Orewa College News

High Tide Newsletter

Tai Pari Niureta

20 May 2024

Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Orewa,

It has been a pleasure to allocate time to visit several of our co-curricular groups over the past week. In particular, it was great to see a high level of student engagement at sporting practices across various sports such as netball, basketball, football, and rugby. I look forward to getting around to other co-curricular activities in the coming weeks.

Sport played a significant role in my own journey through college. I relished the opportunity to participate in various sporting codes (even sport I was terrible at playing), recognising the value it added to fostering connection, strengthening resilience, and building self-confidence. A recurring routine during my time at Orewa College involved training sessions for 1st XV on Tuesdays and Thursdays, fixtures on Saturdays, supplemented by representative team commitments on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. By Sunday night, I remember saying to Mum and Dad, “can I have a rest day tomorrow”. Mum and Dad would look at each other, look at me, and say “Son, if you want to participate in all these activities, we will support you… but you are going to school tomorrow, there are no days off son”. Attending school and ‘showing up’ mattered in our house-hold, even when times were challenging - we showed up. Thus, I want to acknowledge all our students and their families who are committed to making sure attendance is a priority.

The evidence is clear that regular attendance is really important for sustained learning and student wellbeing, and it is important to note that the support of our whānau and community regarding attendance can make a huge difference to our students' progress at school. Research shows that regular attendance is directly related to increased achievement and excellent outcomes. The more learners attend, the more opportunities they can experience and attain higher levels of success. Consequently, an integral part of the school year is the literacy and numeracy assessments, which are taking place this week. With regard to all assessments, preparation is key and attendance is essential to maximise students' success. 

Finally, we extend our gratitude to everyone who supported our Pink Manaaki Day. Our appreciation goes to all students, teachers and staff for supporting the cause, bringing their pink accessories, which added vibrancy to our school environment, and showcased a collective stance on combating bullying in schools. 

We also welcome back half of our Year 8 cohort from camping at Motutapu Island. It looked to be an outstanding camp, with some very tired and exhausted students. We wish all the best to the rest of Year 8 students and staff who are attending this week.

Nāku noa, nā,

Wiri Warriner
Principal, Orewa College

 
 
 
 
 

Events / Information

 

May 2024

Monday 20 May to Friday 31 May - Auckland Regional Dental Van Years 7-8

Monday 20 May to Friday 7 June - Year 7 Bike Safety
Monday 20 May to Thursday 23 May - Year 8 Camp 2
Friday 31 May -
Kahui Ako Conference - Students finish school at 12.20pm

 

June 2024

Monday 3 June - Kings Birthday (no students attend school)

 
 
 

Pink Manaaki Day

 
 
 

The school celebrated the global event of Pink Shirt Day last Friday with style, generosity, and kindness.

The week focused on how to stop bullying and how to be an upstander, not a bystander.

 

Students supported various activities provided by Manukura and other student volunteers.

The bake sale included a generous donation from Whangaparāoa Woolworths Bakery of iced cupcakes and delicious yoyo cookies.

Funds raised from the sausage sizzle and bake sale totaled $1,107.70 for the Mental Health Foundation.

 
 
 
 
 

Level 2 Outdoor Education - Tree Adventures

 

Over two days last week, Level 2 Outdoor Education students participated in a high ropes course at Woodhill Forest Tree Adventures. This event was the culmination of their focus on team building and Adventure-Based Learning (ABL).

Tree Adventures provided an ideal setting for students to build confidence, connect with nature, and manage safety. 

 

They eagerly swung through the trees, tackled challenges, and enjoyed the day. The experience fostered personal growth, teamwork, and lasting memories.

The success of the trip highlights the value of education outside the classroom. Such activities not only enhance physical skills but also strengthen relationships among students, promoting a sense of unity and collaboration that will benefit them in future endeavours in outdoor education.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Duke of Ed Gold Award - Robbie Kingsbury

Former student Robbie Kingsbury received his Duke of Edinburgh Award from Peter Hillary at a ceremony at Pukekohe High School.

Robbie is studying Engineering at Canterbury University. He said that the Award had shaped  him by allowing him to make great friendships and giving him the confidence to plan and carry out his own adventures.

 
 
 
 

Numeracy and Literacy Exams - Years 11-13

 

These exams will take place from Monday 20 May to Friday 24 May.  The outline for the week is:

 
  • Monday 20 May - Reading
  • Tuesday 21 May - Writing
  • Wednesday 22 May - Numeracy (A-K Surnames)
  • Thursday 23 May - Numeracy (L-Z Surnames)
  • Friday 24 May - Reading/Writing/Numeracy - Catch Up day in the Library
 

If students are absent due to illness/bereavement there will be an opportunity to sit these examinations in October 2024.

 
 
 

National Schools Poetry Award

 
 
 
 
 

Entries close Monday 8 July.

Prizes on offer for the finalists: cash prizes, memberships to literary organisations, plus a trip for the 10 finalists to Wellington for a masterclass with Joan Fleming at Victoria University of Wellington.

Read more on our website.

 
 
 
 

Year 10 Sexuality Education Notification

Please click HERE for a letter regarding Sexuality Education for Year 10 students.

 
 

School Closure

School will be closing on Friday 31 May at 12.20pm as teachers attend the Kahui Ako Conference (start of King's birthday weekend).

Bus information to follow.

 
 

Duke of Ed Silver - Dickey's Flat Trip

 
 
 
 
 

On 9 May, twenty intrepid Silver Dukies set off for Dickey's Flat Camp in the Kaimai Mamaku near Paeroa.

We had a fabulous time tramping and camping in beautiful surroundings.  We overcame several challenges like icy mornings, a plague of rats, and carrying heavy packs, in style.

Highlights included eating our lunch on a beautiful day on the top of Mount Karangahake surrounded by incredible views, swimming in icy water, and a night walk through an old mining tunnel surrounded by countless glow worms.

Our OC values of Manaakitanga and Whanaungatanga were on display at all times.

 
 
 
 

Sports News - "Off the Bench"

 
 
 
 
 

Please CLICK HERE for all upcoming sports events, registrations, draws, results and zone day information.

 
 
 

Science Roadshow

In the science roadshow there was a lot of interesting stuff. 

At the start, they did a presentation about the radioactive waves and which ones could be seen more easily by equipment. They also did a presentation with a video, of a tube going down a person's throat.

At the end there was a presentation about physical and chemical changes. We quite enjoyed the puzzle of the coloured diet. It was a very fun thing to do and many people were challenged by it. There were many interesting setups and activities.

 
 

One that attracted many people was a spinning chair, which had people lining up, and they would stumble out, dizzy. There was also an exhibit where you could go inside this room and when you put your hand on the wall. The helper would flash the light on it. Then you would able to see your handprint on it. It truly fascinated people.  Overall the science fair was an amazing experience.

Article by Year 8 students: Ava McCloughen, Ethan Van Wyk, Suhani Sehrawat and
Johanna Witting 

 
 
 
 
 

Progress Reports

 

Reports will be available on the web portal on Friday 24 May, in the afternoon.

 
 
 
 

Careers Hub

We have begun short presentations in Year 10 form classes as an introduction to careers - students are encouraged to have conversations with whānau and friends around what it is that they are thinking about doing as they leave school.

Students change their minds across the years but having on-going discussions around possibilities, what they like and dislike are all helpful in building a picture around future pathways.

Victoria University of Wellington and Canterbury University will be speaking to students on Wednesday in the OAEC during ILT. It is a time when students are beginning to make decisions for their first steps out of school and we encourage them to continue their discussions with whānau and also offer the opportunity to ask any questions at morning tea at the Careers Hub.

All students are encouraged to go to the North Shore Careers Expo on 12 and 13 June.

 
 
 
 

Wainui Valley Mushroom Workshop for Level 3 Hospitality

On Tuesday 14 May, Colin from Wainui Valley Mushrooms visited our Level 3 Hospitality class.

He shared insights on the health benefits, flavour profiles, and cultivation of mushrooms. Colin discussed his business and the rising popularity of gourmet mushrooms in Auckland’s high-end restaurants, which he supplies.

The students were highly engaged and curious, asking numerous questions about mushroom varieties and their uses. We also learned to cook delicious oyster mushrooms in rice flour and chicken salt batter.

Inspired by the workshop, we bought mushroom growing kits to watch them grow ourselves. Special thanks to Beverly Stuchbury for organising this enriching experience.
For more information, visit www.wainuivalleymushrooms.co.nz.

 
 
 
 
 

Community Notices

 

Free Musical Event

 
 
 

SUSO invites all SUSO alumni, family and friends to Ka Mua Ka Muri live, a FREE music event at Kāhui St Davids 25 May.
 
Headlined by 2023 SUSO judge and multi award-winning Pacific RnB artist Sam V alongside SUSO alumni Juga (Jazmin Ugapo) and En Passant (Charles Lia). The lineup also feature rising jazz star Crystal Chen and Emcee from the YGB collective Brandn Shiraz.
 
This will be an amazing show that will have something for all lovers of music, bring the family and tell your friends!  
Website    Juga Video

 

Tech Week - Free Coding Workshops

 
 
 
 

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