Kia ora whānau

At West End School, we are always looking for ways to enhance learning opportunities for our tamariki, and we are thrilled to introduce the Numicon Maths Program in Term 2.

Numicon is a highly effective, hands-on approach to teaching mathematics that helps students develop a deep understanding of numbers, patterns, and relationships. Using structured visual resources, students can physically manipulate numbers, making abstract concepts more accessible and engaging. This program is designed to support all learners, from those who may find maths challenging to those who excel and need further extension.

One of the key benefits of Numicon is its ability to build strong mathematical foundations. By using a multi-sensory approach, students develop confidence, problem-solving skills, and a love for learning maths. Research shows that Numicon improves number sense, fluency, and reasoning skills, which are essential for future success.

Our teachers have been training in the Numicon approach to ensure a seamless rollout, and we are excited to see the positive impact on student learning. We encourage whanau to ask their children about their Numicon learning next term and look forward to sharing their progress with you.

A huge congratulations to all our tamariki who took part in the Mount Biggs Tough Kid event! Our students showed incredible determination, teamwork, and resilience as they tackled the challenging course. We are so proud of their efforts and the way they represented West End School with pride and enthusiasm. Ka pai, team!

Planning is well underway for our Term 2 Power Hour, a time when students get to explore new interests and develop skills in a range of exciting activities. Some of these options include:
🏃 Fitness – Get moving and build strength and agility!
🎭 Drama – Step into character and explore the world of performance!
🎶 Recorder – Develop musical skills and learn to play tunes!
🔧 EPRO8 – Take on engineering and problem-solving challenges!
🥘 Cooking – Create delicious food while learning essential kitchen skills!
🌿 Enviro Group – Help make a difference through sustainability projects!
🟠 Kapa Haka – Strengthen cultural connections through waiata and haka!

We can’t wait to see our students thrive in these experiences. Thank you, whanau, for your continued support in making West End School such a vibrant learning community.

Ngā mihi nui,

.

Tony West

Principal - Tumuaki

West End School - Te Kura O Urumutu

We want to inform you that cases of chickenpox have been reported in our school community. Chickenpox is a contagious virus that spreads through coughing, sneezing, or direct contact with the rash. Symptoms include fever, tiredness, and an itchy rash that turns into blisters.

If your child develops symptoms, please keep them at home until all blisters have dried (usually about five days). If unsure, seek advice from your doctor or Healthline. To help prevent the spread, encourage
good handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes. If your child is immunocompromised or at higher risk, please speak with your healthcare provider.

Thank you for your support in keeping our school community healthy.

Applications are now open for a 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.

Next term West End a selected group of year 5 and 6 students will take part in Dance NZ made. Mrs Gobie and Mr Minchin will be holding trails on Tuesday the 8th April at lunch time to finalize the final team going to Dance NZ Made.

Students trialling will need to learn the choreography to the Gonoodle ‘ROAR’ by Katy Perry, which is on Youtube. We are looking forward to seeing all students who put their name down to trail show their dance skills off.

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

Flippa Ball term 2

Registrations are now open for Flippa Ball in term 2 for year 4, 5 and 6. Please register through Kindo by April 10th. Any questions please feel free to contact Miss Bone via email sport@westend.school.nz

Summer Hockey

Our hockey teams have had a great summer season. Thank you to the parents who have coached our teams. We appreciate all your hard work and dedication. If you have a WES sports shirt could you please return to Miss Bone asap.

WEEK 10 -

• Swimming for Te Wao Nui o Tāne - Monday 31st March
• Swimming for Puāwaitanga - Tuesday 1st April
• Interschool Swimming - 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

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 8 October 2025

Winter football season starts after the April school holidays and registrations are now open to join the Ruahine AFC, the only club in Palmerston North that is exclusively for juniors. There are football programmes for all primary school aged children from Year 1 up to Year 6. Information about the season can be found on our website and registrations can be made online at www.ruahineafc.co.nz or if you have any question, please enquire at info@ruahineafc.co.nz. We would love to have you join us for the winter season!

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