Orewa College News

High Tide Newsletter

Tai Pari Niureta

21 October 2024

 

Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Orewa,

Over the weekend, I spent valuable time with my wider whānau at a marae in Te Hana. It was an enriching experience for my children and their cousins, allowing the younger generation (mokopuna) to connect with one another. Given that many of our extended whānau live across various areas of the North Island, the reconnection was especially important after my grandmother’s passing last year.

 

During our time together, two whakataukī (proverbs) resonated with me, and I want to share their significance with our community.

He kōtuku rerenga tahi - A white heron flies once 
My great-grandfather was named Kōtuku Rerenga Tahi, a proverb symbolising the celebration of leadership. The phrase, “the white heron’s flight is seen but once,” signifies a very special and rare occasion. At Orewa College, the process to select our Manukura (prefects) is now complete, and we are excited about the leadership that will continue the legacy of this year's leaders. We have also selected our Head Manukura. In 2025, we will have four Head Manukura, and I would like to congratulate Anika Pihema, Brooke McGhie, Connor Dalling, and Lachlan Buckley. We know they will continue to do great things for our school and community.

Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu- Although it may be small, it is still a treasure 
For many of us lifelong learners on our learning journeys, this proverb may resonate. I am committed to learning the language of my tupuna, te reo Māori. During our recent weekend away, a kaumatua shared a powerful phrase with me after I expressed my interest in speaking during the pōwhiri: “ahakoa he iti, he pounamu”...“it doesn’t matter if it is a short mihi (speech) in Māori; it will be important for everyone to hear”. As we reflect at this time of year, it’s essential to remember that the little things truly matter and hold great value. Prioritising small actions can lead to significant successes, and every effort counts. 

Lastly, I want to inform our community that the school will be conducting a survey to gather your voice. Orewa College and the Board of Trustees are looking to make informed decisions about the school’s strategic direction to enhance student outcomes and improve our practices and processes. Please keep an eye out for more information this week. 

Enjoy the long weekend!


Nāku noa, nā,

 


Wiri Warriner
Tumuaki | Principal
Orewa College

 
 
 
 
 

Events / Information

 
 

October 2024

 

Monday 14 October to Friday 18 October - ARDS Dental Van (Years 7-8)
Monday 21 October
 - Year 8 HPV2 Vaccinations 
Tuesday 22 October
- Performing Arts Senior Awards
Wednesday 23 October - House Winning Day
Thursday 24 October
- Sporting Excellence Awards
Friday 25 October
- PhotoLife (Summer Teams & Sibling Photos)

** Monday 28 October - Labour Day (no students to attend school) **

Tuesday 29 October
- Senior Art Folio Show and Technology Showcase & Awards (OAEC)
Wednesday 30 October - Year 13 Graduation (OAEC)
Thursday 31 October
- Year 11-12 Prizegiving (OAEC)

 
 
 
 

Manaaki Greatness Awards 

 
 

Congratulations to our final winners of 2024.

Our winners have been nominated by members of the school community for demonstrating outstanding Manaaki within school and the community.

Our winners are from Left to Right:
Back Row - Kate Newman, Connor Garelli, Ekaterini Sulo, Henré Coetzee, Luke Mansfield
Front Row - Anzel Potgieter, Mohammad Al Samadi, Kristina Sulo, Rama Al Samadi, Charlotte Lewis

 
 
 
 

Thank you to our sponsors Whangaparaoa Hoyts and Northern Union.

 
 
 
 

Gumboot Friday 

On Friday 1 November, we are getting behind Gumboot Friday, a fantastic initiative by I Am Hope that raises funds to provide free counselling for young people in need.

Students are encouraged to wear gumboots to school alongside their regular uniform and bring a gold coin donation to support this important cause.  Please note that gumboots are the only non-uniform item that is allowed to be worn.

To add some fun to the day, we’ll be holding a Gumboot Throwing Competition at lunchtime!

Let’s all join in to support I Am Hope and help make a difference in the mental health of our young people.

 
 
 
 

Manukura (Prefects) for 2025

 

Congratulations to the students who have been appointed as Manukura for 2025.
CLICK HERE
for the successful applicants.

It is with great pleasure we announce the Head Manukura for 2025:

 
 

We look forward to seeing their leadership in action next year as they guide a talented group of Manukura.

 
 
 

2024 Year Books - Don't Miss Out!

Closing soon, order your 2024 Year Book now.  Place your order HERE.

The last day for orders is 1 November 2024.

 
 
 
 

Senior NCEA Exams and Study Leave

 A reminder that exams commence on Tuesday 5 November and finish on Friday 29   November.  Click HERE to view the NZQA Timetable.

Year 13 students commence study leave on Thursday 31 October.
Year 11-12 students will commence study leave on Friday 1 November.

 
 
 

Join Us in Celebrating the Achievements of Our Technology and Senior Visual Art Students

 
 
 
 

Gold Manaaki Applications - Years 9-13

Apply Now!  Scan the QR code to enter.

 
 
 
 

Badminton - Rising Star!

Congratulations are in order for Rebecca Zhang who has been crowned the New Zealand Champion for both doubles and mixed doubles Badminton for Under 15’s. 

Rebecca also played for the New Zealand U15's team.  Well done, very impressive.

 
 
 
 
 

 Senior Graduation and Prizegivings - Orewa Arts & Events Centre

 

 Year 11 & 12 Prizegiving - Commences at 11:30am on Thursday 31 October.
 Year 13 Graduation
  - Commences at 7.00pm on Wednesday 30 October.

Students to be in full school uniform, we welcome parents and caregivers to this celebration.

 
 
 
 

Reminder: PhotoLife - Summer Teams and Sibling Photos

These will take place on Friday 25 October (Term 4 Week 2).  Please see the schedule HERE.

 
 
 

Recycling Week - 21 to 27 October 2024

This week is national Recycling Week.  This is an opportunity to reflect on our own practices and consider small changes we can make for the betterment of our planet.

Please join us by taking these short quizzes throughout the week to learn how to recycle right:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

New York City Art Trip 2024

Our art trip to New York City was an unforgettable adventure!  Students explored the iconic MoMA and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, drawing inspiration from world-class exhibitions.

Beyond the galleries, we wandered through the streets of Brooklyn, discovering vibrant street art that gave us a whole new appreciation for creativity in the city.

 
 
 
 

A soulful highlight was attending a Harlem church service, where the powerful voices of a gospel choir left us moved and inspired.  We also experienced the magic of Broadway with an amazing performance of Moulin Rouge!—but it almost didn’t happen!  A delayed subway had us sprinting through the chaos of Times Square, dodging crowds and flashing billboards.  It was stressful, but the energy was contagious, and making it to the show just in time made the experience even more thrilling!

We also sailed to Staten Island to see Miss Liberty up close, taking in the incredible views from the water.  Another exciting day was spent at Coney Island, where we had huge fun on the rides at Luna Park and strolled along the boardwalk, soaking up the carnival atmosphere.

 
 

Of course, no trip to NYC is complete without shopping, and our students embraced it with enthusiasm.  We sampled a variety of foods along the way—some delicious, some… not so much - but every meal added to the fun.  Navigating the subway system was an adventure on its own, but thanks to a couple of outstanding student navigators, we managed like locals.

It was a journey filled with art, culture, challenges, excitement and fantastic students —a trip that gave us memories to last a lifetime!

 
 
 

Applications for the 2026 New York Art Trip will be advertised at the beginning of the 2025 school year.

 
 
 

Careers Hub

We are on the home straight in regards to seniors heading out from school for the year.  In Careers we have seen every Year 13 student and discussed an Action Plan, and we have almost seen all of the Year 12 students to either brainstorm possibilities for their first step out of school, or assisted them with an Action Plan too.  All students are reminded that Careers is available to assist in either of these cases until the last day of term.

Any student who needs a CV or is looking for links to possible part-time jobs during the summer break can head to our Careers Google Classroom to find both. 

Some of the main benefits of gaining Part-time work:

 
  • Pinning down your personal career goals by sampling different industries and jobs (without the commitment of a permanent contract).
  • Gaining first-hand experience of an industry.
  • Getting a competitive advantage over other applicants when applying for jobs.
  • Improving your knowledge and skills.
  • Building up a network of contacts, which could be great for references, recommendations, and potential job opportunities.
 

AFS Intercultural Programmes still has some last-minute spaces available for the start of 2025 (and lots of great programmes starting mid/late 2025). See the flyer for details

Year 10 STAR Taster permission forms will be emailed out within the next day or two to all Year 10 parents.  This will provide students with an opportunity to gain experience in areas they may be interested in for their future pathway - opportunities include Massey University, AUT University, AdventureWorks, Tourism, Animal Care and more.

It will be a first in, first served basis for most of the choices for students.

 
 
 

AIMES Awards - Apply Now!  Closes 24 January 2025

 
 

Cash grants of $3,000 - $30,000 are awarded to youth in their pursuit of excellence.
Criteria includes:
Demonstration of EXCELLENCE in chosen field 
Aged between 13 and 25 years old by the closing date
Live, work or train in the North Harbour region

Further information and Application Link

 
 
 

Youth Marine Film Competition - Closes Thursday 31 October

 
 
 
 

Create a super cool 4-7 minute film that is all about our amazing oceans – their breath-taking beauty, the threats they are up against, and the epic heroes stepping up to protect them.

For full information - click this LINK.

 

What can I win?
$1,000 to the junior (9-13 years) winning film (and $500 for your school).
$1,000 to the senior (14-18 years) winning film (and $500 for your school).

 
 
 

HPV2 Vaccination Catch Up

There will be a catch up date for the HPV2 vaccination on Tuesday 29 October for those consented students who missed today due to absence/illness.

 
 
 

Community Notices

 
2025 Halberg Games - Thursday 24 April to Saturday 26 April
 

Get ready for the ultimate sporting experience of the year - the Halberg Games, a thrilling three day National Sports Festival for physically disabled and visually impaired athletes aged 8 to 21.

 
 

Check out all the important information and FAQs HERE.

This year, in partnership with CityFitness, we are introducing the Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award, dedicated to recognising individuals that have made a significant impact on their disability sport communities across Aotearoa. 

 

Criteria and Eligibility for the Sir Murray Halberg Legacy Award, is available here.

Nominations close 8pm, 1st December 2024. 

 
 
 
 
 

Free Youth Circus Festival

Circability is hosting an inclusive, free Youth Circus Festival on Friday and Saturday, 1-2 November, at Victory Convention Centre next to Victoria Park, followed by the incredible Stars of the Future event, showcasing the top ten youth circus acts in Auckland and Northland!

See HERE for details.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Give Athletics A Go!

What do Caleb Clarke, Portia Woodman and Rieko Loane all have in common?
They all did athletics while they were at school. The skills you learn in athletics are the perfect
foundation for almost any sport.

Our local athletics club is welcoming new members now. They provide everything that you need to give it a go.  To find out more contact your local club HERE.

 
 
 
 
 
Coast Stress Less Study Space - 4 November to 22 November
 

Orewa Elevate Trust provides a safe study space for college students during the year-end exams along with some extra support.

This year the event will be running from 4-22 November at Orewa Baptist Church, 2 Loop Rd, Orewa.  Coast Stress Less is a positive and practical community approach to caring for teenagers and families during stressful periods in their life.

Tackling NCEA stress and anxiety by providing a stimulating and safe environment for all teenagers during NCEA exams + so much more. Totally Free.

Website information - Orewa Elevate Trust  -  Stress Less Study Space

 
 
 
 
 
Eats & Beats Festival - Saturday 23 November
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Our Sponsors - Proud Supporters of Orewa College