Kia ora whanau o Waitaki

It is incredible to think that we are now well into the second half of Term 2 and school continues at a hectic pace with so much going on. Firstly, thank you all so much for the amazing response to the parent teacher interviews held recently. We had virtually 50% of families/whanau attend and that is well above what is expected by the Ministry and certainly our best ‘turnout’ in years. 

Congratulations to all involved in the combined school’s formal held a fortnight ago. As you will see from photos on the Facebook page everyone looked immaculate and from the feedback I have received it was a memorable occasion for all concerned. The Waitaki formal with the unique cars arriving at the Hall, the parade across the stage, photos, formal meal and dancing is something very special. To our young men who attended - well done on the way you looked after your partners throughout the evening. You were a credit to the school. To the students and staff involved in the social committee thanks for your hard work in ensuring such a successful evening. 

Next week, on Wednesday 16th June we welcome Sir Graham Henry and Professor Richie Poulton to school. Sir Graham is well known as a former coach of the All Blacks and Richie is director of the Dunedin multidisciplinary health and development research unit which is world famous for its graduate longitudinal study. Both are now board members of the Plunket foundation and as a member of the all boy’s school’s conference we are teaming up with Plunket to support the cause of “boys supporting their Mum’s”. As such we will be joining in the national Plunket appeal and selling raffle tickets to do our bit in raising money for this great organisation. We will be out on the streets of Oamaru on Tuesday 27th July. Please support us as we support our Mum’s. Sir Graham and Richie will be addressing a school assembly on Wednesday 16th June at 10am – you are more than welcome to attend this address. 

A reminder of other upcoming events – there is a Whanau hui planned, with some important announcements to be made. That will be happening on Wednesday 7th July at 5.30pm upstairs in the Social Centre. 

The annual sporting interchange with St Kevin’s takes place in the final week of term. When timings of the various sports fixtures are confirmed shortly these will appear on our website and Facebook pages. 

Vaping – this is a growing concern for us here at Waitaki Boys’ as it is currently at most secondary schools in our country. We have certainly noticed an increase in boys vaping here at school. The fact that a major store that specialises in vaping products has recently opened on the main street in town has only exaggerated this challenge. To put it simply, not only are vaping/smoking prohibited on school grounds it is illegal to possess, supply or use these products if you are under the age of 18. As is becoming the case out of the US, I have no doubt we will see more literature arising about the negative effects of vaping on the human body. It is after all the ingestion of an un-natural chemical substance. If a student is caught supplying vape or vaping materials at our school he will be stood down at the very least. Once again, we ask for your support in eliminating something that is illegal from our school. If your son does vape, please ensure he does not bring this to school or engage in this whilst he is under the jurisdiction of the school which includes to and from home to school. 

Thanks for your on-going support of our school. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend. Inspiring young men of outstanding character. 

Floreat Waitakia 

Darryl Paterson