WHS Newsletter | Issue 2.10 | 30 June | 2023

Principal's Message

While Term 2 has been quite a challenging term, the week and term have wrapped up nicely today with another stunning Matatū Assembly. Matatū means to stand firm, to show endurance and to be proud. This important event, which is also part of our House Competition, sees our students learn and perform our school’s haka and waiata, and aims to bring the school community together to showcase our school’s values of Kotahitanga (Inclusion), Te manawanui me tū (Resilience) and Panekiretanga (Excellence). The Matatū assembly is an important part of our school and culture and all-round education and once again this year, all of the performances were outstanding - reflecting the effort that has been put in over the last few weeks. If you missed it, you can view the livestream recording here. A huge thanks to the Deans, staff and student leaders who have supported with the preparation, and congratulations to all of the students who participated. A special thanks to our kaitiati (judges) and kaiako (tutors) - Ata Maiava and Te Kopa Kahanui. It was a hotly contested competition and our congratulations to Fox House on their win. 

As is now customary, there was a full-school haka and waiata at the end of the Assembly, which really showed the school’s unity and pride. It was truly inspiring to see everyone engage in school's waiata. This year’s full-school haka also had the added bonus of being a tautoko to Marley King Smith, who heads to Paris for the 2023 World Rowing Under 19 Championships on 21st July. All of WHS will be pushing for him and we wish him all the best! (see below for more details).

In terms of academics, at the recent Board meeting we presented a review of our academic results from last year compared to national data. Once again we have done very well as a school, with our UE results in the top 3 nationwide for state co-ed schools, and our Level 2 results in the top 10. We do strive to support our students to leave WHS with the best possible qualification so that they have options and opportunities for their futures, and the consistent results of students at WHS are showing that we are continuing to do a good job of that.

Our Mid-Year Reports for 2023 are currently being published to the Portal and should be available for all to see by this evening. A letter detailing these reports will also be emailed out today. These important reports provide students (and parents/caregivers) an opportunity to reflect on the first half of the year, and to check-in with progress towards achieving academic, effort, extracurricular and wellbeing goals. We spend a lot of time reporting and giving feedback to students and we hope that the information in the reports is useful for students and parents, and that you take the time to go through them and to be informed about student’s learning, progress and achievement. If you do have questions or concerns please contact subject teachers, Kaiārahi and/ or Deans as appropriate. 

As part of the reports process, some students may receive a Principal’s Award letter over the break, and my congratulations to students who receive those awards. We do also send out letters to students about whom Kaiārahi or Deans have concerns. These letters are sent out to further encourage conversations at home and to discuss what students can do differently to make improvements in the latter half of the year. Again, please get in contact with your Kaiārahi and/or Dean, as appropriate.

Term 3 is always an awesome and action-packed term, please see key dates below as there are some important events in the first few weeks of term, which begins on Monday 17 July. Details of some of these events are included in the newsletter, so please be sure to have a read.

I hope that everyone has a restful and relaxing break and an opportunity to celebrate Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki on 14 July. As Professor Rangiānehu Mātāmua says, “it’s an opportunity to remember those who have passed, celebrate those still here, and plan for the year ahead”. Click here for more details about Matariki.

Ngā mihi nui,

Oded Nathan
Principal

Key Dates

Junior Mid-Year Prizegiving & Excellence/Ad Alta Assemblies

On Monday 24 July we celebrate first semester academic and all round success across the school. Whānau of students who will be crossing the stage for an award on this day will be emailed in the first week of term with an invitation to attend and celebrate these awards. Below are the times for the celebrations:

9:05am - Years 12 and 13 Excellence/Ad Alta Assembly
10:30am - Year 9 Semester 1 Prizegiving
12:30pm - Year 10 Semester 1 Prizegiving
2:15pm - Year 11 Excellence/Ad Alta Assembly

Gemma Boel
Acting Assistant Principal

Mid-Year Reports

Parents will receive an email notification this afternoon, letting them know that their student's Progress and Achievement Summary Report is available to view via the Portal. For Junior students, these reports summarise learning, progress and achievement over Semester 1. For Senior students, these reports provide a summary of current progress towards NCEA, including credits gained to date and grades awarded for specific Achievement Standards. Additionally, there are formative grades for work that is still in process, including learning for externally assessed standards.

As always, we strongly encourage parents to review these reports with their student: celebrate high performance and also discuss any areas of concern. Any questions should be directed to the subject teacher Kaiārahi or Dean.

Justine Duncan
Deputy Principal

Course Option Selection

The start of Term 3 will signal the beginning of our course selection process for Year 9 to Year 12 students. On the first Monday of term, students in Years 9-12 will begin the day with year level assemblies that will outline the process. 

The key dates that you will need to consider are:

Monday 17th July - Year level assemblies focusing on course option selection
Tuesday 25th July - 3:20pm—5:00pm Option selection afternoon. This is an opportunity for parents and students to ask questions of key staff in learning areas about courses for the future.
Friday 11th August - Subject selection due for years 9-12 

The Senior Leadership team will also be available for appointments to assist with selection, there will be further information about this next term.

James Rasmussen
Deputy Principal

After School Mathematics Hub

Mathematics help & study hub is available every Thursday after school

• Where: Brow Learning Common
• When: 3:15 - 4:30 pm
• Levels:  Year 9 - Year 13

Note:  Students who want to access these tutorials should know what it is they want to work on and come prepared to do so.  This usually means bringing previous mathematics classwork they need help with or homework.  In some cases, students can also have access to school textbooks for extension work, but it is helpful for the tutors if the students know what topics they want to work on prior to coming.

"Break Through To Better Exam Results" - Study Skills Seminar for Parents and Students

Once again we have the pleasure of hosting Patrick Sherratt (MEd Hons, BA Psych), renowned public speaker, on Tuesday 18th July from 6:30 - 8:00 pm in the Wakatipu High School Theatre. He intends to share his strategies and insight into how students can study efficiently in preparation for tests and exams. His session on Tuesday evening will be followed up with targeted one hour programmes for Years 11, 12 and 13 (as well as any students in Y9 or 10 who are accelerated), on Wednesday 19th July.

This has been planned to precede the Senior School Exams which run across weeks 4 and 5 of Term 3.

Please save the date - Patrick's seminars are always very well received and full of useful tips and tricks for our students (and their parents). Register for the event in the link below.

Justine Duncan
Deputy Principal

Wishing Marley King Smith Success

Marley King Smith, our talented Deputy Student, is currently preparing to compete at the U19 World Rowing Championships in Paris. Let's show our support for Marley as he represents Aotearoa New Zealand on the international stage. Head to his givealittle page to donate here: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/httpsyoutubejge2urqnkmu

Marley has been training relentlessly, investing 4-5 hours each day to refine his skills. He has been fortunate to train alongside elite rowing squads, gaining valuable experience and inspiration. Now, Marley is focused on intensifying his efforts to ensure he is ready to compete at the U19 World Championships starting on August 2nd.

Kia kaha, Marley! All of us at Wakatipu High School stand with you and wish you all the strength and success at the U19 World Championships. 

Term 2 Wrap Up From The Head Students

Kia ora everyone, 

It’s Annika and Lachy here. We are here to give you a run down and wrap up of the eventful semester that we hope you all enjoyed.

It really has been all go! The recent Pride Week saw some awesome celebrations of diversity and inclusivity and from the Climate Strikes to an unforgettable Mullet March, our school community has shown an incredible commitment to raising awareness and taking action on the things that really matter.

And let's not forget about the intense House competitions that have fueled our competitive spirit throughout the year! House debating, netball and spelling bee have run this Term and today marked the end of Term 2 with the culmination of our highly anticipated Matatū event. 

In other news, the Student Leadership team has been working on creating and running some pretty cool initiatives and ideas throughout the year. We formulated our own ‘Why’ at the start of the year, which is to encourage and support students to:

Feel - Safe, Valued, and Capable

Act with - Kindness, Inclusion and Purpose

Contribute our -Time, Support, and Voice

Think with - Optimism, Ambition and Consideration

Celebrate - Personal accomplishments, Diversity, and Effort

These values have incentivised each activity that has been run by the councils and head students, and encapsulate what our student leadership team are motivated to achieve. Hopefully, you have seen that coming through in the events that have been run throughout the year!

The Head Students have also set up a feedback system called ‘Let Us Know!’ because we know that sometimes it can be a bit daunting when you have a concern and aren’t quite sure who you should talk to. Us Head Students (Lachy, Annika, Sammy and Marley) are stationed in the library during break 3 every Friday to receive feedback in person. If you don’t know where you can ask questions about your classes, put in requests for the bell, or give any news or feedback about the school, then we are the people to come to. Big or small, we are here to listen! We can work through the problem with you, offer our best advice, and connect you to the right person or system of support. If you can’t come and see us at break 3 on Fridays, then we have a Google form where you can submit feedback- Let Us Know! 

Keep a heads up for Matariki on the 14th of July - Mana Tāhuna are hosting a mean event where you can get involved in, there will be kai and some epic performances. Find all the details here.

Also keep in mind that Shave For A Cure is an upcoming event that you can support, or even take part in! You can also support students Hugh Hodgson and Anthony Hollyer, who are ‘braving the shave' in order to raise money for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand. Here is where you can donate:

Hugh: https://www.shaveforacure.co.nz/hughhodgson
Anthony: https://www.shaveforacure.co.nz/anthony-hollyer

And to get involved yourself, email our community and service lead and deputy prefects

Mila Lanuel: 19mlanuel@wakatipu.school.nz 
Zali Vaivars: 19zvaivars@wakatipu.school.nz

Finally, good luck to juniors who will be starting some new courses in the upcoming semester, and to our seniors battling internals and the like! As the year continues, we encourage you to stay engaged and be resilient with your schoolwork and commitments. Get involved and make the most of the opportunities here at school, whether it's by keeping up with house events and extracurriculars, or putting in the mahi with your studies. Your contribution matters, and if you need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Enjoy the well deserved break and we will see you all after the holidays. 

Kia kaha,

Annika and Lachy
Head Students

World Challenge Nepal 2024

A final reminder before the sign up deadline of 7th July for the World Challenge to Nepal happening in December 2024. This opportunity is available to all current Year 10's, 11's and 12's. There are a limited number of position available and the places are starting to fill, so if you are keen to be a part of this incredible opportunity make sure you sign up as soon as you can. For trip details and sign up please click on the link below. If you have any questions please be in contact with the teachers' in charge, Miss Noni Gabb (ngabb@wakatipu.school.nz) or Miss Heather Dixon (hdixon@wakatipu.school.nz). 

Shave for a Cure - Week 1, Term 3

Can you brave the shave?

Shave for a Cure is a charitable cause aimed at raising funds and awareness for cancer research, specifically focusing on raising money for research into finding a cure for various types of cancer. The school has gathered a bunch of keen kids (and teachers!) who are willing to shave their heads as a symbol of solidarity with cancer patients who lose their hair during chemo treatment. The act of shaving one's head serves as a visible display of support and a powerful statement of solidarity. 

By shedding their hair, participants symbolically step into the shoes of those undergoing cancer treatment, demonstrating empathy and compassion while contributing to the cause. The funds collected through these efforts are directed towards cancer research institutions and medical centres that are actively working to discover new treatments and enhance existing therapies. In addition to raising funds, Shave for a Cure also plays a crucial role in raising awareness about cancer and the impact it has on individuals, families, and communities. The event sparks conversations and prompts discussions about cancer prevention, early detection, treatment options, and the importance of ongoing research. Through our involvement, Wakatipu High schools Shave for a Cure aims to eliminate stigmas surrounding cancer, promote understanding, and encourage individuals to engage in regular health check-ups and screenings. 

In Week 1 of Term 3, Wakatipu High School students will be running events and incentives to raise awareness and funds for this incredibly worthy cause. Teachers and students alike will line up for a shave and the top fundraisers will have the opportunity of getting their hands on the shaver if they are game! Word on the street is that the top fundraiser will get to shave Mr Matamua's head!

To sign up, head to our team page: https://www.shaveforacure.co.nz/wakatipuhighschoolteam

We have raised a whopping $1,660 already. A big shout out to Hugh Hodgson and Anthony Hollyer who are our fundraising superstars! Through their participation and fundraising efforts, our students are truly making a difference in the lives of those affected every day by cancer. 

Every shave matters. Your shave could change a life.

If you need support because of your own, or a loved one’s blood cancer, please get in touch. LBC are here to help. Call their toll-free number on 0800 15 10 15 or for more information visit the website - leukaemia.org.nz.

Southland Readers' Cup 2023

26 June 2023 - Ascot Park Hotel

Members: Ayuna Miyoshi, Ava McDonald, Sofia Sharpe and Will Fairfax (absent: Oliver Turner)

It was a day of fun, excitement, laughter and tears. Everyone enjoyed the long day out and came home feeling fullfilled and inspired to the cup home in 2024! 

Sport and Active Recreation News

Otago Short Course Swim Champs
Congratulations to Bailey MacKay, Finn Henderson and Liam Major for their results at the Otago Short Course Swimming Champs over the weekend in Dunedin. The trio achieved some great PBs and results, including Division Two National qualifying times for Finn. Well done folks!
Finn Henderson - 14 Year Boys: 1st - 400 IM, 400 Free, 200 Free; 2nd - 50 Free; 3rd - 50 Back, 100 Free, 4x50 Free Relay
Bailey Mackay - 13 Year Girls: 1st - 200 Breast, 100 Free; 2nd - 50 Breast, 50 Back, 50 Free, 100 Breast, 100 Back; 3rd - 100 IM, 4x50 Free Relay
Liam Major - 13 Year Boys: 1st - 200 Breast

Southland Ice Figure Skating Champs
Three WHS students competed last weekend in the Southland Ice Figure Skating Champs in Gore with Georgia Chinn winning the advanced novice section, Sabine Edmonds finishing 2nd in intermediate novice, qualifying for nationals and Shiloh Thurston winning the youth interpretive silver section. Well done on a great start to the season girls!

National Indoor Bouldering Series - Round 2 Results
Congratulations to the WHS students who competed at the second round of the NZAC National Indoor Bouldering Series in Wellington last weekend. Four qualifying rounds were held during the day with Azaria Briscoe placing 3^rd and Cybella Briscoe 8^th in the U18 female event and Caelan Briscoe placing 7^th in U16 male event. Azaria also went on to place 3^rd in the open female finals, these finals are for climbers aged 16 and over. Azaria achieved three zones in four attempts on some tough boulder problems.
Current series results include:
Azaria Briscoe:  2^nd equal open female, 2^nd U18 female
Cybella Briscoe:  3^rd U18 female
Tayah Vivian:  5^th U18 female
Alisa Schenk:  3^rd equal U16 female
Caelan Briscoe : 4^th U16 male
Oscar McCartney:  5^th U16 male
Round 3 is scheduled to be held on Saturday 5^th August at Northern Rocks in Auckland.

Night Orienteering Results
Congratulations to Year 9 student Audrey Austin who won the recent Junior Girls Central Otago Boothill Night Orienteering event by over half an hour!

Junior South Island Secondary School Netball Champs
WHS wishes our Year 9A and 10A Netball teams all the very best for the upcoming Junior SISS Netball Champs in Christchurch. The teams are competing at Hagley Park from Monday to Wednesday of the first week of the holidays. Go well!

Opportunities to get Involved

Athletic Development Programme Term 3
ADP will once again run for 8 weeks in Term 3 from Tuesday Week 2 to Thursday Week 9, a total of 16 sessions, 7am-8:15am in the fitness studio at school. This is open to all Year 10-13 students, boys and girls across any sports, who are keen on accessing strength and conditioning training to support their development in sport. The Expression of Interest Form is below for anyone considering being involved. There are 8 spaces available for the Term 3 intake. EOI's close Monday 3rd July. https://forms.gle/yEgSQKg4QRzqoF5p7

Remarkables Freeride Academy Holiday Programme
The Remarkables Freeride World Tour Academy runs a development camp over the school holidays. These are two weeks of 5-day camps available to junior skiers and snowboarders looking to progress their freestyle or freeride skills. The dates are 3rd - 7th July and 10th - 14th July. You can email  joseph.pickering@theremarkables.co.nz for more details or book online now at shop.theremarkables.co.nz

Wanaka Biathlon Club - School Holiday Programme - July 10-12
Do you have a child in year 7-13 who would like to learn the skills of biathlon? Wanaka Biathlon Club are holding a three day training program for all levels of experience in the July school holidays. Each day will start in Wanaka where we'll cover biathlon skills in the warmth of our indoor venue. We'll then carpool up to Snow Farm for a ski before being back in Wanaka by 4pm. Find out more by contacting Nicole for more details wanakabiathlon@gmail.com or https://www.biathlonnewzealand.org.nz/.../school-holiday...

I-Fly
Have you thought about getting into skydiving, either just for fun or as a potential career to travel the world after school? We are starting a skydiving club right here in QT IFLY in term 3. Learn the skills right here in the tunnel. Email jacob@iflynz.co.nz or come in and see us with a 30% off flight.

Keep Us Informed
The sports department would love to hear from you if you know of any awesome achievements from our students so that we can celebrate these as a school. Please send through details and photos to lnathan@wakatipu.school.nz.

Support Sport at WHS
Jump on board and support the team by liking or following the Wakatipu High School Sports Facebook page. This is the best way to stay informed and up to date with the successes of our athletes and teams and help celebrate their great achievements. https://www.facebook.com/WakatipuHighSchoolSports/ 

Laura Nathan
Director of Sport

Arts Department News

Douglas A Kamo Crew Excellence Award/Scholarship 
Kieran Leftley has been awarded the Douglas A Kamo Crew Excellence Award/Scholarship for his work in lighting the Little Shop of Horrors musical. Fantastic work, Keiran. We are lucky to have you working with us during our musicals at WHS. 

"I am thrilled to share with you my experience working in the crew for "Little Shop of Horrors". Alongside my talented peers Hunter Cotterill, Baxter Bamford, Thomas Colby, and Guinevere Buckley, we had the privilege of being part of Showbiz Queenstown's latest production.

I am really grateful to Mr Hansen for introducing us to Showbiz Queenstown, and allowing us to collaborate with the exceptional cast and crew of the show. Shout-out to Josh Swaine (Lighting Design) and Jack Skinner (Sound Design) for generously sharing their technical expertise and teaching us valuable skills. Having primarily worked with sound in previous school musicals, I was excited to dive into the realm of lighting, expanding my horizons and thoroughly enjoying the process.

To my surprise, I was honoured to receive the Douglas A Kamo Crew Excellence Award and Scholarship. This will allow me the opportunity to further my musical theatre career. I hope to use this scholarship to gain more knowledge and skills, which I can then apply to enhance our next school musical. I am excited about being involved once again and can not wait to contribute in a meaningful way."

-Kieran Leftley

Play It Strange Peace Song Competition 
Billie Carey is one of the finalists for the Play It Strange Peace Song competition with her song "Home to Me". Another amazing effort from this talented singer-songwriter.

Music Wrap-up for the Term
It's been another big term in the Music area with the Rockquest competition which continues for some of our musicians as they aim for the next stage. The songwriting season is underway with the Play It Strange competitions happening and the jazz band's practices build-up for the big Blenheim trip next term. Alongside that, we have had digital music sessions, songwriting and singing sessions happening in the Music area at break times. We've also enjoyed having ex-students and other mentors from the music industry performing and working with the classes. Well done to all the students, teachers and parents who have continued to support their children. We look forward to another busy, successful Term 3.

A Message From the Arts Council Leader
This year the Arts and Cultural Council has been killing it! We are a small group filled with passionate human beings and our enthusiasm for the Arts has brought us all together to help further the Arts department here at WHS. You may have seen some of the stuff we have been involved in, such as supporting the Academic Council in running house debating (which turned out to be a huge success), or when we went on to show some support during Pride Week by using our artistic genius on the Pride display in the library and the Pride Pledge canvases. Not only that but you may also have seen our Instagram, ‘whsartdepartment’, absolutely thriving due to our social media skills. As our council leader, I have also had the privilege of working on some other projects such as the creation of the fun welcoming club “Drama Nerds” and the countless Monday Mixtapes and Friday Features to discuss the talent here at WHS. Well, keep an eye out as we have lots more to come such as our very popular “Lip Sync Battle” which I recommend you all have a go at! Make sure to grab a friend, your favourite song and have the time of your life up on that stage (remember prizes will be up for grabs). That’s all from the Arts and Cultural Council! Have a lovely holiday and see you all next term :) 

- Rochelle Tickle 

Artist of the Week - Jazsy Molloy Year 12 Design
Jazsy has been working hard these past two terms in her Year 12 Design class. She has created fantastic pieces that will be on her final folio at the end of the year. Below Jazsy shares the theme and influences of her work. 

“The event that I am promoting is a New Year's Eve celebration. I have taken inspiration from artist models such as Sasha Ostapenko, Aron Jancso, and Les Graphiquants. My designs from terms 1 & 2 have abstract elements that represent the unique shapes and bright colours of fireworks.”

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 through details and photos to mparker@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 Monica Parker the Arts Coordinator at  mparker@wakatipu.school.nz.

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

Careers

Central Lakes Trust scholarship applications are OPEN!

Attention students! Applications for the Central Lakes Trust scholarships worth $2,500 are now open. If you plan to start your full-time tertiary education, apprenticeship, or vocational training in 2024, you may be eligible. The scholarships aim to help deserving students achieve their educational goals. Hurry and submit your application before the deadline on Friday 28 July at 3:00 pm. 

The application form, guidelines and eligibility requirements can be found here:  https://wakatipu.careerwise.school/post/225 

We encourage Year 13 students to apply for local scholarships.  All information about these scholarships can be found on the Careers website (as and when they are released). It is important for students to regularly check the website to stay up-to-date. To access, click on the link below or visit the school's website and find CareerWise under the Careers tab https://wakatipu.careerwise.school/

Library Books

Students will a receive an email today (Friday 30 June) if they have any overdue books, cameras or computers. They will have until the end of the first week of term 3 to return those items and after that they will be charged for the replacement cost.  As always, the charge will be removed if the items are returned.

Thanks to the group of senior students who put up a display in the library for Pride Week. It was colourful, imformative, and a great opportunity for the library to display some of its Rainbow collection.

WHS Foundation

Community Notices

Flash sale- EOFY sale - extended!
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Your purchase of an Entertainment Membership contributes to our fundraising. Help us achieve our goal by sharing this link with your friends and family. Thanks for your support!

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LEARNER & INTERMEDIATE DRIVING LESSONS

Dan Gerard Driving Instruction has professional male and female driving instructors, and members of the New Zealand Institute of Driver Educators. We offer high quality friendly driver training covering a range of driving lessons.

• Learner lessons for beginners
• Assessment for Learner drivers who have been taught by family and need their skills polished before sitting their Restricted Test
• Refresher lessons to brush up before sitting the Full Test
• Street Talk defensive driving courses

http://www.drivinginstruction.co.nz/ , E: info@drivinginstruction.co.nz

Rach Gerard: 027 273 9610,  Dan Gerard: 027 349 2447