WHS History
Whanganui High School Crest
The Whanganui High School Crest features:
- The torch of life
- An open book representing learning and purpose
- Laurel leaves of achievement
- Stars of the Southern Cross
Whanganui High School Motto
'That we might have life'
Our school motto is from the New Testament, from the Book of John, Chapter 10, Verse 10 'I am come that they might have life, and they might have it more abundantly".
The school interprets this to mean that through academic, cultural, sporting and socialisation opportunities the school provides, each individual will have the opportunity to live life to the full.
Whanganui High School History
In February 1958 a group of 148 Third Formers gathered for the first Assembly in the present D1. There was a staff of nine.
By 1969 the roll had risen to 1100. The first Principal, Mr A.T. Gibson, emphasised 'manners, character, scholarship and human relations'. He stressed that the School was not an 'it' - the 'family' life of the school was vital. These emphases have remained.
The school developed a tradition of 'self-help' and through much fundraising has built up some very good facilities for the use of the students and staff. Facilities such as the Swimming Pool (1962), the Gymnasium (1968), the Centre Court, the extensions to the Cafeteria and Theatrette (1980's), the Shelters (1990's), The Department/Ministry of Education has added the Library (1970), The Music Block (1972), Te Atawhai (1996), Music and Drama renovations (1999), Staffroom - Te Arahi (1999), Science Block and Deans' House -Te Whare Kaiārahi (2002), and new Gymnasium facilities (2006).
The Principals of Whanganui High School have been:
- A.T. Gibson 1958 - 1967
- M.D. Fountain 1968 - 1978
- P.G. Canham 1979 - 1985
- L.I. Power 1985 - 1993
- W.J. Maguire 1994 - 2009
- N.G. Hanton 2010 - 2012
- G. Olver 2012 - 2016
- M.G. McAllen 2017 - present
In 2008 the school celebrated its 50th Reunion.
Renaming of the Gymnasiums
In June, 2019 Whanganui High School renamed the school's gymnasiums.
Vogel Gymnasium was named Te Ihi (excitement)
Seddon Gymnasium was named Te Wehi (awesome)
Reeves Gymnasium was named Te Mana (prestige)
Ballance Courtyard was named The Courtyard
The whakataukī ‘te ihi, te wehi, te mana’ used in its entirety, refers to the qualities which collectively spark the feeling of exhilaration. Given the purpose of the gymnasiums, these are accurate reflections of the results that are produced.