Important Dates
- Friday 28 June – Matariki holiday – school will be closed
- Friday 5 July – End of Term 2
Important Information
Travelling during term break
The New Zealand Traveller Declaration is an online system that travellers can use to complete a declaration before they travel into New Zealand. The new digital system was launched in August 2023 but not many people know they can now do it online. This replaces the paper card that used to be filled out on the plane.
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. Kindly ensure you do this prior to the term break.
Car Park Etiquette
Just a gentle reminder on car park etiquette particularly during peak times when traffic flow is busiest. We have had several incidents of cars double parked, causing bottle neck delay issues for all other incoming traffic. If you do need to park and wait for your student, kindly ensure you move as far around the car park as possible leaving space for others to pass safely.
From the Counselling Team
Last term, we facilitated a whānau workshop on NSSI with Dr Kirsty Moore. Suggested information and resources have been sent out to those that registered an interest. For those parents or caregivers that haven’t received these and would like to receive them, please email us on counselling@whs.school.nz.
What’s Happening?
Wall of Fame – King Kapisi
We had the pleasure of inducting a former student to our Wall of Fame on Friday 14 June. Bill Rangi Urale, better known to most as King Kapisi or King Kaps, attended Wellington High School between 1987 and 1989 following time spent at Island Bay School and South Wellington Intermediate. As a student, Bill was a peer of current WHS Physics teacher, Murray Chisholm and was taught by long serving members of staff including Laurie Steel. Sporting involvement at WHS included participation in Underwater Hockey and Basketball.
This was his first visit back to WHS since 1989. As his first point of call he visited the Music Department, and then chatted with teachers in the staffroom including a special visit from his fifth form teacher Laurie Steel. After his induction onto the Wall, he put on a superb concert for both students and teachers, which had the Reilly Centre rocking. At the end of the concert this humble and generous alumni was honoured with a haka. The lunchtime gig, including a heartwarming interview with King Kapisi is featured in The Post
Read more about King Kapisi’s impressive career here
The Year 12 Drama double feature rolls on!
After a strong sold out two nights of 12 Angry Men we are now flipping the script for next weeks production of Daughters of Heaven. A play that again examines the working of Justice, but this time closer to home. Based on the infamous Parker-Hulme murders in Christchurch in the 50’s, this true crime show promises to be an intense expose of teenage obsession run amok. Opening on Monday and closing Wednesday. Get tickets at https://www.trybooking.com/nz/SOO
Music Evening
As we close in on the end of Term 2, WHS Music Evening is fast approaching. We look forward to the traditional exciting night showcasing the rich and diverse talent of our kura’s musical community!
Follow the QR below to get tickets.
2024 Blank Canvas
We’re thrilled to announce the Blank Canvas Exhibition is on again this year, and we want to see your creativity on full display! This is a school wide exhibition and your chance to showcase your artistic talents and be part of a fantastic event that celebrates the unique artistic spirit of Wellington High School.
We welcome all forms of creativity from Students and Staff – whether it’s painting, sculpture, photography, jewellery, dynamic doodles, character designs, collages, or any other craftiness or medium you can think of.
To participate, simply submit your artwork to the art department by Week 9, Thursday 27 June. This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity to share your talent and contribute to our vibrant school community.
Find the entry form on the notices or scan the QR codes on posters around the school. If you have any questions, feel free to talk to any of our art teachers – they’re here to help.
Important dates to remember:
- Opening Preview for Whānau: Thursday, July 4, 4-6pm in the Drama Gallery.
- Public Viewing: Saturday, July 6, from 10am to 2pm.
Toi Maori Wananga
On Tuesday this week a group of our Toi Māori students ventured to Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush to participate in a day-long Wananga with educator Linda Lee at the Leonard Cockayne Centre. Students were able to harvest harakeke from their tūrangawaewae and learn the tikanga around it. They explored a range of raranga techniques, making stars for Matariki and beautiful kete. Students easily took to the practice and had a great time learning new skills together with some students wanting to continue practicing raranga.
Mānawatia a Matariki me Puanga!
Celebrate Matariki and Puanga with Wellington City Libraries
Wellington City Libraries’ are hosting a July school holiday programme Mānawatia a Matariki me Puanga from 6-21 July. Plant a seed for Puanga, join us at the Matariki bonfire for hot chocolate and cosy pakiwaitara, unleash your creativity with whetū-inspired art, or explore the stars through VR and robotics. With over 80 events for tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau in celebration of Matariki and Puanga, all of which are totally free, but some do require registration as space may be limited at some libraries. Visit wcl.govt.nz/kidsholidays for the full schedule.
Sport
2024 Central and Southern Zones Secondary Schools Underwater Hockey Championships
Wellington High School’s teams enjoyed a successful weekend of competition over the weekend of June 14th – 16th at WRAC. Twenty five of our students were selected to trial for either the U18 girls or U18 boys Central Zone rep teams, which is a record. The only team to make a final was the junior open A team, who lost 9-0 to Nelson College. The senior girls team won their bronze medal match easily over Marsden Collegiate School, while our senior open team narrowly prevailed over Hutt International Boys School for more bronze medals. Our junior girls placed 6th in their grade while our junior open B team finished 7th in theirs. Our thanks go to the coaches and officials who volunteered their time to ensure that the whole event went smoothly.
Careers
Chuni Bhikha and Bec McKenzie will be running career workshops that include: Apprenticeship information, tips on work experience, CV writing, cover letters, job search strategies, and one-on-one discussions on upcoming mid-year courses. Please see the Careers Newsletter for more information on dates and times.