Ōtūmoetai College newsletter - Reflections Issue 7

Issue 7 - December 2021

Reflections Providing opportunities to shine www.otc.school.nz

VALUES

PURPOSE

Striving for excellence Kimihia tōu ake maunga teitei

Let Learning Enlighten Life

Working together Whakakotahitanga

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.

Ōtūmoetai College Contacts Enrolments Dave Cleland (Deputy Principal) dcleland@otc.school.nz Office Gwen Livingston 576 2316 office@otc.school.nz Friends of Ōtūmoetai College - Rachel Chaney chaneyfive@gmail.com 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 - Kuni Williams (HOD) kwilliams@otc.school.nz

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Respecting one and all Whakakoha tētahi ki tētahi Standing strong Tū pakari i te ao

FEATURES 06 12 19 20 30 34

Year 10 Spirit of New Zealand Prize Winner Exposé The Ōtūmoetai College Waka Huia Story Head Students - Reflections on 2021 Get to know the Careers Department Special Needs End of Year Concert

REGULARS 03 From the Principal 04 Editorial 05 Head of IT 09 Student Sport 11 Deputy Principal of Achievement 23 Student Success 28 Student Success in our Gateway Programme 36 Where Are They Now? - Kelsey Andrew - KJ Studios 38 From the Archives 39 Calendar

Message from the Principal AN END OF AN ERA 2021 marks an end of an era for my wife and I as parents.

For the past 10 years we have had our children attend this college, and at the end of the year, this will be no more. This year our youngest child finishes her Level 3 and goes off to university next year. No longer will we have the pleasure of sitting opposite our children’s teachers, hearing their special insight into our children as learners and witnessing that special teacher-student bond played out in their conversation. It is such a privilege to sit on the parents’ side of the desk, talking to a series of committed, professional people who know my children in ways that I don’t, sharing their passion for what they do and spurring my kids on.

I have enjoyed the enthusiasm that comes across in nearly all of our interactions, but mainly, I have loved the way teachers have gotten to know our children – and how they have balanced encouragement with a positive pressure to excel. The teachers of Ōtūmoetai College have made our children understand that they are better than they realise. They have received just the right level of push, with some forensic insights about the qualities and fluctuations in their performance.

What was common to all of these teacher interactions was the fact that they all conveyed a sense of being united with our children in their pursuit of knowledge – a sense of being in it together that I just love.

Russell Gordon, Principal

Teachers, you have no idea how important you are and how often you feature in our evening conversations but I want you to know that I’m deeply grateful for all that you have done for my children every day.

Thank you for all of the hours of work you put in. Thank you for fuelling our children’s passion for learning, for making your subjects interesting, for creating a culture where striving for excellence is the norm, for setting high expectations and, making them work hard. Thank you for knowing them so well and for all the kindness you have shown them. They have been so lucky to have been taught by you – which they also realise and appreciate.

Thank you!

So, that’s it. Never again. It doesn’t seem so long ago that we were crouching on the mini-chairs as New Entrance parents looking at our children’s first bits of writing.

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Editorial At Ōtūmoetai College, our goal is to farewell Year 13 students who are resilient, resourceful, and reflective individuals who are ready to meet the challenges offered in the next stage of their life’s journey. In order to help create this well rounded individual, I believe that during their time at this college they need to have been exposed to excellence in the academic, sporting, and arts

subjects, we also made special mention of the role volunteers play in allowing the extra-curricular and co-curricular aspects of our school to thrive throughout the year.

realm. While our current focus is unashamedly preparing students for the cauldron of the examination hall, the frenetic pace of secondary school life at this time of the year is punctuated by various awards ceremonies.

providers of transport, and supporters throughout the year. I am so very grateful for the positive role models, who by virtue of their dedication to, and support of, our students they teach, coach or manage and thereby make an important contribution to the life of those students they interact with.

The first awards ceremony of the 2021 calendar was our Sports Awards, followed by our Māori and Pacifika Awards, the Creative Arts, the Special Needs Production and our various year level awards ceremonies.

These events allow us the opportunity to applaud excellence in individual and team achievements across the year. While we rightly focused on the success of the various students in their respective codes, disciplines, and

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As a school we owe a huge debt of gratitude to the adults and students who volunteer their time to be teachers, coaches, managers,

So, on behalf of Ōtūmoetai College, I would like to acknowledge those of you who have given of your time, effort, and money to support our students throughout this year. You truly make a difference to those who are under your charge, and while this may not be readily apparent, I can assure you that when these young people leave our school gates to face the outside world, know that you have made a valuable contribution that has helped to prepare them for the challenges of a future that awaits. Thank you!

Head of IT Over the last few weeks I have been lucky enough to be involved in the recent Awards ceremonies and celebrations while livestreaming these special occasions from the Performing Arts Centre.

What struck me, besides the incredible talent of our young people, is the fact that the only equipment I needed for the livestream was a few cables, a tiny camera on a tripod, an ipad and an internet connection.

While the quality of the output wasn’t anywhere near that which a professional videographer could achieve with more sophisticated (and more expensive) gear, the equipment I had did a good enough job to allow parents and whānau to share in the success of our young people despite Covid-19 restrictions.

Ros Lee, Head of IT

That experience got me thinking about the ways in which our school, over recent years, has increasingly been using digital technology tools to do more things, to do things more quickly or to do things better.

Examples are everywhere. From the software that we use in school administration for accounting, communication and record keeping, to the programs used in classroom for art design, music composition, computer-aided design, media publication layout, graphic manipulation and coding, to name but a few.

Then there are the online educational programmes used in a range of subjects to enhance what the teachers are delivering in the classroom.

Programmes such as Education Perfect and Write that Essay (now Writers Toolbox) enable teachers to provide individual students with tasks suited to their current level of learning, provide them with feedback and set up assessments to measure progress. The data collected by these programmes can provide rich information about individual and collective student progress. And these tools became invaluable during the 2020 and 2021 lockdowns when online learning became the norm.

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Ōtūmoetai College students at the CNC machine working with technology teacher Andrew Rapley

Year 10 Spirit of New Zealand By Dave Williams From the 5th to the 9th of November ten of our Year 10 students were fortunate to be given the opportunity to participate in a 5 day Spirit of New Zealand Trophy Challenge. The Trophy challenge involves schools from around the country sending teams of Year 10 students to compete against three other schools for the bragging rights of winning the Spirit trophy. Activities in the programme include ship-handling, teamwork, problem-solving, debating, and water sports (in and on the water). Teams also go ashore and complete tasks against each other and enjoy competitive games that involve ingenuity, leadership and fun.

Covid meant many EOTC opportunities were limited this year but for us it worked in our favour. With Auckland in lockdown the Spirit of Adventure Trust offered OTC a place sailing out of Tauranga Harbour.

This meant that not only did we not have to travel to Auckland, but we were also offered a subsidised entry fee. This generous offer allowed many who may not have had the opportunity previously to take part in what was a life changing adventure.

We set off on an overcast Friday not really knowing what we had in store for us. We met at the Airport and were bused through the Tauranga Port to our berth.

Once aboard we immediately experienced some of the amazing sea life with a friendly seal cruising around the ship welcoming us.

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We were joined by students from Tauranga Girls’ College, Tauhara High (Taupo), and Paeroa College and due to the cosy nature of our bunks and sleeping quarters we soon got to know the students from the other schools well.

Once we had our bearings we set sail in the afternoon in a northwesterly direction and headed to a bay tucked in behind Slipper Island just off the coast of Tairua.

Fortunately for us it was sheltered from the wind and swell as a few of the students (and staff) were feeling a little sea sick on the sail up. On the way we quickly learnt about mizzen’s, halyard, sheets, jibs, housework and plenty of other sailing terms.

While at Great Mercury we were surrounded by whales and work ups that kept us amused and with one eye on the sea at all times. We were fortunate to experience one 50m off the starboard side with a whale swimming through the middle of the school of fish for a feed. The jellyfish that joined us for our afternoon swim were a bit less welcome but mostly left us alone.

Saturday dawned and the swell had dropped meaning we had a smooth sail to Great Mercury Island where we set up for two nights. Before we could leave though we were introduced to a daily ritual onboard the Spirit which was the 6:30am swim. Luckily it was November (water temp around 17 degrees) and not July but it was still a pretty quick dip. Upon our arrival to Great Mercury Island, we spotted a whale so a bit of crew work was put on hold while we went for a closer look. The rest of the day involved more challenges and chances to pick up points for the Spirit Trophy.

Monday we headed back towards the Port of Tauranga.

Our morning swim was delayed by a pod of dolphins putting on a show by jumping out of the water but unfortunately they didn’t come close enough for a swim.

By this stage we had our “sea legs” and also a bit more knowledge about what the sheets (ropes) actually did when we pulled them (raised and lowered the sails) so our trip back was a bit less eventful than the way up.

On Sunday we disembarked the ship in inflatable rafts and headed to the Island for some beach games. We strategically played our wildcard (double points) for the sand castle challenge and took out first place for our Spirit of New Zealand sand ship. We had the opportunity to practise our raft paddling from the ship to the beach and we must have been playing a bit of a trick on the other teams because although we looked like we didn’t know what we were doing when it came to the actual race we smashed everyone. To be honest we drew the inside line and didn’t let anyone pass us by using a bit of nudging and drafting to ensure we got around the ship first.

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The final night involved being portside in Tauranga which we needed to do because we were joined by the TV One Breakfast crew in the morning who came aboard to film a segment. We got to chat to the cameraman and presenter who were very entertaining and answered questions about what it was actually like to work in television. Unfortunately we didn’t get to make our own appearance but it was still pretty cool to be there while they filmed.

Finally it was time to disembark. We congratulated TGC for being the winners of the Spirit Trophy but the experience we had more than made up for missing out.

There were many memories and friendships made and I have not yet mentioned what an amazing job JR did with the food.

We have to offer a huge thanks to The Spirit of Adventure Trust for offering us the opportunity of the trip and especially the generous support provided to us.

Gerry the Captain, Andrea the first mate, Eric, Callum, JR the amazing cook, Dave and Bob the Engineers and the volunteers Robin, Susie, Jemima, Joseph and Eliza who kept us safe and busy.

The Spirit of Adventure Trust offers 5 day Trophy sails for Year 10 students and 10 Day Sailing Adventures for older students. We would highly recommend any one who is interested in doing this to look into one of the trips and get involved.

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Volleyball The Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools Junior Volleyball Championships was held over 3 weekends in Term 4. There were five girls’ teams and four boys’ teams throughout Year 9 and 10 playing in the competition.

It was awesome to see the development that all our teams showed throughout the competition and finals weekend proved that as our teams were beating teams that had previously won against them.

Our Year 9 teams gained valuable experience in their first Volleyball tournament at secondary school. Our Junior B girls had a mixed lead up to the BOP Champs. On finals day the girls had an absolute cracker. They took out the first game against Opotiki Junior A in the third set. This meant they had the chance of competing for a semi and final of their division against Katikati and Mount Black. The girls beat Katikati comfortably but saved their best game of the entire tournament, for the final against Mount Black, winning in 2 sets.

The boys volleyball teams consisted of one Year 10 Junior A team and two Year 9 teams.

The Year 9 teams drew the short straw by having to travel to Rotorua across both weekends and playing at Western Heights High School.

This experience meant that each boy had the chance to improve throughout these weekends, an opportunity not wasted by a single boy! They grew and worked well as a team and all of their skills improved immensely.

The Junior A boys finished their first tournament going through to the top 8.

The boys played very well and made it through to the quarterfinals, losing in a close match and finished 7th overall.

The Junior A Girls started off their tournament with a weekend of games in Rotorua. The girls played some outstanding Volleyball and won all 6 of their games.

This put them at the top of their pool going into a new draw for the second weekend. It was an eventful second weekend, with some close games won and some close games lost.

In the last weekend the girls played a quarter-final against a tough serving Ruatoki team. Our girls played a blinder of a game winning 2-0. The girls then had a tough draw of duties and games back-to-back, ultimately losing their semifinal game. They were now playing for 3rd and 4th, beating Bethlehem 2-0. It was awesome to see the girls finish the competition on a high being awarded a bronze medal.

Junior boys’ volleyball team

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Student Sport Beach Volleyball It was a great day with perfect conditions at the BOP Secondary Schools junior Beach Volleyball champs.

Unfortunately, due to the Level 2 restrictions we are under now, the event had a restriction on numbers so was half the size it had been in previous years. We had eight teams involved on the day, three boys’ and five girls’ teams. In the Year 9 boys, our team of Devlin Langton and Nick Reeder, had a great day. The boys went undefeated in their round robin pool play until their last game which was a close one and took the teams to a 3-way tie for 1st place.

The boys managed to sneak through on their set countback to win the year event.

In the Year 10 boys, we had two teams who both played well throughout the day. It was great to see the outstanding games and competition in the Year 10 boys’ grade. The Year 10 girls all had a great day of results with many of them exceeding their own expectations. Our top seeded team of Emma Searle and Tiani Rae went through their pool play unbeaten to go into the top three playoff. After playing eight games of Beach Volleyball in a space of 7 hours the girls were understandably exhausted, after finishing 3rd overall.

Unfortunately, the junior Beach Volleyball North Island champs have been canceled due to Level 2 restrictions, so that is the only event this year that our students get but they will be back for the New Zealand Secondary Schools champs in Feb 2022.

Cricket Ōtūmoetai College successfully competed at the recent NZCT Junior Gillette Cup Cricket Tournament at Fergusson Park. We entered a mixed team of Year 9 and 10 boys and girls, all of which represented our school admirably. After a close loss to Aquinas College, we beat Bethlehem College, Mount Maunganui College and Geyser City from Rotorua. Special performances came from Captain, Marshall Flint and Isaac Loye with the bat, and wickets were shared amongst all bowlers, with special mention to Miah Smith and Matthew Ireland for the most wickets over the tournament from our team.

Overall, the most pleasing aspect was the spirit the team played in, always supporting each other, congratulating the opposition, and general respect shown to umpires and coaches. We look forward to seeing this great group of players continue to develop as cricketers and sporting leaders in our school.

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Junior cricket team

Deputy Principal of Achievement Staff from both English and Social Studies with students in common have been employing similar strategies to support student development in writing.

As part of the Junior Assessment Weeks, students completed common assessment tasks in writing.

Highlights of these results show: • 79% of Year 10 students are writing at an appropriate speed to complete a piece of time pressured writing in examination conditions. This is encouraging given the ongoing importance of NCEA external assessment.

• 81% of Year 10 students are writing with appropriate precision, sentence structure, and planning.

14% of these students have gained Excellence results in both writing mechanics and argument development.

It is clear that students with precise vocabulary who skillfully use a range of sentence styles are more likely to achieve Merit and Excellence grades.

Such significant improvements validate ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration between the English and Social Science faculties.

In the senior school, Sherie Curry and our Academic Support Mentor Stacey Shefferd continued to identify students who required

extra achievement opportunities to help them reach their NCEA goals.

Similarly, our Numeracy Coordinator Bernice Quatermain and our Literacy Coordinator Eloise Stephen have worked with students who need extra support to help Stephen Tisch, them complete their NCEA Deputy Principal Numeracy and Literacy requirements. At this stage, our literacy and numeracy results are on track to once again comfortably exceed the national figures.

On Wednesday 17 November, it was wonderful to celebrate the academic achievements of our Year 13 students with a redesigned Awards and Leavers’ Dinner live streamed to parents and whānau. The following day the Year 11 and 12 award ceremonies were equally celebratory. At the time of writing, the external examinations are still going. Their movement because of COVID was well intentioned by NZQA but has impacted students’ holidays and their money making opportunities! Although our resilience and agility has been developed this year, we all look forward to a more settled 2022.

Left to right: Alex Freeman (Science Proxime Accessit), Kyla Purser (Arts Proxime Accessit), Amelia Farrar (Science Dux), Madeleine Cunliffe (Arts Dux), Erin Chua (Science 3rd Aggregate), Caitlin Reid (Arts Aggregate) 11

Prize Winner Exposé Senior Academic Awards Dux - Art and Humanities Congratulations to Madeleine Cunliffe What is it that motivates you to succeed?

I like to make the most of the opportunities I am given in life and this to me means putting in effort to perform to the best of my abilities with the resources and circumstances at my disposal.

How has your education at Ōtūmoetai College prepared you for your next stage of life? Ōtūmoetai College has set me up for my next stage of life - not only in terms of academic knowledge and experience, but also in learning to navigate the social world. By forging connections with teachers/mentors and making friends with peers in both classroom and extracurricular environments, I’ve found a community and learnt how to work well with others.

What advice would you give to your fellow students in order to help them to remain focused and committed to their studies throughout their final year?

It can definitely be a struggle to keep on track in year 13 as it can be a social year, but pushing through and completing your schooling career with results you’re proud of is super fulfilling. I’d just recommend students keep things in perspective and remind themselves the short term sacrifice is worth it for the long term gains - don’t give up in the last leg of the race :) How did your teachers influence you and/or assist you to achieve your 12

best?

I’ve been fortunate to have some amazing teachers that really went above and beyond to help me achieve my full potential. From my classics teacher, Ms Moore, giving up her lunchtimes to teach scholarship classics, to Ms Rombouts helping me out with correspondence art history in her free period each day, I’ve really come to appreciate the extra mile my teachers go for me. The great relationships I have with my teachers have made school feel a really comfortable, friendly and accepting environment.

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

I’ve come to believe that the social aspect of school is just as important as the educational. It sounds cliche, but it really is important to spend time with your friends and put in the effort to make others feel included and welcomed too. School is not just about academics, but about developing and growing as a person. This means stepping out of your comfort zone, trying new things, being ok with imperfection, and most of all - making the most of your youth.

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

I am going to Victoria University of Wellington to study a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Art History and minoring in Philosophy.

Where do you see yourself in 5 – 10 years from now?

In ten years time, my dream is to be working in the London National gallery as an art curator.

What are your parting words of advice for students at Ōtūmoetai College?

Your mental health is more important than any grades or material success.

Amelia Farrar and Madele

Dux - Science / Technology Congratulations to Amelia Farrar What is it that motivates you to succeed?

This year wasn’t easy - as a typical year 13, I suffered from ‘senioritis’, or rather major burnout. But at the same time, I always want to be the best I can be, and when I put my mind to something, I do everything I can to make that goal a reality; I guess it was this determination that won out. I think taking subjects that you actually find interesting makes learning far more motivating, and also simply having the desire to succeed.

How has your education at Ōtūmoetai College prepared you for your next stage of life?

As well as giving me a strong academic foundation for university, Ōtūmoetai College has also prepared me through my experiences as a student leader (go Karewa!), camps, and being a part

eine Cunliffe

of the girls’ hockey 1st XI, which have provided me with life skills I wouldn’t have otherwise.

What advice would you give to your fellow students in order to help them to remain focused and committed to their studies throughout their final year?

I think the key to succeeding in all areas of life is to balance work with fun, as cliche as it sounds. Give all your internals and exams 100%, but also make sure that you are playing a sport, an instrument, hanging out with friends, or whatever it is you enjoy so that you stay motivated overall.

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

I tend to learn things pretty quickly and easily, but I find classes far more engaging and interesting when there is a good teacher at the front of the room - it really does make a huge difference and there are some teachers I will never forget.

even physics). But like I’ve been told, life’s a journey and it will all work out in the end - which I hope is comforting for anyone reading this who is in the same boat as me.

Where do you see yourself in 5 – 10 years from now?

I hope to be living somewhere overseas, like Europe, travelling and working. It’s hard to say considering I don’t actually have a plan, but I’d love to see the world while also having a high-flying job in some cool international company.

What are your parting words of advice for students at Ōtūmoetai College?

Your short time at Ōtūmoetai College disappears in the blink of an eye, so make sure you get out there and make the most of all the opportunities (and spending everyday with your friends) while you still can! You won’t realise how much you’re going to miss it till it’s over.

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

I struggled a lot with burnout and not knowing what I wanted to do with my life this year, so I learned the importance of working smarter, not harder - knowing when things were important and when they could be let slide - as well as a lot about myself as a person and life in general.

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

If I’m completely honest, I still don’t really know. I’m going to Otago University and probably studying a conjoint Bachelor of Science and Commerce, but I have no clue which majors (it could be maths, finance, or

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1st Aggregate Year 11 Sarah Carter What is it that motivates you to succeed?

I think it is a combination of my fear of failure and the feeling I get from doing well. I put a lot of pressure on myself to succeed, which does s t r e s s me out sometimes, but it is always a relief to know that my efforts pay off.

How have your teachers influenced you and / or assisted you to achieve to your best?

My teachers have been a big influence on me this year, and are always encouraging and supporting, especially my English teacher, Mrs Sushames. She was such an awesome teacher and made lessons fun, and she acknowledged the importance of looking after our own mental health rather than constantly stressing over schoolwork and grades.

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

I definitely struggle with procrastination and staying focussed, and would much rather do anything else than study.

I found that it is important to know what time of the day you study best at, which will help with productivity. I also remind myself to not beat myself up if I don’t finish what I wanted to, and instead focus on what I did accomplish.

Feeling guilty over what I could have done only makes me stressed, which doesn’t help me to study.

What are your future goals/ aspirations?

I’m hoping to endorse Level 2 and Level 3 with excellence, then do something science or maths based at university.

I also really want to go to Antarctica someday.

1st Aggregate Year 12 Ella Quarmby What is it that motivates you to succeed?

I would say my main drive is the constant desire to better myself. I see school and exams as a challenge to overcome, and I’m always looking to improve on every aspect of my learning. Although I am greatly supported by my family and friends, my drive comes completely from myself.

When I lack motivation, as we all do, my drive is the thought of success and the satisfaction it brings. And it can’t be ignored that a little competition helps too.

How have your teachers influenced you and / or assisted you to achieve to your best?

I have been lucky to have a range of amazing teachers, not just this year but in my entire time at Otumoetai College so far. The best teachers for me are those that allow me to do my own thing but push me to improve beyond what I am comfortable with, especially in subjects such as English and Art. I am grateful that my teachers recognise my desire to succeed, and support me towards that goal by challenging me in different ways.

into more detail. Another thing that helps, is to understand how you learn.

For me, I learn visually, so I try to draw diagrams and pictures to help with a particularly difficult concept. The best process is to find out how you learn and use it to your advantage.

What are your future goals/ aspirations?

As for my career, I have absolutely no idea, but I do know that I want to go to university and study something I love, but also something that will

have a positive impact on the world.

I am looking forward to futhering my passion as a writer and hopefully being published again in the near future.

Last, it has always been my dream to travel the world and see new places, something I hope will be possible soon.

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

When something is difficult, make it easy. I often simplify parts of study I am struggling with so that I can understand the concept as a whole before moving 14

Prize Winner Exposé Continued...

Creative Arts Awards NEW WORLD BROOKFIELD CULINARY ARTS CUP

Brodie Lander

BERNINA AWARD Katie Caldwell BIDFOOD HOSPITALITY AWARD

Sydney Doake

CHRIS CHECK MEMORIAL CUP

Domino Gouw

DMS PROGROWERS AWARD

Kyla Purser

HERRING TROPHY

Kat Griffits

LEE TROPHY Monique Aitchison GASKELL TROPHY Elodie Corin MARY ROBERTS TROPHY

Matthew Hock

MEDIA STUDIES TROPHY

Amy Charman-Moore

NONA COOKE TROPHY

Reed Parr

ROBOTICS TROPHY – Joint Award

Dylan Kemp-Green, Pacey Landon, Harry Parkes

SPARKS TROPHY Imogen Lowe

Sports Awards PRINCIPAL’S AWARD – 2021 NEW ZEALAND REPRESENTATION IN YEAR 13 New Zealand U20 Women’s Football

Lisa Evans

New Zealand Junior Women’s Volleyball

Sasha Solomona

BOB ADDISON CUP For Excellence in a Single Sport – Female

Emma Averill

CROWTHER CUP For Excellence in a Single Sport - Male

Ashton Blair

2021 SPORTS GIRL OF THE YEAR For All-round Ability Danielle Fowler 2021 SPORTS BOY OF THE YEAR For All-round Ability Ashton Gordon

Prize Winner Exposé Continued...

Māori and Pasifika Supreme Awards Congratulations to our winners: Top Female All-round Student

Taila Rikiranga

Top Male All-round Student

Chase Winder

Hine-te-iwaiwa Aroha Stock Te Kaha o Muriwai

Waiari Kohu-Matika

Tikanga Māori Taonga - Tūtara Wānanga

Kaiesha King

Te Taonga Maumahara a Kay Gatfield

Trelise Bidois

Matahauariki Taonga

Kororia Solomon

Te Moananui-a-Kiwa

Sasha Solomona

Ngāi Tamarāwaho Taonga

Kororia Solomon

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Prize Winner Exposé Continued...

Māori and Pasifika Supreme Awards Top Female Award Taila Rikirangi What is it that motivates you to succeed?

What motivates me to succeed is my whānau. Through the challenges and hardships they have grounded me, shown me guidance and given me advice.

They are my biggest why’s and the reason I want to make a change in the world. A change that will be beneficial for our whenua, our tangata and our hapu/iwi.

How has your education at Ōtūmoetai College prepared you for your next stage of life? Ōtūmoetai College helped me gain perspective and helped me create a pathway of growth and new beginnings.

It wasn’t always about what you were taught in the classroom or what you needed to remember but more of the learning opportunities gained outside the classroom.

What advice would you give to your fellow students in order to help them to remain focused and committed to their studies throughout their final year?

Advice I would give to fellow students to help them stay focused on their studies would be to find friends who share the same passion and morals as you. The ability to grow alongside one another shows maturity and an open horizon for the challenges and better things to come. These moments are the ones you won’t have to face alone.

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

Teachers never want to see their students fail. They’re your biggest cheerleaders and all they want is for you to find the drive and potential they see inside of you.

My teachers have seen the struggles I’ve faced but have never wanted to give up on me because it was easier, instead they did what they could to ensure that my future successes were going to be achieved.

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

The biggest take away I had from my last year was realizing that I shouldn’t underestimate myself and my abilities.

It’s never worth throwing away five+ years of education and knowledge because your overwhelmed or tired. If it was that easy then everyone would do it. School life is tough and you will become discouraged sometimes but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth fighting for. A little hardworking, guidance and faith goes a long way!

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

My plans for the next year are to give back and be of service for my whanau, hapu/iwi. I want to create a space where rangatahi like myself can feel comfortable being themselves and can thrive alongside people who are the same as them. Giving them

opportunities to do better things and gaining a passion to help others just like how they were.

Where do you see yourself in 5 – 10 years from now?

I have always had aspirations to work within the government and to become one of our very own politicians. I always thought that the biggest change can only happen within and what better way to impact those in need than to do to it in a big matter.

What are your parting words of advice for students at Ōtūmoetai College?

The last piece of advice I can give is to always aim high. Be the shooting star everyone loves to see! Don’t be afraid to fall because if you do you will always have somewhere safe to land.

Prize Winner Exposé Continued...

Māori and Pasifika Supreme Awards motivated.

Top Male Award Chase Winder What is it that motivates you to succeed?

My primary motivation while I was at school was keeping in mind the future and what lies ahead. My goal at school was to achieve at a high enough level to take any pathway that I choose in the future that I might not have considered while at school.

So, what motivated me? The potential of what I could do.

How has your education at Ōtūmoetai College prepared you for your next stage of life?

While I was at school, I felt that networking was an essential skill.

Through networking, I have met lots of new and exciting people, and it’s also a great life skill. By making connections, we all win. In the next step after high school, having relationships with people is an excellent way to have support and also a great way to make friends and meet new people.

What advice would you give to your fellow students in order to help them to remain focused and committed to their studies throughout their final year?

I would advise anyone struggling to stay committed to their studies to keep in mind their end goal and their purpose for studying. If you get stuck and feel like you want to give up, focusing on your end goal and the purpose of your learning can help you to get past difficulties with staying 18

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

All my teachers at school were very helpful in motivating me to achieve my best. My teachers were able to encourage me, even when I didn’t want to. They truly are the beating heart of any school, especially Ōtūmoetai college What has been your biggest take away / learning from your final year?

My biggest takeaway would probably be to keep positive, stay motivated and have a good support network around you. Having good relationships with the people around you is the biggest takeaway from my final year, as you will always have someone to support you and help you when you feel down or not motivated.

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

Once I have finished NCEA, I will be working in 2022, and I will be moving back in with my family and working full-time. I decided to take a gap year to give me extra time to choose a course that I feel is right. In addition, I think that it’s a good life experience getting out into the world a bit before studying.

Where do you see yourself in 5 – 10 years from now?

In 5-10 years, I would hope to see

myself with the qualifications I decided on and maybe in Canada working on either data analysis or chemical engineering. If life differs from what I plan for myself, I won’t mind as long as what I am doing is fulfilling and makes me happy.

What are your parting words of advice for students at Ōtūmoetai College?

My final word to students would be to simply be kind. Kindness is free to give and is priceless to receive. The world cannot have enough kindness. I ask you to make someone smile, give a helping hand, and lend a listening ear.

People are at the centre of everything we do as humans. We all depend on each other, and everyone deserves a little bit of kindness in their lives.

So make someone’s day by doing something kind.

The Ōtūmoetai College Waka Huia Story A Special Gift for Year 13 Māori and Pasifika Learners Graduating From Year 13

He waka kootuia kaahore e tukutukua ngaa mimira A canoe that is interlaced will not become separated at the bow. In unity there is strength.

The waka represents the long history of Māori as ocean voyagers, navigators, and innovators.

It is a great symbol of commitment and kotahitanga.

Many kaiako use the waka to represent teamwork in their akomanga.

Building a waka, carving a waka, paddling a waka- it takes a group working in collaboration, to be able to do these things successfully.

A waka represents: • tenacity and teamwork overcoming challenges; it inspires us towards success.

• moving in the same direction; we cover more ground when we do this.

• people gaining more by using each other’s strengths. *

A Waka Huia is a small wooden vessel that is ornately and intricately carved to originally place Huia feathers in that were worn in a high-ranking persons headdress or topknot. The Huia being a rare and valued songbird, their feathers symbolise the rarity of great leadership and deep knowledge. The Waka Huia then became a vessel that would house such a precious and sacred heirloom alongside other sacred ornaments such as heru (carved hair combs), taonga pounamu (greenstone jewellery), and taonga pūoro (precious musical instruments). The carvings upon the Waka Huia resemble the different lines of guardians and protectors that would hold these taonga with mana. On the lid are symbols of both male and female energy combining and resemble that of Ranginui and Papatuānuku to which all things on earth derive from. The Waka Huia itself is a prized and precious taonga to Māori.

The concept of the Waka Huia to be given to our graduating Year 13 Māori and Pasifika students can be traced back to 2007 when the local community was challenged to consider how to give recognition to our ākonga for displaying strength, courage, and perseverance over their five-year journey at Ōtūmoetai College. Mr Kevin Meyer (H.O.D. Technology) and cabinet maker of wide renown suggested the idea of gifting a Waka Huia to each graduating Māori and Pasifika student to encourage them to continue their journey in education to higher level. Since 2007 Mr Meyer has been involved in the production of nearly 500 Waka Huia. A major achievement. The Waka Huia, a special gift is held in high esteem and treasured by all who have received one.

Footnote: *Te Waka-A Symbol of Collaboration: kotahitanga https://www.thetereomaoriclassroom.co.nz/2017/02/tewaka-a-symbol-of-collaboration-kotahitanga/ 19

Head Students Reflections on 2021 Chase Winder The year as a head student has been an enriching one. I have been able to gain skills through being a head student, and my time here at Ōtūmoetai College has been a fantastic opportunity for me to gain more confidence. I have developed my public speaking skills and have learned to work together in a group effectively. Although this year has been different from previous years due to the restrictions surrounding the pandemic, I have still been exposed to a great range of opportunities this year. A highlight was the trip to Hamilton to participate in the HeadzUp program. I was able to meet many new people from all over the country. Most crucial of all has been creating connections and meeting new people. Getting to know everyone and making friends is my biggest highlight.

My plan for 2022 is to work full-time while I figure out what I want to study at university. I feel that it’s an excellent opportunity for me to gain a bit of life experience and also save some money before I go to university. I did hope to travel in 2022, but due to covid-19, I’m not too sure about the whole travel situation. I would’ve loved to travel to many different countries before going to university. Still, I’m sure there will be many more opportunities to do so once travel restrictions loosen.

My hope for future students is that they can make similar, meaningful connections with the people they are surrounded by while they are at school. Although mingling with new people may at times seem difficult, it’s worth it. It’s not until you leave school that you fully understand that your time with your friends and classmates is time taken for granted. A little kindness goes a long way, and you never know the compliment you give someone might just make their day. I wish you success in your future endeavours and for your journey at secondary school.

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Daniel Weiss

I loved school this year! My teachers were great, I did lots of fun activities with my friends, and I met so many awesome people. My highlight for the year was definitely meeting new people and creating new friendships. In year 13, our whole year group became a lot closer and lots of friend groups merged together, which was great to see. Being a Head Student has been a huge privilege that I am very thankful for! I was able to attend a wide variety of events, and hopefully I did a good job representing the school!

If anyone is thinking of running for a leadership position, I recommend just going for it. There’s nothing to lose. If you don’t end up getting anything, you can always just start up your own club and run that. I hope that the chess club (the best club in the school) continues into the future and that they are able to keep OATS at the top of the BOP chess rank (Good luck Nrusingha and Mr Gilvear)!

Thank you so much to all the teachers who have taught me while I have been at college! Especially huge thank you to all my science teachers, you have taught me to love and value science, and this has resulted in me studying Environmental Studies at Victoria University of Wellington.

Lisa Evans Another successful year at Ōtūmoetai College, personally I thought the implementation of the whare system created greater school spirit, camaraderie and competitiveness between year groups. The committees all put together amazing events to enable this to happen. The standout for me was colours day, where everyone dressed in their whare colours and had chant offs. Covid conditions meant the talent show was in the quad where students gathered together to support our talent acts. I hope the College continues to integrate the year groups in these events to grow our school spirit further.

As a head student I have enjoyed representing the school at events such as the ANZAC parade, Headzup Leadership Day and talking to the intermediate students. I loved being able to give back to the school through speeches and helping run events.

We were also able to be part of an interschool head student group which bonded together to discuss roles and help the wider community such as fundraising for Apanui School after the fires.

Unfortunately, due to COVID we were restricted and not able to follow through with all of our ideas.

It’s been a great 5 years at Ōtūmoetai College, setting me up for my future. Next year I will be attending the University of Canterbury to study a Bachelor of Science.

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Rose Mayhead

It is hard to narrow down a few highlights from this past year, 2021 had so many amazing things happen in it. However, my biggest highlight was being a part of the fly crew for our school musical, School of Rock.

During this production, I was able to meet so many new people and create lasting memories whilst I continued to learn more about the backstage arts, something I hope to use in the future. This year I also submitted my photography into the Matariki art competition at school, which was an incredible night surrounded by whanau; yet another lasting memory I will not forget.

These past couple of years have been filled with unexpected changes, and my hope for future students is that despite this climate you continue to work hard towards your goals. Academic or not, the majority of growth comes from how one conducts themselves in this environment.

In 2022 I’m off to the University of Waikato in Hamilton to study a conjoint Bachelor of Laws and Arts majoring in Māori and Indigenous studies. As of now, I would like to go into resource management, but truthfully anything is possible and I’m looking forward to seeing whether this changes throughout my further studies.

We wish our Head Students all the best for their new adventures!

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Student Success Congratulations Kororia Solomon Congratulations to Kororia Solomon who is a finalist in the TECT Community Awards in the Youth Spirit category (to be held on the 17th March 2022). Kororia was nominated by Stacey Shefferd, Head of Careers, here is what she wrote.

Kororia is certainly one of the College’s brightest lights, her enthusiasm for her people and those around her has ensured she is held in the greatest regard. During her college life she has been an active member in the Te Ao Māori throughout her years at Kura.

For the past four years she has been part of the Ruamano Committee as a member and in 2021 as a leader. She was also selected as a Tatariki leader in Year 11 to lead her peers as an active member of Te Whānau Poutama. Poutama is an environment that our students have created to ensure the success of Māori rangatahi. This initiative at Ōtūmoetai College has allowed the school to build our mohiotanga and matauranga as rangatahi Māori.

Kororia is also a very active member of the community involved in the Tauranga Moana Tauranga Tangata Festival, the annual Hui Aranga, and many other kaupapa that occur in and around her Marae (Tutereinga), hapu and iwi.

Kororia is a very accomplished Kapa Haka performer, and has received our most prestigious award - Tu Rangatira for Outstanding Leader. In addition to this, Kororia has been instrumental in driving change for equity within the school by putting forward a proposal for the Board of Trustees to change policy within the College. It is her future aspiration that ensures she stands out from her peers with her intention to complete the Diploma of Te Tohu Paitahi to become fluent in Te Reo, then moving on to complete a conjoint degree in Law and Indigenous studies at the University of Waikato.

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During the Māori and Pasifika awards, Kororia also recieved three taonga: • 1st in Te Reo Māori • Te Mātāhauariki Award for Māori Leadership, • The Ngai Tamarawaho Award for Overall Māori Leadership Congratulations Kororia, you are one very clever and accomplished wāhine!

Student Success

Year 9 & 10 Art Exhibition

By David Henderson

From the 6th to the 20th of November the Art department held an exhibition of selected Year 9 and 10 artworks. This was held in the People’s Gallery at the Historic Village. It was a fantastic event and a great opportunity for the students to be involved in an outside exhibition and sell their artworks.

A big thank you to Tanya Trass and Wendy Pederson from the Incubator who organised the collection of the artwork and logistics involved in running the exhibition.

A special mention must also be given to ex Ōtūmoetai College and current Incubator artist in residence Sam Allen who curated the exhibition.

This exhibition was a great way for whānau and friends to come together and enjoy seeing the students’ artwork, especially as it has become so tricky due to current Covid restrictions in schools.

A special mention to the following students who gave up their time in the weekends to staff the gallery Beatrice Proverbs, Sequoia Trass, Jasmine Somerville, Georgia Duncan, Alex Reade, Ashley Bell, Mackenna Ellis, Skye Redwood, Fletcher Gillard, Daisy Saunders, Eden Wyatt.

Spelling Bee National Finalist Congratulations to Year 10 student Nathan Murray who placed in the Top Ten in the Spelling Bee Finals in Wellington.

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Young Enterprise Success The Young Enterprise Regional Final Awards were held on the 20th October 2021. It was a great evening where the regional awards were given out and the top 5 teams pitched to be placed as Regional Winners.

There were 32 teams that started the Young Enterprise journey at the start of the year from TBC, TGC, Te Puke, Aquinas and Papamoa. Congratulations to the following winners:

WBOP Entrepreneur of the Year

2021 Regional Winners Congratulations to Kiwikick - Kiwifruit Gels Maia Trevelyan, Rose Mayhead, Renee Mitchell, Jasmin Murray, Amelia Wright, Daniel Dumee Kiwikick won $1000 for the National Award and would be going to Wellington to accept that and also pitch for the Nationals title, however this year it will be online.

Kiwikick also came runner up for Financial Management Award and Best Product Presentation!!

Congratulations to Rachel Dunn

Innovation Award Congratulations to Chappy - produced a lanolin lip balm Rachel Dunn, Pacey Landon, Josia Vickers, Phoebe Webster, Faith Morrison

Teamwork Award Runner Up - UrEco

2021 Regional Runner Up Congratulations to Toi Matauranga - The Maori legend colouring book Imogen Lowe, Jasmine Evans, Pagie Sutton, Haylee Van Herpen-Jacobs

Neisha Moore, Milo Clark, Serene Bigwood, Sapphire Dudley, McKayla Vickers, Jemma Wakerly, Emma Woodhouse

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Student Success Dance NZ Made Nationals in Palmerston North On the 30th October the following students represented Ōtūmoetai College at the Dance NZ Made Nationals.

The soloists were: Kaylee Marjoribanks Yr11 Kaitlyn Napier Yr10 Holly Fitzgerald Yr 9 Lucia Moore Yr 9

Congratulations to Lucia (Lulu) Moore who won New Zealand Year 9 Champion!

Congratulations to the Year 9/10 Troupe who place 3rd in their Category.

The troupe dancers are:: Kaitlyn Napier, Lucia Moore, Holly Fitzgerald, Ella McIvor, Lily Perry, Abbi Prentice, Charlotte OliverWalker, Jade Honore and Zoe Brockelbank.

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Student Success Christmas Stockings Matua Radius Retirement Village approached Ōtūmoetai College to design and create 157 Christmas stockings for the people at Radius Matua.

Two year 10 classes from Mrs Woodford and Mrs Armstrong’s class completed the small community project on the side of their own project/work, they did such a fantastic job! We hope this will make the people at Matua Radius happy on their Christmas day! Check out what they have made!

Sophie Hock and Kaitlyn Napier

Inaugural Q Awards The Q awards are the brainchild of Quentin Van Heerdon of Quentosity- a digital design agency based here in Tauranga. The Q Awards is their 2nd community initiative and is aimed at our youth, particularly in the Creative fields. This is a great opportunity for our students.

There were 9 local secondary schools, including Ōtūmoetai College, that participated in 6 different categories. Whilst a number of our senior students entered, 3 of them were particularly successful. These students are working across a number of different subjects in the creative fields and entered work from each subject area as appropriate.

Roxy Mallasch (Year 13) won People’s Choice Award and Bronze Award for “Switch in the Graphic Category

Liv Hawkins (Year 13) won 2 Silver awards in Architectual and Spatial for “Community Eco Cabin” and “Indoor Greenhouse Cabinet”

Hailey Reece (Year 11) won the silver award for “Chekhov’s Gun”

Examples of their amazing work can be found on the website https://qaawards.co.nz/ 18 27

Student Success Stories in our Gateway Programme Gateway aims to make learning relevant to the needs of the student and to ensure a smooth transition from school to employment or further training.

Generally, any Gateway training will feed into higherlevel qualifications like apprenticeships or diplomas, within the industry. While on Gateway a student will spend a day a week on a work placement as well as be working towards unit standards from the National Qualification Framework (NZQA).

These are a few of our successful students who have gained apprenticeships / employment through the Gateway programme.

Billy Adams Billy’s love of heavy goods vehicles started from a young age so it was only natural that he approached Penske Automotive Company for a Gateway work placement earlier this year. He then gained a placement

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at Omokoroa Carriers where he was offered a Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship within days of starting.

Billy left school to work here full time at the end of Term 2.

Lilly Bennett Lilly has had a work placement at Leescapes Landscaping once a week throughout the entire academic year.

Her excellent attitude and hard work has paid off as Lilly has been offered an apprenticeship once she completes Year 13.

Marco Anderson Marco was interested in the Joinery industry & requested a Gateway placement to see what was involved. He approached Autocrat Joinery independently to organise the work experience which was then confirmed through the Gateway coordinator at school.

After a few months working 12-5pm twice a week, Marco has been offered an apprenticeship when he finishes Year 13.

Kaiesha King Aiden Mabey Designer Homeware approached the Pathways Dept with a full time apprenticeship role. Aiden spent one day per week for one term in the warehouse learning about the cabinetry trade. His great attitude was rewarded with an apprenticeship which was offered at the end of the placement and will begin when school finishes for the summer holidays.

Ōtūmoetai College was contacted by a representative from Air New Zealand to see if any students would be interested in applying for weekend / holiday work.

Kaiehsa was one of those students who decided to give it a go. After completing the rigorous recruitment process, she was formally trained and started part time work as ground crew at Tauranga Airport. Kaiesha’s hard work and bubbly personality has led to her being offered permanent, full time work with Air New Zealand when she finishes Year 13 this year.

Sam Espin Sam completed two placements during this year. Her first was on the SEEDS programme at Countdown which is highly focussed on Customer Service.

The second, through Early Childhood Studies, was at an early childhood centre. During this placement Sam found a love of working with young children and would like to study further whilst working to become a qualified ECE teacher. Sam has been offered a casual contract with this centre and full time work when a position becomes available.

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Get To Know The Careers Department...

Stacey Shefferd - Head of Careers & Pathways Role: I am the Head of Careers and Pathways and the Academic Support Mentor. My main role is as a Careers Practitioner within the school and I also provide and coordinate academic support for the senior students.

It is really important to me that students are able to understand their own career development journey and how their academic work at school can help with that.

Tell us a little bit about your background I grew up on a dairy farm in the Hauraki Plains, I went to a very small primary school that included Year 7 and 8, then attended a small secondary school. I went to Waikato University to complete my qualifications. I took some time out to work as a visual merchandiser, then on completion of my teaching qualifications, I gained a job at Ōtūmoetai College. After a few years, my husband and I went overseas to teach, before coming back home. We now both work at Ōtūmoetai College and have two children, my life is now split three ways between the tennis club, work and home!

What is your best teaching moment so far?

Helping a student achieve her dream of attending University in the face of extreme adversity.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

While at University I had been coaching a local Secondary school rowing team, I enjoyed the experience and it confirmed to me that teaching was my passion.

If you could pass on one piece of advice to students, what would that advice be?

It is really important to participate in both team and individual activities. Many students are involved in team or group activities, but completing something as an individual (sport or creative) really ensures you are practising your problem-solving skills on your own which is something that will aid you in adulthood.

What is a little-known fact about you?

I used to teach religious studies at a Moravian Church school in England

Emma Webb - Gateway Placement Coordinator Tell us a little bit about your background I was born in London and raised in the south of England. Whilst working in the Mediterranean in my early 20s I met my nowhusband Olly. That was 23 years ago. We settled in NZ in 2006 and have 3 boys.

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I am qualified in ECE and did not think I would ever work with teenagers until the Gateway opportunity was presented to me by Mrs Shefferd.

If you could pass on one piece of advice to students, what would that advice be? Grab every opportunity available and stay true to who you are.

What is a little-known fact about you?

Roger Federer asked me out!

Julie Leslie - Teacher of Employment Skills Role: My role is a part-time teacher of senior Employment Skills. I have the task of turning students into employable, reliable and valuable citizens in the workplace through creating a positive learning environment within our class.

Tell us a bit about your background.

Born in Liverpool England, emigrated as a baby to Dunedin. Went to school in Gore and played every sport imaginable! Had a horse I did one-day eventing on and spent many weekends skiing. Idyllic childhood.

University at Otago to do Degree in PE. Post Grad in Christchurch then to Ōtūmoetai College in 1979!

Four of my family, including my first husband, were killed in the Erebus disaster. Ōtūmoetai College staff and students picked me up and carried me through a terrible time in my life and I will always be indebted to this place. I met and married my wonderful husband Rob and we have 3 amazing children and 3 beautiful grandchildren. I love all sport but the only one I do competitively now is golf. Retirement looms and we are looking forward to the next chapter in our lives.

What is your best teaching moment so far?

There have been many but one of the recent ones is when a student who had come from a terrible background and struggled with classwork told me he was having an interview for a job. I asked him if he had given the interview any thought and if he would like

a mock interview from me.

He was open to that so I put him through some likely questions and answers then told him to prepare some questions for him to ask the people doing the interview.

A couple of days later he came bursting through my classroom door so excited and proud because he had been given the job. Miss, he said, they asked me all the questions you did so I knew the answers!! The delight and the obvious rise in self-esteem in this student was so heartwarming to see.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I loved sport and had been successful in many different sports so wanted to impart my love of exercise to the next generation. I also had the most wonderful PE teacher who was also my netball coach and she was my idol. I just wanted to be like her!

If you could pass on one piece of advice to students, what would that advice be?

Work hard and believe in yourself.

What is a little known fact about you?

I can’t smell or taste anything!!

Nicola King - Early Childhood Studies Teacher Role: I teach Early Childhood studies to year 12 and 13 students at Ōtūmoetai College.

Tell us a little bit about your background I grew up on a 600-acre farm in Hawkes Bay, trained at the University of Waikato, travelled overseas, worked in summer camps in America where I taught and facilitated the high ropes programme. Travelled Europe, was a nanny in England and I have run a playgroup for 0-5year olds in Ōtūmoetai for 3 years and taught at Ōtūmoetai College on and off for the past 15 years. I am married with 3 children and enjoy sports - touch rugby, netball, waterskiing, tramping and the outdoors in general.

What is your best teaching moment so far?

My best teaching moment would be encouraging a child to overcome their fear of heights and be able to complete the challenge, which was to climb up a

pole and walk across a log 8 meters high….I was belaying them while they clung to the pole for over 30 mins.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I love seeing people overcome challenges and gain new skills and knowledge and be able to apply what they have learnt.

If you could pass on one piece of advice to students, what would that advice be?

Make the most of every opportunity that comes your way... embrace it, challenge yourself and have fun.

What is a little-known fact about you?

I met Prince Philip when I was about 8 years old.

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Joc McCreary - Careers Advisor Role: As a career counsellor, a lot of my time involves one-on-one sessions with students. I listen carefully to the words they use and work on finding the deeper meaning of what they are saying. I think career values are important and discuss the student’s values as they have ranked them in Career Central. I want the students to understand how to manage their own career development so they can continue to do this in the future.

Tell us a little bit about your background Born in Te Whanganui a tara - Wellington and lived there until I had finished university (studying biology and geology).

Went to Christchurch Training College, so I could ski more, for my teacher training and then taught for two years in Stratford.

I got married and we moved to Levin so we both had jobs. We stayed there for about 15 years. When our first two children were young we went to Japan for an overseas experience. When we returned I was asked to teach Japanese - so I started studying formally and teaching Year 9. Later, with four children, we resigned from our jobs and returned to Japan for two years. Our next New Zealand jobs were in Nelson where I taught science and Japanese.

After another 15 years, with the school’s roll falling, I took voluntary redundancy and, as part of that package, was paid to study for one year. I studied Career Development and we moved to the BOP (now child free) for a year of house sitting and study.

My first role at Ōtūmoetai College was teaching science and biology. Then I worked some hours in the careers/ pathway department where I am now full time.

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What is your best teaching moment so far?

Coaching rowing - especially making good rowers from students who have never rowed before. School trips to Japan and outdoor adventures are some of my most memorable experiences.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I loved science (Biology) and watched lots of science documentaries on TV. Teaching was a job where I could use and increase my knowledge in an area I loved, and also, there are teaching jobs all over the country so I could literally live and work anywhere I wanted.

If you could pass on one piece of advice to students, what would that advice be?

My favourite career theory is called Planned Happenstance. It basically says that people should be open to new opportunities/chance events, be curious, be persistent, try out your plan one step at a time. The aim is to have a satisfying life. Therefore, if life is not satisfying, figure out how it can be (more) satisfying and work towards that.

What is a little-known fact about you?

I lived in New Caledonia for a year when I was about 7 years old. I swam in beautiful warm seas. I ate delicious french baguettes. French school was horrible - teachers pulled student’s hair and ears, slapping faces. We wrote with pens dipped into an ink well.

Nicola Tisch - Teacher Tell us a little bit about your background I grew up on a farm in Dargaville. I then studied Commerce in Auckland and went on to start and run four of my own businesses. I have taught in schools both in Auckland and the Bay of Plenty. I have now lived in Tauranga for 18 years with my husband Stephen and three children.

Next year will be our first year with no children at home as both Josh and Millie will be studying at Canterbury University and our youngest son Harrison has moved to Wellington to pursue his football dreams with the Wellington Phoenix.

What is your best teaching moment so far?

There are too many to name just one. Ultimately, I love motivating students to achieve their potential. I enjoy making learning fun so that students want to attend class and that the course content is memorable. For the past six years I have been teaching in the Pathways department which can be challenging as many of the students do not enjoy conventional schooling. It is so rewarding to see students who previously wanted to give up and leave school turn around and achieve and be proud of themselves for doing so.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

After studying Accounting, I worked in an Accountants office and although I enjoyed it, I felt something was missing. I then trained to be a teacher and taught Commerce instead. I love to see people using their gifts and reaching their potential to be the best version of themselves. This is why I became a teacher. I want to inspire people … I want students to say because of you I didn’t give up.

If you could pass on one piece of advice to students, what would that advice be?

Never give up. There is no failure except in no longer trying. Perseverance is failing 19 times and succeeding the 20th! Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life … Keep going! Good things are coming your way!

What is a little-known fact about you?

I have also studied Real Estate and have a qualification in this field of interest.

Eloise Stephen - Pathways Manager Role as a Pathways Manager: Looking after all things vocational in the careers department. This includes overseeing the Gateway program, STAR courses and everything in between. I also look after senior literacy requirements when needed.

Tell us a little bit about your background Being born and bred in Tauranga, I started at Ōtūmoetai College in 2004 in the English Department. Being a former student of the school from the 1980s it was nice to see some familiar faces when coming in as a new staff member. When I left school I trained as a Butcher, then worked at a few different jobs before going to university as an adult to train as a teacher.

What is your best teaching moment so far?

Too many to pick from.

Why did you decide to become a teacher?

I come from a teaching family and figured it is the best way to make a difference and give back to my community. Hopefully, I have managed to do that somewhat!

If you could pass on one piece of advice to students, what would that advice be?

What you do when you leave school will most probably be completely different to what you are doing in 10 years time. Don’t stress about it!

What is a little-known fact about you?

I have five younger sisters and no brothers, my family and I lived on Matakana Island for 2 years when I was younger as my Dad was the school teacher there.

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Special Needs

End of Year Concert

By Caly Pillay and Tania Smythe Every year the Special Needs Department put on a fantastic end of year performance and this year (despite Covid interruptions) was no different.

The production was called Origins and told the story of a young Māori man who didn’t know his ancestral or cultural origins. He went on a journey where he learnt about the origins of those peers and adults around him through dance. In the end he found his own story of where he was from, told to him through the story of Papatuanuku and Ranginui.

After the production, the students received their school awards, achievements were acknowledged and leaving students were farewelled. This was topped off with an outstanding tautoko by the Māori department, later followed by another heart-wrenching one for all the Teacher Aides (which had been organised in secret by 3 of our own amazing students), embracing Māori culture as well as their own beautiful hearts in the most magical way! The manaakitanga, awhi and aroha our students have displayed is simply a joy to behold and I am blessed to have been even a small part of their journey.

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The students did so well, completing three performances in 3 days, plus the many practises before that. All the students in the department gave 3 days of performances to the school and two performances for parents.

A very big thank you to Caly Pillay and the Teachers and Teacher Aides of the Special Needs Department for leading the students through another amazing production!

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Where are they now?

It’s always exciting to learn about what our past students have been up to! Here is Kelsey’s story.

Kelsey Andrew - Dancer and Owner of KJ Studios

I am Kelsey Andrew, Former Alumni of Ōtūmoetai College (graduated in 2011). I am now the Creative Director and owner of KJ Studios, a dance and performing arts space here In Tauranga with 4 Studios, over 600 dancers and 15 amazing Creators (teachers!).

Tell us about your student days here at Ōtūmoetai College?

Despite my best efforts and hopes, I was absolutely not a team sports gal, so instead of working on my tan and my spike on the volleyball court, I was locked away in the dance and drama rooms every spare period and lunchtime I could.

Maths and Science were not for me (sorry Mum) so Media Studies, Extension English, and any other subjects that didn’t involve numbers were my preference. And obviously, Dance and Drama (back when Dance was in its early days as a subject in its own right where there were 3 year groups in one class) was a given. I was that ‘Sorry I can’t come I have dance’ kid! After school was spent jumping on my scooter (embarrassing, hello learner’s icence) or my Nana Car (less embarrassing as I could park it anywhere, it was the size of a table I swear) and zipping off to the studios.

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What was your most valuable life lesson that you learnt during your college years?

So many things… college, for me at least, was both the worst and best 5 years of my life (and I would argue anybody’s). It is a pivotal stage in your life where you have no responsibility but also so much, no decisions to make but also so many and you literally have NO idea what you want to do with your life, yet are asked most weeks about it. At the time, I didn’t love high school, but looking back now I can just see it was the growing pains of shifting into adulthood and figuring out my place in the world. I am thankful to have had a group of friends, although all misfits in our own right, a group that had each other’s back and still do to this day.

I would say, looking back now that I learnt that If you want to do something, you can absolutely do it, even if it is off the beaten track, you can turn any no into a yes and create your own successes.

Could you give us a little background on what’s been happening for you since you left school and how you came about owning KJ Studios?

Wow, afterschool was a whirlwind…I was enrolled in Victoria University to study Law (one of those, ‘I don’t know but AH I’ll do this’ situations) and then my Dad came into my room one evening after a night of dance and simply said ‘If you could dance forever, would you?’ And that was it! Dad and I flew to Australia that following weekend and I auditioned for 4 full time studios in Melbourne, later gaining entry into all 4, which made me figure I best give this dance gig a go! I pulled out of uni, finished year 13 (just) and flew to Melbourne at 17 years old, moving out of home and across the ditch in one go. Living and studying at the Ministry of Dance gaining a full time scholarship in my second year and my first official contract in 2013. This meant I finished my second (diploma) year via correspondence as

I toured Australia, India, Singapore, Bahrain with ‘Life Like Touring.’ After finishing that tour in 2014 I signed on for a 6 month contract living and dancing in a 5* resort chain in the Dominican Republic (enter, crash course in Spanish...I definitely recommend studying a language In school) and after a quick stint home, I did the same thing in Mexico (travelling and dancing throughout America during this time too!)

I was home to sort out a visa to get back out there, and ended up accidentally buying a Dance Studio (as you do?!)

But seriously, I was home on a break and the opportunity came up at a creative space here in Tauranga (somewhere I NEVER thought I would live again) that I just couldn’t pass up. So I hung up the tour shoes and put on the teaching shoes, starting off with 80 dancers and 2 studios and over the last 4 years growing KJ Studios into what it is today!

Tell us about KJ Studios and your vision?

My vision for the studios has always been to build and create a space in which people can come and be 100% themselves, to feel at home and to find something that brings them joy and confidence. I wanted to have a studio that was well equipped, offered all styles, had teachers that were young and professional and AMAZING at what they do and could be a hub for so many young people to come and grow. Where the studios is now so far exceeds my initial vision. We have grown and evolved so much over the last 4 years, and my favourite part now is that I am in a position to employ and pay people to do what they love! When I started this as little ol’ me and 80 students back in 2017, never in a million years did I expect to be in a place with 4 custom built studios (soon to be 5!) 14 teachers, 600+ dancers and ability to provide so many opportunities within this industry for so many! I always intended on being a part of the studios for 5 years and then selling it, or removing myself from the business, as my thought process was that I would like to go back overseas and continue my own professional career.

However, 4 years in and there is NO WAY I am leaving any time soon, being a part of, and growing KJ Studios is an exciting journey that I now know is only just beginning..

Watch. This. Space.

option at all. I am forever thankful to my wonderful, open minded parents for allowing me to explore the unknown and support my desire to create! Since then, I have studied Psychology and Counselling via online learning, and know now that you are NEVER too old to learn or change your path if you choose.

What is the highlight of your career so far?

Touring, learning a new language, experiencing new cultures and getting to see so much of the world doing what I love has been AMAZING! However, over the last four years I am so proud to have created a place in which young people can find a safe, welcoming and open space to find themselves, learn new things, build confidence, meet lifelong friends, and make memories.

How were you first introduced to dance?

This is a funny one actually, my parent where full time workers and busy running a business, so regularly I would get left at the Primary School gates waiting for my parents to come get me (both of which thought the OTHER parent was on pick up today) and so the lovely office ladies at Tauranga Primary popped me into the after school dance lessons to take up some time and keep me busy while I waited. And now, here we are!

What advice would you give to current students at Ōtūmoetai College?

You have more time than you believe, the world is an exciting place with so much opportunity if you dare to believe it and go for it. You’re not bound to one career or path at any stage of your life and yeah, sometimes you have to work blimin’ hard to get what you’re after, but it’s all doable and it’s all worth it. Oh, and when you can, get overseas as soon as you can. You will learn more about yourself and about your world in a new culture and country than any university can teach you.

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

NO. Mostly because nobody in my circles was building a career in Creative Arts (yes guys, this was BEFORE Instagram, I know!) and so I knew I loved dance, and that I would love to do it forever, but I never thought that was an 37

From the Archives A Library session and Geography class from 1965. Check out the teachers’ gowns!

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FEBRUARY 2022 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

1 Year 9 Induction 2 Day 1

6 Waitangi Day

13

7 Waitangi Day

20

27

3 Year 9 Induction 4

10 CLASS

Special Needs Students start back today. Extended Form Time.

9 ID PHOTOS

14 Year 9

15 L3 BIOL Trip.

16 20 Year

Year 9 Oteora Camps begin.

Anniversary Okohanga

22 L1 OEPE Risk

23 Athletics Day

Managment Trip

at the Tauranga Domain

21

Friday

FULL SCHOOL in attendance today.

Year 9 Induction Day 2

Holiday Observed

Parent Evening

8

Thursday Day 3. Form time first.

FULL School - Normal Day.

Saturday 5

Extended Form Time.

11

Extended Form Time. L1ARTV Trip, L3 OEAS Trip.

12

17 6.30pm EL

18 ID PHOTOS

19

Programme Parents Meeting

- Catchups

24

25

PHOTOS

26

28

MARCH 2022 Sunday

6

Monday

7 L1 OEPE

Tuesday

14

Thursday

21

3

4

5

8

9

L3 BIOL Cathedral Cove Marine ReservesTrip

10

11

12

15

16 L2 GEOG

17 Swimming

18 Year 9 Oteora Camps finish.

International Food Festival

19

25 Poutama to

26

22

23 TEACHER

Sports

24

ONLY DAY

27

28

Saturday

2

Tongariro Trip

20

Friday

1

Whangamata Camp

13

Wednesday

29

30

Polyfest

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SUMMER TOURNAMENT WEEK - to 1 APRIL

APRIL 2022 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 1

3 Daylight

4

Savings Ends

10

17

11

5 Summer

Sports Photos SCH

6

OOL HOLI

12 Parent-Teacher 13

C H2. O InterviewsS- DAY Jazz Festival.

18 Easter Monday 19

7 Parent-Teacher

DInterviews A Y S - DAY 1 14 End of Block

O L H O L I D1 options A Y Sfor Year

20

Saturday 2

8 Year 11

9

Market Day

15 Easter Friday

16

22

23

29

30

9s. End of Term 1.

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S C H O O L H O L I DAYS 24

25

26

27

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S C H O O L H O L I DAYS - T E R M 3 S TA R T S 2 M AY 39

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