Kia ora parents, caregivers and friends of the school,
It has been a busy two weeks at school and now my conference in Toronto is a distant memory.
The key note addresses were very inspiring. Stephen Lewis, the co-founder and co-director of AIDS-Free World, talked about his work in Africa where education and health is so lacking.
Jennifer James, a cultural anthropologist, lecturer, writer and commentator, had us all spellbound with her innovated ideas on the human face of technological change and the development of cultural intelligence.
Sir Michael Barber, who is the head of McKinseys Global Education, talked about the reform work he did for the British government under Tony Blair. He wrote the book ‘How the World’s Best Performing School Systems Come on Top.’
I found, when sitting in forums made up of educators from all over the world, that we are pretty advantaged in many ways and our students get a very good deal in our system.
We manage the cost of keeping up with technology here at school, when in some parts of the world they do not have enough pencils and paper.
We nearly lost two of our new computers last week. Thank goodness, due to a quick reaction from our security company, ARROW, the intruder was caught on site and handed over to the police. We were able to save the school property.
Amazing Act of Kindness
Dan-yel James raised $688 for the SPCA this week by making cupcakes which she sold here at school. Dan-yel, you must be complimented for your huge effort.
The Blues Chant
The Heart Foundation hosted a breakfast here at school which was attended by Blues players, Benson Stanley and Chris Lowery. The 200 senior pupils enjoyed a meal of Pams fine products and Dole bananas.
Professor Norman Sharpe, Medical Director of the Heart Foundation, sent a very complimentary email later that day. He said, that he was immediately impressed by the bright kids and great staff and he found that the glimpse he got of the work we are doing here at school very encouraging.
The Heart Foundation presented a cheque for $1000 to go towards sports equipment and the whole event was captured on film by ‘What Now’. This will be screened October 9th.
Anchor Milk Promotion
Someone who purchased milk from the Te Atatu South Countdown entered a competition and nominated our school for a share of the prize. They won and we received $500 which will go towards our Enviro Garden spring planting costs. Thank you, Anchor and thank you, generous shopper.
Principal Awards
Jaden Kok Kaiyu Fifita-Ebina Zara Ranchhod
Sarah Wilson Joshua Turnwald Lei-Tavia Cable
Paige Jelley Dan-yel James Dylan King
Maggie Aspden George Yang Kimberly Francis
McKenzie Hall Paloma Anderson Bonnie Wallace-Howe
Hannah Bjerga Shanay Talopau Cameron Wight
Amelia Major Bryarna Gardiner Caleb Richardson
Ashleigh Ohlson Adelka Vastagova Nilam Patel
Keira Whitefield Ashton Hall Emma Hutchinson
Patrick Ryan Sapphire Simmonds Angel Vashisth
School Photos - Thursday 15 September
Order envelopes have gone out today. Please ensure your order is back by Wednesday 14 September. If you require portraits of siblings together, please pick up an order envelope from the office. Photos of siblings within the school will be taken on Thursday 15 September. Photos of siblings from outside the school will be taken on Friday 16 September between 9a.m. - 10.30a.m.
Netball
Finals this weekend, Saturday 3 September! Congratulations to the following teams:
Pumas: Year 6 Grade 2 final at 12.40p.m. on Court 8 at Te Pai
Lions: Year 4 Final at 9.20a.m. on Court 6 at Te Pai
It would be great to have some positive side-line support from the Western Heights Community!
Remember: Prizegiving is next Wednesday 7 September at 6p.m.
Photos are from 2.30p.m. on Thursday 15 September.
Dates to Note
Wed. 7 Sept.: Netball prizegiving, 6 - 8p.m.
Thurs. 15 Sept.: Class Photos. Netball photos from 2.30p.m.
Frid. 16 Sept.: Team Photos
Wed. 28 Sept.: Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences 1.30p.m. - 7.30p.m. School closes at 12.30p.m.
Thurs. 29 Sept.: Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences 3.30p.m. - 6.30p.m. School closes at 3p.m.
Tues. 4 Oct.: Grandparents Day for whole school
Frid. 7 Oct.: Term 3 ends
Tues. 25 Oct.: Term 4 starts
Frid. 16 Dec.: Term 4 ends at 12.30p.m.
Tues. 31 Jan.: Term 1 starts for 2012
Riesling Place
Please be aware that the council will be monitoring the parking in Riesling Place, as residents are concerned about the safety of our children when walking to and from school, due to the haphazard parking of parents.
Police Seatbelt Checks! Make Sure You Make It Click
Police in West Auckland have been checking outside schools to make sure everyone is wearing their seatbelts, and to make sure that children under 5 are all in the right child restraints.
Most adults are remembering to buckle up, but there are many children not wearing their seatbelt. This is a reminder to the driver, that they are responsible for all children under 15 in their car not wearing a seatbelt, or restrained in the correct restraint. Please make sure your children take off their backpacks before putting on the seatbelt. The best place for children to be is in the back seat. Remind your children to keep seatbelts on until the car is stopped. These checkpoints could happen anytime outside the school. The fine is $150 per person not restrained correctly! If you need advice about your child restraint, the Plunket child restraint office is at 8a Woodford Ave, Henderson, open 9a.m. - 2p.m., Monday to Friday.
Free Home Composting Courses
Worm farming, conventional composting and Bokashi fermentation course with a $23 subsidy on any composting system purchased. Tuesday 6 September at Kelston, 6p.m. -.9p.m. Saturday 24 September at Titirangi, 10a.m. - 1p.m. Bookings essential. Contact Kaipatiki on 482 1172. For more information visit www.createyourowneden.org.nz
Suburbs New Lynn Cricket Club - Junior Cricket
Cricket programmes being held at Ken Maunder Park, Binsted Road, New Lynn throughout the summer. Register for the 2011/12 season, Saturday 3 & 10 September 10a.m. - 2p.m. Sunday 4 &11 September, 10a.m. - 2p.m. Enquiries to Jeff Shaw 027 478 1596.
Looking For Girls To Join A Marching Team
Under 12 Team from 6yrs to 12yrs. Under 16 Team from 10yrs to 16yrs.
Contact Jennifer 021 186 9685 or 838 0330, or Gail 027 5080 292.
ATTENTION PARENTS!
After-School tutoring at Kip McGrath Henderson. Experienced qualified teachers. Maths/Numeracy, Dyslexia screening, Reading, Spelling, Writing, Comprehension. Call us on 836 9061 for a free assessment. Check us out at www.kipmcgrath.co.nz
DON’T FORGET WORLD VISION COLLECTION
AND SAUSAGE SIZZLE TOMORROW
