From the Senior Leadership Team

This week we welcomed our new permanent science teacher, Mr Ian Catubigan to our school. Mr Catubigan, who arrived from the Philippines over the recent term break, is a very successful and experienced teacher who will be taking junior science classes (Y7-10) this term. With over 10 years' teaching experience, and a Masters degree in science education, we look forward to Mr Catubigan inspiring our students to do the very best they can in his classes.

Sadly, we say goodbye to Nikki Donaldson today, the principal's PA, who leaves us to take up a new position at Bream Bay College. Nikki has been at Otamatea High School for 23 years and her professionalism, considerable institutional knowledge, and ability to think on her feet will be sorely missed. Nikki has been an absolute rock over the years, having supported several principals during her time here, and has been instrumental to the school's success. We wish her all the very best.

Work is progressing on the establishment of six additional temporary classrooms on our top field. Earlier in the year we had six new temporary classrooms set up on the field - subsequently labelled G-block, and these additional six classrooms, known as K-block, will be situated next to G-block. These should be ready for the start of 2024 when our roll is expected to exceed 720 students.

During week 3, year 10-12 students will be given the final option selection sheet, where the students need to select a subject from each of the timetable lines for 2024.  In the meantime students should talk to subject teachers, the careers advisor or HODs if they have any questions about whether a course is a good fit for them.  Those interested in the Construction Academy should speak to Mr Lee Dainty, as there are certain combinations of subjects that they should select from to become an academy member.  Mr Dainty will be talking about the academy at our next assembly.  As there are only a set number of places in our Primary Industries Academy, entry into Level 1-2 Primary Industries courses is via interview with Mr Marco Troost.  Again, students who are really keen on these courses are encouraged to discuss their suitability with Mr Troost.

Year 10 camp this year will take place at Kai iwi Lakes over three days December 11,12 and 13.  Students will be camping in tents and participating in a range of water sports and other activities.  The cost is $100.00 per student.  We are keen for parents to be involved in this fantastic event please email me at adrian.cooling@otamatea.school.nz if you are interested in attending

Permission slips will be available to students next week please return them to school as soon as possible.

A huge thank you to Tina Smith who came to school today to promote chess among our students. Tina runs the Mangawhai and Maungaturoto chess clubs. The popularity of chess has exploded internationally over the past few years, and students who play chess often benefit in other areas of life by enhancing their critical thinking, improving concentration, patience and social skills, as well as promoting the importance of planning ahead. Of course, most students play chess simply to have fun. Please contact Tina at tinibop@gmail.com  if you are interested in joining one of these clubs.

Congratulations to those senior students who have been nominated for prefect positions for next year, especially those shortlisted for the head prefect positions. This week, shortlisted students were videoed answering questions on why they should be elected head prefect in 2024, and these were shown to students during whānau time. All students and staff subsequently voted for their choice of prefects and these votes will now be tallied, the results of which will help the senior leadership team decide on next year's student leaders. One prefect has already been decided, Callum Smith, who is the new student rep on the board of trustees. Congratulations Callum. All prefects will be announced at senior prizegiving on the 3rd November.

Senior students only have three weeks left before senior prizegiving. Those who are on track to passing their NCEA will be granted study leave at the time, while those at risk of not achieving will remain at school to receive customised support. Students will have received their practice examination results by now and will have a good idea of how much more work is still required to get ready for the end of year externals. It is crucial that seniors have a study plan in place to ensure they are revising thoroughly for these November examinations.

Please note that we have two staff only days this term. The first on Friday the 24th November, and the second on Monday the 4th of December.