Cultural Groups
There are a variety of cultural and service groups at Waitaki for students to join.
In addition to these, we have several annual cultural events on our school calendar including Theatrix, House choirs, Wai’ factor and our biennual combined production with WBHS.
If you want to make a contribution to your community then ASTRA is for you!
ASTRA is a volunteer organisation for young people, sponsored by the local Altrusa Club of Oamaru. It is an opportunity to use your time and talent to enrich the lives of others.
ASTRA does volunteer work in our community, for example:
- Make biscuits for senior citizens
- Help with Altrusa projects
- Collect for the Heart Foundation
For more information please contact Mrs Liz Ballantyne
The All-sorts group is a place for acceptance and community. It isn‘t just for LGBTQ+ people it’s for anyone! Whether you are part of the LGBT community, questioning who you
For more information please contact Mrs Jenny Corlet
WGHS Amnesty Group promotes the work of Amnesty International New Zealand in the school environment by taking part in campaigns and raising awareness of issues that they expose. We meet regularly at lunchtime and are open to all students.
Amnesty International is a global movement of individuals who protect and defend human rights. We campaign and raise awareness regarding the instances where justice has been denied and aim to protect people, defending their right to freedom, truth, and dignity.
For more information please contact Ms Sonya Hull
The Waitaki Singers: This is the school’s main choir and is open to all that wish to join for the love of singing. A range of styles are covered from both secular and sacred music and students of any skill ability are welcome. The choir sings at many formal occasions and events for the school. These include assemblies, town events and the annual Big Sing Competition held in Dunedin.
Combined choir: This is a choir that now involves all three local high schools. This is a great opportunity to meet other students with similar interests and to work on music involving both genders for a wider sound range. A large range of music is covered and performance opportunities are given throughout the year at many different occasions including citizenship ceremonies and public concerts.
For more information please contact Ms Celeste Warner
This is a concert band that is a combination of both Waitaki Girls’ and Waitaki Boys’ pupils.
For more information please contact Mrs Jill Hinds
Dance Club meets 2-3 times a week, working on choreography for performances throughout the year or just having fun with dance. We perform occasionally for public events and within the school. We enjoy working on different styles of dance, but mainly modern and hip hop. Occasionally we have visiting tutors, who share new techniques or styles, but usually, work as a small group trying out new ideas with choreography.
For more information please contact Mrs Jackie Grant
In debating, there are two teams of three speakers – the affirmative team and the negative team, which debate a topic, called a moot. Teams need to prove that their side of the motion is better than the other, and judges are looking to see whether they should support the motion (affirmative) or reject it (negating).
WGHS Debating Club starts each year in Term 2. Once a week at lunchtime, girls are able to learn and practice their skills in debating. This also helps with public speaking.
For more information please contact Mrs Sherilyn Hellier
WGHS Drama Club meets once a week at lunchtime. At each meeting, we play theatre sports games, participate in acting activities, and script work. The Club is open to all year groups and always welcomes new members.
For more information please contact Mrs Anna Sillibourne
Enviro Club meets once a week where we discuss ways to help schools to become more sustainable and eco-friendly. We want to implement this into the student’s lives to help save the planet. In the long run, we would like to reach out into the community to have an effect there too.
For more information please contact Mrs Jessica Wright
The goal of the Student Health Committee is to work on building student wellbeing at WGHS.
This committee is available to all students from Year 9 through to Year 13. Come together with students who have a passion for wellbeing. There are a couple of meetings each term and we plan what the focus is according to student interest. We have a student leader who is in charge and leads us with our projects. An example of a project we are involved in is organising ‘Pink Shirt Day’ as part of National Anti-bullying week.
For more information please contact Mrs Jenny Corlet
We have a combined kapa haka group, Te Au o te Waitaki, with Waitaki Boys’ High School. Currently, we meet weekly where we learn waiata, haka, and practice towards performances within our community. We aim to create whanaungatanga within our rōpū to give our members a sense of belonging.
For more information please contact Assistant Principal, Celeste Warner
This is the local community orchestra and a great place to develop ensemble and performance skills on any instrument. All are welcome and there are members from all three schools and the wider community. A wide range of music is covered and is a fun and friendly environment for all musicians in Oamaru. The orchestra also plays at a number of occasions over the course of the year and is a great way to meet people throughout the community.
For more information please contact Mrs Jill Hinds
Our group practice towards community performances and our big annual event Polyfest held in Dunedin.
For more information please contact Mrs Liz Koni
The school holds an biennial production with Waitaki Boys’ High School. This year it will be “Aotearoa – A New Zealand Rock Musical” which is a New Zealand based story that revolves around iconic music of New Zealand rock bands.
For more information please contact Mrs Margaret Williams
Year 12 and 13 students are invited to sign up to WGHS Students Against Dangerous Driving (SADD). The group meets once a month and promotes the 6 principles of the SADD NZ Charity which are Sober Drivers, Driving to the Conditions, Avoiding Risks, Safe Speeds, Building Experience and No Distractions. We are also involved in the community through Road Safety Waitaki.
For more information please contact Mrs Jenny Corlet
Young Farmers is a club which aims to educate all girls about rural life, whether they are from the town or country. We hold meetings with guest speakers, complete quizzes and go on farm visits. Students lead this club and members choose the focus for the term. We work with the Aorangi manager to grow leadership in our members.
For more information please contact Mrs Jen Howden
