In this week's newsletter:

School Life

• Thanks to everyone for a great term
• School Hats
• SchooI Board Parent Mid-Term Election 2023
• Changes to After-School Care
• Waka Waewae

Other Opportunities

• Holy Moly Arts & Crafts
• Aroha Skate
• Auckland Council Have Your Say Campaign - Grey Lynn Park
  
• Matthews Eyecare Vision in Schools Program
  
• Supie Fundraising Offer
• sKids Holiday Programme
• Head Held High Holiday Programme

School Life

What a stunning end to Term 3. The sunshine always makes our school an extra joyous place to be.

Reflecting on the term, there are so many people to thank for supporting our school.

A huge shout-out to Hilary for organising the gardening crew last weekend. It has made a big difference and we can't wait to see the fruits of your labour in the coming weeks.

Westmere School Supporters raised over $8000 with the Readathon and Bake Sale. They have continued to put their efforts into ensuring that Freaky Friday is bigger and better than ever. Don't forget to put the date in your diary. 

Tickets are on sale from 9th October.

Before you plan a shopping trip, please remember that we try and keep events as low waste as possible. Our costume swap will take place on 20th October. 

Thanks to our supporters - Lemonade Design, Kane Taylor at Ray White and The Dorothy Butler Children's Bookshop.

You can start signing up to help out with the event here.

Thank you also to the NUONI fundraising committee for the fun whānau evening. It was great to see everyone enjoying the evening and a phenomenal amount of money was raised. 

More people have signed up for the Working Bee on 14th October. If you can give just an hour at the same time you come and vote it will make a huge difference to our school. Sign up here.

I am always grateful to be able to work in partnership with a supportive school board. The collective experience, expertise and passion for our school that the board bring ensure that our school is safe, secure and a place where teachers and students can thrive. Our upcoming elections are a time for you to consider standing for election. 

If you would like to find out more about what being a board member entails you can check out some short videos and other information here. You are welcome to contact me teresa@westmere.school.nz or email botchair@westmere.school.nz if you would like a chat. 

Details about how to stand are below.

I hope that you get to enjoy some whānau time over the school holidays. Children definitely need a chance to recharge for a great term 4.

School Hats
Please look out for your child's hat for the start of term 4. We have school hats that we ask all families to use. The hats are chosen for having a wide brim and a safety cord.

Our rule at school is that if you are not wearing a school hat the teacher will choose if you can play outside. Not all bucket hats provide good cover and we want children to be safe at all times.

It really helps teachers and students if everyone can use a school sunhat. It helps prevent peer pressure to wear a fashion item over a sunsafe hat.

Changes to After-School Care
After many years of amazing service to the Westmere School Community, Jason has decided to hand the reigns of the after-school programme to SKIDs. Some of you may have used SKIDs already for the holiday programme.

Jason and his team have always worked hard to respond to the needs of the Westmere community and SKIDs have a commitment to continuing to work with us and you to provide the best for your children. 

If you are using Karma Kids Jason has already been in contact with you. If you would like to find out more about the programme Sarah at SKIDs will be available for a chat at the hall after school from next term.

Waka Waewae
Our two Waka Waewae (walking school buses) have been experiencing a huge growth in children coming along to walk to school! It is awesome to see the enthusiasm of the tamariki wanting to join in on the fun. Please note that for your child to be part of the Waka Waewae they need to be officially signed up as this is required for health and safety purposes to keep in line with their ratios. There are information booklets available at the office or here if you would like more information about how the Waka is run and what is required to sign up. Thank you for your cooperation! 

SchooI Board Parent Mid-Term Election 2023
Nomination round
Our school will be undertaking a mid-term parent election for 2 School Board vacancies. This process will start with the issuing of nomination papers to our caregiver community by Friday 22nd September 2023.

We have employed CES to undertake the election process on our behalf. This year with legislative change, our nomination form and full instruction on how to place your nomination into our own School’s Election website will be emailed to you if we have your email address in our database or you will receive it by post if we don’t have your email in our database.

Nomination papers will also be available at the school office. The school will send those onto CES for processing upon receipt from candidates.

Nominations close Wednesday 11th October at 12 noon. Election day is Wednesday 15th November.

We look forward to your participation in this process.Wayne JamiesonReturning OfficerCES89 Nazareth Avenue | Middleton | Christchurch | PO Box 414 | Christchurch 8140P (03) 338 4444 | Cell 021 399 744 Web www.cessl.org.nz

Other Opportunities

Holy Moly Arts and Crafts

Aroha Skate

• Registration Link: https://www.arohaskate.co.nz/after-school-skate-lessons-auckland-learn-how-to-skate-with-aroha-skate
• Website: https://www.arohaskate.co.nz
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/arohaskate.nz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArohaSkate

Auckland Council Have Your Say Campaign - Grey Lynn Park

Matthews Eyecare Vision in Schools Program

80% of learning is visual, and good vision helps set your child up for academic and sporting success. 

Local optometrist Matthews Eyecare is continuing to support Westmere | Te Rehu with their Vision in Schools Program. 

If you have a child in the Junior School, look out for some information on children’s vision and voucher for a comprehensive eye exam in the children's book bag. 

This goes beyond the B4 School Exam for your peace of mind. There are no purchases necessary, and access to subsidies is often available if needed. 

If your child is in another year group, but you're concerned about their eyes and also want to access this offer, speak to your teacher. 

As a Westmere School Family, you also receive 20% off frames, lenses and sunglasses for the whole family. Just bring the flyer in from this newsletter.

Fundraising Offer

Have you heard of Supie? 

They are a new online grocery store that wants to ensure that all Kiwis have access to affordable, healthy food. 

They believe that they are a better and fairer online supermarket, and are driven every day to make a real impact on people’s lives and the planet.

The team at Supie has offered to donate $10 to Westmere School for every first order placed on Supie, up to $1,000 for the next 3 months.

New customers will also receive a $10 discount on their first order so it's a WIN/WIN for you and for our School!

To claim this offer just use the discount code “WESTMERESCHOOL” which will give you a $10 discount on your order and a $10 cash donation to Westmere School.

sKids Holiday Programme

Book at skids.co.nz/westmere

Head Held High Holiday Programme