WHS Newsletter | Issue 2.02 | 13 May 2022

Principal's Message

Kia ora and welcome to the Wakatipu High School newsletter at the end of Week 2. It has been a good week here with plenty happening. A concise piece from me on Accord Day.

Senior Next Steps on Tuesday afternoon went well, and a big thanks to parents who engaged with this important opportunity to connect with teachers. On Wednesday we had the drug detection dog come through the school. For parents new to WHS, this is something we do on a regular basis to ensure that WHS is a safe place for all students. As well as the Auckland University and AUT trip, and the House netball competition, on Wednesday we had the ‘Care and Connect’ wellbeing evening, and yesterday the ‘Loves Me Not’ programme for our Year 12 students. ‘Loves Me Not’ teaches our young people about healthy successful relationships, and was presented by police and other community members (who were very complimentary about our students). Click here for a parent video to see more.

Today has been one of three national Accord Days this year to prepare for the NCEA changes, and it has been a productive day. Despite there being no school for students we have had our many senior Stars peer mentors here upskilling, as well as 30 other students giving back to the community on a Community Service Day with Volunteer South - awesome :).

It wouldn't be a newsletter these days without a Covid update. Staff absence remains an issue for us, and it is worth noting that our three neighbouring secondary schools have all had to return to rostering home this week. While we really hope this doesn't happen for us, it remains a possibility - our fingers are still firmly crossed. Student absence remains at a similar level to last week with approximately 180-200 students per day away (again, not all Covid-related). Whether they have had Covid or not, we continue to encourage students to wear masks inside at school.

Some interesting and important items in the newsletter below, including info on NZSki Seasons Passes for students. Related, next week we will include our annual info on adverse weather and how we will communicate on ‘snow days’, but for now please ensure you have the WHS App on your device as this is our key communication channel for those days - see below for details. I was also going to do a plug for the wonderful Wakatipu High School Foundation’s upcoming Gala Dinner but it is already sold out - amazing!

A reminder that next week we have our Excellence, Ad Alta and Ākonga assemblies - parents of award recipients have been notified, and details are in Key Dates below.

Finally, all parents and caregivers should have received a letter from me today re supporting us to deliver the great all-round education that we all want for our students. I encourage you to read the letter and support us - many thanks in anticipation.

An autumnal weekend ahead, although the rain should clear at some stage tomorrow. Winter’s on its way.

Steve Hall
Principal

Key Dates

WHS SZ App

All parents, caregivers and students should download the SZapp to your device as this is how we will communicate urgent and important school alerts and our weekly newsletter. The app also features an absence form, the online school cafe, a calendar and some handy links! See below information on how to download the WHS SZ app. 

 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.

A World of Languages

The Ngā Reo Languages Learning Area has lots on its plate this semester with the aim to have students engaged and extending their learning of languages and cultures.
On the menu in Semester 2, we are:
- celebrating excellence at senior level,
- inviting the community at school,
- offering outside of the classroom activities,
- running Whakatipu Languages Championships.
Ko te reo te ora - Language is life
Mr Guillaume Charton -
Head of Ngā Reo Languages Learning Area

Languages Excellence Certificate NCEA Level 1, 2 & 3 
A MASSIVE congratulation to the 23 students who received a Certificates of Excellence in Languages this week from the New Zealand Association of Languages Teachers. These awards recognise exceptional achievement in the field of language learning and each student were able to gain Excellence endorsement in French, Spanish, Japanese, German at either NCEA Level 1, 2 or 3 in 2021.

We all know the immense effort that goes into achieving with Excellence so well done to the students and their teachers. 2021 was a very succesful year with a record of NCEA endorsement in Languages.
Students who received the 2022 Certificate of Excellence are:
NCEA Level 3 French: Kate Edmonds, Jasmine Crichton, Camille Daull
NCEA Level 3 German: Helena Hornbacher
NCEA Level 2 French: Louenne Allemand, Sammy Fookes, Kulani Malmezac
NCEA Level 2 Spanish: Sebastian Cera, Isadora Figueroa, Annika Thornton
NCEA Level 2 Chinese: Rowan Liu
NCEA Level 2 Japanese: Alissa Ibe, Ayla Nakayama
NCEA Level 1 French: Ruby Rose, Sara Warmington, Avalon Johnston-Petitford
NCEA Level 1 Spanish: Julia Lima, Jan Ebbinge, Mia Tucker
NCEA Level 1 Chinese: Judy ye, Elsa Guo, Evelyn Xu
NCEA Level 1 Japanese: Rocky Hirokawa-Berry

NZ Sign Language Week- Ways to support Sign Language Week
New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is an official language of Aotearoa and is essential for Deaf people to be able to participate equally in society.  Here are ways to support NZSL - thank you to the Wellington Council for sharing these great resources.

• Learn how to greet someone: A simple hello can make someone’s day, so learn how to say ‘Kia ora, nice to meet you’ and more through the NZSL dictionary.
  
• Understand why NZSL is important : To celebrate NZSL, you can check out some awesome videos of leaders from Aotearoa’s Deaf community sharing why NZSL is essential. Once you’ve watched them, give them a share and send your favourite videos to your family and friends!
• Learn how to sign your name: Have a go at learning how to sign your name and then have fun with your whānau and friends by teaching them theirs! Find a poster or watch a video of the NZSL alphabet and lots more information on the NZSL Week website.
  
• Have fun learning NZSL through an interactive game: Sign Ninja is a super fun online game that helps you learn NZSL. The game is based on the true history of NZSL with the Sign Ninja player navigating their way through the NZSL labyrinth to find the Great Hall of Communication. You can play for free on computers, tablets and smart phones.

Go Tourism with 8GEO!

This week Amanda Linklater from Go with Tourism presented to 8GEO, we explored Tourism in Aoraki Mt Cook during this presentation. This is in preparation for the class's upcoming field trip to Aoraki Mt Cook. Students will have to come up with their own research aims to focus on for the field trip. Amanda was able to provide students with some of the shocking and amazing facts surrounding tourism especially surrounding COVID’s impact on this unique natural environment. 

Some of the interesting points of discussion included:

• The visitor to resident ratio is 4000:1.
• The 2019 annual visitor numbers exceeded 1 million!
• Since 2019 there has been a 70% reduction in business.
• In 2019 there were approximately 300 staff now there are only 80.
• DOC has invested over $16.5 million in the area.
• It is a UNESCO World Heritage site - Te Wāhipounamu - 2.6 million hectares South West New Zealand World Heritage Area. 
• The Tiaki promise and our role as Kaitiaki.
• Overtourism VS Undertourism - What's next for tourism…?

Big thanks to Amanda for coming and presenting to our Year 13 geographers, there were certainly some interesting points of discussion. The presented information will help inform students' research in the coming weeks. Watch this space…… 

Mr Josh Kendall - Assistant Head of Social Sciences

Kittie cuddles and healing the community

Wakatipu High School's very own Louise Wright has been volunteering every Monday after school with a local charity, QT Community CATs.  Louise spends her time at the charity’s catteries feeding the cats, cleaning out their house ensuring it is safe and homely and then gets to enjoy playing with them. Not only is Louise giving her spare time to care for rescued cats, she has also been able to make use of the charity's brand new therapy room and she absolutely loved it!

Yes, that is right - The charity has just renovated a wonderful, cosy and safe therapy room where you can go and enjoy a cuppa, listen to music AND......cuddle their kittens!! Cats are beneficial to us from a mental and physical health perspective. Due to the cat’s ability to calm us, lower our stress levels, and offer companionship, they are great therapy animals. (If you or someone you know would like to book a time in the therapy room or you wish to make donations to this wonderful initiative please find them on facebook or email qtcats2020@gmail.com.)

And a huge thank you to Louise for all of her hard work with the cats. Keep it up Lou, you are amazing!

Emma Kent
Teacher Aide

Lead Prefect Message

Kia Ora everyone, 

That’s a wrap on week two of Term 2. It’s been a very busy start to the Term with an action-packed week for everyone!

House netball ended on a bang this week. Finals was a tight game against Duncan and Arthur, with Duncan taking the win and Arthur and Fox coming second and third, respectively. Thursday also marked the Staff v Students netball game with the students taking the victory.

On Tuesday afternoon, a group of Year 13's (myself included) journeyed up north to Auckland for the annual AUT and University of Auckland trip. We had a taste of student life, getting to stay the night in AUT dorms and lunch amongst uni students in the Waipārūrū student accommodation. The day consisted of tours around both campuses, and exploring halls of residences. 

The External Speaker Series on leadership kicked off again this week, with Mel Haarer, from Connect and Care. The Speaker Series is open to all students, I highly encourage you to come along, bring a friend and some questions! It occurs fortnightly on Thursday mornings (8am-9am) in Mātuitui (the new mini-theatre) with a variety of different speakers. 

With Friday being a teacher only day, WHS has partnered with Volunteer South to get students out and about, volunteering in the community. This is Wakatipu High School's first Community Service Day, in conjunction with both Taramea Queenstown Community Garden and the Queenstown Trails Trust. There are a variety of things to do, such as cleaning up trails, nursery tasks, sowing crops, surveying or even making posters for planting projects. It was a great opportunity to get out and help, not only the Queenstown community, but also our environment! Our next Community Service Day will be in Term 3 - keep an eye out for it!

To keep up with any events and Student Council led initiatives, be sure to follow the Wakatipu High School student's instagram page: @wakatipustudents.

That’s all from me! Enjoy your long weekend, make sure to take some time to go outside (be sure to pick up any litter you see) and stay safe.

Paige Cusiel
Environmental Lead Prefect

It's Business Time!

The Level 2 and Level 3 Business Studies classes are about to commence sales of their products Friday next week in the first round of our three scheduled Market Days. Students have been busy undertaking market research for their products, investigating suppliers, writing their business plans and planning for their sales. 

Level 2 business students are required students to carry out their business within a community context. The business groups have identified a community based charity and are supporting the charity by donating to them. 

Level 3 students have taken the opportunity to join in on the upcoming market day and also are using order forms and local markets as their method of sales - so do keep an eye out for their innovative and sustainable products.

Some of the products on offer include: 

• A selection of baking - macarons, cake pops, smores
• Lanyards
• Candles 
• Jewellery 
• Tote bags
• Air fresheners
• Acai bowls
• Perfume 
• Greeting cards
• Ceramic cups
• Hot Pizza!

Market Day dates: Friday 20 May and Friday 27 May 

Help support our young entrepreneurs! Students please bring your cash!

Nicola Proffit
HoLA Social Sciences

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Physics and Maths Competition

Calling all Physics and Maths enthusiasts across all year groups!
The New Zealand Physics and Maths competition (NZPMC) is open for registration.
It is made of 2 parts, an online multiple choice quiz that takes place Saturday, June 4th.
The top 20-30 of each year group will be invited to the 2nd round which will be help at the University of Canterbury.
The cost is $12 per student and will be requested after registration and you must register before the 24th May. 
To register visit: https://www.nzpmc.com/2022-competition/details-fee
The school code to register is: 6274cf28415f29001631c3c3
Ngā mihi nui,
Kyle Jackson
Gifted Coordinator

NZSki Local Seasons Passes

NZSki Local Schools Season Passes online!

Click below link to purchase your local secondary school passes online or visit www.nzski.com and search ‘secondary’
Season Passes for NZSki Transport and First Tracks also available via above link
Further information: Please call NZSki Reservations team on 0800697547 or email  info@nzski.com with subject title ‘local school season pass’

WHS Rookie Instructor Training Programme

Coronet Peak and The Remarkables welcome applicants for the 2022 Wakatipu High School Rookie Instructor Training Programme
 
During the WHS Rookie Instructor Training programme you will train towards becoming a professional Ski or Snowboard Instructor. Led by our highly experienced performance coaches, this 4-day programme is designed solely for WHS students based in Queenstown who may be inspired to join one of the best, original pathways to becoming a professional, qualified Snowsports Instructor.

At the end of the two weekend Instructor Training Programme you will be interviewed for an instructor position for the 2022 July School holidays. After these school holidays you can register for the NZSIA Level 1 Ski or Snowboard exam which is held over 3 weekends in August. There may be an opportunity to continue working with the Snowsports team on weekends after completion of your NZSIA Level 1 exam.

Book online here: 2022 WHS Rookie Instructor Training Programme
Age requirement: Students 16 years old (or turning 16 by July 2022).  
Schedule: Each day of the WHS rookie instructor training programme runs 9am - 3.30pm daily. BYO lunch, water and snacks
Ability: You’re an advanced skier or rider, confident in all terrain and conditions.
What you need for the training programme: Your own equipment,  local secondary schools season pass and transport to and from the mountain (NZSki transport options in online link above).

Further information: Please call our NZSki Reservations/Snowsports team on 0800697547 or email info@nzski.com with subject title ‘WHS Rookie Instructor Programme’

Otago University / Otago Polytechnic Information evening for parents and students

Here's your chance to find out what’s it like to study at Otago Polytechnic and the University of Otago.

Wednesday 18th May 2022
This evening, for parents of senior students looking at tertiary study in Dunedin, will be held in the WHS Theatre on Wednesday 18th May - 6:30pm. Hear about the various courses, scholarship, and accommodation options, as well as student support services. Information about admission and costs will also be covered. There will be plenty of time to talk to the Polytechnic and University representatives to have all your questions answered. 

Sports and Active Recreation News

NZ Karate Selection
A big congratulations to Year 12 student Mackenzi Jackson who has been selected to represent New Zealand for both kata and kumite at the Oceania Karate Championship. The New Zealand team will be traveling to New Caledonia next month to compete. Well done Mackenzi on this awesome achievement.

Southland Cross Country Champs
The Southland Cross Country Champs were held in Te Anau on Wednesday. 13 students from WHS competed in the regional event with some great results. Well done to all of the students who ran. A big thank you to coach Neville Britton and to the teacher in charge of Cross Country, Ms Hoffman. The result highlights are listed below.
James Weber - 1st U14 Boys
Siena Mackley - 1st U15 Girls
Pippa McAtamney - 3rd U15 Girls
Jude Deaker - 1st U16 Boys
Tom Schenk - 2nd U16 Boys
Zara Mackley - 3rd O16 Girls

Summer Sports Assembly
Last Friday we held the annual Summer Sports Assembly where 114 students were acknowledged for their achievement in regional, South Island and national competitions and tournaments. It was awesome to have the opportunity to gather together along with our parents to celebrate so many teams and students. A special mention to the five national titles that have been won to date in 2022; the Get2Go Champs and four golds at Maadi Cup. Well done to all who went across the stage and a huge shout out to all who participated in summer sport this year - good on you!

Christchurch Regional Jiu Jitsu Competition
Five WHS students represented Carlson Gracie BJJ at the Christchurch Regional BJJ competition last weekend. The results for these students are below, well done team!
Year 9
Jamie Baker - Gi Silver / No-Gi Silver
Tayla Ellison - Gi Bronze / No-GI Gold
Indy Deavoll - Gi Silver / No-Gi Silver
Year 10
Bailee Ellison Gi - Gold / No-Gi Silver
Cleo Exell - Gi Gold / No-Gi Gold

House Netball
The Fast 5 Netball House competition wrapped up on Tuesday on a gorgeous autumn morning. Congratulations to Duncan for winning this inaugural competition. Thank you to Mr Gilbertson and Miss Horn for organising this competition and umpiring.
Final placings were:

1. Duncan
2. Arthur
3. Fox
4. Hay
5. Mackenzie

Draws and Results on the WHS Sports Website
Draws for rugby, netball, hockey and basketball can be found on the sports website. This is the best place to check to see what is happening in each sport each week. If we have the draw these will be put on our website here: https://www.sporty.co.nz/wakatipu/draws

Climbing this term has started with a hiss and a roar with lots on!

Climbing at the school bouldering wall - Thursdays, Break 2
Our first meeting at the school climbing wall last Thursday during Break 2 (see picture) was a success. More than a dozen students turned up to this first gathering and bouldered up the wall.
Note that climbing holds have been recently added to this wall creating new climbs.

Climbing at Basecamp Adventures with School - Wednesdays, 315 - 5pm
Thanks to Basecamp Adventures offering a deal to school climbing team members will be able to head across to Basecamp to climb (rope climbing and bouldering) every Wednesday after school from 315pm until 5pm. 
If you wish to go to Basecamp with school please check the details and answer the survey on the Climbing 2022 Classroom group (code to join: xi2kimm).

Climbing movie at school - Tuesday 17 May, 4:15 - 5pm!
School climbing team and Outdoor Ed students are invited to come and check some newly released climbing movies in our new mini theatre at school all you need is to  answer the Climbing Movie Survey on the Climbing 2022 Classroom group (code to join: xi2kimm).

Students selected to represent NZ at the Australian Youth Climbing Championships in June!
Congratulations to Azaria Briscoe and Lucy Sinclair who have been selected to join up the New Zealand Youth Climbing Team.  This is the first time that Wakatipu High School has students selected to join this squad, we wish them all the best with the upcoming climbing championships in Australia in June.

Any questions related to climbing email: gcharton@wakatipu.school.nz.
Climb hard!
Mr Guillaume Charton - TIC Climbing

Opportunities
WHS Sports Hoody Order
If you missed out on ordering a sports hoody last term, the term 2 order is open now until Wednesday 18th May. These can be ordered and paid for on the sports website here: https://www.sporty.co.nz/wakatipu/player-zone/uniform. Hoodies cost $75.00 each. 

Intercollegiate Clay Target Shooting
The Intercollegiate Shoot is coming up on Sunday the 15th of May at the Southland Clay Target Club. 
Junior, Senior, Lady, Skeet and DTL
Entries are taken on the day.
Cost: Shooting DTL - $35.00. Shooting Skeet and DTL - $43.00.
Please email shorn@wakatipu.school.nz if you are interested in competing.

Dr Craig Harrison - The Developing Athlete Seminar
Queenstown Snow Sports Club (Formerly Remarkables Snow Sports Academy) is proud to announce Dr Craig Harrison, internationally recognised expert in youth athlete development and host of the popular podcast “The Athlete Development Show", is presenting his talk to our community.
About Craig's talk: 
Right now, more kids are dropping out of sport by their 13th birthday than ever before. For the athletes who remain, the youth sport culture is putting their mental and physical health at great risk and limiting their potential. Drawing from the latest research and more than 10 years of experience coaching kids, Craig explains where we’re going wrong, with practical tips to help your child be happy, healthy and achieve more in the sports that they love! A thought-provoking and entertaining evening with Craig, this event is a ‘must see’ for parents/caregivers with kids who love their sport and for coaches working with youth athletes.
Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2022/the-developing-athlete/queenstown

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

Laura Nathan
Director of Sport

Arts News & Information

Te Atamira Arts facility
With the opening of the new Te Atamira Arts facility in Remarkables Park, there are a number of events happening that showcase a range of Arts activities. Included is an evening concert with Billie Carey performing on Friday 20th May at 7.00pm. The link to tickets can be found HERE or can be accessed on the Te Atamira website or Facebook page HERE.

SINGERS WANTED for TVNZ2!!!!!!
So you can sing? TVNZ2 is producing a new youth reality TV show and they're on the hunt for Aotearoa's Best Singing Superstars! If you're aged 15-18 and would love to have a music video made in a professional studio, then this is the show for you. Pop, rap, metal, country, soul - whatever your genre - head to takethemic.co.nz and submit a video of you singing your favourite song. Entries close this Sunday 15th May.
*Solo artists and duos only

Term 2 Music events
Things are busy in the Music department this term with the following events scheduled.

Songwriting competitions;
June 11 Peace Song entries due
July 27  Lion Foundation entries due
Further information on Play it Strange can be found HERE.

Band events
June 2 Big Break (in-school event for bands/ solo-duo)
June 18 Rockquest Regional Final

Jazz bands 
Continue to prepare for the Blenheim trip in August 2-7

NCEA Music Nights
L1 Mon June 13/Tues June 14
L2 Mon June 27/Tues June 27
L3 Wed June 22

Itinerant Lessons
The move to the TC’s has been a huge juggling act around our Itinerant lessons. If you are involved in Itinerant lessons (drums, guitar, piano, trumpet, trombone etc) please make sure you are keeping up to date with the new room allocations. These have been emailed out to you on Monday morning along with reminders being sent out throughout the week. If you are still not sure where to go- TC 9 has regular updates on the whiteboard and a teacher should be there to help if needed. Thanks for your patience and cooperation during this transition phase. 

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 through details and photos to mparker@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 Monica Parker the Arts Coordinator at mparker@wakatipu.school.nz. 

Instagram Page
Follow our school’s Instagram page for recent successes or news within the school’s Arts Department at whsartdepartment

WHS Foundation

Careers - Part-time Job Vacancies for Students

The Co Lab Store, located at Queenstown Central, is looking for a reliable and hardworking retail assistant to join their team on the weekends. If you are interested please contact Natasha Graham in store or email accounts@thecolabstore.co.nz 

FIXED TERM WAREHOUSE ASSISTANTS - ARROWTOWN - JULY!
What do we do? We provide logistical support to our sweet shops in Queenstown, Arrowtown and Queenstown Airport.

We work as part of an energetic and fun team wrapping fudge, packing sweets and confectionery products with care and attention to detail.

Hours 7:00am to 3:30pm. Weekend work included and must be available to from the 8^th July 2022 –  24^th July 2022.

If you want to work for a fantastic, and fun local company who truly values its employees send us your CV to hr@rss.co.nz

Kitchen hand and/or delivery driver wanted at Thai Siam Kitchen! Flexible days but weekends are preferred, hours are 5pm - 9pm, and free meals are provided. If you’re interested to join our team, please drop in a CV in-store across the road or text 0210729186 (delivery drivers must have a NZ Drivers License.)

Careers Profile of the Week - Are you interested in building a bridge between businesses and the online world?  This week we profile Sandra Maddison in her role as a Digital Marketing Consultant.  Enjoy!

Community Notices

School parents and increase rent and mortgage rates
Many of you will be experiencing increased food and transport costs. Also, with mortgage interest rates on the rise, many people will have less money in their pockets. Although a lot of people do not own their own homes, the flow on effect of mortgage interest rate rises will result in increased rents. If you are concerned about how you will afford these increased costs, you may be interested in speaking to our financial mentor. This is a free service run by The Salvation Army. Our service provides support to those struggling with their finances. We can provide skills that will improve your future financial wellbeing. This service is for people who wish to learn how to manage their money, keep debt under control and plan for future financial success.

Support Wakatipu High School
and purchase your Entertainment Membership from us today!!