The Principal's word
Kia ora koutou
Senior students are now well through their practice exams. They have this weekend to prepare for their last exams on Monday. I hope you have all encouraged your child to study hard for these exams.
We are now in the middle of the “flu” season. The word is that we are getting some natural immunity from the Swine Flu. The Ministry of Health believe that 50% of under 20 year olds have been exposed to it or have been vaccinated appropriately. They still are asking us to continue last year's intensive prevention measures. These are:
- practice good hygiene - wash and dry your hands regularly, and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
- stay home if you are sick.
- phone your doctor or Healthline for advice.
Well done to the two Netball teams who won finals last Saturday. Also well done to the U16 Rugby team for winning their final so convincingly. It's always good to beat Timaru Boys.
My commiserations to the two Friday night Basketball teams who narrowly lost their finals in Timaru last week. I had the pleasure of watching both games and was suitably impressed with the talent on display.
Just a reminder about the arrangement we have with Takudai-Ichiko School in Japan with regards to a possible exchange. They are prepared to provide homestay, uniform and waive all fees for a student of Waimate High School , to experience schooling and a taste of Japanese culture in Tokyo . This could be for a short term, 6 months or a full year. You would be responsible for airfares and a small homestay allowance ($60.00 per week) and own spending money. If interested please see me or Mr Young for further details and an application form.
I mentioned last week about Timetabled classes finishing at the end of period 3 on Tuesday 24 August. Staff will be attending a paid union meeting in Timaru. If your child requires supervision from 12.10pm onwards on that day, please ring the School Office and they will put their name on the list. If you do not contact the school we are assuming that you will take responsibility for their welfare on that afternoon. Many thanks for your cooperation with this matter.
Senior students are currently completing their first round of subject choices for next year. This choice is an early indication only. It is definitely not binding, but it does provide us with valuable timetable information for 2011. On the second last week of the term the Senior Course Booklet will be issued and extensive Career Counselling will take place early in Term 4. This careers advice is critical, to ensure the correct subject choices are made and parents will be invited to participate in these interviews.
Russell Crossan
Acting Principal
NCEA Fees and entries
NCEA fees were due for payment today. If they have not been paid then please make arrangements to do so on Monday. It is still possible to apply for financial assistance. Please complete the form available at the school office if you qualify and submit it with your payment.
Students will be receiving practice exam results this week. They should be making final decisions on which external standards to enter for. If they wish to withdraw from standards they need permission from parents/caregivers. They must also discuss this with their teachers.
If you would like to discuss any of these issues contact Mr Robertson, the school's Assessment Manager.
Cancer Fund-raiser 2010
At this point we are at $702 our target is $1000 we are almost there and Mr Thompson is getting nervous about losing his hair!
Thank you to those who supported Amy Gough's $100 raffle the winner was number 98 Alison and Leo. Any donation will be accepted gratefully by Mr Thompson, Scott Willoughby, Karl McFadden and Amy Gough.
Thank you again for your help and support.
SISS Moto-cross championship will be held at Tapanui this weekend. Best wishes to Brodie Wilton and Todd Aikman for this event.
Waimate Netball Competition
Three Year 7 & 8 netball teams played in the Waimate Netball Competition this season. It was encouraging to see the improvement in ball skills and court play as the season progressed. Special thanks to the coaches who gave of their time and expertise each week. Sideline support and enthusiasm was very much appreciated from parents and onlookers. Closing Day last Saturday led to the presentation of trophies and cups.
Junior Grade: Winner: H.S. Green
Runner Up: H.S. Red
Goal Cup: H.S. Red
Elaine Collett Cup (most improved team)
H.S. White
Baskiville Cup (Sportsmanship all grades)
H. S. Red
Well done girls.
Basketball News
Two Waimate High School teams competed in the finals of Aoraki Secondary Schools Friday night competitions on 13 August. Unfortunately while both teams were ahead at half time they both faltered in the second half and suffered narrow defeats.
The Year 9&10 boys competing in the Premier Junior Boys grade went into the final as top qualifiers after their comprehensive 113-16 semi-final win over Mountainview A. They found in the final that Roncalli provided much more substantial opponents. The game itself was close throughout and despite the 6 point lead Waimate took in to half time they never looked entirely convincing and many potential baskets were falling out rather than in. Roncalli quickly made up the deficit at the start of the second spell and from then on the score see-sawed with little in it. In the end it was Roncalli who in the last minute scored two unanswered baskets to secure the win 43-40.
Despite losing the final two team members were recognised by South Canterbury Basketball for the performances during the season. Jayden Butcher received the award for Best Defensive Player, a fitting tribute to his shot blocking and rebounding prowess. Malcolm Elderton was awarded MVP for the Premier Junior Boys grade in recognition of his fine all round contribution in both offence and defence.
The senior girls played Opihi in the senior B final. As top qualifiers they were favourites to win. Early on they took advantage of some rough Opihi play and quickly gained a convincing lead. This was short-lived as Opihi through better team-work and more aggression, clawed their way back into the game and eventually sneaked through for a close win 30-28.
The other school teams in this competition also performed well. The junior premier girls lost a close semi-final to eventual winners Ashburton College by 1 point while the senior Boys playing in the premier grade finished 6 th overall.
Information Evening
How Alcohol affects our developing Brain
Brainwave trust in conjunction with WAVE and Community and Public Health invite you to an informative and interesting presentation on alcohol use and the developing brain being held on Monday 6 September Grosvenor Hotel Conference Room, 26 Cains Terrace Timaru. Contact Community and Public Health 03 687 2600 prior to Wednesday 1 September to secure a seat.
Waimate Scouts Jamboree Fundraiser
A movie “Twilight Saga” at Waimate Theatre on Sunday 22 August at 5.30 pm $10 per ticket. Tickets are available from Amber 689 6050.
Calendar
Mon 23 Aug Board Meeting 7.00 pm
Wed 25 Aug Sports & Cultural photos
Fri 27 Aug Yr 9 Dobson Ski Trip
Fri–Tues 27-31 Aug Junior Boys Basketball to Nelson