Kia ora Parents, Caregivers and Friends of the school, Quote from latest ERO report June 08:
Accepting learning environments: “Classrooms are accepting learning environments where children are confident to take risks with their learning and make mistakes.Children successes are celebrated in a variety of ways including acknowledgement in newsletters and at assemblies, lunches with the principal and a formal farewell for the year 6 students. Adults enjoy and participate in children’s success.”
Last Friday I enjoyed having lunch at Nandos with the four successful students who won the spelling bee and basic facts challenge. Shane Marquis, Sanath Moore, Prerna Handa and Jessie Ye. Renee Barrell also came, as she has sold 21 boxes of chocolate for the camp fundraiser. The nearest children to her total sold 5 boxes.
Children at Tiritiri Matangi
As part of our “Green Foot Print’ focus, this month we have all the senior school visiting Tiritiri Matangi. I was up early and out with a large group yesterday and what an amazing time we had. The harbour was calm and glistening in the sun. The boats skipper had us following a pod of dolphins and observing large groups of gannets feeding. The island was well worth a visit as we saw so many native birds in a lush well managed conservatory. The conservation department along with a large group of volunteers are doing a wonderful job in restoring the island and providing a self sustaining habitat for a growing number of native birds. Thank you must go to the parents who got up so early and spent a long day with the students.
Bills to Books Mercury Energy
We received a selection of books last week from Mercury Energy as part of their Bills to Books promotion. Any customer who receives their account by email can nominate a school and we get books. If you or any of your friends and family are Mercury customers tell them about this energy saving promotion where you get an email and not a bill by mail. Ring 0800 10 18 10 or visit www.mercury.co.nz/onlinebill.
Excellent Attendance
Waitakere schools and the community are working together to improve the attendance of all students. Western Heights has an excellent record of good school attendance. This week I checked the registers to see who have been here every day this year and was surprised to see we do have a group who have escaped the flu and other various ailments to be able to have 100% attendance in the first half of the year. Awards go to Cindy Lister, Olivia Alberts, Jacob Rutherford, Danika Turk, Tebay Mills, Penny Sturgin and Stephan Teacu-Jucan
Principal Awards
Caleb Chapman Sarah Bowers Daniel SengBailey Stuart Keenan Matthes
Pierre Bechet Jack Haslam Emily Howlett
Dates to Note
Thurs. 21 August: CS9, 19 and part of 20 to Tiritiri Matangi
Wed. 27 August: Class Photos
Thurs. 28 August: CS 16 & 18 to Tiritiri Matangi
Frid. 29 August: Team Photos
Frid. 19 Sept.: Senior School Disco
Frid. 26 Sept.: Term 3 ends at 3p.m.
Class Photos and Team Photos
Class photos will be taken on Wednesday 27 August. Pre-schoolers with families will be taken from 8.30a.m. Please have orders and money back to school by Monday 25 August. Team photos will be taken on Friday 29 August, Orders for these photos will be taken once the sample photos come back to the school.
Wanted
Old towels, that can be used for rags for our cleaning staff are always appreciated.
Children and money – developing good savings habits
Contributed by The National Bank - our School Banking partnerHow often children save is more important than how much they save. Remember, no deposit is too small. It’s much better for children to deposit something every week than to wait until they’ve got a big amount to put in the bank. Get children into the habit of regular saving by making it a normal part of their week. Helping them develop a regular saving habit will give them a great foundation as they go through life. Visit us at School Banking in the school hall every Wednesday morning from 8.30a.m. - 8.55a.m. Or call in and see us at The National Bank, Westcity. We are open 7 days.
Lost Fox Terrier
Brown with white patches, very friendly. Missing from Summerland Drive. Answers to the name of ‘Alfie’. Call David on 835 0474 or 027 207 1012.
Adventurous Leaders Wanted - Girl Guiding
We are all about girls and young women [aged from 5 to 18 years] - offering them opportunities to develop their own special personalities and be themselves through a range of comprehensive programmes. We believe that confidence, self-esteem and an awareness and appreciation of the outdoors can be gained through a combination of choice, co-operation and personal challenge.It's a great way for girls to make new friends and enjoy a range of diverse activities in an environment of positive encouragement and fun.Phone 0508 461 461 or see www.girlguidingnz.org.nz
DON’T FORGET SAUSAGE SIZZLE TOMORROW
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WORLD VISION COLLECTION
