WHS Newsletter | Issue 4.09 | 08 December | 2023
- Principal's Message
- Key Dates
- 'My Branches Experience' by Nicole Carey
- Āwhina Fundraising Raffle Winner
- University Results for Semester Two
- Blue Light Life Skills Camp at Burnham Army Camp
- Stationery
- Student Café
- Sports and Active Recreation News
- Arts Department News
- WHS Foundation
- Community Notices
Principal's Message
Kia ora and welcome to the second to last newsletter of the year,
With a comprehensive newsletter coming out next Thursday, as well as the school’s annual magazine, there’s just a short piece from me this week.
Branches Camp 1 finished really well and Branches Camp 2 is off to a great start. Hopefully, parents of Year 10 students will have recognised the growth of their children and that the students have shared some of their adventures. Be sure to check out the article below from one of the students from Camp 1, as well as some photos (and keep an eye out for the ‘Branches Slideshow’ in next week’s newsletter).
A huge thank you, ngā mihi, to all the parents and students who took the time to respond to our recent survey regarding cell phones at Wakatipu High School. We are currently processing the data and considering our options, which we will inform parents and students of at the start of the new year. Thanks also to those who provided feedback on our Weekly Summary report trial. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we’ll consider both the aspects that you liked and the areas that you didn’t to refine our reporting systems for 2024.
A reminder that Year 10’s have their final day of the in-school programme on Monday and then have a ‘rest day’ on Tuesday, 12 December. Year 9’s have school on Monday and their final day is Tuesday, 12 December, with Year 9 Prizegiving commencing at 11 am in Pouākai. Year 10’s have their final day on Wednesday, 13 December with the Year 10 Prizegiving commencing at 11 am in Pouākai.
All prizewinners and their parents/whanau have been emailed directly. We look forward to seeing all the students there to celebrate the achievements of their peers, irrespective of whether or not they are a prizewinner.
Lastly, a massive congratulations to the winners of the Āwhina raffle that was run by the WHS Foundation (see below)!
Kā mauka whakatipu, reach for your heights!
Ngā mihi nui,
Oded Nathan
Principal/Tumuaki
Key Dates
| Monday 11 December |
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| Tuesday 12 December |
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| Wednesday 13 December |
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| Monday 22 January | Office opens - 9:00 am |
| Monday 22 January - Friday 26 January | Uniform shop open - 9:30 am - 3:30 pm |
| Thursday 25 January | Teacher Only Day (Office open from 10:30 am) |
| Friday 26 January | Teacher Only Day (Office open from 10:30 am) |
| Monday 29 January |
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| Tuesday 30 January |
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| Wednesday 31January | School starts, all students at school - 9:10 am |
| Tuesday 6 February | Waitangi Day (Public Holiday/no school) |
2024 TERM DATES
Term 1: Monday 29 January to Friday 12 April
Term 2: Monday 29 April to Friday 5 July
Term 3: Monday 22 July to Friday 27 September
Term 4: Monday 14 October to Tuesday 10 December
'My Branches Experience' by Nicole Carey
Branches was an amazing experience. An injury early on hindered my Branches experience, however resilience, grit and perseverance pushed me to carry on and still enjoy and make the most of the Branches experience. It expanded my horizons and provided the challenge of not having a phone for a week, which was out of mine and many others comfort zones.
Branches tested my resilience and outdoor knowledge, especially out at SAR surviving a night in the wet and cold.
Memories and friends were made - especially when we had to be constantly with each other like a family for three days going up Lochnagar! The joint struggle of trying to dodge the infamous speargrass on the way up Lochnagar, a treacherous climb through the rough rocky landscapes, and the freezing swim at the lake where it feels like you’re going to get hypothermia. But the views were breathtaking and with snow capped mountains towering over us, all of which made the Lochnagar walk worthwhile
Rafting, Lochnagar, Polnoon, Search & Rescue (SAR), Shooting, Task Force Green and consolidated and newly formed friendships - all of this made up the Branches experience, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
On behalf of the Year 10’s on Branches Camp, I would like to thank all of the guides and contractors who made this experience a once in a lifetime experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives. Many thanks to all of the parents and caregivers for driving us in, even though the road was pretty rough at times! Of course I can’t forget the teachers who took the time out of their week to come and make the camp a safe, fun environment for everyone - big thanks to Mr McIntyre and Mr Regan for organising and putting together 2023 Branches Camp.
So thanks again to everyone who participated and made Branches a wonderful experience - hopefully the year nines can’t wait to do it next year!
Written by
Nicole Carey, Year 10
Supported and Edited by
Hannah Johnston, Year 10
Āwhina Fundraising Raffle Winner
We are so pleased to announce the draw of our Āwhina Fundraising Raffle!
Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket, shared our raffle with their friends and family and helped us support the Āwhina Fund at Wakatipu High School! A massive thank you to our wonderful sponsors Kate Rollason and Rob Swale at Fiordland Discovery, Michelle and Anthony from PAK’NSAVE for generously donating the prizes.
Celeste Collie
WHS Foundation
University Results for Semester Two
Two students have completed the Math199 course worth 30 points through Canterbury University. Mia Tucker Grade A+ (92%) and Jan Ebbinge Grade A (88%). Jan left WHS (Te Kura) in 2022 to pursue his talent in Golf but completed the four assessments with us.
Harry Seeto completed Math120, Semester 2 course worth 15 points with Grade A+. Harry was the worthy recipient of the Hamish Attenborough Maths Award in 2023. He is waiting for his A Level results for Stats 1 and 2 to be released and is considering taking Further Pure Mathematics in the new year. Well done to these three very talented Mathematicians.
Blue Light Life Skills Camp at Burnham Army Camp
Last week, Year 9 students Scotty Roberts and Lorenzo Carrizales, attended the Blue Light Life Skills Camp at the Burnham Army base outside of Christchurch. This camp was designed to push their physical and mental boundaries to the limit; 6 am starts and cold showers kicked off each day before many activities that were designed to develop group work skills, as well as drill activities on the parade grounds and climbing huge trees to platforms with safety harnesses. The boys had the time of their lives and made amazing friends from all walks of life which they intend to keep in touch with. Scotty and Lorenzo graduated from the camp no mean feat for 14 year olds as the majority of attendees were 17. Well done boys!
Stationery
Student Café
2024 will usher in some changes at the school café.
The biggest change is that from 2024 the café will be CASHLESS. Students can pay via EFTPOS, or in the event that students don't have access to EFTPOS, parents can pre-pay into a cafe account which students can draw down on.
The Wakatipu High School café is coming back "in-house" and the team is busy putting together menu options as well as daily/weekly specials. More details to come in the new year.
Sports and Active Recreation News
1st XI Boys Cricket vs Taieri College
The annual 1st XI Boys Cricket exchange between Wakatipu High School and Taieri College was played over Sunday and Monday this week. Taieri batted first declaring on 266/6 with Jack Gallie taking 3 wickets. In reply, Wakatipu scored 170/8 declared with Jack Gallie 35, Oscar Pullar 35 and Jack Trounce 54 not out. In Taieri’s second innings they scored a quick 116/5 declared with Harry Walker-Leach getting 3 wickets. This left Wakatipu a target of 213 to get in 38 overs. Wakatipu ended on 114/4 which meant the game result was a draw. Angus O'Neill scored 30 not out and Matt Langford 32, not out. Also a big congratulations to Oliver Bowman and Finn Cole-Bailey for earning their 1st XI cricket caps. A big thank you to Taieri College and our great crew of coaches who made this awesome exchange happen.
Get2Go National Finals
Our Get2Go team have had a busy few days in Tongariro at the National Finals, competing in a range of mentally and physically challenging activities from kayaking to high ropes, problem solving, mountain biking, and rogaines. The team has placed well in a number of challenges and are still full of smiles. Keep up the good work!
The Taieri College and WHS 1st XI Boys 1st XI Cricket teams
Finn Cole-Bailey receiving his 1st XI baggy
The WHS Get2Go team about to hit the water at the 5 day national finals in Tongariro
Smash 5’s Day
The New Zealand Cricket Smash 5's format was piloted for the first time with Central Otago Junior Girls in Cromwell last Friday. This is an awesome new initiative from NZC aiming to get girls to have a go at cricket in a fun, modified format. WHS entered two teams and the girls had a great day developing their skills and knowledge of cricket. A big thanks to NZC, Otago Cricket and the Otago Secondary School Sport Association for putting on a hugely fun and successful day!
Southern Series Motocross Event
A number of Wakatipu High School students entered in the 45th Southern Series; five round motocross event which took place in Invercargill, Poolburn, Gore, Balclutha and Mosgiel. It is great to see this sport growing in popularity with more students expected to be involved next year.
Overall Results below:
Ladies 12 yrs and over class: Paige Meikle - 4th
12yrs-16yrs 85cc: Jack Forbes - 22nd, Taite Walker - 29th, Dylan Grubb - 38th
MX2 - Open class: Alex Garland - 6th
Senior Open: Alex Garland - 7th
Smash 5's in action with plenty of modified games and activities
The Year 9 girls all enjoyed a great day out at the Smash 5's competition
WHS motocross students in action in the Southern Series
New Zealand Secondary School Touch Champs
The New Zealand Secondary Schools Touch Rugby Championships are taking place this weekend in Rotorua. We appreciate the support of sponsors, without whom this trip would not be possible. We wish the team the best of luck!
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
LUMA 2024
Mrs Parker's Junior Visual Arts class has had the opportunity to participate in The Luma Project. The students had to research the Big-Bellied Seahorse, the Red Moki and the Eagle Ray to come up with interesting concepts before painting them.
It was great to see the students take this on with gusto and work hard to make creative and unique pieces. These will be collected by the organisers, and the best works will be displayed with other students' work from around the basin at Luma 2024.
Rakau Summer Sessions
Last Sunday afternoon, Ted Coutts and Mala Januszkiewicz performed at Rakau in Arthurs Point.
Huge thanks to Tony Koia from Rakau and Rockformation for their support in organising and setting up this event.
Mala Januszkiewicz and Ted Coutts at Rakau, photo courtesy of the Mountain Scene
Photography Class
Mrs Hamilton has shared a sample of some of the best photographs from 5ART1 - more of these amazing photos can be found here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KcGA54IZerTPSXw3iKmobcmCR0KdrZ7yjNA9G1DRuUI/edit
Dillon Latham's Viewpoint Class
Joe Duncan's Viewpoint Class
Aily Joll's Viewpoint Class
Ava Doyle-Stewart - Futuristic City
Kirk Aiken Palcon - Futuristic City
Michi Lamond, Ally Aitken, Cerys Phillips and Mei Howick - Photograph based on photographer Ursus Wehrli
Stella Mitchell, Eve Ennor and Bailey Tiananga - Photograph based on photographer Ursus Wehrli
Izzy Morrison Performance
Recently, ex-student Isobella “Izzy” Morrison performed in a production of “The Heathers” in Melbourne. These photos were sent through to Mr Hansen this week.
WHS Musical 2024
A reminder for everyone to 'save the dates' for our 2024 Musical, Hairspray scheduled for 3-6 April 2024!
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.
WHS Foundation
Community Notices
Can you spare 20 cents* (because you know #risingcosts)
Kia ora Queenstown 
We're on a mission to deepen our understanding of what you know and think about Mana Tāhuna Trust, and we can't do it without your valuable insights.
We’ve crafted a short, easy-to-complete survey and we'd be thrilled if you could spare a few moments to fill it out. Your feedback is vital in shaping our future initiatives and ensuring we're on the right track to serve you better.
Survey Link: https://forms.office.
Why participate?
Your opinion matters – whether you have a clue who we are or not!
It’s quicker than getting through Frankton roundabout at 3 pm on a Friday*
You're helping us and in return, we'll be able to help more people in our community.
Survey will be live until Dec 17th 2023.
*Please don't do this while driving 
Questionnaire 'Business of School Lunches' for Secondary Schools
As part of a research project examining parents’ attitudes towards school lunches in Queenstown primary and secondary schools, Masters student Julie Bantegny Weimann is looking for feedback. Parents need to be over 18 years old with at least one child enrolled in a secondary school in Queenstown to complete this questionnaire. It will take only ten to fifteen minutes, and your answers will remain confidential and anonymous.
Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts and opinions on your child’s/children’s school lunches in secondary schools in Queenstown by completing this survey:
https://docs.google.com/
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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