School news

Kete raffle results

Results of DOE Kete Raffle drawn at the senior prizegiving afternoon tea by Mr Llew Smart, Board Chairperson.

Draw number one : Hanna Stephens Blue 47
Draw number two :Mark and Natalie McKenzie Green 11
Draw number three : Ann Braddock Blue 68

Thank you very much to everyone who bought tickets in this raffle to support our DOE students.
Award Leaders,
Robyn Baker
Robyn Bruce

Year 10  camp Kai iwi lakes

From the 3rd to the  6th of December we have our annual Year 10 camp at Kai iwi lakes  Over the four days students will have the opportunity to participate in range of activities including Waka ama, mountain biking, kayaking, standup paddle boarding.  Students have been given permission slips that need to be signed and returned to the school office as soon as possible.  The cost of camp this year is $120.00.  
We are wanting all Year 10 students to attend camp. There will be no timetabled classes at school during this time, but supervision will be available for students that do not attend.
Parent help is always appreciated if you would like to attend camp for all or part of the time please contact adrian.cooling@otamatea.school.nz

Northland Secondary Schools Sports (NSSSA) Golf fun day

The Sunny Monday of  November 4th, saw nine Year 7’s and Year 8’s in the Northland Secondary Schools Sports ( NSSSA) Golf fun day at Sherwood Park Golf Club in Whangarei. 125 students from all over Northland participated. The course was beautiful and set up well.  There were three options to participate in; a full 18 holes, a 9 hole Ambrose and a ‘have a go - beginners’ event which consisted of coaching (chipping, putting and at the driving range) before completing a mini course. 

Jack and Harry Brown took on the mammoth task of competing in the full 18 hole course. Many of the field regularly play in Year 9 and Year 10 competitions, tracking stablefords and handicaps. Both Jack and Harry performed well on a course new to them. The greens alternated between being fast and spongy.  With most holes an average of 350 m, there are the occasional long holes (the longest being about 460m) and a few shorter 128m, 139m and 161 meters, the 71 Par course is an undertaking for a Year 8 student. 

Natasha Kaltak and Esme Worsfold, having never played golf before, enjoyed the coaching.  It was a great opportunity to experience what golf can be like. This is an annual event for all Year 7’s to Year 10’s - golf clubs are provided. 

Imogen had the pleasure of being the support crew of the 9 hole Ambrose group which consisted of Percy McLeod, Manu Martin, Kahu Kite Kingi, Sam Hoddle and Havahn Hill. Starting on the 7th, the boys had trees, bunkers and a few ponds to contend with. An Ambrose Tournament means everyone tee’s off but the best ball is taken, which occasionally isn’t the one closest to the flag. This reoccurs until the group is on the green.  Sam really managed to putt some rather tricky putts effectively. Both Manu and Kahu have great drives, although a few did want to see the trees. Havahn had never played before and Percy held his own throughout with constant hits.  The boys had such a great day that whilst they were waiting for the ‘18 holers’ to finish they decided to play a few more holes. 

Kauri Museum Trip

A group of students from the learning centre enjoyed a visit to the Kauri Museum in Matakohe. Education outside the classroom is a really important way for our students to make connections in the community, learn about local history and gain confidence relating to others. The highlight was the treasure hunt where the students got to look for artefacts in the museum that matched their game board. It was a challenging tasks and the students demonstrated resilience in persistence in finding all the answers. 

Sustainable Kaipara Visit

On Monday, Margaret from Sustainable Kaipara came to help our year 7 class complete a waste audit. Students spent the morning sorting rubbish from around the school in to categories to help determine potential waste and recycling focus areas.

Congratulations Anahera

Anahera's team came 3rd in U18 Girls Elite at Hoopnations over Labour weekend. Anahera was the highest scorer. 
Anahera also won Most Promising Player in the U18 girls category at the Harbour Basketball prizegiving.

New Zealand Mountain Trail Championships

Denika Clooney travelled with her coach Lisa Cross to Christchurch on the 19th and 20th October and ran the 6km NZ Mountain Trail Championships.
Denika came second in the female section and 6th overall with a time 30:14 (2nd in the under 18 ladies section)
This is a excellent achievement.

BINGO Challenge

Monday, the 4th November was the start of our inaugural Summer Bingo Challenge. It will run until February 2025 so there is lots of time to complete a square.
Each square is an entry to our draw. Complete one square or all 12! This is for our entire school community, students and whanau. Read to your ability - Audiobooks qualify.
Summer issues will be available at the end of the term. The Kaipara Libraries have free online memberships and an updated, upgraded Library in Mangawhai.
Email the Library - Imogen.McLeod@otamatea.school.nz with any questions or to get a paper copy.

Senior Students (Y11-13) Examination Tutorials - End of Year 2024

Chromebooks

At Otamatea High School, it is expected that all students from years 10-13 bring a Chromebook to school each day to assist with their learning. The Chromebook should be charged and in a protective case. 

If whānau are not able to provide a Chromebook each day for their child(ren), it is vital we know as early as possible so that we can support you in providing this important piece of equipment for your child's learning.  

Please fill in and submit the form below whether or not you are able to provide a Chromebook for your child.

https://forms.gle/YtWvikcHxMNHqfWJ6

Vacancy: Technology Teacher (Flexible Hours)

Are you passionate about engineering, design, or woodwork? Do you want to inspire the next generation of innovators? We have the perfect opportunity for you!
Position: Technology Teacher
Location: Otamatea High School
Hours: Flexible (Part-time or Full-time options available)
What We’re Looking For:
* Experience in engineering, design, or woodwork.
* Strong communication skills and a passion for teaching.
* No teaching registration necessary—industry experience is valued!
* Ability to foster creativity and hands-on learning in a dynamic environment.
What We Offer:
* Flexible working hours to suit your schedule.
* A collaborative and supportive team.
* Opportunities to shape practical, skills-based learning.
How to Apply:
Send your CV and a brief cover letter detailing your experience to: tracy.creighton@otamatea.school.nz
Applications close on 15 November 2024.
For any questions, please contact Lee Dainty lee.dainty@otamatea.school.nz

Report an absence

You can notify the school of an absence using the portal, by phone at 0800 682 628, option 1, or by email at absence@otamatea.school.nz.
The old google form is no longer in use, our school website will take you to the portal if you click on 'Report an Absence'. Please note that you need to log on to the portal before you will see the option to do this.
Our school portal has been updated and the new address is https://otamatea.school.kiwi/
If you need help with accessing this please email Mrs Cadman alison.cadman@otamatea.school.nz

For any bus passes, after school arrangements, student needs or requests, please email studentcentre@otamatea.school.nz