Principal Message...
Tēnā koutou katoa, Malo e lelei, Talofa lava, Bula vinaka - It has been another huge week at OIS! Highlights included our Year 6 Orientation, two sports groups travelling on Tuesday, our chess team competing at WBHS on Monday, a visit from Murray Gadd—who taught in several classrooms and led professional development for writing with our teachers, and wrapping up the week with a visit from the White Ribbon Riders.
This week, we welcomed 150 Year 6 students to OIS for their Orientation visit. This was a fantastic opportunity to get to know each other and help our incoming students become more familiar with their soon-to-be new environment.
Yesterday, we had a special visit from the White Ribbon Riders, in conjunction with the Oamaru Police, who shared an important message with our students about having respect for each other and themselves, caring for each other and caring about themselves. We then enjoyed a fabulous bbq cooked by the Rapid Response team. A huge thank you to Nigel Holt and the Rapid Response Team for providing lunch today. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! To learn more about the incredible work they do in our community, check out the link below:
www.rrtglobal.org/nz
I often have conversations with students about Acting with Respect. It’s not just about how we speak to others— but also our actions. As we head into the week ahead, we’re focusing on KINDNESS. Kindness can be as simple as a smile. It costs nothing but has the power to make someone’s day.
With just four weeks left in the school year, I’m setting a kindness challenge for our students:
Focus on acts of kindness.
Think about others before yourself.
Think before we act and speak
Smile
I encourage you to talk with your child about how they can show kindness and act with respect in their daily interactions. Asking your child simple questions like, "Who did you help today?" or "Who helped you today?" encourages them to reflect on the importance of kindness and builds their awareness of positive actions.
These small conversations can make a big difference in fostering empathy and a sense of community. Let’s work together to nurture these values as we finish the school year strong. Together, we can create a supportive and positive environment for everyone.
Attendance
Ensuring your child arrives on time for school and has everything they need sets them up for success. This is one of the best ways we can support our children to have a positive day at school.
The first 10 minutes of class are incredibly important for setting the tone and preparing for the day ahead. If your child is late for school, please ensure they sign in at the office upon arrival.
If you know your child will be absent, it is imperative that you notify the school office. You can do this by phone, Skool Loop, email, or text. Please make sure to include your child’s first and last name as well as the reason for their absence.
Year 8 Simulation Week
As our Year 8 students prepare to transition to high school, many express concerns about adapting to a new environment. These include moving between classes, following a timetable, and adjusting to different teaching styles.
To help address these challenges, Vic Forrest and the Year 8 team have planned a High School Simulation Week. During this week, Year 8 students will experience moving between five different classrooms and teachers each day, following a structured timetable.
The primary objectives of Simulation Week are to:
Provide Year 8 students with a realistic high school experience.
Familiarise students with moving between classes, managing a timetable, and adapting to various teaching styles throughout the day.
This initiative is designed to help our students feel more confident and prepared for the exciting journey ahead.
Have a great weekend!
Rebecca Meek
Principal