Message from our Principal

Tēnā koutou katoa, ngā mihi mahana kia kotou. Malo e lelei, Talofa lava, Kia orana. It is my privilege, as Principal of Waitaki Girls’ High School, to extend a warm welcome to you.

Waitaki Girls’ High School has a proud history of providing young women with an exceptional educational experience. The foundation of this is the belief, supported by unequivocal evidence, in the value of single sex education. In a learning environment that is free from gender discrimination, girls achieve greater academic success and are more confident. Single sex education allows young women to be challenged, to take risks, to make mistakes and to step out of their comfort zones in an environment that is safe, positive and nurturing. As a single sex girls’ school, Waitaki Girls’ High School creates strong, empowered young women.

On top of this foundation sits high expectations for effort, behaviour and attitude. At Waitaki Girls’ High School, we believe that every young woman has qualities, capabilities and passions that can contribute positively to our school, our community and our society. As educators it is our responsibility to help our students discover what these are and ensure that they aspire to be the best that they can be. To ensure that they pursue personal excellence. We believe that every student has the potential to attain greatness, and it is our job to harness each individual’s abilities and inspire them towards it.

Alongside the high expectations that we have for the young women at Waitaki Girls’ High School is a commitment to values-based education, primarily encapsulated in our ‘Waitaki Way’ of respect, responsibility and resilience. Values-based education focuses on life-long wellbeing, encouraging young women to strengthen their relationships, build positive emotions, enhance personal resilience, promote a growth mindset and encourage a healthy lifestyle. Incorporating values-based learning alongside the academic, sporting, cultural and service opportunities at school, allows young women to flourish both in their learning and in life.

It is our goal that those who attend Waitaki Girls’ High School leave as confident, well-rounded independent young women who can follow their aspirations and make the most of the opportunities in life. Whether you live in the beautiful historic town of Oamaru, or wish to attend Waitaki Girls’ High School as a boarder in our hostel, Waitaki House, we invite you to visit us and become a part of our community.

Sarah Hay
Principal