Dear parents, caregivers, students and friends of the school. Tena koutou katoa. Ngā mihi nui kia koutou katoa

We have had a fantastic start to the year with almost all students settled in and focussing on their learning. Assessments are underway and staff are now analysing their class data to establish individual learning goals for their students. 

Our first weeks have been characterised by high levels of enthusiasm and commitment shown by students and staff. Lunchtimes have been busy with a large number of students trialling for sports teams and auditioning for various performing arts academies. There have been a number of meetings held for sports that are commencing. Information about these can be obtained from Mrs Gallagher, our Sports Co-ordinator, if you feel you have missed any of these notices by emailing sports@otuinter.school.nz.

All our newsletters are sent out electronically and published on our website, Facebook page and Skool Loop app. We also place lots of updates and information on our school Facebook page to keep our parents up to date.

Consistent with the National Education Learning Priorities, we are focussed on ensuring each student has the skills and competencies to succeed in the future.

Every classroom in the school has on display the posters below which will be the basis for learning across the school. Every student will be expected to be familiar with the values, key competencies and learning expectations highlighted in these posters. Teachers will reinforce and build these into the climate and expectations of their class. The posters cover: School Vision, Citizenship and Learning with English and Te Reo versions displayed.

This year a small group of students have arrived with a poor attitude towards our school's expectations. The school response has been swift with their parents/caregivers contacted and disciplinary action taken.

Our school expectations are clear and articulated regularly to our students. As the Year 7 students settle into our intermediate, the following expectations apply:

School Expectations

School rules and expectations reflect the values of our community. These will be fully explained to the students. We believe in the obligation to conduct oneself with courtesy and restraint, and to foster a caring/sharing attitude towards one another. All students are expected to:

•     Show courtesy and respect to all staff, other students and the general public;

•     Show consideration towards others;

•     Listen to and follow instructions provided to them by staff;

•     Behave in a safe and hygienic manner;

•     Wear the correct school uniform at all times;

•     Show respect for school and other students’ property.

Ōtūmoetai Intermediate School is recognised as a leading Intermediate School in New Zealand, with a strong focus on student learning. We aim to develop truly independent learners who gain an understanding that they can make

a positive difference for their own future. We expect students to realise that learning is a process in which they participate, with learning being seen as something they do, not something done to them.

Attendance Statistics

Our regular attendance since the start of Term 1 is sitting at 79%. These are students who have attended school at least nine days every fortnight. This week our daily attendance has been as follows:

• 3rd March - 90%

• 4th March - 92%

• 5th March - 93%

Also attached is a parent guide to understanding your child as an emerging adolescent. We hope it is helpful to you, the parents/caregivers, as you embark on this exciting period in your child’s social, emotional and physical development.

Ngā Mihi Nui

Henk Popping
PRINCIPAL