

School Newsletter Term 1, Week 2
Friday 9th February 2024
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
I hope this message finds you well as we dive into another week of academic learning.
I am proud to acknowledge the exemplary behaviour demonstrated by our students on the playground. Their respect, kindness, and inclusivity towards one another create a vibrant and safe atmosphere for play and social interaction. These positive behaviours not only enhance the overall experience for all students but also contribute significantly to our school's culture of empathy and cooperation.
Additionally, I would like to commend our dedicated staff for fostering settled and focused classrooms conducive to learning. Through their commitment to maintaining a nurturing and structured environment, our students are better able to engage with the curriculum and maximize their academic potential.
On another note, Our recent Teacher-Only Day, was dedicated to professional development focused on handwriting and literacy. This targeted training will equip our teachers with the latest strategies and techniques to enhance these fundamental skills among our students.
Handwriting and literacy are abilities that serve as the foundation for academic success across all subjects. By refining these skills, our students will not only become proficient communicators but also develop critical thinking, comprehension, and creative expression. Improved handwriting facilitates clearer communication and fosters confidence in self-expression, while enhanced literacy skills empower students to analyse, interpret, and communicate complex ideas effectively.
As always, I am grateful for your ongoing support and partnership in our shared mission to provide the best possible education for our students. Together, we will continue to inspire excellence and unlock the boundless potential within each and every child.
Do you have our West End School App?
If you do not have our school app on your phone or device, please email dminchin@westend.school.nz and he can send you the link to download our app.
If you already have the app, please click on the alerts, the tick on the top right, and select the teams/clubs/groups that your child is in this year so you can receive all of the information needed throughout the year.
Through our app you are able to view all newsletters, go onto Kindo, report an absence if your child is sick as well as access any important links and information.
Values signage up around school
We are proud to start displaying our values not just by the way we are at school every day, but now it will be shown on some of our walls and buildings.
Breakfast Club starting next week
Due to the short week next week we have decided to hold off starting breakfast club until Week 3 of Term 1.
Breakfast club this year will provide weetbix and milk. If you have any questions regarding this please email gblack@westend.school.nz
E-learning agreements to be returned to school please
During our meet the teacher afternoon last Friday, many of our whānau were given an e-learning agreement to sign or take home. When we use digital technologies, we need to learn how to keep ourselves safe, and make good choices in ways we behave when we are online. At West End School we call this being a ‘digital citizen’. Good digital citizens help to make our school a safe and positive place for everyone.
Parents please read this carefully, and to your child as necessary. Please sign and return to your classroom teacher as soon as possible. Access to E-Learning technology will be allowed once this form has been signed and returned to school.School start times
Our school gates will open at approximately 8.10am every morning.
A reminder that the bell to come into classes will ring at 8.30am. Children are to wait in the area next to the turf before that time (from 8.15am). Our school gates will open at approximately 8.10am. We are having a lot of children arriving at school without an adult before 8am. We want all of our tamariki to get to school safely. Please ensure they are not arriving too early to school where there is no adult supervision before the start of our school day.
Swimming will start next week
We will be sending reminders of swimming via our school app, but please be aware that
Te Wao Nui o Tāne (Room 2, 3, 4, 5) will swim on Monday,
Puāwaitanga (Room 1, 6, 7, 10 and 11) will swim on Tuesday,
Tipuranga (Room 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) will swim on Wednesday.
Children will need to bring togs, towel, goggles and if your child has long hair it will need to be tied up for swimming.
Jets Basketball in Te Wao Nui o Tāne
For Term 1 players from The Jets are coming into West End School to provide the seniors with some basketball coaching.
Room 5 had a great time and learnt some skills. We showed Kotahitanga as some of the games required us to work together as a team. We also had to show Whakamana as we were challenged and had to try our best. It was lots of fun and we are looking forward to our next session.
Upcoming Events
WEEK 3 -
- SWIMMING STARTS
- Splash 'n Dash - Wednesday 14th February
- BOT Meeting - Thursday 15th February
WEEK 4 -
- VIBE Assembly (TWNOT led) - Thursday 22nd February - 1.45pm in the school hall
PE at West End
We were very excited this week to host some Manawatū Jet players who are teaching fundamental basketball skills to TWNOT students. This is a fully funded programme hoping to develop the Basketball game in New Zealand. We look forward to hosting them each Thursday for the next six weeks.
Term 1 Sports Registrations are now live on KINDO
Years 3-6 Football
Years 1 - 4 Netball
Mt Biggs Tough Guy and Gal
On the 22nd of March Mount Biggs is hosting their annual Tough Kids Challenge. Cost is $25pp for entry fee and the bus to and from the venue. This is for any students in Puawaitanga and Te Wao Nui O Tane.All registrations need to be in by 12th February via KINDO
Touch Rugby: If you have a child that would like to play touch rugby on the 2nd of March please email Miss Black.
Weetbix Kids TRYathlon:
The following link directs you to the Weetbix Kids TRYathlon, if you would like to register your child to this please add them to our dashboard.
If you have questions about this event please come directly to Miss Black.
Splash 'N Dash on Wednesday next week
We are excited to retry hosting this event on Wednesday of Week 3. Kick off will be 12:30 starting with the seniors and moving through the school. This event involves a swim (splash) followed by a run. Whānau are welcome! If you are keen to come along, spectator areas are on the court area and the field. This event should be finished by 2pm.
Student Council Candidate Speech information sent out today
We had a great response to children keen to run for our Student Council. Some tips and information about giving a 1 minute speech to their class was handed out today. Speeches will take place in classes on either Thursday or Friday of next week (Week 3)
Term Dates 2024
Term 1: Monday 29 Jan - Friday 12 April
Term 2: Monday 29 April - Friday 5 July
Term 3: Monday 22 July - Friday 27 Sept
Term 4: Monday 14 Oct - Friday 13 Dec
If your child is absent from school.
It is really important under the current circumstances you notify the school if your child is absent.
PLEASE DO NOT TXT OR EMAIL THE CLASSROOM TEACHER.
ALL ABSENCES SHOULD BE ADVISED VIA THE OFFICE.
Please remember to advise the office by 8.30am if your child is not attending school.
You can telephone 358-2465 and leave a message or txt 021 118 0156.
ABSENCES CAN ALSO BE SENT EASILY THROUGH OUR SCHOOL APP
In both cases please give a reason for absence.
Thank you.
Kindo Online Shop
It is very important that families register with Kindo, as this is now the only way to register your child for school sports, and ordering PTA lunches.
Below are the links to register.
If you require help please call the Kindo helpdesk on
0508 454 636
New users need this link
Existing users need this link
Location: West End School, 196 College Street, Palmerston North
Phone: 06 358 2465