From the Senior Leadership Team

From Principal's desk

Tena Koutou Katoa

Once again, thank you to all the students, staff and parents for the wonderful welcome you have given me.
A big welcome back to all the students to Term 3, 'the engine room' of the academic year. 
Year 11-13 students will be busy completing internal assessments and preparing for the exams which are fast approaching in Term 4.
The enrolment process for 2025 is about to begin so let your friends and family know to keep an eye out on facebook and the OHS website for important information.
It has been pleasing to see most students responding to high expectations around uniform and attendance. We will be looking to continue to raise the bar around these in term 3. 
Please make sure the students leave for school ready to learn with all the equipment they need (e.g. Chromebooks and PE gear).
I will also be talking with the junior (7-10) year groups in the coming weeks about what is expected in the classroom around learning and behaviour. Students that continually disrupt the learning of others will be meeting with me for a principal's warning and contact home will be made so you are aware of the issue and what you can do to help.
Wednesday assemblies are an important opportunity to celebrate all the great things going on in our school and community. I will be giving senior students the chance to lead these assemblies, and we will be on the lookout for inspirational speakers who can make connections to the community and life after school. If you feel you have something to offer please get in touch with the school. 

Todd Malcolm
Principal

Y9-10 WORK EXPERIENCE DAY 29 AUGUST 2024

Year 9 and 10 students have a Work Experience Day on the 29th of August. This day is organised by parents for their children.

There are no Year 9-10 classes at school on this date. Work Experience can be pivotal to exploring possible careers and helping students to decide which options to choose going forward.
Often this solidifies students’ aspirations and acts as a motivator when their energy for school starts to flag. Sometimes it makes it clear to students that this pathway is not the one for them. Now is a great time to start talking to students about what they might want to do when they leave school and where they could visit to get a taste of it. They may be able to shadow a family member, friend or neighbour. Please watch this video about work shadowing that discusses seven steps, from deciding who to approach, how students should behave and what to do afterwards. Families are asked to complete the Google form on this link when they have secured a placement for the day. The photo is of our 2024 head girl on the work experience she did in Year 10.
If you have questions regarding this day, please get in contact with your child’s whānau teacher.

School ball

The School ball is coming up on September the 14th.  This year it will be held at school from 7pm until 11pm. Students in Year 11, 12 and 13 are allowed to attend.  
Only Year 13 students are permitted to bring a partner that does not attend Otamatea High School.  All outside partners will need the approval of the senior Leadership team to attend.  Year 13 students intending to bring an outside partner must complete an application for their partner.  These forms are available from the front office.

Tickets cost $90 and go on sale Monday the August 5 for year 12 and year 13 students.  Tickets for year 11 students go on sale on Monday August 12. Tickets can be purchased from the main school office.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Thank you to the many whanau who attended our parent teacher interviews on Wednesday afternoon. It was lovely to engage with whanau and meet some new faces around the hall. 

You can always get hold of any of your child's teachers by emailing them directly or contacting the school. 
Here is the link to our website which lists all the teachers and support staff. https://www.otamatea.school.nz/our-school/staff