Ra Haka 

Pink Shirt Day

As part of NZ Bully Free Week we held our annual Pink Shirt Day last Friday.

The message of Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora- Speak Up, Stand Together and Stop Bullying was promoted through both the student Wellbeing and Arts councils. There were assembly presentations and lunchtime activities on the day promoting positive messages about kindness.

Our staff and students dressed in pink and it was a very positive school day.

Visiting Author

In Week Three, we were incredibly lucky to have a visit from New Zealand author and illustrator, Donvan Bixley. Donovan enthralled a number of Year Seven to Nine students (and staff) with his entertaining look at how an author and illustrator creates a book. Donovan is well known for his titles such as 'Monkey Boy', his series 'Flying Furballs' and numerous picture books in both English and Te Reo. He also collaborates with a number of other New Zealand authors to illustrate and write. Donovan also spoke about his work with Disney, but saved the top secret details 😞 Donvan also highlighted the importance of the qualities of resilience and perseverance, when speaking of his books being rejected multiple times from publishers, and the development of his ideas, but never giving up. 

 Thanks to Read NZ/Te Pou Muramura for enabling Donvan's wonderful visit through their 'Writers in Schools' Scheme. 

ODE3 Survival Trip

Ngā Manu Kōrero 

 Donald Hall and Krisha Modi hold a copy of local photographer, Billie Taylor's, new book "The Shape of Grief".  Ann Chapman wrote about this moving publication in the June edition of the Ōtaki Mail ... the article is reproduced here, with the permission of the Mail.

Whanganui Exchange

Ōtaki College students, Donald and Kate Hall recently competed for the NZSS inline hockey cup.

Their team, The Dropouts, representing eight different schools from New Plymouth, Hastings, Otaki & Wellington, played some challenging games against opponents from schools in Waihi, Hamilton, New Plymouth and Horowhenua & Manawatu in the Round Robin games.

As the tournament progressed the team gelled and significantly improved their game. They played hard and fair in the two final games winning them both to take out the gold for the mixed team division.

The tournament was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants.