Kia ora Parents and Caregivers,
We’ve made it through to the end of term after an extraordinary Week 10. For a 4-day week, we certainly packed a lot in, and I’m so proud of the students who participated in a wide range of events.
Firstly though, I want to say well done to our senior students on the successful completion of your exams. It hasn’t been an easy couple of years, and for some of you it would have been the first time you had sat exams in that environment.
As I mentioned, it has been a very full week of activities, including sports, class trips and events.
On Tuesday we held our Prefect Graduation, where we acknowledged the incredible contribution made by our 97 Prefects and Tuakana in 2022. Guest speaker was Alumna Sarah Cross, GM of IP Asset Strategy at Fonterra. She gave an inspiring speech about her career journey, and encouraged students to take career risks when they are young, as they have plenty of time if something doesn’t work out – but often those risks do turn out to be great career moves.
On Wednesday we held our inaugural Father and Daughter Breakfast. It was fantastic to see the Event Centre filled with 360 students and their very proud dads. Another Alumna, Andrea Nelson who is CEO of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, shared insights from her career in sports – which was an interesting career path after not being particularly sporty at school. Head Prefect Ivy Mitchell also shared some touching and funny stories about her dad. A big thank you to our rowing community who worked tirelessly to make this event so special.
Wednesday evening saw the Event Centre full once again with families and friends enjoying our inaugural Pasifika Evening. It was a beautiful celebration of dance, music and culture, and I want to congratulate Assistant Principal Donna Pike, along with the staff who assisted, and all of the students who participated.
This week our students also celebrated Cultural Week with a series of events, including International Food Day with a range of different cuisines from around the world.
It’s been a wonderful week of celebration, tinged with sadness as we farewelled some staff members, including Deputy Principal Lucille Vukets. Lucille has been an exceptionally valued member of our staff over the past five years, particularly in the area of Pastoral Care. I know I speak on behalf of the staff and students of Westlake when I thank Lucille for her tremendous impact on our school.
It’s been a very busy term, and I know our staff and students alike will be grateful for the holidays to stop and take a breath. Whatever your plans, I hope you enjoy some quality family time, and the slower pace of life without the morning school run.
Jane Stanley