Most Improved Achievement Awards: Kākano: Marchus Flores & Noah Henriksen; Pihinga: Wyatt Boyd; Māhuri: Zara Jackson; Rākau: Caitlin Murray

Sports Award: Ellie Bell-Higinbottom

Arts Cup: Dudley Robertson

Eames Award for Citizenship: Caitlin Murray

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

At Waihao Downs School, we take great pride in how well we have integrated the Davis Programme in our everyday classroom practice. This programme has proved very successful in our junior school, resulting in confident and curious students across the board.

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.

During the last week of Term 4, we held a Christmas mufti day in support of our local foodbank. The dress-ups were stunning and very cute! Thank you to everyone who donated towards such a worthy cause!

Pet Day is a highlight in our school calendar and our tamariki enjoy showing off their pets to everyone!

Our PTA organise Pet Day each year and they go to a lot of effort to make it enjoyable for everyone.

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.