Waihi School

Waihi is an Independent School for day and boarding boys from year 5 ‑ 8. The school is situated north of Winchester on State Highway 1 in South Canterbury. Ten hectares of attractive grounds and updated facilities provide an excellent environment for a boy to be a boy.

Waihi is committed to remaining a small school with the roll limited to 120 boys. Generally two thirds of the school are boarders drawing from Canterbury through to Southland. Dayboys travel from Timaru, Geraldine, Ashburton and surrounding areas either by private transport or on one of two school buses that operate available routes.

Since opening in 1907 the focus of the school has been to challenge boys to set goals and target achievement in a wide range of areas in order to develop all aspects of their life. Through professionalism and a committed staff we provide a learning environment that offers each boy the opportunity to fulfil his potential in a range of academic, sporting, cultural, spiritual and social programmes which prepare him for secondary school and beyond.

Waihi has a proud academic record of boys being well prepared for success at secondary school. An experienced teaching staff, the assessment process, planning for individual needs, learning support for both extension and support programmes, class limits of 18 boys, ensure academic success. Effective classroom management and a positive attitude to learning are fostered within a culture of high achievement. Wail‑ii offers a broad and balanced curriculum including; Specialist Art, Computing, Drama, English, Spanish, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science, Social Studies, Materials Technologies and Sport.

Connection to the Church is vital to Waihi School. Our historic chapel is the location for services twice a week, and for all boys', two Sunday services per term. Families are welcome at any service where boys explore the Christian message, its values and principles. Honesty, self discipline, loyalty, tolerance and respect for all are core values at Wail‑ii. The Christian ethos is central to ensuring Waihi is a caring community that considers the needs of every boy.

Each boy starting at Wail‑ii is assigned to one of three houses named after the first three Headmasters of the school. Belonging to a house gives opportunities for boys to contribute in many areas of both sporting and cultural endeavour and encourages teamwork and leadership.

Cultural activities play an important part in a Waihi education. There is a strong emphasis on the choir and all boys are encouraged to play a musical instrument through itinerant music teachers. Performance evenings, school drama productions, debating at interschool fixtures, specialist art teaching and New Zealand Speech Board Examinations for all, allow opportunities for boys to develop confidence and express their creative talents.

Sport is an integral part of life at Waihi and all boys are required to play a summer and winter sport. Summer sports include swimming, cricket, tennis and softball. Rugby, hockey, soccer and basketball are played in the winter. School teams are entered in the local South Canterbury competitions. Interschool fixtures against other independent schools are held in both winter and summer sports. School teams are entered in the South Canterbury combined Primary Schools events. In addition table tennis, badminton, volleyball, summer hockey and touch rugby are available and form part of the inter‑house competitions while the outdoor education programme includes ski days, field trips, camps and weekend outings. Waihi's tremendous facilities include soccer and rugby fields, cricket grounds (including two artificial wickets), cricket practice nets, artificial turf (tennis courts / hockey and PE), gymnasium and heated indoor swimming pool.

With two thirds of the boys boarding and eight staff living permanently on site the school is a nurturing place for both day and boarding boys. Boarding adds a special dimension to the school. The boarding house has dormitory style rooms and the flexibility of a modern boarding system including weekly boarding, and short term stays for dayboys allowing a high level of access for all families.

Parent contact is a vital part of Waihi and is positively encouraged at all times. Weekend leave is available most weekends with an extra weekend planned at the middle of each term. This longer weekend allows distant boarders a full weekend at home. Waihi is a school that offers a family atmosphere where every boy is important as part of a busy and friendly place uniquely tailored for boys.