JumpJam Update:

Yet again, Western Heights is the National Champion in Jump Jam's highest competition, the Extreme Division. The extreme division is limited to the very top-performing teams in New Zealand. After this year's entry tapes were received, the completion organisers decided only six teams met the Extreme standard. 

Quite incredibly, two of those teams were from Western Heights: the 'We Rock' team and the 'I Want It All' team. Our 'We Rock' team were fabulous. They looked stunning in their awesomely crafted outfits and performed their hearts out. We are so very proud of them!

For many of them it was their first year competing and they made into the top Yr 5/6 division! 

Our 'I Want It All' team was crowned National Champions. Again, stunning outfits, choreography, energy and charisma carried the day for our girls. Afterwards, there were a lot of exhausted children! It was a long day, finishing late at night, a very emotionally demanding experience for all - and there were a lot of massive smiles and sheer joy.

Here are the thoughts of a parent of one of our competitors:

I just wanted to send an email about Jump Jam. It truly is an amazing opportunity for our tamariki - where we can see their talents shine and, as a parent feel so incredibly proud of our child and their team, knowing how much hard work and dedication has gone into this one night. Not only from them but also from their amazing coaches, Jenna and Rebekah, for whom I can never sufficiently express my gratitude in supporting my daughter with her passion for dance and encouraging her to become the best she can be. All this is done in a safe environment where she feels valued and supported (as not all dance studios have the most nurturing environment, especially at the level of competition that they are aiming for).

One thing that made me really proud was when I went up to congratulate my daughter on her win, her first words to me were, ‘What about the other team?’. 

Right there, I saw our school values shine, especially Manaakitanga towards her teammates. After speaking with the other team she explained to me - ‘mum I told them that we all are winners as we are all Western Heights’. 

I know Rebekah and Jenna had worked hard to make sure the teams were not ‘competing’ against each other, and it was evident to see the sportsmanship after the competition.

I am grateful that my daughter attends a school with such strong values - evident throughout the school - shaping her into a kind, compassionate, and thoughtful person.

It's wonderful that she can be involved in these types of opportunities as you understand the importance and value of offering them to our children.

It also meant a lot to see her teachers there supporting and cheering her on, as well as so many other staff, displaying the WHS spirit of whanaungatanga.

Again, a huge thank you to Rebeka and Jenna (and the many others behind the scenes who helped to ensure the night was an amazing experience for all!).

From Jenna and Rebekah:

We just wanted to send out a huge thank you to everyone who made the trip to Tauranga to cheer on our Jump Jam teams. Your support, energy, and encouragement meant the world to our students and made the whole experience extra special.

A huge shout out to Sharon E, who helped us so much with costumes, and Monique, who helped us make the hoodies and costumes and do the hair for Nationals. A big thanks to everyone else who helped along the way too. We couldn't have done it without you!

We’re so incredibly proud of both teams. Their hard work, dedication, and all-around amazing performances on stage truly represented Western Heights at its best. Aside from the National Title for 'I Want It All', both teams walked away with Excellence and Distinction awards across the board.

Jenna and Rebekah