Kia ora koutou,

Welcome to the start of the second week of Term 4.  Students have started this term in a very impressive manner, calm and focused.

As you can see in this newsletter Orewa College is an extremely busy school - which offers a vast array of choices, both curricular and extra-curricular.

In particular I would like to mention the ‘Noho Marae’ excursion which occurred last week in Northland.  This was very well organised and led by Whaea Marara Schreurs and Matua Trevor Rubens, also with the support of a number of parent helpers.  This team collectively ensured that the biggest group of students ever attended this and had an unforgettable experience.

Currently there is significant work occurring on site which will definitely enhance the outdoor leisure spaces for all students to enjoy, while also providing more student friendly outside learning options.  Unfortunately the Ministry of Education recently confirmed that the proposed new classroom block, which was to start in 2024 is being delayed due to prioritising necessary property work required as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle.  Many other schools are receiving similar disappointing but understandable communication from the Ministry of Education.

A reminder please to pay off any outstanding school fees due before the end of this year.  This is important in order to ensure that Orewa College continues to provide a rich range of educational and extra-curriculuar opportunities to students.  It is too early to know what the recent political change in New Zealand will mean, in educational terms.  From my perspective we need to positively focus on moving forward as a country, after four years of significant disruptions and challenges.

Ngā mihi

Greg Pierce
Principal

2023 Japan Trip

From September 24 to October 10 2023, senior students from Japanese classes visited and travelled in Japan.

They visited many varied and interesting places, from beautiful castles, shrines and temples in historic Kyoto, to the bustling metropolitan streets of Tokyo, and everything in between. Students participated in the club activities at Hosei High School in Tokyo and were able to catch up with their buddies.

Visiting the Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima was quite emotional, and we were able to see Mr and Mrs Kuroda, who came to Orewa College in August to share their experiences of the Hiroshima Bombing.

On this amazing journey they learned to embrace the Japanese culture and practise their language skills while ordering food, travelling, and meeting locals. Through experiences like music and tea ceremonies they were able to experience traditional values, while also seeing Japan’s modern side in both the capital and the industrial city of Shikokuchuo.

Students had the amazing opportunity to live with host families for five days, where they could see what it is like to live in Japan. All the students came away with a greater understanding of Japan’s culture, people and environment, and with a wonderful experience they will remember for a lifetime.

Alumni Remembrance - Lily Laita

Dylan said that the Award had helped him to create lifetime memories, friendships and skills. 
He added that has been a great challenge that has proved to himself that he can set a goal and stick to it.

Michela said that the Award has impacted her life significantly and pushed her outside her comfort zone to experience fun things and make friendships for life.

Both Dylan and Michela mentioned how important their time at Orewa College has been to set them up for the big challenges that they are now taking on. 

From the Health Centre - Chicken Pox Case

We have had a confirmed case of Chicken Pox in Year 7.  CLICK HERE for more information about chicken pox.

2023 National Shakespeare Schools Production

During the holidays, I attended the 2023 National Shakespeare Schools Production after being selected from the Sheilah Winn regional festival in March. The event involves 48 young actors from New Zealand coming together for 9 days of workshops and rehearsals culminating in two public performances of abridged Shakespeare plays.

I was cast in the play Cymbeline as Pisanio and Aviragus. Days included rehearsing under a professional New Zealand director and theatre workshops, including a presentation by Dame Miranda Harcourt. The week also included trips around Wellington, a Shakespeare-themed quiz night (which my team won) and an in-house skill showcase at which I played traditional Scottish Bagpipe tunes.

Our performances took place at Wellington College and the Wild Theatre in Wellington Zoo, two very different spaces that required a lot of adapting. I absolutely loved performing with such an amazing group of actors; performing Shakespeare is something that will never not be special to me. I’m so happy to have been able to have this wonderful experience.
Maria Walker-Kinnell (Year 10)

Year 10 Tasters

In week 6, Year 10 will have their "Taster" courses.  These are an opportunity to learn new skills, explore and learn about a career interest and check out a tertiary provider. These are Hands-on, fun, learning experiences.

Students were introduced to the options on Friday in assembly and permission slips were given out. Those who didn't receive a form can come and collect one from the Careers Hub.
Options vary and include University visits, Animation course, Hair & Beauty, Animal Care and more. 

Careers Hub

The last of the Course Planning sessions with the universities are on this week. If Year 13 students are still needing to enrol, discuss or get assistance with their future plans, they are encouraged to pop into the Careers Hub at a Morning Tea.

The last of the scholarships available for university are out. Specifically, any student who identifies as female is invited to the Careers Hub to get more information regarding the North Shore Graduate Women Award that is available to students studying at either the Massey or AUT campuses on the Shore.

8PRO International Festival

In the final week of Term 3, two Year 8 classes 8PDR and 8ODL (combined, known as 8PRO) created their very own International Festival. Each group of students researched their chosen country and presented a factual slideshow to the class.

The following day these facts were brought to life, as the students prepared delicacies from their selected country. Their stalls were decorated with relevant flags and memorabilia, cultural music and some wore traditional clothing. 

Rich learning took place as students not only learned about their own country of choice, but others’ too. Check out our video featuring all of our represented countries.
Miss Pinder and Mrs O’Donnell

Some of the 8PRO students at their stalls.

Car Parking - 50 Centreway Road 

A reminder that the car parking at 50 Centreway Road (over Rainbow bridge, the old Council Buildings/Centrestage Theatre area) is now privately owned.  Concerns have been raised about students and caregivers unauthorised use of car parks in this area.  Please refrain from parking here, as in future vehicles will be towed.

Noho Marae Trip Our recent Noho marae was a huge success with students and adults alike mucking in with the mahi as well as taking time out to enjoy the various planned excursions.

For many, going to Cape Reinga was a first-time experience and for most, taking a dip in the thermal pools at Ngawha Springs was also a unique experience. Learning about the histories and chiefs of Ngāti Rēhia at Te Ahurea from siblings Ripeka Tane and Harry Muunu was appreciated. Collecting fat, juicy oysters off the rocks at Whitiora Marae brought a smile to many faces. 
The hāngi was delicious and our students can lay claim to its success from planning, prepping, and cooking, through to hosting and serving the people of Ngāti Rēhia as a show of appreciation and manaakitanga.  
Sincere thanks to our parent helpers and their contributions to the success of our noho. Also a huge mihi to Trevor Rubens who worked hard in the kitchen while also taking the lead with caring for the daily management of the marae facilities. 
Marara Schreurs (Teacher in Charge)

Thank you so much to Whaea Marara for her hard work in terms of organising this noho on the marae. We are all aware of the enormous amount of mahi that went into organising this week, nō reira ngā mihi nui e whae!
The week itself was a humbling experience for me personally as we shared all duties with the students and adults and we all worked as a team to get the best outcome.  This in itself is a life skill to be treasured.
I got to know the students at another level and I made valuable friendships with the other adults on the noho. Friendships that will last a lifetime.
Tangata ako ana i te kāenga, te tūranga ki te marae, tau ana
A person nurtured in the community contributes strongly to society
Ngā manaakitanga
Trevor Rubens (Teacher)

Going into this experience I had no idea of what I would be doing on this trip. After the first day of travelling, stopping off at local towns and arriving at the beautiful beachside marae, I began to realise that this trip was going to be about learning the amazing Māori culture.
Being a student that doesn’t take Māori as a subject, I thought I would be left out of the group, but all the students, teachers and parent helpers were very welcoming and kind to everyone and nobody was left out. I’m very glad to have met whaea Marara, who was extremely welcoming and kind to everyone and myself, a truly kindhearted person, role model and great teacher.
This trip was an awesome experience which I am grateful to have been a part of, not only making new mates from our school but also with the local people of Whitiora Marae. From playing some rugby to sitting down and sharing kai which we all made together.
I recommend this trip to all students, for the upcoming years, you’ll have heaps of fun, make memories and learn a lot about the Māori culture while you’re there.
Keenan Swart (Year 13)

I really enjoyed going to the lighthouse and the walk. The springs were awesome, especially going into the cold pools. The marae was awesome. I made new friends, helped out, and made fried bread. I was a bit nervous on the first day but that went away on the second day and I’m really glad I went on the trip.
Micah Thomas (Year 13)

Non-Uniform Day In support of our House charities, Hibiscus Coast Community House and the NZ Cancer Society, a non uniform day will be held on Wednesday 25 October for Years 7-13.

A gold coin donation will be collected at Form time.  Appropriate non-uniform can be worn by all year levels.  Students working in a Science Laboratory or Technology area are required to wear covered shoes.

PhotoLife Summer Co-curricular & Sibling Photos

These will take place on Friday 20 October 2023. Please CLICK HERE for the schedule.

Duke of Ed Silver Tramp

Last weekend eight intrepid Silver Dukies took on the Dickey's Flat challenge in the Kaimai Mamaku Park.

On Friday we had a 7 hour hike through the bush and had lunch on top of Mount Karangahake.

Other highlights included clambering through the 200 metre long Waitaweta tunnel at night to see thousands of glow worms up close and swimming in the icy cold river. 

Senior Graduation and Prizegivings

Year 11 & 12 Prizegiving will commence at 11:30am on Wednesday 1 November.
Year 13 Graduation will commence at 7.00pm on Wednesday 1 November.

Students are to wear their school uniform. All prizegivings are held in the Orewa Arts and Events Centre.
Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend.

This entailed working with Orewa Beach Kindergarten students to get their little monster drawings as their muse and then creating a pattern, cutting out and sewing their softie to match the original drawing.

Once the softies were stuffed and complete we held an exhibition for the Kindy students to come over to see what the students had created. The Softies however were not returned to the Kindergarten students, they have been packaged and sent with their picture across to the Ukraine to hopefully make some children there very happy.

We will keep you updated on the Softies welcome in the Ukraine . 

Family Emergency Plan

At enrolment, we ask for every family to have a family emergency plan should the school need to close suddenly.  
Can you please discuss your family emergency plan with your children to remind them of what they must do if the school needs to close suddenly. 
If your child catches a bus, you need to have an alternative plan, in case we are not able to arrange for buses to come early.   For further information CLICK HERE

Gumboot Day - Friday 3 November Students are welcome to wear their gumboots to support the "I am Hope" initiative and bring a gold coin donation.. Please note that gumboots are the only non-uniform item that is allowed to be worn.  This is not a non-uniform day.

Hibiscus Tuakana Fiafia Festival 2023

The Hibiscus Tuakana Fiafia Festival 2023 was a great success. Schools, groups, and students, past and present from surrounding schools shared their Pasifika talents and cultures with whānau and community. Hosted by Whangaparaoa Primary School, the sounds of Pasifika had a viewer feel like they were on a beautiful tropical island while another commented that it was "such a beautiful culture day".

Sun, music, and dancing made us look forward to summer.  A group of our students participated in the celebrations and according to Year 9 student Bethany Marriott, it was really, really good! Congratulations to Marina, tutors and students for another successful fiafia!

Buses - Route Change

The 205 & 209 Buses (old 1516 and 1523) will return to their NORMAL ROUTES from Monday 16th October now that the road slip in Tahekeroa has been fixed.
Any questions email [email protected]

News from the OC Envirogroup This week is our National Recycling Week! The good people behind this have put together a huge assortment of tips, tricks, resources and webinars to help kiwis recycle right.  Each day of the week, they are encouraging you to consider something new when it comes to recycling. To learn more, please CLICK HERE.

Stills Photography Competition

A nationwide photography competition open to both junior and senior students.
Entries & Prizes: 

• Students can enter more than one image - and each image will be judged as an individual entry.
• A panel of industry professionals will determine the results - and all national finalists will receive feedback. Click here to see the list of awards which will be announced.
  
• Up for grabs for the national award winners is a prize pool from FUJIFILM of over $25k worth of camera gear.
  
• For the first time this year, we have the Best Film Photo award presented by The Black And White Box. The winner will win a prize pack from The Black and White Box.
  

Entries close on 20 October, with the results announced on 10 November.  Information HERE.

Reminders

HPV2 Vaccination Catch Up

Consented students who missed the initial vaccination date will be able to attend the catch up tomorrow Tuesday 17 October.

School Site Access

Due to site improvement works, Driveway 2 is completely closed.  Refer to MAP for details.  Parents/Caregivers that need to collect their child from the nurse may enter down driveway 3 and follow the sign for the designated nurses car parks.

School Closed - Public Holiday

School is closed on Monday 23 October for the Labour Day public holiday.

Uniform Group - Casual Staff Vacancy

The Uniform Group have a casual staff position available.  For details please CLICK HERE.