Kia ora koutou, 

This will be the final newsletter for this year.  A school year, once again as we all know that was disrupted by weather events and teachers understandable action for improved work conditions.

Staff and students have collectively worked well, together with your ongoing support to ensure that Term 3 and 4 were positive and successful.  Attendance rates remained high, averaging close to 90%, across all year levels.

The last few weeks have been very busy as always but extremely re-affirming.  Various celebrations in the sporting and cultural areas of the college have occurred, together with prizegivings/graduations for all year groups.  A high level of achievement has been evident for all to see.

The college is fully staffed for 2024 and roll numbers are strong.  An aligned future focused strategic is confirmed and in place.

Thank you for your consistent support, have a relaxing summer and I know we are all looking forward to a smoother 2024.

Ngā mihi

Greg Pierce
Principal

Events / Information

January 2024

Wednesday 31 January - Students new to Orewa College start today
Thursday 1 February - Returning students start today

Prizegiving & Graduation Awards

Orewa College is exceptionally proud of our deserving prizewinners who we had the pleasure of recognising at our award ceremonies.

Year 7

Year 8

Year 9

Year 10

First Foundation Scholarship Award - Natalie Sou

Our vision at First Foundation is an Aotearoa New Zealand where all people can succeed, thrive, and lead. Our scholarships are more than just financial assistance; they are a four-year journey committed to unleashing the potential of talented Kiwis from challenging backgrounds.

We believe that socio-economic status should not be a barrier to educational opportunities and career dreams. That's why our support extends beyond financial assistance to include mentorship, work experience, and a strong network of connections.

Students who have applied for this scholarship have demonstrated their academic and leadership credentials.  Over 500 applications were received and 82 scholarships awarded.

First Foundation congratulates and welcomes Natalie Sou to their whānau.

Water Polo Success

Congratulations to our Year 7 and 8 Water polo team who finished their very successful season by winning the C grade final against Kristin (Score 6-3) last Friday evening..

The team attended the North Harbour prizegiving on Monday evening to receive their trophy and certificates. To their surprise, they were also awarded the “North Harbour Intermediate Team of the Year '' award which was voted by the North Harbour Coaches.

This was a well deserved award where they showed Manaaki throughout the season.
Congratulations to the team, coaches and managers for an awesome season.

Comment from North Harbour Water Polo
“North Harbour Water Polo Intermediate Team of Year goes to a team that have shown what hard work and dedication can do, taking out the C Grade final on Friday Night. They have developed over the past few years starting off at the bottom of our C Grade, which is a credit to the players and coaching team. This team is always giving their best in trainings and games, seeking to improve their individual and team skills. 
Well done Orewa College, we look forward to seeing you continue to develop over the coming years”.

Tsunan Secondary School Visit

During the week of 20 November, forty three students from Tsunan Secondary School in Japan visited us to get a taste of what life at Orewa College is like and also to share their own culture and language with our Year 9 and 10 students who are learning Japanese. 

They loved Orewa Beach and also visited Eaves Bush and the Supermarket. They learned about New Zealand birds and did some mapping tasks. They visited their buddies' classes and joined in a year 10 Physical Education class. They visited Year 8 classes to share their culture with items such as origami and wearing a kimono.

Careers Hub

Across the Summer there can be various opportunities for students to gain some work experience or part-time work. This is a great way for students to become more aware of the world of work and help them to understand what they like or don't like, their strengths or challenges and what they may or may not want to consider in regards to their future pathway beyond school.

For all students, the NZ Careers website can be a good resource for exploring future pathways when there is some down time during the holidays, as can IYM which is particularly aimed at girls for STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Manufacturing) opportunities. 

For those seniors who perhaps didn't gain the results that they hoped for and may be just a few credits short of gaining their NCEA Level, they can look into Te Kura Summer School. This can be done online for a short period of time across December and January to potentially gain the last few credits required for a particular pathway.

Scholarships - The Maori Education Trust has numerous Secondary & Tertiary scholarships available - applications close next year. Families may wish to apply across the Summer into next year.

Massey is offering an additional round of the Academy of Sport Scholarship this year. Applications close Monday 15^th January 2024. Criteria and Application, Academy of Sport Programme

Camp America Auckland Interview Day | December 9th
Students who are applying for the program to be able to have their interview with their local Auckland interviewer.  Students can register HERE:

Camp America Directors Fair | January 17th
Students who have either already applied for Camp America can interview with camps on the day, or have both their Camp America interview and be hired on the day by a camp. These camps will be flying all the way from the USA to be there.
More information: LINK

Non Uniform Day Donations

Your generosity is making a meaningful impact to the on going support provided by the Hibiscus Coast Community House (our House Programme Charity) and The New Zealand Cancer Society (chosen by our School Council).

We were able to donate $1300.00 to both of these charities. In talking with these charities, they have acknowledged your generosity and your kindness.

PhotoLife Summer Co-Curricular Team and Sibling Photos

Parents/caregivers have been emailed their child’s unique Key Code to go online to view
and purchase the photos.  Please check that this email has not gone to your spam/junk folders.

***There is no free delivery to the school.  The orders will be posted directly to their address of choice*** 

Year 10 Spanish Trip

On Thursday last week the full year Year 10 Spanish class had a trip to Tasca Restaurant on Ōrewa Beach.

We tried multiple different traditional Spanish tapas, and even got to test our language skills with two native Spanish speakers from Uruguay and Spain.

We also tried our hand at churro making for the last class of the year, which made for a fun last day of Spanish for 2023!

STANZA - Video Competition 2023 Winners

Congratulations to Caitlyn Haage and Isabella Field who have won the 2023 Spanish Teachers' Association NZ Aotearoa (STANZA) Video Competition .

The topic was Mis Mascotas (My Pets). The students could do their own acting or use animated characters and drawings, but there had to be more than one participant speaking in the video. In other words, students were allowed to approach it any way they wished - as a stop-motion video or as a video of students performing.

For their efforts, the girls have won $100 worth of celebratory end-of-year treats to be shared with their class.  Click HERE to view the winning video.

Middle School Performing Arts Awards

On Wednesday 29 November we celebrated our middle school Performing Arts Achievements.

This awards ceremony was to acknowledge the achievements of our 7-10 performers. There were performances from Drama, Pasifika and Year 8 band.

Congratulations to all winners and nominees. We look forward to watching you grow and develop your talents over the coming years.

Course Confirmations for 2024 and Stationery

Course Confirmation letters will be emailed in December 2023, which will advise the students' selected courses and their codes.
When selected in the Officemax website, the stationery items (if any) will automatically be selected for that course.

Middle School (Years 7-10) School Reports

A reminder to Parents/Caregivers that reports will be available to view on the Web Portal after graduation/prizegivings.

Year 10 Japanese Restaurant Trip

Year 10 Japanese language students had the pleasure of dining at Ramen restaurant Yawara in Orewa to experience Japanese culture. Students learned some phrases that they might use at the restaurant.

Some students attempted the Japanese phrases that they had practised, others were too shy to speak to Japanese staff there. They all used the word "Oishii" (means yummy) though.
Everyone was happy to eat delicious Ramen or Karaage (deep-fried chicken) with rice. 

Waitangi Day 2024 Celebrations

Te Herenga Waka o Orewa Marae is excited to extend a warm invitation to the Orewa College school community to join us for a day of celebration and unity this coming Waitangi Day. 

This event is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate our shared heritage and foster connections. Waitangi Day holds great significance, and we believe that celebrating it as a whānau will strengthen the bonds that make our community special.

We look forward to seeing you on the 6 February for a day full of fun and community spirit.

Year 9-10 Activities Day

Dickinson and Donald Ice Cream Tour' One of the more delicious activities from last week's activity was the 'Dickinson and Donald Ice Cream Tour'. Fifteen students took on the role of judges, evaluating a single scoop at each location based on five key criteria: scoop size, price, taste, sustainability, and customer service. The charming main street became a flavorful runway as participants sampled a variety of unique ice cream offerings, creating a vibrant tapestry of frozen delights within our community.

After careful consideration, the coveted title went to Orewa Beach Fish and Chips, recognized for excellence in all criteria. Their exceptional scoop size, reasonable pricing, delicious taste, commitment to sustainability, and outstanding customer service set them apart as the tour's triumphant winner.

A big thank you to all the participating ice cream parlours.

Beach Day On Friday the weather gods smiled down on us as an excited mix of year 9 and 10 students were able to spend a day in the sun at our local beach. The beach games day was a fantastic blend of excitement and relaxation. From exhilarating kubb matches to friendly sandcastle building, it created a vibrant atmosphere. The sun, sea, and laughter formed a perfect backdrop for a day filled with swimming, basketball, touch rugby and ice-cream eating.

Term Dates 2024

International Students End of Year Programme

During the NCEA exams our senior International Students not sitting exams participated in our very full on End of Year Programme. 

During the second week, students engaged in conservation activities at CUE Haven and visited Tiritiri Matangi Island. They went surfing at Muriwai, had an Art day and also made a photobook.

In week three students walked, ran or biked, the Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Walkway, participated in an interschool sports day with 250 other international students from North Harbour schools, went to the Movies and also to Waiheke Island.

Students challenged themselves and had some iconic kiwi experiences. We farewelled eighteen students at the end of the programme and we are pleased that twelve will return to Orewa College next year.  

Second Hand Uniforms for Years 7-10

The school is in need of good condition second hand middle school uniforms.
Any donations would be greatly appreciated. Please drop off to the Deans' Hub in 2024.

Uniform Group Shop Hours

Year 7 Disco

A group of year 11 and 12 visual arts students who are fundraising to go to New York next year ran a fun filled disco on Wednesday night for year 7 students. The students had the option to get their face painted and be involved in games, including the limbo, guess the gumballs, and best dancer.

There were heaps of treats to buy as well as baked goods provided by the New York trip students. Thank you to all who have supported our fundraising efforts so far and to the senior students involved for showing some great Manaaki. 

A huge thanks to Korena Pairama for her awesome photography on the night and Aiden Duke for the lighting setup. 

Introducing our Sponsor - Telos Group Real Estate

Kylie and Scott are active supporters of Orewa College, always there to lend a hand. They organize an annual skip bin event for the community that's become quite the hit!

What's more, since they live and work locally, they graciously donate $500 for every property they list & sell to aid the college. Telos Group Real Estate is deeply committed to our community, and is a family-owned business.

Their dedication is evident in their efforts to provide more opportunities for the teenagers of today, ensuring a brighter future for them.

Our Sponsors - Proud Supporters of Orewa College