Kia ora koutou and warm greetings to students, families and friends of Waimea College.

Term 4 has been a busy time with exam preparation, award celebrations and camps, and it has been great to have our normal school activities taking place again.  

Donations and Payments

The Ministry of Education have recently expanded the School Donations Scheme that was previously only eligible to decile 1-7 schools. As a decile 8 school we weren't eligible to opt-in to the scheme. This year the government replaced the decile system with a new school funding allocation method called the Equity Index. Our transition to the Equity Index, along with the Ministry of Education expanding the eligibility criteria, now means that Waimea College is eligible to join the scheme. 

The Waimea College Board of Trustees considered this recently and has opted in to the 'school donation scheme. 

What this means:

- This means we will no longer be asking parents for school or curriculum donations. Families no longer need to feel obliged to make a donation towards the provision of additional support and resources for students.

- Contributions towards costs for overnight camps can continue to be requested and we will need to continue to request contribution towards these in order to maintain the viability of school camps and overnight activities. 

- The treatment of fees for optional activities such as sports/extra-curricular activities have not changed and payment is continued to be required for these items. 

We expect that by opting into this scheme we will see a reduction in income for Waimea College.  Families will still have the option to make a voluntary tax-deductible donation to the school.  For information regarding this, please visit the Ministry of Education Website.

Information regarding your account will be emailed home early next year.  If you have any queries regarding your account ongoing, please contact Finance on accounts@waimea.school.nz

Senior Academic Prizegiving Thanks

Over the last few weeks, we have celebrated student success and, most recently, with Senior Academic Prizegiving.  I am very proud of the achievements of all our students and would like to extend my warm congratulations to everyone who received an award. 

These events are a great celebration of the culture of Waimea College and thank you to all who attended, and joined us online, acknowledging student achievement. 

I would like to make special mention of all the sponsors who contribute financially to these prizegivings, your generosity and support is very much appreciated.

Junior Prizegiving – Friday 9 December

With the final few weeks of the Term upon us I would like to extend a warm invitation for parents, families and friends to our Junior Prizegiving event which will be held on Friday 9 December. You will receive further information regarding this event very shortly.

NCEA Exams & Farewell to our Leavers

Our senior students are currently undertaking their NCEA exams which started on 7 November, with the last exam on Friday 2 December. We wish you every success in these exams and that you achieve all that you strive for in your results.

We say farewell to our Year 13 students and others who may be leaving Waimea College at the end of this year, I know you are ready to take your place in the world as you continue on your journeys with further study or in the workforce. You leave Waimea College as well educated, well rounded and prepared young adults and I trust that you will take with you the skills you have learnt, a sense of pride and belonging, and fond memories of your time at Waimea College. I wish you all the best for your future lives, careers and the opportunities that lie ahead, whilst you continue to grow your uniqueness and individuality, and personal achievements.  

As the 2022 school year is drawing to a close, I would like to wish all our families a safe, relaxing and enjoyable summer break. 

Semper Contendite

Scott Haines

Principal