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Welcome to Term 2, and a warm welcome to all new students and whānau joining the Wairarapa College community. We acknowledge the recent impact of the weather across our region and extend our thoughts to those affected. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if there is any way we can support you or your family.
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Term 2 has a strong academic focus, with staff and students working together to build momentum in teaching and learning. This is a critical term where good habits, consistent attendance, and a commitment to learning make a significant difference to outcomes. We encourage all students to take ownership of their progress, seek support when needed, and strive for their personal best.
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Alongside the classroom programme, there continues to be a wide range of opportunities for students to engage beyond their learning through winter sports, cultural activities, leadership, service and House activities. These experiences play an important role in developing well-rounded, confident young people. I look forward to performing at House Singing to end the term!
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Regular attendance is essential for every young person’s learning and long-term success. The Government’s goal is for 80% of students to attend school regularly, meaning being present for more than 90% of the school year.
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We encourage all whānau to support strong attendance habits. Consistent attendance not only supports academic progress, but also strengthens wellbeing, connection, and a sense of belonging at school.
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You can find a helpful guide for parents and whānau link outlining why attendance matters and practical ways to support your child to be at school every day.
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If you have any concerns or need support, please get in touch with your child’s whānau teacher or House Dean. We are here to work alongside you.
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Congratulations to Mrs Pratiksha Peters on the birth of her first child. We wish her and her family all the very best. Mrs Sheelum Satya will be covering her classes during her maternity leave.
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We also welcome back Mrs Di Banks, Mrs Christine Buckley, and Ms Oliver, who are supporting classes at the start of the term.
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As always, our focus remains on balancing care and excellence. We are proud of the way our students support one another and the positive culture that underpins our kura. Strong partnerships between home and school are key, and we value your ongoing support.
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We look forward to a productive and successful term ahead.
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With wisdom and courage—kia mātau, kia māia.
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Matt White
Principal / Tumuaki
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Welcome to our new librarian
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We’re excited to welcome our new librarian, Ms Kate Curtis. A qualified teacher, Kate joins us with recent experience at Te Kura Correspondence School and the Ministry of Education, bringing a strong background in supporting students across a range of learning contexts.
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- What’s your all‑time favourite book — the one you’d save in a zombie apocalypse? Can I choose an all-time favourite author? Margaret Atwood. Growing up in Canada, her books were part of my teenage years and are the ones I keep going back to. I'm currently re-reading her trilogy Oryx and Crake, The Year of the Flood and MaddAddam for the umpteenth time. If you like speculative fiction with themes of environmental demise, corporate overreach, and humankind coming together in unlikely partnerships, you'll love them.
- What kinds of books do you love reading the most? The ones that really draw me in are the books with themes of social change or challenges, where people are faced with novel issues to overcome, or be undone by. I also really enjoy non-fiction with new-to-me ideas and knowledge. Authors like Malcom Gladwell who explain complex ideas through storytelling make learning really engaging.
- What’s one thing you hope students discover about the library this year? That the library is a welcoming "third space" at college. A place away from the pressure and energy of the classroom and sports field, where students can connect with friends, get help with a research challenge, find a quiet spot to tackle an assessment, or grab a book to escape into.
- Do you have a favourite quote about reading or learning?“ Warm, eager, living life—to be rooted in life—to learn, to desire, to know, to feel, to think, to act. This is what I want.” - Katherine Mansfield
- What’s a fun fact about you that students might not guess? I've lived in 8 cities and towns across 4 countries. I'm very happy to now be calling the Wairarapa home since the end of last year. I also love horses and equestrian sport, but that one is pretty easy to guess once you start talking to me!
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Academic Support from the Academic Leaders
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Term 2 is a busy one, with Science Assessment Week, internals, and co‑requisite assessments coming up. We want students to know they’re not on their own.
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As Academic Leaders, we’re here to help. Students can come and see us - Eavhong, Addison, Sassa or Maddy (left to right photo below), or talk with their Whānau Teacher if they need support.
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Co‑requisite prep sessions for Literacy and Numeracy start next Wednesday, in the Library at 2:15pm. These are a great chance to get extra help and build confidence.
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Proud to LEAD: Aiden’s Shave for a Cure
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We are incredibly proud of Aiden Newport, who recently took part in Shave for a Cure, showing support of those affected by blood cancer.
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Aiden made the bold decision to shave his hair as part of this nationwide movement, joining thousands of New Zealanders raising awareness and vital funds for people living with blood cancer. Every day, around eight Kiwis are diagnosed with blood cancer, and initiatives like this help provide essential support, care, and research funding.
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Through his efforts, Aiden’s fundraising is contributing to services that directly support patients and their families across the country.
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Wairarapa College 40 Hour Challenge for the Solomon Islands
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What could you do for 40 hours? Go without your phone, electricity, or even furniture? Step outside your comfort zone or take on 40 acts of kindness to make a difference in your community?
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Wairarapa College is proud to be supporting World Vision to raise funds for communities in the Solomon Islands, where families are facing increasing challenges due to climate change, food insecurity, and limited access to resources. Our fundraising will help support children and whānau to build a stronger future.
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This initiative will run as a House Competition, giving students the opportunity to support an important cause while earning valuable points for their House. Our collective goal is $7,500, and every contribution will make a meaningful difference.
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A key highlight of the campaign will be our Fundraising Concert on 18 June, followed by a Challenge Weekend from 19–21 June, where students will take part in activities designed to build teamwork, resilience, and community spirit while raising funds.
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Sign up today and be part of making a positive impact beyond our school gates.
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Make a Difference Through SVA
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Wairarapa College is proud to be an SVA (Student Volunteer Army) school, where students can sign up and log their volunteer hours, whether at school or in the community and work towards service awards that are a valuable addition to job applications and university scholarship CVs.
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SVA is a fantastic way to recognise the positive impact our rangatahi are already making. Please encourage your young person to reflect on how they’re serving others—or how they might get involved—and sign up to start logging their hours.
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Further details, including how to register, can be found below or by contacting our service student leaders.
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LEAD in Action: School Farm Makes a Difference
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Our school farm, home of our Kaimac sheep, continues to provide authentic, hands-on learning while making a meaningful contribution to our community. Students are actively involved in a working sheep, beef, and horticultural operation, building practical skills and a real-world understanding of the primary sector. The farm recently featured on Seven Sharp, highlighting the strength of our agriculture programme and its impact both locally and nationally.
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A highlight last term has been our potato harvest. Students were involved in the full growing and harvesting process, with over one third of a tonne donated to the Wairarapa Foodbank. Our livestock programme is also thriving, with strong results at Wairarapa cattle sales, reflecting both the quality of the stock and the care and skill of our students. Students have also supported the Golden Shears, gaining behind-the-scenes experience at one of New Zealand’s premier agricultural events and connecting classroom learning with industry and tradition.
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Work experience opportunities linked to the farm continue to grow, giving students valuable exposure to industry and clear pathways into future employment and further study.
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Looking ahead, Term 2 is shaping up to be busy, with butchery learning, pre-lamb shearing next week, and our 11PITA class completing a fencing course. We also look forward to welcoming Paul Kenyon from Massey University, who will speak with our Year 12 and 13 students about study pathways and current research in lamb production in New Zealand.
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The school farm remains a cornerstone of learning at Wairarapa College, an environment where students engage, act, and dare to succeed through real-world experiences.
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Sutherland Block Reopens: Honouring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future
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Originally opened on 14 February 1923 as the home of Wairarapa High School, the Sutherland Block has long been at the heart of our college. The site was purchased in 1922 for £4,552, with construction costing approximately £23,000 and a further £2,000 invested in furnishings—reflecting a significant commitment to education in the Wairarapa from the very beginning.
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Later named in honour of former Principal George Sutherland (1969–1983), the building represents a legacy of innovation and growth. During his tenure, Mr Sutherland modernised the curriculum, introduced the Dean system, and oversaw major developments including the Olive Sutherland Library, Music and Drama suites, a cafeteria, and a senior common room.
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Now, after three years of closure, the Sutherland Block has reopened. Strengthened, modernised, and carefully restored, it once again takes its place at the centre of school life. This reopening marks not just the return of a building, but the renewal of a space that connects our past with our future—now a flexible, contemporary learning environment ready to support the next generation of Wairarapa College students. Contact office@waicol.nz to arrange a visit.
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“Seeing the Sutherland Block restored to such a high standard for our staff and students is something we’re immensely proud of.” — Joe Hurndell, Deputy Principal
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Creativity in Action - Drama Night
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Our recent Drama Arts Night was a fantastic celebration of student performance, creativity, and courage. Students took to the stage to present their assessed scenes, alongside auditions for the SGCNZ Regional Shakespeare Festival.
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A highlight of the evening was the range of scenes from Shakespearean classics, including Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, The Taming of the Shrew, and The Tempest. From the intensity of the witches in Macbeth to the humour and tension between Juliet and the Nurse, students brought these timeless texts to life with energy and commitment.
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Students spoke honestly about the experience, with one sharing they felt “nervous, but it turned into such a positive experience thanks to the support of my friends.” Another highlighted the opportunity to direct, saying it was “really rewarding to bring a vision into reality as a student director.”
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A special mention goes to Nesiah Haeata Theunissen, who stepped in at short notice to replace a student who was unable to attend. Despite not being a Drama student, Nesiah rose to the challenge to support her peers to be able perform on the night.
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We are proud of all students involved for their willingness to step outside their comfort zones and support one another to succeed.
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A vibrant term of Arts
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It will be an exciting and creative term in the Performing Arts at Wairarapa College, with a wide range of opportunities for students to perform, collaborate, and showcase their talents.
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At the heart of the term is our major production, Sister Act, a vibrant, all-ages musical full of energy, humour, and unforgettable music. This production brings together students from across the college in a true celebration of performance, and promises to be a highlight of the year for both performers and audiences. Details on how to purchase tickets below.
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Alongside this, the term begins with our Film Festival Week, where student storytelling and creativity take centre stage on screen. We are also fortunate to host the US Marine Corps Band, offering students a unique opportunity to experience live performance at an exceptional level.
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Music continues to feature strongly, with events such as the Vocal Spectacular and Big Sing, where our talented singers will take to the stage. In addition, our 40 Hour Challenge Concert and Weekend will combine performance with purpose, supporting an important fundraising initiative. Students will also have the chance to shine through RockQuest and the Speech Competition, highlighting the depth and diversity of performance at Wairarapa College.
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The term rounds out with House Singing, always a much-anticipated event that brings the whole school together in a spirited celebration of music and house pride.
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- Liberty Jones – Represented New Zealand U17 Squash vs Australia, winning both matches; placed 9th at Oceania U19 Championships and 10th at Australian U19 Open.
- Maggie Shields – Selected trialist for NZ Secondary Schools Netball.
- Wairarapa College 1st XI Cricket – Ross Taylor Bat Champions; completed an unbeaten tournament with a dominant final victory over St John’s College.
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Pottinger House Cup
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The Pottinger House Cup continues to showcase the positive spirit, pride, and healthy competition that exists between our six house groups. Throughout the year, students earn valuable points by participating in a wide range of events, including tug of war, house singing, athletics, and many other activities. This term, houses will battle it out in the ever-popular House Quiz and House Haka, with plenty of points still up for grabs as the race for the Pottinger House Cup continues.
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At the moment, our current leaders are
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- Puketoi
- Rangitumau
- Remutaka
- Aorangi
- Maungarake
- Tararua
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A reminder that we are using SchoolBridge as our communication platform. SchoolBridge is designed to make communication easier and more effective by providing a central sign-in point for both parents and students. It will allow for seamless access to important tools and information, all in one place.
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Key Features of SchoolBridge:
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Absence reporting and exit passes
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Permission slips and forms
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School calendar and event updates
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News and school-wide information
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Easy access to the School.Kiwi portal (previously KAMAR portal)
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How to Get Started with SchoolBridge:
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1. Visit our website at www.waicol.nz and click the LOG IN button on the homepage.
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2. Select your account type: Parent/Caregiver or Student.
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3. Students will sign in using their school Microsoft account details.
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4. Parents/Caregivers can sign in with the email address registered with the school. If your email is linked to a service like Apple, Google, Yahoo, Microsoft, or Facebook, you can use it for easy access.
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5. If your email address is not connected to one of these services, you can use the Magic Link option. This will send an email with a link that allows you to log in without needing a password.
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Download the SchoolBridge app by searching for it on the App Store or Google Play, or by scanning the QR code.
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Once installed, tap the app icon on your device and log in using the same details as the web version.
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The app will keep you signed in for convenience.
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We encourage all families to download and set up SchoolBridge to ensure you’re ready to stay connected.
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If you have any questions or need help getting started, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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Looking Ahead – Term 2
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Term 2 is shaping up to be another busy and exciting term with many opportunities for students and whānau to be involved.
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· ANZAC Day observed – 27 April
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· Film Festival Week – 27 April – 1 May
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· Inter-College Swimming – 28 April
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· US Marine Corps Band – 28 April
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· Whānau Teacher Conferences – 30 April & 5 May
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· School Cross Country – 5 May
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· School Production Sister Act – 6 - 10 May
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· Rotuman Language Week – 1 - 16 May
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· Science Assessment Week – 18 – 22 May
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· Napier Boys’ High Exchange (home) – 20 May
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· LEAD report #3 – 21 May
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· Vocal Spectacular – 21 May
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· NCEA Corequisite Assessments – 25 – 29 May
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· Samoa Language Week – 31 May – 6 June
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· Kings’ Birthday – 1 June
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· Teacher Only Day – 2 June
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· Tawa Exchange and Open Evening – 10 June
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· 40 Hour Challenge Concert and Weekend – 18 – 21 June
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· RockQuest and Speech Competition – 19 June
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· Matariki Whānau Hui – 1 July
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· LEAD report #4 – 2 July
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We look forward to continuing this positive momentum as we move through the year and thank our community for their ongoing support of Wairarapa College.
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