Principal’s message

The students at Waitaki Girls’ High School continue to display our school values of respect, resilience, and responsibility during a busy time of the term.

This week we have celebrated Tongan Language Week. Celebrating Tongan Language Week means paying respect and tribute to an important group of students in our school and our wider community. It is important that we learn to view things in different ways and celebrate the greatness in each of our cultures. It was fantastic to see on Thursday students at school in traditional dress with their school blazers over the top. This is a signal that we embrace our diverse cultures and combine this with the pride that our students have for our school.

I was very proud of the students who represented us during the Sports Tournament Week. The 1st XI Hockey, who were in Nelson, played amazing Hockey. Sometimes it is our actions off the sports field that bring the greatest pride – I received an email of commendation from the owner of the accommodation where the team stayed. The team impressed all with the respect that they showed towards staff and the condition that they left the motel. Our 1st Netball team placed an impressive 10th place in the South Island. This is impressive when we consider the size of our school. This was truly outstanding and shows the dedication and commitment over the past two terms. The netball was fiercely competitive and as a spectator it was nail-biting. A huge congratulations to all the students and staff involved in sports tournament week.

I wish the senior students well for the upcoming Derived Grade Examinations. This is a challenging time for students, but they always need to be reminded that they just have to do their best.

Mālō e lava mai

Sarah Hay

Tumuaki | Principal