Kia ora whānau, Welcome to a new year at Waitaki Girls' High School! It has been a fantastic start to the year, filled with energy, enthusiasm, and outstanding achievements.

We are thrilled to see our students embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead, demonstrating personal excellence through dedication and hard work.

Academically, we have seen sublime scholarship results, with five students earning 11 scholarships. A special congratulations to Anika Hayes, our 2024 Dux, who has been named the Top Scholar in French in New Zealand and received a prestigious Outstanding Scholar Award. She will be formally recognised for this achievement at Parliament later this term. This is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to her perseverance and commitment to academic excellence.

Beyond the classroom, our students continue to inspire us. One student that I have been proud of is Bre Kingan. She has displayed dedication to her training for the Coast to Coast event it has been a pleasure to watch her training journey. Her enthusiasm and determination exemplify the values of resilience and commitment that we celebrate at Waitaki Girls' High School.

We have also been immensely impressed with our Year 13 students, particularly those involved in Peer Support. Their leadership and care in welcoming our Year 9 students have set a positive tone for the year. A special mention to Emily Southee for her outstanding efforts in ensuring that our newest students feel a sense of belonging and understand our school's rich history and traditions.

As we embark on another exciting year, we welcome new staff members to our school community. Our new staff are:

·         Debbie Selman (Administration)

·         Eqaline Navunisinu (Science / Agriculture)

·         Gavin Barrable (Science / Physics)

·         Rhiannon Thrupp (Commerce / Social Sciences)

·         Kayla Muirhead (History / Social Sciences)

·         Susana Kavatoe (Mathematics)

·         Lynda Scott Araya (HOLA English)

We look forward to introducing them to you and seeing the positive contributions they will make to our school.

Today's Swimming Sports was a true display of House spirit on a beautiful North Otago day. Seeing the support, fun, and camaraderie was fantastic as the Houses battled it out to be on top. The sense of community and enjoyment was evident throughout the event, showcasing the vibrant spirit and teamwork that define our school culture. Days like this would not be possible without the commitment from our wonderful staff.

Thank you for your ongoing support. We look forward to a year of growth, achievement, and shared success.

Ngā mihi nui,