SWIS Newsletter #10 | 19 June 2026

19 June 2026

Kia ora whānau,

Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) in Term 4

Traditionally, our Term 4 EOTC programme has offered a wide range of week-long activities, many of which have been highlights of the year for students and their families. While these opportunities have been hugely successful, they have also come with a wide range of costs, from free activities through to programmes costing $750.

As a school, we have reflected on how we can provide these experiences in a way that is more equitable and accessible for all students. We know that cost can be a significant factor for families and can sometimes limit participation in particular activities. There is also the difficulty of students missing out on choices due to oversubscription.

As a result, EOTC Week will look different this year. Students will take part in a range of Wellington-based activities on a rotational basis, ensuring that everyone has access to the same opportunities. The programme will also include a community service component, giving students the chance to contribute positively to our local community.

I appreciate that this change may be disappointing for some families, particularly those who have enjoyed the previous format. This decision has not been made lightly, but it reflects our commitment to providing high-quality experiences that are accessible to all students.

New Sports Uniforms

It has been great to see our new sports uniforms out in action, with our netball teams and WRISSA boys’ basketball team proudly wearing them over the past few weeks. Thank you to our School Board for supporting this investment in our students and sporting programmes.

New Uniform Pants Option

We have also listened to feedback from families about the current long pants option in our school uniform. In addition to the existing track pants, a new style of long pants is now available through NZ Uniforms in Thorndon.

If students would like to see a sample pair before purchasing, they are welcome to visit Hayley in the office.

Looking Ahead

The term is moving quickly, but there is still plenty to look forward to. We have Showquest and Toi coming up, our Matariki Celebration Evening, and mid-year reports being released at the end of the term.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support. We look forward to celebrating these events and achievements with our students over the coming weeks.

Ngā mihi nui,

Brendon Henderson

Tumuaki | Principal

Be sure to visit our Parent Portal for helpful information about how things work at SWIS. It’s a great first stop for key details and practical guidance. You can also follow our School’s Facebook Page, where we regularly share news, updates, and stories about the wonderful things happening in and around our school.


Term 2 Dates

  • 20 June – World Scholars’ Cup, from 9am at QMC
  • 23 June – St Patrick’s College Open Day, 10-11.30am and 12.30 – 2pm
  • 24 June – Showquest at St James Theatre – Kapa haka and Enrichment groups
  • 24 June – Showquest Toi – Enrichment group
  • 24 June – WRISSA Hockey National Hockey Stadium
  • 25 June – Otago Problem Solving Set 3
  • 25 June – St Patrick’s College Open Day, 10-11.30am and 12.30 – 2pm
  • 27 June – ERO visit
  • 30 June – Vision Nurse visiting
  • 30 June – Regional Cross Country
  • 2 July – SWIS Matariki Performance Evening, 6pm
  • 3 July – Last day of Term 2

Note: The Matariki Public Holiday is in the July School Holidays

Term 3 Dates

  • 20 July – First Day of Term 3
  • 23 July – Children’s University Discovery day – All day
  • 27 July – Term 3 Mihi Whakatau for new starters
  • 28 July – Open Day for Y6 students – Berhampore, Newtown & Others
  • 29 July – Open Day for Y6 students – Island Bay, Owhiro Bay, Houghton Valley
  • 29 July – WRISSA Netball tournament at Ākau Tangi Sports Centre
  • 5 August – WRISSA Rugby (under 60kg) Memorial Park | Marist Ground Masterton
  • 5 August – Open Evening for prospective Y6 students and whānau
  • 6 August – School Board meeting
  • 7 August – Te Haruru o te Kāhui Tonga Kapa Event at Taraika
  • 12 August – WRISSA Rugby Memorial Park | Marist Ground Masterton
  • 17 August – Staff Only Day, School closed to students
  • 19 August – NZCYA Books Alive at Te Matapihi, 8.45am – 2.45pm
  • 20 August – Otago Problem Solving set 5
  • 26 August – WRISSA League and Flag
  • 29 August – Tournament  of Minds at Victoria University (Saturday)
  • 7-11 Sep – AIMS Games
  • 16 Sep – WOW preview show at TSB Arena, 7pm – 9pm
  • 23 Sep – WRISSA Volleyball Boys and Girls at Ākau Tangi Sports Centre
  • 25 Sep – Last Day of Term 3

School Notices

Matariki Showcase – 6pm, 2 July!

Nau mai haere mai, ki te whakanui! Everyone is invited to our Matariki showcase performance on 2 July.

Vision & Hearing screening – 30 June

Just a reminder the all Year 7 students will have vision and hearing tests on 30 June. You will be contacted if your child requires further testing.

College Open Evenings/Days for Year 8s

As our Year 8 students begin to think about secondary school, a number of local colleges are holding open days and evenings. These are a great opportunity for students and whānau to visit schools, meet staff, and learn more about what each college offers.

St Patrick’s College (SPC) is offering Open Days on Tuesday 23 June and Thursday 25 June, with sessions available from 10–11:30am or 12:30pm–2:00pm. Bookings are required via their website.

We encourage families to attend these events to help support students in making informed decisions about their next steps.

World Vision 40 Hour Challenge! On this weekend, sign up under the SWIS banner!

A friendly reminder that the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge is this weekend, and we’d love to get as many students signed up as possible to help support those in need. If your child would like to take part, please sign them up here: https://fundraise.worldvision.org.nz/join/SouthWellingtonIntermediate

This is a great chance for our students to show manaakitanga and make a real difference for others.

Wellington Basketball U14 Representative Trials – Sat 20 June

Wellington Basketball is holding its U14 Representative Trial this Saturday 20 June and we are keen to make sure as many eligible young players (boys and girls) as possible hear about it.

Saturday 20 June — U14 Open Trial 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Ākau Tangi Sports Centre, Wellington

Any student(female and male) born in 2013, 2014 and 2015 who loves basketball is eligible and encouraged to attend. This is an open trial and we welcome players from all backgrounds — whether they play in our leagues, in a club, or just love the game.

Registration link: https://membership.mygameday.app/regoform.cgi?formID=120195&programID=77037

Matariki Basketball Festival

  • What: Matariki Festival 3×3 Intermediate Basketball
  • When: Friday 10th July 2026, 9:00 AM (3-hour duration)
  • Where: Walter Nash Arena
  • Cost: $15 per team
  • How to Register: Follow this link to the registration page

Community Events


Check out what’s on in our area!

Click on the links below to visit the South Coast information website with all the local events and activities on offer.

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