Victoria Parker knew her dad's behavior toward her was a little unusual, but she convinced herself everything was fine—until she found herself locked out of the house at 3:00 a.m., surrounded by flashing police lights. Now, dumped into a crowded, chaotic foster home, Victoria has to tiptoe around her domineering foster mother, get through senior year at a new school, and somehow salvage her college dreams . . . all while keeping her past hidden. But some secrets won't stay buried—especially when unwanted memories make Victoria freeze up at random moments and nightmares disrupt her sleep. Even worse, she can't stop worrying about her stepsister Sarah, left behind with her father. All she wants is to move forward, but how do you focus on the future when the past won't leave you alone?

Are you ready to turn your passions into a dream career? Now's the time to explore the endless possibilities ahead! Whether you're fascinated by tech, art, or making a difference, discover your strengths and make informed choices about your future. Consider further study, apprenticeships, or diving straight into the workforce - your dream job awaits! Start exploring, start dreaming, and get ready to unleash your potential!

• Read past school newsletters for advice and tips

• Explore Careers New Zealand: your one-stop career website!

• Not sure what you would like to do in the future? Get career ideas from the Inspire Me quiz!

• Get personalised support from me whenever you need it

Extra resources:

• Inzone Career Kiosk: interactive career exploration and based in the school library!

• School Leavers Toolkit: advice and resources for finding your way after leaving school

• Leaving School Magazine: helpful tips and insights (available in Library and year 12 & 13 common rooms)

Upcoming Events+:

Experience Ara - refer to link to explore and register for Experience Ara offerings for the remainder of the year. A reminder of the scheduled Experience Ara options coming up at the Ara Timaru Campus - note, you register via links for each taster:

• Barista Taster - Ara 9am-12pm, 6th November. Year 9 – 13 students. Note: cost of $34.50 per student applies.

Ara Institute of Canterbury: Annie Barker and Kerry McAllister will be at Waimate High School on Wednesday 16 October from 9am to interview students who have applied for 2025 dual enrolment.

Thrive for Life's - "Thrive at Uni in 2025", a one day event in Christchurch on 29 October on how to be a successful student at Uni - note, WHS year 13 students attending UC in 2025 have been invited!

Thrive Coaching for Life offer a range of services, including a comprehensive University Ready online programme and new University Ready eBook —the ultimate guide to preparing for university life! Waimate High School has invested in the Thrive Coaching for Life guides for our students (available from Mrs Shearer):

• University Campus Visit Guide

• Scholarship Guide

• Job Ready CV Guide

• Job Ready Interviewing Guide

• Job Ready Workplace Guide

MTFJ Student Driver Licence Support:

Refer to this article for support provided by Lisa Dobson and the Waimate Mayor's Taskforce for Jobs. Students to contact Lisa directly for help with support for learner's licence, driving lessons, restricted licence, defensive driving courses or full licence.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA): These awards are designed to help young people develop their team work and communication skills and fulfil their potential as leaders. Sponsorship is available through Waimate Rotary. Please refer to following links for upcoming awards and deadlines:

• Christchurch RYLA

• Queenstown RYLA

Telford Taster Camp - 3-7 December (for 16 years+)- discover what it's like to live and learn at Telford (agriculture, rural veterinary tech, equine). This camp is filling up fast, so apply NOW if you wish to attend!

Yoobee College of Creative Innovation: go to this link for info on NCEA credit courses.

Future Leaders Academy | 2025 Student Leaders Programme: Experience a week-long advanced leadership course with fellow young leaders from diverse ethnicities at various Pacific locations, combining personal growth with adventure and lifelong connections.

New Ventures Worldwide offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to gain international experience, immerse in new cultures, and make a real impact.

MoneyHub Student Resources:

• Looking for quality NCEA preparation resources? MoneyHub offers over ten invaluable tools to guide students towards achieving merits and excellence. Perfect for gearing up for internals and externals.

• Discover MoneyHub's invaluable resources for CV writing, cover lettersand interview preparation These tools are designed to empower students in their job application journey.

• Looking to learn a trade or explore apprenticeships? Check out MoneyHub's comprehensive guide, a must-read for anyone considering an apprenticeship. 

• Looking for a part-time job? Check out MoneyHub's newly updated Student Jobs guide - with over 60 employers and valuable job application tips!

• MoneyHub's ultimate checklist for anyone finishing high school at the end of 2024.

• MoneyHub's Scholarship guide lists scholarships from all universities, along with exclusive opportunities for Maori, Pacific, and International students. The guide, updated regularly, includes application tips and deadlines, helping students easily navigate the scholarship process.

• MoneyHub's Student Loans and Allowances guide explains everything you need to know about student loans, student allowances, StudyLink and repayments.

• MoneyHub has crafted a comprehensive "Money in a Nutshell" guide for students, designed to provide essential tools and knowledge for building a healthy relationship with money.

• MoneyHub's review of student bank packages explains everything you need to know about your options.

• MoneyHub's checklist of 50 money empowering tips to help you stretch the student dollar for the time you’ll spend at university or any tertiary study. Many of them are easy, quick wins that will make a difference to everyday student life.

• MoneyHub's list of different offers available exclusively to school students which they believe to be valuable for education and personal financial development.

• MoneyHub has published a detailed guide for Year 13 students planning to study Health Science or Biomedical Science at Otago or Auckland University.

• MoneyHub's guide to "Alternative Study Providers for 2025": covers non-university options for anyone looking to enrol in career-starting skills-based courses, valuable learn-as-you-earn apprenticeships or specialist training providers.

Students, please complete the Waimate High School sign up form for anyone participating in any taster or course.