Kia ora koutou, 

While the NCEA examinations continue to run smoothly overall, the country still waits for confirmation of our new Government!

There have been several glitches regarding the NCEA examinations and the increasing numbers of students sitting digital options.  I need to emphasise that this has been frustrating for schools but the responsibility and causes of the issues has been NZQA, not individual schools.

Students in year 7-10 have been enjoying making the most of the colleges’ grounds and facilities, despite a number of important infrastructure projects occurring, which will be completed by the start of the 2024 school year for the benefit of all.

It has been very reaffirming to have confirmed a number of sponsors for the 2024 school year.  We are very grateful for these which will maintain and develop our extremely strong and well respected extra-curricular activities and sports’ programmes.  Details of these sponsors will be highlighted in our next newsletter.

All the very best to our Year 8 students, staff and parent helpers - regarding the outdoor education camps at Motutapu Island which are occurring this week.  The Head of Year 8 Mrs Gibson, together with other staff have worked extremely hard in preparing for these camps to ensure that it will be a safe and enjoyable experience for all involved.

Have a great week.

Ngā mihi

Greg Pierce
Principal

Events / Information

November

Sunday 19 November to Wednesday 22 November - Year 8 Camp 1
Monday 20 November - NCEA Teacher Only Day
Monday 20 November to Thursday 30 November - NCEA Exams
Monday 20 November to Friday 1 December - Year 7 & 8 Dental Van Visit
Wednesday 22 November to Saturday 25 November - Year 8 Camp 2
Monday 27 November - Year 8 Celebration Dance
Wednesday 29 November - Year 7 Disco

December

Tuesday 5 December - Year 10 Graduation
Thursday 7 December - Years 7,8,9 Prizegiving

January 2024

Wednesday 31 January - Students new to Orewa College start today
Thursday 1 February - Returning students start today

Aoraki Girl Guide Award

Year 8 students Maddi Newson and Camryn Gornall were presented their Aoraki Awards for Girl Guiding in a Te Tai Tokerau regional celebration on Saturday. The Aoraki Award is named for New Zealand's highest mountain and is the highest award a Girl Guide can earn - it represents the peak of achievement and adventure for a Girl Guide. Congratulations, and well deserved.

Year 10 Graduation and Year 7, 8 and 9 Prizegivings

Year 10 Graduation - Tuesday 5 December 7.00pm
Held in the Orewa College Arts and Events Centre.  Students are to wear their school uniform.

Year 7, 8 and 9 Prizegivings - Thursday 7 December 
Year 7 at 9.30am, Year 8 at 11.30am and Year 9: 1.00pm.

Prizegivings are approximately 1 -1 1⁄2 hours and parents/caregivers are welcome to attend.
Students finish for the school year immediately after their prizegiving/graduation ceremonies.

Auckland Volleyball Junior Championships

The Auckland Champs wrapped up on a high note last Friday! The boys' teams secured two impressive wins, setting the stage for a strong entry into the upcoming North Islands Champs this week. Meanwhile, the girls' team faced a tough battle in the semi-finals against the formidable Mt Albert Grammar team. Despite our effort, they couldn't overcome the lead.

In the challenging 3rd and 4th play, we faced off against our fellow North Harbour school, Carmel. After a setback in the first set, we rallied to claim the second, ultimately securing the Bronze medal by clinching the final set. A big congratulations to all.

Special shout-out to Mia Hendren and Amelia Wilson for earning spots in the Tournament team. Great job, everyone!  Marnie Ursem (as a member of the NZ Womens Volleyball team) was invited to hand out the medals to all the winners.

Careers Hub

There are a variety of opportunities for students if they wish to look at overseas exchanges, or GAP years. Below are some opportunities for students who are interested in going to Camp America next year.

Coming up for Auckland, is an Interview Day and the Camp America Directors Fair where we have some Camp Directors flying from the USA all the way to Auckland to hire Kiwis on the day.

French Woods Sports and Arts Center Camp | 27 November
New York camp coming to our office to hire Kiwis who have signed up for Camp America this season. The Director started off as a Camp America Kiwi and he now runs the camp!
Students can register HERE.

Camp America Info Session (Online) | 6 December 7:30pm
This is a virtual information session where students can learn more about the Camp America program.  LINK for students to register. 

Auckland Interview Day | 9 December
Students who are applying for the program to be able to have their interview with their local Auckland interviewer.  Students can register HERE.

More links to other opportunities are on our Careers Google Classroom that students can access for further information.

School Sign In / Sign Out Processes

Signing In

All students may now sign themselves in and out of school using the iPad in the Deans'
Hub. We will still require an email from parents/caregivers to be able to update the attendance to the correct code.

Signing Out

Year 9-13 students may sign themselves out using the iPad in the Deans' Hub.
Year 7-8 students still need to be met by their parent, caregiver or pre-approved adult and signed out at the Deans Hub.
Note: If any student needs to leave during class time, they will still require a pass in
advance to give their teacher.

Student Illness

A reminder that school policy for students who feel unwell during the day, should be signed out by the school nurse, please remind your students of this process.

LINK to Absentees & Leave information.

Year 10 Star Tasters

Last week over 130 Year 10 students took part in the annual STAR Taster week, organised by the Careers Department. 

This fully-funded week allows students to begin exploring a variety of diverse career options that they may be interested in.  Students went on trips to Tree Adventures, Yoobee to learn about 2D Animation, Cue Haven for hands-on conservation work, Cut Above Hair Academy, Elite School of Beauty, Massey University, and the New Zealand School of Tourism. 

Courses also took place at school including Barista, Babysitting, First Aid and Animal Care.  Feedback from both providers and students has been overwhelmingly positive and the weather played ball. 

A great time was had by the students and we look forward to building on these wonderful opportunities next year.

Our Sponsors - Proud Supporters of Orewa College