Wednesday 15th October 2014
Dear parents, caregivers, students and friends of the school.
Tena koutou katoa. Nga mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
Welcome back to all our students and a warm welcome to families who have
joined the school this term.
This term all students will be asked to continue focussing on learning to a high
level of attainment and developing the skills to be responsible citizens.
Manners, consideration of others and high standards of presentation and behaviour will continue to be
expected and a continuing focus school wide. All parents know we place a high priority on making our school a
happy, safe, secure and supportive environment for all.
As this term is a summer term, there are some changes to our uniform requirements. These are:

All students must wear a school hat when outside. These are available for $10.00 from the Resource
Room.
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We offer black caps for Year 8 students who are intending to move on to Otumoetai College.
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Girls change from black tights to black shoes with white ankle socks or brown sandals.
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All students are expected to move from the black track pants to skirts (for girls) or shorts (for boys).
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Most students will move into our mid brown sandals, but the option of plain black shoes and socks
remains.
Please note – short black socks are not a uniform item and are unacceptable at school.
Only our bottle green jersey or jackets are uniform items, not sweatshirts, hoodies or other apparel. Students
may continue to wear camisoles or V-neck tops under their polo shirts as long as they are hidden from view.
Otumoetai College apparel is not acceptable at our school.
Regards
Henk Popping
PRINICPAL
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
Proud sponsor of Otumoetai Intermediate
Page 1
Wednesday 15th October 2014
SUNGLASSES NOW AN OPTIONAL ITEM AT SCHOOL
Last term we surveyed parents and caregivers to see what you thought about introducing sunglasses at school.
Here are the results of your feedback:
Should Sunglasses Be Added to our School Uniform?
Other - should be optional and any style
No, I think they should not be encouraged at school
Yes, I think it is important to encourage students to
wear sunglasses when outside at school
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%100%
The majority of people who responded supported this move by the school and as a result, sunglasses are now an
optional item for our uniform.
Most parents and caregivers expressed the wish that they be given the choice of style and where glasses are able to
be purchased and as a result, we will leave this to parent’s discretion.
The expectation is that sunglasses worn at school are of a black wrap-around style with a 100% UV rating.
The school will take care to ensure students are acting in a safe manner while wearing glasses but it remains the
students’ responsibility to look after their own glasses and keep them in a safe, secure place just like their sun hats.
Naming Sunglasses at School
We will have engraving tools available in the library before school for students to engrave their name on the sides of
their glasses or other personal items.
This service will be provided by the school student leaders.
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
Page 2
Wednesday 15th October 2014
Why We Believe Sunglasses at School are Important.
As soon as the sun comes out, we all know we should slap on sun screen and put on a hat
to protect ourselves against ultraviolet rays. These can burn the skin, causing premature
ageing and cancer. But what many people don't realise is that UV rays can also cause
serious and potentially irreversible damage to our eyes. In fact, eyes are ten times more
sensitive to UV light than the skin, according to the British Eyecare Trust. It is children who
are most at risk, because younger eyes have bigger pupils and clearer lenses, allowing up
to 70 per cent more UV light to reach the retina than an adult's eye does.
Worldwide, experts are urging adults and children to wear sunglasses as soon as the sun
comes out - winter or summer. Even when it is overcast, UV light penetrates into the eyes
and experts advise wearing sunglasses whenever the UV rating is three or higher. Sun
damage is linked to serious eye problems such as age related macular degeneration
(AMD), the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the industrial world. Sunlight is also
linked to other eye conditions including cataracts, pterygia (benign growths on the white of
the eye, which can end up blocking vision) and skin cancer of the eyelid. Very bright
sunlight - reflected off sand, snow, water or the pavement - can cause immediate damage
to the cornea, the eye's surface.
One of the most effective ways to protect our eyes is to wear sunglasses. In some
Australian schools, it is mandatory for children to wear sunglasses in the playground.
HOW CAN I BE SUNSMART?
Being SunSmart is about covering up – with clothing, a broad-spectrum sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
Remember to SLIP, SLOP, SLAP and WRAP. To find out more about ready to wear sun protection clothing that fits
the bill click here.
SLIP into a long-sleeved shirt and into the shade. Generally, fabrics with a tighter weave and darker colours will give
you greater protection from the sun. There are also certain fabrics on the market that have a SPF rating.
SLOP on plenty of broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF30+. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going
outdoors and reapply every two hours. Read more about using sunscreen.
SLAP on a hat with a wide-brim or a cap with flaps – more people get sunburned on their face and neck than any
other part of the body.
WRAP on a pair of wrap-around sunglasses – UV radiation is just as dangerous to eyesight as it is for the skin.
Sunsmart.org.nz
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
Page 3
Wednesday 15th October 2014
FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
The mid-term election option for school trustees was introduced through the Education Amendment Act 2000. This
provision enables a board to have half the number of its parent representatives elected in a triennial election year
and the remainder at a mid-term election. The Otumoetai Intermediate School Board of Trustees is a split term
board and there are two vacancies coming up in November 2014. As a result we will be holding this year’s mid-term
election on Friday 14 November 2014.
This term, we will be calling for nominations of interested parties to stand as candidates for this election. We have
vacancies for two parent representatives on our current Board. If you are a learner focused, team player, a creative
thinker and have an enquiring mind, then please consider putting your name forward for election. You need have
no other qualifications to fulfil this role than to believe that the primary focus of a school should be that of student
achievement.
If you would like any further information on the role of a trustee within our school or the election process, then
please feel free to contact our current Board Chairperson, Mr Mark Barratt at [email protected] or
else the Principal, Mr Henk Popping, via the school office.
BRIEF SNIPPETS
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We are now into summer uniform requirements.
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School sunhats are compulsory items for the term and can be bought for $10.00 from the Resource Room.
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Lollies, energy/fizzy drinks and chewing gum continue to be banned from our school.
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The PTA/Palmers Home Garden Competition is being held this term. Entry forms were distributed last term.
Spare copies are available from the school office.
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All students have homework every day. Details about our Home Learning Grid can be viewed on our school
website – look at the “About Us” page.
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Out of zone enrolment applications should be in. We still have some vacancies at year 7.
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If your child is not returning to year 8 at our school next year, please notify our staff at the office so we can
offer their place to another student.
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School daily notices are now online. You can access these through our school website.
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
Page 4
Wednesday 15th October 2014
2015 YEAR 8 STUDENTS
If your child is a Year 7 student this year, they will receive an information pack this week.
Inside the packs are application forms for the various programmes we run at the school. These are for students
who currently are not participating in the laptop scheme, the Incredible Minds programme or have special needs
circumstances we are not aware of.
Students currently involved in the Mansfield and Rutherford classes will be selected for 2015 classes based on
their performance this year. See pack for further information.
Selection for the Arts Academy, Digital Classes and Sports Academy will take place at the beginning of 2015.
If your child is in the laptop scheme, they will automatically continue in the laptop scheme next year. You only need
to send in an application form if you wish to include your child or you would like your child to move out of the laptop
scheme.
Parents and caregivers are also invited to write a submission regarding class placement for 2015. A number of
parents take this opportunity to provide feedback about how the year has gone for their child and any
circumstances we need to consider when placing their child in a Year 8 class.
If there have been combinations with other students that haven’t worked this year, parents often take the
opportunity to alert us to this and make suggestions about separating their child from another student as we
prepare for the Year 8 year.
Our aim is to work closely with all our families and to have as much information as we can to place each student in
the right groups and classes for next year.
Please make your submissions in writing to The Principal marked ‘Confidential’ and send this along to the school
office.
If you have any queries or concerns you may also contact the following Deputy Principals to talk about these:

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John Stanley for pastoral care issues and special needs support.
Lynne Hutchinson for concerns around learning and Gifted and Talented Programme.
TERM 4 BUS PASSES
Bus passes for term 4 are now due. Please ensure your Term 4 bus passes are paid as soon as possible.
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
Page 5
Wednesday 15th October 2014
2014 PTA GARDEN COMPETITION
Following on from previous year’s successes, the PTA will be holding another garden competition. The goal is to
encourage our students to grow their own vegetables, flowers or herbs and to gain a greater understanding of
horticulture and sustainable practices.
Students will be able to enter their home gardens in the following sections:
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Vegetable Garden
Flower Garden
Herb Garden
Categories within each section include:
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Creativity
Compact Garden
Sustainable Garden
Pot or Tub Garden
The winning entries will receive a trophy and judging will be carried out by members of the PTA.
Here’s How it Works:
Students may enter a garden in one of the sections above. To enter they need to fill in an entry form which will be
available in each class or from the school office. A photo of the garden will need to be provided with the entry form.
Students may enter as individuals or combine with their friends or other students in their neighbourhood. Students
can start their garden now and attach photos of progress made, to their entry forms later next term.
Gardens may be located at home, a relative’s section within easy driving distance, or at the railway garden plots
near the Matua roundabout. They may receive advice from an adult but must do all the work themselves. This is a
great opportunity to get an uncle, aunty, granddad, koru or nana involved.
Why Get Involved:
An average family could save $30.00 - $40.00 a week from their grocery bill by putting in a vegetable garden.
Gardening is an active activity that brings families together. It counts as homework on the school home learning
grid. An outlay of $3.00 for seeds will keep you in vegetables or flowers for a year
To sign up for weekly gardening tips email:
[email protected]
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
Page 6
Wednesday 15th October 2014
2014 YOUNG DESIGNERS COMPETITION
12 students from our Visual Art Academy entered this year’s competition. Entries involved a detailed portfolio of at
least eight pages of research and the journey of their work from initial concepts to completion. A lot of work went
into this with days at school, lunchtimes and many hours at home.
All of us students took new skills away from this experience such as managing our time, being neat and organised,
perseverance and meeting deadlines. These skills will be vital in our future careers. We were all proud of our
achievements and learnt lots from this experience.
Final marks were as follows:
Nika Beaton, Caitlin Flood and Karen Patten, Art Teacher
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
Page 7
Wednesday 15th October 2014
YEAR 7 CAMP AT NGATUHOA LODGE
All Year 7 classes attend a camp at Ngatuhoa Lodge and the cost of this is $105.00 and we invite our Year 8
parents to pay this by automatic payments prior to the start of the programme. The Year 7 camp dates are as
follows:
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Rooms 5 and 6 – 28th October to 30th October 2014
Rooms 14 and 18 – 3rd November to 7th November 2014
Rooms 3, 4 and 16 – 17th November to 21st November 2014
Rooms 23, 24 and 25 – 24th November to 28th November 2014
Rooms 22 and 13 – 8th December to 12th December 2014
YEAR 8 AQUATICS PROGRAMME IN TERM 4
At the end of each year all Year 8 students participate in an aquatics programme as part of their outdoor education.
The total cost of this is $90.00 and we invite our Year 8 parents to pay this by automatic payments prior to the start
of the programme. Details and dates are as follows:

Waimarino Day 1
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Monday 1st December 2014 – Gold 8 (Rooms 1, 2, 9 and 10)
Wednesday 3rd December 2014 – Green 8 (Rooms 11 and 8, 12, 17 and 19)
Tuesday 9th December 2014 – Blue 8 (Rooms 20, 21, 26 and 28)
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Waimarino Day 2
–
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Tuesday 2nd December 2014 – Gold 8 (Rooms 1, 2, 9 and 10)
Thursday 4th December 2014 – Green 8 (Rooms 11 and 8, 12, 17 and 19)
Wednesday 10th December 2014 – Blue 8 (Rooms 20, 21, 26 and 28)
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Sailing
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Monday 10th November 2014 – Room 9
Tuesday 11th November 2014 – Room 2
Wednesday 12th November 2014 – Room 10
Thursday 13th November 2014 – Room 1
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Monday 17th November 2014 – Room 17
Tuesday 18th November 2014 – Room 12
Wednesday 19th November 2014 – Room 19
Thursday 20th November 2014 – Room 11 and Room 8
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Monday 24th November 2014 – Room 28
Tuesday 25th November 2014 – Room 21
Wednesday 26th November 2014 – Room 26
Thursday 27th November 2014 – Room 20
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
Page 8
Wednesday 15th October 2014
ROBOTICS – ROBOCUP NATIONALS HELD IN DUNEDIN
Two of our NXT robotics teams: The Stegosaurus Hippies (Isaac Kennerley, Troy Herdman and Theo Maddox) and
the Assassin Programmers (Arnav Shekaran, Liam Cade, Gijs Van Gorp and Jacob Poysden) went down to Dunedin
and competed in the national Robocup tournament on the 13th September 2014.
At Robocup Rescue the teams have to programme a robot to complete a course, which mirrors the real life use of
robots in a rescue situation. Rescue teams use one robot that navigates round a course using light sensors and at
the end they have to rescue a victim.
Our trip began on the Friday. It started with a long car ride to Auckland where we a boarded a plane to Dunedin,
taking about two hours. When we landed we took a taxi to our hotel then we headed to the venue to set up our robot
to practise on the course.
The next day we were nervous as we were interviewed by the Robocup judges. We were asked how we built and
programmed the robot. Then the competition started. There were four rounds and six groups in our league. The
round where you scored the least points did not count towards your overall score. The robots had to be programmed
autonomously to use light sensors to follow a black line around a course which included a bridge that the robots had
to go over (which our robots struggled to get over). We also had to use an ultrasonic sensor to find a can at the end
of the course and push the can off a marked area.
On the day the Assassins Programmers scored a second place overall and the Stegosaurus Hippies came out with a
fourth place. We had lots of fun and look forward to more robotics competitions in the future.
Isaac Kennerley, Troy Herdman, Theo Maddox, Arnav Shekaran, Liam Cade and Jacob Poysden
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
Page 9
Wednesday 15th October 2014
2014 AIMS GAMES
Photo Story
Photo images can be viewed at the following link by Vandi - http://www.vandi.co.nz/events/aims-games/. There are
1000’s of action shots from all 17 codes - putting smiles on people’s faces by capturing those moments! The Vandi
team are processing orders now – so don’t miss out!
AIMS Games Survey
The NZCT AIMS Games Tournament Director has requested that our team’s management and players please
complete the AIMS survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/6DBFB7Q (they really value your feedback).
2015 STATIONERY ORDERS
We are taking payment for the 2015 Stationery Packs. Please ensure you return your order form with your payment
or, if paying by direct credit, please write the date payment was direct credited.
Our bank account number for direct credit payments is : 12-3407-0029060-00.
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
Page 10
Wednesday 15th October 2014
MARKET DAY
Rooms one and two students from Otumoetai Intermediate School held a successful
market day on Tuesday 23rd September 2014.
Students were tasked with designing and running their own stall during lunchtime with
the aim of raising money for two local charities – Oasis House (a respite care facility for
children with special needs) and St John’s Ambulance.
There was a wide variety of stalls ranging from candyfloss,
cupcake decorating, smoothies and carnival games. Local Mr
Whippy owners, Ross Killoh and Ann Wade-French also joined in
the fun and kindly donated all their profits. A grand total of $1,511.20 was raised.
“It was fun preparing for our stall and I liked how the whole school came together to
support some great causes” said Carly Vermaak, one of the students involved.
2014 ICAS INTERNATIONAL EXAMS RESULTS
English
Year 7 Credit (68%-85%)
 Antonia Ballantyne
 James Barnett
 Michael Goulton
 Mia Krueger-Reedy
 Erin Machaj
 Theo Maddox
 Jane Tingey
 Kayli Tuiraviravi
 Gijs Van Gorp
 James Van Klei
Year 7 Distinction (91%-96%)
 Emily Ardern
 Taylor Graham
 Olivia Hurlock
 Bethany Lake
Year 8 Credit (71%-87%)
 Gemma Bateman
 Gabriel Heays
 Zoe Macintyre
 Abbie Mortimer
 Paige Ridge
 Kelly Ye
Year 8 Distinction (92%-98%)
 Liam Hock
 Caitlin Knox
 Holly Lander
 Madi MacKenzie
 Ben Maxwell
 Olivia Moore
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
Year 7 High Distinction (99%)
 Alexandra Reyes
Page 11
Wednesday 15th October 2014
Year 8 High Distinction (99%)
 Cameron Hyne
 Dannika Worthington
Mathematics
Year 7 Credit (71%-87%)
 Emily Ardern
 Antonia Ballantyne
 Ethan Croucher
 Sarah Dixon
 Ryan Gilbertson
 Michael Goulton
 Taylor Graham
 Olivia Hurlock
 Nathan Ingham
 Kesha Kansara
 Mia Krueger-Reedy
 Jaeheon Lee
 Ruth Lonsdale
 Flynn McLaughlin
 Jung Hyun Moon
 Taehyun Moon
 Jihoon Nam
 Scott Shipton
 Kayli Tuiraviravi
 Jade Wardrope
Year 7 Distinction (92%-98%)
 Elena Broadfoot
 Amy Miedema
 Daniel Plyushchev
 Arnav Shekaran
 Nikki Van Zandwijk
Year 8 Credit (71%-87%)
 Thomas Culling
 Songheon Lee
 Tommy Lim
 Madi MacKenzie
 Aleksandar Matic
 Abbie Mortimer
 Pete Park
 Aria Smart
 Dannika Worthington
 Kelly Ye
 Elizabeth Zinsli
Year 8 Distinction (92%-98%)
 Cameron Hyne
 Tom Hacker
 Caitlin Knox
 Ben Maxwell
 Olivia Moore
 Levi Williams
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
Year 7 High Distinction (92%-98%)
Gijs Van Gorp
Page 12
Wednesday 15th October 2014
OTAGO MATHS PROBLEM SOLVING COMPETITION
Our top maths students have taken part in the national Problem Challenge competition, organised by the
Department of Mathematics at the University of Otago. Students had to complete five tests with five problem solving
questions.
Congratulations to the following students who gained an excellence:
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Levi Williams
Ben Maxwell
Caitlyn Ward
Liam Douglas
Aria Smart
Josh Tisch
Arnav Shekaran
Joshua Peacoke
Royce Lee
Alexander Dunlop
Alexander Blair
Antonia Ballantyne
Asher Godfrey-Chalmers
Lewis Blaikie
Gabriel Heays
Gemma Bateman
Holly Lander
Oliver Bowker
Kelly Ye
Olivia Moore
Caelan Potts
Madison Mackenzie
Dannika Worthington
Blair Mabey
Jade Wardrope
Jassi Singh
Amy Miedema
Gjjs van Gorp
Our top year 8 student was Dannika Worthington and our top year 7 student was Gijs van Gorp.
2015 BUS TRANSPORT
The bus routes have been updated at the following website: www.baybus.co.nz/school-hopper/schoolhopper-routes.
The bus routes for Otumoetai Intermediate next year are 411 (Welcome Bay/Ohauiti), 559 (Barkes Corner, Cameron
Road, Bethlehem) and 657 (Bethlehem).
Any queries or problems with the above routes, please email [email protected].
Rural bus routes are still run via Tauranga Transport Network Group. You can visit their website at:
www.schooltransport.org.nz.
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
Page 13
Wednesday 15th October 2014
COMMUNITY NOTICES
AFTER SCHOOL TUITION IN MATHS AND ENGLISH
Qualified and Experienced Tutors
Phone 577 6278 or email [email protected] for more information
ASB HOME LOANS
Supporting success in your school.
For every new ASB home loan over $150,000 taken out by members of our school community
before 31st December 2014, our school will get $500.00.
Terms and conditions apply.
TAURANGA ART GALLERY
Term 4 Programme
Following on from its successful first Art After School (AAS), the Gallery is thrilled to
present the Term 4 programme starting Tuesday 14th October 2014.
AAS runs eight Tuesdays of the term between 4.00 pm and 5.30 pm with tutor
Hannah Wilson (BFA, PG Dip FA) to develop skills and techniques in a range of art mediums.
In line with the Gallery’s exhibition programme, the focus in Term 4 will be painting.
The cost (including all materials) is $175.00 per child.
Places are limited so call to secure one for your child now on 578 7933 or drop in to the Gallery.
Payment when booking secures the place on AAS.
GYMNASTICS FANTASTIC
Fantastic skill development  Fantastic strength building  Fantastic Parkor training 
Fantastic flexibility and mental concentration  Fantastic coaches and equipment  Fantastic fun!
Just register on the www.GYMclub.co.nz website today!
Class starts Thursday 23rd October 2014 at 3.15 pm in the school hall.
The cost for the 8 week term is only $90.00
www.GYMclub.co.nz or phone 0800 273 368 for more information.
SPRING CLEAN OUT – MOSTER COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE
Proceeds to support the Otumoetai Sports and Recreation Club Inc.
Saturday 8th November 2014 at 8.00 am, Fergusson Park, Tilby Drive, Matua.
Donations of goods can be dropped off at the Club Monday-Thursday 5.30-6.30pm from 28/10/14-6/11/14.
Enquiries on 027 433 7675.
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
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Wednesday 15th October 2014
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
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Wednesday 15th October 2014
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 13 2014
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