Kia ora,
This is the last newsletter for the term. You will see that it is full of some amazing students and staff, doing amazing things. I particularly would like to acknowledge Ms Reihana, Mr Pollock, Mrs Boshard and the Ball Committee and congratulate them all for their tremendous mahi around the 2024 Ball. Just under 400 students attended the ball and it was so good to see them all so well dressed and incredibly well behaved. Two staff from the Auckland Museum commented to me personally, how exceptional our students were. I was very proud.
This week we are having informal conversations with students who are on their phones at break times reminding them that this will not be permitted next term. During assemblies we will talk about the possible consequences and remind them that their phones need to be in their bags from entry to exit. Here is the 3 Strike Rule:
First time: The teacher confiscates the phone and takes it to the office - the student can pick it up at the end of the day.
Second time: Parents to pick up the phone from reception - parents will be notified by email that the phone has been confiscated.
Third Time: The teacher confiscates the phone and takes it to the office. Parents are notified and will be required to come in for a meeting to discuss the consequences. This becomes more of a defiance matter than a phone issue.
Thank you all for the support around this.
I would like to take this opportunity to let you know that the staff and the Board of Trustees, take matters of fighting, bullying, sharing of videos and continuous disobedience, very seriously. We do have very clear procedures around these inappropriate behaviours and where necessary students may be sent to the Board. They have the options of not allowing students back to the college, or allowing them back with explicit monitored conditions. Breaking of the conditions, can see these students return to the Board. Last week students were sent to the Board and decisions made. I would like to thank those of you who do not take to social media to comment, to fan rumours, name names and share videos. Like me, I am sure you understand, that there is no value or benefits for the students and their families.
This term has been a long one and there have been so many wonderful events and happenings that we have been able to share, acknowledge and celebrate. I look forward to seeing some of you on Wednesday at the Academic Conferences. And as the term comes to a close, I wish you and your whanau a happy and safe time during the holidays.
Ngā mihi
Anna Kenny
Acting Principal
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April 2024Monday 8 April to Friday 26 April - Dental Planet Visit Year 9-13
Wednesday 10 April - Academic Conference Day
Thursday 11 April - International Festival
Friday 12 April - ANZAC Assembly Year 7-8
** Monday 15 April to Friday 26 April - Term 1 School Holidays **
Monday 29 April to Friday 31 May - Auckland Regional Dental Van Year 7-8
Tuesday 30 April - Year 8 HPV Vaccination Catch Up |
DOE Gold Qualifier Tramp to Great Barrier IslandOn Wednesday, seven of us embarked on an unforgettable experience over the Easter break to conquer Great Barrier Island for our Gold Qualifying expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. With Sienna Leigh, Matt Brill, Ollie Jackson, Oscar Saunderson, Marli Seaton, Leksa Platt-Mills, and myself, we were ready to take on whatever the island had in store.
From navigating the steep descents of old Kauri Tramline tracks to scaling hundreds of stairs to reach the summit of Mount Hobson, our journey was filled with adventure. Exploring windy canyons and stumbling upon hidden gems like watering holes and old whaling boats added to the experience, while hitchhiking with locals provided an unexpected thrill.
Stopping at a cafe for a proper meal after days in the bush offered a much-needed break and a welcome taste of civilisation and was a highlight for us all. At the end of each long day of walking, we would gather to set up camp, play cards, and enjoy our meals together before settling in and preparing for the next challenging day.
 But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Spending so much time together tested our patience and communication skills. Living in close quarters and facing the journey’s demands required us to come together as a team to complete the task at hand. Through these challenging moments, we definitely learned a lot about one another and came away from the experience with a deeper bond.
Our journey to Great Barrier Island wasn't just about completing a hike and getting through the long days of walking – it was about pushing our limits, working as a team, and making memories that will stay with us forever. As we took those final steps, we knew that we had not only conquered the island but also taken another step towards completing our Gold award.
Article by: Cailin Sargent (Year 13)
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Year 7 & 8 Dental Van Visit - Date ChangeThe Auckland Regional Dental Service have advised that their visit will end one week shorter than originally advertised. The van will be onsite at the college from Monday 29 April to Friday 31 May.
Information on the service they provide may be found in this LETTER. |
Centreway Road Rehabilitation - Updated InformationMonday 8 April - Partial Road Closures will take place. Please click HERE for full information and maps. |
Tauranga Jazz Festival - Silver Award WinnersOn 26 March, the Orewa College Wombo Combo grooved their way down to Tauranga. They showed just how good they were at playing Jazz to both the Tauranga residents, and numerous other schools across NZ.
The band members are: - Il'ya Allen - Trumpet
- Astrid Canfield - Alto Saxophone
- Ollie Jackson - Tenor Saxophone
- Aston Sadgrove - Piano
- Yanick Popper - Bass Guitar
- Jake Barrington - Drums
Not only did the band show just how hard they can vibe, they came away with an excellent Silver Award.
A huge congratulations to the students, we are immensely proud of them.  |
Calling All Voices!The music department is excited to announce an incredible opportunity to explore the world of music and singing with the return of the 4 Octaves Choir.
Whether you are an experienced vocalist or simply curious about harmonies, this choir offers a welcoming space for all. We're gearing up for Auckland’s Big Sing competition (18-20 June) so commitment is expected as well as a lot of fun!
- When: Every Monday morning from 8:20am to 9:15am
- Where: Music Department, Room M1
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 | | Orewa College Writing CompetitionWe are excited to announce the inaugural Orewa College writing competition - a competition for students, by students. - There will be prizes for the winners, with a non-fiction category and a creative category.
- Years 7-8, Years 9-10 and Years 11-13 will be judged separately.
- Please see further information and enter via the form HERE.
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Last Wednesday our PBL Jurassic Art class went on a trip to the Auckland Museum to look at the Jurassic Exhibits and Displays.
We saw many examples of dinosaur skeletons and fossils. We liked the marine dinosaur skeletons, and the life size Moa and Giant Penguin.
Then, we looked at the other parts of the museum like the volcano room, where the floors shake to give the effect of an eruption. This was relevant to the dinosaurs because around the time that the dinosaurs became extinct, the earth was very volatile with many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions around the same time.
Thank you to Mr Lee and Miss Cannon for taking us on this trip.
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Reminders:
Academic Conference Day Wednesday 10 AprilWe look forward to seeing parents/caregivers and students at their conferences. If you have not yet booked your timeslot, please click HERE for instructions. Bookings close on Tuesday at 3.00pm. Progress ReportsThese will be available to view on the web portal on Tuesday. |
International Festival - Thursday 11 AprilA celebration of the diverse cultures reflected in our school community. A reminder for students to bring cash to purchase the many delicious food offerings available. |
Prefect Conference 2024On 27 March Astrid Canfield and Nathan Norrie attended the Head Prefect conference at Takapuna Grammar. We value Takapuna Grammar hosting the event as it was a great opportunity to get to know fellow prefects of Auckland Northshore schools.
The conference started with introductions, followed by Pippa Wetzell and Michael Sweetman the 1994 head Takapuna prefects addressing us. They gave important insight into how they successfully fulfilled their roles as head prefects, along with some funny stories and advice they would have given themselves retrospectively.
We were then split into groups where we completed both scenarios and a team trivia quiz. The trivia quiz gave us the opportunity to work as a team and build positive relationships with other head prefects. The scenarios gave us insight into different problems we could face in our roles. It provided an opportunity to get unique perspectives from other schools' prefects and understand how different schools operate, including their mechanisms to resolve issues.
The conference was a great success; helping us build essential relationships with other prefects and leaving us with a few new ideas.
By Nathan Norrie (Year 13)
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Careers HubWe are continuing our one on one conversations with Year 13 students and all have left with an action plan. Over 70% have filled in a questionnaire to help them (and us) to think about their first step out of school.
All students should talk about what they might want to do after they finish school. During school breaks, it's a good time to follow someone in a job you're curious about or chat with someone who works in a field you're interested in. This advice isn't just for those finishing school; it's for all high school students.
Another way to gain a better understanding is to attend the University introductions that will be occurring in May next term. These are available for Year 11-13 students during Wednesday ILT blocks - specific details will be in the daily notices.
Also, the North Shore Career Expo will be at the Albany Stadium in June - please see the advertisement below.  |
Sports News - "Off the Bench" | | Please CLICK HERE for all upcoming sports events, registrations, draws, results and zone day information. |
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Survivor OrewaSurvivor Orewa Season 16, has begun with a bang, featuring three intense individual games. Contestants battle it out in challenges and alliances, with the goal of becoming the Sole Survivor.
Each week brings new challenges and the risk of elimination, keeping players on the edge of their seats for 11 weeks.
Challenge one "The Dirty Drag," contestants experienced a physically demanding and exhilarating trial. The challenge set a high bar for the season, testing the endurance, agility, and determination of the competitors.
With coloured buffs representing tribes and the excitement of hidden idols and strategic moves, Survivor Orewa promises a wild ride of drama and competition. Stay tuned for thrilling twists and turns as the season unfolds.   |
Anzac Day Assembly | | On Friday 12 April, we will be holding our Anzac Assembly at 10:45am in the Arts & Events Centre.
It is attended by our Year 7 and 8 students, manukura, and senior leadership. The assembly runs for about 30 minutes.
We would like to offer an open invitation to any parents who wish to attend, especially those who have served, or are serving, in any armed forces around the world.
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If you would like to attend, please contact Head of Year 7, Karl Buckley ([email protected]). |
Term 1 School Holidays - Monday 15 April to Friday 26 AprilWe wish our school community a safe and happy holiday period. |
Health Notice - Year 8 HPV Vaccination Catch UpThere will be a catch up day for those consented students who have missed today's vaccination through absence or illness. This will be on Tuesday 30 April. |
Orienteering - Auckland Sprint Series ChampionshipsAfter competing in the North Habour Sprint Series for five weeks, we had ten students that qualified for the Auckland Finals, comprised of ten students from each of the four Auckland zones to qualify at each level.
The Finals were held on Sunday at Birkenhead College and Murrays Bay Intermediate, with highly competitive and challenging courses.
The following students have worked incredibly hard to achieve these outstanding results: - Year 9 Girls Harper Tipene 1st Place
- Year 7 Girls Lacey Gornall 2nd Place
- Year 7 Girls Anisa Gilbert 3rd Place
Other students who qualified for the finals were - Matthew Kolbe, Julian Roberts, Emily Blanchard, Maia Wait, Macy Martin Dean, Ciana Gilbert and Emily Clement.
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Sheilah Winn National Shakespeare FestivalOn Friday 5 April Orewa College submitted and performed two entries into the regional University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare competition at Albany Junior High School.
The two student directed scenes - "Macbeth" by Maria Walker-Kinnell and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Morgan Dewar - drew positive feedback and received accolades at the end
of the night.
Macbeth received the Stage Combat School Prize and the Sword Prize - for best stage combat. Morgan Dewar, director and performer for A Midsummer Night's Dream won the South Seas Performer Development Prize.
The students had a great time performing onstage, meeting new people and watching amazing pieces of theatre.
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Level 2 and 3 Drama Production: DNA by Dennis KellyTuesday 9 April and Wednesday 10 April in the Orewa Arts & Events Centre at 7.00pm - $5.00 Entry
Adam is dead. A group of students try to cover up the murder of their friend but, as the stress builds and personalities clash, their worlds start to unravel.
Directed by Astrid Canfield
Please note this is not appropriate for ages 14 and under.  |
Keeping our Rangitahi Safe | | This workshop is restricted to individuals who are aged 18+.
Gloria Masters, an esteemed author and speaker, and the founder of "Handing the Shame Back," will lead this workshop which aims to equip parents and caregivers
with tools to create a safer environment for their teens, promoting resilience and proactive protection against sexual predators.
In this workshop you will learn how to
recognise grooming tactics and red flags, as well as how to be a safe person for young people to confide in. Strategies for managing disclosures of abuse and practical interventions will be discussed, empowering
parents and caregivers to take effective action.
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A small $5 Koha/ Donation is appreciated either on the night or a deposit to:
Orewa College ASB 23 109 001266 00 (Include your name & ParentWorkshop as reference)
To Register click this LINK. |
Manaaki Greatness Nominations | | Please nominate someone from the school community who has demonstrated exceptional manaaki.
This can be a one off event or ongoing support
and care shown by this person.
You may nominate a student, staff member or
member of the school community. |
Nominations will close on Wednesday 10 April. Winners announced Term 2, Week 1. Nomination form HERE. |
Community Notices |
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Our Sponsors - Proud Supporters of Orewa College   |
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