24 Sep 2026

Hi everyone,

After exploring various avenues, the Board would like to confirm that Ali Symonds will be taking up the role of Acting Principal for Term 4. Ali has filled this role previously and we look forward to working with her through to the end of the year in this capacity. We'd like to thank Ali for stepping up, and are sure she will do a great job and be well supported. We are currently finalising Ali's release time and classroom arrangements and will communicate these as soon as we have these in place.

Applications for the Principal position opened on the 9th September and will close on the 14th October. Shortlisting will be occurring on the 20th October. The Board will be conducting interviews on the 31st October. 

Thanks again for your patience and understanding as we work our way through the process.

Kind regards,

Regan O'Brien
Presiding Member
Waituna West School BoT
 

 

16 Sep 2026

Can we please request that all Camp Forms are completed and returned to school as soon as possible please.

 

Thank You!

11 Sep 2026

Waituna West School and Community Survey 

Hi everyone,

We are seeking your input as we develop the Waituna West School Strategic Direction and Plan for 2027-2029. Schools do this every three years.

We feel strongly that all parents should be able to see their thoughts, interests and ideas visible for what and how we educate their children. 

The new National Education Learning Priorities set out the Government’s education priorities to ensure the success and wellbeing of all learners. Our goal is to seek your voice and combine that with these documents to design a strategic plan that is exciting, innovative and injects passion into teaching and learning at our school. It is the overarching document that guides us in reaching the optimal learning outcomes for every student.

We appreciate you taking the time to engage with us to make Waituna West School the best place it can be and ask that your thoughts and comments be constructive. Your responses will be anonymous.

Survey Link

The last day of the survey will be Friday 25 September.

Thank you

The Waituna West School Board of Trustees

8 Sep 2026

TOUCH 2026

Kids keen for Touch Rugby in Term 4?? Registrations are now open through the Oroua Sports Club. Register via the Sports Club Facebook page.

*  Thursday afternoons - 22nd October to 3rd December

* Starts with Yr 1-2's at 4pm and works up through age groups

*$20/child

**REGISTRATIONS CLOSE THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER**
                        - NO LATE REGISTRATIONS -

Any questions please get in touch with the Club - oroua2019@gmail.com or via FB messenger

 

 

 

Thanks so much,
Georgia Jenkins
Treasurer
OSC

1 Sep 2026

Update from the Waituna West School Board – Principal Appointment Process

The Board is now well underway with planning and implementing the process to appoint our next Principal. This is one of the most significant responsibilities we hold as a Board and we are committed to undertaking a thorough, fair and robust process that reflects the values and aspirations of our school community. 

The appointment committee is made up of all Board members, and we are also being supported throughout the process by an independent education consultant, Nadia Ballantine from edLead Consulting. While Nadia’s role is to guide and support the process, all decision-making responsibility remains with the Board.

Community Consultation 

We would like to sincerely thank the families and staff who contributed to the Principal recruitment survey. We greatly appreciate your time and the thoughtful feedback provided.

The Board has now reviewed the responses to identify key themes, trends and priorities. You will soon see this reflected in the recruitment application pack currently being developed for prospective candidates.

Recruitment Timeline

The Board remains committed to keeping our staff and community informed as key stages of the appointment process are reached. The following timeline will be guiding our process:

Advertising period commences - By the 9th September
Closing date for applications and referee reports - Week of 12th October
Shortlisting completed - Week of 19th October
Referee calls completed & Interviews - Week of 26th October 
Appointment commences - Term 1 2027

Please note: If the successful applicant is currently employed within a New Zealand school, a minimum notice period of eight weeks is required.

Confidentiality 

To protect the privacy of applicants and the integrity of the recruitment process, all applications and expressions of interest will remain strictly confidential. For this reason, it would not be appropriate for the Board or staff involved to make comments at any stage of the process.

Our focus is on conducting a professional and respectful process that attracts a strong field of high-quality candidates for Waituna West School.

Term 4 Arrangements

Concurrent with the process, the board is actively recruiting for an Acting Principal for Term 4. This position was formally advertised last Monday, with applications closing this Friday 4th September. In the event we cannot find an appropriate candidate, we will look to fill this position internally.

Kind regards,

Waituna West School Board of Trustees