Week 8 -  Term 2  -  2019

 
 
 
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Visit    https://goo.gl/JATwKZ    to follow  Whanau Time live. 

 
 
 
 
 
 

WHS YouTube  with 109 school videos https://goo.gl/OECvhD

 
 
 
 
 
 

Click on the Calendar icon for our Live Community Calendar

 
 
 
 
 

Calendar of Events - through to Week 8 of Term 3:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Kia Ora, Talofa Lava, Malo e Lelei, Bula, Namastē, Namaskar, AyubowanKia Orana, Taloha Ni, Kumusta,  Aloha Mai E, Fakaalofa Lahi Atu, ‘Alii, Malo Ni, Halo Aloketa Aloha, Nī Hāo, Sawatdeekhrap  Sabaidi, Terve, Dobradan, Bonjour, Hola, Guten Tag, Ciao, Salaam, Olā, Zdravstvuyte, Konnichiwa, Ahn Young Ha Se Yo, Hoi, Merhaba, Jambo, Yasou, Shalom, Salamat Siang, Ahoj, Xin Chāo, Sawubona, Bok, Yiassoo, Hej, Dia Dhaoibh, Cham Reap Sour, Hoi, Vanakkam.

 
 
 
 
 
 

Strike Action Follow Up:

 
 

Last Friday the government announced some major changes to their offer to teachers.

There is much that is positive in the offer and our teachers will be voting on the offer soon.

There are a number of big issues that were not addressed but we understand there is not a bottomless pit of money, and undoing the neglect of the last nine years (and more) is not achievable in one quick fix. 

 
 
 
 
 
 

I know of a top school that has lost two young teachers in a week. They have gone to a different career that offers more money for far less hours and far less stress. That same school advertised a great job and received one application - from a gentleman in Russia who is trained only in teaching English as a second language, but whose English is actually very poor. 

I can remember never getting less than 150 applications for any job I advertised - in a tough, low decile school. Now in a brilliant decile 7 school I have advertised jobs with only a handful of applicants applying.

I am pleased this government is taking the issue seriously. I know the majority of my teachers work 60 hours a week. I am averaging 80 hours a week. It’s little wonder many are looking elsewhere. It’s also why we do everything we can to look after our teachers. The success of this wonderful school is all down to them. Your support is helping us to keep them. Thank you for that support.

 
 
 
 
 

Matariki:

 
 
 

It is the time of Matariki - the traditional Maori New Year.

At this time the seven - now nine - sisters. Of Matariki can be seen in the sky - provided it is clear and you look in the right place. 

Our children have been learning all about Matariki, so I felt very proud when two young boys told me they had been out to spot the stars, but could only see four at that time. Pretty awesome.

As I was sorting a piece of Matariki music for Whanau Time, Oliver and his mum Kathryn walked past my office. Kathryn is based at Kelston Deaf Education Centre. She works with some very talented young people there, including Tuhoi Henry the Deaf Signer in the video I was accessing.

Kathryn’s group gained funding from the NZSL Board to adapt Te Red Singalong books and add NZSL to them.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Toyworld Lego Competition Store Winners and National Winner:

 
 
 

We have three big winners from the Toyworld nation-wide Lego building competition.

Toyworld Henderson: Danielle Ziva Ponce David

Toyworld Lynn Mall: Samantha Joanie Ponce David

Toyworld Te Awa Hamilton: Mina Kim

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

https://www.toyworld.co.nz/nlbc-store-winners

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

At left is Samantha’s winning entry.

Above is Mina’s winning entry.

Danielle has won the Henderson Store competition four years in a row now.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Congratulations - Danielle Ziva Ponce David!

After many (many!) hours of deliberation, we are delighted to announce our 2019 National LEGO Building competition Champion - Danielle David, Age 10 from Henderson.

Danielle has won:

Return flights for 2 adults and 2 children to LEGOLAND® Dubai

5 nights accommodation at the LEGOLAND® Dubai Resort

4 days admission for 2 adults and 2 children to LEGOLAND® Dubai

NZD $1000 spending money


Danielle’s Judges’ Commentary:

Another absolutely amazing year of entries to the National LEGO Building Competition!  We had so many fantastic entries it was incredibly difficult to decide on all of the store winners, let alone the overall winner.  As always the level of creativity, imagination and skill that goes into the builds is mind blowing and every single entrant should be super proud.  For the overall winner, Brickman Ryan McNaught had the following to say “I love the layers of the tree house, with each layer “telling a different story” from ninjas fighting sword wielding snails to pirates fishing, to Santa on a horse carousel!

Making organic shapes is hard, trees are not easy to build and I love the way she has used the different types and coloured pieces to give the tree texture.  It has some real presence to it and has me wanting to spin it around to find out more of the cool hidden features that are on it. There is a lot of funny things happening on the model, I really love it!”  

Congratulations again to Danielle on her amazing build and being crowned the winner for 2019!   How long did it take you to build the model and what was the hardest part?

The model took all of April to design and build and the hardest part was getting the structure strong enough that it was able to hold the branches.

Where did your idea for the build come from?

I have been reading The Treehouse Books series by Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton.  I had just finished the 52 Storey Treehouse so tried to recreate some of the funny ideas from the book into my build. 

Is this the first year you have entered the competition? If not, how many years have you entered?

This is the 4th year I have entered the NLBC and in the past I have built a Museum, a Theme Park and also a Parrot.

What are you looking forward to the most about visiting LEGOLAND?

I have never been to either a LEGOLAND or Dubai so its super exciting.  Its too hard to just pick one thing! anjannette@hotmail.com

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Update from Jennece Morris:

 
 

Jennece Morris took some time to do her OE in Europe - and got engaged in front of the Eiffel Tower no less.

Here is her latest post:

We have just left Switzerland and have arrived in Spain. Switzerland was magical. Probably the most beautiful place we have seen so far. We are on the second half of our trip now, missing home but still having a great time. 

Here are some photos from Switzerland. If you haven’t visited this place, please put it on your bucket list. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Catch Ups:

 
 
 
 
 
 

I felt a bit like the Oncler from Dr Seuss’s ’The Lorax’ last Saturday.

We had to take the hedge line of bushes out of our central garden area because they were dying of root rot. Once dead they became sharp and dangerous. Sadly therefore, they had to go. I am unsure what we will do by way of possible replacement at this stage.


We have Buddy Classes operating at Western Heights. Older classes team up with younger ones. On a Friday afternoon they will often get together for some shared learning experiences. Often they will work together on ‘Pay It Forward’ projects for our school or community. They also team up to co-present Whanau Times.

It is a wonderful way of strengthening Whanau Relationships in our school.

You will often see older children looking out for and supporting their younger buddies at playtime and lunchtime and even out of school.


One mum told me her five year old suddenly took off yelling in the supermarket,  then jumped up and hugged an older child they had been running towards. It was her buddy and that’s how pleased she was to see her buddy.


Room 20 joined Room 7 on Wednesday afternoon for some Play based learning. The older boys had such a great time being young(er) again in the dressing up corner.

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 

Learning Conferences:

 
 
 

These happen for all children on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 July - in week 10 - the final week of this term.

You will have received a GREEN notice about this from your child. You can book your time online at  www.schoolinterviews.co.nz  

and enter the code   36yd9.

School will finish at 12.30pm on both these days. 

It would be greatly appreciated if you could make arrangements for your children to be picked up early on both days. If this is not possible, we have the ability to supervise a limited number of children on site. This must be arranged by emailing julieo@westernheights.school.nz to arrange supervision at school until 3pm. 

Please state your child’s full name, room number, which  days you need supervision for and what time they will be picked up (or if they are to go to After School Care etc). Thank you.

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 

Life-Long Learning:

 
 
 

Some of you may know that Jenna Aalbers and I are both studying for our Masters part time at present. Jenna is completing hers this year, I complete mine next year. Jenna’s focus is on Science and Mathematics. She is a talented and dedicated Team Leader, an exceptional teacher, and is also completing her Masters at the same time. I know she is pushed to the limit, but I have tremendous admiration for her as it is a huge amount of work - reading, researching, reflecting and then trying to put everything into a clear and coherent assignment. 

Since October I have completed 18 small assignments averaging about 3,000 words, and four big assignments averaging about 6,000 words. 

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 

This and all the presentations and related learnings have been collated on a website I created for my Masters in Contemporary Educational Practice as per details below.


The Master of Contemporary Education (Level 9) aims to equip teachers and educational professionals with the competence, expertise and knowledge to drive and lead excellence in contemporary, future-focused and culturally responsive education practice. The qualification aims to build on and deepen capacity for and commitment to emerging technologies and digital fluencies within the education sector, in the bicultural context of Aotearoa New Zealand.


Graduate Profile

Graduates of the Master of Contemporary Education will be able to lead education innovation and opportunities created through digital technologies and future-focused practices to advance education across New Zealand. They will be able to work collaboratively with students, parents, whānau, communities and other key stakeholders in a range of contexts to develop and adapt strategies to advance teaching practice and improve learner outcomes.


Graduates of the Master of Contemporary Education will be able to:

Critically engage in a substantial and authentic way with appropriate communities and stakeholders in the context of educational change.

Critique past, existing, and emerging practices and determine their cultural and social impact in the wider education context.

Critically analyse existing and emerging challenges and opportunities in contemporary education, and generate strategies to advance practice.

Develop and adapt specialised knowledge regarding emerging and disruptive technologies, and the need for digital fluency, into practice.

Lead and develop collaborative learner-focused ‘solutions in practice’ in the context of emerging challenges and opportunities in contemporary education.

 
 
 
 
  
 
 

Measles outbreak in Auckland

UPDATE: As at 12PM, 17 June there have been 115 confirmed cases of measles this year

http://www.arphs.health.nz/public-health-topics/disease-and-illness/measles/

 
 
 
 
 

Spare Clothes for Wet Winter Days:

 
 
 

Somehow children have a knack for finding puddles and falling into them. The muddier the puddle, the more likely they are to fall in. The muddier the ground the more likely they are to fall over. 

This is why every child needs a spare set of clothes to keep in their bag - so we can get them into warm dry clothes after an emergency puddle event. Your help in this will be greatly appreciated.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Give. Kid A Blanket - or A Jacket:

 
 
 

Western Heights School is supporting this worthy cause.


`Give a Kid a Blanket' is a community action of kindness. We gather donations of warmth from across the wider Auckland area and beyond, and gift these to kids and families in need.

Our aim is for recipients to feel both warmed and valued by the community.


Our focus is to celebrate the acts of kindness many are able to make, and acknowledge the important work of those working with families from health and social agencies.


- When. 

Collecting runs from June 1st - July 21st 2019


- What to donate.

New and excellent condition pre-loved blankets, sleeping bags, duvets, baby sleep sacks, winter bedding, duvet covers, new pillows, new hot-water bottles. pyjamas, beanies, socks, jumpers, winter coats, rain coats, toiletries.

(NO other types of clothing thanks)


- Where. 

Follow the project on the 'Give a Kid a Blanket' page on Facebook. There is a list of over 70 places you can take donations to across the wider Auckland area, from Warkworth to Pokeno and most places in between - including at Western Heights School.



Ar Right: 

Our collection to date. Thank you so much to all those kind families who have contributed. You are making a big difference.

Hopefully we will get lots more donations and really make an impact in west Auckland.

Thanks all.

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Blooming Buds from Glen Eden brought us in this awesome cake and other goodies for a staff morning tea. Very cool and much appreciated.

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 

Haere mai ki te karakia o te atapoo kia tuuwhera ai te ahurei o Matariki I teenei tau.

Commemorate those who have passed, acknowledge those who remain, and welcome the Maaori new year with this special Matariki Dawn Karakia alongside iwi manaaki, Waikato-Tainui, at Pukekawa in Auckland Domain Sat 22 June. #MatarikiFestival

http://www.matarikifestival.org.nz/

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Parenting - Teaching - Learning = A Weekly Series:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Community News:

 
 
  
 
 

We love sharing success stories for ex students. If you know of ex student successes or achievements, please let us know. A photo to go with the story is appreciated.

The same applies to current students who experience success outside of school time - clubs, hobbies or interests where they shine are great to share and inspiring for our children.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

We are holding our Annual Book Fair from Monday 1 July to Friday 5 July.

Opening times are :

Monday:         3pm to 3:30pm                                                 Tuesday:        8:30 to 9am and 3 to 3:30pm           Wednesday:  8:30 to 9am and 1pm to 6:45pm           Thursday:      8:30 to 9am and 1pm to 5:30pm           Friday:            8:30 to 9am 

 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 

David Pogue’s Life Hacks - A Series - Food Tips:

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Thursday’s Thoughts:

 
   
  
 
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 

Kindness is the Key:

 
 
  
 
 
 
 

Welcome to our Newest Western Heights Whanau:

 
 
 

No one new to welcome this week.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Parenting

 
 
  
 
 
 

This Week on Twitter

 
 
  
   
  
   
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 

Western Heights School

126 Sturges Road

Henderson

Auckland 0612

P -  09 8361213

E -  macash@mac.com

M - 021 779 009

Office eMail

admin@westernheights.school.nz

 
 
 
 
 
 
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Ash Maindonald

Principal

 
 
 

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