17 October 2025
Kia ora whānau,
Welcome to Term 4!
We started the term with a wonderful pōwhiri, warmly welcoming our new staff — Luis Arca (release teacher) and Hayley Trenwith (our new Office Manager) — along with new students, their whānau, and Jan Schützner, a German intern who will be with us for the rest of the year. It was a beautiful way to begin the term. We’re delighted to have you join our SWIS whānau.
Last week the School Board announced the appointment of Brendon Henderson to the role of Principal, starting in Term 1, 2026. Congratulations to Brendon, we look forward to welcoming you to the SWIS whānau.
Finally, just a reminder that 23 October is a nation-wide Strike Day and our school will be closed. See details below.
Ngā mihi nui,
Karl Emson
Tumuaki whakakapi | Acting Principal
Remember to check out the school’s Facebook Page, which has great news stories about what’s happening at school.
Term 4 Dates
Also keep an eye on the school google calendar as dates are added and changed from time to time.
- 21 Oct – School Board meeting
- 23 Oct – Strike Day
- 29 – 30 Oct – Toa Whakaihuwaka – Intermediate Schools Sports Festival
- 1 Nov – Future Problem Solving National Finals weekend
- 5 Nov – WRISSA Baseball
- 11 Nov – Children’s University graduation evening, tbc
- 14 Nov – Rongotai ORIENTATION DAY for enrolled students only – parents please let SWIS know if your child is going Wear non-uniform.
- 18 Nov – Science Roadshow in the Hall
- 18 Nov – School Board meeting
- 19 Nov – WRISSA Athletics at Newtown Park (SWIS is hosting)
- 19 Nov – Year 7 HPV 2 Immunisation
- 20 Nov – WELLINGTON EAST TASTER DAY for enrolled students only. Students get themselves there. WEGC is providing a bus to return students to SWIS at 12.30pm.
- 20 Nov – ST PATS ORIENTATION DAY for enrolled students only – parents please let SWIS know if your child is going
- 3 Dec – WELLINGTON BOYS COLLEGE Orientation Day (all day) – parents please let SWIS know if your child is going
- 5 Dec – Staff Only Day
- 8-12 Dec – EOTC Week
- 16 Dec – Leavers’ Dinner
- 17 Dec – Prize Giving Assembly
- 18 Dec – Last day of Term 4
School Notices
College Orientation Days for ENROLLED STUDENTS ONLY
You will have received this information from the college if your child is enrolled. Any inquiries ask them directly. Here’s the information we have received so far:
Rongotai – Thursday 6 November – full day. Students get themselves to the college for a 9am start (don’t come to SWIS first!) they wear non-uniform. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE CALLED SWIS TO LET US KNOW YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO THIS!
Wellington East – Thursday 20 November – half day. Students get themselves to the college for a 9am start (don’t come to SWIS first!) They wear SWIS uniform. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE CALLED SWIS TO LET US KNOW YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO THIS! A bus will be bringing your child back to SWIS for lunch time. Please do not pick your child up from Wellington East, or have your child leave Wellington East instead of catching the bus back.
St Pat’s College – Thursday 20 November – full day. Students get themselves to the college for a 9am start (don’t come to SWIS first!) they wear non-uniform. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE CALLED SWIS TO LET US KNOW YOUR CHILD IS GOING TO THIS!
Wellington High School – Yet to confirm
Art supplies needed: Want to clean out your toy box?
The art room is on the lookout for small toys — unwanted, broken, or otherwise! 🎨🧸 We’ll be using them to create some amazing sculptures. Anything under 10cm is perfect, and it can be made from any material. Please drop donations off at the office or directly to the art room. Thank you so much for your support!
Strike Day – Thursday 23 October 2025
NZEI Te Riu Roa members recently voted to take strike action on 23 October. Most of our teaching and support staff are members and will be joining the strike. There is more information on our requests in this petition.
At SWIS, we have carefully considered the availability of non-union teaching & support staff, and unfortunately, decided that we can not provide instruction or supervision during the strike with our very limited number of non-union members, so the school will officially be closed on 23 October.
Please ensure that you make arrangements for your child on this day as the school will not be open.
We know this is inconvenient for parents and students alike, and we do not take this action lightly. Thank you for your understanding and support.
Here are some local childcare options if you need them.
SWIS is taking enrolments for Year 7 and Year 8 students in 2026!
If you or someone you know is looking to join our awesome school next year, please encourage them to go online and complete the form at www.swis.school.nz/enrolment.
Enter the Weetbix Tryathalon and join the SWIS team!
If your child is interested in participating, you can search for SWIS in the registration form and help us when prizes for the school!
School News
Welcome to our new staff, students and whanau!
It was a special occasion that truly showcased the pride, warmth, and wairua of our kura. We’re incredibly proud of all the students who contributed — Carl who from Rm 10 those who spoke with confidence on behalf of the tangata whenua, the girls who carried out the karanga – Aria I, Aria T and Aqua, and Aaron from Rm 21 who led our kapa haka group with mana and passion. You embodied our school values and helped make the event a meaningful and memorable welcome for our new whānau.
SWIS Team Takes Second at EPro8 Competition!
Congratulations to our SWIS team, who placed second in the EPro8 Interschool Competition this week! The EPro8 Challenge is a hands-on, nationwide science and engineering competition where students tackle exciting tasks that combine engineering, science, electronics, mathematics, and problem-solving. Using life-sized equipment and props, teams work together to design, build, and create innovative solutions. Our students showed great teamwork, creativity, and technical skill — well done, team!
SWIS students shine at SLSNZ Pool Rescue Nationals
A huge congratulations to Zara, Livie and Donnie who recently competed at the SLSNZ Pool Rescue Nationals in Auckland. Pool Rescue is the winter season of surf life saving sport and involves swim racing under obstacles, carrying bricks, using rescue tubes and fins and towing your team mates. Hard work! With over 500 competitors from New Zealand and Australia, Nationals is a big stage and our students showed fantastic attitude, sportsmanship and composure throughout. Livie finished in the top 5 for all her individual events and Donnie had one top 5 finish for his individuals as well as a gold, silver and bronze medal with his Midway Club (Gisborne) team.
Well done to all swimmers – we’re so proud of your effort, courage and teamwork.
Community Events
Capital Gymnastics Club
Capital Gymnastics Club offers exciting opportunities for children to excel in gymnastics! Our programmes cater to all skill levels, from preschoolers to national-level athletes, covering gymnastics and tumbling. Led by experienced coaches, our structured approach fosters skill development and confidence in a fun, supportive environment.
Book online for classes, birthday parties, or school groups at www.capitalgymsport.org.nz or contact us at 027 239 9139 or office@capitalgymnastics.nz.
Jump, Flip, Thrive!
Ready to flip, tumble, and soar? Bigair Gym is the ultimate destination for kids who want to learn cool skills, achieve and build unstoppable confidence! Whether it’s cartwheels, flips, tramp tricks, or parkour, Bigair Gyms action packed classes combine fun, fitness, and focus, in a safe, supportive space.
Classes to Help Your Child Shine:
Crashmat Kids Sessions (walking-4 years) – Great for little ones to become familiar with the gym.
Pocket Rockets Gym Classes (3-4 years) – Start building coordination and confidence early!
Gravity Busters Gym Classes (5+ years) – Learn the fundamentals of gymnastics and tumbling.
Team Extreme Gym Classes (Advanced) – Take your skills to the next level!
Free Running (5+ years) – Parkour + flips = epic agility and body control.
Trampoline (5+ years) – Boost spatial awareness and acrobatic abilities.
Recreational Cheerleading (5+ years) – Strength, flexibility, performance—Cheer style!
Tumbling (5+ years) – Learn walkovers, handsprings & aerials—perfect for Cheerleaders and Dancers wanting to boost flexibility and stage skills.
Hurry – Book Online for at www.bigairgym.co.nz! Don’t miss out on the chance to help your child grow, achieve, learn, and have fun at Bigair Gym! Contact us at: Bigair Gym Wellington: ph. 383 8779, e. wgtn@bigairgym.co.nz at 14 Landfill Road, Owhiro Bay.
