Headmaster’s Newsletter 14 August

Dear Parents and Guardians

Our new Gymnasium is two months away from completion and today we announce an exciting fundraising initiative to our community.  Details are included later in the newsletter.  We are offering families the chance to place a permanent memento of their son’s time at our school as part of the Gymnasium project.

Good luck to all sports teams this weekend as our winter sports season approaches the business end of the season.

Year 11, 12 and 13 students, a reminder it is 10 days until your end of year examinations begin.

Have a nice weekend.

David Ferguson
Headmaster

Contribute to the New Westlake Boys Gymnasium

Several opportunities exist for members of the Westlake Community to contribute to this landmark facility.

All contributions will be recognised on name plaques. Contributions range from $250 for a plaque on the wall in the entrance foyer to several thousand dollars for naming rights to one of the facilities featured within the centre.

All enquiries (or completed donation forms) to WBHS Community Relations and Development Manager, Vicki Fowler email vfowler@westlake.school.nz or Phone 09 410 8667.

Enrolment Information

Enrolment Forms are available online.  Please ensure you bring your son, and the correct documentation.

• Out of Zone Interviews: 18^th& 19^th August 2015 (18^th 9am – 4pm, 19^th 9am – 8pm) No appointment needed

Junior Premier Debating

Congratulations to our Junior Premier 1 team who beat Sacred Heart College in the quarter final of the Junior Premier Debating at Diocesan School on 12 August.  The team of Sam Baker, Lawrence Gao and Dylan Maynard will take on Sacred Heart team 2 in the semi-finals in two weeks’ time.

On Wednesday 20 August Westlake Boys’ High School hosts the Premier Advanced quarter finals.  Good luck to Team 1 who compete against Long Bay College, and Team 2 who compete against Macleans College.

All Blacks meet WBHS Rugby Players

First XV rugby players from ten schools from the Auckland and North Harbour region were invited today to mix with their All Black counterparts at the Barkers sponsor brunch at Hotel DeBrett.

Westlake’s 1st XV captain Luke Dewar and senior 1st XV members Ammon Moller and Izaak Scheib were the lucky Westlake Boys representatives who got to mingle with All Black’s Joe Moody, Beauden Barrett and Sonny Bill Williams ahead of their highly anticipated Bledisloe Cup match at Eden Park tomorrow.

Academy of Sport Holiday Coaching Programme 28 & 29 September

Westlake Academy of Sport is pleased to announce our first ever Holiday Coaching Programme for Year 7 and 8 Intermediate School students, who are keen to take part in exciting, enjoyable sessions in a learning focussed environment for their chosen sport.

All sessions will be coached by our Academy of Sport staff and external, elite level coaches.  Coaching is offered in the following Academy of Sport codes:  Cricket, Basketball, Football and Rugby.

Click here for full details. Please note – places are limited.

Enquiries to Mrs Deb Hodge, email dhodge@westlake.school.nz

Young Enterprise Challenge

The challenge was “Create a cohesive market entry strategy plan for a fast food restaurant which also addresses an economic issue of your target market – Cuba”.  The students had 36 hours to prepare their presentation, along with many other teams from the Asia Pacific region, including two other teams from New Zealand. The presentations were of a very high standard, with business models that could easily go on to be successful if the students wish to take their idea further.

World Junior Tennis Success – Chris Zhang (Year 9)

Congratulations to Chris Zhang who has had a very successful time on the World Junior Tennis circuit, with the highlight being a European tour title win.  Chris and his partner (also from New Zealand), won the doubles title at the Storks Cup Tournament at Meppel in the Netherlands.  The boys, who were unseeded, beat the top seeds on their home court, winning 6-3, 6-7 and 10-7 in the final.

Men’s New Zealand Open Freestyle Skiing Championships

Congratulations to Oliver Kelsey who competed in the international Men’s Open Skiing Competition with competitors from France, New Zealand, USA, Canada and the United Kingdom.  Oliver was competing against some well known X Games and Winter Olympics competitors.  He placed 10^th in qualifiers and went through in the top 12.  Breaking his thumb on his first run, Oliver went on to complete two more, scoring well on the second.  Oliver ended up in 12th position overall, beating many seasoned competitors and only 0.5 behind 11^th and 10^th placegetters.  As a result, Oliver has been invited by Snowsport New Zealand to join the New Zealand Development team, preparing to represent New Zealand in international competitions and future Winter Olympic games.

Important Dates:

Westlake Sport

Monthly WBHS Sport Podcast on Facebook

The Westlake community are invited to join the WBHS Sport facebook page for the latest happenings in Westlake sport.  www.facebook.com/WBHSSPORT

Click on the link below and hit the ‘download episode’ button to listen to our very first WBHS Sport podcast.

Every month we will be joined by an influential sports person to gain a greater insight into elite performance, athlete development and positive sporting environments.

We are fortunate to have back-to-back Rowing World Champion and Olympian Mr. Mike Stanley as our first guest, he kindly shares his knowledge and experience of high level sport and gives some invaluable advice to any aspiring sports person.

http://aym.podomatic.com/entry/2015-08-12T22_10_47-07_00

New Zealand Secondary School Squash Champions

This year’s competition included 32 schools in the boys division and 19 schools in the girls division. A staggering 590 matches were played over three days making it one of the biggest junior squash events in New Zealand.  Coming in as the boys’ top seeds, the team had to face the challenge to overcome  favourites Tauranga Boys College,  the three year reigning champions, before they could live up to their number one seeding and win the title.

On finals day, the opener saw Westlake drawing first blood through the hard fought victory of Year 12 student David Matthews. It was a battle which saw Matthews never giving up and carving out a well-deserved 3-2 victory to put Westlake ahead 1-0. Next on court was Year 10 student Gabe Yam who came up against a much bigger and higher graded seventh former. Gabe was able to put up a good fight against his opponent and managed to take a game before going down 1-3. With the score between schools now at one all, Westlake’s top player and team captain Rafa Yam faced his Tauranga Boys counterpart, the current New Zealand number two ranked junior. This was always going to be a tough one and although Rafa fought hard and was getting ahead in the early stages of the games, the captain missed out on the win which put Tauranga Boys ahead of Westlake at 2-1.

Westlake’s hope of dethroning and wrestling the title away from the champions now rested on the shoulders of Year 10 student Matthew Lucente. The pressure didn’t seem to bother Matthew who played accurately and in control throughout the match even though he was facing an older opponent who had beaten him in all their past meetings. There were some tense moments in the match, but Matthew remained focused and undeterred until the end to finally clinch the win for Westlake in a remarkable straight set victory.

Westlake Boys Premier 2 team, who were seeded eighth coming into the tournament, also exceeded expectations finishing seventh in New Zealand and confirming the strength of Westlake squash. The team consisting of Akil Afghan, Jien Lim, Jonathan Ko, Soo-Myoung Jang, Tom Taylor and Matt Peagram (as well as team manager Lynda Taylor) upset seventh seeds Hamilton Boys High School in the playoffs for 7th-8th place.

At the closing award ceremonies, Westlake’s team captain Rafa Yam was selected as captain of the New Zealand Secondary Schools team to compete in Sydney from 22-29 August. New Zealand will play teams from New South Wales and Queensland and a combined Australian team for a Test match.

The team would like to express their acknowledgement and appreciation to Westlake Teacher in charge of Squash Mr Mike Calver and coach Manu Yam for all their hard work with the team.

Rugby Results    

WBHS 4^th XV vs Hato Petera College

Westlake 4^th XV rebounded well from their previous loss to Rosmini College scoring an impressive 20 – 12 win over Hato Petera College 1^st XV on the weekend. The team began poorly and were seven points down after some weak defence before the forwards decided to man up and the backs to scramble in defence. A great run by James Maber led to a seven pointer which saw the half time score at 7 points each.

Westlake started off their second half well, dominating territory and possession and turned down some gift penalty goals. This looked ominous when Hato Petera were deep on attack but a piece of individual magic from Zae Wallace who broke and made two chip kicks – the first regathered on the full and the second played off the knees – saw him score by the posts. A sensible penalty goal saw the team lead with a short time left to play but Hato Petera responded with a try wide out and leading to a few tense moments before a penalty goal in the last minute sealed a great Westlake team victory.

Special thanks to the players, playing out of position, giving all for the team. Thanks TJ, Vaughn, Trent and Patrick. But biggest thanks to the two co-captains Tommy Ellery and James Dickison, who made their coaches’ life easier.

Other Rugby Results

• 1^st XV BYE
• 2^nd XV vs Rosmini College 2^nd XV lost 5-6
• 3^rd XV vs Mahurangi College 1^st XV lost 12-22
• 4^th XV vs Hato Petera College 1^st XV won 20-12
• 5^th XV vs Long Bay College 2^nd XV lost 0-34
• 4A vs Sacred Heart College lost 10-11
• 5A vs Rosmini College won 33-24
• 6A vs BYE
• 7A vs Mahurangi College won 34-10

For full results – please click here

Football Results

Westlake show character in narrow defeat

Westlake first XI football side put on a battling performance away to old rivals Auckland Grammar School but ultimately came away empty handed. On a bumpy pitch both sides gave no quarter in a frantic opening stanza that saw a player from each side booked amongst some full blooded challenges. Half chances came and went for both sides but most of the play was dominated by the midfield battle of attrition,  that Westlake gradually began to edge.

Westlake had a good opportunity to take the lead when striker Sean Skeens beat the opposition right back, drew the keeper and squared the ball across the penalty area. Unfortunately no Westlake player could find a scoring touch and ball was cleared. Half time saw the sides locked 0-0, both knowing fine margins would decide the outcome of this match in the second half.

Some early pressure saw AGS get the ball in the Westlake net but the linesman’s flag had been raised early in the move and the goal was ruled offside. The game continued to be a tense, hard fought affair with both sides looking to profit from the others mistakes. Unfortunately it was Westlake who blinked first. A clearance was allowed to bounce and when the AGS right wing dribbled into the penalty area Clarke Foulds mistimed his challenge, giving the referee no choice but to award a penalty. AGS duly converted from 12 yards to take a 1-0 lead.

Team: Zac White, Jack Pirie, Michael Booth, Clarke Foulds, Luke Johnson, Daniel Lough, Bronson Kelly, Oscar Ramsay (C), Sean Skeens, View Rungpao, Jaidyn Hendriks. Subs: Keanen Baghaloo, Matt Conroy, Breaden Acarapi and Finn Medemblik.

WBHS 2nd XI vs Auckland Grammar School 2nd XI

Westlake 2nd XI Football were beaten 3-0 for the second time by Auckland Grammar School. In a match where the team did not seem to gel, Auckland Grammar were able to dominate for the majority of the game. The result was particularly disappointing after having played so well the previous week.

Football Results:

• 1^st XI lost 2-0 to Auckland Grammar School
• 2^nd XI lost 3-0 to Auckland Grammar School
• 15A1 lost 4-0 to St Kentigern College
• 14A1 BYE
• 14A2 beat Rosmini College 5-0
• 13A1 beat Auckland Grammar School 4-0
• 13A2 beat Massey High School 5-1

Hockey Results

WBHS 1st XI vs Rosmini College 1st XI

Going into the game both teams knew the ramifications of a win, draw or loss.  For Rosmini, the result would be third place and an away semi-final.  For Westlake, a win would result in a home semi and, if successful, a home final as the team would finish on top of the Auckland Competition.

Westlake focussed on maximum points and the boys produced another sparkling display.  Although it took the team a while to score the first goal, Westlake were constantly turning the ball over from the opposition and after 20 minutes, finally got the break through from a well-directed pass and classy finish from Keegan Russell.

Some minor tactical changes/emphasis at half time resulted in the team scoring two quick goals through Jord Glandorf and Mitchell Ottow.  The final goal of the match was a well worked penalty corner and composed finish from Wesley Sleep taking the end result to 4-0 to Westlake Boys.

The team will now come up against Kristin School who finished fourth in the league in a semi-final next Wednesday.  Timing is yet to be confirmed but most likely will be 6.20pm at North Harbour Hockey. Keep an eye out for an update on the WBHS Sport Facebook next week.

WBHS 2nd XI vs St Kentigern College 1st XI

Westlake 2nd XI travelled across to Lloyd Elsmore Park to go up against St Kentigern College’s 1st XI. The game started at very high pace and in the second minute, St Kentigern managed to put away their first goal. They dominated the mid-field and Westlake made numerous errors that their opposition kept capitalising on. St Kent’s kept Westlake under pressure and put away a second goal in the 16th minute. Westlake managed to regain their structure and were awarded a PC with two minutes to go in the first half. The first two shots were saved but on Westlake’s third attempt, Pablo Mayer managed to find the back of the net.  Continue reading…….

Results for all Hockey teams:

• WBHS 1^st XI vs Rosmini College 1^st XI won 4-0
• WBHS 2^nd XI vs St Kentigern School 1^st XI drew 3-3
• WBHS 3^rd XI vs Pinehurst School 1^st XI won 10-0
• WBHS 4^th XI vs Rosmini College 2^nd XI lost 1-6
• WBHS Senior Green vs Glenfield College 1^st XI won 8-1
• WBHS Senior Red vs Takapuna Grammar School 2^nd XI lost 0-1
• WBHS Junior 1 vs Birkenhead College 1^st XI won 4-0 by default
• WBHS Junior 2 vs Albany Senior High School 1^st XI lost 3-8
• WBHS Junior 3 vs Whangaparaoa College 1^st XI lost 1-7
• WBHS Junior 4 vs Takapuna Grammar School 3^rd XI won 3-2

Basketball Results

WBHS Premier Basketball vs Rosmini College

The Westlake Boys Premier team went down the road to Rosmini College for their second annual clash. As always the Rosmini fans were out in force to support their team. Westlake Boys had a great group of faithful supporters who threw out some chants of their own. From the tip-off you could see Rosmini really wanted the win. For the first five minutes they could not miss, no matter what shot they took, it went straight in. This early run put the pressure on Westlake, but the boys never faulted. The team knew they had to keep grinding away and playing their own game, to enable them to get back into the match. After a timeout and a thunderous dunk to Matt Freeman, the boys got really fired up and Westlake started to gain momentum.

In the second quarter Westlake started to assert some dominance and pushed out their lead behind some fantastic ball movement and a great defensive effort. At the half Westlake was up 40-29. Rosmini came out of the break wanting to get back in the game and the third quarter was very tight with Westlake maintaining its lead. The intensity ramped up in the fourth quarter, as Westlake pushed its lead out only to see Rosmini claw back to a single digit lead. The boys again kept their cool and managed to come away with the win 81-70.

Matt Freeman in his first game back after being in the States at Adidas Nations, had a great game on both ends of the floor and managed to get several huge dunks. The back court of Logan Hunt and Isaac Letoa kept the defensive pressure on the whole game and lead the teams’ great offensive ball movement.

Please click here for all other results

Lacrosse Result

Our Lacrosse team managed to fight the wet and cold last week and defeated Orewa College 9-4 in a game that was closer than the score suggests.

Good Luck to:

• Our 1^st XI who play Mt Albert Grammar School at 12.00pm on 15 August at WBHS Turf
• Our 2^nd XI who play Mt Albert Grammar School 2^nd XI at 9.45am on 15 August at WBHS Turf
• Our 1^st XV who play Rangitoto College 1^st XV at 12.00pm on 15 August at WBHS 1
• Our 2^nd XV who play Massey High School 2^nd XV at 9.30am on 15 August at Massey High School 1
• Our 3^rd XV who play Rosmini College 2^nd XV at 9.30am on 15 August at WBHS 1
• Our 4^th XV who play Kristin School 1^st XV at 9.30am on 15 August at Kristin School 1
• Our 5^th XV who play Takapuna Grammar School 2^nd XV at 9.30am on 15 August at TGS 1
• Our 1^st XI Hockey who play Kristin School in their Semi Final at 6.25pm on 19 August at Harbour Hockey
• Our 13A1 who play Mt Roskill Grammar School at 10.00am on 15 August at WGHS 1
• Our 14A1 who play Auckland Grammar School at 9.00am on 15 August at AGS2
• Our 15A1 who play Rutherford College at 10.00am on 15 August at WGHS Grass
• Our Premier Basketball team who play Rangitoto College at 8.30pm on 14 August at NSEC
• Our Lacrosse team who play Pinehurst School at 4.00pm on 14 August at Pinehurst School
• All our teams who compete during the week
• Our choirs who are competing at The Big Sing
• Our 1^st XI Hockey team who compete in a quadrangular tournament at St Paul’s Collegiate during the weekend
• James Wilson, Tom Fyfe and Josh Handa who are currently sailing in the 29er World Championships in Pwllheli in Wales.

Congratulations:

• Dillon Browne has been selected for the New Zealand Junior Youth Sailors team. He will be travelling to the Techno293 World Championships later in 2015 in Italy.
• Dylan Verdonkschot who was selected to receive an ACG Youbee School of Design Creative Excellence Award

Westlakers News

2015 Westlakers Annual Reunion – Tonight – all Westlakers welcome!

Friday 14th August, Westlake Boys’ Staffroom, 6.30pm

Cover charge $20 (includes your first drink and some finger food). Cash bar available.