Welink

Tēnā koutou katoa,

Welcome to the first WELINK of 2023.  We  welcomed our new Year 9 students, staff and whānau to the school with a pōwhiri earlier this month.  It is always such a pleasure to see new students and whānau joining us and we are settling in to a new year of learning. 

Our thoughts go out to everyone's whānau who has been affected by the cyclone. We have connections with Hastings Girls' College and are holding a non-uniform day and sending that money directly to them so that they can support their school whānau the way that they need.

I would like to congratulate all of the students who were successful in their NCEA qualifications last year. We are also delighted that one of our Yr 13 students from last year , Sadie Wilton, has been successfully awarded scholarship for History.  Scholarship  is demanding and requires commitment and dedication from students to perform at this level on top of their NCEA studies. Well done!

It is at this time of the year that students will be setting their own goals for the year. One of the critical keys to being successful in learning is regular attendance at school and punctuality to classes. I would therefore ask families to support us with this message. Please be in contact with your child’s Dean or Ako teacher if you have specific concerns. 

Ngā mihi nui

Gael Ashworth,  Principal 

Kia ora kōutou,

Welcome to the 2023 school year, especially for our new students, whānau and staff.  While Wellington was lucky to escape the worst of the bad weather, I want to acknowledge those in the school community who have whānau and friends impacted in the Hawkes Bay, Tairāwhiti and Northland regions.  It is undeniably tough for many. 

There are a number of new things this year, not least with bedding in the new timetable and continuing to strengthen school culture and expectations.  Some of you will be aware of the Government’s announcement at WEGC of the increased funding to improve student attendance and engagement, especially for those who need support.  We have joined the Ministry’s initiative to get better data on absenteeism so that resources can be focused in the right areas, so please make sure that your whānau is aware of the expectations for attendance.

I’d also like to thank the candidates who put their name forward for board positions.  The election process is underway, and I would encourage everyone to have their say.   

Lastly, supporting each other is a critical part of building a more resilient school community.  You’ll see an increase in activities for students in Akō classes and assemblies, and improvements in our approach to resolving behavioural issues.  There are a range of support structures for whānau, including our Whānau Tutahi, Pasifika Parents Group, New Settlers Group and Wellington East Parents Association.  Please let Gael and her leadership team know if you have any concerns or would like further information. 

Ngā mihi

Will Peet, Chair

board.trustees@wegc.school.nz

WEGC Community Groups

Partnership with our community groups is an important part of our home /school connection. By becoming involved in these groups you can find out more about what goes on inside the school, and you can work with us to support and enrich the lives of our young people.  Check our school calendar for upcoming meeting dates. 

WEGC Parents’ Association (WEPA)

The  main focus of WEPA  is to distribute money raised and donated by the school community to support our students in their extra-curricular activities across sport, culture, arts and academic pursuits. WEPA welcomes all whānau to attend and contribute to the decision making to support the success of our students. 

Te Whānau Tūtahi  (TWT) 

The whānau support group helps to provide support to all Māori students at WEGC to achieve the best that they can in all areas of school life. Te Whānau Tūtahi works in partnership with the Principal and staff in developing strategic goals for success and engagement of Māori and to provide advice and guidance to help the school meet those goals. Te Whānau Tūtahi is open to all parents, caregivers and whānau of all Māori students and students learning Te Reo Māori. It also encourages the participation of students, staff and other whānau in the school community.  New whānau are welcome to join at any time.

Te Whānau Tūtahi meets twice a term . This meeting is attended by representatives of the school leadership, teachers as well as parents and students.

New Settlers’ Community Group

We are proud at East to have such a culturally diverse student body. Our New Settlers’ community meets together regularly throughout the school year. We hold meetings at least once a term to which parents and their young person are invited. This is a chance to meet other families and make connections.  We also share information about how best to support student learning and we also provide advice regarding course selection and careers. 

Every year, we celebrate together with a big community dinner and concert. At the end of the year, the achievements of our students are also acknowledged and celebrated in a final community gathering.

This group meets once a term. The meeting is attended by representatives of the school leadership, teachers as well as parents and students.

Pasifika Parents’ Group

The Pasifika Parents’ Group aims to assist the needs of our Pasifika students and their families. It aims to strengthen  the connections between our Pasifika students, our school, our families and our communities. The group offers ongoing, active support across all dimensions of school life.  Support from Pasifika parents and families throughout our school community is welcomed and encouraged.     

The group meets twice a term. This meeting is attended by representatives of the school leadership, teachers as well as parents and students.