Kia ora kotou

It has been an extremely sad time over the past week since we received the news last Thursday of the passing of recent student Kaylem Webb-Hirst in a tragic motor vehicle accident. Our love goes out to his whanau and we are all thinking of them at this most difficult time. Kaylem is fondly remembered as a boy who was considerate and helpful, a talented athlete who was extremely popular with his peers. This was clearly evidenced by the number of young people at his funeral. Rest in peace, Kaylem.

On Tuesday the new Board met for the first time. As the (now former) Commissioner Craig Smith said in the Otago Daily Times the successful candidates are of an extremely “high calibre” and we can look forward to this new era in the school’s governance with a huge degree of optimism. Their first task was to elect a chairperson and that role has been accepted by Andrea Ludemann. Secondly, they ratified the appointment of Cleave Hay as a strategic advisor to the Board. Cleave is vastly experienced in school governance and his role will be to guide the Board with their procedural duties.

Last Wednesday we had a significant victory over Southland Boys' in our traditional winter interschool by 5 – 2. Wins were achieved by Senior Basketball, Trapshooting, Small bore shooting, Football and Debating. Looking back over past Waitakian magazines this feat has not been achieved since 2007! Well done to all involved.

On Friday night the annual Scrano cultural evening was held and once again it proved why it is such an important and unique event on our school calendar. To all the boy’s who participated and put on such great performances, your passion and enthusiasm was clearly evident. It is not easy to step out of your comfort zone to perform in front of an audience - congratulations. So many people, particularly staff, were involved in making the two nights such a success and while it is difficult to single anybody out. A special thanks must go to Nigel Ryburn for his work in teaching the boy’s the new haka “Tahu Potiki” and especially to our wonderful arts co-ordinator Katrina Miller whose boundless enthusiasm and commitment brought the entire show together.

With regards to the Arts - they continue to play a significant part in the culture of our school and long may this continue. Over the past two weeks Sione Lea (Year 10) has had success in Pasifika speech competitions as have Harry Wilson (Year 11) and Josh Kinnaird (Year 12) in the local Rotary Club speech competition. The chamber music trio of Diedrick van Basten (Year 10), Jared Perkins (Year 12) and Jack Dunshea (Year 12)recently took part in the regional competition held in Timaru and they all performed very well. A quintet of Adrian and Tema Tevao, Isaia Fariu, Ezra Tauaa and Stanley Kalepo performed a Cook Island medley at the Pasifika speech competition last Thursday at St Kevin’s. Our concert band and choirs are continuing to perform to appreciative audiences in the community. This week they are out at Weston Primary School and the Opera House for a lunchhour concert. Thanks must go to the ever inspirational Stephen Hinds.

A reminder that the Sports Advisory Council are hosting two fundraisers in the near future. Following the St Kevin’s interschool Rugby match on Friday 5th July there is an auction taking place at the Athletic Rugby clubrooms. Special commemorative jersey’s worn by the 1st XV on the day will be auctioned off (see picture below). On the following night, Saturday 6th July a Black Tie dinner is being held at the Loan and Merc (doors open at 6pm) to celebrate the induction of 11 inductees into the inaugural WBHS Sports Hall of Fame. This promises to be a special evening, hosted by Peter Williams. Many of the inductees will be there in person and these include the head boy’s from 1968 and 1986 as well as a family representative who was head boy in 1948! Tickets are still available at the school office. Funds raised from both events will go into the resourcing of sport at WBHS, whether that be through the purchase of equipment, coaching support or financial support for individuals/teams to access appropriate competitions. The emphasis will be on sports/activities that may not have their own club structure.

Once again, thank you for your on-going support of our wonderful school.

Ma whero ma ponga ka oti

Floreat Waitakia

Darryl Paterson

Rector