Lately, it seems that there’s been a barrage of negative headlines about today’s youth. The narrative often paints a picture of a selfish generation lost to their phones and disconnected from the real world. We hear stories of addiction to screens, vaping, and a lack of respect for authority or responsibility – even violence.
I want to offer a different, more accurate perspective. At Westlake Girls, we witness our students’ incredible potential, dedication, and compassion daily. Our students are not the selfish stereotypes you might read about! They are remarkable young women who defy these negative portrayals through their actions and attitudes.
Contrary to sensationalised stories, our students engage with the world around them. They use technology as a tool for learning, connecting, and organising. Our girls frequently participate in service events, dedicating their time and energy to raise money for various charities and causes. Whether it’s organising bake sales, charity runs, or community clean-ups, they are making a difference.
Our school’s peer support network is a fantastic example of their solidarity and empathy. Tuakana (older) students mentor and support their peers, providing academic, emotional, and social guidance.
We see students eager to learn, complete projects, and challenge themselves. They are motivated, ambitious, and resilient, striving to excel and improve. Our girls are thoughtful and respectful. They balance their opinions with respect for others, engaging in meaningful dialogue rather than simply ‘cancelling’ those they disagree with. They understand the importance of empathy and listening—crucial skills in our increasingly complex world.
The future is bright. Let’s focus on the positive, the countless stories of success, kindness, and dedication. This newsletter, as always, is full of such stories.
Thank you for your trust and support. Together, we are nurturing a generation that will make us proud.
Have a lovely weekend.
Jane Stanley
PRINCIPAL
CommunityNotices
Teacher/Parent conferences
Teacher/Parent Conferences will be held on Tuesday, 25 June from 4:00-7:00 pm. Bookings are made by logging into School Bridge and following the instructions given – this will be open from 3.30 pm on 20 June, and it will close at 12 noon on 25 June.
If there are any problems, please contact the front office.
At lunchtime on Wednesday, 5 June, Westlake Girls students participated in 40-Second Challenges to raise awareness and join World Vision’s upcoming big weekend.
Students had a variety of activities to complete within 40 seconds, including holding the plank position, answering a math problem, sorting the alphabet, stacking Lego bricks, sit-ups, and much more.
World Vision will hold its 40-Hour Challenge weekend on 21-23 June. Students can sign up, choose a challenge, and start fundraising. Further information is available on the School Notices and on the Google Classroom (code x7bfgye).
Together, we can raise much-needed funds for climate justice projects in Timor-Leste and other countries affected by climate change.
Sports
Stellar Bella!
Westlake Girls sailor Bella Jenkins continues her stellar year on the water after adding the 2024 New Zealand 29er Championship title to her list of accolades.
The Year 10 student teamed up with Epsom Girls’ Nicola Hume to win the Girls’ championship over the weekend in the Bay of Islands. The event is a good lead-up for the European 29er Championship in Poland and then the World Youth Championship in Lake Garda, Italy, later this month.
Main photo: Bella at the 29er Nats Prizegiving.
Community
Westlake Girls Academic x Service Quiz Night
The annual Westlake Girls Academic x Service Quiz Night is back!
On Thursday, 13 June, in the WGHS Events Centre, join us for a night of spot prizes, mini-games, and trivia. Make a team of four to ten and dress up as a ‘famous family’ to be in to win the best-dressed prize!
After signing up, your team will receive payment information via email.
We will donate all proceeds to our five house charities: I Am Hope, Hearing Dogs, Women of Worth, De Paul House, and Guardian Angels.
Doors open at 6 pm.
Tickets: $10 per person.
Sports
Student in U-17 for NZ team to Mexico
Kodee Williams-Sefo (Y13) has just been selected for the NZ Under-17 Women’s Basketball team which will be travelling to Mexico in July this year to compete in the FIBA U17 Basketball Women’s world Cup.
Another great effort by a Westlaker. Congratulations, Kodee!
On Saturday, 18 May, we held our annual combined Westlake Ball, with over 950 students dressed to impress. They all looked magnificent! The ball took place at Shed 10 on Queens Wharf, which had been transformed into a stunning venue for this special occasion. The theme was ‘The Secret Garden’ and it was magical.
Photo booths provided a fun way for students to capture event memories.
The school ball was a huge success, thanks to the efforts of the organising committee and teachers. The students behaved well, and the teachers who attended contributed to the festive atmosphere.
Many thanks to Bob Wilson from Monstavision and Jeremy Hill Photography for their part in this special event.
Several local companies generously donated prizes, and we were so grateful. These went to the following students:
King of the Garden – Lorenzo Ocampo
Queen of the Garden – Elena Lucas
Life of the Party – Saniel Dones and Jasmyne Howker
Cutest Couple – Troy Supple and Mia Hazelwood
Best Dressed Male – James Charlesworth
Best Dressed Female – Karah Ancog
Ex-Students' SuccessesSports
Not 1, not 2, but 3 former students at Olympics!
Greta Pilkington (Y13, 2020) has been selected for the Paris Olympic sailing team this July. This is terrific news. Greta joins ex-student Jo Aleh (Y13, 2004) in the yachting squad.
When we add these two former Westlakers to Tara Vaughan (Y13 2021), who is in the canoe squad, we get THREE alumnae at these Olympics.
That is a very big deal, and we couldn’t be prouder. Massive congratulations!
We will keep you up to date with their progress when the time comes.
Academic
Auckland Maths Olympiad
Auckland Maths Olympiad (AMO) took place last month and our young mathematical minds braved a cold Saturday morning wind to participate in this year’s competition at the University of Auckland on 11 May. The aim of the Auckland Maths Olympiad (AMO) is to foster further interest in mathematics and to allow our rangatahi to exhibit their problem-solving skills by completing a wide range of challenges Auckland University mathematicians give them.
Chloe Yang (Year 10), Cindy Tang (Year 11) and Elaine Zhou (Year 12) represented Westlake Girls High School in this challenging yet exciting event to extend their knowledge and skills while also building teamwork and social skills with like-minded peers from across Auckland.
Well done!
Ms Kim
Arts & Culture
Young, Free and Pacific Conference
On Thursday, 23 May, Pacific young women from schools around Auckland gathered to attend the Young, Free and Pacific Conference hosted by Affirming Works. Ten mature and engaged Year 10 students from Westlake Girls participated in the day, accompanied by our Pasifika Dean, Lesila Tu’itupou Kutu and Pasifika Mentor, Miriam Robinson.
This is what two of the girls had to say about the experience.
Candace Tevaga: I was one of the students who was privileged to attend the Young Free and Pacific Conference of 2024. Despite our whole group being the youngest there at a senior conference, it was an incredible opportunity to experience socialising with different schools and girls, meeting well-known guest speakers, getting the option to work in different workshops and learning about our beautiful Pasifika culture. It was an experience that meant a lot to me, opening my eyes to new perspectives and inspiring me to embrace my Pacific heritage with pride. One of my highlights from the day was meeting the world champion herself, Dame Valerie Adams. I loved listening to her talk about the experiences that shaped her into the person she is today, the obstacles she faced and inspirational quotes. One of my favourite and important quotes that I remember is this one.
“People are like icebergs; what you see above the surface is only a fraction of the whole story. Much lies beneath, hidden but important for who they are”. Dame Valerie Adams.
To me, the metaphor emphasised the idea that what is visible about a person is only a small part of their entire identity, with much more lying beneath the surface, including their experiences, upbringing, and personal history.
Peyton Seu: As I reflect on my experience at Young Free and Pacific (YFP), I am filled with a sense of joy and appreciation. The memories of that time are still vivid in my mind, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a wonderful programme. At first, the girls and I who went were nervous about being the youngest school at YFP. We were worried that we wouldn’t fit in or that the older students would make us feel like outsiders. But as soon as we arrived, we were greeted with warm smiles and open arms. The people who ran YFP made us feel welcome and valued, and we quickly began to feel like we were part of a community. One of the things that stood out to me the most about YFP was the variety of workshops and activities that were offered. From music and dance to art and spoken word, there was something for everyone. I was amazed by the talent and creativity of the people who ran YFP, and I was inspired by the passion and energy they brought to each session. But what really made YFP special was the sense of community and connection that developed among the participants. Despite our differences, we were all united by our shared experiences and our desire to learn and grow. We laughed together, supported each other, and celebrated each other’s successes. For me, YFP was a chance to connect with my Pacific identity in a way that I never had before. Growing up, I often felt like I didn’t quite get the idea of being a young female Pacifica student – like I was caught between two cultures, without fully belonging to either one. But at YFP, I felt like I had finally found a sense of belonging. The people who ran YFP were passionate about celebrating Pacific culture and identity, and they created a safe and inclusive space for us to explore our own identities.
As I look back on my experience at YFP, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have been a part of it. It was a truly transformative experience, one that helped me to develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and confidence. It reminded me that my Pacific identity is something to be proud of and an important part of who I am. I will always treasure the memories of my time at YFP, and I hope to have the opportunity to return someday. In the meantime, I will carry the lessons and experiences of YFP with me, using them to inform my own path and journey.
Arts & CultureCommunity
Pasifika Night
Westlake Pasifika Night is back for 2024!
Celebrating and honouring our Pacific cultures, languages and heritage the Westlake Pasifika Night is back! The event will be held on Thursday, 4 July, 7pm in the Westlake Girls High School Event Centre.
Food stalls will be available from 5pm and doors will open at 6:30 pm. Our students have been working extremely hard to bring together a showcase of performances from around the Pacific, including Samoa, Tonga, Niue, Fijian, Cook Islands and more!
Tickets $5 – Children 2 years and under are free if sitting on a caregiver’s lap.
Invite your friends and family and join us for a night full of cultural and colourful performances.
See you there!
Arts & Culture
Celebrating Filipino Heritage
Club Events Highlight History and Culture
This May, the Filipino Club has been abuzz with excitement, hosting two vibrant events that brought the spirit of the Philippines alive in school.
Philippines History Quiz Bee: A Battle of Wits
On Tuesday, 21 May, Room A26 witnessed a fierce intellectual showdown as 15 participants vied for the Philippines History Quiz Bee title. After a challenging elimination round, only five made it to the finals, showcasing their deep knowledge of Filipino history. The competition was intense, but three emerged victorious:
– 1st Place: Jeallein Mika Vallejo David (9HML)
– 2nd Place: Martha Madayag (12AWR)
– 3rd Place: Althea Tatel (10PCY)
Jeallein Mika Vallejo David clinched the top spot with her exceptional grasp of historical facts. She was followed closely by Martha Madayag and Althea Tatel, who demonstrated impressive knowledge and quick thinking.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants for making this event a resounding success!
Larong Pinoy: Rekindling Childhood Joys
Earlier in the month, on Tuesday, 7 May, the Filipino Club members gathered to reconnect with their cultural roots through ‘Larong Pinoy’ – a celebration of traditional Filipino games. Members enthusiastically participated, channeling their inner Filipino child with games like Bring Me!, Nanay-Tatay, Jack-en-Poy, Piko, BINGO, and Pinoy Henyo. We filled the room with laughter, camaraderie, and the nostalgic joy of reliving childhood memories.
Both events highlighted the rich history and culture of the Philippines and strengthened the bonds among the Filipino Club members. Through the Philippines History Quiz Bee and Larong Pinoy, members celebrated their heritage with pride and enthusiasm, creating memories to be cherished for years to come.
Stay tuned for more exciting events as the Filipino Club continues celebrating and preserving Filipino culture!
Community
Pupuke House bake sale
Pupuke House’s Royal bake sale fundraiser took place at lunchtime on Tuesday. All proceeds went to their charity, Hearing Dogs NZ. Thank you to Lena Turnbull (Y12) for the photos!
AcademicCareer Bites
Girls with Hi-Vis® day out
Connexis Infrastructure Training held a very informative Girls with Hi-Vis® day on 28 May for students interested in the construction industry. They offer a number of Gateway placements and help people find apprenticeships. If you’re not familiar with this fantastic organisation, learn more here.
Five students attended the day at the Te Whau walkway construction site in Te Atatu.
The boardwalk, which will run through the mangroves, will take two and a half years to build. Students heard from several engineers, environmental specialists, and workers on the site about the various tasks involved.
A young female apprentice spoke to us. She is six months into the job and learning about concrete and carpentry.
We also heard from the project manager, who dropped out of school after Year 12 and then went on to do a three-year engineering qualification from Unitec. She is now at the top of the engineering hierarchy and has been involved in many bridge-building projects in the last 14 years!
AcademicCareer Bites
Visit from geophysicist and earth scientist
“Don’t be shy!”
This was a top tip from University of Auckland Associate Professor Mila Adam, who braved some wild weather to speak to us at Wednesday’s Career Bites session. Mila, a geophysicist and earth scientist, stressed the importance of making connections by attending lectures in person and applying for scholarships: “You can’t lose – you might be the top candidate!”
Mila’s talk covered several disciplines, including Earth Science and Geophysics, Environmental Science, Environmental Physics, and Geography. We learned that each of these fields offers great diversity and opportunities. If you are interested in studying the Earth itself, the ways humans interact with the environment, or a computational approach, there’s something for you.
Mila generously shared her professional journey with us, from a spark of curiosity back in 1990s Venezuela, when she read about the Ruapehu eruption, to her post-graduate studies in the U.S., and finally to research and teaching in Aotearoa. She even had the opportunity to work at NASA, where she joined a team studying Mars-quakes!
Mila sees abundant opportunities in her field, as well as strong mentorship and support for women. It’s a flexible, diverse space where the most important quality is curiosity.
Ex-Students' SuccessesSports
Basketball NZ and WGHS
Basketball New Zealand has recently named the squad of 12 for the upcoming FIBA U18 Asia Cup in Shenzhen, China, which will take place later this year.
This is an incredible achievement by current student Zenthia (Zee) Stowers (Y13) and recent graduate Rebecca Moors (Y13, 2023).
To have two WGHS students in a team of only 12 across all of NZ is fantastic! Congratulations to both of you.
Sports
Mystics experience
Westlake Girls’ top Year 9 netball team joined a selection of junior teams at Harbour Netball on 29 May for a two-hour training session with top players from the Mystics Franchise.
The Fuji-sponsored day allowed our young players to meet some of New Zealand’s best netballers and learn new and inspiring ideas from them.
Led by Silver Ferns captain Phoenix Karaka, 60 students were divided into small groups that rotated around different workstations with the Mystics.
The Westlake Cygnets were thrilled at the opportunity to be so close to national players like shooter, Grace Nweke, Peta Toeava and Phoenix Karaka. They described the Northern Mystics Experience Day as great fun and the Mystics as really nice.
After the incredible experience with the Mystics preparing them for the big Harbour Netball Secondary Schools Tournament the next day, the Year 9-1 team were unbeaten and finished first in the Year 9 competition. The Westlake Girls Premier 1 team placed second behind Avondale College, the New Zealand Secondary Schools Champions in the top grade, while Premier 2 finished fifth. The Year 10-1 team also ended the day in fifth.
The picture above shows Year 9-1 at the Mystics Experience Day.
AcademicArts & Culture
Latino food store visit
On 23 May, the students from Years 11 to 13 enjoyed a delightful visit to Pachamama, a vibrant Latino store. The students explored a variety of food products, learning about their origins and cultural significance.
The owner, Gabriela, talked about the products from different countries and gave some samples to taste. The students completed a booklet with some tasks, all en español. The experience was educational and enjoyable.
I thought going to Pachamama was a good opportunity to practice my spoken Spanish outside of the classroom.
– Taylor Cummings Y13
I enjoyed the experience as it was a good chance for me to learn more about products from Latin America! -Lily Wilson Y13
Arts & CultureCommunity
Whare Wānanga blessing
On Friday morning, a large crowd gathered for the turning of the soil for our Whare Wānanga project.
It was a profoundly moving experience for all who experienced the blessing ceremony, and there was barely a dry eye to be seen. Despite the atrocious weather earlier last week week, the heavens were kind to us, and although it was very early (5.30 am) and it was still dark and cold, it was a beautiful, clear morning.
Even the tui and other birds seemed to respect the importance of the occasion and sang for us as we welcomed the beginning of this auspicious and longed-for project. Afterwards, we enjoyed sharing some kai and looking at Project Manager and former student, Emma Ormsby’s beautiful designs for the whare.
It was a very proud moment for our school and for Te Raki Paewhenua rohe (the North Shore).
We gratefully acknowledge our Mana Whenua, Ngāti Paoa, for laying the foundation for the ceremony under the guidance of Whaea Drina Paratene through karakia and karanga, with support from our school kaumatua Jerry Norman blessing the ‘mauri’ (life force) of the whare wānanga, and blessing of the whare itself, respectively.
We are grateful, too, for the words and actions of Principal Jane Stanley, Eady Sevelio-Thompson, Eddie Hudson and our kapa haka.
To our ‘ringawera’ (behind-the-scenes workers), thank you for all your hard mahi. And to all the visitors who shared the moment with us, we are so grateful you could come.
Ngā mihi.
Sports
Silver medal in squash
Premier Squash Captain Lucy Cadness-Aspinall won silver at the Auckland Secondary Schools Individual Squash Championship, held at the North Shore Squash Club on Tuesday, 21, and Wednesday, 22 May. The event brought together some of the finest squash athletes, who displayed remarkable skill and determination.
The Year 13 player was undefeated throughout the tournament before facing Justine Pausch from Takapuna Grammar in the final. Off to an early lead, Cadness-Aspinall set the pace in the best-of-five-set encounter, and with the lead changing hands throughout the match, it could have gone either way. However, Pausch pushed through to win the final set 11-8 and gold in Division One.
Cadness-Aspinall’s younger sister, Neve, won silver in Division Three, while newcomer Zarah Khan finished third in the Ungraded competition. It was a delightful result for the Year 9 student who only experienced ‘Just Play Squash’ for the first time a month ago.
The Premier Squash team now prepare for the Auckland Secondary Schools Teams Championship in June before heading to Wellington for the New Zealand Secondary Schools Champs in August.
The photo above is of Lucy Cadness-Aspinall and her silver medal.
Academic
Auckland Schools Teacher Training Programme
Teaching is not only profoundly rewarding but also one of the oldest and most vital societal roles, fostering the exchange of knowledge and skills crucial for all aspects of life. Often, teaching seems to have no quitting time in a day, because there isn’t enough time in a single day to hang up the red pen, the keyboard, the whistle, the unit plan. While we are often envied for our supposed ‘9 to 3’ work hours, with the many proverbial hats we wear during and outside of school hours, educators could easily oversaturate the millinery market.
So it is no surprise, perhaps, that the education sector has been facing a teacher shortage for some time now. As with any long-running issue, the concern is that the initial panic has settled into one of unfortunate acceptance – the ‘c’est la vie’ of the current climate. But to quote Helen Lovejoy, “Won’t somebody think of the children?”
We did. The Auckland Schools Teacher Training Programme, launched in 2021, integrates trainee teachers into full-year onsite learning at a kura. This immersive experience equips educators with comprehensive skills beyond the traditional teacher training college.
As one of the ASTTP pioneer schools, WGHS annually hosts a one-day ‘Delivery of Instruction’ workshop for trainee teachers. The number of trainee teachers in this programme has steadily – and pleasingly – grown, and in week 2, we hosted almost 90 future teachers from various schools around Tāmaki Makaurau this year.
Whaea Karen Kennedy, WGHS Kapa Haka group, and Principal Jane Stanley opened the day with a warm welcome. House prefects doubled as tour guides, showcasing the school grounds before escorting guests to observation classes. Twenty nine of our teachers graciously hosted trainees in their lessons, providing valuable examples and strategies for effective classroom communication. Feedback indicated that trainees were pleased with the strategies collected for their teaching kete.
Rachel Carson presenting her seminar on Delivery of Instruction.
After a delicious and plentiful morning tea prepared by our staffroom manager Ann Muir, husband Mike and year 13 student Riley McPherson, the trainees listened to a seminar presented by Rachel Carson (Assistant HoD of Music, Pupuke Dean).
For the first time this year, we held a session with a student panel (Dorsa Jahedi, Devon Johnson, Alice Oh, Nicole Lau, Hannah Smith, and Julia Wilkins) discussing effective communication from the learners’ viewpoint, offering candid insights from their experiences. My personal takeaway from this session was the importance of synergy in learning: teachers must empathise with today’s teens and their learning styles and needs, while students need to be aware of and understand the diverse needs of the classroom that the sole teacher has to address. With more autonomy than primary students but less so than tertiary learners, the high school classroom epitomises the prefix ‘multi-‘ like no other place. Thank you to the student panel for opening this discourse for our future educators.
The day concluded with a popular seminar on supporting neurodiverse learners led by expert teacher aide Jess Banks, joined by students Kinda Kassibawi, Ashley Young, and Zoe Taikoko, who provided valuable insights. This marked Jess’ third year presenting the talk, and the positive feedback underscored its significance. This was especially important given the needs of neurodivergent learners as highlighted in a recent Education Hub report.
Student panel L to R: Dorsa Jahedi, Julia Wilkins, Hannah Smith, Alice Oh, Devon Johnson, Nicole Lao
I’m pleased to share a piece of feedback from a trainee teacher:
“Of all the workshops I have attended this year, this was the most organised, the most thought out and the most valuable to my practice. Being able to observe a lesson in my specialist area was a huge plus. The kapa haka was one of the most well rehearsed groups I had ever seen, the student panel was well articulated and interesting, the presentations overall were interesting and relevant, and the general hospitality was great.”
Former Turkish President Mustafa Atatürk likened a good teacher to a candle, selflessly lighting the path for others. A large team of WGHS teachers, staff, and students taught in a range of ways, from pedagogy to storytelling to a strong sense of altruism to ensure that future educators would be able to light the way for future learners. Thank you.
Kat Lee (Specialist Classroom Teacher)
Featured image: some of the prefect tour guides.
AcademicArts & Culture
MUNA Success
Twenty-three students attended MUNA- the Model United Nations Assembly for two days at the end of May.
After seven weeks of intense research, decisions about which remits to choose, and preparation for what to wear to best represent each team’s country, our students donned their outfits and corporate wear and headed off to MUNA.
This year, the event was at Rosmini College, and 109 teams signed up from schools as far north as Kerikeri and as far south as Hamilton.
MUNA was a fantastic opportunity for teams to display their quick wit and eloquent speaking skills, dress in character, and exercise their adept use of rebuttals and points of order.
Westlake Girls is the resident press team, and the students do a wonderful job each year. They created a video of proceedings, interviewed teams, attended and reported on bloc meetings, and interviewed the Secretary-General (this year held by Shanan Halbert, who did a sterling job). After attending many meetings and taking notes on witty banter, the press team is now busy creating the final newsletter for Rotary.
Our three delegate teams were:
Cambodia: Jana Kak, Shivani Arivuchelvan and Tina Kim Hungary: Fiona Yang and Vacky Oh Japan: Laura Mackenzie, Jasmyne Howker and Taarini Soni-Singh.
Team HungaryTeam Japan
Georgia Martin and Amelie Preece ably led the press team, followed by Tazkia Ahmed, Ajrin Ahmed, Rebecca Gunawan, Mia Christie, Tanushri Dev, Foram Patel, Ann Chen, Scarlett Haynes, Diya Kansara, Meera Mistry, Kanna Sakamoto, and Cindy Tang. Unfortunately, Lana Mourad was absent due to sickness.
Our special thanks go to Rosmini College who donated the use of the Tindall auditorium free of charge and to the Rotary clubs: North Shore, Takapuna North and Downtown Auckland Central CBD . They worked tirelessly to ensure that students had an opportunity to pretend that they were indeed the real United Nations Assembly and to Jan Malcolm who ran the event like a well-oiled machine.
Team Japan won ‘best team costume’, and Team Cambodia won ‘best overall country’.
Main image above: Team Cambodia
Academic
Tree Adventures
On 23 May, 55 Students from 9 Cygnet went to Tree Adventures in Woodhill Forest. It was a fantastic day out with ten different courses for the students to climb.
The top three highlights from students were:
Zip lining
Hanging out and having fun with friends in the outdoors
The challenge of the tougher and scarier courses!
A massive thank you to Ian Bright, Toa Tanimo, Claire Gilbert and Jiyoung Jun for helping and supporting students throughout the day.
