Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Orewa, As we advance through this busy time of the academic year, I wanted to share some important updates and celebrate the remarkable achievements within our community.

Approaching the Business End of the Year
Last week, I spoke in assemblies with our students about this critical period of the year.  As we enter the final stretch of the term, it is essential for everyone to focus on building habits which will lead them to having further success at school.  We spoke about key events that will be approaching such as completing assessments, grading exams, and preparing for co-requisite exams.  Additionally, our Year 13 students are nearing closer to graduation from Orewa College and becoming part of our alumni community, and are beginning to make crucial decisions for 2025.

Honouring Shaun Johnson’s NRL Career
In reflecting on our alumni, I want to highlight a significant milestone for one of our distinguished former students, Shaun Johnson. Shaun is concluding an illustrious career in the NRL with the NZ Warriors.  His career, marked by international recognition and accolades such as the Golden Boot award, has been a source of pride for our Orewa College community.

To honour Shaun’s achievements and his contribution to the sport, we will be showing our support and appreciation by wearing Warriors apparel on Friday 30 August. We encourage both students and staff to participate by donning their best Warriors attire and celebrating Shaun’s remarkable career.

A Successful Open Night
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended our Open Night on Tuesday 20 August.  It was a fantastic event, and the Orewa Arts and Events Centre was filled with families eager to learn about the opportunities at Orewa College.  We had the pleasure of discussing the current successes of the school and sharing exciting plans for the future.  As a result, we have been inundated with responses from whānau (families) who are signing up for the School Tours, which are taking place this week on Tuesday and Wednesday.  These tours are an excellent opportunity for prospective families to experience firsthand the warm, whānau-like environment that defines our school.

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. 

Nāku noa, nā,


Wiri Warriner
Tumuaki | Principal
Orewa College

Events / Information

August 2024

Tuesday 27 August - Blood Donor Day
Tuesday 27 August - Achievers Celebration
Tuesday 27 August - Wednesday 28 August - Enrolment Tour Days

September 2024

Monday 2 September to Friday 6 September - Winter Tournament Week
Saturday 7 September to Friday 13 September - AIMS Tournament Week
Wednesday 4 September  - Out of Zone Enrolments Close
Friday 6 September - Saturday 7 September - Dance Festival Show
Monday 9 September to Friday 13 December - Numeracy & Literacy Exams (Year 10)
Wednesday 11 September - Enrolment Ballot Date
Wednesday 11 September - Music Gala Concert
Thursday 12 September to Friday 13 September - DCAT Level 2/3 Exams

Orewa College Theatresports

Our Theatresports team competed in a Festival Qualifying Match at Rangitoto College on Tuesday 20 August, placing third but unfortunately not qualifying for the final Festival.

The team has been working all year and has competed in multiple schools across the region in "competitive" improvisation matches overseen and hosted by the Theatresports Youth Program.

The team has showcased their quick thinking, wit, creativity and performance skills throughout the season and have made many new friends from neighboring schools.

Kaede Prescott, Misha Sur, River Hasslow and Claudette Roux represented the school with pride, enthusiasm and humour. 

Grading Examinations - Year 11-13 Students

Examinations start on Monday 16 September through to Friday 20 September.

Please CLICK HERE for the Senior Grading Examination Timetable.

Year 11-13 students do not attend regular timetabled classes, they only attend for their examinations.  Instructions for students HERE.

Students must attend examinations in full uniform.  Buses run at normal times.  If students
have an examination which finishes after 3.15pm, they need to organise alternative transport
home.

Students with timetable clashes must see Mr Coetzee during lunch breaks in the main office by Monday 2 September.

Middle School Course Selections

Students moving into Years 9 and 10 in 2025 will be able to make course selections from Week 9 (Monday 16 September). Information regarding courses on offer will be made available soon.

Senior Course Information Evening

Thank you to those parents/caregivers who attending our recent course selection evening.  For those persons who could not be present, click HERE for the slideshow presentation.

Senior course selections will close at the end of week 7 (Friday 6 September). 

Orewa College Sports - Skip Bin Fundraiser

Saturday 21 September 10.00am-2.00pm.  

Join us for a spring cleaning opportunity at our skip bin fundraiser for Orewa College Sports! Bring a car boot full of rubbish and make a donation. Plus, enjoy a free sausage sizzle!

Level 2 Outdoor Education - Rangitoto Island Day Tramp

Last week, the Level 2 Outdoor Education students set sail to Rangitoto Island for a day tramp.
These students are currently engaged in a unit titled ‘Into the Wild,’ which covers tramping, weather, camping, and bush survival. 

As part of their preparation for the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail (Pinnacles Walk) at the end of this term, the Rangitoto trip served as a valuable preliminary experience to ensure they are ready for the more challenging hike in September.

Both days on Rangitoto Island were spectacular, with calm seas and a light breeze, perfect for tramping.  The students were well-prepared, enthusiastic, and keen to explore.  We followed the coastline to the eastern side of the island, enjoyed lunch, then made our way to the summit for breathtaking views and social media photos before heading back to the wharf to catch the ferry home.

It was a pleasure to take the students on this trip, and we eagerly anticipate the more demanding hike of the Kauaeranga Kauri Trail at the end of the term.
Teachers:  Mr Dickinson, Mr Lowe, Mr Preston-Thomas and Miss Loader

Academic Pathway

The Academic Pathway at Orewa College allows talented students to opt into enrichment opportunities and, in later years, accelerate in some chosen subjects. 

Students in years 7 and 8 will be extended in the classroom, but alongside this students may also opt into appropriate electives and extension blocks for Reading, Writing, Maths, and Science. These extension blocks continue in year 9 as students begin to select further electives in the senior school areas.

At the end of year 9, students that have been consistently working at Level 5A and 6 of the curriculum throughout the year, may be invited to complete up to two NCEA Level 1 courses in year 10.

As students move into year 11 these students may apply to study in up to three Level 2 NCEA subjects, and again in year 12 they may apply to study in up to three Level 3 NCEA subjects, as well as attempt some scholarship subjects if they feel comfortable to do so.

Students moving into year 13 would be invited to complete further Level 3 NCEA courses, some scholarship papers, and connect with tertiary institutions. 

Academic Conference Feedback

Academic Conferences for 2024 are now complete. The conferences will be reviewed ahead of 2025.

You are welcome to give feedback HERE

Orewa College Shave-A-Thon for Daffodil Day

On Daffodil Day, Friday 30 August, Orewa College will be hosting a Shave-A-Thon to raise awareness for cancer. This event invites both students and staff to buzz their hair in solidarity with those affected by cancer.

Participation is voluntary, and all funds raised will go directly to the New Zealand Cancer Society.

Support from everyone is welcome, whether you choose to participate or simply cheer on your peers.  If your child is interested in taking part, they first express an interest using this sign-up form but parents/categivers will be emailed by the school prior to the event to check this is ok.

Visit our fundraising page. Let’s come together to make a difference! 

Date: Friday 30 August
Time: Lunch time
Location: Bleachers at the back of the OAEC. 

For further information and to book please click HERE.

PhotoLife Winter Teams Photo Orders

Parents/Caregivers have been emailed their child’s unique Key Code to go online to view
and purchase the Winter Team Group Photos.  Please check your trash/spam folders if you have not received it.

PhotoLife Website.   Parent Queries, please email: [email protected]

***FREE DELIVERY EXPIRES Midnight Sunday 1 SEPTEMBER***

Year 10 Japanese Class Restaurant Trip

The Year 10 Japanese class recently enjoyed a fun and educational visit to a ramen bar in Orewa.

Before heading to the restaurant, the students practiced useful Japanese phrases and learned about traditional table manners.  They had the opportunity to speak with the Japanese owner-chef and impressed everyone with their conversational skills.

Naturally, the ramen was "oishii" (delicious), and many students were eager to order a second bowl!

Northern School of Performing Arts - Theatre Awards

For more information, please click HERE.

Hiroshima Survivors Visit

The Year 9 and 10 Japanese classes recently had the unique opportunity to hear from Mr and Mrs Kuroda, who shared their experiences of surviving the atomic bombing of Hiroshima at the end of World War Two. The students listened attentively and were deeply moved by the Kurodas' powerful and compelling story.

We are incredibly grateful to Mr and Mrs Kuroda for sharing their experiences with us.

Blood Donor Day - Tuesday 27 August

Information for Parents, Guardians and Whānau from NZBS

New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS) will be holding a mobile blood drive in the Orewa Arts and Events Centre at Orewa College on Tuesday, 27 August. It is important that we encourage students into a lifetime habit of donating blood and making a worthwhile contribution to their community. The Care of Children Act 2004 allows people 16 years and over to make their own decisions about whether or not they wish to give blood. Students may choose to donate blood at this session.

NZBS recommends that students discuss becoming a blood donor with their family.  If families have a particular objection to the student choosing to donate blood, please make this known to the student and to the school before the blood drive date stated above.

More information about blood donation will be available on the day of the blood drive.

NZBS respects the privacy of all donors and recommends conversations around blood donor eligibility are carried out sensitively.  If you require any further information please call 0800 GIVE BLOOD (0800 448 325) or visit www.nzblood.co.nz

Road Closures and Detours on Pine Valley Road - from 2 September 2024

There will be detours in place as work is carried out to fix road slippages and drain water pipes on Pine Valley Road.

This will involve closing the road from Kahikatea Flat Road intersection to the Pine Valley Road Roundabout.  There will be a hard road closure where only resident access will be granted to their homes within the closure between Poynter Lane and Young Access.
All other vehicles will be required to detour via Kahikatea Flat Road and/or Dairy Flat Highway.

Students and caregivers that use this road to travel to and from school will need to anticipate different traffic flow and potentially need to leave earlier to be at school on time.

209 Bus - PINE VALLEY ROAD DETOUR from Monday 2/9/24 (Week 7)

Students that usually get picked up along Pine Valley Road will need to now be picked up / dropped off at the corner of Kahikatea Flat Road and White Hills Road.

This might add a small amount of time to the trip so the timetable might change slightly.
Here is a map indicating the new route (in green) and where the road works is taking place (in red).  Click on the map for an enlarged version.

Careers Hub

On Tuesday 13 August, we held our annual Career Exploration evening where we hosted a number of local businesses and a variety of tertiary providers so that students could see what, other than attending universities, they could aspire to do.

Research suggests that five or more conversations with employers provides a good base for success as students leave school.  Saturday was the Open Days for our local universities and hopefully numerous Year 12 and 13 students were able to get along to AUT University and the University of Auckland to get more information and an understanding of what they may wish to study. 

There are still a number of Open Days/Evenings for various tertiary institutes that students are encouraged to check out - links and details can be found on the Careers Google Classroom.
We are continuing to have Career conversations with our Year 12 students.  This is where we discuss possible options for leaving school and help them by sending relevant links for further research for their future pathway, whether this be in regards to tertiary pathways or out into the workforce.  'You don't know what you don't know'.  Year 12 students are encouraged to pop into the Careers Hub to book their appointment.

School leavers, if they haven't already, are encouraged to complete their accommodation application if they are intending to live in the Halls of Residence.

Sports News - "Off the Bench"

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

House Battle of the Bands 2024!

It’s the third year of this epic showdown, and it was nothing short of legendary at the House Battle of the Bands! Each house rocked out with their band, featuring only their musicians, and they’ve been cranking up the practice all term under the watchful eyes of senior students and staff.

On Friday 23 August, the Arts and Events Centre at Orewa College was absolutely electric. The place was packed, and the energy was through the roof as each house delivered jaw-dropping performances that had the audience on their feet.

Seeing students from all year levels come together and jam was nothing short of awesome.
The crowd brought the Manaaki, cheering on not just their own house but giving props to all the bands with massive support.

Here’s how the bands shook out in the final standings:

• 1st = McLaren
• 2nd Equal  = Batten / Sheppard
• 4th = Nepia
• 5th = Blake
  

A huge shoutout to all the bands for bringing their A-game and turning up the volume!   Rock on Orewa College!

Community Notices

Adams Driving School Classes

The following classes will be held at Orewa College: Sept 3, 5, 10, 12 - Evening course Sept 30, Oct 2, 7, 9 - School holiday morning course Oct 1, 3, 8, 10 - Evening course.

Contact: 0800 LPLATE [575 283] or 021 510 887 | [email protected] | Website
Olive is available for driving lessons – she can be contacted on 0277 40 9911
or [email protected]

SUSO Electronic - Closes Saturday 31 August 2024

Calling all beatmakers, songwriters and electronic music producers. We invite you to enter Stand Up Stand Out Electronic, a platform to support and showcase talent from across Auckland. Outstanding opportunities and prizes to be won.  Click HERE for full details.

New Horizon Variety Gospel Show - Saturday 28 September

Youth Marine Film Competition - Closes Thursday 31 October

After School VR Club - 16 September 2024 - 28 September 2024

Come and experience a hand-picked selection of educational content and games suitable for ages 10 and up, including maths, programming, robotics, art, physics and spatial reasoning.

Visit www.vrclub.co.nz/after-school to register your interest for classes held at Orewa College starting 16 September.

Our Sponsors - Proud Supporters of Orewa College