Kia ora koutou,

Despite the disruptive ongoing industrial action of the PPTA, I am pleased with the start of Term 2 and the focus of our students.

I understand the frustrations of all key stakeholders as secondary school teachers continue to strike for improved pay/working conditions.

During this month, the college has/is hosting meetings for parents/students from our Pasifika/Māori communities.  The purpose of these are to develop effective communication strategies and sustainable systems for improving student outcomes.

You will have heard of the recent concerns in the North Shore Community, regarding the potential spread of measles.  A timely reminder that vaccinations are crucial in order to limit the spread of this highly contagious viral infection.

It is pleasing to see the numbers of students at Orewa College who are involved in a range of extra-curricular activities, i.e. a full range of winter sports, cultural groups, Performing Arts, Duke of Edinburgh etc.  Rehearsals for the upcoming production 'Legally Blonde' are in full swing.  On Friday the 'International Food Festival' occurs which I am looking forward to.

You will see a link in this newsletter relating to our current 'Sports Sponsorship' opportunity and would encourage you to consider this if at all possible.


Ngā mihi

Greg Pierce
Principal

 Sports Sponsorship

Please click on the below images to find out more information about Sports Sponsorship.  This is an exciting opportunity to participate in supporting sports at Orewa College.  Please let us know if you have any questions.

Write like an Author, Brian Falkner

“We don’t love books, they are just piles of cardboard and paper. We don’t love the story or the ideas. We love the characters” - Brian Falkner

Our students and teachers were very fortunate to have Brian Falkner visit our school on Friday, 5 May, and facilitate a number of workshops called Write Like an Author.
Brian is an award-winning author. He has had twenty-one books published internationally. Brian is also an internationally acclaimed writing coach. Not only did he give our students vital, engaging and informative writing tips, but he also reminded us why reading is so essential. His workshops were interactive and inspiring.
We wish Brian well on his Berlin Writer’s Residency (2023-2024) where he will be working towards a book about a neurodiverse New Zealand teenager that is plunged into a world of spies, counterspies, danger and terror in Berlin in 1999.

House Event - Holey Moley!

Clank, snap hammer and knock, the technology challenge was next on the block!
Wednesday we had the annual house technology challenge. 

The technology challenge is an event that has changed and evolved over the years, and we have finally found a formula that is interesting, challenging, fun to build and fun to play! It's Holey Moley!  Each house had to design and build a mini putt golf hole, only using cardboard and duct tape. Each hole had specific requirements like a tunnel, elevation and obstacles but also a lot of free range to get creative.  Not only did they have to design the hole they also had to play it. Two players from each house dressed up, demonstrated and played their hole.

Current House Placings

The winner this year of the 2023 House Technology challenge was Batten House. We look forward to what this event evolves to in the future. .

Final placings were; * 1st Batten, * 2nd McLaren, * 3rd Blake, * 4th Nepia, * 5th Sheppard

Making Payments

The easiest way to make payments to the school is via the web portal.  Once you have logged into the web portal, click on "Details" and "Financial" to select which items to pay for.
Paying using the web portal shows that the payment has been completed in our system straight away, rather than using internet banking.
If you require your web portal login details, please email: [email protected]

School Canteen

We are pleased to welcome our new canteen providers - Libelle Group.
For this week, they will be offering various options from the main menu below to purchase by cash / eftpos.  
From Monday 15th May, orders can also be made online.  Students/Parents/Caregivers can register with Lunch Orders to place orders.

Sports News - "Off the Bench"

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

International Festival - Friday 12 May The school looks forward to our well received and regarded, International Festival.  A celebration of the diverse cultures reflected in our school community.   Students may dress up to reflect your international links on that day! There will be a prize for the best costume at the festival.

A reminder for students to bring cash to purchase the many delicious food offerings available.

PPTA Teacher Strike Action

Due to ongoing PPTA industrial action by secondary school teachers, year groups as detailed below will be unable to attend school.
Please note Tuesday for Year 12 students and ALL STUDENTS on Thursday 11th May.

Year 10 Sexuality Education Notification

Please click HERE for a letter regarding Sexuality Education for Year 10 students.

Japanese Children's Day Year 7 students from classes 7ACR, 7ACK, and 7EVS learned about Japanese Children's Day. In Japan, Kodomo no hi, or "Children's Day," is celebrated every year on May 5. On this national holiday, children are respected and honored for their individual strengths and happiness is wished upon them.  Children's Day was originally known as Tango no Sekku  (literally nearing the seventh sign of the chinese zodiac, but usually translated as Boys Day) and was a celebration for boys.  The holiday was officially changed to celebrate the health and growth of both girls and boys in 1948.   Students made Kabuto, which is a samurai helmet.

Order School Photos

Parents/Caregivers have been emailed their child’s unique Key Code to go online to view and purchase 2023 School Photos.  Please check your trash/spam folders if you have not received it.
PhotoLife Website.   Queries, please email: [email protected]
***FREE DELIVERY EXPIRES Midnight Sunday 21st May ***

Careers Expo

The North Shore Schools Careers and Pathways Expo this Wednesday & Thursday is an excellent opportunity for students to speak directly with employers and tertiary providers, including universities.
This is where students can gain industry insights, learn about study options, develop networking skills and gain confidence in their ability to navigate the job market and make informed decisions about their future pathway.
Thursday's strike day could be a great chance for students to check out the expo (9.30-2.30), or they can attend with whanau on either Wednesday or Thursday 4-7.30pm. 
Upcoming Events (for Year 12 & 13)
15th May - Canterbury & Otago Universities - ILT - OAEC

Year 7 Boostrix Vaccination

The Boostrix vaccination will take place on Wednesday 21 June.  This booster is for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).
Students will be shown a short video about the BOOSTRIX vaccination and have an opportunity to ask questions.  At this time the consent forms will be handed out to come home.  
Please complete and return the forms to the school even if you consent or do not consent, thank you.

Kings Coronation 

Former Orewa College student, Able Weapon Technician (AWT) James Strachan, Royal New Zealand Navy, is honoured to be taking part in the coronation ceremony of King Charles. 
He says his step-father’s company once handled travel and security for the Royal Family, with his step-father meeting several Royals.  He is incredibly grateful to have his own chance to be near them.  “It’s a privilege to take part in an event of this magnitude and importance. It is something that I will remember for life.” 
His involvement in the Coronation is AWT Strachan’s second memorable deployment already this year. The sailor was sent to Hawke’s Bay as part of the NZDF’s response to Cyclone Gabrielle.  “I was able to help save an adrift yachtsman during the cyclone. Being able to go out and help our community has been a highlight of my career. It makes me really proud.”

News from Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival Maria Walker-Kinnell has been awarded direct entry into the National Shakespeare Schools Production (NSSP) to be held in Wellington at the end of September. Maria, along with 50 or so other students from all around the country, will work with a professional NZ director to stage a Shakespeare play in a week.. Additionally, Maria has been named as a finalist in the SGCNZ/Ida Gaskin Shakespeare Essay Competition 2023. Competition finalists are invited to the National Festival held in Wellington on 4th June to receive their awards and certificates, presented by Rt Hon Grant Robertson.

Maria has enjoyed amazing success in the Sheilah Winn Shakespeare competition this year – and she is only in Year 10. Watch this space!

Dental Planet Visit 

The Dental Planet van will be here providing dental care for Year 9-13 students.
Letter to Parents / Caregivers CLICK HERE.

Co-Curricular Hoodies orders now open.  Hoodies cost $75 each and are available to students who qualify.  To order CLICK HERE.  The criteria information is at the bottom of this form.
This order closes on Wednesday 10th May at 9am. Delivery times can be up to 6 - 8  weeks from us placing the order, to it arriving here at school.
This order should arrive for the start of Term 3. $75 payment must be made by the 10th May for the order to be processed.