The Online Learning Table shows the times when there will be subject specific online lessons with teachers (presently ~2 per week). These online lessons will be through google hangouts, and the links to these google hangouts will be found on a teacher’s site from Wednesday 15th onwards. 

 Teachers will be available for support at other times also but the Online Timetable shows when online lessons will be held. 

 This is the link to our Online Learning Timetable

If you do not have access to a device - chromebook/computer etc and/or internet and have not yet contacted the College, then please contact Marion Lumley at mlm@otakicollege.school.nz.

We are concerned that some students may not have access to online learning and thank the families who have got back to us with their device or Internet needs. We are awaiting the Ministry's final direction on providing devices to those whānau who have contacted us.  For Internet connection needs we have provided the details of those whānau who have contacted us to say that they had no connection.  The Ministry may get in touch with the school or with whānau directly, at this point we are not sure of the process.  

Keeping on line safe

 We would encourage parents, caregivers and whānau to discuss internet safety with your children - of all ages. You should agree with your children what they can do online including sites they can visit and appropriate behaviours including: 

• reviewing and approving games and apps before they are downloaded

• reviewing privacy settings of sites and applications

• checking children’s profiles and what they are posting online

• check the sites your child is accessing

• reminding children that anything that is posted online will be permanently on the internet

• taking the time to understand what sites they are visiting and who they are talking with and check in regularly

• some social media sites have age restrictions to join, check these before letting your child use them or join them

• monitoring a child’s use of the internet and consider having them use it in an open, common area of the house

• making sure your children know to report any activity they don’t feel comfortable with to parents and caregivers straight away.

This is a link to useful safety tips put together by  Manaiakalani and Te Reanga Ipurangi.

There is a unique opportunity during the lockdown of families going out together, albeit it close to home, but if your child is going out on their own it’s still important to check where they are going. 

• Netsafe continues to be available to provide you and your parent and caregiver community with support for online safety. They have information for parents and caregivers and have pulled together their top tips for online safety during the lockdown.  To report an incident To Netsafe - https://www.netsafe.org.nz/reportanincident/

• If you think a child in your care is the victim of online exploitation or abuse, report it to Police - if you or a child are in danger or a crime is being committed, call 111 or visit your nearest Police Station immediately.

If we all work together to make sure children are safe online, we can make the internet a great tool for people of all ages.