Kia ora parents, caregivers and friends of the school,
After a small ribbon cutting ceremony, a very excited group of juniors swarmed over the relocated, enhanced junior playground last Friday. This could not be planned because as soon as the builders pronounced it completed, the children just wanted to try it out.
It was such an expensive exercise costing over $40,000. A big percentage of the cost was the ‘soft- fall’ at $27,000. The Waitakere Licensing Trust gave us $11,000 towards the relocation. I don’t know what we would do without the Trusts’ contribution to school projects.
Working Bee
This was a very successful event with a huge amount of work done by an enthusiastic group of parents, staff and supporters. Thank you to those who gave up personal weekend time to help. I remember when I was young, my dad helped dig out a hole for the Rutherford Primary swimming pool and it seemed to take forever.
Liston College
Any parents considering Liston College for their son’s intermediate and high school education can collect, from our school office, information about their open evening running from 7 - 9p.m. on Monday 8 March.
Assessment Gathering
As part of our teaching and learning process here at Western Heights, we gather assessment data on a regular basis to measure students progress and be able to plan next steps for programme design. This week middle school children have had progress and achievement tests (PAT) and next week the senior school will do the same. The teachers look at individual students’ results and the senior staff look at school wide trends and are able to make comparisons with previous years results. Teachers plan classroom programmes and the senior staff look at professional development for teachers and resources for purchase. PAT is one of a number of tools we use to gain information about students learning.
Principal’s Awards
Eden Chapman Bailey Alexander Stephan Teaca-Jucan
Daniel Martinez Victoria Carter Stuart McNeill
Grace King Harry Hughes Riya Patel
Darren Buckett Daniel Pram Mikhila Rutherford
MinWoo Jung Dani Wilson Hermione Fisher
Kearn Thompson-Hachache Cherish Maui-Asosa
Weet-Bix Tryathlon
On Sunday 21 February, a dozen children from our school woke nervously. They were about to become Weet-Bix Tryathletes. This annual event is a great way for children to participate in a tri-athlon especially designed for them. Some chose to participate in all three sections (swimming, running and cycling). Others chose to be part of a team, each completing one section. They returned to school on Monday very proudly wearing the T-shirt and medal they received and reported that they had an awesome time. The Middle School participants were: Casey Pram, Riley Talamahina-Duggan, Emma Brown and Abby Brooker. Senior School participants were Natalya Trenwith, Isaac Barnes, Sam Hutchinson, Benjamin Pram and Stacey Kirby. Stacey was a ‘lucky number’ prize winner, receiving a Mountain Bike and Helmet. Congratulations to you all!It’s not too late to have a go, there is one more event on Sunday 21 March on the North Shore. See http://tryathlon.weetbix.co.nz.
Scholastic Book Club
Order forms went out today. Orders close on Thursday 18 March. Please make cheques payable to Scholastic N.Z.
Dental Clinic
The Dental clinic will be closed from 8 - 12 March. Any dental emergencies during this time please call 0800 433 6825.
Dates to Note
Tues. 23 March: Interschool Softball field day
Mon. 22 March: World Water Day
Frid. 26 March: Senior School Disco
Tues. 30 March: Senior Basic Facts Competition
Thurs. 1 April: End of Term. School finishes at 3pm.
Frid. 2 April: Good Friday
Mon. 19 April: Term 2 starts
Congratulations
Dylan Ford and Liam Murphy played for U8 Devils, Waitakere Bears Softball and won the U8 section at the Craig Paki Memorial Tournament on Sunday. Dylan was also part of the U8 Rep team at Waitakere Bears Softball who won their section at the Navy Tournament and along with the U10 Waitakere Bears Team received the overall Tee Ball Tournament Trophy for sportsmanship.
Netball Registrations
These close tomorrow. Currently, we are short one coach in each area of the school. Fees will be refunded if coaches are unable to be found. See Adele Nummy if you are able to help coach a team.
Need Extra Help?
Mr Noakes is available to provide targeted individual tuition. The cost is $35 per 45 minutes. Contact at school or on 483 7692 after 6p.m.
After School Care Available
At home, family environment with Yana Toki, a fully qualified primary teacher at 75 Simpson Road, Ranui. Yana can take up to five children and pick them up from school. Available 5 days/week until 7p.m. excluding holidays. Phone 832 0048 or 021 145 3233.
Come and Zumba!
Henderson Intermediate School Dance Studio on Wednesdays, 7p.m. - 8p.m. Phone or text Heni on 416 9288 or 027 434 1988 for further info.
Learn to Sing
Cyril Kelleway, West Auckland’s most experienced teacher. Ph: 818 7645 or email ayceekay@clear.net.nz
Auckland Academy of Dance
Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary Dance classes for preschooolers and school aged children. 59 Portage Rd, New Lynn. Email: office@aucklandacademyofdance.co.nz or call Nicole 021 246 2801.
Henderson Junior Badminton Club
Waitakere Badminton Hall, Royal Road, Massey, Wednesdays 5 - 7p.m. for 6 - 16 year olds. For more info. contact Sue on 836 5535.
Western Districts Hockey Club Junior Trials
Avondale College turf on Sunday 14 March and Sunday 21 March from 8a.m. For more info. phone Tracey Bourke on 836 3885 or 027 272 9847.
Ranui Twilight Farmers Market
Ranui Community House, 474 Swanson Road on Fridays from 4.30p.m. - 8p.m. Freshest selections of affordable organics, cheeses, artisan breads, fish and more. Bring your blanket, be entertained and let the kids play.
Waitemata Scottish Country Dance Group
Kelston Community Centre, Tuesdays 6.45 - 7.45p.m. For children 7 years & over and beginner adults. For more info. call Christine 818 7172.
ATTENTION PARENTS
After school Tuition. Available at school. Free assessment by qualified teachers. Maths, English, Reading, Spelling, Dyslexia screening. Call Amanda or Shelly on 836 9061
www.kipmcgrath.co.nz
DON’T FORGET SAUSAGE SIZZLE &
WORLD VISION COLLECTION TOMORROW
