Waitara High School Newsletter

“Developing active and inspired lifelong learners who have self-belief and a sense

of belonging”

Term 2 (June 2018) Edition

ANZAC DAY 2018

Head Students Lucy Parker | Luke Hill | Mereaina Ahu | Arthur May move us with their words

at the 100 year Waitara & Urenui Memorial Days.

ANZAC DAY 2018 Luke Hill, Head Boy

Waitara Memorial Day Speech

Ten. Ten miles is how far the stench of rotting bodies travelled from the shores of Gallipoli. More than 10,000 of the AZNAC soldiers had to survive on that beach of steep cliffs, trenches and fallen brothers. The 10,000 brave men had to embrace the harsh reality of the slaughter, luck and heroism they were to face in this battle. Stress, pain and death lingered over these 10,000 brothers, sons, fathers and friends of New Zealand. Giving up wasn’t an option for these brave lads, who fought courageously for their lives and this built a sturdy reputation for them around the world. All who served made vast sacrifices and 2779 New Zealand lives made the most ultimate. They made these sacrifices for their family and friends back home; for New Zealand and for us. The thought of this still amazes me a century on and probably many of you. This speech wasn’t easy to write, as many generations have passed since the ANZAC’s landed on that beach. They fought so we could be free, liberated. We reflect on the 10,00 ANZAC soldiers. We will remember them.

Karakia Timatanga

Whakataka te hau ki te uru. Whakataka te hau ki te tonga.

Kia mäkinakina ki uta. Kia mätaratara ki tai.

E hï ake ana te atakura. He tio, he huka, he hau hü.

Tïhei mauri ora.

Get ready for the westerly and be prepared for the southerly.

It will be icy cold inland, and icy cold on the shore.

May the dawn rise, red-tipped on ice,

on snow, on frost.

Join! Gather! Intertwine!

Waiata He Honore

He Honore He Karoria Ke te atua

He Maungarongo Ki te whenua

He whakaaro pai Ki nga tangata

Katoa e Aue

Heke iho Nga roimata No te rangi

Ki te whenua He tohu te mana o te ariki

Manaaki mai ra E nga iwi e

Maranga mai ra E nga iwi e

Honor and Glory to God, Peace on

earth and good thoughts to all (people) tears are falling from the

sky to the land, a sign of the strength of God looking after the

people (tribes) Rise up people.

A Word From Our Principal

Thank you for taking the time to read though our latest newsletter, which has captured, just a fraction of the exciting and amazing work going on here at Waitara High School. After the disruptions of Term 1, with the weather and a great many public holidays, this term has been an opportunity for the school to build some momentum with student learning. We have instigated our academic tracking procedures again this term, with many students progressing well towards their academic goals. After the exceptional results seen in 2016-17 we all understand that the expectations are high here at Waitara High School. As a school we would like to take this opportunity to really encourage parents and caregivers to be an active participant in their child’s education. Your attitude, as a parent or caregiver, is highly influential when it comes to ultimate success, both at school, and later in life. Talk to your child regularly about what they are learning at school, get on the KAMAR Parent Portal, contact one of our excellent teachers to talk about progress...…..be involved!.....it will make a massive difference to your child. Another way your can help your child, to be successful and engaged during their time at school, is by ensuring they present at school each day “ready to learn” . By being “ready to learn” I mean:

Arriving at school, as well as to classes, on time with the correct tools needed for learning.

Dressed in the correct uniform (valuable learning time can be wasted dealing with issues of uniform compliance).

Working hard right to the end of each lesson. Completing assessments to the best of their ability and handing them in on time. Asking for help whenever they need it. Always using their manners: (STEPS for Success: Sir or Miss | Thank You | Excuse Me | Please | Sorry

We thank you for the support you give Waitara High School, as parents and caregivers, it goes a long way towards achieving great success for our amazing young people. Ngā mihi

Daryl Warburton PRINCIPAL Waitara High School

It will be 'Lights,

Camera,

Action!'...as the

senior students

dance the night

away at the WHS

2018 School Ball!!

We are holding a

‘Night at the Oscars'

on Friday 20th

July at the Knox

Church, Waitara.

Tickets are

available until the

end of Term 2 ($60

per person) and can

be paid off in

instalments.

If students intend to

bring a partner

from outside of

Waitara High

School, please

collect a form from

the school office

and return it ASAP.

We are looking

forward to seeing all

our seniors on the

red carpet in July!

On Friday 8th June a group of our best singers took to the stage to perform, to an audience of over 500 people, at the New Zealand Choral Federation's annual festival of high school singing, "The Big Sing". This was the first time Waitara High School has ever performed at the event and our students' stole the show, giving an amazing, inspiring and emotional performance!

Our programme began with Leonard Cohen's “Hallelujah” with verse two sung in Te Reo Māori, and a first opportunity for our singers to demonstrate their harmony singing skills.

"This is Me" , from The Greatest Showman, opened with solo lines from Makaia and Leeann, so beautifully expressed it had many audience members wiping tears of emotion from their eyes. As the song progressed a number of singers were featured including Kuru, Awatea and, when Mina's incredible voice soared above the choir the audience wooped and cheered and rose to their feet. It goes without saying that this song received a standing ovation!

The final song was sung a cappella (unaccompanied) and was an arrangement of Bill Withers' “Lean on Me”. The adjudicators, impressed with Waitara High School's entire performance, particularly commended the addition of rhythm through claps, clicks and feet whilst also singing in multiple parts. The lyrics of this song again made a strong connection between the singers and the audience. As the final line "Lean on me" was sung, the audience rose to their feat cheering and applauding. Our talented and extremely hard-working singers did it!

Kuru Waiwai-O’Carroll | Vaitusi Afelee | Keaton Hunt | Uelese Afelee | Vaiese Afelee | Awatea Bailey-Maxwell | Mina White-MacLeod | Kim Kershaw-Leatherby | Tulip Tamehana | Te Rena Hawe, |Terry Crean | Makaia Tamaiva-Ngataierua and Leeann Kirkwood all deserve massive recognition for their exceptional effort and performance at “The Big Sing”.

WHS Students Bring The House Down At The ‘Big Sing’

Article by (the extremely proud!) Ms Jo Suren

MP for Taranaki-King Country, Barbara Kuriger, hosted morning tea recently for the winning teams

in the Enhancing Rural Communities category of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce Youth

Enterprise Scheme.

One of the teams to enjoy morning tea was our very own Renegade.Co

(aka Kaedyn Wallace, Livia Phillips, Xavier Martin and Daynena Loveridge. Renegade.Co have

decided to invest their $200 prize into an old-fashioned orchard to supply ingredients for their line of

old-fashioned drinks and (ginger beer, etc).

Yet another great example of "Ahakoa te aha, kei a koe te tikanga – Be who you want to be", the

theme for NZ Youth Week 2018 (19 - 27 May). Well done, team!

“Ahakoa te aha, kei a koe te tikanga – Be who you want to be" is the theme for NZ

Youth Week 2018 (19 - 27 May).

And our very own WHS rangatahi are out there, doing things to help themselves and

others.

First up is Rose King, a Year 13 student who has taken on the challenge of coaching the 2018 WHS Year 9 Social Netball Team and was recognised for her contribution at the

Taranaki Secondary School Sports Association Netball Tournament recently.

Go Rosie!!

It’s A Big Y.E.S for Renegade.Co

Rose Rises To The Challenge

ANZAC DAY 2018 Lucy Parker, Head Girl

Waitara Memorial Day Speech

ANZAC Day is a significant day in New Zealand history, and a great opportunity for us to remember and acknowledge those who made immense sacrifices so we can live a life of freedom. These men and women left a mark on this country that we will never forget. Recently, as I spoke to my Nan, she recalled memories of her Great Uncle Frank who was a soldier in World War 1. Francis Nicoll Sutherland was a soldier in the Otago Infantry Regiment, who had been posted to fight at the Western Front.

Uncle Frank was killed in action in October 1917. He was active in the fierce fighting that occurred during the Battle of Passchendaele. He, along with thousands of others, persevered tirelessly through the shattered landscape of mud, shell craters and barbed wire in hope that progress would be made and the battle would be won.

His name, among 35,000 others is etched on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Ypres, Belgium. The memory of them deeply etched in the heart of our nation.

When I think of Frank and each soldier like him, who left our shores with dreams and enthusiasm to serve, their courage to stand and defend our nation, and their sacrifice, I am deeply aware of the gift they have given.

These soldiers put their own lives on the line for the benefit and improvement of those back home, and for future generations to come.

Because of the brave actions of the selfless, tenacious soldiers we live in a beautiful country, with many opportunities such as travelling and furthering our education, but most importantly, we have control over our own lives, and are free.

And for that we must be eternally grateful.

Each and every one of us here today has been deeply impacted by the actions of the ANZAC soldiers. Because of them we have the ability to make our own decisions. Because of them we are able to truly understand what sacrifice, strength and courage looks like. And because of them we are free.

Therefore we must honour them not just today, on ANZAC Day, but day in which we live our lives of freedom

Thank you Lucy Parker, WHS Head Girl

Livia Phillips, Litoya Willis-Croft, Sophie Lovell and Ayla Lunn did our school proud when they participated in the University of Waikato Mooting Competition. The girls worked super hard - reading laws and case notes so they could prepare submissions to present to real lawyers, who were acting as judges. Special thanks from the Mooting Team must to Miaana Walden, Rebecca Eaton and Paige Hellier, from Govett Quilliam, who mentored and prepared the team just brilliantly!

Oh! and big “ups” to Phoebe Turner-O'Carroll for these wonderful photos!

Meet The Marvellous Mighty Mooters!

Meet outstanding squash player , WHS student and all round great

girl…... Brooke Reid!

WHS has a number of reasons for being proud of Brooke; one of which is how she retained her 25th seed position in the NZ Junior Squash Open, during the April school holidays; winning two games out of five, against higher seeded players, from all the junior age groups.

Brooke is part of the AON New Zealand Junior Girls Development Squad for 2018 and is currently ranked the 13th U15 girl - nationally.

Brooke you are a

And For Those Of You Who Fancy Being Like Brooke…..

Check out the WAITARA SQUASH CLUB!

The Waitara Squash Club is located at the Pukehoke Domain and holds junior squash nights on Mondays - from 5:30 - 7:00pm and rackets are available if you don’t have your own. Remember: You don’t have to be great at something to participate and have fun! Squash provides great alround fitness, helps relieve stress, is exciting to play and open to everyone - including total beginners ! So give Richard a call at the Waitara Squasch Club on 027 339 0230 for more information and give squash a go!

(Mereaina) Mai Titoki ki te rau o te huia. Koia tera ko te whakararunga taniwha No runga no raro Nau mai haere mai ki urenui Nau mai haere mai ki ngati mutunga (Arthur) On behalf of Mereaina and I we both feel privileged and honoured to be here to commemorate the brave people who fought and are still fighting for our country. (Mereaina) ANZAC Day is a significant event in New Zealand history. On this day brave men stood for so much more than themselves, they stood for the future of New Zealand. These men left a mark in history that this country will never forget. (Mereaina) All of these men have their own stories. For some of them their stories sadly ended at war and for others their story continued at home. My great grandfather went to WWII and fought in inventory on the islands and thankfully he returned home. According to my nan and family my great grandfather refused to talk about his war days after his arrival. In the days before post traumatic stress disorder was recognised, he tried desperately to numb the pain by himself and forget the horrible things he had witnessed. Not only did he experience these terrifying moments at war but my great grandfather and many others just like him were forced to relive those same horrible memories everyday after the war. A lot of these soldiers were also awoken many nights by these same horrible memories screaming and suffering in their sleep. And although these soldiers suffered this horrible trauma we need to be reminded that the freedom we have today had a price. We are part of a generation where we have not experienced war or the trauma that comes with it. We now live in a generation where we do not have to stay up all night wondering if our fathers, husbands, sons, brothers and friends are goning to come home to us. We now live in a generation where we have the freedom to be happy and we owe it to the ANZACs. For their bravery and sacrifices. In honour of my great grandfather’s memory and bravery, his name was passed down to my oldest brother who he then passed down to his oldest son. My great grandfather will never be forgotten in my family and will always be remembered for his bravery and sacrifices for our country. (Arthur) Today was the day ANZAC troops landed at Gallipoli, New Zealand men and Australian men stood together united for our future. These men would be immortalised in history as heroes. What made these men heroes was not only there deeds but the fact that these men were people like you or me. Fathers, brothers, cousins and friends thrown into not only war but a battlefield. What awaited was horrendous. Men lucky enough to make it off the boat then risked drowning under the weight of their own kit. Land was no safe haven either. Conditions were substandard at best, having to endure little water, and food, disease, flies, and the stench and sight of dead men. These men comrades, brothers and friends, a sight wished on no man. Yet these men pushed on and is what gives us our sense of ANZAC pride today. This sense of pride still shown today in current deployment. We will never forget what they gave for us. (Mereaina) The ANZACs sacrificed so much for the freedom of this country. Their bravery will never go unnoticed and their stories will always be told. No reira tena koutou tena koutou tena koutou katoa

ANZAC DAY 2018 Mereaina Ahu, Deputy Head Girl

Arthur May, Deputy Head Boy Urenui Memorial Day Speech

Once again….Methanex Generosity Abounds for the Students of Waitara High School

Meet ex WHS student and now Methanex employee, Mitch Vickery! Mitch recently presented Mr Warburton with a brand new mountain bike that he wanted to donate to the WHS PE & Health Faculty. Mitch won this mean as bike

and we want to say a huge THANK YOU to him for being so generous and supporting our school!!

Shoe Clinic New Plymouth is another quiet but hugely generous supporter of WHS

students; regularly offering up a massive box of sports shoes - just like this one received earlier

this month.

So mega THANKS to Nick Bull, Manager of the Shoe Clinic New Plymouth, for helping to

make the great sporting talent we have here, even better!

Don’t forget to return the love by supporting

Shoe Clinic New Plymouth.

A Run-a-Way Act of Kindness

A good night’s sleep is absolutely essential for optimal learning and memory function. So send

the kids to bed and keep reading…….. Firstly, a sleep-deprived person cannot focus

attention and therefore cannot learn efficiently. Secondly, sleep itself plays a role in the

consolidation of memory, which is essential for learning new information.

In a nutshell - the more you learn, the more you need to sleep which is why a good sleep is critical in achieving success at school. Not only does sleep strengthen learning and memories it also helps us emotionally by reducing mood swings, aggressive or impatient behaviour and low self esteem - not to mention helping keep our immune system healthy so we don’t get sick all the time. them up and organising them according to their emotional importance.

So exactly how much sleep do we need? There is no magic number for exactly how much sleep we need, but the Australian Centre for Education in Sleep (ACES) suggests the following as a guide:

High school adolescents: 8-10 hours per day Primary school: 10-12 hours per day

Nathan Mikaere Wallis is a neuroscientist who is able to explain the inner workings of a teenager's mind...and he's coming to New Plymouth on Wednesday 25th July. To celebrate, we'd like to give two complementary tickets to members of a student’s whānau, so they can join WHS staff at this amazing event. If you’re interested in joining us and would like to enter to win tickets, then check out the instructions for entry on the Waitara High School Facebook page - just look for this poster. The draw will take place on Wednesday 4th July at 10:00am. Please note that you do need to be an immediate caregiver or parent of a student currently enrolled at Waitara High School to qualify for these tickets.

Want to know more about the inner workings of your teenager’s mind?

A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP WHY IT’S ABSOLUTELY VITAL FOR A

CHILD’S LEARNING

Update Your Emergency Contact Details...TODAY

If there have been any changes to either: …... caregiver contact phone numbers;

a students’ home address; a students’ medical needs or medication; or to the care arrangements of you rangatahi

PLEASE get in touch with the School Office TODAY.

HEY PARENTS and CAREGIVERS! Here are some messages from the school office about stuff you

really need to know.

0800 WAITARA

Having our own, dedicated 0800 number is just one of the ways we’re making it easier for parents and caregivers stay in touch.

So if you need to give us a call, to report a student absence or speak to a member of staff, then you can now do so by dialling 0800 WAITARA, and let the lovely ladies in

the School Office help you.

STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL EARLY

The safety and security of our students is our highest priority. This means that NO STUDENT (Years 9-12) is permitted to leave, during the school day,

without express parental permission. So should your child have a doctors/dentist appointment, or other legitimate reason to leave during the school day, we ask that parents/caregivers notify the School Office by either:

Providing a signed and dated note telling us why their child needs to leave school; or Ring the School Office at the start of the school day. 0800 WAITARA.

FREE HEALTH NURSE CLINICS

Students can make appointments at the school office. Public Health Nurse clinics are held at school on Mondays and Thursdays .

Many of you will already be aware that Google Chromebooks are now being used by many students at WHS; with all Y9 students making use of their personal devices in their Foundation Classrooms everyday! The reason Chromebooks have been chosen as the most effective option for the junior school include:

Able to work both offline and online No viruses or malware

Integration with Google Apps for Education Very fast start up All day battery life

Continued quick performance over lifetime of device

Having digital devices for students is not as important as how they are used; to challenge thinking and create learning opportunities. Exciting times ahead!!!

Monday 18th June WITT Hospitality Competition

Wednesday 20th June Loves Me Not (Y12 only) Y8 Taster Day

Thursday 21st June Pae Rangatahi & Manu Korero Pastoral Assembly

Friday 22nd June Pae Rangatahi & Manu Korero

Monday 25th June Board of Trustees Meeting

Wednesday 27th june EXCEL Performing Arts Assembly

Friday 29th June PTA Quiz Night

Sunday 1st July TSSSA Squash

Wednesday 4th July Special Olympics Basketball Pastoral Assembly

Friday 6th July TSSSA Climbing END OF TERM 2

A Warm Waitara Welcome To Google Chrome

Some Important Dates For Your Diary

Term 3 brings with it a great opportunity to participate in the

2018 Taranaki Science & Technology Fair!

Find out more by either visit the 2018 WITT Taranaki Science and Technology Fair Facebook page or by using the link:

http://www.focus-consultancy.co.nz/science-fair.html

Entry is free and there will be a major prizegiving on Wednesday 8th August. From 7:00 - 9:30 pm .

The Taranaki Science & Technology Fair is a

fantastic opportunity to actively involve yourself. So go and speak with your Science teacher

TODAY and get involved!

Nga mihi nui,

Hillary Knowles Deputy Principal - Learning

Calling all Science & Technology students!

I

think it’s safe to say that it probably wasn't the nicest day to be at the beach, but on May 22nd 10M was one of

several groups of students to brave the blustery conditions, taking their Science class to Waitara’s Orapa

Reef.

These trips were to enable students to take part in a rocky shore survey; studying which organisms live on the reef.

The WHS Science Faculty is also very grateful to Emily Roberts , the Education Officer for the NPDC, who has been supporting some Y10 environmental trips that our students just love taking part in!

Science and 10M Take To The Water

Manukorihi PA Bill Adam-Smith The Massey Trust Floral Lodge Studio Knox Church Waitara

Waitara High School would like to thank the following organisations and individuals for

their constant, unwavering support and assistance over the years.

Our Values - R.E.A.C.H.

RESPECT

We place importance on showing respect for others and their property, the school’s facilities and its reputation: To be honest, trustworthy and ethical. Treat others, their belongings and the environment with respect. Be polite and well mannered (STEPS). Value the past - our traditions and reputation.

EXCELLENCE

Students and staff are encouraged to pursue excellence, be self-motivated and self-reliant: Have high expectations and goals. Accept and learn from mistakes. Complete all tasks to the best of your ability. Be enthusiastic and value learning.

AROHA

Promote a sense of belonging and a caring attitude: Manaakitanga - treat all visitors and each other with respect and hospitality. Believe in yourself and your contributions. Present yourself in a way that shows you care. Be a good team member and support each other.

COMMITMENT

Our school is a community within a community and it is important that we all play our part in promoting a sense of commitment to the school, each other, our learning and our community: Become involved and ensure you have all the necessary equipment for learning. Be cooperative and helpful. Pursue your dreams. Show perseverance in all that you do.

HAUORA

Our school fosters the development of the four aspects of Hauora - Taha Wairua, Taha Hinengaro, Taha Tinana and Taha Whanau: Have a sense of belonging and balance in your life. Believe in yourself and your contributions.

Contact Us

Princess Street, Waitara, 4320, Taranaki PO Box 188, Waitara

Tel:0800 WAITARA/(06) 754 7514 Fax: (06) 754 7199 office@waitarahs.school.nz

www.waitarahs.school.nz

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