WHS Newsletter | Issue 3.09 | 30 September 2022

Principal's Message

Kia ora - welcome to the Wakatipu High School newsletter on the last day of Term 3! A concise piece from me to finish a big term.

This week the board election results were announced, and they are included again below if you missed them. My congratulations to the incoming board, we are looking forward to working with them. My very sincere thanks also go to the outgoing board. They have held office during a challenging period for the school, particularly including Phase 2 and Covid. They have balanced providing support with great governance, and on behalf of the school I thank them immensely for their contribution to WHS.

Year 9 Journeys were back this week, after being Covid cancelled for the last two years. See below for words from Mr McIntyre and some photos.

On Thursday morning we had Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary, come and speak to our student leaders. It was wonderful to hear his stories and words of wisdom for our students - who do have some remarkable opportunities here at WHS. Our thanks to the WHS Foundation, Tori, Niki and the team from XTravel, and the Hilton for supporting this initiative.

Yesterday afternoon we held our Winter Sports assembly, and it was great to celebrate the winter sporting achievements of our students. Our thanks go to all the staff, parents and community members who coach, manage and support and make these opportunities available for our students. In his speech Mr Nathan spoke about a piece of analysis he’d done which showed that on average, in both engagement (LE) and achievement, students who were involved in sport were doing better than students who were not - which was very interesting, and reinforces the importance of students being involved in our all-round education.

Related, you may have seen in the media this week secondary principals saying this year had been the worst of the pandemic in terms of impact on students' learning and achievement. As you know, we track and monitor our students' achievement, and our latest predictions see us on target to achieve most of our academic goals this year - which is great news, and reflects the resilience and efforts of our staff and students in a challenging year.

Term 4 starts on Monday 17th October, and seniors then have only eight days of classes until senior prizegivings, followed by Tutorial week, junior exams and NCEA exams. The prizegivings mean that the end of Week 2 and start of Week 3 are quite different and below is a piece which outlines those days - especially for junior students, please do have a look at it.

I think everyone will be pleased to get to the end of the term and the chance for a break. While this term has been much better than the previous two in terms of Covid and Phase 2, it is always a busy term with lots going on. However, as our academic predictions show, along with all of our activities and opportunities it has been a very successful term and my thanks again to everyone for this.

I do wish students and staff a good break over the holidays - and although seniors will have work to do and/or exams to begin revising for, it is still important that everyone takes some time to recharge before next term. We look forward to seeing everyone again refreshed and ready to go on Monday 17th :).

Steve Hall
Principal

WHS Board Election Results

The WHS Board Election has concluded. Congratulations to those who have been elected and thank you to those who voted.  

Parent Representatives
Guy Blundell
John Edmonds
Rachel Exell
Gaylene Hastie
Adrian Januszkiewicz (Chair)
Ben O'Malley

Staff Representative 
Mark Baldwin

Student Representative 
Daphne Ricketts

Whanau Representative
Louise Wright

Senior Prizegiving and Junior Exams

Below are some important dates for weeks 2 and 3 of next term.

Friday 28 October

• Year 13 Prizegiving 1:00pm 
• School finishes at 12:00 with buses departing at 12:15 for all other year levels. 

Monday 31 October

• Year 9 and 10 students are at home on study leave for their Maths and English exams 
• Year 12 Prizegiving 11:15am
• Year 11 Prizegiving 1:00pm

Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 November

• Years 9 and 10 end of year Maths and English exams 

Senior prizewinners and whānau will be informed on Friday 21st October. More detailed information will be given at this time. Years 9 and 10 students will be given information about their exams and preparation material from their teachers next term.

School Photos

Parents have been emailed a unique keycode to go online to view and purchase 2022 school photos. Please check your email account spam/trash folder.

 ***FREE DELIVERY EXPIRES Midnight Sunday 16^th OCTOBER ***

For queries please contact Photolife on: enquiries@photolife.co.nz

Journeys

Journeys are back!!! After being shelved because of COVID, the Year 9s hit the cycle trails, tramping tracks, turbulent waters of the Kawarau River and the soft saddles of high country horses earlier this week. Students relearnt the importance of keeping going under physical hardship, rediscovered some pretty cool places in and around the Wakatipu and beyond, and most importantly learnt about the importance of relationships with peers and staff.

Ken McIntyre
Outdoor Education Teacher

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Mental Health Awareness Week

This last week of term 3 has been Mental Health Awareness Week. MHAW is run annually by the Mental Health Foundation since 1993. MHAW is endorsed by the World Federation for Mental Health and is marked in over 150 countries at different times of the year. This year's theme is Reconnect - with the people and places that lift you up, hei pikinga waiora. The past couple of years have been tough and it's easy to feel disconnected from the people and places that are important to us. So to get Wakatipu High School students and staff involved and acknowledge the importance of mental health, the wellbeing council held different activities to highlight the Five Ways of Wellbeing. 

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

Connect
Strengthening relationships with others and feeling close to and valued by others, including at work, is critical to boosting wellbeing.

Be Active
Being physically active, including at work, improves physical health and can improve mood and wellbeing and decrease stress, depression and anxiety.

Give
Carrying out acts of kindness, whether small or large, can increase happiness, life satisfaction and general sense of wellbeing.

Take Notice
Paying more attention to the present moment, to thoughts and feelings and to the world around, boosts our wellbeing.

Keep Learning
Being curious and seeking out new experiences at work and in life more generally positively stimulates the brain.

During these past five weeks, we have focused on each different aspect, 5 ways in 5 weeks. Students have been able to get involved and learn more about the Five Ways of Wellbeing, and also to realise how important their wellbeing is and how the school supports and values students' wellbeing. This Wednesday we had a stall in the middle of Te Kirikiri with face painting and a purple photo frame to bring friends together for photos. This was a great way to end term 3. We hope students use these holidays to refresh, reconnect and get prepared for the final term of 2022!

Wellbeing Council

Immunisation against Meningococcal disease

Meningococcal disease is an infection caused by bacteria. It can lead to two very serious illnesses:
• meningitis (an infection of the brain membranes)
• septicaemia (blood poisoning).

Meningococcal disease can be life-threatening, it can develop and become deadly in just a few hours and can affect anyone. However, young babies, teenagers and young adults are most at risk. Teenagers and young adults living closely with others, such as in boarding schools or tertiary education halls of residence, are at high risk.

Vaccines are available to protect against it. For further Information and to organise a vaccine please contact  the Public Health Nurse or your GP.

Mihi Whakatau at Walter Peak

Te Iti o Tāhuna made the trip to Walter Peak last Friday to perform a mihi whakatau/welcoming ceremony for a group of around 250 people. The weather was perfect and the group did a mīharo job welcoming the many manuhiri/guests to the Whakatipu region. Ka mau te wehe! 

Lead Prefect Message

Kia ora everyone, 

I hope everyone is looking forward to the holidays. With Term 3 coming to a close most students will be finishing their last internals and will be looking forward to a break before the last couple weeks of school and exam revision. Term 3 was one of the busiest terms with a lot happening, such as the Musical, Winter Tournament Week and council led events and initiatives such as WakaStars. 

Several University Liaisons have visited in the past week to help out Year 13’s pick and choose the best future for them. Not long left now for us Year 13’s and although it may seem daunting, I believe the future is exciting for each and every one of us. With the process of university application on going I’d invite you all to reflect on your time here as we get ready for our next voyage. 

This week’s theme for Mental Health Awareness was Reconnect. That could be with people or places that are dear to you. With a stressful period of time behind us and one coming up soon I’d encourage you to continue doing this over the holidays. Your own health is more important than you realise and looking after it is the least you can do. 

The 2022 WHS Musical performed its last show on Saturday after having sold out all four nights it can be considered a great success. The cast and crew worked quite hard and dealt with any problems that were thrown their way in an extraordinary manner. A lot of dedication and hard work goes into making that possible so a large round of applause for everyone involved. Personally I am looking forward to watching next year’s performance. 

On Thursday we had guest speaker Peter Hillary, son of Sir Edmund Hillary, come in and talk to some of our students about his life, values and ideas on leadership. Peter Hillary is a dedicated mountaineer and philanthropist and it was an honour and an extremely interesting experience. A truly remarkable person.

I’d like to leave you all with a quote Peter Hillary told us: “It is not the mountain you conquer, it is yourself.” 

Enjoy a well earned break guys. 

Sebastian Cera
International Student Lead Prefect

Sport and Active Recreation News

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
A number of students competed in the NZ Grappler South Island Jiu Jitsu Champs in Christchurch on September 24th and did really well in each of their respective weight/belt divisions. Congratulations to;
Bailee Ellison: Gold No Gi, Gold Gi
Tayla Ellison: Bronze No Gi, Silver Gi
Indy Deavoll: Gold No Gi, Silver Gi

Highlanders Selection
Congratulations to Year 13 student Ben Barke who has been selected into the Highlanders U18 Cup squad that will take part in a three day camp followed by a match against the Junior Crusaders in Pleasant Point on 4th October. This is a momentous achievement for a Wakatipu High School rugby player. Ben is our first player to be selected to attend the Highlanders camp. We are super proud of Ben who has had a great season at number 8 and has led our 1st XV superbly through their best season to date. Tu Te Ihi Ben!

Wakatipu Wild Win
Congratulations to Wakatipu Wild who won the New Zealand Women’s Ice Hockey League this past weekend with a 2-0 win over Canterbury in the final in Dunedin. A number of our students are members of this team. Well done to Caitlin Hollyer, Inge Kemp, Lucy Boniface, Aiofe Orr, Manuella Sanches Pedrosa, Jessie Strain and Polly Bennetts. A huge shout out to Year 13 Caitlin Hollyer who has just been named in the 2023 Ice Fernz Women's Squad that will compete at the World Cup next year. Great effort Caitlin!

Opportunities to Get Active

Golf Coaching for All Abilities from Futures Whakatipu Golf Coaching
This opportunity is for those up to 14 years of age at and will start in Term 4. Arrowtown area: Wednesdays with Ben Guilford at The Hills, 4:30pm - 5:30pm. Please get in touch if Wednesdays don't suit for possible alternative arrangements, and to let Ben know about interest for a holiday programme in this area. Contact: 027 254 2204. Frankton area: Tuesdays and Thursdays with Joel at the Frankton Driving Range, 4:30 - 5:30pm. Joel is also offering a Junior Golf Camp over the school holidays. joel.hasselman@qldc.govt.nz or 027 521 8787.

New to WHS?
If you have just recently joined Wakatipu High School and keen to find out more information about sport and active recreation opportunities please visit our website to see what is on offer and join the google classrooms of those activities you are keen to participate in: https://www.sporty.co.nz/wakatipu

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 and Information

Farewell to  Footloose 
The WHS Musicals are always incredible - and this year’s production of Footloose definitely followed this pattern. 

Like every year, the show relied on the support of both teachers and students, with Director Jake Hansen and Musical Director Alison Price supported by Student Directors Helena Hornbacher, Sofia Taquet and Jonty Vaivars, Choreographers Sophie Thompson and Megan McCulloch and Band Leaders Jacob Wilkinson, Naomi Mitchell and Ted Kerr. Our cast featured Stefan Hall as Ren McCormack, and Jessa Bodle as Ariel Moore, with a total of 33 students in the cast. Combined with the band and crews, more than 100 students worked to make Footloose happen - a remarkable effort from everyone involved.

The show was in the works for about a year, with the rehearsal period spanning about eight months.

From February to April, the cast worked on an abridged version of the show, which was then performed at the Whakatipu Music Festival’s Community Festival early in the April school holidays. Following this, Footloose went on a four-month hiatus, with no rehearsals for the duration of Term 2.

In Term 3, rehearsals picked up again - and from there, it was a month-long dash to opening night. Cast and crew worked around the clock (only a slight exaggeration) to bring the show to life in time for opening night. 

Footloose ran for four nights, from September 21 to 24. The energy and atmosphere at every performance was electric to say the least - with all four shows completely sold out, rave reviews and excellent feedback from audience members, Footloose was, by all accounts, a major success.

To any students who were involved with the show in any capacity - thank you. Without you, Footloose would not have been possible. You should be incredibly proud of the time, effort and hard work you invested in this musical. And to anyone who was lucky enough to watch a performance - we hope you enjoyed it, and that we got you dancing along in your seats!

Helena Hornbacher - Student Director

‘SHOWING OFF’ - Senior Visual Art Exhibition
We are nearing the final days to view the exhibition in Arrowtown, running until Sunday, 9 October.

There is a People's Choice Award for each discipline (painting, design, and photography) and one overall winner at the end of the exhibition. We will announce the winners in Week 1 of Term 4. 

Thank you to Wayne Foley from Trinity Developments, and David Clarke and Jane Peasey from the Lakes District Museum for their continued support as our main sponsors of the event. 

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

Branches Trust Fundraising

As Branches Camp becomes the focus for our Year 10 students this term, we here at the Branches Trust are also working hard at fundrising to contribute to the cost of the camp.

FIRST UP:  QUIZ NIGHT 
Friday 4th November, Lake Hayes Pavilion, 7-11pm  Dress up theme 'Sporting Legends'Tables:  
There are only two tables of 8 left so if you are keen to come email branchestrust@gmail.com to secure one now!  Tables of 8 are $200 which includes food served through the night, there will be a cash bar.  

Prizes, Prizes, Prizes!  
We are also asking for PRIZES for the silent auction we will be holding during the night. ALL the money we make at our events will go to this year's Branches Camp.   If you have any prizes to offer can you please email Belinda on belinda.crichton22@gmail.com or text 027 204 7011 with your offer. 

Parent helpers!
If you are willing and able to help out before or during the night then please email Belinda on belinda.crichton22@gmail.com or text me on 027 204 7011. 

Parent/Caregiver Contributions
The Branches parent/Caregiver contribution has been set at $350 for a number of years now. While the Branches Trust fundraises to help support the camp, the $350 camp donations are very important! We encourage you to please pay them if you are able.

NEXT UP:  WORK DAY
Friday 11th November
Work Day is a real highlight in the school year when the whole Year 10 cohort goes out into the community to work for a day and their wages go towards the Branches Camp.  Today (21 Oct) is the last day for Year 10 students to submit their work choice so please have a chat with your whānau and make sure this form has been submitted. 

Together we can keep this wonderful camp running for many more years to come! 
Ngā mihi nui
Branches Trust  

Position Vacant - Principal's Personal Assistant

We have a full time permanent vacancy for the Personal Assistant to the Principal.  For full details and to apply please see the link below

Position Vacant: Programme Coordinator - Stars

Wakatipu High School, in conjunction with Graeme Dingle Foundation Southern, are looking for high energy, positive candidates with a passion for helping rangatahi to realise their full potential to run the Stars peer mentoring programme at Wakatipu High School. 

• Part time – 20 hours per week (8:30 - 12:30, 5 days per week, with lots of flexi)
• Start Date - 14 November, 2022, Finish Date - 14 December 2023, or by negotiation
• Hourly rate between $26.88 (B/C4) and $29 (B/C7) depending on experience and qualifications.

For more details on the position and information regarding the application process, please see the advertisement below

Applications close at midday on Monday 3 October with interviews during the week beginning Monday 10 October. 

Homestay for Student

Jack Muir (17 years) is looking for a host family that he can stay with in 2023 to complete his final year of school. Jack is an easy going, independant and polite young man. Please contact his mother, Annie Muir on anniem@hotmail.co.nz or phone 027 224 8998, if you are interested in hosting Jack.

Careers - Job Vacancies for Students

Student Job Vacancies can be viewed at the link below. Please join the google classroom with the code: 3spycgk

Key Dates

WHS Foundation

Community Notices

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