Kia ora Students and Parents/Caregivers,

As we enter the final term of the year, I want to acknowledge the hard work and focus our students are showing, particularly our Seniors, who are preparing for their upcoming examinations. We wish them well as they head into the next, pivotal stage of their school journey.

The end of the year is always a busy time, filled with exciting celebrations like prizegiving, where we recognise the incredible achievements of our students. It’s a period of immense pride for our entire school community.

This week we have celebrated the exceptional achievements of our senior students who are part of the many music ensembles across both the Westlake schools, and the staff and tutors who contribute so much time, energy, and expertise to give them all the wonderful opportunities they do.

 2024 Music Prizegiving Major Award winners

• Leadership in Instrumental Music – Emily Chen
• Leadership in Choral Music – Abby Wang, Emily Sullivan
• Leadership in Music Department – Fiona Yang
• Leadership in Performance – Emily Sullivan
• Creativity in Music – Tara Yoo
• Most Promising Song Writer – Joy Feng
• Excellence in Music Performance – Katie Brown
• Excellence in Contemporary Music – Caelin Thompson
• Accompanist Trophy – Tara Yoo

Our Sports Awards evening was another very humbling affair hearing of the multiple teams and individuals achieving both International and National honours. The sporting results are outstanding this year and again we are incredibly grateful to our sports department and the coaches, managers and all our student coaches who volunteer their time to make it possible to have so many students involved in sport.

 2024 Sports Prizegiving Major Award winners

• Sportswoman of the Year – Kodee Williams-Sefo – Basketball
• Team of the Year – World Schools Basketball Team
• All Rounder of the Year – Charlotte Mawston – Rowing, Basketball & Netball
• Junior Sportswoman of the Year – Bella Jenkins – Sailing
• International Performance of the Year – Leah Richmond & Brierley Cook – Cheering
• Coach of the Year – Bronwen Davidson – Basketball
• Student Coach of the Year – Bailee Swindells – Water polo
• Student Official of the Year – Sasha Bosch
• Volunteer of the Year – Tanja Venema – Basketball

And last but by no means least, the Staff Recognition Awards went to Deputy Principal Paul Davis – All Sports.

Congratulations to all of you.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge those students who give their best effort, even if they don’t always come out on top in terms of prizes/awards. Your hard work and perseverance don’t go unnoticed.

As we approach both NZQA, and our junior end of year exams, I have spoken to students at assemblies about strategies to manage their time and wellbeing over the coming weeks and have reminded them to ask for help if they need it. Staff are here to help and we are all better together!

Thank you for your ongoing support, we look forward to a productive and positive final term.

Ka kite,

Jane Stanley
PRINCIPAL