Wellington East Girls' College / Te Kura Kōhine o te Rāwhiti o Te Upoko o Te Ika
Welink
Issue 3, Haratua /May 2020
Embedded Files
Welink is a newsletter produced as a link between Wellington East Girls' College and our community, and is emailed to parents and students. It contains essential information as well as news for caregivers. It is also on our website – www.wegc.school.nz. Please advise the school if you have changed your contact details, or would like to add an email address: wegc@wegc.school.nz
Principal's Message
Principal's Message
Tēnā koutou katoa
May marks the anniversary of our move into Matairangi. It also marks our move back into the school environment post-lockdown. We opened with a Karakia on Teacher Only Day, led by Whaea Kaiwai-Herbert and Matua Akuhata, which brought fresh energy and vitality back to the site. This was further enhanced with the energy that the students brought with them as they returned. I am happy to report that the transition has been smooth, with students feeling comfortable and confident and pleased to be engaging with all aspects of schooling.
Over the last weeks I have been struck by the ways in which our school values have been evident across our community and I encourage all of our students to continue demonstrating these:
Whanaungatanga - re-connecting with friends, teachers and adjusting to the changed protocols for the school environment.
Rangatiratanga - taking steps to take control of your learning; having one to one conversations with teachers about your learning, monitoring your progress and setting goals for the future.
Aroha - continuing to support others and reaching out to those who may have found emerging from lockdown more difficult.
I am really proud of the ways in which staff and students pulled together to make East@home a success, and I am looking forward to exploring how we can further develop our practice to include the aspects of East@home that promoted student agency and self-management into our on-site programmes.
It’s good to be back!
Ngā mihi nui
Gael Ashworth
Principal
Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees
Kia ora koutou
As we work towards a life post lockdown, I would like to express the Board's gratitude and appreciation for the way in which the school operated during Level 4 and 3, and managed the smooth return of students last week. Gael and her Leadership Team have worked incredibly hard to support teachers, support staff and students during this time of transition. In particular I would like to mention the work by the team and staff to ensure that every student was able to connect digitally during lock down and could access online learning. This involved deploying devices the school had available to whānau, as well as sourcing additional devices, and arranging online connectivity for some families. This was no mean feat of coordination and logistics. I would also like to acknowledge our student leaders for the work they have done to remain connected across the year groups and find creative ways to continue their leadership roles virtually.
Apart from the obvious disruption felt by everyone involved with the school, COVID-19 has impacted the programme of work to complete the upgrade of our school buildings, as well as dealing to the heating and ventilation issues experienced in the new main block, Matairangi. A new schedule of work is being confirmed with the Ministry and its contractors. It means that the work programme will be extended longer than we had hoped, and we expect to have confirmation of what this involves within the next few weeks.
Reflecting on my own personal experience of the lock down, the last two months feel somewhat surreal. It is important to recognise at this time, that everybody's journey has been unique. Some people will have thrived and even enjoyed lock down, while others may have felt all at sea, vulnerable and alone. Now that restrictions are relaxing, it's important for us all to continue to practise the kindness that our Prime Minister has encouraged from the beginning, and to think about what a new normal will look like in the months to come, both at home and within the school environment. Whatever this looks like, please be assured that at the heart of everything we do at East will be an unfailing commitment to the educational achievement and wellbeing of all our students, and at this time of significant social disruption, this will never change.
Stay safe, stay kind
Ngā mihi nui
Jo Lambert, Board Chair
Return to the school - Karakia Friday 15 May
Return to the school - Karakia Friday 15 May
On our return to school for the Teacher Only day on Friday 15 May, we held a Karakia to re-open the buildings, which was headed up by Whāea Keta and Mātua Hemi. After the opening karakia and thoughts, and waiata, Ms Ashworth spoke about our values, thanked everyone for their work over the Lockdown, noted the difficulties the changes have created and how we have as a group/team overcome them. The staff spent the rest of the day setting up spaces, and preparing for the return of students on Monday 18 May.
After the Lockdown
After the Lockdown
After we moved to Level 2 and out of Lockdown, we prepared the school for students to return. Our property team was very busy ensuring the school was cleaned and disinfected, ready for staff and students on Monday 18 May. We staggered the year levels, so our first students were from Year 13, 12 and 9 on Monday, while Tuesday was the start date for Years 10 and 11. On both days there was a Livetime catch up in the morning for students held by Ms Ashworth and Head Prefects, welcoming them back and giving hygiene guidelines and distancing information.
We’re all in this Together WEGC COVID-19 Edition
We’re all in this Together WEGC COVID-19 Edition
During self-isolation not everybody has been able to stay home. There are many essential workers in the East community who we need to say thank you to. We are so grateful to everybody who has put their health at risk, by going to work, to help others. To show our appreciation our Music Prefects created this video with their whānau
Kia Kaha <3
How we worked during Lockdown
How we worked during Lockdown
Amanda Picken in her home office
Roz Malkin, International Co-ordinator
Kath Haines working at her desk
Jo Bulman classroom POV
Winter Uniform
Winter Uniform
Winter school uniform is worn in Terms 2 and 3, and includes the School Blazer and tie. Uniform purchases are available from Reception every school day until 3.45pm. Students are able to make purchases before and after school and during the interval and lunch breaks.
Our black rain jacket is available for purchase, along with the school scarf, and black 80 denier tights. Puffer jackets are not a uniform item and must not be worn to school. Our uniform trousers are also available.
There are also second-hand skirts, blazers raincoats, and jerseys currently available for purchase. These items have all been dry cleaned . If you hold any current uniform items in good condition that you would like to sell, we can also purchase these from you. Contact (04) 385 8514 ext 841 or uniforms@wegc.school.nz. Please note we will not be open for uniform sales during the Teacher Only Day or Mid term break.
International Students
International Students
It has been a very busy year in our international department with increased student numbers at the beginning of the year.
Eleven of these students came from Japan for a one term experience and were raced out of the country a little earlier than anticipated, leaving amidst flight cancellations and looming lockdown deadlines. Despite the frantic last week, the students made good friends, enjoyed living with their homestay families and were incredibly sad to say goodbye to WEGC. We thank the patient teachers, the fantastic student buddies and the loving host families for the care and attention they gave this group.
After lockdown we helped make plans for two students to return to their natural families using repatriation flights. Giulia made her way back to Italy via four flights and three different cities and Aor returned to Thailand and has now completed quarantine in a hotel in Bangkok on her own. Brave souls!
We have a group of students who have remained in New Zealand and have lived in lockdown with their host families. These families have been supportive and kind to our students when things have been stressful and when learning online has been hard. We say a huge thank you to these families for providing a ‘home away from home’ at this time.
Despite the end of term disruption students enjoyed a lovely start to the year, getting to know one another and enjoying all that WEGC has to offer.
Entertainment Book 2021
Entertainment Book 2021
Connecting Communities – There has never been a more important time to support us with our fundraising and local business at the same time.
20% of each Membership sales goes directly to supporting Wellington East Girls’ College to help us ensure that all East girls have access to the same opportunities.
Entertainment memberships are now completely digital, with three new digital memberships.
Entertainment Memberships can start anytime and are packed with thousands of substantial savings. Entertain yourself and save from the comfort of your own home. Shop in your favourite online stores and enjoy movies, TV shows, games and much more for less with Entertainment.
You can purchase your WEGC Membership here https://www.entertainmentbook.co.nz/orderbooks/105u644
Wellington from Mt McKerrow, March 2020
Gold Award:
Gold Award:
Congratulations to Bella Sexton who completed her Gold Award in April this year. Awesome effort!
Silver Awards
Silver Awards
Neve Bailey-Kerrison, Millie Bamford, Maya Gallagher, Hannah Geale, Rebecca Grice, Macy Hare, Pieta Harris, Kate Hawthorne (no longer at WEGC), Rebecca Hutt, Ella Mycock, Hariklia Nicola, Anastasia Reid, Sarah Tervoort and Jaymie Tervoort
Bronze Awards
Bronze Awards
Arabella Adlington, Claudia Alloway, Bianca Bailey, Anna Bassett, Renee Baylis, Imogen Beard, Eleanor Berry (no longer at WEGC), Maddy Brown, Fleur Buckrell, Erin Clark, Cara Dennehy, Elizabeth Fa'afoi, Francesca Fagan, Divya Gandhi, Renee Gibson, Hera de Groot, Hannah Holloway, Scarlett James, Yasmin Kesry, Isabel Kurta, Therese Lee, Hope McDermott, Holly McSweeney, Carolyn Macauley, Athena Ma’alo, Maeve O’Regan-Smith, Annabella Park, Maddy Reddell, Olivia St Just, Emma Shea, Emma Southam, Lizzy Spooner, Ivy Taylor, Lily Teahen, Maia Tuesse, Frankie Thornton, Azarah Verner, Libby Watson, Maia Young, Sadie Wilton and Sophie Van Royen.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award
Tena koutou. What an adventurous journey this year has been so far! It wasn’t that long ago it was so busy I didn’t know which end of my pack was up (which caused the odd problem as a few essentials fell out) and then all of a sudden Hurricane Covid arrived and it was hunker-down-in-the-hut time, all plans off! Now the storm is easing, the clouds are lifting and the pathways are starting to re-appear. It won’t be long before we can pick up the journey again, albeit in a slightly changed landscape.
Prior to our unplanned time at home, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program was very busy. The start of 2020 saw 104 students begin their Bronze Award, completing one of two training days in February and for a lucky 25, tramping overnight to the Rimutaka Forest Park in early March. The remainder of the cohort will have a modified practice journey in the near future and from there we look forward to making plans for the qualifying journeys as and when they are possible - fingers crossed!
Also at the beginning of this year 41 students embarked on their Silver Award and were lucky enough to complete their training and practice tramps in the Tararua Ranges in February. The two trips were a strong contrast - one in terrific weather that saw them witness amazing sunrises and get spectacular views as they traversed the tops of the Jumbo Circuit, whilst the second endured strong winds and torrential rain and had to make alternate plans as it was not safe to cross the tops. The joy of tramping in the Tararuas for sure, but also a bit of a metaphor for life - we might have a plan but we need to be ready to change it if it gets too risky.
Last but definitely not least, an amazing 20 students are embarking on their Gold Award journey this year. Unfortunately the practice tramp had to be postponed, but the good news is that as the Gold Award generally takes the best part of two years to complete, there is plenty of time to go tramping once the way is clear again - watch this space.
With 165 students actively participating in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award this year, there is a huge amount of voluntary hours being given to the wider community. One of the challenges of the lockdown was continuing that service and it made me wonder what students usually do so I ran a database search to find out. 517 entries list the amazing things our students do for their community…
Beach and environmental clean ups; tree plantings.
Volunteering at places like Trade Aid, Hospice, Red Cross and other charity shops.
Animal welfare, pet care and the helping out at the SPCA.
Event help.
Youth Clubs such as Guides, Girls and Boys Brigades, Sea Cadets and Surf Life Saving.
Soup Kitchen, baking for Hospice and Ronald McDonald House, Foodbank and making meals for others.
Knitting for neonates and children in need.
Coaching and umpiring sports, debating, dance and music.
Befriending others eg. Te Aka students, Retirement Village residents, babysitting.
Fundraising.
Teaching - Marine education, homework club, tutoring, music.
Helping out at the local library.
Wow! Since lockdown our DOE students have been very creative in finding ways to continue their service and it has been awe inspiring to see everyone reach out and show caring for others and their communities from their own bubbles.
Finally, at our last whole school assembly (way back in March) Mrs Ashworth, Ms Cockburn and I had the very real pleasure of presenting a large number of Award certificates and badges. The list includes all students that have completed their Awards in the last six months, most of whom received their certificates at assembly. If your name is here but you haven’t received a certificate yet, it is because completion occurred during lockdown and you will receive it at the next assembly opportunity.
Life is definitely an adventurous journey and the last few months have offered us lots of opportunities to use our teamwork, resilience and creativity skills to travel the path. From here the way is hopefully all up and our WEGC Duke of Edinburgh Award students are on track and ready for the next adventure. Now, which way up does that backpack go?
Deb Remacha, DOE Co-ordinator
Celebrating Pasifika student success in the library
Celebrating Pasifika student success in the library
The library is proud to be displaying a new piece of art that celebrates our Pasifika students.
In mid-2019 the library published a book of student work celebrating Pasifika identity called But I would still find home. This project was generously supported by the Parent Teacher Association.
Book sales exceeded our expectations, with many public libraries and schools around New Zealand purchasing copies. This has allowed us to purchase Pasifika books for the library and a piece of Michael Tuffery art for our new library walls, with a commemorative plaque.
We still have a few copies of the book available, which can be purchased at reception for $20.
The Virtual Sing
The Virtual Sing
As the Big Sing was cancelled this year, the New Zealand Choral Federation created a virtual sing for all secondary students who are in a choir, in which to take part. The arrangement of A Te Tarakihi was by Brent Stewart, who is currently on a one-year sabbatical from his position as HOD Music at Wellington East Girls College.
Out of all of the schools that took part in the Virtual Sing (including Rangitoto and Westlake) Wellington East Girls' College had the most participants!
You can read more about this collaboration at the NZ Choral Federation website
Chille, Ella, Hazel, Jemima and Angela (front) in traditional dress
From back: Sasha, Nia, Te Waipiata,Front : Maiah, Madison, Eliza
Workshop in Chinese Dance
Workshop in Chinese Dance
As part of the Dance & Drama curriculum, our Year 9s learn dances from many cultures, and have looked at Samoan, South American and Chinese dance.
We had a one-off workshop for our Year 9s Dance & Drama students in our Sports Centre on Monday 25 May. Our tutor was Angela Zhang, a guest Chinese Dance Tutor, who comes from Guang Dong. Thanks to Angela for also bringing along traditional costumes for us to wear.
Y25 Wāhine Toa of 2020
Y25 Wāhine Toa of 2020
The Y25 YWCA list is celebrating 25 young women under 25 who are making change.
Aleisha Amohia attended Wellington East from 2011-2015 and was one of our Technology Prefects. While at university she was President of Victoria University of Wellington Women in Tech, and Developer at Catalyst IT. She is now working at the National Council of Women (NCWNZ) Wellington Branch.
You can find out more here :
Aleisha Amohia
New Building first anniversary
New Building first anniversary
We marked one year in our new building on 20 May. At this time last year we had our Building Blessing, began moving into our new spaces, learning new building names, and settling in. One year on we are returning after a hiatus, and settling in again.
Building works Main staircase end 2018
Main staircase May 2020
Historic School Gates
Historic School Gates
As part of our recent works, our school gates were removed and kept safe ready to be re-hung. They are being refurbished at present, to be opened again soon. The gates date from 1927, when a neighbour of the school, Sarah Ames, donated the brick, concrete and iron entrance gates to the school. They originally faced down Austin Street, but were later relocated when a through road to Paterson Street was built in the 1930s. The photo shows the official opening ceremony on 13 April 1927 attended by Mrs Ames who cut a black and gold ribbon to officially open the gates.
Sports at East
Sports at East
During Level 2, we have had no sporting code events, however the Sports Department has set up a site for all things sport. You can find information on all sports offered at East, as well as our latest achievements (when we are able to start up again) - the link is here and is also on our school website. You can also check out Instagram and Facebook pages for WEGC Sport.
Vacancy for WEGC Netball Convenor
Vacancy for WEGC Netball Convenor
Now a netball season has been confirmed the sports department is seeking someone passionate for netball to convene our college netball programme.
This is a paid position and is to start immediately going through till the end of term 3 2020.
Applicants will have proven administrative experience, a knowledge of netball and enjoy working with young people. We will require the applicant to be available on Saturdays.
To find out more, please email: sport@wegc.school.nz
Simply Dental update
Simply Dental update
We are still operating and are here for you! We may be operating a little differently under each level, of which we will keep yourselves, your school, and your families informed to ensure we are providing safe, healthy, and effective care. What we can do for you under each alert level:
Level 3 - Urgent and emergency services
Level 2 - Back in Action (with some changes), working closely with your school and your family.
Concerned with your teeth or gums? If you currently have any dental concerns, please click on the link below and we will be in contact.
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/5a7d4d5530b342d784b7d258bf027424
Remember – no one should have to be in pain, and we are here to support you and to keep you happy and healthy!
Kate Berry, Simply Dental, Kateb@simplydental.co.nz
473 9283 or 0800 123 343, www.simplydental.co.nz
Ways to help - Fundraising for WEGC:
Ways to help - Fundraising for WEGC:
When you are shopping at Wellington City New World:
- Have your docket stamped at the time of purchase by a checkout Supervisor
- Deposit your docket in the East drop box provided in the main entrance of New World.
- Duplicate receipts can be requested, at time of purchase, if the original is required.
Welink Newsletter : Wellington East Girls' College, Austin Street, Mt Victoria 6011, Ph 385 8514, www.wegc.school.nz
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