WHS Newsletter | Issue 3.0 | 11 July 2025
Principal's Message
Kia ora and welcome to a short pre-Term 3 newsletter to ensure everyone is all sorted for the important term ahead.
We will begin the Term with year level assemblies to outline the 2026 Course Option Selection Process, which will be followed by our Option Afternoon being held for parents and students after school on Tuesday, 22 July.
A reminder that all students and parents/caregivers had an end of term Progress and Achievement Summary (PAS) report sent to them on Sunday, 29 June. These reports collate students' academic progress from the first semester of the year into a single document and provide not only an indication of academic achievement, but also provide information on a students next steps for learning. As our reporting system is live on the Portal, the grades and next steps for learning are best viewed in real-time, when they are published, but we provide an end of term summary to ensure they are read. Please take the time to sit down with your student to read these reports, in conjunction with the Learning Engagement reports, and discuss any changes that may need to be made for Term 3.
In a few weeks time, on Tuesday 29 July, we are holding our Progress and Option Selection Meetings with parents, students and Kaiārahi. It is really important for parents and students to attend these meetings with details on how to make an appointment noted below.
Other Key Dates for the first few weeks of the Term are as follows:
- Monday, 14 July - Term 3 Begins
- Monday, 21 July - Junior Mid-Year Prizegiving
- Tuesday, 22 July - Option Afternoon from 3.20 - 5:00pm
- Monday, 28 July - Year 11, 12, 13 Excellence / Ad Alta Assemblies
- Tuesday, 29 July - Kaiārahi Progress and Option Selection Meetings
- 07 - 12 August - Year 11/12/13 Exams
A reminder that ORBUS has changed their bus schedule, as of 30 June, with details outlined below. Also, be sure you have downloaded the SZApp to ensure you are getting updates from WHS, particularly pertaining to adverse weather. Full details on how to download the SZApp are below.
Lastly, our school uniform is an important part of who we are at WHS, and it is really important that students are wearing their school uniform correctly and with pride. A reminder that students must wear their Blazer to, from and at school and that hoodies should never be worn, and will be confiscated if seen.
I look forward to seeing all the students back at school on Monday.
Ngā mihi nui,
Oded Nathan
Principal/Tumuaki
Orbus Timetable Changes Now in Effect
Orbus has implemented its updated timetables and route changes, which took effect on June 30th. These adjustments impact all routes, with changes to either routes themselves, timetables, or both.
To ensure a smooth journey to school, please make sure you've reviewed the updated information. Students should confirm they are taking the correct bus to arrive at school before 9 am each morning.
You can view the full changes by visiting the journey planner on the Orbus website:
Note that the Jacks Point/Hanleys Farm bus has 2 morning departures and 1 afternoon bus that travels directly to the school, students catching the bus outside these times will need to change buses at the Frankton Bus Hub. Departure times are;
Morning:
From Jacks Point Terminus 7:53am and 8.23am
Jack Hanley Dr (playground 7:59am and 8:29am
Afternoon:
From Hawthorne Drive Library 3.24pm only
IGCSE Pilot for Year 10 in 2026
Parent Information Evening
Date: Wednesday, 16 July
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: WHS Theatre
WHS Vision is for Aotearoa New Zealand’s best all-round education. As we grow as a school, we need to consider the different learning needs and aspirations of our students. As part of a range of programmes on offer for our students, in 2026, we will be piloting the IGCSE (Cambridge) programme of learning with a group of students in Year 10 in 2026.
Students entering Year 10, will have the opportunity to engage with the IGCSE curriculum in up to three core subjects - English, Mathematics and Science. This may serve the interests and capabilities of a group of students who are looking for greater challenge and growth in their subjects of passion and who thrive in examination type assessments.
Students can apply for one, two or all three of these IGCSE courses, which they will take alongside their other course options in 2026 (as a Year 10) and their NCEA Level 1 subjects in 2027.
Entry into the IGCSE classes will be by application. Like many other specialist courses, the Learning Area will consider applications.
We encourage all interested students and their parents to attend an information evening where we will provide further details and answer your questions.
If you have not yet registered your interest, please complete this short form, even if you are not intending to come to the parent evening. |
For additional information about the IGCSE qualification, please visit: Cambridge IGCSE
Junior Mid-Year Prizegiving
On Monday 21 July we will be holding our Junior Prizegiving Assembly to celebrate the success of students from Semester 1. Prizewinners and their parents have been informed by email. Please see the outline for the day below. These are formal assemblies and so all students must be in full school uniform including blazer and tie.
Time | Prizegiving Assemblies |
10:15 | Year 9 Prizegiving in the Theatre |
12:25 | Year 10 Prizegiving in the Theatre |
Option Selection Afternoon Tuesday 22 July
The process for selecting course options for 2026 will commence at the start of the term with Year 9, 10, 11 and 12 students having assemblies on Monday 14 July to explain the process.
This very important process is supported by our annual Option Afternoon which is being held from 3:20 - 5:00pm on Tuesday, 22 July.
The Option Afternoon provides students and parents the opportunity to discuss and learn more from key teaching staff about the range of course options available for 2026, and supports students to make well informed option choices that support their individual pathways and passions, while also leaving as many doors open as possible for their future.
There will be an optional 20 minute presentation in the theatre for parents outlining the principles and process for option selection beginning at 3.00 pm.
Kaiārahi Progress & Option Selection Meetings Tuesday 29 July
Tuesday, 29 July - 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
These meetings will run onsite and in person. This is a pupil-free day and there will be no classes on this day. However, students are expected to attend their 15-minute meeting along with their parents/caregivers.
These meetings are an important opportunity for parents and caregivers to meet with their respective kaiārahi to discuss the holistic and academic progress of their student. Topics of discussion will include:
- How the year has gone so far
- What lies ahead and what can be done
- Any concerns/issues
- Finalisation of 2026 Course Option Selection
Use this link to book your interview times: https://www.schoolinterviews.
If you need to get time off work to attend, the letter below can be provided to your employer.
Craig Morrison
Deputy Principal - Curriculum
WHS SZ App
All parents, caregivers, and students should download the SZapp to receive timely urgent and important alerts. SZapp also provides convenient access to our absence form, the weekly newsletter, school calendar, and a collection of handy links. Find download instructions for the WHS SZapp below.
Apple Devices
- On your device, open the App Store.
- Search the App Store for SZapp.
- Download and install SZapp.
Android Devices
- On your device, open the Play Store.
- Search the Play Store for SZapp.
- Download and install SZapp.