Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.

I would like to open this newsletter by announcing our Board of Members elected a new Presiding Member at the year's first meeting. Maia Ririnui has graciously accepted the position and will be well supported by other Board members.

Maia has three children at Mount Maunganui College and one who graduated last year.

I would like to acknowledge the phenomenal contribution of Andrea Webster, our Board Chair/Presiding member for the past five years. Andrea has been an enormous support to the school. Her guidance and leadership while negotiating the uncertainties of COVID-19 and the complexities of our modern educational context have been invaluable. Andrea remains a member of our current Board.

I thank Maia and Andrea for their ongoing service to the Mount Maunganui College community.

I must also acknowledge Kaupapa Māori Leaders Ikaika Russell and Kauri Barbarich, who proudly represented Mount Maunganui College and their whānau at the Waitangi Day service at Hopukiore. Both boys spoke eloquently and from the heart, and it was a privilege to witness their community contribution.

Welcome to the following new teachers joining us in 2024. It is great to have new energy, and seeing them make the most of the opportunity to teach at Mount Maunganui College is exciting.

Charlotte Everitt - Science
Rebecca Sisson - Science
Keegan Witney - Mathematics
Debbie Lamb - Science
Morag Mackenzie - Social Science
Elliot Thomas - Health and Physical Education

Congratulations to all Mount Maunganui College students who made the most of a spectacular 2024 Athletics Day. School House spirit was at its zenith, and the festival atmosphere contributed to a fun and competitive event. Carter Hopoi set a new high jump record, clearing 1.83 metres. The previous record was set in 1993 by Tony Snow. Thanks to our Sports Leaders, Isla Ganley and Jeremy Frew, for their work in making this another great event.

Connecting with the families attending our Year 9 barbeque on Wednesday evening was fantastic. We appreciate everyone making the effort and taking the time to get to know us a little better. On that topic, on Wednesday, we invite our new families to Mount Maunganui College for the information evening at 6 pm in the hall. This is an opportunity to meet some key staff and learn how the school functions. We have created a quick survey to indicate what you want to know in preparation for this event. If you plan on attending, please take the time to complete this survey so we can tailor our talk to your needs.

As we head full steam into the academic year, I want to reiterate our commitment to ensuring every student has the support they need to achieve their best. A list of key staff contacts can be found here. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any concerns or questions. For subject-specific queries, please contact the classroom teacher and/or head of the department. For pastoral care issues, the Raukura teachers, deans or senior leaders.

Ngā mihi,
Alastair Sinton
Principal

Head Students

Kia ora! My name is Gus Tustin, and I am a head student at Mount Maunganui College for 2024. I have enjoyed my time at Mount Maunganui College, and have loved what I have been involved with. Whether playing sports or making new relationships, MMC has become like my second home. Being a leader this year is a very exciting opportunity and one that I am keen to act on. Like any year, all of us student leaders are charged with running a council, and alongside Sophia Brock, we are the leaders of the Student Council. We will be in charge of the usual formalities that the Student Council are involved in, such as the Quiz Night, a highlight in our calendar! As we embark on this leadership journey, we look forward to bringing in our initiatives that will hopefully shape the school in a better way. This role comes with responsibility and expectation, and I am excited to leave behind a legacy I can be proud of. I would encourage everybody to make the most of their time here at school, and if you’d like to get involved with the Student Council, please don’t hesitate!

Kia Ora! My name is Sophia Brock, and I am a head student at Mount Maunganui College for 2024 alongside Gus Tustin. Having grown up in the Mount, I am incredibly proud of Mount Maunganui College and the community around us. One of my favourite things about MMC is the wide range of awesome opportunities that are on offer. There will always be something for everyone! Personally, I have proudly represented the school in both surfing and hockey. As a part of our exciting leadership roles, Gus and I will run the Student Council. We'll be running the year 13 quiz night while actively listening to and incorporating feedback from fellow students on how to continue enhancing the school experience. I highly recommend everybody to get involved and take up every opportunity, and I can’t wait to see you all out there!

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Sports Leaders

Kia Ora! Our names are Isla Ganley and Jeremy Frew, and we are your sports leaders for 2024. We are super excited to be running some of our school's sporting events this year, such as Athletics, Swimming Sports, Polar Plunge, and Move Well. Our goal this year as sports leaders is to see as many students as possible get involved with sports around the school. Mount Maunganui College has offered us many amazing opportunities throughout our schooling in sports and academics. We are both truly grateful to be representing our school as student leaders and as athletes in our respective sporting codes, such as Football, Rugby, Basketball, and Volleyball. Look out for our school’s sporting events, and we highly recommend getting involved, as your time at college will go so fast! We look forward to meeting some of you out there and seeing you all enjoying the sports you love.

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Academic Leaders

Kia ora, we’re Luca Ririnui and Sarah Adlam, your Academic Leaders for 2024. This is the debut year of the Academic Council! While the word ‘academic’ might sound daunting, our Council is not just a place for students who consider themselves academic. It will be a place where students can raise concerns with their classwork, teachers, and assessments. We can then deliver student voice on these areas to the Senior Leadership Team, facilitate flexible tutoring opportunities to give students help and offer advice to students seeking extra enrichment in their learning. The Academic Council will also strive to develop MMC’s extracurricular activities that don’t fall under sports, arts, or cultural opportunities. These include clubs like Debating and Writing Group, competitions like Epro8 and MathsMind, and new opportunities like an MMC Speech Competition and House quizzes. We’re so excited to create a legacy for this Council within the school and set up a foundation that can be built upon in years to come. Come and find us or send an email if you’re keen to get involved or need any assistance, even if you miss council signups!

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UNIFORM

This a reminder to all families to make sure their child’s uniform meets our guidelines.

We are noticing an increase in students wearing non-polishable shoes, incorrect socks and hoodies.

Students can wear a non-regulation waterproof jacket to and from school on wet days.

Please ensure your child is also adhering to our jewellery standards. No septums or rings are permitted on the face.

Our discipline and defiance procedures will deal with ongoing uniform issues if not resolved promptly.

SPORTS NEWSLETTER Dan Meade
Director of Sport

Kia ora koutou,

Off-field Sports Uniforms
Off-field sports uniforms are available online here or in store at 94 Elizabeth Street. It is important to have all our sports players looking the part and we encourage students to buy a long sleeve or short sleeve tee and / or hoodie if they don’t already have an off-field uniform.

High Achievers
Mischa Boorman has once again been selected in the New Zealand Climbing team with her first stop being Australia for the Australian Youth Nationals in April.

Rylee Kara has returned from the Singapore Open Artistic Swimming Champs with a bronze medal in the U15 Free Combination and a gold medal in the 13-15 Figures + Team Free Routine. Rylee was competing against athletes from Singapore, New Zealand, China, Thailand and Sri Lanka.

Lane Ririnui has been selected in the NZ U16 Football Squad to tour Australia.

Harry Burns captained Northern Districts Under 17s at the National Tournament in January.

Jess Benge was selected in the Aotearoa Women’s Māori Cricket team. Jess played alongside White Ferns players in the Pacific Cup in Auckland.
Year 13 student, Pia Rogers, is currently in Puerto Rico with the New Zealand Surf Team at the ISA world surfing champs for the last qualifier for the 2024 Olympics.

Morgan Sinkinson and Ella Grace have been selected in the Tauranga Womens Waterpolo team and will travel to Christchurch for round one of the Womens WPL, Division Two.

What’s been happening

NZSS Beach Volleyball
NZSS Beach Volleyball tournament was collapsed into one day after terrible weather meant play couldn’t go ahead on Saturday 3 February. Unfortunately, due to heavy entry restrictions, many of our keen beach volleyballers missed out on entering but we did have Ricayla Southby pair up with Morgan Sinkinson, Liv Kelly pair up with Abbie Murrell and Ella Pahuru and Dakota Becker pair up. Special mention to Ella and Dakota who got a silver medal in Division Two.

School Athletics Day
Mr Parker and the PE Dept ran a successful athletics day at Tauranga Domain on Thursday 15 February in beautiful sunshine. The students turned out in mass and it was great to see them get into the spirit of the day. Congratulations to Carter Hopoi who broke the 30 year old Senior Boys High Jump Record.

All students who met the qualifying standard for the BOPSS Athletics Champs will receive an email regarding registration for this event.

BOPSS Triathlon
BOPSS Triathlon was held in Ohope on Tuesday 20 February in Ohope. We had five athletes representing Mount Maunganui College across a variety of divisions with some great results.

Results:
Toby Boorman, 5th in U14 Boys Division
Sophie Loader, 5th in U16 Girls Division
Macka Wagstaff, 5th in U19 Boys Division
Rachel Loader, 2nd in U19 Girls Division
Sophia Maltai-Spence, 2nd in U14 Girls Division

Summer Sports
Summer sports season is well underway, thanks to our Teachers in Charge and other people within the community who work so hard behind the scenes to make this happen.

What’s coming up?
Preseason muster and trials won’t be too far away for our winter codes. All of our major winter codes are collating ‘Registrations of Interest’ via the school website or directly with the Teacher in Charge. See below for more details and please make sure you register.

Billabong Grom Series
Many of our students are currently competing in the Billabong Grom Series with some great results from the first two weekends. A full list of results will be in the next newsletter following the final round.

BOPSS Senior Volleyball Champs
The Bay of Plenty Volleyball Championships are held over three weekends at Mercury Arena. We have 5 teams entered this year with the first round of competition completed.

BOPSS Golf Champs
We’re sending a large team to the BOPSS Golf Champs Monday 26 February at Tauranga Golf Club. Results will be published on social media and in the next newsletter.

BOPSS Tennis Champs
BOPSS Senior Tennis Champs are being held at Gordon Spratt on Wednesday 28 February. Results to follow.

NISS Rowing Champs
We have three rowers heading to the North Island Secondary School Rowing Champs at Lake Karapiro, best of luck to the girls competing in singles, doubles and pairs.

BOPSS 3x3 Champs
BOPSS 3x3 Basketball Champs are being held at Mercury Energy Centre on Friday 1 March. We have seven teams representing Mount Maunganui College and will share results when we have them.

School Swimming Sports
School swimming sports will be held in the school pool on Thursday 29 February, run by Mr Parker. Keep an eye on the daily notices for information regarding the event and the sign up process.

BOPSS Ultimate
All students interested in trialling for the Senior BOPSS Ultimate Frisbee Champs to see Mrs Walker in the PE office or email her on Annaw@mmc.school.nz

BOPSS Athletics
This event will be held at Tauranga domain, Wed 6 March. All students who met the qualifying standards at our school athletics event will have received an email regarding details.

Harlequins Zonal SS Open Water Swim Champs
Zonal Open Water Swim Champs is being held in Auckland on 9 March. If you’re interested in competing, please register at
https://www.oceanswim.co.nz/events/harbour-crossing/.

Dirt Bike Riders
All students interested in secondary school Motocross opportunities to see Mr New in T2 or email him on tonyn@mmc.school.nz.

Basketball
Person in Charge: Mr Sam Davidson basketball@mmc.school.nz

Competitive Basketball
Senior Boys Basketball Trials are being held 20 and 22 (Tuesday and Thursday) this week, 7:30-9pm in the gym

Senior Prem Boys and Senior Development Teams will be selected from these trials

Senior Girls Basketball Trials are being held 21st and 28th February, 7:30-9PM in the gym

Details regarding junior trials to follow.

Social Basketball
All students who want to play social basketball for MMC on Friday nights, please follow the instructions below:

1. Email team list to Mr Davidson (basketball@mmc.school.nz) and CC in your team members and team manager.

Football
Person in Charge: Mrs Sally Jackson sallyj@mmc.school.nz
Please register your interest to play at https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/280091

Identification Sessions / Trial dates:
Junior boys A and B -Tuesday 12th March- 3.15-4.30pm, Thursday 14th March 3.15- 4.30pm
Competitive Girls (Anyone who wishes to trial for 1st XI/2nd XI) Monday 11th March 3.30-4.30pm, Wednesday 13th March 3.30-4.30pm
Senior Boys- Wednesday 13th March, 20 March, 27th March,3rd April 3.30-5pm- Trial games on Saturday 23rd March and Saturday 6th April
Girls Development/Social- Tuesday 12th March 3.15-4.30pm, Thursday 14th March 3.15-4.30pm

Hockey
Person in Charge: Miss Cendrine Pfister hockey@mmc.school.nz
Please register your interest to play at https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/280089

Hockey trails are coming up, held at Tauranga Hockey Association, 42 Kawaka St, Mt Maunganui.

10th of March 5:30 - 6:30pm: Trial for anyone wanting to be considered for 1st XI Teams
15th of March 4-5pm: Senior Trials (Students Year 11+)
17th of March 5:30 - 6:30pm: Junior Trials (Years 9 & 10)

Coaches are also running preseason trainings and fitness sessions for students of all ages and ability levels. Please bring hockey gear and water.

Our 1st XI Girls Hockey coach Paul will be holding preseason trainings. If you're wanting to be considered for the 1st XI or just want to dust off the cobwebs, please come along to these sessions on our school turf!
Tuesdays 19 March, 26 March & 2 April - School turf - 7.00am to 8.00am

Boys training
7.15am-8.15am, Thursday, school turf

Girls training
7.15am-8.15am, Friday, school turf

Fitness sessions (boys and girls)
3.30-4.15pm, School fields

Netball
Person in Charge: Mrs Andrea Clarke andreac@mmc.school.nz
Please register your interest to play at https://www.mmc.school.nz/sport/sports-codes-1/netball-1

Trial dates this year will be rolled out over two nights. Our juniors will be trialled first from 3.30 - 5.30pm with our senior trials following these, kicking off at 6.00 - 8.00pm.

The trials will be held on the 25th and 26th March with possible squad run / trial on the following Tuesday 2nd and Thursday 4th April for those who are in our Prem 1 & 2 as well as our Junior A & B teams.

Please ensure you sign up to these trials by registering on our school sport website under the Netball code tab. This is now open!

Cost for the season per player is approx. $150 - A deposit of $100 needs to be paid before you can trial, if there is any issue with this please don't hesitate to contact Loren at the sports office on lorenr@mmc.school.nz and we will be more than happy to organise something that works for you and your whanau.

Keep an eye out on your student school email as there will be further info regarding trials, and the season ahead.

2024 Netball Pre-season
Netball pre-season sessions for all keen players are being held Tuesday 5th, 12th & 19th March down at the Tauranga netball centre from 3.30pm. Getting into some skills and a bit of a shake out. Great way to lead into the upcoming trials! Text Laura on 0274880672 to sign up.

Rugby
Person in Charge: Mr Jarrod Clarke jarrodc@mmc.school.nz

A sign up day has already been held but if you missed it and would like to register, please email Mr Clarke and let him know what team you’d like to play for and your year level.

The senior boys rugby squad has already started training as they prepare for their preseason tour to Fiji. Other year levels will begin musters and preseason training in due course, please keep an eye on the daily news for more information.

NISS Mountain Biking Champs
North Island Secondary School Mountain Biking Champs are being held in Rotorua on 17-19 March. Spots usually fill quickly but see Tiff in the sports office if you’re interested in racing.

If you have any questions please contact me on danm@mmc.school.nz.

Social Media
Please follow us on;

Facebook: Mount Maunganui College Sport
Instagram: Mount Maunganui College Sport

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KEY DATES

2024 Term Dates (click to view)

TERM 1 2024

February 2024
27       NCEA Evening (6pm-7pm)
28       ID Photos Catch Up
28       Information Evening (6pm-7pm)
29       Swimming Sports

March 2024
7         Engagement Report Issued
14       School Interviews (4pm-7pm)
15       School Interviews (School Closed)
18       Summer Tournament Week
29       Good Friday

April 2024
1         Easter Monday
2         Easter Tuesday
3         Sheilah Winn Regionals
5         Engagement Report Issued
9         Cambridge Sports Exchange
12       Last Day Term 1
29       First Day Term 2

INTRODUCING OUR STUDENT LEADERS

Head Students

Sports Leaders

Academic Leaders

UNIFORM

STUDENT ID PHOTOS

KEY DATES