By Susana Tomaz
TIC STEAM

Our Year 10 STEAM students have worked very hard through lockdown to develop their Community Project prototypes. They have risen to the challenge and have demonstrated great resilience, adaptability, problem-solving and collaboration.

Below are links to 3 of the 12 projects that were nominated for the national competition 123 Tech.

I am very excited to announce that STEAM 6 (Invisible Disabilities) has been selected as a National Finalist in that competition. They had their session with the judges on Thursday 2 December and will hear shortly if they are the National Winner. Congratulations to Shreeji Patel, Estelle Fernandez and Sumi Wang.

Below are the nomination videos and google sites of each group. The quality of their work is outstanding.

STEAM 1 (Beyond the Glass Walls/ Animal testing) video and google site– Jihyun Min, Ella Kim, Natalie Whitie

STEAM 6 (Invisible Disabilities) video and google site – Shreeji Patel, Estelle Fernandez and Sumi Wang (pictured top)

STEAM 7 (Simply Sustainable) video and google site– Kate Borton, Jin-Joo Lee, Yvanna Uniral and Kinda

Kassibawi

We are very sad that we’re unable to have guests at our STEAM Innovation Expo next Tuesday 7 December. However, we will take lots of photos for you to enjoy.

By Kate Segetin
Lead Facilitator of Equip’d at WGHS

Harbour Sport in conjunction with Westlake Girls High School have been facilitating the ActivAsian Equip’d programme for the later part of 2021. The goals of the Equip’d programme are to promote positive cultural identity, self-confidence, student agency and holistic wellbeing. 

Our first session consisted of an Amazing Race that included a range of team-building activities and a general knowledge quiz. It was an opportunity for the students to meet and connect with participants in the programme. We were very fortunate to have a group of student leaders who helped to plan and facilitate the afternoon activities, making it so much fun and engaging.

In the next session, the focus was on promoting physical health so we got out on the Netball courts to get our heart rates up and to have some fun together. The students learnt some key skills then played games against each other to learn the rules and strategies of the game of Netball. We were really appreciative of the guidance of April Ieremia and from the more experienced players during this session.

During week 3, (which was unfortunately our last prior to lockdown), experienced Chef, Skuku Morimoto, guided us through the making of the traditional Japanese pancake; Okonomiyaki. It was so much fun and we learnt how to make such a delicious dish! 

During lockdown, Equip’d continued. The leaders helped to come up with a range of ideas to promote connection and well-being for the students while they were at home in their bubbles. These included online quizzes, games, a physical activity challenge, a cooking challenge and an online yoga class. 

Now back at school, the participants are involved in a virtual field trip where they are collectively working towards a target and are walking, running or cycling from a range of landmarks in the Philippines. Next week, the “Equip’d in the Kitchen” challenge will begin and the students will be provided with an Equip’d Food Bag which will contain a range of ingredients for them to produce a healthy meal to share with their families at home.

We would like to acknowledge the support and continued commitment from Husmit Uka, Hannah Milne, Alvin Cheung and Dhruva Chakrabarty from Harbour Sport and the sponsorship from the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board for making this programme possible. We have also been very fortunate to have the help of some outstanding student leaders in this programme that helped to plan and facilitate the sessions both in school and during lockdown. Thank you on behalf of the participants for making this programme so much fun and engaging.

Charlotte Lockie has some extraordinary talent when it comes to baking. You might remember her from a previous story in Te Roto, where we showcased her amazing cakes (see below).

She has developed her passion for baking into a business, using skills developed through Food Technology – and Business Studies has also supported her in this venture. You can experience some of Charlotte’s talent for yourself by purchasing her gluten-free macarons for just $10 a box,

Flavours are strawberry pavlova, gingerbread, chocolate peppermint.

You can contact Charlotte by direct message through Instagram: @char._.bakes

Charlotte takes the cake!

The performing arts are shining bright at Westlake Girls, with the award-winning Socially Distanced Shakespeare and two of our students gaining places at prestigious acting schools for 2022.

You can read about Izzie Newton-Cross and her acceptance into Toi Whakaari in another article in this newsletter. First, we are proud to introduce Molly Dimond, who has been accepted into NASDA (school for musical theatre) to study for a New Zealand Certificate in Performing Arts – from Year 12!

“I’ve always had a strong passion for the performing arts,” says Molly.  “I thought instead of doing Year 13, it would be better for me to study at a performing arts college. That way, I’d be studying something I truly love and am good at.”

NASDA is based in Christchurch, so it will be a big move for this 17-year-old – but an exciting one.

“After I found out I was accepted into NASDA, I LITERALLY fell to the floor and started crying because of how happy I was,” she says.  “I was never encouraged in primary or intermediate school to keep singing or to keep dancing, so after getting accepted into NASDA, I felt proud of myself, because I had worked so hard to get to where I am now. I remember calling my mother  and saying ‘guess who’s going to Christchurch?’. It was simply one of the proudest and emotional moments of my performing arts life.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new people and learning new things about what I’m capable of. I’m very excited to challenge myself with new goals and can’t wait to perform on stage full-time. But what I’m most excited about, is how I’m going to study the one thing that makes me happy – performing. My talent shines the most when I’m performing live on stage. I love theatre, it’s what I hope my career will become in the future.”

After she has completed her one-year certificate, Molly plans to travel to New York to study for a three-year degree in musical theatre, and to perform on Broadway.

When it comes to being on stage, Molly is an ‘old-hand’. “I performed for the first time when I was only 5-years-old,” she says.  “It was a jazz dance competition and I knew immediately that performing is what I wanted to do. I have performed at Centrestage Theatre, playing Margot in Legally Blonde The Musical. I played leading lady Hannah Stevens, in The End, The Musical at Seed Theatre, and I have recently been given the part of Bombalerina in CATS The Musical.”

Molly is grateful for the support she received from Westlake. “I’d like to give a shoutout to the Drama Department and Ms Cannan. Ms Cannan has supported me all throughout my time at Westlake. She is the reason I performed in my first musical and she is someone I can always count on. I would also encourage students to give drama a chance, it’s fun, educational, and a subject you can always look forward to. Coming from someone who used to be “the shy kid,” the subject has taught me so much about myself.

“To all my fellow Westlake girls, do something that makes you feel alive! Do something that makes you smile or something that makes you happy. Go with your gut, and do what you love.”

Izzie is pictured top left with Mia Thomas during a Friday Lunch Live performance earlier this year.

Kia ora! I’m Izzie Newton-Cross, and as of last week I got accepted into Toi Whakaari NZ Drama School’s Acting Course which has been an absolute dream come true.

I initially applied because I wanted to get into Toi Whakaari’s Costuming Course, but decided to also apply for acting even though I had absolutely no chance in getting in since it is the most competitive drama school to get into in the whole country. Each year they get around 250 applications, (every applicant gets to audition), then 40 to 60 people get into the next round for Applicants Weekend, and from that, around only 20 get in! Added onto that is the fact that they very rarely take in people who have just left high school and often applicants have to audition year after year before they get in! So all of the odds really seemed stacked against me, but in the end I really think that that was what gave me an edge. The fact I knew I wasn’t going to get in meant that I didn’t take it too seriously and was just able to have fun! I auditioned with a different mindset than all the other applicants. Instead of worrying about how I was being perceived or stressing over getting my lines right, I instead thought “what can I learn from this experience”. This is now how I plan to tackle all my challenges in the future. It freed up my mind and my soul and took away all the nerves because I wasn’t focusing on the outcome and instead just living in the moment.

The fact that I approached this audition process rather nonchalantly meant that I was absolutely gob-smacked when I got the email saying that I had gotten in. I was reading it, waiting for the line that’d let me down gently, waiting for them to say “we really liked you but…..”, and it never came. Instead they offered me a place and I called my parents, absolutely shaking, to tell them the good news. I thought that I would be shouting it from the rooftops when I found out, but instead it was like an inner peace washed over me and all the stress of figuring out what I’m going to do next year fell off my shoulders.

The audition process was so much more different than any other audition I have been to, and that was because for some reason – even though I have never actually stepped foot in the school or met any of the tutors in person because the auditions were on zoom – I felt at home. I felt such a deep connection to the school and the people there that I just knew I belonged. The realisation that I have gotten into this amazing place has still not settled and I think I will only feel it once I step foot into the school for the first time next year.

Even though Toi Whakaari doesn’t have any halls connected to the school and most of their students live in flats, I’m going to be living at Helen Lowry which is a hall connected to Victoria University. I got into this hall when I thought that I was going to be studying at Vic, but am still able to live there even though I am going to Toi. It is a really cute place in Karori, it’s got a veggie garden, a gym, music room, game room, and it’s catered. I can’t wait to live there and start my life journey.

The things I am looking forward to most are meeting everyone in my class, the full-time intense training, and finally being able to pursue my dream. When I was in intermediate school we went on a trip to an insurance firm to have a look at different careers we could pursue, and a few of the workers asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. Naturally I told them that I wanted to be an actress, and these fully grown adults laughed at me. Laughed at this innocent 12-year-old girl, and told me that I would not end up being an actress and that I will in fact end up working in an office like theirs. I don’t know what their goal was in telling me this, but there was one thing that they did give me, and that was ambition. Ambition to prove them wrong and show that that 12-year-old-girl wasn’t just being a naive idiot kid with false hope, but a strong young woman with dreams that she’ll never let die. So while I’m off to go study at the most prestigious acting school in the country, the place where Cliff Curtis learnt his craft, I hope they’re all doing well in whatever they’re doing!

My long term goal after I graduate from Toi Whakaari is obviously to become a professional actress. I know it will be tough, it’s an industry of luck and connections and it takes a lot of guts to survive in a place like that, but I know I can do it. I don’t care whether I’m as famous as Merryl Streep or Jim down the road, I just want to continue pursuing the thing that I love. I am so grateful to get into this school and I am excited because this is only just the beginning!

One last note to leave this on is the fact that I would never have gotten this amazing opportunity without the support of those around me. The undying support from my drama teacher, Mrs Cannan, will never be forgotten as that is the main reason why I had such confidence to do this in the first place. Thank you to my parents for being there, and also to my dear friend Sarah Penny for hyping me up before that initial audition over Facetime and for supporting me all the way through. You’re no one without your friends and because of you, I might just be somebody.

Nga mihi,
Izzie Newton-Cross

We had a brilliant year with our Future Problem Solving team. Not only did we have the highest number qualify for Nationals, but we also had these outstanding results:

Best middle scenario writer in NZ (on site) – Julia Wilkins
3rd best in NZ individual GIPS middle division – Kate Borton
3rd best in NZ individual GIPS  senior division – Abbie Clements
2nd best in NZ individual  GIPS senior division  – Sophie Dykgraaf
2nd best in NZ team GIPS senior division – Serena Chen/ Raeanne Leow/ Jumana Maash, Megan Meng

Congratulations to all of these students.

This year the Otago Junior Mathematics Competition was staged in two parts. From the initial 4500 students sitting, only 1600 made it through to the second part. In a year during which the standard of participants has been reported to have been very high, among the prize winners was Year 9 student, Elaine Zhou, who placed among the top 30 entrants. Congratulations Elaine!

Ivy Mitchell and Ella Dorward have been announced as Westlake’s 2022 Head Prefect and Deputy Head Prefect respectively.

They are part of a group of 96 Prefects and Tuakana (students who help our Year 9s settle into school), and includes three International Prefects. Each of our five Houses has a House, Academic, Arts, Environmental, Sports & Wellbeing, Service, and Cultural Prefects, as well as a Tuakana Coordinator leading a team of Tuakana.

Our House Captains for 2022 are:

Akoranga: Ella Borrie
Hauraki: Tallulah Salmon
Onewa: Holly Williams
Pupuke: Lucy Jobbins
Wairau: Aimee Euston-Stewart

Above from left: Ella Borrie, Tallulah Salmon, Holly Williams. Below left: Lucy Jobbins, Aimee Euston-Stewart.

Ivy and Ella found out in mid-November that they had been chosen as next year’s Head and Deputy Head Prefect.

“Receiving the call from our principal Mrs Stanley, was an amazing surprise,” says Ivy. “Initially, I was so shocked I was lost for words – something that doesn’t happen very often being someone who loves to talk! [Ed’s note – Ivy was named runner-up Most Engaging Speaker at this year’s MUNA event]. When the news finally sunk in, I was ecstatic and couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I was thrilled to be able to share the news with my family and was especially over the moon to hear my good friend Ella received Deputy Head Prefect. What a cool way to end the year!”

A talented footballer, Ella was equally as excited. “I was actually out bike riding when the call came in, so I was a bit flustered and puffed but super excited once I heard it was Mrs Stanley.  I haven’t stopped smiling since receiving the call. I couldn’t really believe it. After hearing I was Deputy, I was super keen to find out who Head Prefect was. I was even more excited when I found out it was one of my best friends. I am really looking forward to working with Ivy in 2022.”

Ivy says the role of Head Prefect is a huge honour. “I am very proud to be a Westlake student, and always wear my blazer with pride. Being in the position to represent the school community has been a goal of mine since Year 9. Throughout my time at Westlake I have been spoilt with amazing teachers, opportunities and student leaders who have guided me throughout my high school journey. To have the opportunity to represent the school that has given so much to me, and to be able to pass on this Westlake warmth to future students is very humbling.”

Both students have been active during their time at Westlake – Ivy in the humanities, public speaking and several groups such as Amnesty International, MUNA, and the UNICEF Committee. Ella has a passion for sports and the outdoors (currently undertaking her Gold Duke of Ed), however she has also been Westlake’s Student Head Librarian, part of the Future Problem Solving team and Student Council.

Ella says her goal next year is to do “the best job possible” in representing the students of Westlake.

“This is a position that I have had in my sights since my junior years, so it is amazing to be writing this now knowing that my aspirations have become my reality. My focus will be to inspire other students to strive for excellence by taking the opportunities that arise for them. I want to be known as an approachable person that is genuine and leads by example.”

Ivy says her primary focus as Head Prefect will be as a mentor. “I want to empower students to step outside of their comfort zones and grab opportunities that define who they are. I hope to continue the legacy of the former Westlake Head Prefects, and continue to inspire the amazing students of Westlake.”

Both students have enjoyed their time at Westlake:

Ivy: The community at Westlake Girls’ is the reason behind my smile as I walk into school each day. From the senior leaders to the teachers, to the students, everyone has each other’s back, and it is a lovely environment to be a part of. Westlake Girls’ often talks of the ‘sisterhood’ but it is not until you go to Westlake that you truly experience what it feels like. Having the support and love from over 2,200 students and staff will definitely put a smile on your face if you were to walk into the Westlake community. 

Ella: I love how Westlake provides every student with so many amazing opportunities to try new things and excel at their strengths. There truly is something for everyone at Westlake and I think that is so great! I have loved seeing my peers discover where their passions and skills lie as they figure out what their life after Westlake might look like. Through the opportunities that I have been able to take at Westlake, I have loved being able to meet so many nice people and reconnect over the years with many friends I hadn’t seen since primary school.

All the best for a very successful year!

Juniors finishing on Tuesday 14 December

Our Year 9 and 10 students will be finishing school on Tuesday 14 December. They will attend Periods 1, 2, interval and 3 as per usual. At 12.30pm they will go to their Form Classes for the awarding of certificates, and will then be free to leave once released by their Form Teachers around 1.15pm. Please note that buses will be running to their normal schedule that day.

Year Books Available

Westlake’s fabulous 2021 Year Book is now available from the Payments Office. If you contributed $100 or more to your school donation this year, you are entitled to a free book. Otherwise they are available to purchase for $20.

The Year Book has 140 pages of events, successes and highlights of the year, including our sporting and academic achievements. It’s chocca full of great photos – the perfect way to remember what will be a year that will go down in history.

Make sure you secure your copy!

Year 13 2021 parent database

If you are the parent of a Year 13 student in 2021, your details will be no longer be active in our system from the beginning of 2022. You don’t have to do anything – we’ll just stop sending you emails – unless you have a younger daughter still at Westlake in 2022 of course!

It’s time to Renew Student Lockers for 2022 (and cleanout your current one!)

All of our lockers will be opened and cleaned over the summer break, so please make sure you collect all of your items before you leave school for the year. Locker renewal is also now available for 2022. If your daughter would like to retain the locker she currently has, this needs to be done by 15 January 2022. The price remains the same at $60 per year. Payments can be made through the website Payment Page: https://www.westlakegirls.school.nz/payments/lockers

Textbook Bonds

Textbook bonds paid for students who started in 2017 can now be refunded. Please email our accounts team to check on this: [email protected]

327 Bus not Operating

We have been notified that the Richies 327 bus that comes from out West for students attending Westlake schools, will not be running for the remainder of the year. If you have any questions, please contact Ritchies at [email protected]

Second-Hand Uniform Shop Pop-Up Shop hours

The pop-up store’s hours have changed slightly (listed below). Drop in to see Lyn Cuthbertson from Westlake Boys (left) and Barbara Scholten from Westlake Girls. They would love to help you!

You can find the store outside the former Colmbus cafe at Smales Farm. There is lots of parking. You can find out more about how to sell items through the school’s Second-Hand Uniform Shop HERE.

Opening Hours are:
Saturday 11 December: 10am – 2pm
Wednesday 15 December: 12 – 2pm
Saturday 18 December: 10am – 2pm

Key Dates 2021/22

Tuesday 14 December – NCEA exams finish, last day of class for Year 9 and 10 students
Tuesday 1 February 2022 – Years 10, 11, 12 & 13 at school
Wednesday 2 February – Year 9 at school only (along with Year 13 leaders)
Thursday 3 February – Whole school in (Day 4 on the timetable)
Monday 7 February – School closed for Waitangi Day (Observed)