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JOHN PAUL COLLEGE NEWSLETTER
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John Paul College
Term 1, Week 10
Ma te Pono me te Aroha – Through Faith and Love
School Theme for 2026 - He kākā ki te rere. Life to the full
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Principal Message
As the first term draws to a finish I am able to reflect back on the last ten weeks. I am conscious of what a fantastic community we have here at John Paul College.
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The successes and victories within the college overshadow any challenges. We have passionate staff working diligently with motivated students. We were delighted to see the beginning of the construction of the new Turf Cover for our students. The project will take approximately 12 weeks and will see a tremendous long term asset for the college. A genuine 'nga mihi nui' to our community for the continued support and fundraising to make this project a success.
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On a personal note I am looking forward to term two as I have a sabbatical in which I have some professional development opportunities. I want to thank in advance the work of Matthew Czyrek who will take on the Acting Principal role. I am certain his passion for the college will shine through in his leadership. Similarly, Mr Paul Johnson will step into the Pastoral Deputy Principal role. The college, students and staff are in great hands.
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Finally, Easter is upon us, it is a perfect time to spend in contemplation of the Passion of Christ. I encourage us all to make this season one where family is prioritised and we give thanks for loving God.
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Yours in Christ, Justin Harper (Principal).
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Term Dates/Public Holidays/Teacher only Days (ToD)
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- End of term: 2nd April
- Good Friday - 3rd April
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- Start of term: Monday 20th April
- ANZAC Day - 27th April
- ToD - Friday 29th May
- Kings B.Day - 1st June
- Akonga end of term: 2nd July
- ToD - Friday 3rd July
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Please work with our school to ensure that all unexplained absences are resolved as quickly as possible. We ask that whānau use School Bridge to inform us of student absence or send an email in the morning to absentees@jpc.school.nz
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ASPIRING PRINCIPALS
The Ministry of Education has created a new initiative to help develop the next generation of New Zealand Principals. JPC was delighted to see that two of our Senior Leadership Team were selected for the first class of this 'Aspiring Principal's Programme'.
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Congratulations to Ms Caroline Gill (our DP Curriculum) and Whaea Laurelle Tamati (DP Kaihautu Maori) for their selection amongst 12 BOP leaders for this programme. Over 2026 they will be mentored and recieve professional development to help craft them for a future role as Tumuaki of their own colleges.
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PARISH SERVER TEN PIN
Last week a new club in the college celebrated an inaugral event. We have all the students in the college who serve at St Mary of the Cross or St Michael's parish services. We got together 21 students for an afternoon of Ten Pin. It was great to spend time together and acknowledge the contributions our young people make to our wider Catholic community.
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Special acknowledgement to Father's Prakash and Mohan for their support of our students.
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God bless, Justin Harper (Principal).
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Coming Soon: A New Look Report for Years 7–10
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At the end of Term 2, students in Years 7–10 will receive a new-style school report as part of changes being introduced across Aotearoa New Zealand.
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What’s changing?
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The updated reports are designed to give clearer, more meaningful information about your child’s learning progress, particularly in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics. They aim to make it easier for parents and caregivers to understand how their child is progressing and what their next learning steps are.
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Deputy Principal of Curriculum
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What are “progress descriptors”?
A key feature of the new reports is the use of progress descriptors. These replace traditional levels or grades with clearer descriptions of how your child is progressing:
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Emerging – learning with significant support
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Developing – making progress toward expectations
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Consolidating – becoming more consistent and secure
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Proficient – meeting expectations for their year level
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Exceeding – working beyond expectations
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These descriptors are designed to show not just achievement, but progress over time.
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What can you expect?
When the new reports are introduced mid-year, they will include:
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Progress information for Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
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Teacher comments explaining your child’s learning
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Information from assessments used at school
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A visual summary of progress over time
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Want to learn more?
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We’ll share more information closer to the time, but in the meantime, please know that these changes are designed to strengthen communication between school and home and support every student’s learning journey.
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Introducing SMART: A New Assessment Tool for Students
We’re excited to introduce SMART, a new assessment tool being rolled out across New Zealand schools for students in Years 3-10. It helps teachers understand where your child is in their learning and what they’re ready to learn next. SMART also ensures your child gets the support they need.
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What is SMART?
SMART is a tool used to assess reading, writing, and maths. It aligns with the new national curriculum and provides valuable insights into your child’s progress.
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What Happens During the Assessment?
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The assessment takes 30-45 minutes during class time. It’s designed to be easy to use and can be completed online or on paper. If your child needs extra support, adjustments can be made.
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The first round of SMART testing will occur for Years 7-9 next term.
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Why is SMART Important?
SMART helps us track your child’s learning, ensuring they receive the right support. The results will also be shared with you, so you can stay informed about their progress.
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For more details, please refer to the information sheet attached.
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Celebrating Success
We love to hear all about student successes! If your child has been doing amazing things whether that be through sports, arts or extra curriculars and you would like to share with the wider John Paul College community then please follow the link and complete the google form. Share anytime, anywhere throughout the year.
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https://forms.gle/fjXwp2KteWpBHnLD6
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Can't wait to hear from you!
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kimiora.grant@jpc.school.nz
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NZ Uniforms
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John Paul College uniform purchases are moving offsite and will be open 5 days a week. There is an online shop and parents and caregivers are able to visit the shop from Tuesday 7th April so lots of time to place orders or go into the shop before school starts.
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Ikura - Sanitary Products in Schools Initiative
We are delighted to share that John Paul College are participating in the Ikura I Manaakitia te whare tangata - period products in schools initiative.
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Ikura (periods) are a fact of life for half the population. Through this initiative, the Ministry of Education is providing period products (pads, tampons and liners) to support students in managing their ikura. There is enough product to support a student's full menstrual cycle and we would like to encourage students to take product home with them during school term and school holidays. Students can access products from Cathy in the Wellness Centre.
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The initiative also has a range of resources available for young people to learn about ikura and help reduce the stigma around it. There are also resources for teachers and whānau to help build confidence in talking to young people about periods.
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We hope that providing access to period products will help to reduce barriers to accessing education.
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Homework Club – After-School Study Support
The JPC Homework Club will continue in the school library in 2026 every Monday & Wednesday, 15h05-17h00, unless otherwise stated.
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This after-school period in the school library provides a quiet, supervised space for students to complete homework, to study, revise their days work, or to read.
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The Homework Club is for learning, where a quiet, respectful environment is always required. Students are to only use devices for learning purposes and are to always adhere to library and school rules and expectations.
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Students are supervised during Homework Club hours only. The library will be closed at 17h00.
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Assistance at the Homework Club can be obtained from the Homework Club Supervisors (Craig Symes & Angela Gunn) or from volunteer senior students.
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Homestay Families Wanted
John Paul College International Department is looking for families to host international students.
This is such a great experience for the whole family. Anyone interested please contact Jo
directly,
Phone (07) 347 8795 ext 8863 or 021 355 280 or email homestay@jpc.school.nz to request an
information pack and application form.
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Holy Week
This week, being Holy Week is the most significant week in Catholicism, beginning with Palm Sunday to Holy Saturday, it marks the final days before Easter Sunday, the celebration of Jesus' Resurrection.
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During this sacred week Catholics pray and reflect on the profound journey of Jesus’ suffering, sacrifice, and victory over death.
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The events of Holy Week are:
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Palm Sunday commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
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Holy Thursday celebrating the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist
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Good Friday; Jesus’ death by crucifixion.
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Throughout this week, Catholics reflect on the emotional intensity of Jesus' Passion, contemplate His boundless love and mercy, and anticipate the joyous hope of His Resurrection.
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An intentional Holy Week can serve as a spiritual pilgrimage that deepens our faith.
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All are welcome to attend any of the following Masses, Services throughout Holy Week.
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St MARY’S Church - Seddon Street, Rotorua
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Holy Thursday 2nd April Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 7pm
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Good Friday 3rd April Lord’s Passion - Service, 3pm
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Holy Saturday 4th April Easter Vigil Mass, 7pm
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Easter Sunday 5th April Mass 10am & 5pm
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St MICHAEL’S Church - Lake Road, Rotorua
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Holy Thursday 2nd April Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6.30pm
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Good Friday 3rd April Stations of the Cross, 10am
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Lord’s Passion - Service 3pm
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Holy Saturday 4th April Easter Vigil Mass, 6.30pm
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Easter Sunday 5th April Mass 8am
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SACRED HEART Church - 94 Ngatimanawa Road, Murupara
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Easter Sunday 5th April Mass 11am
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John Paul College Caritas Challenge 2026
THANK YOU!
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Every year in Term One John Paul College raises money for Caritas as part of our outreach and care for others.
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A huge THANK YOU from Caritas for all the amazing participation you have all had this Term to help our Pacific neighbors in their responses to climate change. You definitely ANSWERED THE CALL!!
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The Caritas Activity Day raised $340
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The Collections throughout the Term raised $953.70
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As a school we raised $2693.70 and every dollar donated this year is matched by the New Zealand Aid Programme and becomes $4 so it will become $10,774.80 How AWESOME is that!
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So many classes were amazing but the top four stand out classes were:
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1st place - 8HAM raising $312.40 - winning the Pizza lunch!!
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2nd place - 9MAT raising $254.50
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3rd and 4th place - 7LOC and 10OHA
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Thank you everyone - This money now goes directly through to Caritas and will support training, preparedness and emergency response for our Pacific communities.
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Race Unity Speech Competition- Regional Success
Four of our students represented the college with pride, Kendall Chiwawa (year 11), Niksha Pardal (year 11), Keita Roper-Hawker (year 12), and Sara Smith (year 13). Each delivered an eight-minute speech based on the theme, “Whakarongo Kia Marama- Listening to Understand “.
It was inspiring to see such confident and passionate speakers. The competition was tough, with a total seven participants, and all four students did exceptionally well. We are very proud of their efforts and the way they represented our school.
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A special congratulations to Sara Smith, who was awarded First Place, Sara will now progress to the National Competition on 9th May in Auckland, representing the Central North Island.
Well done, Sara, Te Kura o Hoani Pāora - John Paul College is incredibly proud of your achievement.
I would like to acknowledge and thank Lynn Tan and Nadia Wu for their beautiful piano performances, which added a special touch to the evening. Thank you as well to Brenda Oakley for her ongoing support and contribution to this kaupapa.
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Sports
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Hockey
2026 Hockey Season
The 2026 hockey season will start next term for all levels of hockey
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Our secondary school hockey starts the 3rd Week of Term 2. This start aligns with Sport BOP season structure, which requires winter sport competition to start no later than Friday of Week 2.
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Tuesdays for the JPC 1st X1 boys and 1st X1 girls with Thursday for the JPC 2nd 3rd X1 girls’ teams.
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The competition will run for 9 weeks from 5th May - 2nd July in Term 2. And continue for 6 weeks from 21st July - 27th August.
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Secondary school hockey involves competition taking place over three venues, Rotorua, Taupo and Whakatane. Therefore, there is travel to the other venues. The school vans are available and will be booked once we have the competition draws for each grade. However, we will require transportation assistance from parents/caregivers as there are other winter codes.
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The school vans are available at no cost to the teams. If a rental van is required, the team will be invoiced over and above
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The intermediate teams kick off is to be confirmed.
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The following teams are training at the Rotorua Hockey Association facility in Devon Street in Term 2 & 3:
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JPC Girls A Monday 3.30pm - 5pm
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JPC Boys A Wednesday 5.00pm - 6.30pm
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JPC AIMS Girls and JPC AIMS Boys teams Wednesday 3.30pm - 5pm
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The other teams are training on the JPC turf, MacKillop Campus
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JPC Girls 2nd & 3rd X1 Tuesday 3.20pm - 5pm.
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JPC Black Wednesday 3.20pm - 4.45pm
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JPC Girls & Boys 1st X1s $300
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JPC Girls 2nd & 3rd X1s $220
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JPC AIMS Girls & JPC AIMS Boys $160
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N.B. The BoP Hockey Association fee for secondary schools is $2,500 per team.
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Invoicing for fees will occur over the holidays. Please ensure these fees are paid asap. Contact Mrs Bronwyn Mora, School Fees, if you wish to set up a payment system for these fees over the hockey season. Payment for these fees must be completed before the end of Term 3. The exception is that all 1st X1 boys and girls teams fees must be paid prior to departure for their winter tournament.
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Playing shirts are provided for the intermediate teams and for the 2nd & 3rd X1 girls’ teams.
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Players will wear plain black shorts i.e. PE shorts and the JPC sports socks.
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JPC sports socks can be purchased from NZ Uniform Shop. The School Uniform shop does not operate anymore.
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Physical Education
A reminder that our uniform for participation in Physical Education is as follows:
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Year 7 -11 in the correct JPC PE uniform (black shorts and black with red trim shirt).
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Black track suit pants may be worn in Term 2 & 3.
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Yr 12 students are not required to wear the JPC PE uniform,
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The following are not accepted for Physical Education, no thin cotton shorts, cycle or exercise (lycra) shorts.
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Sports leggings are allowed to be worn under the JPC PE shorts
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RATS Duathlon
On Tuesday 17th March we had 33 Year 7 and 8 students participate in the RATS Kids Duathlon 2026. All students had to complete the long course which consisted of 1.5km run, 8km MTB and another 700m run.
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A special congratulations goes to:
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Carissa Billing - 2nd Year 7 and 8 Girls
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Monty Swanson - 2nd Year 7 and 8 Boys
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They both came 2nd out of over 200 students in their age category. A big congratulations to all of our students who participated, you all did amazing!
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NZSS Rowing Regatta - MAADI
The JPC rowers travelled to Twizel last week for the NZSS Rowing Regatta - MAADI.
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They had a fantastic week, rowers have done JPC proud. Their behaviour was spot on all week even when shattered and they supported each other at all their races.
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They had a very busy week during which they represented JPC with pride and achieved the following results:
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Flynn and Billy - 4th in B Final for Boys U18 Coxless Pairs, 12th in NZ.
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Annabelle - 3rd in B Final for Girls U16 Single Sculls, 11th in NZ
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Annabelle, Freya, Greer, Olivia coxed by Billy - 5th in D Final for Girls U16 Coxed Quad Sculls
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Flynn - 4th in repechage for Boys U18 Single Sculls
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Flynn and Billy - 8th in repechage for Boys U18 Double Sculls
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Freya and Greer - 8th in their heat for Girls U17 Double Sculls
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Annabelle and Olivia - made the semi final for Girls U16 Double Sculls, due to an oar breaking they were unable to start this race.
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A big thank you to the coaches and parents who made attending this regatta possible for the rowers. Special thanks to Cowmanager for their fabulous sponsorship of the apparel for the rowers and supporters.
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BMX Nationals
Evie Duckett, Max Olsen, and Liam Evans recently competed at the BMX Nationals held in Te Awamutu.
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Liam Evans placed 7th in the 20-inch class.
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Max Olsen placed 5th in the 20-inch class and 4th in the cruiser class.
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Both riders have also been selected to compete at the World Championships in July in Brisbane, which is an outstanding achievement.
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In addition Max also trialled for the BMXNZ Mighty 11 Boys Team and secured one of only four spots to race in Sydney, Australia this June — a fantastic result. Well done to all!
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NZ Schools Triathlon (Aquathon)
Despite the horrible weather two of our students were able to compete in the Aquathon portion of the NZ Schools Triathlon.
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Mateo Parra Rodriguez finished 3rd place in the U12 male category. This result is at a national level!!!(Mateo was only 2 seconds away from gaining 2nd)
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Mikaere MacDonald finished 21st in the U13 male category. Congratulations boys!
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Waka Ama Nationals
19 of our students proudly represented our kura at the Secondary Schools Waka Ama Nationals.
A special acknowledgement to:
- Quinn Fenwick, who competed in the W1 J19 division and advanced to Te Ihu (top pool).
- Bella Kerr-Grant, who competed in the W1 J16 division and advanced to Te Kei (third pool).
We also had three teams competing—two J19 teams and one J16 team. We are especially proud of our J19 team who progressed through to the finals, where they delivered an outstanding performance and gave their all on the water.
We congratulate each and every one of our students who competed across the three days. Your commitment, teamwork, and determination were evident, and you represented our kura with pride and excellence.
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Futsal Nationals
Our Senior Girls finished 29th, but that doesn’t tell the full story — most games were decided by just one goal. When they connected and played as a team, they showed real quality and fight.
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Our Junior Girls were outstanding — dominated pool play, created plenty of chances in the quarterfinal but just couldn’t find the net. They bounced back to finish an impressive 5th in New Zealand Super proud of both teams — resilience, growth, and some seriously good futsal on display!
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Student Success - Juventus Football Academy World Cup
Jonty Barbour has been invited to attend a Juventus Football Academy World Cup in Italy in late May/June. He along with his brother, Hugo, took part in a trial in Auckland late last year and were invited to represent the Sydney team.
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The trip will involve a friendly game to start with in Florence, followed by a tournament in Liguria with the Riviera Ligure Trophy up for grabs.
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Finally the main tournament being the official Juventus Academy World Cup held in the Juventus grounds in Turin, Bardonecchia. As well as playing football and travelling as a team they will get to discover history and beauty of Tuscany, Florence, Pisa, Liguria and Turin.
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3X3 Basketball
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It was an exciting two days at the Rotorua Sportsdrome for the Zone 2 3X3 Basketball Championships, where we had 2x teams participate in both the Premier and Open grades, the Premier grade being the Nationals qualifiers grade. Zone 2 being the upper half strip of the Central North Island, from Waikato to East Coast, and as far south as Taupō (in School Sport, Taupō is Central BOP).
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In this fast paced game, it's a race to be in the lead when the clock times out. Our Prems lads held leads against some big Basketball schools for better parts of each of their games, but were pipped at the post throughout pool play, most by only one or two points - in this game, that's one shot.
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In crossovers, they went into overtime against a determined St. Paul's Collegiate who took it out, bumping our Prems lads out of Top 8 contention by ONE POINT. The boys played their last few games with the utmost mana, skill, athleticism, determination, amd sportsmanship like I've never seen, to finish in a respective 11th place in Zone 2.
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The teams advancing to Nationals are: Mount Maunganui College (3rd), St. Paul's Collegiate (2nd), and St. John's College (1st).
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Our Opens lads had a bumpy start in their campaign, but brought it right back to finish 2nd in pool play, setting them up for Top 8 playoffs. Similar to our Prems lads, they were bumped out of Top 4 contention by ONE POINT from a wild Paeroa College. They went onto beat Rotorua Boys' High comfortably in their 5-8 Semi, then beat Ngā Taiātea to finish a very respective 5th place.
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They all wanted to do better; Prems wanting that Top 4 finish, and Opens wanting to take out their grade, but this is just one of those codes where it could be anyone's game on the day In this new format, MMC is the only school to make it to a consecutive Nationals, with Aquinas and Te Koutu making it alongside them last year.
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Super proud of ALL my players, though. They collectively make up 80% of our Senior Boys' A [5 a-side] Basketball team, which is where they now turn their attention to. #Nationals2026
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Huge thanks to our referees and scorebench personnel for helping our teams get the best chance at success; Abana Lalu, Ishan Sharma, Myriah Henare, and Jacob Eggers, collectively reffing and scorebenching 35 games over the last two days. Huge kudos to Jacob Eggers for both playing and refereeing throughout his campaign! Such a soldier, considering he's just recently been given the all clear from his physio!
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NISS MTB Champs
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From the 26 - 29th March 13 students consisting of Archie Hill, Connor Scott, Henry Halliday, Monty Swanson, Charlie Kirkcaldie, Cohen Kirkcaldie, Nathan McGregor, Keira Burborough-Murphy, Sebastian Bollard, Dillon Murphy, Isaac Baker, Jack Owen and Brooklyn Johns all competed in the North Island School Mountain Biking Championships in Wellington. The events were downhill, cross country and enduro.
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Our students had amazing results, a big congratulations goes to:
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Cohen Kirkcaldie - 1st Downhill U13 Boys
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Nathan McGregor - 4th Downhill U17 Boys
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Keira Burborough-Murphy - 1st Downhill U16 Girls
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Charlie Kirkcaldie - 2nd Downhill U16 Girls
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Monty Swanson - 1st Enduro U13 Boys
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Sebastian Bollard - 6th Enduro U14 Boys
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Our mountain bikers did so well that the Top School Points placed John Paul College at 2nd for Year 7 and 8 and 4th for Year 9-13. Well done to all of our mountain bikers, we are proud of you!
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CBOP Swim Sports
On Wednesday 1st April we had 12 swimmers compete in the CBOP Swim Sports. Those students were Mateo Parra Rodriguez, Isla Porter, David Stahlhut, Simon Stahlhut, Mikaere MacDonald, Dillon Murphy, Hollie Brown, Keely Holmes, Madeline Liddicoat, Aidan Mutu, Addison Wilkinson and Eric Bell.
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All swimmers gave it their all throughout the day and that was evident with some of the results our swimmers had:
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Madeline Liddicoat
100m Freestyle Year 7 - 1st
50m Backstroke Year 7 - 1st
50m Freestyle Year 7 - 1st
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Keely Holmes
100m Freestyle Year 7 - 2nd
50m Freestyle Year 7 - 3rd
50m Breaststroke Year 7 - 2nd
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Mateo Parra Rodriguez
100m Freestyle Year 8 - 2nd
50m Backstroke Year 8 - 1st
50m Freestyle Year 8 - 3rd
100m IM Year 8 - 3rd
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Dillon Murphy
50m Breaststroke Year 8 - 2nd
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David Stahlhut
50m Backstroke Year 7 - 1st
50m Breaststroke Year 7 - 2nd
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Simon Stahlhut
50m Freestyle Year 7 - 2nd
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Eric Bell
50m Backstroke Year 7 - 3rd
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Hollie Brown
50m Backstroke Year 8 - 3rd
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Aidan Mutu
50m Backstroke Year 8 - 2nd
50m Freestyle Year 8 - 2nd
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Mikaere MacDonald
50m Backstroke Year 8 - 3rd
50m Breaststroke Year 8 - 3rd
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Year 7-8 Mixed Team of Mateo, Eric, Madeline and Hollie
100m Freestyle Relay - 2nd
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Year 7-8 Boys Team of Mateo, Aidan, David and Simon
100m Freestyle Relay - 1st
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Year 7-8 Girls Team of Hollie, Madeline, Keely and Isla
100m Freestyle Relay - 1st
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What a great day for all students involved, congratulations to all!
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BOPSS KĪ-O-RAHI CHAMPIONSHIPS
For those unfamiliar, Kī-o-Rahi is played on a round field, incorporating elements of Touch, Tag, and European Handball. A fast growing game in the region.
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They took a while to find their feet in their opener against TKKM o Whakarewa I Te Reo ki Tuwharetoa, taking a narrow L. They found their flow in game two up against Te Kura o Whānau a Apanui to grab a comfortable W, before tumbling newcomers, Western Heights High School in game 3.
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With that momentum built up, they soldiered on to hold up Raukura/Rautawhiri well in their final pool game; Raukura/Rautawhiri throwing everything at them in that last quarter to serve them their second loss - albeit Raukura/Rautawhiri's closest game of the day
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But was it enough to get into that Top 4 to qualify for Nationals???
With two wins and two losses, it came down to points differential between us and Te Wharekura o Mauao, with us advancing to...
The 5th place playoff! Our tauira fought a hard game against last year's finalists, TKKM o Hurungaterangi. With the full time hooter sounded, they were down 18-20, but the play continues til the ball's dead, and in all their desperation, they got that ball around to the pou and banked themselves three points to take the win 21-20!
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Our tauira were over the moon for the win, yet, bittersweet upon realising they JUST missed out on qualifying for the Manarahi Kī-o-Rahi Secondary Schools' Nationals!
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We congratulate those we finished behind, Te Kura o Te Koutu, Raukura/Rautāwhiri, TBC/TGC, and TKKM o Whakarewa I Te Reo ki Tuwharetoa.
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We're proud, nonetheless, to have finished 5th out of a record 19 teams in this code and event, and with only one Year 13 in the team, our tauira are already planning next season's campaign.
Ngā mihi nunui to Kōkā Serena for her commitment, dedication, and passion for the sport of Kī-o-Rahi. Mihi atu hoki ki Whaea Laurelle me Matua Michael for fuelling the team with snacks and kai throughout the campaign too.
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International
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Rotorua Duck Tours
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The International Students recently enjoyed a half-day experience with the Rotorua Duck Tours, providing an exciting opportunity to explore the lakes surrounding Rotorua. During the tour, students learned about the rich history and cultural significance of the land they are now living in. They visited Lake Tikitapu and Lake Okareka, and travelled past spectacular landscapes and hidden spots, gaining valuable insight into the region’s heritage and stories.
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KEY DATES
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The Universities are visiting from now until May, for First Round Visits with interested Year 13s. These presentations give an introductory overview of courses on offer, accommodation, scholarships and other relevant information. They visit again in Term 3 for ‘Course Planning Sessions’.
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21st Māori Huinga Leadership at Tangatarua Marae, Toi Ohomai Mokoia Campus
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23rd Pasifika Navigators of Tomorrow Careers Expo, Baypark
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28th Rotorua Lakes Council Career Pathway Event
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29th PIHMS Hotel Tour & Seminar, Rotorua 6-8pm
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Video Library - watch career idea videos and find out what it’s like to work in 200+ jobs
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FROM THE CAREERS HUB
As we head towards the Easter holidays, we remind Year 13s to start prepping now for university and scholarship applications.
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A good resource to use is the Personal Statement template - you can add in all your leadership and community involvement while it is fresh in your mind.
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Last week Rachael took a van load of seniors to the Primary Industries (Food & Fibre) Careers event at MPI and the Bioeconomy Science Institute (Scion). Students connected directly with businesses and had an insightful behind-the-scenes tour. Thank you to the Rotorua Business Chamber and Toi Ohomai for sponsoring these Career Pathway events!
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Earlier in March a small group of students from the 13 Careers class attended a Chainsaw course, covering theory, chainsaw maintenance and fun, hands-on experience.
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The first week back in Term 2 is a busy week! We have the Huinga Leadership on Tuesday and the Pasifika Navigators Career Expo on Thursday.
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INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL COLLEGE OF NZ
FREE Online Info Sessions (NZ Wide) - Travel, Tourism & Aviation Careers
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Students, parents, teachers and careers advisors from anywhere in New Zealand are invited to join our relaxed, camera-off online information session.
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45-minute session options:
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Monday 30 March 2026 | 6:00pm – 6:45pm
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Tuesday 31 March 2026 | 1:00pm – 1:45pm
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FREE In-Person Open Day – Auckland Botany Campus
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Drop in anytime between 10am – 7pm (allow 45 minutes)
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MAGGIE’S EXPERIENCE OF THE ROTARY NATIONAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY FORUM
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My goals going into the Forum were: to meet like-minded people, gain insight into career options or solidify my current one, and experience university life. Meeting 169 new people from across NZ was overwhelming at first, but at the end of the 2 weeks, everyone became like family. One of my many highlights was meeting Dr Michelle Dickinson - learning about all her setbacks and achievements that made her into the inspirational woman she is today. Another highlight was connecting with many lecturers, scientists, and Rotarians and learning about their careers and what inspired them. Whenever I asked whether they had always intended to go into their profession, the answer was always no. It reassured me that I don’t need to have my whole life planned out right now and that I should stay open-minded. The academic modules were the main parts of the camp, which included psychology, biomedical science, applied math, digital construction, environmental science, nutrition, chemistry, physics, biological science, bioengineering, robotics, and sports science. We could also choose technical visits (mine were the UoA medical school, NZ Police, and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare). We also had many social activities like volleyball, Explore Auckland Day, disco, and the Final Forum Dinner at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Seeing the capabilities of people my age across New Zealand has inspired me to work harder in my studies and extracurriculars. Starting back at school, I have more clarity about my future beyond high school and I’m excited to enjoy my last year. Thank you to Rotorua Rotary North for their sponsorship.
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Careers Facebook Groups
In these groups we share: careers news, updates and events - so join today.
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CAREERS STAFF
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Mrs Sheryl Hewitson – Careers & Transition Coordinator
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E: sheryl.hewitson@jpc.school.nz
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Mrs Jan Thompson – Careers Assistant/ Trades Coordinator
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E: jan.thompson@jpc.school.nz
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Ms Rachael Hindrup – Gateway Coordinator
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E: rachael.hindrup@jpc.school.nz
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Community Notices
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Do you have a heart for healthcare?
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Who: You! A passionate young woman aged 15 - 21, with an interest in healthcare or wellbeing, whether it's Medicine, Psychology, Sports Therapy, Mental Health, Nursing, or beyond. No prior experience or knowledge is required.
What: The ultimate 10-day GirlBoss Accelerator, fully funded and online!
When: From April 3rd to April 12th, 2026.
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This self-paced programme is designed to fit around your busy schedule, with just 1-2 hours a day to commit to unlocking your full potential.
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After graduating from GirlBoss Edge: Healthcare you will:
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Feel more confident to pursue a career in Healthcare
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Be better prepared for University
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Be inspired by role models
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Develop the self-confidence to achieve your dreams.
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Click on the link below to learn more and apply:
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2026 UNDERWOOD AND WILKINS MOTORCYLES
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CHARITY TRAIL RIDE
Sunday 12th April 2026, Taneatua
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Charity, Taneatua Squash Club, Sisam’s Farm, 449 Fosters Road, Taneatua.
Charity Fundraising Trail rides, organised and promoted by Underwood & Wilkins Motorcycles as non competitive Family Fun for all ages and abilities. All profits go to the designated charity.
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All events cater for:
The little ones on mini 2 wheelers in a smaller paddock - Parental supervision is required.
Absolute beginners and first time riders on a small easy track, generally 3-5 km long.
Experienced and not so experienced riders on the big track, generally 20-30km long, not too hard with easy option splits. Suitable for 2 Wheelers, (no pillions or ATV’s / SXS’s.
sorry).
Helmets and sensible riding clothing compulsory. No gumboots.
Good food and drinks at reasonable prices at venue.
SIGN ON FROM 8.30, COMPULSORY MASS BRIEFING AT 9.45, RIDES START AT 10.00am.
Tracks generally close between 2.30 & 3.00pm.
Fees: (Cash & Eftpos available)
$50.00 Senior,
$25.00 High School,
$15.00 Primary age and Younger:
$100.00 Family (Max of 4 – 2 adults and 2 kids or 1 adult and 3 kids etc)
Note:
Check out details on Facebook (and like us to get any updates / cancellations), send us your email
address so we can add you to the trail ride database. Details also on: www.silverbullet.co.nz.
From Rotorua, go to Awakeri, then right into White Pine Bush Road (SH2) towards Taneatua,
Come to Road / Rail bridge then turn right into Fosters Road follow arrows to site.
From Tauranga, come over the Whakatane bridge towards town, turn right at Fire Station and
follow road out towards Taneatua, turn right into White Pine Bush Road by the Squash Club, when
you come over road / rail bridge turn left into Fosters road, follow arrows to site.
To Contact us:
e-mail: admin@underwoodandwilkins.co.nz
Phone Business 07-308-6166 (business hours),
Phone: John Cell 0274-754-282 or Karen 0274-521-077
‘’ These rides are all about non racing family fun”. Come and join the fun, we look forward to
seeing you there.
Weather Check – Check our Facebook Page (7am) and If in doubt listen to 1XX (90.5 FM) for
cancellations or phone station on 07-306-1242
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