Important Dates
- Monday 7 April – Board Meeting 6.00pm
- Friday 11 April – End of Term 1
Important Information
Term 1 reports
Reports for students in years 9, 10 and 13 have been published on the portal and emailed to whānau and caregivers this week. Reports for students in years 11 and 12 will follow early next term.
If you are unable to login to the portal, please email admin@whs.school.nz including your student’s name so that we can help you regain access.
Heading overseas?
If you are heading overseas this holiday but would like your student to be able to access their WHS materials and online resources while you are away, please email admin@whs.school.nz with your students’ name and WHS ID number so that the geolock can be removed.
Measles
As we head into winter, New Zealand is at high risk of a measles outbreak, and immunisation is the best line of defence. If you have not had two vaccinations or have not already had measles, the MMR vaccine (which is free for all under 18s) is the best line of defence.
To book a vaccine go to: https://info.health.nz/immunisations/booking-a-vaccine
What’s Happening?
Voices of Hope and the Last Chance Project
Jazz Thornton and Genevieve Mora (from Voices of Hope) and Tai Tupou (from the Last Chance Project) spoke to the Year 9s and 10s on Monday 24th March. They were keen to share messages of hope and that students are not alone, that they can reach out for help and that it’s important to be kind to one another. You can email the counselling team on counselling@whs.school.nz.
Composting and recycling programme
At the start of this year, we introduced a school wide composting and recycling programme. Our goal is to divert 70% or more of our waste from going to landfill, either to our worm farms on site or to council recycling. Today, the focus is on our five worm farms. Two were kindly donated by Why Waste who are worm farm specialists who either provide initial or continued support and maintenance for worm farms. One worm farm was kindly donated by Mitre 10 Crofton Downs, and the other two worm farms were kindly donated by Mitre 10 Mega in Petone, both stores where you can buy the Hungry Bins we currently use at school.
We’d love your help from home by removing stickers from fruit wherever possible as students don’t always peel them off before throwing their organics into our compost bins.
We’d also love to help you set up your own worm farm at home if you need any help. Get in touch with Tina Stolze on set@whs.school.nz if you’d like some of these cute wormies (tiger worms). The trick is to get heaps of carbon into your worm farms alongside organic waste – things like cardboard, mulch, ripped up paper etc. The rest will be taken care of by the worms.
Check out our lovely worms, busy at work, munching their way through the microbes that turn organic matter into soil that we can subsequently use in our horticulture garden. Win win!
Sport
Waka ama – WHS Taraika Whānui at the NZ Secondary Schools Waka Ama National Championships
The WHS Taraika Whānui team has successfully concluded an outstanding week at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Waka Ama National Championships at Lake Tikitapu, Rotorua. This prestigious event was a remarkable experience for our athletes, filled with competitive racing, unwavering team spirit, and moments of resilience both on and off the water.
We are incredibly proud to announce that WHS Taraika Whānui was awarded the esteemed Putu Mihaka Trophy, a recognition of our team’s exceptional sportsmanship, unity, and commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment throughout the competition.
About the Putu Mihaka Trophy
The Putu Mihaka Trophy is presented to the school that best exemplifies manaaki, awhi, and an outstanding attitude across the event. This award honours the late Te Putuangaanga (Putu) Mihaka nō Ngāti Pikiao and acknowledges the values of respect, encouragement, and integrity—principles that our team proudly upholds.
This accolade is particularly meaningful as it marks WHS Taraika Whānui’s achievement in securing both the 2025 Regional and National School Spirit Awards, a testament to the dedication and leadership of our coach, Matua Whakamarurangi.
We extend our sincere gratitude to our staff, whānau, and supporters whose encouragement and dedication played a vital role in this achievement.
Team Results
U19 Mixed Taraika W12 – Te Takere Semi-Final
U16 Mixed Hineakau W12 – Te Ihu Semi-Final
U19 Boys Taraika – Te Takere Sprint Final, Te Takere Turn Semi-Final
U19 Girls Hineakau – Te Takere Sprint Semi-Finals, Te Ihu Turn Semi-Final
U16 Boys Whatonga – Te Kei Sprint & Turn Semi-Finals
U16 Girls Hotuwaipara – Te Ihu Sprint & Turn Semi-Finals
Congratulations to all our athletes for their dedication and outstanding performances. Your hard work, determination, and teamwork continue to make WHS Taraika Whānui proud.
Floorball – WHS Floorball Teams excel at NZSS National Championships
This week, our Senior Boys, Senior Girls, and Junior Boys Floorball teams took to the New Zealand Secondary Schools (NZSS) National Championships at Ākau Tangi Sports Centre, competing against the top school teams from across the country.
Our athletes showcased exceptional skill, strategy, and teamwork, demonstrating the dedication and perseverance that defines WHS sport.
Tournament results:
Senior Boys – 1st place in their grade
Senior Girls – 2nd place in their grade
Junior Boys – 3rd place in their grade
Individual Honours – Most Valuable Players
A special congratulations to our MVP award recipients, who demonstrated extraordinary sportsmanship and skill throughout the competition:
Senior Girls’ MVP – Aoife Trainor, Wellington High School
Senior Boys’ MVP – Vinnie Coup, Wellington High School
These well-deserved recognitions highlight their dedication, hard work, and ability to inspire their teammates on and off the court.
A huge thank you. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our coaches, staff, and whānau. Your encouragement, guidance, and commitment have been instrumental in helping our athletes reach their full potential. We are truly grateful for all you do.
To all our players—you represented WHS with pride, respect, and excellence. We couldn’t be prouder of your achievements and look forward to seeing you continue to grow and excel in the sport.
Lawn bowls
Five of our students attended the Regional Lawn Bowls Tournament at Tawa Bowling Club. It was a fantastic day filled with great competition, sportsmanship and team building. A shoutout to team Rua who made it to the Semi Finals.
Also to our solo player Kura who played exceptionally well in the solo category – even without the use of her dominant arm!
One of the highlights of the day was the intergenerational conversations that took place between our students and the seasoned bowlers. These discussions provided an incredible opportunity for our young athletes to learn from the experiences and insights of more experienced players, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect across generations.
Two of our students, Estella and Zara, achieved 1st place overall in the Collage Sport Wellington Lawn Bowls competition. Not only did they both secure the top spot, they have been elected as Wellington representatives to continue their involvement with this sport. A fantastic achievement to wrap up their term of Lawn Bowls.
Ultimate frisbee
Our Kowhai Ultimate Frisbee team placed 3rd on Monday evening in the competitive outdoor grade. Winning 12-6 against Onslow College.
New Fitness and Strength classes – Term 2
We’re launching brand-new Strength and Fitness classes – led by a qualified personal trainer!
Taster Sessions: Come along and try a free session before signing up!
When: 8, 9 and 10 April at 1:30pm (lunchtime) & 8 April at 3:45 PM (after school)
Where: Meet at the WHS Gym
- Monday 1.15pm (lunchtime): Girls Only Strength Training – Learn the fundamentals & build confidence in the gym
- Wednesday 8am: Sports Performance & Strength – Improve strength & conditioning to complement your sport
- Friday 3.45pm: Full-Body Fitness Fun – A fun, varied workout for anyone looking to get active
Reduced cost: $100 for the full term of weekly sessions.
Don’t miss out—an opportunity to train with a qualified personal trainer in school. Learn new skills, build confidence and on the fundamentals of strength. Sign up now and take the first step toward a healthier, stronger you.
For more info or to sign up, come along to a taster session or email sport@whs.school.nz
Careers
Please read this week’s Pathways Newsletter!
Contact Chuni Bhikha bac@whs.school.nz or drop into S502 if you require further information on the above events.