Ōtaki College – A High Performing School
Recently the New Zealand Herald and Dominion Post ran stories on the recent ERO report which highlighted the successes of 7 top performing low decile schools. We are proud to report that Ōtaki College was named as one of those schools. The point that I would like to make is that it is not actually about the college decile rating but more about high performance and the factors that help contribute to this. There are common factors among all the schools named in these articles and all high performing schools in New Zealand;
- Building relationships between students, staff, parents and the community
- Setting high expectations, supporting students and building self-belief
- Building strong systems of pastoral care and student management
- Constantly looking at innovative ways to engage students in their learning through ICT, changes to timetabling and the way courses may be offered
- Collaboration with wider learning communities, tertiary providers and businesses.
These factors have been at the forefront of many of the changes that have taken place in Ōtaki College over recent years. It is also interesting that we now receive a number of requests from other secondary schools and outside agencies to come in and observe and talk about what is happening here at the college. While this is very exciting it continues to highlight to us that we are on a journey and it is one that can never stop! We must always be seeking ways to build on student success and this can only happen through strong partnerships and relationships. We want acknowledge the parents and community for their ongoing support in helping us to achieve this goal.
College Property
We are now close to the signing off of our new property plan. This will see some of our older buildings being demolished and some new building projects and renovations taking place.
This will have a marked visual effect on the front of the College with the modernisation/upgrade of the Administration block to make it more user friendly for staff, students and the public.
The bottom area of the two storeyed Nelson (N) block will be completely gutted to re house the college library and also become a multi-purpose modern learning area.
Learning Support will be relocated in L Block once the old library is demolished and will be purpose built to meet the needs of students that operate from this unit.
The driveway barrier arm will be in place (positioned down by Nelson (N) Block by early next term to maximise student safety before school (8.30 am to 9.15 am), during break times and after school (3.10 to 3.45 pm). This is linked to the car park project which will commence in September.
Along with these projects will be roofing upgrades and the normal cyclical maintenance to keep property maintained to a high standard.
INZONE Careers Kiosk
A huge thanks to the Ōtaki Community Board and Kapiti Coast District Council for sponsoring an Inzone Careers Kiosk at College. This is an invaluable tool that allows students to look at possible career pathways and then receive follow up information to pursue this further.
Congratulations — Principal’s Awards
The following students have gained 50 Kia Kaha cards as part of the College PB4L reward system and have gained a Principal’s Award.
This is an outstanding achievement and shows that these students live our expectations on a daily basis:
- Gina Bateman,
- Myah Colbourne
- Kate Crighton,
- Nicholas Fleming
- Cassie Lundie,
- Michael McInerney-Heather
- Daniel Ngan,
- Hetal Patel
- Fergus Roy,
- Hinemoa Rudolph
- Jordyn Thompson,
- Anna Walker
Kawa Oranga Classic Triathlon, Nga Purapura
Ōtaki College entered 1 junior team, 2 senior teams and 1 individual competitor in this.
To our delight our junior team of Nick Fleming (bike), Daisy Davis (swim) and Damien Doyle (run) came first in the short course.
Lucy Fleming (bike), Cassie Lundie (swim) and Kahu Sturmey (run) came first in the long course. Wiremu Temperton-Royal came second in the short course individual – an outstanding effort from all competitors.
Ripper Rugby Festival Held at College
The Ōtaki College Year 12 Physical Education class hosted a highly successful one-day Ripper Rugby Festival College on Friday 6th June for Year 5 & 6 students from both Te Horo and Waitohu Primary schools, (Ōtaki Primary were invited, but unfortunately could not take part this year).
The festival was 100% planned, and implemented by the Year 12 students. On the day they fulfilled roles such as coaches, referees, and event managers.
This was the culmination of a ‘Leadership Through League’ coaching programme that the Year 12 students had been participating in, run by Wellington Rugby League, Development Officer — Phil Roache. The PE class, along with Phil, went into the primary schools once a week over a 4-week period and our students ran fun and successful coaching sessions with the junior students.
College students demonstrated just what it means to be an Ōtaki College ROAR student. They were well organised, mature and professional, a real credit to the College.
Performing Arts Showcased at Local Primaries
A group of Yr 9–11 College students have been entertaining younger students at local primary schools over the past few weeks. Their performances, which meld dance, music and media studies courses run at College, have been greeted with enthusiasm by students and teachers alike.
Year 12 Outdoor Education
On May 19th the Level 2 Outdoor Education students travelled to the Central North Island for a caving, climbing, abseiling and tramping trip. The students were completing Achievement Standard 2.4 and Unit Standards 20152 & 20157 worth a total of 8 credits. The group began by exploring the Okupata Caves in the Tongariro Forest. The following day the group walked into the Whakapapa Gorge where students climbed and abseiled on a natural outdoor rock crag. Wednesday saw the group use the Vertical Assault indoor rock wall in Turangi where a number of climbs and abseils were completed. The highlight of the trip for many was the Tongariro Crossing on Thursday. The group started out in cold misty conditions but by the time they reached Red Crater the cloud had cleared and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and lakes were visible. The College would like to thank all those involved for their support and we look forward to the Alpine trip in Term 3.