Mums and sons had an early start on Thursday, 15 May, for our annual Mother Son Breakfast.
We were fortunate to be joined by TV and radio personality Laura McGoldrick, who shared inspiring insights from her career journey. She spoke candidly about overcoming rejection, embracing challenges, and how motherhood reshaped her perspective. Laura’s advice to our boys was simple but powerful: learn from setbacks, stay present and engaged, ask questions, control your reactions, and always be respectful. We’re grateful to Laura for making time in her schedule to speak, and we extend our thanks to Shakespeare Orthodontics for sponsoring the event, as well as our PTA, Edible Blooms, and Toasted Coffee Roasters for their support.
Six students earn Top Scholars Awards
Six Westlake students were recognised at the 2025 Top Scholars Awards at Parliament on Wednesday, 10 May – the greatest number from any school. The event was attended by Education Minister Erica Stanford who congratulated our students on their academic success.
Three Westlake students were named Premier Scholars - Top 10 in NZ:
And the Top in Subject winners:
Congratulations to our students, and to Headmaster Mr Paul Fordham, Associate Principal Mrs Becky O’Gram for her support, and Assistant Principal Miss Carla Boniolo, who leads our Scholarship programme.
Westlake Productions a huge success
Westlake took the bold move to run two productions over alternate nights for two weeks. 'Mamma Mia!' and 'Three Birds Alighting on a Field' opened to very happy and excited audiences on Tuesday, 29 April, and ended with standing ovations on Saturday, 10 May.
The feedback was constant, and the community buzz remarkable, arguably the most effusive for any Westlake Production.
“It was terrific – so much talent, so many stand-out performances”, “A fantastic show! One of the very best in my 40 years at Westlake", “A truly wonderful production with outstanding direction”, “Just. So. Good!”, “The quality of the production was sensational.”
Student leaders join Anzac Parade
Our prefects proudly took part in the Takapuna Anzac Parade and Service on Friday, 25 April. After gathering at school for an early breakfast, the student leaders joined the march from Sanders Ave to the Cenotaph on The Strand. Head Boy Constantine Mataafa laid a wreath on behalf of WBHS, while Service Captain Max Mitchell and Eddie Kim gave a reading during the service. Music and Culture captain Matt Donaldson also took part, performing with the North Shore Brass Band. We are proud of our prefects for honouring those who served.
Rowers selected after Maadi victories
Following our successful Maadi campaign, five senior rowers have earned national honours. Jack Buckley has been selected for the New Zealand U19 Eight to compete at the World Championships in Lithuania this August. George Langley and Flynn Wigglesworth will represent New Zealand in the U19 Development Eight, racing at the US Nationals against the US and Canadian U19 teams. Meanwhile, Sam Bird and Donovan Pivac were selected for the North Island U18 Eight, competing in a two-day test series against the South Island.
