It’s no wonder Akoranga’s first bake sale for the year sold out before the end of lunch – just look at the goodies on offer!
Service Prefect Kayla Akkaya and her committee raised $700 for their chosen House charity, Starship Foundation. Well done to everyone involved.
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This year the Level 1 Art Design and Photography class embraced the opportunity to enjoy education outside the classroom.
Students visited Maungauika (North Head) and Lake Pupuke as part of their internal assessment. The assessment focus was on site-specific information related to Aotearoa New Zealand’s Māori foundations and connections looking at turangawaewae and kaitiakitanga.
Students spent the day learning about the history of the area and taking a range of photographs, notes and visual drawings of the two sites. In class, students will develop these visual resources into a series of artwork using their photographs and the Adobe Creative Suite programmes focusing on the theme “Ko Wai Au?” (Who am I?).
Photos by Conrad Blind
From March 12 to 14, Westlake Girls High School competed against almost 2,000 students from 100 schools at the North Island Secondary Schools Rowing Championships held at Lake Karapiro.
Westlake produce a stunning finals day performance. For the first time in more 20 years we medalled in each of the Premier Girls sweeping events – the U18 pair, four and eight. We finished the day with eight top 8 finishes including five podium finishes. Overall, we had 23 medallists, 16 of whom were first time medallists.
The squad’s performance in the under 18 sweep events, the premier events on the girls racing programme was a highlight of the regatta. For the first time in more than 20 years we managed to earn a Gold medal in the Girls U18 2 (our first title in this event since 2013), a Silver medal in the Girls U18 8+ and a Bronze medal in the Girls U18 4+ (our first medal in each of these events since 2014). Our junior squad also managed to deliver excellent results securing Westlake Girls Bronze medals in both the Girls U15 8+ and Girls U16 8+.
The squad’s focus now turn to Maadi Cup being held at Lake Ruataniwha from the 29 March to 2 April.
Pictured top are Scarlett Kerse and Sofia Greenhalgh (Gold in the Girls U18 2).
Below are Tessa Guthrie, Scarlett Kerse, Eva Dykgraaf, Sophie Dykgraaf, Sofia Greenhagh, Phoebe Dobson, Caitlin Naude, Taylor Penberthy, Steph Severin (Silver in the Girls U18 8+)
Our 2022 elections for Student Rep on the WGHS Board were delayed last year due to Covid. We are very pleased to announce that the elections are now going ahead.
Students will be able to vote for their preferred nominee in April. Here, in alphabetical order, are our six amazing candidates.
Two years ago was the beginning of a new chapter in my life – high school. It was only two years ago, yet the memories of walking into the sisterhood with the bold crimson red blazer and forming new chains of opportunities have become vivid in my heart and mind. However, throughout these two years, I have learnt two primary lessons. Lesson 1: our modern world has no set definition for what teenage is, and similar to that, Lesson 2; there is no set definition of what change is and should reflect.
Over these two incredible years at Westlake Girls, we have accomplished much together, from recently welcoming our grand Event Centre, to fostering united diversity in bringing school trousers into the uniform system. I was sure that I wanted to contribute and work as a team to grow such change. However, I realised that yes, I have ideas, but in my belief, this role of Board Student Rep is not about I; it is about “us” and what we will do as a team.
Through my schooling journey, service activities in House student and service councils, Rotary Interact, Amnesty Leader and 40hr-Famine Committee, alongside sporting opportunities in badminton and swimming, have been tremendous pillars in my development as a team player and leader. It enlightened me to recognise the significance of hard work while encouraging, inspiring, and motivating my teammates to strive to their best. We all, as individuals, have an essential role that can enhance our whanau, our team.
There is more to this role than leadership, it is the strength of our communities’ collaboration, and our vision helps our Westlake whānau grow in our unity and succeed towards impactful change. The lessons from past leaders have genuinely shared the idea that leadership can translate vision into reality. So our visions as a whanau should be simple; Ma tīni, ma mano, ke rapa te whai– Many hands make light work, unity is strength.
I cannot make promises to be the perfect representative; however, I can promise that I can be a supportive friend who has her arms open for comfort and an open mindset for all ideas that can boost our journey here at Westlake Girls. A vote for me is a vote for you, and all our votes will foster our unity and, most of all, strengthen our change.
Hi! My name is Sydney Brandolino! I’m a Year 12 from Wairau House who’s passionate about change and committed to improving and contributing to the WGHS community. I run clubs such as Diversity and Philosophy and am the Editor-In-Chief of the school’s Parallax Literary Journal. I’ve also been involved in extracurriculars such as Language Council, Buddy Reading, Debating, UNICEF at Westlake, Wairau Service Committee, Student Librarians, and Peace Week Organisation.
Ever since Year 9 I’ve been determined to do everything that I can to help better the school and its incredible group of students. As your Board representative I’ll provide a start for change and a platform for student voice. I want each and every one of you to feel that you have a say and can make a difference. Let’s create change today for a better tomorrow!
Hello there, everyone. My name is Mishal Gillani, and I am a Wairau House Year 13 student. To begin, I arrived in Westlake in Year 11, which was my first time in New Zealand. I lived in Saudi Arabia before moving to New Zealand. When I started Year 11 at Westlake and looked at my timetable for the first time, I had no idea what Day 1 and Form Time meant. The Dean then led me to my first Form Class, where I generally sat quietly and avoided eye contact. I had no idea where I was supposed to go following my Form Class. I had no idea where to look for B and C Blocks. But I asked someone and eventually found my way there.
Everyone in the class was told to join Google Classroom by the teacher. Then I had no idea what Google Classroom was. I looked for it and eventually discovered it. I had no idea how to join the class because I had never studied on a laptop before. So then my Food Technology teacher told me how to use it. When I didn’t know how to use Google Docs, a girl seated next to me showed me how. And I am grateful to everyone who assisted me. Now I want to assist all of the new students who are going through the same transition I did.
This year, I’ve been involved in a variety of activities, and I’m the leader of an Environmental Group. I’m also a member of the Amnesty International Club and I’m attending a gateway workshop. All of these activities keep me occupied, therefore I’d say that Year 13 is my finest senior year.
I’ve prepared a ton of stuff for this leadership position. I am an international student who is bilingual and from a diverse culture, making it easy for me to communicate with students from other cultures. I’ll also assist you with cultural diversity. First, I’m going to go around at lunchtime and ask all students if they need anything, if they’re having trouble coping with something. I’m here to assist. I swear to you that I will assist you in obtaining a better environment and a new change. A vote in my favour is a vote in favour of humanity. I will always speak up for the truth and work to bring Westlake Girls together.
Thank You, Tēnā koe, 謝謝, धन्यवाद, Merci, شكرا لكم, 감사합니다, ধন্যবাদ, آپکا شکریہ , Gracias , Grazie, Danke, Teşekkürler
Hi, my name is Jappan Kaur.
I have been involved in many extracurriculars, sports and academic achievements at Westlake (list below). I am determined to make a change in our school. Change is something we all want but we don’t really know how to achieve it. We all have our problems with the school facilities like expensive tuck shop prices, not enough cultural appreciation, short morning teas and so on. But all we end up doing is ranting to our friends about those problems. I’m sorry to tell you but that isn’t going to make any difference nor progress.
So, I’m here to tell you the one step easy way to make a change and that is voting for the right person for the job of Student Representative. The Board are the ones who can actually make a change. I will take your problems to the Board so real change can happen. I am ready to make a change, are you? If so, tick the box near my name. Don’t let your voice and vote go to waste. A vote for Jappan, is a vote for Change. Hope that you choose wisely!
Extracurriculars, Sports and Academic Achievements:
| Model United Nations 2021 | Pupuke Service Committee 2020 | Language Week Participant 2020 |
| Junior Open Debating 2021 | Pupuke Student Council 2020 | WaiCare Water Testing 2020 |
| Tennis North Harbour Term 1 2020 | STEAM Makers Club 2021 | Neuroscience Club 2021 |
| Tennis North Harbour Term 4 2020 | Peace Week Committee 2021 | 2020 BoT Nominee |
| Inter-Class Table Tennis 2020 | Amnesty International 2021 | CYGNET 2020/2021 |
| Enviro Group 2020/2021 | 40-Hour Famine 2020/2021 | Swimming Sports 2020 |
| Chess Club 2020 | Maths Enrichment 2021 | Parallax Submission 2020 |
| Rubik’s Club 2020 | English Enrichment 2021 | French Club 2020 |
| Spotlight Speeches 2021 | Social Studies Enrichment 2021 | Astronomy 2020 |
| Senior Tennis Team Term 1 2021 | Science Enrichment 2021 | Citizenship Award 2020 |
| Academic Excellence 2020 | Student Librarian 2021 | Bronze Duke of Edinburgh 2021 |
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this 🙂
Hello, Kia Ora, 你好Ni Hao
My name is Kate Liu, I’m a Year 12 Wairau student.
My goal for the student representative on the Board for 2022 is to hear everyone’s voices.
To think holistically about our mistakes and therefore get the most out of them for our students’ future.
I’m Mackenzie Wills a Year 12 student and I want to be your Student Representative for 2022.
I am involved in many music and theatre groups around the school such as Cantare and Chorolation choir and various productions in and out of school. My passion for the performing arts is what has made my time at Westlake so memorable.
As your student representative, I want your passions and thoughts to be appreciated. I want to create a school environment where you feel safe and can enjoy.
As your student representative I will listen to you and what you want, because it is up to you what you think is important and as your representative, it would be up to me to make it happen.
It would be my goal to be available and accessible to you to make sure all of your voices are heard.
Westlake’s Premier Touch team narrowly lost by 1 against St Kentigern College in the final of the College Sport Auckland Premier Touch competition on Monday 21 March.
In round robin play, the team had beaten the St Kentigern Premier team by 1 in another tight contest.
The team will now focus on their NZSS Championships Campaign and will regroup towards the end of Term Three with the goal of again reaching the final of the National Tournament in December.
The student-led Friday Lunch Live talent showcase is growing in popularity, with students making the most of the new Event Centre outdoor space to sit and watch the entertainment on display.
Any student with any talent is able to perform during the session, which is held every second Friday. Today’s offerings included the awesomely talented Holly Isherwood (Year 12) on drums (pictured left).
Some of our musically-talented prefects were also performing, including Madi Jagger (Hauraki House Arts Prefect, pictured below left) and Stella Ranginui (Pupuke House Cultural Prefect, pictured below right).
Pupuke House is holding its first fundraiser for 2022 – a cookie bake sale this coming Tuesday.
Prices are between $2 – $3 and there is Eftpos available. All proceeds will go to Pupuke’s House charity, Auckland City Mission.
By our Environmental Prefects
Anja Filip, Moe Tun, Sian Moloney, Rosa Troughton and Luna Watanabe
On Monday 7 March we began our celebration of Te Moana, our seas, oceans and bodies of water around us.
This is a celebration of awareness which was started in Aotearoa in 1992 by the NZ Association for Environmental Education. For 30 years this celebration has given Kiwis the opportunity to “take time to connect with the sea”.
We sprung into action with an introduction presented by our Environmental Prefects Moe (Hauraki), and Anja (Akoranga) on the ideas of Marine Conservation and protecting the biodiversity of our ocean. This was followed by our speaker Charlie Thomas who educated our students on his experience travelling the Pacific and investigating the effects of plastic pollution. With the help of our Enviro Leaders we were able to create a ‘bubbletastic’ frame, scavenger hunt and movie to finalise our week’s success!
On Thursday the scavenger hunt took place. It was such a fun event to work on alongside the Enviro Leaders, including helping create posters, promote Sea Week through speaking to form classes and setting up the scavenger hunt. By 8.30am on Thursday we already had photos sent through of people finding the posters. Throughout the day we got notifications of others also sending through their photos. We were pleasantly surprised with the number of people who got involved. Overall, the scavenger hunt was a success and such a fun way to promote Sea Week.
On Wednesday during lunch, the team went around with the photo frame made by the help of enviro leaders. During the week prior to Sea Week the enviro leaders were able to help us create this amazing frame led by Wairau prefect, Lunar. In particular we had numbers of very committed and enviro enthusiastic year 9s coming in almost every lunch time to bring the frame to life, with drawings such as Patrick and Plankton and other relevant marine animals.
When the day of the photo frame came, we were able to engage with many students as well as spread awareness of Sea Week and what it is all about.
Check out our instagram page @zerowastelake to see the photos
Westlake students were able to learn, listen and question Charlie Thomas (he/them) about their involvement with the seas. Charlie talked about their love for conservation and our oceans that was fostered from a young age and how this has developed over the years. Their passion for marine birds and conservation landed them an awesome adventure on Kure Atoll.
As a nineteen year old, he spent several months on a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, hanging out with Albatrosses and alike. Despite the remoteness the effects of human actions and plastic pollution were strongly evident. The stomachs of baby birds were full of plastic, nests were built from rubbish and the coast of this small island was blanketed in plastic. From fishing nets to children’s toys, the threat of plastic to our seas and even the places most removed from society, was shocking to hear about.
Charlie showed us the unfortunate reality of much of our oceans and marine birds around the world, but also inspired us to want to help. Students learnt how taking part in beach clean ups, reducing our purchases of unnecessary packaging/plastic and educating younger kids can all lead to positive changes and conservation of our marine life. At such a young age, Charlie was an incredibly powerful and relatable speaker for our students and to hear about their time on Kure Atoll was super interesting and eye opening.
One Monday, we introduced Westlake students to a week of fun-filled activities celebrating the marine-life of Aotearoa, and encouraging Kiwi’s to renew their relationship with our oceans. Since this was our first event for the school, we were so excited for this particular day.
So on Monday, in our usual Enviro-group room, Akoranga and Hauraki Enviro Prefects, Anja and Moe, conducted an Enviro-educate session, introducing Kaupapa Moana (Sea Week). Prepared by Anja and Moe, the slideshow introduced how Kaupapa Moana came to be and also informed everyone of the events happening around the school that week. Coupled with several of her own pictures of marine life, Anja also shared many interesting facts about the sea that definitely sparked many people’s interests.
After our presentation, we ended the Enviro-educate session off with a classic game of kahoot. The top 3 on the podium were awarded a bar of chocolate each, with number 1 also getting an adorable crochet jellyfish made by the Hauraki prefect.
Our Junior Choir – Nota Bella has a new Musical Director this year.
Elise Bradley, pictured above and right at a rehearsal with Nota Bella yesterday, is a familiar face to many staff as she was previously a music teacher and later HOD Music at Westlake – from 1990 until 2006.
In 2007, Elise accepted the position of Musical Director of the Toronto Children’s Chorus in Canada, one of the top children’s choirs in the world. After 14 years, in 2022 she has returned to live in New Zealand, and returned to Westlake Girls.
Fiona Wilson, our current HOD Music (pictured below with Elise), was taught music and was introduced to choral singing by Elise and Fiona returned many years later, to work with Elise as music teacher, before she left for Toronto.
What were some of the highlights of working in such a prestigious international organisation like TCC?
Some highlights – working with the children – they are the heart and soul of the organisation and it was a privilege and a joy to work with them all. The reason they achieved what they did was because of their commitment and dedication to the repertoire, the rigour and the pedagogy. Other highlights – opportunities to collaborate with other choirs and musicians – such as Krzysztof Penderecki in Toronto and Krakow, tour in Canada with the Fujii Ensemble, perform with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra on numerous major works, perform “Dido and Aeneas” with the early music ensembles Tafelmusik and Opera Atelier, and with Masaaki Suzuki, Christopher Plummer, Gordon Pinsent, Yannick Nezet-Seguin, Peter Oundjian and Sir Andrew Davis. Singing in the Musikverein in Austria, touring both nationally and internationally, presenting our annual concert series, singing for our local community, the collaborative outreach programmes and working with visiting clinicians such as Maria Guinand, Anton Armstrong and Cristian Grases.
How are you finding returning to NZ after 16 years away? (what has changed and what is familiar?)
In speaking from the heart, and after over 14 years away, I find the choral scene quite disheartening in a number of ways. I feel like the standard of music in schools has less priority and that there is less commitment to pedagogy, and for many singing has become an activity which has no fundamental understanding. Anybody can sing, but not everyone can sing well, so training has to happen. I am passionate about music education and choral singing, and I take the art of choral music making very seriously. Hence I have continued to study, seek professional development opportunities and I work hard. I admire the people who are working to give the best to music education and to the children singing in choirs, but I do not propagate the philosophy of mediocrity nor shortchanging the children. Children need the best of us and from us, so they can be empowered and be the best role models for the next generation. Choral singing is our voice – and we are the keepers of text. Singing comes from our hearts and from our souls and the music must always win.
How does it feel to be back at WGHS and working with Fiona Wilson (HOD Music)?
I absolutely love it. I love the full cycle of life. Fiona was my student, then we worked together when I was HOD Music at WGHS, and now she is my HOD – my boss. I aim to support her vision for the future of choral singing at Westlake and in the wider community – and to support the artistry that goes into making musicians. Music is not an add on, it is a must. It is part of our culture and society, and should be taken as seriously as any other subject.
If I can provide a way in which to support that, then I will give to it wholeheartedly. I am excited to be working with Nota Bella this year – and am enjoying the singers immensely.
My daughter went to Westlake, and now my granddaughter goes to Westlake. Westlake is my other family – it is like coming home!
What new skills and ideas can you bring to our junior singers?
Children do not know what they can do and how far they can go – so I ask! If you do not ask, you do not get! But you do need to know what to ask for – and that is my job as a choral conductor. I want to empower the choristers and teach them skills for a lifetime of learning – whether it be in music or anything else. I always ask the choristers not to be the weakest link – and an ex-pupil from Westlake who sang in Key Cygnetures 14 years ago, thanked me recently – as she was able to liken this saying to her chosen profession of engineering! Repertoire – this is fundamental to the success of a choir. Choosing diverse repertoire from different genres, eras and cultures broadens choristers’ horizons and gives a deeper understanding of inclusivity and community. I want them to understand basic theory, not just to learn music by rote, to learn to sight-sing, to enjoy the repertoire from different cultures, be proud of their achievements, and enjoy the art of singing with others in a choir – united as a team.
NB: Nota Bella Choir is still open for Year 9 and 10 singers. It is an amazing opportunity to learn from one of the best choral conductors in the world! If you haven’t sung in a choir before – it is a great way to make lots of new friends and enjoy performing music together. Please come and see Mrs Wilson in the Music Department if you are interested in joining Nota Bella.
As the only North Shore school represented at ASB Polyfest 2022, the mana and passion of our students shone especially bright yesterday.
Just over 20 schools participated this year, however that number would normally be 60+ schools on the Māori stage, over several different divisions. This year all schools competed in one pool, meaning our kapa haka group, Te Rerenga Wāna, was up against some stiff competition from schools in higher divisions.
We won’t know the final results until later today, but what we do know is that this young group of wāhine left everything on the stage! The power in the performance was spine-tingling and every single member should be proud of their achievement.
Congratulations to a “very proud” Matua Eddie Hudson, along with tutors Renee Lawrence, Maddison Gerbes, Lyric Wihoete, Tirakahurangi Leaf and Sarah Tahere.
If you missed the performance, you can catch it On Demand here: https://www.maoritelevision.com/shows/asb-polyfest-2022
Check out the amazing photos of our students in this NZ Herald article today:
The images with this article were taken during a full dress rehearsal last Monday – except for the shot of students watching the live-stream in our Event Centre yesterday.
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By Elizabeth Beaumont
TIC – Food Technology
Different groups within the school community are returning to full-time, in-class learning and extra-curricular activities after isolating or recovering from Covid-related illness.
It is important to remember there will be a transition period for students to get back into routines, cover material they have missed and feel they are on track with their learning. Even re-engaging with teachers and friendship groups can be stressful for students. This article was originally aimed at teachers but many of the points would also be useful for students and families.
Below are some suggestions from the Mental health Foundation on what to “keep in mind”.
Everyone’s experiences of the pandemic are different, so are coping skills and resilience in dealing with these experiences. Be aware of what others may be going through including teaching staff.
You may feel it’s all getting too much, but chances are others are feeling the same. Talk to your child, their teachers, seek guidance from the school if you need to. Encourage them to re-engage with the things they enjoy at school and join activities and sports to reconnect.
Don’t dismiss/ignore major changes in how your child reacts or responds. There could be something more going on, watch for major mood changes, weight loss/gain, excessive tiredness, more secretive behaviour than you would normally observe and signs of any form of self harm.
Two years of disrupted learning will result in possible gaps in their understanding of concepts covered in class, they will need support and encouragement to feel they can achieve and progress.Talk about what they have done in class, what they enjoyed and also what they do not enjoy so much, these are often the areas where they do not feel as prepared so may require additional support.
Form Teachers, Deans, Guidance are all here to help your daughter. Any concerns please contact us and discuss how we can best support. Contact details are on our website: https://www.westlakegirls.school.nz/staff-contacts
Adapted from Mental Health Foundation – Returning to school after lockdown
Dani Wooldridge’s love of the ocean is certainly causing a splash on the NZ sailing scene!
Dani, Westlake’s 2021 Yachtswoman of the Year, has been selected to represent New Zealand at the Youth Sailing World Championships in the Hague, Netherlands from 8 – 15 July 2022. Dani will compete in the Girl’s Two-Person Dinghy class with Nicola Hume from Epsom Girls.
Nicola is pictured on the left and Dani on the right in the photo above.
Dani comes from a sailing family, and had watched her older brother sail before deciding it was a sport she wanted to take up as well. Part of the Wakatere Boating Club based on the shores of Narrow Neck Beach in Devonport, she competes in the 420, which is a two-person trapeze and spinnaker racing dinghy, which holds status as a World Sailing International Class.
“In the 420 there are three sails. The helm and the crew work together with different roles to keep the boat moving fast,” says Dani. “In the 420 I am the crew, my jobs are keeping the boat flat with the trapeze, controlling the jib and the kite. Nicola is the helm, she steers the boat and controls the main sail. We do many different jobs working together to help control the boat and keep it going.”
Already friends, Dani and Nicola began sailing together at the end of June 2021, “We started out aiming to do well in the youth trials/Ocean Bridge Regatta. We were selected for the youth championship after winning the top girl placing in the youth trials also known as the Ocean Bridge Regatta from 17-20 February,” she says.
“The first day wasn’t windy enough and there wasn’t any racing completed. But there was racing for the next 3 days. Nicola and I did really well on the first two days of racing and we got good results that set us up for the rest of the regatta, allowing us to win top girl placing and qualify for the youth champion spot.”
Dani says she was “happy and really proud” of their selection – the result of months of hard work and training. There will be 69 different countries represented, which will provide some fantastic international experience.
“From now until July we will be training loads and gaining experience before we travel to the youth championships,” says Dani. “We will be training with the other 420 boy team qualifier.”
“What I love about sailing is the freedom and the speed you experience. And even when there is only a small amount of wind I love being out on the water.”
No doubt we will be seeing lots more of this talented young sailor.
It’s a whole new world out there, and being savvy with social media is helpful when it comes to understanding what our teens are seeing and experiencing online.
Today we are publishing this handy guide to Instagram, and over the coming weeks will will look at Snapchat and TikTok.
For more information, check out the links on the bottom of the image above – Facebook, in particular, is a great way to follow.
On Tuesday 15 February, Westlake was represented by a team of 12 athletes at St Kentigern for the Aquathon Championships. This is an event that consists of an open water swim in the Tamaki Estuary, followed by a run, with students completing the event as either an individual or as part of a team.
The most notable performance from the Westlake Girls contingent at the event was that of the Senior girls team, who won gold with Zoe Crawford completing the 750m swim who handed off to Kalei Morgan-Tafea for the 6km run, storming to victory in the event, a full minute clear of the closest challenger.
Next was the turn of the Intermediate age-group, with 3 teams and 2 individuals representing Westlake Girls. A strong run 
from Kate Borton (pictured left) on the back of a solid swim leg by Savannah-Eve Martin, led them to a Bronze medal in the Intermediate team’s event. Kaira Wohlfarth also had an excellent swim-leg, swimming up from the Junior Age-group and exiting the water with the fastest of the Intermediate Girls.
Special mention must also go to Chloe Dowson & Mia Stanley-Hunt, who completed the grueling 500m swim followed by 4km run as individuals, finishing a respectable 5th & 7th overall.
Last to compete were the Juniors, a 400m swim followed by the same 4km run. Some valuable learnings taken no doubt by the two Year 9 students competing, as swimmer Cayleigh Blackburn along with runner Eva Gardiner came home an admirable 6th in the team event, with this being their first opportunity to represent the school.
By Kathleen Beckett
HOD PE & Health
On Wednesday 9 March, the 13 Outdoor Ed class ventured North on their first full day excursion for the year. We went to the lovely Goat Island and Whangateau to do some snorkelling and appreciate our wonderful Marine Reserve and nature.
While we had a great day for it, our visibility at Goat Island wasn’t the greatest so we spent that time refining our skills and then explored the mangroves and reef out in Whangateau.
Working with EMR (Experiencing Marine Reserves) is a great opportunity for our school and we would like to encourage others to volunteer or participate with their organisation. They offer lots of free snorkelling experiences that you can check out on their Facebook page.
As a taster, enjoy these awesome photos from our trip.
The Red-Light gathering sizes saw a new look Greater Auckland Secondary School Athletics Championships this year.
The event was split over three days across three weeks, with different sessions for the field events and two separate days of track events. This year the qualifying standards were extremely tough, and our school was represented by 13 athletes across the three days.
It was a very successful event with the team picking up an outstanding total of 10 medals – 9 Gold medals and 1 Silver medal, with an additional four top fiveplacings. Congratulations to all those who competed.
The medallists and top five performers were:
Gold: Junior Discus
Gold: Junior Shot Put
Gold: Junior Javelin
*Greater Auckland Secondary School Championships Record – 35.24m (beating the previously held record by nearly 5 meters)
Gold: Junior 80m Hurdles
Gold: Junior Long Jump
Gold: Junior Hammer Throw
*Greater Auckland Secondary School Athletics Championships Record – 40.35m (smashing the previous record by over two and a half meters)
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Gold: Intermediate 800m
Gold: Intermediate 400m
Silver: Intermediate 200m
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Gold: Intermediate Girls Triple Jump
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5th place: Junior 200m
5th place: Junior 300m
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5th place: Intermediate 200m
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4th place: Senior 800m
5th place: Senior 1500m
Did you know that students have a range of services they can access through our school App? Under “Student Services”, students can:
On our App, you can also find a list of contacts, you can record an absence, access the parent portal, and read our school newsletter.
You can find us under SchoolAppsNZ. Download and then search for Westlake Girls.
If your daughter is in Year 9 or 10, you are able to access her Progressive Achievement Tests (PATs) result through the school’s Parent Portal.
PATs assess students’ Mathematics, Listening Comprehension, Punctuation and Grammar, Reading Comprehension, and Reading Vocabulary. They are a series of standardised tests developed specifically for use in New Zealand schools.
To access your daughter’s PATs results, go to the Parent Portal (https://parent.westlakegirls.school.nz/index.php). It is also available on our website – just scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and you’ll find the link under “Quick Links”.
Once you have signed into the Portal, click on “Results” in the drop-down menu and then “All Results”. You’ll see something that looks like this image below. The actual result appears as a stanine score – a score from 1-9 derived from a national norm reference sample. A stanine of 9 indicates a very high level of general ability relative to the whole norm reference group, and a stanine of 1 indicates a very low relative achievement.
If you need more information on PATs and what the tests assess, please click HERE
