School Newsletter Term 1, Week 1
Friday 2nd February 2024
Kia ora Koutou,
What a wonderful start to the year we have had. A wonderful pōwhiri on Monday to welcome our new staff, including myself. The tamariki did very well to tautoko Mr Minchin with the school waiata. It was a warm welcome that has continued through our first week of mahi.
The children are settling fast into their daily routines and are exploring the wonderful facilities available in the playgrounds at West End School.
At the heart of our school ethos are three pillars that guide our actions and interactions: Whakaaro Tahi, Mahi Tahi, and Akoako Tahi.
Whakaaro Tahi, or "Thinking Together," underscores the significance of collaboration and collective consideration. In our diverse community, embracing a multitude of perspectives enhances our learning environment. By fostering an atmosphere where every voice is heard and respected, we cultivate a rich tapestry of ideas. Through collaborative thinking, we strive to create an inclusive space that values the contributions of each member, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.
Mahi Tahi, meaning "Working Together," encapsulates the idea that our collective efforts yield greater results than individual endeavors. As we re-enter the school year, let us remember the strength that comes from collaboration. Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, or within the wider community, working together empowers us to overcome challenges and achieve shared goals. Together, we are not just a collection of individuals, but a cohesive force capable of making a positive impact.
Akoako Tahi, translated as "Learning Together," reflects our commitment to continuous growth and shared knowledge. Education is a journey that extends beyond the confines of the classroom, and our community serves as a dynamic learning environment. By acknowledging that every individual has a unique set of skills and experiences to offer, we create a culture of reciprocal learning. Teachers and students alike engage in a symbiotic relationship, where curiosity is cultivated, and the pursuit of knowledge becomes a collective endeavor.
As we re-kindle the spirit of a new school year, let us embrace these values wholeheartedly. Whakaaro Tahi, Mahi Tahi, Akoako Tahi are not just words; they are the guiding principles that define our community. Let these values permeate our interactions, influence our decisions, and shape our aspirations. Together, as we think, work, and learn as one, we lay the foundation for a year of growth, achievement, and unity.
Nga mihi,
No school on Monday or Tuesday next week
There will be no school for students next Monday as we will be having a teacher only day. The school office will also be closed on this day.
Waitangi Day is on Tuesday, which is a public holiday. School will be closed on this day also.
School will resume on Wednesday 7th February.
Do you have our West End School App?
If you do not have our school app on your phone or device, please email dminchin@westend.school.nz and he can send you the link to download our app.
If you already have the app, please click on the alerts, the tick on the top right, and select the teams/clubs/groups that your child is in this year so you can receive all of the information needed throughout the year.
Through our app you are able to view all newsletters, go onto Kindo, report an absence if your child is sick as well as access any important links and information.
Breakfast Club starting in Week 3
Due to the short week next week we have decided to hold off starting breakfast club until Week 3 of Term 1.
Breakfast club this year will provide weetbix and milk. If you have any questions regarding this please email gblack@westend.school.nz
School start times
Our school gates will open at approximately 8.10am every morning.
A reminder that the bell to come into classes will ring at 8.30am. Children are to wait in the area next to the turf before that time (from 8.15am). Our school gates will open at approximately 8.10am. We are having a lot of children arriving at school without an adult before 8am. We want all of our tamariki to get to school safely. Please ensure they are not arriving too early to school where there is no adult supervision before the start of our school day.
Swimming will start in Week 3.
We will be sending reminders of swimming next week, but please be aware that
Te Wao Nui o Tāne (Room 2, 3, 4, 5) will swim on Monday,
Puāwaitanga (Room 1, 6, 7, 10 and 11) will swim on Tuesday,
Tipuranga (Room 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) will swim on Wednesday.
Children will need to bring togs, towel, goggles and if your child has long hair it will need to be tied up for swimming.
Upcoming Events
WEEK 2 -
- Teacher Only Day - Monday 5th February - NO SCHOOL
- Waitangi Day - Tuesday 6th February - NO SCHOOL
- Te Wao Nui o Tāne basketball sessions - Thursday 8th February
WEEK 3 -
- Splash 'n Dash - Wednesday 14th February
WEEK 4 -
- VIBE Assembly (TWNOT led) - Thursday 22nd February - 1.45pm in the school hall
Term 1 is Sunhat Season!
A reminder that as we approach Term 4, all students are required to wear a wide brimmed sunhat during times they are outside - including all breaks and times that classes are in the sun. Please provide a hat for your child to wear from the start of term. No caps allowed as we need hats that will protect your child's neck and ears - refer picture below. Please also pop some sunscreen in your child's bag to keep them sun safe.
PE at West End
Welcome back to Term 1, 2024! We are very excited with all the opportunities that will come our way this year in the sporting arena, building off the success of last year.
Term 1 Sports Registrations are now live on KINDO
Years 1 - 6 Hockey
Years 1 - 4 Netball
Mt Biggs Tough Guy and Gal:
On the 22nd of March Mount Biggs is hosting their annual Tough Kids Challenge. Cost is $25pp for entry fee and the bus to and from the venue. This is for any students in Puawaitanga and Te Wao Nui O Tāne. All registrations need to be in by 12th February via KINDO
Splash ‘N’ Dash:
We are excited to retry hosting this event on Wednesday of Week 3. More details to come next week.
Weetbix Kids TRYathlon:
The following link directs you to the Weetbix Kids TRYathlon, if you would like to register your child to this please add them to our dashboard.
If you have questions about this event please come directly to Miss Black.
E-learning agreements to be returned to school please
During our meet the teacher afternoon last Friday, many of our whānau were given an e-learning agreement to sign or take home. When we use digital technologies, we need to learn how to keep ourselves safe, and make good choices in ways we behave when we are online. At West End School we call this being a ‘digital citizen’. Good digital citizens help to make our school a safe and positive place for everyone.
Parents please read this carefully, and to your child as necessary. Please sign and return to your classroom teacher as soon as possible. Access to E-Learning technology will be allowed once this form has been signed and returned to school.Student Council Application Forms sent out today
Student Council Application forms have been sent out today to those Te Wao Nui o Tāne and Puāwaitanga students who have shown interest in running for our 2024 student council. This is a great opportunity to build leadership skills and provide service to our school. Forms are due back to classroom teachers or Mr Minchin by Friday 9th February.
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
Music lessons with Emma
Emma will not be providing music lessons at West End School this year, but if you wish to continue with private lessons, learning flute, recorder or basic piano/keyboard lessons please email Emma at musiclass@hotmail.co.nz.
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
Location: West End School, 196 College Street, Palmerston North
Phone: 06 358 2465