Principal's Page
Kia Ora Friends
Ni sa Bula - welcome to Fijian Language Week. It's a good time to have this focus with the Flying Fijians (blip against Portugal aside) doing really well at the Rugby World Cup in France. They face a huge test next Monday at 4 a.m. when they take on England.
This year’s theme for Macawa ni Vosa Vakaviti – Fijian Language Week is
Me vakabulabulataki, vakamareqeti, ka vakaqaqacotaki na vosa vakaviti, which means, Nurture, Preserve and Sustain the Fijian language.
We are back into Loving to Learn to Lead for the final term of 2023. It is wonderful to be back - the enthusiasm and positivity from children, staff and parents is just awesome - making for an inspiring and energising environment for us all.
Teacher Only Day - Friday 24 November:
Every school in New Zealand has to hold a Teacher Only Day (on the new New Zealand Curriculum) in the second half of November.
We tried hard to coordinate with other schools but, in the end, had to go with the day that worked best for us - Friday, 24 November.
NO school for children on this day.
Drop-Off Zone (D-O-Z) Update.
Thank you for helping us - I have been impressed with how this is functioning.
Reminder:
- If you need to stop briefly to pick up in the D-O-Z, please
- Pull as far to the left as possible so other cars can squeeze past you
- Stay in your car - do not get out and leave your car double parked while you hunt down your children.
- If your child is not in sight, please go out, around the roundabout, and back in again.
- Do Not Turn Right out of the D-O-Z at Peak Times
- Before school from 8:30 am to 9 am
- After school from 2:30 pm to 3:10 pm
Turning right or left into our D-O-Z
- If you are turning left into our D-O-Z keep as far left as possible.
- Look out for that left queue - pulling around it and cutting in is not cool.
- If you are turning right into our D-O-Z keep as close to the centre line as possible.
- Be patient - turning right when there is no space in the D-O-Z blocks traffic and causes a lot of stress.
- If you are not turning right - and there is room - pass the right-turning queue on the inside and then proceed ahead as usual.
eMail Feedback from a Family Leaving Us:
Dear Ash
I hope this letter finds you well. With mixed emotions, I write to inform you of our decision to withdraw our children from Western Heights School. This decision comes as we prepare for a significant life change - we will be immigrating to Melbourne, Australia.
We want to express our deep gratitude for the exceptional educational experience and the supportive, inclusive environment that Western Heights School has provided for our children.
Over the years, we have witnessed not only their academic growth but also their personal development, thanks to the teaching staff's dedicated efforts and the school's welcoming atmosphere.
Western Heights School has been a second home for our children, where they have learned not only from textbooks but also from the values of compassion, diversity, and community. The unwavering support and commitment of the school have played a significant role in their educational journey, and for that, we are truly thankful.
As we prepare for this new chapter in our lives, we will always look back fondly on our time at Western Heights School. We will miss the warm and caring community that has become an integral part of our lives.
Once again, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for the positive impact Western Heights School has had on our family. We will carry with us the valuable lessons and experiences gained here as we embark on this new adventure in Melbourne, Australia.
You may not always check out the Humour Page at the end of this newsletter, but please do check out the story by James Nokise - a Kiwi on his way to Scotland - in this newsletter. In my humble opinion, it is so funny and worth the read.
As always - if you have questions or concerns about anything school-related - email me at macash@mac.com, and I will get back to you asap.
My very best regards to you all,
Ash Maindonald
Principal.
