The new administration building was finally opened on the 8 th March 2024. We were thrilled to have Rupert Harrison the oldest ex pupil cut the ribbon as the Mayor or Waimate, Craig Rowley declared the opening of the building. Wendy Heath, our kaumatua blessed the building as she led visitors through the doors to view the space for the first. Kevin Cromie the oldest ex pupil living in the district planted a tree in commemoration of the opening alongside his grandson Tom Studholme, the youngest pupil at school and a 5 th generation family member, to attend Waihao Downs School. Raewyn Francis cut the cake in honour of the new building. Raewyn started teaching in the junior room at Waihao Downs School in 1988 and went on to become the principal from 1995 to 2007. The beautiful cake was created by Lara Welsh who has two children attending Waihao Downs School. Our students supported the principal’s speech with a waiata “Tūtira Mai Nga Iwi” and provided a wonderful performance singing the song “Celebrate” with actions, pom, poms and party poppers to add to the celebration.

Parent Election Results Declaration

Waihao Downs School

School Board Elections

Chairperson, Jamie Davis, officially opens the schools new outdoor learning space with Baxter Flett (youngest pupil) and Issac Prattley (oldest pupil).

The new outdoor learning area which we call our Kōhanga (nest) is an awesome addition to the school. A great place to gather for school assemblies, play during wet lunchtimes and overflow from the two adjoining classrooms. Even our school cats enjoys playing heads down thumbs up in this space.

Waihao Downs School and the wider community.

The Waihao Downs School has a fantastic PTA.

The main fundraiser is the Sports Challenge on a Saturday in October or November. Teams of 3 will enter this competition and the parents of our school make sure that there is enough food, drink and all the games are manned.

Our school has a community swimming pool. Again the PTA fundraisers to help out with the costs of running the pool.

The PTA provide vital funds for our school and have support a fourth teacher and teacher aide hours.

During our Family fun nights, School Cross Country and end of year break up the PTA provide a barbeque and refreshments for students, staff and teachers.

If you are interested in joining other parents in supporting our school please contact the school office.

Last Friday Mr Cromie, Mr Davis and Mr Sheddon from the Waihaorunga Rural Fire Service shared with us how they keep us safe. The students loved looking around the fire engine and enjoyed listening to the experiences of fighting rural fires. The visit ended with a demonstrating and a soaking!

Over the last 2 years the Waihao Down Tennis Club has been working with the Waihao Downs PTA and school to upgrade the tennis courts that sit adjacent to the school. During the summer of 2018/19 the Waihao Downs Tennis Club ran twilight tennis (after a 15 yr lapse) where the local community could play tennis and enjoy the school playground and swimming pool.

A huge thank you to the dedicated fundraising team and the local sponsors for making this community project a reality.

The Waihao Downs Students love making use of the courts and have enjoyed helping our local artist Ajhonai, paint the mural.

Awards Certificates

Kākano School Value Awards

Conscientious- Mac Farley

Confident- Kasey Van Leeuwen

Communicator-Kaitlyn Verrall

Considerate- Addison-Rose Mehrtens 

Curious- Lockie King

Pihinga School Value Awards

Conscientious- Brooke Verrall

Confident- Molly Bailey

Communicator- Charlie Dodds

Considerate- Lincoln Kerr

Curious- Zara Nash

Māhuri School Value Awards

Conscientious- Riley Johnston

Confident- Kate Schumacher

Communicator- Georgie Johnston

Considerate- Chloe Nobleza

Curious- Flora Cameron

Rākau School Value Awards

Conscientious- Molly Bell - Higinbottom

Confident- Fergus Robertson

Communicator- Chelsy Vergara 

Considerate- Pascal Johnston

Curious- Sahina Gautam

Best Academic Improvement Award

Kākano Award- Fionn Murray

Pihinga Award- Lincoln Goodwin

Rākau Award-  Liam Bell

Sports Award-  Otis Mckerchar.

Eames Award- .  Maisie McKerchar

Awarded to the student who consistently demonstrates the school values. Obeys the law/ respects authority. Contributes to society and the community. Love his / her school. Shows respect and courtesy towards others. Is trustworthy and honest, shows tolerance and demonstrates moral courage and has accountability.

Art Awards- Pyper Zwies

House Shield- Hillary

Leadership Award- Otis McKerchar

This is Awarded to a student who demonstrates leadership ability, leading by example, taking responsibility for classroom and school activities, actively involved in leadership roles within the school and upholding the schools values.

Proxime accessit- Runner up to Dux- Fergus Robertson 

Dux Litter arum- Dux of the School- Ruby Owen