There have been a number of significant developments over the holiday period. It is with pleasure that we welcomed two new members of staff. Ms Carys Paul has returned to the school in her new capacity as our head of physical education and health. Carys will be joined for the first two terms with Sarah Bateup who is teaching PE and maths. Mr Michael Waller has been appointed Head of Languages. We look forward to the contribution these staff will make in their new roles in the school.
The Board of Trustees spent considerable time summarising the information gained from the surveys that parents, students and staff completed in the last term of 2011. This information has been used to review our school charter and to create a series of strategic directions for the future of Westland High School. I know the Board were appreciative of the response given to the survey and for the positive ideas for moving forward that were forthcoming. Below I have reproduced the front page of the new charter document which outlines our vision, mission statement and the values we as a school believe to be import for our students and staff. Your feedback on these would be of value as the document is intended to be “a living document” that can and should reflect our community’s aspirations for our youth.
Whakatere i ā tātou haerenga
‘Navigating our Journeys’
‘Westland High School will provide an exciting, supportive and positive learning community, which encourages achievement, fosters a co-operative spirit and celebrates diversity, so together we develop the knowledge, skills and values necessary to navigate life journeys.’
Excellence/Kairangi: in all aspects of school life. Strive for your personal best and celebrate success.
Manaakitanga: uplifting, fostering, and nurturing the mana of ourselves and others and the principles of honesty, integrity and accountability.
Inclusion and Equity: creating a sense of belonging by embracing and celebrating diversity.
Innovation and Creativity
Whanaungatanga: fostering and maintaining relationships between people, communities and environment.
While we are still looking at the detail of our NCEA results we were very pleased to note some exceptional achievement from students. In future newsletters we will celebrate in greater depth individual achievement.
One of our goals for 2012 is to review communication between school and home. To this end I would be interested in feedback on the content you see as valuable in these newsletters and how frequently you think we should produce them.
Many of you will be aware that for the next term and a half the administrative staff have moved into the Library while alterations to the main office area and entrance are completed. We still have an open door policy for parents and caregivers, in fact it is very open door at the moment, and we have meeting areas that we can use should you wish to have a confidential conversation with any member of the Senior Leadership Team (Ms Hutt, Mr Manual or myself).
Over this coming weekend the school is providing the facilities for the “Relay for Life” run by the Cancer Society to acknowledge both those who have survived cancer and those who have lost their battle with the disease. You are welcome to come down to the school between 3pm on Saturday and about 11 am on Sunday walk around the track or just to lend your support by your presence. I would remind all who come that it is an alcohol and smoke free event.
During the first week of school our year 13 students participated in some leadership training. This was very successful and I wish to thank Mr Garside for organising the event and the staff at Shantytown who help provide sections of the programme.
I want to take this opportunity to remind students in particular, that the year will be as successful as you allow it to be. We want you to succeed but only you can guarantee the results. We will enjoy joining you on your learning journey.
Ferg Harding
Principal
