Talofa lava Parents and Caregivers,
We are just over the halfway mark for Term 2, and there is plenty going on within the world of Westlake Girls.
This week we have had a number of student-led events celebrating Samoan language week. Earlier today I enjoyed a delicious lunch of chop suey and pork buns, and it’s been fantastic to see the engagement from our student body. A big thank you to all of the staff and students who were part of the organisation of this week’s events.
You would’ve seen my communication earlier in the week about the continued PPTA industrial action. Whilst I know this has a significant impact on a number of areas of school life, it is important that our teachers’ claims are addressed and the mana of our kaiako is recognised. To provide a quality education for our young people we must have staff who feel valued. We will continue to support our teachers as best we can.
I have seen some exceptional skills on display in a number of different extra-curricular areas over the past couple of weeks. On Wednesday afternoon I witnessed a cracking game of football between Westlake Girls and St Cuthbert’s, with Westlake Girls triumphing 6 – 0. Great work team! I also had the pleasure of listening to Hannah Smith from 10WWR performing a piece on her french horn in the Year 10 assembly. Hannah won the Intermediate division of the soloist competition that was held at the end of Week 4. It takes an immense amount of courage to perform on your own in front of your peers, so well done Hannah. The amount of talent that we have here never ceases to amaze me.
This evening we have our joint Korean night with Westlake Boys, so good luck to the students who are performing. Later this term we also have our Chinese night. If you can, get along and support these events.
As you are aware from my communications, the PPTA have resumed their industrial action, which includes rostering home of Year levels.
On Tuesday 6 June – Year 10 are rostered home and will not be taught or supervised at school.
On Thursday 8 June – Year 9 are rostered home and will not be taught or supervised at school.
Students should continue with their work on Google classroom. If you are unable to provide supervision at home, please contact their House Dean to arrange for supervision at school.
Finally, I hope that students use the extra day over the long weekend to recharge, however it is also the time of year where plenty of assessments are due. It may be a good opportunity for some to catch-up in different curriculum areas.
Have a great weekend when it arrives.
Faafetai lava
David Burton
Acting Principal
