Opotiki College

PO Box 146, St John Street, Opotiki, New Zealand Phone:(64)07 315 7022 Fax:(64)07 315 5639 Email: admin@opotikicol.school.nz

Te Hinengaro Te Tohu - The mind is the measure of the man!

Principal's Report

I've started my last two Principal's Reports with the comment Opotiki College is an outstanding school and I'm going to keep saying that for as long as the evidence exists. Well, I've afraid that the evidence just keeps coming in so I have to keep saying it.

Our ERO visit this year resulted in an outstanding report. What was most pleasing was not the many positive comments about the strong teaching and excellent programmes. It was the comments about our students that gave the most pleasure. The ERO team commented very favourably on the respectful atmosphere and the high level of engagement with learning that they saw. Our students need to take credit for our school having such an atmosphere.

Once again our examination results from 2006 were outstanding. This is possible only because of a threeway partnership between teachers, students and parents. Our staff would like to congratulate students and their whanau who have joined with us in promoting high achievement for the young people of Opotiki. Nine students have taken part in the Outward Bound experience and four students have sailed on the Spirit of Adventure. As well, we were one of the few schools in the country to have two representatives at Youth Parliament. Our Young Enterprise Scheme Company, Kei te Pai, has carried on the tradition of high-performing YES companies from Opotiki College.

Our Head Students and Deputy Head Students and Sports Head Students have operated as a very successful student leadership team and have made a valuable input into the running of the school in the interests of students. Once again we were represented well by our Head Students at the community ANZAC Service. Every week hundreds of our students turned out to represent the College in a wide range of sporting activities. Students played to a high level displaying a strong competitive desire and the important qualities of sportsmanship. Our 1st XV had a very successful tour to Australia to cap a fine season and our Girls 1st XI Soccer team won the prestigious Pullar Trophy.

Students also prepared for and competed in the Smokefree Stage Challenge and Smokefree Rockquest. As well, we hosted a very successful Mataatua Secondary Schools Kapa Haka tournament in Opotiki where we attracted a high quality field of contestants. Katarina Maxwell and Mania Campbell-Seymour also represented our school and region at the Maori Women's Welfare League National Secondary School Whaikorero competition. Students have had many opportunities to get involved and most students have participated strongly. At our annual Sports Dinner there were students who were being acknowledged as great sportspersons, as coaches, as managers and also performing in the kapa haka group that entertained!

When students continually grasp leadership opportunities and proudly represent their school, and when students are still able to keep their focus on academic achievement while taking part in a wide range of opportunities you know our town and district has a secondary school it can be extremely proud of. To those students who are leaving us at the end of 2007; thanks for your contribution to our school and remember that the simple message we have been giving you here can guide you to a rewarding and fulfilling life: 100% effort 100% of the time.

Maurie Abraham

Principal