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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 February

Mon 9

Swim Week Y4-8 at School

9 Feb 2026 - 13 Feb 2026

Mon 16

Parent Support Meeting 7pm

16 Feb 2026

Mon 16

Swim Week Y0-3 at School

16 Feb 2026 - 20 Feb 2026

Wed 18

School Assembly

18 Feb 2026

Thu 19

School Swim Sports EA

19 Feb 2026

Wed 25

Board Meeting 6:30pm

25 Feb 2026

Latest Notices

Digital Safety

10 Feb 2026

Kia ora Koutou,

Over the next week information about Digital Technology and online safety will be sent home alongside a contract for all students and their whānau to agree to.

Please return the contract to your classroom teacher on or before February 20th.

This is simply to ensure that when using digital technology and the internet at school it is to be used only for the purpose that the classroom teacher has specified.

Used carefully and with restrictions in place digital technology can enhance and support learning. The digital world is constantly changing and showing our children how best to navigate this is important for their future.

If you would like to know more about the importance of digital safety and how you can support your children at home please refer to this website:

https://www.keepitrealonline.govt.nz/parents

Ngā mihi

Trena

Parent Support Meeting

9 Feb 2026

We look forward to seeing you at our first meeting for 2026 next Monday Feb 16th in the school staff room. All welcome!

The Parent Support Team

Rippa Rugby - Tuesday nights

9 Feb 2026

Hi there,

The school Rippa Rugby competition is back at the end of the month for 4 weeks. See below for initial details...

Feb 24th, Mar 3rd, 10th, 17th

Venue - Argyle Park

TIMES: 5:00pm, 5:35pm and 6:10 (depending on numbers)

Grades: New Girls Y1-3, Girls Y4-6, Girls Y7-8, Mixed Y3-4, Mixed Y5-6, Mixed Y7-8

Girls can play in both Mixed and Girls Only.

Please email me with your child's name and what grade you would like them to play. I will do my best to make teams out of what I get, with the possibility of joining another school if need be.

Thanks,

Ross Smith - ross@wakanui.school.nz