For 18 June 2026
Quick Note
The Board’s role is governance rather than day-to-day school operations. This means the Board focuses on setting the school’s strategic direction, policies, and long-term priorities, while operational matters such as managing school facilities are handled by the Property Team and the Student Council.
ERO Review
Every four years, the Education Review Office (ERO) reviews and reports on outcomes for students, school conditions, and steps for school improvement. The recent ERO report confirms that Westlake Girls’ High School continues to achieve strong outcomes for learners and maintains high levels of student achievement.
Overall, ERO found that the school is well placed to sustain positive outcomes and continue enhancing learning opportunities for all students.
The ERO ‘Snapshot’ shows that Westlake Girls’ High School is performing very strongly overall, with ‘Excelling’ grades in areas such as student achievement, progress, literacy and numeracy, curriculum, and assessment. Students are achieving highly, making strong progress, and being well supported to access a wide range of learning pathways and opportunities.
The report also notes positive support for engagement, belonging, equality, and additional learning needs, with targeted help in places and improvements being made in attendance.
For those interested in reading the ERO report, click here.
Westlake Girls’ High School Indoor Courts
The Westlake Girls’ High School Board is currently exploring the possibility of developing a new indoor court facility through a school-community partnership. There is currently strong demand for additional indoor court space across the North Shore, particularly for volleyball, basketball and futsal, and identified WGHS as a suitable location due to its accessibility to Smales Farm Bus Station and our existing sporting facilities. The proposal aimed to increase opportunities for students while also providing community access outside school hours. The project is intended to support both school and community sport and strengthen connections between the school and the wider North Shore community.
Application for Excellence in Educational Leadership
As part of our Application for Excellence in Educational Leadership, the Board has reflected on the positive impact of school-wide initiatives designed to strengthen student engagement, belonging, and success. A key outcome has been the development of the Student Growth Profile, which helps students understand their learning journey, leadership opportunities, and future pathways from Year 9-13. These initiatives have also contributed to strong academic outcomes, including excellent NCEA and University Entrance results, improved literacy and numeracy achievement, and New Zealand Scholarship success. Together, these outcomes demonstrate our commitment to creating an environment where every student feels supported to grow, achieve, and thrive.
Challenge Success Survey
Results from the Challenge Success Survey show positive improvements in student engagement, belonging, and support across the school. Between 2024 and 2026, the proportion of students who reported feeling a sense of belonging increased from 47% to 57%, while those who identified having a trusted adult at school increased from 55% to 65%. In 2026, 50% of students were either fully engaged (23%) or purposefully engaged (27%) in their learning, while only 7% reported being disengaged. These results reflect the impact of initiatives focused on strengthening student wellbeing, connection, and confidence, helping more students feel supported and engaged in their learning journey.
Draft Livestreaming and Broadcast Guidelines
The Board carefully considered the proposal to livestream basketball and netball, with student wellbeing, privacy, and safety remaining its highest priorities. Concerns were raised about parental consent, access and control of livestream links, potential privacy breaches, and the increased exposure of students, particularly in junior teams. While recognising that livestreaming can improve accessibility for families, the Board agreed there is currently no compelling reason to allow livestreaming of netball and basketball and supported an opt-in approach for any future consideration. The Board has asked for a formal livestreaming policy to be developed to ensure any future decisions prioritise the protection, dignity, and best interests of students.
By Sylvie Waddingham, Student Representative, Board.
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