OUR VALUE: Kia Kotahi – Work Together
Kia Kotahi is about recognising that every one of us has a role to play in making our school a place where people feel supported, included, and able to succeed.
Active Engagement – Listening to different perspectives, helping others, and contributing positively to our classrooms, teams, and wider community.
Collective Strength – Respecting each other, valuing unique contributions, and combining our strengths to achieve a shared goal.
Stronger Together – “Working together doesn’t mean we always agree.”
Changes in Rural Bus Times – from Monday 29th June
Due to ongoing traffic congestion causing regular delayed arrivals to school in the morning, the Rural Buses that operate west of Tauranga will be collecting students 10 minutes earlier in morning.
This change will affect the R16, R17, R18, R19, R20, R22 and R25 buses and will be in effect from Monday 29th June.
Please see the Easybus website for more information on the changes to morning pick up times.
Matariki Art Competition – Wednesday 1st July
Te Ruamano kōmiti are hosting the Ōtūmoetai College Matariki art competition on Wednesday the 1st of July from 5-6.30pm in the PAC. This is a community event.
The theme this year is ‘Te whānau o Nga whetu.’
There’s a lot to see and do: Amazing art, kapa haka, a Matariki themed play, a memorial star wall and colouring for the kids. All attendees get to vote for their favourite artwork to win People’s Choice. So, come along for a kai and get into the Matariki spirit!
Dance Success
Huge congratulations to Emily Baker, Sammy Irwin (choreographers) and our contemporary troupe for winning the School Open troupe competition at Tauranga Boys’ College over the weekend.
A stunning performance!
Student Volunteer Week
In Week 8, students across Ōtūmoetai College took part in the SVA Volunteer Week.
Throughout the week, volunteers gave their time to help staff improve different areas across the school. Jobs ranged from weeding and working in the horticulture gardens to organising resources rooms, cleaning technology spades, sorting uniforms, and supporting Kura Kai initiatives.
In total, 125 volunteer sign-ups were recorded across 17 different staff-led projects, with almost 70 unique students taking part throughout the week. While some students signed up for multiple opportunities, the week highlighted just how many students at OTC are willing to contribute to our school community.
The feedback from staff has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers described volunteers as “spectacular”, “exceptional”, “cheerful”, and praised students for their positive attitudes and willingness to help wherever needed. We had multiple teachers comment that they would like this to continue throughout the year and would happily welcome students back.
One of the best things about Volunteer Week was seeing students from different year levels working alongside staff outside of the classroom. Whether students were tidying, gardening, organising, or supporting community projects, every contribution made a difference.
A huge thank you from the SVA Committee to the students who volunteered their time and to the staff members who provided opportunities throughout the week. Volunteer week was a great reminder to all of us that even small acts of service can have a big impact. We look forward to seeing even more students involved next year!
– By Hannah Richards (from the SVA Committee)
Ōtūmoetai College SVA Kura Kai Cookup
Uniform Concerns
During the winter months, we ask for whānau/caregivers support in ensuring our ākonga/students are in the correct school uniform.
We have noticed a growing variance in student footwear and trousers. We kindly ask for your partnership in ensuring these everyday uniform pieces align with our current school guidelines, which are outlined in the Ōtūmoetai College Uniform Code HERE.
In instances of hardship, please contact the applicable Year Level Deans where a confidential conversation
can be held about the school uniform and solutions discussed.
Please click the poster below for further information.
Access to Period Products in Schools
Do you have a Digital SLR Camera you no longer need?
Our Kura offers digital subjects and each year the number of students wanting to study these continues to grow. We are now looking to set up resources for our Junior classes to use.
We are wondering if anyone in the community may have a Digital SLR camera they are no longer using and might like to donate to our Art Department. They will be used to teach camera basics and offer a chance for the students to learn photography conventions which they can put into their projects for design and photography.
If you have any questions, please contact: Susan Blakemore, sblakemore@otc.school.nz
Cameras can be dropped off to the Main Office during the day – between 8.00am and 4.00pm.
Young Driver Workshop – Registrations Now Open
This workshop is a fantastic opportunity for young drivers to build their confidence, improve their road safety knowledge, and receive a free professional driving lesson.
Who it’s for: Young drivers aged 16–24 with a current learner or restricted licence.
Each workshop includes:
- Education on driver behaviour (speed, impairment, restraints, distraction, and fatigue)
- A 60-minute one-on-one driving lesson with a certified instructor
- Waka Kotahi NZTA vehicle safety and roadworthiness checks
- Tips for sharing the road with heavy vehicles and vulnerable users
- Understanding the importance of star safety ratings
Workshop Dates & Locations:
- Wednesday 15th July – Papamoa Sports & Recreation Centre (Gordon Spratt Reserve), 80 Alice Way, Papamoa Beach
- Thursday 16th July – Bethlehem Baptist Church 90 Bethlehem Road, Bethlehem, Tauranga 3110
For more information, please contact the Travel Safe School Coordinator- travelsafeschools@tauranga.govt.nz
