Kia ora, everyone,

I hope this message finds you well as we approach the end of another productive week at Westlake.

The junior exams took place this week, marking an important milestone in our academic calendar. Well done to our junior students for your hard work and dedication in preparing for these assessments. Your commitment to academic excellence is impressive. I know the results will reflect your efforts.

As we navigate through the end of the year, let’s remember the importance of supporting each other. The pressure of exams and the anticipation of the upcoming holidays can sometimes lead to heightened stress levels. In these times, let’s think about the well-being of our fellow students, teachers, and staff. A little kindness goes a long way! Together, we can create a supportive and nurturing environment.

Getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the end-of-year activities is easy, but please prioritise self-care and extend a helping hand to those around you. The strength of our community lies in our collective ability to foster a culture of empathy and understanding. Let’s celebrate each other’s successes, lend a listening ear when needed, and ensure that the end of the year is a time of achievement but also one of compassion and camaraderie.

Thank you for your continued dedication to making Westlake a place where learning flourishes and kindness prevails.

I can’t help but notice that uniform standards are slipping, with hoodies and non-standard shoes popping up increasingly. There is no excuse for wearing the uniform incorrectly, and there will be consequences for students who do so.

Things return to normal next week, and many fun activities are coming up. Let’s make the last few weeks of the school year really enjoyable.

I hope you all have a restful and rejuvenating weekend.

Jane Stanley

PRINCIPAL