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Photo by Ms K. Veale

From the Principal's Desk

Mr Murray - Principal —

Nga mihi nui kia koutou katoa. Welcome to the Westland High School newsletter for March 2022.

Tēnā koutou katoa, warm greetings to you all

We are now well into the first term of the school year, as the days move forward we continue to see an increase in the number of students isolated at home either with COVID or family members testing positive with COVID requiring students to be at home. This will no doubt be the norm for the foreseeable future unless there are further changes notified by the Government (At the time of writing this the government were announcing more changes to the pandemic management plan).

Today we appear to be better off than many other schools around New Zealand, as we continue to operate without too many disruptions, we do however need to remain vigilant and continue to follow good hygiene practices, wear our masks when needed/required and look after each other.

We can always find ways to be thankful, over the past week the WHS Rugby team under the watchful eye of Mr Waller ran a sausage sizzle to raise funds for the people of Ukraine. The people of Ukraine have been suffering tremendously over the past month with Russia invading the country. A big thank you to the team who raised funds in support of the Ukrainian refugees.

School Sport

School sport for primary and secondary students changes in term two sport will continue again without the need for vaccine passes from students. However, volunteers, coaches etc.... will still need to have a vaccine pass and will almost certainly be asked to show them if attending school-based events or are involved in any way. Our students are champing at the bit to get involved in their sport again and we wish them well for the competitions and season ahead.

And on that note a reminder to students that a 95% attendance is required to represent the school for non-curriculum activities such as sports teams and the school ball.

School Access

A reminder to access the school, entry is via the Park Street walkway next to the covered courts and a reminder to come into school a prior appointment should have been made, scan the QR Covid code on arrival.

School Hall and Admin block

Excitement is building as we draw very close to the handover of the new building and awesome facilities. We hope to be in the new facilities up and running by the start of next term, maybe sooner.

Field Upgrade

The work to level the fields, sprinkles, training lights and install 22km of drainage has commenced. Fairhall agriculture has a contract for this work.

The area will be roped off and out of action for the remainder of this year. Approximately $800,000 plus is earmarked for this wonderful community facility and we look forward to playing and competition surfaces second to none.

Other property work

There are a number of other property projects set to get underway or already started, these are

  • Renovated toilet blocks across the school
  • Roofing and spouting replacements
  • LED lighting and soundproofing in all classrooms and buildings
  • Redesign and upgrade of the three science laboratories
  • Conversion of the C Wing music room into the new Whare near the school entrance to include a redesigned Atea (entrance) including carvings from Ngati WaeWae and Kati Mahaki ki Makaawhio
  • The school war memorial (WW1 and Boer war) has been refurbished and will over the next couple of months be returned to the school and situated next to the entrance to the new Administration facility.

Contacting School

On occasion parents and Whanau may need to contact the school. The following contacts are listed below:

Academic and Pastoral Care Leaders

General inquiries

office@westlandhigh.school.nz

Handwashing to prevent the spread

Keep it simple and wash your hands well.

  • Washing hands with soap and water before and after eating as well as after attending the toilet
  • Covering coughs and sneezes with clean tissues or with an elbow
  • Putting used tissues in the bin
  • Encouraging staff and students to stay home if they are unwell

You will be aware that advice from the Ministry of Health asks everyone to wash their hands often and thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, making sure you dry them thoroughly. Singing Tutira mai or Happy Birthday twice slowly should take about 20 seconds. To assist with this messaging, there are a couple of useful videos from the National Health Service (UK) that might help teach good hand washing techniques:

Guidance Councillor

Fiona Lauder our School guidance counsellor is available to talk with students during normal school hours. To make an appointment to talk with Fiona email her at fionalauder@westlandhigh.school.nz, Fiona will get back to you with a time to talk.

All conversations with Fiona are held in the strictest confidence.

Quote of the day

When looking for wise words, the best ones often come from our elders. Catherine Pulsifer

Ngā mihi nui
Iain Murray
Principal