WHS Newsletter | Issue 2.09 | 9 July 2021

Principal's Message

Kia ora and welcome to the Wakatipu High School newsletter at the end of Term 2.

The term has finished with our mighty Matatū Assembly this afternoon, which is such an important part of our school and our culture and our all-round education. Once again today the performances were fantastic - reflecting the work and effort that has been put in over the last few weeks, as well as the passion and energy that the students bring to this special event. A huge thanks to the Deans, staff and student House leaders who have led the preparation for today. My congratulations to all of the students who were involved for their commitment and performances, and special congratulations to Duncan House on their win.

Staying with the theme of great performances, at the board meeting on Monday we presented a review of our results from last year compared to national data. Once again we have done very well as a school, with our UE results in the top 2% for state co-ed schools - pretty amazing. Whether it happens to be UE or any other qualification, we want our students to leave WHS with the best possible qualification so that they have the best possible options and opportunities for their futures, and our results and leavers’ data is showing that we are doing a pretty good job of that.

Also at the board meeting I presented a summary of the parents strategic plan review feedback. We had 122 responses, and a big thanks to everyone who took the time to do that, we do appreciate it. A brief summary with the key themes (over 20 respondents):

• A number of key strengths were identified: our all-round education, including extracurricular opportunities (52); that we have high expectations (44); teachers (36); communication (35); leadership (30); the range of subjects we offer (26); and the new school and facilities (26).
• The main concern was re student behaviour (21).
• In terms of the future, the message was to keep our all-round education including extracurricular opportunities, including Branches and camps (71!)
• There was also strong support (78%) for the vision, and a very strong message re student achievement - with 95% saying it was important.

The responses and comments were constructive and supportive, but people certainly have high expectations of us in terms of wanting us to deliver a very high quality academic and all-round education, which is also personalised and with students being well-rounded, resilient, happy etc - no pressure … :).

This week a few of us did a walk-through of the new Phase 2 north and south wings. It is looking good, and it was great to actually see the spaces take shape after years of looking at them on paper.  Things are progressing well (the roof shout is in the holidays :) and we are certainly looking forward to when we can move into them during next year. Related to Phase 2, once again these holidays we do not have access to this building and, while many of us will still be working, please note that there will be no one present in this building.

Senior PAS Reports - as per the email you will have received, are up on the Portal now. But, as above, with the building being closed the Portal will go down from 5pm Sunday until next term, so please do look at them before then.

WHS Foundation Queenstown Marathon Challenge - the ‘Suit Up!’ Business Tie Challenge is on to raise funds for the WHSF and the Branches Trust - see the link below to learn more on how to take on the challenge for these two great WHS causes.
https://www.whsf.nz/businesstiechallenge

Attendance - data that we just received from the Ministry of Education shows that the changes we made to our attendance system have made a significant difference to attendance - in particular to boys (many of whom seem to have realised that they can't just talk their way out of the new system, so they’re just following the rules and attending as they should), as well as enabling us to identify students and families who need support. The Ministry’s education area is called ‘Every Day Matters’ - which is a great name, as every day of education really does matter for students. Thanks for your support in this important area.

Term 3 - will be a busy Term, as always. There are some really important events in the first few weeks, several of which have more information below, but for your calendars please note:

• Study Skills evening (see below) - Tuesday 27/7
• 2022 Course Option Afternoon (see below) - Tuesday 3/8 
• Raising Teenagers in Queenstown parent evening (see below) - Tuesday 3/8 
• Junior Mid-Year Prizegiving, and Excellence, Ad Alta & Ākonga Passport Assemblies - Monday 9/8 
• Accord (NCEA) Teacher Only Day - Friday 13/8
• Senior School Exams - 19-25/8

You may have seen us in a Stuff article re cctv cameras in schools. As per the article, our cameras, which are in the corridors, were approved (and paid for) by the Ministry of Education and we comply with privacy rules in how we use them. Following feedback from students and parents re behaviour and congregating in and near toilets we do use them to ensure these areas are safe, and believe that students have other options for gathering.

Term 2 is always a big one, and this year has been no exception. It has been a very good term here though, including given that we are operating with the Phase 2 work. The term may be over, but there’s a huge newsletter below including important events coming next term - be sure to have a good look through it.

My thanks to staff and students for a very good term, and I wish everyone a well-deserved break and a good refresh before we begin again on Monday 26th :)

Steve Hall
Principal

Wellbeing

Kia ora!

As part of our Wellbeing Curriculum this term, students have had the opportunity to complete learning and activities in line with the Term 2 theme of "Take Notice".

Our Junior students have had the opportunity to explore their strengths through a "Strength Spotting" activity. This activity was completed in conjunction with Kaiarahi, students were asked to complete the VIA Charachter Strengths Survey (see the link below). This survey provided students feedback and information about what their key character strengths are. Kaiarahi then discussed with students how they could apply these strengths to day-to-day lives in pusuit of positive wellbeing outcomes. If you haven't already, please feel free to take the survey and discuss with your friends and family what your strengths are and how you can use these strengths to benefit yourself and those around you!

Our Year 11 students have had the opportunity to complete a unit of work focused on setting a goal to enhance an aspect of personal wellbeing. Goal setting can be a powerful tool in pursuit of positive wellbeing outcomes, students were tasked with learning about the dimensions of wellbeing and what a S.M.A.R.T. goal is. Next, they were asked to explore what dimension of their wellbeing may need some attention, set a personal S.M.A.R.T goal and then reflect upon the outcome and process. If you have any questions about this or are interested in how goal setting can positively influence your wellbeing, please email me for more information!

Next term's theme will be "Keep Learning", the focus for Senior students will be centred on study skills and exam preparation. The focus for Junior students will be on learning a new skill and how this can positively influence your wellbeing.

I hope you all have a fantastic holiday!

Ngā mihi,

Sam King
Wellbeing Coordinator

WHS Board - Student Representative Election

Nominations are invited for the election of one Student Representative on the Wakatipu High School Board. All students enrolled full-time in Year 9 and above and under 20 years old, are eligible to be placed on the electoral roll, stand for election and vote in the school’s election for the Student Representative on the Wakatipu High School Board. Student representatives have equal standing, voice, accountabilities and vote as other board members.  The Student Representative's term of office is 12 months.  Further information may be found in the Student Trustee Handbook.

A nomination form and copy of this notice will be distributed to all eligible voters on the student roll by email. The voting roll is open for inspection at Reception and can be viewed during opening hours.

If you are considering standing for the election, you need to print the nomination form or collect one from Reception.  The nomination form is to be completed and returned to Karla Dawson, Principal’s PA and Returning Officer, at Reception before 4pm on Wednesday 4 August, along with a short candidate statement (400 words max, also to be emailed to kdawson@wakatipu.school.nz ) and may include a photograph.  These will be printed as part of the voting paper.  There will be a list of candidates' names as they come to hand displayed at Reception.

The timeline for the student election is as follows:
- Electoral Roll available - Monday 12 July
- Nomination forms available - Wednesday 14 July
- Nominations close - 4pm Wednesday 4 August
- Voting papers issued in Ako Time - Monday 9 August
- Voting closes - 4pm Monday 6 September
- New trustee takes office - Monday 13 September
   * First Board meeting 5.30pm Monday 27 September 

Karla Dawson
Principal's PA and Returning Officer

Taonga Puori with Jerome Kavanagh

Kia ora,

I tēnei wiki we had Jerome Kavanagh come in to the kura to do a wānanga with our students involved in Māori courses. He's an expert in taonga pūoro (traditional Māori musical instruments) and shared his vast knowledge of their origins, use, and the impact they can have. In the past he's performed at the Sydney Opera House, alongside Six60, and just last weekend alogside Drax Project.

His whakaaro (ideas) around using taongo pūoro to support the mental health and wairua of our rangatahi as well as using them to share traditional pūrākau was ka mau te wehi (awesome). Such an honour to have him here at the kura and a real inspiration for our rangatira mō apōpō (leaders for tomorrow). Ka ū, ka hā!

Make sure to check him out via his Spotify playlist 'Puoro Jerome' or via his YouTube account 'Pūoro Jerome' for some beautiful sounds and tips on turning your next roast lamb into a pūoro (instrument).

Matua Gilbertson 

Stars Peer Mentoring Programme - Term 2 Recap

STARS Peer Mentoring throughout this term was yet again another success. As said in last term's summary, STARS is a programme in which Year 12 and 13 Student Peer Mentors work with the Year 9 students to create new relationships and show the ways of Wakatipu High School. There are many life skills learnt through these sessions done through fun activities, quizzes, games and more. This term we focused on Social Media, Social Skills, Positive Thinking as well as Time Management, all of which are skills the students will find very useful as well as relatable to their everyday lives. 

The main event/component of Term 2 was the Community Adventure. In this, we had external, local services come into the school to work with the Year 9s. With the Police, Wakatipu Youth Trust and Wakatipu Search and Rescue taking their time to come in, they taught the Year 9s students all about what they do in our community which relates to our STARS life skills and WHS values through interactive activities and talks. This opportunity was a great way for the Year 9 students as well as some of the Peer Mentors to learn more about the local services offered in our community and to build new connections. A huge thank you to all who came in and offered up their expertise, I am sure everyone took away something useful from this day. 

This term also saw the first WakaSTARS event. Working with the Peer Support Council, WakaSTARS ran as a fun and exciting and competitive general knowledge competition. Filled with challenges and more teams of Year 9s as well as peer mentors competed against each other to win some prizes. This was a great light-hearted competition as well as a great way for students to bond outside of the STARS sessions.

We are looking forward to the Community Project which takes place next term. This entails going out into the community and doing our bit to give back. This allows everyone to give back and to make a difference, no matter how big or small that is. We are also looking forward to exploring Sustainability, Goal Setting, Mental Toughness, and Stress Management through our sessions next term. 

Sophie Thompson
STARS/Peer Support Lead Prefect 
STARS Peer Mentor

Year 10 Masterchef Challenge

This week the Y10 Food Technologists were pitted against each other in groups, each trying to follow a recipe and produce the most delicious and visually appealing version of the dish. Chilli, chorizo and prawn pasta, cauliflower, anchovy and caper penne, chinese pork and green beans on vermicelli noodles and pork sausage with silverbeet and bacon were on the menu. All groups performed exceedingly well and the judges were on the way to a full-blown pasta coma by the end of tasting. The left hand side of the kitchen narrowly came away with the win, and were able to go into our "End Of Term Bake Off" with a slight advantage.

It's been a great semester full of learning and mastery of basic (and not so basic) cooking techniques, and we are looking forward to welcoming newcomers to our space next semester!

Justine Duncan
HoLA Technology

Lead Prefect Message

Kia Ora, 

This week brings an end to a very busy Term 2!! Time has really gone by fast and we are already halfway through the school year. Term 3 is also going to be another busy one as we start the second semester for the juniors and the seniors face their mock exams, as well as many extracurricular events. 

Throughout this last week there has been a lot of House spirit brewing with everyone preparing and working hard towards the Matatū competition which took place today. This year, like any other, was a very tough competition, with each House stepping it up as usual, and it would have been very hard for the judges to pick a winner. This competition's purpose is for everyone to learn the school waita as well as haka so I hope everyone took away that from this.  A big thanks to everyone who was involved, especially all of the leaders and staff who really made this day a huge success!

Term 2 has seen many events for WHS like usual. We have had House Debating, the James Hargest Exchange, Luma, University Open Days, Rockquest and Showquest, a bunch of internals for seniors and even a snow day to name a few! I commend you all for your hard work in school as well as all of your extracurricular activities. You should all be very proud of your efforts. 

Everyone has done a great job this term and a break is very well deserved. So stay home and relax, get some sleep, enjoy that ski season and time up the mountains, whatever you fancy. Have some fun and I hope you all have a great holiday!

See you all next term!

Sophie Thompson
STARS/Peer Support Lead Prefect 

Engineering Experience - University of Auckland

We were lucky to have some engineering students from the University of Auckland engage with a number of our prospective Yr12 and Yr13 engineers.  The course was designed to promote women in engineering and build advocacy for females engineers. 

Although this session was targeted towards females, as a co-ed school we are able to offer places to males who are also interested in engaging with a career in Engineering. This session gave the students an opportunity to explore possible pathways in this industry and begin to network with other engineers.  The session was hands  on and required problem solving!  

Linda Richards
Head of Careers

Kate Moetaua Foundation Scholarship

Kate Moetaua dedicated her life to teaching her students, both at Wakatipu High School and in the community. She influenced the lives of so many young people, opening their eyes to the world of performance and helping them to gain confidence on and off the stage. Kate Moetaua inspired so many people and one of her final wishes was for a foundation that supported young talented people in the sporting, cultural, education and arts arenas in Wakatipu.  

 Applications are now open for the Kate Moetaua Foundation Scholarship.
The scholarship fund was created to support Wakatipu children with existing talent to achieve their full potential and to follow their dreams.Up to $3,000 in total will be granted in a scholarship to students studying currently in years 9-13 in 2021 by the Kate Moetaua Foundation.

Applications close 5pm July 31 and major grant winners will be announced at the Wakatipu Community Foundation Gala Dinner on 18 September.
For more information visit www.katemoetauafoundation.org

Bluelight Sailing Opportunity

Rotary sponsorship opportunity for the Bluelight Whitbread, Steinlager II Leadership Voyage - Auckland
4-8 October for one student in Years 9-13.
Students are asked to email Rotary President, Lee-Ann at llines@xtra.co.nz  and note WHY they would like to go on the course and to include, in their own words, WHAT they know about the boat (no more than 80 words).  It is also important you and your family understand your commitment/outlay which are your return airfares to Auckland. 
Applications close on 16 July 2021.

Spirit of Adventure 10 Day Development Voyage.

Triple Star Management Limited have generously offered to sponsor one student from Wakatipu High School on a Spirit of Adventure 10 Day Development Voyage. 

1. General Criteria for coming on board:

• • be aged between 16-18 years (must not have had 19th birthday)
  • meet the medical criteria of the voyage (we need to know if there is any history of heart condition, epilepsy, seizures, mental/physical impairments, anxiety, depression or anti-social behaviour)
  • agree to the code of conduct /terms and conditions of the voyage

2. Sponsors Criteria:

• Need to be a New Zealand citizen or resident (permanent residents will need to supply proof of residency with their application)
• Would like to recognise students who show leadership potential and initiative and possibly with hardship (emotional, financial, etc),
• The students would also need to provide some details after the voyage, ie photo and letter outlining what they have learned about themselves or otherwise. 

Application Process:

1. Interested students would need to complete the 'About Me' application (See link below) of themselves (no more than 2 pages), and could include a photo of themselves doing something they enjoy.
2. A reference letter from someone outside of their family should also be provided. This could be a teacher, coach, manager, mentor, nominator etc

Applications would need to be submitted to Amy Kirk - amy@triplestar.net.nz by Friday 30 July and Triple Star who will make the final selection.  

Students can find out more about this amazing opportunity from the website.
https://www.spiritofadventure.org.nz/voyages/voyage/10-day-development

Arts News and Information

Public Choice Awards For Showing Off 
Congratulations to all the students who had the opportunity to exhibit their excellent art pieces over the last month at the Lakes District Museum. It is always a successful exhibition with people from all over the country viewing our students’ work. 

Viewers had the opportunity to choose their favourite pieces from each discipline of Painting, Photography and Design. The votes were tallied and we have three winners.
Painting - Hannah Winter
Design - Liv Flight
Photography - Amelia Peasey

Each winner will receive a $300 award to support their artistic talents. Huge thanks to both Trinity Construction for their support in sponsoring the Public Choice award and the Lakes District Museum for sponsoring this exhibition. 

Winter Fest
Congratulations to the bands that performed at last weeks Winter Fest event. Great to see some different bands up on stage playing. Thanks, once again, to Rockformation for all their work and assistance in supporting our students. We are, as always, very fortunate to have their support, especially Liza Devine, Michael Eden, Justin Eden, Robynne Williams.

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

Sports News and Information

Southland Netball Champs
It was a very successful weekend at the Southland Secondary School Netball Champs for the four WHS tournament teams. Both the 10A and Senior B teams won their divisions and the Senior A and 9A teams finished third. The Senior B's beat out Fiordland College in their final and the 10A's won an overtime thriller against Southland Girls High School. These are awesome results for all of the WHS netball teams. The 9A and 10A teams head up to Christchurch to compete at the Junior South Island Secondary School Netball Champs next week and we wish them all the very best for this tournament. A huge thank you to our awesome coaches and our volunteer umpires, Grace Hall, Zoe Bennetts and Sherryn Kay for their contribution at the Southland Champs.

E-Sports Playoffs
The WHS E-Sports team - Boosted, has qualified top of their South Island division in the Valorent category. Congratulations to these folks, they now head into play off mode and take on Middleton Grange. We are watching their progress with anticipation. Go well!

Alexandra Ice Skating Club Champs
Alexandra Ice Skating Club Champs were held on Sunday 4th July. Three WHS skaters achieved the following results:
Paige Blunden - 4th Elementary
Megan Carr - 2nd Juvenile 
Georgia Chinn - 2nd Intermediate novice 
Congratulations also to Megan who qualified for the National champs that will be held in October.

Central Otago Girls Football
The Central Otago Secondary School Girls Football competition kicked off this week after the weather abandoned week one. WHS took on a strong MAC team in very windy conditions in Cromwell. Debuts were made by Rachel Scobie, Charlotte Hogan, Natalie Tatge and Isabella Watts. In the first half the team were outstanding with lots of energy, aggression and quality in their play. Keely Osborne finished a neat team goal with a cool side foot finish. MAC scored two goals late on with the winner coming in the last minute with a wind assisted cross. MAC won 2-1 and the team are looking forward to the rematch as part of the annual WHS/MAC exchange. 

Weekly Results
Basketball 
Junior Boys A lost to James Hargest College A: 16-30
Senior Boys B lost to Aurora College: 64-48

Hockey 
WHS 1st XI lost to Cromwell: 6-0. Player of the day: Abby Fookes
WHS 2nd XI lost to DHS Dodgers: 4-1. Player of the day: Blake Jackson
WHS Gold drew with Maniototo: 2-2. Player of the day: Annika Simpson
1st XI lost to Upper Clutha Gold: 5-1. Player of the day: Oliver Battrick

Rugby
U14 lost to West Otago: 15-60
U15 Carnival beat Dunstan Combined: 62-12

Weekly Draw
Hockey - Cromwell Turf
Friday 9th July 
WHS 1st XI vs Upper Clutha Gold - 7:30pm

Netball
Draw: https://www.sporty.co.nz/wakatipunetball/Draws-Results
Thursday 15th July
Senior A vs Stratford High School - Event Centre 6pm

Rugby
Saturday
U14 vs U15 Carnival - Event Centre 12pm
U15 Cup vs John McGlashan - Kensington Oval 12:45pm
1st XV vs Dunstan High School 1st XV - Dunstan High School 12:45pm
Monday 12th July
1st XV vs Inglewood 1st XV - Rec Ground 3pm

Skyline MTB Student Passes
The WHS Skyline MTB Season Pass will be available again this year. This discounted annual pass is on offer for students at $399 (normal retail is $469). If you have any queries, please contact Justin Matthews at Skyline; justin.matthews@skyline.co.nz or check out their website.

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

Scholarships - Careers Department

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.

Period Products are now available at school

Wakatipu High School has signed up to the Ministry of Education initiative to support students who need access to period products.  We now have both pads and tampons avaialble at Student Services.  

Key Dates

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.

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