1. education
2. school

th
Tuesday 16 December 2014
Dear parents, caregivers, students and friends of the school.
Tena koutou katoa. Nga mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
Welcome to our final newsletter for 2014.
This has been another awesome year with our students positioning Otumoetai
Intermediate as one of the leading Year 7 and Year 8 schools in New Zealand
once again.
Highlights have been our school winning two Prime Minister’s Excellence in Education Awards including the
Supreme Winners Award, a tremendous ERO Report and a top placing in the NZCT AIMS GAMES.
A major feature of our school has been the high level of enthusiasm, skill and self-belief shown by the students
in all aspects of school life. Every year we endeavour to develop in our students an expectation of manners,
friendliness, encouragement, commitment and aspiration to do their best at all times.
All representative teams leave the school with a winning attitude coupled with a belief in themselves and their
team mates. The year’s results highlight this. This does not happen without the support and dedication of staff
and parents. This has been an active and, at times, hectic year for the staff. I would like to publicly thank every
member of the team for their commitment to the students. On behalf of the school community, I would like to
say a big thank you and wish them all a restful break over the holidays.
As Principal, I have appreciated the continued support of our parents, Board of Trustees, PTA and students. We
have something special at Otumoetai Intermediate School and I look forward to a challenging and exciting year
in 2015. To all our families and friends, a big thank you and a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.
Regards
Henk Popping
PRINICPAL
Our school would like to acknowledge and thank EVES REALTY for their on-going support of our Sports Academy
students and sports school wide. EVES REALTY has supported our school in a partnership since 2004 and are highly
valued as supporters of our school. We ask that any families considering selling or buying property give EVES
REALTY a call to discuss how they may help with this process.
Proud sponsor of Otumoetai Intermediate
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
KERIKERI HIGH SCHOOL
HIKOI TO OUR SCHOOL
Last Monday we hosted representatives from Kerikeri High School after their hikoi from the Far North. This was in
the form of a powhiri where we welcomed our guests followed by the handing over of the Prime Minister’s
Excellence in Teaching and Learning Award (Atatu) which has been at Kerikeri High for the past six months. As joint
winners of this award, it is now our turn to have the award and it joins the Supreme Award (Takiri ko te ata) in our
school until the new 2015 winners are announced.
2015 TERM DATES
Term 1:
Monday 2nd February 2015 to Thursday 2nd April 2015
Term 2:
Monday 20th April 2015 to Friday 3rd July 2015
Term 3:
Monday 20th July 2015 to Friday 25th September 2015
Term 4:
Monday 12th October 2015 to Wednesday 16th December 2015
There will be a Teacher Only Day on Monday 25th May 2015.
SECOND HAND UNIFORM SALE
All Year 8 students are invited to bring their uniforms to school and sell these to incoming families. This is a private
arrangement between families and no change will be available from the office. We suggest Year 8 students set out
their washed and clean clothes, priced and ready to go on the top Astroturf by the outdoor stage from 9.00 am on
Thursday 18th December 2014.
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
STUDENT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT 2014
The main intent of this final newsletter is to inform our parents and wider community on how we did academically
school wide. Focus will be on the end of year achievements by our graduating year 8 students.
Your child's report will provide you with quality feedback on how well they have achieved against the National
Standards in reading, writing, and mathematics. The report will show the teacher's overall judgement on your child's
achievement at this stage of their learning. The teachers use a range of standardised assessments such as PAT's,
asTTle, STAR, GLOSS, and IKAN, plus what they have seen your child succeed in during the class. Much of this
supportive information can be viewed in your child's portfolio which will come home for you to view as well.
Please note – the asTTle results in the mid and end box are the results for the two tests sat mid and end of year.
This may be different to the overall teacher judgement that takes all information into consideration.
You will hear the term overall teacher judgment (OTJ) used when discussing National Standards.
What is an Overall Teacher Judgment (OTJ)?
An OTJ involves drawing on and applying the evidence gathered up to a particular point in time, in order to make an
overall judgement about a student’s progress and achievement.
Why use Overall Teacher Judgement?
No single source of information can accurately summarise a student’s achievement or progress. A range of
approaches are necessary in order to compile a comprehensive picture of the areas of progress, areas requiring
attention, and what a student’s unique progress looks like. Using a range of approaches also allows the student to
participate throughout the assessment process, building their assessment capability. Because of this, to assess a
student in relation to National Standards, teachers need to bring together a range of evidence in order to form an
overall teacher judgement (OTJ). You will receive additional information about National Standards and how to view
your child’s report in the report envelope.
Ministry of Education predictions were that 50% of year 7 and 8 students across New Zealand would meet the
National Standards in the first year of their introduction. In the fifth year, we have done much better than that and
are achieving above national norms in all standardised tests such as PAT’s and asTTle. As a school, our overall goal
is to ensure that at least 85% of our students are achieving at National Standards when they graduate as Year 8’s.
This will involve a significant amount of collaboration with our contributing schools so we can collectively achieve
this.
Teachers will also become more expert at developing their overall teacher judgment over time as students’ progress
from one year to the next in the New Zealand education system.
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
HOW OUR SCHOOL DID AGAINST NATIONAL
STANDARDS THIS YEAR
Reading
The following graph shows the progress our Year 8 students made as a group during their two years at our school.
The blue columns show what levels they were on at entry to our school in February 2013. The red columns show
the levels for these same students on exit at the end of 2014. As these students graduate from our school, our
school wide data shows 90.3% are at or above National Standards.
Entry to Exit Rdg Asttle 2014
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
L2 3b 3p 3a 4b 4p 4a 5b 5p 5a 6+
entry to exit Yr 7 Feb 2013 21% 8% 8% 8% 13% 14% 20% 4% 3% 0% 0%
entry to exit Yr 8 Nov 2014 2% 3% 2% 3% 7% 7% 20% 15% 15% 11% 15%
Entry to Exit Rdg OTJ Nov. 2014
200
180
160
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Well Below
Yr. 7 Rdg Feb 2013
70
Yr 8 Rdg Nov 2014
14
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
Below
55
24
At
181
151
Above
54
76
Well Above
8
130
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
Writing
This graph shows how our Year 8 students arrived at our school as new Year 7’s in February 2013. The National
Standard for the start of Year 7 is 3a.
Entry to Exit Writing Asttle 2014
45%
40%
35%
30%
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
L2
Yr 7 Feb 2013 40%
Yr 8 Nov 2014 3%
3b
10%
3%
3p
15%
5%
3a
14%
11%
4b
12%
12%
4p
5%
21%
4a
3%
22%
5b
1%
12%
5p
0%
8%
5a
0%
1%
6+
0%
2%
Entry to Exit OTJ Writing Nov 2014
250
200
150
100
50
0
Yr 7 Wrtg Feb 2013
Yr 8 Wrtg Nov. 2014
Well
Below
104
20
Below
At
Above
77
44
180
206
6
85
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
Well
Above
2
40
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
This cohort of students has made huge gains in writing during their two years at our school with 83.7 % at or above
the National Standards at the end of 2014. As a school, we are aiming for a much higher percentage of our
students graduating at or above national standard and will be working closely with our contributing schools to raise
writing levels across our Otumoetai cluster.
Mathematics
Entry to Exit Maths Asttle Nov 2014
25%
20%
15%
10%
5%
0%
L2
Yr 7 Feb 2013 21%
Yr 8 Nov. 2014 2%
3b
7%
1%
3p
19%
5%
3a
16%
8%
4b
13%
6%
4p
12%
9%
4a
5%
11%
5b
4%
8%
5p
3%
18%
5a
0%
19%
Entry to Exit OTJ Maths 2014
250
200
150
100
50
0
Well Below
Yr 7 Maths Feb 2013
69
Yr 8 Maths Nov 2014
15
Below
65
31
At
191
161
Above
36
66
Well Above
8
123
In mathematics 88.3% of our Year 8 students are graduating from our school at or above National Standards.
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
General Comments
Given the level of achievement that our Year 7 cohorts bring to the start of their time at our school and the fact we
only have two years to accelerate their learning, their results are substantial. The work of Dr Kevin Knight in our
school contributes hugely to this in terms of student engagement. Teachers gather accurate and succinct data,
plan precise learning intentions with success criteria that make learning transparent for students and achieve a
depth of learning where deeper thinking attributes are developed.
This year brought about accelerated learning not only in students striving to meet the standard but also for those
students sitting at and above the standard. The above graphs show the large number of students now achieving at
level 5 and 6.
We have a hugely committed and dedicated staff, who with Dr Kevin Knight and Lynne Hutchinson’s support, have
achieved significant learning outcomes for all students. The enjoyment they show in their role and the focus by
everyone on student learning is to be commended.
We have work to do as we move forward as a school and won’t be satisfied until every student who is not cognitively
impaired, meets or surpasses the National Standard on graduation at Year 8.
ADAM CLARKE SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Adam was a highly talented student who was of great assistance as an ICT helper and peer mentor when he was a
student at our school in 2003 and 2004. Sadly, Adam passed away in 2011 and David Isaacson, the school ICT
teacher at the time, has kindly sponsored an annual scholarship in his name. David is now living and working in
Melbourne but continues to take an active interest in our school.
The Adam Clarke Scholarship is to acknowledge one Year 8 student each year that
has been particularly helpful in ICT over their two years at our school. The
Scholarship is for the amount of $100.00
It was our pleasure to award the 2014 Adam Clarke Scholarship to Eli Stoodley.
We would like to thank David for this kind donation and instigation of this award in
memory of Adam.
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
FINAL ASSEMBLY AND END OF YEAR AWARDS
Wednesday 17 th December at 11.00 am
At this final assembly we will celebrate our students’ successes and present the school’s top award “The Principal’s
Award” to students who have made outstanding contributions to the school and excelled across all four disciplines.
These disciplines are: citizenship, sports, cultural and academic attainment.
This is the 12th year we will be presenting these red ribbon awards to recognise the achievement of our top
students. The basis for selection will be “Student Involvement and Success” forms from their portfolios.
Programme for Assembly:
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Whole assembly singing National Anthem
Welcome and introduction – Mr Stanley
Address by Mr Mark Barrett – Board of Trustees Chair
Principal’s Awards presented to Year 7 students (1st group)
School Leaders Speech
Principal’s Awards presented to Year 7 students (2nd group)
Address by Mr Popping – School Principal
Robotics Team – celebrating their success at recent Nationals
Principal’s Awards presented to Year 8 students (1st group)
Music Academy Item
Principal’s Awards presented to Year 8 students (2nd group)
Closing comments by Mr Popping
Approximate finish time 1.00 pm
Parents are invited to join us at this final assembly to celebrate the year.
LECTERN UPDATE
For those who have wondering what is happening about the lectern designed by Dannika Worthington and Madi
Mackenzie, here is the current situation:. The lectern full scale mock up is now with the manufacturers who are fine
tuning the design to suit their production methods. It is hoped to have the lectern complete in the new year ready
for use in February 2015 when the girls will be invited back for its commissioning.
PHOTOLIFE PHOTOS 2015
Class photos along with student ID photos will be taken on 20th February 2015.
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
YEAR 8 MANSFIELD – COUNCIL GROUP
Last term, Mrs Filipo contacted the Council to find out if there were any community issues that our group could work
on and try and find solutions for. The Council came back with a variety of topics, so we split into groups and chose
issues that we felt strongly about. Last week the Year 8 Mansfield group made presentations to members from the
Council on a variety of issues, this was their response:
Michael Vujnovich and Alison Clifford from the Council had a great time attending the presentations. “All of the
ideas presented to us were fantastic. We were so impressed with the high standard of the presentations and the
effort that had clearly gone into preparing them. It is wonderful to see our future leaders identifying things they can
help with to make Tauranga City an even better place to live, work and play”.
Below is a brief summary of the presentations we made.
Chapel Street Toilets
Our group decided that there was a need to get toilets put in at
the Bay Central Shopping Centre in Chapel Street.
This shopping centre is a popular place and we believe it is in
real need of public toilets. Adding toilets would mean that
people won’t have to leave the shopping centre early, therefore
creating more business for the retailers.
We created a PowerPoint presentation where we thought the
toilets should be placed and our reasons for having some there.
Akira, Courtney, Sam and Jack
Teen Market
Our group was focusing on bringing vibrancy back to the
town centre. We chose this issue because it would be a
challenging problem that would require creative thinking
to solve.
We chose to do a Teen Market to bring youth back to the
city centre. The market would be run entirely by teens,
for teens. We thought that students in Year 8 and up
could use this opportunity to showcase what they learnt
in business studies and other related courses.
Our idea would take a lot of planning to execute but we
think it would be worth it.
Georgia, Kate and Rebecca
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
Alzheimer’s Bracelets
Our group created the idea of affordable bracelets for Alzheimer’s
patients.
We knew there were already tracking bracelets available, but they
were over $1,000.00 which not everybody can afford. So our idea
was a cheap alternative – a silicone bracelet. It would be colour
coded to represent the disease and have the patient’s basic contact
information on it.
After three weeks of hard work, we found them in a local pharmacy –
somebody had thought of it already.
Louise, Annabel, Zoe and Cleo
White Roof Project
Our group decided to try and get Tauranga involved in the White
Roof Project, which is something that has started in America.
We are hoping to reduce the effects of global warming by getting
the council to create an agreement that states all new
commercial buildings have to have a white roof.
This will hopefully decrease carbon dioxide emissions and have a
positive effect on global warming. A white roof reflects sunlight
through the ozone layer and prevents heat accumulation, while
black roofs emanate heat which gets trapped by the ozone layer
and creates greenhouse gases.
Liv, Georgia, Ben, Morgan and Adam
Teen Website
Our group took a look at getting the city’s youth involved with city
problems and events. Our idea was to have a website made with fun
and interesting content so that teenagers would want to go on the
site. The Council could then ask teens for solutions on a variety of
problems and give out rewards to the best ideas.
The content of the website would be interested as well as
informative.
Eli and Harrison
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
After a Disaster
Our idea was about the aftermath of a disaster.
We think preparing classrooms for disasters is a very valid
point due to recent events in New Zealand. Keeping
certain resources on hand seemed like a very important
step towards ensuring our safety.
Vital resources could be kept in emergency kits which
would be situated in every classroom. Some of the
resources required would be first aid kits, non-perishable
food, water, blankets and other survival equipment.
Oliver, Paige, Grace and Brenna
Community Art Wall
We decided to present the idea of a Community Art Wall
showcasing art from school all over Tauranga – from pre-schools
to colleges and even universities.
The art would be presented in pretty frames and the wall would
be securely covered to prevent damage to the work.
The art would spend one month on our art wall and then one
month at the art gallery.
The art would be a wonderful way to bring people into the city as
well as brightening up the city centre.
Maeve, Sophie and Tyler
SPEECH AND DRAMA TRINITY EXAMS
Congratulations to these students who sat their Trinity Guidhall Speech and Drama exams with the following results:
Merit
Distinction
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Camryn Stent
Josie Stent
Antonia Ballantyne
Olivia Brown
Jane Tingey
Makayla Wadsworth
Congratulations on your results.
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
RUTHERFORD ENGINEERING GROUP
This year the students in the Incredible Minds
engineering class took on the challenge of
redeveloping the courtyard area in front of rooms 1
and 2. These rooms were rebuilt this year due to leaky
issues and as a result a tree had to be removed
leaving the area quite bare. The students were divided
into five teams and told the area was a blank canvas
for them to put their stamp on. Using the engineering
process and under the guidance of structural engineer
Craig Fowler of BECA, the teams have all come up with
unique designs. Key stakeholders were consulted to assess relevant needs and shade, seating, new planting and a
new drinking fountain became common themes in the designs. After much planning, discussion and drawing
concepts, final designs were produced, as were scale models of what their proposed design would entail. The
students have learned the importance of being organised, having thorough planning, consulting with stakeholders,
researching to consider many options and how to communicate effectively within their team.
The senior management have decided on a design (pictured here) which will be used in the New Year to develop
and enhance this area for future students use to enjoy. A number of students have expressed an interest in
pursuing engineering as a career, having realised it is something they enjoyed and also suits their learning interests.
Congratulations to Alex Dunlop, Caitlin Knox, Daniel O’Connor, Liam Hock, Madi Mackenzie and Pete Park from the
Yellow team group for their thorough planning, effective teamwork and all-round diligence in producing the winning
design. Thanks also to Craig Fowler and BECA for their time and guidance and all the best for the future to all the
Rutherford Engineering students.
Murray Thompson
TAURANGA KOREAN TIMES
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR 2015
Congratulations to Songheon Lee for being awarded the Tauranga
Korean Times International Student of the Year for 2015.
Well done Songheon.
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
PTA HOME GARDEN COMPETITION 2014
SPONSORED BY PALMERS BETHLEHEM
This year the PTA judging committee received a lot more entries in the competition than previous years which was a
fantastic effort but made it a very difficult job to get down to nine winners. We judged the gardens according to:
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Presentation of the garden and the report
The amount of effort put into building and displaying the garden
And the originality of the design and presentation.
Our awards are as follows:
Flower
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Louise Bremner – Compact
Maxine Burger – Creative
Anna Raeburn – Pot
Vege
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Tyler Bumby – Creative
Ben Maxwell – Sustainable
Talia Jackson – Compact
Herb
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Anya Hawkins - Creative
Annabel Averill - Compact
Highly Commended

Katrina Ford – every category entered
We would just like to say well done to everyone who entered. Huge efforts have been made by all who entered and
we would like to acknowledge this.
PTA Committee
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
NZ GARDEN AND ARTS FESTIVAL
A joint effort among the Arts Department, Rooms 1, 2, and 15 developed the theme of Our Backyard as an entry
that was displayed at the NZ Garden & Arts Festival held at the Lakes last month. The display linked the sense of
home, school and community by incorporating aspects of a typical Kiwi backyard, a mural to represent our school
and the 52 flags represented the diversity of nationalities that make up our school. While the red wheelbarrow may
seem out of place it symbolises the plight of children who only have the view from a window as described in the
poem by William Carlos Williams, The Red Wheelbarrow. The Guardian Angels, an organisation that assists
struggling families with terminally ill children were the recipients of a generous $200.00 donation from the Acorn
Foundation.
In the beginning there was...
Who’s in charge here?
So what have we here?
Now for the mural and the barrow.
Sure was a pretty big job!
Hey, this is cool!
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
Hey where are the workers!
All set and ready to go.
Yeah then we have to pull it
out. Shame aye!
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
CHRISTMAS CHEER TOUR
This year we were given the opportunity bring a little Christmas Cheer to the elderly on two occasions this term. The
Performing Arts Academy visited a Care and Craft group at St Columbus Church on Wednesday 26th November 2014
and were joined by some of our Choir and Music Academy students for our final Christmas Cheer Tour to Bob Owens
and Bethlehem Views Retirement Homes on Friday 5th December 2014. We performed a range of dramatic pieces,
sung Christmas carols and took some time out to talk to the elderly in what can be a very lonely time of year for
some. The students were fabulous and came back with great stories of men who had golfed with Tiger Woods, a
woman who was on lookout for Japanese submarines in WWII and plenty more. "What an amazing group of students
to work with this year, they have done me proud. Kia Kaha and Merry Christmas!'
Kelly Vercoe
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
ROBOTICS
Vex IQ Nationals.
On Saturday 13th December 2014, nine students (three teams) went to Massey University in Palmerston North to
compete in the VEX IQ nationals. The VEX IQ Highrise challenge involves teams working in a variety of disciplines to
get as many points as possible. Teams have to move blocks of varying colours, from one end of the course to the
other and then stack these.
There were 60 qualification rounds and seven finals. Teams compete via driver control, in alliance with another
team to gain as many points as possible. They then have to do individual driver control or individual autonomous
programming.
All teams’ placed in the top 5 and Otumoetai Intermediate is really proud to have won the Excellence award. This
means we have been invited to compete in the Vex IQ Worlds which will take place in Kentucky USA in April 2015.
We’re not sure how many students will be going yet and if we will be able to raise the funds, but will definitely aim to
send a team.
Teams who competed were:
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Builders League: Daniel Lee, Aleks Matic and Ashley Rickit – awarded the supreme award and gained the
highest points for autonomous.
Dem Guys: Jacob Guccione, Gabe Heays and Carta Greenway – gained second in Driver control.
STT: Harry Taylor, Kyle Arthur-Worsop and Cole Davy - third equal overall. This team was also one of the top
teams at the scrimmages throughout the year.
Kate Rhodes
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
MUSIC ACADEMY TOUR 2014
To conclude a very busy and successful year the Otumoetai Intermediate Music Academy 2014 wanted to give back
to the local contributing schools community. Over the school holidays, lunch times, weekends and after schools
students from the Music Academy put together an engaging 45minute program of music which they were very
excited about performing to a live audience at five local primary schools. The Music tour was a fantastic opportunity
and experience enjoyed by all students and was well received by all of our audiences. It was a chance for students
to showcase musically what they have been working really hard on for the second half of the year and showcase the
opportunities available here at Otumoetai Intermediate.
Jahvis Stantiall said his favourite part of Music Tour was, “Going to Bethlehem School, where everyone was up on
their feet and dancing for the whole time, including their teachers. They didn’t want us to stop, they kept cheering
for more.” Haritoa Chesley said his favourite part was “Having been given the opportunity to perform as a live band
in front of a range of audiences.” Students learnt a range of performance and musical skills and began to
understand what it really is like to be a travelling band.
Huge congratulations to the Music Academy for putting together a fantastic and successful music tour for 2014. We
wish to thank everyone that was involved parents, students and our audiences. Until next year.
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
OTUMOETAI YOU GOT TALENT
Congratulations to the below students for making it into the final live show of ‘Otumoetai You Got Talent 2014’, an
exceptional performance by all.
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Alyssa: Singing “Mercy”
Josie, Makayla and Abby: Musical Theatre from “Annie”
Siokapesi and Haritoa: Singing “I’m not the same”
Anna & Stella: Piano duet
Hamish: Singing a cover from Stan Walker
CJ: Singing “Run away baby”
Levi & Bodhi: Lip-synch from “Flight of the Concords”
Esta (NaYeong): Cello piece
Aria: Singing “Safe and Sound”
Sue and Victoria: Piano and Violin Duet
Emily: Vocal and Piano Original Composition
Grace & Alexi: Dance “Thirteen”
Increase5: Rock Band “I love Rock and Roll”
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
ROOM 15 GARDEN
A bit of time and a whole lot of team work took what started out as a couple of bare
plots to become a productive garden.
Stage one saw cabbage, silver beet, broccoli, beans and cauliflower harvested and
the lettuce and beetroot are to come out this week. Corn and the next lot of beans
are in the ground and with the new irrigation system they should be well on the way
by the time we get back to school in the New Year.
The Room 15 garden is now supplying a healthy range of vegetables for the dinner
table.
ELEMENTS WATERSPORTS
Thanks for joining Elements Watersports for your Go Sailing Day in Year 8. It was great fun teaching you. As the
weather wasn’t all that good for some of the days, the team feel that they didn’t get to show you the best side of
sailing or get you all sailing your own boats, so we are offering you the chance to come back to Elements
Watersports during the Summer School Holidays and try sailing, windsurfing and paddleboarding for half price.
That’s just $27.00 for the whole day! The days normally cost $55.00 and $45.00 for a second child booked at the
same time. During the days we will sail and maybe also try windsurfing or paddle boarding. To take advantage of
this cool offer, all you need do is pick a day/s you would like to join us between 16th December 2014 and 30th
January 2015 and call us free on 0800 486 729 and book in.
For more information on our School Holiday Activities check out our Website at elementswatersports.co.nz.
STATIONERY ORDERS FOR 2015
Last chance to pre-order your stationery for next year. If you would like to do so, please bring your form and money
into the school office on Wednesday morning - stationery packs from $35.00 each.
Spare forms are available at the office. You are able to collect your stationery packs from the school office from
Thursday 29th January 2015 between 9.00 am and 2.00 pm or, alternatively, they will be waiting on your child’s
desk in their classroom on the first day of school.
There will be some spare stationery packs available on Thursday 29th January 2015 to purchase.
Otumoetai Intermediate School Newsletter: Volume 15 2014
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
2015 SCHOOL BUSES
SchoolHopper
If you haven’t already, make sure you check out the Schoolhopper route information – including the interactive
maps which are available from the Baybus website at www.baybus.o.nz/schoolhopper.
Schoolhopper buses will be replacing Ministry of Education urban school buses from next year and there are some
key differences, such as minor route changes, so make sure you are aware of what these changes are.
All travel on the Schoolhopper network will be free for Term 1 in 2015. From Term 1 school students travelling on
the Bayhopper network will be able to take advantage of the reduced Schoolhopper fares – Smartride card fare:
$1.15, Cash fare: $1.60 – Monday to Friday, during term time. Outside of this time (weekends and school holidays)
the regular student fare will apply (Smartride card fare: $1.44, Cash fare: $1.80).
If you have any questions about the service, please email the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s transport team at
[email protected] or call them on 0800 884 880.
Rural Buses
For information regarding bus routes and stops, please visit www.schooltransport.org.nz (this website is being
updated continuously). Bus fares for 2015 will be $50.00 per term per student and will continue to be issued
from the school once payment has been received.
2014 SHOWCASE DVDS
We have 20 copies of the Showcase DVDs on sale for only $10.00 each.
If you missed out, get in quick. Have a keepsake as your child goes on to college.
Grab one as a Christmas present for the grandparents! Pick up from the office now.
PAPER AND CARDBOARD RECYCLING
We are collecting all your clean paper, newspaper and cardboard at the front of the school.
For every tonne we collect, we receive $50.00. This can be dropped off over the Christmas
holidays between Monday and Friday during school hours.
Please note these bins are not available from 23rd December 2014 to 5th January 2015.
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
YEAR 8 SOCIAL PHOTOS
Social photography has been provided by Ambient Photography in partnership with Carters Photographics. Photos
can be purchased from www.ambientphotography.co.nz ‘online orders and event gallery’ (the password is OIS) or instore at Carters Photographics, Devonport Road, Tauranga (folder with photos to view in-store).
Cost: $5.00 per print or packages available for more prints in-store. Any questions please call Wendy on 576 4828
or 021 278 9580.
2015 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HOME STAYS
In 2015 we will be hosting an International group and requiring some homestays for International Students from
four weeks to one year. We are looking for families to act as homestay families for the school and invite parents to
express their interest by filling out and returning the international homestay form attached.
All homestay families are paid a weekly allowance of $245.00. For more details, contact Monica Dadson on 576
5105 Ext 742 or by email on [email protected].
International Homestays 2015
Parent Name:
__________________________________________________________________________________
Student Name: __________________________________________________________________________________
Home Address: __________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Phone No:
_______________________________________ Mobile: ___________________________________
E-mail:
__________________________________________________________________________________
Our family is interested in providing the following homestay options for the school:



Short term homestay up to a month
Medium term homestay up to a term
Long term homestay up to a year
Yes
No






I understand that we will receive remuneration for providing a homestay and that all members of the family over 18
will need to undergo a police vet check.
Signed: ________________________________________________________ Date: ___________________________
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
SPORTS NEWS
Sailing
Members of the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club competed at the Optimist North Island Championships at
Lake Taupo in early November 2014. There were 104 competitors in the Open Fleet up to the age of 15. James
Barnett came 33rd, Joel Kenney came 34th, Sebastian Lemberg was 77th and Braedyn Denney came 83rd in his first
Open Fleet regatta. Well done boys.
Athletics
Kayli Tuiraviravi competed in the Rotorua Athletics Competition will
the following results: 100m, 200m, shot put, long jump and relay
achieved first place, hurdles achieved second place and discus
achieved third place.
Kayli Tuiraviravi and Navana Tata competed in the Waikato Bay of
Plenty Relay Championships on 29th November 2014. Kayli
achieved a first place in the long jump and a gold medal for the
100m relay. Navana achieved a silver medal in the shot put with a personal best. Congratulations girls.
Swimming
Daniel Shanahan competed in the Bay of Islands Classic was held on 22 nd
November 2014 which is a 3.3km swim from Russell to Paihia. Daniel
finished 34th out of 750 swimmers and third in the under 15 category with a
finishing time of 1 hour 2 minutes and 5 seconds.
Daniel also competed in the State Harbour Crossing with 1,600 registered
swimmers. Daniel finished in the top 50 and came fourth in the under 15
category.
Tennis
Caelan entered the North Island Intermediate School tournament in Hamilton and finished fourth out of the 16
finalists. Well done Caelan.
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
Cricket
Tim Pringle competed in the ND Cricket Tournament in Hamilton with the Bay of Plenty Coastland Team and carried
his bat to an unbeaten 85 runs to lead his side to seven wicket victory against Northland. Congratulations Tim.
Underwater Hockey
Most Valuable Player for Otumoetai Yellow team was Ruth Lonsdale and Most Valuable Player for Otumoetai Green
team was Mia Krueger-Reedy.
Dannika Worthington, Ruth Lonsdale and Mia Krueger-Reedy were named among the top ten players and will
compete in the tournament team.
Rowing
Fergus Bremner competed in a three day rowing regatta at Lake Karapiro recently and came third in the finals of the
Novice Men’s Four.
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
COMMUNITY NOTICES
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
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.
YMCA
Y-Kids School Holiday Programme
The pre-Xmas holidays are just around the corner and we are ready with plenty of
awesome activities and exciting trips to keep your kids entertained!
We have a YMCA van pick up service located daily from Otumoetai Primary School
carpark and the Papamoa Surf Club
Our Holiday programme is out now so check out our website at www.ymcatauranga.org.nz
Book online and secure a discount or call in to our YMCA office for more information.
RICKI HERBERT FOOTBALL ACADEMY
January School Holidays - 3 Day Program
Dates: 12th to 14th January 2015
Times: 9.00 am to 3.00 pm each day
Venue: Gordon Spratt Reserve
To register please go to www.rickiherbert.co.nz
TAURANGA SWIM SCHOOL
Intensive Holiday Programme in the 2015 January School Holidays
30-45 minutes lessons each weekday starting at $70.00.
We also have classes available in Term 1 to help your child prepare for school
swimming sports and other water based activities!
30 minute classes at $13.50 each, Squad classes from $15.50 each lesson.
Tauranga Swim School is also excited to be offering you an opportunity to apply for a
grant of free swimming lessons in Term 1 2015.
Phone Andrea on 572 4213 or 027 286 8506 for more information
or email [email protected].
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
LAKES RANCH KIDS CAMP
We are hosting a Kids Camp in January 2015 which is a five day residential camp
from 11-16th January 2015 full of fun, activities, challenges and memory making.
Every day is full of fun. We have GAPe Time and 10 AMen and cabin devotions.
Our activities may include horse riding, archery, hot pools, go karts, kayaking and more.
For more information, email [email protected] or phone 07-350 3010
We are now OSCAR funded.
TAURANGA YOUNG MARINERS
We offer water based adventure activities for girls aged from 9 – 18 years
including sailing cutter rowing and kayaking. Opportunities for camping/regattas.
Regular meetings Thursday evenings and some week activities.
No equipment or experience needed, just a willingness to join in and have fun.
For further information phone Jillian Pilbrow on 577 0515 or text 027 223 5676
or email [email protected]
WAIMARINO SUMMER HOLIDAY PROGRAMME
Come and join all the fun these holidays with the wicked Waimarino crew.
We have exciting adventure days for the juniors and seniors;
as well as our Waimarino Park Days every day
Free pick up and drop off points:
Baypark, Maungatapu School, Otumoetai and Tauranga.
OSCAR subsidies available. For brochures visit the School Office or www.waimarino.com
Like us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/waimarinoafterschoolandholidayprogrammes
RISE DANCE CO
Dance Holiday Programme – 5 to 13 Year Olds
Learn a variety of dance styles including jazz, hip hop, acro dance contemporary, ballet and Zumba.
Singing and confidence building games; baking and art and craft;
lots of outdoor activities, including swimming.
Monday 19th to Friday 30th January 2015
8.00 am to 5.30 pm
WINZ subsidies available for those eligible. Numbers limited.
For more information and to enrol go to www.risedance.nz
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Tuesday 16 December 2014
DIGISCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME
Running from 14th January 2015 and onwards. Dates to be advised.
Classes will run from 9.00 am to 3.00pm.
Learn 21st century thinking skills that future employers are looking for:
problem solving, creativity, critical thinking & team work through a range of experiences
such as basic coding, game design, film and animation
Contact Jonathan Stewart for more information on 571 0629 or visit www.digischool.co.nz
Kids go Free!
From the 15th of December until the end of January, KIDS GO FREE in the park. If you have visitors over the
summer, this is a great deal and with other promotions running in our cafe and gift shop there are lots of chances to
win some fantastic prizes. Some special conditions apply so check out our website for details.
Junior Keeper Programme
This summer we are running our Junior Keeper Programme again. Bookings and all
relevant information are available on our website. This is a fantastic opportunity for your
young wildlife enthusiast to work alongside our park staff and animals for a day! Bookings
are essential and these programmes will run for different age groups on different days
throughout the holiday period.
Kiwi
Did you know that Rainbow Springs is the worlds largest kiwi facility? Kiwi Encounter at
Rainbow Springs has now hatched 74 kiwi chicks since the 4th of September and
thousands since we started this valuable conservation work. Remember that if you book
to do a Kiwi Encounter tour here at the park, the cost of the tour is a 100% donation to
the National Kiwi Trust. We have attached a picture of a kiwi chick for you to admire!
You can contact us on Tel: 07-350 0440 or Freephone 0800 RAINBOW (0800 724 626) or via e-mail:
[email protected] or visit our website at www.rainbowsprings.co.nz for more information.
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