From the Senior Leadership Team

Last Thursday a number of staff and prefects attended the four local ANZAC day services - at Maungaturoto, Waipu, Matakohe and Hakaru. Our prefects were excellent ambassadors for our school and dressed in their full prefect's uniform, presented wreaths to honour not only those who fought and died in Gallipoli, but in other wars across the globe. At assembly on Wednesday, students heard of the importance of ANZAC day, and the ANZAC spirit of courage, determination, and mateship. Lest we forget.

It was disappointing to hear that the Brynderwyns will be closed for longer than planned due to the recent slip. I would like to thank all of those in our community who are travelling to and from school via one of the alternative routes, and especially our Waipu bus students, for their patience as this important work is completed. You can read the article about the delay, and watch the video here.

Please note that on Thursday the 23rd of May, school will be finishing at 12.30pm for a paid PPTA union meeting. These meetings are happening nationwide and Otamatea High School is hosting this meeting for a number of our neighbouring high schools.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Our parent teacher interviews are coming up on Wednesday 15th May, starting at 1pm. I strongly recommend that all caregivers come along to meet their student's teachers, learn about what they are doing in class and discuss any concerns they might have. I believe it is important that our children know that we are in touch with their teachers and where possible, are on the same team when it comes to their education.  You are welcome to bring your child along to these meetings, but it is not compulsory to do so.  
Instructions for booking interviews have been emailed to parents and also feature later in this pānui.

No phones at school

From Monday this week, our school has followed the nationwide regulation around phones not being used at all by any student, during class time, and at all breaktimes. Well done to all the students who have been following these rules.  

Golden Kauri

This term we have re-introduced the paper Golden Kauri ticket.

The Golden Kauri is a system we use to recognise and reward positive student behaviour at school.  This term we have reintroduced the paper golden Kauri tickets.  Students that are awarded a Golden Kauri have consistently demonstrated the schools ‘WAKA’ values, Whanaungatana (positive relationships and working together), Ako, (learning) Kaitiakitanga (taking care of our environment) and Aroha (care and respect).

Each week all students that have been awarded a Golden Kauri go into the draw for a canteen Voucher.  At the end of the year the top 40 students (students with the most golden Kauris) from Year 7,8,9 and 10 celebrate their success with a trip to Rainbows end.  The Student council and Prefects are currently coming up with a suitable reward for the top Year 11,12 and 13 students.

The new Golden Kauri ticket was designed by our Head Boy Zander Groenewald.