An active School Council Executive operates within Newlands College, providing strong student leadership and representation. The Executive is led by elected Head Students and supported by a diverse team including House Captains, an Academic Captain, Arts Captain, Pou Rangitahi, Taki Mateaki, Sports and Active Recreation Captain, Wellbeing Captain, International Student Representative and a Board Representative.
Supporting the Executive is the School Council, which has representatives from all year levels.
These groups meet regularly to facilitate all akonga-related activities from the extensive inter-house arts, academic and sports competitions, senior ball and semi-formal through to community-based projects.
The voice of akonga is a priority of the School Council, and they work closely with staff to ensure that events, projects and activities are incorporated into the daily life of the school.
The goals of the council encapsulate our school motto of Me Whakamātau:
We believe that all akonga should have a positive experience at our kura and maximise their potential.
As members of the school’s Student Executive, we aim to sustain ‘participation and contribution spirit’ by actively encouraging them to strive beyond their comfort zones; to engage in a diverse range of events, co-curricular and activities that Newlands College has to offer.
Taking risks, regarding how one gives back to the school, is demonstrative of Mātauranga, an aspect of Newlands College’s Vision for Learning. By being innovative and inquisitive around how we involve ourselves in the opportunities on offer, students are enabled a greater potential to enhance their school life.
The student body consists of a unique variety of individuals, each with distinctive backgrounds and identities.
We believe it is important to acknowledge and cherish the cultures, identity, beliefs and values among students; strengthen our diversity and to be proactive and genuine in celebrating these aspects at Newlands College.
We foresee this to include encouraging one another’s exploration in, and integration of, other cultures, of which may differ from our own.
Encouraging Whānaungatanga, Manaakitanga and Akoranga as Newlands College learning values; in this way, is essential in forming a safe learning environment for all students and staff.
A goal we find critical is establishing and maintaining concrete communication between the students, staff, the community and the Student Council Executive.
We believe direct and clear communication of upcoming activities and events is a cornerstone for increasing students’ involvement, engagement across different fields, and student-to-student support.
A crucial aspect of ‘Me Whakamātau’ is an honest and effective distribution of information between all parties of the school. Working collaboratively in this way enables us to strive towards greater achievement, as well as to more effectively support one another.