Welcome to 
Waikouaiti School

We are a few players short of forming a Year 3/4 touch team. If your child is interested in playing please let Katrina know by 11am today (Monday). Entries need to entered today!

katrina@waikouaiti.school.nz

Three Peaks Swimming Championships

Students aged 8 years and above are invited to take part in the Three Peaks Swimming Championships on Wednesday 25 February 2026.

Venue: East Otago High School Pool
Arrival: 9.45am
Races start: 10.00am
Please note the pool is very deep at one end. As our school swimming programme does not begin until early March, we are unable to assess swimming ability beforehand. We therefore rely on parents and caregivers to confirm that their child can safely complete the distance and event they are entered in. Students should only be entered in events they can confidently swim.

Student age should be taken as at 2 March 2026.
All 8-year-old students will compete in 25m events only.

Events available: events for 8,9,10 year olds only

Freestyle: 25m and 50m
Backstroke: 25m and 50m
Breaststroke: 25m and 50m (only if technique is correct)
Butterfly: 25m and 50m (only if technique is correct)
Medley 75m: Backstroke, Breaststroke, Freestyle (only if technique is correct)

Entries require parent confirmation and should be completed on the attached form (to be sent home Monday 09/02). Transport will be dependent on the number of students attending and advised as soon as possible.

Dear whānau,

Thank you for the feedback we have received regarding our proposed local camp. After careful consideration, we have decided to make some changes to ensure the experience is positive and developmentally appropriate for all students.
We recognise that an overnight camp can cause unnecessary stress for some Year 3 students, and as the overnight experience is not a priority at this stage, we have decided that all Year 3 students (Harakeke included) will attend the camp as a day trip only. This will allow them to take part fully in the learning experiences without the pressure of staying overnight.
We would still like to offer Year 4 students the opportunity to participate in an overnight camp, as a supported practice experience in preparation for next year’s two-night camp. Year 4 students will be supported by staff and a Year 6 student group, helping to build confidence, leadership, and tuakana–teina relationships.
The camp will be held at Easons Farm, Eldorado, Mt Watkin Road, from Thursday 5 March to Friday 6 March 2026. This start-of-year camp is designed to build strong relationships, develop independence, and deepen students’ understanding of our local area, including local stories and connections.
Travel and Return Times
Year 6 students: Depart at 10.am on Wednesday 4 March and return by 3.00pm on Friday 6 March 
Year 5 students: Depart at 10am on Wednesday 4 March and return by 3.00pm Thursday 5 March
Year 3 students: Depart at 10.00am on Thursday 5 March and return by 3.00pm the same day
Year 4 students: Depart at 10.00am on Thursday 5 March and return by 3.00pm on Friday 6 March
Transport will be provided using two school provided vans and as many parent vehicles as we can. Please complete the attached parent transport form and return as soon as possible for both the day trip and overnight camp if you can help.
Further details, including equipment lists and permission forms, will be shared shortly. There will be a camp information evening on Tuesday 17 February at 5.30pm in the school staff room if they would like to view our safety systems or ask questions. 
Please contact the school if you have any questions or would like to discuss these arrangements further.

Ngā mihi nui,

Rebecca Allnutt

Katrina Hurst

Stuart Cooke