|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2024 year has been a year of growth, challenge, and change as we strive to ensure Wairarapa College is a place where every student can thrive academically, culturally, and personally. From celebrating student achievements to implementing new initiatives, I remain focused on leaving WaiCol in a better place than before, for the benefit of both our current students and the generations to come.
|
One of my personal highlights this year has been meeting with so many of you—past pupils who share memories and stories of school days and adventures (and misadventures). Your ongoing connection to our school is what makes us a true community school.
|
As we head into the holidays, I want to thank you all for your continued support. Whether you’ve attended reunions, shared your expertise, or simply carried the Waicol name with pride, your contributions enrich our school and remind us of the strength of our wider WaiCol whānau.
|
I wish you a joyful holiday season filled with time to reflect, recharge, and connect with loved ones. Here’s to 2025 and another chapter in the incredible story of Wairarapa College!
|
With wisdom and courage, kia māia, kia mātau.
|
|
|
|
|
|
We continue to produce excellent academic achievements across a range of subjects at all year levels. Our students can select over 100 courses including UCOL courses at senior level. We also offer Waikato University papers and work experience placements. Our new structured literacy programme has significantly increased students’ reading and spelling results. This year our senior students gained scholarships to all the New Zealand Universities and a number of other tertiary institutions.
|
We are proud of our diversity. This year we have celebrated Waitangi Day, Matariki, Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, hosted the Wairarapa Kapa Haka festival and hosted events for our international and migrant communities. Staff worked with Te Ao Haka students to develop a new school haka and went on to perform it at the regional kapa haka festival. Our Whare Āwhina Supported Learning Centre students completed the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hilary and Young Enterprise programmes.
|
We have expanded our student leadership opportunities across the school by raising the profile of our house, service and Māori Ngā Tuakana leaders. These students have an active role in school-wide decision making and school events. Students have contributed ideas for our property developments and have led events like World Book Day and Anything But a Bag Day.
|
An increased number of students have been involved in service action groups and have gained Student Volunteer Army SVA awards. We received the World Vision 40-hour Challenge Auahatanga Most Creative award and our fundraising contributed to the Mental Health Foundation, Cancer Foundation Daffodil Day, Wellington Free Ambulance and the Wairarapa Food Bank.
|
The Performing Arts Department delivered our major production - “School of Rock” which achieved outstanding reviews. Our Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Groups were selected for the National Competition with three students being selected for the Globe Theatre course. Our rock bands and soloists were finalists in the regional RockQuest, Theatrefest, Talent Wairarapa, Intercollegiate Music, as well the APRA lyric and NZ Secondary School Song Writing Competitions. We were also privileged to host the New Zealand Army Band.
|
|
This year we have increased the number of staff involved in sport. Our athletes compete in Wellington and Manawatu competitions and were involved with sports exchanges with Tawa College and Napier Boys’ High. The 1st XI boys’ hockey competed in the Rankin Cup the premier tournament in New Zealand. Students have represented New Zealand in hockey, softball, boxing, kick boxing, squash and cricket.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tribute to Mrs Alison Osborne (nee Lacey)
|
|
|
This year the school farewelled Alison Osborne after 16 years of service to the College. It was with great sadness that during the third term school holidays we got the news that Alison had passed away following medical treatment in Wellington. The loss was felt by the school as a whole due to the profound impact Alison had had on so many lives in so many ways during her 16 years with us.
|
Alison came to Wairarapa College in 2008 to take up a position as Teacher Aide with Language Resources. This was after eight years in a similar position at Rathkeale College. For the next eight years she played an important part in helping students in need of support to achieve their goals. There are many current and former students who will look back at their time at WaiCol with gratitude for the opportunity that she gave them.
|
In 2016 Alison combined her role at Language Resources with a new challenge as Assistant at the College Library. This was a role that she made an enormous contribution to. Her steady reliability and organisational skills enhanced the services that the Library could offer.
|
This has been a brief record of Alison’s contribution to her old school (she had been a pupil from 1971 to 1974), but she is mostly remembered for the kindness, respect and determination she brought to her roles. This extended to her general care for staff and students. Alison was a woman with a big heart and enormous empathy for others. She will be sadly missed by all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Welcome back Shakira Baker
|
We were thrilled to welcome Shakira Baker as our guest speaker at our annual Sports Prizegiving.
|
Shakira, a proud WaiCol and hostel graduate, is a name synonymous with dedication, resilience, and sporting excellence. From her early days at Wairarapa College, she demonstrated her natural athleticism as a hockey player before the hostel Matron, Ms Sharon Haeata introduced her to rugby. After leaving Waicol, Shakira’s rugby career flourished. She earned a place in the Black Ferns Sevens squad where her speed, strength, and determination on the field earned her a reputation as one of the most formidable players in women’s rugby. Shakira contributed to the team's numerous victories, including World Sevens Series titles, and represented New Zealand at the Olympic Games.
|
Beyond her sporting accolades, Shakira has been a role model both on and off the field. She is an advocate for young people, especially wāhine Māori, inspiring them to pursue their dreams through hard work and perseverance. Her connection to her roots and commitment to giving back to her community highlight the values we hold dear at WaiCol.
|
- Provincial Rugby: Played for Wellington, Manawatu, Counties Manukau, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty in the Women’s Provincial Championship/Farah Palmer Cup, accumulating 36 provincial appearances (2009–2024) and scoring 120 points from 24 tries.
- Super Rugby Aupiki: Represented Hurricanes Poua (2023–2024) with 10 appearances and 2 tries.
- Black Ferns: Played 13 Tests (2011–2014), scoring 40 points (8 tries).
- Sevens Career: Represented the Black Ferns Sevens from 2011 to 2022, winning:
- Gold: 2018 Commonwealth Games
- Gold: 2018 Rugby World Cup Sevens
- Silver: 2016 Olympic Games
|
|
|
|
|
Shakira Baker with 2024 Sportswoman of the Year, Sovaia Sabutu
|
|
|
|
|
|
Farewell Poto College House
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It was with sadness that we reflected and shared memories at the hostel closing whakawatea closing ceremony.
|
From its beginning in 1924 until its closure this year, Poto College House has provided a safe space and nurtured students’ academic potential. The hostel is more than just accommodation—it became a place where young people could embrace their identity, learn life skills, and receive guidance to thrive in their schooling and beyond.
|
|
Photo 1. Gretchen Dean talked about her time as a resident staff member with her partner, Stacey Grant and the development and success of the young people from hostel.
|
Photo 2: Deb Perry former hostel student spoke about the friendships and connection she made with fellow students and staff.
|
Photo 3: Blanche Thompson spoke about how hostel was central to her life being from the country. In front of Blanche is former hostel student and staff member - Luther Toloa. Luther spoke about the significance college hostel had with the Tokelau community and to him personally.
|
|
The crown will take responsibility for the use of the land and buildings from 2025. The school will keep the community updated with any future plans.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
School visits
|
|
James Wong (left) 1979 - 1983 and David van Weede (right) 1940s visiting the school and sharing memories.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrating our achievements
|
|
|
Our New Zealand representative wall in the hall is always a point of interest. We seek your support to update the current list of representatives and extend it to include a record of other notable achievements.
|
|
Please contact alumni@waicol.nz if you wish to nominate a former student or staff member who has represented New Zealand, received a King's honours, PHD or equivalent.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All the best to the class of 2024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
