Ōtaki College News

April 2023

From Principal Andy Fraser

SS Otaki Commemoration

On Friday 10 March, 2023, Ōtaki College held its annual SS Otaki Wreath Laying Ceremony. Distinguished guests included Her Worship the Mayor, Janet Holborow, Mr Rawiri Rikihana, representing Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki, representatives of the merchant navy and related organisations, the New Zealand Shipping Company, the Durham Association, the Royal NZ Navy, Royal NZ Air Force, representatives from the British and German Embassies and the Ōtaki RSA. The ceremony holds a special place in the College calendar as it serves to introduce younger students to the concepts of courage and bravery – not just in war but in everyday life.

This year’s ceremony also honoured the 150-year anniversary of the founding of the New Zealand Shipping Company and its 100 years of service sailing people, mail and cargo between New Zealand and the United Kingdom across the oceans of the world. A full history of the New Zealand Shipping Company is available on the College website – https://www.otakicollege. school.nz/students/otaki-scholar/2023wreath-laying-ceremony.

Swimming Sports and Athletics Day

It was highly rewarding to have our two whole-school sports days back on the school calendar for 2023 after two years of COVID disruptions. Participation was high and house spirit was in full swing. Both sports days ended with Staff vs Year 13 relays with the Year 13s winning both events.

Congratulations to all our year-level champions:

2023 Swimming Champions

Ihaka Cameron – Year 7 Boys Swimming

Champion

Lucy Rasmussen – Year 7 Girls

Swimming Champion

Kapiti Williams – Year 8 Boys Swimming

Champion

Ruby Rasmussen – Year 8 Girls

Swimming Champion

Christian Lange-Gerrard – Year 9 Boys

Swimming Champion

Isla Yaxley – Year 9 Girls Swimming

Champion

Giorgio Bevan – Year 10 Boys Swimming

Champion

Pearl Glanville Hall & Parearohi

Edginton – Joint Year 10 Girls Swimming

Champions

William Fogden – Senior Boys

Swimming Champion

2023 Athletics Champions

Rakapa Epiha-Hall – Year 7 & 8 Girls

Athletics Champion and record holder of the 1500m run

Kapiti Williams – Year 7 & 8 Boys

Athletics Champion

Preslee Miscall – Year 9 & 10 Girls

Athletics Champion

Christian Lange-Gerrard – Year 9 & 10

Boys Athletics Champion

Mina Egger – Senior Girls Athletics

Champion

JT Byrne – Senior Boys Athletics

Champion & Senior Boys 100m Sprint Champion

Ariana Telford – Senior Girls 100m Sprint Champion.

Andy Fraser , Principal www.otakicollege.school.nz

Fundraising following Cyclone Gabrielle

As a college we wanted to assist after Cyclone Gabrielle and decided to support the small community of Te Karaka, inland from Gisborne.

Thanks to all whānau who contributed through sending food items or koha and to students and staff who baked.

We will be sending our food items through to Te Karaka at Easter time with Koro Don Te Maipi. We will also be giving $1,000 to Te Karaka School.

Rotary

Over the weekend of 17–19 March, Year top: The Official Party is welcomed onto the College grounds for the SS Otaki Wreath Laying Ceremony middle left: Captain Roger Blake, President of the New Zealand Shipping Company Association middle right: Skye Heenan, Kaingārahu (Associate Head of School), carrying one of the 14 wreaths that were later laid on the SS Otaki Centenary Monument bottom: (from left to right) Mareikura Kaka, Rose Reynolds, Sophie Carpenter and Jurnee Box fundraising for Te Karaka post Cyclone Gabrielle

11 students Harriet Georgetti and Olivia Fogden were selected to participate in the Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment (RYPEN) leadership course in Taranaki.

The girls were sponsored by the Ōtaki Rotary Club. They were selected as they met the criteria of sincerity, application and perseverance. The weekend was an opportunity to extend their confidence and leadership skills.

“I was a bit nervous about going but by the end of the weekend, I didn't want it to end. The activities we did got us out of our comfort zone which was really good for us.

I had so much fun, made so many memories, made so many friends and learnt some excellent life skills.” Olivia.

“I was also nervous, but excited at the same time to see how it would be. I loved meeting all the different people there and enjoyed all the super fun activities we did there, I learnt heaps and made so many memories.” Harriet.

Both girls are appreciative to the Ōtaki Rotary club for providing them with this opportunity.