Dear North West College parents, caregivers and students

What a year it has been. Opening a new school is always a leap of faith. You trust that the vision on paper will come to life in real classrooms, with real young people and real families. I am grateful to say that in 2025 it has.

From the first day, our focus has been clear. We want calm, purposeful learning environments. We want small classes where each student is noticed. We want high expectations that are matched with the support students need to meet them.

There have been many firsts this year. Our first whole school events. Our first exhibitions of student work. Our first reports, interviews and celebrations of learning. Along the way we have refined our routines, adjusted timetables, and learned more about what helps our students succeed.

I have been particularly proud of the way our students have engaged with both academic and creative work. They have tackled new texts and concepts, built strength in mathematics and science, and taken part in thoughtful class discussions. They have also painted, scripted, performed, composed, coded and designed. Their courage to try new things and share their work with others has stood out.

Our first Yearbook offers a snapshot of this, but it does not capture every act of kindness, quiet effort or moment of growth. Those are held in classrooms, corridors and conversations every day, and they matter just as much.

Thank you to our teaching and support staff for the energy, skill and care they have brought to the year. Thank you to our Board for their governance and steady backing. Most of all, thank you to our families for choosing North West College and for the trust you have placed in us.

We look forward to building on these foundations in 2026, welcoming new students, and continuing to grow a school that combines academic strength, creative opportunity and genuine care.

Ngā mihi nui

Michelle Randles
Principal, North West College

The term 3 expo was a huge success! I want to thank all the families and community members who attended. It was wonderful to see so many of you there! I’d like to extend a huge thank you to our talented students who have worked extremely hard on some incredible projects this term – well done everyone!

Next term, the weather will be heating up so this is a reminder that students will need to have hats to wear for days that we are outside. Also please remember to ensure students have sunscreen on – we do have some at school too.

Regular attendance at school is important to your child’s success and there is a clear connection between going to school regularly and doing well in the classroom. Making sure students attend and engage in learning is a shared responsibility. As a parent, you are responsible for making sure your child attends school every day.

Arriving to school on time is essential for your child’s learning and development. The Ministry of Education has now set an attendance expectation with a goal of students missing no more than five days per term. As a school, and across New Zealand, we are now required to report daily attendance and track attendance patterns to ensure all students are engaging in their learning.

In addition to our excellent sporting champions, Imogen has been taking part in cheerleading competitions throughout the term. She has done immensely well and we are thrilled to report that in one of her recent competitions, her team placed second! Well done Imogen!!

Likewise, one of musicians Cohen, was the winner of the recent BandQuest competition. He was named best lead guitarist too! We are incredibly proud Cohen, well done!

Dear all,

The last fortnight has been as busy as ever.  The students took part in an amazing International Morning of activities and a wonderful shared lunch together afterwards.  Thank you to all the food sent in by you all – the students and staff had a great time.  I’d like to congratulate Team 3: Maia, Yuliana,  Carla, Hannah D, Hannah T, Logan and Henry who each won a prize to take away.  I was so impressed with the attitudes that the students showed during the morning and they really epitomised our values of respect throughout. It was a great morning.

This week, the entire college community has impressed me with the sheer maturity and resilience shown as students completed their final assessments. I am incredibly proud of how each and every one of them navigated this demanding period with such focused calm. The truly essential next step is the conversation you have with your child about what worked well and where the opportunity for growth lies. I firmly believe that the foundation we lay in these last three weeks of the year dictates the momentum we carry into 2026. We must finish strong to start strong.

As we approach the end of the year, we will be farewelling a small number of staff who have given great service to the school over the last year. We say goodbye to Mrs Chaney and to Mrs Carppe. They all leave with our very best wishes for the future, and I am sure they will have a positive impact in their future roles.

I look forward to seeing you all at the prize giving on the 4th December.

Best wishes,

Mrs Randles

Dear Parents and Caregivers

What an incredible past couple of weeks it’s been. Our students had two amazing Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) days, which were a real highlight.

On Wednesday, our students experienced the vital work of the Muriwai Surf Lifesavers, learning about water safety and coastal environments firsthand. The previous Wednesday saw a fascinating Henderson Park Hīkoi, allowing students to connect with local nature and culture.

A huge thank you to the entire teaching staff. The organisation, enthusiasm, and commitment shown on both days were truly outstanding. The feedback on these experiences has been brilliant, and we are so proud of how our students engaged.

Next week, we host our International Morning, where students will take part in activities based around the seven continents, linking into our Global Citizens theme. Following the morning’s activities, we will have a shared lunch for the students. Please remember that while parents won’t be joining us on this occasion, we would greatly appreciate families sending in food for the students to share and celebrate together. Please ensure, as last time, that allergens are clearly labelled.

I’m thrilled to update you on our staffing for next year. We are seeing excellent stability across our teaching teams, and the quality of the teachers we have recruited for 2026 is exceptional. We are bringing in highly skilled educators who will add to our vibrant community both inside and outside the classroom. The continuity, bolstered by fresh talent, ensures our students will continue to receive the best possible learning experiences.

As the weather heats up, please help us keep the students safe and focused. A gentle reminder for students to bring:

• a full water bottle to stay hydrated
• a hat for all outdoor activities
• sunscreen applied before coming to school

And finally, please mark this crucial end-of-year event in your diary:

Prize Giving & End of Year Expo
Thursday, 4 December, 6:00–8:00 pm
This combined celebration is a mandatory event, and we expect all students to attend as we celebrate the year’s achievements.

Have a lovely, relaxing weekend and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Mrs Randles

Dear North West College Parents and Caregivers,

A warm welcome to the start of Term 4!

We’ve had a wonderful first few weeks, and it’s been fantastic seeing how quickly the students have settled back into the rhythm of their daily learning and embraced the final academic stretch of the year.

Here at North West College, we fundamentally believe that creativity is intelligent, and intellect is creative. Whether they’re tackling complex equations or designing an exhibition piece, our students are learning to be innovative thinkers.

To fully develop these unique and crucial skills both academic and creative, consistent attendance is absolutely vital. Every day in the classroom is an opportunity to practice, refine, and connect ideas, making the 95% attendance target we aim for so important for their success and growth.

On the well-being front, our Term 4 assemblies are focusing heavily on Mental Health, covering essential life skills like mindful moments, managing friendships, and navigating social media. These sessions are designed to equip students with practical strategies to help them manage the difficult moments of daily life at school and beyond.

With the warmer months now upon us, please ensure your children have sunscreen applied before school and bring a hat for any outdoor activities or park trips we take during the week.

We also need your help with refuelling! We kindly ask that you review student lunches and snacks to ensure they are as healthy as possible. Fuel is everything, and we need our learners properly energised for a rigorous day of creative and academic activities. This week alone, we’ve witnessed a few too many sweets and large chip bags, and we want to ensure our students have the best possible focus.

Over the next two Wednesdays (Weeks 4 and 5), students will be participating in full-day Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) activities with their teachers. Please refer to the separate information that has been sent out regarding these days and do reach out if you have any questions. In Week 6, we will hold our highly engaging International Morning for students, where they will take part in activities centred around the seven continents, linking into our ‘Global Citizens’ theme. We will be holding a shared lunch for the students, and we’d love your support in sending in food for them to share. More information about what to send will follow closer to the time.

Finally, I wish you all a very safe and pleasant Labour Day Weekend with your families. We look forward to seeing all the students back, bright and ready to go, at 8:45 AM on Tuesday.

Best wishes,
Mrs. Randle

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We’re so proud of the fantastic learning and creativity we’ve seen from our students, and we’re looking forward to an exciting few weeks ahead. Below you’ll find useful information on upcoming events for the remainder of the term, along with some reminders about expectations at North West College.

Lunches
We’ve noticed some students arriving without healthy snacks to keep them energised through the day. A healthy, balanced lunch with fresh fruit and nutritious snacks is important for concentration and wellbeing. Please help by packing lunches that give your child the fuel they need to thrive.

Dress Code
Our dress code helps build a strong sense of community and pride. We’ve noticed a few variations creeping in, so please remember that the dress code is a royal blue top and plain black bottoms. Jumpers should also be in royal blue, and bottoms must not be patterned, ripped or faded. We understand sourcing items can take time, so we appreciate your cooperation in ensuring students are in the correct uniform as soon as possible.

School Arrival Time
Students should not arrive at school earlier than 8:20 AM to ensure they are supervised and safe before the day begins.

Parent-Teacher Consultations
With our growing student roll, we will hold two full days of Parent-Teacher Consultations this term: Thursday, 18 September, and Friday, 19 September. School will be closed for all students on these days unless they are attending a scheduled meeting with a teacher. We look forward to meeting with you to celebrate your child’s progress. Bookings will open closer to the time.

Attendance
A strong attendance record is closely linked to student success. Our expectation is for all students to maintain a 95% attendance rate. If you are experiencing challenges with regular attendance, please contact your child’s teacher. We are here to support you.

International Morning
Join us for our special International Morning shared lunch on Wednesday, 27 August, starting at 12:20 PM, before students head off to sport. This is a great opportunity to come together, celebrate our diverse cultures and share food and friendship. Please bring a favourite dish from your culture to share, and label any allergens to ensure safety for all.

Termly Expo | A Celebration of Work
We invite you to join us on Friday, 12 September, from 2:00 PM for our end-of-term expo. See the incredible work students have produced in art, digital design, dance, musical theatre, music and creative writing. Those who joined us last time will remember what a successful event it was. We look forward to welcoming you again.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Kind regards,
Mrs Randles

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We’re so proud of the fantastic learning and creativity we’ve seen from our students, and we’re looking forward to an exciting few weeks ahead. Below you’ll find useful information on upcoming events for the remainder of the term, along with some reminders about expectations at North West College.

Lunches
We’ve noticed some students arriving without healthy snacks to keep them energised through the day. A healthy, balanced lunch with fresh fruit and nutritious snacks is important for concentration and wellbeing. Please help by packing lunches that give your child the fuel they need to thrive.

Dress Code
Our dress code helps build a strong sense of community and pride. We’ve noticed a few variations creeping in, so please remember that the dress code is a royal blue top and plain black bottoms. Jumpers should also be in royal blue, and bottoms must not be patterned, ripped or faded. We understand sourcing items can take time, so we appreciate your cooperation in ensuring students are in the correct uniform as soon as possible.

School Arrival Time
Students should not arrive at school earlier than 8:20 AM to ensure they are supervised and safe before the day begins.

Parent-Teacher Consultations
With our growing student roll, we will hold two full days of Parent-Teacher Consultations this term: Thursday, 18 September, and Friday, 19 September. School will be closed for all students on these days unless they are attending a scheduled meeting with a teacher. We look forward to meeting with you to celebrate your child’s progress. Bookings will open closer to the time.

Attendance
A strong attendance record is closely linked to student success. Our expectation is for all students to maintain a 95% attendance rate. If you are experiencing challenges with regular attendance, please contact your child’s teacher. We are here to support you.

International Morning
Join us for our special International Morning shared lunch on Wednesday, 27 August, starting at 12:20 PM, before students head off to sport. This is a great opportunity to come together, celebrate our diverse cultures and share food and friendship. Please bring a favourite dish from your culture to share, and label any allergens to ensure safety for all.

Termly Expo | A Celebration of Work
We invite you to join us on Friday, 12 September, from 2:00 PM for our end-of-term expo. See the incredible work students have produced in art, digital design, dance, musical theatre, music and creative writing. Those who joined us last time will remember what a successful event it was. We look forward to welcoming you again.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Kind regards,
Mrs Randles

Dear Parent and Caregivers

A warm welcome back to Term 3 at North West College. I hope the school holidays provided a chance for rest, reconnection, and a fresh start for the second half of the year. It has been wonderful to see our students return with enthusiasm and a strong sense of purpose.

A special welcome also to the new students and families who have joined us. We’re delighted to have you as part of the North West College community.

This term brings new opportunities for learning, growth, and connection. As always, we are focused on supporting every student to thrive, and one of the most important foundations for success is regular attendance.

At North West College, we maintain high expectations for attendance. We ask all students to aim for 95% attendance across the year. This reflects our strong belief that every day in the classroom matters. Each day offers valuable learning experiences, peer collaboration, and engagement with our enriched curriculum.

We understand that there will occasionally be times when students are unwell or circumstances arise. However, even a few days away from school can quickly add up. This demonstrates that even a few days of absence can translate into significant missed learning, impacting a student’s ability to keep pace with the curriculum and achieve their full potential.

To support students and families, we follow the Ministry of Education’s STAR (Support, Tracking, Action, Response) Attendance Strategy. This approach allows us to respond early to patterns of non-attendance and work in partnership with families to keep students engaged in their learning.

A reminder: All absences, including partial absences for appointments, must be communicated through our Attendance Inbox at attendance@nwcollege.school.nz.
This ensures accurate record-keeping and helps us support your child’s attendance in a timely and appropriate way.

We appreciate your continued support in maintaining consistent attendance. Let’s make Term 3 a positive, productive, and successful term for every student.

Kind regards,
Mrs. Randles
Founding Principal of North West College

Attendance at North West College

We want to reiterate an important message regarding student attendance that teachers have already shared with you. At North West College, we pride ourselves on maintaining an exceptionally high attendance rate of 95%. We monitor attendance very closely, and we will be meeting with families whose children do not consistently meet these high expectations.

Of course, we understand that legitimate absences occur, but these should be exceptions, not regular occurrences. Our aim is to support you in ensuring your child attends school every day.

If you’d like to discuss how we can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ms. Oliver at soliver@nwcollege.school.nz. She’ll gladly meet with you to put a supportive plan in place.

As an academic and creative arts college, consistent attendance is crucial for our students to learn effectively and achieve success.

WhatsApp Group Usage

It has come to my attention that some students are participating in a group WhatsApp chat. We kindly ask that you monitor your child’s social media use, as we’ve been informed that some content in this group does not align with the expectations we have for our students.

Messages have been sent to phones at all hours of the night including most recently at 3am, many messages include a lot of inappropriate language.

It’s important to remember that WhatsApp has a minimum age requirement of 13. Next term, I’ll be conducting assemblies focused on online safety for the students, and I’m confident we’ll have your full support in working together to keep our children safe online.

If you would like any further information or resources to help you with structuring conversations with your child about social media please see a wealth of information on Netsafe. https://netsafe.org.nz/social-media-safety/whatsapp

Dear Parents and Carers,

I can hardly believe we’re already at the end of Term 2! What an incredible journey it’s been in such a short time. Our students continue to amaze me, not just with their talent and skills, but also with their growing maturity. It’s been a privilege to watch them blossom into such wonderful, respectful young people this past term, and I couldn’t be prouder of every single one of them.

Last week, we held our end-of-term showcase, where families saw the incredible projects students have been working on. I was truly blown away by the amazing work they created, and on that note, I want to extend a huge thank you to all their teachers who guided them through these fantastic pieces. I know the students are already eager to find out their options for next term, and I’m busy finalizing those so they’ll be informed on the first day back after the break.

I’d also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude for your incredible support this term. It’s truly a pleasure working with such an amazing group of students and families. Your kind words of encouragement haven’t gone unnoticed; they make my role as Principal an absolute joy.

I wish you all a safe, wonderful, and restful break with your families. We look forward to seeing everyone back at school, refreshed and ready for another busy term, on Monday, July 21, 2025.

Nga Mihi Nui,
Mrs. Randles

Attendance at North West College

We want to reiterate an important message regarding student attendance that teachers have already shared with you. At North West College, we pride ourselves on maintaining an exceptionally high attendance rate of 95%. We monitor attendance very closely, and we will be meeting with families whose children do not consistently meet these high expectations.

Of course, we understand that legitimate absences occur, but these should be exceptions, not regular occurrences. Our aim is to support you in ensuring your child attends school every day.

If you’d like to discuss how we can help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Ms. Oliver at soliver@nwcollege.school.nz. She’ll gladly meet with you to put a supportive plan in place.

As an academic and creative arts college, consistent attendance is crucial for our students to learn effectively and achieve success.

WhatsApp Group Usage

It has come to my attention that some students are participating in a group WhatsApp chat. We kindly ask that you monitor your child’s social media use, as we’ve been informed that some content in this group does not align with the expectations we have for our students.

Messages have been sent to phones at all hours of the night including most recently at 3am, many messages include a lot of inappropriate language.

It’s important to remember that WhatsApp has a minimum age requirement of 13. Next term, I’ll be conducting assemblies focused on online safety for the students, and I’m confident we’ll have your full support in working together to keep our children safe online.

If you would like any further information or resources to help you with structuring conversations with your child about social media please see a wealth of information on Netsafe. https://netsafe.org.nz/social-media-safety/whatsapp

Dear Parents and Carers,

As Term 2’s projects draw to a close for our students, we warmly invite you to attend the showcase event next Thursday, June 19th, at the Corban Arts Centre in Henderson. This promises to be an exceptional morning, highlighting the remarkable talent thriving at North West College. Your presence would be greatly valued.

This past Friday, I had the pleasure of accompanying a group of students to the Arataki Centre for an afternoon of bushwalking and immersion in nature. The staff and I were genuinely impressed by the maturity demonstrated by all students throughout the outing. A truly wonderful time of exploration and learning was enjoyed by everyone, and the accompanying photos vividly capture the experience.

With the upcoming holidays approaching, please be reminded that students are expected to attend school until the final day of term, Thursday, June 26th. North West College maintains high expectations for student attendance, with a target of 95%.

Parent conferences are scheduled for Friday, June 27th, with an additional option for Thursday evening to accommodate parents unable to attend on Friday. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in these meetings and are kindly asked to attend in their school uniform.

I wish you all a lovely weekend,

Mrs Randles
Principal