Tēnā koutou, Tālofa lava, Konnichiwa, Fakaalofa atu, As-salāmu ‘alaykum, Kia orāna, Hola, Mālō e lelei!

6 June 2025

Dear Parents & Whānau,

As my time at SWIS comes to an end, I reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared. South Wellington Intermediate is a remarkable school, and I feel privileged to have been part of such a diverse and inclusive community. The passion of the Board, staff, and students in embracing every opportunity is something quite special. The commitment to challenge, engage, inquire and inspire that I’ve seen each day is something that I will take with me and, hopefully, emulate in some form in the future.

A highlight for me has been watching students explore the breadth of our unique curriculum, opening their eyes to possibilities that will shape their future. This is largely due to the wonderful staff at SWIS, who understand the pivotal role these experiences play in developing the adults and leaders of tomorrow.

Another highlight, though tinged with sadness, was seeing my staff step up with professionalism, care and humanity after the sudden passing of my dear friend and colleague, Aloma Barry. Their strength and support have been extraordinary and, with that said, while honouring Aloma’s memory, the gap is well and truly being filled with the most fantastic team of people I have had the privilege to work with.

I will carry the memories and lessons from SWIS with me always, and I leave with deep gratitude and excitement knowing SWIS will continue to thrive, shaping confident and compassionate citizens of the world.

Me whai whakanui i tō koutou manaakitanga, tō koutou aroha, me ngā mahara i rongo tātou i te wā. E mihi nui ana mātou ki a koe. Haere rā, noho ora mai. “May your kindness, love, and the memories we’ve shared be honored. I greatly appreciate you all. Farewell, stay well.”
Wishing you all the very best,
Toby Stokes

Remember to check out the school’s Facebook Page, which has the latest updates about what is going on at school

Term 2 Dates

Also keep an eye on the school google calendar as dates are added and changed from time to time.

• 11 June – Y7 Vision and Hearing Screening
• 11 June – WRISSA Girls’ Basketball
• 12 June – Kapa haka retirement village event
• 17 June – School Board meeting, 6pm in the Staffroom
• 18 June – WRISSA Boys’ Basketball
• 17/18 June – “Moments That Made Us” SWIS production at the Indian Centre.
• 19 June – SWIS Matariki celebrations – dawn ceremony, shared kai, games and more.
• 19 June – WISPA Speech Competition @ Wainuiomata Intermediate
• 20 June – Matariki, school closed
• 26 June – SWIS Matariki Showcase
• 27 June – Discovery Day @ Massey for Children’s University students
• 27 June – Last day of Term 2
• 14 July – Term 3 starts
• 29/30 July – SWIS school visit for Y6 students
• 6 Aug – SWIS Open Evening for prospective students
• 15 Aug – Staff Only Day, school closed to students

School Notices

Tickets now on sale for SWIS production “Moments That Made Us” – 17/18 June!

We are pleased to announce tickets are now available for our incredible production, “Moments that Made Us!” .

Buy your ticket online here. Alternatively, students can buy tickets with cash or Eftpos (no credit card) at the school office at the start of lunch next week and the week after. If students buy a ticket at school, they won’t get a physical ticket but will be added to the list. Show starts at 7pm, the doors will be open from 6.30pm.  

Feel free to share this with whānau and friends, our production is open to all which is why we have two shows to allow as many whānau to attend as possible.

We are still looking for whānau support with:

• Theatre lighting and sound experience
• Adults to help at the door on the performance nights – checking tickets and door sales
• Adults to help with the bake sale table on the performance nights
• Do you have a business that could sponsor the production in return for advertising in the programme?

Please contact hannah.quince@swis.school.nz or roshni.parbhu@swis.school.nz if you can help!

Celebrate Matariki at dawn with your SWIS whānau!

Save the Date: SWIS Matariki Showcase – 26 June

College Open Evenings on now!

The following list includes whānau Open Days/Evenings – some which you have to book directly through the colleges (see below for this info).

• 9 June (Mon)
  • Wellington High School Open Evening – 4:30pm & 6pm (ticketed)
• 10 June (Tue)
  • Rongotai College Open Evening – 6:30-8:30pm – no booking necessary
• 11 June (Wed)
  • St Catherine’s College Open Evening – 6pm (book online)
• 12 June (Thu)
  • Wellington East Girls’ College Open Evening – 3-4:30pm and 6:00-8:00pm – RSVP online
• 16–17 June (Mon–Tue)
  • Wellington College Open Mornings – 9–11am – see website
• 17 June (Tue)
  • Wellington Girls’ College Open Day – 9am, 9:45am, 11:45am (book online)

SWIS Open Days/Evening

At the end of July SWIS will be hosting Y6 students from our contributing schools. They will start their visit in the school hall at 9.20am and then participate in a programme that gives them a taste of what life is like at SWIS. These visits are for students only.

• Tuesday 29 July – Newtown School and Berhampore School 
• Wednesday 30 July – Island Bay School, Houghton Valley School and Ōwhiro Bay. 

Our Whānau Open Evening is on Wednesday 6 August, 6pm – 7:30pm. If you know of friends, neighbours or family with children that might be interested in enrolling at SWIS in 2026, let them know, all are welcome to come and check us out!

School News