Dear Parents and Caregivers,
As we move further into Term 1, I am continually impressed by the focus and dedication our students are showing in their daily learning. There is a palpable sense of momentum building across both campuses, and it is a pleasure to see our students truly embodying the North West College standard!
Our recent assemblies have focused deeply on the first pillar of our values: Respect for Self. While we often talk about respecting others, we have been encouraging students to understand that respect starts from within.
We have challenged our learners to consider how they set personal boundaries, recognising when to say “no” to distractions and how to protect their own time and energy for growth. This is intrinsically linked to a Growth Mindset; respecting yourself means respecting your potential enough to lean into challenges rather than shying away from them.
I am delighted to formally announce the appointment of Andrew Kingston as our new Pastoral Dean at the Lincoln Road site.
Many of you will already know Andrew through his fantastic work as Teacher in Charge of Sport and EOTC as well as our Global Perspectives teacher. Andrew brings a wealth of energy and a deep commitment to student well-being. We congratulate him on this new responsibility and look forward to the positive impact he will continue to have on our Lincoln Road community.
We are very excited to invite all families and friends to the Lincoln Road Expo on Thursday, 26 March, from 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm.
The Expo is a showcase of the projects and creative work our students have produced this term. It is an “all welcome” event, and we would love to see a strong turnout to celebrate the diverse talents of our learners. Please mark your calendars.
This week marks the beginning of our PAT (Progressive Achievement Test) testing. These assessments provide us with invaluable data to ensure we are targeting our teaching effectively to meet every student’s needs.
I would like to wish all our students the very best of luck.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in making North West College such a supportive and high-achieving environment.
Warm regards,
Mrs M Randles | Principal, North West College
Debating: News Stories, Persuasive Speeches and a Debate App
The debating group have been running debates, presenting news stories, and trying out a debate app built by Mr McFadyen.
Embroidery: First Patches Under Way
Embroidery students have started their own patches, from bagpipes and a cricket ball to a lime and a firefly.
Shakespeare Festival: Planning Begins for The Scottish Play
Students have started work on an SGCNZ Shakespeare Festival entry for Term 1 2027, reading the play and learning soliloquies.
Year 9 Digital Fluency: Vibe Coding With Real Developer Tools
Every Year 9 Digital Fluency student now works in Visual Studio Code and GitHub, using AI to design, test and improve their own games and apps.
Years 7 and 8 Maths: Revision Before the Exams
Year 7 have finished all 15 exam topics and Year 8 sit their exam on Tuesday. Students need a blue or black pen and a ruler.
Years 7 and 8 English: Play Scripts, Book Reviews and Exam Preparation
Year 7 are writing their own short plays, Year 8 are studying A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and both classes welcomed back the mobile library.
Spanish: The Impossible House and Year 10 Mock Exams
Year 9 are describing, selling and letting homes in The Impossible House role-play, and Year 10 sat Cambridge-style mock exams.
Global Perspectives: The Kids Election and the Global Energy Crisis
Years 7 and 8 have studied New Zealand’s political parties ahead of the Kids Election, and how shipping risks push up living costs here.
Raising Resilient Teenagers Together
Practical ways families can help students keep showing up, slow down on tasks and protect their sleep through the last weeks of the year.
Water Safety at Muriwai Lifeguard Station
Year 7 and 8 students spent the day with Muriwai lifeguards, learning to spot ocean hazards, stay calm and signal for help.
