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Term 4 Week 10
Newsletter 2024
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Earlier this year, we had the privilege of hosting a visit from Wenling School, in China. As a result of hosting this trip, I was fortunate to be invited to visit schools in China and speak about the New Zealand education system.
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Chinese schools focus on academic excellence, discipline, and tradition and this was evident in every aspect of school life. Students are competitive and there is great pressure to achieve academically. Middle and High Schools start at 7am and finish at 8pm with average class sizes of 45 students.
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This visit reinforced for me how lucky we are and importance of maintaining a well-rounded approach to education. While there is much to admire in other systems, it also highlighted the strengths of our own. Our students benefit from a rich curriculum, strong pastoral care, and the ability to grow as individuals in a supportive environment. Our natural surroundings, too, play a role in shaping our perspective on education and well-being.
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I am proud of our college and our achievements this year as we continue to provide a balanced and holistic education that prepares students for life with wisdom and courage, kia mātau, kiā māia.
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We thank the following staff for their contribution to the school and wish them well for their future endeavours:
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- Mrs Belinda Cowan embarks on an exciting new chapter as she begins her journey into motherhood.
- Mrs Sarah Craig from our Careers Department will be on maternity leave.
- Mrs Racheal Cato steps away from her teaching roles but we hope to see her back as a reliever.
- Nahnies Orme leaves after 2 ½ years as a youth worker. her support for our rangatahi has been deeply appreciated.
- Mr Nathan Bayliss departs after two years to take up a teaching role in Australia. All the best for the adventure.
- Mr Simon Watts who departs for Douglas Park School after 5 years at our college.
- Mr Brian Veitch retires after 12 dedicated years of teaching at Wairarapa College.
- Mrs Sheelum Satya, after over 20 years of teaching mathematics, takes on a new role at St Matthew’s.
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Head Student Final Reflections
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Charlotte Cusack and Mitchell Shields (pictured above) have led the school this year with wisdom and courage. Below are the key messages and reflections from their Senior Prizegiving speeches. Charlotte starts by spelling it out.
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W is for welcoming. Upon starting in Year 9, everyone was so kind and inviting and I immediately felt like I belonged. I appreciate the diversity that the size of our school gives us because it means you get to hang out with a range of different people but at the same time, you’ll always have people with similar interests to you. Everyone’s differences are accepted and achievements are celebrated.
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A stands for accommodating. I have had so many people, mostly teachers, go out of their way in order to help me. Needs are always met, and encouragement is always given to achieve our best. It is very evident that the leaders of the school care about the wellbeing of their students and making school a positive place to be.
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I is for inspiring. I have always had many role models around school and a range of people to look up to for different reasons. This has made me aspire to be a better leader and all round person. I have also discovered what subjects I’m passionate about and am able to give a real answer when asked for 100th time at a family gathering “what do you want to do when you leave school” instead of just saying I’m not sure. I have a clear image of my future in my head and have a goals to work towards as a result of the passion from others inspiring me.
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C represents challenging. You can’t have the highs without the lows, but there are lessons to be learnt in those times. I have had to learnt great time management and communication skills, especially being in my position. See the positive side, see the silver lining, see the glass half full. For example, it may be annoying that you got marked late, however now you get to go on a wee stroll to SLT to talk to Mr Perkins about your morning. Changing your mindset really makes a difference in stressful or frustrating situations and means you have more energy to commit to meaningful things.
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O is for awesome… (the A has already been used). I feel so lucky to have been such a big part of this school. It is well rounded, with opportunities for everyone, good facilities, and a safe environment. This school has become so much more than just a place I come to learn. I have made so many special memories and met some people that have become like family to me.
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Lastly, L stands for life changing. The people who I have met and lessons I have learnt will continue to impact me and prepare me for the next chapter of my life. I want to thank each and every one of my teachers who have always pushed me to do my best, and helped me get there. Thank you to the Senior Leadership Team for believing in me, and being role models to me. And lastly thank you to all of you, my peers, for showing me respect, being there for me, and making my year awesome.
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Mitchell shares his thoughts:
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Over this past year, being a head prefect has given me the opportunity to grow as a leader and as a better person. I have become more confident with public speaking, although its still not my favourite thing, I have learnt about time management and managing stress, I have also had to learn how to listen and communicate with others. Obviously, my advice would be to work on these skills to make life easier, but there are some other skills that I have learnt which I believe everyone should work on. The first is learning to laugh at yourself. It took some time this year, but I soon accepted that I would make mistakes, and I would probably end up embarrassing myself at some point. Instead of fighting it, I learnt to laugh. Taking myself less seriously really helped me this year, especially with public speaking.
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The next thing I found extremely beneficial is finding balance. Throughout the year there will be times you need to work hard, and realistically, that will be most of the year. During these times, be organized, and work as hard as you can. Ask questions and be mindful of getting rest to not burn out. But when there are times where work isn’t full on, don’t be scared to have a little fun. Take a small break, have a laugh, and enjoy it. That way, the next time you feel under the pump, you are ready to manage it.
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The third and final thing I realized is, school is what you make it, so if you show up with a good attitude, wanting to have fun and enjoy the day, you will. You are in control of how your day goes, so set yourself up for success, surround yourself with good people, be organized, and have fun. I challenge you all to work on these three things.
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Thank you everyone for an awesome year, It’s not the school I will miss, but the people that make it so special, thank you.
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A full list of recipients will be added to our website.
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Digital Technology Mentors
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Wairarapa College's Year 10 Digital Technology students became the teachers to finish the year. Twenty Douglas Park School students spent three hours circulating through 10 activities with the Year 10s doing an awesome job guiding and explaining what to do!
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Start of Year Dates
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Thursday 23 January Course Confirmation Day 10am to 12pm in the Hall
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Wednesday 29 - Friday 31 January Year 9 Orientation Days
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Thursday 30 January Year 9 whānau meet the teacher evening 6pm to 7pm
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Monday 3 February All students commence
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Thursday 6 February Waitangi Day - School Closed
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