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School Newsletter Term 4, Week 3

Friday 1st November 2024

School NewsletterTerm 4, Week 3Friday 1st November 2024

Kia ora whānau,

We’ve had an incredible week filled with both learning and laughter, finishing off in true Kiwi style with the much-anticipated gumboot throw! Students got creative with a range of throwing techniques – it was wonderful to see the excitement as they cheered each other on. This activity wasn’t just about distance; it was about showing spirit, confidence, and giving everything a go. It’s always inspiring to watch our students support each other in such enthusiastic ways.


It’s also been a fantastic week behind the scenes as our Board of Trustees met to discuss future plans for West End. I’m thrilled by the progressive approach the Board is taking, working with the vision of providing our students and staff with the best possible learning and teaching environments. We’re excited to share some significant changes on the horizon that will elevate our teaching spaces, making them even more adaptable and inspiring for everyone. Thanks to the Board’s forward-thinking leadership and dedication, these plans are shaping up to provide spaces that fully support modern learning practices.


Adding to the excitement this week, our PTA put on a Halloween Disco that was an absolute hit! From costumes to decorations, everyone went all-out, and the energy was buzzing. Huge thanks go to DJ Connor Johnson for bringing his talent to the event – he had the students (and staff!) up and dancing the entire time, playing the perfect mix of music for all ages. We’re also incredibly grateful to the PTA and the many volunteers who put their time and creativity into making the disco a success. Seeing so many students and families enjoying themselves is always a highlight, and it really reminds us of the strong community spirit we have here at West End.


Thank you all for your support and involvement in these activities – it’s this shared dedication that truly makes West End School a special place. As we head into a busy time of the term, please remember to keep an eye on updates from the school app and newsletters to stay informed on upcoming events and opportunities.


Ngā mihi nui,

Tony West

Principal - Tumuaki

West End School - Te Kura O Urumutu

Upcoming Events

WEEK 4

  • Swimming (2, 3, 4, 5) - Monday 4th November
  • Swimming (6, 7, 10, 11) - Tuesday 5th November
  • PNINS visit for Y6 students to watch dress rehearsal - Tuesday 5th November
  • Swimming (13, 14, 15, 17) - Wednesday 6th November
  • EPIC Music - Wednesday 6th November
  • Swimming (16, 8, 1) - Thursday 7th November
  • VIBE Assembly (Puāwaitanga) - Friday 8th November


WEEK 5

  • Swimming (2, 3, 4, 5) - Monday 11th November
  • Swimming (6, 7, 10, 11) - Tuesday 12th November
  • Swimming (13, 14, 15, 17) - Wednesday 13th November
  • SENIOR CAMP - - Wednesday 13th November
  • EPIC Music - Wednesday 13th November
  • Swimming (16, 8, 1) - Thursday 14th November
  • SENIOR CAMP - Thursday 14th November
  • SENIOR CAMP - Friday 15th November


WEEK 6

  • Te Manawa visit for Tipuranga - Monday 18th November (9am-12.20)
  • Swimming (2, 3, 4, 5) - Monday 18th November
  • Swimming (6, 7, 10, 11) - Tuesday 19th November
  • SCHOOL ATHLETICS DAY - Wednesday 20th November
  • EPIC Music - Wednesday 20th November
  • Kapa Haka Tournament - Thursday21st November
  • Swimming (16, 8, 1) - Thursday 21st November
  • VIBE Assembly (Tipuranga) - Friday 22nd November (2pm)


WEEK 7

  • Swimming (2, 3, 4, 5) - Monday 25th November
  • Swimming (6, 7, 10, 11) - Tuesday 26th November
  • Swimming (13, 14, 15, 17) - Wednesday 27th November
  • EPIC Music - Wednesday 27th November
  • Swimming (16, 8, 1) - Thursday 28th November


WEEK 8

  • Swimming (2, 3, 4, 5) - Monday 2nd December
  • Interschool Athletics - Tuesday 3rd December
  • Swimming (6, 7, 10, 11) - Tuesday 3rd December
  • Swimming (13, 14, 15, 17) - Wednesday 4th December
  • EPIC Music - Wednesday 4th December
  • Swimming (16, 8, 1) - Thursday 5th December
  • Whole School Fun Day - Friday 6th December
  • Road Patrol Treat to the movies - Friday 6th December


WEEK 9

  • Swimming (2, 3, 4, 5) - Monday 9th December
  • Swimming (6, 7, 10, 11) - Tuesday 10th December
  • Te Wao Nui o Tāne Lido Trip - Wednesday 11th December
  • Swimming (13, 14, 15, 17) - Wednesday 11th December
  • EPIC Music - Wednesday 11th December
  • Meeting your class of 2025 - Thursday 12th December
  • Year 6 Leavers Dinner and Poroporoaki -Thursday 12th December
  • Whole School Final Farewell Assembly - Friday 13th December (11am start)
  • Last Day of the 2024 School Year - Friday 13th December (school closes at 12pm)

West End School is proud to announce that 40 students have been selected to compete in this year's regional Kapa Haka competition. This is a commitment that these 40 students have made and have worked hard for in preparation for this event. We are looking forward to this event and hope to see you there supporting our kapa.


Ko Whiri Tika Mai is the Rangitāne (Manawatū, Horowhenua, Tararua) Primary and Intermediate Regional Kapa Haka Qualifier for the national ‘Te Mana Kuratahi’ kapa haka competition in Tauranga-Moana 2025. This year, 25 kapa from 23 schools will compete for 6 spots in the national competition. Whānau if you haven't yet secured your tickets, get in fast as they are selling out. NOTE: West End School are in Session 3. Tickets can be purchased online - Regent Palmerston North or from the Regent.

Senior Camp Information

Forest Lakes Camp

Just a reminder our Year 5 and 6’s will be heading off for camp at Forest Lakes, on the 13th to 15th of November 2024. Camp can now be paid for via KINDO. We have heavily reduced the price of camp through fundraising throughout the year. For any reason if you are struggling to pay for camp please see the classroom teacher to discuss, we would love to give every child the opportunity to attend.


Students are now aware of their cabin groups, these are different to the groups they will be doing activities with during the day. Children were overwhelmed with excitement finding out their cabin groups and we hope to continue building on this excitement in the coming weeks. Each week all Te Wao Nui O Tāne are meeting in preparation for camp.


On the 31st of October we are hosting an information evening for camp parents only in regards to expectations for them at camp. No other whānau need to attend this meeting. Mrs Black will make contact with these whanau members directly on time and location.


If you have any questions or concerns regarding camp please contact your child's classroom teacher as soon as possible.

Room 6 Visual Art

Rūma Ono has been enjoying exploring visual art recently. At the end of last term, we began learning about cartooning and life drawing techniques, and are back into it this term! The tamariki have been choosing their art style and reference pictures, and having a go with facial proportions and expressions, as well as creating dimension, with shadows and shading. Drawing can really challenge our confidence and resilience, but Rūma Ono tamariki have been showing amazing whakamana, by accepting their mistakes as opportunities to grow, and not giving up on their creations. They have also been showing mana aotūroa by coming up with great ideas and transforming errors into something new and amazing within their art. We are hoping to continue our visual art exploration throughout this term, and are excited to see how those skills and techniques continue to develop!

Literacy Week next week

Dress Up Day and Open Morning/VIBE for whānau on Friday

Our Vibe Assembly is on Friday and will be at 9am in our school hall. Puāwaitanga will be leading this, but will also have a Literacy theme. When this assembly has finished, whānau are welcome to visit their children's classrooms to join in with some great literacy activities. If you were keen to read to a small group of children, please contact your classroom teacher and bring a favourite picture book. Our Open Morning will finish at 10.30 but whānau are welcome to come for a tea/coffee in the staffroom during morning tea!

Friday will also be our book character dress up day. We look forward to seeing you next week.

Scholastic Book Club Issue 7

Books that were ordered from Issue 7 have been received and were sent home on Wednesday with children.

Thank you to everyone for your support of our Book Club this year. We look forward to putting more books into the hands of children again next year.

Kids who read succeed!!

Sports at West End

School Athletics

A reminder that school Athletics Day on the 20th of November. This will be held out on the field. Puawaitanga and Te Wao Nui O Tane will begin their day not long after 9am, with Tipuranga joining them on the far end of the field at 11am. Tipuranga participates in a range of fundamental movements that compile the skills needed to compete in Athletics.


Due to unforeseen circumstances, Interschool Athletics has been rescheduled as the Manawatu Athletics Track is set to undergo updates in early December. As a result, the event will now be held on the 18th of November. To select our top athletes for the Inter School competition, the senior school will host a qualifying event on the 12th of November, where capable students will be chosen and notified of their selection for the following Monday.

Swimming at West End

PTA EVENTS

JUICIES every Friday

Calendar Art

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

Term Dates 2025

Term 1: Wednesday 29 January – Friday 11 April
Term 2: Monday 28 April – Friday 27 June
Term 3: Monday 14 July – Friday 19 September
Term 4: Monday 6 October – Friday 12 December

Community Notices

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

West End School
Te Kura o Urumutu
Email: office@westend.school.nz
Location: West End School, 196 College Street, Palmerston North
Phone: 06 358 2465