We had the pleasure of working again with Rob Profitt-White for our mathematics teacher professional learning day at Tisbury School on Tuesday. Our focus was mental computation and estimation. As a part of the day we unpacked the draft refreshed curriculum reflecting on the elements of our programmes. It was affirming to see the alignment of the components we already have in place with the mahi that we do to support our students to think and work like mathematicians. Thank you to our Board and whānau community for supporting this important learning for our kaiako.
Wig Wednesday - 11 September
We loved participating in Wig Wednesday on September 11th to raise funds for Child Cancer. The school was awash with colour and creative hairstyles and $405.00 was raised through the generosity of our community.
Te Wiki o te reo Māori
Next week is Māori language week. Te Wiki o te reo Māori is an annual celebration for all New Zealanders to show their support for the Māori language, an official language of this country.
The theme for Te Wiki 2024 is ‘Ake ake ake – A Forever Language’. It represents the resilience, adaptability and endurance of our language. It also reflects the commitment New Zealanders have to embracing and learning te reo Māori long into the future.
As a kura we have a number of different activities planned - a scavenger hunt, a daily whakatauki, longest place name challenge and a waiata- Mahuru. On Friday we are going to create our own Ōtātara School Mahuru dance along video.
You might like to have a go at some of the kupu below at home with your tamariki.
Cupcake, cake and chocolate slice - Fundraiser Success!
What a successful fundraiser with $456.00 being raised for KidsCan. A special shout out to Pak N Save and their bakers who supported Harry, Harrison and Xavier with their baking expertise and premises. Looks like we might have some bakers and/or chefs in the making!
Our amazing parent group
A big shout out to our awesome team of parent supporters who make up our Parent Group. As a kura we benefit in so many ways because of their incredible support . Last week students celebrated the new JBL outdoor speakers provided by the Parent Group, enjoying a spontaneous dance party at morning tea on the outdoor stage - another wonderful parent group gift to the school!
Congratulations Alec Thomas
We love celebrating our Tamariki! Congratulations to Alec Thomas who won the Novice aged 10 - under 12 years Cup at the Dunedin Performing arts competition held recently in Dunedin. We are so lucky to have the opportunity for our tamariki to receive lessons at school from music teacher Daniel Monteith.
Conservation Week - Planting by the Juniors
The juniors last week had a successful day planting 200 trees at Bushy Point with the help of the Otatara Landcare Group, Southland Community Nursery, Pestbusters and Richard from Pigeon Post. We were excited to contribute to this incredible mahi as a part of Conservation Week and look forward to watching these plants grow over the years in this special place.
Spoons, Knives and Forks amnesty
Munch lunch does not provide utensils and we have a number of students that have taken home the knives, forks and spoons that we have provided them from school. If you have any utensils that might have come from school we would love to have them back. If your child has yoghurt, fruit, a heat up or Munch Lunch that requires a fork or spoon, then please provide them with the required utensil.
Term 4 Sport
To register your child/ren for sport in Term 4, click on the links below for further information. Please note registration closing dates, late entries will not be accepted. All payments are to be made to the Otatara School bank account: 030855 0560871 000.
After registrations have closed and teams have been organised, team information will be emailed out to parents/caregivers.
When: Tuesday 5th November - Tuesday 26th November (4 weeks)
Where: ILT Stadium Southland
Time: 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Cost: $20
If your child is interested in playing squash next term please message sport@otatara.school.nz to register. Spaces are limited to 4 players, please respond quickly to secure a place.
Otatara School Assembly
Friday 13 September - 2:00pm Whole School Assembly
Friday 20 September - 2.10pm Junior Assembly
We hope you can join us to celebrate our learning.
Parent helpers please be at school by 8.20am for the morning patrol and 2.40pm for the afternoon patrol. If for some reason you are unavailable on your rostered day please swap with another parent.
Thank you for helping to keep everyone safe.
Important Dates
End of Term 3
All Day
Start of Term 4
All Day
School closed - Teacher Professional Learning Day
All Day
Pets n Passions
All Day
Community Notices
Rock Out These Holidays with Our KSOM Music Workshop!
Give your kids a holiday to remember with our vibrant music programs! Perfect for all ages and skill levels and with so many options you can't pass this up!!
What We Offer:
Band in a Week: Join a Band and learn a piece in only one week - 30th - 4th of October & 7th - 11th of October
POP VOX: Learn harmonies and sing fun warm-up while we learn to perform a song- 30th - Tuesday 5th of October
Interval Escape (Keyboard Escape Room): Solve the Puzzles while learning a piece of music on the Keyboard - Tuesday 5th of October
KIWIANA Bandorama: Try out all of our instruments in the first week and then play in a giant band in the second as we learn a song in a day - Thursday 3rd and 10th of October
Music Makers: Learn how to use music-making software and create your own song - Friday the 4th and 11th of October
Drum Camp: Play Drums of every kind in our drum-filled morning; including samba drums, percussion, and of course drum kits - Saturday 5th & 12th of October.
The Circus (Keyboard Workshop): Roll up for our Circus and Juggling-themed keyboard workshop - Tuesday 8th of October.
Guitar Heroes: Come play Acoustic, Electric, Bass or Ukulele and learn a song - Wednesday 9th of October.
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