WHS Newsletter | Issue 4.5 | 15 November 2024

Principal's Message

Kia ora and welcome to the Wakatipu High School newsletter at the end of Week 5. A very special welcome to parents and caregivers of our incoming Year 9 students who are receiving the WHS newsletter for the first time - while there are only a few more newsletters this year, hopefully they will give you a sense of WHS as well as some important information for the upcoming school year.

Related, today has been an important day at WHS - our annual Year 8 Orientation Day, where we welcome next year’s incoming students. The day is always a mix of excitement and nerves, but it has gone well and is an important step in the process of transitioning new students to WHS. We look forward to welcoming next years Year 9’s back on their first day next year - Tuesday 28th January. Parents, please put that afternoon in your diaries as we welcome you that afternoon to come and meet some key people, including your students Kaiārahi. Lots more information will be emailed to parents of new entrant students over the year, including at 4:30 pm today. 

Part of why we have Orientation Day today is that the school is relatively quiet. Nationally there are no NCEA exams today so seniors are on exam leave, and Year 10s are on their Branches Camp Workday so it is a good day for the incoming students to be here.

The Workday that the Year 10s have been on is an important fundraiser for Branches Camp, and a big thanks to Jane Bamford and the Branches Trust for their efforts and support of Branches Camp. Next Wednesday, 20 November the Pre-Branches Tramps will be held around Queenstown Hill. Details were sent to parents/caregivers earlier this week and all information is also posted on the Branches Google Classroom, which students have access to. 

We also welcomed our 2025 Student Leaders to school today to support the Year 8’s with their transition and to continue with their leadership development and planning for the upcoming school year. We have outstanding students at WHS and a huge thanks to all the leaders for giving up their precious study time to support a positive school culture.

The second week of NCEA exams have gone well, and it’s great to see students putting in the mahi to achieve to the best of their ability in these important external exams. There are some big exams again next week so keep supporting seniors to study effectively. 

A great newsletter follows, including a leadership session with Olympians Lucy Spoors and Emma Twigg, updates from the Robostormers, our International Student Trip to Glenorchy, an upcoming parent evening on neurodiversity, and some tips and tricks to help students manage their wellbeing, and much, much more, so be sure to have a read. 

Ngā mihi nui,

Oded Nathan
Principal/Tumuaki

Key Dates - Term One 2025

WHS SZ App

All parents, caregivers and students should download the SZapp to your device as this is how we will communicate urgent and important school alerts and our weekly newsletter. The app also features an absence form, the online school cafe, a calendar and some handy links! See below information on how to download the WHS SZ app. 

 Apple Devices

1. On your device, open the App Store.
2. Search the App Store for SZapp.
3. Download and install SZapp.

 Android Devices

1. On your device, open the Play Store.
2. Search the Play Store for SZapp.
3. Download and install SZapp.

Ākonga Passport

The Ākonga Passport is a system of positive acknowledgement for students in Years 9 and 10 that aligns with our Ākonga Profile. The Passport acknowledges students for behaviours that exemplify our School Values, successful Learning Engagement (LE) Reports, participation in extra and co-curricular activities, service to others, and for completing digital and careers modules. Students strive to gain points in each of these areas to achieve bronze, silver and gold levels of the Passport.​

With the end of the year around the corner, this is the last opportunity for our junior students to gather Ākonga Passport points and be awarded the next level in the passport. Students who participate in school run activities will be automatically entered in groups to recognise their participation. If students are participating in activities outside of school, then please remember there is the External Activity form that can be completed.

With Branches around the corner, the cut-off date for points will be Friday, 29 November.  Students who receive an Ākonga Passport Gold will be further recognised in the end of year Prize Givings where parents will be invited to attend.

Student Leaders Preparation for 2025

I tēnei rā, today we had the pleasure of working with our 2025 Student Leadership Group. This included Head Students, Lead Prefects, House Leaders, our Board of Trustees Student Representative and the relevant Deputy Leaders. To be appointed, students need to go through a really thorough process and we’re very confident that this group will make a significant positive contribution moving forward. 

Our focus of the wānanga (workshop) today was around the overarching concepts of what it takes to be a great leader and what we expect of one another. This particular group certainly has the right energy and direction to continue to make positive changes in their areas of influence. 

A special shout-out and ngā mihi nui to the Whakatipu Rowing Club for facilitating a visit from two Olympic champions who spoke to our 2025 Student Leaders while in town for their fundraising event last night. Emma Twigg, who won a gold medal in Tokyo and a silver in Paris, and Lucy Spoors, who earned a silver in Tokyo and a gold in Paris, shared their experiences and offered valuable insights on leadership and high performance, applicable to all, whether involved in sports or not.

E rere te huata, kapohia! When the spear flies, grab it! 

This whakataukī reminds us to seize opportunities when they arise and what a great opportunity the Student Leaders had today to set some foundations for 2025.

Sarah Hill and Ryan Gilbertson
Deputy Principal’s

Assessment Weeks Continue for Senior and Junior Students

As the school year draws to a close, our students continue to work hard in class and in preparing for and sitting their end-of-year exams. Our seniors are now halfway through their NCEA exams, and it’s encouraging to see so many stepping up and modeling the school values of excellence, resilience, and responsibility. Our Year 9 and 10 students are also completing their subject exams and receiving feedback on those they have finished. This is an important time for them to reflect on their preparation process, the challenges they overcame to perform under exam pressure, and to consider how their effort aligns with their results.

The experience of preparing for and performing under exam conditions fosters valuable skills, including:

• Time management, self-discipline, and focus
• Memory and recall
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Stress management and resilience
• Goal setting and motivation
• Assessment approaches and using feedback for self-reflection
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Accountability and Responsibility

These skills will serve students well in future study and work. Let’s continue to encourage our young people to embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth.

Extracurricular Opportunities for Students

At WHS, extracurricular activities form an important part of the educational experience of our students. We have an ambitious goal of having 85% of Year 9 and new students involved in some form of extracurricular activity each year.  It helps our students to build connections, a sense of whanaungatanga and belonging. 

For more information about extracurricular activities at WHS, please visit our dedicated website via this link. Your child will have the opportunity to sign up for extracurricular activities they are interested in for 2025 at our Extracurricular expo during Term one. 

Uniform Requirements and Shop Hours

We believe that wearing the school uniform correctly is an important way in which students can represent our school with pride, and is an expectation of all students attending WHS. Please click here for uniform requirements. 

The NZ Uniform shop in Remarkables Park is open extended hours  for current Year 8 students and new entrants joining WHS in 2025. 

Opening Dates and Times

Mondays - Fridays:  9am - 5pm
Saturdays:  9am - 1pm with extended hours of 9am - 4pm in January and February 1st and 8th

NOTE: The NZ Uniform shop is closed from 1pm on December 24th and reopens on January 3rd 2025.

Orders can also be placed online;

Parent Series: Supporting Rangatahi with Neurodiversity

Our Parenting in the Basin series, 'Supporting Rangatahi with Neurodiversity’ will take place on Wednesday, November 20. This informative event features experts discussing neurodiversity, support services, and strategies for helping young people.

Looking After Your Wellbeing This Summer

International Students Explore Glenorchy

Our international students had a fantastic time exploring the stunning landscapes of Glenorchy this week. Highlights of their adventure included exploring Temple Peak Station, thanks to the kind landowners who generously hosted the group. They also enjoyed a hike along the Routeburn Track to Falls Hut and received an introduction to the world of beekeeping.

Branches Workday

Work Day is an important fundraiser for Branches and provides a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage with their community while helping to cover camp costs. Thank you to all the Year 10 students who participated in Work Day this year, as well as to those who hosted students or donated on their behalf.

Robostormers

The Robostormers participated in the South Island Regionals held in Christchurch last week. After weeks of hard work and dedication, the team qualified for the Nationals in Auckland, taking place at the end of the month. Congratulations to Sofia Sharpe, Fergus McMurdo, and Daniel Clement!

Student Volunteers Support Cure Kids

Last night, six students volunteered for a Cure Kids event at The Hills. They did an excellent job of setting up, serving, and encouraging guests to contribute to this important cause. We look forward to continuing our support for Cure Kids in 2025. A big thank you to Jentie, Sophia, Sarah, Ava, Manuella, and Issy!

International Chemistry Quiz 2024

The International Chemistry Quiz (ICQ) is an annual competition designed to kindle interest in chemistry and underscore the crucial role of chemists in society. It is also an opportunity for teachers to gauge their students' understanding of chemistry and acts as a platform to encourage students to pursue studies and careers in chemistry. 

Several WHS students sat the ICQ in Term 3 and achieved some outstanding results:

• High Distinction (top 10% of participants): Solomon Phoon (Year 10)
• Distinction (top 30% of participants): Leo Devlin (Year 10), Cameron Hall (Year 11), Matthew Winstone (Year 9), Brian Yang (Year 10).

Well done to all of the students who participated in this year's competition. 

Mr Logan Rae
Gifted Education Coordinator

Health Alert: Whooping Cough (Pertussis)

Important Information for Students, Families, and the local community. This notice is to inform you about a recent increase in whooping cough (pertussis) cases in the Southern region, the majority of the present cases are in the Wānaka area, particularly in schools, but it is likely that the infection is present more widely in the community. 

What is Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough is a highly contagious respiratory illness that causes severe coughing spells. It can be especially dangerous for babies and young children.

Signs and Symptoms:
- Cough that lasts for weeks
- Runny nose or congestion
- Fever (may be mild)
- Vomiting after coughing (especially in young children)
- Whooping sound after coughing (more common in younger children)

Who is Most at Risk?
- Babies under 1 year old
- Pregnant women
- People with weakened immune systems

Prevention:
- Vaccination is the best way to prevent whooping cough.
- Make sure you and your children are up to date on all immunizations, including the whooping cough vaccine (Boostrix).
- Adults aged 45 and 65 can also receive a free whooping cough booster shot.
- Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

What to Do if You Think You Have Whooping Cough:
- Stay home from school or work and avoid contact with others.
- See a doctor to get tested and treated with antibiotics.

Further Information
- Additional information about Pertussis is available on the Health NZ |Te Whatu Ora website here.
- IMAC:www.immune.org.nz/diseases/pertussis
- KidsHealth:www.kidshealth.org.nz/whooping-cough

Sport and Active Recreation News

Touch

Pre Nationals Tournament

Our Mixed A touch team travelled to Mosgiel on Saturday for a pre-Nationals touch tournament. The weather was a mixed bag providing varying playing conditions for the team - going from hot, to raining and cold, and then hot again. It was a successful day with the team coming away with 2 draws against South Otago High School and Cromwell College and 2 wins against Mt Aspiring College and Taieri College (the latter in a drop off game). The team will fly to Rotorua in 3 weeks for the National Schools Touch Tournament - a great way to finish of the school year!

Central Otago Junior Comp

It was Wakatipu's turn to host Mt Aspiring College, Cromwell College and Dunstan High School for the Central Otago Junior Touch competition on Tuesday night. The junior comp has been run in ‘hubs’ with each school taking turns to host all 8 teams each week. It has been an awesome atmosphere with so many players in the one space, getting involved with playing and refereeing! Tuesday saw the final round of games and the first semi finals of the competition. Our 3 WHS teams have all played well throughout the comp, with WHS Gold making it into the grand final which will be played on Tuesday 26th November in Cromwell.

Volleyball

Good luck to our 3 junior volleyball teams who are heading to the South Island Junior Champs in Christchurch from Tuesday 19th - Thursday 21st November! Play well.

Keep Us Informed

The Sports Department would love to hear from you if you know of any awesome sporting achievements from our students! Please send through details/results and photos to Sian at shorn@wakatipu.school.nz so we can share and celebrate these as a school.

Support Sport at WHS

Support the team by liking the Wakatipu High School Sports Facebook page. This is the best way to stay up to date with the successes of our athletes and teams and celebrate their great achievements!

https://www.facebook.com/WakatipuHighSchoolSports/ 

Sian Horn
Director of Sport

Arts Department News

Artist of the Week:  Mathew Wright

This week we wish to highlight the wonderful Mathew Wright. Mathew has become something of a permanent fixture in the Music Department since his arrival at the beginning of 2024. He contributes outstanding work to the jazz big band as a trombone player, as well as to the junior jazz band as a bass player. Since arriving at Wakatipu High School Mathew has tried his hand at double bass, baritone saxophone, alto saxophone, trombone, and here he is on day 4 of learning the clarinet during break times. We are awaiting the day the bagpipes get a look in! Mathew is an outstanding example of a student who exemplifies the Wakatipu Way in the Music Department. We really look forward to seeing Mathew continue to grow and develop as a musician over the coming years and beyond! 

Thrashmore Competition

Voting for the AJ Hackett Thrashmore competition is now happening, this is a National competition for bands with members aged 13-35 years.  Two WHS bands have made it through to the National Top 10, Atomica and 4BLU.

The winner of Thrashmore is decided by popular vote and these bands would love your support to win the $10,000 on offer.

Please vote for either of these bands via this link:  https://www.bungy.co.nz/thrashmore/

Armistice Day Service

Brian Yang, our year 10 student, participated at Arrowtown RSA's Armistice Day Service of Remembrance on Monday 11th November as a bugler.

This is his second time serving as a Bugler on Armistice day after November 11 last year. He feels very honoured and proud.  Brian once again performed very competently "The Last Post" and "Reveille" in front of the Soldiers' Hill Memorial.

YAMI

YAMI is a biannual youth music summit held in Wanaka on the 3rd & 4th of May 2025. It has a number of high profile musicians from the Music Industry leading a superb learning experience for young musicians.

It is strongly recommended that anyone interested in the Music Industry should try to get there. Applications are now open, there are limited spaces available. There are also some options for payments, with staggered payments or sponsorship, please get in touch with YAMI for more details on this.

Apply here:  https://wanakasounz.nz/yami/

You can also follow them on Facebook: facebook.com/yamisounz or IG: instagram.com/yamisounz

Looking for Student Leader Set Designer Superstar!

The auditions for the 2025 Musical Mamma Mia! are well underway and we are seeing lots of great talent. Next step is the set design and we are now looking for one student that is interested to become Set Design Crew Leader and support Mr Hansen and the team in creating the set. If this is something you would like or if you want to know more please get in touch with Mr Hansen jhansen@wakatipu.school.nz. This role will commence this term. 

Opportunity for parents to help

The Mamma Mia! set design includes a fair bit of construction and resourcing materials. We are reaching out to our wonderful parent community to check if there might be anyone interested to either help with the building/construction of the set or to support in supplying the set materials. If you are interested or have ideas to this please contact Mr Hansen  jhansen@wakatipu.school.nz

Rodger Fox Workshops

It has been officially announced that the Rodger Fox Workshops are continuing the legacy of Rodger Fox’s association with Summer Jazz Workshops in Wellington.

The Rodger Fox Workshops will take place December 16–19 at the New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī in Wellington, co-ordinated by Lance Philip, Daniel Hayles, Dave Wilson, Eilish Wilson, and Chris Beernink in association with the Aotearoa Jazz Education and Performance Trust.

Musicians aged 19 and under with a minimum of one year experience on an instrument or in vocal training can participate. Students can choose trumpet, trombone, saxophone, clarinet, flute, bass, piano, guitar, drums, vibraphone, or voice.

More information and registration info can be found at the Rodger Fox Workshops registration site 

Follow the Rodger Fox Workshops on Instagram or Facebook for the latest updates.

Any questions – please email rodgerfoxworkshops@gmail.com.

Exciting visits in ART

Being able to access a visiting artist is an incredible opportunity for our students to get first hand input from established artists. We hope to welcome more artists and professionals in the arts space in the future. If you would like to share your experience and knowledge please get in touch with Arts Coordinator Stine Cooper scooper@wakatipu.school.nz.

Out and About

There are a number of Musicians in the school who are keen to play out and about in the Community, koha would be appreciated.  Please contact Alison Price for more information at aprice@wakatipu.school.nz

Extracurricular groups - Groups have restarted for the term and some have been adjusted, but students should be up to date with all updates as they are posted on the Performing Arts Classroom Group.  

• Jazz Combo - Monday 8 am / Wednesday 8 am
• Guitar - Monday Break 2
• Digital Music Production - Wednesday Break 2
• Junior Jazz - Thursday Break 2
• Jazz Full Band - Wednesday 3.20 pm
  
• Senior Singing - Thursday 3.15pm

Keep checking each of the  Classroom Groups for more details and updates

Upcoming for Term 4 -  Term 4 shaping up to be very busy start for the Performing Arts 

29 November - Music Groups Primary Schools Visits

7 December - Jazz Combo at Ayrburn

10 December - Yr 9 Prizegiving

11 December - Yr 10Prizegiving

Te Atamira - is a multi-purpose arts and cultural space at Remarkables Park Town Centre - check out what is happening at Te Atamira here

Te Wahi Toi - Nau mai, haere mai, Te Wāhi Toi is the meeting place and online directory for Queenstown and Wānaka’s creative community.  Find them here

Let us Know
The Arts department would like to know about any artistic achievements that students have attained outside of school be it in Drama, Dance, Music or Visual Arts. Please send details and photos to scooper@wakatipu.school.nz

Support the Arts
We are always looking for local professional performing and visual artists to visit our school and run workshops for our students. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Mrs Cooper the Arts Coordinator at scooper@wakatipu.school.nz

Instagram Page
Follow our school’s Instagram page for recent successes or news within the school’s Arts Department at whsartdepartment.

WHS Foundation

Community Notices

 

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