Principal’s Welcome
Ko Maungapōhatu te maunga
Ko Tauranga te awa
Ko Mataatua me Nukutere ngā waka
Ko Tauanui te marae
Ko Te Whakatāne te hapū
Ko Tuhoe te iwi
My name is Peter Barsdell and I am privileged to be the Principal of Whakatāne High School in 2026. I am proud of our team of teachers, support staff and student leaders who continue to work hard to make Whakatāne High School the school that it is.
I believe that each and every student that walks through our gates has the right to an education that supports their personal growth and future aspirations.
Positive relationships in the classroom and throughout the school community are fundamental to who we are as a kura. Relationships between school and home, that have your child’s needs at the centre, are particularly important in providing the support network required for their success. I encourage all whānau to actively involve themselves in their child’s educational journey through High School and to provide any feedback you have on how we can better support them and strengthen our school.
We offer a wealth of opportunities for students to engage in co-curricular activities and I encourage all of our incoming Year 9 students to get involved in as much as they can. Participation in sport, house activities, clubs, culture and the arts strengthens student connection and identity, which positively supports their learning journey.
Our students deserve the best from their teachers. As a school we are committed to ongoing teacher improvement and effectively navigating our way through the recent changes in the education system.
Investing in quality professional development for our teachers ensures students get the best learning outcomes in the classroom.
We believe the mental, physical and emotional wellbeing of all students and staff underpins everyone’s ability to effectively engage and achieve. Our goal is to build a caring, safe environment that supports student and staff wellbeing, providing a platform for students to learn and achieve their potential.
We look forward to welcoming and getting to know your child over the coming years and getting to know you, as parents and as a member of the Whakatāne High School community.
Ngā mihi nui
Pete Barsdell
Principal