Ōtūmoetai College Production: Mamma Mia!
The Ōtūmoetai College production is always greatly anticipated by all, and this year’s interpretation of Mamma Mia! certainly delivered. Directed by Toni Henderson, with Elise Rohde as vocal director, Matt Bodman leading the band, and Jane Harnett and Marisol Pengelly handling choreography, the team brought much-loved ABBA classics to life.
The cast performed five almost sold-out shows and received two standing ovations. Maia Solomona’s outstanding and heartfelt performance as Donna Sheridan moved many in the audience to tears. The cast, crew, and creative team have received numerous accolades from community members, all commenting on the sheer professionalism of the entire production.
It was an absolutely fabulous experience for everyone involved!
Kapa Haka Ngā Piki Kōtuku a Ngāti Ranginui
Last Thursday, 19 June, our school Kapa Haka Ngā Piki Kōtuku a Ngāti Ranginui participated in the Mataatua Takitimu regional kapa haka competition.
We are very proud of their performance and wish to acknowledge staff and whānau who supported our students. A special mention to the following kaiako and tutors, Whaea Stevie-Jane Mutu, Matua Kiwa Andrews, Paretoroa Webster-Tarei and Kaiesha King.
Ngā mihi nūnui ki a koutou katoa.
Photos courtesy of Moana Radio Tauranga
Te Ao Mārama – Tauranga City Public Library Trip
As a joint venture between the English and Careers Dept, 12 students attended ‘Beyond the Books – Student Librarian Tours’, a brand-new programme at Te Ao Mārama – Tauranga Library, designed especially for student librarians. This free, behind-the-scenes experience gave our students an exclusive look at how the library operates. Through hands-on activities and interactive sessions, they gained an insight into the wide variety of roles associated in running the library, such as: ordering, decommissioning, repairing, archival work, community outreach, and development of new technologies that are now available.
We all learned something new and came away with a deeper appreciation of this treasure we have that serves our community. There are many activities on offer at the library if you are bored in the holidays and they are all free – see here for more details.
New Transfer Stop Location for R10, R11 & 907 Buses
There will be a small change to the school bus routine starting Term 3 (Monday, 14 July). This is only relevant for students that catch the R10, R11, or 907 services.
Due to construction works on Taurikura Drive, the stop where students switch buses in the morning and afternoon will move from Taurikura Drive (outside Tauranga Crossing) to the Lakes Boulevard–Caldera Crescent stop. This is a permanent change.
What’s staying the same?
Everything else! Students will still switch buses as usual—just at the new location.
A quick reminder:
This new stop is near homes, so please remind students to:
- Keep noise to a minimum
- Be respectful of residents
- Keep footpaths clear for others
Safety tip to share with students:
- Waiting for the bus: One step back = one giant leap for your safety.
Do you use the Tauranga Crossing stop for other buses?
The bus stop outside Tauranga Crossing is closed while works to upgrade Taurikura Drive are ongoing. A temporary stop for all other buses that usually use this stop will be located further down Taurikura Drive, right outside Animates and about 180m from Tauranga Crossing.
Thanks for your support in keeping our tamariki safe and respectful on their journeys.
