Find Your Fit at Pakuranga College

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JosephYear 12

“Abseiling down a 14m cliff face by a beautiful river in the middle of a forest was definitely a highlight of Peer Support Camp for me. I had to push past some fears but as a Peer Support Leader I wanted to make the Year 9s feel comfortable, which meant facing up to the challenge. I don’t have any younger siblings, so I find it very rewarding to be able to inspire younger students through Peer Support and help provide an awesome camp experience.

I remember my own camp as a Year 9. I made lots of other friends, which is key when transitioning to a big high school filled with strangers; it helps you fit in and feel comfortable.”

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LeahYear 10

“My experiences at Peer Support Camp definitely helped with my transition to high school as at camp you make new friends and gain more confidence in an environment where all Year 9s are new and learning.

I enjoyed getting involved in the activities, but my personal highlight was getting to know the Peer Support Leaders and everybody in my Whānau. I hope I’ll be able to make a difference as a Peer Support Leader in the future.”

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EmilyYear 11

“Peer Support made the transition to college so much easier because I made a lot of new friendships. I was able to share how my college experience was going with the group, and it was good to know that most of the Year 9 students were going through similar things.

I still stay in touch with my Peer Support Leaders through different groups I’ve joined, like Dance Academy. If I see them around the college I often have a little conversation with them. I’m definitely inspired to become a Peer Support Leader so I can help future Year 9s with the transition to high school.”

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AshleyYear 12

“I’m so proud of representing Pakuranga College in hockey. It's a great feeling to know that I’m part of something bigger and making a positive impact. Joining the team has boosted my confidence and it’s been great getting to know students in other parts of the college.

For anyone new to the college, I say make the leap and sign up for a sport. There are so many to choose from, you won’t regret it!”

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AlanYear 12

“Participating in co-curricular activities has allowed me to build relationships with teachers and make new friends – it really makes me feel connected to the college. My highlight is being involved in the Interact Council, especially volunteering for the Rotary Carnival, which we do every year. It’s a fun and meaningful way to help out.

Don’t be afraid to join a new club, council, or group - participation is encouraged and all the groups are very welcoming, so there is nothing to be scared of!”

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LeahYear 10

“I joined the African Cultural Group at school and I’ve really enjoyed learning and performing the dances, as well as meeting new people.

Events like Cultural Night and Cultural Expo are a great celebration of all the cultures at the college, and I’ve been exposed to so many different ones that I now have a new appreciation for. My stand-out cultural experience is definitely Cultural Night - we celebrate every culture and each group shows a bit of what they are about.”

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EmilyYear 11

“I loved Peer Support Camp so much! I built a bunch of new relationships and the Peer Support Leaders were so nice. During the activities at camp, they helped me along the way and if I had a problem, they would always solve it with me.”

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SiennaYear 12

“Representing Pakuranga College in sports is a privilege and incredibly rewarding as it allows me to show school pride and spirit. Playing sports has also allowed me to connect with people who share similar interests and I’ve made lots of awesome friendships.

If you are new to school my advice is to get involved in sports; maybe try one you haven’t played before. It’s a great opportunity to try new things and find what you enjoy.”

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RubyYear 11

“Peer Support made the transition to high school easier because I got to meet new people and it made finding my classes much simpler. I enjoyed the different activities we did in our Peer Support group, like the respect and trust exercise, it was nice to share my thoughts and ideas with others.

I still have contact with my Peer Support Leaders and when I see them around the school we stop and have a little talk. I would definitely like to be a Peer Support Leader in the future because it is a great opportunity to meet new people and help them be comfortable at school, like how my Peer Support Leaders did for me.”

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AlanYear 12

“Playing sports at school has allowed me to build strong friendships with lots of people, which has made my time at Pakuranga College very enjoyable. I get to share so many great experiences with my friends, plus I have a real sense of purpose and belonging to the college.

Winning games and accomplishing things as a team gives me so much pride. It’s exciting to know that you are helping to contribute to your school and its reputation in the community. So don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, you never know, you might enjoy that new sport for a lifetime!”

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VeroniqueYear 11

“Representing Pakuranga College in sport is an amazing feeling; I’m very proud to be allowed to represent my school. Participating in school sports has also given me a lot. My friendships both in school and sport have grown substantially, and my skills and physical health are constantly improving.

For new students wanting to join a school sport I say have a goal and follow your dreams. That approach has absolutely worked for me!”

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LydiaYear 13

“Co-curricular activities at the college are super accessible. I’ve really enjoyed being involved in performing arts as leader of the Chinese Dance Group and as part of Pakpop, a K-pop dance group. It’s fantastic to be able to combine my love of dance with my culture, plus being student-led makes the groups even more fun to be part of.

I’m also part of Concert Band which is more structured, with lots of involvement from the Music Department to get us competition ready. We do lots of performances at the college and it’s great to share our music with other students.”

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JosephYear 12

“As our brilliant Principal says, getting involved in co-curriculars makes school about more than just English, Science, and Maths. One of the highlights for me was the school production. I got to pursue my passion for acting in front of hundreds of people – it improved my public speaking and was so much fun. Plus, everyone who came to the show started to recognise me, so I met lots of new people in the cast and the wider school.

For new students who are a bit unsure, I say join any club that seems even the slightest bit interesting because each club will improve and develop you in ways that aren't clear at first. On top of that, it'll help you make friends outside of your small core class.”

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SiennaYear 12

“At Pakuranga College, there are many different types of leadership, and one role I’m privileged to hold is that of Student Whānau Leader for Kauri Whānau. Through my leadership role, I've experienced huge personal growth. I’ve grown in confidence and my communication skills have improved. I’ve found my voice and have learned to use it to help others.

One of the highlights of this role is going on Peer Support Camp again, this time as a leader supporting Year 9 students. It’s such a special experience and I was able to bond with Year 9 students to help them create new friendships and feel more welcomed at Pakuranga College.”

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SophiaYear 12

“As a Mataī student, I help bring my Whānau together and build school spirit. Although this is my first year as a Student Whānau Leader, I’ve seen how teamwork and enthusiasm work together to create a strong sense of community. This role has helped me grow in confidence and adaptability. Pakuranga College offers many leadership opportunities, along with plenty other ways to get involved and grow.”

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BodhiYear 12

“Representing Pakuranga College in sports is a lot of fun. I get to meet new friends, learn more skills, and keep fit at the same time. I’m a competitive club swimmer and it’s been really great to continue that at school, starting with our annual Swimming Sports and progressing through to the interschool, Champions of Champions, and National Secondary Schools competitions.

You don’t have to be competitive; the Sports Department runs a huge sports programme for all students from elite to those just wanting to give sport a go. There are so many opportunities – I believe everyone should try a sport, you’ll definitely have fun.”

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LeahYear 10

“I love representing Pakuranga College in sport as it means I can do the sport I love while showing pride for my school. Every time I wear the kit at an event I show the Pakuranga College values.

To new students, I say, definitely get involved in sports. Sport has helped me get more involved in school life and meet some great people, plus I’ve been able to push myself at competitions against other athletes. Taking up a sport will help you make new friends and make your time at college so much more enjoyable. It doesn’t matter what sport you choose, try something new if you want, because all skill levels are catered for.”

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SophiaYear 12

“Getting involved in co-curricular activities has made my time at Pakuranga College more fulfilling, giving me opportunities to connect with others and develop new skills. Joining a variety of councils has allowed me to contribute to projects and work closely with others.

For anybody new, I recommend joining a variety of co-curricular groups to expand their interests. You never know where you’ll find your passion, and it’s the best way to make friends while getting the most out of your college experience.”

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JosephYear 12

“I’m a Student Whānau Leader for Rimu, which basically entails encouraging and supporting all the students in our Whānau to get involved and setting that example. At the moment our team of leaders is working on ways to get everyone participating in Athletics Day.

As a leader my communication skills have grown and I find it easier to make new friends, which is awesome. At Pakuranga College there are so many ways to lead – lots more than at primary and intermediate – and you lead far bigger groups of people. I really enjoy the challenge!”

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AlanYear 12

“I’m a Student Whānau Leader and the highlight of my leadership role is being involved in Peer Support. Peer Support sessions are fun (especially camp) and it's great to guide Year 9 students and influence them to be their best as they move through the college.

As a leader, I've definitely felt more comfortable and confident in communicating with other people. I used to be very quiet and not very talkative but being a leader has put me in positions where I can improve my communication skills.”

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CerysYear 13

“Being involved in the clubs and councils at the college has introduced me to many wonderful people and provided a space to meet with other students who share my interests and passions. Working towards something bigger than myself, such as planting seedlings for Trees for Survival with the Environmental Council, has been amazing.

Genuine commitment is key, and consistently doing your part in a club or council not only makes the group more engaging but also affirms your place in the college community.”

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AmeliaYear 12

“Having a small group to talk to and form bonds with helped make starting high school less intimidating and stressful. Peer Support was a great introduction to the college and one of the best takeaways was the information about all the extra activities I could get involved in.

I really enjoyed going on the Peer Support Camp, even if it was condensed. So many of my school camps had been cancelled due to Covid; it was awesome that I finally got to do some camp activities! I would like to be a Peer Support Leader in the future, I really enjoy being engaged in the college, and I’d like to go on camp again as well!”

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VeroniqueYear 11

“I enjoy the quiet and stillness of my Whānau Group each day, it gives me time to catch up on schoolwork or study for an upcoming assessment.

As a Year 11, I also like connecting with younger students to offer support, as well as being able to ask for advice from older students. Having Peer Support Leaders in my Whānau Group definitely helped me settle into the college as a new Year 9.”

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SiennaYear 12

“I really feel like my culture is celebrated at Pakuranga College. As students, we get to showcase our cultures multiple times a year through events, performances, and Cultural Night. I’m part of the Samoan Cultural Group and I’ve enjoyed being able to connect more deeply with my culture and with other students who share the same culture.

There are also lots of opportunities for students to learn about other cultures. One of my most memorable experiences was watching traditional dance and song performances from other cultural groups, before taking the stage to perform my own at Cultural Night.”

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AlanYear 12

“There is such a wide range of leadership opportunities within Pakuranga College, so there’s an opportunity for everybody. Whether it be leadership within your Whānau, sports, cultural groups, or councils, there is a chance for every student at Pakuranga College to become a leader within their interests. Take the leap and put yourself out there!”