Kia ora parents, caregivers and friends of the school,
Today is the last day of term one and all children will be on holiday for two weeks with everyone returning to school on Monday 19 April.I am on sabbatical leave for all of term 2, so you may see my little car around town ‘during school hours’.
My research project is on transition from early childhood centres to school: the process and procedures for transition in place at kindergartens and early childhood centres.
One aspect of the sabbatical is that I spend a healthy percentage of the time on some personal activities.
I have been so absorbed in school life this term I have not yet thought about what I will do in the way of personal goals but I do hope to be seen at Les Mills on a more regular basis.Pat Hutton is the acting principal in my absence, ably assisted by Jo-Ann Yukich and I know the school will continue to be well managed.
Western Heights Primary is a special place where learning is paramount and both teachers and students love being here.It will be very strange not to be coming to school every day and I will miss everyone over the next ten weeks.
School Website
www.westernheights.school.nz There are some new photos and news items on the website.
Principal’s Awards
Jessica Jang Ravi Singh Connor Marsh
Mason Kerr Samantha Bjerga Dale Morrell
Weet-Bix Tryathlon
Six children from school attended the Tryathlon at Narrow Neck Beach on Sunday 21 March. Congratulations and well done to the following:
Zack Bennett Matthew Posa Dylan King
Cameron Jelley Daniel Martinez Dan-Yel James
Pupil Success
Congratulations to Scott Gilson (rm 21) and Poppy Gilson (rm 19) who were in a GKR karate tournament last weekend. Scott made the finals of his division for kata (routine to display technique), and won the first two bouts of kumite (sparring) before being knocked out of the tournament. Poppy won silver in her division for kata, and bronze for kumite.
Dates to Note
Thurs. 1 April: End of Term.
Frid. 2 April: Good Friday
Mon. 19 April: Term 2 starts
Frid. 21 May: Knowledge-a-thon
Mon. 7 June: Queens Birthday. School closed
Tues. 8 June: MOTAT trip for middle school (four classes)
Wed. 9 June: MOTAT trip for middle school (three classes)
Tues. 22 June: Senior Spelling Bee
Frid. 25 June: Whole school disco
Wed. 30 June: Senior Basic Facts Competition
Frid. 2 July: Term 2 ends at 3p.m.
Board Of Trustees
Nominations close for the Board at noon on Friday 23 April. Only three nominations have been received so far. Forms need to be returned to Margaret Gray, Returning Officer, at the office or delivered to the school letterbox over the holidays.
Entertainment Books
A reminder that entertainment books will be sent to every family in the first week back of Term 2. The book is $65 of which the school receives $13. If you do not wish to purchase the book, please send back as soon as possible. If you wish to order extra books, please contact the office. For details of great specials available in the book see www.entertainmentbook.co.nz
Senior School Tiritiri Matanga Excursion
Notice with all information for the trip has gone home today. Please check your child has the information sheet.
School Dental Clinics
For details of School Dental Clinics open during the school holidays, please phone 0800 433 6825 or see www.ards.co.nz
From the National Bank - School Banking
Thank you to all the parents and children who took advantage of School Banking this term. We hope it helps the children learn more about how to save and manage money. We are looking forward to seeing you all again next term on a Wednesday morning from 8.30 in the school hall. Please ask for your reward card, if you bank 10 times next term, each time you bank you will receive a stamp, once your card is full your name will go into the draw to win movie tickets for 2. Good luck and enjoy your holidays.
SPCA School Holiday Programme
Join the Auckland SPCA at the Education and Conference Centre, 50 Westney Road, Mangere during the April school holidays to learn about your favourite animals. See www.spca.org.nz for details. To make a booking, contact Kathy Turner on 256 7300 x 827 or email holiday@spca.org.nz. Bookings essential. Cost per session is $30 per child.
Wool Wanted for SPCA Puppy Jumpers
If you have any unwanted wool, please deliver to Margaret at school office after holidays or ring her for pick up on 838 5173. Thanks.
Corban Estate School Holiday Programme
Let your child stretch their creative wings with classes that are both educational and fun! Ideal for kids (5 to 14 years) to try their hand at printing, painting, modelling and much more! Classes are one or two days long from 10a.m. – 2.30p.m. For more information see www.ceac.org.nz or phone 838 4455.
Peace Foundation Communication Skills Workshops
The Communication Skills Workshops focus on simple, proven ways for adults to increase their effectiveness with children and teenagers. April 14 - 16 at Kelston Community Centre. Book now! Contact Sue on 373 2379.
Join us on a Dragon Hunt…
Fly into your local library these school holidays to listen to stories about fierce and fiery dragons. Go on a dragon hunt and enter our fun competitions. Stories suitable for children aged 4 to 8 years.
Ranui Library: Tuesday 6 and Tuesday 13 April at 10.30a.m.
Massey Library: Wednesday 7 and 14 April at 10.30a.m.
Waitakere Central Library: Thursday 8 and 15 April at 10.30a.m.
School Holidays at Auckland Museum
I AM FREE for Autumn at Auckland Museum
With autumn here and the temperature dropping, it's about time to explore the fabulous Auckland Museum. Throughout autumn, Aucklanders will receive free entry to the museum with proof of residence. Of course, kids are always free. School holiday activities include a BioBlitz, Crochet Sea Garden, The Dangerous Museum for Boys and Girls and more. Plus, spend a minimum of $20 at the Museum cafe and receive a free regular sized coffee. (valid 6 - 16 April upon presentation of this newsletter) For more information visit www.aucklandmuseum.com
Barnardos KidStart Homebased Care
Want to become a KidStart Educator or need homebased care for your child? Please phone 837 5061 for more information.
Learning Difficulties
Individual tuition specialising in dyslexia for children and adults using the Danks Davis Method. Phone Jann Mains on 837 0059 or 021 0227 3431.
ATTENTION PARENTS
After school Tuition. Available here at school. Free assessment by qualified teachers. Maths, English, Reading, Spelling, Dyslexia screening. Call Amanda or Shelly on 836 9061. www.kipmcgrath.co.nz
