Two exciting concerts are coming up this month and will be hosted at the Westlake Girls’ High School Events Centre!

 A Song of Ruth: Celebrating the hands that cradle, the hearts that guide

Join us for a moving celebration of love, strength, and guidance as two of Auckland’s leading treble choirs, Luminata Voices and Cantare (Westlake Girls High School), unite for the first time in an unforgettable musical event. Each choir will showcase its stunning repertoire before joining forces for powerful collaborative performances that will uplift and inspire. Through music, we pay tribute to the love, wisdom, and resilience of mothers, mentors, and all those who shape our lives.

After the concert, stay for light refreshments and the opportunity to socialise with fellow guests, performers, and music lovers. We look forward to sharing this special afternoon with you!

 Music of the Lake: Westlake’s Premier Music Ensembles

Join us for a memorable evening of entertainment as the premier Westlake Music ensembles come together to present the best of their year’s repertoire in our annual Music of the Lake Concert! 

The evening features performances from our premier choirs, Cantare, Voicemale and Choralation, and our premier ensembles, Westlake Symphony and Chamber Orchestras, and Westlake Concert Band and Big Band.

From powerful choral arrangements to stirring orchestral pieces and exhilarating band performances, our students shine in this standout showcase. Don’t miss your chance to experience our top musicians’ energy, passion, and excellence in a one-night-only celebration! Get your tickets now!

You can purchase tickets for both concerts here!

Our epic adventure began in the early hours of Friday 11 April with a delayed midnight flight from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur, followed by a second flight to Vietnam’s capital, Ha Noi. The first thing we noticed stepping off the plane? The heat – and we soon learned that Ha Noi humidity is on a whole different level.

After settling into the French-inspired La Rosa Hotel, we explored Ha Noi’s blend of colonial architecture and Vietnamese culture. Visits to landmarks like the Hoá Lò Prison were fascinating but sobering, revealing the painful history of French colonisation.

A highlight for many was the jeep tour – buzzing through the chaotic streets, out to banana plantations, and sampling a delicious local meal. Some brave souls even tried egg coffee (it tastes like coffee-flavoured custard – not as bad as it sounds!). We quickly learned to haggle at markets, tried not to get scammed, and visited the famous train street, where trains pass by just metres from cafés.

Next stop: HaLong Bay. After a sugar-fuelled convenience store stop, we cruised on the Starlight ship, explored Sung Sot Cave (400 steps!), and tried our luck at squid fishing. Our karaoke night was a bonding highlight – topped off with a solo by our guide Charlie singing My Heart Will Go On.

After a peaceful Tai Chi session and kayaking through Luon Cave (where we spotted monkeys!), we zipped through the bay on a high-speed boat before heading back to Ha Noi and catching the overnight train to Dong Ha – tight quarters, lots of snacks, and plenty of laughs.

Our favourite stop? Hoi An. With its stunning resort, vibrant night markets, cooking classes, and tailor-made clothes (everything from dresses to suits!), it was a dream. Late-night swims in the riverside pool were the perfect way to unwind and bond as a group.

We’re incredibly grateful to the teachers who made this trip happen – thank you Mr Burnard, Mrs Bickerstaffe, Mrs Clouston and Mr Dugmore – and to our families for the support.

Vietnam, you were unforgettable.

A Journey Through Art to New York & Los Angeles

Over thirteen unforgettable days, twenty-one students, three teachers, and a tour manager hit the pavements of New York City and Los Angeles on an incredible Visual Art and Art History adventure. From iconic museums to iconic NYC neighbourhoods, street life, food culture, and architectural master pieces, our group embraced every opportunity these fantastic cities had to offer.

In New York City, students immersed themselves in diverse artistic and cultural experiences. Blisters were gained as we explored the city on foot – through Times Square, across the Brooklyn Bridge, and along the architectural masterpieces sprinkled throughout the High Line. Students cycled through Central Park and navigated the blocks of Manhattan, absorbing the energy of the city. We stood before works by Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, Monet, Kehinde Wiley, Judy Chicago, and Amy Sherald, to name a few, artists whose impact sparked thoughtful conversations and inspiration.

Los Angeles offered a change in pace but no shortage of exploration. Our West Coast journey began with a classic In-N-Out Burger stop, followed by a stroll from Venice Beach to Santa Monica. Highlights included visits to UCLA and the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, offering students a glimpse into potential pathways in tertiary art education. We ventured off the typical tourist trail to explore cultural hubs like Olvera Street, Chinatown, and the Grand Central Market. At The Getty Center, we soaked in panoramic views and reflected on art and place. A visit to Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Room allowed us to experience her breathtaking vision of self-obliteration firsthand.

This trip was truly life-changing. The students were an exceptional group of young women – curious, kind, open-minded, and full of creative spirit. Their willingness to embrace each moment and support one another made the journey even more memorable. Time and again, we remarked on how fortunate we were to share this experience with such a remarkable group.

A big thank you goes to Jane Stanley, the WGHS board, Donna Pike, the WGHS accounts team, and the Visual Arts Department.

Elyse Heslop, Anna Cooper, and Nicky Whitham-Blackwell

It’s Production Season! Both Mamma Mia! and Three Birds Alighting on a Field have been playing to very happy and excited audiences.

“It was terrific – so much talent; so many stand-out performances”; “A fantastic show! One of the very best in my 40 years at Westlake”; “A truly wonderful production with outstanding direction”; “Just. So. Good!”; “The quality of the production was sensational.”

If you have not secured your tickets yet, there is still time, as both productions run until tomorrow, May 10.  https://www.iticket.co.nz/events/2025/apr/westlake-schools-production-season?view=info

Below are galleries of photographs from both productions, taken by LK Creative.

Mamma Mia!

Three Birds Alighting on a Field

“Tū hikitia, tū hāpainga, Te mana o Te Kawerau ā Maki.” – Raise the prestige authority of Te Kawerau ā Maki.

On Saturday 5^th April, Te Rerenga Wāna performed at the annual ASB Polyfest which is held at the Manukau Sports Bowl. It was hosted this year by Ngā Puna o Waiōrea.

After retaining our spot in Division One at last year’s ASB Polyfest, Te Rerenga Wāna had the privilege of competing on Saturday 5th April to compete at the annual event. The group set out with two goals in mind: to win the Haka Taparahi (Female Haka) section and to place in the top 12, ensuring they stay in Division One next year.

Te Rerenga Wāna met both these goals. They placed first in the Haka Taparahi and finished 11th Overall.

We would like to thank all the tutors, teachers, and parents who helped us during this campaign. ‘Te amorangi ki mua, te hapai ō ki muri’. Te Rerenga Wāna is going from strength to strength because of you all.

We look forward to welcoming all new faces for our Ahurea campaign in Term 3!

If you missed the performance, you can watch it On Demand here: https://www.maoriplus.co.nz/show/division-1-day-4-asb-polyfest-2025/play/6371058666112

By Maddi Gerbes

Photography by Ben Campbell / BC Photography

Five Westlake students are singing at a national standard and have been accepted into two national choirs. Ece Dalgic (Year 10), Michelle Hendra (Year 11) and Vydella Tamihana (Year 12) are members of the current cycle of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Choir. They recently travelled to Wellington in the holidays to meet and sing with the new choir for the first time. This choir runs on a two-year cycle, performing around New Zealand and culminating in an overseas tour in the second year. Ece commented on her recent experience:

 “Being involved in choir is a great experience; choir gives me a great social network and provides me the ability to learn about music on a deeper level. I think that the NZSSC differentiates itself from other choirs, as it consists of students from across the country, from different schools, and different backgrounds, which brings together unique voices and perspectives. It was so much fun – I loved meeting like-minded students and learning new and interesting music”.

Abi Mitchell (left) and Mel Telulio (right) both in Year 13, are current members of the Aotearoa Academy Choir, recently established as the national training choir. The choir is co-directed by two past Westlake music staff members – Elise Bradley and Rowan Johnston. Abi and Mel also travelled to Wellington during the holidays. The choir performed at the ANZAC service outside Parliament and shared a workshop and concert with the New Zealand National Youth Choir.

Abi commented on her recent experience:

 “My first course with the Aotearoa Academy Choir was great. We learnt a lot of new music, and a highlight was performing with the New Zealand Youth Choir. Although rehearsals were long and hard work, it was definitely worth the effort. I have made new friendships with singers from all over the country. The choir has a wide age bracket, and everyone mixes and mingles with all types of people! A benefit of this was that those of us in Year 13 could talk to the older members about University and life after high school.”

Ece, Vydella, Abi and Mel are all members of our Westlake premiere choirs Cantare and Choralation.

Main image above: Left: Ece Dalgic, middle: Michelle Hendra and right: Vydella Tamihana.

In the final week of Term 1, the Westlake Girls Jazz Band had the privilege of competing in the prestigious National Youth Jazz Competition in Tauranga. This annual event, now in its 47th year, attracts talented secondary school jazz musicians from around the country. Held at the Baycourt Community and Arts Centre, the competition showcases outstanding performances. It offers invaluable workshops and mentoring from world-class jazz professionals, all involved as teachers in major jazz degree programmes across Aotearoa.

Our girls performed a dynamic and diverse set featuring a range of jazz styles. Their repertoire included the competition test piece, Cheesecake by Dexter Gordon, a swing classic that highlighted a piano solo by Piper Donaldson. They followed with the ballad Georgia on My Mind, showcasing solos from Limin Khaw (Alto Sax), Valarie Sin (Electric Guitar), and Hannah Wilmot (Trombone). The upbeat School’s Out Strut brought a taste of New Orleans with Frieda Lueddecke shining on trumpet. The set concluded with Tio Macaco, a vibrant Latin-jazz fusion piece featuring numerous soloists, including Winnie Meng (Flute), Nanae Sato-Nates (Baritone Saxophone), and Charlotte Smith (Percussion). All of these performances are available to view online at the links above.

An all-girls jazz band is rare in the world of jazz. Ours was one of only a few in the competition! The Westlake Girls Jazz Band, conducted by director Jono Howan, achieved a bronze award for their debut at this competition. Beyond the competition, the girls participated in mentoring workshops, gaining constructive feedback and tips for enhancing their sound as a cohesive band. The judges commended their energetic performance and noted how much fun the girls appeared to be having on stage.

In addition to performing, the students experienced the vibrant festival atmosphere by watching other groups, including combos and big bands, and attending a showcase by the New Zealand Army Band. Their enthusiasm and exemplary conduct throughout the event made them outstanding ambassadors for our school.

A special mention goes to the Westlake Big Band, our combined premier ensemble with Westlake Boys, who secured a Gold Award under the direction of Eddie Hare. Meanwhile, our Girls Jazz Band has set a strong foundation for future participation in this competition. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing them continue to grow as musicians. Congratulations to all involved in making this event a success.

On Saturday, 12 April, Choralation took a road trip to Hamilton to spend the day singing with the Hamilton Civic Choir (HCC). This was a choral collaboration organised by the two choir directors, Fiona Wilson and Elise Bradley.

The choirs had rehearsed several pieces beforehand before presenting them to a sold-out audience in the afternoon in the Hamilton Cathedral. The concert was titled ‘Ceremonial Splendor’ and included some of the great and well-known choral anthems from music history.

Choralation enjoyed singing within the more mature voices of HCC, and as a combined choir of around 100, they sang pieces by Monteverdi, Vivaldi, Haydn, Mozart, Brahms and more. Choralation was also excited to present its own short programme of pieces by New Zealand composers.

Two Westlake alumnae choristers featured as soloists – Bella Allan-Moetaua and Holly Hampson-Tinsdale sang a Vivaldi duet together. After a delicious shared dinner, Choralation bussed back to Auckland, tired and happy from the experience.

Our premier treble choir, Cantare, enjoyed spending the weekend together at camp from Friday, 4 April to Sunday, 6 April. The choir spent many hours in rehearsal learning their repertoire but also enjoyed plenty of fun bonding activities organised by Year 13 choir leaders Mel Telulio, Abi Mitchell and Elaine Zhou.

Cantare’s concert season starts this term with a collaboration with Luminata Voices, a women’s treble choir based in Auckland. Cantare and Luminata will share a concert at Westlake Girls High School Events Centre on Sunday, 18 May, at 3:00pm. The concert is titled ‘Song of Ruth’ and features music celebrating our mothers and mentors. Light refreshments for afternoon tea follow it.

This is the perfect occasion to share with the special mother or mentor in your life – we would love to see you there! You can purchase tickets here.

Congratulations to Westlake Girls’ students Megan Fang and Xiaoxian Gao, who have placed 1st and 2nd respectively in the 2025 NZ Secondary Schools Art & Design Competition. Chosen from over 80 entries nationwide, their artwork was recognised for its creativity, execution, and thoughtful interpretation of the theme Threads of Connection. Megan and Xiaoxian receive Gordon Harris gift cards and are featured on the NZSSAC website.

Megan said the following:

I became involved in this competition after my art tutor recommended that I participate. I dedicated a great deal of thought and effort to interpreting the theme of the competition, “Threads of Connection,” through my work. I believe I successfully conveyed the theme by exploring the intricate ways in which people, emotions, and experiences are interwoven.

When I received the email announcing that I had won, I was overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude. I literally jumped out of my seat in joy, feeling deeply honoured that my work had been recognised among so many talented participants. This achievement has been incredibly motivating for me, and it has strengthened my passion for creating meaningful art that speaks to universal human experiences.