Kia ora Parents, Caregivers and Friends of the school,
It is nice to be back in New Zealand after a pretty amazing, very hectic, eight day trip to Korea. I visited many schools and was hosted by the provincial education councils in each area. I was humbled by the reception that we were accorded every where we went and I gained a huge respect for a nation who are so committed to their future and especially the future success of their children. I met all the parents of the children who are arriving here at school next month, for an English language experience, and was able to assure them that we would care for them as we would our own children.The educational leaders in Hwa-Cheon not only took us through several schools and an English language camp, but also to the Demilitarized Zone on the South Korean border. I dressed in army fatigues to walk along the border fence line and then ride in a huge tank in the DMZ. It is strange to us to hear that all young men spend two years in the Korean army in the effort to keep the country safe. Thank you to those families who are homestays for the month and you will be invited to a meeting next week. We had a huge response and unfortunately are unable to use all the families who offered their homes. The date is not set yet because Charles Han from the Captain Cook Cultural Exchange Centre is in Korea for the rest of this week. Western Heights look forward to hosting our Korean visitors in real Kiwi style.
Dates To Note
Friday 14 September: Senior School disco
Friday 21 September: Term 3 finishes
Monday 8 October: Term 4 starts
Monday 29 October - Half the Senior School on camp
Wednesday 31 October - Half the Senior school on camp
Middle school sleepovers at Arataki - dates to be notified
Thursday 20 December: Term 4 ends
Monday 4 February 2008 - School starts
Friday 19 December 2008 - School finishes
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees would like to congratulate the student school council for the fantastic garden project that has been completed by the flag pole. The council put together a proposal that could not be refused and we are proud of the initiative taken by them. A huge thank you must also go to Mrs Booth and Mr Yukich for their help.
Fund Raising
You will be aware that schools in New Zealand rely heavily on locally raised funds for the ‘extras’ and I am pleased to announce that the Trusts in Waitakere City have given us a grant for $37,794.38. This money will be used to add some apparatus to the senior playground and purchase three interactive white boards. The New Zealand-a-thon was a success in a learning sense, with many children having very high scores and we look forward to receiving their sponsorship money by the end of this week. Winners of the class prizes will be announced next Wednesday and the three overall lucky winners will be taken out to lunch at the end of next week.
Team Photos
These are displayed in the office foyer. $10 each. Envelopes available at office for ordering before end of term.
Principal Awards
Nathan Middleton Chanelle Chandra Grace WilliamsonTaimania Nepia-Hill Jason Lin Oliver RathkePriyanka Handa Ethan Birch Jake ChristieJarid Haydon Keren Holliday Briana SiteineJohnny Zhang Shaye McCartney Ula LauluJason Lin Dominic Sheehan Chloe PickeringShinah Ulutui Kerrie Armitage Dom ParkJacob Devereaux Dion Stolk Nathan WilsonCaitlin Beckwith Benjamin Proctor Nina StanimirovicJack Laulu Mikayla Eneliko Ella PerryElise Panapa Cody Kirby Shekynah Samu
Towels and Bags Required
The cleaners require old towels and plastic bags.
Storyfest - Kelston Community Centre
Saturday 22 September, 10a.m. - 4p.m. A family day of storytelling, clowns, puppetry and workshops. Phone Julie Nash on 836 8000 ext 8934 or see www.goingwest.co.nz.
Barnardoes Free Parenting Course
Commences Wednesday 10 October, each Wednesday until 12 December from 9.30a.m. - 12.30p.m. Suitable for parents of 4 - 12 year olds. For information contact Elizabeth Cameron on 838 0419.
Bubbledome, 3D Computer Modelling & Animation
October 1 - 3. Contact Denise or Rebecca on 622 0670 or 021 607 190. See www.bubbledome.co.nz.
Waitakere City Athletic Club - Waitakere Stadium
Starts Tuesday 9 October for 4 – 11 years of age (fun night) 5.30p.m. Phone Nora on 8188922 or Paul on 8136733.
Country and Western Night In The Wild Wild West!
Saturday 29 September, Kelston Community Centre, 8p.m. – 12 midnight. Phone Deb Gilchrist on 835 9652 or Marilyn Stuart 829 2939. All proceeds go to Arthritis N.Z.
Corban Estate Art Centre - School Holiday Classes
Contact 838 4455 or see www.ceac.org.nz for courses.
Stardome Observatory - Holiday Programme
Bookings essential, phone 624 1246.
Sturges West Community House - Childrens Activities
Sticky Red Bee Art Club, contact Kym Marsden 811 8882, Creative Writing, contact Alicia Leitch 833 6876.
Waitakere Libraries Rangoli Colouring-in Competition
For ages 5 - 12. Entry forms at Waitakere Libraries.
Garage Sale
This Saturday at 59 Rhinevale Close from 8a.m.
SAUSAGE SIZZLE FRIDAY
Don’t Forget Anthony, Sona and Keysin World Vision
NO SAUSAGE SIZZLE ON FRIDAY 21 SEPTEMBER
