WHS Newsletter | Issue 3.07 | 29 August 2025

Principal's Message

Kia ora and welcome to the end of Week 7,

This term is flying by and with only 3 weeks left in the term, it’s really important for students to be kicking into high gear to learn, progress and achieve to the best of their potential, and for seniors to be striving to achieve their academic goals and best possible qualification. Today, senior students will be getting both their school exam reports and a letter outlining how they are tracking towards their NCEA qualification. We hope that this information provides parents and students with a good talking point and opportunity to discuss what changes may need to be made. A reminder that we have our senior subject Next Steps meetings next Tuesday 2 September from 2:30 - 7:15 pm. School finishes at 1:50 pm with buses running from this time. Bookings for a meeting with senior subject teachers are open but will close at 3 pm on Monday, 1 September, so be sure to book (see below for more details)

Speaking of looming deadlines, voting for the WHS Board of Trustees closes on 10 September, so please make sure that you cast your vote before that date through the link and email sent to you by ‘Schooled - Election Pilot’. 

Today marked the end of our winter sports tournament week and I had the opportunity to watch the girls 1st XI hockey team win their semifinal yesterday against Southland Girls on a glorious Southland day. Congratulations to all the teams and individuals who competed and performed at this pinnacle week of high school sport. You can see the full table of results and photos from the week’s action below and a big thanks to all the coaches, managers, referees, volunteers and supporters that enable these wonderful opportunities for our students.  

Today was also the culmination of our multicultural awareness week. This vibrant week was filled with food, music, dance and dress attire from the 62 different ethnicities that are represented in our school and our community. It was a wonderful week of celebrating diversity and inclusion at WHS. 

A reminder that next Wednesday 3 Sept, we are holding our Year 10 Branches Parent Information evening at 7 pm in the theatre. It is really important that all parents of Year 10 students are in attendance. 

Also, a reminder that with spring starting next week, students are no longer permitted to wear their puffer jackets at school. As the weather can still be quite variable, students need to be wearing their blazer (and jersey, if cold). It’s been great to see students wearing their uniform with pride and thanks to our parents/caregivers for your support with this. 

Another jam-packed newsletter follows, including a great piece from the student leaders, some excellent student achievements, and more about the Junior Musical - ‘Into the Woods’ that is running later this term, so be sure to have a read. 

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend enjoying the ‘last days of winter’.

Ngā mihi nui,

Oded Nathan
Principal/Tumuaki

Senior Subject Next Steps Interviews Tuesday 2 September

Senior Next Steps will take place on Tuesday, 2 September, from 2:15 pm - 7:30 pm. 

With school exams behind us and the academic year fast coming to a close, Senior Next Steps are an important opportunity for parents and students to connect with individual subject teachers to discuss student progress to date, and next learning steps. In some cases, the conversations may relate to current projects / internal assessments. In other cases, the conversations may be more targeted to preparation for external examinations. In either case, Next Steps provides a final chance to clarify what a student needs to do in each subject to ensure they achieve their full potential.

Bookings are now live for everyone to access via the link below. This link will remain open until 3 pm on Monday, 1 September.

https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code/ffxra

The interviews take place in the Theatre and the Gym inside the main building.  Below is a map to show you where each teacher will be seated for your reference.

Year 12 and 13 School Exam Reports

The recent senior school examinations have now been marked and grades entered on the Portal for students and parents to access. To make it as straightforward as possible for parents to review their student's performance in these exams we will be sending out a summary PDF this evening via email.

For clarity, the recent exams do not count for credits, rather, they are an indication of how much a student knows and understands on a topic by topic basis. We strongly encourage students to review their exam results and then make a plan moving forward for how best to address any gaps in their understanding so that they can achieve their best possible results in the NCEA External Examinations in November. Attending the senior school next steps interviews on Tuesday, 2 September would also be beneficial.  Details for this can be found in the next article in this newsletter. 

In the unlikely event that a student is unable to sit these exams, then their school exam result will be sent to NZQA for a derived grade.

Literacy and Numeracy Corequisites

The next corequisite round, for those still requiring credits to complete their literacy and/or numeracy corequisite will be held on the following dates:
Monday, 8 September - Writing corequisite
Wednesday, 10 September - Numeracy corequisite
Friday, 12 September - Reading corequisite

Parents/caregivers and students have already received an email if they will be enrolled in any of these corequisite exams detailing exactly which ones they should be sitting.

Our literacy and numeracy teachers have put in place a number of supports to help students prepare for these.

• Supported Study is offered every Thursday in the Maths department from 3:20 - 4:20 pm for numeracy
• After-school Literacy Tutorials for all students take place on a Wednesday from 3.15 - 4.00. In-school Literacy Tutorials for seniors take place during AKO on Monday and Friday.

Other numeracy support and interventions for those who didn’t achieve the numeracy corequisite include:

• In-class learning focused on the Numeracy, Reading and Writing assessment will continue.

• Quizzes have been assigned on the Google Classrooms for students to complete during Ako time or at home. The quizzes are intended only to take around 15 minutes or so to complete. When finished the students must "View their results" to see how they went - the intent is that they learn from mistakes made. Please encourage your students to do them and help them if necessary.

Students are able to practice previous assessments via the NZQA website - click here.

BoT Election Update

A reminder that voting is open for the election of 6 Parent Representatives to the Wakatipu High School Board. Voting closes at 4pm on Wednesday, 10 September. If you did not receive voting information, please get in touch on 0800 VOTENZ (0800 868 369) or election@electionpilot.nz.  

Student Representative Election

Nominations for the election of one Student Representative to the Board have now closed. Voting for the Student Representative will open on Monday, 01 September and will close on Thursday, 11 September. All eligible students have been sent candidate information and will receive their voting form during Ako time on Monday. Completed voting forms are to be returned to the ballot boxes located upstairs at Student Services or ground floor Reception by 4pm Thursday, 11 September.

Student Leaders Message

It seems that the closer we get to the end of the term, the busier it gets for students and teachers all round! Have a read of what's been happening this week and what else is to come!

Student Leadership
Student Leadership applications have officially closed today, this means that our senior leadership team will be in the process of shortlisting the candidates for the positions of head students, council prefects and house leaders. Wish your fellow applicants good luck as we look to the future of our student leaders!

In a similar matter, the student board representative nominations have closed this same week. This position is highlighted to be the bridge that connects the student voice and the community in order for both parties to thrive throughout the school year. We will be hearing speeches from the candidates and voting processes will be open this coming Monday during AKO time.

Community and Service Update

Volunteer South is excited to partner with Wakatipu High School for another Volunteering event on Saturday, the 6th of September.  Students can choose to spend a day giving back to their community through meaningful volunteer experiences. Check out this slideshow for the details.

The student sign up has now closed and parental consent is due 1 PM Sunday, 31 August 2025 - click here to fill out.

Shave for a cure

Hey! I heard you might be keen for Shave for a Cure… so here’s your friendly push.

This is your sign to just do it. You’ll be shaving for someone who can’t. Every day, six Kiwis are told they have a blood cancer, and your head shave could genuinely help fund research, support families, and save lives.

You don’t need a big reason. You just need guts, a little buzz cut confidence, and a few mates to back you up.

Event is happening on the 9th of september
Anyone can do it — students, staff, all year levels.
Our goal: $5,000 raised by WHS. Be part of the team.

We already have some awesome students signed up: Oscar Burns Anderson, Liam Tietjen, Kieran Leftley, Arya Kurniawan, Findlay Newell, Patrick Bennie, and Mathew Wright. Shout out to Oscar who has currently raised the most money ($650). 

They’re doing something incredible, so if you’d like to donate or even join them in shaving then just click this link:
https://www.shaveforacure.co.nz/fundraisers/wakatipuhighschool/shave-for-a-cure

Alice Davis and Joe Leyden
Community and Service Council Prefects | SVA Ambassadors

WInter Tournament Week

It’s been an action-packed few days with our teams giving it everything on the court, field, and ice!

Boys’ Basketball are on fire – they’ve won four out of four games after a huge 82–35 win over Dunstan, and they play their semifinal today. Junior Boys’ Basketball also impressed, taking 3rd place with a 74–63 win over Burnside.

Netball finished strong in Division A with a win over St Kevin’s to place 23rd, while 1st eleven Football came 6th overall after a close 2–1 loss to Timaru Boys’. U15 Rugby were narrowly beaten 14–12 by John Paul II.

In Ice Hockey, Waka Gold beat Waka Blue 4–2 in the final, and our Juniors pushed theirs all the way to a shootout. Boys’ Hockey went down in their semi to King’s, and Girls’ Hockey drew with Kaiapoi to reach the final later today.

Our golf team placed 11th overall, with Josh Harris our best individual finisher in 14th.

Stay tuned for more results as tournament week wraps up!

Siena Mackley
Sports Council Prefect

The Environmental Council is holding a bake sale next Tuesday, September 2nd, to raise funds for Onebike!

Come find our stall outside Te Kirikiri during Break 2 to grab some delicious goodies. Every cookie and cupcake sold helps support the fantastic work of Onebike.

Lucy Boniface
Environmental Council Prefect

Multicultural Week

It has been such a joy to bring together our diverse school community to celebrate Multicultural Week 2025! Throughout the week, we held a number of engaging events that showcased the many cultures that make up Wakatipu High School.

Students kicked off each morning with our Cultural Breakfast Clubs in the Mackenzie Social Space, featuring delicious food from Europe, Asia, and South America. During Break 2, live performances lit up the foyer, with highlights including Kapa Haka and the Pinoy Band, who brought the week to a lively close.

Interactive activities added extra fun to the celebrations — from testing our knowledge with Cultural Jeopardy, to running around school for Capture the Flags. Friday’s Cultural Clothes Day was a colourful display of pride and identity, with students dressing in traditional attire or flag colours.

The week concluded with a powerful moment as the school gathered at Te kirikiri for a big group photo, capturing the spirit of unity and diversity at WHS.

Multicultural Week was a true celebration of who we are as a school community. Huge shoutout to the members of the Multicultural Council, for without them, the events that happened in the week would not have been possible. Thanks to all the students and teachers who were involved and engaged with the activities for the week - We can’t wait to see what next year’s event has in store!

Emanuel Cardeno & Gei-Ajn Laban
Multicultural Council Lead Prefect & Deputy Lead Prefect

Multicultural Week

Kia ora, Bonjour, Ni hao, Guten Tag, Ciao, Hola, and Magandang Umaga!This year's Multicultural Week, has been a vibrant celebration of the 60+ cultures that make up our school community.

The week was packed with activities for everyone to share and experience different cultures. Themed breakfasts and food on offer from Europe, Asia, and South America. Live performances from our kapa haka group, Te Iti o Tāhuna, and the talented Pinoy Band. The celebration was rounded out with trivia, games and a vibrant Cultural Clothes Day, which also raised funds for the Red Cross.

A huge thanks goes to the Multicultural Council for their hard work in bringing the week to life. It was fantastic to see so many students participating and sharing their culture with such pride.

Stars Community Collection

This term, our Year 9 students are taking part in an exciting ‘Stars’ Community Project Day on Friday, 5th September, and we're thrilled to be partnering with the Salvation Army.

The project's key goal is to give students the chance to experience giving back to the wider community. With the support of our senior Peer Mentors, the Year 9s have explored local needs and practical ways to help, leading to a school wide donation collection.

We'll be collecting donations of non-perishable food, hygiene products, and warm clothing. These donations will then be given to the Salvation Army to support local families in need.

We're asking each student to bring one or more of these essential items from home to contribute to the project from Monday to Thursday next week. This could be cans of food that have been hidden in the back of the pantry, or some blankets that may have been collecting some dust in storage for quite some time.

Your support will help make a real difference in our community!

Year 10 Branches Parent Information Evening

Branches 2025 – Parent Info Evening

Parents of Year 10 students, please join us for the Branches 2025 Parent Information Evening on Wednesday, September 3rd at 7 PM in the WHS Theatre.

Over seven days at Branches, Year 10 students take part in a range of outdoor activities that support holistic development, promoting personal, social, and active growth. The camp provides the opportunity to build relationships, strengthen resilience, self-management, and teamwork, qualities at the heart of our ākonga profile.

At WHS, it is our wish that every Year 10 student has the opportunity to attend the unique Branches experience.

WHS Toastmasters

Preparing for leadership opportunities can feel overwhelming. To support the development of students with an interest in this and leadership positions for 2026 we have been lucky enough to have John Quinn from Audience Alive in at school teaching us all the key skills for public speaking, audience engagement and body language. 

The creation of WHS Toastmasters is a new initiative that has been developed and is open to ALL students. We meet in Mātuitui during break 2 every Tuesday.

University of Canterbury CAM competition

The University of Canterbury Centre for Assessment and Monitoring (CAM) runs the annual KIWI English, Mathematics, Science, and Spelling Bee competitions. The competitions are skills-based and closely aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum and give students the chance to challenge themselves in literacy, numeracy, and scientific thinking.

This year, six Wakatipu High School students took part with some impressive results. Hector Tanner led the way with Excellence in both Mathematics and Science, as well as a Merit in English. Ruby Thornburgh also gained Excellence in English, while Kieran Morphett achieved Excellence in Mathematics. Henry Huse impressed with Excellence in Science alongside Achieved in Mathematics and English. Tommy Carlson earned Merit in both Mathematics and Science, and Emily Messingham achieved creditable results in both Mathematics and English.

In these nationwide competitions, Achieved places students in the top 50%, Merit in the top 25%, and Excellence in the top 9.5%. Congratulations to all six students for their mahi and success across multiple subjects, he rawe!

Support Branches Trust

Your Vote Counts! Support Branches Trust at Z

Branches Trust has been chosen as a local charity for Z Energy's Good in the Hood program. This is a fantastic opportunity to support the iconic Branches Camp experience.

Visit any participating Z station between now and September 21 and you'll receive an orange token with your purchase, just place your token in the Branches Trust voting box in store.

Careers

Hansby Internship Programme Engineering

We’re excited to announce a brand-new opportunity for one student to take part in the Hansby Internship Programme with Queenstown Lakes District Council.

This internship has been made possible through a special partnership between Wakatipu High School, QLDC and the Hansby family, and is designed for Year 12 or Year 13 students who are considering a future in engineering.

How to apply and more information see link below. 

Studylink Evening 

Central Otago Budgeting Advice Team's practical and interactive evening just for Year 12 & 13 leavers and their parents.

📅 When: 8th September 2025
📍 Where: Theatre- 6:00 pm-8:00 pm

Are you a Year 12 or 13 leaver getting ready for life after school? The Central Otago Budgeting Advice Team is hosting an evening packed with practical tips on signing up for Studylink, budgeting to make your money last, flatting advice, and financial skills for life beyond school. 

Click on the link below for more information, what to bring and to register for the event.

Exploring Future Pathways  SIT & Wellington University Trips

Last Thursday & Friday two groups of Year 13 students have been busy exploring their study options beyond high school, with recent trips to Invercargill SIT Campus and Wellington Victoria  & Massey Universities Campus.

A group of 17 students travelled by bus to the SIT Invercargill Open Day, where they toured campus facilities, spoke with staff and current students, and explored the wide range of programmes available. They also viewed student accommodation options, which gave them valuable insight into what life as an SIT student could look like. It was a fantastic trip that left students feeling more informed and inspired about their future pathways.

Last Thursday a group of 17 students boarded a plane to Wellington for the Massey and Victoria University Open Days. This overnight trip gave them the opportunity to tour Te Puni Village and four other halls of residence, including Clumberland House, Joan Stevens Hall, Boulcott Hall and Katharine Jermyn Hall. Students gained a clear picture of the variety of living options available in the capital.

The following day, they attended the official university Open Days, where they were able to plan their own schedules, attend lectures, ask questions, and discover what studying at a large university might look like.

Both trips were incredibly valuable experiences, giving students the chance to see study options firsthand, explore accommodation, and gain a better understanding of what life after school could hold.

Sports and Recreation News

Rugby

One last thing for the 2025 WHS rugby season - prizegiving.

We'd like to invite all rugby players and their whānau to celebrate the season with us on Thursday, September 18th at 7:00 PM. The event will be held in Pouākai (the large gym next to the school's main entrance). It's a great opportunity to acknowledge our players and coaches for their hard work and dedication this season.

We ask that students please wear their full school uniform, including their blazers. We look forward to seeing you there.

Swimming

A huge congratulations to Mark Lauko on a phenomenal weekend at the South Island Short Course Championships. Competing in 9 finals, Mark secured 6 medals (1 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze), smashed 5 personal bests, and set a new Queenstown Swimming Club record in the 100m Breaststroke. Well done, Mark!

Winter Tournament Week

Congratulations to all students involved, and a massive thank you to all of the volunteer coaches, managers, WHS staff, parent supporters, officials and tournament organisers for all of their mahi behind the scenes to make these tournaments happen.  Check out some of the photos from WTW! Look out for next week's newsletter for a full report on how our teams went.

1st XI Boys Football  - Placed 6th
1st XI Girls Football - Placed 15th
Golf  Team - New Zealand Champs - Placed 11th
Ice Hockey - Waka Gold beat Waka Blue in the Ice Hockey final 4-2 , Waka Junior ice hockey lost their final in a shootout.
1st XI Girls Hockey - NZSS Jenny MacDonald Cup - Playing this afternoon
1st XI Boys Hockey - NZSS South Island Boys Coaches Cup - Playing this afternoon
Junior A Boys Basketball - South Island Secondary Schools - Nelson - Placed 3rd
Senior A Boys Basketball - Southern Cup - Playing off for 3rd or 4th this afternoon
Senior A Girls Netball - South Island Secondary School Champs - Placed 23rd
U15 Rugby - SISS Rural Livestock Junior Tournament - Lost semi final 12 -14 John Paul II
Equestrian - South Island Secondary School Champs - Results to come
Climbing - South Island Secondary School Climbing Event - Results to come

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Arts Department News

Artist of the week is Bea Soares! 

Bea is working on costume design and creation, as well as Front of House for the upcoming Junior Musical, Into the Woods. Bea has gone above and beyond in both roles. You can see her costume design and creation in the character Little Red; and enjoy her well-organised Front of House, when you see the show. Bea works efficiently and thoroughly to get her jobs done, ahead of time!

Into the Woods is showing Thursday 18 and Friday 19 September in the school theatre. Buy your tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/whs-into-the-woods-jr

WHS Performing Arts Showcase 

On September 6 WHS has its annual Performing Arts Showcase at Te Atamira.  This year we are featuring students from the music and dance disciplines with the afternoon running from 1.30 until 5.30. We warmly invite everyone to come for some or all of the afternoon and enjoy the afternoon's entertainment.

Lip Sync Battle

The annual WHS lip sync battle is coming back for 2025! Gather your friends and get rehearsing because this year will be one for the books. It will be a fun packed 2 days on the 3rd and 4th of September with prizes available for our top crews. Come along to watch or try your luck on stage by signing up below!

Into the Woods Jr: 

Our outstanding Junior Drama students bring Cinderella, the Witch, the Baker, Little Red, and more to life in this enchanting one-act fairytale mash‑up, directed by Jake Hansen with musical direction by Natasha Wilson.

 🎟️Tickets are ON SALE now!
 📆Show dates: Thursday 18 & Friday 19 September 2025 (Week 10, Term 3)
 📍WHS Theatre
🎫Book here: https://events.humanitix.com/whs-into-the-woods-jr

Come see the magic unfold with support from our Year 12–13 crew (7&8 PAT), who are working behind the scenes to bring this production to life!

Don’t miss out—grab your tickets today and help us fill the house for these special performances.

Showing Off - Senior Art Exhibition - Last weekend

Voting closes at  4pm this Sunday 31st August.

This is the last weekend that the exhibition is open, grab the chance to visit and before it closes.  The exhibition features a stunning collection of Photography, Design, and Painting panels, all of which have achieved an Excellence grade. It's a fantastic opportunity to see the incredible talent and hard work of our students on display.

We invite you to come and see the amazing work for yourself and, most importantly, vote for your favourite panel!

Your vote counts toward the People's Choice Award, and the winners in each category will be celebrated at the end of the exhibition.

A special thanks to our generous sponsors and supporters, Trinity Construction & Projects and the Lakes District Museum & Gallery, for helping to make this event possible. Their support is invaluable in celebrating our students' success.

Traveling Art Exhibition - Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau

This week we took our travelling art exhibition to Te Kura Whakatipu o Kawarau where pupils and parents had the opportunity to see some of the artwork produced at WHS.

It was a great way to connect with younger students and the parents community to show what can be achieved when they come through to the high school.

Congratulations to ex student Bethany Graf

Bethany has a role in her first professional musical "Amelie" in Wellington. 

This is based on the hit movie from 2001 and Bethany is playing ‘Georgette’ and is the Amelie understudy.  

We all wish her the best for her performances.

 Extracurricular Groups 

Stay on top of what's happening in the arts and sign up to All Things Arts Classroom
Sign up code is: sijw2gw

Wednesday Morning Arts Time - hang out with the Arts

Happening every Wednesday morning from 8am in the Music area. It’s a great way to get involved with different aspects of arts in a social setting. Come along and see if this might be for you.

• Songwriting
• Live sound and lighting events 
• Stage Make Up 
• The practice rooms are available at this time for any bands or solo/duos who want to practice

We invite you to share your skills in the arts

We love it when artists want to share their skills and experience with our students. If you would like to share your experience and knowledge, please get in touch with Arts Coordinator Stine Cooper scooper@wakatipu.school.nz. 

Upcoming in Term 3

• 1-31 August - Showing Off Senior Art Exhibition - Lakes District Museum, Arrowtown
• 29-31 August - Drama Dept Court Theatre trip                                                                               
• 6 September - Performing Arts Showcase
• 18-19 - September - Into The Woods Jr

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

Public Bus Changes

From 3 September to late November 2025, the Frankton bus shelters on the golf course side of the bus hub will be temporarily relocated while construction takes place. The map below shows where the temporary stop is. 

This move affects students catching: 

• Route 1 Sunshine Bay to Remarkables Shops via airport
• Route 3 Quail Rise to Kelvin Heights 
• Route 4 Arrowtown to Jack’s Point via Queenstown  

A reminder for students to plan ahead: 

• Allow extra time for bus trips due to roadworks and traffic
• Also allow extra time for transferring between buses at the Bus Hub
• If students are transferring at the Frankton Bus Hub, they should tell the driver when they hop on so other drivers can be notified if buses are delayed.
• Always track buses on the free Transit app or online at orc.govt.nz/rttracking  

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