Weekly Wrap - 3 May 2024

Kia ora koutou

I am sitting at my desk on a crisp and clear Friday morning writing my first Weekly Wrap as Principal of Paraparaumu College and I want to start by thanking everyone for such a warm and friendly welcome. The pōwhiri on Monday morning, where I was welcomed alongside our other new staff member Bevan Holloway, was very special and will live long in my memory. I was joined by my wife Jo, daughter Bee, their partner Axel and Jo’s mum Georgie, alongside former Ministry of Education colleagues and Principals from Manawatū and Waiopehu Colleges. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Koro Don, Matua Ricki and Deputy Principal Tim Seymour for their whaikorero, and I also want to thank all the staff, senior students, parents, fellow local Principals and members of the wider community who were there to welcome my family and I to this very special place. Having served as Principal at Waiopehu College from 2015 to 2022 which was followed by am 18 month period as Manager Integrated Services at the Ministry of Education, I am honoured and excited to be returning to Principalship at Paraparaumu College. I have spent most of my first week meeting staff and students and trying to learn names! I now look forward to meeting parents and other members of our community as the term progresses.

A number of our winter sports teams are in action this weekend and through the following week as the winter sports season commences. Very best wishes to all our students participating and representing Paraparaumu College - I look forward to cheering you on over the coming weeks.

Ngā Taonga o ngā toa

We had great weather for our Ngā taonga o ngā toa House (The warriors treasure) event on Tuesday! Students from all Year 9 and 10 classes participated in Tapu ae, Tī uru, and Pc Kī against teams from other houses. This event wrapped up our season that has been running in our PE classes throughout the end of last term. Students have been learning about taonga (treasured possessions) and how we can see our traditional Māori games as treasures we should celebrate and continue to play. At the tournament, all Junior PE students had opportunities to demonstrate manaakitanga, kotahitanga and kaitiakitanga; values we have been learning and practicing in class. Our amazing student leaders also helped in several ways: refereeing, scoring, or just enhancing the vibe through music, cheering and shouting for their teams! A huge thanks to all the PE teachers and student leaders for running the fields for the whole day!

Final results:

Phones Away for the Day

A reminder that ‘Phones Away for the Day’ has now been fully implemented and it is a requirement that students do not use their cellphones whilst at school between 8:50am and 3:15pm. Many students are still bringing cellphones to school which is fine, but a reminder that they must remain in their bags, turned off or into silent mode. I want to thank all those students who have adapted to this so quickly and it has been great to walk around school at interval and lunchtime and see everyone playing games, talking, interacting and socialising.

Upcoming Dates

Thursday 9 May - Senior Parent/Teacher Interviews (Yr 11 - 13)

Senior Parent/Teacher interviews will take place on Thursday 9 May from 3pm to 6pm. School will conclude at 2:15pm on this day.

Friday 10 May - You-niform Day
Please bring $2 to support the student council in their initiatives for the college.

Friday 17 May - PPTA Paid Union Meeting

School will conclude at 12 noon on this day. The canteen will not be open for lunch on this day. Arrangements will be made to transport bus students home at that time.

There will be staff present at College from 12 noon and they will be available to supervise any students who may need to remain at College after 12.00 pm. Please let Tūhono teachers know if your child will be remaining at College after 12.00 pm so that necessary arrangements can be made.

Message from the Board

The Board is delighted to announce that two selections have been made to fill the Parent Representative vacancies on the Paraparaumu College Board. Zoe Pearson and Martin Baker have been selected and have now taken office. Zoe and Martin bring a wide range of skills and experience and are a great addition to the Board.
Michelle Mason, Board Chair

Have a great weekend.

Ngā mihi nui

Mark Robinson
Tumuaki / Principal