Kia ora koutou,

Another great week of learning at West End School. Our teachers continue to refine and target specific teaching practices to ensure the very best for our students. It is always inspiring to see the dedication and commitment of our staff as they strive to create engaging and effective learning environments for all tamariki. It was a pleasure to host the new Ministry of Education Director (Taranaki, Manawatu, Whanganui) Melanie Taite yesterday. She is honest, knowledgeable and passionate about her role with a true student focus and service mindset to all kura within her regions.

I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge and thank our incredible Teacher Aides. They play such an important role in supporting our students across different teams and learning areas. Their hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for the difference they make every day in the lives of our learners.

How fantastic was Te Matatini! We had many of our school whānau proudly representing their iwi on stage, and what a performance it was! A huge congratulations to all involved—the passion, precision, and pride displayed were a testament to the many hours of preparation and practice. It was wonderful to see the incredible talent and commitment of our community showcased on the big stage at the Bowl of Brooklands in Ngāmotu, New Plymouth.

Looking ahead, we are eagerly anticipating our Community Conferences and Kai Evening next Thursday. This is a great opportunity for whānau to connect with teachers, discuss learning progress, and celebrate the achievements of our students. We encourage as many of our school community as possible to attend. It is always a special time to strengthen our partnerships and share in the journey of our tamariki.

A reminder to keep an eye on the school app and newsletters for further details about upcoming events and important dates. Term 1 is flying by, and we want to ensure everyone is informed and engaged in our school happenings.

Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement. Together, we create a school community that fosters growth, achievement, and belonging for all.

Nga mihi,

.

Tony West

Principal - Tumuaki

West End School - Te Kura O Urumutu

On Monday, we held our annual school athletics event. After moving it to Term 1 for better weather, we managed to stay just ahead of the rain. Students displayed true whakamana, giving their best effort across all events.

In Puawaitanga, students continued to build confidence in various athletic disciplines, while Te Wao Nui o Tāne competitors battled for selection in the interschool competition later this year. Tipuranga demonstrated mana aotūroa as they explored fundamental skills that will support them across different sports as they grow older.

A huge thank you to our groundsman, Brendon, for his hard work in marking and maintaining the tracks, ensuring everything was well-organised. We also appreciate the staff for fostering a relaxed atmosphere where students thrived. Thank you to our PTA who put on a successful sausage sizzle lunch, raising money for our school. Lastly, we extend our gratitude to Awatapu for their ongoing support—many of our school events wouldn’t be possible without their generosity.

Georgia Black will be taking a break from West End School and the Sports Co-ordinator lead for a couple of terms. Charlotte Bone and Hannah Burden will be our new PE contacts, so if you have any questions around sport at West End School, please email Charlotte and Hannah at sports@westend.school.nz

We are very thankful for our West End Whanau and warmly welcome Sarah and David Le to West End. The two are in on a Wednesday afternoon to train a cohort of senior children for Rippa Rugby. Both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the school. We know the students chosen will thrive under their direction as they prepare for competition towards the end of the term.

The West End Whānau is invited to our Community Conferences and Kai event which is on Thursday 13th March. This will be a chance to come into your child's class to see the amazing mahi they have been doing during the year so far and to have a talk to their teacher. This will start at 4.30pm and continue through to 5.30pm.

Once you have finished meeting with the teacher and looking at your child's work, you are invited to stay for a picnic on the field with the rest of our school whānau.

Our amazing PTA will have activities on the field as well as having a sausages sizzle. Our Community Conferences and Kai evening will finish at 6.30.

To remember:

1. Walk the Walls of your child's classroom goes between 4.30 to 5.30.
2. When you are finished, you are welcome to join us on the field for PTA run activities.
3. You are welcome to bring some food to eat at this time.
4. You can buy sausages, drinks and juicies from the PTA.
5. Our Community Conferences and Kai evening will finish at 6.30pm.

During the week, Year 4, 5 and 6 students were introduced to our new leadership, responsibility and service to the school program, called Kapa Whakamana.

There are a range of different opportunities for your child to apply for that they have a passion or interest in.

Children who are interested are asked to

1. Fill out this form
2. Provide a high quality application as to why you should be considered. This can be done as a

• Poster, Letter, Slideshow/Powerpoint, Video or any other creative way you can think of!

Kapa Kotahitanga:

Working together to give service to our school and help our kura run efficiently

Kapa Manaakitanga:

Looking after each other and our school

Kapa Mana Aotūroa:

Showing Leadership skills, being curious - working to solve problems. Pursuing your interests and passions to build hauora within yourself and others.

Teachers will be deciding who will be involved in each team based on these applications.

All applications (form and CV) are due on Tuesday April 1st. Students can also be nominated by their teacher into these Kapa Whakamana. Please send your applications to Mr Minchin either in person, or via email dminchin@westend.school.nz.

Our Kapa Whakamana program will commence in Term 2. If your child is Year 4-6 and would like to apply for one of these positions, they were given an application form. There is a link below if you wish to print one off.

In room 15 we have been reading ’Milo’s Birthday Surprise’.

As part of our literacy learning we have selected characters and written about the treats they brought to Milo’s birthday party. These are proudly displayed in our classroom.

In Ruma Toru we have been learning about Ko Wai au? Who am I? We have created a silhouette of our side profile and filled it with items that symbolise us. We are so proud of our final art piece.

Children will need to bring togs, towel, goggles and if your child has long hair it will need to be tied up for swimming.

WEEK 7 -

• Swimming for Te Wao Nui o Tāne - Monday 10th March
• Swimming for Puāwaitanga - Tuesday 11th March
• New Entrant Visits - Wednesday 12th March - 1.50pm
• EPIC Music - Wednesday 12th March
• Swimming for Tipuranga - Thursday 13th March
• Community Conferences and Kai - Thursday 13th March from 4.30pm - 6.30pm

WEEK 8 -

• Swimming for Te Wao Nui o Tāne - Monday 17th March
• Swimming for Puāwaitanga - Tuesday 18th March
• Weetbix Tryathlon - Tuesday 18th March
• New Entrant Visits - Wednesday 19th March - 1.50pm
• EPIC Music - Wednesday 19th March
• Swimming for Tipuranga - Thursday 20th March
• Mt Biggs Tough Kids Challenge - Friday 21st March

WEEK 9 -

• Swimming for Te Wao Nui o Tāne - Monday 24th March
• Swimming for Puāwaitanga - Tuesday 25th March
• New Entrant Visits - Wednesday 26th March - 1.50pm
• Plant to Plate TWNOT - Wednesday 26th March
• EPIC Music - Wednesday 26th March
• Swimming for Tipuranga - Thursday 27th March

WEEK 10 -

• Swimming for Te Wao Nui o Tāne - Monday 31st March
• Swimming for Puāwaitanga - Tuesday 1st April
• EPIC Music - Wednesday 2nd April
• Swimming for Tipuranga - Thursday 3rd April
• RIPPA Rugby Tournament - Friday 4th April

WEEK 11 -

• Swimming for Te Wao Nui o Tāne - Monday 7th April
• Swimming for Puāwaitanga - Tuesday 8th April
• EPIC Music - Wednesday 9th April
• Swimming for Tipuranga - Thursday 10th April
• Last Day of Term 1 - Friday 11th April

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS UNTIL MONDAY 28th APRIL

We know how important sport is to Kiwi kids. It teaches fair play, teamwork, builds confidence and keeps them active, but getting the little ones match ready can be expensive. That’s why this year we’ve made Big Little bigger than ever, so even more schools can play a little freer with a game changing sports grant.

In partnership with Eden Park, the Big Little Sponsorship encourages communities to nominate local primary schools for the prize, giving a boost to grassroots sport in the process. Running since 2018, the Big Little Sponsorship has seen $98,000 in sports grants awarded to primary schools across Aotearoa.

Your school could be our next big winner, so nominate them below to help them play a little freer! The school benefits from having as many nominations as possible.

Click on the link below.

The more surveys that are completed, the more money West End School receives - so lets all get on and finish these surveys!

Term 1: Monday 29 Jan - Friday 11 April

Term 2: Monday 28 April - Friday 27 June

Term 3: Monday 14 July - Friday 19 Sept

Term 4: Monday 6 Oct - Friday 12 Dec

Term 1 for Term 2: Wednesday 26 February 2025

Term 2 for Term 3: Wednesday 14 May 2025

Term 3 for Term 4: Wednesday 30 July 2025

Term 4 for Term 1 2026: Wednesday 29 October 2025

The EPIC Holiday Program is an OSCAR-approved, music-focused program led by our experienced EPIC Music Academy team. Based in Palmerston North, we’ve been providing fun, creative, and engaging holiday experiences for over four years. Alongside music, we offer a variety of exciting activities at our venue and often head out on awesome trips. For more info, check out our website at www.epicma.nz/hp

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.

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