Thursday May 3rd saw the return of a swimming sports day for the whole school. We hope this is the beginning of a return to an annual swimming sports event. This development will depend heavily on our students continuing to show a willingness to be involved. My thanks to Ms Carys Paul and her team for organising the event and to the students who made the day a success through their participation.
On the 24th of April Westland High School held an ANZAC ceremony in remembrance of all the brave New Zealanders and Australians who honored their countries by serving together, and falling together. The Armstrong Assembly Hall stood in silence to the entrance of our veterans, and official guests. Mr. Lyall Delore, President of the Hokitika RSA, introduced the war veterans to the school. Laura Hinchliff read out the poem “In Flanders Fields” and Latham Martin and Missy Van-Dissel read out The Ode. The ceremony then moved outside to the cenotaph that stands inscribed with the names of ex-pupils of Hokitika District High School that have been involved in conflict. Each student and teacher deposited a poppy at the foot of the cenotaph in remembrance, followed then by the RSA veterans and members of The Runanga Tauira. As the autumn leaves fell from the oak trees and rested gracefully on the cenotaph and lush green lawn surrounding it, the bugle sounded the last post, played by Drew Howat. One-minute silence was then marked, and reveille was played. This was a moving moment for many in attendance as it was a time to reflect, a time to remember, and a time to be thankful for all the freedoms we often take for granted. Everyone sang The National Anthem and Mr. Lyall Delore and Mr Harding gave their thanks to each other on behalf of their corresponding parties. This was an extremely poignant event.
April 25 dawned and so began the celebration of the 97th anniversary of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps landing at Gallipoli Peninsula. ANZAC day is when we remember the soldiers who landed at ANZAC Cove and all those who died in later conflicts, serving our nations. Missy van Dissel, Latham Martin, Andrew Lee, Reilly Burden and Laura Hinchliff, the executive committee of the Runanga Tauira, represented Westland High School at the Remembrance ceremony at the Regent Theatre. Sitting up on stage we could feel a real sense of community spirit and the community coming together as one and all to remember. This was a very moving ceremony, and to be part of it was very special. We felt privileged to represent our school. Missy and Latham read The Ode once more but this time to the community.
The 4th Westland Boys Brigade, Girl Guides and volunteer services came along to take part in the laying of the wreaths, collections and to remember the brave men and woman who went away to war. After we marched to lay the Westland High School wreath at the clock tower we went up to the cemetery to lay our poppies in the centre of Number One Services Plot where the brave men who didn’t make it home now lay to rest. The hallowing sounds of a lone piper filled the cemetery, and one could really feel a strong sense of the heroism, and patriotism that these men displayed serving their country. We then went back to the RSA building to share a lovely lunch and have a chat to a few veterans. Our hearts are filled with love and respect to those who we shall forever remember.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.
- Laura Hinchliff and Latham Martin
Come and see the senior drama students in a production of 'Children of the Poor', a play by by Mervyn Thompson, based on the novel by John A Lee. Children of the Poor is a sensational story of vice, poverty and misery set against the backdrop of Dunedin at the turn of the last century.
Tickets are available from the school office and at the door. Adults $12, Students $8. The play contains some mature content and is not recommended for younger audiences.
Come along for an evening of entertainment and support our students.
This year Westland High School will be putting on a production of the musical Sweet Charity.
Auditions are on Wednesday the 29th June at 3.15pm in the school hall.
Speak to Mr. Meissel if you need any further information.
Look out for show dates coming in Term 3!
Students interested in participating in extra-curricular activities now have the opportunity to join school clubs. Watch the daily notices for upcoming meetings and get involved! Kapa haka, photography, movies and chess are just a few of the club activities being planned.
All staff and students with a hobby they would like to share with others are encouraged to begin a new club. Speak to Ms. Weepu if you need help getting started.
