Whakatāne High School - 2021 Year Book

Centennial Edition

W HA KATĀNE H IGH S C H O O L Te Waka Kura

2021

CONTENTS

Editor’s Report.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Principal's Report..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Head Prefects’ Reports.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4 Staff Spy........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 Staff List....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6 New Staff Profiles..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 Board of Trustees Report.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8 Year 13 Leavers’ - Class of 2021......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 9-13 Sports Awards 2020 ....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14 Senior Prizegiving 2021............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15-19 The Margaret Mahy Library........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20 Shave for a Cure Fundraiser and Rock Climbing................................................................................................................................................................................ 21 Traditional Tapestry and Waka Ama............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 22 Technology Department........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 23 Food Technology and Hospitality...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Interact Club................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 25 Marine Studies........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Multisport/Adventure Racing................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Rangiatea - Teen Parent Unit....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 28 Visual Art................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 29-30 Drama......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 31 Rainbow Group..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 32 Farewelling Kosuke Misawa............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 33 Media Studies................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34-35 English............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 36-37 Ball Photos............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 38-39 Commerce.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 40 Music............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 41 Future Focussed Learning................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42 Rowing..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43 Sailing and Bowls.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 44 Visual Art............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 45 Farewelling Sue Whale.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 46-47 WHS Centennial .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 48-51 Wider Living Week 2020....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 52 Athletics Day................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 53 Cross Country........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 54 Trades Academy and Gateway.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 55 Sport in Education and High Performance Class................................................................................................................................................................................ 56 Ultimate Frisbee and U14 Rugby........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 57 Level 1 Design Piece by Payton Warman............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 58 School Production................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 59-62 Farewelling Gael Harper......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 63 Social Sciences ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 64 Digital and Visual Communication................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 65 Chess Club and Enviro Club....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 66 Boys’ and Girls’ Hockey.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 67-68 Swimming Sports................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 69 Interschool Athletics and Cross Country........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 70 Rugby.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 71 Science........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 72 Football..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 73 Basketball.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 74 Farewelling Matua “Koro” Te Kapua Riini......................................................................................................................................................................................... 75-76 Ink and Dye Painting by Max Lowry............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 77 Farewelling Sheryl Everitt..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 78 French and Japanese....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 79 Volleyball............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 80 Kapa Haka.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 81 Mentor Class Photographs.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 82-90 Sports/Cultural Photographs......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................91-103 Staff Photograph................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................104

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

1

John Keepa 2013

EDITOR’S Report Tēnā koutou katoa, Wow! The end of another school year has arrived oh-so-quickly, making it that time of year again where we reflect back on the highlights and successes of the last four terms.

Having survived the upheaval of 2020 and the coming of the Covid-19 pandemic, we entered into 2021 with more caution, and preparedness. This turned out to be a very wise move as, come August, we were back in Level 4 - teaching and learning online!

Once again, the disruption of lockdown and alert-level-hopping across Aotearoa meant that many of this year’s planned school events were postponed or cancelled. Students missed out on several sports tournaments, multiple university visits were off the table completely and that’s only the start!

These changes continued to challenge us, but didn’t break us. In true Kiwi spirit, we adapted and persevered, ensuring that students and staff alike were still able to access a range of exciting, eye-opening and stimulating learning opportunities. I’m sure staff and students alike would agree that 2021 will be looked back upon favourably.

Some notable moments of the school year include: celebrating a record number of Year 13s receiving university scholarships; having a team of BOP competitors (WHS and THS students combined) place in the international adventure race, The Hillary Challenge; and hosting another successful stream of traditional school events such as the Senior Ball, Production, Cross Country, Kapa Haka Regionals, He Hākari o Te Kōanga (Hospitality Restaurant Event) and Athletics - all in the midst of Level Two restrictions! We were also finally able to host the much anticipated WHS Centenary which was originally scheduled for 2020.

In addition to the above, this year will also be remembered as the year that we farewelled a number of beloved, long serving staff (Matua “Koro” Te Kapua Riini, Mrs Gael Harper, and Mrs Sue Whale). These staff received much-deserved, beautiful tributes at Senior Prizegiving - a streamed event which allowed parents and the community to join the ceremony from the comfort of their own homes. The event certainly showcased our senior students’ many academic accolades.

So, as you flick through the pages of this year’s Whakatāne High School Magazine, may you take pleasure in seeing the achievements of our rangatahi (young people) and kaiako (teachers) and acknowledge their immense contributions and resilience throughout the course of another unique year. We’ve certainly drawn inspiration from Wairaka and stepped up as leaders, following in the spirit of “Kia Whakatāne au i ahau.”

Finally, before I sign off, I would like to make a special thanks to those who have worked closely with me to complete this year’s 2021 School Magazine - the Centenary Edition. Shae Mclean, Danelle Napier, Alive Blakeway, Parekohai Baker and Adam Reid, you guys have been an incredible help! Also, thanks to local businesses Sons of Serif - Graphic Design Studio and Lazer Photos and Cameras - you are both a breeze to work with!

To everyone, have a wonderful summer break - stay safe, be kind, and we look forward to seeing you all for the start of another cracking year; to 2022!

Nāku noa, nā Jessy Kelly

2

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

PRINCIPAL’S Report John Keepa 2013

Tihei mauri ora.

Tuatahi ka tukuna atu ngā mihi ki tō tātau kaihanga, ko ia nei te timatatanga me te whakamutunga o ngā mea katoa, kia whakapaihia tōna ingoa tapu.

Ka huri ngā mihi ki o tātau tini mate, ngā tini mate, kua hinga atu nei, kua hinga mai rā i ngā tōpito e whā o te motu, moe mai rā koutou, moe mai rā.

Kia koutou te mana whenua, Ngāti Awa, ngā mātā waka, tēnei rā te mihi nui kia koutou katoa.

Ka tukuna atu ngā mihi nui ki ngā tauira o te kura, ko rātau nei ngā raNgātira mō āpōpō. Ki ngā mātua, ngā whānau o te kura, ngā mihi nui kia koutou, e tautoko mai nei i te kura.

Anei te whakataukī e kī ana - ‘Kia Whakatāne au i ahau’ Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.

I acknowledge the greater forces at play in our world, I acknowledge the many dead and sick who have fallen across the land. I acknowledge our school, the mana whenua of this land, Ngāti Awa, and all iwi.

I acknowledge everyone. Our friends and family, especially our young leaders who we honour in this magazine. I reference our own school mission, Kia Whakatāne au i ahau - Challenging students to achieve.

Poipoia te kakano kia puawai - nurture the seed and it will blossom. In this year’s magazine we celebrate the success of you, our students here today, who are blossoming and growing into amazing young people.

You have been nourished and nurtured by the love and support of your whanau and our staff, and I want to start by asking you as students to acknowledge their work in helping you get here as award recipients or members of the audience today. Can you please put your hands together to acknowledge the efforts of the people who have helped you.

We started this year with our best ever NCEA results as a school. Where we showed that we were achieving much better than similar schools and all schools on average in New Zealand.

We showed that our students could achieve at the highest level with seven NCEA scholarships also, the best results for a number of years. As a group of students and staff we worked hard together to make this happen and I thank you all. I want to thank all students who achieved with their personal excellence this year, who gave it their best and who succeeded in their learning. Whether that be an excellence or a pass, if you know you gave it your best then that is all we can ask and hope for.

There have been many activities and events that have showcased the talents of our students and the richness of our school. From Kapa Haka, house competitions, speech competitions, our school production, shave for a cure, fundraising, community work, school visits, trips, school ball, leadership groups, prefect groups, noho, exhibitions, swimming sports, athletics and cross country. There is so much good that happens here and so many opportunities to help you grow, develop and have fun as young people.

Mauri tū mauri ora - An active soul is a healthy soul. Sport has continued to grow here at WhakatāneHigh School. We are proud that our student and staff participation is so good. I know that being part of a team teaches us all some really valuable skills that you don’t always find in the classroom. I want to acknowledge all the students who have been part of a sport this year and the people who made that happen, the coaches and managers. Whether you were an Olympic Gold medalist, National title winner or representative, regional champ or representative, part of a school team that won and lost or 6th in the school cross country. Your enjoyment and success would not have happened without the support of staff and members of the community who made all sports possible in 2021.

As Principal, the quality of our staff and the potential they have for making a profound difference in the lives and the learning of you, our students, in their care, is of paramount importance to me. One of our greatest strengths as a school is the relationships we have between our staff and students. The quality of our teachers and staff is what we are known for. Today we will get the opportunity to acknowledge staff leaving. Some only here for a short time and others for a very long time but all loved and cherished for who they are and what they have achieved here. We farewell Mrs Harper, Koro, Mrs Whale, Miss Hawea, Ms Tuhoro and Miss Chandler. These teachers, like all our staff, work hard and care deeply about our school and you, our students.

The quality of our leadership is also something that sets us apart from other schools. Our Board of Trustees works hard for us and has worked to put the best resources in front of you as students and staff. Whether that be the new B-Block toilets, the modernisation of classrooms, basketball courts or astro turf. They are deeply committed to the continued success of our school. Our Heads of Department, like our staff and students, have had to navigate their subject areas through the uncertainty of Covid, whilst making sure they do their absolute best in making sure every student succeeds in their care. Our Senior Leadership team works tirelessly to maintain and improve our school, I personally cannot thank these leadership groups enough for what they do and the support they give our school.

To all students here today and in particular our departing students, you are part of something bigger than just being part of a school. You are part of WhakatāneHigh School. We are more than just a school. Our centennial at the start of the year highlighted this for me. We had hundreds of ex-students (alumni) come to our school who were proud of their time here, who came back and spoke fondly of their old teachers, their old friends, the teams they played in and the success they achieved. But more importantly how the school helped support and shape them into who they were as an adult, how the connections they made to the school remain strong and how proud they still are of coming here. Some alumni, in their 90s are still WhakatāneHigh school proud.

To our departing year 13 students, our community expects great things from you. We want the best for you. Whilst you have had to navigate a complex and uncertain time in world history, it will not always be like this. The Covid related skills you have developed of perseverance, self-motivation, of dealing with adversity and having to adapt are all crucial skills that will help you thrive in the 21st Century. When the world is ready and you are ready, get out there and smash it. The world is yours. You belong.

Kia Whakatāne au I ahau Martyn Knapton

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

3

HEAD PREFECTS’ REPORTS MILLA DIBBEN - HEAD GIRL 2021 Time flies when you’re having fun! That is pretty much how I would sum up my time here at Whakatāne High School. It’s difficult to summarise five amazing years of my high school life in just a few paragraphs, particularly because I don’t believe words can ever describe my appreciation for Whakatāne High sSchool and everything it has taught me.

I will be forever grateful for the vast range of opportunities that have been thrown my way over the past five years, which have helped me grow as a person and extend my abilities across the board.

I have the best memories from high school that I will cherish for decades to come. I have made some really special friendships and been a part of many great teams.

I am going to miss all of my teachers so much.

They have been so supportive and have worked really hard with me to get across the line, even when I’m absolutely dumbfounded, staring blankly out the window.

Despite the sadness I feel as I come to the realisation that my time at high school is nearly over, I am also really excited for the next phase of my life. Whakatāne High School has prepared me so well for my journey into adulthood through everything I have learned and experienced here. So to all of my teachers, friends and classmates, thank you all so much for making my experiences at Whakatāne High the absolute best!

PHILIP NUKU - HEAD BOY 2021 Kia ora.

Ko Philip Nuku toku ingoa.

I’ve had the privilege of being Head Boy for Whakatāne High School this year and, in my eyes, the school has thrived in many ways from sports to academics and everything in between.

A big mihi goes out to everyone who was involved in our Centenary celebrations. That day truly showed our community that Whakatāne High School has that whānau vibe.

A couple of things that stuck with me this year was one last year of rugby with the boys, as well as performing in the Mataatua Regionals which showed that our sporting and cultural departments are doing a great job.

I can confidently say that Whakatāne High school is thriving and it’s only going to get better and brighter for our students If there’s one thing I would encourage, it would be that our Māori students putt themselves out there. I encourage them to become our leaders mo apōpō. Being indigenous is very special; we have the knowledge of those that have gone before us and share a connection to the land - a Wairua a Tinana.

So, to our staff - keep up the good work. To our students - be the change our nation needs.

4

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

STAFF SPY 2021 started with real promise. It was an opportunity to hit restart on the year previously , which was marred by postponements, notably the School Centenary, and countless sporting and cultural cancellations.

Africa after Covid induced immigration issues prevented her from joining him. Once all this covid parlava is over, we hope to see him back! After a bit of shuffling Linda Frisby and Ali Scott both joined us to fill in the gap Kyle left behind.

We welcomed Natalie Cattal (Technology), Mark Clark (Maths), Owen Roper (Social Science), Rhiannon Swift (English), Fay Hawea (English/Te Reo Māori) and Ruihi Shortland (Te Reo Māori) to the staff.

As the year progressed we were joined by Sheree Tuhoro (English), Linda Frisby (Technology) Ali Scott (Construction), and notable returnees, Gail Zonneveld (English) and Peta Baker (Library).

Rhiannon Swift, a ballet dancer, pirouetted off to Mt Maunganui Intermediate school to take up the opportunity to teach dance.

This provided an opportunity for Gail Zonneveld to make a spectacular comeback from retirement. We knew she wouldn’t stay away for long! She landed slap bang in the middle of the Level 1 English Pilot - but if anyone can hit the ground running, Mrs Zonny can!

After officially returning from leave in 2020, Nic Christie and Shae McLean smugly asked, “Did we miss anything?” only to experience the joys of lockdown learning and online meetings in August. Did you really think you would get off that lightly?!

Our SENCO, Jose Howe also left to take on a role as RTLB - leaving anyone not involved in education wondering what on earth these abbreviations both mean. She was replaced

by Kiri Rua .

In early March, Martyn Knapton, still fresh into his principalship, scratched his head and wondered what natural disaster would happen next after experiencing earthquakes, tsunami evacuations and housefires all in one day! We could only watch helplessly from the top of Mokorua as a fire raged down below at what looked like the school. Though precariously close, it turned out to be a neighbouring house.

Earlier in the week we had had to contend with the re implementation of Level 2 Covid restrictions, and a mysterious bout of gastro that wiped out students and staff. The only silver lining was the revelation that the sausages served at the Year 9 BBQ were not the culprit - Phew!

The school centennial celebrations took place in Easter, where Gail Zonneveld, Catherine O’Leary, Pinika Barsdell and Albert Hohua were all recognised for their lengthy contributions and service to Whakatāne High School. These four are a testament to staff retention at WHS. When the official Centennial Book came out a majority of the long serving staff listed (15 years plus) were still currently employed!

Although we’re not always a particularly political bunch, we were sad to see Kyle MacFarlane pack his bags (and his ‘paper roll’) and leave after a heartbreaking 18 months separation from his wife in South

Pukekohe High School. In the two years that Rebecca has been here, she has made a huge positive impact with our Rainbow Youth. Fay Hawea, Sheree Tuhoro, Helen Routledge and Mark Clark are off to new exciting adventures. We thank them for their hard work and dedication for our learners, and their collegiality.

Sadly, we will be sadly saying goodbye to four long serving staff members. Sheryl Everitt, Susanne Whale, Gail Harper and Te Kapua (Koro) Riini. Oh dear! It appears I have been cutting onions whilst typing that…. You will be dearly missed. As a great man (Peter Barsdell) once said, “Your shoes will never be filled.” We wish these amazing people all the best for the future, and take comfort in the fact it is not good bye, but mā te wā.

That’s it for now. All the best for 2022 team! In the meantime, don’t forget to wear a mask and be kind.

Another comeback queen, Peta Baker stepped in to help out in the library after Rachel King took some time off to fight the good fight - we were stoked to see her back at the end of the year.

Jessy Hoogstraten finally married her 6’4” Prince Charming aka Daniel in March, after dramatically cancelling her wedding at the last minute last year. (Again Covid. Not cold feet). She emerged as Mrs Kelly (KY - not!) discarding her constantly mispronounced maiden name and the unfortunate school user name ‘jeshog’ forever.

Some staff fulfilled their duty to the school in terms of future roll growth; Renee Garner, Matt Dow and Sam Robinson all welcomed new bundles of joy with the birth of Theodore, Elliana and Lucas respectively.

The staff at Whakatāne High School are known for their solidarity and ability to wrap around and support one another in tough times - and 2021 has been no exception. At the time of writing, as a collective we were shocked and saddened by the passing of two much loved husbands of two of our staff in one week - Will Blakeway, husband of Julia and Malcolm Harper, husband of Gael.

Staff Spy would like to share our sincere condolences. We know your WHS whanau will support you over the upcoming months and beyond.

At the end of the year we will farewell Rebecca Chandler, who leaves us for

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

5

STAFF List Senior Management Team

Principal - Martyn Knapton BSc (Hons) Geography, PGCE, MEd Deputy Principal – Shannon Crook BTchg Deputy Principal - Carole Hughes BA (Hons) PG Dip Tchg Assistant Principal - Peter Barsdell BPEd, Dip Tchg Assistant Principal – Helen McKane BSc, PG Dip Tchg Assistant Principal – Renay Jones BA, Dip Tchg

Heads of Department

Art - Aaron Hurley BArt Design(Hons), MArt Design, Grad Dip Tchg Careers and Transition - Jo-Anne Stuart BSocSci, GDip Tchg English/Literacy - Shae McLean Brunetti BA, GDip Comm, GDip Tchg Guidance - Judith Graham PhD, M Couns, BEd, Dip Tchg, MNZAC Learning Centre/SENCO - Kiri Rua BEd Te Reo Māori - Ruihi Shortland PhD, Masters (Hons), BA, Dip Tchg, PG Dip in Māori Development Mathematics/Merit/Excellence Coordinator - Declan Manning BSc (Hons), PGCE Music - Adam Warner BMA, PG Dip Tchg Physical Education - Mark Hanlen BSpLS, BSocSci, PG Dip Tchg Science - Karen Asquith BSc, Dip Tchg PGCAP Social Science - Linda Bonne BSocSci, BEd, Dip Tchg Te Aka Matua - Hemarangi Carnegie - BSocSc, Dip Tchg, Dip Māori & Pacific Development Technology - Paul Goodman BA Technology, PGCE, Cert. Adv Ed Studies, Dip Adv Ed Studies PGCAP Tikanga Māori - Te Kapua (Koro) Riini Dip Tchg, Te ata-Kura Tohu Matauranga Māori, Tohu Matauranga Whakairo.

Positions of Responsibility

Commerce - John Keepa BBS, NZ Dip BS, GDip Tchg Director of Sport - Ben Sexton BSports Coaching, GDip Tchg Drama - Angela Harland BA (Hons), GDip Tchg, PGrad Cert Theatre & Media English/Media Studies/Literacy - Jessy Kelly BA, MTchgLn Future Focused Learning - Holly Shanks BSocSci, MTchgLn Learning support coordinator - Sandi Craig GDip Sp Nds Junior Tutor/Social Studies/Japanese - Henry Morris BA PG Dip Tchg Mathematics - Fiona Bentley, BSc, Dip Tchg Science – Jo Faulkner BSc, Dip Tchg(Secondary), Dip TchgLn (Primary) Physical Education - Tracey Grammer BLS, Dip Tchg RTLB – Jadene Wilde BEd, PGDip SpEd, Dip Tchg Sport in Education– Julian Reid BSpEx, Dip Tchg Technology/e-Learning - Jared Cochrane BTchgLn, NZCE, PGCAP Technology - Gael Harper Dip H Ec, Dip Tchg, Dip Spec Subjs Timetabling/DGT - Niall Pearce BEng (Hons), PGCE Guidance - Titihuia Rewita MCouns, BEd, Dip Tchg, PGrd Supn, MNZAC

Teachers

Art - Susanne Whale BTchg, Dip FA Art - Rebecca Wright BFA, GDip Tchg English – Gail Zonneveld BA, Cert. Ed, Cert Middle Mgmt English - Tom Mahon BA, Dip Tchg, PGCAP English /SCT - Joss Matthews MCE, BTchLn English – Danelle Napier BA, GDip Tchg English - Cherise Stone BA, PGDip Tchg, Dip Theatre Directing NIDA English/Te Reo Māori - Fay Hawea MIndS, BA, PGDip Tchg English - Sheree Tuhoro BA, DipTchg Gateway – Julie Ball BEd, PGDipEd, PGDip Car Dev BEd French - Sheryl Everitt BA, Dip Tchg, CAT Mathematics - Patrick Cleary BSc GDip Tchg Mathematics - Clare Knapton BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering, PGCE Mathematics - Catherine O’Leary BA, Dip Tchg Mathematics – Matt Dow BA (Music), Grad Dip Tchg Secondary Mathematics – Catriona Manning BEd (Hons) Mathematics - Mark Clark BEd, Dip Tchg, Dip Rec & Sport Physical Education - Colin Henry BSpLS, B Tchg Physical Education - Grant Muru BEd, Higher Dip Tchg Physical Education - Nic Christie BPhEd, GDip TchgLn Physical Education - Rachelle Owen-Cooper BEd GDipTchgLn Physical Education - Scott Marrow BEd, GDipTchgLn

6

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

Sport In Education, HIP - Stew Wylds Ph.D. Science - Stacey Andrews BSc, Dip Tchg Science - Julia Blakeway BA (Hons), Dip Tchg, PG Dip Ed Science - Lena Cassidy-Clark BSc, Dip Tchg Science - James Hagger BSc (Hons), PGCE Science - Stevie Jack BSc GDipTchg Science - Will Whaley BSc, G Dip Tchg Science/Marine Studies – Te Aorere Walker BSc, Dip Marine Studies, PGDip Tchg Science/Marine Studies - Alexis Teepa MEdLd, BSc, Dip Marine Studies Social Science - Jarrod Braddock BMS, PG Tchg Social Science/Future Focused Learning - Rebecca Chandler BA, PG Dip Tchg Social Science - Brett Donaldson BSocSci, Dip Tchg Social Science - Tricia Lawrence BA, PGDip Tchg Social Science/Future Focused Learning - Owen Roper BA PG Dip Tchg Social Science - Sam Robinson BA GDipTchg Technology - Natalie Cattell BArchitectural Studies, PGDip Tchg Technology - Ngaire Ranapia GDip Tchg, GDip Tourism Mgmt Technology - Andie Eves NZ Dip Cookery (Advanced) Technology - Lynda Frisby MEd, BEd (Hons) Technology - Kelly Matrix BHSc, GDipTchg Transitions Mentor - Mathew Martin BEd Dip Tchg

Deans

Year 9 - Nic Christie/Holly Shanks Year 10 - Ngaire Ranapia/James Hagger Year 11- Jared Cochrane/Sam Robinson Year 12/13 - Aaron Hurley

Heads of House

Kauri – Nic Christie Matai – Ben Sexton Rimu - Grant Muru Totara - Ngaire Ranapia

Rangiatea – Whakatāne Teen Parent Unit

Head of Department - Marion Woodley BA PG Dip Tchg Teacher - Pam Pearce Bsc (Hons), PGCE Teacher - Cathryn Rowland BSES PG Dip Tchg Administrator - Italy Ngaropo Teacher Aide/Van Driver - Jonnelle Main-McCall Van Driver - Agaese Sami

Support Staff

Executive Officer - Phil Barnett Property Manager - Warwick Archibald Principal’s PA - Anne Nillesen Administration Assistant/Receptionist – Gemma Coxon Senior Administration/Assistant Finance – Johnelle Capill Administration/Attendance Officer - Renske Forsyth Caretaker - David Marshall Groundsman - Albert Hohua eHub Support Technician - Ross McKay English, Mathematics, Social Sciences, PE, Art support – Te Rongopai Eruera Food Technician - Paula Ngamoki Hard Materials Technician - David Goodall Science Laboratory Technician - Lisa Badger Library Assistant – Rachel King MA Library Assistant - Helen Rutledge BA ESOL Teacher - Robin Blair Music Tutors - Greg Malcolm, Reuben Paraha, Anna Stoove, Teresa Hoskins Specialist Teacher - Philippa (Pip) Lawson BEd(Tchg), PGDip(MSch) Sports Coordinator – Susi Peterson Relief Coordinator/Curriculum support - Marama Hancy Staff Assistant - Shirley Davies Teachers’ Aides - Paula Ngamoki, Lisa Barrington, Kirsten Stokes, Olivia Marrow, Gillian Amies, Tylah Rangiaho and Zoe Brake

NEW STAFF Profiles

TRICIA LAWRENCE Subject area: Social Sciences

ANDIE EVES Subject area: Food Technology

First impressions of your time at WHS so far? The community and whanau spirit within the school with colleagues and the kids is really strong.

This is something I am really enjoying about the school.

First impressions of your time at WHS so far? Everyone has been very welcoming and extremely supportive, it has made settling in as a first year teacher seamless. I have really enjoyed getting to know all my students and seeing what they are capable of in the kitchen. The students at Whakatāne High School are very talented and I am grateful for the opportunity to help nurture and grow their skills. It has been fun sharing my industry knowledge and showing them some interesting and current techniques that are used in modern restaurants around the world.

What were you doing before coming to WHS? Before I trained to be a teacher, I worked at Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand.

What were you doing before coming to WHS? I was (and still am) the Junior Sous Chef at The Farm at Cape Kidnappers.

MARK CLARK Subject area: Mathematics

First impressions of WHS so far? I am impressed with how all the staff have welcomed and helped out the new staff.

My Year 9 students have settled well and are very keen and willing to learn.

What were you doing before coming to WHS? Teaching in Kawerau while studying Grad dip Teaching First impressions of your time at WHS so far? The kura is warm and inviting. Whakatāne High School has met my expectations and more of being a supportive and welcoming school. I have had really enjoyed my first of many years here at WHS.

RUIHI SHORTLAND Subject area: HOD Te Reo Māori

OWEN ROPER Subject area: Future Focused Learning

First impressions of WHS so far? I am enjoying living and working in the community. I am impressed with the WHS students and also so appreciative of the fantastic support from staff. I am looking forward to making my debut for the Whakatāne Cricket Team, and getting involved with my own children in their various sporting teams this year.

KELLY MATRIX Subject area: Food Technology

FAY HAWEA Subject area: English / Te Reo Māori

What were you doing before coming to WHS? Relieving at Whakatāne High School while completing my Masters Degree in Indigenous Studies. Prior to that I had been teaching vocational education certificate and diploma level courses to adults and teens in Perth Australia. I have also taught at Edgecumbe College and as a relief teacher over in London, where I also worked in a pub and as a paid kapahaka performer at events around Europe which promoted New Zealand.

First impressions of WHS so far: The staff and students are caring and friendly.

First impressions of WHS so far? I love teaching the students, and love being in their learning space with them.

I also love the manaakitanga from our Te Aka Matua kaiako and whānau, love being home and teaching at Whakatāne High School. ‘Home Sweet Home’.

NATALIE CATTELL Subject area: Design and Visual Communication

What were you doing before coming to WHS? Teaching DVC in Auckland First impressions of your time at WHS so far? WHS is very friendly.

Students are real about who they are, and staff go out of their way to make you feel welcome.

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

7

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Report Tena Koutou Katoa No Whakatāne Ahau Ko Whakatāne High School toku kura Ko Monica toku hoa raNgātira E toru oku tamariki Ko Emily Ko Cambell Me Jamie Ko Paul Julian taku ingoa No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena tatou katoa Hello. My name is Paul Julian and I am the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Who are we?

Parents. Stephen Lamb, John Spring, Jennifer Manning, Tammy Rika Teacher Rep. Paul Goodman Student Rep. Taylor Jones Principal. Martyn Knapton We are all voted onto the board, by parents, every three years by other parents, the teacher rep by teachers every three years, and the student rep every year by the students. It is designed this way so that we have a good cross section of people who are involved with our Kura.

What do we do?

We help Mr Knapton run the school.

How do we do that?

Money. We have finance meetings once a month to make sure we are not spending more money than we receive, and we try and find ways of affording nice things like heat pumps, autex on the walls of classrooms, astro turf, etc.

Buildings. We have property meetings to make sure the school and grounds are maintained so our students have the best possible learning environments.

Lots of money is spent on roofs, painting buildings and fixing toilets. But we try to get new things like a new science block, and solar panels. The wishlist is very long.

Education. We get reports on how the students are achieving. We get presentations from the Heads of Departments on how the students in their departments are doing. We discuss what is going well, and what needs improving. We get reports from Mr Knapton on what he is doing to help our students achieve to the best of their ability.

What do we not do?

We are not involved in paying the staff.

The government does this.

We are not involved in interviewing or hiring the staff. Mr Knapton does this.

We interview and hire the principal.

We don’t tell the teachers or any staff

8

Whakatāne High School

|

what to do. We can tell Mr Knapton what to do.

We are not involved in choosing who gets what awards.

We are not involved in any decision involving a single child. Unless you are getting expelled, then you and your family will have a meeting with us.

We are not involved in the day to day running of the school. Mr Knapton does this. And, if we cross the line between management and governance Mr Knapton lets us know.

Why Is Our School Great?

Teachers If you have read any principal report from the last 100 years, any ERO report, listened to any head boy and head girl speech, or spoken to Year 13 students, or to past students, they will all tell you our teachers are great. They build very good relationships with the students and care about the students’ learning.

I asked Mr Knapton about this - I said, “Is this true or is this one of those things people say to be nice?” He said, “I have taught at many schools, Paul, and the teachers here are the best group I have ever seen.” That really meant a lot because it often takes someone coming from the outside to open your eyes to how lucky we are to have what we have.

Sports Achievement and Participation Our school magazines make it clear to see that we constantly punch above our weight in the sporting arena.

We have produced many Olympic athletes, national title-holders, and NZ representatives.

I am really proud of our participation numbers. 58% of WHS students are participating in a sport. And 60% of teachers are involved in coaching or managing sport. Both these numbers are well above the national average.

Academic Achievement We have a long history of high academic achievement, we always achieve academic scholarships, and always have students who are achieving some of the highest marks in the country.

Te Waka Kura 2021

Principal Mr Knapton is doing a great job.

He is very hard working. He is well respected by other principals in the area. He is well respected by the staff and students here at WHS. He is dedicated to our school. He is committed to our town, our community and is embracing getting involved in all aspects of living in the Eastern Bay Of Plenty.

He believes in our school, and has a vision for our school to be one of the best in NZ. Our school will be one of those schools that other schools visit to see how it is done.

Thank you, Mr Knapton, for all that you do for our school, our kids and our town.

One Hundred Years Old This school has been here for 100 years; many of you - like my family - have had many generations go to this school. My kids go here, I went to this school, my parents and all my uncles and aunties went to this school. I am proud of this; it means something to me to be part of 100 years of WHS. We all should be proud of our school.

We have traditions here that have been in place for a very long time like prefects, dux, sports awards, cultural awards, the school song, our uniforms, sports teams, assemblies and kapa haka.

We all play a part in carrying on these traditions to honour those that went before us and to pass on to those coming after us. Most of you are only at this school for five years but it is your duty to carry these traditions forward.

We must wear our school uniform with pride, we must wear our sports uniform with pride, we must conduct ourselves in the classroom, on the sports field, in the playground, after school and on the weekends in a way that honours our ancestors, respects ourselves and shows we are proud to be part of 100 years of WHS. Our school is great.

PAUL JULIAN - Board Chair 2021 Head Boy 1989 Kia Whakatāne au I ahau.

YEAR 13

LEAVERS Class of 2021

Adam Reid What was your best memory at WHS? Ceiling Gherkin.

Favourite quote: “Like a hobo in a sewer.” - Mr Whibley In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Shoulder deep in debt.

Aleisha Boyce What was your best memory at WHS? Year 10 WLW Fishing Trip.

Favourite quote: “Go hard or go home.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Running my own business.

Alex Manning What was your best memory at WHS? More school trips than school days.

Favourite quote: “Well that was a waste of time.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Adventuring around the world.

Amo Pryor What was your best memory at WHS? When the driving instructor brought us Subway.

Favourite quote: “2 swag 2 be sad.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Swag.

Amy Humpherson What was your best memory at WHS? School ball 2021.

Favourite quote: “When life shuts a door, open it again. It’s a door. That’s how they work.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

A woman in STEM.

Angus Macrae What was your best memory at WHS? Year 11 Cross Country.

Favourite quote: “Pain allows people to grow and how you grow is up to you.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Someone with a stable income and a nice family.

Arwen Sullivan What was your best memory at WHS? Having a water fight in the hall.

Favourite quote: “Nobody asked Thomas.” - Jessy Kelly In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Surrounded by people who make me happy.

Ashton Vangulick What was your best memory at WHS? When she said yes.

Favourite quote: “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” - Aristotle, apparently

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

9

10

Basil Eldhouse What was your best memory at WHS? Getting Entrance into the OUASSA scholarship.

Favourite quote: “I came, I saw, I conquered.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Scientist.

Ben Akroyd What was your best memory at WHS? The 100m.

Favourite quote: “You may be talented, but you’re not Kanye West.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

A billionaire SoundCloud rapper.

Ben Daveyemms What was your best memory at WHS? Athletics Day 2021.

Favourite quote: “I love dogs.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

An astronaut.

Branagh Overington What was your best memory at WHS? 17/11/21 Favourite quote: “Can you pass me my pavlova?” - Fanny Hicks.

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Mrs Faulkner.

Caitlin Berquist What was your best memory at WHS? MAADI 2021 or Outward Bound.

Favourite quote: “We may be on the water if the dog not too thick.” - Rowing coach.

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

A women in STEM

Carlos Allenheremia What was your best memory at WHS? Leaving.

Favourite quote: “Don’t Live” - Ashton VanGulick 2021 In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Idk probably a 9-5 retail worker

Casey Kwak What was your best memory at WHS? Giving everything a Kwak :).

Favourite quote: “Toodles.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Cutting people open :).

Chad Pollen What was your best memory at WHS? When I made new friends that made me feel comfortable at the school.

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

To be working as a chemist and a small time streamer. But mostly a chemist.

Ciara Beck What was your best memory at WHS? Laughing at everything with Orla.

Favourite quote: “Ohh, hey cute boy ;).”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

A rich housewife with a hot husband.

Deahnna Schwass What was your best memory at WHS? 17/11/21.

Favourite quote: “A chicken’s a bird?” - Yr 9 me In ten years time, I aspire to be...

As smart as Te Aniwa.

Earina Savinelli What was your best memory at WHS? Marine drive trips. Alice knows....

Favourite quote: “That’s not correct uniform.” -You know who ;) In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Rich would be nice, but realistically a very broke freelance artist.

Emilyn Sandifer What was your best memory at WHS? Eating hot chips with my mates on a warm summer’s day.

Favourite quote: “Prioritise happiness.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

A professional animal trainer.

Hannah Dodds What was your best memory at WHS? Leaving.

Favourite quote: “How am I supposed to live, laugh, love in these conditions?” - Mr Morris In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Able to answer this question without crying

Hunter Elliot-laing What was your best memory at WHS? Annoying people.

Favourite quote: “It is what it is.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

A Tradesman. .

Irihapeti Ruawai What was your best memory at WHS? Kapa Haka and meeting all my friends.

Favourite quote: “No one is perfect - that’s why it’s ok to make mistakes.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

I’m not sure.

Jack Couchman What was your best memory at WHS? Making A4 our home.

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

A software engineer.

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

Jack Donohue What was your best memory at WHS? Year 12 Business project success.

Favourite quote: “Don’t drink the water! They put something in it, to make you forget. I don’t even remember how I got here.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Working in Agricultural Immunology.

Jayden Maxwell What was your best memory at WHS? Meeting the most supportive group of friends.

Favourite quote: “My stress stresses me out to the point where I’m too stressed to deal with my stress.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Financially stable and living my best life.

Jessica Burke What was your best memory at WHS? WLW Auckland Trip in Year 9.

Favourite quote: “Yeah, time flies.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

A Pediatric Nurse.

Josh Warner What was your best memory at WHS? Spoon Week.

Favourite quote: “I’m better than a pizza oven (supposedly).”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Googling how to use my new Google legs in my Google house in Google City on Planet Google while Google Assistant plays music

Joshua Carter What was your best memory at WHS? Comments of the teachers, especially from Bentley and Morris.

Favourite quote: “Silence is a form of condoning... - David Williams.

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Hopefully married to a nice man.

Juliana Townsend What was your best memory at WHS? Lunch time with different girls every week.

Favourite quote: “I have 99 problems and the school wifi is all of them.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

In retirement.

Kade Wana What was your best memory at WHS? The prefect assembly.

Favourite quote: “Ms Wright.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

A Year 13.

Kaprise Tupe What was your best memory at WHS? Winning the best dance moves award at the Edgecumbe College Ball with the sprinkler.

Favourite quote: “Do you want a hair curler?”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Looking like a pixar mum.

Karhmyn Falemake What was your best memory at WHS? Being the Baddest Gal - Ball 2021.

Favourite quote: “Money isn’t the most important thing in life.

Love is. Fortunately, I have love for money xo.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Living life to the fullest happy, rich + no kids

Katie Macrae What was your best memory at WHS? Don’t remember.

Favourite quote: “Is car park and playground park spelt different?”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

The president of the United States of America.

Kawana Ruawai What was your best memory at WHS? Starting a Fight Club.

Favourite quote: “Everybody you fight is not your enemy and everybody that helps you is not your friend.”Mike Tyson In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Succesful in whatever path I choose.

Kya Keepa What was your best memory at WHS? Whitianga Dive Trip!

Favourite quote: “Unpack your bag now; you do not pack up until I tell you to!” - L.B In ten years time, I aspire to be...

The president :).

Liam Donald What was your best memory at WHS? When we stapled a gherkin to the ceiling.

Favourite quote: “I’m walking on sunshine.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

The first man to walk on the sun.

Liam Dooley What was your best memory at WHS? Breaking a 42 year old running record.

Favourite quote: “There is no such thing as a stupid question, there are only stupid people.” - Mr Wylds In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Running the roads of Kenya .

Liam Harimate What was your best memory at WHS? Jamming rugby with the bros.

Favourite quote: “Just do it.”

In ten years time, I aspire to be...

That guy.

Lucy Butler What was your best memory at WHS? When we wanted to know what noise a turtle makes.

Favourite quote: “I’m not actually Asian” - Myself In ten years time, I aspire to be...

Living my best Mamma Mia life.

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

11

Lucy Knot What was your best memory of WHS? Every moment in L3 for the past 4 years.

Favourite quote: “Just a little bit of Kiwi ingenuity.” - Lucy (Auckland) In ten years time I aspire to be...

Hopefully ‘not’ in crippling debt.

Maddison Clarke What was your best memory of WHS? Meeting everyone in my current friend group.

Favourite quote: The Office, Season Four, Episode One, 8:50 In ten years time I aspire to be...

Making my own music or being a music teacher.

Maddison House What was your best memory of WHS? Going away with sport teams and class trips.

Favourite quote: “Ride it like you stole it!”

In ten years time I aspire to be...

Successful.

Mania Tarei What was your best memory of WHS? Being the leader of our haka team this year.

Favourite quote: “What an ugly line up.”

In ten years time I aspire to be...

Idk yet - still trying to figure out what I’m doing next year.

Alice Blakeway What was your best memory of WHS? Creating Gerald Favourite quote: “All it takes is faith, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust” In ten years time I aspire to be...

Still obsessed with Christmas

Matthew Robison What was your best memory of WHS? Hospitality Restaurant Evening and the week leading up to it.

Favourite quote: “Damn, lost focus, life over.”

In ten years time I aspire to be...

A chef somewhere, maybe.

Max Lowry What was your best memory of WHS? N/A. Favourite quote: “N/A” In ten years time I aspire to be...

N/A.

Michael Everitt What was your best memory of WHS? Tournament Week 2020.

Favourite quote: “Who let me say that one squared is two?”

In ten years time I aspire to be...

Sammy Clarke.

Milla Dibben What was your best memory of WHS? All my teachers make me hot drinks in their classes.

Favourite quote: “Spread your Sparkle.”

In ten years time I aspire to be...

Happy.

Noah Hindmarch What was your best memory of WHS? The Year 9 and 10 Electives.

Favourite quote: “It is what it is...”

In ten years time I aspire to be...

Electrical Engineer.

Olivia Benner What was your best memory of WHS? 2021 Dive Trip to Whitianga.

Favourite quote: “Liv, Laugh, Love” In ten years time I aspire to be...

Working with Gucci in NYC.

Olivia Calder What was your best memory of WHS? Maadi Cup 2021 with Rolly.

Favourite quote: “I’m not yelling; I just want to be heard!!” Rowing Coach.

In ten years time I aspire to be...

Earning a living throwing people off a bridge.

Olivia Sheaff What was your best memory of WHS? The canteen.

Favourite quote: “What’s kilo’s into Kgs” In ten years time I aspire to be...

Wealthy.

Orla Byers What was your best memory of WHS? Laughing at everything with Orla.

Favourite quote: “Get away from me.”

In ten years time I aspire to be...

Living my best life.

Parekohai Baker What was your best memory of WHS? Teachers not asking me how my brother is….

Favourite quote: “Did you really just quote the newspaper?”J.E. In ten years time I aspire to be...

Anything but broke.

Pfeifer McIntyre What was your best memory of WHS? Spams from @parekohai.baker_.

Favourite quote: “Can’t wait to miss ya.”

In ten years time I aspire to be...

Alive.

12

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

Phillip Nuku What was your best memory of WHS? Going to class.

Favourite quote: “Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe me he maunga teitei.”

In ten years time I aspire to be...

A business owner.

Zaylea Burt What was your best memory of WHS? Fridays at 3pm.

Favourite quote: “Do your work,Tom!” - Linda Bonne.

In ten years time I aspire to be...

Managing a dairy farm, somewhere...

Raiden Lau What was your best memory of WHS? Mr Whibley threatening to melt my insides.

Favourite quote: “The happier I get, the less I see.” #asian life In ten years time I aspire to be...

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

Renee Hennessy What was your best memory of WHS? That time my friend fell over.

Favourite quote: “Wow she actually talks” In ten years time I aspire to be...

Married rich.

Sadie Van Beekhuizen What was your best memory of WHS? Driving to school in my car.

Favourite quote: “Work hard, stay humble.”

In ten years time I aspire to be...

Living it up.

Sam Beasley What was your best memory of WHS? Ribena time.

Favourite quote: “Your mum might be proud.” - Henry Morris In ten years time I aspire to be...

Getting paid.

Sammy Clarke What was your best memory of WHS? When we stapled a gherkin to the ceiling.

Favourite quote: “At least two.”

In ten years time I aspire to be...

Michael Everett.

Tayla Jones What was your best memory of WHS? All the sporting events.

Favourite quote: “Why is no one having a good time? I specifically requested it.” - Captain Raymond Holt, Brooklyn Nine-Nine In ten years time I aspire to be...

Overseas on my O.E.

Te Aniwa Tutua What was your best memory of WHS? Being Koro’s favourite ;).

Favourite quote: “Hellooooo.” - Koro.

In ten years time I aspire to be...

Able to reach the top shelf.

Thomas Pike What was your best memory of WHS? Sending a paper plane 50m high with a slingshot.

Favourite quote: “I’ve got 99 problems and I’m the cause of all of them.”

In ten years time I aspire to be...

In crippling debt.

Tom Sims What was your best memory of WHS? Ball and Maadi 2021.

Favourite quote: “Be excellent to each other, and party on dudes.”

In ten years time I aspire to be...

Sexier

Tristan Reeve What was your best memory of WHS? That one time when there was almost a tsunami.

Favourite quote: “SUS”- Ake Among Us In ten years time I aspire to be...

Working as a video game designer.

Whatonga Raki What was your best memory of WHS? Getting my wig snatched in P.E. Favourite quote: “If you’re offended by what I say, imagine what I’m thinking.”

In ten years time I aspire to be...

A Māori takatāpui making changes in Law.

Zaylea Burt What was your best memory of WHS? Fridays at 3pm.

Favourite quote: “Do your work,Tom!” - Linda Bonne.

In ten years time I aspire to be...

Managing a dairy farm, somewhere...

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

13

SPORTS AWARDS 2020 Results SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR - Rylan Whitley, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR - Ashleigh Lawlor, Swimming TEAM OF THE YEAR - Boys’ Beach Volleyball, Jamie Julian and Ollie Forsyth COACH/MANAGER OF THE YEAR - Nic Christie, Volleyball CONTRIBUTION TO SPORT - Louise Paulsen SPECIAL MENTIONS to - Gary Spraggon, Contribution to Bowls - Gail Zonneveld, over 28 years of dedication to sport at Whakatāne High School, in particular, Football.

GUEST SPEAKER - Jan Peterson, NZ Hockey Blackstick, ex WHS student, class of 2002.

14

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

SENIOR PRIZEGIVING 2021 Results SPORTS AWARDS GIRLS: Emma Ferguson • Sporting Honours - Football Sadie van Beekhuizen • Sporting Honours - Football Sharlyn Tawhara • Sporting Honours - Netball Tarere Thrupp-Pivac • Sporting Honours - Rugby Kelly Anne Iopata • Sporting Honours - Rugby Mia Cole • Sporting Honours - Volleyball Kiera Dooley • Sporting Honours – Adventure Racing Olivia Nolan • Sporting Honours – Adventure Racing Ashleigh Lawlor • Intermediate Swimming Champ (Whakatāne High School Cup) Anna Isaac • Intermediate Cross Country Champion • Excellence in Equestrian (The Parker Family Trophy) • Sporting Honours – Adventure Racing Eva Sexton • Intermediate Athletic Champion Katie Mahy • Excellence in Basketball • Volleyball: Most Valuable Player Kokako Raki • Rugby: Back of the Year Sieanna Hughes • Most Improved - Sailing Jossy Franklyn • Rugby: Forward of the Year Ella Pryde • Excellence in Futsal Skye Edwards • Excellence in Equestrian Graceyn Growden • Rowing: Most Improved Daisy Boon • Hockey: Fair Play Award (Howard Family Trophy) Lara Longney • Senior Athletic Champion • Badminton Player of the Year • Excellence in Hockey (Molly Mae Cossey Memorial Trophy) Danielle Pugh • Contribution to Netball Brooke Young • Captain of the 1st XV Girls Rugby (The Natalie Moon Trophy) • Sporting Honours - Rugby Caitlin Berquist • Top Female Rower

Tayla Jones • Football: Captain 1st XI • Coach's Award for Volleyball • Sporting Honours – Football and Volleyball Olivia Calder • Greatest Contribution to Hockey (Raewyn Hewitt Trophy) Amy Humpherson • Senior Girls Triathlon Champion • Excellence in Mountain Biking • Sporting Honours – Mountain Biking Ella Fenwick • Netball: Most Valuable Player • Senior Swimming Champion (Julians Berry Farm & Cafe Trophy) • Sporting Honours - Netball Parekohai Baker • Diligence in Basketball • Sporting Honours - Basketball Milla Dibben • Senior Cross Country Champion • Sporting Honours – Adventure Racing Lucy Knott • Commitment to Rowing Katie Growden • Contribution to Football (Cunningham Cup) • Sporting Honours - Football Tayla Jones • Best All-Round Female Athlete (The Jan Dickey Cup) BOYS: Philip Nuku • Sporting Honours - Rugby Braidy Phillips • Sporting Honours - Rugby Brimsy Marshall • Sporting Honours - Rugby Te Ururoa Biddle • Sporting Honours - Rugby Liam Harimate • Sporting Honours – Rugby and Basketball Jamieson Bicknell • Sporting Honours - Hockey Ben Davey-Emms • Sporting Honours - Football Oliver Forsyth • Sporting Honours - Volleyball Conrad Hopkins • Sporting Honours - Rowing Leon Fuller • Sporting Honours - Kayaking Zak Surtees • Sporting Honours – Kart Racing Charlie Waters • Contribution to Futsal Callum Giles • Hockey - 6-a-side Player of the Year Shaun Snow • Intermediate Athletics Champion • Sporting Honours - Rowing

Leyton Tangitu Rugby - Under 16 Back of the Year Fearghus Byers • Rugby - Under 16 Forward of the Year Zakary Boonen • Excellence in Rowing • Sporting Honours - Rowing Ryan Calder • Commitment to Rowing • Sporting Honours - Rowing Jamie Julian • Coach's Award for Volleyball • Sporting Honours - Volleyball Carter Davies • Excellence in Hockey Skye Martin • Best All-Round Hockey Player (Max Farmer Trophy) • Contribution to Hockey (E Thomas Award) Josh Dale • Football Player of the Year • Senior Tennis Champion Ryan Schwass • Senior Badminton Player of the Year Bailey Irwin • Contribution to Bowls • Sporting Honours - Bowls Corban Toone • Excellence in Motocross Luke Berquist • Rowing: Most Valuable Crew Member (The Henry Coad Trophy) • Sporting Honours - Rowing Te Mauri Marshall-Amai • 1st XV Rugby - Back of the Year • Sporting Honours - Rugby Luke Fenton • Captain 1st XV (Manly Trophy) • Sporting Honours - Rugby Cole Scott • Senior Athletics Champion • Basketball: Most Valuable Player • Excellence in Touch • Sporting Honours – Rugby and Basketball Michael Everett • Contribution to Football (The Cousins Trophy) • Sporting Honours - Football Cambell Julian • Senior Swimming Champion (Julians Berry Farm & Cafe Trophy) • Sporting Honours – Rugby and Adventure Racing Liam Dooley • Excellence in Track (Evans McCready Trophy) • Senior Cross Country Champion • Contribution to Football (Zonneveld Trophy) • Sporting Honours – Athletics, Cross Country and Adventure Racing

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

15

Codi Laurent • Volleyball: Most Valuable Player • Sporting Honours - Volleyball Adam Reid • Excellence in Bowls • Contribution to Sailing • Sporting Honours – Bowls, Sailing and Karate Alex Manning • Senior Golf Champion • Hockey: Captain 1st X1 • Senior Table Tennis Champ • Sporting Honours – Hockey and Adventure Racing Hayden Sisson • Excellence in Mountain Biking • Sporting Honours – Mountain Biking Calais McNabb-Honana • 1st XV Rugby - Forward of the Year • Sporting Honours – Rugby and Basketball Tom Sims • Rowing: Most Improved (The Graham Watt Trophy) • Kahlua Tawa • Senior Chess Champion Cole Scott • Best All-Round Athlete (Mitchell Cup) Academic awards are made to students who are First in their subject or have been awarded two or more High Achievement Certificates or have gained a University Entrance Scholarship.

YEAR 11 ACADEMIC AWARDS Conrad Hopkins • High Achievement in Mathematics • High Achievement in Science Shania Nickel • High Achievement in English • High Achievement in Numeracy • Diligence in Health Science Zakary Boonen • High Achievement in English • High Achievement in Mathematics • Olivia Nolan • High Achievement in Physical Education • High Achievement in Science Isabel Lambert • High Achievement in Media Studies • High Achievement in Drawing & Painting Samuel Dibben • High Achievement in Physical Education • High Achievement in Product Development Hard Materials • Diligence in Science Rhys Robertson • High Achievement in Business Studies • High Achievement in English • Diligence in Physics - Level 2

16

Whakatāne High School

|

Lulu Morgan • High Achievement in Business Studies • High Achievement in Mathematics • Diligence in Economics • Diligence in History Sarah Cook • High Achievement in Economics • High Achievement in Design & Visual Communication • High Achievement in English Hunter Samson • High Achievement in Science • High Achievement in Drawing & Painting • High Achievement in Visual Art Design & Photography Tiaki Mei • First in Whakairo Maori Carving Mihikau Black • First in Science Internal Daemiza Marks • First in Maori Performing Arts Evia Linnell-Olson • First in Media Studies Hawk Bendikson • First in Business Studies (The Whakatāne High School Business Studies Trophy) Charlise Basire • First in History (Professor Keith Farquhar Prize) Sieanna Hughes • First in English (The Hamertons Trophy) Kokako Raki • First in Sport In Education • Diligence in English Aiyana Prasad • First in Horticulture • Diligence in Mathematics Jamie Julian • First in Product Development Hard Materials (The Alan Bigwood Cup) • Diligence in English • Diligence in Geography Jonghyun Yun • First in Visual Art - Drawing & Painting - Level 2 • Diligence in Biology - Level 2 • Diligence in English Padget Lang • First in Health Science • High Achievement in English Patrick Gallacher • First in Japanese • High Achievement in French (VLN) Level 2 Bianca Van Tilburg • First in Drama (The Whakatāne High School Drama Trophy) • High Achievement in English • Diligence in Physical Education

Te Waka Kura 2021

Kobe Shilton • First in Music • High Achievement in Mathematics • Diligence in Mechatronics Miria Buchler • First in Dance • High Achievement in French • Diligence in Drama Aurora Finch • First in French • High Achievement in Science • Diligence in Design & Visual Communication Joshua Broadmore • First in Financial Literacy • High Achievement in Science • Diligence in Business Studies Te Rangimoaho Piper Iti • First in Te Reo Rangatira • High Achievement in Te Reo Maori Level 3 • Diligence in English Sophie Peat • First in Science • High Achievement in Geography • High Achievement in Physical Education • Diligence in Business Studies • Diligence in English Ashley Giles • First in Physics - Level 2 • High Achievement in Chemistry Level 2 • High Achievement in Mechanical Engineering • High Achievement in Mechatronics Thomas Turner • First in Economics (VLN) • High Achievement in English • High Achievement in Geography • High Achievement in History • High Achievement in Mathematics • High Achievement in Science Payton Warman • First in Design & Visual Communication • First in Visual Art - Design & Photography • Diligence in Food Technology Tegan Gillard • First in Geography (The Mavis West Cup) • First in Visual Art - Drawing & Painting (Raewyn Kingley Cup) • High Achievement in Food Technology Kiera Dooley • First in Food Technology • First in Textiles • High Achievement in Physical Education • Diligence in English Obssaa Jibril • First in Physical Education • First in Accounting • High Achievement in Mathematics • Diligence in Economics

Noah Pendleton • First in Digital Technology (The Christine Dickens Cup) • First in Mathematics • First in Mechanical Engineering • First in Mechatronics • High Achievement in Physics - Level 2 YEAR 12 ACADEMIC AWARDS Finn Tailby • High Achievement in History • High Achievement in Outdoor Education Alexi Barrett • High Achievement in Biology • High Achievement in Psychology (VLN) Joshua Brown • High Achievement in Computer Science • High Achievement in Mathematics Jacob Hagan • High Achievement in Mathematics with Calculus - Level 3 • High Achievement in Chemistry Anaia Emeny • High Achievement in Drama • High Achievement in Media Studies • Diligence in Horticulture Molly O'Leary • High Achievement in Food Technology • High Achievement in Mathematics with Statistics • Diligence in Biology Daisy Boon • High Achievement in Biology • High Achievement in French • Diligence in English • Diligence in Physics Kayleigh Garner • High Achievement in Classical Studies • High Achievement in Visual Art Design • Diligence in English • Diligence in Physics Skye Martin • High Achievement in Computer Science • High Achievement in Marine Studies • Diligence in Chemistry • Diligence in English Nikora Tihi • High Achievement in Maori Performing Arts - Level 3 • High Achievement in Whakairo Maori Carving - Level 3 Anchal Sharma • High Achievement in Biology - Level 3 • High Achievement in English • High Achievement in Mathematics with Statistics

Holly Moore • First in Health Science Sandra Kingi • First in Maori Performing Arts Nakita Dakin • First in Financial Literacy Xavier Perry • First in Horticulture Jacob Gilbert • First in Sport In Education Tristan Askew • First in Product Development - Hard Materials (The Whakatāne Printers Trophy) Saoirse Burgess-McCarthy • First in Geography Hazel McAnulty • First in Media Studies • Diligence in English • Diligence in Mathematics with Statistics Fletcher Nolan • First in Outdoor Education (The Dave Allan Cup) • Diligence in Physics • Diligence in English Te Rame Ioane-Pryor • First in Whakairo Maori Carving • High Achievement in Maori Performing Arts Mark Barlass • First in Economics • High Achievement in Mathematics with Statistics Xanthe Nurkka • First in Dance • High Achievement in Tourism • Diligence in Drama Aria Gibson • First in Drama • High Achievement in Marine Studies • Diligence in Mathematics with Statistics • Diligence in Biology Amie Cloke • First in Science • High Achievement in Tourism – Level 3 • Diligence in Economics • Diligence in Mathematics Chloe McLaren • First in National Certificate in Early Childhood Education & Care • High Achievement in English • Diligence in Mathematics • Diligence in Hospitality Sol Taylor-Pickering • First in Visual Art - Photography • High Achievement in Classical Studies • High Achievement in English

Nicole Petersen • First in Marine Studies • High Achievement in Economics • High Achievement in English Zahara Magee • First in History (Professor Keith Farquhar Prize) • High Achievement in Marine Studies • High Achievement in Outdoor Education • Diligence in English Neva Clyde • First in Hospitality • High Achievement in Design & Visual Communication • High Achievement in Mathematics with Calculus • High Achievement in Visual Art Design • Diligence in English Eva Badger • First in Biology (The Burke Cup) • High Achievement in English • High Achievement in Mathematics with Statistics • High Achievement in Mathematics with Calculus • High Achievement in Physics Ryan Berghuis • First in Mathematics with Calculus • First in Music • Diligence in English Abby Gow • First in Classical Studies • First in Business Studies • High Achievement in English • Diligence in Visual Art - Design • Tahu Weenink-Smith • First in Psychology (VLN) • First in Visual Art - Design • High Achievement in English • Diligence in Mathematics with Statistics • Diligence in Visual Art - Drawing & Painting Mia Shepherd • French - First in French • First in Chemistry (The Hart Family Trophy) • High Achievement in Drama • High Achievement in English • High Achievement in Biology • Diligence in Mathematics with Calculus Lara Longney • First in Mechatronics • First in Design & Visual Communication • High Achievement in Chemistry Level 3 • High Achievement in Mathematics with Calculus - Level 3 • High Achievement in Physics - Level 3 • High Achievement in English

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

17

Graceyn Growden • First in Food Technology • First in Mathematics with Statistics • First in Physical Education James Elliffe • First in Chemistry - Level 3 • First in Computer Science • First in English • First in Japanese • High Achievement in Mathematics with Calculus - Level 3 • High Achievement in Physics - Level 3 YEAR 13 ACADEMIC AWARDS Aleisha Boyce • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Waikato for $5,000 Tayla Jones • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Otago for $7,000 Ciara Beck • Diligence in English • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Otago for $4,500 Hannah Dodds • Diligence in Drama • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Otago for $4,500 Sammy Clarke • Diligence in History • Awarded a scholarship from Canterbury University for $5,000 • Awarded the BOP Education Trust Scholarship for the University of Auckland for $6,000 Te Aniwa Tutua • High Achievement in Biology • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Otago for $16,000 Kaprise Tupe • High Achievement in Drama • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Waikato for $5,000 Katie Growden • High Achievement in Outdoor Education • Diligence in Economics • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Waikato for $1,000 Parekohai Baker • High Achievement in Te Reo Rangatira • Diligence in Maori Performing Arts • Diligence in Biology • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Auckland for $20,000 Noah Hindmarch • High Achievement in Marine Studies • High Achievement in Product Development Hard Materials Lucy Butler • High Achievement in Psychology (VLN) • High Achievement in History • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Waikato for $5,000

18

Whakatāne High School

|

Jack Couchman • High Achievement in Computer Science • High Achievement in Economics • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Waikato for $5,000 Raiden Lau • High Achievement in Visual Art Design • High Achievement in Visual Art Photography • Diligence in Hospitality Liam Donald • High Achievement in Computer Science • High Achievement in Mathematics with Statistics • Diligence in Chemistry • Diligence in Biology Basil Eldhose • High Achievement in Biology • High Achievement in Chemistry • High Achievement in Classical Studies • High Achievement in Physics • Diligence in Mathematics with Calculus Renee Hennessy • First in Visual Art - Photography Maddison Clarke • First in Music Kelly Anne Iopata • First in Financial Literacy Callum Clark • First in Furniture Manufacturing Branagh Overington • First in Drama • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Auckland for $20,000 Liam Dooley • First in Food Technology Rupert Barrett • First in Physical Education (The Brosnahan Family Trophy) Jessica Burke • First in Tourism Jamie Coffin • First in Sociology Pfeifer McIntyre • First in Hospitality Tarere Thrupp-Pivac • First in Sport In Education Josh Warner • First in Computer Science • Diligence in Classical Studies Adam Reid • First in Economics (VLN) • Diligence in Chemistry • Awarded a scholarship from Victoria University of Wellington for $5,000 • Two scholarships from Canterbury University each for $5,000 • A scholarship from University of Otago for $7,000

Te Waka Kura 2021

• A scholarship from University of Waikato for $5,000 • A scholarship from the University of Auckland for $20,000 Olivia Sheaff • First in Outdoor Education • Diligence in Biology • Diligence in English Cambell Julian • First in Business Studies (Whakatāne High School Business Studies Cup) • Diligence in Mathematics with Calculus • Diligence in Outdoor Education Dylan Hagan • First in History (Professor Keith Farquhar Prize) • High Achievement in English • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Auckland for $20,000 • Awarded a scholarship from AUT for $17,000 Hana Liley • First in Classical Studies • High Achievement in English • Diligence in Chemistry Lucy Knott • First in Visual Art - Painting • High Achievement in Media Studies • Diligence in Physics • Diligence in Chemistry • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Waikato for $25,000 Michael Everett • First in Mathematics with Calculus • High Achievement in English • Diligence in History • Diligence in Physics • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Auckland for $20,000 • Awarded a scholarship from Canterbury University for $14,000 Alice Blakeway • First in Marine Studies (The Ferguson Trophy) • High Achievement in Mathematics with Statistics • High Achievement in Biology • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Otago for $14,000 • Awarded a BOP Education Trust Scholarship for the University of Otago for $6,000 Whatonga Raki • First in Te Reo Maori • First in Te Reo Rangatira Tawhai August • First in Maori Performing Arts • First in Whakairo Maori Carving Milla Dibben • First in Economics • First in High Performance Sport • Diligence in English

Amy Humpherson • First in Geography • First in Product Development Hard Materials • Diligence in Mathematics with Calculus • Diligence in Physics • Awarded a scholarship from Victoria University of Wellington for $5,000 • Awarded a scholarship from Canterbury University for $11,000 Earina Savinelli • First in Media Studies • First in Visual Art - Design • High Achievement in Visual Art Painting Caitlin Berquist • First in Biology (The Shearer Cup) • First in Mathematics with Statistics • High Achievement in History • High Achievement in Chemistry • Diligence in Physics • Awarded a scholarship from University of Waikato for $25,000 • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Otago for $7,000 Joshua Carter • First in English • First in Mathematics with Calculus • First in Physics • High Achievement in French • High Achievement in Chemistry • Awarded a scholarship from University of Auckland for $20,000 • Awarded a scholarship from the Canterbury University for $5,000 • Awarded a scholarship from the University of Otago for $30,000

Thomas Conaglen

SPECIAL AWARDS Toi Ohomai Awards - Toi Ohomai have recognised the Top and Most Improved students in various courses.

Hunter Elliott-Laing – Top Student in Carpentry Te Ariki Te Tawhi – Top Student in Automotive Engineering Charlie Blandford – Most Improved Student in Carpentry Tahuri-o-te-rangi Kohunui and Hakeke Mokomoko – Most Improved Students in Building and Construction Mark Barlass – Most Improved Student in IT Coletrane Hancy – Top Student in Building and Construction Ashdyn Mitchell – Top Student in Hospitality Jack Couchman – Top Student in IT Angus Macrae – Top Student in Drivers Training Kobe Shilton

Cambell Julian

• Contribution to Music (Campbell Trophy and Lyceum Club Prize)

Lara Longney, Iziah Carter and Anchal Sharma

• Rotary Interact Trophy

• Margaret Mahy Library Prize

Deahna Schwass

• Gibbs Cup for Singing

Olivia Calder

• Achievement & Contribution to School (The Bev Grammer Trophy)

Michael Everett

• The Pyne White Trophy – Prefect’s Award For Extra Curricular Dedication

Joshua Carter and Michael Everett share the award for

• First in Mathematics with Calculus (The Warren Mason Family Scholarship)

Caitlin Berquist

• Leadership Award (Hammond Family Trophy) • The Whakatāne Business Women’s Cup for Excellence in Science & Technology

Zaylea Burt

• Prime Minister’s Vocational Excellence Award valued at $2,000

• Whakaruruhau poipoi tangata

Year 11 - Londie Rika Year 12 - Putere Hare Year 13 - Parekohai Baker Jayden Kingi-Rua • Iti Pounamu Nikora Tihi

• Kapa Haka Male Leader - Kai Ta Taki Tane

Mania Tarei

• He Manukura Wahine a ia. I whaiwhai ana e ia i te ara o ona matua tupuna.

• Kapa Haka Female Leader - Kai Ta Taki Wahine

Te Rangimoaho Piper Iti and Whatonga Raki

• Huia Woods Memorial Taiaha

Te Aniwa Tutua

• Best All Round Maori Student - Te Mauri o Tane nui a Rangi (The Christopher Day Memorial Trophy)

Parekohai Baker

PREMIER AWARDS Best all round boy or girl at each year level Kiera Dooley

Tayla Jones

Ashley Giles

• Deputy Head Girl (The Anderson Trophy) • Contribution to School Council (The Clarke Cup) • Deputy Head Girl (The Anderson Trophy)

Te Aniwa Tutua

• Deputy Head Girl (The Anderson Trophy) • George Mason Scholarship

Luke Fenton

• Deputy Head Boy (The Anderson Trophy) • Deputy Head Boy (The Anderson Trophy) • Entrepreneur of The Year (Enterprise Cup) • Contribution to the Corporate Life of School (The Paul Tocker Cup)

Milla Dibben

• Best All Round Year 11 Girl

• Best All Round Year 11 Boy

Lara Longney

• Best All Round Year 12 Girl

James Elliffe

• Best All Round Year 12 Boy (The HMS Craig Family Trophy)

Caitlin Berquist

• The Best All Round Year 13 Girl

Cambell Julian

• Best All Round Boy - Year 13 (McKinnon Cup) & RSA Prize PREMIER SPORTS AWARDS

Colin Harrison

• Contribution to Sport Award

Declan Manning

• Coach/Manager of the Year

Hillary Challenge Team

• Team of the Year

• Head Girl Principal's Award

Jaydah-Lily Lees

• Head Boy Principal's Award

Leon Fuller

Philip Nuku

Callum Clark

• Henry Robinson Award

• Sportswoman of the Year • Sportsman of the Year TOP ACADEMIC STUDENTS

Jacinda Wickham

• The Joel Martin Memorial Trophy

School Interhouse competition Matai – collected by house prefects Ella Fenwick and Cambell Julian Amber Murfitt

These awards are meticulously calculated and based on Excellence credits.

Jonghyun Yun and Ashley Giles

• Top of Year 11 (Rotary Trophy)

• Robinson Family Scholarship

James Elliffe

• Peter Thompson Award

Michael Everitt

Ihaka Hau

Mauri/tuu he tamaiti tautoko Year 11 - Gorgeous Peratiaki and Daemiza Marks Year 12 – Danielle Pugh Year 13 – Kaprise Tupe and Irihapeti Ruawai

• Top of Year 12 (McLay Cup) • Proxime Accessit (Twaddle Family Trophy)

Joshua Carter

• Dux for 2021 (The Nita Shannon Trophy)

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

19

Whakatāne High School - the Margaret Mahy Library!

At the start of this year the space in the library was reorganized with our fiction books all being moved to the other side of the library and the non-fiction moving across to take its place. The purpose of this move was to give more room to the non-fiction collection and create more of a relaxing area for students to browse the fiction area. So, after some days of book stacking, and many trolley loads later, we - the librarians - were happy with this move!

The library was also able to purchase another rolling shelf to hold subject collections and enable flexible, moving work spaces for smaller or larger groups.

Approximately 500 students come to the library each day and at intervals and lunchtime the chess boards, playing cards and books (yay!) come out and are popular activities. It’s great to see our regular students enjoying face to face interaction alongside the time used for gaming.

Our school prefects also enjoyed hosting junior students from Apanui School to play chess in the library earlier in the year. This was when their classrooms were no longer usable due to the fire.

At Easter time, the Whakatāne High School Centennial took place! Displays from our school archives were set up in the library. These included past school uniforms set on models and photographic displays, past year books as well as other memorabilia. A special thanks goes out to Stephen, Peta, Kirsten, Stevie and Riley for their help with these displays. Guests enjoyed walking through the library and catching up with each other and sharing past memories.

This year, the library has prioritised the school’s fiction collection, purchasing some excellent new, exciting fiction texts. These new purchases have largely been handled by librarian, Rachel King, whose literary expertise is greatly valued. Rachel is fantastic at encouraging students’ reading (for pleasure or purpose) and ensuring literacy improvement remains the highest priority for the library.

In terms of Whakatāne High School’s operation, the library is a multi-functional venue.

This year the library held the Chess Masters’ Workshop Day and Regional Championships, Loves Me Not Programme training, Blue Light tutorials, Sport BOP, TPOOM, Iti Pounamu, Enrolment Interviews, ESOL and Deaf Awareness tutorials. This was in addition to all day and half day workshops for First Aid, the SEEDS Programme and Health and Safety Courses.

This year, the library’s upstairs space was utilised for deans and student mentoring classes.

Also, a Book Club was established and held here, through connection with the Whakatāne District Library. It’s been awesome to see some of our junior students who generally say they don’t like reading, reciting poetry, discussing Shakespeare and really engaging. Thanks to Whakatāne District librarians, Sharni and Freddie, Mrs Renay Jones and her students for participating in this.

Finally, thanks to our student librarians Thomas, Belle and Isla - for your help in the library throughout the year!

Librarians: Rachel King, Helen Rutledge

20

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

ROCKCLIMBING

Shave for a Cure Fundraiser

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

21

TRADITIONAL TAPESTRY Linda Taurua-Taufo’ou recalls the talent of her nan, Te Orihana Te Amio Apiata, who created beautiful pari (tapestry) - one of which is now used as the trophy for the Kapa Haka Nationals and is also the basis for the school’s Kapa Haka team emblem.

She’s a Queen of tapestry, friend, mum, aunty, sister and nan - this is a woman with many titles and a lot of integrity. For over thirty years she has devoted her time and skills to Whakatāne High School, but she has always devoted her life to her family. So, when she was sadly taken away in June 2004, she left behind treasured memories, ones that are still told to this very day.

Her name is Te Orihana Te Amio Apiata, but known to many as Tammy Apiata.

In 1985 she used her tapestry skills that her mother taught her to help create a beautiful design on the Pari you see in the picture. She would spend hours on them, making sure that they were the same in length (longways) and that the pattern you see front-facing was always identical. If it was slightly off she would take it back and start again from there. Nan was the person that you could count on to get the mahi done, and done to perfection.

The kapa haka team had worn it on many occasions; I was informed they had worn it on the tour they took to Australia back in the day. There is also one of these Pari that has been placed and sealed in a frame created as a trophy for the Kakahu winners in the Mātaatua Regional Secondary School Competition. Tammy had been a part of the kapa haka team since being asked to make the Pari but to the whanau this meant that she would always be a part of kapa haka altogether. The work of her hands and heart would be shared with many through the mahi she left behind.

On behalf of the whanau, to all those that were involved in being a part of creating such a beautiful trophy, I would like to share our gratitude towards you for doing this for our Kuia and we know she will always live on through this Taonga. Also, to the Whakatāne High School community, including staff past and present that have been with us on our journey with and without this beautiful woman, we would like to send a very warm mihi to you all; it made school feel like a second home for us all, even for Nan. Written by, Linda Taurua-Taufo’ou

WAKA AMA

22

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT

Iziah Carter, Tyler Lang and Cody Evetts testing a bike structure in Mechanical Engineering

Amy Humpherson – welding a steel table frame

Amy Humpherson – Using a bench drill

Taylor Moore using a lathe in Mechanical Engineering

Angus MacRae using a mitre saw

Tristan Askew using a wood plane to bevel the edge of a plank

Zak Surtees with his finished cupboard

Emily Van Dijk preparing food for the Hospitality evening

Alfie Hamar – preparing for the Hospitality evening

Luke Berquist and Neva Clyde developing designs in DVC

Seth Davis cutting wood on the bandsaw

Brooklyn Thompson drilling some aluminium for Mechanical Engineering

Neva Clyde developing her visual designs in DVC

Tom Flowerday using a wood lathe to make a leg for a table

Tawhai and Te Ariki making a table

Mr Cochrane showing Uriah Koopu and Alex Prentice how to use a lathe

Miss Eves taking a Level 3 Hospitality class

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

23

FOOD TECHNOLOGY & Hospitality The Food Technology department welcomed Miss Andie Eves and Whaea Kelly Matrix at the beginning of this year. They have joined Whaea Ngaire Ranapia in teaching Hospitality and Food Technology to all of the five Whakatāne High School year groups.

This year, Food Technology encompassed the science behind food products and packaging as well as social issues surrounding sustainably sourced ingredients, food design, nutrition, recipe development, personal hygiene, and food safety issues.

As the year has progressed, we have seen some thoughtful and impactful solutions from brilliant young minds in regards to food scarcity issues and what can be done about food security to help today’s akonga learn and grow and nurture tomorrow’s tamariki.

- Nāku te rourou, nāu te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.

Cooking is as popular as ever and we have some budding chefs amongst our akonga. Our kitchen classroom has been running non stop as akonga have learnt how to prepare and cook food from different cultures across the world as well as integrate foraged native foods from our wider community into their dishes.

We hope the junior kura have all enjoyed being a part of designing their own recipes and having creative freedom with their practical assessments. They were pushed to think outside the box with many design elements and kitchen based skill sets which came together to produce an edible end product.

Seniors have worked hard to produce beautiful cakes, hot finger foods, and meat and vegetable cuts which have led them to create complete gourmet meals.

The Level Two Hospitality classes have immersed themselves in coffee training this year and have been busy honing their skills perfecting caffé crema and making the silkiest frothed milk.

four course degustation menu for over 75 guests was not something that the students thought they could achieve when the challenge was presented to them early on in the year. Since then, the students have gained skills in making pasta, breaking down and cooking whole cuts of meat and preparing vegetables in all sorts of new and exciting ways.

Practice and new found expertise in the culinary arts saw the students impress their parents, teachers and wider community with delicious and beautifully presented dishes that included native flora like horopito, kawakawa and mānuka.

Miss Eves introduced a competition this year with the Level Three Hospitality class that saw the winners dine in one of New Zealand’s premier luxury lodges, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers.

The students were able to collect points all year for all sorts of learnt skills, participation in class, extracurricular catering, master classes, spontaneous mystery box cook offs and there was even an open category specifically for bribery which was not utilised by the students nearly enough.

We were lucky to be able to take five students to enjoy a three course lunch above the cliffs overlooking Hawkes Bay. “Wow” and “Fancy” were the words of the day as the students “mmmmmmed” their way through the different courses. After lunch, a tour of the amenities provided wide eyes and more “insanes” than you can shake a whisk at.

Seeing the level of service and creativity in food that is on our doorstep has hopefully inspired the next generation of hospitality professionals from Whakatāne. Looking at you, Class of 2022.

GET AMONGST IT!

Four students from Level Three Hospitality, Pfeifer McIntyre, Matthew Robison, Ben Akroyd and Meadow Williams, competed as two teams in the Waikato Culinary Fare in June and both teams came away with bronze awards in Mystery Box Challenges.

He Hākari o Te Kōanga, our restaurant event, which was prepared and cooked by the Level Three Hospitality class, was a massive success. Cooking a

24

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

INTERACT Club The Whakatāne High School Interact Club is a group of people between the ages of 12 and 18 years old who want to help the community. The club is full of people who enjoy helping others in ways like volunteering at events in the community and at school. Whakatāne High School Interact Club helps students learn to be leaders and develop skills that help them work as a team.

Interact Club is recognised as an official club by Rotary International. Over time, more and more people have been joining the club and we now have around 35 members. By joining, they make friends and feel the achievement that comes with this. In Interact, we strive to have our members grow and become more confident with the things that they do. By volunteering at events and raising money for different causes students get to step out of their comfort zones in a way that is exciting and fun!

During the year, we were able to volunteer and help at many different events. These included Art in the Park, Jazz in the Park, Picnic Like Grandma, Have a Heart, and the Pink Ribbon Breakfast. All of these events were held for different organizations and important causes. We also helped the school with different events like the “Back to the 80s” production, the Year 9 BBQ, and the Centennial. We will also be donating pajamas to the hospital for Christmas and making cookies to sell to raise money.

This year’s board has been working hard to get involved and give our members many opportunities. Our Board members who work alongside Mrs Bonne are: Iziah Carter (president), Anchal Sharma (secretary), Lara Longney (treasurer), Ashley Giles, Aurora Finch, Callum Giles, Charlotte Billings and Olivia Nolan (directors). Along with our weekly club meeting, the board meets every Tuesday to discuss how to improve the club, upcoming events and meetings. This includes picking interesting guest speakers to come and talk to the club. These people are usually role models, leaders, inspiring individuals and also people who are making a difference in the community.

Interact Club meetings are held every Friday at lunchtime and are very interesting. Our Board plans different things for the club to do at the meeting, like hearing speakers that have been brought in and planning our next events that we are volunteering at. This year we have been working more on leadership skills because we want our members to be confident leaders in our community.

This has been a very successful year for the Interact Club. We have worked together through lockdowns and hard times to continue to make a difference. Members are helping at as many events as possible and enjoying spending time with a great group of friends. Luckily, this year we were able to help out a lot more in the community because of people doing their part with Covid! Hopefully we can continue to do this for many years in the future.

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

25

MARINE STUDIES Science

What a year for Whakatāne High School Marine Studies! The junior school had a mean year. They spent time learning about the ecosystems around our amazing local treasure, Moutohora, and even got to spend some time snorkeling out at the island with some friendly, underwater marine life. They even learnt about tuna and some of the traditional Māori eeling methods used by the older generations, and put these learnings into practice on an eeling trip to Awatapu Lagoon and Sullivan’s Lake. Throughout the yea, our Year 9s have been focusing on learning all about our common New Zealand fish species and how to make fish traces to make their very own hand lines. A highlight of every term was taking our Year 9s out to the Ōhope Wharf to test these handlines and catch a few little fish along the way.

2021 has been a busy year for our senior students. We have focused on a range of topics from rocky shore ecosystem studies, to the deep ocean, to sustainable fishing practices - all of which help us learn about how we can use the oceans responsibly.

We have studied papaka (crabs) and how they move and behave when they are under stress. An important concept that we have looked at throughout the year is how we can use marine reserves to help us protect the ecosystems around Moutohora and what this could mean for the future of our community.

Although we weren’t able to go on our Heron Island trip this year, we were still able to see some incredible underwater marine life on our dive trips to Whitianga. This year, twenty students have been lucky enough to gain their PADI Open Water Diving Certificate while diving in some of Aotearoa’s most pristine and protected parts of the ocean, Hahei Marine Reserve. The three-day trip is jam-packed with activities centralised around the beautiful scenery that is both in and out of the water; including diving with some big, friendly fish, and even a bit of dolphin spotting.

Alex Manning and Whaea Te Aorere

26

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

MULTISPORT AND GET2GO / Adventure Racing The Hillary Challenge

“Probably the toughest and most competitive school’s competition in the world at over five days!” – quote from Craig Cook of AR Live Coverage.

A team of eight students from Whakatāne and Trident high schools have just returned from the Hillary Final gaining an amazing 3rd place in the National Final.

This is the first time any BOP team has made a podium place in this gruelling challenge.

Day 1 and 2 of the event had 12 one hour challenges. These can be physical, or mental teamwork challenges which provide a chance for teams to see how they can overcome all types of problems.

The second day saw horrible weather – cold, sleet and snow hit the team, turning many blue and shivering. They went caving, paddling, biking, climbed the high ropes, solved tangram/tetris puzzles, made a fire and cooked damper for the judges. We ended up 4th at the end of Day 2 (out of 12 teams).

Days 3 and 4 were a two day rogaine around Mount Ruapehu. The teams had to locate points around the mountain and camp overnight. The weather was atrocious, going down to -4 degrees overnight and racking up 15cm of snow.

Trying to navigate their way around in blizzard conditions was tough but the team survived and arrived at the finish safely and happy to be done.

If all of this was not bad enough, the final day was simply a 45km race including paddling, running and biking. The teams were shattered but gave their all for the title. After 4 hours and 45 minutes of tough terrain, the team finally finished this event 4th.

We thought we would be 4th overall after talking with the other teams but we were stunned to hear us being called out for 3rd place. This is the first time a BOP school has made the podium which is a truly outstanding achievement.

I can safely say this is the hardest five days I have ever experienced as a support to the students. They were fantastic and never gave up. They gelled as a team and looked after each other so well. I am so proud of the team.

Get2Go report

Whangamata Adventure Race 2021

The students had to do quite a bit of training over the three months leading up to the event but were ready for the challenge. Both teams did extremely well but we were just beaten to first place by a strong Trident team. The teams eventually came second and fifth out of the 24 that competed.

The teams had to navigate through dense bush, climb steep hills, and race in the dark, collecting as many checkpoints as possible in the alloted time. The senior teams came 3rd and 4th in their grade and were suitably stuffed at the end. The weather conditions made it pretty tough as the team was hit by strong winds and, at times, heavy rain.

We took two teams of eight juniors to the Regional Get2Go championships in August. The event consists of four activities which all 24 schools compete at. The events are rock climbing, orienteering, mountain biking and paddle boarding/kayaking.

It is a wonderful competition that gets the junior students outside and pushes them out of their comfort zone. We will be looking at challenging for the top spot again next year.

Whakatāne High School took two senior teams and one junior team to this event.

The Senior Team Event was a twelve hour race and the Junior Team Event was a six hour race.

The senior teams were made up of Alex Manning, Olivia and Teigan Nolan, Milla Dibben, Jack Wilson (Trident), Cambell Julian, Liam and Kiera Dooley.

Hopefully, some of the Year 10 students will move on to compete in the Senior Hillary Challenge next year. This would be an awesome experience for them.

The A-team was made up of: Zoe Giles, Ashlyn Bennett, Finn Jones, Fjord Hagger, Jesse Byford-Pothan, Monique Prasad, Lily Isaac and Jai Julian.

The B-team was made up of: Amanda Stuart, Ben Peat, Sam Littlejohn, Laura Hamill, Tom Hamill, Ethan Heal, Ella Murphy, Bea Knapton.

The junior team took out their division and were crowned champions the following day. The junior team of Jai Julian, Finn Jones, Zoe Giles and Monique Prasad also took out the Kawerau Six Hour Adventure Race in July so they are certainly ones to watch over the next four years of their high school careers.

Thanks has to go to Sarah Miller and Hedley for taking the students on the tramps and to Sarah for coming along for the five days. Also, thanks to the sponsors – Julian’s Berry Farm, Isaac’s Dental Surgery, The Community Board and the Southern Trust.

The team was: Alex Manning, Anna Isaac, Cambell Julian, Jack Wilson, Kiera Dooley, Liam Dooley, Milla Dibben and Oliva Nolan.

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

27

RANGIATEA - Whakatāne School for Young Parents “He kakano ahau, I ruia mai I Rangiatea…”

When a young parent comes to Rangiatea they are not just coming to school.

Rangiatea is the place in the heavens where the baskets of knowledge are held. It is a source of learning and knowledge. Students become planted at Rangiatea and it becomes a place of support and growth as they learn as parents, as young people and gain the knowledge and skills for their future. “He kakano” is the seed. Each young parent is like a seed planted but they are also a foundation for the growth of their pēpe. Each hapu mama grows her pēpe in the whare tangata like a seed and becomes her child’s first teacher of knowledge and skills as the child grows. At Rangiatea our role is to support the parent/s to grow themselves and to nurture their child.

2021 has been a year of new growth at Rangiatea. Marion Woodley began in her role as Head of Department at the beginning of the year. Her background is in high school teaching English but she has also been in a teen parent school in Auckland.

It has been great to have Pam Pearce join our teaching staff and bring her skills and talents. We have also welcomed a new teacher aide and van driver who is a previous student of the original teen parent support programme in Whakatāne. In Term 3 we began a van run to Ōpōtiki for those young parents who would like to attend Rangiatea. We are hoping that, in the future, more young parents between Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki will join us.

We continue to work together to support success for all our students. All students are working towards completing NCEA, and gaining the skills and knowledge they need to have in order to succeed in the future. All students receive career guidance and support and, this year, a highlight was attending the Health Careers Expo at Whakatāne Hospital. For many students a barrier to employment is having a driver’s licence. A huge thank you to Mary-lou who has continued to provide awesome workshops for students working towards their Learner’s Licence and driving lessons for those working towards their Restricted Licence. In Whakatāne, there is big demand for workers in the hospitality industry and so it was awesome to run a Level 2 and 3 Barista Course. This is always lots of fun, and includes hands-on learning which builds students’ confidence to work in a customer facing and high pressure environment.

It is not always about the mahi, it is also about growing as a whole person and taking care of our wellbeing. We have tried to get outside and do some regular exercise when the weather co-operates and have enjoyed growing kai in our vegetable garden. Another highlight in the year was the trip to Ruapehu and having a go at

28

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

snowboarding at Ruapehu. We are already planning next year’s adventures which broaden our experiences and world. Our partnership with Te Tohu O Te Ora O Ngāti Awa provides all students with access to parenting support, tamariki ora nurses and many other services. We are also grateful to all the other health and wellbeing organisations who we work with.

We are looking forward to celebrating the success of our students at our prize giving this year. One student has only been attending Rangiatea for 18 months and, in that time, she has completed Level 2 and 3 NCEA, her Restricted Licence, gained her First Aid Certificate and completed a Barista Course. Another student was able to achieve over 20 credits at Level 1 in only two terms while also juggling the care of her baby in the classroom and then transitioning her into daycare. The key to success seems to be attendance.

Students who consistently turn up to kura have the opportunities and support they need to reach their goals.

If you know of any young parents who would like to find out more about Rangiatea, please contact us through our Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/RangiateaWhakatāne, text us on 0275464044, phone us on 07 929 5010 or email rangiatea@Whakatānehigh.school.nz

VISUAL ART Painting

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

29

30

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

DRAMA Drama Trip to Auckland

On the first of April, eight senior drama students went to Auckland to watch the Haka Party Incident directed by Katie Wolfie at the ASB Waterfront Theatre.

The Haka Party Incident resurrects the eventful day when a group of University of Auckland engineering students, who are rehearsing their annual tradition of a mock haka, are confronted by the activist group, He Taua.

Violence erupted that sent ripples through the nation and changed race relations in New Zealand forever.

We were all very emotional after this play and enjoyed it very much.

It was incredibly insightful to watch professional actors use some of the techniques and conventions that we are studying at the moment.

After the play, we went to the zoo which was light, fun entertainment and just what we needed after watching The Haka Party Incident. Overall, the day was a success as we all learnt a lot and had fun as well.

A big thank you to Ms Harland for organising the trip and to Richard Hamer for driving us there and back.

Hannah Dodds

“Improv Club this year has been super successful; I love running the club and I love everyone in it. The kids in the club are some of the funniest people I know and they have made the experience leading the club absolutely fabulous.

I’d highly recommend that anyone who likes drama, or just likes playing games to come round and give it a shot.”

Captain, Ryan Kennedy.

Kia Ora! My name is Courtney Abbot and I have had the privilege of working at Whakātane High School for Term Three as a student teacher, specialising in Drama with the wonderful Angela Harland.

My experience has been one of adaptation; two days into my practical experience we were placed in lockdown and I was thrust into remote learning, adapting all plans to suit. This was challenging and the best learning I could have had; it showed me that teachers spend their time unfalteringly investing their energy and resources for the academic, intellectual and moral growth of the children - in any and all situations.

The team work and support of the staff of Whakātane High school during this time was something to be admired, it was seamless and positively studentcentred during a very uncertain time.

Often their efforts go unnoticed and are taken for granted. I want to acknowledge you all for your work during this difficult term; you are all incredible.

Working with the Drama students has been thrilling; they have reinvigorated the passion I have for Drama as a subject. They have shown me empathy, creativity, teamwork and the skill of trusting a process. Seeing the confidence that these students have developed in Drama is so pleasing as they will take this with them through the rest of their school life and beyond. For me, this is the greatest achievement of my practicum and I imagine my career going forward. This solidifies for me the importance of Drama in schools. All drama is a story and it is often used as a way of encouraging and developing thinking, frequently dealing with big questions and issues of the world that these students will enter into.

It has been a whirlwind and I am so grateful to have been a part of the Whakātane High School whānau for a small time.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Courtney Abbot

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

31

RAINBOW Group Celebrating LGBTQIA+ at Whakatāne High School

This year has been a fantastic year for our Rainbow Diversity Group. This is the third year there has been a Rainbow Diversity Group at Whakatāne High School. The group began as a student initiative to provide a safe space for young LGBTQ+ students to seek advice and support from their peers. This year the group has been supported by many Whakatāne High School teachers who have shown their support for the students through conversations and engagement in Rainbow-led activities. This is as well as providing a safe space for students to discuss issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community and seek support and guidence from other students within the school community.

EVENTS THIS YEAR

This year, members helped to organise and create displays for National Schools Pride Week. This was an event run by InsideOut and Rainbow Youth where schools all across the country were invited to engage in different activities celebrating LGBTQIA+ identities. We had a whole week of celebrations including creating rainbow chalk drawings, screening a LGBTQIA+ short film, and hosting both a basketball competition and a pride quiz.

The Rainbow Diversity Group also had a stall in the market day held in October. The students organised and ran different games including a ring toss, beanbag toss, and knock-down-the-cans.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Next year, the Rainbow Diversity Group will be running a Rainbow Student Council to help grow leadership skills in our LGBTQIA+ students. They will work together to plan future events for the Rainbow Diversity Group.

PINK SHIRT DAY

Pink Shirt Day 2020 was a great success thanks to all the hard work of the school prefects. Students arrived in pink shirts to raise awareness of, and help fight against, bullying in schools and communities. The proceeds from Pink Shirt Day went to the local Rainbow Youth Organisation to help support LGBTQ+ youth in our community.

32

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

FAREWELLING Kosuke Misawa

Farewelling Kosuke Misawa Our Last Exchange Student (For Now) Can you tell us about your family in Japan, your school there, and your life in Japan?

I’m Kosuke Misawa. I was born and raised in Tokyo. I live with my parents. I’m an only child. My mother is working in a bank, and my father is working for a company that specializes in printing, but he used to work as a French chef.

What were your reasons for coming to New Zealand?

My first reason is my future dream to become a pilot. Therefore, I need to learn English. I suppose studying abroad is the best way to learn the language. The second reason is my best friend is also studying in Whitianga - he started studying in NZ before I decided to come to NZ. We often call each other and he always talks about attractions in NZ. Finally, I decided to study in New Zealand because of its many attractions and beautiful nature.

Can you tell us about your arrival in New Zealand and your time at Evakona?

I arrived in NZ in April 2019. In my first year in NZ, I went to a language school in Whitianga called Evakona which is run by Japanese people. For a year, I learnt general knowledge of English such as grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation.

Next, I started to go to Whakatāne High School in February 2020.

Can you tell us about your time at Whakatāne High School, and the things you enjoyed whilst here?

I really enjoyed my time at school on the whole. I got to know the culture and language of the Maori people, Te Reo and Tikanga, which I don’t have in Japan. I enjoyed classes, such as Hospitality, Outdoor Education and Marine Studies. In Hospitality, I was able to learn professional cooking techniques! Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the Restaurant Evening, but it was a good experience nonetheless.

What are your plans for the future?

I’m applying to Rikkyo University in Tokyo. I am going to study Economics.

What differences are there between life and school in Japan and New Zealand?

There are many differences between Whakatāne and Tokyo. The first is the difference in the streets. When I was in Tokyo, I lived on the fifth floor and some of my friends lived on the thirtieth floor. But, in Whakatāne, there are no such tall buildings.

Secondly, Whakatāne has an abundance of nature. We could enjoy surfing, diving and mountain biking. On the other hand, living and studying in Tokyo can sometimes be stressful. There are few places in Tokyo where you can experience nature like Whakatāne. Living in Whakatāne has made me feel more relaxed.

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

33

MEDIA STUDIES Social Science Here at Whakatāne High School, Media Studies is an option subject available to students from Year 9 right through to Year 13.

“What is media?” you might ask. Well, media surrounds us! We watch films and television, read magazines and books and spend hours checking and updating our social media accounts.

In Media Studies, students learn about how media affects our lives and shapes the world around us. They also have the chance to make their own media (like short films), getting a taste for directing, acting and/or editing.

Media Studies Auckland Trip - April 2021

On the last three days of Term One, Mrs Kelly and Ms Napier’s Year 10, 11 and 12 Media Studies classes went on a three-day trip to Auckland to checkout various media businesses in the city.

They left bright and early on Wednesday morning in a big bus - ready for great fun!

The 38 students were lucky enough to visit the Auckland branch of Weta Workshop (where they completed both an interactive tour and a horror special effects workshop) and made up the live audience for TV3’s ‘The Project’ on Thursday evening (15th April). The students were also fortunate to have Q&A time with the show’s producer after the show.

The activities on offer helped showcase where Media Studies can take students, highlighting an abundance of opportunity in the field - including producing, directing, set and costume design, animation, digital design, acting, editing, presenting, scriptwriting and much, much more! Students were surprised to learn that NZ’s own Weta is very readily involved with Hollywood cinema - they even did the CGI in the film they went to see, ‘Godzilla vs. Kong’.

The trip was certainly a great success and students descended from the bus at WHS on Friday afternoon exhausted - and ready for their holiday! Mrs Kelly and Ms Napier were incredibly impressed with the students’ conduct on the trip and hope that the experience has opened up their eyes to the wealth of opportunity in this growing sector.

34

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

MEDIA STUDIES Social Science

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

35

ENGLISH English Department 2021

We began our year in chaos with the long-awaited refurbishment of the B Block - the buildings were enclosed in scaffolding and shrink wrap, while our classrooms were stripped and depleted of furniture apart from the basics. Decades of resources were biffed temporarily into the corridor while we summed up the collective courage to chuck them in the skip. Despite the digital age, nostalgia and a bit of “You never know, that might come in handy” kept getting in the way! We weren’t complaining though - the dusky pink colour scheme hadn’t been updated since the early 1990s, and scars of wear and tear were clear to see. And we needed a good clear out. By Term 3 our classrooms were unrecognizable with new carpets and curtains, freshly painted skirting and doors, and an updated fresh modern colour scheme. Just what we needed to create a 21st century learning environment!

In terms of staffing, Ms McLean returned to the role as HOD after a year of study leave, and we welcomed Rhiannon Swift and Fay Hawea to the department. Sadly for us, Ms Swift was snapped up by Mount Maunganui Intermediate in Term Three to do her dream job of teaching dance. Fortunately for us help was not far away as we were joined by the incredibly capable Sheree Tuhoro, and Whakatāne High School legend and matriarch, Gail Zonneveld, who had retired at the end of last year.

(Although Mrs Zonneveld says she was merely helping us out, we think she secretly was missing us!)

Although it may not have been obvious to our students, 2021 was a HUGE year for the English Department in terms of the curriculum and the new NCEA standards, which are now due to be rolled out in 2024 (They were initially expected to come into practice in 2023, but you guessed it... Covid!). At the end of 2020 we found out we had been selected alongside five other schools to be a part of the NCEA Level 1English Mini Pilot. This meant that we were able to trial the new standards set to be introduced nationwide. Being part of this pilot has been challenging, yet rewarding. It has been a huge disrupter to our everyday teaching practice. Although the resources developed by the Ministry of Education have been invaluable, the way we teach and deliver the new standards has been something we have had to navigate ourselves. This meant we had to really go back to the core of what we do; teaching and learning - rather than teaching to the assessment. Therefore, the new standards have enabled us as teachers to be guided by the curriculum, in particular the learning strands around making and creating meaning. Although not having access to moderated exemplars posed some issues, it did promote creativity and interpretation. Students completed some amazing work and thrived not being constricted by what the assessment needed to look like.

November saw the first digital external exam to be completed by an entire school cohort. We held our collective breaths as students arrived for their exams, opened their chromebooks and logged into the NZQA website. After a few teething issues and delays, most students were off and away - quietly typing their responses to both studied and unfamiliar texts.

NCEA has not been working for all our students. We need to make it more equitable.

And being part of the trial process is a huge step in making that happen. Therefore all our hard mahi will be of benefit to students at both a local and national level for years to come. As a department we feel proud of ourselves, and our students for what we have collectively achieved. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cherise Stone, Tom Mahon, Joss Matthews, Danelle Napier, Shannon Crook, Fay Hawea and Gail Zonneveld for all their hard work, dedication and perseverance with this initiative. You guys rock!

Next year, Covid willing, we are hoping to get back to our regular routine of debating, writing competitions and guest speakers. Watch this space!

Lastly, I’d like to leave you with a quote from arguably New Zealand’s most successful author, Katherine Mansfield, and inspiration for the end of year Level 3 ‘Garden Party’.

There is no feeling to be compared with the feeling of having written and finished a story.

Hei konā mai Ms McLean

36

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

The Town That Doesn’t Exist If you wait long enough, you might just be lucky enough to witness it. Deep inside the forest, at midnight every night, the Town of Nothing appears. If you blink, you’ll miss it. The scene fades from nothing to what you see before you. One moment, the forest is still, and the next, there’s fairy lights and boardwalks across the pond. Flowers as tall as the clouds and deer as small as cats. The trees turn into houses, with tiny yet tall wooden doors and clouded glass windows.

The mushrooms grow to the height of a tall child and the shadow creatures mingle about.

The silent, fading black and transparent shadows the shape of someone hiding under a bedsheet. They float silently, not paying attention to a single thing going on around them. They aren’t scary at all, just slightly off. As if something is wrong but you just can’t put your finger on it. They move past each other as if no one is even there.

It’s as quiet as a library. Not a single thing utters a sound. Some shadow creatures float through the doors that never open, others across the boardwalk that stops half way through the pond. A single, giant frog lives in the pond. He likes to rest beneath the surface.

A blue butterfly the size of your head sits delicately on the top of a mushroom house.

The shadow creatures pay no mind.

Technically, none of this exists. Not really, it’s all in your head, isn’t it? It’s something your mind made up to cope. No one else sees what you see. They don’t have special eyes like you do.

But you should focus on what’s really in front of you. You better escape. The hospital guards are getting closer….

Talia Barnett

ENGLISH There Once Was A Little Lad...

The spoon fell out of his hand into the bowl with a ‘plop’

There once was a little lad who liked berries and cream

Clutching his neck and gasping for air

He’d munch it all up until his bowl was clean

Letting out noises similar to a bear

He would lick his spoon, he wouldn’t leave a smear

His eyes roll back and tears start flowing

Some would say, “He licked it crystal clear.”

He was sweating so hard he looked like he was glowing

But amazingly that was the only thing he ate

Everyone watched but nobody helped

He made sure to pile up his plate

Maybe because they liked hearing the greedy lad yelp

Spoon full after spoon full he’d shovel it down

Maybe if the little lad was gone there would be less trouble,

It was enough of a show to make him look like a clown

Less trouble caused by the fat boy who ate double.

But soon enough his act came to a stop

By Amo Pryor

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

37

Whakatāne High School Ball

38

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

39

COMMERCE Social Science The 2021 Commerce Department has continued its positive growth trend in the disciplines of Accounting, Business Studies, Economics and Financial Literacy. In 2020, there were 295 students who elected to experience the Commerce adventure, while 2021 ushered in 504 students.

Newly graduated Tricia Lawarence assisted with this growth, teaching Junior Accounting and Business Studies.

This increased the Commerce stable to four with evergreen Brett Donaldson teaching Level 1 Financial Literacy, Jarrod Braddock delivering Level 1, 2 and 3 Economics, and Level 2 and 3 Financial Literacy. John Keepa taught Year 9 Junior Business Studies, and Level 1, 2, and 3 Business Studies.

A restructured Junior Social Studies programme allowed Commerce to implement a Financial Studies component in Term Three which gave an opportunity for Year 9 and Year 10 students to gain an understanding of finance, banking, consumer law and how to “thrive rather than survive” in society.

John Keepa

The Junior Business Studies classes were a pleasure to teach as each student group was excited and motivated to learn about entrepreneurship and innovation.

At the senior level, there were two Level 1, one Level 2 and one Level 3 Business Studies classes with each one possessing their own dynamics. The Level 1 classes proved to be the most challenging with 35 students in each class.

Our primary role has always been to grow Commerce but it is just as important to deliver a quality programme and increase the number of Māori students in Business Studies.

This year the course is made up of 51% Māori students.

It was, however, unfortunate that we had to cancel our “Innovation Station” Market Day, but we were still able to hold a Mini Market Day. This allowed the students’ whanau and friends to attend this Market Day, but within the Covid 19 protocols. Auckland schools had to sell their products and services online.

A special thank you goes out to Te Rongopai Eruera, Jarrod Dodd from Sun FM, Glenn Smith from 1XX and Kathy Forsyth from the Beacon newspaper for helping us with the event.

40

Whakatāne High School

|

Jarrod Braddock

Tricia Lawerence

Junior Commerce has also given many high points to the year - the students’ creativity and application of supply and demand concepts has been a main highlight. The product ideas that came about were awesome, ranging from an adjustable shoe to a removable heel to a waterproof suit to a copy-and-paste pen. It was so good to see so many of the students getting their teeth stuck in.

Brett Donaldson

Personally, it has been a great experience to get to teach my subject speciality across all three levels; it has been a blessing. To be able to influence the kids’ mindset and allow them to understand production decisions, market failures, unemployment, government decisions, and the lifecycles of products, amongst other things, has been extremely gratifying for me. Many students have been able to give practical applications to the theory and I am really looking forward to the Level 1 class’ analysis of the impact of the closure of the Kawerau Mill.

Overall, I must give a big thank you for the continued support that I have been getting from the Social Studies and Commerce departments. At times, it has been tough being in my second year but the continued help from my mentors, John and Henry, has meant that my personal ship has sailed as smoothly as possible this year.

Te Waka Kura 2021

I have loved being a part of the Commerce team in the Social Sciences department this year, teaching Junior Accounting and Business Studies.

Some highlights have been the Year 9 Bake Sale; Year 10 students achieving early Level One credits for a budgeting assessment; and having local businesses come into our kura to share their experiences of business with students. Overall, I have noticed our junior students have a genuine interest and curiosity in business and finance. It was wonderful to witness them demonstrate this through their enthusiasm to gain early credits, engaging with local business people with questions, and, of course, during the bake sale.

If ever there was a class for everyone, this is it! Whatever our ethnicity, gender and goals in life, we all have to survive and thrive in our modern capitalist economy. This course focuses on how we can earn, manage and protect our incomes and assets. We use highly achievable Unit Standards for assessment and credit gaining.

This year we had a huge diversity of characters and abilities in our Level One class. Regular attendance and a reasonable effort virtually assured a large number of students between 15 and 20+ Level One and Two credits.

Mr Donaldson is really excited about meeting and assisting next year’s Level 1 Financial Lit crew!

MUSIC In 2021 the music students have enjoyed performing songs on guitar, bass, vocals, drums and keyboard with the help of Ms Hoskins, Mr Paraha, Mr Malcolm and Mrs Stoove. We have had a lot of success with seniors gaining NCEA qualifications and our Junior Music students have developed their musicianship in preparation for 2022 and beyond.

Live performances were difficult this year with all the interruptions, however we enjoyed sharing our talent where possible - such as performing at the Year 8 Open Day, End of Year Assemblies and the School Musical. We look forward to doing many more performances in the future.

The Music Department was excited to be part of the musical this year. A big thanks goes out to Mrs Stone for directing the show and taking us ‘Back to the ‘80s’.

We look forward to working alongside Drama and the new Performing Arts students next year where students will be practicing for, and performing at, a variety of concerts, showcasing singers, bands, dancers, speeches and drama acts.

This year we have continued using cloud based music software which has allowed our students to work on their songs anywhere, at any time.

And, finally, we say goodbye to our amazing Year 13 Music students of 2021 we look forward to hearing from them over the coming years about their postsecondary school, musical pursuits.

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

41

FUTURE FOCUSED LEARNING OUR FUTURE FOCUSED LEARNING WHANAU HAVE HAD A GREAT YEAR THIS YEAR! In Year 9, we worked very hard in the beginning of the year to build up our inquiry learning skills. This meant Mr. Roper and Mx. Chandler provided us with heaps of opportunities to be curious and ask questions, gather information, analyse information, and reflect and evaluate what we had learned. This allowed us to build up to our Term 3 Inquiry - Innovation Station with a focus on Environmental and Social Sustainability. For this inquiry, we were challenged to innovate, be creative, and think about how we could make a positive impact on the world, both environmentally and socially. We used all the knowledge we had gained about Aotearoa and our own identity, and environmental, social, cultural and spiritual sustainability. We also went outside the classroom to gather data and experience our learning in the real world.

We embraced the FFL way and have had a great year developing our inquiry skills and playing a key role in our learning journey.

In Year 10, we have worked hard to develop ourselves as leaders in the FFL community. Miss Shanks challenged us to take on this role to ensure the Year 9 FFL students got immersed in the FFL way. We are a bunch of proud inquiry students; we understand that FFL is an environment where our uniqueness and differences are celebrated, and our learning styles are appreciated. This term, leadership has been visible in the form of working to develop the FFL vision and mission. As a class, we worked hard with Whaea Alexis, Mrs. Knapton and Miss Shanks to explore all our ideas and ensure our voice was heard in this process. A small group of us also developed a presentation to deliver to our Year 9 peers about this vision and mission.

This presentation was also used during our Year 8 Open Day. Whilst learning outside the classroom, we used leadership roles within groups of Year 9 and 10s. This was awesome as it challenged our communication skills and our collaboration skills - two 21st century learning skills that will help our future. During Term Two, we took an indepth look at how sustainable the King of the Mountain Race is, along with other mountain climbing escapades around the world. We explored the environmental, social, cultural, and spiritual aspects of sustainability.

Future Focused Learning is really excited about changing our name to “Learning Through Inquiry”. We feel this name better suits what we are about and represents the awesome learning in our classrooms. It is bitter sweet to be farewelling Mx. Rebecca Chandler. She will be continuing her educational journey at Pukekohe High School. We wish you all the best, Rebecca!

42

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

ROWING

The rowing team has grown significantly in the past year - from 10 in 2020 to a group of 22 rowers and three coxswains in 2021. The Covid outbreak had a major impact on the rowing season, particularly the secondary school regattas that our team was entered in.

AON Junior Regatta – 27 February 2021

This two day regatta was attended by 11 of our female rowers. The crews qualified for 4xA and 4xB finals only to have the second day of the regatta cancelled due to a Covid-19 lockdown which was implemented overnight. This resulted in a very late night for rowers and their families who had to pack up camp and load all the boats before the midnight deadline.

North Island Secondary Schools Regatta – March 2021

Again, the regatta was cancelled due to Covid-19. Results from the 2021 Aon Maadi regatta were used to identify the top three North Island crews placed in each event; the following medals were awarded to these successful crews: GOLD

GOLD GOLD

SILVER SILVER

Boys’ U16 Coxed Quadruple Sculls Ryan Calder, Shaun Snow, Luke Berquist, Zak Boonen and Conrad Hopkins (cox) Boys’ U18 Novice Double Sculls Luke Berquist, Zak Boonen Boys’ U18 Novice Coxed Quadruple Sculls Luke Berquist, Zak Boonen, Kaden Naidoo, Logan Howard-Hill and Conrad Hopkins (cox) Boys’ U16 Double Sculls Ryan Calder, Shaun Snow Girls’ U18 Novice Double Sculls Lucy Knott, Caitlin Berquist

AON MAADI 2021 (National Secondary School Rowing Championships)

This annual event is the highlight for all school rowers. Our rowers had been working hard for months towards this regatta, training for up to 20 hours per week. It was a great relief when lockdown ended, and the regatta was able to go ahead.

This year, Maadi was held at Karapiro from 22nd- 27th March with a record 2432 competitors from 123 schools. It commenced with a parade through Cambridge with our team looking super smart and bearing a banner designed and painted

by Jonghyun Yun and helpers. Our team was outstanding all week, gaining results that outclassed many of the larger schools. The points for placing in A Finals are calculated to find the overall best school, resulting in Whakatāne High School taking the 5th spot, and bringing home three national titles.

Top results: GOLD

Boys’ U16 Coxed Quadruple Sculls Ryan Calder, Shaun Snow, Luke Berquist, Zak Boonen and Conrad Hopkins (cox) GOLD Boys’ U18 Novice Double Sculls Luke Berquist, Zak Boonen GOLD Boys’ U18 Novice Coxed Quadruple Sculls Luke Berquist, Zak Boonen, Kaden Naidoo, Logan Howard-Hill and Conrad Hopkins (cox) SILVER Girls’ U18 Novice Double Sculls Lucy Knott, Caitlin Berquist BRONZE Boys’ U16 Double Sculls Ryan Calder, Shaun Snow A Final Girls’ U18 Coxed Quadruple Sculls 5th Lucy Knott, Caitlin Berquist, Olivia Calder, Earina Savinelli and Evia Linnell-Olson (cox) C Final Girls’ U16 Double Sculls 1st Graceyn Growden, Grace Iremonger C Final Girls’ U16 Coxed Quadruple Sculls 5th Graceyn Growden, Grace Iremonger, Sophie Peat, Sophie Sisson and Evia (cox)

Jonghyun Yun, Tom Sims, Alice Blakeway (cox), Sarah Mackie, Kirsty Bell, Emma Jackson, Greta Jackson, Entelea Savinelli, and Charlotte Billings all competed to a high standard, and many achieved personal bests for the season. While their week finished a little earlier than they hoped, they provided amazing support for their fellow rowers through to the finals.

The team would like to acknowledge the outstanding coaching support from the Whakatāne Rowing Club which is provided entirely on a voluntary basis.

A huge thank you goes out to all of the parents and whanau who support the regattas and are the loudest cheerleaders!

Coaches Graham Watt, Steve Brine and Gary McAdams Teacher-in-Charge Julia Blakeway School support Susi Peterson Squad Manager Sarah Calder Our team for the coming season has already grown and we expect to have 40 rowers; so check out the next LearnTo-Row programme in May/June 2022 if you want to give this sport a go!

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

43

SAILING

The 2020-21 sailing season looked very different than anyone had planned due to Covid. The same core of sailors turned up with the addition of two new junior students. So, Term Four of 2020 was spent teaching them how to sail and it was awesome to watch their skill and confidence grow.

Term One of 2021 saw some intense coaching of tactics, enhancement of skill sets and time in the boats to get ready for the BOPSAT Team Sailing Regatta in

March. Team Sailing consists of races between teams of three boats from each school as they compete for points in a round robin series. Unfortunately, due to the uncertain times, not enough entries were received so the regatta was cancelled. So, the rest of the term was spent focusing on crew combinations and individual skill sets.

The team trains every Friday afternoon in the Ohiwa Harbour as part of the Port Ohope Yacht Club. Team Captain,

Adam Reid, was rapt with how the team core of five just keep getting better and better each season. He has now stepped into a coaching role before his departure to university, but is confident the team will only get better and he will see them step onto the podium in the near future. He wants to also take the opportunity to thank his dad, Graeme, for giving up countless hours to coach and mum, Sally, for organising everything else.

INDOOR AND LAWN BOWLS TEAMS Indoor Bowls - 2021

Indoor Bowls in 2021 saw a team of eight pupils contest the singles and pairs titles at the BOP Secondary Schools competition with many Year 9 students giving the sport a go for the first time.

However, only six students carried on to the North Island Championships.

There was intense competition with Gisborne Boys’ High School and the Mount Maunganui College students provided stiff competition for our two top bowlers, however, they didn’t disappoint. Adam Reid came fourth in the Singles and teamed up with Bailey Irwin to come fourth in the Pairs.

This is the fourth year that Bailey and Adam have been attending these competitions and they are now considered to be in the top grade of players. Unfortunately, they didn’t get to represent Whakatāne High School one last time due to Covid causing the cancellation of the

Lawn Bowls – 2021

This year, a team of six students were entered in the Sport Bay of Plenty BOP Secondary Schools Tournament in Ohope. Here, again, Covid created havoc and, even though the organisers tried to work around the restrictions, it was eventually cancelled.

Adam Reid was entered to compete at the National Secondary School Championships in Auckland but this has now been postponed until March of 2022. Even though he will no longer be a student at Whakatāne High School he will be able to compete as they have made a special category for this year’s school leavers.

National Secondary School Competition which is held in Wellington every year.

44

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

VISUAL Art

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

45

SAYING FAREWELL TO SUSANNE WHALE Whiting and Para Matchitt, as well as Best Practice workshops during the time that Art transitioned from School Certificate to NCEA. Sue and a number of other Art educators were called to verify Level 1 NCEA assessments in Wellington for a number of years where she enjoyed discussing art and forming friendships with other HODs.

Mrs Susanne (Sue) Whale has been an Art teacher at WHS since 2001 and Director of International Students from 2010 – 2021. After teaching for 42 years, she has decided to retire at the end of 2021. Sue is married to John. Their daughter, Rebeka is a Creative in Wellington and son, Joshua, lives in Rwanda where he and his team work to transform petrol to e-transportation. Josh and his wife Claire had Sue’s first grandchild, Luka, recently.

Born and educated in Germany, Sue Whale met Kiwi, John, and they travelled in a VW van from Europe to India and then via public transport through Nepal, Thailand and Singapore to NZ over a year. They loved experiencing all these different cultures, meeting people in countries such as Greece, Turkey, Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and India.

46

After arriving in NZ, Sue got to experience life on John’s family’s Rangitikei sheep and beef farm. They got married and Sue started teaching Art at Wanganui Girls College in 1978. Further study and work for John meant moving to Palmerston North, Blenheim and, in 1994, Whakatāne. Sue taught Art at Awatapu College, Marlborough Girls’ College, Trident High School, Rangatahi College, Kawerau College and, since 2001, Whakatāne High School. Sue was HOD Art at Rangatahi, Kawerau and WHS until July 2018, when Aaron Hurley took that position.

in NZ is organised by passionate Art Educators who give students in-depth opportunities for learning by separating the art subjects - Painting, Photography, design, sculpture, printmaking and Art History - into different subjects. This has led to a very high standard of work at secondary school which carries over into tertiary art education, helping to make NZ famous in creative professional fields. Sue hopes that recent moves to change art education in NZ do not replace this successful model with one that offers less opportunity for in-depth learning.

Sue loved teaching Art, helping thousands of students develop techniques and ideas for their art, helping them create paintings, photographs, prints, designs and sculptures they were proud of. Sue says Art Education

Sue enjoyed the excellent professional development that was offered throughout the years, particularly learning about Māori Art from famous Gordon Toveytrained artists such as Sandy Adshett, Cliff

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

In 2010, after almost a year of battling breast cancer, Sue returned to school as the ‘Director of International Students’ as well as HOD Art. Because of her international background and fluency in German, Sue was sent overseas to recruit fee-paying international students to WHS, to run the International Office and to look after an ever-increasing number of students (mainly Europeans from Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Norway, as well as some Korean and Japanese students). When Marine Studies and Diving was introduced in the school’s programme, WHS became an even more popular school choice for students looking for outdoor experiences, including surfing. Sue said she enjoyed the challenge of developing the International Programme and saw great value in giving students the opportunity to meet young people from other cultures.

When Covid struck, many students just wanted to go home. Sue and her International Programme team spent a lot of time online and on the phone in order to ensure that they could safely farewell all of the international students who were sent off on emergency flights home. A few stayed on at WHS, yet international student numbers diminished significantly. While sad to farewell students early (and have them go home to countries with alarming community transmission rates), Sue welcomed the reduction in work pressure.

She hopes that international students can return to WHS one day.

Besides art teaching and working with ‘International Students’, Sue helped to get positive messages about WHS out to the local media and overseas publications and, more recently, social media. She has taken thousands of photographs, documenting school events. She’s captured countless school balls, sports events and much, much more.

Sue was involved with amateur theatre, musicals and choir singing in Hamburg, Blenheim and Whakatāne. While at Trident High School, Sue was on a team of teachers who helped the school to win the national Stage Challenge title. The team was then invited by IBM to produce a longer dance drama for their award shows in Auckland and Wellington. IBM paid for all the costs, plus donated computers to the school for the successful Global Village Show. Sue also directed several successful Stage Challenge productions with students, winning regionals a number of times. After arriving at WHS, she helped with a number of stage productions as set designer and production manager, including Sightz and Soundz every second year.

Sue has also been involved with Community Arts since arriving in NZ. In Whakatāne she is a member, and newly reelected, chairperson, of Arts Whakatāne - the organisation which is responsible for the annual Molly Morpeth Art Award and the Summer Arts Festival. Sue says she loves all the arts and firmly believes that engagement in the arts is an important component in the wellbeing of a community.

Sue will be dearly missed here at WHS. She has given so much to our school - and other high schools across the motu - and has proven herself to be a talented, enthusiastic and innovative educator and leader. Sue, we wish you all the best for your retirement and hope that you thoroughly enjoy your newfound time doing what you love. We know you’ll still be heavily involved in the arts, and look forward to seeing your next ventures beyond the gates of WHS. Nga mihi nui ki a koe. Poroporoaki mo tenei wa.

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

47

WHS Centennial Headmasters of Whakatāne District High School 1912-23 1924-31 1932-42 1943-49

Mr E. F. Snell Mr H.F. Wilkinson BA Mr C. Southey MM, MC Mr I.B. Hubbard MA, Dip Ed

Principals of Whakatāne High School 1950-57 1958-62 1963-69 1970-87 1988-90 1991-97 1998-06 2007-09 2010-19 2020-

Mr I. S. McHarg, MA BSc, BAgr, Dip Ed Mr N. E. W. Barclay, ED, MA Mr B. W. Brown, MBE, ED, BA Mr P.U. McLay, BSc, AOSM, LTh Mr G. Spencer, MA Mr Martin Elliott, MSocSci (Hons) Mr Chris Day, MSc (Hons) Dip SM, Dip Tchg Mr Malcolm Harison, BA Dip Tchg Mr Chris Nielsen, BA, Dip Tchg Mr Martyn Knapton, BSc (Hons) PCert MEd

1922 Staff Hockey team

1921

1944 Haka team

48

Whakatāne High School

1951 1st XV

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

WHS Centennial

1961 Gy

mnastic

s displa

y

ll 1958

asketba

Girls’ B

1963 Gy

mnastic

s team

Orchestra 1970

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

49

WHS Centennial

arenui,

the WHS wh 1982, Opening of 82 Te Pae Aka, 19

Golf 1985

oto, 1987 photo

Margaret Mahy Ph

nly

courtesy of Gil Ha

Tennis, 20

00

50

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

WHS Centennial 2008,Worl

d Outrigge

r Champs

gton

2005, Lisa Carrin

MAADI 2015 SQUA

D mkb

y in Action

2020, Technolog

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

51

WIDER LIVING WEEK - Junior Experience

52

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

ATHLETICS DAY 2021

On Friday 19th February, we held our school Athletics Day. What a fantastic day it was was with the highest participation rates we’ve seen for years. The day was so packed with participants giving it a go that we ran out of time to run our relays and tally all the scores on the day! We also ran a few events before the big day to lighten the load with the 3000m being run on the Wednesday beforehand. Liam Dooley ran a spectacular race - he broke the previous record in this event. Neil Jones had held this record since 1979 with a time of 9m 35.7s. Liam’s new record breaking time was 9m 33.61s.

Congratulations to the following students who took top honours in their respective divisions (Championship points were based on competitiors best two track events, best two field events, plus one other either track OR field event.)

Athletic Champions: Junior Girls

1st Lily Anderson M 2nd Zoe Giles M 3rd Lily Isaac K Junior Boys 1st Ben Peat M 2nd Finn Jones R 3rd Jon Tiwha-Smith T Intermediate Girls 1st Eva Sexton M 2nd Olivia Nolan R 3rd Katie Mahy R Senior Girls 1st Lara Longney R 2nd Milla Dibben T 3rd Leanna Roebuck R Intermediate Boys 1st Shaun Snow K 2nd Odin Herrick M 3rd Obssaa Jibril T Senior Boys 1st Cole Scott K 2nd Liam Dooley M 3rd Leon Fuller R

The overall house winner was Rimu House, followed by Matai, Kauri and then Totara.

*Capital letter is short for House they represent: M - Matai R - Rimu T - Totara K - Kauri

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

53

CROSS COUNTRY The PE Department’s main goal this year was to, “set the course in concrete.” Mr Hanlen explains that, “By settinging a permanent, everlasting track, students can set records and train to beat them in their time here at school.” And, wow, what an amazing day for our students! There were some incredible times run in our 2021 WHS Cross Country and all the students should be extremely proud of themselves.

We also had a number of our staff running today which was fantastic to see! Mr Hagger came in second overall and our Principal Mr Knapton came in sixth overall.

The winners of each division were as follows: Grade

Name

1st

Liam Dooley

2nd

Hayden Sisson

3rd

Leon Fuller

Senior Girls 1st

Milla Dibben

2nd

Lara Longney

3rd

Tayla Jones

Intermediate Boys 1st

Fjord Hagger

2nd

Daniel Parsons

3rd

Zak Boonen

Intermediate Girls 1st

Anna Isaac

2nd

Olivia Nolan

3rd

Kithmini Melville

Junior Girls 1st

Ben Peat

2nd

Jai Julian

3rd

Finn Jones

Junior Girls 1st

Zoe Giles

2nd

Lily Isaac

3rd

Monique Prasad

Male Staff 1st

Jim Hagger

Female Staff 1st

54

Gemma Coxon

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

Gateway at Whakatāne High School 2021 Gateway has continued to provide great opportunities for our senior students to experience a possible career pathway that involves hands-on, practical learning in the workplace.

This year, we have had a wide range of placements including plumbing, construction, hospitality, health services, early childhood, farming, automotive and many others.

Students are also involved in courses such as Leadership, Health and Safety in the Workplace and First Aid. Whakatāne High School would like to acknowledge all the businesses/organisations and the wonderful people of this community who give up their time and knowledge to help our students have a realistic work placement. It has been extremely rewarding to see students gain new skills, confidence and some have even gained employment and/or apprenticeships from their hard work and commitment.

Student Voice: “I enjoyed having a day during the week for my work placement as I could start to understand whether this was a job I wanted to do in the future.

After my placement I definitely knew it was and I am going to follow this up with applying to Toi Ohomai next year”.

“At first, I was quite nervous about my placement, but the experience of being out in the community and helping others, made me feel really good and I wanted to continue on at my placement for longer”.

Bay of Plenty Futures Academy (Formerly Trades) 2021 Senior students at Whakatāne High School have the opportunity to enrol in the Futures Academy to combine their school learning experience with tertiary trades training. This year has seen a record number of students engage in this programme and experience both theory and practical work associated with their chosen course.

It has been exciting to see more training partners come on board and provide courses such as Boat Building, Hospitality and Driving Training. There are more partners coming onboard to add to the many options students can select too! Many of these courses are run in Whakatāne and, if they are not, then full transport is provided to and from courses.

Courses are delivered either once or twice a week over 30 weeks, or through a noho style course which takes place in intensive one-week blocks. The school has been proud of how students have conducted themselves whilst on their courses and wish to thank all the tutors for their input. It has been greatly appreciated.

Student Voice: The skills I have learnt from my course will help me build something in future - maybe even my own house.

I like the environment as it makes me want to do well, and I like visiting the different farms and making connections.

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

55

HIGH PERFORMANCE CLASS Physical Education The High Performance Class (HIP) was set up this year to allow for students who were motivated to excel in an environment with like minded athletes, determined to succeed at the highest level. A culture of excellence was established with the expectation that 100% of gear was brought for all practicals. Completion of all of our assignments was also expected and mandatory. Our academic performance was expected to parallel our physical exploits and we were taught how to write assignments properly. We took part in a range of physical training experiences specific to our sport and fun activities to promote teamwork, and communication skills.

Outside personnel worked with us, including a former All Black trainer, international rugby sport psychologist, a Sport NZ nutritionist and former and current Olympians.

We were able to push each other and create a really positive team environment to support others when they were struggling and use each individual’s strengths to make ourselves better than before. We enjoyed studying at a higher academic level than we were used to and were always kept on our toes by classmates and Mr Wylds to present our best work. The assessments matched our sporting interests, were set out in a way that was much easier to understand and allowed us to follow and progress individually. Having the opportunities to work with professional sports people and learn from their experiences was really awesome to expand knowledge and learn new skills in a wide range of sports and physical activity.

The work for next year is going to be up at another level so the new intake will need to step up and be prepared to be self motivated and work at a higher level.

Cambell and Milla

Stacey Fuhler (nee Waaka) after her korero with the class and some random guy photobombing (top left) - Mr Martin!

SPORT IN EDUCATION - Level 3 Kia ora. Well, it’s kind of a sad time to be asked to write this because it means our time in SIE has come to an end.

There are lots of standouts from this programme; probably the biggest one is the whole whanau approach, the way we are all in this together and have each other’s backs - even the teachers.

Everyone just looks out for each other, whether we are playing a game on the field, or working on our assignments; it gives you more motivation to know we all help each other.

So, for the current group of Year 13, we started with SIE in Year 11 not knowing what to expect. But, straight away, you could tell it was kind of different.

Just the way Mr Reid pushed us hard in everything we did was new. And, if we slacked off, he told us about it. But it was because he believed in us and wanted us to be successful. Then, in Level 2 we stepped up a gear, and the assignments got tougher. Plus, we now had this new fella, Dr Stew, who was just like Reid, but older - ha-ha. So, between the two of them, the course was just full on, which was kind of great, because we never knew what to expect.

This year, in Level 3, we have had all the choices. Some of the crew would go off and do construction, building those sheds you see on the field. Some would go to Trades Academy two days a week for their specialised courses.

Another group did full on PE with the Dr.

56

Whakatāne High School

|

and the academic assignments that he makes go with it. Most of the team did a new thing called Sport Literacy where we wrote magazine style articles about the school athletics, MMA and fitness circuits. SIE has also proved to be a good fit for other students who have openings in their timetables. Head girl, Milla, joined us for one line of SIE this year which was awesome because she is a great role model, and so fit.

For those of you who don’t know, one of the best things about SIE is the way the work is changed up more to better suit our interests. It just makes learning more interesting when you can write more about what we are doing in practicals.

So, a big ups goes to Uncle Reidy and Koro Doc. for believing in us and extending our knowledge. Also, there have been other teachers along the way who have helped to make SIE so successful, especially Mrs Zonneveld for her English work and Mr Scott who joined construction this year. Finally, we all feel that other teachers could take something from the culture, respect, enthusiasm, discipline, humour and energy that was found in SIE. For many of us, it kept us at school much longer than anyone thought we would.

Kohi, T.K., Aquilla, Kelly-Anne, Tarere, Kobe, Levi, Luke, Phillip, Joseph, Braidy, Bailey, Paora, (the hearty ones who started in Year 11 and finished Year 13).

Te Waka Kura 2021

ULTIMATE FRISBEE 2021 It was a great but windy day at Mt Maunganui’s Arataki Park for our four ultimate frisbee teams who were competing in this year’s BOPSS Ultimate Championships.

Our Junior Mixed Team had some steep learning curves, but it was great to see them out there really getting into the spirit of the self-refereed game. The Junior Boys team did really well and ended up second in their division. Noah Judd was named as the standout of the Junior Competition and received a new disc as his prize.

The Senior Mixed Team gained some good wins and experience throughout the day while the Senior Boys were undoubtedly the stand-out for WHS. The team consisted of mostly Year 13 boys and they made the final against a very strong and experienced Katikati Boys’ Team.

In this tournament, Katikati had gone through the day unbeaten, defeating most opponents. But, our boys really held their own in their game against the challenging team. Point for point ensued to a 4-5 scoreline. Then, a long spell of no scoring occured, tiring out our boys who could only substitute at a scoring break. This led Katikati to start making some very tactical plays and start to build their lead to end the game 11-6.

Special mentions go to Sam Beasely on defence and Cole Scott on the attack. Cole was named as the MVP at last year’s event and showed real leadership on the day.

A special mention is also due to the staff involved. Thanks, Mr Hagger and Mr Cochrane for your coaching support, and Miss Peterson for managing everything else.

WHS Under 14 vs Trident High School - Grand Final The passion and emotion etched across the boys’ faces did nothing to hide the sense of anguish following the nail biting grand final against Trident. The boys settled for the silver medal in what can best be described as a thrilling encounter between the two strongest teams in the Bay of Plenty. Final score 15 v 17. Two tries went to Cody Neale and one to Kaio Moses.

A special shout out goes to coaches Jordan Coxon and Cliff Harper who have successfully developed this team, empowering the boys to lead with a strong sense of mana and respect for eachother and the game.

BRING ON 2022!

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

57

Artist: Payton Warman 58

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

SCHOOL PRODUCTION - Back to the 80s Inspired by the era that brought the world The Rubik’s Cube, Max Headroom and The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles came this “totally awesome” musical in the style of movies such as Back To The Future, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Karate Kid and The Wedding Singer.

Nearly 18 months in the making thanks to Covid-19, staff and students were finally able to make the school production, Back to the 80s, come alive. Luckily, we managed to sneak it in this year before we were locked down again. It was a struggle to reanimate the show, but all credit to the students who stuck with it and pulled together as an awesome ensemble to create a funfilled evening of well known songs, dance and storytelling.

Putting a show together like this takes lots of commitment and sacrifice. It would be hard to put a figure on the hours that go into it. Luckily, we had some fantastic staff who were prepared to give up their time after school and on weekends, and a bunch of eager students who were prepared to balance Saturday sport, and Kapa Haka, alongside Sunday rehearsals. We really

appreciated students getting on board to head off to the op shops to source their own costumes.

Unlike previous productions, this year’s one was held in the school’s Barclay Hall. It was great to bring the community into school and it felt like a homecoming. Although the venue posed issues around sets and lighting, we got there! In fact, the hall got a mini makeover in the process. We were also able to construct a catwalk which meant we were able to bring the songs and dances into the audience, encouraging participation and involvement. It was a great atmosphere!

We would like to acknowledge and thank the following cast and crew. Without your hard mahi and dedication there would not have been a show. (See over page)

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

59

CAST

Corey Palmer (Senior) - Matthew Robison Corey Palmer (Junior) - Tim Klein Alf Bueller - Jacob Hagan Kirk Keaton - Josh Warner Tiffany Houston - Deahna Schwass Cyndi Gibson - Londi Rika Mel Easton - Chloe Moore Kim Easton - Xanthe Nurkka Michael Feldman - Cambell Julian Billy Arnold - Jamie Julian Lional Astley - Conal Dixon Huey Jackson - Micah Walker Feargal McFerrin - Kael Mitchley Eileen Reagan - Mania Tarei Laura Wilde - Te Aniwa Tutua Debbie Fox - Kaprise Tupe Ms Sheena Branigan - Phoebe Takarua Mr Stevie Cocker - Tom Sims Featured Female Singers/Billy’s Back Up Singers: Madison Fenwick, Hazel McAnulty, Mia Shepherd High School Kids: Niamh Steens, Emilie Rosset, Sasha Cameron, Daniel Warner

CREW

Cherise Stone ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Gail Zonneveld PRODUCTION and STAGE MANAGER Sam McLeod MUSICAL DIRECTOR and CHOREOGRAPHER Teresa Hoskins and James Elliffe ASSISTANT MUSICAL DIRECTOR

60

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

Set and Props:

Refreshments:

Tahu Weenink-Smith

Interact Group

Mouwhia Davis

Front of House:

Abby Gow

Sam Bennett Martin Zonneveld Sue Whale Aaron Hurley Rebecca Wright

Prop painting:

Joella Anderson Isla Ferguson Sam Smith

Music/Sound: Adam Warner

Linda Bonne

Helen McKane

Ushers:

Prefects

Student Welfare Staff/Contributing Schools Performance Coordinator: Shae McLean

Big Thanks:

Whakatāne Little Theatre Music, Drama, Art and Technology Departments for their support Whakatāne Cycle Centre

James Elliffe Adam Reid

Seamstress:

Gael Harper

Lighting:

Jared Cochrane Ethan Burke Kobe Shilton

Hair/Makeup: Hannah Dodds Jo Faulkner

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

61

62

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

FAREWELLING Gael Harper Gael was born and grew up in Ōpōtiki where she was the eldest of four siblings. She went to Ashbrook Primary School and then Ōpōtiki College. Gael always knew she was going to be a teacher, so, upon leaving school, she went to Auckland Secondary Teacher’s College to study. Her first job was at Hillcrest High School, where she taught Fabric, Food and Health. She then moved to Te Puke Intermediate as a full time Fabric teacher. This was followed by a stint at Peach Grove Intermediate where Gael took on a responsibility with Kapa Haka. Three years later, Gael moved to Whakatāne and took up a position at Kawerau College teaching Food, Typing and Fabric. In 1993, Gael started working at Whakatāne High School where she worked alongside Ripeka Maui and Brenda Wycherley.

During her time at Whakatāne, Gael’s role has changed many times. In the past 29 years, she has taught Food, Fabric, Textiles, Fashion, Early Childhood Education, Graphic Design and was also a Te Aka Matua form teacher. She has also been the Junior Tutor, a Dean for Year 11 and was an Assistant Principal for three years.

Whilst at Whakatāne High School, Gael’s daughter, Gina, attended as a student and joined the Girls’ Hockey team. This was the slippery slope for Gael as she soon found herself to be the Teacher in Charge of Hockey, which was a position that she held for the next seventeen years. Along with this, Gael has supported students with the Fibre and Fleece competition and the Bernina Sewing Competition, winning a range of equipment as prizes. Gael has always had an interest in drama productions and offered up her services for costume design. Her first production, called “Blitz”, was in 1995 and was about the Second World War and included all the 1st XV Rugby team as members of the cast. From there on, Gael was involved in every drama production right up to 2021’s “Back to The ‘80s”. In addition to all her schoolwork, Gael has always found time to help students who have challenged the structural integrity of their school uniform, repairing and modifying pants and shirts to fit.

Retirement is going to be a new adventure for Gael. She is planning to spend a lot of time with her grandchildren, but she will also be keeping her hand at sewing by working part time at Jayne’s Wool and Fabric in town - so pop in.

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

63

SOCIAL SCIENCES

“May you live in interesting times” is an age-old Chinese curse. The Social Studies department has once again lived in interesting times, where history is not only taught about but is also being made at the same time. We have experienced the second year of a global pandemic, a town wide tsunami evacuation, as well as the usual challenges of a school year. But, despite these events, Social Studies has grown and prospered.

We now have an incredibly diverse range of subjects - History, Sociology, Economics, Classics, and Geography which all have strong numbers in the Senior School.

Our department has been lucky to acquire two new teachers this year. Owen Roper has joined us from Melville High School and is teaching Geography and Social Studies. He brings a wealth of experience and an unbridled enthusiasm for Australian sports teams. Our other new addition is Trish Lawrence, joining us as a new teacher with a wealth of experience in the private sector from Air New Zealand. She teaches History and Commerce and has fitted into the team extremely smoothly.

Our Geography trips have taken our students far and wide. Level 2 and 3 Geography students and Ms Bonne were able to tick off a quintessential New Zealand experience as they completed the Tongariro crossing, taking in unique and breathtaking landscapes. Level 1 Geography responded to events close to home, and were able to meet journalists, town planners and other members of the community as they travelled around Whakatāne reflecting on the evacuation in Term One. They used the information collected to come up with a plan for next time (hopefully well into the future).

On a personal level, Sam Robinson has welcomed his second child into his family, with his new son, Lucas. Jarrod Braddock is leading through example (as an Economics teacher) by moving onto the property ladder with his first house. Rebecca Chandler got engaged, but, unfortunately, this has led her to take a job in Pukekohe to be closer to her fiance.

From the whole department, thank you to Ella Eruera, the true MVP of the department.

She has supported the department to be more organised, clean and tidy than ever before. Thank you, Ella.

64

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

DIGITAL AND VISUAL COMMUNICATION

Whakatāne High School | Te Waka Kura 2021

65

CHESS CLUB REPORT Sadly, this year has finished, not with a bang but a quiet whimper. We had qualified for the National Finals of the ChessPower event but it was eventually cancelled due to Level 2 Covid restrictions.

That said, the chess team did well this year. We have had more students playing than ever before and enjoyed a few school competitions during the year. Mr Manning put the challenge out to play ten players at the same time and only lost one game. He said it was very hard to concentrate on ten different games at the same time but really enjoyed the competition. More of that next year!

We are currently running the final school competition to see who will be crowned Chess Champion 2021 for WHS. We say goodbye to Michael Everett and Kahlua Tawai who have been stalwarts of the chess team for most of their school life. We wish them all the best for their futures!

We sent three teams to the BOP Championships and missed out on second by half a point. All teams performed well and showed we have good depth for the next few years.

We also managed to win our regional qualifier and therefore gained entry to the ChessPower National Final. Sadly it is no longer but we hope to get the chance to play in it next year.

2021 was another successful year for our Enviro Club. We ran a wide range of activities that offer something for everyone.

Enviro Club

Our Vegan Cooking Class was so popular that we ran two classes this year! Thank you to Caitlin and the wonderful senior students who worked hard to get this organised. The food was amazing!

We also had heaps of exciting outdoor activities running as well.

The Whakatāne High School trapline continues to successfully reduce the risks to our native species with catches such as rats and hedgehogs. We were lucky enough to have support from Halo who have run several sessions with our students to train and educate the group on trap safety and building.

We were so fortunate to have the ‘Noho Boys’ build a new area for the

66

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

Enviro Club, consisting of a large work bench for seed planting and a shed for storage. We now look forward to using this space and working with other schools by running a Tuakana Teina programme to share the love we have for the environment.

Thank you to all of our students who came to meetings, walked the trapline, got involved in our cooking classes, and organised their own, or participated in, community events. Thank you to our new staff who have jumped in and joined in with our mission.

My biggest thanks are to the amazing and passionate senior students who have driven this group for the year while Ms Garner has been on maternity leave.

You are all incredible young people, and we know that the world will be a better place with you all in charge of it!

HOCKEY GIRLS 1ST XI HOCKEY

The A Grade definitely required us to improve our game; the games were harder and the opposition were tougher and, although we didn’t win that many games, the score line was often not a true reflection of each game.

We ended up fifth in the competition. We lost the opportunity to play in the final of the Women’s Competition in the semi final where we lost 3-2 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw at full time. We ended up coming fourth in that competition.

We were entered into both the B Grade of the BOP School Competition and also the Whakatāne Women’s Competition. We played well as a team, developing our skills and building upon our success. Whilst in the B Grade, we were able to try new things out and also give our new team members plenty of opportunities to play. We won our first round in the BOP School Competition and were promoted to the A Grade for the second half of the season. The Women’s Competition gave us additional chances to play hockey against harder teams and the score lines reflected that the competition was tougher.

We were all gutted that our tournament week was cancelled again this year; hopefully this is the last year of disruption to large sporting events. We’ve played Gisborne Girls’ High and our own Second XI Boys’ Team, as well as playing the Trident Girls’ Team four times over the season with a 2-2 draw in games won.

My name is Emily van Dijk and I was privileged to be the captain of, and part of, the Girls’ 1st XI Hockey team for 2021. 2021 heralded lots of ‘the new’ for us - a new coach, a new manager and six new Year 9s in the team.

We started with a literal “smash” when Eva Sexton’s first hit at the goal led her ball to clear the fence at - what we soon learned was - the wrong end of the school turf for practicing penalty shots from.

The top goal scorer for the season was Eva Sexton and the top goal saver was Olivia Calder.

Strong defence came from Monique Prasad and Madi House. There was also fabulous play all over the pitch from Lara Longney, Daisy Boon, Huiarau Tutua and Jessie Jones.

Zoe Giles, Ashlyn Bennett, Kithmini Melville,

SIX A SIDE HOCKEY

An action packed six a side competition was enjoyed by all the players and spectators this season. WHS entered two evenly matched teams this year, Team Gold and Team Black. Both teams embraced the competition and went hard on the pitch. The teams showed up to every game with a positive attitude, passion and respect for the game.

Team Black had a lot of confidence going into their Semifinal as they had been unbeaten and took out the win again, seeing them into the final. Team Gold only had one loss heading into the semifinal and was triumphant, gaining them the second final spot.

With the two WHS teams in the final it was a match not to be missed. Team Black came out and took an early lead which only made Team Gold more hungry for the win, or to even the score - which they did! Each team took turns taking the lead, teasing the spectators in a nail-biter game which stayed this way right to the end. It looked like Team Gold was going to have to bow their heads to Team Black when, all of a sudden, right on the whistle, Team Gold scored to even the scores at three apiece, resulting in a shared title between the two WHS teams. Congratulations to both teams for your competitive spirit and for having a never-give-up attitude. The biggest win from the season was that both teams had basically started off as a group of strangers and ended up being one big bunch of new friends.

Some standout moments of the season were from Darcy Dury who discovered his natural talent as a goalie; Callum Giles for his outstanding attacking skills; and Ashley

Aiyana Prasad and Bea Knapton have shown that they have the speed and fitness to run and run; they are fast in attack, show great stick skills and are quick to get back in defence.

We had awesome goal-opportunity-makers and scorers in Kendall McKane, Emily Van Dijk, Mo Davis, and the new signing, Marina Sirkku. With such a young team, it will be exciting to see how these players’ skills develop as they progress. The team’s culture is certainly awesome and there are plenty of laughs when they are together.

It was awesome to see how far the girls grew as a team this year and we definitely have a strong team going into 2022. I would like to give a massive thanks to the coach and manager, Mark Longney and Clare Knapton, for taking the time out of their lives to support and help make the team possible. I would also like to thank the girls for making this the best last year of high school hockey and a final thank you goes out to all of the team’s supporters who came to watch our games in the cold. It was awesome to have you guys there. Also, thanks to all our fans - even during Covid times your voices have rung loud and clear across the turf.

Good luck for next year, girls.

Giles was a leader, building the team up with encouragement and guidance on and off the turf. Fjord Haggar was new to hockey but proved to be a natural and scored some sensational goals.

Zoe Giles demonstrated her ability as a utility player and as a manager whilst nurturing her broken finger. Finn Jones excelled as an attacker with his agile and suave stick skills. Kaden Naidoo was a defensive machine who thrived under pressure, while Mouwhia Davis consistently remained cool, calm and collected as she scored some solid goals.

A massive shout out goes to Shane Tailby for his constant support, and Karen Toone who showed up to every game and ran the substitutions.

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

67

HOCKEY We had another successful season with both our boys’ teams in 2021. We were disappointed that Tournament Week was cancelled as the 1st XI were intending to travel to Hamilton and had put together a great season leading into the tournament, and our 2nd XI were taking advantage of the competition being held here in Whakatāne to gain tournament experience. As always, the hard work and commitment of coaches, Amish Fermah and William Searle, and managers, Shane Tailby and Jimmy Heal, must be recognised and applauded. We are looking forward to another successful season in 2022.

BOYS’ 1ST XI

BOYS’ 2ND XI

After four years of hard grind, the Whakatāne High School Boys’ Hockey programme finally peaked. Ten years of mediocrity playing B grade hockey and dismal tournament week performances werre erased after one fine season.

This year, the Boys’ 2nd XI Hockey Team saw an injection of young players, resulting in a primarily Year 9/10 team. Their enthusiasm translated into effort with the direct result being increased skill and confidence across the whole team. The boys who applied the most effort saw the greatest benefit.

Coach’s Report

Coach’s Report

The bulk of the players in the team spent the last four years developing their core physical and mental abilities. Being able to execute fundamental skills, combined with understanding how to play good hockey, resulted in the team finishing third in the BOP A Grade Competition. From a coach’s perspective, it has been rewarding to see the team’s performance this season. It’s been good watching the boys develop as individuals and as a team over the last five seasons. Hopefully, the boys continue to grow as players in the future.

There was genuine team bonding with excellent comradery, which, combined with determination, resulted in progression in the second round to the B division. The boys responded to third quarter slumps and extremely wet playing conditions to build

Captain’s Report I have spent five years playing for the 1st XI team and have been captain for the last two years. This is now coming to an end. It has been a great journey from starting in Year 9 and losing 21-0 at a Tier 4 Tournament and 15-0 in the local B Grade Competition, to finishing off with a win and coming third in the BOP A Grade Competition.

The boys have worked so hard over the years, working their way up the rankings in the Bay Competition. Even with only having two years of tournaments because of COVID, the boys really worked hard in the normal season to produce a great result.

Amish Fermah has coached the team for the past five years; I’ve really learned a lot on and off the turf and would like to thank him for his commitment, and for the amount of work that he has put in over the years. I wish all the boys all the best for the future and, hopefully, they will get to tournament next year.

Alex Manning

68

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

resilience for the transition to a tougher competition, gaining a lot of respect from our opponents for the way they played and their positive attitude.

The team proved that they had the ability at both ends of the field, scoring goals as well as providing solid defence. There was always a good turn out for training, and a couple of end-of-season social games proved it was an enjoyable season despite the disruptions and the cancellation of tournament week.

SWIMMING SPORTS Whakatāne High School held its annual Swimming Sports Competition on Tuesday the 16th March at the Whakatāne Aquatic Centre. There was a very positive vibe amongst the students and it was great to see so many competitive swimmers compete as well as the Year Nines, who participated in a range of house activities.

A big thank you goes out to the prefects, students, and staff that helped make the day a success.

There was one record broken; a special congratulations to Ashleigh Lawlor who broke the Intermediate Girls’ Four Length Individual Medley record that was set in 2008. Ashleigh’s time was 1.41.63.

The competition was very close in most of the grades. Congratulations to the following students who gained a top three placing overall for their age group. Well done to Matai House who dominated throughout the day to take the honors in the house competition.

Junior Girls 1st - Kaylee Lawlor 2nd - Emilie Rosset 3rd - Ella McKay Junior Boys 1st - Tyler Macey 2nd - Leo Collier 3rd - Jai Julian Intermediate Girls 1st - Ashleigh Lawlor 2nd - Kate Murray 3rd - Kithmini Melville Intermediate Boys 1st - Ben Jackson 2nd - Josh Hansen 3rd - Deshan Senavirathna Senior Girls 1st - Ella Fenwick 2nd - Alice Blakeway 3rd - Amy Humpherson Senior Boys 1st - Campbell Julian 2nd - Alex Manning 3rd - Codi Laurent House Points 1st - Matai - 442pts 2nd - Kauri - 311pts 3rd - Totara - 273pts 4th - Rimu - 120pts

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

69

INTERSCHOOL ATHLETICS & CROSS COUNTRY NZSS TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Our athletes put in a great effort competing at the NZSS Track, Field and Road Race Championships in Tauranga over the weekend. The three and six person road race teams both came away with gold medals in the Junior Girls’ Road Race. Liam Dooley ran a great road race in the Senior Boys’ Division to finish 20th in a high quality field of 77 runners. Sophie Kirk ran a good 2km steeples race to finish 7th. WHS also had two 4x400m relay teams compete with the highlight being Odin Herrick making up 50m and almost pulling his team into the placings in the mixed event.

BOP ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Whakatāne High School sent a team of 33 athletes across to the BOP Secondary School Athletics Championships. These students had earned the right to represent the school after placing in the top two at the school Athletics Day. The students gained some great results all round, with many personal bests being set by students.

It was awesome to see five relay teams compete.

The following students achieved top three placings and have qualified to compete at the upcoming WaiBOP Champs: Lily Anderson - Junior Girls - 2nd 200m Lily Isaac - Junior Girls - 2nd 3000m

Prayer Playle - Junior Girls - 3rd 300m

Eva Sexton - Intermediate Girls - 1st Javelin, 2nd Discus, 3rd 100m Jordan Cochrane - Intermediate Girls - 3rd High Jump Milla Dibben - Senior Girls - 3rd 800m

Lara Longney - Senior Girls - 3rd Discus, 3rd Long Jump Ben Peat - Junior Boys - 1st Triple Jump

Odin Herrick - Intermediate Boys - 3rd 100m

Liam Dooley - Senior Boys - 2nd 1500, 2nd 3000m

Junior Girls 4x100m relay team - 1st Place - Bea Knapton, Monique Prasad, Sophie Growden, Lily Anderson

BOP CROSS COUNTRY

Again, the students put forth a great effort! Sixteen cross country runners competed at the BOP Secondary Schools competition in Tauranga. A special mention goes out to Liam Dooley who blitzed the Senior Boys’ 6km race to win by 30s ahead of the second place runner. Kithmini Melville also ran a very good race to finish, third in the

70

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

Junior Girls’ 4km race. Anna Isaac also placed sixth in the Junior Girls Division and Ben Peat placed 10th in the Year 9 Boys’ race which he strongly ran.

WAIBOP CROSS COUNTRY

Five of our students travelled to Kihikihi Domain in Te Awamutu to represent the school in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools’ Cross Country Championships. A special well done goes out to Liam Dooley who gained second place - coming in a mere nine seconds behind the 1st place runner in the Senior Boys Division. Kithmini Melville placed 8th and Anna Isaac 10th in the Junior Girls’ race. Lily Isaac and Kiera Dooley both gained 20th place in their respective Year 9 and Senior Girls’ races. Most races had over fifty competitors in them so it’s great to see our small town kids up there with some big schools. Well done, all.

NZSS CROSS COUNTRY

Whakatāne High School had two students compete at the NZSS Cross Country championships in Hawera.

Haley Roebuck was competing for the first time at a national event and ran really well in tough conditions in the Senior Girls’ event. Liam Dooley competed in the Senior Boys’ 6km race which had a field of 181 runners. Liam ran a really good race to finish in 28th place.

RUGBY UNDER 16 RUGBY TEAM

2021 was a challenging but rewarding season for the U16 team. After losing a lot of key players to the 1st XV as well as other schools, there were a lot of both new and positional changes from last year’s championship winning team.

Girls Rugby

The team played some outstanding rugby through the round robin games.

Some standout performances during the round robin included beating John Paul College 47-15, Otūmoetai College 390, and beating Trident 36-31 in the big, local derby game. The team only lost one game during the round robin, however we were upset by Trident in the semi final and missed out on the final.

Some stand out performers in the forwards included Fergus Byers, who gave his all in every game and could be relied on to win quality line-out balls, and Josh Arrol and the ever present-loose forward, Jamie Julian, who tackled and ran hard all year.

In the backs, the 9 – 10 combination of Piri Scott at halfback and Daniel Beck at first five got better all year and helped unleash an exciting backline. The pace and power of Taj Waterson at second five was a constant threat. At times, he managed to tear defences to shreds on the way to scoring and setting up a number of tries.

A big thanks goes out to Manager Angela Olsen and also to Doug Tutua who helped with the team when required.

We are looking forward to next year, and wish the boys good luck as a lot will be moving up to first XV next year.

Cheers, Marty and Geoff

1st XV

Ben, Jai, Sam BOP XC

Under 14 Rugby

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

71

SCIENCE

This year in Science we have set off explosions, and baked up a storm in our Year 11 Micro-Organisms unit. We have also visited local waterways and bush reserves and far away zoos. We murdered Mr Knapton in our CSI Junior Science programme. It has been a year of exciting learning at all levels. Next year, Mrs Karen Asquith is taking a year out to study and we have the fantastic Ms Lena Cassidy-Clark leading our Science department.

72

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

FOOTBALL

BOYS’ FOOTBALL

It has been a strange year for Boys’ Football at Whakatāne High School this year. At times it felt like a repeat of 2020 with the global pandemic taking centre stage. This felt like a new year for our First XI Boys, inviting back only two Year 13s in the form of Ben Davey-Emms and Michael Everett. Michael was named captain, an honour which he took seriously and led by example in, which is aligned with his character.

Covid hit us hard, as we lost a number of games to the pandemic. We were fortunate to be able to play around ten games, finishing with an impressive record and only losing one game with notable victories against Aquinas, Otūmoetai and Tauranga City. Several of our Year Elevens have made the step up and helped carry the team to good results - including Charlie Waters, Ryan Calder, Rhys Robertson and Tye Davey-Emms.

Unfortunately, we were unable to attend our Winter Tournament scheduled in Term Three; this was particularly hard for our Year 13s who only had one last chance to attend.

The player of the season was Josh Dale; he showed his immense quality, running the pitch from the middle of the park. Special mentions go out to Charlie Waters, Luke Berquist and Ryan Calder whose performances this season were spectacular.

Finally, farewell to our two Year 13 boys, Ben Davey-Emms and Michael Everett; both have been valued members of the team for a number of years and have given their all. I know the other boys will miss them and I wish them all the best for the future.

We were fortunate to have two teams at junior level this year with an A and B team being formed. This was a remarkable achievement and has shown the growth of football in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. It is the first time during my time at WHS that we have had the numbers to do this! Our B team did remarkably well, causing a number of upsets and featuring a number of exceptional players. Jordan Cook and Spencer Hughes led from the front and had a workhorse in Nathan Garner who helped the team to an impressive record. Well done, boys; we look forward to seeing you all in action next year! We must also acknowledge the work put in by our principal, Martyn Knapton, and the now-departed Kyle MacFarlane, in ensuring that this team could run.

As for the As, the boys had a season of two halves. The boys were in Division 2 for the start of the season and played some very good football. A highlight was the top of the table clash against the Pāpāmoa Volcanoes which we won 4-3. After finishing top of the group, the boys were promoted to the top division for the second half of the season. The boys found this pretty tough going but played extremely well against good opposition.

A massive thank you to the boys and parents for a very long, but rewarding, season.

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

73

BASKETBALL Junior Basketball 2021

This year was a new learning experience for many of our junior basketball teams.

They all benefited from a great range of coaches and new learning experiences.

The Junior Boys’ B Team had many players who were new to the sport this year, and they worked very hard to build up their key skills. They managed to find themselves an awesome coach and continued to improve throughout the season.

The Junior Boys’ A Team worked well together in the local competition. Their competition was strong with the boys sticking together and keeping their cool. They ended up placing fourth this season. The boys had great respect and appreciation for their amazing coach, Cole Scott - a Year 13 who plays in the Senior Boys’ A Team.

The Junior Girls’ Team had a bit of a rough season this year which was full of injuries. But, our tough team stuck it out to place fourth in this year’s local competition. The girls really enjoyed having Year 13, Parekohai Baker, as one of their coaches; her guidance and support helped the girls to build skills and confidence.

Senior Basketball 2021

The Senior Boys’ B Team played well this year, placing sixth in the local competition. There were a few amazing, once-in-a-lifetime shots made by our B boys this year which helped to secure their places in the competition. Coach Braddock said, “The intensity and focus of the boys to get better was always apparent. I was particularly impressed with how they played together as a team.”

The Senior Boys’ A Team fought hard against the other teams in our local competition, placing second.

Covid caused a bit of an upset for our basketballers this year, cancelling our winter tournament and delaying the senior finals. Despite the disruption, our senior boys made us proud in the final, working together to take away the silver this year.

The Senior Girls’ Team worked well together this year to take away third place in the local competition. They worked well together as a team to improve their skills and build on their knowledge of the sport.

Whakatāne High School’s All Star Award Recipients: Braiden Craig Cole Scott Katie Mahy

74

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

FAREWELLING KORO “Hokia ki ōū Maungatapu, kia pūrea koe e nga hau ā Tawhirimātea”

“He aha te kai ō te RaNgātira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero” I’ll miss your morning hug; it was always the best way to start the day! Arohanui, Marama.

The best thing about Koro is his awhi and cheeky laugh. Thanks for all you have done for your WHS whānau - we are going to miss you heaps!

Love you, Koro. Leggy xo

E Koro, the wise one; the resolute one; the caring one; the cheeky one!

Kaore te kumara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka. Nā te whānau Everitt.

I will always miss his calm, peaceful demeanor. His humility, his wisdom. As a school we have all benefited from the manner in which he has carried the mantle of raNgātira and kai korero within the kura and wider community. He has positioned us very favourably in the eyes of Te Ao Māori on so many occasions through the year that it is now part of the reputation we carry as a school. In this day and age of technological advances, of people who present an image of themselves that at times possibly surpasses reality, it is refreshing and reassuring to have the wisest of them all remain so humble and self-effacing.

No matter the situation, after speaking with Koro I have always felt more centered and had a clearer compass orientation pointing towards what really counts. E kore e mutu te aroha mou e te papa.

I have enjoyed having chats with Koro about planting seeds and trying to figure out how to get native plants growing.

I’ll never forget the time Koro came up to me and gave me a hug after a very emotional speech I had to give at Senior Prize Giving. It was my first year and I didn’t know him well but it meant so much to me. I have loved my prefect camps with him. He is always there for me when I need him. xx I love your mana and presence. You make all our occasions special. You are really special to all of us here at Whakatāne High School. Enjoy your retirement. I will miss your welcome at the beginning of every term and the fact that you always have time to speak to me. Arohanui.

Ngā mihi maioha. Noho ora mai. We appreciate you Koro. Take care, stay well. Nā Fiona.

Kia ora, Koro! You were missed as soon as people realised that you were leaving! I personally would like to thank you for your support of the Noho Programme and your smiles and greetings everyday! I hope you enjoy your very well deserved rest and retirement! Much aroha to you, Koro from me and my whanau! Congrats on your retirement!

Rimu house appreciated your contribution and your care, humour, discipline and cultural awareness with your form classes. You were also there for us during our difficult times and it was much appreciated. Enjoy your retirement, as you deserve it. Kia Kaha. Chris Brown.

Koro - Always kind and caring and always helpful with my tamariki who needed a bit of extra support. I’d like to acknowledge the many extra hours he spent being our WHS kaumatua teacher, speaking at events, organising haka and waiata, and working with whanau and tamariki to ensure Māori culture is observed and followed at WHS. I also acknowledge Koro’s fabulous work with the carving students.

Koro!! I’m pretty sure since I first started here (4 years ago) every year I was told it would be your last year, so I am a little in disbelief that you are in fact leaving us this year. I will miss seeing your mischief face around and the morning hugs. Enjoy the new found free time you will have and don’t be a stranger!! Love Gemma xx Because of you I got my first teaching job. “Ko koe tōku ariaritanga.” “Ko koe tōku whakaruruhau.” I’m missing you already. Love you, Koro. Hemarangi xxxxx

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

75

FAREWELLING KORO Favourite Koro Quote: “Do you not have a TV?” - Love Te Aorere xx Kia ora, Koro. You were the Melbourne Cup Man! I think I stuffed that up last year when I told everyone to back your horse. Enjoy your free time now. There will always be peppers and tomatoes here for you. Nga mihi, Declan.

Koro - Always kind and has a smile on his face.

Koro always greeted others in the morning with a welcoming smile. I’ll miss my morning cuddle.

“Morena, whaea!” Every day without fail.

Hi Koro; thanks so much for your leadership here at school. I’ve always admired the way the kids look up to you and how happy they are to be in your company. Thanks for the legacy you leave behind and all the best for the next season.

Koro, it has been a pleasure to be in your presence this year. You have been extremely welcoming and always have a cheeky smile at the ready. It is clear from the respect of your peers and the students that you have had a profound effect on life within, and outside of, Whakatāne High School. I wish you nothing but love and kindness. Arohanui, Andie Eves.

I will miss your warm welcoming smile and hugs every time I see you.

I will always remember Koro’s cheeky laugh and sense of humour. His presence at WHS has made me feel safe and welcome. The hole he leaves will be felt by all at WHS but the man deserves a bit of a relax!!!

Thank you for all your support, Koro.

It has been great working with you, Te Kapua. It has been a real pleasure learning from you as well.

I’ll never forget you ghosting through the defensive line to score that try against the parents back in 2001 (2000?).

Koro, you are the backbone for so many of us who were fortunate enough to pass through your doors. You flicked our ears when we needed to but always made sure we were okay. Thank you for being the best form teacher. It always brightens my day when I see you. You have worked bloody long and I hope you and the wife have some more fun adventures. You taught me to be proud of who I am. We all love you so much. Love always, your Ngāti CocoNgāti x Cheee!! After saying, “This is my last year,” for many years, it’s finally happening, aye!? Thank you for being the best form teacher and making high school life for this cheeky, kore taringa, little texican a whole lot easier. You were the only one who could pull my ears and tell me to get to class without me having to argue about it first otherwise I’d get a kick up the bum - haha. For five years I was under your wing and you treated your students like your own moko. I will always be grateful for you and wish you the best for whatever happens next for you, Koro. A real Whakatāne High legend you are and you will truly be missed by everyone. He aroha mutunga kore mōu. Ngā mihi, nga mihi, Elliott.

76

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

Artist: Max Lowry Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

77

FAREWELLING SHERYL EVERITT Madame Everitt, as she is known in class, is a French teacher c’est magnifique. She is known for her food, constantstreams of French monologue, her innovative teaching techniques and being a ball of positive energy in her lessons.

Her food comes up whenever I ask her students about what they remembered about French; on the last lesson of the week, Sheryl would introduce her students to French delights such as macrons, baguettes, pâté and escargot.

Each food produced a different level of enthusiasm as evidenced by the fact that leftover snails were usually available to staff. Also, if Sheryl has forgiven the unnamed department who ate her croissants - which were set out in the staffroom for her Period 5 class - she has kept that a secret. The food showed her exceptional level of manākitanga as, no matter how many students were in front of her, they were cared for through Sheryl’s gift of kai.

Sheryl is more than just a teacher - she has been a parent, sports coordinator, cheerleader, Te Kotahitanga pedagogical leader, camp mother, surf coach, and sports team manager.

Sheryl’s four children, Nikora, Matiu, Keita and Ruka, have gone through this school and, supported by Sheryl, have succeeded in their sporting, academic and cultural pursuits. Sheryl has poured numerous hours into volleyball and hockey, and even supported Lucas’ brief stint playing rugby. Sheryl treated all the students that she helped through sport with the same enthusiasm, being a role model for our school’s value of whakawhanaungatanga.

78

Whakatāne High School

|

Being a language teacher, Sheryl has put so much effort into bringing her subject to life. She has taken trips to New Caledonia, allowing students to use their French in real life situations and open their eyes to the possibilities waiting for them in the world. She brought students and teachers from Tahiti into our school and made them feel welcome. When participating in these exchanges she made sure that our students represented Aotearoa with pride.

Most of all, I will remember Sheryl’s commitment to lifelong learning.

She was the most full time part time teacher you will ever meet. She was committed to school and to teaching French. She spent a half year as an exchange teacher in France in 2018 to immerse herself in the language and culture of France to help her to pass that on to Whakatāne High School students. Sheryl’s relationship with IT is something that I am impressed by, but would never want to replicate. She took the time to stay up to date through a range of changes in IT systems and, despite technology never completely co-operating, she always put a high level of effort into trying to make it work.

Sheryl is one of the teachers whose values of commitment, manākitanga and whakawhanaungatanga represent the best of Whakatāne High School, and will continue to inspire myself and others. I wish her well and I am sure we will keep in touch with Sheryl, Steve and the whanau.

Henry Morris, fellow languages teacher

Te Waka Kura 2021

JAPANESE at Whakatāne High School; this year we have reached record numbers of students in both the senior and junior school. 2021 has presented a challenge for the international languages as closed borders have disrupted our traditional exchange with Shibukawa which has been running for over twenty years. Senior Japanese students were involved with making a video message to Shibukawa to keep the connection between the schools strong. Our final exchange student, Kousuke Misawa, returned to Japan at the end of Term 3. We are now looking forward to a future where these exchanges can begin again. To get a taste of Japanese culture for our Japanese classes we have looked closer to home by visiting our local sushi restaurant and eating in the Shibukawa Sister Cities Japanese Garden. 日本語の 生徒たち へ、 ありがとう。 がんばりましょう Photo credit: Ella

FRENCH Au revoir mes amis!

Merci bien pour toutes les expériences.

Je suis ravi d’avoir passé les cours de français avec tous.

Moi, je me suis amusée bien à travailler toutes ces années au Collège de Whakatāne.

Cette année, 2021, était super!

On a les cours de L9, L10, L11, L12 et L13!!!!!! Chouette!

Vive la langue française!

Je manquerai tous mes étudiants - peut-être! ‘’Ma voix, ta voix, c’est une expression d’identité!’’

Et finalement, Mettez le chewing-gum dans la poubelle et votre portable dans la boîte de fromage s’il vous plaît!

Au revoir, Madame E.

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

79

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL Juniors Girls’ Volleyball 2020 We had lots of interest in volleyball last year and ended up having four junior girls’ teams which was fantastic for the development of our sport. The Junior A Girls played extremely well at BAYS and ended up winning their quarter finals against Taupō to have a place in the semi finals - we played Otūmoetai College and lost in a thrilling, three setter game (15-13 in the third set). The girls played their hearts out and were unlucky not to come away with the win. Then, we had to front up for the third and forth play off, but, unfortunately, couldn’t, so finished fourth at BAYS. At the North Island Junior Nationals we took away three girls’ teams and both represented the school with pride. The A Girls managed to make it into Division 1 with some great wins but, unfortunately, didn’t make the quarter finals which was really disappointing as that was our first goal. They went on to finish 11th. The B and C teams played some great games, which included a few Year 9s. It was awesome for these junior players to get experience at this event.

A massive thanks goes out to all the coaches - Te Aorere Walker, Talei Byrant, Karen McLeod, Cailtin Studer, Tash Tuakiri and Anna Craig- and also to all our awesome supporters who always came and supported the girls.

Junior Beach Volleyball We took over twenty girls to the BAY Beach Volleyball Competition last year in November and had some fantastic results; in the Year 9 Girls’ Division 1, Kendall McKane and Ani Doherty won gold and, in the the Year 9 Girls’ Division 2, Tayla Brady and Tayla-Bree Heath won gold. It was so great to see the girls dominating both divisions. It was also an awesome day out with all the teams learning about the game of beach volleyball.

At the North Island Beach Championships, the girls continued their great form with Kendall and Ani placing third and Tayla and Tayla placing forth. The future for Girls Beach Volleyball is looking bright!

Senior Girls’ 2021 The Senior Girls’ A team looked a lot different than in previous years due to the majority of the Junior A team moving up into the Senior A team because of their skill level. Two players in the team were even selected for an NZ Training Camp - Katie Mahy and Mia Cole. Furthermore, Mia was also selected for the Junior NZ Squad who will compete in a tournament in Australia - Covid permitting! This is certainly a fantastic reward for all of her dedication and commitment to volleyball.

The season was one of developing these young players and, with the help of our Captain, Tayla Jones, the improvement in the team from the start of the season until the end was great. We had some awesome wins at BAYS and a couple of very tight losses, but these girls always played hard and showed great commitment to their sport.

We had three teams at BAYS this year. It was very cool to get some juniors into these teams to help with the development of our sport. Also, our seniors were incredible role models to our younger players.

The NZ Secondary School National Championship is always held in Palmerston North and we were lucky to take two teams; we had a fun group of girls and coaches which made for a good time at Nationals. There were certainly some real awesome wins and a few nail biting games, but both teams played well and the improvement in the skills and technique was really good to see. The experience certainly showed that volleyball is on the up again at WHS. I would really like to thank all of the coaches and supporters of our sport as it’s a very intense season. I’m really fortunate to have such great support around me and for our awesome young ladies.

Bring on the 2022 volleyball season!

Helen McKane - TIC Girls’ Volleyball

80

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

KAPA HAKA

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

81

MENTOR CLASS PHOTOGRAPHS

82

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

MENTOR CLASS PHOTOGRAPHS

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

83

MENTOR CLASS PHOTOGRAPHS

84

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

MENTOR CLASS PHOTOGRAPHS

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

85

MENTOR CLASS PHOTOGRAPHS

86

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

MENTOR CLASS PHOTOGRAPHS

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

87

MENTOR CLASS PHOTOGRAPHS

88

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

MENTOR CLASS PHOTOGRAPHS

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

89

MENTOR CLASS PHOTOGRAPHS

90

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

SPORTS/CULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHS

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

91

SPORTS/CULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHS

92

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

SPORTS/CULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHS

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

93

SPORTS/CULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHS

94

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

SPORTS/CULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHS

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

95

SPORTS/CULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHS

96

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

SPORTS/CULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHS

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

97

SPORTS/CULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHS

98

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

SPORTS/CULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHS

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

99

SPORTS/CULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHS

100 Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

SPORTS/CULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHS

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021 101

SPORTS/CULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHS

102 Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

SPORTS/CULTURAL PHOTOGRAPHS

Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021 103

STAFF PHOTOGRAPH

104 Whakatāne High School

|

Te Waka Kura 2021

Cover art by Max Lowry Year 13