He Pito Mata
He Pito Mata
30 June 2023
30 June 2023
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From the Principal:
From the Principal:
Ka rere ngā purapura a Matariki.
Ka rere ngā purapura a Matariki.
The seeds of Matariki are falling.
The seeds of Matariki are falling.
We are now at the end of Term Two and I would like to take this opportunity to again apologise for the disruption in learning that has taken place over the last two terms, despite much of this being out of our control. I only hope that an arbitration process will be put in place to enable a settlement on the salary and conditions that are currently being negotiated. As whānau you will be quite concerned around your child’s academic progress, as we are, but I can assure you that all staff will be doing their utmost to get the best possible outcomes by the end of this year. If you wish to seek further support around your child’s learning, please do not hesitate to contact their Kaiārahi teacher to organise to discuss this further.
In 2014 Marion organised the "Open the Box Day" to celebrate the arrival of chromebooks as a teaching and learning tool for Year 7&8 classes
Departure of Marion Lumley
Departure of Marion Lumley
It is with great sadness that I wish to acknowledge the departure of Marion Lumley from our staff at Ōtaki College but I wish her all the very best in her travels and future retirement. Marion first commenced at Ōtaki College in 1999 in the role of English and Social Studies teacher. Following her appointment she quickly developed a reputation as a high performing classroom teacher who was well respected by students and whānau. In 2003 she became Co-Dean of the Year 7&8 Department and later added Head of Department to her pastoral responsibilities. The Junior School curriculum expanded in her capable hands as she brought her science and arts expertise to the Department. E-Learning became a major focus for Marion and she was granted an E-Learning Fellowship in 2009. Her future focussed ideas around the place of technology in education and how this could be implemented to get better learning outcomes for all students became invaluable when she was co-opted onto the Senior Leadership Team. At that time Marion played a leading role in building our partnerships, not only with other schools, but with key staff in the Manaiakalani Team in Auckland. This relationship lead to the launching of the Chromebooks in Schools programme, alongside Te Reanga Ipurangi Trust. Marion has continued to lead much of this work, utilising the Learn Create Share pedagogy, across the College.
This work, alongside her exceptional organisational skills and understanding of change management, lead to her appointment as Deputy Principal in 2013. Since this appointment, Marion has undertaken many high level strategic portfolios and has excelled in her ability to fulfil the requirements within these. She has been a key member of the team, acting as a conduit between staff and senior leadership as well as being a go-to person for many whānau when they are seeking support for their tamariki. Marion’s departure will leave a huge hole in the College’s Senior Leadership Team, however, I can take this opportunity to announce that Dawn Hirschberg and Jess Torley have been officially co-opted onto the Senior Leadership Team for the remainder of 2023.
Wishing Marion all the best and a huge thank you from staff, past and present students, and whānau for an outstanding career as an educator and senior school leader.
Otaki Scholars
Otaki Scholars
On July 16th we are looking forward to meeting our two Otaki Scholars who will be arriving from Scotland to commence their NZ tour. It is always exciting to see the Scholars and the tradition continuing on since the COVID disruption. This tour will be the final catch up from COVID years and will enable us to welcome Anish Subramaniam and Mathew Cranfield at the commencement of their tour with a pōwhiri which will take place at Raukawa Marae on Tuesday 18th July at 11.00am. At the conclusion of the pōwhiri our scholars will participate in a tour of Ōtaki, hosted by Pataka Moore and joined by the College Ngā Ringa Whero (Heads of School Team). This will be followed up by a trip to Kāpiti Island which, once again, has been sponsored by the generosity of Kapiti Island Nature Tours. Sincere thanks to John Barrett and the Kāpiti Island Nature Tours team. Following on from there the scholars will be meeting with our Mayor, Janet Holborow, laying a wreath on the SS Otaki Commemoration Monument, and rock climbing in our local region, before setting off to the South Island.
Please see the the Scholars’ bios below.
Anish Subramaniam, Robert Gordon’s College, Otaki Scholar 2022
Anish Subramaniam, Robert Gordon’s College, Otaki Scholar 2022
Anish joined the College in 2012 after moving from a local primary school. Having graduated in 2022, he is now currently pursuing a degree in medicine at the University of Edinburgh.
Anish’s musical instrument of choice is the Violin, having played in several school concerts as a member of the Senior Strings. He also sang in the Chamber Choir and plays the piano. Being a keen debater, he also represented the College at various local and national competitions, winning ‘Best Speaker’ on several occasions.
Anish was also heavily involved with the College’s Student Council, Sustainability Group and Medical Ethics Society, being co-leader for the last few years. For sport, Anish played a mixture of Cricket and Badminton at the College, and continues to enjoy these passions at University. Anish also plays chess, having represented Scotland at a number of international tournaments. During his final year at the College, he was named as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for the City of Aberdeen.
Having been selected as a youth ambassador for ONE UK over the last 3 years, Anish has been an active campaigner for addressing global health inequalities & climate change - having spoken at COP26 for NYT and lobbied MPs at Parliament. He is also a youth representative for Interfaith Scotland and recently founded the Edinburgh University Hindu Society.
Anish was honoured to be selected as School Captain for the 2021-22 session and is really looking forward to travelling to New Zealand in 2023 to represent the College and further build relationships with the welcoming New Zealand community.
Matthew Cranfield, Robert Gordon's College, 2023 Otaki Scholar
Matthew Cranfield, Robert Gordon's College, 2023 Otaki Scholar
Matthew joined Robert Gordon’s College in 2010 in his first year at primary school, and has attended the College for his entire school career. He has applied to study Medicine at university after studying Biology, Chemistry and French at Advanced Higher level.. Matthew’s interests are varied including acting, musical theatre and playing the guitar as well as playing rugby and skiing.
Performing with a local drama group since the age of 5, Matthew recently achieved Grade 8 Musical Theatre with Distinction and will soon be performing in ‘Oklahoma’ in the leading role ‘Curly’.
Matthew is always keen to improve his fitness, working part time at a local gym. He has played rugby at school since age 10 and captained RGCs 2nd XV rugby team this year. He looks forward to being involved in New Zealand’s rugby-centric sport culture.
Matthew has been selected many times throughout his years at the college for media positions, speaking in radio adverts and the College's open day livestreams and doing press work for show promotion outside of school for Phoenix Youth Theatre.
Matthew is extremely honoured and grateful to be selected as School Captain 2022-23 and is very much looking forward to visiting New Zealand to represent the College, and to make new friends and immerse himself in the culture and community of New Zealand.
I wish all our students an enjoyable holiday break. A reminder to all our whānau to attend the Matariki Night Market on Thursday 13th July from 6.00pm-9.00pm. As always, if you have any worries, ideas or questions please do not hesitate to call me, email me or pop in when you are passing.
Andy Fraser, Tumuaki/Principal
College Notices:
College Notices:
Important Dates to Diary
Important Dates to Diary
Last Day of Term 2: Fri 30 June
Matariki Night Market: Thurs 13 July
First Day of Term 3: Monday 17 July
Week Beginning 17 July: Otaki Scholars arrive from Scotland
Youth Careers Expo: 26 July 2023
Final_Poster (1).pdfAll Year 10-13 students will be bused down to this expo, at different times of the day. Whanau are also welcome to make their own way there.
Congratulations to our PB4L Prize Draw winners:
Congratulations to our PB4L Prize Draw winners:
Week beginning 26 June
Kauri: Hannah Cook
Mataī: Leo Barrett
Rimu: Daemin Berkland-Norris
Tōtara: Zane Sherman
Week beginning 19 June
Kauri: Zach Heenan
Mataī: Lucy Rasmussen
Rimu: Tu Turvey
Tōtara: EJ Milldove-Henderson
Week beginning 12 June
Kauri: Jessica Ngan
Mataī: Hine Marer
Rimu: Saren O'Sullivan
Tōtara: Savannah Lynn
Noel Leeming Offer.pdfŌTAKI COLLEGE INVITATION (1).pdfNews and Events
News and Events
Diversity Day
Diversity Day
We recently celebrated NZ Pride Week (June 12-16) by having a Rainbow Diversity non uniform day. We had shared kai, music and games at lunchtime and it was great to see students spending time together in a relaxed environment. Our koha will support the Inside Out organisation.
Our cupcake decorating competition was won by Ruby Rasmussen, Rose Reynolds, Hannah Thompson and Aimee Heenan.
The link below has been recommended as a helpful guide to support young people navigating gender awareness.
Community Notices
Community Notices
MATARIKI MADNESS is a free celebration for the whole whānau! Join us for art, kai, face painting, kawhe and live waiata from ANIKA MOA and HALfCAST!
MATARIKI MADNESS is a free celebration for the whole whānau! Join us for art, kai, face painting, kawhe and live waiata from ANIKA MOA and HALfCAST!
From 9am - 3pm, 14th July at The Hori Gallery and Te Church Cafe, 84 Moana Street, Ōtaki Beach. Mauri ora!
From 9am - 3pm, 14th July at The Hori Gallery and Te Church Cafe, 84 Moana Street, Ōtaki Beach. Mauri ora!
Steam Incorporated is an Incorporated Society, dedicated to the restoration to full working order of ex-New Zealand Government Railways locomotives and rolling stock to provide unique rail journeys on the KiwiRail railway lines of New Zealand, educating the children of today on what rail travel in New Zealand once was like, and the importance it held within our local communities.
This ‘one-day-only’ event on the 8th is a huge undertaking, offering 10 different train experiences for the individual or the whole family! From a breakfast onboard as we race through the Hutt Valley, or an afternoon sprint up the Kapiti Coast to Paekakariki traversing the Escarpment, we’ve got something for everyone. Train services depart from Wellington, Upper Hutt and Paekakariki, being hauled by our 1956-built steam locomotive heading north, and our 1955-built diesel electric locomotive heading south.
All details are here: https://steaminc.org.nz/book-train-trip/school-holiday-steam/
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