Together We Grow – Ka Tupu Kotāhi ai Tātou
Kia ora OVS whanau and Caregivers,
As we enjoy a great start to school and enjoy the warmth of the summer weather, it is important to note there are new developments on the horizon. The onset of a new government inevitably brings fresh legislation aimed at enhancing educational standards. One notable initiative is the introduction of the ‘Hour of Reading, Writing, and Math’ every day, a move designed to bolster foundational skills in our students. Here at OVS, we are proactively evaluating our timetables and curriculum content to ensure alignment with these new requirements, further solidifying our commitment to academic excellence.
Additionally, the new legislative change regarding the use of phones at school has caught attention. However, I am pleased to inform you that our existing practice aligns seamlessly with this mandate. Phones have long been prohibited at OVS, with exceptions made only for pre-arranged communication purposes, typically related to transportation issues. In such rare cases, students are required to deposit their phones at the office and retrieve them solely for communication purposes after school hours.
As always, we remain dedicated to providing a safe, enriching environment for our students to grow academically and personally. Thank you for your continued support as we navigate these developments together.
Noho ora mai,
Rick Sayer
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Ka tupuu kotahi ai tatou – TOGETHER WE GROW.
Last week introduced to whanau our vision ‘Together We Grow’ and how it serves as a powerful analogy for the holistic development of our students – encompassing social, emotional, and academic dimensions. Today I want to explore the first of those three powerful words… TOGETHER
Together represents the social growth of our students. The word ‘Together’ emphasises the importance of unity and collaboration within our kura and school community. Here, friendships are forged, and a sense of identity and belonging is cultivated. It is within this supportive embrace of our school family, that OVS students learn to appreciate diversity, respect one another, and navigate the complexities of social dynamics. Just as a garden flourishes when nurtured collectively, so too does the social landscape of our school thrive when we ‘Grow Together.’
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Star Spot – Celebrating Student Learning @ OVS
New Students 2024
A warm OVS welcome to Noah, Corbin, Kaea, Rain, Max, Te Wairua, and Bailey who have started with us in Room 1 in the last two weeks.
Ōtāika Student Attendance – Priority 2024…we need 90%
Come on OVS, Let’s get our students succeeding, let’s get them to school!
The new OVS Playground – Stop Press!
If you purchase fuel through Fern Energy would like to be part of this fantastic initiative please see the flyer below or contact our school.
Hey!! We’d love a $10,000 sports grant 🙂
From AA Insurance…
“Our Big Little Sponsorship” celebrates our partnership with Eden Park by championing grassroots sports in schools and giving back to the community. For the fifth year, we’re calling for nominations for two deserving primary schools (one in the North Island and one in the South Island) to each win a $10,000 sports grant.
The lucky winning schools will celebrate in style with a visit from former All Black and rugby legend, Keven Mealamu.
We also have a $2,000 and $1,000 sports grant to giveaway to our second and third place schools for each island.
We know how important sport is to Kiwi kids. It teaches fair play, teamwork, builds confidence and keeps them active, but getting the little ones match ready can be expensive.
Nominate your favourite New Zealand primary school today to help them play a little freer!
https://www.aainsurance.co.nz/big-little?cmpid=AA:PI:NPS:EDM:20240219:16183:bls-school-edm
School Pool
Digital Citizenship
Otaika Valley School believes in providing a safe and responsible ICT learning environment for all students. We request caregivers and students to follow our ICT rules by completing the online Responsible Use Agreement form: This from is different this year and requests that you pay careful attention to permissions to allow us to use student photos in the everyday celebration of school life. Please read the options carefully and contact us if you have any questions.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ov2Dl7YRHSBuOVQal6eeNpdyj_dbNI0kqfnedRhofGw/edit
Student Details Update
Please let Jen in the office know if any details have changed, such as:
- Home address
- Caregiver/Emergency contacts phone numbers
- Email address
- Living arrangements (eg: court orders, custody etc)
- Medical/allergies
- New siblings
Free Healthy School Lunch Programme
Here is a chance to give soccer football a go!
The Central Brown Football Club run a free Twilight Soccer Football night on Thursday’s, starting 07/03/2024 and running until 11/04/2024 (five nights in total… we miss out Thursday 28/03/2024) from 4:30pm to 5:30pm at Otaika Sports Park (Bluegoose, SH1 Raumanga/Otaika) for ages from 8 to 15
Just turn up on the night (please be there ready to play at 4:30) and you’ll be put into a team for three 15 minute small sided games.
You don’t have to have played before, you don’t have to be a member of any club; you can be a member of another club; for boys and girls.
Any queries please contact nigel.gilmour@gmail.com or phone 027 307 5877
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