Heads up: Waiopehu College students keeping busy with sports and academics — Guy Reichenbach

Waiopehu College junior mathematics students took part in the Mathex competition in Palmerston North.

Guy Reichenbach is the principal of Waiopehu College.

OPINION

Kia ora koutou, talofa lava, greetings to everyone.

Term three is well under way with lots of academic and sporting activities keeping our students busy. Last week our senior English students were given time to complete their writing portfolios. These are worth six NCEA credits and it was great to see students fully engaged in gaining credits towards their qualifications.

We have welcomed Cole Campbell and Isabel Paroli back from their time attending the London International Youth Science Forum. At the the forum, 500 of the best young science students from over 80 countries came together in London for a two-week summer camp held at Imperial College London and the Royal Geographical Society. Highlights included a lecture from Nobel prize-winning English molecular biologist Sir Gregory Winter, a visit to the state rooms inside Buckingham Palace, seeing the sights of London and meeting students from throughout the world.

This week our Year 12 and Year 13 PE classes engaged in education outside the classroom. Mr Brown’s PE class competed in the Tough Guy Tough Girl Challenge in Rotorua. Attendance at this event also contributes to the students’ academic achievement, because if they complete the course in under the required time, they earn four NCEA credits. Miss Brown’s senior students also will earn four credits from their skiing trip to Central North Island because they will earn credits in risk assessment and management.

Waiopehu College students Cole Campbell and Isabel Paroli have returned from their trip to London where they fitted in some sightseeing as well as attending the London International Youth Science Forum

Recently, some of our junior mathematics students competed in the Mathex competition in Palmerston North. Although not placing, the students enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to competing again.

A massive congratulations to head girl Courtney Fitzgibbon who now holds a world title. Courtney competed in the 2024 World Triathlon Aquathlon Championships in Townsville, Australia. The world multisport championship consists of a 2.5km run, 1km ocean swim followed by a final 2.5km run. Courtney’s future in sport is looking more and more promising.

Waiopehu College head girl Courtney Fitzgibbon earned a world title at the World Triathlon Aquathlon Championships in Townsville, Australia.

We have also had great success in local sports competitions. Our junior boys rugby team defeated Palmerston North Boys’ High to win the Manawatū Youth Premier 1 final last weekend. Our junior boys basketball team were also winners in the Manawatū Basketball Junior Premier competition for 2024, and on top of this our senior girls won the Basketball Manawatū Social Grade.

We will round out the winter sports season with our teams competing in Tournament Week running from August 31 until September 5. Five teams will compete with the best school sports teams in the lower North Island. After this, the Sporting Annuals against Horowhenua College will be held. In the week running September 9 to 13, 12 games will be played between the two schools — best wishes to all the players involved.