Otahuhu College Newsletter
Friday 3 August 2018
From our Principal
Reports will be posted out shortly and it is great to read through the comments and see the hard work, effort and thought which is being given by nearly all students to their studies. When you choose to send your sons and daughters to Otahuhu College, you are choosing to give your child a strong academic education in a school with high expectations of effort, thought and success for every student.
Academically our senior students are going well. Once again we are likely to do better than most schools in New Zealand at Level 2 and 3, and our Year 11s are on track for another successful year. A reminder for senior students that tutorials are compulsory and that to graduate all assessments have to be submitted.
This week has been a busy week celebrating Cook Island Languages and assemblies have certainly had a vibrant feel to them. Our musicians have made the finals of Stand Up Stand Out and our sports teams continue to push for semifinal places. The Otahuhu College community is certainly committed to striving towards excellence in everything we do.
Kia Tamatane
N Watson Principal
Important Dates 6‐10 August Poetry Week 6‐10 August Smilecare onsite 6‐10 August Service Academy Advanced Leadership 10 August School Cross Country 14 August Careers Expo 16‐17 August Year 11 Leadership Camp 23 August Parent/Teacher Interviews Our Commitments At Otahuhu College there is a commitment to attend school and to be on time. Regular attendance means attending school at least ninety percent of the time. Like other top schools we expect all our students to be at school on time each day. Students who are late three times in a week will be given a detention. Students should be at school by 8:30am and it is their responsibility to be seated in the correct places for assembly. Your support in making sure your child is at school on time is appreciated. If your child is going to be late or absent please phone the office 9634000 or alternatively 0800 4 OTAHUHU to leave a message on the absence voice mail before 8:00 a.m. You can also email [email protected]
A reminder to attend the School Ball, students must have attendance over 90% by 4 September. There are no exceptions to this.
Staff News The start of term has seen us welcome three new staff members. Mrs Agarwal will be teaching Hospitality. She has previously worked as a tutor at NZMA and a Chef manager. She is a gold medal winning baker. She has a Post Graduate Diploma in Kitchen Management from the Institute of Hotel Management, Mumbai.
Miss Chamberlin will be the Gateway Coordinator. She has previously worked for Youth town and also the Newway Language Institute. She has a strong interest in the Arts, tramping and kayaking. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Auckland.
Ms Hibbs will be teaching English. She has previously taught at Chew Valley School and worked at Oxford University. She has been a key member of the student union involved in equity issues. She is also interested in running having completed marathons. She has a Bachelor of Arts with Honours from the University of Oxford.
We welcome them to Otahuhu College and look forward to seeing their contribution to our community.
Over the school holidays our Head of Science, Eva Cornforth, travelled to Cambridge University to study at their summer school all thanks to the John Boscowan Teacher Scholarship. She completed a series of lectures over that time covering the biology of the immune system and nanobiotechnology. There were optional lectures such as ‘The future of building ‐ reducing energy usage’, ‘The Enigma Machine’ and ‘Genes and disease’ along with a visit to one of Cambridge’s cutting edge nanotechnology laboratories where scientists are examining the use of nanoparticles to deliver drugs in the fight against cancer. All of this took place in the beautiful setting of Cambridge with its ancient colleges and streets. The information from these lectures and the laboratory visit, will enable the science department to examine some of its senior programmes to tailor tasks to the latest ideas coming out of internationally recognised universities.
Curriculum and Study News Two awards recognizing students’ efforts in class, and academic achievement were held recently. Congratulations to the following recipients:
Effort awards: Grey House Sala Peto 9H, Theordore Pace 9B, Zaynah Zakreen 10D, Asinate Suluka Y11, Shivam Datt Y11, Shaneel Lal Y13. Hobson House Mohoki Tuakalau 9B, Harneet Singh 9A, Lisa Teariki 10A, Triyash Chetty 10B, Imoana Tuitea Y11, Maldanoeline Sinaumea Y13. Massey House Ashur Yusuf 9B, Veisinia Havili 10B, Ali Hussaini 10C, Natasha Gounder Y11, Kamoto Fakai Y11, Jahzire Heka Y12, Catherine Tran Y13. Seddon House Jlo Iakopo 9B, John Nair 9E, Neha Kumar 10D, Achal Prasad 10D, Nina Do Y11, Fahdil Ali Y11, Lomalani‐Sini Seiuli Y12, Siiae Tivoli Y13, Zenith Moon, Y13.
ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS: Year 9 Harneet Singh H10, Ashur Yusuf M6, Faimafili Tavita H2, Muzammil Ali S1, Mokeni Manu M9, Lilian Filia S1, Pepetaugata Heperona Vaimauga M10, Sala Peto G3 Year 10 Veisinia Havili M3, Alfred Netane S5, Achal Prasad S1, Tina Bryce G5, Bitna Fitialo M2, Leuaina Andrews H1, Jared Paneta H8. Grey House seniors Asinate Suluka G5, Luvenika Fuataimi G1, Lata Vunga G11 Hobson House seniors Ioane Puna H3, Cassa‐Dee O'Reilly H5, Rulon Brown H2 Massey House seniors Quinniel Pita M10, Nerissa Felise M2, Sialai Fulutusi M3 Seddon House seniors April Heffernan S6, Tanya Roko S8
Sports News SPORTS DRAW FOR THE WEEK ENDING 5th AUGUST 2018
DAYS TEAMS VS VENUE TIME
MONDAY GIRLS RUGBY TANGAROA TANGAROA 4.00PM 30/07
TUESDAY U19 BOYS AORERE BRUCE PULMAN 4.15PM 31/07 BASKETBALL
WEDNESDAY 1st XIII RUGBY PAPATOETOE PAPATOETOE 4.00PM 01/08 LEAGUE
SNR BOYS SOCCER BYE BYE BYE JNR BOYS SOCCER AL‐MADINAH OC LOWER FIELDS 4.00PM SNR GIRLS SOCCER EDGEWATER EDGEWATER 4.00PM
NETBALL NETBALL AUCKLAND ALL DAY COMBINED POINTS COMBINED NETBALL COURTS COMP POINTS COMP
THURSDAY U17 GIRLS BYE BYE BYE 02/08 BASKETBALL
SATURDAY 1ST XV TANGAROA TANGAROA 12.00P 04/08 U15 ROSEHILL ROSEHILL M10.30 U14 BLUE MT ROSKILL OC PAVILION AM9.15 AM NETBALL GAMES Y9 A ONEHUNGA COURT 1 Y9 B PAKURANGA COURT 26 9.40AM Y9 C BARADENE COURT 10 9.40AM Y10 A ONE TREE HILL COURT 23 8.50AM Y10 B BOTANY DOWNS COURT 10 8.50AM SNR A KINGS COURT 4 8.00AM SNR B ST MARY COURT 1 11.20A SNR C ST CUTHBERTS COURT 9 M10.30 SNR D PASS SENIOR COURT 9 AM12.1 0PM10. 30AM
“Giving is ALWAYS better than Receiving”
At the beginning of the year, the seniors of the 1st XV boys' rugby team discussed and shared several ideas of boosting the morale and building a strong bond for this year's team. One thing stood out from the rest, and that was to give back to the community – at the time it was unsure how or what but fortunately an opportunity presented itself. Strive Community were looking for volunteers to help in the Mangere Soup Kitchen and reached out to schools and public.
The senior leaders jumped at the chance to put the team down as volunteers and were slotted during the recent holidays. We arrived at the centre and was quickly introduced to the organisers and other volunteers, whom were very friendly and welcoming. A brief overview was given on how the centre ran its soup kitchen and what was expected of the volunteers. The team was split up in different stations such as ushers, water dispensers, welcome committee, dishing food and entertainment.
Co‐captain Jacob Samuelu said “It was a good experience and you come out feeling good that you’ve given up your time to do something special. It also makes me grateful for what I have too. I would definitely do it again”
“I was serving drinks to everyone on the tables and was able to engage in conversations with families. It was nerve wrecking but I knew they would have been just as nervous as me, so I carried on like it was normal” laughs Joshua Lua.
“If there is one thing I can take anything away from this experience, it would be appreciation. The amount of work, dedication and heart that goes into making this soup kitchen even possible, seems like a full time job and the organisers are the real unsung heroes. Thank you for the opportunity and life lesson” says ex‐student Leilani Tuialii.
If you would like to be a part of this amazing community programme contact Joleen Perry at Strive Community on (09) 275 4428.
Netball Tournament
On Wednesday our Senior A Netball team represented the College at this Tournament. The team is made up of many Year 10 students and they were up against some tough opposition! The draw saw us play many schools that have mainly Senior students that play in the Premier Grade. It was a great learning experience for our girls and it was great to see that they remained competitive in every game. The challenges they faced will serve them well in their preparation for the Upper North Island Secondary School Champs later this term. Well done to Ms James and Ms Pearce (Coach & Manager) and to the girls whom looked and played amazing in their new uniforms!
RUGBY NEWS We are nearing the end of the Rugby season with all teams in contention of the playoffs.
Our 1st XV currently sit in the top 4 with one more game left in the round but will face top of the table Tangaroa College. This game as well as results from other games will decide Otahuhu College's fate this year.
Our U15 boys still sit on the top of the table in their pool and have two remaining games in the round before playoffs. The U14 boys aaloso have two remaining games and will need to win both games to have a chance at playoffs as they currently are 5th in their pool.
Our girls 10 a side team will head to Mount Albert Grammar on Monday to play in the 10 a side quarter final against an unbeaten Mount Albert side.
We wish all out teams the best as they move closer to finals week.
REPRESENTATIVE RUGBY.
Congratulations to the following students for their inclusion into their respective Auckland Teams
Auckland U15 Girls ‐ Seutatia Tomasi
Auckland U14 South ‐ Jeroyme Pritchard, Reese Sue, Faleseuga Tomasi
Auckland U16 South Wider training group
Ofa Kauvaka, Bernie Kelemete, Sione Tupou, Darren Fili, Demetrius Siliva
Arts and Culture News Visual Arts (Painting and Design): The deadline for Level 1 and 2s to complete their art is drawing near. Their work is due mid‐September. To help our students meet this deadline, staff will be running after school workshops on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 3pm to 4pm. Students are urged to attend at least one session a week.
The Level 3 deadline is the 26th October. There is still much work to be done ad students are urged to attend afternoon workshops.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT
It has been a busy start to the term with the Standup Standout Season starting. This week on Wednesday, we had our Magnique choir participate in the Group Vocals heats with over 40 entries and we were so excited to get a Top 5 finals spot. We also had 7 students enter the Solo vocal heats against 150 entries on Thursday, with Taufa Latu gaining a spot in the semi‐finals. Well done to all our students involved, what an accomplishment!
This Sunday we will have 5 of our students appearing on the children’s show, 'What Now' with a short music performance, so look out for that one!
University Entrance ‐ Scholarships Deadline
University Closing Date/Time Eligibility Canterbury University 15th August 2018, 5pm Range of scholarships available to Merit/Excellence endorsed students and non‐Endorsed students Otago University 15th August 2018, Midnight Range of scholarships available to Merit/Excellence endorsed students and non‐Endorsed students
Victoria University 15th August 2018, 4:30pm Range of scholarships available to Merit/Excellence endorsed students and non‐Endorsed students
University of Auckland 22nd August 2018, 5pm Excellence/Merit Endorsed students only Waikato University 31st August 2018, 5pm Range of scholarships available to Merit/Excellence endorsed students and non‐Endorsed students
AUT 1st September 2018, 5pm Excellence/Merit Endorsed students only
**Eligibility Results are based on NCEA Level 2
University of Auckland/AUT open Day
On Saturday 25th of August, University of Auckland and AUT will be hosting an open day. This is an opportunity for students to visit the campus and meet the staff from Universities.
University of Auckland have provided a free bus leaving from Otahuhu College at 8am and schedule to return at 3:45pm (Students need to meet at the allocated area, if they wish to return on free bus).
Students who wish to attend open day must register online on link below:
https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/study/study‐options/undergraduate‐study‐options/courses‐and‐ careers‐open‐day/getting‐here/free‐auckland‐buses.html
This free bus is open to public and not just Otahuhu College students. Parents/Caregivers/Whanau are also welcome to register online for free bus. It is important to register to secure your seat on bus.
As this is an open event, please note this is not an Otahuhu College trip.
This is a great opportunity not only for students but also parents/caregivers to tour around the University campuses. Stem News
Ongoing Tutorials
After school tutorials for Science have resumed. To ensure your child is receiving as much support as possible, tutorials are now compulsory. Students will need letters from home, or caregivers may contact the school if student(s) cannot attend these after school sessions. This is a vital time for seniors and the Science staff have allocated their afternoons to prepare students for upcoming assessments and examinations. Below are the tutorial dates and times. Please ensure your child is completing homework and revising.
Subject Day Time and venue Level 1 Science Wednesday 3.15 to 4pm L07 JCB, KRB, TMN
L1 2 Chemistry Tuesday TMU 3.15 to 4 pm L10 Thursday TMN 3.15 to 4 pm L01 Level 2 Physics Wednesday 3.15 to 4pm L05 WIL, JKN Level 2 Biology Wednesday 3.15 to 4 pm L08 SIM, KRB Ll 3 Chemistry Wednesday 7.30 to 8.30 am L10 TMU
Level 3 Physics Thursday 3.15 to 4pm L06 JKN
Level 3 Biology Thursday 3.15 to 4pm L04 CNF Scholarship Bio Tuesday 3.15 to 4pm L04 CNF
Year 9 Science Fair class Wednesday 3.15 to 4.15 pm CNF (SIM) Lunchtimes when needed
Year 13 Physics at the UOA Laser Labs
The Year 13 Physics class were fortunate to pay the Laser Labs a visit at the University of Auckland. This was to observe firsthand the application of electromagnetic wave theory to laser technology, and to observe cutting edge Nano‐technology developed by their Physics Dept. Laser Labs conducts experimental, numerical, and theoretical research in the general fields of nonlinear optics and photonics. Their investigators have extensive research experience in disciplines ranging from cold atoms and telecommunications to supercontinuum generation and mode‐locked fiber lasers. The Year 13 Physics class enjoyed the offsite visit and commented on the unique opportunity.
Career Information On Friday 27 July, a presentation on the NZ Defence Force (Army, Navy, Air force) was delivered by a former student now Petty Officer Maria Pahulu, the recruitment officer for Manukau, in the Navy. She explained that the training courses offered in the NZ Defence Force are being aligned with NCEA. Also, that there is sport every Wednesday, and Scholarships are available for Degree study on application.
A Defence Leadership/Sport Challenge will be held at school for up to 20 students from Year 13/12/11 interested in Army, Navy or Airforce in the future at noon on Thursday 27 September.
Library News
We celebrated Cook Island Language week, enjoyed learning the language through music, dance and storytelling here in the library. Our theme this year "Kia ngakau parau, kia rangarangatu to tatou Reo Maori Kuki Airani" translates to "Be proud of our Reo Maori Kuki Airani and protect its future". Massive thanks to our Cook Island group for performing at morning assembly and to our leaders Kalisha & Angelina for your help in organizing the week. Meitaki maata!
Chess vs De La Salle College We hosted De la salle College for a friendly Chess comp this week. Extremely proud of our chess team and we look forward to future Chess comps challenging other schools within our community.
Upcoming: Poetry week 6/08 ‐ 10/08: Y9‐10 Spoken Word workshop in the library reading room, lunchtime Public Library visits 6/08 ‐ 17/08: In collaboration with our English department ‐ Y10 students orientation and talanoa with staff at Otahuhu Public Library
Community News Measles‐Mumps‐Rubella (MMR) Catch‐up Programme
In Term 3, an MMR vaccination catch‐up programme is being offered free at school for Years 9‐13. There is an outbreak of mumps in Auckland currently; this is a disease which can be easily spread. The vaccine being offered will help protect students who are not fully vaccinated, and offer protection against the Measles, Mumps and Rubella diseases.
The school will provide some information to us such as your child’s name, room number, and date of birth, address and ethnicity to help with the administration of the vaccination programme. If you do not want this to happen, then please notify the school.
Parents and caregivers are welcome to attend the immunisation consent talk which will be held at the school prior to the vaccinations. Information on the vaccine and consent forms will be sent home with your child, following the consent talk session. Students aged 16 years and older are able to provide their own consent, but we encourage students to discuss this with their parents/guardians.
When you receive it, please complete the consent form and return it to the school.
For information on the Auckland mumps outbreak visit the Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) website: http://www.arphs.govt.nz/managing-the-mumps-outbreak or contact the MMR Catch-Up Project Team by email: [email protected]