WHS Newsletter | Issue 4.01 | 10 October 2025

Principal's Message

Kia ora and welcome to the end of a great first week back. 

Term 4 is a very important term in which we not only get to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students in Academics, Arts, Sports and Leadership, but it is also the time in which we expect students to work and study hard and to bring a real focus and determination to their learning, progress and achievement. 

Junior Exams commence on Wednesday 29 October, and senior NCEA exams for Level 2 (Year 12) and Level 3 (Year 13) commence on Tuesday 4 November, and on Monday 10 November for Level 1 (Year 11). Year 12 and Year 13 students have their tutorial week from Wednesday 29 October to Monday 3 November, while Year 11’s will continue with their classes all the way through to their exams. See below for more details, including ways to support students with their studies and to manage their wellbeing and resilience during this high pressure period.

Earlier this week, we announced the Lead and Deputy Lead Prefects for 2026, congratulations to all those who are standing up to be leaders next year. In the next few weeks we will hold a full-school assembly to announce the winners of the 2025 House Competition, to thank the 2025 Student Leaders, and to welcome and congratulate the incoming 2026 Student Leaders, including House Leaders. Additionally, next week we will be holding our Sport Blues awards on Tuesday 14 October and Cultural Blues awards on Thursday 16 October. We will have our final full-school assembly on Friday 24 October, in which we’ll announce our school Dux and this will be followed by the Year 13 Prizegiving from 1 pm. See below for the full list of prizegiving dates, and I look forward to seeing many parents and caregivers at these celebratory events being held in the coming weeks.

Yesterday, we held the annual WHS Foundation (WHSF) Golf Fundraiser at Millbrook. The event was a huge success, as we had a sold-out field and the weather certainly came through. Our sincere gratitude goes to Millbrook for their incredible support of this worthy cause. We also extend our thanks to all the WHSF Trustees, hole sponsors, prize donations and golfers who participated in making this day both fun and successful. Together, we over $33,000, which is incredible.
A reminder to parents/caregivers that invoices for subject costs, including Branches Camp, and school donations have been sent out to all families. We really appreciate families paying these fees and donations as it has a significant impact on the academic and extracurricular programmes that we are able to offer and provide students.

Lastly, contract negotiations between the MoE and the PPTA have not been going well and the PPTA has notified us of potential strike action that will be held nationally, as follows:

• Tuesday 14 October - Year 9 Rostered Home
• Wednesday 15 October - Year 10 Rostered Home
• Thursday 16 October - Year 11 and Year 12 Rostered Home
• Friday 17 October - Year 13 Rostered Home
• Thursday 23 October - A full national strike

We will be notified tomorrow as to whether this industrial action will proceed and any updates will be posted to our website, sent out via the SZApp and emailed to students in the Sunday weekly email. When year levels are ‘rostered home’, that means that classes for that year level will not run. Buses will still run as normal, and normal classes will run as normal for all other year levels. We really hope to see improvement and forward progress with the negotiations. 

A great newsletter follows, including photos and updates from Mental Health Awareness Week, our Stars Peer Mentoring Graduation and our final House Competition of the year - WakaMaths, so be sure to have a read. Please also be sure to look at all the key dates and important information below as we look to the final term of the academic year. 

Ngā mihi nui,

Oded Nathan
Principal/Tumuaki

Key Dates

Student Leaders 2026

Introducing our Student Leaders for 2026! Our Student Leaders are dedicated to upholding our school values and supporting the wider school community. A huge thank you to all the students who put themselves forward for these highly coveted leadership positions. We look forward to the guidance and service from these young leaders in the coming year.

Year 11 - 13 NCEA External Exams

There are only a few short weeks until NCEA exams begin (5 November for Year 12 and 13, and 12 November for Year 11)

The NZQA exam timetable can be found via this link: NCEA exam timetable : NZQA

Internal Assessment Calendars

The internal assessment calendar provides the due dates for all internal assessments being sat by students throughout the year for each course in Years 11-13. 

​These calendars are live and will be updated regularly.
Level 1 NCEA Internal Assessment Calendar
Level 2 NCEA Internal Assessment Calendar
Level 3 NCEA Internal Assessment Calendar

Year 13
Year 13 students' last day is on Friday 24 October, concluding with their prize-giving at 1pm. There are no Classes for them to attend on Tuesday 28 October, and then Tutorial Week begins on Wednesday 29 October.

Year 12
Year 12 students' last day is on Tuesday 28 October, concluding with their prize-giving at 1:30pm. Tutorial Week then begins on Wednesday 29 October.

Tutorial Week for Year 12 and 13
Tutorial Week begins on Wednesday 29 October and runs through until Monday 3 November. Tutorial Week provides an opportunity for Year 12 and 13 students to attend voluntary revision sessions with their respective Subject teachers as they turn their attention to preparation for NCEA External Examinations. Students are able to attend their normal Classes if they wish to connect with their Subject teacher.

Students have been advised that our expectation is that they are either in timetabled Classes for tutorials or offsite doing independent revision during Tutorial Week. Students do not need to come to School in uniform. Teachers will have indicated what topics or activities have been scheduled for each lesson so students can plan their revision schedule.

Year 11
Normal timetabled Classes continue for Year 11 students until their final day on Thursday 6 November, which concludes with their prize giving at 2:05pm. Year 11 students are expected to be in Class and do not have any approved study leave before 6 November. Teachers will be guiding students on study for their external exams in these periods.

Exam Expectations
Most students will be enrolled in, and expected to attend, multiple external NCEA exams. Students will receive a copy of their exam admission slip in Week 3, which will detail each exam they are entered in and when these exams take place. At any time, students are able to log into their NZQA portal and view their exam admission slip to see exactly what exams they are doing and when.

It would be beneficial for parents and caregivers to discuss with their student what exams they are entered into and to reiterate the desire for them to attend these, even if the student has already obtained the required credits for achieving their academic goal for the year. The experience of planning for and sitting these exams, as well as practising effective exam strategies, are useful experiences for students to have as they ready themselves for future 'high stakes' assessments.

Helpful study guides and links have been given and discussed with ākonga (students) through their Ako Classes which will help make preparation for these important exams as focused as possible. There are links to two helpful resources below that you could discuss with your student.

We wish our senior students all the best for Term 4 in their preparation and sitting their NCEA exams.

Craig Morrison
Deputy Principal - Curriculum

Junior Exams - Weeks 4 and 5 (29 October to 3 November)

Junior students have important end of year exams coming up in Weeks 4 and 5 of this term.  A reminder that we schedule these to provide valuable exposure to formal exam conditions, similar to what they can expect from NCEA. These exams also provide an opportunity to review key subject material, consolidate understanding of important concepts, calibrate the development and progress made, and develop the resilience and self-management skills needed to navigate the challenges of learning.

Year 9 students will be sitting three exams: English, Maths and Social Studies.  Their other subjects will have summative assessments built into the remaining teaching and learning programme for the year.

Year 10 students will also be sitting three exams: English, Maths, and Science. Likewise, their other subjects will have summative assessments built into the remaining teaching and learning programme for the year. 

The exam timetable can be seen below: Please note that wherever students do not have an exam scheduled, they will be in their regular Classes (as seen on their Portal).

How to Support Your Student
Subject teachers will be scheduling revision lessons in the leadup to these exams, so every student should know exactly what is going to be expected of them. We do ask that as parents/caregivers, you please support your student by encouraging them to set aside some time each evening and during the weekends to review their course work.

Students who have special assessment conditions (SACs) will be able to access these for the subject examinations.

The e-asTTle tests are not examinations. These measure a student's ability to read and write without assistance. This allows us to gather accurate data on their individual skills, what interventions are required, and to track their progress over time.

Please note that Monday 27 October is the Labour Day holiday, and Tuesday 28 October will be a shortened day with the Year 12 prize giving in the afternoon.

Please encourage students to make use of the following resource as they prepare for their exams.

Junior Exams content information
Junior Exams - 'Study Like a Boss'
Exam tips and tricks backed by science

Mental Health Awareness Week 2025

This week, Wakatipu High School celebrated Mental Health Awareness Week 2025, with this year’s theme “Top Up Together” - all about filling your cup by connecting with others and looking after your wellbeing.

Throughout the week, students reflected on their own wellbeing by updating their Personal Wellbeing Plans in Ako and engaging with activities and resources designed to help them connect, recharge, and support one another.

Our Top Up Together Challenge encouraged students to show how they were topping up their wellbeing - whether through walking with a friend, trying something new, or simply taking time to notice the good stuff. Entries were shared with the Wakatipu Wellbeing Instagram, with spot prizes awarded throughout the week.

On Friday at Break 2, the whole school came together on the field to create a powerful human sign spelling out “Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu” - which means speak up and speak out. The message encouraged students to share how they’re really feeling — whether it’s stress, anxiety, friendship struggles, or pressure from school — and to use their voices to call out unkind behaviour, support others who are struggling, and help make our school a safer, more connected place for everyone.

A Heliworks helicopter captured this incredible moment from above, showing our students united in support of mental health. It was a wonderful reminder that we are stronger when we check in with one another, talk openly, and Top Up Together. A huge thank you to Heliworks — what an incredible community we have, with organisations like this supporting our students in such meaningful ways!

If your child ever needs support, or if you’re concerned about their wellbeing, please reach out to guidance@wakatipu.school.nz

Why the Five Ways?

Research shows there are five simple things you can do as part of your daily life – at work and at home – to build resilience, boost your wellbeing and lower your risk of developing mental health problems. These simple actions are known internationally as the Five Ways to Wellbeing.

Connect
With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day. 

Be Active
Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness. 

Take Notice
Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you. 

Keep Learning
Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun. 

Give
Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you. 

So there you have it… 5 Ways to Wellbeing. They’re not a magic elixir that will wipe away your worries in an instant but doing them frequently will, over time, lift your mood.

But if that 'blah' feeling sticks about – do speak to an expert. A great place to start is the school Guidance Team.

How to tautoko/ support a friend or family member:

Opening up the kōrero about distressing thoughts and feelings can seem like the hardest part. It’s normal to feel awkward both if you’re experiencing these feelings, or if you’re asking someone you aroha/love about their own.

Before you open the kōrero, it’s important to put on your own oxygen mask first. Supporting someone you care about through a tough time can be challenging, so it’s important to look after your own wellbeing so you have the energy, time and perspective to be there for them, too. 

 You can have a kōrero by:

• Just opening the kōrero. There’s no right way to start, but an open-ended pātai/question such as “I’ve noticed you’re not yourself lately” can work a treat. Sometimes it can be easier to start a kōrero when you’re already doing something together, such as going for a hīkoi/walk or eating kai.
• Validating their feelings and really listening to what they are saying. Try to see things from their point of view and understand what might be causing their low mood or triggered thoughts and emotions. Listen carefully to how they describe their experiences and ask open-ended questions to help them describe their experiences further. Accept your loved one’s experiences as real and true for them.
• Giving and taking in the kōrero. Ask them about how they’re feeling and share how you’re feeling too. This takes the pressure off the conversation and can help your loved one feel they’re contributing and have advice of their own to share.
• Echo back what you’re hearing. During your kōrero, it’s important to echo or repeat key points your loved one is saying when they kōrero about what they are thinking and feeling. This will help to clarify what you’re hearing and help you both to come up with constructive solutions.
• If they have been struggling for a while, encourage them to seek external support:

  • Email guidance@wakaipu.school.nz  to speak to one of our awesome counsellors.
    Support available 24 hours a day:
    

  • Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
    

  • Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).
    

  • Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or access their online chat.

Student Leaders Message

Hey everyone,

Welcome back! This week is Mental Health Awareness Week, so there was a lot going on around school. It was a good chance to connect, have some fun, and also look after yourself—especially with exams coming up soon.

There was lots happening this week:

• House leader speeches and prefect interviews were held, there are many great opportunities for future leaders! 
• WakaMaths took place on Wedensday, which was as entertaining as ever such and such a good opportunity to get involved! The winner of the competition will determine who wins the House competition this year. 

Mental Health Awareness Week activities were happening

• On Monday many students could be seen with a purple face painted heart.

• Students wore purple or grabbed a purple ribbon to show their support.

• Bookmarks with the “5 Ways to Wellbeing” were there to remind everyone to take care of themselves.

• And yes, there were lollies to help boost morale!

Today is a big day: a helicopter flyover, and we’ll all stand together to spell “KŌRERO MAI, KŌRERO ATU”—a cool way to show it’s okay to talk about mental health.

With exams coming up, it’s easy to feel stressed. Some quick tips for looking after yourself:

• Take regular breaks while studying.
  
• Eat, sleep, and drink water properly.
  
• Get outside or move a bit—it really helps.
  
• Talk to friends, teachers, or whānau if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
  
• Try some breathing exercises or mindfulness when you need a reset.
  

If you want more ideas, check out 5 Ways to Wellbeing or Headspace NZ.

Grace Kunath, Katie Battrick and Zita Rylev
Wellbeing Council

Stars Graduation

Today, we proudly celebrated the accomplishments of the 70 Peer Mentors who successfully completed the Stars programme! A huge thank you for your outstanding voluntary contributions. Your admirable commitment and positive mindset made a real difference in helping our Year 9 students transition into high school.

The Graeme Dingle Foundation Stars programme is vital. It trains Year 12 and 13 students to serve as mentors, guiding Year 9s through sessions focused on key life skills like communication, positive relationships, and involvement in a community project. This programme supports the Year 9s while allowing our mentors to develop crucial leadership and team-building skills, which fosters a more positive school culture for everyone.

The application window for students to join the 2026 Stars Peer Mentor programme has been extended until Monday! All Year 11 and 12 students have been emailed the application details. We encourage you to have a conversation with your child if you think they might be interested in developing their leadership skills and making a difference.

Finally, our thanks go to all the Ako teachers who supported Stars and helped integrate it into the Year 9 curriculum, and to our dedicated Stars programme sponsors for their ongoing commitment.

We look forward to another successful year of Stars!

Paula Denton
Stars Coordinator

WHS Foundation Annual Golf Tournament

Yesterday, the Wakatipu High School Foundation held its Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Millbrook Resort. We were blessed with a stunning day, and a sold-out field of 30 teams - 120 players in total - took to the course.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors and players, we’re thrilled to share that over $33,000 was raised! These funds will directly support initiatives that benefit the students of Wakatipu High School.

Congratulations to our winners:
1st Place: Slicers Not Hookers (36° Brokers) – Mark Charlton, Sarah Gair, Conrad Gair, Kieran Turnbull
2nd Place: Summit Drainage – Blair Carthy, Don McDonald, Eric Standfield, Josh Frewen
3rd Place: Colliers 1 – Zach Hylton, Jesse Johnston, Lawson Davidson, Eion Miles

Nearest to the Pin (#2): Dave Finlayson | Mary-Jo Hudson
Nearest to the Pin (#6): Mitch Davies | Teresa Chapman
Longest Drive (#10): Stu Clark | Mary Thompson

A huge thank you also to our volunteers - Ang Gibson, Maggie Jackson, Myrna Shan Sei Fan, Georgia Parris, Ann Chang, and Jo Brown - along with Trustees Hinano Bagnis and Sarah Dennis for their support on the day.

Our Annual Golf Tournament wouldn’t be possible without the enthusiasm and generosity of our sponsors, players, and volunteers. Thank you all for helping make it such a success - we look forward to seeing you again next year!

WakaMaths

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This week marked the culmination of the annual House competition, WakaMaths. The energy was electric as junior and senior Houses went head-to-head in the fast-paced 20-minute mathematical challenge - a true test of speed, logic, and nerve. Every problem solved, every sprint by the team runner to the judges, counted toward the final tally. The anticipation is building for the announcement of the overall winner of the 2025 House champions at our upcoming full school assembly!

Taking the Leap with AJ Hackett

This afternoon a number of Year 10 students (and a lucky staff member) had the opportunity to complete a bungy jump out at AJ Hackett’s Kawarau Bungy Centre as a part of the bravery and resilience work they do ahead of Branches Camp. A good chance to test the resilience and a huge mihi and thank you to AJ Hackett for their ongoing support of our kura. 
Feel the fear and do it anyway, Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangatia te angitū!

Duke of Edinburgh Silver Tramp

This weekend, Mr Mac took six resilient girls to complete a challenging three-day tramp through the Eyre Mountains. The route included fallen trees, mud, steep uphill sections, wet bush, and several river crossings, finishing with a demanding stretch along Mt Bee Ridge in variable, often difficult weather. 

Throughout the tramp, the girls showed exceptional resilience, teamwork, and courage, supporting each other through fatigue and managing challenging conditions with determination. Their teamwork and positive attitudes helped the group stay motivated and safe, and this achievement would not have been possible without Mr Mac’s expert guidance and encouragement throughout the journey.

By the end of the tramp, all participants had earned their Duke of Edinburgh Qualifying Silver Award, gaining valuable experiences in perseverance, planning, and the satisfaction of completing a truly testing adventure. 

Sammy Sison
Year 12 Student

Branches Camp Update

Welcome back to the Year 10s after the holidays! It is now 44 days until the first camp goes into Branches! Which is somewhat scary from an organisational point of view but also exciting as Branches is a truly memorable experience.
Today we had a Year 10 Branches assembly that went over clothing and equipment requirements for the students. Below is a copy of the slides that students were shown today.

The school can provide/assist with items that are difficult for families to access. Please watch out for deals from our numerous local outdoor clothing and equipment stores over the next month too. If you have any questions regarding clothing and gear, please email  kmcintyre@wakatipu.school.nz

Other Key Information
Friday 17 October - students will find out whether they are allocated to Camp 1 (24 November - 30 November) or Camp 2 (1 - 7 December).

This information will be posted for students on the Branches Google Classroom. Mr Regan and Mr Mac will be following up with students who are not intending to attend Branches next week and will provide some options that may assist in their attendance at the camp.

Branches Camp Workday 14 November
This key fundraiser has been running for over 15 years. It is a crucial initiative to help bridge the funding gap for Branches Camp. All students, whether going to Branches or not, are expected to use this day to raise between $70 - $120 in exchange for doing meaningful work in the community. Students can use an existing job to generate these funds, they can also seek out other jobs that may be of interest to them for future vocation. In the event that students are unable to secure a job, the Branches Camp Trust is able to provide some work for the day. 

NZAMT Senior Mathematics Competition

The NZAMT Senior Mathematics Competition is held each year and challenges students from across New Zealand to apply their problem-solving and logical thinking skills under time pressure. This competition has tripled in number of participants from 2022 with approximately 1,200 students (nearly 100 schools) this year, making it one of the largest national maths competitions. 

We are delighted to share the results for our school. Leo Devlin, Brian Yang, and Dylan Lelievre achieved a group Merit Award, placing them among the stronger performers nationwide. We also acknowledge the strong effort and commitment of our other competitors: Lisa Bouvret, James Weber, Sammy Sison, Gordon Kim, Avril Song, Shou Zak Sakamoto White, Oliver Turner, and Solomon Phoon, who all represented our school with enthusiasm and determination.

Well done to everyone involved, we are proud of your mahi and look forward to seeing even more students take part in future years.

Triumph at the St John Cadets Regionals

A huge congratulations to Amelia Mackay on her recent outstanding performance at the South Island St John Cadets regional competitions in Christchurch. Amelia was the only cadet selected from Queenstown to represent the Central Otago district, and she truly excelled.  Her team demonstrated superb skill and effort, achieving:
1st place in drill 
2nd equal in the written test 
2nd place in healthcare 

The Central Otago district was also crowned the overall champion!  This is a brilliant achievement, and we are incredibly proud of Amelia and everyone involved in this tremendous success.

The Growing Threat of Online Gambling Among Young People

When we think about keeping our teenagers safe, we often focus on the obvious risks: alcohol, drugs, or risky behaviour at parties. But there's a growing threat that's literally in their pockets – online gambling.

We have become aware of some senior students that have experimented with online gambling, however it is difficult to determine whether this is a widespread phenomenon. There was an article this week on Stuff highlighting online gambling amongst University of Otago students which illustrates what this can develop into.

Although this might start just as an online game, some of what we are hearing about definitely involves money.

What Can Parents Do?

Talk openly about gambling. The article mentions that many young people report their parents "wouldn't have a clue" about their gambling activities.
Educate yourself about what online platforms your children are using and how they work.
Monitor financial accounts and device usage, particularly betting apps and unusual transactions.
Discuss the risks early, before gambling behaviours develop. Explain how gambling companies profit by targeting young people.
Set clear expectations about gambling in your family.
If you are concerned at all about your child gambling online, seek help early.

If you have concerns about your child's gambling or would like more information, please contact the school guidance counsellors (guidance@wakatipu.school.nz), or visit the Gambling Helpline website.

Uniform requirements Term 4

Term 4 sees the beginning of Spring and plenty of variations in our weather. Students are welcome to wear the Summer uniform or the Winter uniform but should not be wearing a mix of the two.  For instance, if wearing the summer skirt, this should be worn with the school (blue) socks and not with tights.  

All students must wear the full and correct school uniform to and from School, as well as throughout the day. This includes their tie, black polishable shoes, school socks, and shirts tucked in. Hoodies are never to be worn with the school uniform.

We have noticed a number of students wearing white socks with their skirt or shorts, and sports shoes instead of polishable shoes. This is not acceptable and we will be following up on those who continue to wear these.

With a number of formal school-wide events coming up this term, it is especially important that the blazer and school tie are worn during these occasions.

Parents and caregivers, we appreciate your support. Please check in with your student to ensure they have - and are wearing- the correct uniform. Working together ensures our students wear their uniform well to reflect their pride in themselves and their School.

Careers

We have a few important scholarship deadlines coming up, please take note of the dates below. Most of our Year 13 students should have received their university scholarship and halls offers this week. Congratulations to those who have. Second round offers will be released soon.

We also have Defensive Driving Courses available this term, and information about next year’s courses is now out. Be sure to check the details in our Careerwise website.  

Sports and Recreation News

Artistic Swimming

The Wakatipu Artistic Swimming squad delivered a superb performance at the NZ Nationals over the break, competing hard against the country's best. The team executed a powerful and precise Aqua Combo routine that earned them the ultimate prize: Gold Medals and the Aqua Combo trophy.

The duets were equally strong:
- Emily Messingham and her partner Kuratea Huck (Liger) swam their way to Gold in the Aquanaut duet category.
- Alisha Messingham and Anja Dayman showed commitment and skill, securing a solid 4th place after a close competition.

The most distinguished honour was the prestigious "Club Spirit Trophy," awarded to the team for outstanding helpfulness and camaraderie. This recognition is a superb reflection of our athletes.

Big kudos to Alisha, Anja, and Emily on their individual School Awards (with Emily taking home a Gold Award). This result is a testament to the girls' dedication, fitness, and passion.

Basketball Season Wrap Up

The WHS Basketball Programme had a very successful season in 2025 with more than 150 students playing in 17 teams in local, regional and South Island competitions. 

In the Central Otago Competition, WHS teams won 5 out of the 6 divisions, bringing home the trophy in the Senior Boys A and B, Junior Boys A and B, Senior Girls B and finished 2nd in the Senior Girls A grade. You can see the full list of teams and their results from the season below, as well as the individual awards, which were presented at this year’s basketball prizegiving. 

At the South Island level, the Junior Boys finished 3rd in the B-Grade and the Senior Boys finished 3rd in the Southern Cup. 

A massive thanks to all the coaches, referees, parents, volunteers and players for an epic season. A special thanks to Bel Strano for her organisation throughout the year. 

Senior Boys A
Results: 5th in the Tuesday Night QEC Competition; 1st in the Central Otago Senior A Competition ; Won MAC and JH exchange; Dunedin Tour - lost to Otago Boys before beating John McGlashan at the buzzer(1-1) ; 3rd in the Southern Cup. Overall Record: 22 - 10
Most Improved Player: Toa Ashby; Outstanding Leadership: Wyatt Kay; Most Valuable Player: Toby Johnston

Senior Girls A
Results: 1st in the Rising Stars Apples; 2nd in the Central Otago Senior A Competition; Won MAC exchange, Lost JH exchange. Overall Record: 8 - 5
Most Improved Player: Mollie Burgess; Outstanding Leadership: Maddison Brady; Most Valuable Player: Nina Matulino

Junior Boys A (Coach Dave Gibson)
Results: 1st in the Rising Stars Apples; 2nd in the Mainland Championships in Christchurch; 2nd in the Southland Basketball Association Competition; 1st in the Central Otago Junior A Competition; 3rd in the SISS Junior Championships. Overall Record: 28 - 5
Most Improved Player: Reuben Davis; Outstanding Leadership: Ollie Orr; Most Valuable Player: Alfie Johnson

Year 10 Boys A (Coach Tom Neilson)
3rd place Central Otago Junior A Competition
Most Improved Player: Micah Watson; Outstanding Leadership: Ben Stephens; Most Valuable Player: Ollie Elliot-Clarke 

Year 9 Boys A (Coach Jimmy Williamson)
4th place Central Otago Junior A Competition
Most Improved Player: Eli Latham; Outstanding Leadership: Xavier Crotty; Most Valuable Player: Brodie Pickens

Year 9 Hoopers (Coach Craig Morrison)
1st in the Central Otago Junior B Competition
Most Improved Player: Kalani Nicoloso; Outstanding Leadership: Ali Stacey; Most Valuable Player: Finn Coddington

Year 9 Ballers (Coaches Marky Zabala and Frankie Wilcox)
2nd in the Central Otago Junior B Competition
Most Improved Player: Mitch Smith; Outstanding Leadership: Josh Rennard; Most Valuable Player: George Monk

Yr 11 Intermediate Boys A (Coach Tom Neilson)
5th in Central Otago Senior Boys A Competition
Most Improved Player: Mateo Bjork; Outstanding Leadership: Connor Clarke; Most Valuable Player: Soren Anderson

Senior Boys B (Coach Paddy Harris)
6th in Central Otago Senior Boys A Competition
Most Improved Player: Morris Kan; Outstanding Leadership: Miguel Wandarte; Most Valuable Player: Josh French

Year 13 Defenders 
1st in Central Otago Senior Boys B Competition
Most Improved Player: Noah Novacek; Outstanding Leadership: Cooper Deaker; Most Valuable Player: Hugo Bogue 

Year 12 Hoopers
3rd in Central Otago Senior Boys B Competition 
Most Improved Player: Finlay Woods; Outstanding Leadership: Charlie Rule; Most Valuable Player: Toby Gallie

Year 13 Eagles
4th in Central Otago Senior Boys B Competition
Most Improved Player: Jarvis Strahan; Outstanding Leadership: Morrison Henaghan; Most Valuable Player: Lennon Cole-Bailey

Year 13 Goldens
Most Improved Player: Jack Busst; Outstanding Leadership: Joseph Hurndell; Most Valuable Player: Max Kerr

Year 13 Dominators 
Coaches James Field-Mitchell and Nicole Marr
Most Improved Player: Sabina Wright; Outstanding Leadership: Scarlett Williams and Siena McIlroy; Most Valuable Player: Cameron Bates

Year 9 Stars (Coach Tash O’Connell)
1st in Central Otago Senior B Competition
Most Improved Player: Posie Manser; Outstanding Leadership and Most Valuable Player: Kora Frisby

Year 12 Dunkers 
Most Improved Player: Lila McIntyre; Outstanding Leadership: Ankita Pilo; Most Valuable Player: Chelsea Wood

Year 9 Comets (Coach Craig Morrison)
Most Improved Player: Sarah Nai; Outstanding Leadership: Iri Hollebon; Most Valuable Player: Evie Clark

Golf

Josh Harris closed out the holidays by dominating the international junior golf circuit, securing two massive consecutive Top 8 finishes across the Tasman.

His performance showcased remarkable composure and skill against Australasia's best young talent:

• Victorian Junior Open (Curlewis Golf Club, VIC | September 22-25): Josh kicked off his run with a brilliant T8 finish against a field of 103 U18 boys, demonstrating incredible consistency across four rounds.
• Jack Newton International Junior Classic (Cypress Lakes GC, NSW | September 30 - October 3): Stepping onto this prestigious stage with 148 top U18 competitors, Josh was a standout, powering his way to an amazing T7 finish. His 69 and 70 in the middle rounds proved his ability to perform at the highest level.

To secure two Top 8 placements in major international tournaments is a stunning achievement. Congratulation Josh!

Gymnastics 

A huge congratulations is in order for our incredible gymnasts, Rosa and Olivia, who represented the Southland Team at the NZ National Gymnastics Championships over the holidays! These young athletes delivered a standout performance on the national stage, a testament to their dedication.

Olivia stepped onto the national stage, performing strongly amongst the very best STEP 6 gymnasts in New Zealand. Her routines in the All Around competition were a true display of her talent! Ka pai, Olivia! You represented the jersey well.

Then there's Rosa, whose performance in the STEP 9 All Around competition was nothing short of spectacular! She delivered an outstanding performance to clinch the silver medal in the All Around and took home the super prestigious Beam Artistry Award!

But she didn't stop there! Qualifying for all four apparatus finals on Day 2, Rosa went on to secure a stunning haul of medals:

• GOLD on the Uneven Bars
• SILVER on the Beam
• BRONZE on the Vault

What an incredible result for both gymnasts! 

Hillary Challenge

Our tenacious team of eight rangatahi travelled north to the rugged landscape of Tongariro over the holidays to contest the 25th Hillary Challenge Final, pitting their skills against twelve of the toughest adventure racing schools in New Zealand.

The challenge demanded sheer endurance and skill, with the team battling relentless rain, wind, and mud. Over the course of a week, they faced high-stakes competition across different disciplines: two days of intensive problem-solving activities, two days on an overnight rogaine, and a final epic adventure race that included running, biking, and kayaking. Their unified approach and strong teamwork were vital throughout.

A massive salute to the WHS crew for their incredible effort: Neive and Lexi McLeod, Elsbeth and Caitlyn Purdue, Seb and Oli Watson, James Weber, and Charlie Manser.

In only the second time WHS has entered this event, our team delivered a phenomenal performance, blasting their way to an overall 5th place finish! They logged an impressive 3,177 points - missing the podium by just over a hundred points. This is a brilliant result!

Hockey

Huge congratulations are in order for four of our fantastic young hockey stars who earned well-deserved spots in the Central Otago U15 Hockey Representative Team: Leon Coudret, Luc Burer, Zebbie Jarvis, and Kieran Morphett!

These lads were instrumental in Central Otago's performance at the Alpiners U15 Tournament, delivering a strong and super-consistent showing. Their tournament record speaks for itself: an impressive 4 Wins, 1 Draw, and just 1 Loss! Finishing 4th overall in the tournament is a massive achievement and a true testament to the skill and collective effort of the squad.

Ice Hockey 

Over the last holidays, many WHS ice hockey players competed in their respective U16 and U18 Junior Stampede representative teams at the National Championships in Dunedin. These teams included players from Queenstown, Alexandra, and Tekapo clubs.

The U16 team won all of their games in the final round to clinch 3rd place in the competition. WHS players in this team were: Tommy Argyle, Raphael Guyot de La Pommeraye, Brian Yang, Harry Carian, Maddy Dixon, Eddie Doyle-Stewart, Zoe Thurston, Moby Haysmith, Conor Graham, and Harrison Coe (Goalie).

The U18 Junior Stampede had the "dream season," winning every game they played! This team worked hard to dominate the league tables all season long. The Junior Stampede hadn't won the title since 2017. The WHS players in this champion team were: Tristan Walker, Otis Haysmith, Maddon Smith, Oliver Carian (Captain), Saxon Cowan, Liam Rasmussen, Blake Campbell, Ben Dixon, Jacob Excell, Jake Hutchins, Harrison Coe, and Noah Reid (Goalies). Eleven of the players from this team will be moving out of the league next year.

U18 Individual Awards

• Top Points Scorer for the League: Oliver Carian

• Best Goaltender: Noah Reid

• Best Defence: Blake Campbell

• League MVP: Oliver Carian

Orienteering

Over the holidays, Victoria Underwood competed in the Australian Schools Orienteering Championships as part of the New Zealand Orienteering Team. She placed fifth in the Long event, earned a silver medal in the Sprint, and contributed to her relay team’s bronze-medal performance. Her combined results saw her recognised as the Top Junior Girl in the New Zealand team.  

Wakatipu Yacht Club

Welcome to the 2025/26 season at Wakatipu Yacht Club! We’re excited to set sail on another great year. A strong contingent of WHS students will be returning for another year and we welcome any new students who are keen to give sailing a go!

Key Start Dates:
- 'Learn to Sail '– Beginners Level 1 & 2: Starts Sunday 2nd November 9.00am
- Dinghy 'Learn to Race' - Starts Sunday 13th Oct, 11:00 am

If you are interested in coming along to see what it's all about, the club is located on the Kelvin Peninsula next to the golf course. Visit our website www.wakatipuyachtclub.co.nz or email wakatipuyachtclub@gmail.comAnd sign up here to the google classroom: Wakatipu High School - Sailing

Hockey - Give it a Go

Keep Us Informed

The Sports Department would love to hear from you if you know of any awesome sporting achievements from our students! Please send through details/results and photos to Bruce at bhunter@wakatipu.school.nz so we can share and celebrate these as a school.

Support Sport at WHS

Support the team by liking the Wakatipu High School Sports Facebook page. This is the best way to stay up to date with the successes of our athletes and teams and celebrate their great achievements!

https://www.facebook.com/WakatipuHighSchoolSports/ 

Bruce Hunter
Director of Sport

Arts Department News

Artist of the Week - Ruby Pullar

Congratulations to Ruby Pullar who has won against fierce competition to be part of the very first Junior Theatre Festival Exchange

The Junior Theatre Festival NZ Student Exchange is a new New Zealand - Australia collaboration allowing one successful student from each country to attend the Pilot Programme and Festival in the other country. The inaugural recipients for this 2025 exchange were announced as Ruby Pullar (Queenstown, NZ) and Matilda Boag (Australia).

Sasha Winter - Convince you to stay

This is the final mix of Sasha' Winter's song from Play It Strange. "Convince You To Stay".  Sasha was an album finalist for the Lion Foundation Play It Strange national songwriting award.

Eve Pagan - Scholarship winner from StageAntics

At the end of every Show in a Week, a scholarship is awarded to one outstanding cast member. 

StageAntics recently announced their recipient of this Scholarship- Eve Pagan - for her role of the week as the lead Deloris in Sister Act JR! Congratulations Eve!

Musical 2026 - Legally Blonde

Auditions for the 2026 Musical Legally Blonde are now open. Click here for the important information in the audition pack and read it in full before completing the form. 

Arts & Cultural Blues

On October 16 we have our annual Cultural Blues awards which celebrates a wide range of achievement and involvement in all things arts. This will be a fantastic evening showcasing all our amazing and talented students.

At the World's Edge Festival

This week the At the World's Edge Festival has been running out of Te Atamira with fabulous concerts and sessions on offer. We are incredibly fortunate to have them working with students next Monday with two sessions being offered. Our Y12/13 Music students will go to Te Atamira to hear from the musicians and then some of the performers will come into school to play for our Y11 students.

The link to the event is as follows:    https://www.worldsedgefestival.com/

Alexandra Musical Society Voice and Instrumental Competitions

The Alexandra Musical Society's Voice and Instrumental Competitions are now open for entries. These competitions are being held on Saturday, 1 November at Dunstan High School in Alexandra. These competitions intend to encourage your students to share their talents, build confidence, connect with other young musicians and perform in what will be a supportive and encouraging environment. 

Click here for the entry form. You can also enter via a link on the Alexandra Musical Society Competitions Section Facebook page. 

Central Lakes Trust Art Competition

Central Lakes Trust is turning 25 this year and would like our rangatahi to share their creativity to help us celebrate.

We’re inviting students in Years 7–13 to design a one-of-a-kind artwork on the theme Giving – reflecting generosity, community, and impact. The winning design will feature on our 2026 Annual Report cover and will be printed on a commemorative tea towel. All entries will also be displayed at our Scholarships Award Ceremony on 3 November 2025.

Prizes up for grabs:
1st prize: $350 Prezzy Card
2nd prize: $250 Prezzy Card
3rd prize: $200 Prezzy Card
People’s Choice: $200 Prezzy Card

Key dates:
Entries close: 10 October 2025, 4 pm
Winners announced: 3 November 2025

More information is available on our website - click here.

 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 & 4

• 16 October - Cultural Blues Night

• 22 October - Primary Schools Music Visit
• 04 November - Senior Folio Exhibition

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 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

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.

WHS Foundation

Community Notices

Sustainable Queenstown is bringing you three great community events this October and November under the Green Drinks banner:

• Oct 17th: Biketober Hub Social at OneBike – Bikes, BBQ, and community at the start of daylight savings.
• Nov 6th: Smarter Energy Event – Practical tips on making your home cheaper and kinder to the planet, in partnership with the Electrification Accelerator.
• Nov 20th: "A Taste of Hope" Fundraising Dinner at the Hilton – A special three-course meal supporting Sustainable Queenstown and KiwiHarvest.

Click here to find out more and book your spot!

👉Support us today: https://subscribe.entertainmentnz.com/fundraiser/260506v

*Terms & Conditions Apply. Please visit www.entertainmentnz.com/promotions to view