Principal’s Message: A Year of Foundations and Firsts

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!