2026 Start of Year Arrangements
Happy New Year! We look forward to welcoming all students and whānau back for the 2026 school year.
Please see below for the schedule regarding the first days of term.
Thursday 29 January & Friday 30 January: Years 10 – 13 Only
Activity: Progress and Pathways Interviews.
Attendance: Years 10, 11, 12, and 13 students attend only for their scheduled interview time.
Bookings: Booking information and login details will be provided.
Monday 2 February: All Years (9 – 13)
This is the first full day of school for all students.
Start Time: 9:00am
Where to meet:
Returning Year 10–13 Students: Go directly to the Hall.
Year 9 Students & New Seniors: Meet at the Front Entrance for the Pōwhiri.
Schedule: Following the Pōwhiri, students will move to coaching classes. The normal timetable (Period 2) begins after the break.
2026 Term Dates
Term 1 Thursday 29 January – Thursday 2 April
Public Holiday: Waitangi Day (Friday 6 February)
School Holidays: Friday 3 April – Sunday 19 April (Includes Good Friday, Easter Monday, and Easter Tuesday)
Term 2 Monday 20 April – Friday 3 July
Public Holidays: ANZAC Day observed (Monday 27 April), King’s Birthday (Monday 1 June)
School Holidays: Saturday 4 July – Sunday 19 July (Includes Matariki on Friday 10 July)
Term 3 Monday 20 July – Friday 25 September
School Closed: Mid-term Break (Monday 31 August)
School Holidays: Saturday 26 September – Sunday 11 October
Term 4 Monday 12 October – Friday 11 December
Public Holiday: Labour Day (Monday 26 October)
Last Day of School: Friday 11 December
Welcome to Waitara High School
Since opening in 1947, this school has become an integral part of Waitara and its surroundings districts. We are proud to meet the learning needs of individuals and work hard to ensure our students are connected, lifelong learners who have a strong sense of belonging and belief.
Our curriculum choices are extensive and contain qualifications and content that will empower, enrich and enable our young people in their future. Students leave us well equipped to continue into tertiary study, workplace training, employment or enterprise. In addition, we offer a wide range of co-curricular activities to support in class learning, and students can choose to engage in sport, performing arts, cultural performance, music and visual arts.
This site forms an important link between our school and community. These pages will give you an insight into life at Waitara High School and information on student activities, the enrolment procedure and other matters of interest.
If you require any further details about our school please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Nga mihi
Mr Daryl Warburton