Important Dates
- Monday 8 – Friday 12 September: Derived grade exam week. Numeracy and Literacy Reading CAAs and DCAT exams
- Monday 15 September: Board meeting 6.00pm
- Thursday 18 September: Music Evening
- Friday 19 September: Term 3 ends
Important Information
Week 9 Derived grade exams
Information can be found in the login hub – https://hub.whs.school.nz .
Morning exams start at 9am (students need to be there 8.40am) and afternoon exams at 1.20pm (students need to be there by 1pm). Lunch is at 12.20pm
They need to make sure they have a charged laptop for all digital exams and know their NZQA login if they are doing Literacy or Numeracy corequisite exams.
If students are ill or need to rearrange an exam for any valid reason, please contact Caroline Lewis (PN) by email lsc@whs.school.nz.
Reminder about voting in parent representative election
Electronic voting in the 2025 parent representative election closes on 10 September. Polling is currently at 13% so we encourage all parents and caregivers to have a say.
Check your email (don’t forget the spam folder!) for an email sent on 3 September by ElectionPilot. If you have not received one contact them election@electionpilot.nz or via Sue Kemp.
Postal votes have been sent where required and must be received by Election Pilot for 15 September.
What’s Happening?
Sports Awards
On Tuesday 2 September, WHS Sports Awards took place recognising achievement and contribution to all sports from Athletics through Bouldering and Badminton to Underwater Hockey and Waka Ama. National representation and success were also recognised. This year the Waka Ama rōpū were recognised with the Putu Mihaka Trophy and the Spirit Award as a result of the nationals in Term 1.
Click on the link below to view photos of this event:
https://gallery.whs.school.nz/gallery/SiWLkbkCTFUKeByckfn5St7w
Battle of the Bands
An incendiary evening of WHS Rockstars!
Last Sunday, Meow was packed to the rafters for Wellington High’s Battle of the Band. It was a sold-out show featuring 16 phenomenal bands and one boisterous, buzzing audience. The energy was electric from start to finish as students took to the stage with everything from blistering rock to soulful originals.
Amidst the scorching lineup, LUX rose to the top and claimed the title of Battle champions. But as the cheers echoed through the venue, it was clear that the WHS creative community was the real overall winner.
WHS Pride Week – A fabulous Drag Celebration
What a way to crown WHS OutLOUD Pride week! Wednesday’s Drag Show brought colour, joy, and plenty of sparkle to our school hall. Huge thanks to our gorgeous guest performers who lit up the stage and to our own WHS LGBTQ+ group, Ultraviolet, for their mahi in making it happen. A special shout-out goes to our resident drag aficionado, Paton Smith, whose energy and passion were at the heart of this unforgettable event.
This week has been a time of celebrating diversity, community, and creativity and this show was the perfect Jewel in the glorious Tiara that is WHS outLOUD week!
Sport
Netball news
Our Netball Senior A team attended The LNISS Netball competition during Winter Tournament Week, which was held in Papaioea, Palmerston North. We are extremely proud of our tauira, with some wins and some hard losses they ended up coming 7th out of 32 teams in their grade. Thank you to all those who made it possible for our tauira to attend!
Pickleball – Expression of interest
Pickleball is coming to WHS in term 4. It is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong using a paddle and plastic ball with holes. Teams will be made up of two players (teams may have up to 3 players per team, but only have 2 on the court during a game). Students can make up their own pairings with friends, or register individually and be assigned to a team.
- Equipment: Players are required to provide their own paddles. Students may borrow from WHS and return at the end of the season, or purchase their own.
- Uniform: WHS provides sports shirts and shorts, Warm up tops can be purchased from WHS student services.
To register follow this link: https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/333439
Careers
Please read this week’s Pathways Newsletter!
Contact Chuni Bhikha bac@whs.school.nz or drop into S502 if you require further information on the above events
Gateway work experience
Applications for Gateway and now open for Year 12 and 13 students in 2026.
Gateway work experience is one day a week for a term/ 10 weeks or over a school holiday period. Being on Gateway, students will achieve a minimum of 10, up to 20 credits on a Health and Safety course, a Work Ready course, or Industry-based unit standards.
Gateway is not a timetabled class. Successful students will have to catch up on the school work they miss due to the work placement. They can choose a day that works best for them and that least impacts their school timetable.
Some areas our students have completed their work experience in are:
| Animal care | Horticulture (WCC) |
| Aviation/Airport work | Landscaping |
| Baker | Live sound, Event management |
| Beekeeping | Physical fitness trainer |
| Butcher | Predator control |
| Cafe/barista | Radio host |
| Chef | Retail |
| Childcare | Police prep |
| Computer repair
Corporate office work Hairdressing |
Trades: building, electrician, plumber, mechanic, panel beating, metal fabrication & joinery |
| Youth Services |
Learners Licence preparation sessions
Every Wednesday lunchtime (in M410) until the end of the term (we have already had 2 sessions) students are coming to do preparation to sit their Learners test. Students can come along to M410 and get some support. Currently we are working through modules on www.drive.govt.nz – students are encouraged to work on this in their own time also.
To prepare for the New Zealand learner licence test, practice with online quizzes and study the official NZ Road Code to learn about road rules, signs, and hazards. The computerised, multiple-choice test has 35 questions, and you must answer at least 32 correctly within 30 minutes to pass. Reputable websites for practice questions include drive.govt.nz, the AA New Zealand, drivingtests.co.nz, and www.nzta.govt.nz.
VTNZ will come with staff and tablets for students to sit their Learners test without having to go off site on Thurs 18 Sept and Fri 19 Sept. Interested students can register their interest with me bac@whs.school.nz and I will check their timetables and schedule their assessment time.
Kickstart your career in Civil Construction – Earn, Learn and Grow with Higgins
No experience? No problem! The Higgins Cadet Programme is your chance to build a real career in infrastructure and civil construction – and get paid while you do it.
If you are interested in leaving school early and gaining skills and experience in Asphalt surfacing, Traffic management, Road maintenance, Asphalt plant, Chip sealing, and more, then apply for the Higgins Cadet Programme.
Applications close Thursday 11 September.
Community
SWIS Market Day
Bring your friends and whānau to support this lovely event on 10 September, 3-6pm! Delicious food, funky crafts, super cool games and an amazing vibe – see you there!
