Dear Parents and familiesWe’ve had Grandparents’ day at school today, which was wonderful and we look forward to doing it again next year. Thank you to all of the Grandparents who came along and helped make it a special day. Last night was our open evening for new students in 2017. The evening was successful and we look forward to meeting all of our new families later in the month for enrolment interviews. We say farewell today to Christine O’Dowd who has done a great job over the last few years in her events and communications role at Westlake. The website, Facebook page and many school events have all been vastly improved under Christine’s tenure. We wish Christine and her Westlaker husband, Alex, all the very best as they head off overseas. Finally, I would like to give a special plug for our annual Gala Concert which is being held in our Auditorium next Thursday starting at 7.30pm. Details are contained in the newsletter. The Gala Concert is not just for families of our musicians, all of our community is welcome to attend. It is always a highly entertaining evening with an incredibly high standard of music to suit everybody’s tastes. Have a lovely weekend Regards |
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2016 Westlake Boys Grandparents’ DayThis morning Westlake Boys hosted our second annual Grandparents’ Day. 190 grandparents joined their grandsons for a school assembly followed by morning tea in the new Gymnasium before students provided their grandparents with a guided tour of their school. As the photographic evidence shows, it was a special occasion enjoyed by many school families. Amidst the Westlake grandparents who enjoyed a morning in the company of their grandsons were several former Westlake students, a former staff member and 30 other grandparents who were last involved with Westlake when their own sons attended several years ago. This generational involvement is becoming a particularly valuable and enjoyable aspect of our school community. At the commencement of assembly, Headmaster David Ferguson extended a warm welcome to all grandparents and recalled several tales reflecting on the importance of his grandparents in his own life. During proceedings Mr Ferguson expressed a fond farewell to Westlake’s Events and Communications Manager Christine O’Dowd before prompting the school to perform a rousing Happy Birthday to Westlake’s own Grandfather figure, Tony Buckingham. Guests were treated to a sneak preview of next Thursday’s Gala Concert when they watched the Westlake Symphonic Band perform and then, during morning tea, witnessed a performance by Virtutti, the Westlake Barbershop quartet who recently won the Auckland Region Young Men in Harmony competition. The annual Westlake Schools Gala Concert will be held next Thursday 11th August – tickets are $15 and door sales will be available on the night. Grandparents’ Day is fast becoming established as a popular event amongst our community and, judging by the enthusiastic, happy family groups who were part of today’s event, it’s heartening to know that the Westlake experience will be extended throughout school families for many years to come.
Special thanks to event photographers Miss McKay, Yu Chen, Jack Hall and Kelby Cai who captured some wonderful photographs of our grandparents and their grandsons today. We will upload more images to the Westlake Boys Facebook page and the Flickr gallery located on the school website soon. Please feel free to contact Vicki Fowler on [email protected] for a high resolution copy of the photos. |
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Languages Week 1-5 AugustTo celebrate Languages Week, students have enjoyed lunch time activities every day this week including a Chinese Kungfu tutorial with a professional instructor, French Crepe sales, Japanese animation movie in the Auditorium, Year 10 Master Chef Grand Final and the Year 9 FIFA Competition. |
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FIFA CompetitionOn Tuesday 2nd August, the first real sunshine in a long time coincided perfectly with this year’s annual Year 9 FIFA competition, run by the Languages Department. |
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All of the Year 9 students were involved in this cross-curricular event which saw classes competing against one another in a football tournament, as well as two supporter challenges. The boys had spent weeks preparing in their language classes – learning national anthems, studying the colours and symbols associated with sports in their target language countries, painting banners, writing chants and planning the strategies needed to come out on top! On the day, it was wonderful to see the boys’ enthusiasm and hard work on full display for one another and for our eagle-eyed staff judges. | |||
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In the end, the football tournament was won by one of Ms Bader’s German classes (Captain: Regan Diver), with their healthy dose of Football Academy students leading the team to some high scoring victories. The prize for visual support (banners, costumes and face painting) was won by one of Miss Na’s well-organised Japanese classes (Captains: Bowen de Gouw & Nick Parkes) and the prize for vocal support (chanting and singing) was won by one of Mr McGinley’s enthusiastic French classes (captain: Angus Kelsey) who had put together a French version of Queen’s “We Are The Champions”, much to the delight of the judges! All classes prepared and performed admirably and the boys enjoyed the opportunity to put into practice everything that they had learned about the sporting culture of other countries. | |||
Year 10 Master Chef ProjectOur Year 10 Master Chef Grand Final took place during lunchtime on Monday. This is the first year that our Year 10 language students have been working on the Master Chef project. The students worked in teams to learn the language, make dishes, create a video in the target language and present their dishes in front of the judges. Congratulations to the following teams:
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Young Men in Harmony |
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Thought to have originated from American Barbers entertaining their customers during the 1830s, Barbershops are conventionally an all-male or all-female quartet branded by ‘A Capella’ singing with three voices harmonising to the melody of a fourth voice.
The Westlake barbershop quartet “Virtutti”, (Nick Curry, Matthew Bennett, Blake Scanlen and Anthony Ji) has had a long and successful history. This year, yet again, “Virtutti” gained the rank of Auckland Champions in the annual ‘Young Singers In Harmony’ competitions. This is the sixth consecutive year in which they have achieved this grade. In addition to the success of “Virtutti” an additional Westlake Boys quartet named ‘Deez Notes’ competed in the YSIH competition. Due to complications, ‘Deez Notes’ was unable to participate in the Auckland division and were forced to become a ‘Wildcard’ entry in the Hamilton division. They performed to a very high standard and emerged with the highest score in that division. Both quartets have been selected to compete in the national finals, which is set to be held in Wellington on the 14th of September 2016, and are working diligently to produce their greatest sound in hope to not only represent the school but also create beautiful music. By Azarish Ali |
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream |
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Directed by our Head of Drama, Mr Nick Brown, the 2016 Westlake Production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream was an enormous success with large audiences at every performance. Congratulations to the cast and crew from both Westlake schools who put in many hours at rehearsals and performances to make this such a success. | |||
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The cast and crew from Westlake Boys’ High School was: Grant Zent (Puck), Angus Kelsey (Puck), Sungmin Lee (Flute), Cody Stott (Snout), Colby Wilson (Starveling), Zach Klein (Snout), Alek Ristic (Ensemble), Joshua Wang (Snug), Matt Bullock (Theseus), Connor Charlesworth (Demetrius), Aidan Bonneau (Ensemble), Daniel Paek (Starveling), Will Page (Fairy), Andre Vachias (Ensemble), Joe Jackson (Bottom), Jordan Te Aukura (Oberon), Laith Saeed (Egeus), Josh Song (Lysander), Daniel Lough (Lysander), Nick Curry (Quince), Abram Matthew (Oberon), Dylan Somervile (Demetrius), Rafa Yam (Snug) Kelby Cai (Assistant Director) and the Technical team: Alek Ristic, Kees Gitmans, George Yang, Shaun Woods, Andy Wang, Emmanuel Ramli and Jun Hong Lim. |
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Community Curriculum and Option Selection EveningsWestlake Boys High School would like to invite members of our school communities to attend our two remaining 2016 Curriculum and Option Selection Evenings. We would like to meet parents of students who would like to learn a little more about New Zealand education, about how to support their son, and about how to help him make wise course choices for 2017 and beyond. We are running the evenings in the school Staffroom. Each will last around 45 minutes.
We look forward to seeing you. These evenings will be a valuable way to learn a little more about your son’s education and will help you guide him as he thinks about his future. Please let us know if you are going to attend any of the evenings. If you are going to attend the Māori or Pasifika evenings, please contact Mrs B Sutherland on [email protected] or 09 410 8667 extension 703. |
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An exciting opportunity for Year 10 students – Spirit of Adventure 5-Day Spirit Trophy Voyage: 19th – 23rd November 2016The Spirit of Adventure Trust was established to provide New Zealanders access to a character development programme through sailing. You are being given an opportunity to develop the qualities of independence, understanding and community spirit through the medium of sea voyage. The voyage will be a valuable experience for all who participate and is a great opportunity to develop personal skills, team work, communication and trust, which are integral to future successes. Interested students need to submit an application form which can be collected from Mr Tillett in Deans Suite. Applications due 12th August. See the Spirit of Adventure website for more information: https://www.spiritofadventure.org.nz/ |
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Careers DepartmentHere is the latest Careers Newsletter from the Careers Department which contains some important information and key dates for students. Term 3 is an important time in particular for our Year 13 boys as they narrow down tertiary, training and employment options for 2017. Attending open days, information evenings and other career-related events can prove invaluable in helping all seniors explore possible future pathways. |
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2017 Enrolment InformationYear 9 Enrolment Dates In-Zone Enrolments – 9th August 12 noon – 4pm and 10th August 12 noon – 8pm Out-Of-Zone (Including Out-Of-Zone Priority Enrolments) – 17th August 9am – 8pm and 18th August 9am – 4pm Out-Of-Zone Priorities
Enrolment Information 2017 Enrolment dates and information are available on the school website www.westlake.school.nz Enquiries to Michele Cain on 410-8667 ext 818. |
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Students Using Public TransportThis is a reminder that students should use School buses where they are provided, and only use Express buses when it is absolutely necessary. |
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Would you like to work at Westlake?Events & Communications Executive, Community Relations Department |
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As the result of Christine O’Dowd’s relocation to the UK, we are looking for a super-organised “people person” with superb writing skills to join our small team in the Community Relations Office.
The purpose of the events co-ordination and marketing communications role is to ensure that members of our community are provided with memorable opportunities to connect and re-connect with Westlake Boys High School. |
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Key responsibilities include:
The successful applicant will need to be:
This is a full-time, salaried position with six weeks annual leave per year (to correspond with school holidays). Hours are 8am until at least 4pm, five days per week. Extra hours are often necessary in the lead-up to events. For a full Position Description please contact Community Relations Manager, Vicki Fowler on [email protected] or 09 410 1814. Applications must include the applicant’s current CV and a clear statement explaining why they would be suitable for the role. Applications close on Wednesday 10th August at 5.00pm. |
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Procedure for a Student Leave RequestWhen requesting leave for a student, a letter is required by Westlake Boys High School outlining dates, destination and the reason your son will be absent from school. This letter is to be delivered to Mrs Murphy in Reception at the Main Office. Your son will then be provided with a leave form which he takes around to his Dean, Form Teacher and Subject Teachers for signature. |
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Major Diary Dates: |
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8th August | Whanau Hui, 6.30pm in WBHS Staffroom, PTA Meeting 7.00pm | ||
9th & 10th August | In Zone enrolments (9th 12-4pm, 10th 12-8pm) | ||
10th August | Late Start (students arrive at 10.55am) | ||
11th August | Gala Concert | ||
12th August | Westlakers Annual Reunion, 5.30pm, Gymnasium | ||
17th & 18th August | Out of Zone & OOZ Priority enrolments (17th 9am-8pm, 18th 9am-4pm) | ||
22nd August – 2nd September | Senior End of Year Examinations | ||
29th August – 2 September | Winter Tournament Week | ||
31st August | Board of Trustees Meeting | ||
5th September | PTA Meeting, 7.00pm PTA Conference Room, Top Gymnasium, Course Selection Process ends | ||
7th September | Closing date for Out of Zone enrolments | ||
12th September | Whanau Hui, WBHS Staffroom | ||
14th September | Ballot held | ||
15th September | Winter Sports Team Photographs | ||
19th September | Senior Reports issued | ||
23rd September | Senior Academic Prizegiving, End Term 3, CIE AS & A2 students leave | ||
10th October | Start Term 4, CIE Examinations commence | ||
21st October | CIE IGCSE students leave | ||
24th October | Labour Day – School closed | ||
4th November | NCEA Years 12 & 13 students leave | ||
9th November | NCEA Year 11 students leave, NCEA Examinations commence | ||
14th November | Late Start (students arrive at 10.55am) | ||
18th November | CIE Examinations end | ||
21st-25th November | End of Year Junior Examinations | ||
2nd December | NCEA Examinations end, Graduation Dinner | ||
7th December | Junior Prizegiving, End Term 4 | ||
9th December | Junior Reports Issued | ||
Westlake Sport |
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Football Results |
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1st XI Football vs St Peter’s CollegeWestlake, without five experienced starters, ground out a hard fought away win over an improving St Peters team in a floodlit Friday night fixture. The away team made a strong start and almost took the lead within the first minute when a defensive error was capitalized on by the lively Rungpao. The striker deftly lobbed the stranded St Peters keeper only to see the ball headed off the goal line by a defender. Westlake continued to dominate possession but let another chance slip by when Nimmo’s free kick was parried by the keeper but there was no Westlake player following up to capitalise. The deadlock was broken in the 21st minute when a towering clearance from keeper Williams was misjudged by the St Peters defence and Farnsworth was on hand to slot the ball home to give his team a deserved lead. Farnsworth was a constant threat and tested the keeper again with a ferocious shot after a deft turn on the edge of the box. Westlake were unlucky not to double their lead in the 40th minute when Nimmo crashed a free kick against the St Peters cross bar with the keeper well beaten. The first half concluded with Westlake well on top but feeling they should have put the game beyond the home team. Predictably the second half was a much closer affair with St Peters disrupting Westlake’s attempts to establish their passing game and either side able to retain possession for extended periods. Nimmo was again desperately unlucky not to add his name to the score sheet when his cleanly struck free kick again rocked the St Peters cross bar. Westlake dug deep to repel some late pressure by a fired up home team and deserved took all three competition points. Westlake’s next game is an away Premier League fixture against Sacred Heart College on Friday 5th August, 7pm kick off at Bill McKinley Park. |
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Under 13 Knock Out Cup vs St Peter’sResult: Lost 4-3 on Penalties (2-2 after Extra Time) The U13 Football team took on St Peter’s in the Quarter Final of the Knock Out Cup. It was going to be a tough fixture from the outset and the game reflected it. Westlake started the game very strong dominating possession in the first half as they utilised the windy conditions to their favour. Many chances were created as Tor Keeley came close to opening the scoring by rounding the keeper and putting it just wide. The pressure continued and were finally rewarded with a fantastic goal by Sam Reidy coming from a lofted free kick. Westlake again put the pressure on and went close to doubling the lead only to have a shot saved off the line. St Peter’s came back to level before the break after a mistake at the back. Half time score 1-1. The second half was a very competitive half with both teams putting each defence under pressure. Westlake created more clear cut chances and again had a shot cleared off the line following three or four clear chances but failing to hit the target. Westlake finally took the lead through Levi Wilson to make it 2-1 midway through the second half. St Peters drew level straight away from the restart. The second half continued to have chances from each team but finished 2-2. Extra time followed but no team could take the win. Penalties were going to be the decider on the day with Westlake missing their first penalty. St Peter’s took the advantage of this and ultimately won the game on penalties 4-3. A tough loss, but the game could have been won in normal time but Westlake but St Peter’s move on to the Semi Finals. |
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Under 15 Knock Out Cup versus Mt Albert Grammar SchoolThe U15 KO cup team went to MAGS with a very strong side. They came up against a physical side in MAGS. After going 2 nil down in 20 mins, Westlake turned up and showed some real character and skill. A goal was disallowed late in the first half. The second half Westlake came out firing and dominated the second half, scoring a good goal, and missing several half chances. Unfortunately going down 2-1. |
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Social FootballSocial Football has reached the Semi-Final stages and will be played on Friday at 4pm on the Westlake Girls Turf.
It has been a great competition again this year and the winners will play in the final on Friday 12th August at 4pm on our Turf followed by a BBQ for all the players (197 in total) who have taken part. Congratulations to Laith Saeed who won an award from Harbour Sport for his contribution to the programme Nick Curry and Matthew Thornton are also commended by Harbour Sport for their contribution to the programme. |
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Hockey Results 5 August
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4th XV vs Orewa College 2nd XVPlaying against Orewa College second XV, Westlake fourths had one of their most disappointing performances this season. They lost to a better team by their biggest margin and failed to score for the first time this season. The team conceded 12 points in the last two minutes of the first half and the normally very strong goal line defence, allowed a number of soft tries. The second half performance was much better and despite dominating territory and playing some exciting rugby, the team conceded another try. This was extra disappointing as a number of players had charged down an Orewa break-away to prevent a certain try and the final score of 0 to 29 was a true reflection of the match. Next week’s game becomes more important against Rosmini College as our team does not want to lose another match. It’s time for the dirt trackers to lift their game and we’ll need a full turn out at training next week. |
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Rugby ReportMATCH REPORT: 1st XV vs Massey Saturday 30 July This match was a must win situation for Westlake to maintain the top position going into the playoff rounds. Having already secured a home semi-final it was important to finish first for a number of reasons. Massey were markedly understrength on the day with a number of their key players on the injured list. However it would still require structure and discipline from us to win. The first half we were dominant and Jack Heighton in particular controlled the game. Jack was involved in setting up 3 tries in that half. First Fine Inisi, and later Jack Fuller scored following work done by Jack. Tupou Afungia scored the second try and only Jack Fullers try was converted. Westlake dominated at scrum winning tight-heads and also at lineout winning opposition ball. Resolute Massey defence and their pride in the jersey kept the score down. The second half was pretty much a repeat of the first. Fine Inisi ran half the field to score his second and Jack Fuller was on the end of a crosskick to dot down for his second try of the game. A brief 5 minute period saw Massey use their pick and go effectively before spreading the ball wide and their winger scoring in the corner. Scoreboard: Westlake 27 Massey 5 (Half time 17 – 0) Tries: Fine Inisi (2), Jack Fuller (2) and Tupou Afungia Conversion: Cameron Hey |
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Westlake Sailors Competing Internationally
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Gymnastics and Trampoline National ResultsLast weekend saw Westlake competitors taking part in the National Gymnastics and Trampoline Championships. In the Senior A Grade Men’s Artistic section, Year 9 student Daniel Stoddart was placed 2nd overall (1st in Parallel Bars). In the Trampoline section, Nathan Monkton (Year 9) was 5th, Josh Adam (Year 12) was 8th and Jeremy Agnew (Year 10) was 9th. These boys all competed in the Elite section U16. Daniel and Nathan are part of the Academy of Sport Elite group, along with Henry Wilson who was 113th out of 255 at the World Optimist Sailing Champs in Portugal over the holidays. |
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Congratulations to:
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Good Luck to:
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Westlakers News |
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2016 Westlakers Annual Reunion – New Venue!Friday 12 August, 5.30pm-9.00pm – Westlake Boys Gymnasium Join us after work in the recently opened $5 million Westlake Boys High School Gymnasium. |
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Entry is just $20 per person and includes finger food and your first beer or glass of wine. Click here to register NOW! |
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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: [email protected] | |||