Dear Parents and GuardiansWe’ve had an enjoyable week. The week began with our swimming team winning the New Zealand Championships at the weekend. Well done to all staff and students involved in this great result, our fifth national premier sports title of the year so far. This morning saw the Prime Minister, our local MP Maggie Barry and the Health Minister Jonathan Coleman visiting us for assembly. The Prime Minister spoke on a range of topics including the new flag, the rugby world cup and boys’ schools. It was great to have them with us. They were very complimentary about the school and enjoyed hearing Voicemale, our gold medal winning choir, perform. You may have seen the front page of the New Zealand Herald this morning. Just to clarify, all current students in our school will see no changes to what we currently offer in terms of a dual qualification pathway. Cambridge International Examinations have served us well and will continue to do so for the next four years. The changes we are making will only affect students coming into the school next year. There is one week to go until the end of term, please ensure your sons are at school every day up until the last day of the term. Next Friday afternoon is senior prizegiving. All Year 11, 12 and 13 students are elected to attend. Have a nice weekend. David Ferguson |
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VIP AssemblyThis morning we were honoured to welcome to assembly the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable John Key, Minister for Conservation, Seniors Citizens, and Arts, Culture and Heritage, the Honourable Maggie Barry and Minister of Health, the Honourable Jonathan Coleman. |
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Proceedings began with a rousing performance from Voicemail of the Festival Gloria by Craig Courtney. Mrs. Barry then addressed the assembled students and staff. As Member of Parliament for the North Shore, she described Westlake Boys High School as ‘one of the finest schools in New Zealand’, commending the broad base of education we provide with our outstanding academic success, one of the top school choirs in the world and a flair for sports. She commended the students to think about nationhood and places that are important to them.
The Prime Minister began his address by remarking that when he visits a school, within five minutes he gets a sense of its nature and culture, and on that basis he would recommend anyone who lives on the North Shore to send their sons to Westlake Boys. He compared the decision about what to do after school with the All Blacks’ forthcoming Rugby World Cup campaign. Assuming they get through the pool stage they will have three big games to win and anything is possible. It is vital that they stay focussed and believe in themselves. Likewise in life, it is important to back yourself. ‘If you have big dreams and goals, pin your ears back and go for it!’ he urged, adding that success is not as much about ability as about attitude and hard work. He noted that Dan Carter and Richie McCaw owe a lot of their success to the hours they put into training, being the first to turn up to training sessions and working that bit harder than anyone else. He reminded students that they live in a big, modern, open world and while they are competing globally with students from many other countries, anything can be achieved in New Zealand. |
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Hot topic of the Prime Minister’s speech was the flag debate. He asked for an honest show of hands for and against changing the flag and noted that a significant number were against a change. He explained that the issue is not new but has been considered for many years and gave his reasons in favour of change. He believes it is an issue of national pride and patriotism, commenting that, unlike other nationalities, New Zealanders do not tend to use the flag as a symbol for the country, which he believes it should be, but are more likely to use the silver fern. He sees it is being about the future of New Zealand, not the past. Asking again for a show of hands after stating his case, it was interesting to see how many people had swayed in favour of a change. He encouraged students to think seriously about the issue and have the debate with their parents.
Head Boy, Andre Jackson, thanked Mr. Key on behalf of all the students for his interesting and encouraging words. Mr. Ferguson rounded off assembly by remarking that a visit to a school from the Prime Minister is not something that happens in most of the world and that we are lucky to live where we do. |
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Senior Prizegiving 12.00pm Friday 25 SeptemberWestlake Boys High School Annual Senior Prizegiving will take place on Friday 25th September 2015 at 12.00 p.m. in the school’s Auditorium for all Year 11, 12 and 13 students. The ceremony should finish at approximately 2.30 p.m. Parents and caregivers of senior students are very welcome to attend and seating will be available upstairs. All senior students in Years 11 to 13 will attend the ceremony in full uniform – it is a compulsory school function, and a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of their friends and colleagues. The junior school will close at 11.40 a.m. on 25th September, at which point all Year 9 and 10 students will be dismissed for the day. |
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Willie Apiata Youth Programme |
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Westlake Boys sixth form students Nick Curry, Jack Pirie, Keegan Russell and Scott Telfer were part of a group of 20 secondary school students who participated in the inaugural “Willie Apiata Youth Programme” at the New Zealand Defence Force Youth Development Unit in Marine Bay, Hobsonville last Friday.
Under the guidance of Willie Apiata, New Zealand’s sole living Victoria Cross recipient, the group took part in a day-long range of activities with numerous physically and mentally challenging tasks, enabling the participants to develop their teamwork and leadership skills. As the Victoria Cross was passed around the room, Willie asked each of the participants to bestow a piece of their soul into the medal, gifting it to New Zealand and its people. He said, “By letting you all add a part of yourselves to the Cross you help take the weight of it off my shoulders and help share the responsibility of it in New Zealand”. |
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The group, made up from a wide range of schools and year levels, participated in problem solving activities and exercises such as paintball, but the most challenging activity by far was the devilish mud-run-come-obstacle course. Having to trek through about 200m of waist-deep mud was not only a strain on the body, but it also meant the group had to work together and help their peers rather than moving forward by themselves.
Willie left the group with some valuable advice, “Life is a struggle at first, just like in the mud. You were all scared and didn’t want to go in, but by the end when it was the hardest, by yourself it was tough but with others it was easier as you all helped each other get through”. Willie proved that in order to move forward in society and become leaders and respected figures, everyone needs the help of those around them, and in turn must give as much help as one can to them. Through courage, camaraderie and charity, everyone has the chance to become a role model just like Willie Apiata, and his programme was a great catalyst to start this process. |
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Inspiring students to explore opportunities in Food TechnologySelf-confessed foodies, TV One’s 2014 MKR NZ (My Kitchen Rules New Zealand) contestants Sam Sutherland and Dan Freeman visited Westlake Boys High School on Wednesday to run a mystery challenge with our Year 13 food technology students. Sam and Dan shared stories of their experiences on the cooking show and what goes on behind the scenes. The pair demonstrated some advanced preparation, cooking and presentation skills while the students were preparing the mystery challenge dessert – PB & J Chocolate Fondant (Molten peanut butter & chocolate fondant). The students thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with the two MKR NZ contestants who showcased their professionalism combined with a great sense of humour. Some of Westlake’s Year 11 and 12 food technology students were also lucky to hear about opportunities and challenges MKR provides and what the role of material evaluation and ingredient choices has on the final outcome. |
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The Duke of Edinburgh’s award – Bronze registration |
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During the last week of term we will be registering students who are interested in participating in the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. We are targeting Year 9 and 10 students (but they must be 14 years old by February 2016). The award is internationally recognised and operates in well over 100 countries. There are four main sections (Skills, Service, Physical activity and an Expedition). All of these help to develop confident, well rounded individuals who are independent and motivated.
If your son is interested in registering please encourage him to sign up in the last week of term (the Daily notices will give more specific details). If you want to find out any more about the award please view the Awards website http://www.dofehillary.org.nz/Site/default.aspx. Email enquiries to: Mr Foden Jfoden@westlake.school.nz |
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Hospice Second Hand Clothing CollectionAs a school, our charity of choice for this year has been the North Shore Hospice. Would you please help us by donating any second hand clothing that you may have that is still of good quality and clean. (Nothing better than a Spring clear out!!) All clothing donations are to go to the Boys’ form classes each morning from Monday 21st September to Wednesday 23rd September. North Shore Hospice will then collect all items at morning tea on Wednesday 23rd September. |
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Westlake Boys High School Gymnasium – your opportunity to be part of the Westlake sporting milestone! |
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We recently sent a letter to all school families inviting them to be part of the new Westlake Boys High School Gymnasium. Thanks to those of you who have decided to donate a brick to the Westlakers Wall or donate a swan on the impressive entrance way mural.
If you’ve been thinking about this, the opportunity is still open. Information of the various items that can be “purchased” is detailed in the WBHS-Gymnasium-Brochure here. The donation form is on Page 4 of the brochure. You can either print it off, complete it and return it to Vicki Fowler by email or post or drop it into school. Donations can be made by online banking payment (details on page 4 of brochure), cheque or credit card and all donations are 100% tax deductible. If completing the form is not convenient please simply drop an email to Community Relations Manager Vicki Fowler on vfowler@westlake.school.nz and we can make arrangements from there. We look forward to your family being part of this exciting Westlake milestone. |
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2015 Westlake Boys Sports Awards Dinner, Friday 6 November 2015 |
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What: 2015 Westlake Boys Annual Sports Dinner
When: Friday 6 November 2015, 6.00pm (doors open at 5.30pm) Where: Westlake Boys Auditorium Tickets: $50 per person Tickets to the 2015 Westlake Boys Sports Awards Dinner are now on sale from the Uniform Shop in Student Services. This annual event celebrates the achievements of Westlake’s many talented sporting teams and individuals, their coaches and supporters. |
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We are very excited to have secured internationally acclaimed tennis coach Simon Rea as our speaker. Simon, whose prodigies include Australian tennis stars Nick Kyrgios and Samantha Stosur will undoubtedly enlighten our young sportsmen with his sporting knowledge and hands-on experience at the highest levels of his sport. Additionally a delicious buffet meal, Westlake Boys Sports Awards and Colours will be presented and a highlight compilation of 2015 sporting moments will be shown.
Tickets are $50.00 per person and are available from the Uniform Shop in Student Services, payable by cash/Eftpos/Visa or MasterCard (no cheques). Purchase your tickets before 25 September (end of Term 3) and you will go into the draw to win a sports package worth $300. Winner to be announced on the evening. Click here for the Sports Awards Dinner ticket order form. |
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2015 Westlake Boys Graduation Dinner |
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What: 2015 Westlake Boys Graduation Dinner When: Saturday 28 November 2015, 7pm Where: Westlake Boys AuditoriumWestlake Boys’ annual Graduation Dinner has become a popular and special event amongst those boys completing their final year of education at Westlake Boys High School. The 2015 Graduation Dinner will be held in the Westlake Auditorium from 7pm on Saturday 28th November. |
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The Graduation Dinner offers our leavers, their parents or caregivers as well as Westlake Boys staff an important opportunity to share a celebration that officially recognises the completion of the boys’ years at Westlake Boys High School. It is also the official farewell to the departing students and to wish them well for their futures as Westlakers. The evenings’ proceedings will include an address by 1960’s old boy and international businessman, and man of many talents, Mr John Burland, a formal graduation ceremony and a Valedictory Speech.
Tickets will go on sale on Monday 21st September until Friday 20 November. Our seventh form students will receive the necessary Graduation Dinner information after Monday’s assembly and you can find a copy of the information letter and permission and ticket order form available to download from the school website here. Space is limited so tickets will be sold on a first-in, first-served basis with a limit of three tickets per family. We recommend that you purchase your tickets early to avoid disappointment. |
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Important Dates: |
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21 September | Senior Reports Issued | ||
23 September | Board of Trustees Meeting | ||
25 September | Senior Prizegiving 12.00pm. School closes at 11.40am for Year 9 and 10 students | ||
25 September | End Term 3 | ||
25 September | Year 12 and 13 CIE Students leave | ||
28/29 September | Academy of Sport Coaching Programme | ||
28 September – 9 October | Holiday Revision Programme | ||
12 October | Start Term 4 | ||
23 October | CIE Year 11 Students leave | ||
26 October | Labour Day – School closed | ||
28 October | Board of Trustees Meeting | ||
3 November | NCEA Year 12 and 13 Students leave | ||
6 November | NCEA Examinations commence | ||
6 November | Sports Dinner – WBHS Auditorium | ||
6 November | NCEA Year 11 Students leave | ||
10 November | Late Start for students 10.55am | ||
16-19 November | Junior End of Year Examinations | ||
18 November | Board of Trustees Meeting | ||
20 November | Westlake Boys’ High School Gymnasium Opening | ||
22 November | Maori Achievement Evening – Staffroom | ||
24 November | Junior House Swimming | ||
25 November | Junior Sign Out and text book return | ||
27 November | Junior House Athletics afternoon | ||
28 November | Graduation Dinner | ||
2 December | Senior Sign Out and text book return | ||
3 December | House Speech Competition | ||
4 December | Junior Prizegiving / End of Term 4 | ||
Westlake Sport |
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New Zealand’s Top Swimmers |
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Westlake Boys High School has taken out the National title at the Swimming Nationals in Hamilton on the weekend. It was a fitting moment when seventh form student Oliver Wu accepted the trophy on behalf of his team at the end of the meet. The Westlake Boys Swimming Captain started his secondary schools swimming career in third form and was part of the team that participated in the inaugural New Zealand Secondary Schools Swimming Championships. Since then, Oliver has shown commitment and dedication which has paid off. It resulted in a comprehensive 200 points winning margin and a staggering 25 medals (13 gold, 10 silver and 2 bronze) as just reward for the team of 20 swimmers, who were up at the crack of dawn each morning spending many hours in the pool.
Points were allocated to the top eight swimmers in each age group as well as the relays. Westlake was represented in every skins event, a strategic race event for the fastest eight swimmers across the competition where the last two in each heat dropped with literally a two minute gap between the start of each heat. This means that the boys swim and have to get out the pool and back to the start for the next heat within two minutes. If a swimmer makes it to the top two, they have swum four sprints in only eight minutes. |
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Finn Kennard-Campbell won one skins event and came second in the other two he qualified for. Jason Churches was second in his skins only losing out to Finn. Mats Radeck and Jaeyun Lim both qualified for their events but unfortunately did not make it to the top four.
Winning the national title caps off a successful season for Westlake Boys with a lot of hard work, long hours and outstanding efforts. All students were a credit to Westlake Boys and supported one another the entire meet. Congratulations to all involved and special thanks to Mrs Houzet and Mr Stanley for their ongoing support and encouragement. |
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Results:
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Severin Buenemann (15 year age group), Scott Fairbairn (16-18year age group), and JaeYun Lim (16-18year age group) also had top 8 finishes earning valuable points for the Westlake Boys team. | |||
Westlake Boys Lacrosse Retain Hutton Cup |
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In a game where both skill and physical force are the main elements of any lacrosse team, Westlake knew that they were going to have a tough match ahead when, during the warm-up, the Orewa College Lacrosse team displayed both elements in abundance.
With the Jack Hutton Cup on the line, Orewa quickly took a one goal lead and it wasn’t until the dying minutes of the first quarter where Westlake were allowed in through their strong defence to get the equaliser. |
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The start of the second quarter saw Westlake gain a quick advantage scoring within the first minute but once again the game drew level.
In the last few seconds of the third quarter Westlake managed to create a two goal buffer and the defending North Harbour champions were able to hold onto this lead sealing the win by scoring a final goal at the end of the final quarter. Final score 8-6 to Westlake Boys. The team will now compete against the top sides over the bridge in the Auckland Championship. Well done to all of the players, coaches and staff for a superb season. |
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New Zealand Waterpolo SelectionWestlake Boys High School Year 13 student Jarvis Jensen (pictured below) has been selected for the New Zealand Secondary Schools Water Polo team, the only student form the North Shore to make the team. Jarvis is also named part of the New Zealand Under 18 squad who travel to Serbia in January in preparation for the Youth World Championships in Montenegro in August 2016. He has been invited to be part of the North Harbour senior men’s training squad for 2015/16 season. |
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Volleyball Results from 16 SeptemberSuper league:
Northern Zone:
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Congratulations:
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If you have information and/or photos which you feel may be included in a future newsletter, please contact the Headmaster’s EA, Mrs Sandra White: swhite@westlake.school.nz | |||
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Headmaster’s Newsletter 18 September
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