Pastoral Support
House, Deans and Ako Group System
To help us provide the best possible care and guidance for all the students in our school, we place great importance on the House and Ako Group system. The school is divided into five houses, each under the leadership of a House Dean. The names of the five houses are taken from early settlers in the Wakatipu: Arthur, Duncan, Fox, Hay and Mackenzie.
Each house has several ako groups. Students remain in the same ako group with a mix of students from Years 9–13 throughout their time at Wakatipu High School. Ako groups meet three mornings of the week for roll check, notices and organisational matters.
Over these five years, the Kaiarahi gets to know their ako group well. If a parent has any concerns about progress or welfare, they should contact the Kaiarahi in the first instance.
The Kaiarahi will work with their Dean to resolve any issues. Should parents feel that the matter has not been resolved, or the issue is serious, they may contact the House Dean.
Ako groups are identified by a four-letter code, which starts with the first letter of the House and then a three-letter code for the name of the Kaiarahi.
For contact details see Our Staff.
To help us provide the best possible care and guidance for all the students in our school, we place great importance on the House and Ako Group system. The school is divided into five houses, each under the leadership of a House Dean. The names of the five houses are taken from early settlers in the Wakatipu: Arthur, Duncan, Fox, Hay and Mackenzie.
Each house has several ako groups. Students remain in the same ako group with a mix of students from Years 9–13 throughout their time at Wakatipu High School. Ako groups meet three mornings of the week for roll check, notices and organisational matters.
Over these five years, the Kaiarahi gets to know their ako group well. If a parent has any concerns about progress or welfare, they should contact the Kaiarahi in the first instance.
The Kaiarahi will work with their Dean to resolve any issues. Should parents feel that the matter has not been resolved, or the issue is serious, they may contact the House Dean.
Ako groups are identified by a four-letter code, which starts with the first letter of the House and then a three-letter code for the name of the Kaiarahi.
For contact details see Our Staff.
House Deans
Each house has a Dean who is responsible for the welfare of all students in the house. Their role is one of coordination, administration, guidance and discipline within their house and encouraging student leadership.
Each house has a Dean who is responsible for the welfare of all students in the house. Their role is one of coordination, administration, guidance and discipline within their house and encouraging student leadership.
Kaiarahi
Kaiarahi meet with their tutor group three days per week. The ako group is comprised of students from Year 9–13 in the same house. The Kaiarahi remains with the same group of students for the duration of their time at Wakatipu High School. The Kaiarahi is the key point of contact for parents, students and staff in dealing with the pastoral life of the students.
Kaiarahi meet with their tutor group three days per week. The ako group is comprised of students from Year 9–13 in the same house. The Kaiarahi remains with the same group of students for the duration of their time at Wakatipu High School. The Kaiarahi is the key point of contact for parents, students and staff in dealing with the pastoral life of the students.
Guidance Counsellors
Wakatipu High School employs Guidance Counsellors who work within the NZAC code of ethics to provide a confidential counselling service to assist students and families of our school. To access the service students can self refer or referrals can be made by parents and school staff.
Key responsibilities for our Guidance Counsellors include developing, with senior staff and House Deans, the pastoral care system in the provision of an inclusive and positive school climate; liaison with community network agencies to support the wellbeing of students and to work in conjunction with the Health & PE department in the resourcing and delivery of relevant health programmes.
Wakatipu High School employs Guidance Counsellors who work within the NZAC code of ethics to provide a confidential counselling service to assist students and families of our school. To access the service students can self refer or referrals can be made by parents and school staff.
Key responsibilities for our Guidance Counsellors include developing, with senior staff and House Deans, the pastoral care system in the provision of an inclusive and positive school climate; liaison with community network agencies to support the wellbeing of students and to work in conjunction with the Health & PE department in the resourcing and delivery of relevant health programmes.
Careers
The Careers group encompasses a range of staff (Careers Advisor, Deputy and Assistant Principals, Deans, Kaiarahi and Subject Teachers) who can provide advice and information regarding careers, subject choice, tertiary courses, apprenticeships, employment, work exploration, transition to work, work experience and Gateway programmes.
Career Education opportunities are promoted to all students through the Daily Notices. These include opportunities such as:
Individual programmes linked to career aspirations are offered to some students, including STAR courses, Open Polytechnic study, work exploration and Correspondence School study.
Students are encouraged to take responsibility for seeking information by using various websites on the school network.
Find out more about Careers including STAR, Gateway and Trades Academy here.
The Careers group encompasses a range of staff (Careers Advisor, Deputy and Assistant Principals, Deans, Kaiarahi and Subject Teachers) who can provide advice and information regarding careers, subject choice, tertiary courses, apprenticeships, employment, work exploration, transition to work, work experience and Gateway programmes.
Career Education opportunities are promoted to all students through the Daily Notices. These include opportunities such as:
- Presentations from tertiary providers, the defence forces and employers
- Employment vacancies
- Holiday courses
- Career information visits.
Individual programmes linked to career aspirations are offered to some students, including STAR courses, Open Polytechnic study, work exploration and Correspondence School study.
Students are encouraged to take responsibility for seeking information by using various websites on the school network.
Find out more about Careers including STAR, Gateway and Trades Academy here.
Deputy and Assistant Principal
The Deputy Principals and Assistant Principal work closely together with regard to discipline and welfare of all students.
The Deputy Principals and Assistant Principal work closely together with regard to discipline and welfare of all students.
