WHS Newsletter | Issue 1.0 | 26 January | 2024

Principal's Message

Kia ora and welcome to the first of Wakatipu High School’s newsletters for the 2024 school year. A very warm welcome to you all, but in particular our new Wakatipu High School parents and students, we trust that you have had an opportunity to have a break over the summer weeks. 

Today is not a normal newsletter but a ‘pre-newsletter’ with some key information particularly regarding the start of the school year. Next week will be a normal newsletter, which will include lots more information, and for those new to WHS, our newsletter will be published every Friday at about 4 pm.  

• Year Start - please see the table below for key dates. Please also ensure you see the email sent to students and caregivers by Mrs Hiestand last week, which includes 2024 subjects. Included were some start of year details for senior students wishing or needing to change their classes. 
  
• Year 9's - start school on Tuesday, 30 January. School starts at 9am with students going to the theatre. There will be staff on hand guiding students to the right direction. This is for students only and students are expected to be in full school uniform. Parents are invited to a presentation from Mrs Lee Hiestand, Deputy Principal, who will provide key information for the year. This will commence at 2:10pm in the theatre and will be followed by an opportunity for parents to meet their child's Dean and Kaiārahi. We strongly encourage parents and caregivers to come along from 2:10 pm on Tuesday, 30 January.
  
• Students in Year 10 - 13 who are new to WHS are also expected to start on Tuesday 30 January and will have received an email from our Assistant Principal, Mr Field-Mitchell, with more details.
• Uniform - all students must be in the correct uniform from the start of the year. Please click here for uniform requirements and Uniform Shop hours. 
  
• Attendance - If your child is going to be away from school you should let the school know as soon as possible. To report a student absence, you can complete this form, call the school office at ​03 442 7370 or email attendance@wakatipu.school.nz. The WHS SZ app also features an absence form(see below information on how to download the WHS SZ app).
  
• Stationery - 2024 Stationery requirements are available for ordering online via the stationery link on our website. This is a quick, easy and affordable way of ordering your student's stationery with convenient delivery to your home.
  
  • The full MOE bus service will be operating from Monday 29th January.
    As always, at the start of the year it does take some time to determine demand for the various buses. We thank parents and students for their patience while final allocations of students to bus routes are made. The website has the most up to date information regarding Ministry of Education (MOE) provided bus routes, which can be accessed here.
  • For students who do not qualify for an MOE bus, the Orbus Services are operating a regular timetable. All details, including how to source a Bee Card, can be found here. It is really important that students take an early enough bus to ensure that they get to school on time. 
  • A reminder to all students who take either an MOE / public bus to or from school, that we expect student conduct to reflect the school values. We will be monitoring student behaviour on MOE buses, and liaising with the Otago Regional Council -  individuals will be followed up with as required.
• Āwhina Fund - we are aware that starting and setting up for the school year can be expensive, and we are able to support families financially through our ‘Āwhina’ (Support) Fund. If you would like to discuss this please click here or contact one of our Guidance Counsellors guidance@wakatipu.school.nz.
• Lockers - There are still lockers available for hire. Students can fill out a 2024 locker request form to book a locker.
  

• The School Café has had a change for the start of 2024 and along with a new menu we are now CASHLESS. For students that do not have an EFTPOS card, parents can choose to pay in advance (at Reception) and an account will be held in credit for the student at the Café that they can draw down on. If you are unable to come into the school to pay at Reception, please email accounts@wakatipu.school.nz and advise them the value you wish to pay in advance. The Accounts team will add the charge to your students' account which you can go onto the student portal and pay. Note that your student will be unable to access the credit at the cafe until payment is made.

Parents and caregivers can look out for a more normal newsletter next Friday, which will include an update on all the happenings of the summer months, including 2023 academic results, Mason Clarke’s debut for the u19 Black Caps, Siena Mackley’s selection for u20 NZ Cross-Country, Snowsports and Ice Hockey results and much, much more. 

Students can expect to receive an email from Mr Gilbertson this Sunday which will include lots more information for students, including details on how to sign up for one of the many leadership opportunities available through our student councils.

Once again, I hope that everyone has had an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate over the summer months and we look forward to getting the 2024 school year underway. 

Ngā mihi nui,

Oded Nathan
Principal/Tumuaki

Helpful Information for the Start of 2024

We look forward to welcoming our students to WHS in 2024. Please read the information below to prepare for the start of the school year.

Key Dates

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.