Papanui High School

31/07/2026

Welcome back to a busy and exciting Term 3! Our latest newsletter is packed with outstanding student achievements, important dates for your calendar, and updates from across our kura:

International Informatics Success: We are incredibly proud of Juno Rainey, who has been selected to represent New Zealand at the International Olympiad in Informatics in Uzbekistan!

Supreme Award Winner: A massive congratulations to Jenny Korneck for receiving the Mayor's International Student of the Year (Supreme Award) at Ngā Hau e Whā National Marae.

Student Leadership & Culture: Read Atarau Wimutu-Kahi's report on the Kura Tuarua Kapa Haka trip, get a behind-the-scenes look at Formal planning with our Prefects, and see what Ngā Tira events are coming up this term (get ready for Zorb Football!).

Juno Selected for New Zealand Informatics Team

07/07/2026

What wonderful work and community spirit from our staff and students. Paying it forward!!

26/06/2026

Last newsletter for the term.

🎺 A massive congratulations to Michael James (Year 13) and Andrew James (Year 11), who have been selected to perform with the prestigious 2026 National Secondary Schools Brass Band!

🏃 We are celebrating phenomenal National Titles secured at the National Secondary Schools' Cross Country.

🌟 Heartwarming updates and recent achievements from our Kimi Ora department.

🎭 Recapping our spectacular School Production, an inspiring and inclusive Pride Week, and powerful performances from our Slam Poetry students.

🏀 The latest action from the Sports department, plus future-focused updates from the Careers team.
..and much, much more!

James Brothers Make National Selection

12/06/2026

Our latest newsletter is out now! Catch up on an action-packed few weeks at Papanui High School, celebrating Hiranga (Excellence) and Whanaungatanga (Community) across our kura.

In this issue:

Student Success: Highlights from the Annual Ethnic Youth Awards, The Big Sing, and Secondary Schools' Cross Country.

Culture & Learning: A look back at Samoan Language Week, innovative Technology projects, and the latest Careers opportunities.

Inclusion & Community: Milestones from Kimi Ora, Winter Sports updates, and news from our Adult Education & ESOL programmes.

👉 Read the full stories here: https://hail.to/papanui-high-school/publication/3lYXDlR

Tōku Kura, Tōku Tiketike, Tōku Haepapa | My School, My Success, My Responsibility.

Ministry of Education's annual Ethnic Youth Awards

06/06/2026

Congratulations Papanui High School Kimi Ora Department for their inspirational performance at Big Sing on Friday! Along with Waiatahi Choir, Papanui High School came away with the following awards:

* Outstanding First Year Choir - Kimi Ora Voices
* Outstanding Student Accompanist - Minori Naoi from Waiatahi
* Outstanding First-time Choir Director - Kimi Ora Voices
* Overall Impact Award - Waiatahi

Huge thanks to Joe Thomas, Emma Summers, Andy Walker, (Papanui High School Music Department) and all the teachers and parents who have helped so much with these wonderful young musicians!

@ The Christchurch Town Hall01:15 "Count On Me"05:15 "Ko Papanui...

28/05/2026

Here is a quick look at what is inside the latest newsletter:

🎭 PHS Arts Tour to Intermediates: Read about our creative students taking their talents on the road to inspire our future ākonga!

📈 Budget 2026: A breakdown of the latest investment in secondary education and what it means for Papanui High School.

🧠 Senior Ethics Olympiad Success: Celebrating hiranga (excellence) and outstanding critical thinking from our senior academic leaders.

🎨 Youth Week Exhibition: Our incredibly talented art students are shining bright in the local community. Check out their featured work!

💻 Technology News: Catch up on the latest progressive projects and innovations from our Tech department.

🚴 School Bike Challenge: A great update on our students keeping active, building resilience, and supporting hauora (wellbeing).

🎵 Music Department News: The latest beats, upcoming performances, and news from our dedicated music staff and students.

🌏 Adult ESOL Outing: A wonderful day of connection and cultural exchange, highlighting our Adult ESOL programme's commitment to breaking down barriers and fostering community beyond the school gate.

Vibrant Arts and Community Spirit

15/05/2026

Our latest newsletter is out!

In this edition:

OPEN NIGHT – This Thursday!
We are throwing open our doors! Come meet our staff and students, and see our vibrant learning environments in action.

On the International Track
Huge congratulations to Year 10 student Ryder Chamberlain. This June, Ryder makes his international debut competing in the final round of the Oceania Junior Cup at Queensland Raceway, Australia. We are all behind you, Ryder!

Staff in the Spotlight
Our Head of Music, Joe Thomas, is leading by example! See him take the stage as a guest soloist with Addington Brass for their upcoming concert, Echoes of Aotearoa, at The Piano later this month.

Service and Skill
We are incredibly proud of Jordyn Mason, Samuel Rosser, Arch Lyell, Maddie Hobbs, Aurora Moore, and Ella Keats for their outstanding performances at the 2026 St John New Zealand District Cadet Competitions.

Also inside, news updates from:
Kimi Ora, Sports, Technology, Careers, and more ...

Open Night, Thursday 21st May

14/05/2026

We are incredibly proud to share that our very own Head of Music, Joe Thomas, will be the featured guest soloist for Addington Brass in their upcoming concert, Echoes of Aotearoa!

Joe is a five-time National Bass Trombone champion and a powerhouse in the NZ music scene. It is a privilege for our students to learn from a musician of his calibre every day.

Catch him in action:
📅 When: Sunday, 24 May at 2:00 pm
📍 Where: The Piano, Christchurch
🎟️ Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/echoes-of-aotearoa

🎺 Guest Soloist Spotlight – Joe Thomas 🎺

Addington Brass is thrilled to welcome Joe Thomas as our guest soloist for Echoes of Aotearoa on Sunday, 24 May!

Joe is one of New Zealand’s most respected brass musicians — an outstanding trombonist, conductor, and educator. A graduate of the New Zealand School of Music, he has held principal positions with the Opus Orchestra and Royal New Zealand Air Force Band, and performed with many of Aotearoa’s leading orchestras, the Rodger Fox Big Band, and internationally renowned artists including Kurt Elling, James Morrison, and Richard O’Brien.

As a soloist, Joe is a five-time winner of the Open Bass Trombone title at the National Brass Band Championships and has appeared with ensembles across the country. Alongside his performing career, Joe is also Head of Music at Papanui High School and a passionate advocate for music education.

Audiences will have the chance to hear Joe perform several featured works with the band, including the stunning Clouds by Anthony Ritchie — a powerful and evocative work not to be missed.

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon celebrating the music and spirit of Aotearoa, with one of New Zealand’s finest brass performers.

📍 Echoes of Aotearoa
📅 Sunday 24 May at 2pm at The Piano
🎟️ https://events.humanitix.com/echoes-of-aotearoa
Bring your family and friends and enjoy a fantastic concert experience!