Together We Grow – Ka Tupu Kotāhi ai Tātou- Week 10, Term 3
Kia ora e te whānau,
This week is just a quick newsletter to wind up the term and acknowledge what a busy and action-packed Term 3 we’ve had at OVS!
I’d like to take a moment to thank all of our OVS students for making our school the special place it is…and also our amazing sports coaches, PTA crew, and parent helpers for all your contributions this term– your time, energy, and aroha make such a difference to our tamariki. From the transporting, the sidelines to the sausage sizzles, milos and hotdogs, you’ve been incredible, and we couldn’t do it without you.
Looking ahead, Term 4 promises to be full of sunshine and excitement. A highlight will be our much-loved Ag Day in Week 3, where the gumboots come out and our school community comes together to celebrate. Please note that because I’ll be away in Week 1, our pōwhiri will take place on Monday of Week 2 instead.
Wishing you all a chance to rest, recharge, and maybe even sneak in a few spring adventures over the September break. Enjoy the holidays with your whānau – we look forward to seeing everyone back, refreshed and ready for a fun summer term.
Board election results will be communicated in the middle of next week. Thank you OVS whanau for voting and thank you to all the candidates who have stood to continue making our school the best it can be. We all look forward to another 3 years of growth and student progress.
Please mark the 14th of November in your calendars. This is a teacher only day for maths development.
‘OVS INTERMEDIATE YEARS’ Open Evening (No: 2)
Please note: the next Year 7 Open evening will be in week 2 of next term, Thursday 16th of October.
This is a chance to meet the new teacher for your child next year, and hear all about the year 7 programme for 2026 . We are all excited by this new initiative at OVS and if you are still making up your mind come along and be convinced! It’s going to be a fantastic year. See you there.
Star Spot – Student Learning @ OVS
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The OVS KINDNESS CUP
Attendance awards for Term 3
The below students have shown outstanding attendance for all of Term 3. Excellent attendance means increases in learning, and these lucky students will be attending Mr Sayer’s special attendance party early next term.
OVS Netball Teams 
What a great way to wrap up a fantastic season. At our assembly today our super coaches got to acknowledge the great teamwork and improvement of out netball teams. Below are the year 5&6 and 3&4 teams and their awards. Well done everybody (especially the coaches) for your sportsmanship and for representing our kura so well!
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week)
A huge thankyou to Whaea Frances and Darcie for the mahi you put into making our Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) such a success. Throughout the week our tamariki experienced a wide range of fun learning and it all culminated in a great assembly acknowledgement today. Well done everyone.
A Huge Thank You!
We’d like to extend a big thank you to all our wonderful parents and whānau who supported our recent school disco. Whether you helped out, donated baking, or brought your tamariki along, we truly appreciate your involvement. Thanks to your support, the event was a great success; the kids had a great time and we raised valuable funds for our school!
Upcoming Raffle – Sponsors Needed
Our biggest fundraiser of the year is just around the corner, and we’re still looking for more generous sponsors to donate prizes. If you or your business can contribute in any way, please email pta@otaika.school.nz.
We’d also like to give a special shout-out and thank you to our sponsors so far:
Whangarei Aquatic Centre, Bocky Boo Gelato, Yovich Engineering, Harrisons Carpet Whangarei, 2 Ducks Contracting, Omak Meats, and North Financial – your support is greatly appreciated!
Calendar Art Orders
A quick heads-up that calendar art orders will open next week! Orders must be placed by Wednesday 8th October. In an effort to keep purchase prices down, we’re taking a new approach this year. Samples of each product will be available to view at the office.
The kids have been busy creating some fantastic artwork — please talk to your child’s teacher if you’d like to view their piece. Alternatively, you’re welcome to provide us with a named piece of artwork (A4 or A3, landscape orientation). The less white space, the better! You will get the original artwork back.
PTA Meeting – 6th October
Our next PTA meeting is happening on Monday 6th October at 3:20pm. Everyone is welcome – it’s a great chance to get involved, share ideas, and help support the school. Location to be confirmed closer to the date.
Ag Day – Parent Helpers Needed!
Ag Day is coming up soon, and we’ll need plenty of helping hands to make the day run smoothly. Whether it’s setting up, providing baking, running stalls or providing face painting – there’s a role for everyone. Keep an eye out for more information soon, and please consider how you might be able to help on the day. Many of our usual volunteers are involved with animals on Ag Day, so without support we will not be able to offer the food stall or face painting.
Ngā mihi nui,
OVS PTA Committee
If you receive a call from either 028 2559 7344 or 028 2559 7329, these are school-related calls.
We are currently working with our service provider to resolve this issue and we hope to have it corrected by next term.
If you think your child may be unwell or is showing symptoms of an infectious illness, you may find this info sheet helpful.
The school’s Public Health Nurse is also available for support and advice if needed. Please contact the office for more information.
Thank you for helping us keep our school community healthy.
A gentle reminder to please check the lost property, located on the washing line behind Room 4 and in the lost property bins. Any unclaimed items will be donated over the school holidays, and some may be retained by the school to be used as spare clothing for other students.
Dates for your diary
15-19th September -Te Wiki o Te Reo (Maori Language Week)
17th September – Board of Trustees Election closed
24th October – Ag Day
25 – 27th October – Labour Weekend
14th November – Teacher Only Day (Mathematics Professional development)
Term Dates
| Terms | Start | Finish |
| Term 1: | 4 Feb | 11 April |
| Term 2: | 28 April | 27 June |
| Term 3: | 14 July | 19 Sept |
| term 4: | 6 Oct | 16 Dec |
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