Tēnā koutou e te whānau o Orewa, Our senior students are well into their NCEA exams, and it is crucial they focus on the fundamentals as each exam day approaches.  Double checking exam dates and times, and arriving at school early to reduce stress, will set them up for success.  Being organised and prepared is key to performing at their best during this busy period.

Good preparation goes beyond just studying.  It is equally important for students to prioritise their health.  Encouraging them to create a weekly plan that includes healthy eating, regular physical activity, and adequate rest will help manage stress and maintain energy levels.  For our whānau (families), offering a supportive environment (study area), staying positive, and helping minimise distractions can make a real difference.  With one final push, our students can take the hard work they have put in this year and turn it into outstanding results.

Looking ahead to the rest of the week, our middle school students have a full schedule of mahi (work) and exciting opportunities.  Our Year 8 students are continuing their zoo visits and trips to Auckland, providing authentic learning experiences.  Meanwhile, many of our Year 10 students are engaging in STAR tasters, where a large group is exploring vocational pathways, gaining valuable insight into different careers and pathways. 

There are also plenty of sporting opportunities for our Year 7 and Year 8 students, with several zone days approaching.  It is exciting to see so many students participating in various sports.  Our volleyball teams are gearing up for the Auckland competitions and the North Island championships, where they will have the chance to put their talents to the test.

At the end of this week, we are excited to welcome back Tsunan High School from Japan, who are visiting with 35 students.  This long-standing relationship with Tsunan is something we value, and we look forward to reconnecting and strengthening those connections.

Furthermore, as our community will be aware, this Friday is our Teacher Only Day.  In addition to focusing on curriculum updates related to numeracy, literacy, and a knowledge-rich curriculum, teachers will also use this time to prepare for the year ahead, looking toward 2025.

Finally, over the weekend, our Board of Trustees and Senior Leadership Team had the privilege of spending the day together at Te Herenga Waka o Orewa Marae for our strategic planning session.  It was a valuable opportunity for both teams to come together and reflect on the feedback we have received from staff and the wider community.  This new strategic plan will guide the direction of the school and strengthen our priorities, benefiting both the school and the community as a whole.  If you missed my earlier email about completing the community survey, please take a moment to check your inbox.  We would still love to hear your voice and receive your feedback as we continue shaping our plans for the future.

Nāku noa, nā,

Wiri Warriner
Tumuaki | Principal
Orewa College

Events / Information

November 2024

Monday 11 November to Tuesday 19 November - Year 10 STAR Tasters
Monday 11 November to Friday 22 November - International Students EOY Programme
Monday 11 November to Friday 29 November - NZQA Exams
Friday 15 November - NCEA Teacher Only Day (students do not attend school)
Friday 15 November to Thursday 21 November - Tsunan High School Visit Japan
Friday 22 November - Paid Union Meeting (school closes early at 1.00pm)
Wednesday 27 November to Friday 29 November - Shikoku High School Visit Japan

December 2024

Monday 2 December - Year 8 Dance Celebration (OAEC 6.00-8.00pm)
Tuesday 3 December - Middle School Performing Arts Awards
Wednesday 4 December - Year 10 Graduation (OAEC 7.00pm)
Thursday 5 December - Year 7 to 9 Prizegivings

Celebrating Orewa College’s Top Achievers!

Orewa College is proud to honour outstanding students with awards recognising excellence, dedication, and potential. From all-round excellence to academic achievement, these awards celebrate our rangatahi and their accomplishments.

Oliver Jackson received the Lodge Orewa Award for All Round Excellence, a testament to his incredible commitment and contributions across the school. Caitlin Carrington O'Shea was awarded the Adams’ Family Science Scholarship Award, honouring her enthusiasm and skill in science.

Rachel Slacke’s leadership was recognized with the Hibiscus & Bays Local Board Scholarship. Paige Ngavaevae earned the Vocational Education Award for her dedication to practical learning.

Simar Dulai, a Year 12 student, was awarded the Matauranga Award.  The McCarthy Cup for top NCEA Level 2 student in 2023 went to Aston Sadgrove.  Caleb McAulay proudly took home Te Taurapa o Orewa Trophy, celebrating his achievements and growth in Te Ao Maori.

“Our community is incredibly proud of these achievements,” said Principal Wiri. “These students represent the very best of Orewa College.”

A special mention to the many other award recipients whose mahi and dedication were also recognised, a full list may be found HERE. 

Ka rawe to all our award recipients.

Sporting Excellence

Thank You!  Akarana Community Trust and Whangaparaoa Tenpin Bowling

With this money we have purchased new tents and packs that our rangatahi will be able to use on their adventurous journeys. 

Your support has made it easier for many of our rangatahi to participate in our programme.

International Students - End of Year Programme

Last week saw the start of the End of Year Program for some of our international students.

The program kicked off with a day dedicated to Māori art and culture, where students engaged in a range of hands-on activities, including creating bookmarks, crafting soap art, and learning to use rakau sticks.

From Tuesday to Thursday, we headed to Waipu Cove for a memorable camp experience. The weather was perfect, and students enjoyed a variety of activities, such as playing games, swimming in the ocean, taking a scenic coastal walk, exploring caves, horseback riding, and even trying their hand at surfing.

NCEA Teacher Only Day - Friday 15 November

This day is a Ministry directed teacher only day - students do not attend school on this day.

Paid Union Meeting for Teachers - Friday 22 November

School will close at 1.00pm so that teachers may attend the paid union meeting.  More information will follow next week.

Celebrating Our World-Class Champs!

Orewa College is bursting with pride as four talented students are honored for representing Aotearoa at world championships across the globe. These young athletes have showcased incredible dedication and skill, putting both Orewa and New Zealand on the world stage.

Ruby Dennis and Stevie Dawkins showed immense strength and spirit in Orlando, representing NZ in the Junior All Girl Division at the ICU World Championships for Cheerleading.

Meanwhile, Nick Nguyen represented New Zealand in Karate at the prestigious World Championships in Tokyo. Jasper Cornish made waves with the NZ Junior Black Fins Team at the Surf Life Saving Worlds Championship.

Ngā mihi nui to Ruby, Stevie, Nick, and Jasper - we are incredibly proud of you.

Outstanding Achievement at the Athletics Zone Day

A huge congratulations to our Year 7 and 8 students who represented us with pride at Trust Stadium on Tuesday 5 November for the Athletics Zone Day.

Our team of 23 students put in an incredible effort, and the official results highlight some amazing achievements!  Special congratulations to the following students who have qualified for the Inter-zone Athletics Day on 28 November:

Jerusha Jacobz           1st Place, Year 7 Girls Shot Put    
Pera Rua                       3rd Place, Year 7 Girls Shot Put
Ava Hawkins-Adam     3rd Place,  Year 7 Girls 400m
Gemma Dunn               3rd Place,  Year 7 Girls 800m
Hamish Allen                3rd Place,  Year 8 Boys 800m

A special shout-out to our Year 7 girls relay team, who claimed GOLD:

• Devon Metzger-Feki
• Bella Walker
  
• Ava Hawkins-Adam
  
• Kitty Cox
  

Ka mau te wehi! Well done, team! 

PhotoLife - Sibling Photos

PhotoLife have emailed parents their child’s unique Key Code to go online to view and purchase 2024 Sibling School Photos. 

Please check your spam/junk folders if you have not received an email.

Canteen for Year 7 and 8 Students

The Year 7 and 8 canteen is now closed.  Students will be able to purchase food and drinks from the main canteen, cash and eftpos available.  Online orders HERE.

Careers Hub

This week sees our annual STAR Tasters kick off for our Year 10 students.  We have 250 students participating in eleven different activities - some onsite and others in the city and elsewhere. 

This is where students are given a taste of potential pathways to build on the work we have done with them earlier in the year.

Many of our Year 13's are deciding whether to take a gap year next year, points to consider are:

To expand on these ideas, check out this article: The pros & cons of a Gap Year

High School Exchanges
Your Education are now accepting applications for their high school exchanges to all destinations departing in August or December 2025 and January 2026.
Apply now to qualify for a $1,000 Early Bird Discount.  More information HERE.

Uniform Group Shop - Special Offer!

Skate Ramps - Thank you to Muldoon's Irish Bar and North & South Trust

A huge thank you to Muldoon's Irish Bar and North & South Trust for a grant which allowed us to purchase skate ramps for the Year 7 and 8 area.   These ramps are well used by many Year 7 and 8 students during break times.  We really appreciate your support!

Year 10 Graduation and Year 7, 8 and 9 Prizegivings

Year 10 Graduation - Wednesday 4 December 7.00pm

Graduation will be held in the Orewa Arts and Events Centre.  Students are to attend in full school uniform.

Year 7, 8 and 9 Prizegivings - Thursday 5 December

• Year 7 at 9.30am
• Year 8 at 11.30am
• Year 9 at 1.00pm

Prizegivings are held in the Orewa Arts and Events Centre.  Students are to attend in full school uniform.

Prizegivings are approximately 1 -1 1⁄2 hours and we welcome parents/caregivers to these celebrations.

Students finish for the school year immediately after their prizegiving/graduation
ceremonies.

Music - Year 7 Band for 2025

New students interested in joining our Year 7 Band in 2025 are invited to apply now.

Students will need to commit to a full two years of instruction and participation. For further
information and to enrol, please click HERE.

Music Aptitude Testing - This will take place on 22 and 25 November.  Please register HERE.

Japanese Classes - Celebrating Culture and Food

Three Year 7 classes had the exciting opportunity to make rice balls (onigiri) in Japanese class. For most students, this was their first time making onigiri, and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Alongside preparing the rice balls, they also learned Japanese table manners and a few useful phrases.

Year 9 Japanese classes recently had sushi-making lessons. Although it was challenging for many students at first, most successfully created sushi rolls with the rice and fillings neatly wrapped in seaweed.

In addition to the hands-on experience, they also learned useful phrases for eating in Japanese.

Middle School Uniforms - Urgently Needed

Donations of  middle school uniforms -  shorts, PE uniforms, girls' skirts and hats are urgently needed.  Your help would be greatly appreciated, as our supplies are running low.

These may be dropped off at the Deans' Hub. 

Community Notices

AOTANGO Quintet - 6 December 2024

A tango concert featuring singers and dancers at the Westlake Girls Events Centre to celebrate International Tango Day.  As an incorporated society, we are thrilled to offer free entry to children (18 and under) when accompanied by an adult ticket-holder, thanks to generous support from Auckland City Council and the Argentine Embassy of New Zealand.

The evening will have a vibrant festival atmosphere with food stalls offering Argentine, Chilean, and Uruguayan cuisine, and over 60 tango dancers joining the quintet and guest vocalists for a spectacular performance.  Artist information HERE.

Dinosaurs of Patagonia!

Visit the website for further information and to book tickets.

Our Sponsors - Proud Supporters of Orewa College