TREK

Archival
Principal’s Address 3 2022 College Staff 4-7 Staff Photo 8 Calendar 2022 9 Retirements 10-13 Prizegivings 14-21 2022 Head Students 22
Class Photos
Year 9 23-25 Year 10 26-29 Year 11 30-32 Year 12 33-35 Year 13 36-38 Student Committees 39-40
Student Activities Project K 42 Stars Peer Mentoring 43 School Ball 44-45 Matariki & Poutama 46 Queenstown Trip 47 Creative Writing 48-50 Student Volunteer Army Awards 51 Duke of Edinburgh 52 Young Innovator Awards 53 Stonewall Club 54 Market Days 55 Talent Quest 56
International Silent Film Festival 57 Library & Junior Speeches 58
Departments
Media Studies 60
Visual Arts 61-63 Music 64-65 Mathematics & Statistics 66 Languages 67
Hard Technology, Graphics & Electronics 68 Soft Materials 69
Early Childhood 70 Food Technology 71-73 Extended Learning 74 Business & Digital Technologies 75 Physical Education & Health 76 Design Thinking 77 Special Needs Department 78-80 Dance 81 Drama 82-83 Social Science 84 Science 85
Whare System 86-91 Sports A Hero’s Journey 93-94 Athletics Results 95-97 Cross Country Results 98-99 Badminton & Basketball 100 Beach Volleyball, Football & Hockey 101 Canoe Slalom 102 Hockey & Get2Go ............................................ 103 Netball & Snowsports ........................ 104-106 Barbarians Rugby ........................................... 107 Rowing ................................................................... 108 Rock Cimbing, Wrestling & Bowls ......... 109 Squash, Tennis & Golf ................................... 110 Volleyball ........................................................ 111-112 Water Polo & Synchronised Swimming ......................... 113
TREK Committee ............................................. 114
Tihei Mauri Ora! E nga mana, e nga reo, e nga manuhiri tuarangi, tēnā koutou katoa. 2022 has been another fabulous year in the life of our college. As I reflect on our school year, I am filled with a sense of pride at the many outstanding accomplishments of our students across this year. Our year began with positive NCEA results at Level 1, 2 and 3, which is testament to that wonderful synergy between our students and teachers, albeit within the ongoing impacts of a COVID affected environment. Given this disruption, our students continue to perform above the national average by any measure that we care to look at.
I also wish to recognise the personal discipline of al l of our students whether it be in the academic, cultural or sporting domains, for their self-efficacy and desire to give of their best. In particular, I wish to acknowledge our School Dux, Ella Quarmby and Annabel King as well as our Proxime Accessit, Angus Heays and Emily Wahab. These students are the academic champions of our school and I wish them and their Year 13 peers every success in their future endeavours.
While an academic focus is unashamedly our priority at Ōtūmoetai College, the strength of our college rests in the fact that students are able to excel in a range of other areas. Students for example have the opportunity to participate in the Arts through Kapa Haka, music groups and combos, stage productions, and other dance and drama opportunities. Our students are also punching above their weight in the sporting arena with the continued success in squash, football, rugby, hockey, volleyball and netball to name but a few. As a result, our college produces, in my opinion, a balanced, well-rounded individual due to these wide-ranging opportunities, which can be evidenced by our Year 13 cohort who now look to expand their horizons beyond school. It has been a privilege to share this journey with so many fabulous young people over the past five years, and I know that this cohort can look towards a future that is full of promise and expectation.
I would like to thank our staff for their dedication and commitment to our school and for their desire to do their best by our students. Thank you also to all o f those parents, adults and students who have volunteered their time to be coaches, managers, and supporters each and every weekend. I am so very grateful for your positive contribution to the life of those students / team members with whom you interact with.
I wish to acknowledge our School Board Members who work tirelessly on behalf of our college to ensure that all students reach their potential. Matthew King, our Board Chairman has again been a wonderful support. My thanks also go to our departing members, Deputy Board Chair, Bryce Lawrence, Gavin Frost, Mel Tata, Teacher Representative Eloise Stephens and Student Representative Sandra Taing. This year we welcomed Deanna Hinde (Deputy Chair), Kristen Matthews, Teacher Representative Ash Lack and Student Representative Josh Knill to work alongside Lisa Adams and Dave Andrew, we have a board that truly has our college’s interest at heart and I have been very fortunate in having their support.
Thank you for the year that has been. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. Ngā mihi aroha ki a koutou katoa. Mauri ora.
RUSSELL GORDON PRINCIPALChairperson Matthew King
Deputy Chairperson Bryce Lawrence (Finished Sep 2022) Deanna Hinde (Started Oct 2022)
Parent Rep Gavin Frost (Finished Sep 2022)
Parent Rep Lisa Adams
Parent Rep Dave Andrew Parent Rep Kristen Matthews (Started Oct 2022) Iwi Co-opted Mel Tata Principal Russell Gordon Staff Representative Eloise Stephen (Finished Sep 2022) Ashleigh Lack (Started Oct 2022) Student Representative Sandra Taing (Finished Sep 2022) Joshua Knill (Started Oct 2022)
Friends of Ōtūmoetai College Chairperson Rachel Chaney
Principal Russell Gordon MEd Ldrship (Hons), BPA, Dip Tch
Deputy Principal Phillipa Woodward MEdLdrship (Hons), BEd, Dip Sp Mngmt, Dip Tch Deputy Principal Jude Brown BA, Dip Tch
Deputy Principal Stephen Tisch BSc, Dip Tch Deputy Principal Dave Cleland BEsc, B.Ed Deputy Principal/Kaitiaki Bobby Ketu BA, BSpRc, Dip Tch
Art Sarah-Jane Smith BA (Hons), PGCE Business Nyssa Poffley BMS, Dip Tch Careers / Gateway Stacey Shefferd BA, PGDipTch, DipMktg, Dip.Career Guidance Drama Mandy Rowe BA (Hons), PGCE English David Shefferd BA, Dip Tch Guidance Julie Sutton BA Couns. PG Cert Hlth Sc International Students Roy Ballantyne BA, Dip Tch Languages Leo Wilson BA, Dip Tch Learning Centre Claire Lander BA, Dip.Tch Library Carolyn Harrowfield NZLC Mathematics Neil McDermid BSc (Hons), PGCE, Dip Tch Māori Kuni Williams Dip Tch, BMaori Perf Arts, Dip Te Reo Māori Media Studies Ellen Rombouts BA, Dip Tch Music Matt Bodman MusB, Dip Tch Physical Education/Health Jamie Davis BPhEd, Dip Tch School for Young Parents Cynthia Wikohika BEd, Dip Tch Science Jean Grattan MSc, Dip Tch Social Science Nick Page BSc, Dip Tch Special Needs Caly Pillay BEd, Dip Tch Sports Director Paul Braddock Trade and Sport certified Supported Learning Richard Brown BEd, Dip Tch Technology (Resistant Materials) & Graphics Kevin Meyer Dip Tch, Adv Trade Cert, Dip Spec subjects Technology (Soft Materials) & Hospitality Lauren May BMS, Dip Tch
Deans 2022
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
Year 12
Year 13
Craig Grant BA, GradDip Tch
Vanessa Hays B.L.S, Dip Tch
Caroline Reynolds BSc, GradDipTch
Mark Williams BSoc Sc (Hons), Dip Tch
Ashleigh Lack BA, Dip Tch
David Williams BPh.Ed, Dip Tch
Melissa Nicholson BEd, BA
Leo Wilson BA, Dip Tch
Nicola Hawkes BSc, Dip Tch
Sandra Boubee MEd (Hons), BPh.Ed, Dip Tch
Senior Administrator Iain McGregor BA, Dip Tch
ARMSTRONG Charlotte BDes, GradDip Tch
ATVARS Guntis Dip Fine Arts, Dip Tch
BARNETT Teresa MA, Dip Tch
BEATON Kim BSc, Dip Tch
BENSLEY Margaret Dip Tch
BIRCHAM Sanet BComm, GradDipTch
BLAKE Shane BPh.Ed. Dip Tch, TTC
BLAKEMORE Susan DipTch, BEd
BLEARS-WOODCOCK, Ceri BSc, Dip Tch
BRADDOCK Adam BA, Dip Tch
BRADDOCK Mary-Ann BA, Dip Tch
BREWER Kathryn BA, Dip Tch, BPh.Ed
BROWN Taylor BSc, Grad Dip Tch
BRUCE Tracey BA, Dip Tch
BUXTON Joshua BMedia Art, Dip Tch
BURMESTER Yvonne BSc, Dip Tch
CHANG Seong BCA, Dip Tch
CLARK Eleanor BA, Dip Tch
COLLIS David BA, Dip Tch
COTTER Maree BA, Dip Tch, QTS (University of Hertfordshire)
CRAWFORD Jason Itinerant Music Tch
CURRY Sherie
DALTON Kelly BA, Dip Tch
DANIELL Stephen BA, GradDip in Philosophy
DEAN, Shannon BPA, GradDip Tch
DENNEY Debbie BEd, BLS, DipTch, Dip Sport and Rec
ENEFER Steven BA (Hons), PG Cert in Education
FAHEY Juanita BAgSc, GradDip Tch
FAUNTLEROY Jessie BEd (Sec)
FRITSCH Megan BSc, GradDip Tch
GADSBEY Anthony BEd, Dip Tch
GASKELL Charrissa BA, Dip Tch
GILVEAR Steve BA, Dip Tch
GRANT Peter MEd Ldrship (Hons), BSc, Dip Tch
HANSEN Kaine B Soc Sci, Dip Env. Mgt, Dip Tch
HARNETT Jane BEd, Dip Tch
HARRINGTON Kendall BPh.Ed, Dip Tch
HARROP Rebecca BSc, Dip Tch
HENDERSON David BFA GradDip Tch
HITCHCOCK Corisha MMus, BA, Dip Tch
HOLFORD Sarah BA, Dip Tch
HUDSPITH Sarah BA, Dip Tch
JEFFARES Vicky BMu, LTCL, Dip Tch, KIM Namuk BPolSc, GradDip Tch
KING Nicola BLS, PGDip Tch
KIRK Suzanne BA (Hons), Dip Tch
KRIEL Riett BA, Dip Tch
LANCE Kristy BSc, Grad Dip Tch
LESLIE Julie Dip PE, Dip Tch
LIGHT Hannah BSc, GradDip Tch
LIVINGSTON Mike BSc, Dip Tch
LOUDEN Sam BBS, Dip SpSt, DipTch
MACOWN Keith BSc, Dip Tch
MAHY Warren BCI, Dip Tch, Trade Cert
MCADAM Frances CELTA, BCS, Dip Tch
MCCREARY Joc BSc, PG Dip Tch, GDip.Career Development
MCNAMARA Kelly B Music, Dip Tch
MAWER Josephine M Soc Sci (Hons), Dip.Tch
MERRITT Phil BSc, Dip Tch, Dip Bus Admin
MERRITT Robyn Dip PE, Dip Ed, Dip Tch, MCouns (Hons) MIKA Tapene BSR, Dip. Tch
MOORE Lana BA, Dip Tch
NEWTON, Phillip BA, Dip Tch
NORQUAY Carolyn Dip Tch, BEd, Post Dip
O’MALLEY Ian BMus, PGDip Tch
PARKER Tracy BA, DipTch
PARSONS Selina ATCL College of London
PRASAD Ashika BSc, PGDip in Maths, GDP Tch
PRICE Sally BSc, Grad Dip Tch
PURSER, Paula B.Ed, Dip Tch
QUARTERMAIN Bernice BSc, Dip Tch
QUIN Simon BPh.Ed, Dip Tch
RAPLEY Andrew Dip Spec Subjects, DipTch
RAYNER Michael GradDip Engineering, Adv Trade Cert, GradDip Tch
REWETI Hinemoa Graduand BA (Māori)
RICHARDSON Lara BA, Dip Tch
RIDEALGH Alesha BA, GradDip Tch(Sec)
ROBERTS Andy BMusEd
ROBERTS Geoff BSc Applied Dip Tch
ROLLESTON Nadia BA, GradDip Tch
RUSSELL Hayley GradIipT, PGDipPsych, BA SocSc
SCHUMACHER Kimberley BBus, Dip Tch
SECKER Julie BA, Dip Tch
SERRATI Rocio LLB, GradDip Tch
SHADBOLT Joel BMus
SHEPPARD Simon BSc, BBus (Hons), Dip Tch
SIMPSON Mark BSc, Dip Tch
SIMPSON Stephanie BPh.Ed, Dip Tch
SMITH Brent BSc, PGDip Tch
SMITH Megan BSc, Dip Tch
SMYTHE Sarah BA, MMS, PG Dip Com, Dip Tch
STEPHEN Eloise BA, PGDipTch
STONE Laurel BComm, MEdLM
STRAUSS Martenette BComm, DipEd
SUSHAMES Lisa GradDip Arts, BA, GradDip Tch
TAIWO Cordula MA, Post GradDip Tch
TAYLOR Duncan Itinerant Music Teacher
THOMAS Mark MGCD Dip, BA(Hons), PGCE Tech
TISCH Nicola Nat Dip Business Ed, Tch
TOWNSEND Stephanie BA, Dip Tch
WARD Andrea PGDE, BA, Dip Tch
ALLAN Jim
Property Manager ANDERSON Elizabeth International Office Manager
BAX Anita Teacher Aide
BENNETT JIM Teacher Aide BOTHA Melinda Student Database BRADDOCK Paul Sport Operational Director
BROATCH Andrea Teacher Aide
BROUGHTON Tamati Teacher Aide BROWN Andrew Property BROWN Donna Teacher Aide BURLING Michelle Guidance
CARLSON Patty Teacher Aide CARTER Adrienne Canteen Manager CARTER Karen Casual Driver - TPU COUCH Viv Principal’s PA DARKES Tracy Payroll
DEWHURST Sharon Teacher Aide DOUGLAS Raewyn RTLB
DRINNAN Heather Teacher Aide - ESOL DUNN Reta Career’s Administrator EDHOUSE Kristy Student Fees Administrator
FRASER Honeylee School Facilities Attendant
FRASER Jane Library Assistant GRAVES Wayne Cleaner
GREGORY Melissa Teacher Aide HARDY Janice Nurse HEMINGWAY Lorena Teacher Aide HENRICKS Kirsty Teacher Aide HIGGINS Raewyn Guidance
HILL Dayna Cleaner HILL Aishar Cleaner IRVINE Gary Cleaner
JOHNSTON Abbie Sports Administrator / Publicity
WATSON Ian BEd, Dip Spec Subjects, NZCE, Trade Cert, Dip Tch,
WEAVER Lisa MHSc, PGD, BHSc, Dip Tch
WESSELLS Deon BSc, Dip Tch
WHYTE Kim BA, Dip Tch
WILCOX Hannah BSc, PGCE (UK)
WILLIS Avon BDes, GradDip Tch
WILSON Holly BSc, PG Dip Tch
WOEST Rene Dip Tch
WOLKEN Nicola BA, GradDip Tch
WOODFORD Ashley BSc, PGCert in Health Sci, PGDip Tch
YATES Ashleigh BA, PGDip Tch
JOHNSTON Leigh Ancillary –Music/PE/Art, Attendance
KAIAWE Tamson Cleaner
KENWORTHY David Cleaner KIRSTEIN Paul IT
KOLOSE Taine Teacher Aide KOTZE Annemarie Canteen Assistant
LAING Mianna Sports Coordinator
LARAMAN Brent Property LEE Ros Head of IT Services
LEONARDO Nino Cleaner
LIVINGSTON Gwen Receptionist
LONGLEY Margot Canteen Assistant
LUCAS Norman TPU Driver
LUNJEVICH Mark Truancy Officer / Cleaning Supervisor / Security
MCBRIDE Debbie Uniform
MCCLYMONT Christine Teacher Aide
MCFIE Deirdre Teacher Aide
MCLEAN James Teacher Aide
MCPHAIL Penny Nurse
MACPHERSON Joe Property
MATHESON Christine Sports Administrator
MEZA Jeanette Teacher Aide
NGATA Debbie Teacher Aide
PALALAGI Sarcha Teacher Aide
PALMER Pip Finance Manager
PEEK David Guidance
PROUT Russell Technology Ancillary
RAIKES Karen Administration & Communications Coordinator
RAINFORD Peter Assistant Computer Technician
REDWARD Lesley Ancillary – Hospitality
RIDGWAY Ian Sports Development Director
RUTHERFORD Rachael Financial Assistant
SMITH Brianalycia (Brii) Attendance Officer
SMYTHE Tania Teacher Aide
SOEKOE Minette Teacher Aide
SOLE Neroli School Administrator
TATLEY Mary Canteen Assistant
TURNER Martin Cleaner
TYSON Adam Teacher Aide
VAAULU Kate PHO Nurse
WEBB Emma Gateway Co-ordinator
WHYTE Andrew Teacher Aide
WOLDIE Teganesh Cleaner
ZDRAVKOVIC Jelena Science Technician
Julie Leslie Namuk Kim
Stephen Tisch
Rene Woest Laurel Stone Nicola Tisch
Jane Fraser Stephanie Simpson Lana Moore
Keith Macowan Juliet McGrath
Yvonne Burmester Hinemoa Reweti
Mike Livingston Nadia Rolleston
Jean Grattan Margaret Bensley Joel Shadbolt Juanita Fahey Hannah Wilcox Avon Willis Ash Bailey Gaynor Hill
It was an absolute privilege to be able to represent the students at our kura for the past year. Though you might think monthly meetings with the ‘old people’ running our school would be boring - I found every meeting fun and interesting! Everyone was extremely kind and respectful to one another. The room always contained a very nice environment where everyone’s opinions held equal importance and we were able to all talk comfortably with each other - even cracking jokes! The meetings provided really valuable insight into the inner workings of a school, and I really enjoyed being able to work collaboratively with students in all year levels and staff. It was nice to have the opportunity to get to know more people and have people approach you with their fresh ideas on how one could improve the school and its environmentphysical and mentally. Through the role, I gained useful governance experience and amazing relationships. I learnt that the best way to implement c hange more effectively, is to gain the perspectives of all sides and learn the reasons as to why one may hold such a perspective. And of course - how could I forget those delicious cheese and dessert platters at every meeting!? I thoroughly enjoyed being S tudent Representative and would not trade the experience for anything else; if you have the opportunity- go for it!
Back Row: Gary Irvine, Warren Mahy, Simon Quin, Paul Braddock, Kaine Hansen, Roy Ballantyne, Phillip Newton, Adam Braddock, David Collis, Joshua Buxton, Craig Grant, Peter Rainford, Kelly McNamara, Tapene Mika, Peter Grant, Ashley Woodford.
5th Row: Joc McCreary, Mark Williams, Caroline Reynolds, Namuk Kim, Elizabeth Anderson, Megan Fritsch, Richard Brown, Lara Richardson, Iain McGregor, Suzanne Kirk, Hannah Wilcox, Paula Purser, David Williams, Cordula Taiwo, Jim Allan.
4th Row: Brent Smith, Frances McAdam, Mark Simpson, Nadia Rolleston, Sandra Boubee, Martin Turner, Jelena Zdravkovic, Mark Lunjevich, Claire Lander, Sanet Bircham, Andrew Rapley, Ian Ridgway, Mary-Ann Braddock, Jessie Fauntleroy, Seong Chang, Jim Bennett.
3rd Row: Mianna Laing, Lisa Sushames, Kendall Harrington, Martenette Strauss, Riett Kriel, Holly Wilson, Kimberley Schumacher, Neroli Sole, Sally Price, Gwen Livingston, Ashika Prasad, Vanessa Hays, Nicola Tisch, Megan Smith, Laurel Stone.
2nd Row: Alesha Ridealgh, Andrea Broatch, Nicola Wolken, Rocio Serrati, Eleanor Clark, Lisa Weaver, Sarah Holford, Julie Secker, Viv Couch, Ros Lee, Yvonne Burmester, Carolyn Norquay, Eloise Stephen, Ashleigh Yates.
Front Row: Jamie Davis, Matt Bodman, Lauren May, Nick Page, Phillipa Woodward (Deputy Principal), Stephen Tisch (Deputy Principal), Jude Brown (Deputy Principal), Mike Livingston, Russell Gordon (Principal), Bobby Ketu (Deputy Principal), Dave Cleland (Deputy Principal), Neil McDermid, Mandy Rowe, Caly Pillay, Kevin Meyer.
Absent: Charlotte Armstrong, Guntis Atvars, Anita Bax, Kim Beaton, Margaret Bensley, Shane Blake, Susan Blakemore, Ceri Blears-Woodcock, Melinda Botha, Kathryn Brewer, Tamati Broughton, Andrew Brown, Donna Brown, Taylor Brown, Michelle Burling, Patty Carlson, Adrienne Carter, Maree Cotter, Jason Crawford, Sherie Curry, Stephen Daniell, Tracy Darkes, Debbie Denney, Sharon Dewhurst, Raewyn Douglas, Heather Drinnan, Retta Dunn, Kristy Edhouse, Steven Enefer, Juanita Fahey, Honeylee Fraser, Jane Fraser, Tony Gadsbey, Lucy Gardiner, Charrissa Gaskell, Steven Gilvear, Jean Grattan, Wayne Graves, Mel Gregory, Tristan Hancock, Janice Hardy, Jane Harnett, Carolyn Harrowfield, Nicola Hawkes, Vanessa Hays, Lorena Hemingway, David Henderson, Kirsty Henricks, Raewyn Higgins, Dayna Hill, Corisha Hitchcock, Sarah Hudspith, Vicky Jeffares, Abbie Johnston, Leigh Johnston, Tamson Kaiawe, David Kenworthy, Nicola King, Paul Kirstein, Taine Kolose, Annemarie Kotze, Ashleigh Lack, Kristy Lance, Brent Laraman, Nino Leonardo, Julie Leslie, Hannah Light, Margot Longley, Sam Loudon,
Keith Macown, Joe MacPherson, Christine Matheson, Cindy Mattson, Josephine Mawer, Debbie McBride, Christine McClymont, Deirdre McFie, James McLean, Penny McPhail, Jeanette Meza, Lana Moore, Debbie Ngata, Melissa Nicholson, Ian O’Malley, Sarcha Palalagi, Pip Palmer, Tracy Parker, Selina Parsons, David Peek, Nyssa Poffley, Russell Prout, Bernice Quartermain, Karen Raikes, Jade Raumati, Michael Rayner, Lesley Redward, Hinemoa Reweti, Andy Roberts, Geoff Roberts, Sarah Robinson, Ellen Rombouts, Hayley Russell, Rachael Rutherford, Joel Shadbolt, David Shefferd, Stacey Shefferd, Simon Sheppard, Steph Simpson, Brianalycia Smith, Sarah-Jane Smith, Sarah Smythe, Kororia Solomon, Julie Sutton, Mary Tatley, Duncan Taylor, Annalise Thomas, Mark Thomas, Stephanie Townsend, Adam Tyson, Kate Vaaulu, Carol Wade, Andrea Ward, Ian Watson, Emma Webb, Deon Wessels, Andrew Whyte, Kim Whyte, Avon Willis, Leo Wilson, Rene Woest, Teganesh Woldie.
26 Powhiri for new staff
27 Uniform Sale in the PAC
28 Teacher Only Day / STARS Training
1
All Year 9s, Year 12 & 13 STAR
Mentors start
2 Full school in attendance
8 Special Needs Students start
NZSS Keelboat Champs - Auckland
9 ID Photos
11 L3 ODED - Adrenalin Forest Trip
15 Year 9 Oteora Day Trips start
L3 BIOL - Estuary Field Trip
Gillett Cup Cricket at Papamoa
16 20 Year Anniversary Okohanga
17 L2 EOSC - Estuary Field Trip
18 ID Photos - Catch ups
22 L1 OEPE - Risk Management Trip
- Rocktopia and Mount Beach
L3 ODED - Omanu Beach Trip
23 Gillett Cup Cricket at Papamoa
24 L2 & L3 BUSM - YES Kickstart
Special Needs Transition Trip Year 9 Oteora Day Trips end
MARCH
1 L1 BUSM - Escape Room Trip
L2 ODED - Risk Management Mount Beach Trip over 2 days
2 Seniors Online Learning over 3 days
7 BOPSS Golf Champs, Whakatane
8 Secondary School Team Sailing Regatta - Tauranga
9 Seniors Online Learning over 3 days
11 BOPSS Senior Tennis Champs - Papamoa NISS Aon Rowing Champs - Lake Karapiro over 3 days
22 Forklift Licence Course
24 L2 ODED - Waimarino Kayak Camp, 2 days
25 Y9-13 Start of Year Reports
28 L2 EOSC - PADI Dive Course over 4 days
Summer Tournament Week
30 Soft Materials students - Draping Workshop at Tauranga Art Gallery
31 L1 OEPE - Whangamata Camp 2 days
4
L2 GEOG - Tongariro Trip over 3 days
5 L1 HEST - Escape Room Trip
6
Summer Sports Photos
Parent-Teacher Interviews - Day 1
7 Careers Industry Visit Trip
Part One - Otago University Junior Maths Competition
13 End of Block 1 options for Year 9s
Dance Showcase Performance
14 Parent-Teacher Interviews - Day 2
15 School Holidays
MAY
2 Start of Block 2 options for Year 9s
4 Duke of Edinburgh Gold Round the Mountain Tramp over 5 days
11 Part Two - Otago University Junior Maths Competition
12 Tertiary Awareness Day
13 Duke of Edinburgh Silver Whirinaki Tramp over 3 days
16 L3 GEOG - Mount Trip
17 Cross Country
L2 ODED - Bushcraft Camps start, 2 days
18 L2 & L3 TOUR - Te Puia Trip
19 L2 BIOL - Aongatete Camp over 2 days
20 WBOP Junior Badminton Qualifier
21 School Ball
22 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Pinnacles Tramp over 2 days start
27 BOPSS Indoor Rock Climbing - Mount Maunganui
30 BOPSS / Mid Islands Cross Country - Tauranga
1 BOPSS Squash Girls Individual Champs - Rotorua
2 L1 GEOG and L2 TOUR - Waitomo Trips
8 Junior Play - Gizmo
9 L2 GEOG - Auckland Trip over 2 days
11 NISS Swimming Champs - Wellington
14 NZ Chamber Music Competition
BOPSS Squash Boys Teams Champs - Tauranga
16 Big Sing Festival (Choir)
Academic Excellence Breakfast at Tauranga Yacht Club Year 10 Market Day Year 9 Supported Learning SS - McDonalds Trip
17 Blood Drive
18 NISS Underwater Hockey - Northern Zone Cup - Auckland
20 Jazz Festival at Baycourt Year 12s - RYDA Programme
21 Sport Performance Trips over 2 days
22 Senior Play - Miranda over 2 days
23 L2 EOSC Waimangu Volcanic Valley Trip
24 Matariki Holiday
27 Health Expo
28 Matariki Art Competition and 20 Year Anniversary Celebration in Okohanga Year 13 Analytical Chemistry
Competition at University of Waikato Pilot Exams start
L2 ODED Orienteering Trip
30 Year 11 Market Day
1 Barbarians Rugby Fundraiser - An Evening with Warren Gatland Athletics Day at The Domain
L3 CLST - Auckland University Trip
5 Mufti Day & Bake Sale for World Vision 40-Hour Famine
6 Dance Evening Performance
7 Home game - Rugby 1st XV versus Mount Maunganui College (for the Peter Blackwell Cup)
9 School Holidays
NI School Road & School Champs, Cycling - Cambridge over 3 days
25 Powhiri for new students/staff
28 Special Needs Winter Camp
30 Robotics Scrimmage in Auckland
AUGUST
4 Get2Go Challenge - Junior BOP - Rotorua
5 BOPSS Basketball Junior Champs - Tauranga
NZSS Squash Champs - Auckland
8 Mathematics Week
L3 GEOG & L3 TOUR Rotorua Trip
9 Open Evening - 2 Tours 10 Starsopoly
BOPSS Badminton Junior Finals - Tauranga
12 Year 12s - Canvas Careers Expo at Trustpower Arena
BOPSS Basketball Senior Champs Life Education Presentations
13 Yrs 12&13 BUSM (Young Enterprise) at Canvas Careers Expo
15 BOPSS Skiing & Snowboarding - Mt Ruapehu
16 Loves Me Not Programme over 2 days
17 Talent Quest
BOPSS Senior Badminton Finals - Tauranga
18 Senior Subject Information Afternoon
23 L2 TOUR trip to Skyline
He Rangatahi, He Anamata 2022 in Taupo
24 Parent-Teacher Interviews - Day 1
26 L3 SPSC & L3 ODED - 6k race in Rotorua
29 Winter Tournament Week
6 Winter Sports & Staff Photos
7 WBOP Itinerant Music Festival Shave for a Cure Event
8 Parent-Teacher Interviews - Day 2
9 Senior Exams over 6 days
15 L2 SPSC - Adams CentreTrip
Senior Art Exhibition Opens at Historic Village
19 Start of Block 4 options for Year 9s
21 Swimming Sports
22 Publicity Committee & Media Studies - film screening of films and photos at Village Cinema, Historic Village
23 DanceNZMade Nationals - Palmerston North
26 Queens Memorial Day
28 Colours Day
L3 ODED Orokawa Tramp - Waihi
29 Waikato Culinary Fare - Hamilton, 2 days
Senior Exam Grade Report emailed
30 Gumboot Friday
Canoe Slalom - NZSS White Water Champs - Kawerau
1 School Holidays
15 Junior Art Exhibition Opens at Historic Village
18 L3 TOUR/HOSP Queenstown Trip
19 Year 9 Option Information Afternoon
20 Creative Arts Awards 26 Sports Awards
27 Māori & Pasifika Awards
Staff v Year 13s Annual Touch Rugby Challenge
28 Special Needs Production Year 10 Market Day
29 BOPSS Junior Volleyball Champs - Tauranga
1 Last day for Year 13s
2 Year 13 Awards
Special Needs - Special Olympics Athletics at Tauranga Domain
3 Year 12 and Year 11 Awards
5 BOPSS Junior Volleyball Champs - Tauranga
7 NCEA Exams start
Special Needs Summer Camp over 3 days
14 Junior Assessment Week
21 Junior Tournament Week
2 Volleyball - Australian Trip departs
6 Yr 9 Programme & Yr 10 Wider Horizons over 3 days
Junior Reports emailed
9 Junior Awards
10 School Holidays
Yvonne Burmester was born in 1959 in Colchester Essex England where her parents ran an ‘English pub’. Colchester centres around a great castle that sits in the middle of a significant park and Yvonne recalls childhood enjoyment of playing and roaming around the park. When she was 7 the family moved to Cambridge – one of the most beautiful spots in the UK – for two years and then to the coast, Brightlingsea for four years before the family immigrated to New Zealand at the end of 1972.
For 13-year-old this was a very big adventure and meant that Yvonne completed all her secondary education at Hamilton Girls High School. Yvonne moved on to Waikato University graduating in 1981 with a degree majoring in Biology with a secondary line up of mathematics.
Marriage and motherhood came to mean life on an orchard where her C/V and later salary assessment describes her employment as 8,500 hours of working in all aspects of kiwifruit, Asian pears, and avocadoes. Over such work Yvonne moved on to 8,056 hours as general assistant at Vern Burmester ’s Accounting Practice. Again this was not challenging enough and Yvonne slowly stepped her way into the career she retires from today. From 1996 to 1998 Yvonne was an assistant to the Montessori pre -school teacher, followed by teacher aiding at Bethlehem College for three years before completing her teacher ’s training across mid -2005 to mid -2006. She gained A++ for Teaching and Curriculum – a grade that few of us could claim.
Immediately on completing her training she applied to Ōtūmoetai College and was appointed in July 2006 to an LTR position in mathematics 16.5 years ago. The position was to become permanent at the beginning of 2007. A year later a Middle Management Allowance, then a full Management Unit has seen you been part of the management team in the Maths Department ever since.
Yvonne, your management skills are knowledgeable and efficient, your teaching skills are sound and secure and your excellent relationship skills and straight common sense were recognised early on and you were an acting Dean in 2010 and have since twice lead through two entire year groups from 2011 to 2015 and 2017 to 2021 on both occasions with Richard Brown. You are remembered fondly by many of these students.
This year, you took off term 2 to see if you liked the idea of retirement and ‘yes’ it appealed so now go forth and enjoy. Travel to Australia to see your son and daughter and those grandchildren.
Ōtūmoetai College says ‘thank you’ for all your quality service so much freely given, above and beyond.
Michael John Livingston was born in Chiswick, London - famous for being part of Margaret Thatcher ’s electorate - in January 1956. Aged 8, Mike as he known to all, enjoyed an exciting adventure of six weeks on a boat all the way to New Zealand the country he has come to call home. Home became the north shore of Auckland where Mike attended Westlake Boys High School and gained Bursary Calculus mark in the 90’s. A year off to work was followed by three years at Auckland University and a year at Auckland Teacher’s College.
The opening statement on Mike’s handwritten application to Ōtūmoetai College penned on 8 October 1979 reads ‘First and foremost, I would like to apologize for the very late application for the position of Mathematics…’ Continuing he stated ‘he was in the Physics group at Teacher’s College and wanted to share his enthusiasm for the subject. The location of the school was important as he wanted to see more of the country having enjoyed exploring Opotiki and Cambridge while on practicum’. His accompanying and supporting testimonial came from the Studio Art Supplies in Parnell, Auckland where he had been employed as a motor-cycle courier and it stated that his enthusiasm and commitment saw him go above and beyond his employed role dashing all over Auckland.
Mike was offered the position and telegrammed back a ‘yes’ on 24 October. A further letter requested help in finding accommodation within 10k’s of the college as he only had a motor bike. January 1980 saw 24-year-old Mike motorcycle to Tauranga while pregnant Gwen came down in her brother’s van with all their worldly possessions. They moved into a small house in Beach Road, Stuart was born in August and a car purchased the following month. So began a 43-year career at Ōtūmoetai College only broken by Mike taking off term one in 1989 to recharge the batteries – though he did relief at times at Girl’s College - and a sabbatical in Term 2, 2019, when for the first time he returned to the UK and visited old family haunts.
Three children, four grandchildren a lovely family home have all followed and now begins the exciting walk into retirement. Time to play more chess, watch more football and help the children – all activities that Mike loves. Time to celebrate like we celebrated your 60th birthday together. Mike your contribution to Ōtūmoetai College has been second to none. As that supporting testimonial to your application stated – committed above and beyond. At all times loyal, supportive and an absolute pleasure to work alongside. No one knows this better than myself as Mike and I worked closely on the timetable for over 20 years. I came from the position that the timetable must work to best fit all student needs and I asked the impossible of Mike and he never once let me down.
In the early 2000’s I attended an Auckland DP two-day PD session labelled ‘Timetables’ and each attendee was requested to take enough copies of their school’s timetable to share with all. The reaction to Mike’s timetable was amazing “how on earth do you put this together?” was expressed by all attendees. I never got a single copy back but noted that many others ended up in the bin while I did not bother to bring any others home. It confirmed my thinking that Mike was ‘the master’ –even if sometimes we all had to wait for it like the school had to wait for that application. A perfectionist.
Mike, your teaching at all levels was passionate and informed. One student once said to me “it is like Mr Livingstone can get inside my brain as he knows how it works to explain calculus so carefully”. There are very many in this community who hold you in the highest regard. Thank you and go forth to enjoy that well earnt retirement.
Bruce FarthingKeith Macown was born in January 1958 and has always called the Bay of Plenty home. Home was originally Whakatane where Keith attended Whakatane High School and left with impressive results. Three years at Auckland university (1976 – 1978) were to follow and then a year at Auckland Teachers College before he accepted a position as a Biology teacher at Ōtūmoetai College on 24 October 1979 and started in 1980 and today brings an end to 43 years on the staff. While at university, Keith had returned to Whakatāne High School in late in 1977 as a relief teacher and according to the testimonials on file really impressed the staff with his teaching ability. His future pathway was very clearly set.
Keith’s application stated that he was a keen sportsman having played representative hockey for several years and that he was active in yachting, indoor basketball outdoor education and photography. He had also achieved a gold medal bar in ball room dancing. Great for when it came to the college balls! His application statements and referee statements all quickly proved to be very accurate. Keith was a very knowledgeable, passionate teacher who would always be able to answer ‘the’ question and outside the classroom the sport that he came to really embrace was Volleyball.
By 1992 he was a qualified referee at the national Volleyball Championships. He continued on and for a number of years in the early 2000’s was the chief referee for the national Secondary Schools Volleyball Championships. Much personal time and energy went into such roles which demanded time away from home. His college records show continuous applications for short term leave to in some way facilitate volleyball for young people.
Keith accepted a Dean’s role for seven years and again proved himself efficient, reliable with bucket loads of ‘common sense ’. Keith also accepted a Management Unit in the Science Department in 1999 and held a number of management responsibilities in Science through to 2007 when in Jeans ’ absence for a year he was joint HOD Science. Keith was a safe pair of hands.
In 2005 Keith applied for and was successful in gaining a Royal Society Fellowship Award for 2006. This was an experience Keith really enjoyed working in more than one local scientific industry here in Tauranga and his knowledge of practical came back with him to the classroom. Keith chose to move to .6 part -time teaching in 2018 and now retires. Keith it is now time for you to look after yourself and gain time with your son and daughter and now the lovely grandchild. London is surely calling, so go.
Keith ‘thank you’ for all you have done for not only Ōtūmoetai College but all you have done for many students on all those volleyball courts across New Zealand.
Bruce FarthingJean Grattan was born in Taumarunui in 1955 and raised on a nearby farm and attended local schools. However, the big city called and Jean attended Auckland University from 1973 to 1975 gaining a B.Sc. in biology. 1976 saw a year at Auckland Teacher ’s College followed by three year ’s teaching at Palmerston North Boy ’s High School. After another year ’s teaching at Tauhara College, Jean headed overseas for just over two years, nine months of which was spent teaching in two London high schools. Back in New Zealand in early 1982 Jean taught for three terms in her old stomping ground of Taumarunui before applying to Ōtūmoetai College and starting here in 1983.
Jean came with an already established excellent reputation as a quality teacher and this was quickly confirmed after her arrival. She was appointed to a Dean ’s position a role in which she worked very hard. Her children – Geoff, Richard and Helen - were born between 1986 and 1991 and saw Jean leave the college in 1987 to involve herself in parenting and associated roles. That she certainly did, as Play Centre president and BOT Chair at Pyes Pa school. However, Jean could not stay away long from education and between 1992 and 1997 she taught part time in a long term relieving capacity at Tauranga Girls’ College.
In 1998, she got the call to come ‘home’ and started back at Ōtūmoetai College only to be appointed HOD Science the following year a position that she retires form today. Jean ’s contribution to teaching and learning as not only been in house but she has made a very significant contribution to the Waikato Science Teachers Association, particularly in the field of Biology. Both for this work and her work in the college Jean joined an elite group of college staff to be awarded a Woolf Fisher Scholarship. It was justifiably earnt and fully deserved. The following year Jean took 16 weeks leave to complete her M.Sc. at Curtin /Waikato universities, another first class achievement. Jean for a number of years was the Waikato University tutor for those training to be Science teachers.
Always a keen traveller and prepared to push herself for new adventures Jean took 12 months leave in mid-2010 to teach in the United Arabs Emirati an adventure she really enjoyed and there have been those journeys to practice her Spanish and explore parts of Africa. In between she also accepted the role of DP when I was on sabbatical in 2013 and has found time to participate in many Outdoor Education adventures, coach hockey and canoe polo which took you travelling all over the North Island at weekends.
Jean, all the testimonials written about you say the same thing – highly competent, very professional, well organised, firm and fair, high academic ability, enthusiastic, a brilliant teacher, educational leader who has always shown and demonstrated a huge commitment to young people and the staff with whom you have worked. It is all true and the College today loses ‘a natural’.
Your family and the grandchildren await your time and energy, the piano awaits your hands to play the keys and the campervan awaits to take you to the tramps you love. Enjoy - you have given your all to everyone since 1976. Jean it is now time for you. Thank you.
New World Brookfield Culinary Arts Cup Ben Barrett
– JOINT AWARD
Outstanding Excellence in the Culinary Arts
Casey Conning
Bernina Award Outstanding Technical Skills in Soft Materials Jordan Hennessy
Bidfood Hospitality Award Casey Conning
Outstanding Commitment and Dedication in Hospitality
Chris Check Memorial Cup Griffin Clode Perseverance and achievement in a musical instrument
DMS Progrowers Award
Extra Curricular Commitment to the Visual Arts
Natalia McQuarters
Herring Trophy Amy van Leeuwen
Outstanding Commitment in Performing Arts
Lee Trophy Amy van Leeuwen Contribution to extra-curricular Drama throughout College life
Gaskell Trophy Emily Wahab Outstanding Contribution to Dance during College life
Junior Sports Girl
Hannah Mason - Best All-round Sports Girl
Junior Sports Boy
JOINT AWARD Devlin Langton Best All-round Sports Boy Nicholas Reeder
Bob Addison Cup Eva Guccione For Excellence in a Single Sport - Female
Crowther Cup
Ashton Blair For Excellence in a Single Sport - Male
Sports Girl of the Year
JOINT AWARD Danielle Fowler For All-round Ability Kiana Rae
Sports Boy of the Year Jackson Runga For All-round Ability
NZ Canoe Slalom Ashton Blair NZ Canoe Slalom Eva Guccione NZ Roller Skating Sophie Hock NZ Sailing Teaghan Denney NZ Softball
Abby Finlayson NZ Squash Gen Kennerley NZ Squash Grace Spencer NZ Squash Erin Wyllie NZ Synchronised Swimming Chloe Boyt NZ Volleyball Olivia Lee
Helen Greg Memorial Trophy
Ella Quarmby Excellence in Creative Writing
Jack Moyle Trophy
Kiera Bourgeois Outstanding Contribution to Percussion
Mary Roberts Trophy Samantha Reyes Instrumental Music
Media Studies Trophy ................................................................ Jese Somerville Commitment to producing quality media during their senior years
Nona Cook Trophy Tom Voller Outstanding Excellence in Creative Arts
Sparks Trophy Noah Davis Service & Achievement in Music
Robotics Trophy ............................................................................. Liam Venman Design, Build, Amaze Award Outstanding Commitment and Contribution to Robotics
Top Female All-round Student Aliana Wills
Awarded for all-round academic, sporting and cultural achievement and contribution to the school community.
Top Male All-round Student Cameron Paratene Awarded for all-round academic, sporting and cultural achievement and contribution to the school community.
Tane-nui-a-rangi Noah Davis Awarded for consistent and exceptional contribution school-wide and commitment in their chosen craft of the Arts. This student is a tohunga in the making.
Te Kaha o Muriwai
Bodette Petero
For overarching leadership, vision, action and kaitiakitanga for the benefit of others. This student’s mana emulates a leader who lives, speaks, and walks for the whole iwi as much as the individual; is able to steer the waka in the right direction while weathering storms, braving seas, and harnessing the elements of our atua and our people to reach our destination with mana.
Tikanga Māori Taonga – Tūtara Wānanga Aliana Wills Awarded for outstanding contribution, leadership, high achievement and commitment to Tikanga Māori and Te Reo Māori.
Te Taonga Maumahara a Kay Gatfield Mischa Bidois Awarded to a student who has overcome many obstacles to reach his or her success thus far, emanates resilience and perseverance, and is enrolled in tertiary study from next year.
Matahauariki Taonga Eva Karena
Awarded for full involvement and contribution to school life, outstanding academic record, leadership qualities and excellent role model.
Te Moananui-a-Kiwa Liahona Matthews
For all rounded mana culturally, through sport, academically, as well as strong representation of his or her own heritage from within the Pacific ocean. This taonga is significant as it encompasses all peoples within Te Moananui-a-Kiwa as represented by each of the pou surrounding the bowl, and the bowl itself representing our vast ocean and all that lives both upon, and beneath, similarly to the vast qualities of it’s recipient.
Ngāi Tamarāwaho Taonga Liahona Matthews
Awarded for all-round excellence and leadership and contribution to school, the wider community & local iwi.
STUDENT VOLUNTEER AWARD
WHARE CHALLENGE CUP
The winning Whare for 2022 is Ōtanewainuku
SENIOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENT OF THE YEAR Junyi Shao
TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY INCENTIVE AWARD
PANARETOS
HAROLD
STUDENT LEADERS’ AWARD
Moss Benton
Liahona Matthews Georgia Murray
Cameron Paratene
DUKE OF EDINBURGH HILLARY GOLD AWARD Moss Benton Sam Kember Georgia MurrayCERTIFICATE OF
3rd in Level 3 Gateway
FOR
Jeremy Beattie
3rd in Level 3 Design & Printmaking ................................... Scott Beattie
3rd in Level 3 Sport Science ..................................................... Hailey Cottam
3rd in Level 3 Music Studies Noah Davis
3rd in Level 3 Art Design & Illustration Grace Fellows
3rd in Level 3 English Nadia Harmine
3rd in Level 3 Tourism Sidonie Hyett
3rd in Level 3 Digital Media Sophie Lander
3rd in Level 3 Calculus Rojan Mercado
3rd in Level 3 Media Studies Georgia Murray
3rd in Level 3 Classical Studies .............................................. Emily Muspratt
3rd in Level 3 Digital Science Trey Numa
3rd in Level 3 Economics Molina Phirun
3rd in Level 3 Outdoor Education Judah Shrestha
3rd in Level 3 Performing Arts Ella Turley
CERTIFICATE OF MERIT FOR
2nd in Level 3 Accounting for Management Hayley Bell
2nd in Level 3 Technology: Soft Materials ....................... Ella Crichton
2nd in Level 3 Technical Skills Anabelle De Maudave Bestel
2nd in Level 3 Spanish Briar Garratt
2nd in Level 3 Earth & Space Science Grayce Gill
2nd in Level 3 Design & Visual Communication Aston Hamilton
2nd in Level 3 Mathematics and Statistics Jackson Hiku
2nd in Level 3 Digital Media Riley Hill
2nd in Level 3 Māori Performing Arts ................................. Shayvaughn Hotene-Marks
2nd in Level 3 Product Development Design
– Wood Sam Kember
2nd in Level 3 Biology Rebecca Mahon
2nd in Level 3 Te Reo Māori Liahona Matthews
2nd in Level 3 Art Design & Illustration Natalia McQuarters
2nd in Level 3 Technology: Food Tj Pullar
2nd in Level 3 Fashion and Design ....................................... Paige Roach
2nd in Level 3 Art Painting Zoe Russell
2nd in Level 3 Te Ao Māori Gracie Savage
2nd= in Level 3 Electronics Dominik Thwaites
2nd in Level 3 Financial Capabilities McKayla Vickers
CERTIFICATE OF EXCELLENCE FOR
1st in Level 3 Digital Media Jack Baker Adam Clarke Trophy
1st in Level 3 Gateway .................................................................. Sharnia Chapman Gateway Cup
1st in Level 3 Financial Capabilities Milo Clark
1st in Level 3 Geography Erin Coombe
1st in Level 3 Electronics Josh Dunn
1st= in Level 3 Hospitality Gian Grutzmacher
Helen Thomas Salver – Joint Award
1st in Level 3 Digital Science Azmi Hirota
1st= in Level 3 Early Childhood .............................................. Becky Holford Early Childhood Cup – Joint Award
1st in Level 3 Accounting for Management Ethan Landon
1st= in Level 3 Performing Arts Pyper Loane
1st in Level 3 Mathematics and Statistics
Francesca McLean
1st in Level 3 Sport Science Matthew O’Connor
1st in Level 3 Spanish Bodette Petero
1st= in Level 3 Performing Arts Ella Ruby
1st in Level 3 Product Development Design – Metal . Liam Venman
Kevin Anderson Cup
1st in Level 3 Outdoor Education
Tom Voller
1st in Level 3 Design & Visual Communication Oliver Willacy
Keam Standen Award Lucy Poole
For Expertise and Enthusiasm in Geography
CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT, MERIT OR EXCELLENCE
3rd in Level 3 Te Ao Māori ......................................................... Zoe Stubbing
3rd in Level 3 Te Reo Māori
3rd in Level 3 Art Photography
Taylor Beatson 2nd in Level 3 Tourism
3rd= in Level 3 Statistics & Probability.............................. Alaya Callinan 2nd in Level 3 Music Studies
3rd= in Level 3 Drama
Paige Devlin 2nd in Level 3 Gateway
3rd= in Level 3 Early Childhood Jasper Vivas 2nd in Level 3 Sport Science
2nd in Level 3 Design & Printmaking Erin McCoy 3rd= in Level 3 Drama
2nd in Level 3 Digital Science Erik Gilbert 2nd= in Level 3 Electronics
3rd in Level 3 Health Studies Amelie 1st= in Level 3 Sociology ............................................................Harsant-Brown
3rd in Level 3 Sociology Cassia Song 1st in Level 3 Design & Printmaking
3rd in Level 3 Technology: Food Sonia Yang 1st= in Level 3 Early Childhood Early Childhood Cup – Joint Award
2nd in Level 3 Outdoor Education Devon Donohue 1st in Level 3 Technical Skills
2nd in Level 3 Classical Studies Samantha Reyes 1st in Level 3 Music Studies Eagar Trophy
1st= in Level 3 Health Studies ................................................. Aurelia Le Roy 1st= in Level 3 Sociology
1st in Level 3 Hospitality Casey Conning Helen Thomas Salver – Joint Award The Bidfood Hospitality Trophy 1st in Level 3 Technology: Food
1st in Level 3 Business Management .................................. Neisha Moore 1st in Level 3 Fashion and Design
1st in Level 3 Earth & Space Science Astrid Parlane 1st= in Level 3 Statistics & Probability
1st= in Level 3 Dance Amy van Leeuwen 1st in Level 3 Drama McGregor Trophy
1st in Level 3 Economics Benjamin Wood Collett Cup 1st= in Level 3 Statistics & Probability
3rd in Level 3 Accounting for Management Jemma Wakerley 3rd in Level 3 Financial Capabilities 2nd in Level 3 Business Management
2nd in Level 3 Geography Angus Heays 2nd in Level 3 History 1st= in Level 3 Health Studies
3rd in Level 3 Art Painting
Ellie De Roles 3rd= in Level 3 Early Childhood 1st in Level 3 Art Photography
(continued)
3rd in Level 3 Earth & Space Science
3rd in Level 3 Geography
1st in Level 3 Media Studies
3rd in Level 3 Biology
3rd in Level 3 Dance
1st in Level 3 Chemistry
3rd in Level 3 Hospitality
1st in Level 3 Product Development Design – Wood
1st in Level 3 Tourism
2nd in Level 3 Chemistry
2nd in Level 3 Physics
1st in Level 3 Calculus
Jese Somerville
Emily Wahab
JUNIPER AWARD FOR VISUAL ARTS
HOLLAND BECKETT LAW SCHOLARSHIP
For Tertiary Study in Law
Jordan Hennessy
Lucy Poole
BAY OF PLENTY TRUST EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS
For Tertiary Education in the fields of Science and Technology
....................................................................................................................
Estella Rutherford
Jacob Rose
Glenn Carter Trophy for achievement in all Science
2nd in Level 3 Art Photography
1st in Level 3 Art Design & Illustration
1st in level 3 Technology: Soft Materials Helen Thomas Cup
3rd in Level 3 Chemistry .............................................................
2nd in Level 3 English
1st in Level 3 Biology
1st= in Level 3 Dance
3rd in Level 3 Physics
3rd= in Level 3 Statistics & Probability
2nd in Level 3 Economics
2nd in Level 3 Media Studies
2nd in Level 3 Drama
1st in Level 3 Māori Performing Arts
1st in Level 3 Te Ao Māori
1st in Level 3 Te Reo Māori
1st in Level 3 Art Painting
Tonkin-Covell Trophy
1st in Level 3 Classical Studies
1st in Level 3 English
Altrusa International Trophy & Award 1st in Level 3 History
Barbara Brown Trophy 1st in Level 3 Physics
Jordan Hennessy
Annabel King
Moss Benton
Aliana Wills
Ella Quarmby
IAN BURTENSHAW MEMORIAL TROPHY & AWARD
Donated by the Burtenshaw Family
MARY ROBERTS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
For Tertiary Study of Music
FUJI XEROX VISUAL ARTS SCHOLARSHIP
For Tertiary Study of Visual Arts
FUJI XEROX DANCE SCHOLARSHIP
For Study in Dance
RALPH FAMILY AWARD
For Tertiary Study in the Performing Arts
KANE SEDCOLE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS
Ashton Blair
Samantha Reyes
Grace Fellows
Annabel King
Devan Steyn
Charlie Colquhoun
Nadia Harmine
ZESPRI MECHATRONICS EDUCATIONAL PATHWAY SCHOLARSHIP
For Tertiary University Study in the field of Engineering Awarded for achieving Excellence in Electronics and Robotics Donated by Zespri International
Erik Gilbert
Benjamin Wood
....................................................................................................................
THE BOB AND JOY OWENS SCHOLARSHIP
For all-round achievement
Ella Quarmby Donated by the Owens Family
3RD AGGREGATE IN YEAR 13 - 2022
ARTS / HUMANITIES
3rd Aggregate in Year 13 2022 Arts / Humanities
SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY
3rd Aggregate in Year 13 2022 Science / Technology
PROXIME ACCESSIT TO DUX – 2022
ARTS / HUMANITIES
Rosemary Anne Scoular Memorial Award for 2nd Aggregate in Year 13 2022
Arts / Humanities
SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY
Rosemary Anne Scoular Memorial Award for 2nd Aggregate in Year 13 2022 Science / Technology
ARTS / HUMANITIES
For 1st Aggregate in Year 13 2022
The Farthing Cup for Arts / Humanities DUX DUX 2022
Arts / Humanities
SCIENCE / TECHNOLOGY
For 1st Aggregate in Year 13 2022
The Randell Cup for Science / Technology DUX DUX 2022
Science / Technology
Samantha Reyes
Rebecca Mahon
Angus Heays
Emily Wahab
Ella Quarmby
Annabel King
For all-round academic achievement
Ashton Blair Donated by the Sedcole Family
Ella Drake
Megan Lake
Neisha Moore
Sandra Taing
Tom Voller
For all-round academic performance
Grayce Gill
Noah Davis & contribution to College life
Rebecca Mahon
Our five years at Otumoetai College have presented many obstacles for us to overcome, and not only have we succeeded, we’ve done so with determination, resilience, and most importantly, style. Some of us will leave our mark on this school on the boards up there and some of us will leave our mark on the bottom of the school desks. But we all got through the five years together and we are so excited to see where our lives take us. As a year level, we have been through a lot. It would almost be cliché to say we have had an unordinary NCEA experience. Outside of that minor inconvenience, we have had a relatively uneventful smooth s ailing time, but we all pushed forward and here we are at the end of our thirteen years of schooling. Although many of us may have struggled to find our feet at times, it’s amazing to see so many of us make it out the other side, stronger than when we entered. We look back and see how strong the sense of whanaungatanga is between everyone in our cohort. We have made lifelong friends here and this won't be the last time we see each other. Once we all part ways and leave this place that we have called home for the last five years, we need to thank those people who have helped to guide us through our time at Ōtūmoetai. We are grateful for the time and effort of our year level management team of Miss Hawkes, Ms Boubee and Ms Woodward who have overseen our journeys making sure that we are all on the right path to be able to take the next steps in our lives. We also need to thank the Year 13 form teachers who have guided us for the last five years and been a constant in our lives. Thank you for doing what y ou do and always looking out for us! And of course, we would like to thank our principal, Mr Gordon, who has been with us since 2018 and for all of our continuous efforts to help build a stronger kura here and looking out for each of us individua lly.
We would like to leave with you all a little whakatauki to remind you all “to stand out. Be different and be a light.” There will always be people who will continually try to bring you down if our success but we need to stand for what we know to be true. No m atter where we go after this journey, we wish every one of you the best as you embark on the rest of your lives and we hope you will all achieve your greatest potential in your life’s journey.
Under the mentorship of Mrs Rowe, the Creative Arts Committee are the ones responsible for organising entertainment for the many events our college hosts each year. One of the biggest events this year was the Talent Quest. With Covid restrictions finally lifted, we were able to host a wonderful evening to showcase the awesome talent of our school community. Another highlight is when there was collaboration between the Sports Committee about the Year 13 Dance at Colours Day. It is a tradition at this school for the Year 13s to do a dance and it is always a lot of fun, especially when you can get your Deans and DP Involved! If you are keen to help promote the Creative Arts at our school, we hope you sign up to be part of this awesome committee.
This year, the Publicity Committee was well served by three leaders and 37 volunteers who covered more than 25 events throughout the school. Kayla Bowles took the reins of the school's Instagram account and continued to lift the quality of our online presence. Jese Somerville was in charge of communication; organising meetings and liaising with our army of volunteers. Also, whenever the job needed a little more finesse he added his own considerable skill behind the camera. Ella Crichton took on our biggest publicity challenge on the calendar, the 'leavers video.' Sadly, the year-level theme of 'Cancelled' came back post-COVID and the leavers dinner became its final casualty. Year 13's can still expect to see Ella's Masterwork in a different form soon. A special mention should go to the filmmaking talents of David Cai, Sam Wright, Pedro Juliani, Dominic Thwaites and Theo McKay. They have not only almost finished 'Parasomnia,' their feature-length film, but have consistently used their filmmaking knowledge to lift the quality of moving image at the school. Finally, Kaylee Comesky deserves an honourable mention: Leader of the Publicity Shadow Committee, nothing is too difficult for Kaylee Comesky to tackle. Only Year 11, she is the go-to person for anything from a drone flying to studio photography. It's people like Kaylee who embody the service and heart of our committee.
The Special Events Committee is expertly managed by staff members Suzanne Kirk and Steve Gilvear and the main focus of this committee is the college ball. This is an enormous undertaking and involves loads of technical expertise and creative thinking to make sure the night runs smoothly and everyone has a really good time! The theme this year was Casino Royale and the venue looked spectacular. The night was a huge success with many students and staff complimenting the efforts of the committee. The committee also created fun events this year such as the Valentine ’s Day chocolate deliveries to help bring some joy and fun to the school community. If you are keen to be part of the committee next year and want to help organise the major social events for our college, please make sure you put your hand up for 2023!
The Environment Committee at Ōtūmoetai College is led by Mr McCreary and has a passionate committee of students from Year 9-13 who are keen to promote initiatives about environmental issues, sustainability and the things that we can do as a community to protect the world we live in. The Environment Committee works throughout the year to promote relevant national and regional environmental events such as striking for climate, organising plastic-free months, and creating our own college op-shop to help recycle old clothing! The committee aims to improve environmental awareness at our school, to promote recycling and sustainable practices school wide, including waste management and to participate in wider society and community initiatives to help improve our environment for the future We are excited for the initiatives that we can explore in 2023 and welcome any student to join this committee to help make a healthier and safer planet for us all.
Student Leaders: Nico Brown, Brooke Comesly, Hailey Cottam and Jackson Runga The work for the student leaders of the Sports Committee is year-round as they collaborate with staff and other student-led committees to promote sport across our school and to create fun events that can also contribute to whare points. The start of the year and the various Covid restrictions that were still in place didn’t dampen our spirits too much and we were stoked to be able to bring back a lot of our large scale, school-wide events as soon as we could. This year, the committee assisted with the organisation, planning and running of Athletics Day, Swimming Sports and Cross Country events with most of us either competing ourselves or getting out there to marshall the events. We worked really closely with the whare leaders to develop some awesome lunchtime activities for those extra whare points and collaborated with others for Colours Day as well. We saw fantastic staff v. students sports games with excellent participation from our teachers and topped the year off with a great Sports Award evening to recognise the success of our students in their sporting endeavours.
Student Leaders: Maia Baunton and Paige Gerrish 2022 has been a memorable year for the Hauora Committee Our success has been seen through the outcomes of many events, such as Shave for a Cure, Mental Health Awareness Week, Blood Drive and Pride Week While these events are organised every year by the committee, this year has seen highlights of ongoing participation by students and new ideas being brought to light for the committee and for our Kura as a whole. Our main events above were successful in terms of having 12 students shaving and raising over $12,000 for shave for a cure. Mental Health awareness week engaged students in sport, education and connection - a key highlight for our committee and students at Ōtūmoetai. Not only was the committee successful in these events, but our participation with the teachers at school helped create a whole school well-being model, which will be used to further create belonging and connection to enhance the hauora of our tauira. Furthermore, as a committee, we planned and set up the beginning of a website that will be accessible through Ōtūmoetai’s school bridge These highlights for the Hauora Committee this year add to the success of our committee’s past years and will create additional highlights for the future!
Student Leaders: Eva Karena, Azmi Hirota and Lucy Poole Mentoring Committee run programs have been at the centre of a hurricane of development this year. Previously, students seeking academic support were encouraged to meet a group of unfamiliar senior students in the library for tutoring before or after school At the beginning of the year, this style of academic mentoring was kept, however after weeks of poor student involvement, the Mentoring Committee decided that it was no longer sustainable. This year, emails were sent out to parents informing them of a new school email, mentoring@otc.school.nz Via this address, parents, students, or teachers would be able to send confidential requests for academic support, allowing for an appointment -based system. Azmi, Lucy, and Eva were given access to the email and assigned our new mentees to the willing mentors within the committee that would be best suited Quite a few mentors mentioned that they were able to establish a more personal relationship with their mentee with this system in place, helping them to understand the needs of the student better The Mentoring Committee also saw the start of a wellbeing mentoring system. This included mentors connecting with ESOL students to make them feel more welcome, as well as spending lunchtimes with students in Supported Learning. It has been discussed that next year, the new Committee leaders plan to fully set up this aspect of the committee.
The Ruamano committee have enjoyed being the caretaker's of tikanga in our kura for 2022. In Term 1, we had a Ki-a-o-rahi comp planned which unfortunately had to be cancelled due to the rostering home for Covid. In Term 2, our focus was on Matariki and the annual art competition, which we ran in conjunction with the 20th Anniversary of Te Whare Okohanga. The evening was a resounding success and resulted in the most art entries we've ever had. In Term 3, we ran Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. This consisted of a week of activities allowing our tauira to explore their use of te Reo The highlight was the Ruam where we gave away free hot chocolates to anyone using te Reo to order. In term 4 we assisted the set up of the Māori and Pasifika awards. This was an incredible evening celebrating the success of our Māori and Pasifika students. We leave you with this whakatauki: Mawheromapangokaotiaitemahi - Withredandblacktheworkwillbecomplete.Successwillcomeifweallworktogether.
Project K is a specialised mentoring programme, which through a surveying process, recruits 12 year 10 students. The 14 month programme involves a Wilderness Adventure and Community Challenge, followed by goal setting and 12 months of mentoring by a volunteer adult from the community.
Graduate Oshiana Cooper shares the following about her experience in Project K: Mynameis Oshiana, people call me Oshi,
I would like to share a few of my experiences that I have had while being in project K. First off we set out to the bush on a wilderness adventure for three whole weeks away from my family and cell phone coverage among the Coromandel Peninsula. The most challenging activity while being out in the bush was definitely the hiking. We hiked for hours and hours. The longest hike we did in the bush was 9 hours long. While I walked up and down hills, it was raining, I fell down the hill and got heaps of blisters. It was painful but I kept soldiering on because all I could think about was the bed in the lodge at the end of the hike. It was the biggest challenge but I am so proud to have completed that hike. We also went out to sea on some kayaks on this wilderness adventure. The weather was only clear for a while and it started getting rough. We had to make an emergency exit while we were almost at our destination and Ethan capsized as we got to shore. I had a panic attack. I felt cold, numb in my body and was breathing really fast but I had all my friends there and that really helped me through it. I enjoyed everything else we did like camping, cooking food, making new friends and travelling to places I hadn't been to before. I learnt a lot of wilderness skills such as setting up a tent and how to use the bunsen burners to cook to name just a few The goal I have set for my future self is to travel particularly around New Zealand but I'm most excited about learning how to drive and will be sitting my learner licence in the next couple of months.I really enjoyed participating in the wilderness challenges even though there were obstacles I had to overcome. I would like to thank our mentors that were out in the bush with us Durk, Hailey and Claire for making sure I was safe, had enough food and just for being there for me when I was going through some tough times. I am so appreciative for the opportunities that project K gave me. I would like to thank Dan and Jade for organising all the fun activities we got to do like ten pin and go car ts. Thank you so much Dan for giving me the amazing opportunity to go skydiving. I didn’t think I would do it but I did. Thank you so much. Lastly, thank you to my mentor Elke for going out and spending time with me each week, our chats, trying to help me with my goal setting and helping with my school work.
Because the idea of groups sleeping in tents together (as would happen during regular annual overnight camps) was deemed not a very responsible one in a pandemic world, peer mentors instead lead an Activity Day at Oteora. This involved a half-day hike to a waterfall, and a range of team-building adventure-based learning activities were led by peer mentors.
Peer mentors delivered a number of topics to Y9 students throughout 2022 including wellbeing, stress management, time management and communication. These sessions take place during an extended form time and are a key component in keeping relationships between students strong.
A number of community projects took place across the Y9 cohort, giving all STARS participants the opportunity to give back to their community. Worth mentioning are the Bake Sales that were led by 9MRB and 9LLS. Both classes led fabulous sales across Terms 2 and 3, working strongly as a class unit and fundraising a wicked cash donation for the Canteen and SPCA charities.
A special thanks to the following organisations who came along and made connecting with our community a fun and enjoyable experience for our studentsHJ Media, NZ Police, GDF, Sport BOP and First Credit
First senior and people’s choice: Ali Wills
This year we celebrated our annual Matariki art competition in conjunction with the 20th anniversary of Te Whare Okohanga. The Ruamano committee were excited to organise this event, especially as Matariki became a national holiday. Our theme was New Beginnings. This allowed our tauira to look forward while reflecting on the past. There were no limits to what they could create.
The competition has definitely been a great way to celebrate and educate our students on the meaning and importance of Matariki. This competition not only gives the artistic students a creative outlet, but also gives them a deeper understanding of the significance of Matariki as well as a chance to express their own perception of Matariki through their art pieces.
In October, a group of Year 13 Tourism and Hospitality students flew to Queenstown for four days of adventure, immersing themselves in what the Tourism and Hospitality industry has to offer. They visited Queenstown Resort College experiencing student life in the adventure capital of New Zealand and learned about the amazing opportunities and internships on offer. Some of the amazing highlights were jet boating on Lake Wakatipu, a visit to the famous Cardrona Hotel, lake cruising on the TSS Earnslaw with high tea and a farm tour at Mount Nicholas Station, breakfast at the Hilton, Bungy jumping at AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge, zip lining, gondola and luge rides followed by dinner at Stratosphere at sunset, and high tea at Millbrook Resort. The trip was an eye opening experience for all and a chance to explore the various exciting opportunities that exist in the Tourism and Hospitality industries.
An epic adventure with memories made for a lifetime!
Here’s a tip a word of advice an ‘if i were you’ perhaps
be a journalist sure be a still-life painter a quartet composer or something but never ever be a poet
you’ll start seeing sonnets in sunsets and cigarette butts and hearing haikus in half-hearted Happy-Birthdays
comparing things like biro pens and bad coffee to summer’s days and refusing to go gently into anything good resembling night the most unfortunate unfortunately are caught by the cult of free-verse you’ll bury quarms and drown in ink shoelaces atomic physics and service station music
it’s a trap to where doubt veers round nouns and rogue apostrophes and absent commas buzz up eardrums; is it even worth mentioning the vile semicolon
burrowing through your parenthesis skull quiet tissue overexposed to the idea of naming your child Anaphora ?
and I’ll tell you something else poets are the worst narcissists you ever saw they’ll fill whole books with self portraits of bleeding hearts and mirrors of their waterlogged eyes bathing with glee in their own blood-soaked irony to be honest
writing poems is no different to standing naked on a stage and watching while the world prods your goosebumped metaphors
Others (with their alcohol fermented problems) exhale their troubles with the stuff high school P.E. teachers warned them about
while those poets (with their oh so tragic lives) get high on pink-tinted 8 o’clock clouds thinking that means something
So here’s a tip a word of advice something to bear in mind i’d steer right clear of anything that can’t be written in an Explore-The-Subject sentence or at the very least a sensible block of informative prose
if i were you i’d never ever be a poet.
shock, they draped me in a blanket though i’m not sure when or why only that they did because i clung greedily to it. d denial, on a warm summer’s morning i’ll wake i’ll sit up i’ll turn to look over my shoulder and stay there staring at your drowsy face the image develops like film in a chemical solution when i get up i’ll plant a soft kiss on both your eyelids they’ll flicker gently.
in the kitchen i’ll set the table for two i won’t bother with coffee neither of us liked it anyway well then, pumpkin soup and banana cake it is the regular routine the same we do every morning yet this time i won’t lay out the morning paper because the news headline tells lies you said people shouldn’t lie you were always right, let’s not read it this morning.
that evening you’ll stand by the window the light waltzing on opalescent skin moon beams meticulously woven into silk hair you’ll play your violin the same song you always did TheCarnivaloftheAnimals:TheSwan,R.125:XIII youliked Camille Saint-Saëns i liked The Carnival of the Animals itwasassimpleasthat.
at night i’ll walk the same path the same we walk every night but this time i’ll take the long way around the one that winds up with sand between my toes the one welcoming salt air to infest my lungs the one with crashing waves that sync with your heartbeat.
on a warm summer’s night i bury myself under the waves to dig myself closer, a little bit closer to your heartbeat.
a anger, i lie there, listening the world choruses a dissonant melody it’s not silent.
i listen to the waves they rhythmically, violently, mercilessly deal blow, after blow, after blow, upon the pitiable shore. i close my eyes, envisioning; the waves are me the shore is everyone.
tonight they accompany me; calcitite offers her cloak of woven wrath silica sings tunes with melodious malice clay clamours about, fuming with fury
i welcome them, let their antics swathe and wrap me about until i am no more but a stone upon the pitiable shore. b bargaining, that morning the day dawns on a calm sea i clutch the hands of hysteria and plead at their feet if calcitite would accept back her cloak if silica could un-sing his ballads if clay could rest his feet could i be returned to me, of what once was mine? please? d depression, that evening i laid bare on the shore submerged myself in lamenting waves they stole calcitite’s cloak flooded and drained my ears of silica ’s tunes washed over frantic footprints – remnants of clay’s clamouring
i welcome them, let their antics flush and wring me about until i am no more but a bare body upon the pitiable shore.
that night i took a shower turned the knob the full way to the left invited the scalding water to burn away whatever sediment was left clinging to my skin.
everything will erode o v e r – t i m e
By Cassia SongOnce, long ago, before humans had begun to explore the ocean, the inhabitants of a secluded beach were just starting to wake up.
A young oystercatcher scrambled out of his nest, feathers rumpled and eyes bright, eager to explore the outside world. “Remember,” his mother said, “go straight to the rock pools and come straight back once you ’ve caught something.”
“I will,” the oystercatcher replied impatiently.
“Oh, and don’t talk to any strangers!” his mother called after him, as he sprinted off.
When he was about halfway there, the oystercatcher heard a strange rasping sound coming from up the beach. When he found the source of the sound, he stopped in surprise, standing before him was an old seagull with a broken beak, coughing up water, and bleeding from a large gash in its side. Before the oystercatcher could scurry away, the gull looked up, fixed its beady eyes on him, and said in a harsh voice; “stay away from the cave near the rock pools, no good will come from hunting there.”
“O-okay” the oystercatcher stammered, before hurrying away, remembering what his mother had said about talking to strangers.
In his hurry to get away from the seagull, the oystercatcher almost didn ’t notice a small voice calling to him as he went past. He looked around and saw a small fish to his right.
“Over here!” the fish called. The oystercatcher walked over, hardly able to believe his luck, but before he could make the kill, the fish shouted “wait! If you return me to the ocean, I can tell you how to get to a place with even more food. ”
“Alright,” the oystercatcher said, “but if I find out you’re lying to me, I will find you.”
After the oystercatcher had released the fish into the ocean, he followed the fish ’s directions, and found himself at the mouth of a large cave. With a sense of dread, the oystercatcher tentatively stepped inside. The cave was dark and damp, with jagged spikes of stone hanging from the ceiling, and jutting from the floor, like a giant mouth. The pools of water around the edge of the cave looked devoid of life. Remembering the seagull ’s words, the oystercatcher swallowed hard, before shaking himself; hadn’t his mother told him not to trust strangers. The seagull had probably just wanted to keep all the food to itself. Still, the oystercatcher couldn’t help feeling uneasy as he stepped onto the porous red rock in the centre of the cave.
The rock was soft. The oystercatcher let out a yelp of alarm as he realised the cave was not a cave, it was the mouth of a gigantic creature. As if aroused by the oystercatcher’s terror, the creature started to move. The oystercatcher bolted towards the end of the mouth, his wings flapping frantically as he tried to take off.
Just as the oystercatcher broke free from the mouth, he heard a loud snap behind him, and felt a sharp bolt of pain so intense he thought he might black out. The oystercatcher looked behind him and saw that a massive fish, with scales that looked like stone, had its mouth closed tight around his legs and tail, blood gushing from where its tooth pierced his flesh. The fish had its eyes fixed on the oystercatcher hungrily, and in that moment, the oystercatcher knew it wouldn’t let go. He was going to die here.
The oystercatcher saw a flash of movement in the corner of his eye, then heard a deafening roar and felt the pressure on his leg release, causing a fresh wave of agony to roll over him. The oystercatcher flapped his wings as hard as he could, desperate to get away from those massive teeth. Slowly, the oystercatcher felt his strength fade, and the edges of his vision go blurry. The oystercatcher knew he had to stay awake, but everything hurt so much, and he could feel his consciousness slipping away. Then everything went black.
The oystercatcher opened his eyes. He had a splitting headache, and he couldn ’t feel his legs. A seagull was standing over him, its beady eyes trained on his face. It looked familiar. “You went into the cave,” the seagull said, and that was when he realised it; this was the seagull which had warned him against going in the cave. He felt instantly guilty for doubting his motives.
“Well,” the oystercatcher said, “a fish said that I should, and …” he trailed off, realising how stupid he sounded.
“Hmph,” the seagull grunted, “didn’t your mother ever tell you not to trust your food?”
In 2022, Ōtūmoetai College acknowledged two Gold Recipients for volunteering over 500 hours to the community. These were our 8th and 9th Gold Pin recipients.
Olivia Chappell for:
-Teacher Aiding at Pillans Point Primary School -Senior Ball set up team -School ambassador for Open Night -SVA Ambassador
Jera Flexman for:
-Celebrations for Anzac Day
-Selling Poppies -Leading junior cadets at weekend camps -Volunteering at Parade night -Coaching junior rugby players
Special mention must also be made of Jera who gained the top volunteer award in the school. This was acknowledged at the Year 13 Awards evening.
Student Volunteering is growing here at Ōtūmoetai College. This year we contributed over 2685 hours to the community. We have 265 active members and 91 new members. In 2023, we have a keen committee of 13 students who will lead activities at their various year levels along with seeking out community activities that our students can volunteer towards. If you are interested in participating and logging your volunteer hours, SVA have an app that downloads onto most devices: Seek out committee members, Yr 9 Jenna Salgado, Jaymin Corn, Jamwal Vaibhavi, Yr 10 Chelsea Fitt, Loralei Feist, Yr 11 Abby Duncan, Charlie Minshall, Yr 12 Samantha Bainbridge, Yr 13 Rhys Stewart and Eva Karena This committee looks forward to promoting National Volunteer Week 18th- 24th June 2023 Term 2 Week 9.
This is the tenth year Duke of Edinburgh has been operating in our college and every year our numbers increase. The DoE award requires commitment across several areas: service, skills, physical recreation, and expeditions. The fact that students are registered online, and a lot of their activities digitally monitored now suits the way students live and learn today. It has created a lot more personal ownership of completing activities. It has been another year of disruption due to Covid, influenza and wet weather which resulted in some of the expeditions to be either postponed or cancelled. However, we did have a few successful trips catering to the needs of all the levels of the Award. Bronze students, of which there are 31 active members, had several trips to the Pinnacles and Lake Tarawera. In late Term 3, eight students went into the Whirinaki forest and despite a change of plans due to a flooded river, new adventures awaited them with exploring a cave, complete with a giant weta, and seeing pig hunters in action. The Gold students completed the Round the Mountain track, a gruelling five days, four nights of tramping around Mt Ruapehu. We are blessed to have such a variety of environments on our doorstep to experience. This year we have had four students complete their Gold Award. Our sincerest congratulations for their persistence and strength of character goes to the following students: Harrison Parkes, Moss Benton, Sam Kember and Georgia Murray. As a school we are fortunate to have a number of staff willing to take the expeditions: Mrs Brown, Mr Collis, Ms Reynolds, Ms Ward, Mrs Weaver, Mr Kim, Mrs King, Ms Bircham, and Mr Thomas. Thank you for giving up your time for our students.
Young Innovator Awards creates tomorrow’s innovators by offering a hands-on, learn-by-doing experience. Students work through the design thinking process to develop innovative solutions to authentic problems. The best entries, as judged by top innovators in NZ and abroad, win internships at leading innovative businesses in the Bay plus cash prizes up to $2,000.
Congratulations to the following Ōtūmoetai College finalists:
JUNIORS - Agnès Anderson, Gabrielle Stimpson, Holly Sanders, Indie Minshall, Lauren Harris, Peyton Clode, Paige Martley, Rhea Lal, Dominik Bennett, Miya Prescott, Thomas Cummings, Bradley Wiessing, Christian Timms, Poppy Shere, Dominic Clarke, Estee Taylor, Genevieve Kennerley, Emma Hurley, Kale Brooking, Rosav Sharp & Sharne Willcox.
SENIORS - Harrison Dent, Kyle Koch, Charlie Minshall, Kara Blackstock, Kobi Notman, Lucy Penellum, Sarah Lubbe, Amelia Shorter & Haylee Hextall
(Top)
Junior Supreme Award Winners: H₂OK Paige Martley Rhea Lal (Bottom)
2nd Place: SOUL
Agnès Anderson Gabrielle Stimpson Holly Sanders Indie Minshall Lauren Harris Peyton Clode
(Above)
People’s Choice Award
Winners: Kiwi Keepa Lucy Penellum, Kobi Notman, Sarah Lubbe
3rd Place: Produce ZOOM Dominik Bennett Miya Prescott Thomas Cummings
(Above)
Community Award: Oshu
Emma Hurley Kale Brooking
Our students did an amazing job completing their final YiA submissions. A big thank you to the following teachers: Sally Price, Mark Simpson, Megan Smith, Taylor Brown, Nicola Hawkes, Kevin Meyer & Mark Thomas. Your support is greatly appreciated by our students and myself! Fantastic mahi everyone! - Ceri Blears Woodcock
WORKSHOP: On Tuesday August 30th, our finalists attended a YiA workshop at the University of Waikato in Tauranga, hosted by Jeannine Walsh, the Head of New Ventures Accelerator at Beca.
Students were challenged to collaborate with peers from other schools to develop and pitch innovative solutions to Tauranga’s plastic issue.
2022 proved to be a hugely transformative year for students in our queer community. The kaupapa of Stonewall is about . We knew early on that we wanted our community to come together not just to create a safe space, but to make sure we use that time for education as well. The mentors of Stonewall diligently and carefully planned out our meetings so that there would be a new focus each time. From learning about the Stonewall Riots from which the club got its name, to queer presence in ancient history, to present day queer politics in Aotearoa, each gathering brought a knowledge and discussion between our mentors and attendees.
Term 1 saw Stonewall Club finding its feet, slowly but surely The student leaders of Stonewall met with the kaitiaki of our college, Matua Bobby Ketu, to look at how queer students – especially queer students of colour – can be represented at our school, and they subsequently designed fantastic and informative artwork that could be displayed in our classrooms around school to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community. We were able to host a very successful Pride event – complete with karaoke and a runway! We need to thank Mrs Kat Brewer and Ms Mary-Ann Braddock and the Hauora Committee for the consultation and inclusion of our rainbow students into the Pride events that were organised this year. To have a voice of the students as part of the week of celebration was invaluable.
In Terms 2 and 3, we shifted our focus more on welcoming people from the wider queer community in Tauranga-Moana to come and be guest speakers at our club. These guests have talked to our students about a range of topics from health and wellbeing, to history, to social justice, all with a unique whakawhanaungatanga that has brought our community even closer. Most notably, we were humbled to have Gordy Lockhart – founder of YoubeYou Aotearoa Charitable Trust – speak to the committee and encourage participation in local events. Many of our students subsequently worked at and attended the YouBeYou festival hosted in Tauranga mid-November. I am thrilled to share that Stonewall Club has been gifted a significant grant from the YouBeYou Aotearoa Charitable Trust that we can use in 2023 and beyond to support queer students at our college. An enormous thank you needs to be given to the Year 12 mentors of Stonewall Committee. Not only are these young people the very reason this club exists, they have so generously given their time to the queer students in our community to make Ōtūmoetai College and safe and welcoming place for all rangatahi.
1st
2nd
3rd
Toby Kennedy-Hone (left) Jade Ronaki-Kissling (right)On the 16th of November, the International Silent Film Festival held their national competition here in Tauranga. The film festival selected ten films to be showcased at Baycourt. It was a night anticipated by all, as movie makers from across the country took their seats. Four Year Nine students from our school submitted a movie titled “The Contest”, an inspirational story of an aspiring young drummer. The team included Zen Myanami (drummer boy) Jayden Dent (director) Drew Bryan (editor) and Felix Wain (extra and idea developer.) 'The Contest' was one of only ten movies chosen to be viewed on the big screen, which is an incredible success for the boys. In advance of filming, they had been given various soundtracks to choose from, - music composed by American Nathan Avakian - a musician and composer who, on the night, played the wurlitzer. This pipe organ is one of the only two in the country, so it was an amazing opportunity to see it being played. The boys had an incredible night filled with film watching, laughs and opportunity to expand their horizons as future movie producers. Being able to represent OTC, meet successful people in the industry and learn more about the art had the team planning for 2023 as soon as they left the theatre. Let’s see what they come up with next.
Runner up: Evelyn
Bennet 9AMB
Winner: Adam Sushames 9MRB
Year 10
This was an incredibly tough competition...
Runner up: Layla Sutcliffe 10KDH
Winner: Dayna Bennett 10SHC
Amazing books, many magazines and a growing DVD collection and friendly staff - what more could you want in your College Library? A SUGGESTIONS book is located on the main desk for students who want to recommend titles for purchase.
The Library is a lovely, warm and friendly environment for students and staff to enjoy and learn in. Leisure activities, especially during the winter months include cards, Dungeons and Dragons, Magic The Gathering, many board games and lego. Another successful year. We wish all leaving students all the very best and success in their pursuits. To Senior Management we are very appreciative of your collective support of our Library.
Ōtūmoetai Kiriata Kaihanga'. Our showing of School films included: Vista Foundation 48 Hours films, Year 12 Media films, Year 9 Silent Films, and a teaser trailer for Acedia Pictures' feature film 'Parasomnia'.
‘
2022 has been a challenging but successful year within the Mathematics & Statistics Department. We welcomed Jessie Faunterloy, Laurel Stone, and Namuk Kim to full-time staff as well as Sanet Bircham and Debbie Denney to part-time positions. We also pay thanks to Sarah Robinson, Stephen Binns, and Judy Barr as regular relievers to our Department. We have had yet another year of challenges with Covid-19 and the need for combining face-to-face and distance learning and thank both staff and students for their resilience in coping with this new and different style of learning. Nonetheless, we have had some amazing results within our subject area.
Jaymin Corn (Year 9) 94% Distinction
Samuel Waylen (Year 9) 86% Distinction
Victoria Geck (Year 10) 94% Distinction
John Toni (Year 10) 92% Distinction
Tomas Andrew (Year 11) 83% Distinction
Jaymin Corn (Year 9) Distinction
Lauren Harris (Year 9) Distinction
Bradley Wiessing (Year 10) Distinction
Tomas Andrew (Year 11) Distinction
Megan Sushames (Year 11) Distinction
We have Mathsmind an Otumoetai College and interschool competition in the Bay of Plenty and sent teams of 4 to Whakatane with another successful outcome.
Jude Chua, Jaymin Corn, Sam Gooderham, and Tyler Yang - 1st Otumoetai College & 1st BOP Daniel Ferguson, Sam Wadesworth, Noah Muspratt, and Connor Mewis – 2nd Otumoetai College
Toni John, Noah Douglas, Victoria Geck, and Nrushinga Rath – 1st Otumoetai & 2nd BOP Reco Quaife, Hunter Fowler-Oates, Mitchi Nakai, and Travis Knibbs – 2nd Otumoetai
As well as taking 1st and 2nd place Ōtūmoetai College also was awarded the ‘Best School in the Bay of Plenty'. Some of our senior students have advanced through NCEA and are enrolled in University of Canterbury Mathematic courses and have had some remarkable success. Three of our Year 13 students achieved the following results:
Rebecca Mahon (91%) = A+ Emily Wahab (91%) = A+ Anthony Wigley (85%) = A
A highlight was Year 11 student Megan Sushames (99% - A+) who not only achieved a near perfect result but has also been awarded a UC Mathematics and Statistics STAR Scholarship of $15,000. Congratulations Megan on this fantastic result. This year also saw our Year 10 students participating in the NCEA Numeracy and Literacy Pilot, as we await the new changes coming to NCEA. We finish the year saying farewell to Mike Livingston after 43 years and Yvonne Burmester with 17 years of service, both whom are retiring and be sorely missed within our department.
2022 was a quiet year in the Spanish department. No overseas trips were planned or undertaken due to Covid restrictions, although we are planning a trip to Argentina in 2023 to depart in 2024. Mrs. Rocio Serrati was welcomed back to the department after two years of maternity leave. Year 10 students celebrated the Day of the Dead with face painting and food and Year 9 students.
Te Whare Māori department have seen a lot of changes in 2022 – with staff and subject changes happening throughout the year. Our tauira have continued to learn, navigating these changes and succeeding in their own ways. Ngā mihi nui goes to Hinemoa Rewiti and Kororia Solomon, two past students, who took up roles as kaiako to our junior classes and support staff member for our tauira respectively. Also to Nadia Rolleston who stepped in as kaiako. We wish them all the best for their future studies and endeavours.
Kia hora te marino, kia whakapapa pounamu te moana, kia tere te karahirohi i mua i tou huarahi. May the calm be widespread, may the ocean glisten as greenstone. May the shimmer of light ever dance across your pathway.
Another exciting year for Ōtūmoetai College’s Technology and Graphics Department.
Perhaps the greatest strength of Technology at Ōtūmoetai College continues to be the range of courses and opportunities for students. These included Electronics, Graphics, Technology Wood, Metal, Automotive, Building, and Mechanical Engineering.
2022, started off well, but once again Covid and then the absences away from school made it tricky getting all those workshop projects completed.
• As usual, there were a great many quality take home projects at all levels, however, the Garden chairs continue to be popular with students and parents alike. The box speaker projects looked and sounded classy, and the workshops all bulged with projects on the go.
• There were some complex welding projects, creative desks, tables, lighting projects etc completed by the seniors.
• The year 11’s continued to be very creative with their Lighting, Skateboard, Building, Engineering and Electronics projects. This involved going through the design process to explore their creativity while using a wide range of practical skills from aluminium casting, welding, wood machining etc, etc.
• The Electronics classes continued to dazzle, with some amazing success stories of ex-students, now with degrees, gaining Mechatronics careers at Rocket lab, working with NASA, and SpaceX. The new Robotics clubroom was also officially opened to cater for the outstanding growth in this student driven activity. A huge amount of work was carried out by the students and parents to create an outstanding facility for these competitive teams.
• The use of the Schools CNC, (Computer numerically controlled), Router, Vinyl cutter, 3D printers, swelled with the addition of our first Laser cutter. This portable machine, being used daily, to great effect in so many classes including Textiles, Wood, DVC, and Electronics.
The Hard Tech/ DVC teachers of 2022 were, Mr Enefer, Mr Rayner, Mr Thomas, Mr Gilvear, Mr Rapley, Mr Watson, Mr Wessels, and Mr Meyer.
To all the leaving Year 13’s, have a great life and good memories of your time here at Ōtūmoetai College. – Mr Meyer and the Tech Department.
Ella had the opportunity to design and create a collection of soft toys for the charity Littlemore, working to help New Zealand families living in poverty who are less fortunate than others. Ella decided to create two separate toys, one comforter, and one stuffed animal. Both are suitable, safe, and durable for little ones. Giving back to the community and gaining experience as well as working with an authentic context to solve a problem.
Renee designed and created an interactive sensory book for young children. Renee's Mum is an early childhood educator and cares for kids in her home environment. She was in need of more resources that would keep the children entertained. Renee had the opportunity to give back to a local business that was connected with her whanau. She worked alongside stakeholders and built empathy to bring smiles to children’s faces.
An exciting year, 2022, enabled the students to get back into the swing of things heading out on placements, in Term 2, at both Early Childhood Centres and Primary Schools in the local area. A fabulous way for students to explore and gain valuable experience in Early Childhood and they loved it! Here's what they had to say
…
“My placement was based at Matua kindergarten, where I had an amazing time with the children. I thoroughly enjoyed my placement, the teachers were welcoming and nice, and supervising the children playing and spending time with them really made my day.”
“I really loved my placement and connecting with the children. Over my placement I gained a lot from the children and how their emotions work. I also learnt from my teacher how to respond to Children's emotions. Overall it was a rewarding and fun experience for me.”
Plenty of practical lessons for Level 2 from looking after their ‘babies’ to creating new play experiences for toddlers and young children. Below are some of the games and activities designed.
Level 3 studied Child Development and the stages children go through - making students appreciate and understand how this affects the progress of a child. Plenty of report writing to keep everyone busy! Some great group work and ideas on how to improve children’s nutrition. Check out these ideas and activities students prepared and took part in
On the last Thursday and Friday of Term Three, 16 Level 2 and 3 food tech students travelled to compete in the Waikato Culinary Fare at Wintec in Hamilton. They all worked with determination, passion and pride representing our college in the largest regional culinary competitions in New Zealand. Their attention to all the small details was noticed by the judges - many of whom commented on how impressed they were with the students' work ethic, imaginative ideas and immaculate presentation.
These legends have researched, modelled and had malfunctionssome of epic proportions! They have continuously refined their concepts to produce some spectacular outcomes and have triumphed! It has been a joy and a privilege to be just a tiny part of their learning and journey of growth, into the incredible humans they are today.
16 participants - 15 medals! This has been our most successful year yet, and we could not be more proud!!
A group of Junior students were invited to work with the Tauranga Youth Development Team. After YIA, groups were introduced to members of the Tauranga Council and then passed on to the TYDT. The TYDT has created a project called Safe & Sound. This project is creating an app to help teenagers who are struggling with mental health problems and can't access help. An opportunity not to miss, this has given students & teenagers a voice in assisting others with their struggles. Getting teenagers involved leads to more understanding of what stressful times teenage years can be. This has given them a chance of learning new and different skills to help create an idea and concept.
"During discussions about the problems with mental health that are present in today’s society, I developed a greater understanding of how people are affected and our community needs change. This experience was so amazing to be a part of."
"It has helped me become aware of community issues that I wasn't aware of before this project. More experiences like this will help me and others involved to learn life skills and job-like experiences for the future. "
Victoria Geck
Agnès Anderson Computational
"I believe it is a goal to make our community a safe and well-cared-for space, and I am very grateful that I could be a part of the Safe & Sound project."
Peyton Clode
Members Of The Safe & Sound ProjectIf you only had today to solve a specific problem, what would you do? What would you try if it was OK to fail? How could you rephrase this problem as a goal? Welcome to Design Thinking.
This year, Ōtūmoetai College piloted a science-focused Year 10 Design Thinking class that integrated core curriculum knowledge in Science, Maths, Social Studies and English, using authentic projects and a Design Thinking approach.
One noticeable difference about the Design Thinking class was the timetable, with every Monday being a Project Day based in our project room. A key focus each Monday was “learning by doing,” and projects included:
Designing new structures, products, and games
Repurposing recyclable items into usable goods
Learning about Te Ao Māori through pūrākau (Māori myths) in our whare wānanga, Okohanga
Exploring our natural local environment in the gully and Kākahu Pekepeke
Collaborating to solve puzzles, create murals and produce stories
The Design Thinking process involves innovation, korowai aroha (empathy and integrity), kaiurungi (taking responsibility) and collaboration, with the goal of creating genuine learning experiences. Because the outcomes of this process were not always predictable - and failure is accepted as a learning opportunity - the class was spontaneous, creative and fun.
A very special production this year to farewell our wonderful Mrs Woest. The students and staff managed to keep it a secret from her so she was very surprised! Lots of hard work and amazing effort put in by all to make it a production to remember!
Brayden and Te Ariki got to be a part of the New Zealand Special Olympics torch run. Awesome work guys!
Our students got to enjoy Special Olympics Athletics at Wharepai Domain It was a great day, and all the students did amazing yet again! Some great results, happy faces and awesome peer support happening! Tino pai!
In Term 2 of this year a group of 20 students performed in the College PAC, a play by Alan Ayckbourn called Gizmo. This comedy revolves around Ben, who suffers from post-traumatic paralysis Doctors insert a Gizmo into his brain which enables him to walk again. However when Ben and his gizmo fall into the hands of muggers and a hit-man, all manner of chaos ensues Ultimately good conquers evil and love saves the day! The cast, directed by Mrs Dean, worked extremely hard to bring this show to the stage. It was not a smooth process due to multiple absences (Covid…grrr), even the performances were affected with 1 student unable to perform. However, the show must go on! Well done to all involved for soldiering on and producing a very worthwhile and entertaining show, under trying circumstances!
Cast: Abby Smith, Adam Sushames, Alec VB, Arthena Caibiran, Ash Forster, Carter Waters, Catelyn Aimee Evans, Deklan Waite, Edie Jackson, Emearie Elliot- Warren, Faith Harris, Hamish Ogilvy Maclean, Ingrid Stripling, Krystal Dance, Layla Sutcliffe, Ollie Joyce, Poppy Muir, Sequoia Trass, Tegan Stewart, Tiana Guy.
A group of 20 seniors have been rehearsing since the start of the year to bring MIRANDA to the PAC stage. It has been a challenging but fun experience. The dress rehearsal was the first time director Mandy Rowe had the whole cast together in one place since February!! Constant absences due to sickness have made rehearsals a little disjointed, but we have persevered.
This comedy written by Miranda Hart and televised to much acclaim guaranteed to keep us chuckling. The show must go on in spite of “what I call” COVID, and this one certainly did! Congratulations to all involved. “Such fun!”
by Mandy RoweW e l c o m e t o S o c i a l S c i e n c e : t h e s t u d y o f p e o p l e , s o c i e t i e s , a n d t h e w o r l d a r o u n d u s . T h i s y e a r w e ’ v e e x p e r i e n c e d s o c i a l p r o c e s s e s f i r s t - h a n d i n t h e f a c e o f a g l o b a l p a n d e m i c . H o w e v e r , d e s p i t e t h e r e s t r i c t i o n s , w e ’ v e s t i l l m a n a g e d t o t r a v e l f r o m t h e T o n g a r i r o N a t i o n a l P a r k , t o t h e d e p t h s o f t h e W a i t o m o c a v e s , t o t h e m e a n s t r e e t s o f t h e A u c k l a n d C B D . W e ’ v e r u b b e d s h o u l d e r s w i t h p o l i t i c i a n s a n d s e e n w h e r e N Z m o n e t a r y p o l i c y i s d r e a m e d u p . W e ’ v e c e l e b r a t e d i n t e r n a t i o n a l e v e n t s w i t h c o s t u m e s a n d f o o d , a n d m a d e t h e s o u n d s , s i g h t s a n d f l a v o u r s o f t h e w o r l d c o m e a l i v e . I f y o u l o v e r u m i n a t i n g o n i s s u e s a r o u n d p e o p l e a n d p l a c e s o f t h e p a s t , t h e p r e s e n t , o r y o u ’ r e e x c i t e d a b o u t t h e p r o m i s e o f t h e f u t u r e , S o c i a l S c i e n c e r e a l l y i s y o u r h a p p y p l a c e .
Science is able to inform problem solving and decision making in many areas of life. Many of the major opportunities that confront our world need to be approached from a scientific perspective, taking into account social and ethical considerations.
By studying science, students:
- Develop an understanding of the world, built on current scientific theories
- Learn that science involves particular processes and ways of developing and organising knowledge and that these continue to evolve.
- Use their current scientific knowledge and skills for problem solving and developing further knowledge
- Use scientific knowledge and skills to make informed decsions about the communication, application, and implications of science as these relate to their own lives, cultures, and sustainability of the environment.
The Year 9 Science trip was at Maungatautari. Students had the oppurtunity to see a 39 day old Kiwi chick that was being released into the sanctuary. We walked in the predator free forest watching Tui, Kaka, Tieke(saddleback), Toutouwai (robin) and Korimako (bellbird) as well as spotting three Tuatara.
Year 9 Science trip to Maungatautari, where students got to see a 39 day old Kiwi chick about to be released into the sanctuary, walked in the predator free forest watching Tui, Kaka, Tieke (saddleback), Toutouwai (robin) and Korimako (bellbird) as well as spotting 3 Tuatara.
What a year from the green machine! Unfortunately, we couldn't quite knock off Ōtanewainuku this year but we maintained our silver medal for the second year running. Our first highlight would have to be taking out Colours Day, particularly our volume in the chant and strength in the boy's tug of war. Our second highlight was winning the Talent Quest with outstanding performances from Toby Kennedy-Hone and Lucy Dibble. However, the most important shout-out goes to all our students who got outside their comfort zone and played their part in our whare system. Wise words from our leader Sarah Potiki are to cherish your time here at our kura; it will be gone before you know it, so live it up and get amongst all the opportunities available to you!
Finally, a special thanks to our form teachers and our whare committee for all the mahi you do to support and grow our whare.
Finally, a special thanks to all our form teachers and our whare committee for all the mahi you do to support and grow our whare.
Being whare leaders for Maunganui in 2022 was such an awesome experience and we were so happy to get involved with the whare for our last year of college! The role was a bit different to what we had expected, but regardless, it was still a lot of fun. Since the begin ning of the year, we have become more confident with public speaking, and have grown as people and leaders. Every part of being a whare leader has helped us all grow and learn together, whether it be learning to deal with difficult situations, or organising big events, these experiences and learnings will be taken into our futures and push Maunganui even further. We hope that the leaders of 2023 and onwards enjoy it as much as we have. Our whare goal was to be placed third on the leader’s board but even though we didn't quite manage our goal this year, we are positive that Maunganui will be able to achieve it next year!
What a year Ōtanewainuku has had! For the second year running, Ōtanewainuku are Whare Champions! Our success as a whare comes down to each and every student who put their hand up to be involved in the numerous whare challenges or opportunities we have had throughout the year. This year we set our standards high, and we prevailed with a first place for 2022! I would like to thank everyone for putting in the effort and getting us as far as we did. At the beginning of the year , the Ōtanewainuku leaders challenged each and every one to try any activities as they came up. We can safely say that – over the course of the year – we picked up our game and became the most dominant house in the school. The highlight of this year would have to be the Vortex Whare Challenge in which we saw a diverse range of Ōtanewainuku students get outside, have some fun and challenge each other for the furthest vortex throw. We would also like to thank all the Ōtanewainuku teachers this year for their support and extra help in running events and encouraging students to get involved. We challenge our Ōtanewainuku whare to continue working on our chant and to continue the strong Ōtanewainuku legacy we have built over the last couple of years to keep living up to our name as the Chief Maunga! You don’t have to be the smartest or the strongest but turning up is half the battle
Being part of the Ōtanewainuku Committee surpassed all my expectations and turned out to be such a huge learning experience, providing us the opportunities to grow as teammates and leaders. Throughout this journey, it has been a privilege to work with such an amazing team, facing challenges together. Even if we had a couple of obstacles along the way, we stuck together and never stopped making Ōtanewainuku the best whare it could be. We are so proud of the committee and are also very grateful for Ms Braddock, the Ōtanewainuku Whare Teacher Leader, for always supporting us. We wish the new leaders and committee all the best for next year and all the years to come. Keep being who you are, which is the best. For all students who would like to take part in the committee next year, we highly recommend it. Congratulations to the Year 13 Ōtaneuwainuku Leaders for 2023!
This year has been a year of rebuilding for Karewa with it being an opportunity to strengthen our committee for future years. We were led admirably by Ali Wills and Phoebe Dougherty who showed strong whakaiti in organising events and assemblies for Karewa. The Karewa Committee itself was also fantastic with members collaborating across all year levels and a sense of Ko tau rourou was seen throughout the group. These members were Ali Wills, Phoebe Dougherty, Gracie Savage, Seth Turner, Robert Unsworth, Peter Colonna, Sage Bennett, Rebecca Parkes, Hannah Dunn, Mitchell Butts, Matthew Ireland, Tane O’Neal-Paraha, Cat Jones, Caitlin Gow, Hannah Lines, Lily Shere, Ingrid Stripling, Gracie Cooper-Reid.
The highlights for Karewa throughout the year was the ability to step up during our assemblies and the planning of our Scavenger Hunt. Even though Karewa did not win the Colours Day, we had a fantastic sense of pride and mana with an amazing banner. Notable performances were seen in our Year 12 and 13 relay teams who blitzed the field with two first places and our boys tug of war who were also unbeaten!
What a year for Manunui in 2022! From being perennial 5th placed getters in 2021 to being in the run to win it all and leading for a large majority of the year. The highlights that stand out the most would have to be 9CHA taking out the first competition of the year with an AMAZING spirit corner, the female tug of war team, and of course the Manunui lunchtime quiz. A massive thank you goes out to the form classes and teachers that really got behind Manunui in 2022. Lastly big ups to Dianne Galorio & Caleb Brewerton for their positive and creative leadership helping Manunui come 3rd place overall.
Taking part in sport can be seen as a journey. There was a time when we were all, or maybe still are, beginners, novices, or newbies. However, even before we get to this point we must first dream of what might be, imagine ourselves learning, performing and most importantly enjoying the experience of participation. We then find ourselves taking a leap, a leap of faith to try this new sport and open ourselves up to unknown, the uncertain and the possibility of failure. For most of us there is a stage where this new sport, these new skills, and making new friends within this group of strangers feels like a struggle. This is where it might seem easier to not go to the next training session, surely it ’s not supposed to be this hard, maybe this particular sport or activity just isn’t for me. But, us humans are a little bit bonkers, and we go back and we try again, we have fun again, we get better, friendships being to grow and all of a sudden we begin to climb. We can see the top of the mountain and all we have to do is just keep going and we ’ll be experts! One day we have our best performance, on the field, on the court, in the gym, down at the local basketball hoop, we have climbed the mountain and arrived. And then we realise there's plenty more to learn, skills to develop, rules to learn, tactics to understand, characteristics and values to grow in order for us to get even better. So here we are, back at the start of the journey again, do we take that leap and carry on?
Sport and being physically active is an important part of who we are at Ōtūmoetai College and we are fortunate enough to see and witness our students take this hero’s journey on many occasions. Within the sports department we are here to make sure that all our students are encouraged and have the opportunity to dream, regardless of the sport or physical activity. We are here to provide the coaches, managers and support to help them take that leap and to then offer the necessary guidance to help them find their way out of the struggles and the hardship, to continue on the journey or to look for another one. But we are also aware that when our students do start to climb that we must stand back and allow our students to climb in order for them to reach the top of their mountain.
Ōtūmoetai College Sport would like to congratulate all those students who took the first steps on their hero's journey this year, whether you took part in the Not So Sports Club, played social Hockey, umpired a netball game, played in finals or just got involved. You are all heroes to us.
This event took place on Wednesday 8th June at Mangatarata (near Ngatea) after heavy and prolonged rain conditions the previous day and night. Luckily the day was sunny, chilly with some overcast conditions, so perfect for cross country. The course consisted of steep hills, creeks, loads of mud, metal surfaces but mainly grass, and many of the athletes opted for bare feet over spikes or running flats.
Year 9 girls (U15) 3000m: Lize Terblanche - 15th from 51
Time: 15.05min
Year 9 boys (U15) 3000m: Edward Webb - 15th from 61
Time: 12.54min
Junior Girls (U16) 3000m: Grace Duncan - 7th from 42
Time 13.46min
Sophie Garrett - 19th from 42 Time 14.43min
Junior Boys (U16) 4000m: Nicholas Reeder - 19th from 42
Time: 18.42min
Senior Girls (U20) 4000m: 5th from 34 Time: 19.18min
Charo Heijnen
Nick ReederOur school badminton teams competed in a number of competitions throughout the year. From the local weekly league to the BOP Secondary School Champs. A special mention goes to our Girls Senior Badminton team who brought home the BOPSS Bronze medals! The girls were in Division 1 and beat Whakatane High School and Edgecumbe College to secure the placing.
With our first full year of uninterrupted Basketball the boys senior program found ourselves with the challenge of developing a young squad whilst still allowing returning players to leave their mark. Though results may not have gone our way for the majority of the year I was really proud of the resilience and eagerness to get better displayed throughout the whole season. The end of season awards saw Nathan Murray win Most Improved Player and Jackson Runga being awarded Defensive Player of the year as well as Most Valuable Senior Boy.
We look forward to 2023 as this fine group of young men develop into a team that can compete with the top teams in the bay. Lastly, a big thank you goes out to Jackson Runga & Milo Clark for their ongoing support and dedication to the boys Basketball program over their time
In March, 40+ yr 9 & 10 boys turned up for 3 afternoons of trials & the top 12 boys made our Junior A team. What a great bunch of enthusiastic and talented young men! We got straight into training - before, after school and Sunday mornings every week. After a long hard fought season, we qualified top 4, but sadly lost our semi-final. We quickly regrouped and focused on doing Ōtūmoetai College proud at the 5-day Regionals (Rotorua). We played solid team basketball in all 3 pool games, with everyone scoring. The quarter-final was a nail-biting game vs Trident (Whakatane) who had beaten us earlier in the season. It was a ferocious game down to the wire and we ended up winning 72-71.
Our semi-final was vs the undefeated Te Koutu (Rotorua). For this we had great fan support from our traveling family, plus Russell Gordon & Paul Braddock. Teamwork & toughness gave us a win 61-58. The final was vs Cambridge High, a very tall (6.6ft) talented team, they had two massive wins in their pool games, both by 90+ pts. We battled as hard as we could but ended up with a very respectful 2nd placing, out of 16 teams.
Jack Pearce averaged 25.8 pts, an outstanding achievement by our captain, but Jack would be first to say that basketball is a team sport and the development and effort shown week by week by all 12 boys was awesome and they all did Otumoetai basketball incredibly proud. A special thanks to our Manager Kat Pearce. Well done Junior A boys on a brilliant season!
Coach Dennis Playford.
We took 26 pairs to the Junior BOPSS Beach Volleyball Champs held at Main Beach, Mt. Maunganui. By far the largest number of entries of any school in the Bay. Unfortunately, the NZSS Senior Champs did not go ahead but we look forward to training hard over summer and competing come February 2023.
Boys Junior A
The Junior A football team had a solid year, albeit after a slow start. Steady improvement throughout the season saw the team place second in the Bay of Plenty junior first division, a solid finishing position. The team had a good mix of speed and skill in the centre of the park and up front with players such as Luca Pakes and Ashton Zhou. This was complemented by having good strength in the back with the likes of Jayden Reynolds and Nicholas Reeder. The boys can also be particularly proud of their effort in the Hillsdene tournament, one of the biggest junior boys football tournaments in the country, ultimately coming 16th out of 20 teams.
The overall award winners included, Zen Miyanami, (Most Valuable Player, Lachlan Davenport, Most Improved and Luca Mockford, Coaches Choice.
Mark Williams - CoachThe Ōtūmoetai College Barbarians hockey team is a brand new concept for both the College and Tauranga Hockey Assn. Halfway through the Hockey season the Tauranga Hockey Association asked us to enter a team into the top hockey division where byes had created problems of teams not getting enough games.
This was an acknowledgment that we had the depth and strength to foot it at that level. The team was coached by Alan Galletly who has had a vast amount of experience coaching at all levels. The team was made up of the best of our Junior A ’s and our Second Eleven. The team very quickly settled into playing a style of hockey that really challenged the opposition First Elevens. It was based around holding the ball and preventing the opposition from having the ball to have shots at goal.
This team demonstrated that they were keen to develop their game finishing up second at the end of the season. An outstanding result. The College would like to thank the parents who gave of their time to see that the players got to the games.
Emily
Charlotte Spearman
Olivia Chappell
Ella McIvor
Olivia Amy Hays ( Cpt. )
Anna Hays
It
2022 was a fantastic year of development for boys' hockey at Ōtūmoetai College. A good number of new and returning players created a highly competitive trial environment. With the loss of six Year 13 players after last season there were plenty of opportunities for players to come through and make an impression. Results throughout the season varied as the team began its rebuilding phase, with new combinations and roles taking shape we were able to come away with some respectable results against Tauranga Boys College, Papamoa College and Mount College.
Although results at the tournament were not as strong as we had hoped for, the team continued to create new connections and built throughout the week placing 13th at the Olympic Stick Tournament. Standout performances from Riley Hodge and Paul Rix earned them places in the Tauranga Under 18 Representative team. Mitchell Butts, Isaac Morre and Shane Purser also had exceptional seasons, being named in the Tauranga Under 16 A team. Finally, we would like to make special mention of our departing year 13 athletes for their devoted service to boys hockey, Riley Hodge, Paul Rix, Oscar Porter, Joel Kennerley, Sean Simpson and Liam Venman.
The 1st XI Hockey girls had a very successful season. They were challenged with a new structure and coaching staff which they took on with open arms. They started off in the local Tauranga competition by making it to the final against Bethlehem College where they unfortunately lost in a shootout. The girls took a lot of confidence from this going into the Midlands Secondary School competition. The team competed well with some very close results which could have gone either way. This preparation taught the team some valuable lessons of how to close out games and the importance of structure.
From here the girls went to the hockey national tournament with the intention of winning to be promoted into the Tier 1 competition for 2023.
The girls were prepared, did their recovery, played to their structure, and had an amazing management staff which earned them a spot in the final against St Peters. Despite losing the final, it was the highlight game of the season! The girls entered the fourth quarter 4 – 1 down and quickly became 5 – 1. Most teams would give up, but these girls fought hard bringing the game back to 5 – 4 with a minute to play! One of the most exciting comebacks and although not winning the game, something they should be very proud of.
A huge thank you to Denym for coaching the Girls 1st XI alongside Abbie & taking over as headcoach this season.
Ōtūmoetai College took three teams to the Get2Go adventure challenge series held in Rotorua. The teams consisted of five boys and five girls. They each had to work together to complete a number of activities including orienteering, rock climbing, kayaking & mountain biking.
Our 2022 season commenced with a large number of interested students wishing to trial but due to some lingering doubts whether the season would go ahead due to COVID-19, many students decided to forego selection. This year we had two Year 9 teams, four Year 10 teams and three senior teams, a total of nine teams for the season.
Of this number only one team was coached by students. Many thanks to
Austin for their positive role mentoring and commitment to the development of our 9B
team. This team had a challenging season but they remained positive,
other and regularly turned up to trainings and were rewarded as
Our regular Friday night games were tough and challenging which demonstrated the high calibre of the local competition. A few disappointing score lines did not reflect the talent, excellent skills and ability of the OTC team players but it did show the commitment
players to instill new strategies and gameplay as we worked to the end of the season and UNISS tournament. Due to the injury and unavailability of key players, our UNISS team provided an opportunity to include Cleo Putty (from Prem 2), Mackenzie Grant, Georgie
and
Cabemaiwai (Junior 1) to work alongside our regular team members Hailey Cottam
Bodette Petero, Eden Cornwall, Abby Finlayson, Mia Gray, Abbie Frances and
UNISS netball was intense and exciting, especially towards the business end of the week, games were won or lost by a 1 or 2 point difference. The whole team played with pride, dedication and commitment and this was exemplified by the captain, Hailey Cottom who developed her leadership and communication skills and encouraged those younger players to excel. The team retained their placing in the B grade, finishing 24th of 32 teams. Well done! We wish all our Year 13 players - Hailey Cottam, Bodette Petero, Emily Muspratt, Kiana Rae & Gracie Savage - all the very best for life after OTC. These girls have been fantastic role models to our younger players and we wish them every success going forward.
Prem 1 regular team - absent: Mia Gray and Gracie Savage
Ava Elton and Britney junior encouraging of each Year 9 Division 2 Winners. 9 Division 2 Winners - OTC 9B Agnes Anderson, Gabi Bird, Amber Comey, Lauren Harris, Lillie Hyde-Hills, Harmony Leef, Saige McDonnell, Ivy Pritchard, Jenna Salgado, Milly Simon, Lucy Stevenson & Caylah-Marie Tapara by Miller Alena (capt), Paige Peters."Tino Pai OTC 10B Netball Team! If you're a super nerd like me (a maths teacher), you probably want to know the numbers. In the first half of the season, we won 6 out of 7 games and moved up a division. Covid and injuries hit our team hard, resulting in 1 win out of 6 games in the season’s second half. Regardless of the result, I was continually impressed by the support our girls showed each other, modelled by the support their whanau showed our team. You could always hear captains Ava Wills and Briahn Tuhura ’s yells of encouragement across the entire court. Mid-courters Pascalle Savage, Briarna Greig-Merrett, and Dee Elle Mackie worked so in sync as they passed right past you. Looking at Maia Greaves and Elle Jervis on the court was a health hazard - their rays of positivity beamed out and warmed those cold, wet Friday nights. Don’t be fooled by Skyla Reeves and Xanthe Loots’ kind smiles - when the centre jumps into the circle, they mean business! The resilience shown by Neve Fitzgerald and Lizzi Dixon-Graham during challenging times made me exceptionally proud to call them my girls.
The year 10 development netball team has overcome many challenges throughout the season. We lost a couple games, had a few injuries but we adjusted and worked harder as a team to overcome these. We came home as runners up in our division, we would not have been able to achieve this award if we were to work individually rather than as a team and with our coach Ms. Harrington, who was there on the side-lines and at training supporting us. This season our team started unsure of each other but as the season went on we all shared a closer bond and realised you can’t achieve your goals and work to your highest potential without working together as a team. Communication, teamwork helped us achieve our goals. Bring on ‘23!
The season is now over for the Prem 3 netball team and what a privilege it has been to work with these amazing students. This team was a mix of competitive and social players both of whom just wanted to play netball for fun and enjoyment. The team was made up of four Y13's - Jessica Hood, Brooke Beauchamp, Kate Amundsen and Shayvaughn Hotene-Marks, one Y12 - Bella Harris, and six Y11's - Maddy Jolly, Mackenzie Lock, Chloe Ward, Emily Aldridge, Rosanna Kember and Bailee Traynor.
Like every team this year we have had our ups and downs with illnesses and injuries and on count back there were only three games this season where all 11 players were available which made for some interesting positional changes on occasion. 7:30am practices were a challenging time for everyone but they always showed up with a smile on their faces and prepared to work. The support and friendships that were developed throughout the season were amazing to watch and this also led to improvements in the performances on the court.
A massive thank you to Amelie Duffy, our umpire, I am positive that this team kept you on your toes with some interesting actions on the court which I think you covered quite brilliantly with the quote "there was so much wrong with that I just didn't know what to call first" with tears of laughter rolling down your face
To the Y13's good luck next year and I know the rest of the team will miss your leadership, friendship and genuine entertainment both on and off the court.
Most outstanding player of the season - Maddy Jolly
Players choice player of the season - Jessica Hood
Most improved player of the season - Emily Aldridge
Most outstanding leadership of the season - Bella Harris Most entertaining player of the season - Shayvaughn Hotene-Marks
Congratulations to all the skiers and riders, we saw some amazing skills on the mountain and huge commitment from all.
Results - Skiing
Junior Boys - 2nd Coby Read
Junior Girls - 4th Layla Sutcliffe & 15th Katie Page
Senior Boys - 6th George Farrar Senior Girls - 6th Sophie Edser
Results - Snowboarding Junior Boys - 4th Ben Hawkes
L to R: Katie Page, Ben Hawkes, Layla Sutcliffe, Sophie Edser, George Farrar & Coby
Bay of Plenty Secondary School Ski & Snowboard ChampsThe coaching and management teams for our Under 14, Under 16 and First XV wish to thank all our players for their commitment and dedication to our rugby programme this year and what we stand for. There was tremendous success on the field this year, with our Under 14 Team winning their championship division, our Under 16 Team are also developing nicely and our First XV were runners up in the Division 1 Championship which was an exceptional achievement.
Importantly, we acknowledge the, Parents, Families and Whanau of our players, for their support of their young men and what we are trying to achieve in rugby.
We also acknowledge our sponsors: Sean Lett, from 2Wel/HYDRA, Mark Francis from Tremains and Pak n Save, Tauranga
Our rugby teams have a Kaupapa - principles and purposes that we live and breathe.
Manaakitanga - To respect and care
Whanaungatanga - To value all relationships and kinship connections
Pumautanga - To commit to excellence and continuous improvement Tumu Whakaara - To inspire and lead through example
Through rugby, the coaching and management team provides opportunities for our Kaupapa to be applied by our players. The intent being to help develop wonderful young men who will soon go into society and make a difference.
Providing a quality rugby programme is important and embedded throughout our core values. We know how important values are in developing young men and the positive impact they have on creating positive futures.
Respect . Service . Integrity . Determination . Humility . Dignity . Honesty . Responsibility.
Importantly, this year we have formed a partnership with a charity, which is Good Neighbour. This is an avenue where we respect the lads to give back and help those less fortunate in the community.
The coaching and management teams consisted of:
FIRST XV: Matthew Black, John O’Loan, Bryce Lawrence, Joe Macpherson, Mark Lunjevich and Luke Moulds
UNDER 16: David Brown, Ben Haldezos and Simon Wheatley
UNDER 14: James Henderson, Richard Brown, Wayne Becker and Lisa Adams
2021/2022 Season Summary for Ōtūmoetai College Rowing OCR started the season with 18 rowers & coaches Paul Clinton, Steve Porteners, Steve Rush, Cam Price and trainer Brandon Manuel. The season started in May 2021 and we looked forward to an exciting rowing season. The team got to meet rowing legend and Olympic gold medallist Joe Sullivan. Steve Porteners supported the team at the BOPRA development camp and the team participated in the Long Distance Row at Karapiro. Then LOCKDOWN hit again and Paul insisted the team still needed to do ERGs so with the school's permission we distributed ERGs to the team and we had virtual ERG & training sessions!! We unfortunately lost Ava, Cam, Te Rahi and TJ but gained Lydia & Zoe to the team. Our first regatta was the Rotorua 1000m at the Blue Lake. Jenna, Emma and Paul were finalists in the Team of the Year for the BOP sports awards in November.
The Memorial Regatta & Spring Camp were both cancelled but we enjoyed a great TRC Club Day. Karapiro regattas were cancelled but the team attended the BOP Regatta at the Blue Lakes where Matt rowed his first single! Mangakino Camp was HOT but we survived the heat with ice blocks, swims and jet skiing. Chloe Wallsgrove gained confidence in her single and the 22 km dam to dam row got easier. The team rowed at the Dewar Shield at the Blue Lake and all our crews smashed it including the novice girls, U17 pair and the U17 girls quad! Caitlin, Zara, Matt, Jack and Jenna all had success in the single and the club took away the shield AGAIN! Christmas came and we celebrated with a team party including Secret Santa.
Teish & Tim hosted us in Bowentown for a training camp at the end of January and it was a fun and relaxing team bonding experience for us all. HUGE thanks to everyone who attended and helped make it a success! Steve Porteners, Sarah P & Marika attended the Karapiro Invitational Training Camp the same weekend and they made us proud with winning the intermediate quad and in their pair. Back to school for 2022 and we were in RED LIGHT where we had to ERG outside on the field - a nice change from the cardio room for some! And just like that with NO Karapiro regattas the club season was over and we focused on the upcoming school regattas! The Junior Regatta was split with girls on day 1 and boys on day 2. It was great for the team to finally row 2000m at Karapiro though there were no spectators allowed.
The NISSC followed with a 4 day event - 2 day boys & 2 day girls. Jack & Matt rowed well in their singles and the double of Jack & Kahnya got 5th in the B final for the U18. Chloe Wallsgrove raced in the U16 single and made us all proud with her courage and determination - never an easy first race!
Jenna got a bronze in the U17 single as well as Caitlin, Lydia, Zoe, Zara & Nina coxing in the U18 novice quad. Caitlin & Zara as well as Jenna & Sarah L both got 4th in their double races.
The next big question was Maadi in Twizel was it going ahead or not??? Thankfully with a number of changes to the plan we were off to the South Island to attend the Maadi Cup along with Elsa & Loui!!
The weather was stunning and the racing was tough but everyone gave it their all and that ’s all we ever ask - put all that hard earned training into practice! The team results were:
U17 single - Jack 7th in C final
U18 novice double - Zoe & Caitlin 7th in A final
U17 single - Jenna 1st in B final
U17 double - Jenna & Sarah - 4th in B final; Chloe & Nina - 4th in C final.
We also attended numerous fundraisers including the Ultimate Athlete, Surfbreakers and the LBM.
It is safe to say that this year, rock-climbing has become more known, available, and accessible at Ōtūmoetai College. It makes me so happy to see the growing number of familiar faces every Wednesday and Thursday lunchtime at the school climbing wall. Compared to previous years, we’ve been able to see more excitement and support for rock-climbing as a sport. It teaches the importance of self-growth, goal setting, and finding strength from all parts of the body.
Participation in and commitment to the weekly Climbing Club has grown, and involvement in secondary school competitions is getting higher and higher. Out of the 4 events that were entered into the Regional Secondary School competition this year, 2 came out on the podium. In 2019, before the Club had gained momentum, usually only 1 person was entered per competition.
In the future, I hope to see one (or some) of this year's Climbing Club participants step up and run the club in my absence. Rock-climbing is a valuable addition to the school and is lucky to be represented by Ōtūmoetai College climber talent.
- Eva Karena
Rocktopia, Mt Maunganui hosted an awesome couple of events that our rock climbing team attended. First up was the BOPSS champs where all six students competed extremely well and finished in the top 6 of their age groups. Next was the NZSS Champs. This was a tough competition with climbers coming from all over New Zealand to face off for the top prize. All of the athletes competed in three divisions; Top Rope, Speed Climb and Bouldering. The senior speed climb was held on the 15.7m high outdoor wall at Blake Park. Congratulations to Tom Voller who flew up the wall and managed to take home second place in NZ!
Congratulations to Isaac Dobbs for his recent success in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Wrestling Champsplacing 1st in the Freestyle Seniors 92kg.
Congratulations to Anae Garratt who won the Plate Section at the Bay of Plenty Secondary Schools Indoor Bowls
The Ōtūmoetai College Girls Squash Team received the award for Secondary School Girls' Team Of The Year at the 2022 Bay Of Plenty Sports Awards held in Rotorua on Friday 25th November. This award caps off a dominant Team effort in the BOP inter-college competition with players also achieving huge success in the Individual competition. The Ōtūmoetai College Squash Team won the New Zealand Secondary Schools Championship squash title in 2022 for the second year running. Three of the team members were selected for the New Zealand Junior Girls Secondary Schools team to play against Australia in a series in Australia. New Zealand won the series.
Congratulations Erin Wyllie, Grace Spencer, Hope Kennerley, Kayla Bowles, Gen Kennerley & Mia Bowles. Very well deserved!
This year has seen a small group of competitive tennis players participate in early morning tennis sessions during term one and four, as well as competition in BOP Secondary School Championships. The School Tennis Championships have also been reintroduced this year, with Angus Colquhoun winning the Senior Boys title, Lachlan Shefford the Junior Boys, and Chelsea Olesen taking out the Junior Girls title. With all these players and others returning next year, the future of tennis at Ōtūmoetai College looks bright.
Results from the BOPSS Junior Tennis Champs at Rotorua, Friday 25th November: Girls Div. 1 Singles Runner Up - Lucy King
Manihera Memorial Golf Champs
Three Ōtūmoetai College students competed in the Manihera Memorial Golf Champs played at Kawerau Golf Club on Wednesday 24th May. The course was wet underfoot to start but the day proved to be clear and warm and students enjoyed honing their drive and putting skills against their peers from other regional schools. Imogen Otto, William Dunn and Tomas Andrew.
The Senior Boys Volleyball programme started at the end of 2021 with an extended selections process. Over the course of Term 4 the boys competed against each other for a spot on the 2022 Senior A Boys team. In the end 10 boys were selected to compete in the 2022 Bay of Plenty and New Zealand championships.
The 2022 season started well with a win over Tauranga Boys College to win back the Schroder Cup in the first weekend of BOP Champs. Sadly due to a Covid 19 outbreak the season was cut short with all regional and national tournaments being abruptly cancelled.
But with help from Ōtūmoetai College Sports Office the boys were able to compete at the Taupo Invitational Tournament with a number of elite teams and come away with a Third place finish.
Overall the team showed great resilience to continue to train and perform to a high level resulting in winning the Schroder Cup for the first time in many years. Well Done to Nico Brown, Jackson Runga and Daniel Cleary who picked up end of year awards.
The 2021/2022 season started well enough with the Junior A girls starting their BOP tournament with a weekend of games in Rotorua. The team played some excellent volleyball winning all six of their games. The post section weekend involved tougher opponents and the results were mixed, but the team managed to get through to the top 8. The quarter final was against a tough serving Ruatoki team but the team raised their game to win convincingly 2 -0. The girls had a tough draw of duties and games back-to-back, ultimately losing the semi-final to Whakatane. The playoff for 3rd and 4th was against Bethlehem College and after a game ’s break the team won 2-0 finishing the competition with the bronze medal.
Four of the team made the BOP U15 teams, Tiani Rae and Emma Searle in the Blue team and Kara Blackstock and Charlie Minshall in the Gold team. The other A team members were Paige Peters, Erin Walpole, Abbie Francis, Libby West, Haylee Hextall and Taska Kemp -Green.
The senior girls completed their trials in September unaware of how the season was going to unfold for them. The Senior A team this year comprised returnees Lucy Lloyd (captain), Hazel Blissett, Hailey Cottam, Molina Phirun and Sapphire Dudley. The newcomers were Olivia Lee (from Napier Girls), Brooke Comesky, Bella Ritai, Ella Matthes and Liana Needham. In these covid ravaged times the team was supported at various stages by B team players Ella Douglas, Abi Gilchrist, Tiani Rae, Emma Searle and Mae Grinlinton.
Term 1 started well with the first and only round of the BOP Championships. During these two days the team beat WHHS A 3-0, Whakatane A 3-0, lost to Katikati 3-2 and Taupo 3-0. Unfortunately during the Katikati game Captain Lucy Lloyd tore her ACL and for the second college season in a row Lucy suffered a season ending injury. At this point Hazel Blissett took over the captaincy of the team.
The remaining games of the BOP Championships and the NZSS National Championships were cancelled due to the pandemic.
To end the season in an upbeat way a Volleyball Festival was organised in Taupo during summer tournament week with the top 6 girls teams in the BOP, from the first qualifying weekend, invited to compete. The A girls enjoyed an outstanding tournament beating Katikati 3 -1 to avenge the defeat a few weeks earlier and then triumphed in a tough encounter with Bethlehem College 3-2 after being 1-2 down. The following morning the team beat Tauranga Girls 3-0. This led to a finals showdown with Taupo. This was another tough match with the team finally winning 3-2 after again being 1-2 down, a great way to finish a very frustrating season!
Our representative players this year are Brooke Comesky and Hailey Cottam (BOP U21), Hazel Blissett, Molina Phirun and Olivia Lee (BOP U19) and Tiani Rae and Charlie Minshall (BOP U17).
Thanks must go to the Senior A manager Steve Meredith and the other coaching staff in the girls programme Abbie Johnson, Kaden Gordon, Ashley Woodford and all the senior students who help with the juniors perpetuating the volleyball culture at Oats!
The Ōtūmoetai College Junior Girls Water Polo team (along with two players from ACG) competed in the local competition at Baywave. Our girls team played in a mixed division with schools from around the region. For some it was their first season in the pool. The girls did really well and had a lot of fun. A big thanks to Year 13 Zoe Stubbing for coaching the team, & Year 11 Amelia Edgecombe for being a great player/mentor.
Ōtūmoetai College year 12 student Chloe Boyt, represented New Zealand at the Fina World Championships in Budapest. Chloe was part of a team of 11 athletes that made up the Aqua Ferns Artistic Swimming team.
The team started with a pre-worlds training camp in Dubai and then moved on to the event in Budapest. Unfortunately, several of the team contracted covid in Dubai, so they were unable to compete in 3 of their 4 events, but managed to get enough athletes well enough for one of the later events. The covid impacted build up and swimming against professional athletes, meant the results were not what they were hoping for, but this is a young team with an awesome future.
Chloe was also selected to hold the New Zealand flag at the closing gala.
Synchronised Swimming Stars
Ōtūmoetai College students, Jersie Ottaway and Chloe Boyt, were selected to represented Tauranga at the New Zealand Artistic Swimming National competition in Invercargill. Athletes trained for a year leading up to the competition, this level requiring commitment up to 4 days per week. The following is the event entered and National placing: Jersie Ottaway: Aquarina Combo Gold. Chloe Boyt: Junior Duet Gold, Junior Team Gold, Junior Open Team Gold.
It is time to farewell the print and embrace the new-age Trek.
As Teacher in Charge of TREK for 2022, one of the most uplifting aspects of putting together this publication was seeing and reading about all the wonderful things our students have achieved this year even though it has been a hugely disruptive one. From success on the sports field, to the stage, or to the screen, 2022 has seen our tauira earn regional and national recognition in their chosen discipline. As the most significant archival publication our college produces, TREK is a collaboration and summary of the past year.
This year, TREK has gone digital, and we are so thrilled to be able to welcome this magazine into the new digital age with an electronic version of this magazine being able to be shared to so many people and on a vast array of platforms.
FromprinttoPC
“We have plenty of time.” – Mrs Nicholson and her immediate regret.
There are many people who contributed to this issue of TREK being completed. First and foremost, thank you to Dave Cleland for his initial organisation in ensuring that the committee had an email address and all previous years’ documents to help us put together the magazine.
This publication would also not exist without the incredible work of Karen Raikes. She has painstakingly assembled each individual page of TREK over many weeks and even when we things have been handed in late, she has remained totally calm and encouraging of this project.
We need to thank Viv Couch for the wonderful way she has supported this committee. She has gone above and beyond in assisting with the design of the magazine as well as collating essential information and this job would have been enormous without that constant support.
We need to thank all the Heads of Departments, our teachers, our coaches, administrators and members of our wider school community for making sure any and all information was shared to the committee on time. We know that the constant emails and nagging at an already very busy time of year is the last thing people need, but we are so grateful for those of you who were able to take the time to share the stories and successes of our staff and students.
We also need to thank Carolyn Harrowfield and Jane Fraser – our college Librarians. For a week, the TREK Committee was huddled away at the back of the library sitting and staring at screens as we worked to put TREK together. But every day, these lovely wāhine would come and say hello and bring us strawberries or chocolate or lollies. Thank you so much for making sure we were well fed and happy!
And finally, the biggest thank you needs to go to the seven outstanding Year 9 and 10 students who made our committee. There is absolutely no way that this magazine would exist without their diligence, their dedication, and their digital expertise. After a series of messages in the notices and many emails from me in the lead up to the design days, these students selflessly gave of their time to make sure that TREK could happen this year. I am so unbelievably proud of the work that these young people have produced and I hope that you have enjoyed reading TREK as much as we enjoyed putting it together. If anyone is interested in being part of this design team for 2023, email us at trek@otc.school.nz
2022 Committee:
Staff: Melissa Nicholson
Year 9: Drew Bryan, Catelyn Evans, Emma Hurley, Zen Miyanami, Aadit Tandon
Year 10: Ella Murray, Sharne Wilcox
“IT WAS A SPRINT, NOT A MARATHON!” SAYS ONE TREKKIEL-R: Drew Bryan, Aadit Tandon, Zen Miyanami, Catelyn Evans, Emma Hurley, Sharne Wilcox, Ella Murray, Mrs Melissa Nicholson. After days locked away at the back of the college Library, the 2022 Trek Team are grateful to the endless support of the college Librarians who brought them lollies and chocolate every day.