Waitaki Girls' High SchoolNewsletter #1 - 2020

TERM 1

Monday 10 February

School Photos

Tuesday 11 February

School Swimming Sports

Wednesday 12 February

Year 9: Welcome to Waitaki evening

Thursday 13 February

Aoraki TennisChallenge Wanaka TriathlonExcellence Assembly

Saturday 15 February

NZ School's Triathlon

Monday 17 February

Athletics Day

Tuesday 18 February

Year 11 Art trip

Thursday 20 February

Year 11 Agriculture tripBOT Meeting

Friday 21 February

Athletics Finals

Thursday 27 February

Early finish 1.15pm due to paid union meeting

Saturday 29 February

SISS TennisSISS Triathlon & Duathlon

Monday 2 March

Otago Polytechnic visit

6 - 9 March

Year 12 PE Trip

Friday 6 March

Year 12 Geography trip

Sunday 8 March

Aoraki Touch

Wednesday 11 March

Canterbury University VisitYear 11 NCEA Information

Thursday 12-14 March

Year 13 Biology Trip - Portobello

Friday 13 March

Aoraki BowlsSISS Rowing Championships

Saturday 14 March

SISS Adventure Race - Cromwell

Monday 16 -17 March

Year 12 Geography Trip - Mt. Cook

Tuesday 17 March

Drive to Survive

Wednesday 18 March

Aoraki Athletics

Thursday 19 March

BOT Meeting

Monday 23 March

Otago Anniversary Day

Wednesday 25 March

Aoraki Swimming

Thursday 26 March

Aoraki Volleyball

Friday 27 March

SISS Mountain Bike Championships

Saturday 28-30 March

SISS Touch Championships

Monday 30 March

Year 12 Biology Trip - Portobello Marine Centre

Tuesday 31 March

SISS VolleyballYear 11 Geography Trip

Wednesday 1 April

Aoraki CroquetOpening Night School Production

Thursday 2 April

International Children's Book Day

Saturday 4 April

SISS Athletics

Monday 6 April

Year 11 PE TripOtago University Planning

Principal's ReportTēnā Koutou katoa - Welcome to the 2020 school year. Inparticular, I wish to extend a warm welcome to all our newstudents and their whanau-welcome to Waitaki. Nau MaiHaere Mai.

A warm welcome also to our new teachers: Robert Bryceteaching Music and Performing Arts; Elize Crouse in DigitalTechnology; Claire Gilder teaching Science; Sue McLean hasjoined Social Science and English Learning Areas; Mel Searlehas been appointed our Pathways Coordinator and Anna

Sillibourne is teaching English. It is great having them on the teaching team. Other staffing changessee Christine Williams as Deputy Principal; Helen McIntyre Acting Deputy Principal and Judy Sinclairis our new English Head of Learning.

The year began with Orientation Week which allowed Yrs 11, 12 & 13 students to have the time tocome and confirm their subjects and undertake course planning prior to all students arriving. OurYear 9 students had a day of orientation with the Year 13s and a key part of this day was the PeerSupport programme that allows us to develop our ‘Tuakana-Teina Big Sister, Little Sister’ links.

We have held our Student Leader Badge assembly to acknowledge the student Leaders of 2020; ourSports and Cultural Expo was on Wednesday 5 February and on Wednesday 12 February will beholding our ‘Welcome to Waitaki’ evening for Year 9 students and their Whanau. On Thursday 13February we will recognize the 102 students who did exceptionally well in NCEA in our ExcellenceAssembly. I am especially proud of the results of all our students and this indicates the hard workand commitment of the girls, their teachers and importantly the support and encouragement theygained from you their Whanau.

The Board of Trustees has accepted the Government’s financial package regarding donations. Assuch, you will not be asked for payment for curriculum based equipment or activity with the oneexception of donations towards the cost of a ‘camp’ (defined as an overnight curriculum activity).However, involvement with cultural and sporting activities which are outside of the definedcurriculum may incur a cost.

Two key areas that we are focusing on as we begin a new school year are the use of cellphoneswhile at school and attendance. Our cellphone policy (included in this newsletter) states that theymay be used in class ONLY at the discretion of the teacher and students are asked to leave theirphones either in their bags or in the cell sitter provided in the classroom. We are committed tovaluing and protecting the school day as a time for students to engage with teaching and learningand to develop the self-confidence and resilience required to minimize dependency on social media.In support of this move, we ask that parents do not ring or text their daughters during the schoolday. Any urgent messages for your daughter can be rung to the school office (03 4348429).

Our other key focus in supporting students to gain the most from Waitaki Girls’ is in setting 85%attendance as the minimum to represent the school in any activity which for Years 12 & 13 includesattending the formal. Our emphasis is to be ‘At school, all day, everyday’-please remember that ourschool day is from 8.35am-3.20pm.

Throughout the summer holidays, we had students involved in a number of activities which reflectsthe holistic belief of the school that we are preparing young women for the world. Specialacknowledgment to Elizabeth Fountaine and Gemma Fitzgerald who represented New Zealand at

the International Cadet Camp of St John in South Africa; Mikayla Bryant who represented NewZealand in U21 Trap Junior team. Mikayla won C Grade title at this Trans Tasman event. We alsoacknowledge former student Breanna Greaney who was nominated as Waitakian of the Year for herrole in organizing Climate Change Rally in our community.

If your daughter is new to Waitaki or is a returning student, I trust that she is feeling comfortableand confident on our campus. If, for any reason you or your daughter has any concerns, pleasecontact the appropriate Dean. Communication is vital in our relationship and while we may notalways agree, we need to have the conversation.

I look forward to your involvement in our wider Waitaki Whanau.

Ngā mihi

Margaret Williams (Acting Principal)

Holiday Sporting AchievementsA round up of what some WGHS students were up to on thesporting scene over the school holidays.

At the beginning of the holidays we had 4 students - BriarJohnston, Shelby Johnston, Sarah Jamison and Jess Lake headto Wellington for the NZ Secondary Schools AthleticsChamps. Congratulations to Briar who placed 7th in theunder 19 100m in a time of 12.84s

Mikayla Bryant has had a busy holidays, competing in theAustralian Trapshooting Nationals in NSW, as well as beingselected in the Junior NZ team.

Two of our senior A netballers were named in the Te Wai Pounamu Maori under 19 team for 2020.Congratulations and goodluck Laura Dunshea and Nelle Loper.

Our 2020 Sports Captain Mackenzie Phillips is having another great tennis season. Over the breakshe won the singles and doubles in the North Otago Open as well as attending the NationalChamps in Auckland, finished in the top 20 under 18’s.

At the South Island Rowing Champs, Sahara Geary, part of the ORC Women's intermediate coxedfour, picked up a silver medal. The school rowing season has just started and we have 7 studentswho are training hard to compete in their first season for WGHS.

The 2019 North Otago Sports Awards Finalists have been named, with the awards night being heldon 16th March. Two of our nominees have been selected as finalists, Taneisha Fifita in the 'JuniorSportswoman of the Year' category and Holly Beazer in the 'Official in Sport' category. Good luck toboth of you.

YEAR 9 PARENTSWe would like to invite you to our ‘Welcome to Waitaki’evening for year 9 girls and their whanau - 5:30 - 7 pm onWednesday 12th February.

This evening will be a chance for you to be introduced to keypeople at school. It will also give you the opportunity to putnames to faces of core class teachers and time for a quickintroduction to Whanau teachers.We would love to see you and your whanau for this informalevening and BBQ to welcome you to our school community.

Our senior girls will be cooking a BBQ so please RSVP numbers to the Year 9 Dean via emailjwright@waitakigirlshigh.school.nz or by calling the office on 4348429 by the end of Monday 10th ofFebruary.

PAID UNION MEETINGPPTA Members will be attending a union meeting onThursday 27 February 2020.

Waitaki Girls' High School is unable to run timetabled classesafter 1.15pm on that day. If students require supervisionafter this time they should report to the school office.

Buses will run at the usual time.

Electronic Devices - School PolicyMany of you use electronic devices as a learning tool andthis is encouraged - provided it is at the direction of theteacher. Please remind yourselves of our school policy(below).

1. You bring your own electronic devices to school at yourown risk, therefore you need to be responsible for your ownproperty.

2. Electronic devices may only be used in the classroom with the permission of the teacher forcurriculum-based purposes.

3. You may be asked to hand your cellphone in during a lesson to teacher’s designated place or youmay leave the cellphone in your school bag.

4. If you misuse your cellphone, you will be asked to put it in your bag or hand it in to a designatedplace.

5. If you do not follow the instructions, (but get on with your work) you can expect the teacher tohave a chat with you.

6. If you openly continue to use your phone, then a referral will be made to the Dean and yourCaregiver/Parent will be contacted.

Contacting students during class time: if urgent please call the office on 434 8429.

Please be aware of these times:

Interval is 11.00 - 11.20am (Weds 11.15 - 11.40am) or

Lunchtime: 1.25 - 2.20pm (Weds 1.30 - 2.20pm)

NCEA INFORMATION EVENINGOn Wednesday 11 March an information evening will be heldfor Year 11 students and parents.

This evening will outline key points about NCEA works andhighlight what you and your daughter need to know.Requirements for literacy and numeracy plus endorsementswill be outlined as well an understanding terminologyspecific to NCEA. Wednesday 11 March in WhareMātauranga (Library) - entrance from Thames Street.

NCEA InformationBy the end of February all senior students will be issued witha copy of our NCEA Information booklet for Students andParents.

The booklet contains information on NCEA that is importantfor all Year 11 to 13 students to understand. Informationabout extension applications, re submission, re assessment,appeals, and plagiarism is included in this booklet.

We encourage parents to read this document as well. It is onour website under Curriculum and Qualifications andAssessment.

The link below is to NZQA website and fact sheets they havepublished. These fact sheets contain valuable informationabout NCEA at all levels.

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/about-us/publications/factsheets/

Any queries relating to NZQA matters, please contact Margaret Williams(mwilliams@waitakigirlshigh.school.nz)

NCEA Student App Update

An updated version of the NCEA Student App can now be downloaded from either the Apple AppStore or Google Play Store. It is available to use in English and Te Reo Māori, is free to download andcan be used from any smart device. This version displays and better supports multiple levels ofNCEA and new users can simply add credits from previous years without having to also addstandards information first. This means that students can track their progress towards various NCEAlevels over multiple calendar years more quickly and easily. The App allows students to plan, selectand set their NCEA credit goals and targets and to see how they are tracking towards NCEA Levelsone, two and three, including Literacy, Numeracy and University Entrance.

Sports & Cultural Expo 2020Our sports and cultural groups enjoyed their annual expo onWednesday 5 February.

Careers - Dates

Waitaki Community RecreationCentre Information

Outward Bound

WGHS NetballFor the upcoming 2020 season, we are looking for coaches, managers & volunteers. If you areinterested please let our secretary Robyn know by 12th February (details below).

Our AGM is on Tuesday 18th February @ 5.30pm in WGHS Staffroom on Trent St.

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all Whanau - new and old - to our Club andcommittee.

We value all contributions to our club; coaching, managing, first aid, looking after uniform andgear, committee members, fundraising and sideline support - we need you!

We are a club that embraces a culture of Whanau, Waitaki Way Values & Inclusiveness.

We would like to thank all of our hard working volunteers from 2019, everything you do is muchappreciated. Special thanks go to Sally-Ann Donnelly for her support for our club.

Any queries for any of the above please email

robynjudd@orcon.net.nz

or phone Robyn on 0276827276

St. John International Cadet CampThe first day of 2020 already had a lot in store for me as I setoff on a grand escapade travelling 22,533.1 km across theworld.

Leading me to Cape Town, South Africa, the city that hasassisted in sculpting my self image and life. Now this was noholiday, nor was it relaxing, for since receiving a phone call

on the 22nd of April 2019 I was waking up everyday with this very competition on my mind. Everysecond leading up to our first test I was mentally preparing for the challenges ahead. To even be

shortlisted to represent New Zealand was extremely humbling. There were 8 other countriescompeting; Mauritius, Northern Ireland with England, Wales, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Canada, and SouthAfrica.

The commencement of our total contingent (consisting of 31 people) was located in the Aucklandairport. This includes another year 13 student at Waitaki Girls’ High School, Gemma Fitzgerald, whoattended as a supportive cadet. As we boarded our first international flight to Hong Kong we saidgoodbye to the familiarity and comfort of our beloved country. There was no going back.

The first to the last step on African soil held many events, learning experiences, and memorablemoments.

From drifting in a canoe down Breede river while providing some spontaneous first aid to a casualtywho had cut her hand on the river reeds, to spotting water snake and yet still swimming.

From being in the presence of several lions, allowing a snake to hang from my neck, holding a babyfox in my arms, to playing with owls and Blue Cranes.

Witnessing one of the Seven Wonders of the World is a treasured memory as someone very specialto me blessed my gifted pounamu up on Table Mountain.

Muizenberg Beach was where I explored markets, surf shops, hamburger restaurants, crepe cafés,and the streets with my diverse troop of Welsh, and English friends.

Next was a community project where we helped renovate a school for the less fortunate. It was ablessing to have had the chance to make a difference. We also donated books and funds, knowingthat it would go a long way. I felt that three Dr Seuss books would be perfect as they teach universalthemes and are widely renowned. Nelson Mandela, a Bailiff Grand Cross of the order of St. Johnproclaimed that “education is the most powerful weapon, in which we can use to change the world”.This was a quote my team and I used in our winning presentation of diabetes mellitus.

Then was the big day. International Cadet Competitions. It was an early start with a 45 minuteindividual theoretical test based on human anatomy and South African first aid. It ranged fromidentifying the type of venom of a specific snake, to outlining the abnormal patient just fromcomparing age and their respiratory/heart rate.

Then it was my drill test. I had to command a South African Military Reserve Squad through a maze,using commands they understood. They had to stand on every checkpoint and get from point ‘A’ topoint ‘B’ in the most efficient way. I had one minute to speak with the squad, four minutes to walkthrough the course, and eight to complete the maze and prepare them for inspection. Truthfully Iwas terrified, but now I have a new level of confidence and self-belief in drill.

Then we had our first aid scenarios which are extremely contrasting to New Zealand’s competitionstructure. We had 5 minutes in each individual scenario and 10 - 16 minutes in our team tests. Wehad two of both. The scenarios were unpredictable as we had a Mass Casualty Simulation of 10patients from a fatal taxi crash in one team test and in the other we had one spinal patient that wassuffering from heatstroke. One individual test consisted of a patient with a potential fracture in theleft ankle, although the underlying issue was a Myocardium Infarction. The next individual test wasintense with a drowned unresponsive child. We had to use unfamiliar equipment, an AED, andcommence compressions. All while adjusting to the criteria of St. John Youth South Africa in 41degree heat, and I loved every moment.

The New Zealand contingent was the only contingent that supported the competitors. They came toevery test and were there from the beginning till the end, while other contingents were soaking upthe sun by the pool, or going to the spa. They made us so very proud to represent New Zealand, andI didn’t know half of them when the trip started. So thank you if you ever read this. We ended upplacing 2nd overall with 1st in Communication, 3rd in team tests, 3rd in drill, and 3rd in theory.

Lastly we concluded our huge trip with a banquet, everyone’s culture came alive with colour andstyle. We ate, laughed, reminisced, and danced the night away with a beautiful last South Africansunset. Then it was time to head back, pack, and leave our friends and temporary home, but wemissed our country, food, and loved ones. We arrived back at the resort at about 1:00am and leftwith l no sleep at 4:30am. You tend to question the existence of time when travelling for 29 hours.

Overall I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for this experience, I’m still in disbelief it evenhappened. Thank you to everyone who helped Gemma and I come so far, so young. This journeywouldn’t have been possible without you.

Elizabeth Fountaine

Peer Support ProgrammeThe Peer Support programme is a personal developmentprogramme for Year 9 students led by Year 13 seniors.

This programme focuses on helping the Year 9s transitioninto Waitaki Girls' High School. The Yr 13 leaders are trainedto help the Yr 9s develop the skills, knowledge andconfidence required to have a successful high schoolexperience. This particular Peer Support programme occurs

every Wednesday morning before school for Term 1. Throughout this programme, the Year 9s aretaught communication and cooperation skills, the Waitaki way values, self-awareness,understanding culture and diversity, values, ways to identify and cope with peer pressure andbullying, school and self expectations and relationships between family and friends. Engaging in thisprogramme is a great opportunity for Year 9s to get to know one another and form friendships andduring this time Year 13s tend to be the sources of moral support and become role models for theyounger students.

This year our Peer Support programme has already commenced and our Year 9s have alreadyundertaken the process of transitioning into Waitaki Girls' High School. Last Friday, the Year 9s wentthrough several orientation activities led by their assigned Year 13 leaders and were taken aroundthe school to build their confidence regarding getting to classes and knowing their way aroundschool. These activities were followed with energizers that brought them together as a group andmade them comfortable with each other. These sessions will continue throughout the term and willcover the various aspects mentioned above. We are looking forward to getting to know the girlsmore and working alongside them.

Welcome to our new staff for 2020!

Year 9 Welcome Assembly

Student Leader Badge AssemblyCongratulations to the 2020 Student Leaders at WGHS

Head Girl

Emma Borrie

Deputy Head Girl

Laura Dunshea

Head Boarder

Annah Brown

BOT Representative

Hannah Acheson

Burn House Captain

Libby Robb

Burn House Captain

Ella Harris

Ferguson House Captain

Anna Onuma

Ferguson House Captain

Safiya Hunter

Gibson House Captain

Charlotte Weir

Gibson House Captain

Tyla Willans

Wilson House Captain

Madaleine Mansfield

Wilson House Captain

Elizabeth Fountaine

Cultural Captain

Grace Ballantyne

Health Captain

Aisha Pozzobon

Peer Support Captain

Ssai Sukamar

Peer Support Captain

Olivia Belt

Sports Captain

Mackenzie Phillips

Careers Captain

Samantha Atley

Waitaki Way Captain

Gemma Fitzgerald

Waitaki Way Captain

Holly Rayne

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