Mālō e lelei ‘a e fāmili Orewa, mālō e lava mai Tongan Language Week, (Greetings families of Orewa, welcome to Tongan Language Week). Last week, we hosted a pōhiri for our new Head of Māori, Simon Koziarski who has joined us from Orewa Primary School.

His wealth of knowledge and experience with te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, kapa haka and te ao Māori will further support and strengthen these pathways for our students at Orewa College. 

Thank you to everyone who attended the Careers Exploration night.  Your participation made it a great success, and we were thrilled to see such enthusiasm about future opportunities.  A special thanks to the students returning in 2025 for already making their course selections for next year. Your proactive approach is truly appreciated. 

As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to invite all families and prospective students to our Enrolment Open Evening on Tuesday, August 20, starting at 6pm.  This will be a fantastic opportunity to learn more about our school and the diverse opportunities we offer.  We can't wait to meet you and share what makes Orewa College a special place to learn.

As we wrap up the winter sport season, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the coaches, managers, volunteers, drivers, and supporters who have made this season possible.  This year, we had just over 70 teams actively engaged across both our senior and middle campuses, and your support played a crucial role in making that happen.  Thank you for contributing to a successful and vibrant winter sports season. 

We also said farewell to the staff and students of Hosei High School.  We wish you safe travels and fondly reflect on the wonderful two weeks we have shared.  Our 31-year exchange relationship is a testament to the strong bond between our schools, and we are excited to celebrate the 10th year of our exchange teacher program, with Ms. Penman visiting Hosei High School in January 2025.

We’re also thrilled to continue our exchange student program, welcoming two students from Hosei in Term 1 and sending two of our own to Hosei in Term 2 of 2025.  Thank you for being such an integral part of this enduring partnership.  Safe travels and see you again soon.

Mālō ‘aupito,

Wiri Warriner
Tumuaki | Principal
Orewa College

Events / Information

August 2024

Monday 19 August - Friday 23 August - Course Selection Week
Tuesday 20 August - Enrolment Open Evening
Wednesday 21 August - Academic Conference Day
Tuesday 27 August - Blood Donor Day
Tuesday 27 August - Achievers Celebration
Tuesday 27 August - Wednesday 28 August - Enrolment Tour Days

Nau Mai Haere Mai, Matua Haimona Koziarski

Orewa College held a special pōhiri to welcome our new Head of Māori, Matua Haimona (Simon) Koziarski. His appointment marks a significant step in strengthening te reo Māori, kapa haka, and leadership opportunities for our ākonga (students). This appointment is more than just a role, it is a commitment to further embedding te ao Māori within our kura and fostering opportunities for our tamariki.

The ceremony was made even more special by Caleb McAulay (Year 11), who delivered his first whaikōrero on the taumata (speaking platform).  Many of the manuhiri (guests) and staff were moved by the moment, acknowledging it's significance in welcoming Matua Koziarski and his whānau. 

2025 Enrolments

Information Evening - Tuesday 20 August OAEC 6.00-7.30pm
School Tours - Tuesday 27 August and Wednesday 28 August 
Out of Zone Applications Close - Wednesday 4 September 11.59pm
Ballot Date Out of Zone - Wednesday 11 September
Enrolment Interviews - Tuesday 17 September
Click on the link for more information or to book tours (Tour bookings close at 11.59pm Thursday 22 August).

Contributing Schools Visit

Orewa College was pleased to welcome Year 6 students and their teachers from our contributing schools.

This was the first step in our transition process - aimed at helping alleviate anxiety for next year's Year 7 intake, and building a sense of excitement about the opportunities Orewa College provides.

Hosted by two of our Year 7 classes - 7BKL and 7SRL - students got a taste of life at Orewa College, and some useful tips to make their start as smooth as possible.

This week, Year 6 parents are invited to attend our Open Evening - Tuesday 20 August, 6.00pm in the Orewa Arts and Events Centre - to find out themselves about the academic, sporting, cultural, performing arts, house and leadership opportunities Orewa College provides.

Academic Conferences - Wednesday 21 August

Bookings will close on Tuesday 20 August.  Appointments are available for booking between 9.00am and 6.45pm. 

Students attend only their conference on this day, there are no timetabled classes.  Students attend the conference in school uniform.

Details on how to book your conference HERE.

Student Devices Support - Thank You!

We would like to acknowledge the Four Winds Foundation along with The Crows Nest Sports Bar in Whangaparaoa for the grant we received to help purchase student devices.

This grant will allow us to replace ageing devices which are used by students who require them.
This support from local community businesses such as The Crows Nest Sports Bar and the Four Winds Foundation is appreciated.

Many families who are struggling at the moment will benefit from being able to have access to these devices.

Guiding Our Children Through A Digital World - Tackling Technology

Date and Time: Monday 16 September 7.00pm - 8:30pm.
Event will start on time at 7.00pm. Doors open 6:45pm
Location: Orewa College Arts and Events Centre

Packed with current information, helpful insights, and practical tips, "Tackling Technology" is an essential guide for parents and caregivers to understand and manage their children's online world.  This event is going to be packed with information and is best suited for parents and caregivers of children from Years 3 to 10. 

For further information and to book tickets - please click HERE. 

Cancellation Policy
Please note: this event will only go ahead if the minimum ticket number is reached. If the event is cancelled, you will receive a refund of the ticket price but not the Eventbrite booking fee.

Jurassic Art PBL Museum Trip

Once we arrived at the museum, the first thing we did was explore each part of the museum. Whilst exploring the museum, we were able to see and learn about many new artifacts and creatures and learn the stories of their past.

One of the many things our class enjoyed was the earthquake room. This room gave us a real life experience of what it would be like if there was an earthquake, and we got to learn about how earthquakes form.  After this we did some more exploring of the museum and discovered massive dinosaur fossils and learnt about how dinosaurs used to look, back when they used to roam the earth.

The museum was filled with amazing objects with things to do everywhere, not only learning about dinosaurs but also discovering new things about World War 1 and all the weird and wonderful animals.

The last thing we did was see a 3D movie about the T Rex.  During this movie we learnt about how the T Rex and other dinosaurs adapted to survive and the process of paleontologists discovering their fossils in the future.  This movie was definitely one of the highlights for us on this museum trip. 

Exploring the Auckland Museum was a fantastic way to spend our day.  Just being able to see and experience everything at a Museum was just so awesome.  It wasn’t just a fun trip but it was also an engaging experience that connects us to the essence of New Zealand.  With its exhibits, amazing artifacts, and beautiful location, it was a very fun and enjoyable day for us. 
By Millie, Harper, Taya and Lily. 

2025 AIMES Applications - Now Open!

The North Harbour Club has gifted over $3.2 million in grant funding since 1995 to talented North Harbour rangatahi demonstrating EXCELLENCE in the fields of Arts, Innovation (Science & Technology), Music, Education, Sport; and Service to the Community (AIMES).
 
Cash grants of $3,000 - $30,000 are awarded to individuals to support them in their pursuit of excellence. Criteria includes:
Demonstration of EXCELLENCE in chosen field (as above)
Aged between 13 and 25 years old by the closing date (below)
Live, work or train in the North Harbour region
 
Previous winners include Zoe Hobbs, Lorde, Alicia Hoskin, Eliza McCartney, Emily McIsaac, Moses McKay, Melanie Bracewell, Hollie Smith, and many more…
 
Three out of fourteen of our AIMES Alumni who have just competed at the 2024 Paris Olympics have bought home (four) GOLD for New Zea;land.  A massive congratulations to Alicia Hoskin (one in K2 500m and one in K4 500m), Lydia Ko (Golf) and Tara Vaughan (K2 500m).
 
Nominations are open now until 5.00pm, Friday 24 January 2025. Although the application period is lengthy, it is open early to accommodate students applying before their extended exam and holiday period in term four.

Tongan Language Week 18-24 August

The 2024 theme for Tonga Language Week is 'E tu'uloa 'a e lea Faka-Tongá 'o ka lea'aki 'i 'api, siasí (lotú), mo e nofo-'a-kāingá - The Tongan Language will be sustainable when used at home, church and in the wider community. 

Hosei Daini High School Visit

On Thursday 15 August, our visitors from Hosei Daini High School celebrated Japan Day with songs and dances from Japan.

The Fisherman's dance was particularly energetic and colourful.  Everyone was well fed with delicious beef bowls prepared by Toshi, Kanae and Yasu.

The Hosei students worked with Orewa students at a variety of Japanese games and crafts.
An awesome day.

The day after Japan Day we (all 36 of us), went to Tiritiri Matangi island and enjoyed the abundant birdlife and a meeting with a beautiful wetapunga (giant Weta) or two.

The sea was smooth, the weather was fine and the birdsong was beautiful.

Reminder:  Trophies (Academic, Sporting and Performing Arts)

Year 12 and 13 Drama Trip

Year 12 and 13 Drama students travelled to Q Theatre to watch the Auckland Theatre Company and Silo Theatre's production of Scenes from the Climate Era by David Finnagan.

The play explores the relationship between ourselves and the planet: how we got to where we are and what could happen in the future.  An impactful piece of theatre that leaves the audience with more questions than answers.

The students will be using the show as the basis for their end of year exams.  

Non Uniform Day Fundraiser 

Orewa College is proud to advise that our non uniform day held on Tuesday 6 August, has raised $1,727.10 for our House Charity, Hibiscus Coast Community House.  Thank you to our school whānau for your support of this event.

Blood Donor Day - Tuesday 27 August

Information for Parents, Guardians and Whānau

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.

More information on this regarding buses will become available in the coming days.

Careers Hub

Gateway applications are open on the portal where students select their subjects for next year.

Gateway is a course for Year 12 and 13 students which includes a practical work placement and relevant assessments in a career or occupation that you are very keen to experience and explore. 

Students and parents can find out more information about Gateway and other future pathways from the Careers Hub on Academic Conference Day (Wednesday 21 August) or students can pop into the Careers Hub at any morning tea.

Year 13 students are reminded that there are numerous scholarships closing in the next fortnight and accommodation has been open for a couple of weeks now - applications should be completed within the next few weeks also.

New Zealand Experience Rangitoto Trip

On Wednesday 14 August, 38 of our International students went on a trip to Rangitoto Island.

We have been learning about volcanoes in class so it was a great experience for the students to walk through the lava caves, see the crater and reach the summit of Rangitoto.

The weather was fantastic and the students enjoyed everything from the ferry ride to having lunch at the top of Rangitoto with spectacular views of Auckland. 

Sports News - "Off the Bench"

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

Sports PrizeGiving - Tuesday 24 September

To be held in the Orewa College Arts and Events Centre - we look forward to celebrating the sporting achievements of 2024.

KBB Music Festival

Each year the festival welcomes 4,500 students in 147 groups from 50 schools across Auckland and beyond.

The aims of the festival are: To promote growth in instrumental music and encourage performance by all groups – novice or highly experienced. To share ideas, techniques and a common interest in music. To expose students to different styles of music. To give students the opportunity to perform in professional venues.

The school was proud to have the following bands perform in this year's festival:

Orewa College Symphonic Band
Orewa College Concert Band
Orewa College Junior Jazz Band
Orewa College Senior Jazz Band

Our Concert Band was awarded BRONZE, narrowly missing out on the Silver award but a valiant effort and there is always next year!

Orewa College Senior Jazz was lucky enough to be awarded The Peter Goddard Memorial Trophy "an ensemble whose performance, presentation or behaviour embodies the values that Peter Goddard held".

This award is given out yearly to the Band with the highest level of attitude and enthusiasm across all 147 groups.

Peter Goddard was the foundation Principal of Orewa College when it opened in 1974. 
Mr Goddard was a founding member of the Auckland Secondary School Band and Orchestra Festival and served on the committee for over 20 years.  A massive congratulations to all the staff and students who were involved in this festival, for many of which this is their last ever performance for Orewa College. 

This award was proudly presented to Year 13 student Ollie Jackson by his widow, Mrs Patricia Goddard.

We invite you to enjoy recordings of our Senior Jazz band and Conductor (Music Teacher Mr Mace Wilkin) in action.

This is just a small taste of the talent we look forward to sharing with the school community at our Gala Concert on Wednesday 11 September.

Community Notices

Kaukapapkapa Pony Club Enrolment Day - Sunday 25 August 2024 11.00am to 2.00pm

Kaukapakapa Pony Club are a friendly local pony club for young people to learn about horse riding and caring for horses and ponies. We have lots of fun events including Ribbon Days and Have-A-Go Show Jumping and Show Cross, plus Tuesday night rallies. We are holding our annual enrolment day on Sunday 25 August 2024 11.00am to 2.00pm at the clubrooms in Henley Road, Kaukapakapa.

Note that to take part in rallies and events you need your own pony, but we can also offer Riders without Horses classes if there is enough demand. Come along and register your interest and find out more.  All welcome. 

SUSO Electronic - Welcome to Stand Up Stand Out Electronic 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. Applications close Saturday 31 August 2024. Outstanding opportunities and prizes to be won.  Click HERE for full details.

Youth Marine Film Competition - Closes Thursday 31 October

Create a super cool 4-7 minute film that's all about our amazing oceans – their breath-taking beauty, the threats they're up against, and the epic heroes stepping up to protect them.  So, grab your cameras, unleash your creativity, and let's dive into action! 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).

The VR Club is now offering an exciting new form of after-school activity, Virtual Reality!
This exclusive class offers premier VR tools to keep kids engaged and learning after school
hours. Suitable for ages 10 and up, with a selection of content including maths, programming,
robotics, art, physics and spatial reasoning.

To register your interest please click this LINK.

Youth Search and Rescue 2025 Programme Applications Now Open!

Applications are now open for the Youth Search and Rescue programme for students aged 14 to 16! This 3 year programme combines classroom learning with outdoor adventures to develop skills in search and rescue and emergency management. Students will gain outdoor education skills, leadership experience, STEM competencies, and more.

They can also achieve the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and contribute to their community.

For more info and to apply, visit www.YSAR.nz     You Tube Video HERE.

Our Sponsors - Proud Supporters of Orewa College