“Thanks from me to everyone who helped make the Night Market such a special occasion - specifically to Anje Glindemann (entertainment), Cam Butler (kai stalls) and Claire Roper (market stalls), for their incredible support in organising. Also to all the parents, teachers and students who stepped up to help with the set up sessions, decorations, stalls and jobs on the night and then the clean-up. There are too many of you to name but you know who you are!”
Week beginning 23 June
Kauri: Oriana Roberts
Mataī: Ruby Ansell
Rimu: Paris Graham
Tōtara: Makaia Royal-Meyer Strawbridge
Week beginning 14 July
Kauri: Scott Eastwood
Mataī: Kieran Butler
Rimu: Mischa Gill
Tōtara: Faith Harris
Week beginning 21 July
Kauri: Lucien Roberts
Mataī: Finn Butler
Rimu: Elsie O'Sullivan
Tōtara: Elina Valu
Week beginning 28 July
Kauri: Emily Downes
Mataī: Pippa King
Rimu: Liam Arahanga
Tōtara: Liam Paroli
Wed Aug 8 Nominations for BoT Close
Week beginning 11 August - Derived Grade Exams
Mon 18 August - Teacher Only Day - College Closed
View our full calendar here.
This will be happening on Mon 18 August (Teacher Only Day) and is likely to last for 3 days. This may mean that students have only intermittent wifi access on the 19th and 20th.
As road works are still slowing traffic on Mill Road, Waerenga Rd is the best place to drop off and pick up students. Our bus company has asked for parents not to park in the designated space for buses. Your help will be much appreciated.
Kia ora e te whānau,
Important Consultation: The Future of Secondary School Qualifications
I am writing to let you know that today the Minister of Education, Erica Stanford, has launched a consultation about a significant proposal: replacing NCEA with new national secondary school qualifications.
I know families may feel surprised or concerned by this news. Please be assured that NCEA remains a well-recognised and valuable qualification for all current students. These changes are not immediate—there will be plenty of time to understand and prepare for what’s ahead. Your feedback is welcome and vital to shape how any changes are made.
What is the Proposal?
The government is exploring new qualifications for New Zealand secondary schools, aiming to create a system that is clear, inclusive, and internationally credible. The key ideas are:
· Replacing NCEA Level 1 with a new Foundational Skills Award in Year 11.
· Introducing two new senior qualifications:
· The New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) in Year 12
· The New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) in Year 13
· A curriculum and qualifications more closely connected, with clearer pathways for both academic and vocational futures.
· A simpler and fairer way to assess, with marks out of 100 and letter grades for each subject, making results easier to understand.
· More consistency across schools, and subject requirements that help young people build strong literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
What Stays the Same?
NCEA remains a strong, internationally respected qualification—students working towards it now will continue to be recognised, and their hard work will be valued.
Supporting all learners remains at the centre: every young person deserves the chance to succeed and find their purpose, whether their passion is academic, vocational, or both.
Teachers, whānau and students will help shape any changes—this consultation seeks your input.
Who Does This Affect, and When?
Current students in Years 9 and above: No changes. They will complete your secondary qualifications under the current NCEA system.
Current Year 8 students: They will be the first to experience the new curriculum and awards, starting from Year 11 in 2028.
There is plenty of time to get ready: no student will miss out or fall through the cracks.
Why Change?
Our senior secondary qualification should reflect Aotearoa’s values—fairness, curiosity, the chance for every young person to thrive and contribute to our communities. The aim is to strengthen the system, not start over. National consultation is happening now to ensure the voice of every community is heard. Change will be gradual, careful, and involve teachers, parents, and students each step of the way.
What Happens Next?
You will soon receive a summary document from the Ministry of Education, with answers to common questions, a detailed timeline, and ways to get involved. I encourage you to read these and share your thoughts.
Further information is available here.
How Can You Have a Say?
Consultation runs until 15 September 2025.
You can find out more and share your views at: education.govt.nz/have-your-say/consultation-proposal-replace-ncea/details
Or email: NCEAconsultation@education.govt.nz
I will keep you updated as details become available, and our priority will always be to support your child’s learning, wellbeing and future opportunities.
Ngā mihi nui,
Andy Fraser
On 24 July 70 students watched a fantastic performance of Rere Atu Taku Poi performed by Taki Rua Productions. This performance was nearly entirely in Te Reo Māori and featured creative set designs and skilled performances of poi and waiata. The students enjoyed it and two even participated on stage showing their poi skills. Some feedback included: "I loved the Nan and the jokes about Matua Andy." "I didn't understand everything they said but I knew exactly what was happening because the performance was so good and clever.".
Olivia Fogden
Olivia has been selected as the Adult Distance Riding Scholarship recipient for 25/26 year, an impressive achievement.
"These scholarships are awarded to one adult member and one youth member who are deemed to be ambassadors for DRNZ showing high levels of horsemanship and sportsmanship. The recipients of the scholarship will receive free entry to all DRNZ events for the 2024/2025 season as well as coaching by an experienced longstanding endurance rider."
and to ...
Kita Kanavatoa who recently attended the U18 Māori and Hurricanes Regional Development Camps.
and to ...
Cody Lewis who has been selected to represent Ōtaki College and the Manawatū Whanganui Weightlifting Club at the NZ Secondary School Championships later in August.
A group of 16 students from Namiki High School joined our Year 11 Japanese class for what I call "Speed Dating" where they shared a scripted exchange of information about themselves, their interests, favourite music, movies, pets, sports and hobbies. The students from Namiki interacted with our Otaki College Students who were delighted to use what they have been learning in an authentic exchange of information.
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.