WHS Newsletter | Issue 3.09 | 01 October 2021

Principal's Message

Kia ora and welcome to the last newsletter of Term 3. It has been a really good week here with plenty going on. Tuesday afternoon was Senior Next Steps, and as ‘zooming’ has become a normal part of our lives the online model worked well. It has also been Mental Health Awareness Week with a range of activities run by the Wellbeing Council including the mufti day today. This morning we also had an earthquake drill followed by a fire drill - somewhat strange to do on the last day of term, but we have to do them, and it was a beautiful morning to be outside, and they went well.

Following my words in last week’s newsletter, this morning I gave students a headsup about the Phase 2 work next term, and noted that Mr Nathan’s ‘Sunday email’ the day before we come back to school will have more details including where students’ classes and Ako time will be next term.

One of the many impacts of the Covid has been that for the second year the ODT Class Act Awards ceremony has been cancelled. Class Act is a very prestigious award which goes to two of our very best all-round students, and which should have been presented by the Prime Minister in Dunedin today. Our 2021 recipients, Kira Almquist and Paige Loggenberg really are remarkable all-round students - check out their profiles below.

Related, this week we interviewed the candidates who were shortlisted for the 2022 head student and lead prefect positions. It really is amazing just how much some of our students are involved in and contribute, how well they achieve and what great young people they are. The process is long and rigorous, and positions will be announced next term.

The Ministry of Education have informed us that they are going to undertake a review of MoE school bus routes in the Queenstown area. Below are some words from the MoE re the review:

How does the Ministry design school bus routes?
School bus routes are designed around the location of eligible students. Over time, the location of eligible students can change as the schooling network develops, students move on and new students move into the area. The Ministry adapts school bus routes to these changes to make sure that as many eligible students as possible can be transported to school on a school bus.

Eligibility criteria for school transport assistance - there are three criteria that students must meet in order to qualify for school transport assistance:

1. The student must attend their closest state or state-integrated school
2. The student must live more than a certain distance from the school - Years 9-13: at least 4.8 km
3. There must be no suitable public transport options.

The Ministry of Education has a handy video on their website that helps explain the eligibility criteria for school transport assistance.

When will any changes come into effect?
Changes to school bus routes are carefully managed. The Ministry will work with affected schools and the Otago Regional Council (who are responsible for public buses, SHL) on a transition plan to ensure that any disruption is minimised. While parents and caregivers will be given at least a term’s notice before any changes come into effect, the Ministry has indicated that the current school bus routes will continue until at least the end of Term One 2022. We will keep you updated on the timeframes as these become available.

This review is likely to result in changes for some of our students in the future. Please note that current school bus services will continue as usual until the review process is complete.

We are well aware that buses are important for many families and students, and changes are potentially significant. From experience last time this was reviewed (as we moved to the new school, at the same time as the public buses were introduced) the ‘suitability of public transport’ criteria will be important in the outcome of the review. Given that the review involves the primary schools as well as us we anticipate that the process may take some time but ultimately that - and the outcomes, will not be determined by us. We will keep you posted.

Enjoy the newsletter below with a range of items reflecting our all-round education - from reading and ‘working at heights’ and first aid courses, to some great sports and even ‘e-sports’.

Another interesting term comes to a close, with our move into lockdown and remote teaching and learning and then back to Level 2 and school. I said to students this morning that I think they’ve done really well and have displayed real resilience and maturity, and that once again as a school we’ve done a very good job of keeping our teaching and learning and all-round education going in challenging times. I also noted that we should spare a thought for our colleagues and peers in Auckland who are still locked down and not yet back at school. We’ll need our resilience and adaptability again for the first part of next term - but for now I hope everyone has a great and very well-deserved break :).

Steve Hall
Principal

Class Act Awards

Class Act celebrates excellence across the Otago region with each secondary school nominating their two outstanding students. In non-covid times the students would be presented this award by the Prime Minister in a formal ceremony. This year there were many worthy candidates and after some tough deliberations we are delighted to award Paige Loggenberg and Kira Almquist. We will acknowledge these students as the Class Act recipients for 2021 at the end of year prize giving. 

KIRA ALMQUIST
IT IS no exaggeration to say Kira Almquist’s life is filled with art.

The Wakatipu High School Year 13 pupil is a member of an indie rock-pop band, studies art-based subjects at school, and sells artworks she creates in her spare time. It means her life is busy, but Kira says she would not have it any other way.

‘‘I think it’s important to broaden your horizons and try a lot of different things, both to learn new skills for life and for the present. I just try to balance school life with relaxing, but honestly, everything I do is stuff I enjoy.’’

Like her friend and fellow Class Act recipient, Paige Loggenberg, Kira is a member of all-girl band No Man’s Land, which for the second year in a row, was recently chosen as one of the top 20 bands taking part in Smokefreerockquest.

She also loves the visual arts, studying drama, painting and design at school. Among the highlights of the year to come are completing her portfolio of art work, which will be displayed alongside those of other senior students in October. She’s also looking forward to recording a new song with No Man’s Land, and performing a gig in Queenstown. Like many people, she finds it nerve wracking before she plays for a crowd, but loves the pay-off afterwards.

‘‘You feel really fulfilled and get this rush of happiness. I definitely encourage people to perform, even if it makes them feel uncomfortable.’’

Creating music with three of her best friends is fun, Kira says. ‘‘We’re just four girls who really like to work together and make music.’’

She is looking forward to going to university next year in Wellington, where she plans to study design. She is particularly interested in the intersection of design and technology, such as in video game design.

Achievements: Arts and Cultural Council lead prefect (2021); Grease musical lead (2021); Kapa haka (2017-2021), including female lead (2020-2021); NCEA Level 1 Excellence; NCEA Level 2 Excellence; NCEA Level 3 merit (working towards excellence); cultural commendation for outstanding performance in National University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival (2020); Ad Alta award (2021); distinction in arts, English and drama (2020); Ad Alta, Ad Alta Blue, Ad Alta Gold awards (2018-2020); distinction in maths and English (2017); Smokefreerockquest regional winner and top 20 bands in New Zealand (2020-2021); self-employed artist (2020-2021); member of band No Man’s Land (2018-2021).

Role model: Her late maternal grandparents

Hopes for future: To fulfil an ambition to create an animation and/or a video game.

PAIGE LOGGENBERG
PAIGE Loggenberg has a busy life, but that is the way she likes it.

An all-rounder and consistently high achiever during her time at Wakatipu School, particularly in music and several sports, she also keeps up high standards academically.

Now in Year 13, she plays three sports during winter, as well as being a member of her school’s jazz band and an indie rock-pop band with three schoolmates, No Man’s Land.

That is not to mention homework and a part-time job.

‘‘I do like to keep busy, and it can be a bit hard sometimes, but I find it challenges me and I like doing it all. I love playing sport, I love my music — I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t enjoy it.’’

With the help of her mother, she prepares a weekly schedule to ensure she has allocated enough time for homework, and spare time, on top of all her other activities. The balance provided by sport and music helps, she says.

‘‘I get to meet new people and different kinds of people, which I think expands my knowledge in a lot of things.’’

When asked what gives her the most enjoyment, she says being a member of No Man’s Land, which has been chosen by Smokefreerockquest judges as among the top 20 school bands in the country for the past two years.

‘‘Having that creative outlet, and getting to work together with some close friends on music, is amazing,’’ she says.

An aspiring architect, she particularly enjoys design and visual communication studies at school.

‘‘It’s quite challenging, but when you put the hard yards in, it’s amazing to see what you can come out with.’’

She plans to start a Bachelor of Architecture at Victoria University next year. Among her highlights for the rest of the year are playing hockey in the secondary schools’ Winter Tournament, starting on August 31, and trying out for re-selection in the Otago Under-19 girls’ cricket team.

Achievements: Smokefree Rockquest Central Otago top band winner (2021); Otago U19 girls’ cricket team (2019-2021); Grease musical band drummer (2021); Jazz Combo band member (2021); member of band No Man's Land (2017-2021); member of senior girls’ basketball, volleyball A girls, hockey mixed A, cricket 1sts team and cricket girls’ teams (2021); NCEA Level 2 Excellence (2020); Ad Alta and Ad Alta Blue awards (2020); Smokefree Rockquest regional winner and top 20 bands in New Zealand (2020-2021), Jazz Ensemble member (2020); Otago Cricket rising star award (2020); Ad Alta, Ad Alta Blue and Ad Alta Gold awards (2019); Otago U18 girls’ cricket team (2019); Southland secondary schools U16 shotput champion (2019); Otago U15 and U18 cricket teams (2018); Wakatipu High School junior sportswomen of the year (2018); captain of girls’ cricket team.

Role model: Her parents and two brothers

Hopes for future: Becoming an architect

Bungy bouncing into Business Studies

AJ Hackett Bungy’s Human Resources and Safety Manager, Shane Wairau returned to the Year 12 Business Studies classes this week to discuss with students the internal operations of the business. We have selected AJ Hackett Bungy as our case study for the external assessment. This was an opportunity for students to apply the theory they have learnt in class to an actual local business. Operations discussed included organisational structure, leadership, policy and procedures, financial planning and corporate social responsibility. The student’s curiosity was definitely sparked when Shane offered a free bungy jump for the best question posed. Shane complimented students on their engagement with the presentation, asking thoughtful questions and showing enthusiasm and interest. 

We would like to acknowledge Shane’s expertise and time given to our students for his engaging discussion and inspiring our young business people. Big thanks to AJ Hackett Bungy for your generosity and ongoing support.

Nicola Proffit & Josh Kendall
Teachers of 7BUS

Careers Department - Bespoke Courses

It has been a busy end to the term, with a number of bespoke  courses running:  

Tuesday 28th September saw Vertical Horizons offer our students a 'Working at Heights' course. The aim of this course is to enable students to use a safety harness for personal fall prevention when working at height.  A great course for those students looking to pathway into the construction and scaffolding industry and as well as those interested in becoming sound and lighting engineers. 

On Friday 1st October, saw us have 42 Year 13's who undertook a First Aid Course.  This course is not only a practical and essentail life skill that everyone should engage with, but it is also a prerequisite for a number of tertiary courses and vocational pathways. 

Over the school holidays, we have a Barista course running on Monday 4 and Tuesday 5 October.  20 keen students  intend to refine their skills on the coffee machine, making themselves more employable to our local hospiatlity venues. 

Head Student Message

Today marks the first day of October and with it comes the closure of an extremely chaotic term. Whether it be interruptions to school life through the covid lockdown or the busyness of mock exams, this term is definitely one that I’m grateful that it is finally over.

This week we brought awareness to Mental Health and the theme “Take time to Kōrero”. The Wellbeing council has done a stellar job organising multiple events. On Monday they launched the first Mental Health Awareness Week colouring competition as well as setting up a compliment board in the foyer. In addition to this they organised the annual bake sale on Wednesday which was a huge success and Friday marked our first Mufti Day in a long time, with all the proceeds raised going towards Central Lakes Family Services.

Next term is going to be jam packed with activities including the final house competition of the year Wakamaths; With the title for the House Competition still up for grabs, this is shaping up for an exciting final term. 

It is awesome to see sports teams back in action this week, with the Football Second XI completing a comeback from 2-0 down against Dunstan High School to win 3-2, and the Girls First XI competing today against Mount Aspiring and Southland Girls. The new turf installation at the Events Centre will greatly improve the development of Hockey in the region and it's great to already see WHS teams training on the turf. 

Today also marked the end of a busy period for senior students, with all mock exams finally coming to a close. I for one know that this period can be an extremely stressful one so congratulations for making it through in one piece. This break could not have come at a better time so use it to the fullest. Take time to rest and recover but most importantly keep an eye on the upcoming exams, as they do come by extremely fast. 

Hope everyone has a good break and see you in two weeks!

Todd Vermeir
Head Boy

Sports News and Information

Alpine Ski Racing
A number of WHS students have been competing in a range of alpine ski events over the past week as the season looks to wind up for 2021.There have been some fantastic results from both our junior and senior students and we are so pleased that they have been able to get these races in. Well done to all of these competitors!
New Zealand National Junior (U21) Champs
Olivia Key - 1st GS
Olivia Flight - 3rd GS
Chole Wild - 9th GS and 6th SL
Jack Harman -  6th GS and 7th SL
Sam Packer - 7th GS and 4th SL

Cardrona Tech Series FIS Race (Open Age Group)
Olivia Flight - 4th GS and 4th SL
Olivia Key - 5th GS and 5th SL
Chole Wild - 10th GS and 11th SL
Sam Packer - 9th GS ad 9th SL
Jack Harman - 11th GS and 8th SL

Mt Hutt South Island Champs Results
Violet Smillie - 5th U14 GS and 4th SL
Finn McCaw - 2nd U14 GS and 1st SL
Bayley McDonald - 2nd U16 GS and 1st SL
Ali Packer - 3rd U16 GS 
Hyugo Saunders - 4th U16 GS

South Island Championship (Combined Results)
April Bentley - 4th U14 Girls
Finn McCaw - 1st U14 Boys
Bayley McDonald - 3rd U16 Boys
Ali Packer - 4th U16 Boys
Hyugo Saunders - 5th U16 Boys

National Youth Champs (U14 and U16) Results
Finn McCaw - 1st U14 SL and 1st U14 GS
April Bentley - 2nd U14 SL and 4th GS
Violet Smillie - 10th U14 SL and 5th GS
Hyugo Saunders - 3rd U16 SL and 6th GS
Ali Packer - 6th U16 SL and 4th GS

National Youth Champions
Finn McCaw - 1st U14 Boys
April Bentley - 3rd U14 Girls
Hyugo Saunders - 4th U16 Boys

Otago Secondary School E-Sports Champs
Wakatipu High School's first League of Legends eSports team left before dawn to head to Dunedin to participate in the first Otago eSport Brawl. The tournament featured eight schools competing to find the best League of Legends team in Otago. After being smashed in the first round by Otago Boys, the Wakatipu team were placed into the lower bracket of the competition. From there they clawed their way back, defeating Otago Girls, Logan Park and Kavanagh College to make it back to the tournament final against Otago Boys once again. Sadly, despite Wakatipu's heroic efforts, Otago Boys took the victory to leave us with a well deserved second place. Congratulations to Davin Hong, Jasper Bulling-Eady, Luke Crichton and Dane and Danilo Villanueva for representing the school so well. 
Mr Jackson - TIC eSports

WHS Netball Prizegiving
On Wednesday the annual netball prizegiving was held which celebrated the efforts of 23 teams and 220 players across the 2021 season. There was a great turn out of students to celebrate the award recipients from each of the 23 teams as well as the team highlights and achievements from the tournament teams. The efforts and contributions of our student coaches and umpires were also acknowledged along with our missing coaches (Level 2 rules). Below are the prize winners for each team and major winners for the 2021 season. Congratulations girls! 
Social Team - Player’s Player Awards
Fire Breathing Rubber Ducks - Ashlyn Bonham and Amelia Hey
Balls Up - Olive Ritchie
Crazy Canines - Grace Hall
Fire Fighters - Julia Lima and Frida Rylev
Hot Shots - Cate Bodle
Maddogs 3.0 - Alicia Robert and Jorja Frewen
Savage and Average - Helena Hornbacher
Junior Development Team Awards
9 Tactix - Most Improved Player: Ayla Brown, MVP: Emilie Wilkinson
9 Northern Stars - Most Improved Player: Bethany Argyle, MVP: Ellana Badenhop
9 Magic - Most Improved Player: Armani Souness, MVP: Alice Davis
10 Magpies - Most Improved Player: Stella Swaffield, MVP: Sophie Rasmussen
10 Thunderbirds - Most Improved Player: Caitlin Bowman, MVP: Sophie Mead
Senior Competition Team Awards
9B Steel - Most Improved Player: Grace Kunath, MVP: Imogen Olliver
9A Pulse - Greatest Contribution: Ava Western, MVP: Molly Shuttleworth
9A Mystics - Most Improved Player: Myia Osten, MVP: Ava Rona
10B - Most Improved Player: Harriet Blundell, MVP: Pippa McAtamney
10A Development - Most Improved Player: Taylah Cooney, MVP: Jess Hudson
10A - Most Improved Player: Lucia Marshall, MVP: Izzy Burgess
Senior Development B - Most Improved Player: Ruby Morgan, Best Attack: Allyx Palacio
Senior Development A - Best Attack: Ella St John, Best Defence: Neve Bates
Senior B Gold - Most Improved Player: Primrose Johnson, Greatest Contribution: Olivia Boland
Senior B Blue - Most Improved Player: Bella Middleton, MVP: Eliza Herron
Senior A - Most Improved Player: Jett Fa’amelepe, MVP: Ruby Kirk
Major Award Winners
Umpire of the Year - Grace Hall
Junior Player of the Year - Bridget O’Malley
Senior Player of the Year - Ruby Kirk

Arts News and Information

Important Arts Events Coming Up
Songs of the Wakatipu - Cancelled
Roger Fox Workshop - 20 October
Invercargill Jazzfest - 21 October 
Labour Weekend Jazz Performances -TBC
Cultural Blues - 26 October
Central Soundwaves - 7 November

Artist of the Week - Elke Koehn
This remarkable individual has recently completed our Level 3 Photography and Design courses with outstanding imagery and is expected to receive Excellence. The work produced explores the gaze, binary codes and the disregarded materials that allow structure and stability. This work is not only sophisticated but could easily enter the modern art and design scene. Elke has worked diligently in all her art disciplines, and we are very proud of this young artist.

Student Job Vacancies

Bunnings Warehouse is now recruiting senior Wakatipu High School students  to become casual team members for the busy season!  

If interested please make direct contact with: Emily Wills - QueenstownBMC@bunnings.co.nz

Fantastic Job Opportunity!! BAYLEYS REAL ESTATE !!!!

• After school hours – 4pm to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday with the possibility of doing more hours during school holidays
• Fun team in a great office environment
• Only minutes from the school

Bayleys is a busy full-service real estate agency and we are looking for a senior student (preferably year 12 or 13) to help us with tasks around the office.

You will be reporting to the office manager and your role will be to ensure the office is kept tidy and stocked up at all times.

Tasks will include but not limited to:

• Restocking paper and brochures
• Setting up meeting rooms
• Tidying up the kitchen
• Emptying the bins
• Mailing
• Milk/stationary shopping

You will be a self-starter with good common sense and attention to details. You will have a positive and engaging attitude and show diligence in your work.

 In exchange for your dedication, we offer a great work environment, good references for future roles and a good salary.

To apply, please send an email explaining why we should hire you to Serena Mars serena.mars@bayleys.co.nz

New Zealand Cherry Corp in Cromwell are looking for Cherry Pickers, lifters, Quad bike drivers and Packhouse workers for the Cherry season. 
If you are age 14 or over and willing to work from mid-December to end of January, we would love to hear from you!

Starting pay rate $20 per hour! Contact Carol on carol@nzcherrycorp.com or apply on our website www.nzcherrycorp.com.

Branches Trust- B Quiz Night

‘Beginning with B’ BRANCHES QUIZ NIGHT – Friday 12 November 2021

Table bookings are going like hot cakes!  Make sure you get your team together and email branchestrust@gmail.com to secure your table for next term’s Branches Quiz Night.  Tables are $200 for a team of 8 and that includes yummy nibbles all night!  Get your team together and come join us for a great night out all the while supporting our Year 10's Branches Camp. 

Many thanks

BRANCHES TRUST

WHS Foundation

Community Notices

Queenstown Lakes Christmas Show Auditions Auditions: Saturday 30th October Ages 8-11: 1.00pm – 2:30 pm Ages 12-18: 3:00pm – 4:00pm Do you or do you know a young person who would be interested in auditioning for the 2021 Christmas Show!? Auditions are open to all children aged from 8-18 years. Complete the Audition Form through our Website