Author: office2

Issue 19, 4 December 2015

From Across the Principal’s Desk

Dear Parents / Caregivers,
Kia Ora tatou
We have now reached the end of
the school year and it has been another year of great success. This is also my final newsletter item as principal of Opihi College and is an opportunity to reflect upon my four years here as the Principal.
My first impression was walking into the school hall when I was welcomed with a school powhiri. This was a wonderful welcome and it did make me realise that I had made the right choice to leave Otago. However, despite the Board Chairs best efforts, I have never stopped supporting the Highlanders!
The first year as a new Principal presented many challenges. It was during this year the foundation for change was laid. The community provided great feedback and showed that they really cared about what was happening at the College.
By the end of the first year we were moving in the right direction. The growth and development continued. During the next three years we saw considerable change in the staff. Each new member who joined us, even briefly, provided new ideas and new energy.
The students themselves have also undergone a significant change. One parent wrote to me last week and said that students no longer refer to ‘Opihi as school but “our” school - a small word with huge impact and a shift in attitude with pride. A statement I had not thought of myself but one with which I agree totally.

Today, Opihi College, the school is a very
different environment from what it was four years ago. Ahead lie many exciting
opportunities and a few challenges. There will continue to be significant change and
development which will only strengthen the College. The school is now firmly at the heart of Temuka and is well supported by a strong thriving community.
As I prepare to depart from Opihi College, I attended a powhiri yesterday at my new school, South Otago High School in Balclutha. This was attended by a small group of
students and staff from Opihi College. It brought home the fact that I am leaving. It was also fitting that I expressed to the
students there, and now to the community of Temuka just how much I will miss you all.
The students at Opihi College have been
wonderful and are well supported by
excellent, caring teachers and a community that is so supportive.
I do hope that in the future I will hear from students and parents about the success of Opihi College and the individuals themselves.
Finally, thank you to the Board of Trustees for giving me the opportunity to lead the school during the last four years. To the staff,
students, parents and whanau I wish you well for the future.
Ka kite ano
Mike Wright
Principal

KILT FITTING & UNIFORM SALE
Orders for new kilts need to be in by the end of the school year for them to be made in time for the start of the 2016 winter.
Pre-loved Uniform Sale and Kilt Fitting Monday 7th December 3.30—5.30pm
Opihi College School Office

PRE LOVED UNIFORM
We have parents wishing to purchase second hand uniform items, especially kilts.
If you have any items you would like to sell at our upcoming uniform sale, could you please deliver to the school office on Monday 7th
December between 2.00 and 3.00pm.
All clothing must be clean and in tidy condition. (School retains a small commission).

PE TOPS
Orders for new PE Tops need to be in NOW for them to be made in time for the start of the 2016 year. We can order Made to Measure PE tops at no extra cost.
(Payment is not required until collection).

SCPSSA ATHLETICS
Congratulations to Ryan Bagrie who won the 800m Senior Boys Race!
Well done to everyone for representing the school at this event:
Ryan Bagrie, Fletcher Joyce, Hailey Larsen,
Jacinda Kelly, Hayley Kereama and Toni Wilson

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
December	7	Kilt fitting session & / Uniform Sale / 3.30-5.30pm
January / 2016	28	School Office opens
February	1-2	Course Counselling
	1-3	Peer Support Leadership Training Camp
	3	Year 7 Orientation Day / Year 7 students and Year 13 peer support leaders attend
	4	Whole school begins / First day of Classes / Canteen Opens
	6 / 8	Waitangi Day / School closed Monday

TERM DATES 2016
Term 1 Thursday 4 February - Friday 4 April 2016
Term 2 Monday 2 May –Friday 8 July 2016
Term 3 Monday 25 July - Friday 23 September
Term 4 Monday 10 October –Thursday 8 December

WE NEED YOU!
The Board of Trustee elections are scheduled to be held next year. We encourage all parents and caregivers to consider standing for appointment as a new trustee.
If you would like further information about what is involved PLEASE contact the school office.

FAREWELL AND BEST WISHES
As the school year closes at Opihi College we are sad to farewell three staff members:
Teacher Miss Anita den Baars is transferring to a new position at Mt Hutt College in Methven.
Principal Mr Mike Wright is taking up a new
position as Principal at South Otago High School in Balclutha.
With him goes his wife, Mrs Keren Wright who has been Head of Faculty for Technology.
We thank them all for their hard work and valued
contribution to the College, and wish them well for the future.

FIREWOOD
FOR SALE
Opihi College Netball Fundraiser
Semi Dry Mix of
Pine & Poplar & Macrocarpa
$125 for a 2.5 cubic metre trailer load
(Delivered in Temuka township)
Orders to the school office please.
Limited stock - First in First Served

School Sports Awards
Ryan Bagrie	Cross Country
Charlie Te Haate	Netball
Emilie Ackroyd	Netball
Tahlia George	Cross Country & Netball
Sophie Pye	Cross Country & Netball
Kiarn Prentice	Softball
John Reyes	Gymnastics
Hamish Fikken	Softball
Cole Robertson	Softball
Kayla Bagrie	Football
Evan Crosse	Softball
Jessica Marshall	Basketball
Shania Cochrane	Football
Cody Crawshaw	Softball
Kayleigh Wright	Basketball & Skiing & Softball
Jia Prentice	Softball
Stevie Louden	Softball
Emily Black	Netball
Rebecca Denley	Athletics
Mya Stratford	Netball
Madi Heurea	Netball
Sheyanne McCarron	Netball
Abbey Keen	Basketball
Joshua Welford	Special Olympics
Louise Rippin	Basketball
Caleb Rippin	Softball
Te Horo Awhina / Te Rahui Harris	Netball
Maddison Mawhinney	Football
Andrew Kirkcaldie	Cross Country
Brittany Armishaw	Football
Neko Prentice	Softball
Lydia Kinvig	Football
Tegan Robertson	Softball
Charlie Hati