Welcome to Opihi College Opihi College is an innovative co-educational Year 7 to 13 school situated in , 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 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 . 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 Rights Your Responsibilities > To be treated with fairness, > To treat everyone with respect and without fairness, respect and prejudice without prejudice. > To be listened to. > To listen to what others are > To learn without being saying. disrupted. > Not to disrupt the learning > To be given the opportunity of others. to reach your full potential. > To take advantage of > To be in a pleasant opportunities and make a environment. genuine effort. > To feel secure. > To do what you can to make > To know that your property the environment pleasant is safe. for others. > To respect the safety and well being of others. > To look after and respect the property of others.

Discipline System The school operates a simple three tiered discipline system involving reporting to prefects, lunchtime Voucher System and after school detentions. Full details are The school operates a voucher system to reward available from the school office. good effort, behaviour and work. Students accumulate vouchers and receive awards in level The school adheres to the principle of restorative assemblies. justice. Wrongdoers and their victims are encouraged to work out their differences in a supported environment after discipline. Parental Roles in our Partnership Because parents have enrolled their children at our school, it is expected that all parents and caregivers Damage will give their full support to the staff in upholding Students are expected to pay for any damage high standards and encouraging positive behaviour caused by misbehaviour or carelessness. based on common sense and good conduct. Cultural Activities

Outdoor Education We run a comprehensive outdoor education programme which provides valuable social and confidence building experiences for all students.

The outdoor education programme includes: Sport > a four day Year 7 camp at Raincliff The school has a tradition > a three day Year 10 camp at Ben McLeod Station of sporting involvement > a three day Year 13 trip to Mt Cook and success. Students are encouraged to > numerous field trips in Biology, English, participate in, and given opportunities to succeed at Geography, History and Transition. a wide variety of sports. > a three day Activities Week for all Year 8 to 10 students at the end of the year. The school is involved in a number of regional tournaments as well as interschool fixtures. In addition, opportunities are frequently provided for students to go skiing and ice skating. In addition, students participate in the annual swimming and athletic sports, the school cross country, inter-house competitions, school tennis and golf championships and inter-form competitions. Recreation Music The school runs a recreation programme for all We have a tremendously alive and vibrant music students one period a week. department supported by an Arts Coordinator.

Students are able to choose an activity from a wide Students have opportunities to learn a musical range of options such as: instrument, play in the school orchestra or smaller Aerobics Athletics sub-groups, perform both in and out of school Basketball Cricket and participate in school productions. A number Cycling Craft making of school bands have competed in Rock Quest Chess Computers competitions. Golf Theatre Sports Debating Fishing The cultural activities of Opihi College are of a Jewellery making Hockey quality that belies the school’s size. Students at Journalism Netball Opihi have considerable opportunities beyond the Touch Rugby sports field and the classroom. Running Soccer Softball Self Defence Stage Challenge and Shows Walking Defensive Driving The school regularly competes in Stage Challenge. Stage Challenge First Aid Safety Training All students have opportunities in drama within the junior curriculum and often the school is involved in larger productions. The school biannially stages a Te Umu Kaha major production involving many of the pupils. Our kapahaka group takes its name from the original name of this area. The group is well Fashion Affair supported by staff and local community and its This annual event follows our school ball and mana and ihi are at the heart of our school. We are provides an opportunity for students to model their tremendously proud of them. ball attire. Other features of the evening are fabric Whaia te iti kahurangi technology designs and wearable art. Pursue the things you cherish Student Leadership Our students are encouraged to be involved in the activities of the school. We have a student council which is led by our Head Boy and Head Girl. The council is formed from our senior prefects and student representative on the Board of Trustees. Students from within this council chair four sub- councils in the areas of the arts, sport, services Academic Awards Comer Cup for Dux . and the environment. These sub-councils have Burrough Family Cup for Proxime Accessit. elected representatives from each year level in the Class awards for Excellence and Merit. school. Their main goal is to enhance school life by Individual subject trophies. organising activities for the benefit of the students, Awards and Certificates for Excellence, Merit and such as: Endeavour. > talent quests > mufti days > sporting tournaments Sporting Awards > support of charities Juriss Cup for the Best All Round Student in Sport. > improvement of the environment Awards and trophies for excellence in, contribution > competitions to, most improved, and leadership in a range of sports. Duke of Merit Certificates in Sport. Students are able to work towards bronze, silver and gold awards in a variety of activities. Special Awards Awards and Trophies The Centenary Cup for Contribution to the School. Jack Robinson Cup for Industry in the senior The school has an annual senior and junior school. prizegiving during which we honour a full range of The Te Umu Kaha Cup for Contribution to the student abilities and activities. We also have an Whanau. annual sports awards evening. ‘Te Piripono’ Trophy for loyalty to Te Umu Kaha. Trophies for Service, Contribution and Loyalty to many aspects of school life. Partnership We encourage parental and caregiver involvement Newsletter in the education of their child. We appreciate A newsletter is issued to all families each being informed of any problems which may affect a fortnight. Details of coming events and news of student’s performance at school. Likewise we will school activities are contained in this newsletter. contact you whenever the need arises. To arrange for the newsletter to be emailed directly to your home, email the school office: Reporting to Parents [email protected] Newsletters are also posted on our website www. Term One opihicollege.school.nz Homeroom teacher interviews are held for Year 7 students within the first few weeks of term one. School Fees Interim reports are issued to all students towards The school activity fee is a donation; however, it is the end of term. Individual interviews can be expected by the Board of Trustees that all parents arranged following these reports if necessary. will pay it for the benefit of their children. The Board of Trustees has resolved to keep the school fee at a Term Two low level to encourage a high payment rate. Detailed written reports are issued for all senior students (Years 11 to 13) at the end of term 2. Subject fees are to cover the cost of materials used.

Term Three Details of the school fees are notified in February Detailed written reports are issued for all junior each year. students (Year 7 to 10) at the beginning of term 3.

Report evening(s) are held following the issue of written reports for parents and caregivers to discuss the reports with the teachers.

Term Four Detailed written reports are issued to senior students prior to study leave for their external examinations.

Detailed written reports are issued to junior students at the junior prizegiving ceremony.

Parents can also make appointments to see the year level Dean and individual teachers at any time by contacting the school office. Student Diaries Lunch Passes Each student is required to purchase a School Diary Students may only leave the school grounds with at the start of the year. This gives details on many the permission of school staff. aspects of school life. The Diary also provides parents with an opportunity to monitor their child’s Lunch passes can be used on a day or permanent class work and homework. It also offers an basis with permission from parents and the school. opportunity for parents to make initial contact with Lunch passes are only for students to go to and subject teachers and form teachers. Parents are from their own home for lunch. asked to sign the Diary each week. Vehicle Passes Homework Senior students may travel to and from school If students are to succeed in their education then by car or motor bike provided they have the they must learn to study. Study develops self permission of their parents or caregivers, the discipline and basic foundation skills. At its best appropriate licence and they have a vehicle pass. study is also part of the ignition of an intellect, the Vehicle pass forms are available from the school time to follow a passion. If no homework is set office. All passengers must also obtain a vehicle learners could do no worse than read, read, read. pass and parental permission.

Normal times to be devoted to homework each Property night during the school week are: All personal property should be clearly marked with the student’s name. Should it be necessary to Year 7 - about 40 minutes bring money or valuables to school, we advise that Year 8 - about 1 hour these items be handed in to the school office for Year 9-10 - about 1½ hours safe keeping. Parents are advised to check if their Year 11 - about 2 hours household insurances cover lost items of clothing, Year 12-13 - it could be expected that as the school is not liable for damage to personal 2½ hours could be belongings or property. Bikes should always be averaged per night. locked.

If there are any problems over the amount of Acceptable Use of the Internet homework required, please contact the subject In the interests of student safety the school has teacher or form teacher. clear guidelines for the use of the internet. A copy of the acceptable use of the internet policy is Parents should be careful to help their children gain included with the enrolment material. By signing a balance between their sport, their study and their our enrolment form students are agreeing to abide paid employment. by our policy.

Attendance/Illness Enrolment Orientation Visit Regular attendance is essential. Only illness or Enrolment material is included with this prospectus. some unavoidable cause should prevent students The Year 7 Dean and Principal visit our contributing from attending school. Parents should phone the schools in October each year. This is followed up office on the day of absence and on their return to by an Orientation visit for students and parents, school students should hand in a dated and signed and a parents evening. Prospective parents and explanatory note to their form teacher. students are also welcome to arrange an interview with the Principal at any time. A health bay is provided for those who may become sick or who are injured at school. If necessary parents will be notified as soon as possible. Board of Trustees Board of Trustees elections are held every three years. Our school has a staggered election Personal process to allow for continuity of members. Contact details of Board Members are available Presentation from the Board Secretary through the school office. The appearance of the students is expected to reflect credit on the school at all times. The Parent Teacher Association following regulations apply to all students. The Opihi College Parent Teacher Association > Hair must be clean, tidy and safe. No extremes, provides a forum for discussion on issues including changing hair to unnatural colours, are relating to students, parents and the school. All permitted. Boys must be clean-shaven. parents and caregivers are encouraged to be involved in P.T.A. activities. > A taonga may be worn appropriately. It is to be removed for physical education and sport as required.

> Students may wear one stud earring or sleeper only per ear at their own risk. No other jewellery should be visible. Facial piercing, tongue piercing and visible tattoos are not permitted.

> For students in Years 7 – 12 the school uniform is to be worn correctly and neatly. Make-up and coloured nail polish are not to be worn with school uniform. Year 13 students can wear tidy, appropriate mufti as detailed in the dress regulations for Year 13. Transport Our school is serviced by Ministry of Education school bus routes. These have been recently re-negotiated to better meet the needs of our community.

Details of the Waitohi, Pleasant Point/Levels, Winchester/Milford, Milford/Clandeboye and Rangitata/Clandeboye bus routes can be obtained from the school bus controller.

In addition to the Ministry of Education bus routes, the school operates a bus from Timaru to service the school and its associated academies. This is a paying service. Further information can be obtained from the school bus controller.

A high standard of behaviour is expected from all students on all buses. The school reserves the right to remove any student from a bus in the interests of safety. Uniform The Board of Trustees has recently reviewed our school uniform after consultation with our school community. All new students to our school and students replacing items of uniform are required to meet the new uniform requirements. The new senior uniform will be fully implemented by 2006. The new junior uniform will be fully implemented by 2007. Further details on the uniform and suppliers is available on the uniform sheet enclosed with this prospectus.

Junior Senior Summer Summer

Junior Senior Winter Winter Further Information Visit the international section of our website or International contact our International Student Manager via the Students school office. Our school has a strong history of providing quality education to international students.

A particular feature of the school is the individual The Future attention given to senior students. This is made In educating children for the world of tomorrow possible by small classes in Years 12 and 13. Class we have tried to incorporate a vision for the skills sizes of 10-15 students are common. needed to facilitate the survival of the ‘global village’. Part of that vision is for our students to be We have approximately 20 international students as excellent as they were meant to be. We strive to studying at different levels within the school. These have our students be excellent in their culture, their students come from Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, citizenship, their career and in their whole being. Korea and China. Opihi means to spring forth and education was Facilities and Services about a leading out of the ‘light’. At Opihi we The school is located in Temuka (population 4000), reinterpret those meanings to draw from your child just one and a half hours drive from what strengths they can give to the world and give International Airport and 10 minutes drive from the to them skills they need to succeed. city of Timaru. The school has excellent, modern facilities. From our staff we expect genuine concern for your child. We expect that we will inspire and motivate Course Information your child. Your child can also expect to experience The school offers a wide curriculum leading to New the very best in innovative teaching with emerging Zealand’s National Certficate qualifications. educational technologies.

A comprehensive 10 week intensive English Kia tuohu, me he maunga teitei, ko Aoraki anake language programme before entering the high If you must bow your head then let it be to a lofty school programme is available. mountain such as Aoraki.

English Language Support The school has an excellent English language programme for international students. Students study in small groups of up to six students for Contact internationally recognised ESOL qualifications eg. Enquiries Welcome Pitman ESOL examination and TOEFL and IELTS. We consistently produce excellent results in these Opihi College examinations for our students. English language Richard Pearse Drive support is provided as part of the tuition fees. Temuka New Zealand Phone Course Commencement 03 615 7442 We are happy to accept students at any time during Fax 03 615 9987 the school year. International Phone 0064 3 6157442 International Fax 0064 3 6159987 Accommodation Email [email protected] Website All international students are required to live in www.opihicollege.school.nz homestays arranged by the school. The essential learning areas of the New Zealand curriculum

Language development is essential to intellectual growth. It Language and enables us to make sense of the world around us. The ability to use spoken and written language effectively, to read and to Languages listen, and to discern critically messages from television, film, the computer, and other visual media is fundamental both to learning and to effective participation in society and the work- force.

Language is a vital medium for transmitting values and culture.

Maori is the language of the tangata whenua of New Zealand. It is a toanga under the terms of the Treaty of Waitangi and is an official language of New Zealand. Students will have the opportunity to become proficient in Maori.

All students benefit from learning another language. This broadens students’ general language abilities and brings their own language into sharper focus. It enriches them intellectually, socially, and culturally, offers an understanding of the ways in which other people think and behave.

An understanding of mathematics helps students to develop a

Mathematics logical approach and an appreciation of symmetry and patterns.

Mathematics involves the ability to calculate, to estimate, and to reason logically. Mathematical problem solving involves the selection and correct application of basic skills, the discovery of patterns of shape and number, the making of models, the interpretation of data, and the recognition and communication of related ideas. The solution of mathematical problems requires creativity as well as a systematic approach.

Mathematics is required in many subjects of the school curriculum, wherever there is a need for calculation or estimation, quantitative research, measurement, decision making, or precise communication through symbols or graphs.

Science is a universal discipline through which people Science investigate the living, material, physical, and technological components of their environment, and make sense of them in logical and creative ways. It helps people to investigate things systematically, to clarify ideas, to ask questions, to test explanations through measurement and observation, and to use their findings to establish the worth of ideas.

Active participation in science fosters curiosity. It enables students to develop a clearer understanding of aspects of the world around them and beyond.

Students will develop their understanding of the changing nature of science, and the values and assumptions on which it rests. They will recognise the contribution that different perspectives make to the evolution of understanding in science.

Some subjects which contribute to this area of learning include science, biology, chemistry, physics, aspects of geography, and applied studies such as horticulture.

Technology is the creative and purposeful use of human Technology knowledge, skills, and physical resources to solve practical problems. It involves developing objects, systems, or environments.

Technology education develops a wide range of skills, including those of problem solving, design, construction, communication, critical thinking, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

Students will develop an understanding of the ways in which technology both shapes and is shaped by society.

Students will develop the capability to design and make, and to improve objects, systems, and environments in order to solve problems. Students will also learn to appraise the potential costs and benefits of various technological applications.

The arts are powerful forms of personal and social expression. The Arts They link imagination, thinking, and feeling. They provide essential learning for living and develop a wide range of both general and specific skills.

The arts are a source of international communication and understanding. They express and shape identity.

Learning through the arts enables students to appreciate and understand their own heritage and other cultures.

The arts encourage students to investigate their own values and those of others. They enable students, as individuals and as members of a group, to understand, express, and communicate present and past experiences. Students will be given opportunities, individually and co-operatively, to explore, to generate, to shape, and to communicate their ideas in creative ways. Through viewing, listening, and responding to creative works they will develop critical awareness and enjoyment of the arts.

A broad understanding of society is essential if students are Social Sciences to take their full place within it as confident, informed, and responsible participants.

Through the social sciences, students will develop the knowledge and sense of perspective needed to understand New Zealand’s changing society and economy.

An emphasis will be placed on learning about New Zealand society. This will include an understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi, and of New Zealand’s bicultural heritage and multicultural society.

Students will be challenged to think clearly and critically about human behaviour, and to explore different values and viewpoints. Such learning will help them to clarify their own values and to make informed judgments.

Students will also develop a wide range of general and specific skills, including skills in research, critical and creative thinking, communication, and social participation.

Students will develop their understanding of their own culture and heritage, and those of others.

Through physical education, students will be given Health and opportunities toparticipate in a variety of individual and team activities. These activities are designed to enable students to Physical achieve their potential in physical growth and development, to improve their health and fitness, to develop a wide range of Education motor skills, and to learn the importance of disciplined training, competition, and team work.

As part of health education, students will be encouraged to set realistic and worthwhile personal goals, and to develop healthy patterns of living. They will develop the skills to participate in a wide range of social activities, and to build responsible and satisfying relationships.

This area of learning enables students to learn about and develop confidence in themselves and their abilities, and to approach learning with energy and application.