Opihi College Opihi College Is an Innovative Co-Educational Year 7 to 13 School Situated in Temuka, Aoraki, South Canterbury
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Welcome to Opihi College Opihi College is an innovative co-educational Year 7 to 13 school situated in Temuka, Aoraki, South Canterbury. The change of our school name from Temuka High School to Opihi College is a reflection of the beginning of a new era for our school. The literal translation of the name Opihi – to spring forth, is symbolic of the many developments within our school. As a school we are excited to be part of many We provide a positive learning environment in which educational developments and innovations. If all students can achieve success with respect for you wish to know more about our school, please themselves and others. contact me to arrange a visit to view our fine facilities and to discuss your child’s needs on a We are confident that you will enjoy being part of personal level. our school community. Opihi College is an ideal size in that it is big enough to offer a wide range I leave you with a whakatauaki; it is partly about of learning opportunities, yet small enough for the blessing of each new morning and the process students to be known by staff and their needs of its arrival. However on another level it is used to quickly recognised. signify that every day is a new time for experiencing a new dawning. That from darkness (not knowing) A family atmosphere and a safe, supportive we can go through the process of learning and environment encourage students to perform to their discussing to arrive at a realization of the new potential. morning (new knowledge and or possibilities before us). Every new day is likened to a new We believe that the quality of personal relationships enlightenment presenting new experiences. We is of paramount importance in a school. look forward to a successful partnership and I hope the meaning of this saying is true for you and your We have vision for your education that we believe child. will prepare you for life in the ‘global village’. We aim to create an environment for you that will My thanks go to Awatea Edwin (Board of Trustees inspire you to become a life-long learner and a member) for this whakatauaki and its meaning. leader of others. Haea te ata Dawn breaks Hapara te ata As night slips away Ka koroki te manu The bird chatters Ka waiori te kutu The beak turns Ko te atanui ‘Tis a great dawn Ka hora ena Spread before us Ka taki te umere The air resounds Ka awatea. Morning has arrived. John Cruden Principal Curriculum The New Zealand Curriculum recognises that all students should have the opportunity to undertake study in the seven essential areas of learning and to develop essential skills. Such learning will enable them to develop their potential, to continue learning throughout life, and to participate effectively and productively in New Zealand’s democratic society and in a competitive world economy. Students study subjects that fit within one or more of the essential learning areas of the Curriculum. At Opihi College, all junior students study all of the essential learning areas; this then leads to some Increasingly our students are using new specialisation so that students are prepared for technologies in classroom activities across the senior work and qualifications. school. Our Library has been substantially redeveloped Thinking Skills to become our Information Centre. All students Thinking and literacy skills are taught and applied in have their own school email address and access a range of contexts. Our curriculum developments to email and the internet. Visit our website www. are helping to ensure that Opihi College models opihicollege.school.nz. best teaching and learning practices for the 21st century. The Essential Skills The New Zealand Curriculum specifies eight Information Technology groupings of essential skills which we continually Opihi College is making a significant commitment develop across our school curriculum. to ensure that information technology is available to assist teaching and learning. A school wide • Communication skills network links 130 computers throughout the school. • Numeracy skills • Information skills Interactive whiteboard technology has been • Problem-solving skills introduced – a first for our region. From 2007 • Self management and competitive skills some of our students will experience learning by • Social and co-operative skills video-conferencing from sites all around South • Physical skills Canterbury, New Zealand and further afield. • Work and study skills Students will also examine the context and Services Academy implementation of their own values, the values of Opihi College runs a Services Academy located others and the values on which our current social in Timaru. This academy caters both for school structures are based. Positive attitudes towards all leavers and current school students. Students gain areas of learning are also encouraged. a variety of skills while working towards a National Certificate in Employment skills. The academy works in a defence force like environment. Junior School Extension and Support Programmes As a Year 7 to 15 school we can offer specialist ACE – (Alternative Co-operation teachers to all year levels. In particular our Year Education) programme 7 and 8 students gain the benefit of specialist This programme is an alternative to mainstream teachers and facilities while still having the extra school. The programme is based at the Temuka support offered by a homeroom structure. The Community Centre and run in conjunction with the homeroom support provides students with a strong Temuka Community Care Trust. This programme start on which they can build as they progress provides extra support for those experiencing through our school. significant difficulties within mainstream schools. Challenging and enjoyable extension and enrichment opportunities are offered both within Junior School Graduation classes and as additional activities. As a school we have a focus on improving literacy and Programme Opihi has begun a programme for Junior School promoting extra support to those students requiring that will reward those who are well organised, assistance. Our specialist literacy tutor works both have high standards of conduct, apply themselves individually and with groups of students. A learning well and attend regularly. The programme called support teacher oversees a variety of individual Onward (Yrs 7 & 8) and Forward (Yrs 9 & 10) was and small group programmes. A resource teacher first begun in 2005. of learning and behaviour is also attached to our school. More Information Pathways A full overview of the curriculum structure and subject progressions are included as separate One size doesn’t fit all. Opihi College offers a range sheets with this prospectus. of courses and pathways for students ranging from academic courses leading to higher tertiary Further course information is contained in our education, to vocational training leading directly to course booklets published in July of each year. employment. Copies can be requested from the school office. Challenge Horticulture Centre Opihi College runs a horticultural training facility in John Street, Temuka. This facility provides a Youth Training Course to school leavers between the ages of 16 to 18, and a Training Opportunities Course to adults. Students within our school also have the opportunity to study towards National Certificates in Horticulture at this facility. Pastoral Care Houses and Vertical Form Each student is placed in a vertical form class within one of four houses: Aoraki, Rata, Opihi and Pacific. The naming of these houses reflects a ‘mountains to the sea’ theme within our region. Great rivalry exists between our houses as they compete in Guidance Counsellor and Pastoral sporting and academic challenges. The vertical Dean form classes are made up of students from Years 7 These staff are available to assist with the pastoral to 13 and are lead by the form teacher. There is a needs of students. whanau form class to promote a supportive Maori In keeping with the high value we place on high environment. The vertical forms are the basis for quality relationships the pastoral care network is a pastoral care within the school. cornerstone of Opihi College. This system allows our students to integrate easily Careers Advice into the school and it provides opportunities for Advice and guidance on career choices is given leadership. to all students. The careers advisor can supply students with a wealth of information on furthering Throughout their time at school the form teacher their education or gaining employment. acts as a mentor to the students, monitoring progress, giving support, encouragement and guidance. Year Level Dean Each year level has a Dean who oversees the students’ general progress both academically and Peer Support socially. The form teacher and year level dean are The school operates an extensive peer support useful contacts if you have any issues or concerns programme in which our Year 13 students help you wish to discuss. our new-entrant Year 7 students integrate into our school. The programme deals with issues such as: Public Health Nurse A public health nurse visits the school once a week. > getting to know you Students are able to make confidential visits to the > communication nurse. > orientation to the school > building a group > what to do if you have a problem C.H.A.T. Programme A Confidential Help And Tutoring programme is run within the school. This programme assigns senior students to work with junior students who need extra support. Rights and Responsibilities All students have rights. They also have associated responsibilities. Your Responsibilities Your Rights > To treat everyone with > To be treated with fairness, fairness, respect and respect and without without prejudice. prejudice > To listen to what others are > To be listened to. saying. > To learn without being > Not to disrupt the learning disrupted. of others. > To be given the opportunity to reach your full potential.