Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Orewa, Nau mai haere mai ki te wiki tuawaru. Welcome to week 8.  We are thrilled to share and celebrate some recent successes of our students who engaged in various events last week.

In my newsletter last week, I spoke of our ShowQuest team competing at the Auckland event on Wednesday 12 June, and I am happy to announce that our team placed first overall in their division.  They now wait on results for the upcoming grading against schools throughout New Zealand, in order to be placed nationally. 

On Friday 14 June, Year 12 student Maria Walker-Kinnell competed at the prestigious event, Ngā Manu Kōrero.  This event is held as a highly pivotal event on the Māori education calendar, focusing on students demonstrating and executing a high level of oratory skills in English and Te Reo Māori.  Maria did exceptionally well, placing first at the Auckland regional competition hosted at Ōrakei Marae, in the Korimako division (Senior English).  Maria will now go on to compete at the Ngā Manu Kōrero Nationals later this year. 

Last week, I had the privilege of meeting with the Orewa College Alumni committee in order to look at future plans to engage with alumni.  We have exciting plans ahead and are looking to put together a strategic plan for the next three years.  Please mark in your calendars that 2026 will be a monumental year for our kura, as this will be the 70th year since the school’s establishment in 1956. 

This week, we celebrate the nationwide School’s Pride Week, an important annual celebration to support students and staff within our school communities.  This is the fifth year for the annual celebration, where students and staff are hosting various activities, to increase a sense of belonging in our kura, to combat discrimination, to advocate for a safer and more inclusive school environment. 

Finally, I regret to inform our community that some families of Orewa College have been impacted by the liquidation of Actura Australia, resulting in the sudden closure of the CASE Space programme.  The school is equally disappointed and frustrated by the news, as many of our whānau were looking forward to the enriching educational experiences, being closely linked to the interests and passions for space and science.  A separate letter has been sent to all families involved. The school will continue to monitor this situation closely and endeavour to connect with other schools that have been affected.

Nāku noa, nā,

Wiri Warriner
Tumuaki | Principal
Orewa College

Events / Information

June 2024

Wednesday 26 June - Year 7 Boostrix Vaccinations
Wednesday 26 June - Year 7 Disco
Friday 28 June - Matariki (no students attend school)

July 2024

Monday 8 July to Friday 19 July - Term 2 School Holidays
Monday 22 July to Thursday 1 August - ARDS Dental Van (Years 7-8)
Thursday 25 July - Year 7 Boostrix Vaccination (Catch Ups)

Showquest Winners - Orewa College

Congratulations to the Orewa College 2024 ShowQuest team who took home 1st place on Wednesday 12 June at night one (North Shore) of the Auckland regional competition.

The team were awarded 'best lighting', 'best props' and 'best drama' alongside their overall first place.

The last time OC took home a first place was nine years ago in 2015 when ShowQuest was named Stage Challenge.

ShowQuest is the biggest performing arts competition in New Zealand. The competition involves students creating performances using art, drama, dance, music, culture and technology. 

Orewa will advance to the 2024 nationals where all teams that received first place at the regional competitions around the country (three schools from Auckland) will take part in a digital competition. Professional videos of each performance will go head to head to compete for national rankings of 1st, 2nd and 3rd as well awards for choreography, drama, props, lighting etc. 

This year we had a massive team of ninety four students from Years 7-13. Within this, were ten choreographers/student leaders from Years 12 and 13 led by Miss Woodroffe and Miss Pinder. Mrs Boshard, Mrs McCall, Ms Carnachan and Mr Carter put in some awesome mahi behind the scenes creating costumes and props for our team.

The theme our leadership team created was Skool Sux "Fame? Fortune? Glory?... All without breaking a sweat. Maaaate you’re dreamin’! Our performance enters the halls of a modern school where the only thing heavier than textbooks are the excuses for not doing homework.

From dreaming of becoming overnight Instagram sensations to fantasizing about dominating the gaming world, these students have big aspirations... but tiny motivation. Come with us as we give the spotlight to those wanting all the treats… without doing any of the mahi."

Sit back, relax and enjoy the show - HERE (skip to 2:37:47)

Ngā Manu Kōrero Speech Competition

Orewa College is delighted to announce that Maria Walker-Kinnell, a Year 12 student of Ngāti Porou descent, achieved first place in the Korimako Section (Best Prepared Senior - English) at the 59th Ngā Manu Kōrero national secondary school speech competition for the Tāmaki Makaurau ki Te Waitematā region, held last Friday. Maria also received first place for best female speech in the same section. The Ngā Manu Kōrero speech competitions hold significant importance in Māori education, fostering oratory skills and providing a platform for rangatahi to articulate their perspectives on local, national, and global issues. Maria’s speech underscored the transformative power of voting as a catalyst for positive change.

Maria will represent Orewa College at the national competition in September at Spark Arena in Auckland.  We are all so proud of her achievements – tau kẽ Maria!

New Mural

A welcome addition to our kura is a large mural painted by Visual Art kaiako Miss Paula Friis.

Miss Friss started this mural in the summer break so that it was completed in time for the opening of the new outdoor area between the Library, S block and O block.

Thank you Miss Friis for your creativity and hard mahi getting this amazing project completed.

We love how it has brightened up the space for all kaiako and ākonga.

Drama Theatre Trip

The Level 1 Drama class traveled down to Auckland's Q Theatre to watch a wonderful performance of Guru of Chai presented by esteemed and award winning kiwi theatre company, Indian Ink. 

A re-imagining of the classic Indian fairytale "The Tale of Punchkin", the story follows Kutisar, a chai-wallah, who tells the tragic story of the talented singer Balna and Officer Punchkin, her admirer. The story explores personal and political corruption, the abuse of power and our desire and need for answers.

All characters are performed by one actor using the Drama Techniques that students have been learning and practising in class.

The show was enjoyed by all and highly recommended. 

2024 AIMES Award Winners

We are delighted to announce that two former students are the recipients of awards from this prestigious event.

Reminder: Missed Assessment / Extension Application

Students may refer to the below for the criteria and application process:

• Procedure / Criteria: CLICK HERE
• Application Form: CLICK HERE
  

This information is also available on the school website: LINK

Year 12 and 13 Japanese Trip

On Friday 14 June, the Year 12 and 13 Japanese class went on a trip to experience a range of authentic Japanese activities.

The trip started with a book hunt at the Japanese Kids Library, followed by listening to a Rakugo (the traditional Japanese art of storytelling) performed by Eishi, the only Rakugo performer in New Zealand.

After learning about it and having a good laugh listening to various stories, the class went to a Japanese restaurant in Milford and enjoyed an authentic Japanese meal, while talking to the waitresses in Japanese.

At the the last destination - Japan Mart, students fully explored the shop and found many Japanese products that they can't find anywhere else in New Zealand.

The trip was a great opportunity to practice Japanese language and experience the culture. Students thoroughly enjoyed the Japanese day out.

Ngarimu Video Competition

The competitions were developed in memory of Victoria Cross winner, Second Lieutenant Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa Ngarimu and the 28th (Māori) Battalion, and provide ākonga with an opportunity to practise storytelling and research, and to learn about the history of the 28th (Māori) Battalion.
 
The competitions are open to ākonga Māori in Years 7 to 13, and entries can be submitted by an individual, a team or a kura.
 
Entries can be submitted in English or te reo Māori, and participants can be in to win one of six prizes for themselves and their school or kura.
 
The competitions close on Sunday 28 July 2024.

House Netball Tournament

The past two weeks have been a whirlwind of excitement and athleticism as our annual House Netball Tournament took place, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the entire school.

With a total of 30 thrilling games, the tournament showcased the exceptional talent and teamwork of our students across various year groups.  The games drew great crowds, with supporters from all houses coming out in full force to cheer on their teams. A special shout-out goes to our dedicated umpires and coaches.

The competition was fierce, and the results were impressive. NEPIA House emerged victorious in both the Year 9 and 10 and Senior year groups.

Meanwhile, BATTEN House claimed the top spot in the Year 7 and 8 competition, showcasing their talent and teamwork.

Beyond the competitive spirit, the tournament was a wonderful display of Manaaki and camaraderie. It was heartwarming to see students from all houses coming together, fostering a great sense of belonging and unity within our school. 

Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and supporters for an outstanding effort. Your participation and enthusiasm have made this year's House Netball Tournament a resounding success.

This event has once again highlighted the strength of our house program. Here's to another successful tournament and many more to come!

History Amazing Race

The History Amazing Race - Auckland City Edition - was contested last week by forty six Level 2 History students.

Starting from the Albert Barracks wall at Auckland University, the oldest military structure in the country, students competed in groups to gain points by completing tasks.

After visiting the Rainbow Warrior bombing site, posing with numerous statues and monuments, busking at Aotea Square to echo the Queen Street Riots, protesting the Vietnam War and numerous other tasks, the teams boarded the buses weary and happy.

Our bus driver was full of praise for our awesome students - “What a great bunch of kids, it was a pleasure to transport them around on Friday. They were so respectful, caring, and so well mannered. It would be an honour to work with them again, as with your school.”

There were some interesting takes on celebrity selfies and finding love in the city sections, making judging the winners very difficult! Well done ‘Team Cori’ - your winning lunch and prestigious trophy will be with you next week.

Sports News - "Off the Bench"

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

Youth Film Competition

As World Ocean Week approaches, OSOF (Ocean Sustainability Outreach Foundation) are thrilled to announce the launch of our first-ever youth film competition! 

We believe that young voices are crucial in advocating for the protection and preservation of our oceans. That's why we're inviting junior (ages 9-13) and senior (ages 14-18) students to participate by submitting a 4-7 minute film that reflects their love, concern, or action for the ocean. Prizes this year: ● $1,000 to the junior winning film and $500 to their school ● $1,000 to the senior winning film and $500 to their school Submission Deadline: 31 October 2024 Website     |    Entry Form

Careers Hub

Meaningful encounter with the world of work - Over the last decade, strong and consistent evidence has indicated that teenagers who participate in activities with employers whilst in school, can anticipate doing better on average than expected as young adults in the world of work.

There is an opportunity for Year 11-13 students to have a meaningful encounter with representatives from BCITO, MITO, ATT and Techtorium on Wednesday this week for a twenty minute korero. They will hear from one or two providers from 9.15am.

Please encourage your student to come along as per below:

• BCITO - Building/Construction (D13)
• ATT - Electrical (D12)
  
• MITO - Motor Industry (D7)
  
• TECHTORIUM - IT (D17)
  

Next week, Wednesday 26 June, Year 13 students who intend on applying for Accommodation and/or Scholarships need to attend a seminar in D17.

We are nearing the end of our intentional career conversations with Year 13 students, but students are always encouraged to pop in at a Morning Tea for a less formal conversation should they wish to.

Auckland Regional Dental Service Van - Years 7-8

The ARDS Dental van will be returning to school for the following dates:

• Monday 22 July to Thursday 1 August
• Monday 14 October to Friday 18 October

They will provide free dental check up and treatment for children who are due a consultation.  Students will be called up during class time.

Competition - Years 7 to 13

Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, in partnership with MOTAT and Technology Education New Zealand (TENZ), is back for its fourth year; with entries open to more students than ever before. This year, entries will be judged in two age categories, Years 7-10 and Years 11-13.

The Solve for Tomorrow competition is designed to build interest and proficiency in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). The nationwide competition tasks students in Years 7-13 to identify and create a solution for an issue important to them and their community, which are then judged on creativity and originality, relevance to the community, feasibility of the solution, presentation, and application of STEAM.

All students in Years 7 to 13 are invited to participate, either individually or in teams.

An enhanced prize pool of $24,000 in cash and Samsung tech for the winning student/s and their school. To be in with a chance of winning, students must harness the power of STEAM and design thinking to devise solutions that pave the way for a better tomorrow.

Community Notices

Adams Driving School - Upcoming Courses

The following courses will be held at Orewa College:

• Evening course on 2, 4, 9, 11 July, [Tues and Thurs] 6.00pm start.
  
• School holiday course on 8, 10, 15, 17 July [Mon and Wed] 09.30am start.
  

Contact Dave Inglis: Website, 0800 LPLATE [575 283] or 021 510 887, [email protected]

Iron Up Sport - School Holiday Programme

Four day sports camp - Silverdale Rugby Club - 8-11 July 2024 For children 9-15 years old. To register, click HERE.

Our Sponsors - Proud Supporters of Orewa College