I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our students and whānau for the efforts that they have made both in academic studies and other aspects of College life to again make this a memorable and exciting year of achievements.
Over this time we have noted that many students have made significant gains in their academic progress and, despite the pressures that have been placed on students through the introduction of the CAAs (Common Assessment Activities), it is pleasing to see that this year our Level 1 Literacy and Numeracy results have both met and surpassed the national average.
I am really proud that we have continued to excel in competitions with other schools and I particularly wish to congratulate all the students who have been involved in EPro8 and Evolocity for your outstanding efforts.
Life at secondary school is not just about academic study and, once again, we have seen a number of our sports teams succeeding at a high level in a number of codes. A huge thanks to coaches, managers and students for your efforts and sportsmanship during the sporting year.
While school has continued to operate throughout the year, it has not always been easy and I wish to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge whānau for both your patience and support during teacher industrial action. The emails of support have been greatly appreciated and acknowledge the time, effort and energy our teachers devote to the work that they do.
There has been a lot of pressure brought to bear on schools this year, both with the pace of curriculum change that is expected, alongside the other aspects of education reform including the removal of board obligations to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. While I have not set out to use these newsletters to politicise my own views, I have felt that it has been incredibly important to keep all whānau fully aware about what is happening in education and the potential impact that this will have on our students. I have included below the recent findings of the NZ Principals' Federation research into the proposed "knowledge based curriculum" and the media release that will come with this research. You can also read here a copy of the combined letter that will be sent to the Minister of Education from all the Principals that make up the O.K. (Ōtaki/Kāpiti) Principals' Group which reaffirms the position we have taken as individual schools.
From the NZ Principals' Federation ...
Kia ora koutou,
The New Zealand Principals’ Federation has today published a report looking at the long-term effects of a knowledge-rich curriculum. It captures crucial lessons from England’s 10 years of experience that our government should be applying when revising the New Zealand curriculum.
Please take the time to check out the research paper, which you can find on our website here: https://nzpf.ac.nz/englands-knowledge-rich-curriculum-lessons-for-aotearoa-new-zealand/
To support this, we will be issuing a statement to media, which you can read here: https://hail.to/new-zealand-principals-federation/article/ECHgTfd
In Closing
Despite all the political noise I just want to pass on my sincere thanks to you all for the support you give to Ōtaki College. I would like to wish you all a very safe, happy and relaxing Christmas and New Year with whānau and friends. I look forward to 2026 which is going to be an incredibly exciting year as we continue to make transformational changes in the College to continue to provide a high quality education to all our students.
Week beginning 17 November
Kauri: Lily Inglis
Mataī: Carys Watkins
Rimu: Harrison Roper
Tōtara: Oliver Mills
Week beginning 1 December
Kauri: Leo Ngan
Mataī: Lucy Rasmussen
Rimu: Tayla Page
Tōtara: Sophie McCarrison
Our 2025 Magazine can be read online on our website: https://www.otakicollege.school.nz/magazine
Connect Church for supplying gift packs for Ōtaki Whānau. Your kindness and care are greatly appreciated.
2026
Wed 28 Jan - 2nd hand uniform day, 10.00-2.00pm
Mon 2 Feb - Years 7-8 Meet the Teacher and Years 9-13 Course Confirmation
Wed 4 Feb - Full School Return (different times for different Year Levels). (This date differs from previously published information).
Term 1 Holidays (including Easter)
Fri 3 Apr - Sun 19 Apr
View our full calendar here.
Anyone who has not received an enrolment confirmation email prior to this date should come into the College on Monday 2 February between 1.00 and 4.00pm to meet with a Kaihautū (Dean) and complete their enrolment.
Ōtaki College is seeking caring local families to host our international students. Hosting is a rewarding way to share our community and culture while providing a safe and welcoming home for a young person from another country.
If you’re interested or would like more information, please contact Tania (ttk@otakicollege.school.nz)
Uniform is sold through McAndrews Menswear, State Highway One, Ōtaki. McAndrews’ January Uniform Shop hours will be: Jan 12-16 9am-5pm, Sat Jan 17 1.00pm-4.00pm, Jan 19-23 9am -5pm, Sat Jan 24 1-4pm, Jan 26-30 9am -5pm, Sat 31 Jan 1-4pm. McAndrews have requested that parents call the store on 06 2102509 or call in to make an appointment as they will be running allocated appointment times.
There will be a second-hand uniform day at College on Wed 28 Jan from 10.00am-2.00pm. Eftpos available - follow the signs from the Main Office.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award equips rangatahi for promising futures by challenging young people to develop skills and tools to improve themselves – and their communities.
For information about the Duke of Edinburgh's Award at College contact Carrie Yaxley on carrieyaxley@gmail.com or Kent Pollard on kpl@otakicollege.school.nz.
https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/libraries/services-at-our-libraries/skinny-jump/
Kāpiti Libraries believes everyone deserves equal opportunities to learn and thrive in our digital world. We have partnered up with the Skinny Jump service to provide super-affordable broadband to Kāpiti homes.
Skinny Jump is flexible, affordable prepaid broadband. When you sign up, you'll receive a modem with 35GB of data; after that, each top-up costs $5 for 35GB of data, with a maximum of 6 plan renewals per month. You'll get a modem at no cost, but you'll need to return it if you stop using Skinny Jump.
Skinny Jump is for those who don't have a broadband connection at home because cost is a barrier.
We specifically support those most at risk of digital exclusion, as identified in the government's digital inclusion blueprint. If one or more of the following sounds like you, then you will be eligible for the service:
Families with children
Job seekers
Seniors
People with disabilities
Refugees and migrant communities
Those residing in social housing