How’s it going, everyone? I hope all is well. My name is Ariki Purton, and I am proud to be Twizel Area School’s first Waka Leader. This is a new role in helping bring back the House Spirit and rivalry which I know all ex-Twizel students remember “fondly”.

What a week it has been. The star being the 2024 School Athletics, which, as usual, was a blast. As we know, sport isn't Pukaki’s strong point, but Ruataniwha and Ohau knocked it out of the park, ending in a tie, which I haven't seen in a very long time. Even though sports isn't some people's forte´ the participation level was astronomical, and we ended the day with the tradition of House relays. The Teachers and Breen Construction put a team in, yet the students were too fast for the older generation and took gold. 

Special recognition to our junior school who had shown extraordinary House Spirit I couldn't decide which house deserved the House Spirit points which were later shared out evenly.

The School is now being graced with three Mythological Beings who will only come out on House Events… As you may have seen on the TAS Facebook page, the school now has three Taniwha. Just to clear the air, they are not dinosaurs - they are Taniwha. 

On Monday, M2 had their visit to the Timaru SPCA, which I know they would have thoroughly enjoyed and, of course, showed extreme pride in our waka values.

Our agenda is jam-packed for next week;

 “Settling In” reports will be sent out through the School Bridge portal, Upper Waitaki Swimming for years 4-8, and 2024 Meridian South Island Secondary Schools Rowing Championships on Friday, with the Rowing carrying on throughout the weekend.  Finally, on Wednesday, we have the Country High School Athletics, which will be held at Geraldine High School.

Make sure you check out the House Point Total as we are creeping up to the Big House Sheild Announcement at the end of the term!

Remember to make every day the best day of your life

Ariki Purton,
Waka Leader 2024