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WHAKATANE HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
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PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
E ngā reo, e ngā mana, e ngā rau rangatira mā, ngā matā waka, tēnei te mihi maioha atu mō te tau hou ki ā koutou katoa. Ko te wawata me te tūmanako ka noho ora pai koutou katoa.
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Warm acknowledgements to you all as we approach the end of week 8.
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Senior reports go out to whānau tomorrow, providing valuable feedback from teachers on your child’s progress and highlighting areas that need addressing. We hope these reports serve as a platform for meaningful kōrero between whānau and the kura moving forward, keeping student wellbeing, learning and achievement at the centre.
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Next Thursday, the 18th, we will hold our "Meet the Teacher" hui. This is a wonderful opportunity to book a time with your child’s subject teachers to discuss their learning and any other relevant matters. We encourage you to book an appointment here: www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code/jzqfc
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On Tuesday, our Year 9 cohort were welcomed onto Wairaka Marae as part of a programme designed to give our students a Marae experience in an inclusive and educational environment. A big mihi to Ngāti Hokopu, our staff, prefects and Te Aka Matua students for organising and running this day and also to our Year 9 students for embracing this experience in a respectful and responsible manner.
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The “Blood Drive” programme visited our school hall today. The purpose of the programme is to collect safe, voluntary blood and plasma donations to maintain a stable, life-saving supply for the healthcare system. A big thank you to our Deputy Head Girl, Trista Baker, who organised this event on behalf of the school, and all students and staff who gave blood.
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Next week is Pride Week across the country and our school has some optional activities planned throughout the week to support our rangatahi (young people) who identify as part of the Rainbow community to feel safe, valued and supported at school. Acknowledgements to our Hauora Prefects and our other student leaders who will help lead this kaupapa.
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Next week is also a big week for the cast and crew of “All Shook Up”, our Elvis inspired theatre production for 2026. On Friday the 19th, the cast will perform a matinee for students from local Primary schools. Saturday the 20th is the official opening night and an exciting opportunity for everyone involved to take the stage and perform after many months of rehearsals and hard work. We wish you all the very best and hope you enjoy it! Tickets can still be purchased here.
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In closing, I would just like to wish everyone in our school community, whānau, staff and most importantly of all, our students, a positive end to the week and an enjoyable weekend.
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Whāia te mātauranga hei oranga mō koutou
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Seek learning to nourish your wellbeing
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Ngā manaakitanga ki a tātau katoa
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Pink Ribbon Breakfast
Community spirit will be on full display as the Whakatāne High School Interact Club hosts its annual Pink Ribbon Breakfast on Wednesday June 24th, at the Baptist Church on Keepa Road. This special event aims to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research and support, while bringing people together for a morning of inspiration, fun and giving.
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The breakfast begins bright and early, with doors opening at 7:00am and breakfast served shortly after. Those attending can look forward to a delicious meal prepared and cooked by Louise Paulsen, a range of engaging games and activities, as well as the chance to hear from special guest speaker Claire House.
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Guests are encouraged to bring some extra cash for a raffle and/or auction held throughout the event. All prizes have been generously donated by local businesses. All proceeds will go to the Breast Cancer Foundation of New Zealand.
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This breakfast is a great way for the community to come together to support a great cause, whilst enjoying good food at a meaningful community function.
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Tickets are available now and can be purchased in advance. Don’t miss out on this inspiring event, come for breakfast, stay for the cause and help make a difference.
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For tickets please contact the Whakatāne High School office or visit the WHS Pink Ribbon Breakfast event on Facebook.
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Year 9 Marae Visit
Recently, our Year 9 students had the opportunity to spend the day at Wairaka Marae, taking part in a range of learning activities outside the classroom. The visit gave students the opportunity to learn more about the stories of Ngāti Awa and the Mātaatua waka, and explore how these connect to our school, Te Kura Tuarua o Te Mānukatūtahi.
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A big thank you to the staff who contributed to the day and helped make it such a positive experience for our students.
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Our student leaders were excellent throughout the day, leading by example and guiding our Year 9 students through the different activities and workshops. The Te Ao Haka students shared their knowledge and skills, while our Prefects provided great support and helped ensure the day ran smoothly.
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A special thank you to Ngāti Hokopū and Te Wharepāia, for welcoming us onto the marae and sharing your stories with our students. We are grateful for your hospitality and support in making this such a valuable experience for our Year 9s.
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Junior Health Education
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Health Education is part of the core subjects taught to all Year 9 and Year 10 students. The Board of Trustees is required to consult with the school community regarding the school’s Health
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programme, particularly with regard to Sexuality Education. Hence, the programme course outline is included in the Curriculum Guide.
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All Junior whānau will receive an email from our Health Education teacher tomorrow. Please review the information once it arrives, and let us know if you have any queries.
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Blood Drive
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Huge thanks to Deputy Head Girl Trista Baker (pictured above) for coordinating today’s successful blood drive. We had a fantastic turnout, with over 50 students and staff members donating blood to help save lives. Thank you to everyone who stepped up to make a difference!
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Demerit point change for restricted drivers underway
A 'clean driving record' requirement for restricted licence holders - which aims to encourage safer driving started in May. It’s the first change to start since the driver licensing system changes announced by the Government were signed into law in April.
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The change could add time to your restricted licence period on 25 January 2027, if you get demerits points while driving on your restricted licence from 7 May 2026. Six months will be added each time you get demerit points.
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If you move to your full licence before 25 January, your restricted period won’t be extended. This change will encourage inexperienced drivers to drive safely, and to follow road rules and licence conditions.
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Common demerit offences for restricted licence holders include:
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- Speeding
- Driving an unlicensed vehicle
- Mobile phone use
- Breaching licence conditions (such as driving with unauthorised passengers or after hours without a supervisor)
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Model United Nations
In Week 6, Year 9 and 10 students from Whakatāne High School, Trident High School and Mount Maunganui College came together at WHS for a Model United Nations (MUN) competition held in the Margaret Mahy Library.
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Students represented different countries and debated resolutions on the issues of Poverty and Disaster Reduction, putting their public speaking, critical thinking and debating skills to the test. To liven up the serious debating, a number of joke amendments were also introduced throughout the day.
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A special mention to Taylor Dain, Jonah Te Whau, Madison Taua and Belle Rowe, who led the debates, while Sarah Banks and Michelle Nyakawa took on the important roles of note takers and advisors.
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Congratulations to Daniel Lynch, who was named Best Year 9 Speaker. It was a fantastic day of learning and debate, and we look forward to the return competition at Mount Maunganui College.
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ADVENTURE RACING
Twelve keen adventurers represented Whakatāne High School at the BOPSS Adventure Racing Championships last Thursday, held at Sisams Farm near Tāneatua.
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The day started cold and foggy, but once the mist burnt off it turned into a beautiful clear day, providing ideal conditions for the competitors.
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The Year 11 boys' team of Aiden Cox, Corban Meekel, Julian Cardinal and William Callender tackled the challenging six-hour course. After a tough day of racing, they were pleased to cross the finish line and claim 3rd place in the Senior Boys division.
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In the three-hour Junior Mixed event, Keelan Dawson, Kunal Patel, Mia Hyndman and Lucy McKay put in a determined performance. Despite finishing just outside the official three-hour time limit, they secured an impressive 2nd place.
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The Year 9 girls' team of Jayden Simmons, Beau Anderson-Smith, Bella Mitton and Neve Milne took on their first ever adventure race in the Junior Girls category. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience, gained valuable new skills, and represented the school with enthusiasm throughout the day.
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Congratulations to all of our adventure racers on a fantastic effort.Huge thank you to Fiona from Soaked in Adventure for putting on a great competition.
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HOCKEY
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Congratulations Madie Carter, Addie Tetze and Kayla Billings on their selections to the BOP U18 Hockey team. Well done ladies!
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VOLLEYBALL
Congratulations to Ariana Dawson who played in the IPC Volleyball Tournament over King's birthday weekend. Ariana was in the Under 17 BOP team that won gold and she was also named MVP for the tournament.
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Staff member Talei Bryant also had success coaching the Under 19 girls' team who placed 3rd.
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WHS Sports in Action
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Check out our Sports FB page for more images and all the results
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Request from Science
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Any cardboard tubes from items such as cling wrap (gladwrap) or tin foil etc,
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would be greatly appreciated!
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