Education: Westlake Boys High School
Westlake National Squash Champions Westlake Boys High School Premier Squash proved its class by becoming New Zealand Champions at the 2015 New Zealand Secondary Schools Squash Championships held in Palmerston North from 7-9 August. This year’s competition Westlake Boys National Championship winning Squash team with included 32 schools in the boys Westlake Boys Premier Squash team captain Rafa Yam in action Gabe Yam, Zonal Ali, David Matthews, Rafa Yam, Stuart Martin division and 19 schools in the at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Championships. and Matthew Lucente. girls division. A staggering 590 champions eventually rested on the shoulders of fourth form student Matthew matches were played over three days making it one of the biggest junior squash Lucente. The pressure didn’t seem to bother Matthew who played accurately events in New Zealand. and remained focused until the end to finally clinch the win for Westlake in a Coming in as the boys’ top seeds, the team had to face the challenge to overcome favourites Tauranga Boys College, the three year reigning champions, remarkable straight set victory. The win was particularly special as it has been 15 years since Westlake had before they could live up to their number one seeding and win the title. Westlake their last victory at Nationals. Westlake’s team captain Rafa Yam was selected proved to be a team on a mission and were relentless throughout the early as captain of the New Zealand Secondary Schools team to compete in Sydney rounds, showing why they were the top seeds by winning all their matches 5-0. from 22-29 August. The team would like to express their acknowledgement and This was in preparation for their highly anticipated showdown against the 2012 appreciation to Westlake Teacher in charge of Squash Mr. Mike Calver and coach -2014 champions Tauranga Boys College. Manu Yam for all their hard work with the team. Westlake’s hope of dethroning and wrestling the title away from the
Westlakers Annual Reunion Westlake Old Boys gathered at school on the evening of Friday 14th August to enjoy an evening of reminiscing with schoolmates and teaching staff.
Westlaker Committeemen – Brady Arblaster, Gavin Roberts, Richard Stevens and Lester de Vere at the Westlakers Annual Reunion.
Westlakers present on the evening were treated to a talk by longserving staff member Louis Borok who highlighted some differences in education practice and Westlake education over the past 40 years. 50 Westlakers contributed to the 2015 Westlakers $100 Club and in so doing raised $5,000 for students in need of a helping hand. The next Westlakers gathering will be on Friday 11th September when students of the original co-educational Westlake High School (in operation from 1957-1962) have been invited to attend an assembly, morning tea and school tour at the Boys’ school campus.
1970’s Westlakers Michael Poll, Duncan Harris, James Sclater and Jan Battaerd at the Westlakers Annual Reunion.
UPCOMING EVENTS – AUGUST 2015 Friday 11th September, 10.15am - Westlake High School (1957-1962) Gathering – Assembly, morning tea and school tour
Friday 25th September - Senior Prizegiving Friday 25th September - End of Term 3 Mon 28th and Tues 29th September - Westlake Academy of Sport Holiday Coaching Programme for Year 7 and 8 students
Monday 28th – Friday 9th October - Holiday Revision Programme Monday 12th October - First day of Term 4
Students of the original co-ed Westlake High School (19571962) will be in attendance at a special school Assembly and morning tea at Westlake Boys on 11th September. The event is hosted in alternate years by Westlake Boys and Girls Schools.
www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 58 - September 2015
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