Middle School West Auckland
Term 4 Week 1
Academic Manager - Atua Asafo
TALOFA LAVA
Welcome back to Term 4! It has been wonderful to see our learners return this week, refreshed and ready to engage in their learning. We have an exciting and busy term ahead, with plenty of Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC) trips and opportunities for our learners to extend their learning beyond the classroom.
We are also delighted to welcome three new staff members to our school community this term. Joining our Matai Hapori is Matua Clint, who has recently returned from teaching in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Our Rimu Hapori welcomes Miss Toni Hawkins, and we are pleased to have Whaea Aoife joining us all the way from the lush green landscapes of Ireland. We look forward to the knowledge, experience and enthusiasm they will bring to our school community.
We are also excited to welcome back Mrs Lee after her special time away on maternity leave, and Matua James, who has returned home after several months of travelling overseas. It is lovely to have them both back with us, and we look forward to sharing another busy and rewarding term together as a school community.
A friendly reminder to our whanau that Friday 23 October is a Teacher Only Day, and school will be closed for learners. Please ensure you have made alternative care arrangements for your child on this day. Thank you for your ongoing support and understanding!
Have a safe and blessed weekend.
Atua Asafo
On Friday 23rd October, our staff will be taking part in a Teacher Only Day dedicated to curriculum updates and professional development.
These learning opportunities help us stay informed, prepared, and equipped to provide the very best education for our students. We appreciate the support of our families as we invest in strengthening teaching and learning across our school
This term, we’ll send out three surveys inviting whānau to help shape our school’s future.
The first will seek your input into our strategic plan. The second will ask for your thoughts on a complete school rebrand, which we’re working towards for the start of 2027. This could include a new name, vision, uniform and emblem. Most of all, it’s an opportunity to begin the new year with a fresh identity as our own school.
The third survey is part of our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) work. We want to hear what you think we can do to better support student behaviour and wellbeing.
Every survey you return will put your name into the draw for a fantastic prize. Three surveys returned means three chances to win!
Have your say, have a win.
Kia ora e te whānau,
Enrolments are now open at Middle School West Auckland, and we are welcoming new students now as well as applications for 2027.
We encourage whānau to enrol early, as this helps us plan effectively for the year ahead. Early enrolments provide valuable information about expected student numbers, allowing us to prepare staffing, classes, resources, and learning programmes to best support our students. The sooner we know your child is joining our school, the better prepared we can be to ensure a smooth and successful start.
If you have a child entering Years 7 to 10 in 2027, or know a whānau seeking a caring, supportive, and engaging learning environment, we would love to hear from you.
To enrol:
- Email: admin@westauckland.school.nz
- Complete the online enrolment form at www.westauckland.school.nz
- Phone: 09 972 1744
- Visit us at either:
- 287 Lincoln Road, Henderson
- 24 Waipareira Avenue, Henderson
We look forward to welcoming new ākonga and whānau to the Middle School West Auckland community and partnering with you on your child's learning journey.
STAR ATTENDANCE – EVERY DAY COUNTS
At our school, we are committed to supporting every ākonga to attend regularly and thrive in their learning. The STAR Attendance framework helps whānau understand how we work together to support attendance and wellbeing.
It shows what happens at each stage of absence:
🔹 1: Less than 5 days absence
Whānau keep the school updated, establish routines, and ensure daily attendance.
🔸 2: Up to 10 days absence
Our tumuaki will make contact and share attendance data so we can work together on any barriers.
🔶 3: Up to 15 days absence
A hui may be organised with whānau, the school, and support services to create a plan that meets the student's needs.
🔴 4: 15+ days absence
The school is required to escalate the issue, and legal processes may be considered if absences continue without valid reason.
✨ Key message: Regular attendance is crucial for your child’s learning, progress, and wellbeing. We are here to support you every step of the way—please reach out if you need help.
Learning Today, Leading Tomorrow
Ako i tēnei rā, hei ārahi āpōpō
Car Parking at Lincoln Road Campus
Parking at our JR campus (Lincoln Road) is very limited. When visiting can you please only park in the spaces that are labelled SCHOOL.
Please avoid parking in any other spots as our neighbours require their spaces for their customers and staff.DROP OFFS: If you are doing a drop off or pick up, this needs to be done at the back of our school along the right of way. This will then help us in preventing congestion in our front carpark area as this is a shared space.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Email: admin@westauckland.school.nz
Website: www.westauckland.school.nz
Location: 287-289 Lincoln Road, Henderson, Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: 09 9721744
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Middle-School-West-Auckland-664746236980176