WGS Newsletter - 3 July Term 2

​Culture Festival  'Under One Sky' 

We were blown away with our wonderful cultural community evening last night. What a special community we have, and what a gift to come together to share food, traditions, stories and connection. 

Our children were amazing and loved the opportunity to try such a variety of beautifully presented food made by families. The explanations provided as to why the kai  was special were interesting and told far more than the words. The deep connection to family,  love and culture was reflected. 

 The  introduction by Laya and Ava focusing us on Matariki brought us back to our bi cultural heritage which was a special start to the evening. 
Our evening was uplifted by the clever & fun Chitty, as she compared and interviewed our wonderful performers. Our children were delightful and across the showcase showed their passion, knowledge and connection. 

Enjoy our wonderful photos taken by Aditya, one of our parents. They tell the true story of the wonderful time together. 

As the term draws to a close today we are grateful for your support and help during the term. We have tired children who have given their wee hearts to a full term of work. So many have made amazing progress and are feeling so proud of their work.  

A special thanks to our teachers who have navigated a challenging term with brand new reporting of a curriculum that we have so recently implemented and are still learning so much about. You are very fortunate to have a wonderful team working very hard for your children. 

Our support staff who support our children in their learning and a multitude of needs, our administration team and cleaning and caretaking are the glue that holds everything together. 

We have a wonderful school that has a beautiful culture of care, diversity and positive energy. 
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A couple of reminders: 
> Term 3 starts :  Monday July 20th 
> A chance to sort uniforms over the holidays and ensure we have everyone looking spick and span for the beginning of the term 

Have a wonderful holiday break and we look forward to seeing you all back on July 20th 

Nga mihi,
 
Linda Fraser 
Principal 

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Kia Ora Everyone,

A quick note to you all as you begin the Holiday period.

As you all know School Reports are out. Prior to their release there were messages on the School App regarding the upcoming Teacher Interviews scheduled for early next term as well as detail around the new Curriculum reporting to parents.

The Board acknowledges and is very appreciative of the thorough assessment and considerable time given to writing and formatting these reports for you. Much time and Professional attention has been given by our School Leadership and Teaching staff in meeting the demands of such significant change and moving forward with it.

Principal Linda Fraser set out these new guidelines and benchmarks, known as descriptors in her Newsletter Week 9. A good plan would be to re-read these details before heading to your interviews.

A special Morning Tea was held this week to acknowledge and celebrate the 17 years of full time work teacher Jill Robb has devoted to our School. A commitment of such standing to our tamariki, whanau, and the many colleagues and friends has brought so much to our School. Jill will continue with us on a part time basis so we will enjoy an ongoing benefit from her expertise, presence and significant relationship with our tamariki.

Last night our School Cultural Festival was held. To conclude our term on such a positive and high note with such involvement of our School Community was a delight to all those who attended and participated.

Delicious food from the Nations of our students was prepared and shared and was followed by a relaxed look at school displays. Then performances in the hall rounded out an engaging and uplifting event for everyone. We believe in the importance and significance of our school existing within a wide community of students, whanau, extended family and staff all having a real role in making West Gore School a great place to be. A big thank You to all of the staff involved in this special event. The feedback so far received about our festival has been wonderful.

We commence our next term welcoming new families to our school. Details of this special assembly will follow.

So to everyone, all on the Board of trustees wishes you a great holiday.

Have fun, keep safe- and see you all next term.
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Susan Hasselman
Presiding Member

Te Mana o Te Hā – Smoke/Vapefree Science Showcase

Our Year 5 & 6 Students will be attending this Showcase next term, how lucky are they!
 
Te Mana o Te Hā is an interactive science showcase designed for students in Years 5–13. This engaging, hands-on experience helps young people explore the real impacts of smoking and vaping, from how nicotine affects the body, to the ways it is marketed, and the wider environmental and social harm.
 
Through a series of practical activities and eye-opening demonstrations, students are encouraged to think critically, ask questions, and make informed choices. The programme also supports positive conversations at home, empowering rangatahi to make healthy decisions and take a leadership role within their whānau and community.
 
Whānau are warmly invited to come along and experience the showcase for themselves between 3.15pm–5.30pm on Tuesday 28 July at St Peter's College Gore.
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