School news

Visit of Rural Health Career Students  On Tuesday 5 September 2023 seven tertiary students who are studying for different health careers visited the school to present to all our Year 9 students. The idea is to make students aware of the vast array of careers in this field and how valuable students from rural areas can be to their own communities if they go down these pathways.

After the presentation students were divided into four groups and rotated from one activity to another.

Two optometrist students were showing students how people can be tested for colour blindness and other eye problems. They also showed students what different diseases do to eyesight with special glasses.

Two emergency medical technicians, one of whom is also studying for her nursing degree, taught students about CPR.

Two medical students had stethoscopes available for students to listen to their heartbeats and taught them how to feel three diffent pulses.

A physiotherapy student taught students to test their knee reflexes and what physio do for athletes.

The students enjoyed the activities and felt they gained important knowledge.

Kerikeri Primary Industries Trip  Earlier in term 3 the Level 1 Primary Industries class had an overnight trip to Kerikeri to explore various career options in the area as well as visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

We first visited Waitangi and had an informative tour through the museum and grounds which, thanks to the weather, was very spectacular. While in Paihia for lunch we bumped into two ex Otamatea High School students who are studying at the Queenstown Resort College (Bay of Islands campus).

The next stop was Okaihau Pastural Ltd, a large scale, high input dairy farm of 1200 cows managed by Joe Foster. We were shown the 60 bail rotary shed in action, covered feed pads where the cows were being fed a variety of feed which included chocolate and biscuits, and the effluent ponds. The students were able to have a go at putting on the cups, a first time for many of them. I also discovered that gumboots are better taken along in the van rather than left in my car at school.

That night we stayed at Woodlands Motel in Kerikeri which was enjoyed and appreciated by all.

The next day before returning to Otamatea we attended a Primary Industries careers expo organised by the Northland Regional Council and held on Pamu Farms (Landcorp) Kerikeri. Students learnt about careers in Sheep and Beef farming as well as forestry.

By all accounts it was a great trip made possible by all the sites who generously hosted us and the assistance of Ladene.

Term 4 sports events and training registrations open now.  All students have been sent an email to their school email address with a google form included. This form needs to be completed if students wish to take part in term 4 sports.

Round the Loop Race Our hugely popular annual race is on Friday 13th October. More details and how students can register can be found here.

Sporting Achievements  Has your child succeeded in any sports this year? There are sporting nomination forms available at the HUB for students to complete to ensure sporting achievement recognition. These forms will also be used to select the end of year prize giving major awards/trophies.The form can be emailed to be completed. Please email tina.holst@otamatea.school.nz.

Examination Supervisors The 2023 NCEA examinations take place between Monday 6th November and November 30th. Some of our examination sessions are very large and require extra supervisors.  If you are interested in helping or would like to find out more information, please could you contact:  Sarah Bearne: sarah.bearne@otamatea.school.nz     These are paid positions, training is provided. Police vetting is required.

We are currently seeking exam assistants - reader/writers for the upcoming end of year exams. Some of our students need support to show their best efforts during the end of year exams. If you are available during the school day in November, and have good basic literacy skills please contact the Learning Support Coordinator by email: jessica.whitehead@otamatea.school.nz, or contact the school office to leave a message with your details. Police vetting is required, training is provided and this is a paid role.