Important Dates
- Monday 16 September: Board meeting 6pm.
- Friday 27 September: Term 3 ends.
Important Information
Travelling During Term Break
For students who are going overseas during the break and would like to have access to WHS materials and online resources the parent/caregiver will need to email admin@whs.school.nz to ask for the Geolock to be lifted for the holidays.
If students will be absent due to travel on days either side of the term break, please also email the above admin email to ensure that appropriate approval is granted by the Principal so that the absence can be coded correctly.
Kindly ensure you do this prior to the term break.
What’s Happening?
Whakanuia Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori!
This wiki we have been celebrating Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori with some amazing guest manuhiri from all different walks of life. Tauira have been gathering in our whare Taraika every day to hear from these speakers and join in with waiata, kēmu and crack up laughs. Ngā mihi nui ki ēnei mauhiri i tēnei wiki.
Sharna Lee Haimona from Manawa Ora (Mirimiri + Romiromi)
Kate Souness (Waka Hourua + Navigation)
Dr. Ruby Solly (Taonga Puoro)
Nicole Titihuia Hawkins (Poetry)
Dalkeith Matiaha + Crew from Brothaz of Tangaroa and Hī Ika (Tikanga, Kaimoana and kina taste-testing)
And big mihi to our Māori Performing Arts crew for the waiata tautoko, haka, and hearty vibes!
Kia kaha te reo Māori, ake ake ake!
Awheawhe Raranga|Weaving Workshop
On Rātū, Toi Māori and Level 2 Te Reo Māori students participated in a raranga workshop by weavers from Te Rōpū Raranga o Manaia.
Ākonga were able to learn from and observe three expert wāhine teach practical weaving techniques including tikanga for harvesting, preparing harakeke for weaving, and general raranga mātauranga.
Each rōpū made two to three ngā Pākē (traditional rain cloak) some will be given to year 13 Toi Māori students as a parting gift at the end of the year.
It was an incredible opportunity for our rangatahi to enhance their mātauranga Māori. It was great to see them thriving and creating beautifully detailed pākē.
Year 11 Robyn Kahukiwa Trip
This week, the three Year 11 Art classes visited the New Zealand Portrait Gallery to view a retrospective of acclaimed artist Robyn Kahukiwa’s work. We were fortunate to experience pieces spanning from the 1970s to the present, providing valuable inspiration for our upcoming portraiture unit. The students thoroughly enjoyed the diverse painting styles, rich narratives, and powerful symbolism found in her artworks. Another highlight for many was seeing the original illustrations for the book Taniwha.
Ngā mihi nui to Ruby and the rest of the team at the NZPG for supporting our visit.
We would highly recommend you go and see this exhibition yourself!
Robyn Kahukiwa: Tohunga Mahi Toi
Thu, 22 Aug 2024 Sun, 10 Nov 2024
New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata
Accounting Day
Fifteen year 11 Business & year 13 Economics students attended Victoria University’s Accounting 2.0 day. We learnt about the future of accounting, including the role accounting has in tackling social and environmental challenges like modern slavery and climate change. We also heard from students, graduates, and professors about their accounting journey and received a tour of the Pipitea campus.
Lost Property Display
There is a large amount of unclaimed lost property in Student Services. An end of term display will be arranged in the foyer on Wednesday 25 September from 8.30am – 2.20pm. Items include hoodies, sweaters, jackets (puffer & rain), water bottles, headphones, keys and jewelry. Please note that all unclaimed items will be given to charity over the term break.
Pathfinders Programme
Skylight is offering a free, one-day wellbeing programme for young women and non-binary individuals aged 12-16. See the poster and this link for more information.
Sport
Ice Hockey Semifinals for Lucy
Our very own Year 12 student, Lucy Thomas, will be hitting the ice this weekend in Queenstown, competing in the semifinals of the New Zealand Women’s Ice Hockey Competition!
We’re incredibly proud of Lucy’s hard work and dedication—let’s all cheer her on as she represents Wellington High School at this high level. Good luck, Lucy!
Careers
Careers Newsletter
This week the Careers Newsletter features lots of opportunities. Any questions regarding any of these please contact Chuni or email bac@whs.school.nz
Gateway Work Experience
Applications are now open for Gateway work experience in 2025.
For information on the work experience programme you can find out more in the Gateway presentation (here)
And the Expression of Interest form to apply that needs to be signed by a parent or caregiver (here)
Gateway work experience is for one day a week for a term/10 weeks or over a school holiday period. Being on Gateway the student will achieve a minimum of 10 to 20 credits on a Health and Safety course and a Work Ready course or Industry-based unit standards.
Gateway is not a timetabled class and successful students will have to catch up on the school work they miss due to the work placement. Students can choose a day that works best for them and that least impacts their school timetable, students must have a high level of attendance at school.
Some areas our students have done their work experience in are:
Animal care
Aviation/Airport work
Baker
Beekeeping
Butcher
Cafe/barista
Chef
Childcare
Computer Repair
Corporate office work
Hairdressing
Horticulture (WCC)
Landscaping
Live sound, Event management or Photography (Zeal)
Physical fitness trainer
Predator control
Radio host
Retail
Police prep
Trades: building, electrician, plumber, mechanic, panel beating, metal fabrication & Joinery
Youth Services (Youthline)