Kia ora Parents and Caregivers,

It’s been a very exciting couple of weeks with lots to celebrate here at Westlake.

Our choirs performed outstandingly at the Auckland Big Sing Regionals last week, with Nota Bella, Cantare and Choralation all coming away with wins. The latter two made it through to the Finale, with Cigno Voce Senior Choir selected to compete at Cadenza (the next level down from the Finale) in Rotorua. It’s the first time Cigno Voce has been selected to compete – congratulations to Musical Director Rachel Carson, and the hard-working students.

It’s been a week of musical success – with chamber and choral music accomplishments, which you can read about in this edition of Te Roto.

We’ve also had some fantastic accomplishments in sport. Our snowboarding team was named the 2022 Auckland Secondary School Schools Snowboarding Champions, and individual students have achieved honours in swimming, cricket, equestrian and football – to name a few.

I hope you’ll get the chance to see our school production, which starts next Wednesday, or perhaps attend our Chinese Night celebration on Friday 8 July. The shift in gathering restrictions has made it a busy, but very exciting term for our students and staff.

A highlight this week has been seeing our students embrace Matariki and taking the time to learn about the Māori New Year. We’ve held a few events to celebrate, including a fabulous hāngi today. Teachers have also used class time to discuss the cluster of nine stars that comprise Matariki, and the symbolism of remembering those who have passed, planning for the year ahead, and being grateful for what we have.

I hope your plans for this Matariki long weekend, involve whānau and fun.

Jane Stanley

Principal