WGP College's Production - Whangaparaoa College

5th April 2012 Term 1 Week 10
Dear Parents,
This week is my last at Whangaparaoa College. I leave with very fond
memories and some sadness. Seeing yet another amazing production this
week has reminded me of the wonderful things that do occur at this school.
I will certainly miss the interactions that I have had with all the learners over
the last eight years. Their honesty and willingness to engage on so many
fronts has been something I have treasured. Initially, our success in
examinations was not the best, however, I can proudly say that our results in
NCEA are now at a very good level and with the foundation now set, we
should be able to move towards even better achievement.
The Board has asked the school not just to concentrate on success in
academic areas, but to also build success and capacity in areas like sports,
performing arts, leadership and outdoor education. All of these have
developed to a great level with on-going and sustained achievements. I will
not list all of these, though I am proud of individuals who leave our school with
a wide range of extraordinary achievements.
I will not miss the continued politicisation of education. The advent over the
last five years of politicians looking for short term fixes to suit political gains,
has been the saddest development that has occurred. We know how to
improve achievement and it is not the banal processes of charters, standards
and milestones.
What we do know from the research is that improvement in achievement
takes time. Years in fact! The research indicates at least seven years. If an
educationalist or politician tells you that they can make it happen quicker, then
my suggestion is you should distrust them. I will not miss the discussion with
Ministry officials who have no understanding of schools but tell me to do
certain things because “the Minister said so!”.
I am very proud to leave Whangaparaoa College in such a wonderful state,
with property to be envied, finances strong and achievement at a strong level.
I also leave a group of wonderful teachers and support staff who are strongly
committed to the college. I would especially like to thank all those who have
served on the Board and the many wonderful parents in this community.
Thank you to all for your support and best wishes.
Brian O’Connell
Principal

April 5
Whangaparaoa College 2012
Important dates for this term...
Last day of Term 1 - 2pm Finish
Last day for Mr Brian O’Connell
Important dates for next term...
April 23 First day of Term 2
Lumino Dentist on site
27 International Festival
YEAR 7 BOOSTRIX IMMUNISATION CONSENT FORMS
In line with the Government Immunisation Schedule, ALL Year 7 learners will be offered
the BOOSTRIX (Whooping Cough, Diptheria & Tetanus booster) on 19 June 2012.
Following an education session delivered by the Public Health Nurse on 3 April 2012,
all Year 7 learners were sent home with a consent form.
Please could all parents/caregivers SIGN and RETURN the consent form to school as
soon as possible - whether they wish to have their child immunised or not.
For further information please contact : Adrienne Powderley (PHN) Ph. 09 427 0339.
Emergency details:
Please ensure we have your correct contact details in case of emergency.
We need to know if you change your home or mobile number so that we can
update our records.
This is particularly important for being able to notify parents of unwell or injured
learners.
HOMESTAY FAMILIES NEEDED
‘Enjoy the Cultural Experience’
We are currently looking for Homestay families interested in hosting
International students.
Attractive remuneration is offered.
If interested please contact international@wgpcollege.school.nz
or alternatively Ph: 424-9177 Ext: 236 for an application form.

MATHEMATICS RESOURCE FOR YEAR 8 AND YEAR 9 LEARNERS
A learner resource has been added to our
School’s website to assist learners with their Mathematics work.
To access over 1000 pages of extra practise worksheets,
easy to read notes, and examples simply go to the school’s website at
www.wgpcollege.school.nz
the link can be found by clicking on
“Learning Areas” followed by “Mathematics”
The resource is broken down into Year 8 and Year 9 Maths extra practise
MATHS TUTORIALS
Course Day Time Teacher Room
Year 9 Tuesdays 8:30-9:00am Mr. Godfrey A3
Year 10 Thursdays 8:30-9:00am Mrs. Van Der Merwe A1
Thursdays 8:30-9:00am Mr. O’Brien E1
1101 Maths
Day 6 1:15-1:45pm Mr. Hendricks A4
1102 Maths Tuesdays 8:30-9:00am Mr. Salahub A6
1103 Maths Tuesdays 8:30-9:00am Mrs. Van Der Merwe A1
1201 Maths
Tuesdays 8:30-9:00am Mr. James A2
Tuesdays 3:30-4:00pm Mr. Godfrey A3
1202 Maths
Day 1 1:15-1:45pm Mrs. Ormsby A7
Day 2 1:15-1:45pm Mr. Hendricks A4
13 Statistics Thursdays 8:30-9:00am Mr. Salahub A6
13 Calculus
Thursdays 8:30-9:00am Ms. Kim A5
Day 5 1:15-1:45pm Ms. Kim A5
Please note: Learners in any maths course can turn up to any of these tutorials.
However the teacher will give precedence to learners for whom the tutorial is
primarily aimed.

We have been studying conservation in Year 7. As part of our learning, we went to
Shakespear Park to see what is being done there to help conserve our natural
environment. This is an essay about some of the reasons why conservation is
important and how we can help preserve our environment for the future.
CONSERVATION by Jackson
Conservation is ‘preservation, protection, or restoration of the natural environment,
natural ecosystems, vegetation, and wildlife’ (google.com). Conserving the
environment is important because if we didn’t, entire species of wildlife and plant life
would be wiped out and become extinct.
For example, the Moa was a bird, which like most other birds of its time, was
flightless because it just simply didn’t need to fly. But when Maori settlers arrived,
they hunted the Moa for food, and eventually managed to wipe out the entire species
of the Moa. Because of this, other animals which fed solely off the Moa like the
Great NZ Eagle, were wiped out because its food supply, the Moa, was no more.
The Kauri tree is another of NZ’s most precious plant life. It was also on the edge of
extinction, for the Maori used it as their main building resource. Because of this,
Kauri trees were ‘pushed back’ to limited areas. If we didn’t come to NZ, with all of
our pests like rats, mice, cats, dogs, possums, stoats, weasels, and hedgehogs, all
of the nature parks would literally be ‘right out the back door’.
However, there are ways that we can help prevent this. The Department of
Conservation (DOC) are always thinking of good ways to prevent animals becoming
extinct. An example is the Takahe, a bird that looks much like an oversized Pukeko.
After being beaten up by imported pests, their numbers reached just 17 in the entire
world. DOC set up a breeding program and through years of hard work, there are
more than 100 Takahe living in NZ. They have over 70 breeding programs active
around NZ, which are helping bring NZ’s native birds ( and plants ) off the brink of
extinction.
Above all of the efforts that are being put into this, there ARE some ways that YOU
yourself can help. Just a simple thing, like collecting rubbish on the ground can stop
birds choking on it later on. Think about recycling your rubbish instead of burning it
or dropping it on the ground. Conserving our native bushes, forests, and national
parks and nature reserves is a big step towards a bright and happy future.

Year 8 3D Sculptures
Year 8 Learners have been studying resources and Economics this term. They have
investigated wealth and poverty and looked at inequality of resources. A final activity
was for learners to create a sculpture which represented their thoughts and feelings
about an aspect of their study. A popular concept was the comparison of lack or food
and over-abundance of food, access to clean water and suitable housing. Learners
presented their work to their class and discussed the significance of their sculptures.
These photos are of some of the sculptures created by 8SMI.

Whangaparaoa College – 2012 Trolley Derby Champions!
The Whangaparaoa College team won the 2012 Hibiscus Coast Soapbox Derby held
on Saturday 24 March.
Well done to our Champion Year 7 learners: Jen Mowat, Campbell Morrison, Adam
Lynch, Harrison Thompson, Shane Ferreira and parent coach Arnie Thompson.
Jen Mowat was overall winner in 1 st place, and Campbell Morrison came in 3 rd place.
Jen and Campbell got through to the Soap Box Derby National Finals held on Sunday
2 April in East Auckland. The winner of the finals will represent NZ in the USA.
Golf News
Congratulations to the Whangaparaoa College Golf Team who have
had their best finish in the Premier Intercollegiate Competition. Nathan, Trent, Brooke
and Sarah Mayes and Troy Bosher beat the Kelston Boys team to finish third place in
Division 2. The event was a 9 hole gross competition that took place over 5 weeks
playing at Whangaparaoa, Gulf Harbour and Peninsula Golf Clubs. Thanks to the team
for their positive and supportive approach to their matches and each other.

Performing Arts
Music
It’s been a very exciting first term for Music at the College, with the introduction of
several new choral groups, such as the Barber Shop Chorus and SSA Girls Choir.
The big news is that the Whangaparaoa College Choir will be starting rehearsals
on Monday lunchtimes, in the Auditorium, from the beginning of Term 2.
This is an opportunity for anyone in the school to come and sing, staff and learners,
and is sure to be very popular and fun, so do make the effort to come along if you are
interested.
Andrew Ward
HOD Music
INTRODUCING BRIAN SMITH
Whangaparaoa College is privileged to have one of New
Zealand’s most esteemed Saxophone players.
Brian Smith began his career in Auckland, very quickly
becoming a popular choice for local bands and touring
musicians as their backing tenor player. In 1964 Brian moved
to London and spent the next 20 years rubbing shoulders with
the likes of Bing Crosby, Maynard Ferguson, Gordon Beck and
‘the founding father of British Blues’ Alexis Korner, just to
name a few.
During this time, Brian was also a founding member of Ian
Carr’s Nucleus and went on to win awards, record numerous
albums and tour various countries around Europe. Opportunities kept coming for Brian,
backing acts such as the likes of The Four Tops, Gladys Night and the ever popular
Dusty Springfield.
The 80’s saw Brian return to New Zealand and spend the next few decades involved in
various projects and recording several of his own albums; reaching great success in
New Zealand with his ‘Moonlight Sax’ album going Platinum.
We are exceptionally lucky to have the calibre and experience of Brian Smith at
Whangaparaoa College to share his knowledge with our budding musicians.
Welcome Brian Smith!

WGP College Concert Band Fundraiser:
Quiz night - Auction - Dance
Date: Friday 11 May
Time: Doors open 6.30pm for 7.00pm start.
Cost: $10.00
Venue: College Gymnasium
Theme: Olympics
Tables set up for groups of 10, come along and support!
BYO Nibbles, bar available - don’t forget to bring funds for the auction too!
PIANOS REQUIRED
The Whangaparaoa College Music Department is searching for good quality, second
hand pianos to cater to the growing demand. If you, or anybody you know of would like
to discuss this, please contact the Music Department on 09 4249177 ext. 3205 or
email music@wgpcollege.school.nz
Drama
WGP College’s Production:
The Comedy Show
‘Reunion’
Look out for our follow-up article and photos in our May 3
Newsletter

Sports Talk WGP
Developing Sport Performance Program (Activators)
The Activators! and ActivatorPlus! programme for Year 8 is off to a great start – don’t
miss this opportunity for your son / daughter, whatever their ability level, to be involved
in this unique development programme which is running at school on Tuesday
mornings at 7.30am, throughout the year. It's not too late to enrol - have your son or
daughter come along to the next session to try the programme completely FREE OF
CHARGE and collect a registration form from the trainer or from the Sports Office.
We currently have 14 very motivated young men and women involved.
***Newsflash: The program is now also going to be offered to Year 7 learners as
well, so if you have a Year 7 who wants to be involved make sure they register.
If you have a learner in Year 7 or 8 they should have come home with a registration
form early this week, if they have not send them to the sports office to pick one up.
There is a cost to participate in the program and for any other information contact
Jason Pocock 424 9217 or jasonpo@wgpcollege.school.nz.
Term 1 Week 10
As we are into the last week of term and all the winter sports teams are under way with
training, all fees should be paid or learners will be ineligible to play for their team.
If you have not registered for a team and still want to play, come and see us in the
Sports Office.
Have a great holiday and keep fit.
Rugby
Training times for Rugby
1 st XV Tuesday and Thursday 3:30pm – 5:00pm
4 th Grade Tuesday and Thursday 3:30pm – 5:00pm
6 th Grade Monday and Wednesday 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Hockey
All Teams Monday 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Thursday 7:30am – 8:30am
Lacrosse
Juniors Monday 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Tuesday 7:30am – 8:30am

Zone Day Cricket
The sun was shining as the boys’ Cricket team headed off to a first game against
Orewa and some great batting. Orewa just edged ahead to win. In the second game
against Mahurangi, (who chose to bowl first), we had a great innings by Theo
Burnard, Thomas Burnett and Matt Hellesoe. They gave the team a great start with
the score on 80 after 20 overs. Mahurangi were bowled out for 40, a great way to
finish the day on a win.
‘Best Moments Bowlers’ had a great day: Josh Waretini, Kealan Higgins, Thomas
Burnett and Ethan Scott.
Team:
Josh Waretini
Matthew Hellesoe
Harrison Thompson
Keirnan McNair
Liam McMullen
Adam Lynch
Lachlan Owen
Kealan Higgins
Theo Burnard
Keiran Bartlett
Flynn Hague
Callum Owen
Spencer McDowell
Ethan Scott
Auckland Swimming Champs
This year the winners of the North Harbour Competition travelled to compete in the
Auckland champs. Our two swimmers were Liam McMullen and Emma Clarke.
The Auckland Champs went well with both Emma & Liam getting into the finals.
Emma swam in both the 50m Butterfly and 50m Backstroke, and Liam in the 50m
Breaststroke. Emma`s best result was in the Butterfly, where she was placed 5th.
This was no mean feat as it was an open event, which meant some of the other
finalists were a year or more older ( Emma is still 11).
Zone Day Tennis
A team of four will travel to compete in the North
Harbour Zone Tennis day at Forrest Hill on Tuesday 3
April, after the first day was rained out. The girls have
been practicing and we hope to come away with some
good results.
Team:
Ava Smith
Amy Smith
Annie Hutchison
Daisy Statham

Netball North Harbour & Hibiscus Coast
Start of play for all teams playing at North Harbour :
Intermediate 3 May
College
5 May
Teams playing at Hibiscus Coast to be advised.
Netball Fees
All netball fees must be paid by April 5 “No Pay No Play”
North Harbour: $115.00
Hibiscus Coast: $110.00
Both Centres: $220.00
Netball Shoes
Get 30% off your netball shoes at Stirling Sports Whangaparaoa Store. Just mention
you are from Whangaparaoa College.
NETBALL UNIFORM
Netball uniform is available for sale in the uniform shop, please make
sure you get your uniform before the netball season starts.
Takapuna Beach Series Results
Elle Brooke came 2nd (silver medal) in the
Junior 300m swim (see photo).
Yasmine Brooke came 5th in the 16 & Under 1/1.5km
swim.
BMX Competition 2012
Venue: Stanmore Bay Reserve
Date & Registration: Saturday April 28 12.00pm.Two age categories: Under 16 and
Open. Both categories will have 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes
Also, there is a Bunny-hop Competition which is open to any contestants.
All contestant's BMX bikes and helmets need to be in safe working condition for all
competitions.
Scooter Competition 2012
May 5 2012 at Orewa Skate Park. More details available at a later stage.

Dates for your Diary
All details will be updated on the Sports Board.
Date Event When Where
April 28 1 st XV Rugby Sat 12:00 Birkenhead
May 2 Inter house Cross Country All day School Fields
May 3 1 st XI Hockey starts TBA Rosedale
May 4 1 st XI Rugby Sat 12:00 Wgp
May7 Year 7 Soccer Boys All day Pinehurst
May 8 North Harbour X Country All day Moire Park
May 9 Year 8 Soccer All day Pinehurst
May 15 Year 7 Soccer Girls All day Pinehurst
May 16 Year 8 Soccer Girls All day Pinehurst
Websites for results and fixtures:
www.asbcollegesport.co.nz www.hbcnetball.co.nz
www.harbourhockey.org.nz www.netballnorthharbour.co.nz
www.hibiscusnetball.co.nz
Whangaparaoa College is seeking voluntary coaches...
...for the 2012 season to cater for the growing
number of teams in all grades.
Netball, Rugby, Soccer, Hockey. Basketball,
Touch, Softball, Cricket, Lacrosse, Athletics, Cross Country.
Enquiries and applications to
Mrs O’Brien, Sport Coordinator
Whangaparaoa College
PO Box 775
Phone: 09 424 9291 Email: sharonob@wgpcollege.school.nz
www.wgpcollege.school.nz
Thank you to our sponsors...
All compulsory course fees, must be paid prior to any involvement in trips, sports and
other activities.
All payments, sports or otherwise, must be made at
the Learner Accounts office.
“No pay - No play”

Community Notices
Want to Stay Healthy This Winter
At Agewell we have the best remedies to help your family stay
healthy this winter.
Have less time off work—Stop the kids getting sick over and over again.
“I had frequent colds and was feeling rundown. I now feel energised, healthier and more
optimistic about my health. I can’t thank Deborah enough”. Ashley
For information phone 0800 249 35
or visit: www.agewellnz.com - 7 Tamariki House, Orewa
My name is Greydon Little and I am directing a youth production at Centrestage Theatre
called "The Golden Feather".
Tickets are now on sale and can be bought from the theatre.
We would love to have nice big crowds coming to see the show to support all the kids
involved, so we have managed to keep the price down to only $7 each.
As a point of interest the cast includes the following students from Whangaparaoa
College:
Amber Johnson, Brooke Barker, Taylor Barker, Emily-Jane Cull, Georgia-Rose Leggett,
Kate Richardson, William Seddon.

College Physio for 2012.
Open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday
12.00 - 2.00pm
John Lanigan (Physiotherapist & Manipulative
Therapist since1985)
Neck Or Back Pain.
Sports Injuries / Sprains.
Physio Rehabilitation after Plaster or Operations.
ACC Registration, X-rays and Medical Referrals available.
The convenience of treatment at school saves time.
Parents welcome to attend.
Discounted ACC Surcharge only $10 for School Clinic Treatments / Non ACC $45.
Where Physio Clinic beside Learner Accounts.
When Open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12.00-2.00pm
Specialist treatment of recurrent Ankle / Knee / Shoulder or Back injury. Don’t wait until
the first game with that old injury, We have time to improve it now before the season
starts.
To make an appointment or discuss your needs:
Call in and see John in the Clinic or txt / phone 0211873299 or Manly Physio 4241309