Kia ora Parents, Caregivers and Friends of the schoolWelcome to the new families who have joined our school this week. Our newsletter comes home every second week and is also available on our website www.westernheights.school.nz.We have some staff changes and additions this term. Diana Weaver is our new teacher release staff member, Kathryn Mill has begun an additional new entrant class in CS3 and at present has three pupils. Melissa Hutton is teaching in CS10 as Joanna Heap has left to go overseas and Anthony Cooke is in Mr Noakes class while he is on leave. Jo-Ann Yukich is back from study leave. She is in CS21 and is acting deputy principal. Jo-Ann was successful in her study and we congratulate her on her results. Pat Hutton is on sabbatical for another month. Quite a juggling act, but we do have the luxury of having a good reputation, so finding substitutes and replacement teachers is easier than some schools experience.Next year there is going to be a huge teacher shortage nationwide, so if you know any teachers who would be keen to return, get them to call Teach NZ at the Ministry of Education.School Hours: School starts at 8.55a.m. and finishes at 3p.m. It is important for the roll call and continuity of programmes that children try to get here on time. Children who are late to arrive must report to the school office. The Education Ministry do audit our attendance procedures and records.
Pupil Achievement
Congratulations to Rewa Clark on your musical composition win. Rewa entered his successful composition through the Music for Young Children MYC International Composition Festival. The music was judged in Canada and he was one of the successful winners. His piece can be heard on the web www.myc.com/students/2005_composition_festival.html.
We have music sounding around the school over several days during the week. On Tuesdays, a private tutor takes lessons with individuals and small groups on a range of instruments. He does have some spaces for more pupils. Larissa McPherson teaches piano here on Wednesdays and she is available both during school time and after school. Matt Moncur teaches guitar to a group of budding musicians and Isla Noakes has two bands working on Wednesday afternoons. We have made music a focus over the last two years and this has only been possible because of Miss Noakes and her talent. Many teachers have their classes playing brightly coloured recorders during the day and we enjoy their items at our assemblies.
Congratulations to Caitlin Taylor and Sarah Methven who are both in the Auckland Year 5 & 6 Rep. team for hockey.
Congratulations CS21 for being a runner up in the What Now? Dreamworld Competition. Their poster entry is opposite.
Fundraiser For The Term
This term we are having a New Zealandathon. The last one, in 2002, had the whole school involved with learning facts about New Zealand and $12,000 was raised towards our hall project. This year we want to move and improve the junior playground as part of our planned $900,000 building project. You will receive further information later in the term.
New Lunch List
A new lunch list has come out today, the old one is no longer valid.
Dates to Note
Week one and two: Life Caravan here at school.
19 July: Prize giving for Shop for your School at West City at 4p.m.
27 July: Principal from Bruce McLaren Intermediate to speak to year 6 students at school, 1.30p.m.
25 July: BOT meeting at school, 7.30p.m.
31 July: Open evening at Bruce McLaren Intermediate
1 August: Bruce Dale, Principal, Henderson Intermediate, will speak with parents and year 6 children. This meeting is in our library at 7p.m.
9 August: Open day at Henderson Intermediate School.
14 August: Henderson Cluster Choir Festival
22 August: Class photos
23 August: Sports Team photos
24 August: Celebration of our cultural diversity. All children can wear a costume representing their culture. This will be a fun day with a shared lunch and parade.
www.buzzthepeople.co.nzThis research company is keen to have some help with surveys. We have registered the school and for anyone joining their online panel, we will receive $50 per contact. Go on line to check the site and help our school.
Board of Trustees
Meet next Wednesday at 7.30p.m. in the staffroom. Meetings are held in week 2 and week 8 of each term on Wednesdays. The school council are reporting their activities this meeting.
Home Stay host families required 31 July to 7 August
We have seven students coming again this year from Achi Mura Junior High School. If you would like to host a student for the week do contact the school office on 836 1213 or Andyer Weng, GEOS Auckland Language Centre on 303 1962.
Chinese Lessons at School
Modern Chinese in N.Z. curriculum with interesting video teaching. Free Chinese textbooks and exercise books. Each Wednesday after school in the library. $60 per term. See the office staff.
Entertainment Books available from the office - $60 each
Sausage Sizzle Helpers Required
Urgently required for Fridays from 11a.m. - 1p.m. or we will be unable to continue. Please see the office if you can help.
Western Leader - Delivery People Required
Ring Ken Eagle 837 0340 or email ken.eagle@snl.co.nz.
House Cleaner Available For West Auckland Area
For an excellent job and reasonable rates call Tracey on 837 1149 or 021 237 0924. References available.
SAUSAGE SIZZLE FRIDAY
Don’t Forget Anthony, Sona and Keysin World Vision Collection
