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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 September

Mon 12

Term 4 begins

12 Oct 2026

Wed 14

Athletics with St Josephs at Domain Oval

14 Oct 2026

Mon 19

Athletics postponement

19 Oct 2026

Mon 19

Parent Support Meeting 7pm

19 Oct 2026

Fri 23

Pet Day and Rural Day

23 Oct 2026

Mon 26

Labour Day- School Closed

26 Oct 2026

Tue 27

Postponement day- Pet/rural day

27 Oct 2026

Latest Notices

End of Term 3 ready for Term 4

25 Sep 2026

Kia ora koutou,

Thank you for supporting everything that has been happening at school over the last term; especially in the last couple of weeks for our 150 year celebrations. With so many people helping with the clean up and preparations it made for a very successful event. It was amazing to see so many people there to enjoy the celebrations.

As we head into the final term of the year there are many events and dates for you to note. (we are also still finalising others) Please keep an eye out for Skool Loop notices for more details as well as any changes that may happen.

The Hot Food Box has finished for the year and Term 4 sees the start of Summer Uniform and a return of compulsory sunhats.

· Monday 12th October -Term 4 Begins

· Wednesday 14th October – Athletics at the Domain Oval with St Joseph’s

· Monday 19th October- Athletics pp

· Friday 23rd October- Rural Day – morning event at school- Pet Day from 1pm

· Monday 26th October- Labour Day -school closed

· Tuesday 27th October Pet Day/ Rural Day pp

· Monday 2 November Y1/2 Big Day Out

· Tuesday 3rd November- Wakanui’s Got Talent

· Wednesday 4th November -School Assembly, Zone Athletics

· Friday 6th November – Zone Athletics pp

Week 5- Camp Week

· Year 7/8 leave Sunday 8th November to Northland- Waitangi return Thursday 12th November

· Year 5/6 leave Tuesday 10th November to Spencer Park return Thursday 12th November

· Year 3/4 Big Day Out 10,11 or 12 November tbc

· Friday 13th November – Canterbury Anniversary Day- School Closed

Week 6 -16-20 November Y1-3 Swim lessons at EA Network Pool

· Wednesday 25th November – Canterbury Athletics

· Friday 27th November- School Colour Run

· Tuesday 1st December- Top Team for whole school

· Friday 4th December- Junior celebration of Learning tbc

· Monday 7th December – Year 8 Farewell Dinner with Year 7 and 8 students and staff tbc

· Wednesday 9th December- Last School Assembly for 2026

· Monday 14th December- Prize Giving -Early Evening -Fine weather plan is at school on the Amphithatre

· Tuesday 15th December- Last day of school for 2026 – No bus running closing at 1:00pm

· 2027 Starts Monday 1st February

Enjoy the break

Ngā mihi

Trena

Year 5/6 Camp - final cost

25 Sep 2026

Hi all,

We have finalised our Year 5/6 camp cost to Spencer Park. Thanks to the amazing efforts on the bacon selling from all those who got in some sales it has brought our final cost to $160 per student.

Please make payment to the school account with your name and Yr 5/6 camp as reference.

Any questions regarding payment please email the office.

Thanks

Ross and Dylan.

HOUSE COLOUR DAY TOMORROW

24 Sep 2026

HOUSE COLOUR DAY ON FRIDAY

This is a reminder that tomorrow for a PB4L treat we are having a dress up in your house colour day. Tamariki do not need to come to school in uniform, they can wear their house colours. We will be doing some fun activities in the afternoon in our house groups.

Ski Day tomorrow

22 Sep 2026

Please note lessons begin at 9:00- you will need to ready to start then, so please allow time to get through ski rentals, arriving around 8:00 is recommended

Due to circumstances that can not be helped Mr Smith and I will be the only teachers on the ski field. We are still well within safety/ ratio guidelines as there are plenty of parents attending with their children.

We will try and base ourselves in a table area if possible but will have a tarpalin for bags etc.. I will be at top of entry stairs with your ski passes before ski rental, aiming to be there by 8:00. If I am not there when you arrive please proceed through rentals and collect your cards at the end. Helmets are a must and poles are not recommended for learners.

At this stage it looks like the ski field will be open. Please be prepared for a cold day. If the trip is cancelled I will facebook and skool loop that to you all.

Ngā mihi

Trena

Year 5/6 Cricket postponed

22 Sep 2026

Morning,

I have just received the message to say the Cricket Festival is postponed until Thursday.

Thanks,

Ross