Kia ora Parents, Caregivers and Friends of the school,
We are so fortunate that Western Heights is so close to the most amazing outdoor environment anywhere in the world and we must continue to value it as a school.
Last week all the senior syndicate spend a day out at Piha working with some very experienced Beach Safety ‘experts’ as part of our Physical Education Health and Safety programme. The children got to spend an hour + in the water practicing the skills they had been taught in the clubhouse and enjoyed a near perfect day on the West Coast.The heroes of the day were the parents and teachers who stood in the water acting as lifeguards during this time. The day I went the water was rough but very warm, and the task was a pleasure. These learning experiences are so valuable but cannot occur if we do not have the parent, friends and family support. I have passed on our appreciation of the programme and its instructors to the coordinator, Simon Bell, Surf Life Saving Northern Region.
Stranger Danger
As a child was approached by a man in a car on the way home from school last week, the teachers are reminding children about ‘Stanger Danger’. We congratulated the wee girl for not talking to the man and running straight home. The Henderson Police are investigating, as she gave a very good description.
Peanut Allergies
We have a number of children in the school who have varying degrees of allergies to peanuts and peanut products. Can you please be aware of this when planning your children’s lunches and snacks and tell them not to share such items with others?
Nihotupu Tramline Walk
This historic tramline in the Waitakeres is celebrating twenty years. Tickets are available online or on the day and free buses are leaving Oratia school from 8.30am to 1.30pm. No parking on Scenic Drive or at the Arataki Centre. For more details see www.oxfam.org.nz tramline walk.
ECO Day
‘We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors we borrow it from our children.’
Check out ECO Day at Olympic Park, New Lynn on Sunday 9 March, 10a.m. to 4p.m. The new park has an official opening at 9.30a.m. on that day. See www.ecoday.org.nz
Board of Trustees
At last weeks meeting the Board were excited to view the first concept drawings for our building project. A quantity surveyor was appointed to give some estimated costings. There is still a lot of work and consultation to be done but we have made a good start. The project includes a completely new business centre and new staffroom for the increased number of people now working on site each day.
Reminder: Parent Teacher Interviews
School closes at 12.30p.m. on Thursday 28 February for Parent teacher interviews. Please contact Margaret in the office if you have not made an appointment yet. Confirmation times of interviews will go home on Monday 25 February. After school care is available. Contact Liz on 836 0553 or 027 603 5046.
Pool Keys Still Available $60 each
Dates to Note
Friday 21/3 - Good Friday. School closed
Monday 24/3 - Easter Monday. School closed
Tuesday 25/3 - Easter Tuesday. School closed
Friday 18/4 - Last day Term 1
Monday 5/5 - Term 2 starts
Principal Awards
Cayla Rogers Corey Davies David Tea Stuart McNeill Tarryn MacPherson Amanda SalmonRey Michaels Shannon Johnson Taine StirlingTatiana Brown Caitlin Davidson Cody Kirby
Netball
Registrations close on Friday 29 February. Forms and notices are available from Mrs Nummy in CS14. We have had a huge response this year and would be able to have lots of teams representing the school if we are able to find coaches. Please consider coaching a team. Coaching courses are run by Netball Waitakere and will be paid for by the school. Please refrain from sending fees until we are sure we have coaches. Year 6 players are welcome to join the pre-season fitness programmes on Mondays (4 - 5p.m.) and Wednesdays (3.15 - 4.15p.m.) until 19 March.
Piano Tuition
Larissa Kuznetsova-McPherson is resuming piano classes with existing students. Larissa is a registered and qualified piano teacher (BMus, Master of Music, AIRMT NZ) with 24 years experience and provides a stimulating and friendly learning environment for her students. Some spaces are available for new enrolments. For further information contact Larissa on 838 3855 or 021 113 9813.
Waitemata Rugby - Junior Rugby Registrations
5 to 12 years at WRFC, 96 Swanson Rd, Henderson on Friday 29 February from 3.30 - 7p.m. and Saturday 1 March from 8.30a.m. - 5p.m. Then every subsequent Wednesday 3:30 - 7p.m. $45 for the 1st child plus $10 for every extra child.
Girl Guides
Spaces available now for all ages. Leaders also required, no experience necessary, full training given. Please call Alison on 838 9709.
Junior Badminton
6 - 16 years. New members welcome at Waitakere Badminton Hall, Royal Road, Massey. First two nights free (we can supply racquet). Club nights on Saturday and Sunday 5 - 7p.m. Phone Laurence on 832 4751.
Fruitvale Funfest - Fruitvale School, New Lynn
Saturday 1 March from 11a.m. - 3p.m.
DON’T FORGETSAUSAGE SIZZLE TOMORROWAND WORLD VISION COLLECTION
