School Uniform Winter Months
As we head into the cooler winter months and begin Term 2, it is the perfect time to refocus on our first core value: Kia Rangatira – Strive for Personal Excellence.
At Ōtūmoetai College, we believe that how we present ourselves reflects our mindset. Wearing the correct school uniform with pride is a powerful way for our students to demonstrate self-respect and commitment to our school community. Looking sharp isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about being ready to learn and representing our Kura in everything we do.
To maintain these high standards, please ensure your child is in the correct regulation attire. As a reminder, the following items are not part of the Ōtūmoetai College uniform:
- Hoodies (of any kind)
- Trackpants, leggings, or tights
- Dickies, cargo pants, or jeans
- Socks worn with sandals
We appreciate your support in helping our students start the term on the right foot, staying warm while remaining focused on their journey toward personal excellence.
New Attendance Notifications for 2026
We have implemented a new automated notification system that aligns with the Stepped Attendance Response Framework developed by the Ministry of Education. Consistent time in the classroom is the biggest predictor of student success, and we want to ensure we are working together to support every learner.
Our system will now send automated email updates when a student reaches specific absence milestones within a single term: 5, 10, 15, and 20 days. Please note that these notifications are triggered by total absences, including those marked as medical or justified.
Our Tiered Support Approach: Depending on the number of days missed, the school will take the following actions:
- Tier 1 (5 Days): You will receive a courtesy email. This is simply for awareness and to offer any additional support that may be required.
- Tier 2 (10 Days): When a student reaches this milestone, it triggers our Tier 3 support protocol. We will contact you to organise an in-school meeting to discuss any barriers to attendance and how we can best support your child’s return to regular attendance.
- Tier 3 (15 days): When a student reaches this threshold, we will consider making a referral to the in-school attendance provider or external agency of the Attendance Service if they are under the age of 16, to provide additional support. The Pastoral Team will be in contact with you regarding our next steps to support your child.
We understand that every family’s situation is unique, and our goal is to be proactive partners in your child’s education.
Attendance – When to Keep your Child Home
As the winter months bring a natural increase in seasonal illnesses, it can be tricky to decide when to keep your child home. According to Health guidelines, students may attend school if they have tested negative for COVID-19, are fever-free without medication, and appear generally well enough to focus on learning. Children are also clear to attend with non-infectious conditions like hay fever, eczema, or minor coughs and sneezes caused by changes in air temperature.
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.
Academic Mentoring Programme
At our kura, we offer a free of charge academic mentoring programme where senior students support younger peers to become more confident in their subjects and achieve success.
Mentoring will be starting at the beginning of Term 2. If you are interested in getting mentoring for your student, please fill in this form
This form stays open all year, so even if your student does not need mentoring right now, they can sign up at any time in the future.
Feel free to contact mentoring@otc.school.nz with any questions.
Support from Ōtūmoetai Social Supermarket
To learn more about the fantastic work of the Ōtūmoetai Social Supermarket and their catchment area, please visit their website here.
Art & Photography Competition for Teens
Te Ao Mārama – Tauranga City Libraries Teen Advisory Panel invite you to enter their Art & Photography Competition for Teens!
Enjoy having your art piece displayed in an exhibition at Tauranga Library during the July school holidays, with the chance to win a People’s Choice award. All entrants will receive an email inviting them to register to attend the exhibition’s Opening Night on Sunday, 5 July.
