Together We Grow – Ka Tupu Kotāhi ai Tātou
Kia ora OVS whanau and Caregivers,
As we finish a busy term 1, I wanted to re-enforce with you our commitment to elevating our school’s attendance and academic performance to new heights. At the heart of our vision ‘Together We Grow’ is a dedication to continuous improvement and innovation in teaching and learning.
This year, our whole school improvement focus is progressive, with an emphasis on implementing new structured literacy and innovative math programmes. These initiatives are designed to enhance student learning outcomes and ensure that every child receives a high-quality education tailored to individual needs.
Central to our improvement efforts is the importance of whole school, whole staff professional development. By investing in the ongoing training and development of our educators, we can achieve consistency of practice across the school, fostering a cohesive learning environment where every student can transition seamlessly from class to class and thrive.
While the first term has required intensive professional development for our staff, I understand that this has resulted in some disruptions to classroom routines. However, please rest assured that these efforts are essential for laying the foundation for success in the months and years to come.
As we move forward, I am confident that the remainder of the year will see far less interruption as we continue to build upon our practice and implement our new learnings in the classrooms. Together, we are embarking on an exciting journey of growth and achievement, and I am grateful for your ongoing support and partnership in this endeavor.
I would also take this opportunity to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this term, with a particular shout-out the teachers and parents who worked and supported our school camps. Again, we simply can’t do it without you.
Noho ora mai,
Rick Sayer
Tumuaki/Principal
From the Board of Trustees
Important Announcement Regarding Principals Sabbatical and Deputy Principals Interim Role
Dear OVS whanau and caregivers,
I hope this message finds you well and enjoying a positive year thus far. We write to you today with an important announcement regarding our school leadership.
We are pleased to inform you that our Principal, Rick Sayer, has been awarded a prestigious research sabbatical for the third and fourth terms of 2024. This sabbatical provides an invaluable opportunity for professional development and growth, allowing Mr Sayer to further enhance his expertise and not only contribute to our own kura, but also that of the broader educational community.
During Mr Sayer’s absence, we are fortunate to have a highly capable leader ready to step into the role. It is with pleasure we announce that our Deputy Principal, Heidi Nieddu will be assuming the responsibilities of Principal for the second half of the year. Mrs Nieddu has covered this role previously at our school, and brings with her a wealth of experience, dedication, and a deep understanding of our school’s strategic direction and values. We have full confidence in her ability to lead our school community effectively during this interim period.
We assure you that the transition will be smooth and seamless, with the continued support of Mr Sayer and our dedicated staff. Our commitment to providing a nurturing and enriching learning environment remains unwavering, and we are confident that under Mrs Nieddu’s leadership, and Ms Anna Keogh’s Deputy Principalship our school will continue to thrive.
We understand that you may have questions or concerns regarding this transition, and we encourage you to reach out to us at admin@otaika.school.nz for any clarifications or assistance needed. Your ongoing support and cooperation are invaluable as we embark on this brief new chapter for our school in the 2nd half year.
Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to your continued partnership in fostering the success and well-being of our students.
Warm regards,
Recapitation Application
This is to inform our school community that our Board of Trustees formal application to the Ministry of Education for recapitation, was submitted this week. The timeframes around any response are indicated to be approximately 12 weeks. We will keep you informed of any communications we receive in due course. For any new whanau, this application seeks to get approval to include year 7&8 education for your tamariki here at Ōtāika Valley School.
Star Spot – Celebrating Student Learning @ OVS
Star Spot – New students.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Zavana and her whanau. Haere mai ki te kura o Ōtāika Valley!
School Lunches Kaitiaki
A special shout out and acknowledgement to Locky, Oakley and Nolan for their mahi and attitude each morning as they organise and ensure our school lunch scraps are dealt with corrrectly. A super job boys – well done
OVS Attendance…almost there
Thank you whanau and caregivers, and congratulations on improving to see our best school terms attendance in 4 years!
We have seen an increase of a fraction under 10% since the end of 2022 and this is very positive. We now only have a 3.5% increase in attendance to get to our 90% expectation. Lets make next term a 90%er!!!
Term 1 2024 attendance by year group
| Year group | % Present | % Absent | % Late |
| Year 0-1 | 83.3% | 16.7% | 0.9% |
| Year 2 | 91.4% | 8.6 % | 0.1 |
| Year 3 | 85.8 % | 14.2% | 1.6 % |
| Year 4 | 89.0 % | 11.0 % | 0.7 % |
| Year 5 | 86.3 % | 13.7% | 0.5 |
| Year 6 | 85.6 % | 14.4% | 0.9% |
| Total | 86.5% | 13.5% | 0.9% |
Our new playground
It was with much excitement that a truck laden with our new playground has arrived made its way into the school grounds. It is now safely packed away while preparatory ground works take place over the April break. We will be looking to call a working be early next term and will notify our school community when we have a better idea of the timeframes.
Generous Playground Sponsorship!
A huge shout out goes to ‘Golden Bay Cement’ for their sponsorship to go toward our new playground. It is hugely appreciated and will help speed up its construction considerably. THANK YOU!!!
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Thank you for the queries we have received from whanau regarding the Hero student report that was to be introduced this term. Unfortunately we did not manage to complete our roll out for term one due to a number of factors so have remained with our usual Seesaw. Hero reporting will be commencing in Term 2 and will also be used for mid year reporting.
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Building update
These holidays will see our Room 3&4 building project almost finished with an expected ‘full completion’ in about week 3 next term. The teachers and staff are all excited to have these new rooms and our library back up and operating.
I think you have started your learning journey at the right school.
OVS is the best because…
It’s people- OVS has kind and friendly people . Our friends, teachers, principal, support staff, and librarian. These are talked about more thoroughly in the next few sentences. Darcie our librarian, has lots of activities planned for the children of OVS. Like book character week and the book bag party (only available to the people that win the book bag challenge). Mr Sayer is our principal .He organises fun days. Last year some of the most memorable were pirate day and splash clash.pirate day was when we went too the beach and were dressed up as pirates. Splash clash was when we had water guns and had a water gun war.
The school harbours a lot of community spirit. Parents and visitors turn up too activities such as Ag day.Ag day is were we have activities like quad bike rides,gumboot toss,horse rides poop the nail ,a waterslide, cake comp, sponge throw and a class craft comp. And parents and visitors come to this event. Kapa haka is where the seniors practise for special events Last year, we went to Morningside kapa haka festival and performed there. This year we’re having a festival here! One day you might do kapa haka too.
Lastly, let me tell you about our environment. It’s got a lot more then you think… A large space to play, a play ground and an orchard with a garden next too it. These are full of veggies and fruit. The playground has a flying fox, slide,monkey bars and more! We’re getting a new playground soon too!Finally,There is a large field and courts for playing with a ball.
Now you know that you have came too the right school because of it’s people,community and environment.It is a great school.
Welcome to OVS!
From Van”
If you prefer for your child not to receive free school lunches, please email Jen in the office admin@otaika.school.nz
(Please note: we recommend your child brings extra food for their afternoon meal and/or snacks).
Powhiri – Monday 29 April 2024
All new tamariki who have joined us at Ōtāika Valley School at the end of Term 1 and on day 1 of Term 2, will be welcomed along with their whānau on Monday 29th of April.
After the 9am roll call, all students will gather outside the Room 5 steps ready for the powhiri to start at 9.10am.
Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora in Te Tai Tokerau Northland now has a Community Clinics Calendar on its website.
Clinics listed include Tamariki Ear Clinics, Youth Health Services, and Immunisations – all available free of charge to school students and their whānau.
It allows anyone to browse or filter to find upcoming clinics of interest, throughout the region, as well as information on how to book an appointment if necessary.
To find it, visit northlanddhb.org.nz and click on the Community Clinics Calendar tile on the home page.
ANZAC DAY THURSDAY 25 APRIL
DAWN PARADE ASSEMBLY & SERVICE TIMES
- 0400: Roads will be closed
- 0530: Veterans who require transport are to muster at the Bayleys Real Estate carpark corner of Walton/Hannah Street
- 0530: Parade Fall In – Hannah Street.
- 0540: Transport will depart for Laurie Hall Park
- 0545: Parade Steps off under the command of a single Parade Commander
- 0605: Service Commences
- 0635: Return March to Hannah Street
- 0930: Bus will depart HQRSA for Maunu
- 1000: Maunu Cemetery Service
ORDER OF MARCH
Police Escort
Northland Caledonian Pipe Band
Flags: NZ – AUS – UK – RNZN – RNZAF – Merchant
RSA President – Escort – HW The Mayor – Escort – NZDF Guest – Escort
Veterans
NZDF
NZ Police
New Zealand Cadet Forces
Fire & Emergency New Zealand, St John New Zealand
Family of Ex Service Personnel
Whangarei RSA Women’s section
Whangarei RSA Associate members and Adjuncts
Community Service Organisations
Uniformed Youth Organisations
District Schools
Police Escort
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PH: 027 306 7047
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