Welcome back to the 2024 school year.  After a number of staff call-back days getting ready for students, we are all looking forward to commencing what we hope will be an exciting and rewarding year.  This communication will hopefully clarify key dates and other information which will be useful for the start of the year.

Mobile Phones

You are probably aware that our new Government has recently passed legislation that states that students should not be using mobile phones at College during the school day.  We are proposing a ban on mobile phones but will be sending separate information to you in regard to this matter and the formulation of our new College Policy and Procedure.  The ban will commence from Monday 5 February and means that mobile phones cannot be used in classes or during breaks.  Please discuss this with your child/children.

In Emergencies

It is recommended that, should you have a whānau emergency or wish to contact your child urgently, you ring the school office.  Office staff will make sure that your child is contacted.

Key Dates

Thursday 1 February

09.00am–4:00pm Year 11, 12 and 13 course counselling for students and, if possible, parents – individual appointment times have been emailed home.  No uniform ­required.  

10.00am-1.00pm Year 7 and new Year 8 and 9 students are invited to come to the College Library with their parent/caregiver to meet with their Homeroom or Kaiārahi Teacher and the Principal for a short visit.  No uniform required.  You can make a booking on https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code/dmy65

Monday 5 February

Pōwhiri and full school return but at different times, depending on Year Level.  Correct uniform to be worn.

9:00am RETURNING Students yr 8 and Yr 12 and 13 (assemble in the College Gym)

9:30am All Year 7 and NEW students/staff assemble on ­tennis courts

9:45am Pōwhiri

Following the pōwhiri new students and parents are invited for refreshments in the staffroom.

11:00am RETURNING Yr 9s, 10s and 11s (assemble in Gym)

11:10am– 3:20pm Students in class, followed by a house event in the afternoon.

House Event - Monday afternoon will be an opportunity for our first house event.  This will be taking place in the afternoon, so it is important that your child/children have with them a change of clothes, a hat, water and sunblock.   New students will be told their houses on Monday.

(Buses will run as for normal school day)

Friday 1 March

Athletics Day

Tuesday 5 March

Swimming Sports

Thursday 28 March (day before Easter Break)

Teacher Only Day.  College closed.

Saturday 29 June

Matariki Night Market - please diary this date now.

New Staff Member

We would like to welcome Genevieve Vine to the College.  Genevieve is an experienced English and Soft Materials Technology teacher.  We feel very fortunate to have Genevieve joining us and look forward to her engagement with our young people.

School Lunches

In 2024 school lunches will continue to be provided at first break.  We will no longer be using Libelle but now have Te Puna Oranga o Ōtaki providing lunches to our students.  These will commence on Monday 5 February and we look forward to a variety of high quality hot and cold foods on offer to our students this year.

Thanks To ...

I would like to acknowledge the following people for their ongoing support of the College:-

Chris Parkin

Our sincere thanks to Chris for his continued support which has recently enabled students to attend courses at the Hillary Outdoors Education Centre and at Outward Bound.  These experiences are life changing and invariably build our students' resilience and leadership skills, which in turn is highly beneficial to our community.

Kāpiti Kindness Trust

Sincere thanks to Martin Sloman and the Kāpiti Kindness Trust for their donation to support whānau who may be struggling financially to meet uniform or stationery costs.

Graeme and Michelle Peter

Sincere thanks for their generous contribution which also is to support whānau who require help with uniform or stationery items.  The ongoing kindness and support of the Peter family is greatly appreciated.

Whānau Support

Please be aware that in no way do we want uniform costs or stationery/device costs to stop students attending College.  If any whānau find themselves in a position where they are struggling with finances please do not hesitate to call me directly or email using the following contact details: email afs@otakicollege.school.nz or mobile - 027 432 8829.

We are here to help.

Mauri ora, Matua Andy Fraser, Principal