Year 9 students were offered the opportunity to join our Junior Leadership team. Students had to give a presentation to a interview panel and answer questions. Welcome to our successful Year 9's.

On Friday 6th May the Junior Leadership team spent a day getting to know all of our new year 9 members. We got to work with Ms Spencer, Ms Marshall, Tacita and Mr Brown. We had lots of fun with team building activities which included cooking lunch from some mystery ingredients and writing words with pens held by string. We then had to find a worthwhile place in the community to donate our leftover ingredients from lunch which included meat and vegetables that had to be delivered on the day. The other challenge in the cooking was catering to all of the dietary requirements.

We have lots of ideas for the year ahead starting with organising Pink Shirt Day in May. We have decided that our overall theme for our big project this year will be Earth and the Environment. We are all looking forward to working with each other and developing our leadership skills.

We are well underway with our preparations for our Pasifika entry for 2022. Covid-19 restrictions mean the event will be held online, so we are working towards having a Fia Fia night later this term to showcase our performance, and to record our entry. We are lucky to have the support of Jane Masoe, our head tutor, who has returned this year to help us polish our performance. We are very lucky to have the support of Mr Robinson, our families, Mrs Davies, Jane, and the wider community. We practice three times a week, and we’re looking forward to our Fia Fia Night (1st July) where we will have the opportunity to share our performance with our community and supporters. Below are some photos from our rehearsals.

At fashion technology Shyanne was given the opportunity to make a Hoodie sweatshirt for winter. It was completed with flowers and a butterfly on back.

This is Shyanne's 1st attempt at sewing independently. WOW what is next!

On Tuesday May 10th we were lucky to be able to host Taitoko Rangitahi Health Expo with the following exhibitors. Whaiora Trust, NZ Police, THINK Hauora Pasifika Team, THINK Hauora Feedback Team, Muaupoko Tribal Authority, Horowhenua Learning Centre, Sport Manawatu and Hauora Health/MCDHB. Students enjoyed lots of hands on activities as well as opportunities to chat and ask questions.

On Monday 16th May it was fantastic to have Sophie from the Student Volunteer Army speak to our year 9 and 10 students about the origins of the SVA as a result of the Christchurch earthquakes.

She talked about what volunteering is and the benefits to our communities. In the afternoon Sophie ran a workshop with the members of the junior and senior leadership teams where they worked on ideas to help lead some volunteering initiatives in the school.

SVA have an award system that is an awesome addition to CV's. Students are able to sign up for the SVA service award by recording everything from babysitting to foodbank collections. It is as simple as downloading the app on your phone.

For more information of SVA click here

The bad luck started with the challenging weather, as we took a group of 6 students through the Tararua Ranges to complete their qualifying journey for Silver on Friday the 13th of May.

Our first day began with a steep incline up to Rocky Outlook where our group rested for lunch. The weather was kind at first, as the hike started with light showers and a slight breeze. As we continued after lunch, we were meet with an even steeper decline down through the valley, tracking along the Waiohine River through to Totara Flats Hut. This track was approximately 13km of undulating terrain and a sporadic game of find the marker. The group displayed strong will and perseverance throughout as they showed little sign of fatigue even at the end of a tough first day.

We started Day 2 at 9.00am as we did our best to wait out the unforgiving weather that greeted us on Saturday morning. However, we needed to make good time to Cone Hut which was an estimated 10-12km from Totara Flats so we put our jackets and packs on and stepped off. Despite niggling injuries and rain that seemed to get heavier with every kilometre, the group arrived safely at Cone Hut. The students did very well to push on and even managed to spot a Geocache at a junction we rested at for lunch.

Our original plan on arrival, was to set up our camp by the river and enjoy the beautiful Tararua scenery. But as with many adventurous journey expeditions, you need to be adaptable. The weather was predicted to get worse overnight so our group decided to set up in Cone Hut despite the dated décor and minimal space as Cone Hut is the second oldest hut in the Tararuas. After a broken sleep in Cone Hut, we managed to catch a slight pause in the rain to step off for our final leg of the journey from Cone Hut to Waiohine Gorge Campsite. This included a steep incline to start, followed by a gradual walk across the top of the feature and finishing with a greater decline down through the valley to Waiohine.

It was a challenging Silver AJ with a series of challenges in-between. This specific group of 6 students showed strong poise and resilience to continue through despite all the obstacles they faced from injuries, weather to the rugged terrain. DoE at Waiopehu College would like to thank Bluelight and the staff for all their support in organising transport and accommodation for each of our AJ’s. None of this would be possible without their help. And with their continued support we aim to have more students complete their Bronze, Silver and Gold by the end of 2022.

It is that time of year again when our students attend the one day Careers day at MOJO in Wellington. This is a worthwhile course that the students all enjoy and gain a lot from. They get the opportunity to be trained by MOJO’s head trainers and learn the techniques needed to pour the perfect coffee. They also learn about the career opportunities within the Hospitality Industry and in the afternoon compete in a competition of Latte Art. Here are some photos of the end results.

In preparation for our first Restaurant Evenings on Tuesday 31st May and Wednesday 1st June the students have been learning how to take orders, set tables and serve our guests as part of their front of House Training. Under the guidance of our Head Chef Kristina the students have spent three days completing the training and they will gain their 9 credits after they have successfully completed two nights in the upcoming Restaurant. As we have not had a Restaurant in eighteen months due to the Café being under construction the students are looking forward to being able to participate in this popular event.

Waiopehu College Restaurant Nights

When: Tuesday 31st May and Wednesday 1st June

Where: Waiopheu College Student Centre

Cost: $36.00 per head (3 course meal)

Time: Book any time between 6.30pm - 8.00pm

Booking taken at the College Office, Phone 3688303

(These were so popular last year that you need to book fast so you don't miss out!)

Click here for the menu

Despite Levin experiencing some extreme weather last Friday and some of our staff and students not being able to make it to school, we will happy to go ahead with the Pink Shirt Day fundraiser which had been organised by the Junior Leadership Team. A couple of activities had been organised with students creating a backdrop to use for selfies and a confession box. Students and staff were encourage to wear pink in exchange for a gold coin and it certainly brightened up a challenging day weather wise!. We were happy to raise and donate the money to the Mental Health Foundation to support anti bullying.

On Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of May four students from our performance arts department, Emilee, Millie, Keearndra and Tillie, attended the DanceNZMade Northland exchange which included dancers from as far as Auckland all the way down to Wellington. Emilee, Millie and Tillie were in a group dance called ‘Boogie Wonderland’ and they placed 3rd in their age category. Keearndra performed various solos and placed 2nd in musical theatre, 1st in jazz, 1st in hip hop, 1st in contemporary and 1st in lyrical as well as gaining a golden ticket. With this golden ticket Keearndra is now eligible to go to DanceNZmade golden dance awards nationals to be held in November 2022. Keearndra also was awarded the 1st and 2nd overall highest marks of the competition. The dancers attended 2 days of workshop where they learnt 4 different dances in 4 different dance styles. The weekend was very busy, but the dancers have all come away with gaining inspiration from industry professionals and are already looking forward to the next competition and further opportunities.

Horowhenua Learning Centre has received funding to help individuals and whanua who are battling financially as they have had to isolate at home because of COVID-19.

If you need assistance with:

• Rent
• Medical needs e.g. doctor's bills and prescriptions
• Utilities e.g phone bill, internet, power
• General household items e.g clothing, blankets and bedding
• Transportation costs, e.g medical appointments and arranging delivery or collection of items
• Education needs e.g activity packs

Please click here to go to their website for further information and contact details.

20th May - Pink Shirt Day

26th May - Barbershop Regional's

31st May - 1st June - Restaurant Nights

9th June - Seniors Interview Evening from 2pm - 7pm

6th June - Queen's Birthday Public Holiday

10th June - Rockquest

15th June - Gumboot Day

24th June - Matariki Public Holiday

1st July - Fia Fia Night - Waiopehu College Auditorium

6th July - Year 8 Open Evening

7th July - Pasifika Perfomance - Palmerston North Regent on Broadway

8th July - END OF TERM 2

Please note the following Teacher Only Days for 2022

August 2022 - Friday 19th August Teacher Only Day

November 2022 - Friday 25th November Teacher Only Day

November 2022 - Monday 28th November Teacher Only Day