WHS Newsletter | Issue 2.08 | 2 July 2021

Principal's Message

Kia ora and welcome to the Wakatipu High School newsletter at the end of the penultimate week of Term 2 - another good week, with many particularly enjoying our ‘snow day’ on Tuesday. Quick reminder re adverse weather - we will always aim to communicate by 7am, on the WHS App, website and by email to students.

Today is also Matariki - a special day (which will be a public holiday from next year) and we have a Matariki bell and activities to mark it. Please see Matua Gilbertson’s piece below.

The 40 Hour Famine last weekend was a great success, including achieving the goal of raising $10,000! Congratulations and well done to everyone involved - see below for more.

Reports - LE Report 6 was up on the Portal last night. Please be sure to go through it with your student to check their engagement with their learning.

Senior Progress and Achievement Summary (PAS) Reports are due out at the end of term. These reports summarise the grades and comments available on the Portal. While we will endeavour to make the PAS Reports available as soon as possible, again these holidays we have no access to our building due to Phase 2 work, and so the Portal will be down and these reports will be inaccessible during the holidays. In anticipation of this, we encourage you to look through the grades in the Results section of the Portal over the next week.

Matatu - training has been a key feature of the week, including the training day yesterday, in anticipation of the big assembly next Friday. Unfortunately, due to our continued growth and numbers, parents are unable to attend Matatu performances this year but we are planning to Livestream the event on our Facebook page from 1.30pm next Friday (and roll on our new double gym).

Responsibility and ‘owning our actions’ - in my last couple of pieces I have written about our current focus on responsibility and ‘owning our actions’, and last week noted the important part that parents play in this. Re this, below is a piece called “Stick With Me” - which is great for parents and I encourage you to have a read of it.

Christchurch Girls’ High School Survey - another piece I encourage you to read if you haven't already, is re the harassment survey CGHS did with their students. It does highlight issues for our young people, including in the online environment and the normalisation of certain behaviours, and is well worth parents reading (click here for article).

Strategic Plan Review - a very big thanks to the many who completed the online feedback input to our stratplan review. This process is ongoing, with the new strategic plan scheduled to be completed later in the year.

One week to go in the always busy Term 2. Do check with seniors that they are on track with any assessments due next week, and support them to do their best. This weather looks set to continue, so wrap up warm and make the most of it - maybe even make a few turns up the Peak or Remarks, enjoy :)

Steve Hall
Principal

Stick with Me

As you are aware our current focus is on our value of responsibility and ‘owning our actions’, and Mr Hall wrote re parents supporting this in last week's newsletter. Re this, please enjoy “Stick With Me” by Helene Wingens below.

Katie Tomkins,
Head of Learning Support and Dean of Duncan House

____________________________________________________________________

Dear Mum and Dad,

Please stick with me.

I can’t think clearly right now because there is a rather substantial section of my prefrontal cortex missing. It’s a fairly important chunk, something having to do with rational thought. You see, it won’t be fully developed until I’m about 25. And from where I sit, 25 seems a long way off. But here's what I want my parents to know:

My brain is not yet fully developed

It doesn’t matter that I’m smart; even a perfect score on my math test doesn’t insulate me from the normal developmental stages that we all go through - judgement and intelligence are two completely distinct things. And the same thing that makes my brain wonderfully flexible, creative and sponge-like also makes me impulsive - not necessarily reckless or negligent, but more impulsive than I will be later in life.

Please stick with me.

So when you look at me like I have ten heads after I’ve done something “stupid” or failed to do something “smart,” you’re not really helping. You adults respond to situations with your prefrontal cortex (rationally) but I am more inclined to respond with my amygdala (emotionally). And when you ask, “What were you thinking?” the answer is I wasn’t, at least not in the way you are. You can blame me, or you can blame mother nature, but either way, it is what it is. 

At this point in my life, I get that you love me, but my friends are my everything. Please understand that. Right now I choose my friends, but, don’t be fooled, I am watching you. Carefully.

Please stick with me.

.......

Here’s what you can do for me

1. Model ‘adulting’ - I see all the behaviors that you are modeling and I hear all of the words you say. I may not listen but I do hear you. I seem impervious to your advice, like I’m wearing a kevlar vest, but your actions and words are penetrating. I promise. If you keep showing me the way, I will follow even if I detour many, many times before we reach our destination.
2. Let me figure things out for myself - if you allow me to experience the consequences of my own actions I will learn from them. Please give me a little bit of leash and let me know that I can figure things out for myself. The more I do, the more confidence and resilience I will develop.
3. Tell me about you - I want you to tell me all the stories of the crazy things you did as a teen, and what you learned from them. Then give me the space to do the same.
4. Help me with perspective - keep reminding me of the big picture. I will roll my eyes at you and make all kinds of grunt-like sounds. I will let you know in no uncertain terms that you can’t possibly understand any of what I’m going through. But I’m listening. I really am. It’s hard for me to see anything beyond the weeds that I am currently mired in. Help me scan out and focus on the long view. Remind me that this moment will pass.
5. Keep me safe - please remind me that drugs and driving don’t mix. Keep telling me that you will bail me out of any dangerous situation, no anger, no lectures, no questions asked. But also let me know over and over and over that you are there to listen, when I need you.
6. Be kind - I will learn kindness from you and if you are relentless in your kindness to me, someday I will imitate that behavior. Don’t ever mock me, please and don’t be cruel. Humor me-I think I know everything. You probably did as well at my age. Let it go.
7. Show interest in the things I enjoy - some days I will choose to share my interests with you, and it will make me feel good if you validate those interests, by at least acting interested.

One day when the haze of adolescence lifts, you will find a confident, strong, competent, kind adult where a surly teenager once stood. In the meantime, buckle in for the ride, and … please stick with me.

Love,
Your Teenager

Mānawatia a Matariki, Celebrate and Honour Matariki

Kia ora,
This week at WHS we've spent some time, especially with our staff on the topic of Matariki. Just quickly, Matariki is the name for a cluster of stars which is visible in June/July and is an important time of year for Māori as it signals the new year. It's a time to spend with whānau and friends, to enjoy kai, to remember those who have passed, and to connect with one another over stories and waiata. Matua Gilbertson spent some time with our kaiako (teachers) talking about Matariki and learning the actions for our school waiata. Students also had the opportunity to join in some art-based activities and are in the depths of Matatū training. On Friday morning Mr McIntyre took a group of students and staff up the maunga to take a look at the stars. Kia pai tou tātou Matariki, Happy Matariki everyone! 

40 Hour Famine

A huge congratulations to everyone who participated in the 40 hour famine last weekend! We really ramped it up this year and had tons of motivated students putting themselves out of their comfort zones to raise money for people in sub-Saharan Africa who are suffering from a food crisis as a result of COVID-19. We had some epic challenges happening such as 40 hours of Kapa Haka from the school’s Kapa Haka group - Te iti o Tāhuna, and 40 hours in a gondola from Year 12 students Jack McBeth and Rohil Prasad. We’re stoked to have smashed our fundraising goal of $10,000 (cash fundraising has not yet been included in the total figure) and incredibly proud of the impact this money will have on those in need. The fundraising page is still active and taking donations. You can make a donation using the link below.

Careers - Experiences

Girls in Hi -Vis:
Girls in Hi-Vis is  a unique opportunity for our senior female students to gain hands-on experience  of what a career in the infrastructure industry can offer.  Students were treated to a range of speakers  -  promoting enginering and construction pathways. 

Thanks HEB for hosting this amazing event!!

Rural Health:
The New Zealand Rural General Practice Network is committed to looking at ways of protecting and improving the health status of rural New Zealand communities, and it realises the backbone to this outcome is a skilled, sustainable and efficient rural health workforce.  We were therefore delighted to have had access to a range of tertiary health students who engaged with our students about making sure they complete their secondary education and perhaps pursue one of the many rewarding careers in rural health.

The students were given a short presentation about careers in health, what it’s like to be a tertiary student and what pathways and opportunities are open to them. Following this the students worked  in small groups and engaged in interactive workshops, learning about topics such as human anatomy, blood pressure measurement, reflex testing and CPR. 

This was an opportunity for students to try the equipment and learn basic principles in a fun, safe and interactive setting.  Hopefully we have inspired interest and curiosity  about further study and in particular, careers in the health sciences.

The Business Pitch

This week Year 13 Business Studies students pitched their innovative and sustainable products to local business leaders, in a friendly “Dragons Den”. The pitch is a requirement as part of evidence of consultation for their internal assessment. Feedback provided by panel members is extremely valuable for students to improve their product and business planning.  

A special thanks to our panel members: Angela Spackman, John Wikstrom, Paula Ryan, Charlie Phillips, Oded Nathan and Steve Hall. We truly appreciate your time and support.

Over the next couple of newsletters students will showcase their innovative and sustainable products.

Lead Prefect Message

Kia Ora,

The Snow day on Tuesday was exciting. A day off to reset and have a good day out skiing and sledding. It has brought much needed snow to the Ski fields, Coronet Peak delayed opening seems like a distant memory. So get your passes, collect your gear and head up for a blast on the snow.

Matatu training is in full swing, Thursday saw training day where each house was given expert advice from Sydney and Callum which we all are very grateful for. This is crunch time for all the Houses to get their smooth transitions dialed in and their vocals all tuned up for Matatu Assembly on Friday 9 July. 

40 Hour Famine was a raving success with $10,038 dollars fundraised. Thanks to all the participants and donors for giving it your all and helping battle hunger in sub-Saharan Africa. Huge thanks to the organisers, Ms. Heather Dixon, Jasmine Crichton and the rest of the 40 Hour Famine community.

The First XV rugby team demolished Combined Schools 29 - 12 last Saturday. The team is currently sitting comfortably at second in the championship but is hoping to climb if they get a good result against the Otago Boys seconds this Saturday. 

The cold is beginning to set in with the negative mornings becoming all too familiar. It is important to remember as the road conditions deteriorate, drive with caution and take care. 

Have a great weekend and keep up the good work.

Linus Ritchie
Lead Prefect

Environmental Council - Reducing Transport Emissions

Greenhouse gases present a major threat to our planet. Greenhouse gases insulate the planet, trapping the sun's energy into the atmospheric bubble. This is known as the “greenhouse effect,” which has severe environmental consequences. In New Zealand, transport is the fastest growing source of emissions, accounting for 21% of the total emissions. Almost 70% of the transport emissions are produced from personal transport. Evidently, transport emissions are a significant source of New Zealand's emissions, due to New Zealand having one of the highest car ownership rates in the world.

Here are some ways where you can contribute to reducing the country’s transport emissions

1. Use public transport: in Queenstown use the bus system which has been praised as one of the best bus systems in the country. 
2. Walk or bike to school: if you live close enough to walk/bike to school get out there and enjoy the crisp central otago air.
3. Carpool: instead of driving alone, ask if anyone you know will be going to the same place from nearby even if it means you might make the odd compromise. 
4. Take one day off driving to school a week: participate in the “car-less day.”
   Method of Sign up/Roll out
   

• • Parents/staff members/students can choose a day when they intend to not use their vehicle.
  • They then notify the school reception the day they have chosen by filling in and submitting the Google Form. The first batch of stickers will be ordered next week. (please note that in order to fill out the form you will need to use your child’s student email address or send an email / call directly to the school to register your choice) 
  • You can then pick up the stickers from the school front reception area!

from the Environmental Council 

Arts News and Information

Winterfest 
We have some WHS bands performing at the Winterfest this week. Together with bands from the primary schools and Mt Aspiring, they are playing on the Earnslaw Park stage starting at 3.30. The bands include:
No Man’s Land 
Cherry Garden
Estrogen
The Cavemen

Jazz Band
We will be running two extra practices ahead of the Jazz trip to Blenheim in the second week of next term. The details are as follows:
Practice 1: Sunday, July 25. 
Big Band: 10:30am - 12:15pm
Combo: 1:00pm - 2:45pm
The final practice (with parents invited) is on Sunday, August 1. 
Big Band practice: 10:00am - 11:15am
Break: 11:15am - 11:50am
Big Band Performance run: 12:00pm - 12:30pm 
Combo Performance run: 12:30pm - 1:00pm 
Pack Up: 1:00pm - 1.15pm

Mountain Scene Article - Four-piece tops
Make sure to have a look at this week's Mountain Scene. There is a fantastic article celebrating WHS students' successes at the Central Otago Smokefree Rockquest Regional Final and an interview with Lucy Glover from No Man's Land (Band Category winners). 

Artist of the week - Max Hey Yr 10 
Max has impressed teachers with his range of capabilities and commitment to his art. Featured below are his portraits completed this semester in 5Art3. His final submission for art was done in print, which takes influences from Hokusai's, Great Wave and Godzilla.  All his work relates to film and it is fantastic that Max has been able to include his film passion into his artworks. 

Sports News and Information

Central Otago Junior Netball Champs
Three WHS teams competed in the inaugural Central Otago Junior Champs on Sunday in Cromwell. This was an awesome opportunity for the 9A, 9A Development and 10A Development teams to compete against other local secondary schools. A huge thank you to our coaches Cam Murphy, Sasha McLeod and Suzanna Martin and our umpires Trinity Jones and Lily Adams. 

Southland Ice Skating Champs
Three WHS students competed in the Ice Sports Southland club championships last weekend. Well done to these girls.
Paige Blunden - 2nd Elementary grade
Megan Carr - 3rd Juvenile grade
Georgia Chinn - 2nd Intermediate Novice grade

National Gold Panning Champs
Two WHS students competed in the National Gold Panning champs earlier this year. These take place as part of the Arrowtown Autumn Festival. Congratulations to Year 10 student Phoebe Ide who was the winner of the U16 event and to Year 9 student Finn McCaw who finished second in the U16 category. Finn also finished second 6th in the classic pan event, the only student competitor.

Representative Netball
The U18 Wakatipu Netball Centre representative team is heading to Rotorua these coming holidays to compete in the U18 national tournament. This is an awesome opportunity for a number of WHS students. The team has been competing in warm up tournaments over the past few weeks. The U18 and U16 rep teams are named below, congratulations to all of these players who have made these teams. The U14’s are in the trial process at the moment.

U18 Wakatipu Team
Ruby Kirk
Phoebe Wallace
Bridget O'Malley
Jordan Boland
Jett Famalepe
Lucy Viggers
Eliza Herron
Phoebe Cavanagh
Jess McDonald
Abby Phillips
Coach: Kay O'Connell
Manager: Yvonne Kemp

U16 Wakatipu Team
Keeley Erskine​​​​​​​
Mia Eady-Bulling
Bridget O'Malley
Maddy McDonald
Maisie Grufferty
Baylee Ropata-Fish
Neve Bates
Jess McDonald
Eliana Collins
Primrose Johnston
Coach: Yvonne Kemp
Manager: Maria Rapata

Central Otago Girls Football Competition Begins
The Central Otago Secondary School Girls Football competition was due to get underway this week but was cancelled due to poor weather conditions. The team, coached by Jamie Whitmarsh and managed by Ms Jermy is looking forward to starting their campaign against Mt Aspiring College in Cromwell on Monday. Ka Mauka Whakatipu!

Southland Netball Champs
We wish the Senior A, Senior B, 9A and 10A tournament netball teams all the very best as they compete in the Southland Secondary School Netball Champs this coming weekend.

Junior Athletic Development Programme
The Junior Athletic Development Program is back for Term 3. The program this year will be facilitated by Karla Dawson and supported by our Sports Coordinator, Matua Brad. Karla has a wealth of experience in the fitness world and brings a passion for fundamental movement and technique. The sessions will be run on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 7:15am in the school's fitness centre and will begin in Week 2 of Term 3. The main focus for the program is to develop movement competencies based around safety and will progress to lifting movements with modified equipment and minimal resistance. Correct technique is constantly reinforced and each student athlete is progressed through developmentally appropriate drills for their age and competence. To find out more contact the sports department via bfleming@wakatipu.school.nz.

Girls Only Fitness Opportunity
We have the opportunity for a girls only fitness group to join Snap fitness under the guidance of one of their wonderful trainers, Tammy. The offer is for two specific group fitness sessions per week for eight weeks and full access to the Snap Fitness gym for $200. Group classes will be held at the functional centre at Remarkables Park Centre on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 7:15am.
Session 1: Strength based session focussing on mind/body connectivity and a strong base. This will also endeavour to give the girls confidence to train independently in a gym environment.
Session 2: High intensity interval training (HIIT) style class working on Cardiovascular fitness, agility and hand eye coordination
To find out more contact the sports department via bfleming@wakatipu.school.nz

Curling Opportunity
If you are interested in competing in some local curling competitions or learning to curl there are some upcoming opportunities for you! Please check the list of events below. If you are new to the sport there are coaching sessions at the indoor curling rink in Alexandra on Wednesday afternoons. Additional after school coaching sessions will be added if required to meet demand. If you are keen to get involved in this ice sport please email Mrs Nathan; lnathan@wakatipu.school.nz by Wednesday 7th July.
Curling Competitions:  
Central Otago Schools Champs: 7-8th August, Alexandra
South Island Secondary School Champs: 20-22nd August, Dunedin
NZ Under 21’s: 3-5th September, Naseby 
NZ Secondary School Champs: 2-4th October, Naseby.  

Weekly Results
Basketball
Senior A Boys lost to James Hargest College A: 80-60
Senior A Boys beat Southland Boys HS Dev: 91-75
Senior Girls beat Junior Jays: 42-23 - Event Centre League

Hockey
WHS 2nd XI beat Cromwell Blue: 5-2, Player of the day: Finn McCaw
WHS Gold beat DHS Defenders: 1-0, Player of the day: Pete Davis
WHS 1st XI beat DHS 2nd XI: 6-1, Player of the day: Reo Larsson Allen

Rugby
U14 Cup beat Dunstan Combined: 80-5, Player of the Day: Lachlan Malcolm
U15 Carnival lost to West Otago: 41-20, Player of the Day: Jakob McLister
U15 Cup lost to Otago Boys HS Blue: 38-28, Player of the Day: Griffyn Crawford
1st XV beat Combined Co-ed Schools: 29-12, Player of the Day: Thomas Hulsman
1st XV Girls beat Cromwell: 31-29, Players of the Day: Jett Fa'amelepe and Maisie Grufferty

Weekly Draw
Basketball - Stadium Southland
Friday 2 July
Junior Boys A vs James Hargest College A - 6pm
Senior Boys B vs James Hargest College 1st V - 6pm
Junior Boys A vs Aparima Year 9/10 - 7pm
Thursday 8 July
Senior Boys B vs Aurora College - 4pm WHS

Hockey - Cromwell Turf
Thursday 1 July
WHS 2nd XI vs DHS Dodgers - 7pm
Friday 2 July
WHS 1st XI vs Cromwell - 4:30pm
Sunday 4 July
WHS Gold vs Maniototo - 4pm
WHS Blue BYE

Netball
Draw: https://www.sporty.co.nz/wakatipunetball/Draws-Results

Rugby
Saturday 3 July
U14 vs West Otago - 12:45pm Heriot
U15 Carnival vs Dunstan Combined - 11:15am Dunstan High School
U15 Cup vs Kings Panthers - 1pm Jack Reid Park, Arrowtown
1st XV vs Otago Boys HS 2nd XV - 12:45pm WHS
Wednesday 7 July
Girls 1st XV vs Dunstan High School - 6pm Event Centre

Maori Wellbeing Funding Opportunity
Te Kīwai is a new fund developed in partnership between Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu and Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa, designed to support Māori wellbeing through play, active recreation and sport. For more information please click this link.

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 (@WakatipuHighSchoolSports). 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. 

Laura Nathan
Director of Sport

Lost Property

The lost property is over flowing again. Please ensure all belongings are clearly named so that your child  can find their items easily or we can get it back to them.

At the end of each term any uncollected property will be donated to The Salvation Army or The Cancer Society.

To help with labelling please note fabric pens are now available at student services for $3.50.

Meaz Nathan
Student Services

Careers Department - Student Job Vacancies

RETAIL SALES ASSISTANT - Hallenstein Brothers
Do you love people and fashion? Do you want to be a part of an energetic and hardworking team? We are looking for a student with high energy and sales skills to join our Frankton team as a Sales Assistant. 

Our Retail Sales Assistants are the welcoming face and helping hand for our customers. They bring outstanding communication skills, amazing attitude and an authentic personality to make the shopping experience first class for all of our customers.

About You

• You will have a genuine interest in Men’s Fashion and will have stacks of enthusiasm and energy!
• Driven to provide outstanding customer service, you will be dedicated to providing an exceptional fashion experience to every customer that walks through our doors
• You will bring high energy, fashion focus and sales savvy to our fun and rewarding environment.
• You need to be available to work weekends and potentially some evenings.

To apply see below:  https://www.hallensteinglasson.co.nz/careers

Gibbston Valley Internship
The WHS Hospitality Intern Programme was created to bring Gibbston Valley together with the community and local talent. This is a paid intership offered to Wakatipu High School students aged 14-18 with little work experience. Students are trained and offered work experience across multiple hospitality departments during school holidays and weekends. 

The programme can be the start of a long term relationship! Students will have the option to work here every school/university holidays, or might progress to working here full time! This is a foot in the door to work in an amazing place. Please see details in the link below.

Matariki celebration - 4 July

Kia ora koutou,

This year Te iti o Tāhuna will be joining many other Kapa Haka groups from around the Basin to celebrate Matariki, organised by the Arrowtown Preschool. Please see the flyer below for details of the event.

Ngā mihi nui,

Kyle Jackson 

Branches Art Auction

SAVE THE DATE – FRIDAY 13 AUGUST 2021
Back by popular demand the Branches Trust is proud to announce the Branches Art Auction is back!  Write the date in your diaries now and join us on Friday 13 August at the Memorial Hall for another fabulous night of art, hors d’oeuvres, Branches and mingling!  Always a great night for the whole school community please come along and support this years Branches Art Auction with us on Friday 13 August.  Tickets will go on sale soon, will update with details when they do.

Key Dates

WHS Foundation

Community Notices

Experience spectacular Doubtful Sound on a day trip from Queenstown. Real Journeys are offering a FREE coach transfer when you book a Doubtful Sound Wilderness Day Cruise anytime between 1 – 31 July 2021! Use promotional code FREECOACH when you book on the Real Journeys website.

For more information head to: realjourneys.co.nz/en/specials