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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

Wakanui School 150 Years - Facebook Group

Registration Form

What's happening at Wakanui School?

Upcoming Events in July

Mon 27

Y4-8 Swim Week at EA

27 Jul 2026 - 31 Jul 2026

Latest Notices

Wakanui Hoodies

22 Jul 2026

Please see attached information about the commemorative 150 Years hoodies that are now able to be ordered and worn as part of the school uniform

Wakanui-Hoodies.docx

Attendance Reminder

22 Jul 2026

Kia ora Koutou,

As we begin a new term I would like to remind you all of the Ministry of Education 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. 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 understanding

Ngā mihi

Trena

STAR-Strategy-Wakanui-1.docx

Senior Swim Week: Week 2

21 Jul 2026

Swim Week – Monday 27 July to Friday 31 July

A reminder that our Senior Swim Week (Yrs 4-8) is coming up next week (Monday 27 July – Friday 31 July).
Students will be leaving school early each day as lessons begin at 1:00pm. The final lesson finishes at 2:00pm, and students will return to school by bus afterwards.

Please note: There will be no hot food available during Swim Week for Yrs 4-8.

For our Year 7/8 students, Thursday will look a little different. They can choose whether they attend their usual Technology session or take part in the swimming lesson. We would recommend that students attend Technology; however, if they choose to swim, they will need to make their own way to the pool with a parent/caregiver.
If you are planning to pick your child up from EA rather than have them return to school, please email us by midday (if possible) on the day. We may not be able to check emails while we are at EA.

Thanks for your support, and we are looking forward to a great week in the pool!

Ooshies

21 Jul 2026

Kia ora Koutou,

Woolworths currently have an 'ooshies' promotion and some children have been bringing them along to school. Please be aware that like any 'toy' that comes to school there is always a chance of them being lost. We realise that they are designed for pencils but that is not ideal in the school setting. Definately no more than one ooshie is to be bought to school.

If anyone is wanting to do swaps can this please be done at home and not at school. Past experience has taught us that any type of swapping doesn't always end well for all concerned.

Ngā mihi

Trena

ICAS reminder

20 Jul 2026

Last day to enter is this Thursday 23 July

Please see attached information regarding ICAS ( International Competitions and Assessments for Schools) exams which can be co ordinated to be sat at school if you would like your child to participate. They are for those who would really like to add a challenge when operating at a higher academic level. They come at a cost to the family. If wanting to know more please have a look on line as well as discuss with either me or the classroom teacher.

Ngā mihi

Trena

trena@wakanui.school.nz

ICAS-enrol-26-1.pdf