High School Exchanges!
Your Education High School Exchanges is giving a talk at Ōtūmoetai College, Wednesday 11 March 2026, 1.30pm in the Library (Non Fiction Room). All interested students are welcome.
If you want to know more about overseas High School Exchanges from Your Education, register your interest for our next online Information session on Wednesday 18th March at 6.00pm. All interested parents and students Y9–Y13 welcome. An experienced staff member and returnee will share information about the destinations we are offering in 2026 and 2027.
RSVP on our website www.youreducation.co.nz/next-steps
Design & Painting Scholarships
We are thrilled to celebrate the amazing work of two of our students in the Design and Painting Scholarships!
Deelai Brown – Score: 19/24
Deelai drew inspiration from the political situation in Turkey, exploring themes of government corruption and financial challenges. She turned these ideas into a creative and engaging contemporary RPG game—an impressive and thought-provoking project!
Lyla Britton – Score: 20/24 – Outstanding
Lyla tackled the very relatable issue of inflation and the rising cost of living. Her project focused on supermarkets and everyday essentials like bread and milk, demonstrating both creativity and real-world awareness. Her work was awarded Outstanding, a wonderful achievement!
We’re so proud of their accomplishments and the way they use art to explore important ideas.
Apron Fundraiser for ŌTC Rowers
Please support our Rowers, you can order aprons now by emailing sbircham@otc.school.nz
The Great K Valley Cycle Adventure – 29 March
Rotary invites you to join a family friendly scavenger hunt by bike or on foot in the Kopurērērua Valley Reserve on Sunday 29th March between 10am to 2pm.
(It’s only $45 for the whole team of up to 6). Dress up if you want, meet at the bottom of 17th Avenue, have the time of your life and win prizes.
Vote for Casita!
Please check out the video below of some of our past students from the Special Needs Department who have gone on to work at Casita!
We also have some of our current students who are currently gaining work experience at Casita through our Transition programme. Casita has also started a holiday programme for some of our Special Needs Department students as there are limited places these amazing young people can be their true authentic selves.
Casita has been nominated for people’s choice awards and we would appreciate all your votes!
Attendance Information
Staying connected is vital for your child’s success. We will continue to reach out via text, email, and phone to keep you updated on their attendance. If your son or daughter is unable to attend school, please let their Form Teacher or the Attendance Office know as soon as possible.
We have also implemented the STAR Framework to better track and support student presence. If your child’s attendance reaches the Yellow, Orange, or Red tiers, we will send a formal notification in writing to update you on the next steps.
Need to see a Nurse or Doctor at School?
Our kura offers free health care for students through the School-Based Health Service, provided by the Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation.
If you are in Years 9 to 13 and want to talk to a health professional during school hours, this service is for you. It is private and easy to use.
Our registered nurse, Kate Vaaulu, is on site during the week. She can help with everyday health concerns, ACC, sexual health, wellbeing and more.
A free doctor’s clinic also runs every Thursday from 10.30am to 12.30pm with Dr Tracy Ball.
To book, visit the Wellness Centre, email nurse@otc.school.nz or text/call 027 305 4615.
Learn more at https://wboppho.org.nz/school-based-health-services/
Cambridge Road Trunk Mains Construction – Traffic Management & Bus Plan
The Tauranga City Council and Western Bay District Council have asked us to share information on the upcoming road closures and detours required for the construction of trunk water mains along Cambridge Road due to commence on 16 March.
For further information please click here
Important Bus Diversion Plan
From 16 March 2026 to 16 September 2026, Cambridge Road—between Wakefield Drive and St Andrews Drive—will be closed to all traffic.
This closure will affect the Route 60 Bay Hopper service, as well as school bus services 814a, 904b, and 905b.
Please view the diversion plan that buses will follow here.
Please note that all bus stops located within the closure area will also be out of service for the duration of the works.
Respiratory Nurse – Te Manu Toroa Information
Labo In-Japan Homestay Program 2026-2027
This is not a sightseeing tour. It is a genuine cultural immersion experience.
Students will live with a carefully selected Japanese host family, becoming part of everyday life in Japan. Rather than travelling from attraction to attraction, participants will experience authentic community life through shared meals, family routines, and local activities.
The emphasis of this programme is cultural integration, language development, and personal growth.
For information about Labo click here
NZ Study Tours will be hosting an online presentation for interested students on selected Sunday evenings from 6:30pm between now and the application deadline (May 8th)
Registrations are essential – Microsoft teams meeting links will be sent after registration.
To register see our website here
