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Te Reo O Te Roto
The Language of the Lake
Issue 83 | 24 May 2024
From the Principal

From the Principal

Kia ora, everyone,

As always, it’s been an action-packed couple of weeks here at Westlake!

Recent events have caused me to reflect on the true meaning of community at our kura. From the Pasifika Fono Evening, where we celebrated our Pasifika students, to the music, sporting, and other events that showcase the incredible talent and spirit within our school, I am continually reminded of the diverse and dynamic family we have here.

This week, I attended a lunch with the original founders of our school and other members of our alumni community. As most of you know, our school began as a co-ed school in 1957, and a few years later, in 1962, we split into Westlake Boys and Westlake Girls. I loved hearing the original pupils talk about their early days here and their insights into what has changed – and what has not – since then, sparking lively discussions about the evolution of our school.

The experience highlighted our school’s solid foundations and the enduring connections that continue to support and enrich our students.

I am very grateful for the kindness within our Westlake family. As just one example, it was lovely to see the social media post this morning about the Year 10s and their Market Day yesterday, raising funds for charity.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Warm regards,

Jane Stanley

PRINCIPAL

Community

House Points

Career Bites

Career Bites - a focus on engineering

“Engineers affect our lives daily by designing the world around us”. This is the first thing we learned when Sonia Jafari, a second-year Engineering student and Westlake graduate, and Kelly Moodie from Women in Engineering Network (WEN) came in to speak to a packed classroom of keen students. Sonia gave us an overview of what it’s like to study Engineering at Auckland University. It was interesting to hear that a broad range of Engineering specialisations is offered in the first year to help students choose their own specialisation – Structural Engineering in Sonia’s case. Kelly built on Sonia’s presentation with information about the wonderful support and mentoring that WEN offers to female engineering students.

We were also privileged to hear from two fourth-year Massey students specialising in Robotic and Mechatronics. Jonathan Brown and Ben Chapelow were great advocates for this area of Engineering and have loved the hands-on opportunities they’ve had at Massey, including building robotic dogs and remote air-monitoring and storm water systems. They really emphasised the flexibility of their specialisation, which has provided them with a broad knowledge base that could take them from biomedical engineering to aeronautics. The sky’s the limit!

Siobhan McKimmey 

Community

First aid superstar

During the holidays, Libby Pawley (13HSC) competed at the Hato Hone St John National Youth competitions. Eleven teams competed in realistic scenarios. Libby gained first place in her individual First aid test, first place with her partner in a pairs test, first place in a mass casualty scenario with her team of four, and third place in drill and inspection. These placings contributed to The Northern Region winning the title of overall Champion region. Well done, Libby!

Community

Beach Clean-Up

On 26 March, 20-plus Westlake Girls’ High School students completed a successful beach clean-up at Milford Beach. Thanks to ‘Our Seas Our Future ‘, we were well equipped with supplies such as gloves, bags, and merchandise. Through this process, we were enlightened and taken aback by the large amount of rubbish collected from the beach. Back at school, we conducted a rubbish audit to analyse the amounts and types of rubbish on the beach. We discovered an abundance of soft, non-recyclable plastics discarded on the beach and a significant amount of rubbish that could have been recycled. The clean-up was a rewarding and educational experience, and we look forward to doing this again next year!

Community

Uniform Shop open this Saturday (25 May)

Career Bites

Career Bites - a visit from a construction manager and an architect

Renovations General Manager Jennifer Parker and ex-Westlake student and Healthcare Architect Edith Chan recently inspired promising ākonga at Westlake Girls.

Jenny did not study at university but decided to move straight into the world of work. With “an open mind and a willingness to learn”, she chased her passion for construction. Currently, Jenny works as a General Manager at Licensed Renovations. She demonstrates her advocacy for empowering women in construction as the founder of SHE Property Care Limited and NAWIC NZ’s (National Association of Women in Construction) former president. SHE Property Care is a proud female-owned property care company established in 2021. Impressively, she also is the New Zealand Roller Hockey Women’s Team’s Manager!

Edith is a Healthcare Architect and NAWIC’s current Chair in the Auckland Chapter. She graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Architecture. Edith shared an impressive project in which she was involved in planning and designing a Christchurch Hospital after a tragic earthquake. 

Edith and Jenny enthusiastically shared the accomplishments of the female community in the Trade sector. Over the past ten years, the population of women in construction has increased by an impressive 12-13%. There have also been small but significant victories, like the provision of women’s sanitary products at construction sites and companies, as well as more discussions happening about menstruation and pregnancies. Jenny asserts, “No job should have a gender. You should be judged on skills, attitude, and ability only.“ 

Jenny outlined her daily routine as a General Manager in Renovations. She explained that each day varies, from online marketing and networking to driving long distances. For these reasons, she encourages Westlake students to “be practical, hands-on, organised, and nurture your communication skills“ to equip themselves with the opportunities that the trade sector offers. 

Jenny and Edith’s advice for aspiring rangatahi at Westlake Girls‘ was to “Say yes to every opportunity“, and “Don’t be afraid to ask – this is a skill.“

Written by Nicole Lao 

Sports

Adventure Racing in Taupo

On a crisp Sunday morning in Taupo, the two senior Westlake Adventure Racing teams lined up at the starting point for the Hillary 6-Hour Qualifying Event. Alongside 20 other school teams from across the North Island, they faced the challenge of navigating on foot and bike using maps and compasses. The stakes were high, as a spot in the national Hillary Challenge Final awaited the top six teams.

Our Westlake teams, each consisting of four boys and four girls, stood ready. As coaches Miss Jackson and Mr. Nicoll observed, excitement and nerves filled the atmosphere. This race would test not only the participants’ physical endurance but also their mental agility. Our teams pushed themselves to the limit. Pedalling up steep hills with their legs burning, they sprinted through farmland, map in hand. The ticking clock added urgency. Both teams showed impeccable teamwork, seamlessly supporting one another throughout the challenging course.

As the finish line loomed, our teams crossed it, still uncertain of their final placement until points were tallied. In a thrilling turn of events, the premier ‘Green’ team secured third place overall. Cheers erupted, and hugs were exchanged. We had achieved it! Westlake has qualified for the national Hillary Challenge final for the first time in five years. The team’s elation was contagious! Our second ‘Red’ team also had a fantastic day on the course, coming in 14th place. Their spirit and determination were equally commendable.

 

 

Now the real work starts – training for nationals in the October school holidays. The team has a tough road ahead, but we are excited about what will come. Another focus of the Westlake Adventure Racing squad is to prepare our Junior team for their qualifying event in Term Three when we hope to qualify for the Get2Go National Final in December.

Arts & Culture

Music of the Lake

Don’t miss the ‘Music of the Lake’ Concert, showcasing premier music ensembles from Westlake Girls and Westlake Boys High School!

Join us on Thursday, 30 May, at 7:30 pm in the WGHS Events Centre. Our talented students have been working hard to prepare an incredible repertoire of choral, orchestral, and band music. Be sure to catch the premiere of a massed choir work by our Composer-in-Residence, David Hamilton, featuring pianists Tara Yoo and Shan Lu.

Bring your friends and family for an unforgettable evening of music!

Tickets are available now from the link below. Concession ($10), Adults ($15), Family pass ($45). Door sales are also available.

Buy tickets here.

Community

World Vision

Featured image: Our 40-Hour Challenge Leaders and 2023 WGHS alumna Dinithi Liyanage, who is the 2024 World Vision Advocacy Ambassador.

From social action workshops to compelling speeches by inspirational leaders, the World Vision Youth Conference held on Tuesday, May in the Trusts Arena in Henderson was truly an incredible opportunity. The 40-Hour Challenge leaders gained insightful information and ideas for this year’s 40-hour Challenge on 21-23 June. 

This year, the 40-Hour Challenge is focused on Timor-Leste. Unfortunately, many lives in Timor-Leste have been affected by cyclones, droughts, and floods, despite only contributing 0.003% of global emissions. During the workshops, we learned about the background of the climate crisis, as well as hearing from World Vision Youth Ambassadors who had travelled to Timor-Leste to witness the impact of climate change. We also learned about the story of Pasquela, a young woman who was forced to drop out of university after a cyclone destroyed her family’s rice crop farm, which had been their main source of income. This made us more determined to raise as much money as possible to support people like her who don’t have access to education because of climate change. 

This one-day conference wasn’t just about planning for the 40-Hour Challenge; it was a gathering of students from all over the upper North Island (as far as Whangarei and Tauranga) who are passionate about making a difference in the world.

 

Written by Aman Khalid 12HBH and Tanushri Dev 12PTJ

Career Bites

Career Bites vist from quantity surveyor and electrician

Career Bites recently featured a quantity surveyor and an electrician. 

Terri-Anne Bolger, Quantity Surveyor

Terri-Anne Bolger is a qualified quantity surveyor and gained a Bachelor of Construction through Massey University, majoring in quantity surveying. She described her job as “a mix between a lawyer and an accountant” although she spends most of her time on construction sites. A quantity surveyor measures construction plans, makes schedules and then prices projects. Some of Terri-Anne’s projects have been worth many millions of dollars, so with that comes a sense of responsibility and stress. Working on construction sites means getting to know a lot about all the trades involved in construction, and the job is varied and constantly changing. Some quantity surveyor branches are more office-based, and there are opportunities to travel overseas with this qualification. Terri-Anne needs to be able to read contracts, understand the legal sides of construction, and deal with cash flow and forecasting. She spoke of her flexible work options and the fact that more and more females are entering the profession. The salary prospects are excellent for quantity surveyors.

Opal Vickery, Electrician

Our other speaker, Opal Vickery, is a qualified electrician who works on residential sites. What she enjoys most about her job is ”what I do affects people and can make them very satisfied”. Opal loves that she can leave a job knowing she did an excellent job for someone and there is something tangible to see. She explained the two pathways to being an electrician through ETCO or Skills NZ. For school leavers, ETCO is the pathway she recommends, as there is so much support around the qualification. There are many roles for qualified electricians, including commercial or industrial ones. It helps to be good at maths and English, and Level Two is the minimum qualification. Physics is also useful. It is possible to work in Australia with a NZ qualification and this can also be a pathway into electrical engineering.

Many thanks to Terri-Ann and Opal for their time and the fascinating insights into their professions.

Community

Celebrating mothers

Te Rerenga Wāna.

“Ko te whaea te takere o te waka” – “ Mothers are the hull of the canoe.”

On Wednesday. 8 May, Te Rerenga Wāna headed along to celebrate Mothers Day at our local Bunnings Warehouse in Wairau. Te Rerenga Wāna put on a moving performance that celebrated the love and kindness of all mothers across Aotearoa.

It was a beautiful way to give back to our local community and connect with a local business. The students loved the evening and being able to perform for a very excited crowd.

This also served as a great way to fundrasie money for the up and coming building of our Whare Wānanga. We would like to thank Cherie Drummond, her whānau and all of the parents that helped run the sausage sizzle fundraiser that night. “Ko te amorangi ki mua, te hapai o ki muri.”

Hari rā māmā, me kore ake koutou! Happy Mothers Day, We are so lucky to have you all!

Arohanui, Te Rerenga Wāna.

Written by Maddi Gerbes

 

Community

Donate blood, feel good, be a hero!

New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) will be holding a mobile blood drive at:

Westlake Girls High School

Event Centre

Thursday 6 June, 9:00 am- 2:00 pm

All parents and caregivers are welcome too. For more information, email here.

Arts & Culture

Westlake Dance Troupes

The Westlake Girls Dance Troupes had a morning of bonding with one of the schools in our Kahui Ako. We worked with some of the akonga of Takapuna Normal Intermediate School to participate in fun dance workshops and performances. Students from the Hip Hop, K-Pop, Latin and Contemporary dance troupes performed and then taught students part of their repertoire to extend their movement vocabulary in the specific genre. This has been the highlight of our year so far as we get to share our passion for Dance with younger students and make connections with schools and students from our local community.

By Grace Hirst and Natalia Covich 2024 Troupe Leaders

 

Arts & Culture

Shakespeare with a Western Twist:

Students Shine at the Sheilah Winn Festival

A talented troupe of student actors recently impressed their audience at the University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival. Led by the creative vision of Year 12 student, Julia Wikins, they brought to life a unique rendition of Shakespeare’s timeless tragedy, Hamlet, infused with the rugged charm of a Western film.

Performers transported the audience to a world where the Danish court meets the Wild West, complete with a good old-fashioned showdown.  Clad in cowboy hats and boots, they breathed new life into familiar characters, reimagining Hamlet’s quest for vengeance against the backdrop of saloons and dusty plains.  Under Julia’s deft direction, the cast embraced the challenge of blending Shakespearean language with the cadence of Western dialogue, creating a seamless fusion of old and new. 

Alongside Westlake’s Hamlet were several entries from schools around Auckland. The fact that so many young people were able to breathe fresh vitality into a centuries-old play spoke volumes about their creativity, passion, and commitment to the dramatic arts and reminded us of Shakespeare’s versatility. Below: the actors rehearsing with a fake PROP gun, don’t worry!

Community

King's Birthday coming up soon

King’s Birthday is coming up and school will be CLOSED. Pop it in the diary!

Monday, 3 June, 2024. 

Community

Westlake Girls and Volvo Cars: Revving up Success Together!

Interview with Jayesh Kalidas, Marketing and Events Coordinator, Volvo Cars North Shore: On partnering with Westlake Girls High School.

How did the partnership come about?

The creation of our partnership involved careful consideration of how our strengths complemented each other. We recognised that by combining our resources, expertise, and networks, we could amplify our impact and reach a broader audience.

The partnership was born out of a shared vision, strategic alignment, and a commitment to making a positive difference. The strength of this relationship is a testament to the power of collaboration and the belief that by working together, we can accomplish far more than we ever could alone.

How has the collaboration between Westlake Girls and Volvo Cars North Shore evolved?

It has evolved significantly over time, reflecting the dynamic nature of our partnership and our shared commitment to growth and innovation.  The collaboration has grown into a dynamic, multifaceted partnership that goes beyond sponsorship. It is exemplified by mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to continuous improvement, ensuring that we continue to make a meaningful impact together for years to come.

Could you elaborate on the various ways in which you support Westlake Girls High School?

We have given the Sports Director a Volvo to drive to and from sporting events. This car is sign-written with both Volvo and WGHS logos. We also have the honour of presenting the Volvo Cars North Shore Sportswomen of the Year award at Westlake’s end-of-year Sports Awards. More recently, we have been exploring the idea of students working for us part-time as an introduction to the workforce.

What benefits do Volvo Cars North Shore derive from your partnership with WGHS?

The partnership between Volvo Cars North Shore and Westlake Girls High School is mutually beneficial, offering a range of advantages for both parties.  For Volvo Cars North Shore, the partnership provides valuable brand exposure and visibility within the local community. By aligning with Westlake Girls High School, a respected educational institution, Volvo Cars North Shore can enhance its reputation as a socially responsible company committed to supporting education and youth development. This association with WGHS helps to strengthen Volvo Cars North Shore’s position as a trusted and reputable automotive brand in the region.

 

What are the long-term goals and aspirations for the partnership between Volvo Cars North Shore and Westlake Girls High School?

From our perspective, the long-term goals and aspirations for the partnership between Volvo Cars North Shore and Westlake Girls High School (WGHS) are centred around fostering sustainable growth, mutual learning, and lasting impact. One key long-term goal is to deepen the partnership by expanding the scope of collaboration beyond traditional forms of support, such as sponsorships or donations. We aim to develop strategic initiatives and programs that align with both organisations’ missions and create meaningful opportunities for students, faculty, and the community.

What message would you like to convey to other potential sponsors or community partners considering supporting educational institutions like Westlake Girls High School?

We would like to emphasise the transformative power of collaboration and the profound impact that your support can have on shaping the future.

First and foremost, supporting educational institutions is an investment in the future of our communities and society. By partnering with schools like Westlake Girls High School, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of students, empowering them with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

Furthermore, supporting education is not just a philanthropic endeavour; it’s also a strategic investment in the future workforce and leaders. By aligning your brand or organisation with educational initiatives, you can help nurture the next generation of talent, fostering innovation, diversity, and excellence in your industry or community.

“It is an honour and a privilege to partner with Volvo Cars North Shore. The relationship embodies the excellent connection between the participation and passion for sport that we promote at Westlake Girls. Thanks to Volvo, we can provide our Premier teams with their stunning hoodies. The Volvo team also supports the school in many other ways, such as donating generous auction items, which they did recently for our Premier Basketball Team’s Quiz Night fundraiser for the team’s trip to China.”  April Ieremia, Director of Sport at Westlake Girls.

Main image above: Left-Right, Vernon Brown, General Manager, Archibald and Shorter North Shore, leaders of our top Premier Sports teams at school, sports, Hockey, Rugby, Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Netball, Basketball, Rowing, Touch, April Ieremia, Director of Sport, Westlake Girls High School and Jay Kalidas, Marketing and Events Coordinator, Volvo Cars North Shore.

Academic

Senior Hospitality Trip to AUT

Exploring Career Pathways: Senior Hospitality Students Visit AUT School of Hospitality and Tourism

Senior hospitality students recently went on an enriching excursion to AUT School of Hospitality and Tourism, New Zealand’s leading leisure and hospitality education institution.

The day began with an informative session on the various career pathways available at AUT, followed by a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities, including a rooftop garden. The students then moved on to a hands-on experience in one of the training kitchens. They had the opportunity to don their aprons and hairnets and throw themselves into a real-life culinary environment. Guided by experienced tutors, they got stuck into crafting their own burgers, utilising the skills they had acquired in the hospitality classroom back at school.

Working collaboratively, the students carefully prepared their ingredients, ensuring mise en place, before gracing the grill and producing a high-quality burger worthy of a restaurant setting. This experience helped to reinforce the training they receive at Westlake Girls High School and to instil a sense of professionalism and attention to detail in their practice.

This visit provided an excellent opportunity for our students to learn more about the world of hospitality and gain invaluable insights into industry practices. We extend our sincerest gratitude to AUT School of Hospitality and Tourism for their hospitality and for providing our students with this fabulous learning opportunity.

Teachers: Louise Clouston & Kate Segetin

 

Academic

Chemistry Olympiad

During the April holidays, I had the opportunity to attend the Chemistry Olympiad training camp at Tibbs House, Auckland Grammar School.

The Chemistry Olympiad is an international competition for teams of four high school students representing different countries. This year, it will be held in Saudi Arabia in July. There are three rounds for the selection of the New Zealand team, and students who perform well in the second round attend a one-week-long training camp. At the end of the camp, there is a practical exam and a theory exam, from which the results are used to select the final team of four.

Throughout the week, we had lectures and lab sessions from different professors during the day at the University of Auckland or St. Peter’s College and problem sessions after dinner. Being one of the 32 students selected for the camp has allowed me to learn many things that I otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to come across at school. I hope that more students at Westlake Girls, especially those in year 11 or 12, will also give Chemistry Olympiad a go to extend themselves in chemistry as it was truly an invaluable experience for me.

I attended the training camp and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. Throughout the week, we had lectures and lab sessions during the day at University of Auckland or St. Peter’s College and problem sessions or a quiz night after dinner. I’ve learned so many things, and I am so grateful for this opportunity, and to Ms Jun, who who oversaw the Chemistry Olympiad at our school.

I would like more students, especially Juniors, to know about this chance to extend themselves in chemistry as it was a really valuable experience for me.

I hope that this year there will also be some successful students who get into Round Two or the camp in 2025! If the current year 12’s have any questions about what the exams for both rounds are like, or the Chemistry Olympiad in general, I’m happy to answer them.

By Emily Chen, 13 OWD

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