Kia ora Parents and Caregivers,

It’s been lovely to having our students back for the start of a busy Term 2, and while our Covid cases continue to fluctuate, we’ve enjoyed the increased sense of normality with gathering and onsite-visitor restrictions removed.

This meant we were able to hold a very successful Parent Teacher Interview session yesterday evening, and we are looking forward to meeting more of you at our second session next Tuesday. Other parent events are also in the planning stages – including our Whānau Evening. It also means we can welcome back visitors to school, including parents visiting the Second-Hand Uniform Shop on Friday lunchtimes, and guest speakers such as the team from Attitude who share inspiring and helpful advice during hour-long sessions at each year level.

We are looking forward to holding our school production later this term, and the lifting of restrictions also means sports and music competitions are also able to be held. It’s nice to see these opportunities back for our students – especially our choirs who haven’t been able to participate in The Big Sing for the past two years.

It looks like it is shaping up to be an exciting season for winter sport, with several of our students already making national teams. You can read more about it under “Sports”.

I want to take the opportunity in this first newsletter of the term to acknowledge the passing of former Principal Alison Gernhoefer QSO. Alison was Principal of Westlake Girls High School from 1982 until 2011, and our Administration Centre is named in her honour. There are thousands of students and staff whom Alison impacted during her time, and I know her passing was keenly felt by many. Amongst the hundreds of tributes expressed, were repeated stories of her heart for people – especially her students. As a school we remember and honour Alison for the legacy she has left at Westlake Girls – many of our staff have their own personal memories of working with her over many years.

I hope you have a lovely weekend and can make the most of this seemingly never-ending warm autumn weather.

Jane Stanley
Principal