Ōtūmoetai College Newsletter - Reflections Issue 3

Issue 3 - December 2020

Reflections

PURPOSE Let Learning Enlighten Life Ōtūmoetai College is an inclusive learning community where identity, optimism and challenge form the foundation for all learners to flourish in a dynamic world. The learning environment will enable students to achieve their personal best in their academic studies, the arts, sporting and cultural pursuits.

During their journey, our students will grow into powerful learners who embrace diversity, resilience and develop meaningful relationships with others.

This is our purpose and our commitment.

VALUES Strive for excellence Kimihia tōu ake maungaga teitei Working together Whakakotahitanga Respect one and all Whakakoha tētahi ki tētahi Standing strong Tū pakari i te ao

Ōtūmoetai College Contacts Enrolments Greg Burnard (Deputy Principal) gburnard@otc.school.nz Office Gwen Livingston 576 2316 glivingston@otc.school.nz Friends of Ōtūmoetai College Emma Copeman pta@otc.school.nz Extra Curricular Contacts Sport - Paul Braddock (Director) pbraddock@otc.school.nz Music - Matt Bodman (HOD) mbodman@otc.school.nz Performing Arts - Mandy Rowe (HOD) mrowe@otc.school.nz Māori Performing Arts - Bobby Ketu (HOD) bketu@otc.school.nz 2

Features 06 A Reflection on this Year by Elliot Watson 07 Farewell - Nathan Thompson 08 Year 13 Deans - Their Hopes and Aspirations 10 Student Leader Reflections 13 Our People - Introducing BOT Student Rep’s 19 Creative Writing 20 Prize Winner Expose 24 Introducing Deputy Principal - Pastoral Care and Discipline

Regulars 03 Editorial - Celebrating the Youth of Today 04 From the Principal 05 Board of Trustees Chair 14 School Achievement 15 From the Head of IT’s Desk 16 Sport 18 Editorial - Role Modelling 25 Staff Celebrations and Farewells 26 Student Celebrations 28 Bring Gerry Back!

29 Where are they now?

32 From the Archives 33 Calendar

Editorial Celebrating the youth of today I find it somewhat disconcerting that wherever possible, the media will report on the actions of disaffected young people and what it is they ‘take away’ from their community. Sadly, the converse is not always true. That when presented with uplifting stories about how young people have made a difference in their community, these stories seem to somehow be discarded due to ‘lack of public interest’. This clickbait reporting therefore provides the reader with a skewed perspective of the youth of today, so much so that the shortcomings of the minority become the new normal for youth and therefore negate all that is positive about young people.

This of course is not a new phenomenon.

Highlighting the decline in standards of our youth reaches far back in to recorded history. Socrates (469 – 399 B.C.) was quoted as saying: “The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households. They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company, gobble up dainties at the table, cross their legs, and tyrannise their teachers,”

At our college we see daily reminders of how students are open to, and accepting of, diversity.

Where being different is not something to be used against others but seen more as a uniqueness of character. I have learnt that once students understand another’s needs, they will willingly put the other student’s needs before their own. They will, for example, accept that an autistic student is allowed to use earphones in class while they may not. Some of the loudest cheers are for young people with special needs competing on the sports field, or receiving academic awards.

The lessons from the year that has been, teaches us that life can never be predicted, but I find solace in this, that the young people I work with cling to the words of Henry David Thoreau who said, “It is never too late to give up your prejudices.”

Every day, I have the privilege of working with young people who are hardworking, polite, courteous, who show respect to others and who are a joy to be with. I wish the media would concentrate more on students such as these; students who would rather give than take, who would rather help than hurt, and hold these students up as role models in order to capture the true norm; a norm which is light years away from the murky underworld of a disaffected youth.

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Message from the Principal Those Who Can, Teach Over this past year, seven trainee teachers have joined our staff for an eight week training stint to help prepare them for the rigors of classroom teaching next year. I have been impressed by the caliber of the teaching trainees that we have had at our college this year, their commitment, passion, and motivation is admirable. I believe that these trainee teachers could find success in many other career paths, but they have chosen to teach and fulfill their desire to become effective educators.

From my observations of them, they have a positive outlook and are enthusiastic about their career choice.

I enjoy meeting with the trainees as a group to discuss key topics around their ongoing development as teachers. One of the most important factors is their sense of moral purpose. Teaching with moral purpose means having a commitment to making a difference in the lives and outcomes of students as a result of their experiences at school.

Teachers can accomplish this by working to constantly improve student achievement and ensuring that achievement gaps, wherever they exist, are narrowed. Other areas of discussion focus around what they see the key role of education to be; how they can make the New Zealand curriculum relevant to meeting their student’s diverse needs; what does a balanced student look like with respect to academia, sport and cultural pursuits; and what do they see are their obligations with respect to the Treaty of Waitangi.

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Pondering on these topics for discussion, I am reminded that teaching is not simply what happens within the four walls of a classroom, nor is it a 9.00 to 3.00 occupation.

Teaching is doing a Mr Russell Gordon, multitude of challenging Principal tasks every day whilst always trying to extend our students whether it be in the classroom, on the sports field, on the stage, or wherever. Teaching is not for the fainthearted, nor is it a safe profession to commit to. Teaching is about creating a future by helping to influence the hearts and minds of our young people to become confident, connected, actively involved, lifelong learners who can make a positive contribution to their respective communities. I wish these, and all trainee teachers, every success as they enter this profession, and I offer my sincere and heartfelt thanks to our current teachers at ĹŒtĹŤmoetai College who give their all to this challenging, but ultimately rewarding profession.

Board of Trustees CHAIRPERSON Mr Russ Brown, Board of Trustees Chairperson

Tena koutou katoa.

What a year…… I’m not sure many of you would have started 2020 knowing just how crazy it was going to pan out.

Congratulations, you have made it through what can only be described as an unprecedented year.

You have needed huge resilience to get through this year.

This year reminds me of an old lecturer story. A lecturer asked her students to prepare for a surprise test. She handed out the question paper with the text facing down. She asked her students to turn the page and begin. To everyone’s surprise, there were no questions, just a black dot in the centre of the page.

The lecturer told the students to write what you see.

The students got started. At the end of the class, the lecturer took all the answers and started reading each one of them aloud in front of the students. All of them, with no exceptions, described the black dot, trying to explain its position in the middle of the sheet, the size of the dot, the shape of the dot.

The focus of all answers was the black dot.

After all the answers had been read the lecturer explained. No one wrote about the white part of the paper. Everyone focused on the black dot and the same thing can happen in our lives. We have a white paper to observe and enjoy, but we can often focus just on the dark spots.

We always have reasons to celebrate, our friends

around us, support from our family, ultra fast fibre, free wifi, McDonalds 30 deals in 30 days promotion…

In 2020 it would be easy to focus on Covid. Our time and energy, particularly during lockdown was very focused on what Covid has meant to us, or taken from us.

Your opportunties are huge, what you are heading to do now or next year, and the steps you will take are the white paper. Waiting for you to write it.

I urge you to take your eyes away from the black spot be it Covid or any other challenge. Who knows some of you may be Trump fans…..

So instead map out your space on the white page.

Thank you to your parents, they deserve credit for the amazing support they have provided you not just this year but all through your college life.

Thankyou to your teachers, they had to cope with Covid too, and have worked incredibly hard this year to help get you through and to ensure that they can assist you with the best possible learning platform.

As you move forward there is a massive, exciting world in front of you with huge opportunity that is awaiting the catalyst of your energy and drive.

Congratulations year 13, we thankyou for being a part of our school community, we wish you every success in the world, and we would love to hear how you go in the future.

Farewell and good luck…..Nga mihi koutou.

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A Reflection on this year by Elliot Watson (Elliots speech at the final Year 13 assembly) Hello there, my name is Elliot, some of you may know me or know people who know me, but here I am, in front of you now to tell you I’m proud of you.

For those who don’t know me I will share with you my story. I’m a student with Autism, ADHD and Anxiety. I have worked hard at this school for 4 and ¾ years like you all. For me Otumoetai was quite difficult to adjust to compared to the small town college I had attended.

Like you all I dealt with my fair share of problems, but I took it in my stride and continued moving forward. I count my time here as a success. As I see you all now, I see like minded characters.

We all strive to be brilliant. So whether you have barely scraped by, or you soared far beyond the highest heights, I’m telling you now I’m proud of you, because you made it through Year 13, and all the years thus far.

someone who will cheer for you, No matter if you’re a fledgling contortionist like me or a master artist, there is always someone. Even in the darkest of times.

Some of you may be like me moving on to university to follow your passion, in my case to follow the stars to become an astrophysicist, or you might be jumping into the job market. Whatever it may be I am proud of you, your achievements, your bravery, your kindness and your reserve. I am proud I get to see so much talent in our year-group, a lot of it is unsung. For all of you unsung geniuses, I’d like to say, good luck, I hope your futures are bright and brilliant.

Thank you for listening and if you ever need a friend, a wall or someone to hear you out, I will always. And I mean always be here for you. My team, My friends, My Year. My school, Otumoetai College. Always be the best you, you can be, good luck for exams.

It reminds me of Mr Farthing after I had just done the unthinkable, I performed my contortion act at the talent quest something no one had done before. He came up to me a week after in Drama class and he told me how blown away he was, that was the first time someone had complimented me for my odd talent. The moral of this is, no matter how strange or ‘out there’ you are there is always 6

If there isn’t anyone else to, I will cheer you on, because I know that everyone needs someone in their corner sometimes to lend a hand and sing their praises, as I understand what it’s like to be left with no one in your corner.

So to quote a movie lost to time, The Disney film ‘Treasure Planet’, “You got the makings of greatness in ya, but you gotta take the helm and chart your own course and stick to it no matter the squalls and when the time comes, you’ll get the chance to test the cut of your sails and show what you’re made of, I hope I’m there, catching some off the light off you that day.”

Farewell Nathan Thompson - the

following is Nathan’s speech that he gave at the Special Needs Awards 2020 Wow, I have so many good memories at this college. I am going to reminisce on them all one day. This college was my safe haven. I felt so free when I came to school! The teachers, students and teacher aides have made a huge impact in my growth as an adult.

You all have done so much for me. I am very privileged to get the honour to know you all individually. You all are truly amazing in your own special ways! Please remember that!

As my time at this college is coming to an end.

I have cherished every moment here with this amazing, inspirational and lovely group of people.

This college has, and is always going to have a

special place in my heart which cannot ever be replaced! No matter how many amazing people that I am going to meet once I leave here. I will not forget this college!!! It is engraved in my heart!

So thank you, Mrs Pillay so much for letting me attend this college! The work you do for every student is so remarkable and deserves more recognition than it already gets!

Thank you, Mrs Pillay for the last five years and allowing me to meet such amazing people throughtout my time here!

God Bless Nathan

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Year 13 Deans Their Hopes and Aspirations In a Year Thirteen Leader’s Meeting, soon after we returned from lockdown, we joked that a good slogan for the class of 2020 should be “Sad and Cancelled.” We laughed together as we imagined it emblazoned across leavers jerseys and integrated into the cover artwork for Trek, our school magazine. It was a compact sentiment, said in jest, that momentarily masked the bitter truth of the loss our leaders were feeling. Field trips, talent quest and sports fixtures; trips to China, Chile and Japan, the fruit of four years of working hard had all suddenly disappeared.

It had vanished into the mist of an even pithier sentiment, expressed by our Prime Minister, “Unprecedented.”

They say ‘Hindsight is always 2020’ and as more of 2020 became hindsight our wonderful leaders began to see the year with more clarity, and thanks somewhat to their proactive leadership there were many rights of passage that were not sad or cancelled. The talent quest moved online, the sports fixtures thinned out and stayed 8

local and unlike many schools across the country, we held a school ball that will go down in Oats history as one of its best!

I was Seventh Form (Year 13) in 1999, which means I finished school a millennia ago. It also means I have some understanding of what it feels like to head off into an adult world where talk of apocalyptic chaos was frontpage news. In 1999 ‘they’ thought that all the computers in the world were going to crash when their internal dates changed to “2000.” It was thought that a worldwide computer implosion was going to drive us all back to the dark ages.

“Y2K” has long since been relegated to the answer to a question in a millennial pub quiz, but at the time I know at least one bright-eyed teenager who felt a strange combination of anxious and hopeful about his burgeoning adulthood arriving at the frontier of some new challenge for humanity.

I imagine it feels a little similar

for you, the class of 2020. You are heading out into a world that is not the same as the one your parents grew up in. It’s a world where people cough into their elbows. Like your parents told tales of cassette tapes and dial-up internet you will have to explain what a plastic straw was and maybe more serious things like chain stores and internal combustion engines. There is a heaviness and anxiety about your generation that I know you feel. But I hope you feel the aspirational hopefulness that we Millenials felt and that Baby Boomers and Generation X’ers felt despite the cold war.

One of my favourite quotes is from Poet, Robert Bly, “Your first mortal wound is the wellspring of your genius,” an idea more simply expressed

by C.S Lewis, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” This is, I hope, a truth that is in the process of being realised in you as you make your way into this heavy, but hopeful world.

Locked in their house, sick of their family and out of decent things to watch on Netflix, some students found that they

were capable of disciplining themselves effectively to study online, in fact, could achieve much more in less time than in class. Some students were better learners after COVID-19.

Locked in their house, sick of their family, dreading the cancellation of the school ball, some dreamed up new ideas that might have otherwise been lost in the noise. One student even made it to national news for her ball gown rental initiative. Some students were more innovative after COVID - 19.

Locked in their house, sick of their family and feeling isolated from their friends across Tauranga.

Many students became more aware that all humans are social animals and more alert to the needs of those less fortunate than them. They became more compassionate, more proactive in trying to help and support each other. Some students were more kind after COVID -19.

This year, as sometimes sad, and sometimes cancelled as it has been, has also seen you scratch the surface of your genius and realise just an inkling of your potential. So now, with 2020 in the rearview mirror, go out there, realise your genius and discover your extraordinary destiny.

Josh Buxton - Year 13 Dean

To have our final year of College in 2020 could have caused despondency among us; we had so many plans that we wanted to enact as it was finally our chance to be the leaders of the school. The year that has such beautiful number symmetry had other ideas, but we rolled with it - a testament to the attitude that has pervaded our cohort since the start of 2016. It has been so exciting to see how you have responded to the challenges that the last year, and the four before that, have thrown.

Any situation can be a positive one if you want to see it as such. We have had plenty of ‘situations’ over our time together and sometimes the outcome has not been what we have wished for. I hope that you have learned, as I have, that figuring out the motivation behind an action or decision is a crucial aspect in developing maturity. In the circumstances where events were unavoidable, we have rallied together. The support and encouragement that you have given each other, and me, will forever be part of my memory bank.

fortitude and skill to chase your dreams, but be flexible enough to change your course if it is needed. A successful person is someone who understands themselves and is able to be empathetic to others; reflect on yourself each day and check in with your friends. Give of your best but do not focus solely on work - it is one part of yourself.

For me, the most important thing is to be able to communicate clearly with people, through both words and deeds. So, smile at the person on the street and tell your friends you love them. I hope that you find joy in the unusual as well as the mundane, and I hope that your life will have spontaneity as well as calculated risks. I HOPE that your life is filled with learning - in all ways - never stop learning! And above all, have fun.

You are ending a phase of your life, but it is just the beginning.

Remember where you came from, but do not peak now!

Build on the foundation of your College years and take the equation Action + Attendance + Attitude = Success to the world!

And, always remember to treat people with kindness.

Kim Whyte - Year 13 Dean

From here on, I have a great hope for you all. I hope that you can continue to draw on inner strength to find the necessary 9

Student Leader Reflections Despite interruptions from

2020 has been an interesting year to say the least,

covid-19, my year has been

and whilst it wasn´t the usual learning experience

full of exciting opportunities,

over the lockdown period, I am so thankful to have

highlights

new

spent the majority of the year on campus at school

solidified

this year, allowing me to communicate face-to-

and

friendships. existing

I’ve

friendships

with

face with staff and students around my learning

my old peer mentor class,

and leadership responsibilities.

and through sporting and poutama I have made

The school ball was a major

new friendships with new year nines, and first XV

highlight of the year, and being

members. Which is what I think school is about,

able to have our committees’

bonding with those around you. I’ve had an array

visions come to light was very

of amazing opportunities to take hold of this year,

inspiring and rewarding for

whether it is captaining the first XV, being a Tātāriki

the many hours we dedicated

member or competing at the Evolocity race day. All

to little technicalities. It was

of these fantastic highlights were made possible

also an event that let our year 12´s and 13´s

through this amazing school.

return to normality for a short period instead of the stressing about world situations, and for that

I hope the college continues to be progressive in

relief I am thankful. I believe that we as a cohort

its march towards bi-culturism and continues to

have overcome many adversities this year and

connect people and form long lasting friendships

have grown into young adults whose unorthodox

with both teacher and student. Creating a

circumstances have encouraged us to decide on

wide spread, diverse culture where everyone is

future plans and find our passions.

connected to one another, and students take pride

Next year I am planning to study First Year

in attending Otumoetai college. Next year I hope to

Medicine at the University of Auckland, leading

complete a level 4 in creativity, which will hopefully

onto a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. I have been

connect me with like minded individuals in the world

well equipped to face the next journey in my life

of fashion, to then one day start my own business.

through the teachings of the staff here at Otumoetai

Logan Blair - Head Boy

College. I implore the class of 2021 to take all they can from this wonderful school.

Rose Akkerman - Head Girl

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I can say with confidence that I have pushed

My year, like most of my peers, was compromised

myself to the absolute max this year. Grasping

heavily by COVID-19 and took away many of

opportunities left and right, pushing myself to excel

the opportunities and hopes I had for my final

at the highest level academically and giving my

year of high school. As a student leader I gained

100% back to this college. What a year it has been.

a greater understanding of my school and

Year 13 is a small period in our

the people around me. I

lives where we have the ability

understood that responsibility,

to take responsibility and

time-management,

hence enjoy freedom, whilst

accountability, and teamwork

still living at home where life is

with your peers is vital. It is

for the most part is easiest.

also true that delegating and

self-

consulting people is a part I have truly enjoyed 2020. I have built lifelong

of leadership, however having relationships with

connections with my peers, established a great

those who surround you, being culturally and

legacy in the food in schools lunch programme.

spiritually aware of each individual and being

Alongside this, I’ve had the privilege of handling

vulnerable enough to reveal your own weakness

key highlights in our school’s calendar, that being

in order to grow with others, I have learnt, is most

the school ball and the creation of both the Year 13

important. I believe that this is what makes a

shirt and Leavers hoodie.

difference between managing people and being a leader. It is not to work above everyone, but to work

I plan to embark on my journey by attending the

alongside each other. In my future I am aspiring to

University of Auckland, studying a BCom/Bsc

complete a Bachelor’s of Education, specializing

conjoint degree in 2021 majoring in Economics,

in Huarahi Māori. Having teachers gifted enough

Finance and Statistics.

to pass on their matauranga throughout different

Jarrod Ong – Student Leader / BOT Student Rep

aspects of education, was uplifting, giving me the desire to pass on the taonga that being Ngai Māori in education is. ¨Ehara taku toa i toa takitahi, Engari he toa takitini.¨ Tēnā koutou katoa.

Kaahukurauenuku Rakaupai - Student Leader

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While turbulent, 2020 has been a successful year

Kia ora readers. My name is Liam Turner and I

for me so far. My 1st XI hockey team came first in

have had the privilege of serving as the co-leader

our tournament, which was my first gold medal in

of Otumoetai colleges Hauora committee. Looking

all my time at Otumoetai College for hockey. It was

back on this year I have realised two things:

amazing for us year 13s to finish College hockey

1) Man it went by super fast!

on a high. In terms of academics, I have achieved

2) Although full of challenges it was also full of

my goals for this year, endorsing the year with

growth.

excellence and I am on track to receive placings in a few of my classes. As

My hope for the college in

the co-head of the sports

light of our current new

committee, I hope the leaders

norms is this; that we never

next year take advantage of

stop growing. Challenges

the opportunities next year

come and they go, it’s what

as hopefully covid-19 will

we learn from them that can

have

change us into better students and better people.

disappeared.

There

were many events that we would have loved to run throughout the year,

Next year I will be working both at my Church and

but were cancelled, so I hope that the leaders

Waimarino so I can gather my thoughts on who I

are proactive, and revive the great sporting

want to be and what I feel is the right thing to do

culture within the school. Furthermore, next year

while making money in the meantime. It will be an

I will be studying a double Law and Commerce

exciting year full of different experiences

degree majoring in finance at the University of

Liam Turner - Student Leader

Canterbury. I am excited for this next chapter in my life and the opportunities it will bring me.

Jane Tingey - Student Leader

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Our People Jarrod Ong - Outgoing Student BOT Rep for 2019/2020 Wow. What a great learning opportunity. If I reflect back upon the time I first heard the news I was to become the Student Representative on the Board of Trustees (BOT) for 2020, In my wildest of imaginations would I have thought I would have experienced so many valuable lessons for my future.

Josia Vickers - Introducing the Incoming Student BOT Rep for 2020/2021

I initially put my hand up for this role to serve the College in a different way. The board has given me insights into how an organisation is administered, how to effectively lead a team, and most importantly how to be strong in my opinions and ideas. I credit all of these learnings to the professional but engaging environment the other board members have created this past year. I want to highlight that the members of the Colleges’ board are of utmost quality, with expertise and capability in a range of different fields. This College is tremendously blessed.

Why did you put your name forward to be the Student Board of Trustees Representative?

My teacher, Miss Rombouts, suggested that I should put my name forward because I would be good for the job.

I also think that this role will give me many opportunities to learn about leadership and life skills for the future.

As I move on beyond my time at this College, I leave this school in the hands of the new Student Representative, Josia Vickers. Stay strong in your ideas and opinions and do not be afraid to stumble on your learning journey. I am confident that Josia Vickers will uphold the great qualities that resonate with an effective Student Representative.

What would it look like for you to be successful in this role?

I’m far from perfect. However, to be successful in this role would mean that by the end of my services, I would have done everything I could to represent the students and contribute to the board.

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Deputy Principal of Achievement Week 6 of Term 4 heralded our first ever Junior Assessment Week which came about in response to the rather big question “What is the purpose of assessment?” From the New Zealand Curriculum we are reminded that “The primary purpose of assessment is to improve the student’s learning and the teacher’s teaching as both respond to the information that it provides” (NZC p 39).

The English, Mathematics, Science and Social Science Learning Areas discussed their different wishes and it was decided a flexible approach was required to cater to those different needs.

One hour blocks of time enable different tasks for example an online PAT assessment one time and then a hand written task at another time or a practical activity in a Science laboratory.

It also enables variety in the overall amount of assessment time.

The evidence gathered from this week will enable us to analyse who has made the expected progress and who hasn’t and therefore inform future professional learning opportunities.

The Write That Essay programme continues to be used in Social Studies classes to enable students to improve their writing. It now has the added feature of being able to track student progress so that staff can easily see who is engaged and making the necessary improvements.

On Tuesday 10th November, it was wonderful to celebrate the academic achievements of our senior students with three separate year level awards ceremonies. Their focus swiftly changed to the NCEA external examinations - some 14

Mr Stephen Tisch Deputy Principal

normality in an otherwise unusual and disrupted year. Tutorials were offered in many subjects to give our senior students the best possible opportunity to achieve highly.

Our Academic Support Mentor, Mrs Stacey Shefferd, along with other supporting staff, continued to offer workshops to students who were identified as needing extra achievement opportunities to help them achieve their NCEA goals. Similarly, our Numeracy Coordinator, Ms Bernice Quatermain, has identified students who need extra support to help them complete their NCEA Numeracy requirements. Each student was provided an opportunity tailored to their particular needs. At this stage, our numeracy results are on track to be better than last year.

Head of IT

Mrs Ros Lee, Head of IT 2021 Year 9 BYOD programme Our new intake of Year 9 students are expected to bring their own devices in 2021.

Parents can view information about approved devices and recommended suppliers in the enrolment section of our school website at https://www.otc. school.nz/school-information/ our-students/enrolments We have had reports from suppliers that stock of Chromebooks may be in short supply due to problems with global supply chains and distribution at the moment. If you are needing to purchase a device for Term 1 of next year, don’t leave it too long to put your order in.

Trusting online information One of the challenges we all face when reading information online is deciding whether or not the information is fact or fiction. Sometimes it can be very hard to know, but here are some questions we can ask ourselves which may help us tell the difference.

Can I trust the authors?

What information is available about the person or organization who wrote the article?

Are they qualified to do so?

(There are many examples of articles online written by freelance writers with little knowledge of the subject).

Are they likely to present a biased viewpoint? Do they stand to gain financially? Tip: Look out for an “About” page with a biography, qualifications, a code of practice or ethics, or membership of a trusted organization Can I trust the information or story?

Can I validate the information here by checking other sources?

Can I trace the information back to its original source? Has the writer provided references.

For example, you might read “a study has found “. Does the article tell you which study, who did the study, how many people were included in the study, when the study was done?

Are the facts correct? What fact checking can I do? What independent fact-checking website could help me?

Is the headline “clickbait” - designed to “hook me in” with the choice of words. Is it written to shock or inflame me?

Does it try and persuade me to

take a particular point of view about the article?

Is the article just a reproduction of an unreliable story from somewhere else?

Am I biased towards one point of view?

Do I believe this story because it confirms my beliefs, even though it may not be from a reliable source?

Do I believe this story without checking the facts because it was shared with me by someone I know or a group I belong to?

It’s a great temptation to share information with others even if we are not sure it is true.

How often do we see on social media: n”I’m not sure if this is true so I’ll leave you to decide”?

This is a sure way to share fake news.

In 2018 a study by 3 scholars from Massachusetts Institute of Technology into how rumours spread found that fake news travels faster and further than true stories. (https://science.sciencemag. org/content/359/6380/1146) We can all play a part in slowing the spread of fake news if we stop, think and fact-check before we share.

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Director of Sport Paul Braddock How lucky were we that we were able to finish off all winter sport games and programs. It was looking a little unlikely towards the end of term two.

All winter sporting codes started their season around the end of July, with most getting a ten week competition. All went well for the first six weeks and then round two of Covid came back to haunt us. The return of the Covid strain had meant that games could take place but with no spectators.

This was easier said than done and the later we got into the term the harder it got to comply with the Government’s wishes.

Our basketball teams had to be dropped off and only the coach, manager and team were allowed into the venue and only after the prior games had finished.

Our Netball teams played on a Friday and Saturday with all parents and support excluded from inside the netball courts. Which meant all supporters were made to stay on the outside of the fenced off courts.

Hockey was the same, with supporters made to stay on the outside of the fence surrounding the hockey turf.

Rugby and football teams had it a little easier with supporters asked to either sign in or use the NZ Government’s QR scan and were made aware of contact distancing.

This also brought out the best and worst in people with a few not so kind words spoken on occasions.

The frustration of wanting to support all players 16

and not being able too, took its toll on a small few.

In the end our students got to play the sport they love and finished with some great results. The Prem 1 netball team won their division with a 20 point winning margin in their final game. Rugby has made great strides this year and got pipped by a single point in their semi final.

Our football girls have again shown great form being unbeaten this year with some great results.

Both our Senior Hockey Boys and Girls teams have had a wonderful season with the girls team drawing in the final, yet losing on a shoot out.

We have had our teachers involved in our winter rugby, netball, basketball and football teams this year, as well as our support staff being involved in rugby, hockey and basketball.

Thank you to all that have coached and supported our teams.

The unfortunate cancellation of most winter sport teams’ for winter tournament due to Covid saw a few regions scramble to put on something for our athletes over the normal tournament week.

Hockey was the most fortunate one with a weeklong tournament hosted for them in the Hawkes Bay. Our Senior Girls were confident going into the tournament. Yet still needed to play some constructive and polished hockey if they were to make it into the finals.

Our Prem 1 Netball team went to a small but very

competitive three day tournament in Rotorua, where they played in some tough games. Battered and bruised our talented team can hold their heads up high and what they learnt from their tournament helped them win their division in the Harbourside Netballs Weekly League.

After an uncertain time when there was a football tournament then there wasn’t. Our Boys and Girls 1st XI teams managed to get a one day tournament in. Both teams played three games in one day, with our girls undefeated and the boys losing only one of their matches.

Congratulations to our hockey and football girls winning their respective tournaments.

With the end of the school year approaching it was time to set up our Sports Awards. Lots of consultation went into deciding what this would look like in 2020.

Lots of term 1 & 2 BOP sports did not go ahead, There were no Representative or NZ teams announced which made it a little tougher for our coaches to pick their codes cup and trophy winners.

Paul Braddock

The decision to invite only Year 12 and 13 students to apply for our top awards and to send in their sporting CV which contained all that they had done whilst in their senior years (11,12 &13) allowed more athletes to be recognised by the selection committee.

The selection of our top Sports Boy and Girl was a tough decision with lots of debate over multiple athletes. Congratulations to Lilly Muspratt, Rose Akkerman and Zac Reeder who are our single sport top recipients and to Olivia Cummings and Ashton Gordan our top Sports Girl and Boy. Well done to all who received an award at our school’s Sports awards night.

To finish the year we have a girls team entered into the BOP Rugby 7’s, Junior Volleyball teams entered in the BOP Junior Volleyball Champs and North Island Champs, BOP Junior Tennis, North Island Junior Badminton and the final event for the year the NZ Secondary Schools Athletic champs.

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Editorial Role Modelling Last term our school had the pleasure of hosting the All Blacks coach during his brief visit to the Bay of Plenty. During his time with us he was involved in a discussion on leadership with our senior students as well as running a coaching session with our 1st XV. I was most impressed by the way Ian Foster was able to genuinely engage with our students and, despite the obvious pressures, was determined to make the most of his time with them.

merits of their ‘branding’ rather than loyalty to team or country. Hopefully not the finance company directors who use other people’s money to fund ‘sound’ investments and, even though they may fail, are still allowed to retreat to their multi-million dollar homes kept safe through family trusts while their investors become homeless. Hopefully not… but our social and news media are saturated with dubious role models such as these.

During his address to the students, Ian described himself as a collaborator, who believes in the power of the team as a whole. He saw his role as creating an environment which values honest conversation, putting the team first, acknowledging individual and collective needs, and applying these principles to everyone involved.

Where else can our teenagers turn, then, for their role models? Wouldn’t it be great if the media focused more on the people who make a positive difference to our communities? What if the spotlight was regularly turned on people who add rather than take away from communities, so that young people would understand that it is more important to build a life of substance, and aim for the stars rather than the largest pay cheque. What if there was an overexposure to Kiwis of character like Sir Paul Callaghan, Sir Ray Avery, Lynley Dodd, Willie Apiata, Kate Sheppard, Joy Cowley, Sir Edmund Hillary, Sir Apirana Ngata, Jean Batten, Sir Peter Snell, Dame Whina Cooper, Ernest Rutherford, and Charles Upham? The list could go on.

It was clear to me that Ian’s understanding of leadership has been honed by rubbing shoulders with, and learning from other great leaders that he has worked alongside or met over the years.

Everyone needs role models to aspire to in order to grow as a person, and it started me thinking who it is that our students might turn to for role models today.

Hopefully not the reality TV ‘stars’ who have an ever increasing amount of air play and seeming influence, but take no apparent responsibility for their lifestyle. Hopefully not modern day music ‘icons’ who try to push the envelope of decency in order to increase their airplay, citing artistic creativity as their mantra. Hopefully not sports stars who are more concerned with the relative 18

If you have ever lamented that fact that teenagers seem to be overrepresented in our country’s negative statistics, remember we need to be part of the solution and not the problem. We can do this by opening up their futures and talking to them about our best and brightest, so they can see for themselves the yawning chasm between true character and the overnight ‘success’ stories so common today. Our kids need positive role models, and for that they should be able to count on you and me!

Highlighting

Creative Writing

Slapstick The blow of his hand sends me backwards, nearly tripping over my own feet.

I assess the damage. Red, hot rash right on my cheek. Blood pumping. Brain spinning. Some words form and escape my mouth. “I guess I deserve that.”

He strides away. My limbs go completely limp.

Hayley Potts 1st Place Y9 A Smile to a Serpent Sitting on my Dad’s shoulders, I looked at the scenery.

The dark red dirt, and the semi-dead trees were all around.

I lifted my head and saw a giant emerald green serpent, staring back at me from the safety of a nearby tree.

I smiled and turned away.

Natalie Ashton 1st Place Y10 Cat She watches you balefully from her throne. Whiskers twitching and eyes half-lidded.

Tigers and lions have nothing on her. She is regal grace personified.

Once, her species were worshipped as gods. She has not forgotten.

Each move is a smooth reminder that although she is small, she is mighty.

Natalia McQuarters 1st Place Y11

Limits Everything has limits.

How high something can leap, fast something can sprint, tough something is.

Unfortunately, it will come to an end.

The miniscule life of an insignificant, inutile, insect.

The colossal burning spheres of hydrogen roaming through empty skies.

Someone stops putting their pen to the paper.

End Dylan Kemp-Green 1st Place Y12

POLITICIAN Cluttered ant farm overridden with rats Confused posies, a pedestal of political confusion Still a rat if it showers and nods politely?

Are rodents eroded through hygiene?

Thin handshakes amongst boxed white walls Stretched smiles They brush their fur with gel Trap their ideas into suitcases of befouled brown leather.

Emily Ardern 1st Place Y13

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Prize Winner Expose Senior Academic Awards DUX - SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY Gijs van Gorp Your commitment to learning and ability to focus is outstanding. Explain how you managed this throughout your final year?

I managed my learning throughout the year by planning when to do work but also taking time off and relaxing so not to get overwhelmed.

How did your education at Ōtūmoetai College help you to feel prepared?

Otumoetai College helped me feel prepared through the teachers giving me access to all the information I needed, even during lockdown.

How did you manage to stay focused and committed to your studies throughout your final year?

It was quite hard to stay focused on my studies especially this year with the lockdown however, I believe it was that if you set goals and work towards these goals even if you do not achieve them you will still be more successful than if you didn’t try.

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How did your teachers influence you and/or assist you to achieve to your best?

All my teachers always gave all my classmates and I the time and effort so that we could learn our best. I am extremely grateful to all my teachers throughout my five years at Otumoetai College, as they have always been supportive and allowed me to reach my goals.

What has been your biggest take away from your final year?

My biggest take away from this year is to work hard but balance this with your social life because being able to get along with people is really important.

Once you have finished with NCEA, what are your plans for next year?

My plans for next year are to study Biomedical Science at the University of Auckland.

What has been your biggest learning through your final year?

I didn’t really have the biggest learning in any specific field this year because I learnt so much in all my subjects especially the sciences.

What comes to mind when you think about how your life will look like in 5 – 10 years from now?

I plan on becoming a doctor and hopefully a cardiothoracic surgeon in the future however, I have many other interests that I may pursue and nothing is set in stone.

What are your parting words/ suggestions for students at Ōtūmoetai College My parting words for the students of Otumoetai College are try to enjoy your time at College but also take advantage of the opportunities that are provided to you.

DUX - SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY Emily Ardern Your commitment to learning and ability to focus is outstanding. Explain how you managed this throughout your final year?

I think I managed this year through honest enthusiasm. I really enjoyed most of my subjects and this helped me to stay focused on getting the work done, I studied through many lunch times and stayed at school until 5:30pm multiple times a week just to make sure I was really giving it my all.

How did your education at Ōtūmoetai College help you to feel prepared?

My education at Otumoetai College helped me feel prepared as I was able to take the perfect combination of subjects to align with what I want to pursue in the future at a tertiary level, thanks to the large range of courses available at the school.

How did your teachers influence you and/or assist you to achieve to your best?

I was really blessed to have amazing teachers throughout my school experience and I feel that they equipped me well with the right discipline to find a study schedule that suits me and keep me motivated with my work. Most of my teachers showed a genuine interest in my learning and wellbeing and their passion about the subjects they were teaching was quite infectious really.

What has been your biggest take away from your final year?

My biggest take away from my final year has been that investing in your education is actually really rewarding and working hard pays off. But more importantly to speak life into other people and be kind because we all deserve to shine and everyone is talented in different ways.

Once you have finished with NCEA, what are your plans for next year?

Next year I will be moving to Wellington and attending Massey University where I will be studying a Bachelor of Creative Media Production majoring in Producing and Directing and taking elective papers from the Commercial Music course.

What has been your biggest learning through your final year?

I think I’ve learned a lot about myself when it comes to how to manage my time effectively and as much as I have totally pushed myself to achieve more than I thought possible which is great, there also seems to be some wisdom in learning when to say no and actually take time to look after yourself.

What comes to mind when you think about how your life will look like in 5 – 10 years from now?

My five-ten year plan is to hopefully be right in the industry, I’d love to be filming/directing music videos and advertisements for small companies, hopefully even just to be part of a film or television production crew would be amazing.

If not, wedding photography and videography really interests me!

What are your parting words/suggestions for students at Ōtūmoetai College Five years honestly flies by faster than you would think so slow down and enjoy the time you have because if you are lucky, you only get to do this whole thing once! Be kind to your teachers, because they are just people too and they really do care about you guys. Lastly do what you love, the world has enough accountants (unless accounting is what you love, in that case I’m sure the world has room for a few more!).

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1ST AGGREGATE IN YEAR 12 Amelia Farrar 1ST AGGREGATE IN YEAR 11 -Annabel King What Drives you to Succeed?

What drives me to succeed is knowing that working hard will eventually pay off and I will get to have a study-free holiday after exams are done!

How did your teachers influence you and / or assist you to achieve to yur best?

The teachers help me if I am stuck on something. I sometimes go to Mr McDermid’s math tutorials if I am finding something hard.

Tell us about the process you follow to overcome a difficult aspect of study?

To overcome a difficult aspect of study first I complain, and then I ask my friends, and I just keep trying to study it.

What are your goals / aspirations?

My goal is to get NCEA level three with excellence (hopefully). And also to be able to speak Spanish.

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What Drives you to Succeed?

I drive myself to succeed. I have high expectations of myself and I enjoy the satisfaction of achieving my goals, so this really motivates me. I also have the mindset that if I am going to do something, it will be to the best of my ability. Further, it helps that I take subjects and do sports that I am actually interested in, making learning and studying more enjoyable, and therefore meaning I am more motivated and likely to succeed.

How did your teachers influence you and / or assist you to achieve to yur best?

My teachers are all very encouraging and supportive, and provide great resources for study, but also are available to answer any questions and give feedback on things like essays.

I like when teachers allow us to do our own work in areas we need to improve on but are there to help if needed.

Tell us about the process you follow to overcome a difficult aspect of study?

I find that the hardest aspect of studying is having the motivation to keep going, so I think it’s important to just remind yourself about why you are doing it and how it will benefit your future. Sitting exams is always less stressful if you are well prepared which is a valuable thought to keep in mind too. It’s also always helpful to take breaks and treat yourself with good food or a movie.

What are your goals / aspirations?

Next year, I want to endorse NCEA Level 3 with excellence and continue achieving highly academically. I then want to go to university and get a degree in either commerce, science, or law. After uni, I think it would be really cool to travel overseas and experience working in different countries.

Maori and Pasifika Awards NGAI TAMARAWAHO TAONGA - Journey Angell-Kennedy My aspiration is to keep true to my word, and my reasons why. I will continue to represent and include Māoridom in every aspect of my life. To honour Ngai Tamarawaho, is to firstly Honour Te Tiriti O Waitangi.

I will represent the mauri of this award by speaking up about social inequalities and wrong doings on this land; Ihumātao, Rua Kenana, Parihaka, Te Ranga, and many more.

My advice is to always know your worth, and to not let anyone take your mana away from you.

Only you have that right. Stand up for social inequalities; everyone has a voice, it’s a matter of if you will use it. Manifest your goals and know you have the power to choose what happens next.

I challenge you to show western society that we, as the Indigenous of this land, that we are not their stereotypes. We are Tangata Whenua. Rangatahi that descend from greatness. Kia kaha, Kia Maia, Kia Manawanui e hoa!

The Ngai Tamarawaho Award in the physical reminds me to remember my roots, and to use my voice as my Māori tupuna were once denied it. For me, this award has many aspects of how it shapes my future goals. The reasoning behind it, and my kaiako and whanau who have helped me get to where I am today. They are the first successors.

Without the tautoko and encouragement for Rangatahi Māori, it is easy to see that I would not be who I am as an individual today, as a Mana Wāhine Toa. That being said, institutions such as Poutama within kura and its support to see me as a person has provided greatly into shaping me into the person I am at present, and will continue to do so for my future, and my goals. #MANAMĀORI

TOP FEMALE ALL-ROUND STUDENT, TE KAHA O MURIWAI, TIKANGA MAORI TAONGA - TUTARA WANANGA - Kaahukurauenuku Rakaupai My aspirations in order to represent the mauri that are held in these awards is that I will continue to uphold the mana and meaning of each and every reward I have received with dignity throughout my studies in Auckland.

The advice I give to students who aspire to achieve one or more of the supreme rewards is to always devote your time into what you believe will make a positive difference within not only your time as year 13 but your future aspirations. Always find a way to educate yourself from both your teachers and your peers. Make yourself vulnerable to make mistakes in front of other learners in order to grow together, then you can fully express your true potential.

Receiving these awards have helped me build the confidence to pursue my career of becoming a primary school teacher within both English and Māori mediums. It has offered me a feeling of gratitude from the school and motivation in myself to never doubt my abilities to success no matter what situation is placed in front of me.

As long as I am grateful for the support given to me from the school community, my friends and my whānau. I will forever pursue my future aspirations on behalf of them all.

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Deputy Principal of Pastoral Care and Discipline I believe that my role is to ensure the physical and emotional welfare of students, so that every student at this school feels safe, happy, involved and able to perform to their potential.

This means that the systems at our school need to reflect our school values and vision, and be responsive to needs of complexity. Regular review, which uses both qualitative and quantitative data, informs our practices.

The role of DP for Pastoral Care and Discipline may sound contradictory, but the two areas are strongly interlinked. Often a discipline issue presents but something pastoral sits behind this. At Otumoetai College we provide a horizontal pastoral structure where students remain with their Form Teacher, Deans and Deputy Principal for their time at school. This helps establish and nurture positive relationships. A core group of adults really get to know a cohort. In response to our last wellbeing survey, in which students indicated little connection between year levels, we have strengthened the peer mentoring system by using a 24

programme called STARS. This fosters a year long connection between Year 9 students and their senior mentors. As well as a vertical whare / house system has been trialled for the past 18 months and this will be fully adopted in 2021.

The purpose being to increase students’ sense of belonging and inclusion, both of which are essential for wellbeing. They also predict engagement and motivation for learning. Each week the year level Deans, DP, a counselor, a learning support staff member and a pathways staff member meet. They review the attendance data, academic results, pastoral information and behavioural comments. This allows for a response to issues to happen sooner rather than later.

The world has changed but to be human has not. The character traits of perseverance, self control, resilience, respect, empathy and kindness are as important as ever. Our students live in a world of greater opportunities than ever before, yet they have never been so challenged in many ways. The cyber world is here, like it or not, it’s not going anywhere. It allows for the most extraordinary

Mrs Jude Brown, Deputy Principal

diversity of communication.

However; it can be a minefield for the unwary. The negative side of the internet is very real: cyber bullying, online scams, sexting, excessive gaming, sexual predation and access to information that is not stage appropriate. Digital technology connects us with the rest of the world but disconnects us as well. The ability to think about how another person is feeling is removed. This is a vital tool students’ require as they navigate digital space. We staff, parents and whanau, must teach our youth about maintaining appropriate boundaries and how to integrate good values and decency into all aspects of their lives.

Staff Celebrations Sam and Kezia Loudon are proud new parents of a baby daughter. Gaia Jane Loudon arrived two weeks early on the 7 December. Proud dad has announced she is happy and healthy.

Welcome to the world Gaia Jane!

Staff Farewells Diana McNamara Diana’s six year tenure as Department administrator comes to a conclusion at the end of 2020. Diana is a much loved member of the Mathematics and Social Sciences department and her cheery disposition will be missed by all that know her. Diana is moving north to Hikurangi to enjoy an early retirement.

Robert McAdam Robert’s 40 year teaching career concludes at the end of 2020.

We have been fortunate to have him working in our Technology Department for the past three years where he has been able to share his immense experience with his colleagues. We wish him well in retirement!

Jaclyn Bailey Jaclyn has been working part time in the English and Drama Departments for the past 3 years. Her dream has been to operate her own business and next year she

is stepping out to do just that. Our hope is that she will be just as successful in her entrepreneurial journey as she has been in teaching!

Jonas Lamarche Jonas joined the college as a beginning teacher in 2019.

For the past two years he has been developing his craft in the Science Department. Over this time, Jonas has grown into a strong teacher who develops positive relationships with his students and thrives on sharing his passion for all things Science. Jonas will be relocating to Wellington in 2021.

Lauren Bell Lauren has been covering a fixed term maternity position in the Spanish Department for 2020. Staff and students alike have appreciated her effervescent personality and cheery ‘Ola’ as she greets you on entering her class. Lauren will be moving to Auckland in 2021.

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Student Celebrations Success for Amy 2020 has been a successful year for Amy CharmanMoore. She has received a Merit Award for her work as a Year 9 peer mentor, a Bronze Award for the 2020-21 New Zealand Biology Olympiad programme, as well as a scholarship to the World Vision Senior Leadership Summit for her work helping to organise the 40 Hour Famine event this year. A fantastic effort Amy!

Hyerin Cho - NZ National Youth Arts Awards Finalist Hyerin travelled to Hamilton in September for the New Zealand National Youth Arts awards held at the Arts Post Galleries. Hyerin’s artwork was chosen from hundreds of entries to make the Finals. Hyerin can be very proud of her achievement as can the Otumoetai College Art Department for the encouragement and nurturing of Hyerin’s considerable talent.

Sharna take out National Award The Graeme Dingle Foundation runs an Annual Excellence Awards. This year, Year 13 student Sharna Steer, who was a Peer Mentor with 9ELR, won the Stars Peer Mentor Excellence Award for the Bay of Plenty. Sharna was then nominated for the National Award - only three Peer Mentors across the country receive this. Sharna was one of the three students who took out the award!!

Sharna has been an exceptional mentor this year and has gone above and beyond in her duties and has worked hard to earn this recognition. The time, effort, care and support she has given her Y9 students this year has been outstanding. Sharna received her award on October 14 at a ceremony in Auckland in front of many high profile personalities.

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Student Celebrations Local girl Anya Hawkins Coming to the rescue in Omokoroa Being among the first at the scene of a medical emergency doesn’t phase Anya Hawkins. The Omokoroa resident and Year 13 student leader at Otumoetai College has just been accepted as a Medical First Responder for the Omokoroa Fire Service. She will be the youngest member of the team.

This is a vital and hugely responsible job. The role of First Responder teams is to attend medical emergencies. They are usually first on the scene, caring for casualties until an ambulance arrives or more advanced medical care can be provided. This work is not right for everyone - Anya was one of 4 people who had their inductions at the same time, but she is the only one who has decided to continue.

It was a conversation over dinner some months ago that got gave her the idea and led her to investigate the possibility of volunteering as a First Responder.

“I started looking into medical things last year as a

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possible career path” says Anya. Mum suggested it as an option.”

Anya’s first steps have been completing a first aid course, undergoing an interview with Chief Fire Officer Ian Blunt and attending shifts as an observer.

She now carries a pager full-time.

She is currently waiting to complete a 3-day First Responder course. These courses only run once there are enough people wanting to attend. Once she has completed that part of her training she will be on 24-hour call every 3rd week, working as part of a team.

That’s quite a commitment for a busy young woman but it is a no-brainer for Anya, who is currently studying for NCEA Level 3 and co-leads the school’s student Publicity Committee. She hopes to go on to study paramedicine or radiology next year. “I want to help people, and I am learning heaps – learning about people and gaining medical skills at the same time”.

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Bring Gerry Back!

Laurens story about how determination, perseverance and love won through In January 2020, I got married to my husband, Gerry. Little did I know that 2 months later, we were going to be separated not knowing when we would see each other again…

In 2019, my husband Gerry and I were living overseas in England, as he was completing his PhD. We both came back to New Zealand for our wedding but soon after Gerry had to go back to England to finish up his thesis. He had a flight booked to come to live in Tauranga with me on the 24th of March but on the 23rd of March it was announced that the borders were closing due to COVID 19. At that time, Gerry was getting ready to pack his bags to get on a plane the next morning. Not sure if he would be allowed on the plane at that stage, we called Immigration NZ, who advised that he wasn’t allowed to catch the flight, as by the time he would arrive, the NZ borders would be shut to foreigners.

Gerry is an Australian. I was a little sad to not have Gerry home for lockdown, but I was confident that they would soon 28

allow partners back into the country.

In July, the government announced that partners of kiwis could enter NZ. As you can imagine, we were overwhelmed with joy. To our surprise, our application was rejected, over

and over again. It turned out, only partners with a partnership visa were allowed to return to NZ. Prior to COVID19, Australians could come to live and work in New Zealand without any visas and Kiwis can do the same in Australia.

Gerry, being an Aussie did not have a partnership visa for New Zealand.

I started a petition which asked the government to change the rules to allow Australian partners to return to New Zealand. I also talked to the media who were interested in our story and managed to get into the news around New Zealand and Australia.

Amazingly, our petition grew from a few hundred signatures to 16,000 signatures. I also requested information on how many Australian partners were denied entry into New Zealand through the Official Information Act. It turns out, there were roughly 500 other Australian partners in the same situation as us. Finally the rules were changed in October of this year and Australian partners were allowed back into the country.

Gerry was on a plane as soon as he could. I went to pick him up from quarantine at the end of the Term 3 school holidays and we were so happy to finally see each other again after spending 9 months apart.

Mission - ‘Bring Gerry Back’ completed.

Lauren Bell

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Where are they now?

It’s always exciting to learn about what happened to past students and both Meletta’s and Amber-Janes stories show that an Ōtūmoetai College education provides an important grounding for future endeavours.

Meletta Chow (Yung) What year did you graduate from Ōtūmoetai College?

2008 Current job title / role?

Dentist How long have you been in this role?

5 years. I am currently working at Tooth Fairy Dental in Bethlehem and Mount Maunganui. Prior to this I worked in Balclutha, a small town in the deep South.

What is a lasting memory you have from your time at Ōtūmoetai College?

My time on the student executive was pretty memorable. To earn the respect to hold that role in

my final year and give back to the school community was rewarding.

What was your most valuable life lesson learnt during your college years Challenge yourself and have fun.

How well did you feel Ōtūmoetai College prepared you for tertiary study / the workforce?

There is so much more I got out of high school than just academic preparedness. I was involved in the school magazine Trek from year 10 and played Netball the whole way through. This helped me with independence, accountability, time management and communication.

Did you know what you wanted to do when you left college?

Yes, but if you don’t know what you want to do right now that’s ok! I was able to take the required subjects and having an end goal kept me motivated . If you’re undecided, keep a broad range of subjects to

keep your options open. If there’s a certain career you might interested in have a chat to someone in that industry or ask to observe them.

Why did you pursue your current area of work?

I wanted a challenging hands on job where I could make a real difference in people’s lives. Oral Health is incredibly important. It affects overall health and well being, self esteem and confidence. But

too many people neglect going to the dentist out of fear or anxiety. I’m in a perfect position to change that mindset and make a positive difference. I love my job and am particularly enjoy chatting with current 29

Otumoetai College students when they come in for their yearly check ups.

How did you get into the field you are now currently working in?

I gained NCEA level 3 and University Entrance with the subjects of Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Calculus and Statistics. I then moved down to Dunedin to study Health Sciences at University of Otago. I completed a Bachelor of Science and gained entry to the dentistry course via the post graduate pathway.

The year I got into dentistry

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there were only 54 spots for domestic students for the whole of NZ. Seven years later I graduated with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery and became a fully qualified dentist. I am constantly learning and staying unto date with the latest materials and techniques. I lost count of the number of webinars I did over lockdown.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Take mock exams more seriously. It would have made final exam study much easier.

At university you can’t afford

to leave anything till the last minute.

What is one piece of advice you would give to current Ōtūmoetai College students?

Brush your teeth twice a day! …Take every opportunity that comes your way. Give your best at everything but also make time for yourself. It’s all about that work life balance.

Put the work in and you will reap the rewards. Do the Mahi, get the treats.

Amber-Jane Wood What year did you graduate from Ōtūmoetai College?

2008 Current job title / role?

Doctor - medical registrar at Christchurch Hospital.

How long have you been in this role?

Four years. I rotate around internal medicine specialties approximately every four months and am currently on a Cardiology rotation. I hope to start Nephrology/General Medicine advanced training towards the end of next year.

What is a lasting memory you have from your time at Ōtūmoetai College?

Some of my best memories looking back are from my time spent rowing - there was a real comradery amongst the crew and it taught me discipline and perseverance which I am grateful for still to this very day when working long hours at work.

What was your most valuable life lesson learnt during your college years: Support and encourage each other. You never know who may be going through a difficult time but being there for someone may make the world of difference in their day.

How well did you feel Ōtūmoetai College prepared you for tertiary study / the workforce?

My teachers were always very encouraging of me and I think this helped knowing I had people who backed me from my college years when heading off to be more independent with university life.

Did you know what you wanted to do when you left college?

Not entirely would be the bottom line! I knew I wanted to do something health related and work with people to make them feel better but wasn’t entirely sure what that would pan out to be.

Why did you pursue your current area of work?

I really enjoyed the Human Body Systems papers in my first year of university so decided to pursue these a bit further with my anatomy degree initially.

How did you get into the field you are now currently working in?

I completed Health Science First Year at the University of Otago

and then went on to complete a Bachelor of Science (majoring in Anatomy). I entered Medical School through the postgraduate entry scheme with study years spent in Dunedin, Wellington and Palmerston N o r t h , graduating with my Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 2016.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

I would have tried to figure out my individual learning style earlier on, prior to being inundated with new information at university. It took awhile to figure out I was a visual learner so everything is mind maps now, but I never realised that at college.

What is one piece of advice you would give to current Ōtūmoetai College students?

Enjoy your college years, look after and support one another and don’t forget to celebrate your own and other’s achievements.

College is not the bee all and end all - it really is just the start!

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Archives Remembering...

1984 Peter Malcom was appointed as the third principal of Otumoetai College in 1983.

He took up the position in 1984.

1999 In 1999 a time capsule was sealed that is due to be opened on the Centenary in 2065.

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JANUARY 2021 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

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Friday

Saturday

1 New Year’s Day

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3

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New Year’s - Public Holiday

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School

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Office Opens

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New Staff Induction - Powhiri

28 New

Enrolments.

Uniform Sale in the PAC, 4.00-6.30pm.

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Teacher Only Day

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FEBRUARY 2021 Sunday

Monday

1

Auckland Anniversary Day

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8

Waitangi Day Observed

Sunday

14 7

21

Robotics Nationals

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Monday 1

15 Yr 9 Oteora

Camps start today.

Yr 9 Parents 8Evening in the PAC

22 College 15 Athletics Day at the Tauranga Domain 22

Tuesday

2 Yr 9 Induction

Day 1. Student Leaders & Yr 12/13 Mentors to attend.

Wednesday

3

Full School in attendance and Yr 9 Induction Day 2

Thursday

4

Yr 9 Induction 5 Full School, Day 3 normal school day

FEBRUARY 2021 9

Special Needs Students start back

10

2

3

Tuesday

16

ID Photos

Wednesday

17

Friday

11 Class Photos

NCEA Info Evening 5.30-7.30pm

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Thursday

4

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Saturday

6

Waitangi Day. NZSS Beach Volleyball Champs.

13 Friday

5

19

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ID Photos Catchups Robotics 12 Nationals

Saturday 6

20 Robotics

Nationals.

NZSS Senior 13 Volleyball Champs

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105 Windsor Road, Bellevue, Tauranga p. 07 576 2316 f. 07 576 8903 www.otc.school.nz