Important Dates
Term 4
- Monday 27 October – Labour Day (public holiday)
- Tuesday 28 October – Year 12 and 13 Celebrations (final day of school for Years 12 and 13)
- Wednesday 29 – Friday 31 October – Learning Opportunities for years 12 and 13
- Wednesday 5 November – Teacher only day (school closed)
- Monday 24 November – Board meeting 6.00pm
- Friday 28 November – Year 11 Celebrations 9.30-11am
- Monday 1 December – Year 13 Celebration evening
- Friday 5 December – Junior Ball
- Tuesday 9 December – Year 9 Celebration 9.15-10am and Year 10 Celebration 11am-12.15pm
- Tuesday 9 December – End of Term 4
Important Information
Free NZSL interpreter support
The Ministry of Education has notified us that, through Wordsworth Interpreting, NZSL sign interpreters can be booked to support events such as parent-teacher interviews, enrolment interviews, school productions and other events that will help parents fully participate in the education of their child.
Whānau who may benefit from this service, can find out more by contacting Wordsworth on book@wordsworth.nz or by visiting https://www.wordsworth.nz/booking. If there are events coming up where this would benefit you, please ask WHS to book by emailing admin@whs.school.nz. Planning in advance is essential so please give as much notice as possible.
VTNZ will be running a ‘Get Your Licence’ (GYL) courses across the Wellington region from 1-12 December. Students will study the road code, practice mock tests, try a VR driving simulator, learn car maintenance basics and have your first lesson – all in one course! For more information visit: https://getyourlicence.co.nz/
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Tournament of Minds International Fundraising
The Welly High Flies put on a quiz night and were excellent hosts as part of their fundraising efforts to support their trip to Sydney. Through various initiatives a substantial amount has been raised for the team. They head to Sydney on 30 October and we will be following their progress with great interest.
EatKinda Co – visit
Last week our Year 11 Food technology class met with former student and EatKinda Co founder, Mrinali Kumar. Students were able to question her about the joys and challenges of developing a new product, starting a business and moving that business to America.
We were super lucky to be able to eat some of the last EatKinda ice cream made in Aotearoa. Ka rawe!
WHS Senior Visual Art Exhibition
Students and staff in the Art Department ended the year on a high with the third annual WHS Senior Art Exhibition in the Riley Centre. This event celebrated the incredible mahi of our Year 12 & 13 students across Design, Toi Māori, Photography, Sculpture, Printmaking, and Painting. With over 500 visitors, it was a wonderful showcase of talent and community support. Visitors voted for their favourite portfolio in the People’s Choice Award, which will be announced at the Senior Celebration Evening.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award
Congratulations to Evie Samaeli who has achieved her Gold Award Qualification. The last time WHS had a gold was over twenty years ago by Ethan Abbey.
Victoria University – Future Designer Awards
Congratulations to three of our students who were winners in the national Victoria University Future Designer Competition. Jai Janse and Victor Viloria (Year 11) were the runner ups for the App Design competition with their app CompareIT. Maria Klevtosa (Year 13) was the Champion for the comic competition. The judges said of Maria’s comic (pictured below) “With balance of minimalism, stylisation and effective colour use your comic creates a unique world. The perspectives of towering buildings and the silhouettes across rubbles all create an evocative and mysterious piece that leaves the reader wanting more.” Tino pai!
See more at https://futuredesigners.nz/winners/
NZ Geography Olympiad Team 2026
On Saturday 18 October, the NZBoGT invited students to the final stage of the NZ iGeo Olympiad team selection, for the 2026 International Geography Olympiad to be held in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The newly developed three stage selection process began in Term 2, with 172 entrants from 39 secondary schools taking part, a record for our competition. From there, 50 students were invited to Stage 2, culminating in the following 11 students being invited to Wellington for final testing. Congratulations to Miro Ireson for making it to the finalist round.
The NZ iGeo teacher mentor team were very impressed with the caliber of the students, with all students acquitting themselves impeccably, showing strong academic knowledge and collaborative skills.
CAREERS
Gateway
Applications for Youthline Wellington’s Youth Development Programme (YDP) 2026 are now open!
YDP is a Gateway Programme for year 12 and 13 students in Youth Leadership / Youth Development. If you are interested in Youth Work, Social Work, other social sectors or simply supporting people in your community, then this is the perfect way to begin your journey! This programme runs outside of the classroom setting and is youth-focused meaning we always aim to work in ways that suit young people in the programme.
There is no cost to the student. The programme runs on Wednesdays during school terms 2 and 3 with the option to continue into term 4 to complete a full Level 3 Certificate in Youth Leadership. We run two groups, one in Wellington Central, and one in Porirua, so you can choose what option you think will work best for you. Sessions run from 1pm – 3pm in Porirua, and 4pm – 6pm in Wellington Central. You can earn 35 Level 3 credits in Youth Leadership in Terms 2 and 3 and an additional 9 credits if you continue into Term 4.
For more information click here
If you are interested in applying, please email Paula Willis via the school Gateway programme: wsp@whs.school.nz or you can find me in COM 5.