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Welcome to Term 3 and a warm welcome to our new students and staff.
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This is a particularly important term academically for our students, especially for those working towards NCEA and our Year 10 students who will complete their literacy and numeracy co-requisite assessments. Now, more than ever, it’s essential that we work together as staff, whānau, and students to support every young person to be successful and to be the best they can be.
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By continuing to live our LEAD values, we help create an environment where students feel encouraged, empowered, and ready to take on challenges. Let’s keep celebrating progress, effort, and achievement as we move through this busy and rewarding term together.
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- Mrs Anja Lister – Head of Careers and Pathways
- Mrs Pratiksha Peters – teacher of Mathematics
- Mrs Charles Sithole – teacher of Mathematics
- Mr Pryor Brightwell - ground staff
- Miss Cassandra Celeste – teacher of Social Sciences
- Mr Brendon Perkins – teacher of Social Sciences (for Term 3)
- Mrs Sarah Craig – Careers Assistant (returns week 4)
The following policies are due for review this term:
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- Food and Nutrition
- Police Vetting
- Missing Student Procedure
An update on changes to the school uniform for 2026 Year 9 students will be emailed directly to whānau on Monday 21 July.
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A reminder that all new students need to complete an enrolment form online or contact the school office for a paper copy. We encourage enrolments to be completed before our course selection evening on 20 August.
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The school will continue to operate the canteen — Pie Day Fridays are here to stay!
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The redevelopment of the Sutherland block is progressing on schedule and is expected to open in early 2026.
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The hostel remains in the Ministry's disposal process and any updates on its future use will provided when available.
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With wisdom and courage. Kia māia, kia mātau.
Matt White
Principal | Tumuaki
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Mr Charles Sithole experienced teacher of Mathematics and football coach joins us from Zimbabwe.
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Mrs Pratiksha Peters teacher of Mathematics and numeracy specialist joins us from Kaitaia College.
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Board of Trustee Elections
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As the current Chair of the Wairarapa College Board, I would like to extend a warm invitation to all parents and caregivers in our school community to consider putting your hand up to join our Board.
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Being a board member is a unique opportunity to contribute directly to the direction and success of our kura. You do not need to be an education expert—what matters most is your passion for our students’ learning and wellbeing, and your commitment to helping our school thrive.
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The time commitment is very manageable, with regular meetings and occasional events. You will be working alongside a dedicated and highly capable leadership team that brings professionalism, vision, and heart to everything they do. Your role will be to support and guide, not to manage day-to-day operations.
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Serving on the Board is a rewarding way to give back, learn new skills, and be part of a team that is making a real difference. If you have ever thought about how you could contribute to the future of Wairarapa College, this is your chance.
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BOT Presiding Member Chair
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Student Achievements
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- Cody Laing-Bailey currently at the Globe Theatre in London with the SGCNZ Young Shakespeare Company.
- Konnor Vainu and Austin Grant, who were selected for the Māori Rugby U18 Ngā Whatukura National Camp.
- Rampage, who took out the Smokefree Rockquest Regional Final. Also, congratulations to Jack Brown, who placed second in the Solo-Duo section and won the ZM Best Song Award.
- Bayle Griffin, Brandon Mostert, Dane Hemendez, Ethan Davidson, Anthony Saumamao, Konnor Vainu, and Austin Grant on their selection for the Hurricanes U18 Regional Development Rugby Camps.
- Liam Tovio, who has been selected for the Polynesian Basketball U16 Boys’ team for their USA tour.
- Theo Wing competed for Wairarapa at the National Darts Championship.
- Jordie Fennell and Rory Faulkner on reaching 75 caps for the Boys' 1st XI Football Team. Tāne Jenkinson, Campbell Wiramanaden, Enzo Howley, and Braith McCarthy, who have each played 50 games for the 1st XI.
- Shilo Heberley, Caitlyn De Lara-Bell and Abi Whitehead-Kai playing 50 games for Girls' 1st XI Football Team.
- Wairarapa Under 18 Boys' Hockey Squad: Theo Sears, Ryan Bengston, Owen Bengston, Rhett Dornan, Matthew Hall, Luca Duncan, Max Bradley, and Jono Herrick. The team was coached by our 1st XI coach Mr Regan Fricker.
- Wairarapa Under 18 Girls' Hockey Squad: Sarah Linton, Manaia Papworth, Hazel Stewart, Maali Walsh, and Taylah Hanson.
- Wairarapa Under 18 Girls' Netball Squad: Maggie Shields. Maddy Brown, Destiny Tapara, and Jessica Harvey.
- Wairarapa Under 16 Girls' Netball Squad: Ollie Shields.
- Wairarapa Under 14 Girls' Netball Squad: Kendyl Goodger, Heidi Grove, and Rayne O’Donnell.
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The hall was buzzing with energy and colour as each house brought their best to the stage for our annual House Singing.
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Well done to everyone who got up and sang their hearts out for their house. From harmonies to choreography, school spirit was on full display.
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A shout out to Remutaka, who took out the title this year – ka rawe!
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Thank you to our fabulous judges Ms Julia Penny and Mr Brent Gare for making some very tough calls, and to our brilliant tech crew who ran the music and lights like pros behind the scenes.
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Wairarapa College Readers Cup Team Crowned Wairarapa Champions!
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Congratulations to the Wairarapa College Readers Cup Team, who took out first place at the Wairarapa regional competition! After weeks of preparation, the team impressed with their knowledge, teamwork, and love of reading.
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The winning team included:
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Jessica McIntyre was absent from the team photo below.
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In preparation for the competition, students were required to read six novels:
Lopini the Legend by Feana Tu’akoi,
The Tomo by Mary-Anne Scott,
Catch a Falling Star by Eileen Merriman,
Coast Watcher by David Hill,
Pātea Boys by Airana Ngarewa,
and Tiger Daughter by Rebecca Lim.
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All that reading paid off, with our team scoring an impressive 43 points, ahead of Rathkeale College on 30 and Kuranui College on 26 points.
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The team now prepares to represent Wairarapa College at the national Readers Cup competition. We are proud of their dedication and can’t wait to see how they perform on the national stage.
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Ka rawe, team! Best of luck for nationals — you've already done us proud.
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Gifted Education at Wairarapa College: Nurturing Talent, Encouraging Excellence
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At Wairarapa College, we believe that all learners deserve challenge, inspiration, and the opportunity to realise their full potential. Under the guidance of Mr Rory Hughes, our Gifted Education programme offers a growing range of enrichment experiences that extend beyond the classroom and into the wider world.
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In-Class Extension and Tailored Learning
Gifted students are supported through personalised classroom programmes designed to stretch their thinking and deepen their understanding. Teachers collaborate with Mr Hughes to provide extension tasks, problem-solving opportunities, and project-based learning to ensure students remain engaged and stimulated in their areas of strength.
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Beyond the Classroom: Enrichment Opportunities
Wairarapa College students have access to a rich menu of experiences beyond the school gates. This year, our students have participated in several exciting opportunities, including:
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Model United Nations (MUN): Students stepped into the shoes of international diplomats, debating global issues with eloquence, empathy, and critical thinking. MUN encourages public speaking, negotiation, and collaborative problem-solving – key skills for tomorrow’s leaders.
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Victoria University Visit: Students visited Victoria University of Wellington to explore taster courses in Astrophysics and Quantum Mechanics. They enjoyed some hands-on practical experiences and were able to engage with academic staff. This visit opened their eyes to the opportunities that lie ahead with pathways into research and higher learning.
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TOM (The Tournament of Minds): We’re proud to have New Zealand represented in TOM, an international programme designed to develop problem-solving and creative thinking. Our students tackle complex challenges that require teamwork, innovation, and out-of-the-box solutions, competing at regional, national and potentially international tournaments against other schools. More information about TOM can be found here: https://tom.edu.au/branch/nz/
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If you’d like to learn more about how we support gifted students at Wairarapa College, or if you think your child may benefit from additional challenge, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Mr Rory Hughes by email rhughes@waicol.nz.
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Careers & Pathways - Upcoming Opportunities & Events
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Year 11 & 12 students will attend an assembly in the hall on Tuesday 22 July during whānau time to learn more about studying at UCOL while at school. UCOL https://www.ucol.ac.nz/programmes/in-school. Applications will open 18 August.
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University course selection visits:
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- Otago Uni – Thursday 24 July, 10am (Library)
- Victoria Uni – Tuesday 5 August, 10am (Library)
Three of our Year 13 students will attend the BEING BOLD: Dreaming Big event in Wellington on 14 August , an inspiring opportunity to think big about the future!
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Thank you to Kiwi Lumber for sponsoring our Football team and offering a group of students the chance to visit their site for a taster experience.
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Year 13 career interviews will be conducted the week of 18th - 22nd of August.
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Lastly, thank you to all the employers and organisations supporting our Gateway students with valuable work experience.
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Sports Academy: Building Athletes, Building Leaders
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This term we look forward to continuing to provide opportunities and experiences for our athletes to grow and develop, including skill development and specialist workshops with our community experts.
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The Sports Academy would also like to thank the Wairarapa College Sports Foundation and the Student Council for assisting with funding towards Strength and Conditioning equipment as we continue to build up our facility.
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Term 3 Events
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27 July Vanuatu Bislama Language Week
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3 August Cook Islands Māori Language Week
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6 August Senior Speech Competition
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7 August Whānau Teacher Evening
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8 August Junior Speech Competition
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17 August Lea Faka-Tonga Language Week
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19 August Cultural and Service photos
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20 August Course Selection Evening
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24 August Winter Tournament Week starts
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1 September NCEA Corequisite Assessment Week
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7 September Papua Niugini Tok Pisin Language Week
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8 September School Derived Grade Exam Week
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10 September BOT Election
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14 September Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori
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18 & 19 September Whakaoriori Kapa Haka Festival (at Chanel College)
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19 September LEAD reports, End of Term 3
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