Week 1, Term 1 Newsletter

Westmere Office — February 12th, 2026

In this week's newsletter:

School Life

This Week
Moe mai rā Nadine
Stationery
Meet the Studio
School Pick Ups

Extra Curricular Opportunities

Sports - Term 1
Sports - Ski Team / Swimming / Flippaball

Other Opportunities

Skids
Holy Moly Arts & Crafts
Zero Waste Makerspace
St Mary’s College Open Day
Playball
Arc Dance
Western Springs AFC Junior & Youth 2026 Season Registrations
Prosford Studio
Marist College Open Day
Learn to Sew
St Paul's College Open Day
St Peter's College Open Day
Believe Dance & Acro
Philippa Campbell School of Ballet
Learn French

School Life

This Week

Welcome back! We have had a wonderful start to the term; it's hard to believe it's only Week 1. There is a lovely, calm feeling around the school, routines are up and running, and tamariki are engaged and settled back into learning.

Unfortunately, the excitement of the beginning of the year will start to fade soon, and children will be tired as they adjust back to regular routines and school. Tamariki may be a little more teary or grumpy or both, but not to worry, we are used to this time of adjustment and will support you and your child through this transition. Please reach out to your child's teacher if you need any help at drop-off times. Our recommendation is to say goodbye quickly and confidently - this shows your child that you know school is a safe place for them and that they will be okay. The longer you linger, the harder it gets, and it can have the opposite intention to the one you were wanting. We know it is hard for you as the parent too, but please be assured that in most cases, children are fine within a minute of you leaving (and if we are worried, we will call you).

Moe mai rā Nadine

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Nadine Hohepa, who served on our Board of Trustees from her election in 2022 until she stepped down at the end of last year, passed away over the school holiday period.

Nadine made a tremendous contribution to our kura over many years. She was a stalwart of our community—always positive, caring, and deeply committed to the wellbeing of our students, staff, and whānau. Her enthusiasm wisdom and generous spirit made her a joy to work with, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends at this difficult time.

Westmere School Board

Stationery

Thanks to everyone who has been on the finance button on Hero and paid for your child's stationery. Your child has received their stationery in their studios. Please pay this cost asap.

Meet the Studio

Next week we have Meet the Studio. This is an opportunity for you to meet your child's teachers for this year and learn about the way the studio and learning runs. It's also a chance for you to meet and get to know some of the other parents - a great time to swap phone numbers to organise play dates, sports drop-offs etc.

NUONI Tue 3:30pm (followed by Noho Hui)
Juniors Wed 5:30pm
Middles Wed 6pm
Seniors Wed 6:30pm

School Pick Ups

Please remind your child/ren to come back into the office and get assistance if they are unable to find their parent after school, rather than waiting at the school gates.

Extra Curricular Opportunities

Sports - Term 1

We have registered our teams for touch rugby and basketball for Term 1. We know it's been a quick turn around to get teams ready for the season, most teams have rolled over and we've done our best to accommodate newbies. If your child has missed out, we sincerely apologise. We do our very best to create teams for all our children wanting to play sport. We require a parent coach and manager for each team, so parent input is greatly appreciated and crucial in making these teams happen.

Please keep an eye on our newsletter for any sports notices; this is where we communicate what's on each season. Your managers will make direct contact with you regarding week-to-week game schedules, etc.

Fee information will be going out shortly.

Sports - Ski Team / Swimming / Flippaball

Our parent organiser of our ski, swimming and flippaball teams is no longer at Westmere. If parents wish for these sports to continue, we will need a parent organiser to make this happen.

Please email sport@westmere.school.nz if you would like to put your hand up for this.