Kia ora Parents, Caregivers and Friends of the school,
Like all families, our family loves celebrations and we have had several milestones to celebrate over the last month. We had an addition of a grandson to the family and Charlotte, our granddaughter, had her first birthday last week. I think when you are a parent your life is so busy you don’t have the same time to just sit and observe a child’s Development, so Terry and I have just loved watching Charlotte grow and develop. In particular her love of books is something that amazes us.
One of the best things that a family can do for their children is to read to them. I am reading a book ‘Reading Magic’ by the author Mem Fox and she says ‘If parents understood the huge educational benefits and intense happiness brought about by reading aloud to their children, and if every parent and every adult caring for a child read aloud a minimum of three stories a day to children in their lives, we could probably wipe out illiteracy within one generation.’
Regular visits to the library can begin very early on in a child’s life. We are lucky to have excellent libraries in Waitakere and the children’s librarians are willing to give help with book selection. It was lovely to see that all babies born at Waitakere Hospital last month received their first book.
Childrens Art Festival At Corban Estate Arts Centre
We have some stunning pieces of art displayed at the Corban Estate Arts Centre this week. The opening ceremony was attended by a group of our students who received certificates and a big box of art material for the school. I was thrilled to see that two of the paintings displayed by Glen Eden Intermediate students were done by ex- pupils of Western Heights, Oliver Westerman and Dillan Nand.
Parent Teacher Interviews: Wednesday 25 June
During Term two we always have parent teacher interviews. School will be closed from 12 .30p.m. on Wednesday 25 June. Appointment forms will be sent home next week to make a time to meet your child’s teacher and view their portfolio.
Teacher Only Day: Friday 30 May
The Ministry has given us a day for induction of the new curriculum and this will be on Friday 30 May. School will be closed for the day.
Free Circus Performance: La Disco du Cirque
We have all been invited, by Dean Lonegan, an ex pupil of mine, to the Trust Stadium for a free circus performance on Tuesday 24 June at 11.30a.m. All we have to do is pay for the buses. It will cost every student only three dollars. A notice will come out closer to the time.
Dates to Note
Frid. 30 May: Teacher only day. School closed
Mon. 2 June: Queens Birthday. School closed
Wed. 25 June: Parent/Teacher interviews. School closed 12.30p.m.
Fri. 4 July: End of Term Two
Board of Trustees Meeting
The board met last week where they viewed and discussed the updated plans for the new school business centre and staffroom. Pat Hutton also reported on student achievement with the focus on the School Entry Assessment results. We were pleased to note that most children are coming to school knowing their letter sounds/names and with a good understanding of reading concepts. We attribute these results on the work being done by parents, family and preschool activities in the first five years of the children’s life.
Principals Awards
Olivia Matich Liam MacDonald Zack BennettKelsey Jenkins Ethan Birch Bailey AlexanderAshleigh Robotham Jacob Rutherford Niall LeggettAyush Sharma Sasha Sadlier Rewa ClarkMichael Dawson Poppy Gilson Ryan WhitefieldKristiana Ah Fook Alexandria Wilson Dylan JenkinsonCaitlin Brocas Samantha Bjerga Jack HaslamSheldon Marquis Vera Sangil Sarahcen OliverShinah Ulutui Petra Gordon Madison CurranCameron Rota-Henry Tyler Sommerford-Page Riley Talamahina-Duggan
Wanted for Library
If anybody has two armchairs or a small sofa in good condition they no longer require, we would love to have it for our library. Please contact the office.
Guitar Lessons at School
For further information contact Andrew Burt on 818 8069 or andrewburt@xtra.co.nz. Spaces available for Term 2.
Lost
Missing from last week. New, black with blue detail, Adidas Rugby boots, size 3. Phone 838 1938.
Thanks to Bird Barn
For their donation of eight fish to CS6 after their tank leaked.
Free Information Evening
Whether your child has been diagnosed with a learning, attention and behaviour difficulty or not, the Dore Program may help. Information evening held in Greenlane on Tuesday 3, 10 or 17 June at 7.30pm. Call 0508 367 369.
Underwater Photo Shoot - Plunket Fundraiser
A Merbabes photographer will be at Westwave Aquatic Centre on Saturday 24 May from 2p.m - 5p.m. $25 fee includes photos. For details phone Amy on 027 281 8398.
DON’T FORGET
SAUSAGE SIZZLE TOMORROW
AND
WORLD VISION COLLECTION
