July 2, 2020
Thank you for your interest in Wellington College for Year 9 in 2021.
We have posted videos and documents on this page so that you can access all the information that you need about Wellington College, our people, our programmes, and our plans for the future.
We would be delighted it you would submit an application for your son to join our school community next year.
2021 Prospectus
You can downlaod your own copy of the 2021 Prospectus here.
Virtual Open Day Address - Gregor Fountain, Principal
The Wellington College Experience - Current Students
2019 ERO Report
Click here to read our most recent report from the Education Review Office.
Enrolment Forms
Click here to complete your on-line enrolment application for Year 9 in 2021.
Click here to complete your on-line enrolment application for Year 10 to Year 13 in 2021.
Enrolment Procedures
In-zone Year 9 students for 2021
In-zone enrolment applications for 2021 may be made at any time during the year prior to the start of school (1 February, 2021). We request that these be submitted on-line by Monday, 27 July 2020 to allow for curriculum planning and so that we can determine out-of-zone enrolment numbers.
All applications must have a copy of the student’s birth certificate (and passport if the student was born outside New Zealand).
In-zone applications must also provide a rates notice/tenancy agreement and a utility account to confirm in-zone status.
Students should remain within the College zone for at least two years from the time the student starts at the College. The College must be immediately notified of any change of address, within the zone.
The Out-of-zone Ballot for 2021 Year 9 students will be held on Friday, 7 August 2020 and parents will be notified in writing of the outcome on Wednesday, 12 August, 2020. The number of students accepted through the ballot depends on the number of places available. This is determined by the number of in-zone enrolments.
Out-of-zone applications for Year 9 must be submitted on-line no later than 4.00pm on Monday, 27 July 2020.
All applications must have a copy of the student’s birth certificate (and passport if the student was born outside New Zealand).
Induction Day for Year 9 will commence Thursday, 19 November 2020 at 9.00am. This is an opportunity for new students to meet key people and become familiar with our campus.
In-zone enrolment applications for 2021 may be made at any time during the year prior to the start of school, but should be submitted on-line by Thursday, 15 October, 2020 to allow for curriculum planning and so that we can determine any out-of-zone enrolment numbers.
All applications must have a copy of the student’s birth certificate (and passport if the student was born outside New Zealand).
In-zone applications must also provide a rates notice/tenancy agreement and a utility account to confirm in zone status.
Students should remain within the College zone for at least two years from the time the student starts at the College. The College must be immediately notified of any change of address, within the zone.
Out-of-zone Years 10 - 13 students for 2021
The Out-of-zone Ballot for Year 10 - 13 2021 will be held on Monday, 2 November 2020 and parents will be notified in writing of the outcome on Thursday, 5 November 2020. The number of students accepted through the ballot depends on the number of places available. This is determined by the number of in-zone enrolments.
Out-of-zone applications for Years 10 - 13 must be submitted on-line no later than 4.00pm on Thursday, 15 October 2020.
All applications must have a copy of the student’s birth certificate (and passport if the student was born outside New Zealand).
July 2, 2020
The School Holidays start on Saturday 4th July and finish on Sunday 19 July.
The School Office will be closed during the first week of the holidays but be open from Tuesday 14th till Friday 17th July from 9am to 3pm during the second week. We look forward to seeing you then.
July 2, 2020
The uniform shop will be open between 9am and 1pm on Saturday 18 July to enable parents and students to make uniform purchases prior to the start of Term Three.
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July 2, 2020
23 Wellington College swimmers competed in the College Sport Wellington Regional Swim Champs at Huia Pool on Friday 26 June. This was the first Regional Swim Competition in Wellington since lockdown. Numbers competing were up and everyone was very appreciative of the opportunity to have their first racing hit-out for a number of months.
Wellington College did particularly well to top the medal table with 6 gold medals and their final medal count of 14 was also the highest in competition. It was also good to see quite a number of our swimmers record significant personal best times.
9 of our Swimmers were among the medals, though a number of others went very close with 4th and 5th placings in tight finishes.
In the Junior Grade (Under 15 years), Finn Harland was in dominant form. He secured 3 gold medals (100 metre Individual Medley, 100 metre Backstroke, 200 metre Freestyle) and each of his wins were by very good margins. David Zhu was similarly impressive in the convincing way he won his 2 gold medals (50 metre & 100 metre Butterfly). Gold medals were also won by Sean O’Connor-Close (100 metre Breaststroke) and James O’Brien (50 metre Breaststroke), with each also winning a silver medal (behind each other in the events listed above).
Our Senior Swimmers (15 Years & Over) were young this year and all of them have at least another year to compete in this grade. Competition was very high and the followingdid well to secure medals – Shane Maskell (silver - 100m Breaststroke), Ryan Double (silver – 50 metre Butterfly), Eligh Ashby (silver – 50 metre Butterfly), Dillon Raimona-Pahetogia (silver – 50 metre Backstroke) and Luke Kuggeleijn (bronze – 200 metre Freestyle).
July 2, 2020
Team WC is partnering up with our local Peanut Butter company, Fix and Fogg, for fundraising this year.
Complete this online form to purchase your jars of crunchy or smooth peanut butter, indicating which extra-curricular group or activity you would like to support. Orders must be made by 10 July.
Please note that as several members of our school community have peanut allergies, the jars will not be distributed during school hours.
Thanks for supporting Team WC.
July 2, 2020
Download the programme for 'A Mob Mentality' here.
Listen to Episode One here.
Listen to Episode Two here.
Listen to Episode Three here.
Listen to Episode Four here.
Listen to Episode Five here.
Listen to Episode Six here.
Listen to Episode Seven here.
Listen to Episode Eight here.
Listen to Episode Nine here.
Listen to Episode Ten here.
July 2, 2020
Due to the impact of the lock down on our programmes and timelines, Wellington College has adapted the dates for issuing reports.
Reports - Years 9 & 10
On Friday 3rd July Junior attitudinal reports will be issued and made available on the parent portal. These reports will give parents and students an indication of how students are progressing using the following the three categories:
· Engagement and focus in class
· Work completion
· Understanding of the learning material
Junior students who have completed a rotation will have a written report available for that subject instead of an attitudinal report.
Reports - Years 11-13
A written report for senior students will be available 14th August followed by Academic Conferences on the 26th August
July 2, 2020
The Wellington College Charity Ball is coming....
Who? Year 12 & 13 Wellington College students.
When? Friday 14th August, 7:30pm-11:30pm
Where? Te Papa Wellington Foyer
Cost? $100 pp. Partners also pay $100.
There are school attendance and behaviour requirements which need to be met before tickets are issued.
This form must be completed, including the section for partners, signed by parents and returned to the Deans.
June 25, 2020
From Thursday July 1st charges for travel on Metlink buses will be applied. Please remember that at Wellington College, we are no longer taking EFTPOS or cash payments for Snapper top ups. You can use the Snapper App to top up and keep an eye on your balance or use the computer in the Finance Office with your visa or debit cards.
June 25, 2020
Wellington College continues to be safe to attend, including for any staff and students who are considered vulnerable to COVID-19. We have good cleaning routines in place, people who are sick are staying at home and we continue to encourage good hygiene practices. The 'Learning at Home' programme will now cease.
We are supporting contact tracing by having QR code posters at our entrances.
We can now look forward to inter-school and community sport, cultural events, performances, parent meetings and to welcoming all of our school community on site for these activities.
The key changes for schools at Alert Level 1 are:
June 25, 2020
Thank you to the Wellington College families who have made their 2020 annual donation. We are aware of the economic impact that COVID-19 & the lockdown has had on many families. It is also having a significant impact on the income that Wellington College annually receives from fee-paying international students and the hiring of Wellington College's facilities. If you are in a position to pay some or all of the 2020 donation that we are requesting, we would really appreciate your support at this time.
At Wellington College, we strive to provide an outstanding educational experience for all our students. This includes the provision of a highly resourced curriculum, excellent teaching, quality pastoral care, careers guidance and an extensive range of sporting, artistic, service and leadership opportunities.
You may be aware that the decile-based funding that Wellington College receives from the Government provides only for core activities as determined by the Ministry of Education. In fact, if we were to exclude their provision for teacher salaries, property and land-use, only about 50 percent of the funds required to operate Wellington College come from the Government each year. Generous financial support from parents over many decades has been instrumental in developing Wellington College's programmes, approaches and facilities.
We ask that you make your annual donation to Wellington College. The amounts requested are stated on the parent portal.
Donations are tax deductible and can be paid through the parent portal, direct credit, automatic payment, or at the Finance Office by cash or EFTPOS. You could make your donation in one lump sum or spread your payments throughout the rest of the year.
The Wellington College Bank account number is 06-0561-0137023-000. Please use your son's name or student number as a reference when making an online payment.
Thank you for your support of Wellington College in this way.
Paul Retimanu (Board Chair) and Gregor Fountain (Principal)
June 17, 2020
The National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) can feel confusing and difficult to navigate for many parents. To help those of you who are new to NCEA or simply want a refresher, Wellington College invites you to attend an NCEA information evening on 25 June. Curriculum Deputy Principal Andrew Savage will offer a short presentation about how NCEA works and explain the temporary changes NZQA have made for 2020 as a way to alleviate the impact of COVID-19 on our learners. We would love to have your company!
Event details:
Wellington College NCEA Information Evening
25 June 2020, 6:00-6:45 pm
Venue: The AGC Auditorium
June 16, 2020
We know some of our students - and their whānau - are worried that they might not be able to attain NCEA or UE this year, because of the disruption caused by COVID-19.
To help address this and support students, the following changes are being made to NCEA and University Entrance (UE) requirements for this year:
These changes have been designed to encourage students to continue working towards their NCEA and to ensure that the NCEA attained by our learners this school year is just as valid as those earned in previous years.
Click here for a summary of these changes which NZQA has produced for students.
May 27, 2020
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority’s Top Scholar Awards for 2019 were announced during the lockdown, with Nicholas Patel and Liam Anderson receiving their Premier Awards for being ranked in the top 12 students in New Zealand. Jesse Richardson was acknowledged as the Top Scholar in New Zealand for History with Liam Anderson named the Top Scholar for Spanish.
Liam Anderson won the Prime Minster’s Award for Excellence as New Zealand’s top student in NCEA and New Zealand Scholarship examinations.
The Prime Minister’s Award for Academic Excellence recognises the success of the very top New Zealand Scholarship student in the country. The recipient has the most outstanding examination results and the highest overall academic excellence of all New Zealand's Premier Award winners.
Liam achieved Outstanding Scholarships in Chemistry, Physics, Spanish, and Statistics, and Scholarship in Biology, Calculus, English, and Health and Physical Education. He was also the Top Subject Scholarship Award winner for Spanish.
Liam is currently studying for his Bachelor of Science at Victoria University of Wellington. Congratulations to Liam, his family, all of his teachers, and his classmates throughout his time at Wellington College who challenged him and stimulated his learning and achievement.
May 26, 2020
Dear students, staff, family members, partners and supporters of College Sport Wellington,
Firstly, on behalf of the Board and Staff of College Sport Wellington, I want to thank you all for your continued support and patience as we inch closer to a resumption of secondary school sport.
Following yesterday afternoon’s announcement by the Government, we are now in a position to confirm the start dates for a number of secondary school competitions and events this term. The planning by College Sport Wellington and its partners means that the appropriate risk mitigation measures will be in place before these start dates. Ongoing, these plans and measures will be updated as new guidelines are announced by the Government. Therefore, on that basis, College Sport Wellington can confirm the following:
In the coming week, the CSW Sport Managers and our partner Regional Sports Organisations will be in contact with schools to confirm the exact format for each competition. At the same time, College Sport Wellington will endeavour to confirm the remainder of competitions and events on the secondary school calendar. In particular we will be in discussions with our Regional Sport partners on the plan for Winter Tournament Week (31 August to 6 September), pending an update from School Sport NZ.
We wish you well for the season ahead and your preparations over the coming weeks.
Kind Regards,
Bryan Dickinson (Executive Director, CSW)
May 21, 2020
We are anticipating issues getting students to and from school as a result of the reduction in capacity on public and school buses, trains, and the subsequent congestion of traffic through Wellington City. While students on school buses will now be able to use all seats, there will be no standing passengers.
May 14, 2020
The primary focus of our first week back is re-establishing relationships and routines, including creating spaces to process what we've all experienced. We need a balance of normality with the acknowledgement of the fact that we are returning to school during a significant nationwide event.
With this in mind, the first week of term is a catch-up week. This means that no new content will be taught in classes. We will take the time to discuss, recap, clarify and consolidate the work undertaken in the Learning @ Home programme.
No new content does not mean no learning! This is an opportunity to reinforce what has been taught during the Learning @ Home period and to clarify and deepen understanding. Students will be arriving back in class having had a wide variety of experiences of Learning @ Home with varying degrees of success and engagement. This week will be used to extend those students who have managed well and support those students who may need to catch up.
May 14, 2020
Parking at school for Y12 and Y13! Email d.ashby@wc.school.nz ASAP.
Now that we have your attention!
CHECKLIST - IMPORTANT STUFF
WELCOME BACK
We know that some of you are really looking forward to getting back into your classes, and that some of you might be feeling a bit anxious for a variety of reasons. That is all good! We know everyone will need time to re-adjust and get back into school routine, whilst also forming new habits with the new rules and expectations. So please be considerate towards your teachers and other students as we return. We want you to know that as a community we will support you in many ways when you come back. No matter where you got up to in your studies - don’t panic, you’ll have time to catch up. We understand everyone has had different circumstances over the past 7 weeks.
CATCH-UP WEEK!
We won’t be thrown in the deep end with work right away because the first week has no new content, so you have an opportunity to reconnect with each other, go over what has been taught during the Learning @ Home period. Big clutch from the senior leadership team. We know lots of you might not have completed as much work as you wanted, or may have fallen behind in particular classes. This week is designed to give teachers a chance to recap the work that you have been set over lockdown.
WASH YOUR HANDS
School life will be a bit different for hygiene reasons: you’ll be needing to wash your hands, go straight into class instead of lining up, and use the hand sanitizer provided. As well as this, the tower block stairs are now one way, look out for the signs! Make sure to stay at home if you are feeling at all unwell.
WELL-BEING SPACES
Once we’re all back at school dedicated wellbeing spaces will open for boys to visit at any time if they are feeling overwhelmed. These spaces combined with the school counsellors, tutor teachers and class teachers will all be working together to make the transition back to ‘regular’ school as easy as possible for students.
Signing out,
Andrew L, Toby C, Josh KW, James M, Hugo K, Aidan H and Joel T :)
May 14, 2020
There has been a lot of interest in our plans for the resumption of our extra-curricular arts & sports programmes. At Wellington College these will not restart until Queen’s Birthday Weekend. By then, we should have firmer guidelines from national and regional organisations to guide us in the safe resumption of these activities. The Government has said that it will review the 10 person limit for gatherings on 25 May. This will have implications for a range of community activities at schools throughout New Zealand.
May 14, 2020
The COLL Check-in system is intended to support the partnership between home and school to encourage and support positive work habits through regular tracking of engagement.
At a fundamental level, the COLL Check-in is about staying connected and being able to identify students who may need extra support or encouragement. The COLL Check-in is not a report, but rather a weekly indicator of student engagement in their subjects. The purpose is to support conversations at home about how students are feeling about their learning. We hope that the COLL Check-in will also help students to have some accountability to engage with their learning programmes and to seek support from their teachers where they need it.
We recognise that staying motivated all the time can be difficult! We are encouraging students to let their teachers know if there are things they are finding challenging so that teachers can support them. This is also a way of demonstrating engagement!
The COLL Check-in is based on a ‘best-fit’ for the week depending on the expectations of different subjects. This means that what engagement looks like from week to week may be different depending on the kind of work the students are doing.
The COLL Check-in is updated by Monday afternoon each week. We suggest that parents and students check the portal every Tuesday. It is live on the parent and student portals under the ‘Class Efforts’ tab. The technical problem from last week has been resolved by our external provider, although the graphs look a little bit different.
Parent Guide - How to check the Parent Portal for COLL Check-In
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May 7, 2020
Thank you to all the students and parents who continue to provide feedback on our Learning @ Home programme - we really appreciate your support and input! Below are some updates based on common feedback and questions:
Student Survey
Our students told us that they really enjoy the flexibility of the online learning programmes as well as the wellbeing benefits of working from home. Students have let us know that we need to continue to monitor their workload as well as continue to offer regular opportunities to ask questions via Google Meets. The short feedback form is still open, so students are welcome to fill it in so that we can continue to use information from students to develop our programmes.
A couple of reminders for Week 5
Workload: We know that Learning @ Home isn’t always easy and that sometimes it feels like there is way too much work! If you’re finding it hard, please let your teachers know so that they can make changes.
Prioritising your activities: Your wellbeing is really important to us! We really want you to make time for exercise, creativity, connecting with your friends and device-free time. No subject is more important than another, but if it isn’t possible for you to give equal time to all of your subjects - don’t! Prioritise your work and complete what is manageable. Please let your teachers know if there are things you can’t do so that they can support you.
Support: PLEASE ASK FOR HELP! We are here if you need support - teachers, Tutor Teachers, Deans and the Counsellors. We also have a new online reporting tool WC Bullying Free Helpline for you to use if there is anything happening that is potentially harmful to anyone in our community - both online and offline.
Learning Support
The Student/Learning Support team for all students is still available during this Learning @ Home period. We understand that some students will be feeling overwhelmed and may need some extra support. Our team is happy to help - please contact us at senco@wc.school.nz.
Here are some tips to help with Learning @ Home:
Connectivity
If your son, or another Wellington College student that you are aware of, is not able to access the online resources, for whatever reason, we would love to hear from you. Please email Andrew Savage - a.savage@wc.school.nz and he will follow up as soon as possible. We are working with the Ministry of Education to ensure that all our students are able to connect and learn in this new environment. For support with forgotten passwords or technical assistance please contact helpdesk@wc.school.nz.
Resources
Please click on the links below to ensure that you have the information that you will need to make the most of the online learning opportunities we are providing this term.
Learning @ Home - Student Help Sheet for Term 2
Learning @ Home - Parent Help Sheet for Term 2
Alert Level 3 - Parent Help Sheet
Wellington College Digital Responsible Use Agreement
Digital Citizenship Parent Information
May 7, 2020
As a part of our response to COVID-19, Wellington College will be utilising the flexibility of NCEA to re-plan and adapt assessment programmes to help manage the impact of the disruption we have experienced during COVID-19 Alert Levels 3-4. To assist parents, whānau and students NZQA has provided a guide that addresses key messages and some frequently asked questions. You can find it here.
It is important to remember that students only need 80 credits across all their subjects to be awarded an NCEA qualification and that the NCEA is cumulative in nature. While many students achieve an NCEA qualification in a calendar year (e.g. NCEA L1 is awarded in Year 11), the flexibility of the qualification means that some students will build a qualification over a longer period of time.
For those of you needing a refresher or wanting to gain a little more insight into how the NCEA qualification works, please check out the information below:
Watch a video explaining how NCEA works
To achieve NCEA Level 1, you need 80 credits made up of:
To achieve NCEA Level 2, you need 80 credits made up of:
To achieve NCEA Level 3, you need 80 credits made up of:
University Entrance (UE) is the minimum requirement to attend a New Zealand university. To qualify for UE, you will need all of the following:
Universities have their own requirements for admission to programmes. Check with the university you wish to attend about what the requirements for its different courses are. Our Careers and Transition Team is available to help you.
You may also find it helpful to read this brochure that is a great guide to how NCEA works:
The Te Reo Māori version of the brochure can be found here.
You can find the brochure in English here.
To help parents better understand NCEA, NZQA has developed an app designed for mobile devices,- phones and tablets. It is called NCEA Guide, and provides quick and easy access to key information about NCEA. You can find more information here.
May 6, 2020
Ka ngaro a Matariki i te pae, Ka ngaro te tangata ki te pō.
Kotahi tau kua ngaro koe,
E te pou tikanga, e te pou reo,
E koro Te Ahorangi Te Wharehuia Milroy
E moe ki te mārie o te pō
E noho ki te taha o tō makau
Ka ora tonu ana ō akoranga ki ngā kōrero tuku iho,
Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangatia te angitū.
Nō reira e mihia te hunga mate huri noa i te motu,
Haere ki a rātou ngā piki kōtuku
Haere ki tua o ngā wai o Pikopiko i Whiti
Ki a rātou ngā whetū pīataata i te rangi tuatini
Tākiri ko te ata pūao
Ka ngau Tāwera
Te tohu o te mate
Haere, haere, haere
Apiti hono tātai hono
Ko tātou te hunga mate i mau maharatia
Tātou anō tēnei te hunga ora e mihi nei ki a tātou
Tēnā tātou katoa.
May 6, 2020
Dear parents and caregivers of students in Years 9 & 10
Please note that at Alert Level 3, all students in Years 11-13 will continue their ‘Learning @ Home’ programme as they have for the duration of the Level 4 lockdown.
Parents and caregivers of students in Years 9 & 10 are also required to keep their children at home if possible. The Government is asking you only to send your son to school if you are unable to provide adequate supervision for him at home.
At Wellington College, we will not be providing conventional classroom programmes for Year 9 & 10 students on campus during Level 3. Our school programme for those students who are registered will consist of staff members providing students with school-based supervision of their ‘Learning @ Home’ programmes. Students will be placed in ‘school bubbles’of no more than 10 students. They will be allocated a supervising teacher, a classroom, and an outside area for their interval and lunch breaks. In line with Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education guidelines, they will not be able to mix with students from other ‘school bubbles’.
If you intend to send your son to school between April 29 and May 15 (inclusive), please email Dave Ashby (Associate Principal) d.ashby@wc.school.nz, registering him for each of the days that he will be attending. We are happy to be able to support our families providing essential and safe services in this way.
There is no need for you to email Dave if your son will not be attending.
This is a challenging and unprecedented situation for all of us. We are grateful for your ongoing support of Wellington College and your care for those in our school community during this time.
Years 9 & 10 Level 3 Online Registration Form
Alert Level 3 - Parent Help Sheet
April 30, 2020
Our Guidance Counselling team continues to be available to provide support for students, whānau & staff while we are learning and working from home.
Please email Lyndon at l.coppin@wc.school.nz or Jane at j.gray@wc.school.nz for a video or phone appointment.
Alternatively you could phone or text Lyndon on 022 015 0877 or Jane on 022 016 1774 during school hours - or leave a message.
Please note that if you are dealing with an urgent mental health issue or crisis then it is best to call Te Haika (CCDHB) on 0800 745 477.
Click here for further information about the wide range of support which is available to all students from Wellington College staff.
We also have a new online reporting tool WC Bullying Free Helpline for you to use if there is anything happening that is potentially harmful to anyone in our community - both online and offline.
The team at Skylight has produced COVID-19 resource packs to help with anxiety and stress in both children/teens and adults.The e-packs for children/teens include resources on: “how to strengthen children and teens against anxiety after news of a world trauma”, “helping children cope with fears and worries” and “coping skills for managing emotions.” The adult packs include resources on "adjusting to change" and 'job loss" as well as general anxiety management strategies. To order a COVID-19 pack click here.
Skylight is also offering Skype counselling for the first time to support Kiwis during this coronavirus crisis. Eleven of its 15 nationwide counsellors are now ready and offering online sessions for children aged 12-years and up, as well as adults. Parents with younger children have the option of counselling for parenting strategies/solutions. To find out more about Skype counselling click here or call 0800 299 100.
Click here a wide range of high quality blogs, webinars & resources from the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing & Resilience.
The Psychology Clinic at Massey University in Wellington is offering online psychological treatment at a reduced price of $80 per session with the aim of ensuring psychological support is available to young people and adults who are struggling with low mood or anxiety, and/or are having difficulty adjusting to the uncertainty of the current climate. Please contact Carrie Wilson (Clinic Secretary) on (04) 801-0492 or at C.Wilson1@massey.ac.nz for further information or to book an appointment at a time that suits.
Lifeline 0800 543 354 or text free to 4357
Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234
Samaritans (anytime – 24 hours) 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Line 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Kidsline 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline)
What’s Up 0800 942 8787
Anxiety New Zealand 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)
The Ministry of Health’s website includes Top ways to look after your mental wellbeing during the Covid-19 lockdown.
Nathan Wallis has some helpful videos on his Facebook page for parents and whānau.
Tips on looking after mental health and wellbeing during COVID-19 from the Mental Health foundation.
The Health Promotion Agency's website helps New Zealanders recognise and understand depression and anxiety.
25 Mental Health Wellness Tips during Quarantine from Eileen M Feliciano, Psy.D. – although overseas-based this is a good list and highlights some things particularly important for children. (Remember the rules of New Zealand’s level 4 lockdown still apply.)
April 30, 2020
Many students have questions and concerns about the impact of COVID-19 and the lockdown on their plans for 2021 and beyond. Our Head of Careers & Transition, Tia Greenstreet, continues to be available to support students throughout the lockdown. Please click here to make an online appointment & Tia will send you an invitation to a Google Hangout.
As well as providing information through their usual sitessuch as the Wellington College Careers website, Careers Central & the Wellington College Careers Facebook page, the Careers team have set up a Careers Google classroom for Year 13 (the code is qtj2n3o).
Please email Tia if you need any further information for advice. Her email is t.greenstreet@wc.school.nz.
April 23, 2020
War has cast a long shadow over Wellington College. Old Boys serving and dying in wars spans three centuries. The College’s Memorial Plaques are inscribed with the names of Old Boys who served and those who were killed in: The Boer War, World Wars One and Two and Afghanistan. For most, they are just names. Reading them now no longer invokes a memory or an emotion as it once did.
However, we must never forget that they too walked the corridors of the school, jostling one another and talking about upcoming events, played on the grounds at lunchtimes and on Saturdays, sat in classrooms learning French vocab, Mathematical formulae, the difference between a verb and an adverb.
Each ANZAC Day we must make time to remember them, our fellow students. To hope and pray that what they experienced will only be learnt about in books by the current and future generations of Coll Boys.
In the place of our annual ANZAC Assembly, we invite all members of the Wellington College community to watch the videos and explore the links on this page as we commemorate ANZAC Day together.
On their Wellington College Instagram page, our students have been promoting their 'virtues of the day'. In recent days these have included 'gratitude'. As a way of showing your gratitude to people, either in the past or present, we invite you to print off this Wellington College Poppy, add the name of someone you are grateful for, and place in a window at the front of your house. There is also a colouring in version that primary aged children in your bubble might like to use (or anyone else whose keen!)
Click here to read about the experience of Wellington College and the First World War.
Click here to read out about Old Boy, Hami Grace, killed during the Gallipoli campaign, & hear Wellington College students reading from his diary.
Click here to watch a short video about life and tragic death of Hami Grace, and how Wellington College remembers him.
Click here to read the 1919 Wellingtonian, which contains photos of the Wellington College Old Boys, killed in the First World War.
Click here to hear British High Commissioner, Laura Clarke, speaking with Gregor after last year's Wellington College ANZAC Assembly.
Click here to read the British High Commissioner's speech, delivered at Wellington College's 2019 ANZAC Assembly.
April 23, 2020
Talofa lava, Kia orana, Bula Vinaka, Malo e lelei, Fakalofa lahi atu, Malo ni, Aloha, to all our Matua, Parents and Fanau
We hope that you and the fanau are safe, well, and are looking after each other in your respective bubbles. It is important to keep positive and encourage each other during this time of uncertainty, as we have all been impacted by Covid 19. We acknowledge and thank our family of essential workers for their service and commitment to our community.
During this time we may be feeling anxious for our families health and wellbeing, loss of income and financial responsibilities, with many of these situations beyond our control. It is times like this where we need to come together and support each other. Having that connection with family, friends, and colleagues outside our bubble, is important too. By making that phone call, or sending a text message, having a Zoom chat, FaceTime, or Google Meet can uplift our spirits and help us feel connected to each other.
With Term 2 now started, it will mean new challenges, and getting into routines for learning from home. Thank you to all the WC Staff who have been working behind the scenes during the break to ensure that they would be ready for this, when we started back. Online learning or Learning @ Home means everyone should have access to a device. If you do not have one please make contact with Andrew Savage a.savage@wc.school.nz at school as soon as possible, so that we can get you assistance. Thank you to the WC Board and Staff much needed chromebooks that have been delivered to some of our WC families!
There is a lot of information on the WC website and the Parent Portal. If you have any enquiries about your son's learning, please make contact with your son's Dean or Tutor Teacher with an email. It is important to keep communication between home and school up to date, especially during this time, where online connection is one of our only connectors.
We look forward to catching up with you all again soon!
Fa’afetai tele lava,
Deborah Tiatia (on behalf of the PPSG)
April 21, 2020
Our graduating students from 2019 can now request a testimonial using this online form.
Testimonials are not written automatically. Instead, they are prepared for specific graduating students who want to have documentation to support a job application or a reference for a landlord when applying for a flat while at university.
To obtain a Wellington College testimonial, all graduation students must:
(i) complete this online form providing the requested information
(ii) email testimonials@wc.school.nz requesting a testimonial once NCEA & NZ Scholarship results are confirmed.
(iii) provide a personal email address and a current home address.
April 17, 2020
Welcome back!
This truly has been a unique time for everyone in the WC community, with students, teachers, staff, and whānau learning to adapt to what it means to be in lockdown. Moving forward into Term 2, we should take time to grieve for lost opportunities this year, however we must continue to look for the new opportunities that present themselves. We must be innovative in the way we approach what it means to be a part of the WC whānau. As a Prefect team, we have spent a lot of time discussing what student leadership looks like in lockdown, and have created a video showing what our portfolios are doing to support students, as well as some helpful information about wellbeing, NCEA, and motivation.
I tēnei wā mokemoke, kia waiho i te toipoto ō mātou mauri, kaua i te toiroa
In this time when we cannot physically be together, may the essence of our community stand strong.
Ngā mihi,
Andrew Latta & the Prefect team
April 9, 2020
Kia ora koutou
There is no question that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our city and country. Many members of our school community are essential workers. We thank you for your commitment and service to our wider community. The Board is aware that there are also families within our school community who have been impacted through loss of income and uncertainty around jobs and businesses. Many of us are anxious about the health and well-being of friends and family members both at home and throughout the world. Our thoughts are with everyone at this difficult time.
While we do not know how long the Government imposed lock-down will last, it seems clear that Term 2 2020 will be unlike any other in the recent history of Wellington College. For the start of the term at least, students and staff will be learning and working from home. This brings challenges for everyone as we establish new routines and develop new forms of communication. We are grateful for the work which the Wellington College staff team have done in recent weeks to prepare us for this new environment. The Board believes that despite our physical distance from each other, Wellington College is very well placed to continue to be a strong and connected community focused on the learning and well-being of our students over the coming weeks.
For many students and their parents, Wellington College's extensive extra-curricular programme is the context for the highlights of any school year. We are aware of the disappointment that many are feeling as a result of the cancellation or postponement of arts and sports events. We hope that some of these will be able to resume or be rescheduled or reformatted, but we acknowledge and share the very real disappointment that you are feeling. Our thoughts are especially with our Year 13 students who have been anticipating and planning for these events for a very long time.
Many of our students and parents will also be concerned about the impact of the disruption to schools on achievement for national qualifications. While we may need to lower some of our expectations about the highest levels of achievement, we are fortunate that the NCEA is a flexible qualification. The leadership and staff are committed to doing everything they can to enable all students to gain the qualifications they need to gain entry to the programmes and courses students are working towards for 2021.
Thank you for your ongoing support of Wellington College at this time.
Ngā mihi
Paul Retimanu
(Board Chair)
March 24, 2020
Hey boys
In the midst of this stressful time, we thought it would be helpful if we passed on some information about the future of assessments, how school will operate over the next month, and how to look after your wellbeing. The school holidays have officially been moved forward, meaning that term holidays this year will be from Monday 30th March to April 14th. After that, we will have a couple weeks of Learning @ Home using a variety of different platforms - but all will be communicated and run through your Google Classrooms.
Learning @ Home Feedback
Thanks to everyone that provided feedback via the survey that was emailed out. There was a sense that we appreciated the flexibility to manage our own time, and enjoyed having breaks, early starts or sleep-ins that worked for our own wellbeing! As a result of the feedback we have recommended that staff make Google Classroom the central digital platform, so that it is easier to keep track of learning tasks. We have also asked that work be focused on learning, rather than simply keeping students busy with exercises (e.g. Education Perfect, Quizlet). Finally, we have also suggested that it is imperative for students to have opportunities for interaction throughout this period of isolation, whether that be through group activities, video chats, class discussions or any other medium. Given how quickly we’ve been thrown into this situation, and the newness of this experience for everyone involved, things won’t be perfect. However, we ask that you try your best to continue engaging with Learning @ Home, and continue to put effort into your education.
Maturity online
We ask you to remember that your teachers and peers are people as well, and are going through the same hardships as the rest of New Zealand. Due to this please be understanding if the next few days are a bit messy, everyone is trying their hardest. Please remember to uphold yourself online to the same standards you would in person, and just use your common sense. Respect is of the utmost importance in difficult times, so please give your teachers and other students the respect and support they deserve to help make this process work.
Assessment
The staff understand that students may find it difficult to prioritise school work in the midst of this uncertainty. Due to this, Wellington College is taking a flexible approach on assessment. If you're having any concerns about being able to complete school work or access resources, please reach out to your subject teacher who can sort something out with you one-on-one. The first priority for all staff and students should be their families and their wellbeing, and the school and NZQA will take this into account during the coming period of online learning. Some assessments will continue as normal under the discretion of your subject teacher, but still email them to make sure.
Further information on assessment can be found on the NZQA website. For specific information from NZQA about COVID-19 and assessment click here.
If you have any more questions or issues, please direct them to your subject teachers, or deans.
Wellbeing
The Guidance Counselors want everyone to know that they are still available in this very stressful time. You can book in an appointment by clicking here. The counselors are very flexible and are happy to reach out on a whole variety of platforms - such as zoom, Skype or Google meet.
Finally, but most importantly, take care of yourself and your families. Now could be a great time to get involved with some new activities you’ve never had time for, and use this as an opportunity for something positive! Here are some ideas:
And one quick last note, make sure to thank and treat people in essential services with respect.
Wishing you and your family well in these weird times.
Andrew Latta, Josh Kemp Whimp, William Thorpe and George Baker
(Student leaders & members of the Student Council)
March 17, 2020
Congratulations to the amazing WC Athletics team & their coaches on their victory in the 2020 McEvedy Shield. This was a record-equalling sixth consecutive victory.
Click here for all the results.
March 14, 2020
We are delighted to be able to offer you the Entertainment Membership for 2020/2021. This year there are no booklets as all the memberships are digital.
All the funds raised through the sale of Entertainment Memberships support Wellington College's Extra-Curricular Arts programme.
To order your membership securely online please click here.
Thanks for your support.
March 10, 2020
Rugby has been played at Wellington College since 1877. Wellington College competed in the first ever recorded secondary school rugby match against Nelson College and the 1st XV still compete in the oldest secondary school annual rugby tournament, the Quadrangular Tournament.
All of this makes Wellington College a very proud and traditional New Zealand rugby school. That pride and place in the fabric of Wellington College continues today with Wellington College Rugby aspiring to instill in our boys, a culture of success, belonging and growth, all the while connecting them with our past.
Recently this has become increasingly challenging. On-field and off-field performance (results and player numbers) have been variable but on the whole, below expectation. As a result a number of stakeholder groups have expressed their concern at the trajectory of Wellington College Rugby.
Members of the Board, the Senior Leadership Team and the Rugby Club have listened to the feedback. As parents, teachers and coaches themselves, they agree that the status quo is not acceptable, but what the future of Rugby at Wellington College best looks like, is equally unclear. To help achieve clarity on this, a Committee composed of members of the Board, Senior Leadership, Rugby management, parents and Old Boys was formed to investigate.
The first stage of this work commenced prior to Christmas with a call for parents to give their input. Interviews were carried out with a number of parents of past, present and future students to assess the current state of WC Rugby. These interviews, while certainly not unanimous, highlighted a number of key themes. In general, there is;
• Disquiet – Dissatisfaction and frustration with actions or decisions of others
• Under-performance – Players and teams not reaching their potential
• Disconnection – Members of the community feeling undervalued or unwanted
Alongside these stakeholder discussions, for the past four months a group of Wellington College representatives has been meeting with members of our wider rugby community and leaders of rugby programmes in high performing rugby schools across New Zealand. These meetings have yielded some surprising insights, highlighted some myths and some home truths - some of which can be addressed immediately, others will take longer to remedy.
The committee would like to update you on this work to date – the findings, some actions already in train and plans for this and the coming seasons. We are also keen to hear your thoughts and feedback and this is always best done in person. Accordingly, you are invited to join us for a “Wellington College Rugby Community Meeting” at 7.45am, Friday 20 March in Firth Hall
As a demonstration of our commitment to WC Rugby we have commenced the following initiatives:
Some structural changes have been made within the rugby club so that the 1st XV coaches’ sole responsibility within the club, will be to coach the team.
We have identified the long-term central importance of a full-time Director of Rugby role. We have started the process of raising funds for this with the aim of having this in place for 2021
In 2020, Reg Goodes will be joining the coaching team as a volunteer. Other old boys who have played rugby at professional level have agreed to be involved with the club.
Former 1st XV captain and SAS Officer, Steve Guiney, has been appointed to the position of ‘Manager – Leadership & Culture’ for the 1st XV and is available to work with players and teams throughout the club.
Filo Tiatia (All Black 2000) has agreed to help when he can from his base in Auckland. Timings are being worked out.
I understand there is interest in the grading and development structures which we have in place at Wellington College. Please click here to view this year’s plan.
Please RSVP to the breakfast meeting, by 18 March 2020. Current and past players, parents, old boys, staff and anyone interested in the future of Wellington College Rugby is welcome to join us. You can register by clicking here.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Gregor Fountain (Principal)
February 15, 2020
Click here for the WC Parents page on the Wellington College website.
February 15, 2020
We have had a large number of students experiencing problems with faulty Snapper cards this year, including adult fares being charged at times. Please direct any concerns directly to the team at Snapper. All their contact details are here.
It is also a really good idea to register your Snapper card online. This protects it if it is lost and it gives you online access 24/7 to your Snapper balance and transaction history.
February 14, 2020
Wellington College’s joint duxes of 2019 have performed exceptionally well in the New Zealand Scholarship Awards. Liam Anderson gained a total of 8 scholarship awards, with 4 at ‘outstanding’ level and Nicholas Patel gained a total of 5 scholarship awards, with 4 of these at ‘outstanding' level. Jesse Richardson also performed brilliantly, gaining 7 'scholarship' awards, with 2 'outstanding'.
Liam & Nicholas have both been named among New Zealand's Premier Scholars. This places them in the top 12 students in Year 13 in New Zealand in 2019.
Liam was also the Top Scholar in New Zealand for Spanish and Jesse was the Top Scholar in New Zealand for History. Jesse was also identified as an 'Outstanding Scholar', placing him within the top 70 students in New Zealand.
Scholarships are reserved for the top 3% of Year 13 students across New Zealand in each subject area. ‘Outstanding’ awards are given to the top 0.3% of Year 13 students in each subject area.
Wellington College’s students gained a total of 105 awards. 53 individual students attained Scholarships in 15 different subjects. 13 awards were gained at ‘Outstanding’ level. These results continue Wellington College’s remarkable record of success in these prestigious examinations. Congratulations to all of the students and their teachers who experienced Scholarship success in 2019.
January 30, 2020
Wellington College has once again teamed up with OfficeMax MySchool to make ordering stationery for 2020 simple. You can visit the Wellington College Office Max page to order stationery now..
Buying through OfficeMax MySchool also earns rewards for our school which we can redeem for much needed educational supplies, equipment for our classrooms or for students in need. However, you are welcome to buy your stationery from any provider.
January 27, 2020
The 2020 timetable is structured over five days (rather than 6). This means that rather than rotating, each day's timetable is the same from week to week. On Mondays, Tuesdays & Wednesdays, school starts at 8.50am with either a Tutor or COLL Time. On Thursdays (assembly day), students report directly to their Period One class at 8.50am. On Fridays we have a late start so that staff can take part in their professional learning and development programme. On this day Year 9 and 10 students report directly to period one at 9.25am. For most students in Years 11-13, the first class of the day will begin at 10.15am. Students will receive their personalised timetable when school starts which will include the start time and location of all classes. This is also available through the parent portal.
January 26, 2020
Between the 24th and 27th of January the Wellington College rowers competed in the North Island Club Championships. This is a huge regatta with over 2000
competitors. The rowers and their coaches have been working hard all summer. The results speak for themselves; competing for the Star Boating Club our rowers won 2 Gold, 2 Silver & 2 Bronze medals with success in every age category. Twelve boats made A Finals & and a further eight boats made B Finals. We are looking
forward to the North Island School Championship later in the term and thank the coaches and other volunteers who are having such a positive impact on our rowing club.
January 26, 2020
The 1st XV squad is heading to Argentina for a preseason tour in April. The boys have been working hard to raise funds. Can you help them?
Raffle Tickets
Tour Players are selling these at $5 or $40 for a book. These need to be sold by 16 February. If you would like to buy a book, please contact email Julie = juliecooper49@gmail.com
Bingo Beer & Bubbles - Saturday 22 February
Get your teams together for music, bingo and our live auction. Spread the word among friends, family and colleagues. There are only a few tickets left at $35 (includes platters for your table. Plwase email Anna anna@urbancottage.co.nz
Auction Items
If you could donate items for the auction, please email Dan - danandcolleen@googlemail.com
Golf Tournament – Friday 28 February
Get a team together for this Ambrose Golf Tournament at the Karori Golf Club. Tickets are $50 per person or $200 for a team. We are also looking for $100 business donations for each hole. Please email Kim Muollo with offers of sponsorship and to register to play - kimbom3@hotmail.com
January 25, 2020
We have received this correspondence about changes to the morning buses from Karori which will be in place from 2020.
There are a range of other changes occurring across the network and Metlink have asked us to highlight to our school community what these changes could mean for students across the city. Students should consider:
Metlink continues to work closely with our operators to recruit new drivers to alleviate the nation-wide bus driver shortages.
New timetables will be available to view and / or download from our website metlink.org.nz from 23 December 2019.
January 23, 2020
With over 30 different sports available, there are sporting opportunities at Wellington College for everyone. We have the traditional sports such as Football, Rugby, Basketball, Hockey, Rowing, Athletics, through to Ultimate, Futsal, Golf, Ice Hockey, Sailing, Waka Ama, Waterpolo and much more. We have social teams as well as competitive & elite programmes. Click here for the full list of sports
Summer sports registrations will close on Wednesday 5 February (week 2 of term 1) and winter sports registrations close on Wednesday 19 February 2020 (week 4 term 1). Click here to register now! .
January 15, 2020
Are you buying school shoes for 2020? Let us settle the arguments about which shoes are permitted. Wellington College uniform requires black leather, polish-able shoes. These can be either slip on or lace-up. In Terms 1 and 4, students are permitted to wear brown sandals. Sandals must have a back strap. See below for what's acceptable and what's not.
January 13, 2020
Our coffee shop -The Brew Café, needs a supervisor to work on site with our senior students who have undergone initial barista training. An exciting opportunity for someone with flair who is comfortable working alongside and supervising selected students, Mon-Fri 8.00am-2.00pm, term time only. Previous experience in the barista and hospitality industry is preferred.
Applicants for this position should have NZ residency.
Applications close 24th January 2020.
Please click here for more information and to apply.
December 15, 2019
We are delighted to announce that the new Head Prefect Team for 2020 is:
Head Prefect (Manukura): Andrew Latta
Deputy Head Prefects (Amorangi): Joel Tebbs, Toby Cook and Joshua Kemp-Whimp
Congratulations and we look forward to working with you!
December 14, 2019
We are delighted to announce that Andrew Savage will be joining our staff team in 2020 as Deputy Principal - Curriculum. Andrew is a highly creative, energetic & strategic leader who was previously Deputy Principal of Wellington High School & is currently a Lead Advisor - Innovation & Collaboration at the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand. Nau mai, hoki mai! Welcome back to Wellington College, Andrew.
December 2, 2019
Year 12 student Ken Rayner has been awarded a PAD German language scholarship. The PAD Scholarship (Pädagogischer Austauschdienst) provides Ken with a 4-week trip to Germany in June/July next year, all expenses paid. Ken will stay with a host family, attend school with other top international students and tour Germany in the northern hemisphere summer.
Photo: HOD Languages and German teacher Miriam Tornquist with the award winner, Ken Rayner.
November 17, 2019
Wellington College is part of Te Kāhui Ako o Te Whanganui-a-Tara - a community of learning which also involves Kelburn Normal School, Karori Normal School, Brooklyn School, Northland School and Wellington Girls' College. Click here for the Term 4 2019 update of what's been happening in our collaborative community.
November 9, 2019
Thank you to everyone who attended the Senior Prizegiving on Monday night. It was a privilege to celebrate together as a community a wide range of student academic, leadership and service contributions to Wellington College.
We would particularly like to congratulate our co-duxes - Liam Anderson and Nicholas Patel on their outstanding academic records, both this year and over the past five years. We would also like to acknowledge Nathan Turner who was the inaugural winner of the Prime Minister's Award for Vocational Excellence.
We extend to all graduating students our thanks for your contribution to the school. Our best wishes for the final examinations and all of your future endeavours.
A copy of the Principal’s Report will be available in December on the College website.
November 8, 2019
We're looking for an International Student Homestay Manager, a Financial Assistant & some new Teacher Aides to join our staff team.
For information about the Homestay Manager position click here.
For information about the Teacher Aide positions click here.
For information about the Financial Assistant positions click here.
November 3, 2019
With the Wellington College Runathon 2019 officially coming to a close, the Super Six would like to thank everyone involved in helping create what truly was a special and unforgettable event.
With the help of everyone involved, we were able to smash the record for the most money raised in a single Runathon, raising an incredible $94,021.35 for World Vision. This amount will make a massive difference in the lives of those living in poverty in the Chi Kreng community in Cambodia.
This was an incredible way to kick-start Wellington College’s new support of the Chi Kreng community in Cambodia after we raised over $1,000,000 collectively for the Ibwera Community in Tanzania over the last 20 years.
Everyone’s support is really appreciated and we look forward to next year’s Runathon!
November 2, 2019
All the details of this generous offer, from Old Boy - Tony Gaeta.
October 26, 2019
We are delighted to share our 2019 Education Review Office Report with our school community. You can view the report here
We thank the ERO team for their acknowledgement of our work. We look forward to continuing to make decisions and take actions that will enhance our school community so that all of our students learn, achieve and develop the values which will enable them to actively and successfully contribute to the modern world.
You can view the letter we received from the Minister of Education in response to this great report here.
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October 24, 2019
Congratulations to all involved in the 2019 Black and Gold Awards. Thanks to the Jazz Band, Kapa Haka Te Haeata Awatea, the Pasifika Performance Group and the Wellington Trio (Benjamin Carter, Peter Gjelsten, Michael Lau), for helping to make it a great evening. Thanks to the awesome team of Year 10 waiters and to Ben Shea and Elliot Willis for their excellent work as MCs
And the winner were:
October 7, 2019
As you know, there is a large and increasing measles outbreak in Auckland with over 800 confirmed cases and over 900 cases nationally. There have been 21 cases in the Wellington region this year. Measles is likely to continue in NZ for months with travel, school holidays, inter-school events and tournaments increasing the likelihood of further measles spread.
Safeguarding your children from measles by being fully vaccinated, keeping students and staff off school and excluding those who have been exposed but are not immune will all help protect others, especially those at risk of complications from disease. It will also help to ensure they don’t miss learning opportunities, NCEA school exams, arts and sports tournaments and school balls.
Please locate your son's immunisation records now. You may be required to present these to us as the situation develops.
To protect your child and their school Regional Pubic Health recommends the following actions NOW
September 25, 2019
Blues awards are among the most prestigious awards presented to students involved in sport or arts at Wellington College. To qualify a student must have achieved at the highest level in their chosen activity by being selected for New Zealand at the highest secondary school level or through winning a national title or setting a national record.
At our assembly on Thursday 26th September, eight extraordinary students were presented with 2019 Blues awards.
Atakura Julian - Swimming and Surf Life Saving
Atakura is Wellington College’s premier swimmer. He won 5 medals at the NZ Secondary School Swim Championships – 3 of them gold against the country’s top under 19 swimmers. He also won a bronze medal in the Open Men’s 200 metre butterfly at the New Zealand Championships. He would have been selected for the NZ Team to compete in Australia if he had not already been selected for the New Zealand Surf Life Saving team which was competing in South Africa at the same time. This selection based on winning a gold medal at the National Surf Lifesaving Championships at the beginning of the year.
Henry Hamilton - Football
Henry is a member of the Wellington Phoenix Under 20 team in the Honda Premiership and captain of the Phoenix Under 17 team. It has just been confirmed this week that he has been selected to play for the New Zealand Under 17 team to play in the World Cup in Brazi which starts in October.
Thomas Hoskin - Fencing
Thomas is the New Zealand Secondary Schools Fencing Champion and also finished third in the New Zealand Under 19 Open Foil.
Roman Polaczuk - Hockey
Roman is in his second year in the Wellington College 1st XI hockey team. He is a member of the New Zealand Under 18 team - the Junior Black Sticks.
Joseph Galinski - Music
Joseph plays the clarinet for the New Zealand Youth Symphonic Winds. A gifted musician, Joseph also sings in the Wellington College Barbershop Chorus, plays the clarinet in the school orchestra and the tenor saxophone in the Jazz Band. He was part of the trio that composed and played the backing music for 'Romeo and Juliet' in the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival.
Andrew Latta - Music
Andrew is a member of New Zealand's premier men’s barbershop chorus - Vocal FX. He is involved in a number of vocal groups within the school including the Chorale, Barbershop Chorus and the Barbershop Quartet. He also plays in the Jazz ensemble and like Joseph, was a member of the trio playing for 'Romeo and Juliet' in the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival..
Dhruv Menon - Music
Dhruv is also a member of Vocal FX which is extraordinary for a Year 10 student. He also sings in the Wellington College Chorale, Barbershop Chorus and Quartet and plays in the Jazz Ensemble.
George Parker - Drama
George receives his Drama Honours for being awarded a place in the prestigious National Shakespeare Schools Production Week. 43 students are chosen from the 5,000 who participate in the festival nation-wide. George performed in the national festival in 'Two Noble Kinsmen' and received significant recognition for his directing of the New Zealand Sign Language 'Romeo and Juliet' performance.
September 17, 2019
Atakura Julian returned from September's National Secondary School Swimming Championships in Hamilton with an incredible haul of medals. Competing in the senior age group, Atakura won gold medals in the 100 metre butterfly, 200 metre butterfly and 400 metre freestyle events. In addition, he won a silver medal in the 50 metre freestyle and bronze medals in the 100 and 200 metre fresstyle events,.
In the 13 year old division, Finn Harland won silver medals in the 400 metre freestyle and 50 metre backstroke and bronze medals in the 100 metre freestyle and 200 metre individual medley.. James O'Brien also medalled in the 13 year old division, winning bronze in the 11 metre breaststroke.
A final medal was won by the Under 15 4X50 metre relay team who won the bronze medal.
September 15, 2019
Congratulations to the Wellington College Chorale on their Silver Medal winning performance at the National Big Sing Finals and to the Wellington College Barbershop Quartet who won third place in the Young Men in Harmony section of the National Barbershop Finals. You can view one of the Chorale's pieces here:
August 22, 2019
'Eat My Lunch' is New Zealand’s largest social enterprise. It operates on a one-for-one model, which means that for every lunch you buy for yourself, 'Eat My Lunch' provide a lunch to a kiwi kid who would otherwise not have one. An estimated that 25,000 children go to school without lunch in New Zealand each day. Last year 'Eat My Lunch' provided their one millionth meal to a child in New Zealand but there are still 60 schools on the 'Eat My Lunch' wait list.
A group of committed student leaders is coordinating Wellington College's involvement in 'Eat My Lunch'. Lunch orders will be available every Friday for the rest of the term. If you would like to order yourself a lunch and provide lunch for a kid in need at the same time, please order and pay online by 5pm on the Wednesday prior to the day you'd like to order for.
Click here to make your order for this Friday.
August 17, 2019
We have more than 150 students at Wellington College who qualify for special assessment conditions for exams. We are looking for new volunteers to help us support these students. Please email Saskia & Brenda if you can help - senco@wc.school.nz. You can find out more about what's involved by clicking here.
August 15, 2019
The use of e-cigarettes is growing rapidly among all age groups. Manufacturers of these products employ aggressive advertising in an attempt to attract young people. It seems that little is known about vaping among New Zealand addiction and health agencies. To be fair, there is little long-term research worldwide and vaping is a recent phenomenon.
There is information available on-line of variable quality and use. The following bullet points are what we thought were the most useful:
- The biggest risks of vaping are the unknown risks. The dangers will not be known for some time.
- Breathing any product into your lungs unnecessarily is not smart.
- Vaping was not designed to be taken up by non-smokers.
- Some young people start smoking after using e-cigarettes. The spread of e-cigarettes is re-normalising smoking behaviour.
- A number of chemicals are added to vaping devices. Of special concern are compounds not found in conventional cigarettes, e.g. propylene glycol.
- A common additive to e-cigarettes is nicotine, a highly addictive drug with known health risks. Young people may add very high amounts of nicotine to get a “buzz”.
- Nicotine can effect brain development and functioning in young people.
- Studies have found increased airway resistance after exposure to vaping.
- Research suggests that vaping damages the brain,heart and lungs. It may lead to cancerous tumours, can account for stillbirths and that the harmful effects are exacerbated during foetal development and adolescence.
- There is little consistency across different products.
- There is no evidence that the aerosol used is safe.
- The general advice from experts is to steer clear of e-cigarettes and other vaping devices.
Should you have any concern about your sons, please contact us:
Stuart Slater, Guidance Counsellor, s.slater@wc.school.nz, phone 802 2548.
Sarah Parker, Guidance Counsellor, s.parker@wc.school.nz, phone 803 0304
July 30, 2019
We are very proud of the students in Chorale as they have continued to work hard and strive for excellence. For a number of years now, the Wellington College Chorale has been at the forefront of boys’ choirs in New Zealand, and it is great they have been selected as one of the top 24 choirs in the country to compete in the 2019 Big Sing national finals to be held in Dunedin, 29 - 31 August.
We wish them all the very best.
July 26, 2019
We are delighted that you are considering joining the Wellington College community in 2020.
See our 2020 Prospectus with all 2020 Course and other information here.
You can view a short report about student achievement for qualifications at Wellington College in 2018 here.
Click here to complete your on-line enrolment application for Year 9 in 2020.
Click here to complete your on-line enrolment application for Year 10 to Year 13 in 2020.
In zone enrolment applications for 2020 may be made at any time during the year prior to the start of school (27 January, 2020). However, we request that these be submitted on-line by Monday 29 July, 2019 to allow for curriculum planning and so that we can determine out of zone enrolment numbers.
Students should remain within the College zone for at least two years from the time the student starts at the College. The College must be immediately notified of any change of address, within the zone.
Out of Zone applications for Year 9 in 2020 have now closed.
This will commence 21 November 9.00am in the Sports Centre. This is an opportunity for new students to meet key people and become familiar with our campus and programmes.
In zone enrolment applications for 2020 may be made at any time during the year prior to the start of school (27 January, 2020), but should be submitted on-line by Tuesday, 15 October, 2019 to allow for curriculum planning and so that we can determine any out of zone enrolment numbers.
Out of zone applications for years 10 to 13 must be submitted on-line no later than 4.00pm on Tuesday, 15 October 2019.
The Out-of-Zone Ballot for Years 10 - 13, 2019 will be held on Monday, 4 November 2019.
All applications must have a copy of the student’s birth certificate (and passport if the student was born outside New Zealand).
In-zone applications must also provide a rates notice/tenancy agreement and a utility account to confirm in zone status.
Students should remain within the College zone for at least two years from the time the student starts at the College. The College must be immediately notified of any change of address, within the zone.
July 25, 2019
We are delighted to introduce Katie Rawles to Wellington College as our new Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning.
Katie is currently the Deputy Rector at St Pat's Silverstream and was previously the Head of the Music Department at Wellington College.
Katie is a nationally regarded educator, with particular interests in culturally responsive practice, student agency in learning, music education and digital citizenship.
Katie will be starting her new position on Monday 19th August.
Welcome back to Wellington College, Katie.
Nau mai! Haere mai!
July 24, 2019
I am pleased to report to the Wellington College community on student achievement for national qualifications in 2018.
At Wellington College, we have always used ‘roll-based’ data for both setting targets and reporting on results. This ensures that every single student who attends Wellington College in Years 11-13 is included in the statistics for their level (i.e. Year 11 – NCEA Level 1, Year 12 – NCEA Level 2and Year 13 – NCEA Level 3).
One of the highlights of 2018 was the exceptional success of Wellington College students in the NZ Scholarship Awards. Scholarships are reserved for the top 3% of Year 13 students across New Zealand in each subject area. Wellington College’s students gained a total of 108 awards. 50 individual students attained Scholarships in 18 different subjects. 8 awards were gained at ‘Outstanding’ level. ‘Outstanding’ awards are given to the top 0.3% of Year 13 students in each subject area. These results continue Wellington College’s remarkable record of success in these prestigious examinations. Congratulations to all of the students and their teachers who experienced Scholarship success in 2018.
The 2018 overall results of Wellington College students in the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) were also exceptional and significantly higher than the average for boys at all decile 10 schools. 91.4% of Wellington College’s Year 11 students gained NCEA Level 1 (compared with 77.8% for all boys in decile 10 schools); 95.7% of Wellington College’s Year 12 students gained NCEA Level 2 (compared with 82.8% for all boys in decile 10 schools); and 92.2% of Wellington College’s Year 13 students gained NCEA Level 3 (compared with 77.7% for all boys in decile 10 schools).
Wellington College’s Māori students gained each level of the NCEA at a rate in excess of the average for all boys in decile 10 schools, with 78.6% of Year 11 students gaining NCEA Level 1, 93.8% of Year 12 students gaining NCEA Level 2, and 91.4% of Year 13 students gaining NCEA Level 3.
92.3% of Wellington College’s Year 13 Pacific students gained NCEA Level 3. This was higher than the average achievement rate for all boys in decile 10 schools. While the results of Year 11 and 12 Pacific students were slightly below the average for all boys in decile 10 schools, their achievement rate was significantly higher than the average for Pacific boys at other decile 10 schools, with 76.9% gaining Level 1 (compared with 62.3%) and 82.1% gaining NCEA Level 2 (compared with 68.9%).
78.8% of all Year 13 students gained University Entrance in 2018. This compares very favourably with the average for boys in all decile 10 schools, which in 2018 was 66.2%.
While at most levels of the NCEA, Wellington College’s Māori and Pacific students achieved at a level that is similar to students from all other ethnic groups, there remains an achievement gap when it comes to University Entrance. In 2018, this was particularly the case for Pacific students, with 38.5% gaining University Entrance (compared with 78.8% for all students). It was disappointing that we were unable to maintain or improve on the result from 2017 when 59.1% of Year 13 Pacific students gained University Entrance. The closing of these gaps continues to be a major focus for Wellington College. Our Māori and Pacific Achievement Plans outline our strategy for achieving equity in this and other areas. You can view these plans here.
You can find out more about achievement at Wellington College via www.nzqa.govt.nz and www.educationcounts.govt.nz. Our achievement targets for 2019 are contained within our Charter, which you can view here.
Gregor Fountain (Principal)
June 29, 2019
Over the past 20 years, our students have raised more than $1 million for World Vision. Most of this money has been directed towards supporting projects in Ibwera in Tanzania.
Click here to read about how that money has changed the lives of large numbers of people!
Thanks for your ongoing support of Wellington College's community partner, World Vision New Zealand.
June 23, 2019
As many of you may know, the World Vision Runathon took place earlier this year, and currently, we are in the process of collecting and counting all of the money coming in. We know that it's easy to get on board with fundraising when all the fun activities are taking place and we are working together, but in order to make a difference for the Chi Kreng community, it's time to buckle down and get those individual sponsorships in.
So far we have raised almost $10,000 from booklets alone. That's just over $5 each. Our aim is to raise a grand total of $100,000 this year, and if we want to reach our goal we are counting on everyone to keep putting in the hard work. If every student was able to raise $40 we will get there! As a small incentive to keep those booklets coming in, the tutor group that raises the most money will get a pizza lunch!
Thank you for your continued hard work and support of such an important cause.
2019 Super Six (World Vision Student Leadership Team)
June 22, 2019
With the increase of influenza (flu) in the Wellington area the following steps are recommended by Regional Public Health to help reduce this virus spreading through our schools and the community
Influenza (flu) is a virus that spreads quickly from person to person. It can be spread through the air by coughing and sneezing as well as by hands, cups and other objects that have been in contact with an infected person’s mouth or nose.
The following information will help reduce the spread of influenza in our school:
1. Make sure everyone covers their mouth and nose with tissues when coughing and sneezing.
2. Encourage everyone to wash their hands regularly.
3. Clean surfaces that are touched often (door handles, bench tops, toilets bathroom areas).
4. Make sure students with symptoms stay at home until they are well and free of symptoms.
Symptoms Include:
· A severe fever (over 38°C) lasting several days
· A cough and sore chest.
· Severe exhaustion and aches and pains.
Please click here for further information.
June 19, 2019
We are delighted to invite prospective students, along with their whānau and friends, to join us for one of our 2020 Open Mornings.
On Saturday 22nd June our Open Morning will begin at 10.30am in the Alan Gibbs Centre - our brand new Memorial Hall and Performing Arts Centre. You'll meet our Principal, Gregor Fountain, and hear from some current students. You will then be invited to join a student-led tour of our beautiful campus. The tour will allow you to meet with key members of staff, representing our broad curriculum and our extensive extra-curricular programmes. There will be opportunities to find out more about our enrolment procedures for both in-zone and out-of-zone students.
On Monday 24th June starting at 9.30am, we will run a slightly reduced repeat programme for those who are unable to attend on the Saturday morning.
We are really looking forward to meeting you, and discussing how we can support your son's transition to Wellington College. in the meantime, you might be interested in viewing the College's new Strategic Plan. This will give you a strong sense of our values and our exciting plans for the future.
Our enrolment documents are available here.
June 19, 2019
We have a large group of international students arriving at the start of Term 3, mainly from Italy and Chile. If you have a spare room, please consider becoming a homestay family. International students help us create a diverse and vibrant school community and provide a valuable global perspective in our classes. Our programme also generates income for the school which supports the development of our programmes and facilities. International students need their own room and three meals each day. Host families receive $300 each week. Please email Kathi Scott - k.scott@wc.school.nz if you would like to explore this idea further.
May 15, 2019
We were delighted to host the Wellington Regional section of the Ngā Manu Kōrero speech competition on Thursday 16th May. Thank you to all the members of the school community - staff, parents, students and whānau who supported this event in a wide variety of ways. Congratulations to all the participants and especially to Wellington College's Tai Renner (Year 9) who took out the Sir Turi Carroll Award for the winning speech in the Junior English category.
May 15, 2019
The Alan Gibbs Centre - our brand new Memorial Hall & Performing Arts Centre has won an award in the Education category in the Wellington Architecture Awards. The judges commented that:
"This hall, the third on the site, brings the original Memorial Window into a new light in the new school assembly building, a feature that showcases both heritage and functionality. A skin of metal, with brass and aluminium inserts as repeating patterns, wraps the building in a weatherproof cloak. An interweaving of spaces via a grand new stair provides grandeur, continuity and design flair, connecting the old to the new."
You can read more about this award and see photos of the building here.
You can view WCTV's beautiful film about the opening of the building here.
All the details you need to hire this award winning building for your function can be found here.
April 30, 2019
The Collegian is the quarterly newsletter for the Wellington College community. Click here to read the April 2019 issue.
April 30, 2019
Wellington College Football require an organised and committed person to work in a part-time capacity. Previous administrative experience would be an advantage, along with the ability to work with both adults and students.
The position description and application pack are available from d.keat@wc.school.nz or by contacting 802.2547.
Applications close Tuesday 14 May.
April 26, 2019
Term One finished with the 2019 ANZAC Assembly. This was the first ANZAC Assembly in our new Memorial Hall & Performing Arts Centre. You can click here to read the speech given by the British High Commissioner to New Zealand, Her Excellency Ms Laura Clark.
April 24, 2019
The Uniform Shop will be open extended hours to give parents and caregivers the chance to purchase items before or after their parent/teacher interviews.
The shop will also be open 11am-7pm on Monday 6 May.
Further information about the Uniform Shop can be found here.
April 22, 2019
This year's combined Arts and Culture event is entitled Tiaho te Ao and will be held in the Alan Gibbs Centre.
We are seeking a student-designed poster to advertise the event. The showcase will include a combined choir, jazz band, concert band, orchestra, kapa haka and Pasifika performance and the Showquest dances from both schools. There will also be an AV display of Art from both schools.
Details for the poster are as follows:
25 July, 7pm
Alan Gibbs Centre, Wellington College
Tickets:Adults $15, Students $ 10
To purchase tickets, click here: (we will add a link when we have it)
March 23, 2019
The Wellington College Premier A debating team won the regional title after an intense weekend of debating on the weekend of 23rd & 24th March. They defeated the talented Wellington College B team in the semi final before overcoming St Oran's College in the final. Jesse Richardson was named the outstanding debater of the tournament with both Jesse and Adam Muir being named in the regional representative team. Hugh O'Leary, from the Wellington College B team, was named as one of the tournament's most promising debaters.
March 22, 2019
Matthew Sutcliffe, Wellington College's 2018 Dux, has been awarded the prestigious 2019 Girdlers’ Scholarship, which will enable him to study Human, Social and Political Sciences at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, starting in October 2019.
“This programme looks at the big social questions and political issues that confront us today,” says Matthew. “I think the way these are looked at—from anthropological, sociological and political perspectives—is profoundly valuable.
“The HSPS interdisciplinary approach, which combines the analytical reasoning of politics, the human insights of sociology and the historical methodology of anthropology, is something that not only sews these interests of mine together but extends and challenges them too.”
At Wellington College, Matthew achieved excellence endorsements in five NCEA Level 3 subjects across a wide spectrum of subjects, Scholarship in seven subjects, was a top performer in the Cambridge Mathematics examination, and among the top 1% of both the Australian Mathematics Competitions and the ICAS Science Competition.
See the full press release from Universities New Zealand here.
March 21, 2019
Thank you to everyone in the Wellington College community that donated to the Christchurch Victims' Fund on Friday's Mufti Day. Together we raised $5935 to support families in Christchurch.
March 17, 2019
Our team of Wellbeing Prefects is currently putting together the finishing touches to the 2019 Wellington College Wellbeing Day which we will be holding on Wednesday 15th May. This event is for all Year 12 and 13 students. On this day the normal timetable will be suspended to allow senior students the opportunity to take part in a series of wellbeing workshops and presentations.
The organising team is looking for people to present different workshops. The list below of possible workshops has been generated by the students. If you would like to take part or you know anyone who would be interested in presenting on this day we would love to hear from you.
Please contact Patrick Smith. His email is p.smith@wc.school.nz
All other ideas will be considered.
March 15, 2019
Wellington College's International Student Marketing Manager, Feng Yu, and International Director Mike Ellett, will be visiting the families of new international students throughout March. Feng will be in China visiting Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Beijing and Shanghai. Mike will be in Vietnam visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong and Hanoi. If your family is keen to host an international student in either our July intake or starting in Term 1 2020 please contact Kathi Scott on k.scott@wc.school.nz. International students require their own bedroom and three meals each day. Host families receive $290 each week.
March 14, 2019
The Police have requested that we postpone the World Vision Runathon events scheduled for Saturday 16th March. There is no specific threat. Wellington's Pride Parade has been canceled. We will schedule another day that we can complete the Runathon and continue to support World Vision's work in Cambodia.
March 13, 2019
As a result of the tragic events in Christchurch, we postponed the World Vision Runathon events which were scheduled for Saturday 16th March, so we'll be completing the second half of the Runathon on Friday 29th March between 6am and 10pm.
This year's Runathon marks the beginning of a new partnership between Wellington College and the Chi Kreng community in Cambodia with funds raised supporting World Vision's work to create clean water supplies for the 25,000 people who live there
The Runathon is a fantastic opportunity to show school pride and to support those less fortunate then us, so please get involved.
March 12, 2019
The Board of Trustees has a new Strategic Plan. It's based on the COLL values which we developed last year. You can check out our plans for the next two years by clicking here.
March 11, 2019
The opening of the Alan Gibbs Centre was a highlight of 2018. The WCTV team captured the events in this beautiful 7 minute film.
March 8, 2019
The events which unfolded in Christchurch on Friday have shocked all of our school community. Our thoughts are with the Christchurch and Wellington Muslim communities and we send our love to all who are suffering as a result of this terrible tragedy, including those within the Wellington College community.
At 9am on Monday morning we gathered on the bottom field for a moment's silence and had a short ceremony in which we lowered our flag to half-mast. We also started working with student and community leaders to organise a special assembly for Thursday to mark these tragic events and support people in our wider school community.
Starting on Monday morning, we made spaces and counsellors available at school for students who wanted to spend time in a quiet space, talk with a counsellor or access additional support.
We are aware that many of our students have had access to the graphic online content which was available through social media platforms on Friday afternoon and evening. Our counselling team is available to support these students should they wish to talk this through. We have posted some advice from Netsafe which you might find useful if you are discussing this material with young people. Click here to access this advice.
If you have any specific concerns about your son or ideas for us to consider, please do not hesitate to contact your son's tutor teacher, dean, Guidance Counsellor, or any member of our senior leadership team.
The Ministry of Education has had advice for parents about supporting children and adolescents through the trauma of the incident translated into a range of languages. Click below to access this advice:
March 8, 2019
Netsafe has some excellent advice for students, parents, staff & whānau who have encountered the online content associated with the Christchurch attacks. Click here for more information.
The Ministry of Health has some useful information for parents and others supporting children and young people who are dealing with trauma. Click here to access this advice.
We have advice for parents and caregivers about helping children and adolescents through trauma in Arabic, Urdu. Farsi and Malay available here.
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