2026 Leadership Day
On January 27th, our student leaders gathered at the University of Waikato, Tauranga Campus, for a pivotal day of growth and connection. This event marked our first full-scale Leadership Day since 2020, bringing together around 75 Year 13 Student Leaders and Haven Mentors.
The core focus of the day was identity-based leadership. Before our seniors can effectively lead others, they must first understand themselves. Through various activities, the students identified personal strengths and values and explored how to bring their authentic selves to their roles in 2026.
These dedicated students will play a vital role in our school community this year, with our Haven Mentors specifically working within form classes to mentor and guide our junior/teina students.
We are incredibly proud of the maturity and enthusiasm displayed at the Leadership Day. We very much look forward to working with this cohort of leaders/mentors throughout 2026 and are excited to see the positive impact they will have on our school culture.
Introducing Haven Mentoring
We are thrilled to officially introduce our new, bespoke Haven wellbeing program designed specifically for our Year 9 and 10 teina (junior students). This initiative is all about fostering a sense of belonging and equipping our younger students with the tools they need to thrive at our Kura.
The program is integrated into an extended form period, running for seven sessions each junior year level across Terms One, Two, and Three.
A unique aspect of this program is that it is peer-led. Our Haven Mentors, who are dedicated Year 12 and 13 students, have undergone training to facilitate these sessions. By bridging the gap between year levels, we are building a stronger, more connected school community.
The sessions focus on hauora/wellbeing: holistic wellbeing and self-care, conflict resolution: navigating social challenges with empathy, and our four school values.
The program kicked off with a bang! On the first day of school, our Haven Mentors spent a full 90 minutes with their assigned Year 9 form classes. Together, they explored our school’s wellbeing model and navigated the grounds on a guided tour to help our newest students feel right at home.
We are incredibly proud of our mentors and excited to see our junior students grow through this journey. Keep an eye out for further updates as the sessions progress!
Attendance Expectations and Changes in 2026
Regular attendance is a nationwide priority in 2026 as New Zealand strives toward the government’s goal of 80% regular attendance, recognising that consistent presence is the single most important factor for academic success and student wellbeing.
All schools are now required to implement standardised Attendance Management Plans. Ōtūmoetai College is committed to supporting students to attend regularly, and more information on our expectations and how we will act regarding attendance in 2026 can be found on our website, via this link.
Ōtūmoetai Social Supermarket
We are committed to supporting our students and their families within the Ōtūmoetai catchment area. We are pleased to announce that our school serves as a direct referral service for the Ōtūmoetai Social Supermarket (OSS).
The OSS is dedicated to creating a ‘kai secure’ community by providing access to affordable, safe, and nutritious food, as well as connecting shoppers to other forms of holistic support. Their goal is to help whānau thrive.
If you or your family need this support, please know that we have several staff members in various areas of the school who are ready to assist with a confidential referral.
To learn more about the fantastic work of the Ōtūmoetai Social Supermarket and their catchment area, please click here.
Breakfast Club is back at Ōtūmoetai College
Our Breakfast Club runs every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:50am – 8:30am in Matuku. Everyone is welcome to come along for some kai and a hot drink before kura begins.
We are partnering with the Fonterra Breakfast Programme, who provide us with Weet-Bix and Milk. In addition, we offer a variety of other breakfast items including toast with spreads, fruit, milo and muesli bars.
We are currently looking for donations of extra breakfast items to help keep the club running.
If you would like to support our students by contributing, please get in touch at cgalloway@otc.school.nz
Ōtūmoetai College 2025 Album
Click here to listen and enjoy!
These music groups were mentored throughout last year by itinerant drum tutor, Mr Jason Crawford, who prepares them for the performing and recording experience.
With support from Stacey Shefferd and Eloise Stephen we were able to take some of these groups to Studio 11b to record their original music.
The album art is by Chris John.
