Start up information for 2013
Dear Parents and Caregivers
Happy New Year and I trust that you had a really enjoyable time over the
break with family. This is our first global email to families for 2013,
prior to the school academic year commencing. This week, seniors are
confirming courses for 2013. Prefect leadership training is also
underway and it will be completed today. Our student leaders are excited
about being more visible to students through the reframed House system.
A STRONG START TO 2013
Last year we reframed many aspects of school management to better
support the Board’s strategic aims of the school. We also raised
expectations related to student attendance, teaching and academic
monitoring and identified where we can increase staffing support in 2013
for students who really need it.
This year every student has been assigned to a new House and will remain
there throughout her remaining years at Westlake Girls. Throughout
their five years with us, each Westlake girl will develop a stronger
sense of self while growing in resilience, confidence and gratitude.
Our aims are focused and progressive at WGHS. We want all students to
aim for personal excellence in every endeavour and we will support them
as they develop resilience. Our House system will enable staff to
nurture and encourage students to develop academic and moral strength
and to become bold, resourceful and well-balanced individuals. Staff
remain committed to:
* encouraging students to strive for the highest standards in every endeavour
* providing an education which motivates, challenges, encourages, includes and inspires
* students growing in experience, wisdom, confidence and understanding
* students showing generosity towards others
* students caring for the world and our learning environment.
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT WEEK
Tuesday 29th January
Years 10 – 13 only are in (as new entrants into year 9 not expected at school)
Y10 expected to be in at 9am (at the covered courts) until about 11.30am
Y11 in at 9am (in the hall) until about 11.30am
Y12 in at 9am (in Gym 3) until about 11.30am
Y13 in at 9am (in Gym 1) until about 11.30am
Wednesday 30th January – Orientation for New Entrants
Years 10, 11 and 12 are not expected to be at school as it is set aside for new entrant orientation.
Year 9 arrive and go straight to the hall at 9am. Y13 school leaders
will be involved 9am – 3pm. It is advisable that Year 9 students bring
their lunch as the canteen only has very limited options until Thursday
31st January.
Thursday 31st January
All students attend 8.45am – 3.15pm and classes commence. Timetable Day 2.
Friday, 1 February
Second day of timetabled classes 8.45am – 3.15pm. Timetable Day 3.
SCHOOL CANTEEN REFURBISHMENT
The canteen has been fully refurbished in the holidays and is currently
closed. A full food service will not resume until next Thursday 31st
January. It reopens next week with limited options available next
Wednesday 30th, so it is best that students bring their own lunches.
WAIRAU ROAD /NILE ROAD/ FORREST HILL ROAD INTERSECTION UPGRADE
The upgrade for this intersection will take most of 2013 to complete.
Consequently, there will be restricted traffic flows all year in this
area and Auckland Council are advising motorists to use alternative
routes where possible.
Currently there is only one lane for traffic driving each way through
the intersection and there are significant delays, especially at peak
times.
From about 28th January 2013, a second lane will be opened for traffic
heading to Wairau Valley and this should reduce some congestion outside
WGHS. The full flow of two lanes each way is not expected to be restored
until the end of Term 1.
Parents and students are encouraged to use the pedestrian crossing down
by the entrance to the school. Secondly, a reminder to parents that due
to the on-going road works, you should expect delays through the
intersection and, therefore, it would be wise to avoid using it if
possible. Feel free to visit our website where suggested detours are
illustrated.
HOUSE ASSEMBLIES
As the first week is short there are no House assemblies scheduled,
however students can look forward to these commencing in Week 2.
WHOLE SCHOOL ASSEMBLY
A whole school assembly will be held on the covered courts during Week
2. This is our opportunity to commission Prefects and welcome New
Entrants. It will probably be held on Tuesday 5th February, at the start
of the day, to be confirmed soon. Parents are welcome.
WAITANGI DAY
Wednesday 5 February is Waitangi Day and school is closed.
NZQA RESULTS 2012
A full outline of 2012 results will be circulated to all parents soon. We are collecting data as NZQA releases information.
Warm regards
Roz Mexted
PRINCIPAL
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