During the last week of term, our year 11-13 students sat their school practice exams in the hall. These exams are a great tool to identify areas of the curriculum to prioritise for revision with the class and to highlight areas of focus for individual students as well. Grades from these assessments contribute to senior prizegiving awards and may be used for a derived grade if a student is unable to attend their NCEA examination - a medical certificate is usually required in this instance. Congratulatations those students who were diligent in their studies.  Many students sat their examinations with confidence and we are hearing reports from teachers as they finish marking their classes examinations that some students have achieved well.  

It is important, with the NCEA examinations approaching quickly, that senior students use their time wisely over the next few weeks to prepare thoroughly for their external examinations and complete all of their remaining internal assessments.

Our end of term assembly saw many of our students receive awards and recognition for their achievements throughout the term.  Our students here at Otamatea High School have been very busy with various sports, cultural events, academic endeavours and extra-curricular activities. Congratulations to all those students who received recognition, and a particularly massive thank you to Oscar Curtin who performed an original song for us to see out the term. 

Term 4 promises to be another busy term.  The 'Round the loop' race takes place on the 13th of October.  This is a big event on our sporting calendar and I would encourage as many students as possible to get involved.

Sadly, the first week of term 4 will be the last for a much valued member of staff who is moving on to a new challenge.   Nikki Donaldson, who many of you will have come to know throughout your, or your child(ren)s years here at Otamatea High School, has been at the school for 23 years as a key member of the admin team, the principal's PA and the Board of Trustees minutes secretary.  Nikki has been an integral part of the life of the school for such a long time and she will be sorely missed.  We wish her all the best in her new role. Hei konā rā e hoa! Kia kaha, kia manawanui i ō whāinga hōu, ā, kia mau tonu te aroha o ō hoamahi ki a koe.