Acting Principal's Notes

Kia ora koutou,

The penultimate week of term has been another busy week for both staff and students. After last week’s inter iwi chess competition won by Maniapoto, this week was the Netball competition. The four age groups played off throughout the week and there were some very exciting games. Points are awarded at each age group level and then tallied together to give the overall winner. This year the winners were Whatua, with Ngapuhi runners up.

On Wednesday morning I met with all the Year 11 and 12 students and went through the process for applying to be prefects in 2022. All the information has been emailed out to the students so that they are able to do their letters of application, their curriculum vitae and sort their videos out when they have more time in the school holidays. The final day for applications will be the first Wednesday of next term, 20th October. Over the next week they should not be worrying about their applications but revising hard for their end of year mock examinations. The timetable can be seen below.

Otamatea High School Market Day was held on Friday from 1:30-2:30pm in the school hall. The Year 10, 11,12 and 13 Business Studies groups had spent a lot of time preparing for this day. The students’ sold hot burgers, loaded wedges, sushi, beautiful candles, decorated cupcakes, sundaes, caramel popcorn, lolly packs, olive products, cookie sandwiches, cookie dough and cinnamon rolls. The school came out in force to support this venture, as well as to enjoy all the delicacies on offer. I am sure there were a lot of full and contented students in the period 5 class. I would like to thank Ms Khan for all her hard work in getting this event organised after the lockdown had hampered the preparations, and well done to all the students in making it an excellent event.

On Wednesday Jaden Sheppard put Otamatea High School on the map as he upstaged John Campbell on TVNZ’s Breakfast Show. The previous day Jaden had come to see me and ask if he could use the meeting room for this event. The SLT briefing was moved so that Jaden had a room and peace and quiet so that he could prepare for his moment in the spotlight. The staff briefing in the school hall had the Breakfast Show streamed onto the big screen as we waited for Jaden to be introduced and be the ‘guest weatherman’. Jaden did not disappoint us as he performed brilliantly in front of the entire nation. He was a great ambassador for our school and community. You can see the clip on the school facebook page, it is certainly worth a watch. 

Finally, as we approach Term 4, a quick reminder about the end of year activities. Letters will be coming out soon to let all parents know the plans for these days and give parents time to get their child/children organised with money and equipment. These activities are some of the highlights of a students’ time at school. I know for me, there have been many special memories on the Year 10 camp up at Kai Iwi Lakes. I look forward to being able to go to all the camps and activities and see the students really enjoy their time there.

Paul Chambers