm signing out.
LOST PROPERTY We have a number of lost property items that we would like to return to owners before the end of the term. If your child has misplaced any items, please ask them to call at the college office to check to see if we are holding it. We have a number of school jackets, hoodies and mufti items that we would like to see returned to their owners. At the end of each term, any unclaimed items will be disposed of or donated to charity.
DEBATING AT TAWA COLLEGE We are in need of parents or adults from the community who would be willing to act as adjudicators for student debates, both at junior and senior level. If you have time available and would be willing to assist us in this way please contact Ms Steph Coats on scoats@tawacollege.school.nz LIBRARY It has been a busy term in the Library! Thursday 21st March was World Poetry Day. We celebrated this day with a display of poetry books in the Library and put some poems on the tables throughout the library. Over the last two weeks we also presented a poem on E2learn each day. If you have a reluctant reader, encourage them to pick up a poetry book or download a poetry app from Read Poetry - 11 Poetry Apps for the Poet on the Go https://www.readpoetry.com/blog/2018/8/29/11poetry-apps-for-the-poet-on-the-go / and receive / read a poem a day!
Of the poems we selected, my favourite, is written by New Zealand poet Sam Hunt…
“We are nearly neighbours” by Sam Hunt We are nearly neighbour But seldom see each other. Which is the way it is, the way things are. We wouldn’t have it different. Between our shoreline houses that face each other over mudflat and shellbank and channel and over on Jacks side a rocky shore, between our shoreline houses, the tides and winds and silences We wouldn’t have it different.
This morning, the tide right out, I walked out over mudflat and shellbank, stood at the edge of the channel, spoke to Jack across it. There was no need to shout. We wouldn’t have it different. As the end of Term 1 approaches we are checking library accounts to ensure that all overdue books are either renewed or returned to the library. Books that were issued at the end of last year for Summer Reading are now extremely overdue and must be returned. Students will not be able to issue anything from the library next term if they still have books out that were issued in 2018. Please encourage your student to check for library books under their beds, in wardrobes, floordrobes and other crazy piles! Thank you for your assistance with this. We wish everyone a happy holiday – Eat, Sleep, Read! Elaine Smith, Library Manager
TAWA COLLEGE MOUNTAIN BIKE CLUB After a hiatus last year, I’m keen to announce that the TCMB will begin again very soon. A number of students have expressed an interest in riding in the Wellington region. It is hoped that riders, from beginning upwards, can come together once or twice a month – or more if keen – to ride the trails, help each other in gaining new skills and confidence, and to have some fun, most likely in the rain and wind!
TAWA COLLEGE “DO JUSTLY”
Details will be sent to students and whānau via email and also updates will be through student notices too. Anyone can join at any time throughout the year. Watch this space.
Still stuck? Have more questions? Pop into T block or email Mrs Wiltshire or Mrs Rogers for a careers appointment. We have had a busy start to the year with visits and presentations from Waikato University, BCITO (Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation), AUT, MITO (Automotive and Mechanic Industry Training), Student Exchange, Canterbury University, Victoria University and Otago University.
Nick Gartell, Teacher in Charge
TAWA COLLEGE TRAMPING CLUB The TCTC will begin again in earnest very soon. Tramps will most likely be local to start with, as was the case last year, but with new routes to encounter. If the interest is sustained (when the weather gets a little ugly) we will discuss how we might go further afield, with longer day or overnight tramps in the offering. Emails to students and whānau will be sent to keep everyone in the loop. Anyone can join; fitness levels are not crucial as we always walk as a group at a pace commensurate to ability. Watch out for further details through the student notices.
University information sessions to come: 5th April Auckland University 8th May Massey University th 10 May Lincoln University Gateway is a great opportunity for students to try out whether the career they have their eye on, matches the reality in the workplace. We currently have around 25 Gateway students out one day a week in a variety of businesses and are in the process of confirming placements for another 26.
Nick Gartell, Teacher in Charge
TRANSITION AND CAREERS DEPARTMENT
No idea what you want to do when you leave school? Have an idea but don’t know where to start? University, Polytech, Trade, Apprenticeship, Gap year?
Current placements include automotive, electrical, building and construction, patisserie, childcare and retail. These students are completing industry unit standards that are related to their work experience and their potential career pathway.
The Tawa College Careers Services Website is now live and can help you along the way. This is your first port of call for all things careers related. The events calendar has all our school based careers events as well as Wellington based events, information sessions and key university dates.
The Year 13 Evolocity class have just completed a welding course with great success. They are now starting to build their electric vehicles that they will compete in later in the year.
Interested in scholarships? There are links to scholarship search engines, university scholarships and more. If university is not for you and you want to look at other options check out the website for information on how to get an apprenticeship, writing your CV and interview tips.
Driving GET YOUR DRIVER'S LICENCE. Many part time and full time jobs require at least a restricted Drivers Licence and not having a licence can be a deal breaker when applying for a job. It is highly recommended that you start working towards you licence when you turn 16. You can take your learners, restricted or full licence to Mrs Wiltshire to gain credits at Level 1 (learners licence) and Level 2 (restricted and full). Remember, limitations only exist if you let them!
TAWA COLLEGE “DO JUSTLY”
TC Beanies Our new team of baristas are ready to make you your favourite hot drink. Come and visit the team between 8am and 9am Wednesday and Friday mornings (behind the school canteen in the PTA Centre – follow the sign and the flag). We offer the following wonderful espresso coffees/hot chocolates to everyone, community, staff, students and friends of friends!
Spa also offer a holiday programme giving students a five day campus life experience and a chance to explore the world of beauty. Elite also has a one day taster course in beauty therapy and another in makeup artistry. For more information on short courses, students need to come to see me, Mrs Gillum in T12, or register their interest via the website Career Central. TAWA COLLEGE COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Latte; Hot Chocolate; Cappuccino; Long Black; Flat White; Americano; Mocha (and add a shot of fun with Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Chai, Hazelnut, Caramel, or Butterscotch. Cash only at this stage: $2.50 per item or add a shot for an extra 50 cents.
Enrolments for Term 1 2019 have continued to increase with well over 600 taken for this term. New classes that started this term and quickly became popular were Japanese, Lace Making, Persian Sweets, Easy Tai Chi (during the day for older people), Staying Safe for Senior Drivers and Indigo Dyeing.
Come and see the students in action.
Did you now STAR courses are free of charge for you? Many students are taking the opportunity to gain experience on short courses which are offered throughout the year. To date we have students on the following courses; First Aid, Travel & Tourism, Flight Attending, Café Basics, MOJO barista training (leads to TC Beanies), Security, Carpentry, Live Sound, Extreme Song Writing. A variety of courses for next term are on offer; Automotive Engineering, NZ Radio Training, Hairdressing, Beauty Services, Cookery, DJ’ing Introduction and Extended, Event Management, Team Work, Resilience. As course become available we will advertise them on Student Notices and on the Careers Facebook page. We also have courses that run through the school holidays – Yoobee School of Design offer: Game Art and Development, Visual Design, Digital Painting, Character Animation, Digital Sculpting. Elite School of Beauty and
The most popular was author Gil Roper’s course on Tawa and its Bush Reserves. The course included three nights in the classroom and two identification walks in Tawa bush. This course will be offered again in the future and will include three walks as requested by the students. Classes new for Term 2 include Persian Savouries, Landlording without Fear, Textile Recycling and Japanese Level 2 (as well as a new class for beginners). The annual course on Parents as Driving Coaches will be held on Thursday 23 May 2019. Community education continues to support Wellfed in Porirua and has started supporting classes at Te Puna Mātauranga. New classes are available on www.tawacomed.co.nz Judith Havill: comed@tawacollege.school.nz Community Education Coordinator
TAWA COLLEGE “DO JUSTLY”
COMMUNITY EVENTS and NOTICES
Zeal Wellington Girls Group Open to anyone high school aged who identifies as female, Zeal's Girls Group is a safe place to connect with others, talk about the big issues, have fun and eat tons of snacks. Every Tuesday, 4.00pm to 5:30pm, at Zeal, Level 1, James Smith Building (by Jetts). For more information contact esme@zeal.nz.
An ALL NEW sketch comedy show on Parenthood 26th April – 4th May, 7.30pm. 4th of May Babes in Arms Matinee, 2pm Random Stage, BATS Theatre, Wellington Bookings: www.bats.co.nz Tickets: $20 full, $15 concession, $14 groups of 6+
Tawa Recreation Centre April School Holiday Programmes are open now…
The team who brought you the hit show Femme Natale returns with a brand-spanking new set of skits, songs and general antics.
Looking for things to do over the school holidays? Check out the programmes and activities available. School holidays are just around the corner and spaces fill up quickly. To book now call us on 232 2260 or email tawa.rec@wcc.govt.nz for more information.
Femme Natale “2” is a fresh, entertaining take on parenting, particularly motherhood, coming to BATS theatre this April. Directed by Fingal Pollock, this is a play on motherhood like no other.
Holden Street Smart Holden Street Smart is a world-class, cognitive based driver programme that aims to positively influence the lives of young kiwis across the country, and help them to become a safer and more aware driver on our roads. The Programme has been developed with the involvement of world-renowned road safety expert, Peter Sheppard. In addition, passionate road safety advocate, Greg Murphy, is our Programme Ambassador. Offering a practical hands-on learning experience, Holden Street Smart is a programme that aims to add to, and compliment, the great work already undertaken by NZTA, NZ Police and others in the area of road safety. Holden Street Smart is a one-day event providing young drivers and their parents/caregivers the opportunity to undertake supervised driving practice. There is a focus on developing good decision-making strategies for safe driving, including assessing themselves, reading the road environment, resisting peer pressure, managing or eliminating distractions and planning ahead. The Programme takes place in safe, controlled, off-theroad environments, under the watchful eye of qualified coaches plus the parent/caregiver. This provides the parent the opportunity to also assess themselves, in order to be a better coach and mentor to their teen.
TAWA COLLEGE “DO JUSTLY”
Holden Street Smart is a programme that equips young Kiwis with the tools needed to help be a safer and more aware driver on our roads.
UPCOMING EVENTS (can be subject to change)
Please refer to the e2Learn website Registrations can be completed via the easy to use pages on our website - www.holdenstreetsmart.co.nz
April 2019 Wednesday 3 Thursday 4
Tuesday 9 Friday 12
TAWA COLLEGE “DO JUSTLY”
School starts at 8.35am Schools starts at 9.30am TCPTA Health and Wellbeing presentation by John Parsons 6.30pm in the college hall Academic Prizegiving 9.35am End of Term students released at 1.20pm
TAWA COLLEGE “DO JUSTLY”