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Growing our future by inspiring a passion for life long learning

RESPECT | RESILIENCE | RESPONSIBILITY | EXCELLENCE

Welcome from the Principal

Welcome to Wakanui School – Growing the Future

Kia ora koutou

Established in 1876, Wakanui School has a long and proud history of catering for local Year 1 to 8 students. Situated 10km east of Ashburton, and inclusive of an enrolment zone, we enjoy a rural environment whilst maintaining urban connections.

Our small class sizes ensure that we can cater for individual learning needs. Students in Year 4 and up utilise learning technologies to support their learning through a 1:1 ratio and BYOD programme. Our senior Year 6, 7 and 8 students have many opportunities to develop leadership skills both within and beyond the school.

At Wakanui School, we believe in supporting our students to develop skills and knowledge in the key learning areas in conjunction with strong links to our community, rural environment, and modern technology. Our school values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Excellence underpin all that we do.

Our school is very whānau oriented. We encourage active involvement from those who are part of the wider Wakanui family – parents, friends, grandparents, neighbours and community members. This gives Wakanui a strong foundation and a hard-working and generous support network.

Ngā mihi

Trena

Tumuaki | Principal

What's happening at Wakanui School?

Upcoming Events in May

Wed 27

School Assembly 2:30pm

27 May 2026

Thu 28

Pp Zone Cross Country

28 May 2026

Latest Notices

Pie Pick Ups

27 May 2026

Hi all,

Just an update, the pie orders will be ready for pick up in Kahikatea after assembly today.

Thank you

Ashburton College Open Day

27 May 2026

To our year 8 families - A reminder that Ashburton College has its Open Day on Monday 8 June between 4:00pm-6:00pm, the flyer is attached.

Open-DayPoster-2026.pdf

Coupland's Pie Fundraiser Pick-Up Reminder

26 May 2026

A reminder that Coupland's Pie Fundraiser orders will be available for collection tomorrow, Wednesday 27 May, after assembly.

The pick-up location at school is still being finalised. We will send out another SkoolLoop message tomorrow morning confirming where orders can be collected.

Thank you to everyone who supported this fundraiser. We appreciate your help in supporting our Year 7 & 8 camp.

Please collect your order as soon as possible after assembly.

Thank you!

Save the Date - Ski Day!

26 May 2026

Please save the date for our school ski day

Wednesday 23rd September

More information will be sent out next term.

Attendance Notifications

26 May 2026

Kia ora Koutou,

The Ministry of Education have set guidelines for all schools in New Zealand regarding in forming parents of their obligation for their chidren to attend school regularly.

At Wakanui School we have a stepped attendance plan (please see attached). Alongside this I have aligned our Student Management system to automatically send emails home to notify when your child has reached the threshold of 5 absences per term and again if 10 days per term is met. The first of these emails should arrive tonight. In many cases I am aware of the reason for absences eg illness or in term holidays, but when this reaches the threshold it is still a concern and a requirement for emails to be sent.

Thank you for your undersatnding

Ngā mihi

Trena

STAR-Strategy-Wakanui.docx