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KATIKATI COLLEGE

YOUR FUTURE IS HERE

Welcome, our door is always open

Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make to prepare them for their future. At Katikati College we offer your child a balanced education that embraces the whole student; supporting, motivating and challenging them to achieve their personal best.

So please have a look around to learn what our College can offer you and get in touch with our office if you have any further questions on (07) 549 0434.

Ngā mihi nui

Louise Buckley

Term 2 Update

Tēnā koutou katoa

What a fantastic term it has been! I highly encourage you to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages to see the full scope of the amazing things happening at our kura and across our community. This term, it has been particularly heartening to see our students live out our core school values - striving for personal excellence, demonstrating integrity, and showing deep respect for one another and our wider community.

Creative Excellence: The Arts Going from Strength to Strength

The arts have been a true highlight lately, beautifully embodying our school vision of fostering confident, innovative, and connected lifelong learners.

Our senior Showquest team achieved the incredible feat of placing first in the Bay of Plenty! This outstanding success was led by the talented trio of Amelia McGinty, Jasmine Tocher, and Zoe Wallis, under the expert guidance of Mrs Weller, Mrs Backhouse-Smith, Mrs Willock, and Mr Oliver. Their performance now advances to be judged at the national event, and we wish them the absolute best.

Our wearable arts designers have also enjoyed phenomenal success. At the Unhemmed event hosted by Waihi College, our students showcased incredible creativity and storytelling. Kaitlyn Lane, Hollie Ormsby, and Sage-Ruby McKenzie won the Stories of the South Pacific category with their garment Bound by the Tide, while Ataarangi Douglas-Hunt took first place in the Junior Category with How Māui Pulled Up Aotearoa.

Following this, five of our students advanced to the prestigious Toi Wearable Arts - often described as the junior version of WOW. Out of an immense field of over 900 entries nationwide, Katikati College had three garments selected for the stage. We are immensely proud of Ataarangi Douglas-Hunt, Emmy Lemon, Hollie Ormsby, Sage-Ruby McKenzie, and Kaitlyn Lane, who all represented our kura with immense pride and integrity. A special congratulations goes to Ataarangi Douglas-Hunt, who received the Outstanding Stage Performance Award.

A Night to Remember: The Senior Ball

Another major highlight was our recent Senior Ball. It was a truly wonderful, magical evening, and a testament to the leadership and citizenship of our senior students. The event was beautifully concepted and organised by a dedicated committee of students alongside our supportive staff, who put hours of care into making the night a success.

Our seniors looked spectacular, carried themselves with absolute professionalism, and created an inclusive, joyful atmosphere. Events like these highlight the strength of our school culture, where students can celebrate their milestones safely and respectfully together.

Reflection and Whānau Engagement

During the upcoming holidays, we will celebrate Matariki - a traditional time for reflection, remembrance, and looking forward to the future.

I encourage you to use this seasonal transition to check in with your young person. Ask them what they are most proud of this term, what they have learned, and what they want to work on next term. While teenagers can sometimes be reluctant to open up, our active interest as parents and whānau is vital to ensuring they feel supported in their learning journey.

For those with ākonga in the senior school, please take a moment to review their progress toward NCEA. Check on the credits achieved to date and look at what lies ahead. If you have any concerns about whether they are on track to achieve their goals, please reach out to their dean for assistance.

Looking Ahead

I would like to wish all of our students a safe and well-earned holiday break.

We begin Term 3 with a staff-only day on Monday, 20 July. Students return to school on Tuesday, 21 July. Please see the calendar update in this newsletter for further details.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of Katikati College. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch – I’m always happy to discuss what we're doing here and how we’re working to provide the best for our students and community.

Ngā mihi nui,
Lou Buckley
Tumuaki | Principal