Head of Science - Years 4-8

WELCOME TO WAIHI

Situated just north of Winchester, South Canterbury on State Highway 1, amongst ten hectares of beautiful grounds sits Waihi Preparatory School. Waihi is an independent boys school catering for both boarders and day boys in Years 4 to 8. 

For one hundred and ten years Waihi has been at the forefront of boys’ education in the South Island. It is a very special place which mixes its long held traditions and values with modern facilities and a caring staff team, helping create a safe nuturing environment where boys can be boys.

From the time Joseph Orford founded the school in 1907 the aim has always been to encourage boys’ independence and the setting of personal goals. By challenging boys in all aspects of their lives, developing integrity and striving to achieve their personal best, generations have accomplished more than they ever thought they could. 

Waihi is committed to remaining a school with small class sizes. This enables the boys to receive that all-important individual attention. A positive attitude to learning is fostered within a culture of high achievement. Professional and committed Waihi staff create a learning environment that presents each boy with the opportunity to reach his potential in all aspects of school life. Involving him in academic, sporting, cultural, spiritual and social programmes prepares him for secondary school and beyond.

Waihi provides extensive facilities and a comprehensive sporting programme, which allows the boys to experience competitive, social and recreational play. Waihi recognises the importance of fostering personal wellbeing, emotional growth, collective pride in being part of a team, as well as a healthy lifestyle. Waihi School competes regularly in both local competitions and fixtures with other schools throughout New Zealand. Boys like to play to win, and this is encouraged! However above all they develop ethos of good sportsmanship and fair play, being humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

Boarding provides a friendly affirming environment for boys. Boarders are supported by caring, responsible, involved staff who are deeply committed to the boys’ welfare. The responsibility and independence young boarders experience enhances personal growth and strengthens peer, staff and family relationships. The strong bonds that grow between our boys, together with the staff and their families who live onsite, really does create a very special atmosphere for all. The Waihi family is a place for all boys to live and grow in a homely environment. 

In late 2011, Pyne House, the new state-of-the-art boarding and dayboy complex, was officially opened. Pyne House accommodates 65 boarders in safe and contemporary facilities. During school holidays the complex is available for use by community groups and sports teams.

A Waihi Year 8 boy heading off to secondary school was asked if his friend should go to Waihi. Without hesitation he replied, “I think every boy should go to Waihi.”