Kia ora e te whānau,
A huge congratulations to our SHOWQUEST 2024 team who won 1st place in this year’s Wellington senior showcase. This year their theme was ‘Tangata Whenua’, a very moving and powerful performance. Plus, they didn’t just win 1st Place, they won Best Original Composition, Best Live Music AND Best Drama awards. WOW! It was a real team effort across the school and many months in planning to bring it together. Thanks to those parents and caregivers who supported their students and to Ana Welham for her guidance. Kāhore taku toa i te toa takitahi, he toa takitini.
We are also so proud of three of our Year 13 artists, Bladon Roe, Eser Armstrong, and Tessa Thornley for being chosen to exhibit at this weekend’s NZArt Show in Wellington. All three are also finalists in the inaugural Hyundai Emerging Artist Award. Only 40 students were selected across the region for this award, which aims to encourage and empower emerging artists as they embark on their creative journeys.
Big Sing Choral Festival Onslow College has 2 choirs competing in the regional competition of the Big Sing Choral Festival next week. They are the Ngā Manu Tīoriori (our all-comers choir), and the Onslow College Chamber Choir. They sing on Friday afternoon of the festival, and both choirs sing in the gala concert next Friday evening, the 7th June. We wish them all the best. Thanks to Arts LAL Kathy Roy for her leadership and expertise for this event.
We’re really pleased with how the Yr 10 Literacy and Numeracy Assessments have gone this week. Well done to all the students who sat these assessments.
Staff Only Days – We have two Staff only days this term. Tomorrow, on Friday 31st May, our staff will be attending the Loop Ed Conference in Wellington. This is one of the largest educational conferences in New Zealand and we look forward to guest speakers and the workshops on offer. On Tuesday 4 June our staff will be attending a morning with our Kāhui Ako and then working on developing our curriculum and timetable structure in the afternoon. This means that school will be closed and there will be no supervision of students on these days:
- Friday 31st May
- King’s Birthday, Monday 3rd June (a public holiday)
- Tuesday 4th June.
Careers and Pathways – New Careerwise Website – We have introduced a new one-stop shop for everything your student needs to start thinking about next steps and the transition out of school. Have a look here: https://onslow.careerwise.school/. This is a website for both parents/caregivers and students. Peter Chapman is always happy to meet with families, and students can always book in a time to meet Peter through Careerwise (‘Make an appointment’ drop down) or the Careerwise button on the schoolbridge app. There are so many opportunities available for all students, I encourage you to do some research together.
Onslow College Open Evening – Wednesday 12th June 5:30-7:30pm
We warmly invite you to the Onslow College Open Evening. This will be your chance to see the school learning spaces, talk to current students and Learning Area Leaders, and hear from our Leadership team.
Tours of the school: Between 5:30 – 7pm, our student guides will host small groups around the school to hear short presentations from our Learning Area Leaders. Feel free to ask our students and staff any questions about life at Onslow.
Presentation in the hall at 7pm: Our Tumuaki, Sheena Millar, representatives from the School Board and current students will share their experiences and information about Onslow College.
Please note: There will be NO parking onsite. Parking is available at Rāroa Intermediate, Rāroa Park, the Onslow student car park on Burma Road, and the surrounding streets – Burma Road, Haumia St, Bannister Ave.
Please reach out to me or any of the Senior Leadership Team if you have any questions.
Nga mihi nui,
Sheena Millar
Tumuaki/Principal
IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
Staff only days: Friday 31st May & Tuesday 4th June
King’s Birthday: Monday 3rd June (a public holiday)
Open Evening: Wed 12th June, 5:30 – 7:30pm