School Newsletter Term 3, Week 8

Malo e lelei West End Whānau,

We have enjoyed a great week 8 here at West End School as we have celebrated Tongan Language Week. Week 8 has been jam packed with learning opportunities starting with our DanceNZ Made team participating at the Regent Theatre on Monday. I would like to thank Dean McKerras for his work with our dancers and also Miss Black for all of her efforts to provide our children with this awesome opportunity. Thank you also to Dan Minchin for his support during the day/evening.

This week we also enjoyed competing in the RICOH sports tournament. This tournament involves a number of primary schools from across Palmerston North who compete in Netball, Rugby, Football, Hockey, and Basketball. Our children represented West End School with pride and demonstrated our values throughout the day. Thank you to Miss Black for her efforts to organise our teams for this tournament. Additionally, a big thank you to all of the parents and volunteers who supported our tamariki to be their ‘Best Me’. We will share the official placings and results once they have been posted by the organisers (next week).

As you hopefully are already aware, we have our upcoming WES PTA Quiz Night being held on Friday 15th September and tickets are still available from the WES Office or on Kindo. Again, we hope to see you there for a fun evening where the proceeds will go to supporting costs for our Senior School Camp in 2024.

We are already well underway with planning for classes for 2024 and we have been thrilled to be able to offer Bilingual learning for Juniors and Senior Tamariki in 2023. To support our planning and indicate if you wish for your child to participate in Bilingual Learning next year, please complete a short survey. We would appreciate it if this survey could be completed before Monday 11th September. Thank you in advance for taking the time to fill this out.

The fun and learning never stops at Te Kura O Urumutu and Week 9 is no different with a visit from Harold the Giraffe and Tim from the Life Education Trust scheduled for every class. This is something we look forward to we know the children really enjoy. Welcome Tim and Harold!

Thank you again for a fantastic week.

We look forward to seeing everyone back at school on Monday for another exciting week of learning.

Matt Kennedy

Wowee, what a week of sporting excellence it has been for a large cohort of West End School! On Monday, we witnessed the talents of just over twenty girls as they competed at the DanceNZMade Championships. They had the fantastic opportunity to participate in a variety of dance workshops throughout the day, honing their skills and soaking in the art of dance. Their hard work culminated in a mesmerising performance in front of a packed-out crowd. These remarkable young ladies showcased their dance prowess with captivating routines set to both "Flowers'' by Miley Cyrus and "Wake Me Up" by Whaam. Their dedication and teamwork shone through, and they should indeed be incredibly proud of their combined efforts.

Rolling through to Thursday, West End had a tremendous day at the Manawatu Ricoh Tournament. Despite having only participated in this tournament for a relatively short time, our students displayed their absolute best on the field and in every aspect of the competition. The kotahitanga and whakamana that all the students exhibited was truly remarkable. We couldn't be prouder of their outstanding performances and the spirit of sportsmanship they brought to this event. This achievement reflects the dedication and hard work of our students and the support they've received from our school community.

Results were:

• Basketball 5th Place

• Football 3rd Place

• Netball 2nd Place

• Rugby7’s 7th Place

• Hockey 8th Place

Term 4 Sports:

Football is still live on KINDO for all year levels. The season runs from Wednesday 18th of October through until 13th December 2023. Teams are split by Year levels similar to those they are in at school. Cost is $35 per student.

Touch - Touch begins early Term 4, specific dates are yet to be released. This sporting code is available for all year levels and live on KINDO. Cost per student is $43 per student.

Manawatu Rugby has an awesome opportunity for our Tamariki happening THIS SATURDAY! They are running an open captain's run with the Cyclones and Turbos at CET Arena. Come watch both our teams train before their games on Sunday, there will be a sign session and cool engagements for the kids and it's absolutely free!

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.