Principal's Page

Kia Ora Friends - Our Warmest Greetings

The greetings are warm, but the weather is not. I know it has rained a lot over the holiday period, so I hope you found ways to keep your children warm, dry and entertained.

We took a team of 10 Western Heights staff and two staff partners to Aitutaki during the holidays. We took around 70 kgs of teaching, art and sports equipment and resources with us to donate to the two main primary schools on the island.

We also provided two days of free Professional Development for the teachers and staff of Apii Araura and Apii Vaitau schools. In return, they welcomed us with a moving Powhiri, open arms, love and laughter. We were taken on a cruise to One Foot Island, hosted for an incredible home dinner, given Waka Ama lessons and experiences, and invited to perform and be part of their 60th Anniversary of Independence Celebrations.

Some of our staff members attended this trip last year, while others were new. All were overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of our hosts, the warmth, energy and enthusiasm of their children, and their appreciation for the little we were able to do to provide support for them.

Our group of 16 paid their own way with everything. They created, collected, and donated a vast array of resources, including teaching materials, sports equipment, and art supplies - all of which will make a significant difference to the teachers and students of these two schools.

On Monday, 28 July, the principal and most of the staff of Apii Vaitau will visit us at Western Heights. We will provide a Powhiri Whakatau to welcome them at 10 am. There will be some performances by our children, our travelling staff and the staff of Apii Vaitau.

You can check out a photo journal of our trip later in this newsletter. 

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.