Together We Grow – Ka Tupu Kotāhi ai Tatou- Week 6
Kia ora koutou OVS Whānau and Caregivers,
As we head into the final stretch of the term, there is a renewed sense of energy across the kura. The end of the year always brings a busy rhythm as students work through their end-of-year assessments, and it has been fantastic to see our OVS students tackling this learning with focus and pride. The warmer days and sunshine have certainly added an extra lift to the school day, making break times brighter and spirits higher.
Last Friday’s Teacher Only Day was a valuable opportunity for staff to deepen, refresh, and realign their understanding of our new maths curriculum. This professional learning ensures we continue to provide high-quality, engaging teaching that supports every learner. We appreciate your support in enabling this important day to take place.
A huge OVS shoutout also goes to Golden Bay for their generosity and ongoing support. Their donations have directly contributed to the continued development and improvement of our school grounds, and we are very grateful for their commitment to our kura…(Mr T is out there spreading lime rock as we speak!)
We would also like to acknowledge Fern Fuel for Schools for their recent contribution, which helped fund our new Frisbee Golf equipment. It has quickly become a favourite activity across the school, with students of all ages enthusiastically taking part—often daily!
Finally, we ask all whānau to please take a moment to read the important health notice posted in HERO regarding Kinetic Sand and other products. Your support in staying informed and responding to these updates helps us keep our school community safe and well.
Board of Trustees
Building Update: We are on the home straight! Room 1 has returned to their classroom (complete with new decks), we have our Library back and the toilets are nearing completion. It is unlikely Room 2 will be shifting back in until the new year to avoid disruption, but we will keep you posted of any changes.
The OVS Board of Trustees would like to inform our community that we will be hosting ERO (Education Review Office) next week. ERO will be in school on the 25th and 26th of November to review our school as part of it’s ongoing review schedule.
Remember, we welcome school whānau to review this term’s policies. These are available though SchoolDocs on our website in the ‘Board of Trustees section’. As always we welcome your feedback.
Star Spot – Student Learning @ OVS
RURU Awards
What an awesome Athletics Day we had at OVS! The sun was shining, the energy was high, and our tamariki gave it everything they had—whether they were sprinting down the track, flying over the high jump, or giving the discus and shot their best mighty throw. The cheers, smiles, and OVS sportsmanship on display made it a day to remember.
A massive thank you to Whaea Frances for her incredible mahi in organising and setting up such a smooth, successful event. And to all our wonderful OVS students—ka mau te wehi! Your positive attitudes, determination, and encouragement toward one another were outstanding. You represented our RURU values with pride, and we are incredibly proud of every one of you.
What a day! Bring on Athletics Day 2026!
Kai and Carols – 9th December – 5pm.
Its Raffle Time!
Our amazing PTA has been busy keeping track of all the raffle tickets sold so far — and you’re all doing an incredible job! Keep it up, everyone!
Need more tickets? No problem! Extra tickets are available from the school office.
This exciting fundraiser helps support the ongoing development of Ōtaika Valley School’s outdoor environment, creating vibrant, inspiring spaces for our tamariki to learn and play.
Tickets are just $3 each, and all money and tickets (sold or unsold) need to be returned to the school office by December 3rd.
Thank you for your fantastic support — every ticket sold helps make a real difference for our school!
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to our sponsors:
Specialized Maintenance and Welding
Yovich Engineering
Keith James Joinery
Omak Meats
Bocky Boo Gelato
McFall Fuel
North Financial
Northland Civil Survey
2 Ducks Contracting
Harrisons Carpets and Flooring Whangarei
Whangārei Aquatic Centre
Bunnings Whangārei
Keith Andrews
Dates
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 | 17 Dec |
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