|
WHAKATANE HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
E ngā reo, e ngā mana, rau rangatira mā, ngā matā waka, tēnei te mihi nui atu ki ā koutou katoa. Ko te wawata me te tumanako ka noho ora mai koutou katoa.
|
As you may be aware, the government has signalled significant changes both in qualifications and in curriculums over the next four years. Current students at Whakatāne High School will continue with the NCEA framework until the end of their time here, the changes in qualifications will only affect current Year 8s.
|
English and Maths will have new curriculums to implement next year at Years 9 and 10, the senior curriculums will remain the same for next year at least in those subjects. All other subjects will have new curriculums from 2027.
|
As always, as a school we work hard to ‘front foot’ change and continue to be proactive in ensuring we are ready to implement changes from day one. Our English and Maths departments have been actively engaged in providing the Ministry with feedback and are developing the skills they know they will need once the new curriculums are finalised.
|
Our Teacher Only Day next Friday (15th August) is focussed on our staff working on the pedagogy of (ways of teaching) the new curriculum and these methods will be used from 2026.
|
Our students have been working hard to produce a cabaret show which they will perform over three days next week. Food is included in the price of the ticket and details of how to purchase tickets are below. I want to thank Jaiden Ragozins for his dedication and tireless work with our students to make these shows successful.
|
|
Subject Information Evening
|
As I mentioned in the last newsletter, we have been busy upskilling staff and informing students about all of our subjects and what they can lead to, so that they are able to make informed choices and seek advice for selecting subjects for 2026. This process is ongoing until our Mentor interviews in Week 8. We have a subject information evening coming up on Tuesday 19th August at 6pm where we invite current Year 10s and their parents to come and learn more about NCEA, and current senior students to learn about options available to them. This is also an opportunity for whānau and students to speak with staff about specific subjects.
|
I want to thank you all for your continued support of your children and their education.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Visual Art
|
It’s been a hive of creative energy in the art department this week — senior students are deep in the process of experimenting, pushing boundaries, and refining their visual language.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commonwealth Head of Government
|
During the July school holidays, Year 12 student, Taylor Dain, spent two days in Wellington at the Commonwealth Head of Government (CHOGM) forum for secondary students. This was held at Te Papa, and there were 50 students (delegates) from 35 schools representing countries of the commonwealth. Taylor was representing New Zealand. Delegates are taught about understanding empathy, public speaking, debating, diplomacy, building alliances with other member states, and negotiation as they inspire each other.
|
|
|
|
|
Delegates had plenary sessions where they came together to debate one of the key global issues chosen, like sea levels, water shortage and food insecurity, plastic pollution, and migration. Guest speakers addressed the forum on these topics, followed by a brief q and a. Then it is the delegate's role to represent their country’s perspective in the debate on each topic, with the aim to reach consensus on a shared course of action and passing resolutions - a call to action - on them. If full agreement isn’t reached the issue remains unresolved. Plenaries are completely student led, and delegates have spent weeks preparing their country’s stance on the issues. Taylor was exceptional in her speeches and along with the member from Australia, was by far the best speech maker of the event.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Junior Model United Nations
On Saturday 26 July, Hamish McPherson, Jonah Te Whau, Shanika Juan, Taylor Dain, Nico Bruce, Annabel Caudwell, and Tukotahi Rapana had the opportunity to go to Mount Maunganui College to participate in a simulation of the United Nations for students in Years 11-13 along with 12 other secondary schools from the Bay of Plenty.
|
All students were allocated a country, and completed a significant amount of research before the event as they were in theme of their country throughout the event. We were briefed on the event's agenda, and the participating countries were divided into two rooms to discuss pressing global issues. This year, our discussions focused on gender equality and the challenges of civil aid in armed conflicts. We were also encouraged to propose our amendments to refine any points we disagreed with.
|
|
Once we concluded the assigned topics, we had the chance to share our thoughts and ideas through our own amendments, aimed at benefiting the United Nations. The event provided meals and fostered an educational environment, creating lasting friendships and instilling newfound confidence in first-time speakers. It was a pleasure to see that Jonah won the Best Speaker Award for Year 12. Well done to everyone who participated. Written by Taylor Dain.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
We are lucky to have received ten nominations for parent representatives on the Board of Trustees!
Voting for these candidates will begin next week when all eligible voters will receive an email with the details of each candidate, and an online voting form.
If we do not hold an address for you on file, you will receive voting papers by post.
|
Voting closes at 4pm on 10 September 2025.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Noho programme
|
The Boys’ and Girls’ Noho programmes continued in Weeks 2 and 3 this term.As part of their practical learning, the boys successfully delivered two Pakiriwai (water gathering towers) to Piripari and Ōwhakatoro Marae for their Pā sites. Meanwhile, the girls are constructing a bus shelter for Paroa School which is expected to be completed by the end of Term 3. Students also enjoyed a day out of town and taking part in activities that helped strengthen the whakawhanaungatanga developed throughout the programme.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONGRATULATIONS JAMES!
|
Huge congratulations to James Whitcombe who is the WKA Title Belt Holder of NZ after an absolutely dominating performance. In Two weeks' time, James will be fighting TAHITI’s NUMBER 1, for the GAMMA TITLE BELT. Amazing James, congratulations!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BADMINTON
The BOPSS Junior Badminton Finals were held at QEYC in Tauranga, with Whakatāne High School proudly represented by four teams—one girls’ and three boys’ teams.
|
- The WHS girls team of Lily Vullings, Becca Harris, Xeia Panganiban and Lara Barton had a strong showing, finishing 2nd in Division 1.
- The top WHS boys team of Phoenix Riini, Reon Blommerde, Lochie Holding and Ryan Heiberg also placed 2nd in Division 1 after some tight matches.
- A special highlight came from our Year 9 boys team of Keelan Dawson, Aaron Nillesen, Dillon Ford and Luka Drayson, who played exceptionally well throughout the day and were crowned Division 2 champions!
- The team of Ryan Baker, Aiden Cox, Julian Cardinal and Corban Meekel also performed strongly with some close matches.
|
All teams showed great sportsmanship, determination and teamwork, making it a successful and rewarding event for WHS badminton!
|
|
|
|
|
|
CHESS
Whakatane High School was represented by two teams in the recent Bay of Plenty Interschools tournament. The Whakatane A Team was made up of Albi Cameron, Brandon Hunter, Jonah Te Whau, and Ethan Clements. Whakatane B were Josh Burgess, Ezra Pickett, Aradia Finch and Ashley Wolstenholme.
|
|
As usual, the standard of competition was tough. We were up against very competitive students from around the Bay. The A team started well, though struggled in the middle matches before finding their form in the last of the six rounds. After five rounds, Whakatane A were tied with three other teams on points. In the last round, the team pulled out a much-needed 4-point clean sweep to claim 3rd and the bronze medal. Whakatane B did not fare as well as most of them had never played at this level before. They came away from the tournament with some much-needed tournament experience.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CONGRATULATIONS
|
Congratulations to Madie Carter, Addie Tetze and Amelia Mackenzie on your selections to the BOP U16 Girls Hockey teams.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
HOCKEY
|
The 2nd XI Girls travelled to Rotorua last week to play John Paul College. Being down to one sub meant they were all ready to bring their new fitness skills into play. This also meant some moving of positions and Jesike Moore had an outstanding game in the midfield. Evelyn Roza returned to the goal after a wrist sprain, however the strong defence of Lexie Lobban, Emily Martin and Riane Smit meant she had limited touches to the ball. Molly Thompson-Brine started the scoring in the first quarter and followed this up with another goal in the third quarter. In the second quarter, Quinn Best scored with a high ball over the goalie's head. Samantha Nillesen scored twice, once in the second and once in the fourth quarter. Final score 5-0.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Junior Get2Go
|
The school entered a Junior team into the yearly Get2Go competition recently. We took a team of Year 9s over to Rotorua for the BOP Regional event. It comprises of four disciplines. Biking in three degrees was hard work but no broken bones so that was great. Kayaking in windy cold conditions at Lake Okareka was probably the hardest challenge on the day. The orienteering was based in the rose gardens and a much warmer prospect. The final discipline was rock climbing. The team of seven did incredibly well and never gave up. I believe they are keen for the event next year so the challenge is on!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Whooping Cough Epidemic Continues:
What Families Need to Know
|
There is a whooping cough outbreak happening in our region, especially in the Eastern Bay, and health experts want families to be aware and take care. Whooping cough, also called pertussis, causes a very bad cough that can be especially dangerous for babies under one year old.
|
If your child has a cough that won’t go away or seems unusual, it’s important to contact your doctor or call the free Healthline at 0800 611 116 for advice.
|
Adults and older children may have milder symptoms but can still spread whooping cough to others without knowing it. The best way to protect babies is by getting vaccinated—especially pregnant women, as vaccination during pregnancy helps protect babies before they can get their own shots at six weeks old.
|
To keep everyone safe, remember to:
|
- Stay home if you or your children are sick.
- Cover coughs and sneezes, ideally into your elbow.
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
- Avoid sending sick kids to school or daycare.
- Get vaccinated if you are pregnant, have young children, or need a booster.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
