CULTURE 49 James Cook High School Yearbook 2023 Diversity Group I am Teei Ngametua, one of the 12 students who performed and represented James Cook High School at the annual ASB Polyfest Diversity stage this year. We managed to get 3rd place overall in the Asian continent category which was a huge accomplishment as the majority groups performed under Asia, it was also the first time that the James Cook High school Diversity group had won an award after a long time. Our group comprises different ethnic backgrounds where students come with no knowledge of traditional Indian dance. We do our own choreography, choose our own costumes and songs and do our best to be the best on stage. This comes with a lot of sacrifice of our intervals, afterschool time and Saturdays. We follow the lyrics to make our dance look more emotional and classy. I found it difficult to sleep the night before Polyfest, excitement but also anxiety filled my body. After a little incident with our transportation and a car ride with Mr Mcmillan, we arrived at the ASB Polyfest. Our costumes were vibrant and sparkly, maintaining traditional features. Pressure was building up as we watched beautiful dances from other schools, although the reassurance of Mrs Sami and Dishita Shreya helped us to maintain calm.Our performance was smooth and I can still remember the thrill of being on that stage in front of many watchers and students from other schools. The overall experience is one of a kind, the connections we built, learning about the culture, establishing teamwork. This all made the entire journey a worthwhile one. I would like to thank Mrs Sami for managing the group, Dishita for grit and passion towards her culture and the rest of the 2023 Diversity Group for making this one of my highlights of Highschool.
CULTURE 50 James Cook High School Yearbook 2023 Samoan Group “Mitamita i lau gagana, maua’a lou faasinomaga” – Be proud of your language and grounded in your identy. This was the theme for 2023 Polyfest: Samoan stage. Our aim as tutors and staff involved with the group, was to create a space for all Samoan students to experience the beautiful essence and richness of our culture. We wanted the theme to be reflected as much as possible through our students, both on and off the stage. Though majority of the students within our group have Samoan heritage, we had a few who are not but still wanted to experience the culture for themselves. Our journey to the stage was no easy feat. Being a young and inexperienced team of tutors , there were many aspects of the work, we did not anticipate. However, we had to remind ourselves time and again the reason why we took the challenge in the first place: our rangatahi. They deserved to put their hard work out on the big stage, they deserved to showcase their pride of the Samoan culture and they most definitely deserved to be amongst it all on performance day. This year we wanted the Samoan group to reflect all Samoan students at JCHS: those in the Samoan unit and in the mainstream space. We wanted this group to be comprised of Samoans across the board that are indeed proud of their language and grounded in their identity. And if this was not the case, we wanted this group to provide the support for those who were just starting out on their journey to discovering their Samoan identity and help them feel grounded in it. We wanted this group to endeavour to make a difference and imprint their mark on the positive changes we want to see within our Samoan community here at JCHS. To some, success may have looked like getting a place on the big stage. To us as tutors and staff responsible for the group, success was achieved when our students reflected the values of alofa (love), faaaloalo (respect), and tautua (service). These three values are integral to the Samoan culture and seeing our students showcase them meant we had done them justice. Success came in the form of watching our students flourish in the space and grow their knowledge, understanding and love of being Samoan. We would like to acknowledge the parents and families’ support throughout this journey, because without it, we wouldn’t have got far. We also want to acknowledge the support of the staff and the school as a whole as we prepared our young people for the big stage. A massive thank you to all those who were directly involved in supervising and actively participating in the smooth running of the operations for the group. And lastly, thank you to our students in wanting to showcase their pride in being Samoan by joining. We are just getting started with adjusting our sails for a better and brighter future within our JCHS Samoan community; watch this space and as always, 685 to the world!
CULTURE 51 James Cook High School Yearbook 2023 Tongan Group
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57SPORTS James Cook High School Yearbook 2023 Boys & Girls Football
58SPORTS Boys Volleyball This year twelve of our senior boys took part in the Auckland Senior Volleyball Championship. It was such an incredible opportunity for the boys to play among their peers and against other schools in friendly yet serious competition. These boys represented our school with pride and dignity. The competition this year was very fierce as we were placed in the Division One category, playing alongside the top teams in the city. Although we didn’t receive the placement they had wanted, the hard work and dedication that the whole group put into the sport showed. It was a very emotional season for the Year 13s, as this was our last high school volleyball competition ever. It was even more emotional for some who had been playing high school volleyball since Year 9. All in all this year was an incredible year for volleyball. New friendships were made and amazing memories were shared. Finally all of this wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for our amazing coach/manager Mama Liz and her kids Nina and Joden. As to our brothers jamming next year’s volleyball team, go hard and have fun. Devine Mauai Girls Volleyball This year’s volleyball season was amazing, and a good experience for the girls who have never played in the Senior Auckland Champs before. For most of us, though, it was an emotional experience because we have been playing ever since Year 9 - five years in a row. We hustle in every training and every game we had.The talent and potential that each player brought to the table was incredible to see. We were truly a family, a sisterhood, cherishing that what we had for each other was solid. I think our season didn’t have the outcome that we wanted but nevertheless we all played well - and we repped our school loud and proud! All glory to God for guiding us on our journey, and to all our sisters jamming for next year’s volleyball team - go hard and have fun. Helen Taugauli James Cook High School Yearbook 2023
59SPORTS James Cook High School Yearbook 2023 Rugby League / Tag / Union
60SPORTS James Cook High School Yearbook 2023 Rugby League / Tag / Union
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James Cook High School Yearbook 2023 JC WHĀNAU Pacific Island Leaders of 67 Today (PILOT) Future Me (University of Auckland) In Week 10 of Term 2, 13 Year 10 students of a Māori and Pacific background were selected to attend a programme called, Future Me, hosted and facilitated by the University of Auckland (UoA). The purpose of this programme was to expose students to the opportunities available at the UoA and to inform them of specific senior subjects they will need to take in order to lead them into certain courses offered at the university. All students who attended had an awesome time networking and exploring their way through the campus. Thank-you to all involved in the preparation of the trip. A special thank-you to Ms. Isabella Holmes and Mrs. Ena Siono-Su’a for arranging the successful trip. In Week 3 of Term 4, 9 Year 10 students were given the opportunity to attend a programme called, Pacific Island Leaders of Today (PILOT), at the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) South Campus in Manukau. The students enjoyed their time networking with other students from different schools and listening to inspirational speakers of Pasifika descent. Thank-you to Ms. Isabella Holmes for organising the trip and to Ms. Ena Siono-Su’a for taking the students to AUT. This was an awesome experience for our Year 10 students to learn how to set goals towards achieving their dreams as young individuals of Pasefika descent. “Today is the opportunity to buil the tomorrow you want” - Ken Poirot.
James Cook High School Yearbook 2023 JC WHĀNAU 68 Careers & Gateway Empowering Futures: Celebrating a Year of Learning and Growth At James Cook High School, we take pride in the exceptional journey of our students as they explore and shape their futures. This year has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with accomplishments, learning, and experiences that have enriched our students’ lives. Our Careers Faculty has played a pivotal role in nurturing the dreams and aspirations of our young minds. A Personalized Approach to Career Guidance One of the most compelling advantages of our Careers Faculty is their personalized approach to career guidance. They intimately understand our students’ academic profiles, strengths, learning styles, and interests. This understanding is not developed overnight but through sustained classroom interactions. Our educators go above and beyond to provide invaluable support and mentorship, ensuring that each student’s career advice is tailored to their unique needs. Gateway Courses: Exploring a World of Possibilities Our Gateway programs have given students a taste of the diverse career opportunities awaiting them. Held every term, these programs provide students with hands-on experience in their chosen career pathways. This year, students embarked on journeys with prominent companies like Bunnings, Countdown, Domino’s, and the Auckland City Hotel. But that’s not all; our Gateway courses expanded their horizons even further, introducing exciting new opportunities, including beekeeping and chainsaw operations. It’s about offering a glimpse into a world of possibilities. University Visits: Nurturing Ambitions In the pursuit of higher education, our students have attended university open days. These visits have equipped them with a clear vision of their future pathways. Our students have had the privilege of exploring institutions like MIT, the University of Auckland, AUT, NZMA, and even traveling to Dunedin for an enriching experience at the University of Otago. Vocational Academy: Preparing for the Real World Our vocational academy and trades programs offer hands-on experiences that equip students with skills and knowledge essential for the working world. Whether it’s electrical work, hairdressing, multi-trades, logistics, automotive studies, or early childhood education, our students have dived into the world of practical learning. The accolades have followed. This year, our school achieved the Best Performance School Award, a testament to our students’ dedication. It’s more than just learning; it’s about building and creating, such as our involvement in the Ara house building project and the impressive assembly of a car park by our Level 3 students.
Highlights, Visits, and Trips: Enriching Experiences Beyond the classroom, we’ve delved into numerous programs and initiatives that have enriched our students’ lives. These include our commitment to the Refugee Pathway to Future Employment, participation in the Pilot Programme for Pacific Island Leaders of Tomorrow, exploring “Future Me,” and venturing to QRC Paihia, a renowned institution for hospitality and tourism education. As we reflect on this year, we recognize that education extends far beyond textbooks and classrooms. It’s about fostering dreams, nurturing ambitions, and providing experiences that shape futures. Our Careers Faculty has been at the forefront of this journey, and the impact has been profound. In each photo, you see the smiles, the determination, and the dreams of our students. The Careers Faculty at James Cook High School is not just a place of learning; it’s a place of empowerment. It’s where futures are inspired and built. As we celebrate these achievements and look forward to the endless possibilities that await, we are reminded that our students are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. They are our future, and it’s a future filled with promise and potential. Thank you for an incredible year of growth and learning. Here’s to the journey ahead, to more dreams to chase, and to a future that’s as bright as the smiles in our photos. Thanking you from Lindsay, Isabella, Naomi and Ben. James Cook High School Yearbook 2023 JC WHĀNAU 69 Learner License: Paving the Way for Independence Four learner license workshops this year became opportunities to empower our students. These workshops saw 120 students successfully pass their tests, achieving a remarkable 99% pass rate in each workshop. We believe in empowering our students with essential life skills. Career Expo: A Glimpse into the World of Careers Our annual career expo is our special annual event where we invited 50 providers and 30 employers to engage with our students. This was an opportunity to receive guidance on future pathways and gain insights into selected career paths. Our students left the expo with a deeper understanding of the diverse career opportunities that lie ahead. Careers & Gateway
James Cook High School Yearbook 2023 JC WHĀNAU 70 Library James Cook High School Yearbook 2023
James Cook High School Yearbook 2023 JC WHĀNAU MANA Room 71
James Cook High School Yearbook 2023 JC WHĀNAU 72 Taonga Teen Parent Unit
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James Cook High School Yearbook 2023 JC WHĀNAU 74 BLENNZ
JC WHĀNAU 75 James Cook High School Yearbook 2023 The Rosehill Unit has three classes: Weka, Kakariki and Kakapo. Our future-orientated ākonga have multiple and varied opportunities to develop our priority skills, the Great C’s. In collaboration with whānau, we established what is most important for each student to learn, considering their age and stage. We want Rosehill ākonga to be Capable, Calm, Confident, Curious, Caring, Communicators, Careful, and Choice makers. WEKA CLASS The Weka class is all about growth this year. We’re curious about how plants grow, and we’re confident gardeners. We’ve embarked on a plan to plant radishes, and we can’t wait to harvest them and make a salad with them! We’re excited to learn more about the different stages of radish growth, from seed to seedling to mature plant. We’re also interested in the different factors that affect radish growth, such as sunlight, water, and soil nutrients. The ‘Grow It!’ Term 4 theme is a reminder that we are all growing and changing, just like plants. We are all capable of great things if we are willing to learn and put in the effort. KAKAPO CLASS Secondary students that are part of a Specialist School meet four times a year and compete in Special OIympics Sports Tournaments. In Term 3 at Bruce Pulman Arena, Kakapo class displayed their tremendous capabilities on the court in three rounds of Football games. We finished second in the Second Division. Wanawana ana! Inspiring! Rosehill School
James Cook High School Yearbook 2023 JC WHĀNAU 76 KAKARIKI CLASS Trip to Equalize featuring Dame Valerie Adams! 2023 had many highlights for our class called Kakariki and this includes several trips out into the community where we enjoy being active and representing our school. We won’t ever forget our trip to the Equalize Event in Auckland City where Kakariki were starstruck meeting Dame Valerie Adams. Our learners connected to Dame Valerie’s personal message about being bullied in school for her physical attributes, and her stories overcoming adversity at different stages of her life. Whether you are short or tall or just a little different you can find your path. What an inspirational person, we got the privilege of meeting! Kia whakahihiri (Be inspirational) Rosehill School
77 Design and Printing: Repro Graphics NZ Ltd Yearbook Contributors: Jen Lapa Jesse Atafu-Mayo Sa’id Milton Joritta Sang Yum - Year 13 Photography
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