From the Principal

New Staff at Ōtaki College

We are pleased to welcome:

• Penny Quinn, Curriculum Leader of Social Sciences

• Luciana Abriata, Teacher of Mathematics

• Evan Hunt, Teacher of Digital Technologies

• Gurmeet Bhatia, Teacher of Mathematics

• Alison Tennant, Year 7&8 Homeroom Teacher

• Janine Moody, Art Therapist

• Tara Harris, Teacher Aide

Uniform

I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to all of our College whānau for their support in getting our students into College uniform.  While there have been some changes to our uniform combinations our young people are looking stunning.  A couple of small reminders:

• Black shoes should not have any visible logos on them

• Earrings: studs and small sleepers only may be worn (nothing that dangles).  This is particularly imortant for health and safety reasons

• Hair colour - we have no problem with students having streaks in their hair or a recolour, but we would point out that this should be a natural colour and not of such a nature that it stands out.

Mobile Phones

Staff really appreciate the overwhelming support by whānau/parents for the removal of cellphone use in classes.  Please continue to remind your child that if they are bringing a mobile phone to school that the only time they can use this, and earphones, is at interval and lunchtime.  In case of emergencies we would once again encourage you to call the office so that we can help support students and manage the situation.

Strategic Plan

The Ōtaki College Board of Trustees will be reviewing the College Strategic Plan over 2020.  This is a significant piece of work as it will help evaluate the direction that the College takes to provide the best possible educational and social outcomes for students at the College.  In order to do this there will be a strong emphasis on connecting with student, staff and whānau/parent voice and the voice of the wider Ōtaki community.  Over the course of this year we will keep you updated on opportunities for you to share your thoughts and ideas along with the sharing of the plan as it is developed.

In addition to the Principal, our Board of Trustee Members are:

• Dale Nakhla - Chair - dalenakhla@gmail.com

• Paul Carlyon - Deputy Chair

• Penny Gaylor

• Chris Humphreys

• Maewa Kaihau

• Kahe Nakhla, Student Representative

• Sarah Ropata

• Natasha Simpson, Staff Representative

• Shelly Warwick

Portfolios have been allocated as follows:

CURRICULUM & LEARNING: Natasha Simpson

FINANCE: Penny Gaylor

WHĀNAU AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Sarah Ropata, Maewa Kaihau

PERSONNEL: Dale Nakhla

PROPERTY: Chris Humphreys

PLANNING & REVIEW: Paul Carlyon

STUDENT WELFARE: Kahe Nakhla, Natasha Simpson

TANGATA WHENUA: Maewa Kaihau

HEALTH & SAFETY: Shelly Warwick

Student Success

Over the Christmas break a number of our students have taken up exciting opportunities which have certainly helped them to grow as young people.  We have also had students gain notification that over 2020 they will be involved in some exciting opportunities.  Their stories will be told in this Newsletter and those that follow.