Here is a link to the first edition of the Ōtātara School News. We hope you enjoy the latest episode.

Starting next term we are offering lunches for purchase every day - the provider will be https://schools.healthymunch.co.nz 
The menu changes each week.  Orders are made online - cut-off date for ordering is Sunday and meals cost $6-50.
The menu on the website lists all the ingredients and allergen information. 
Once the order is placed online the website takes you to the payment page.
Subway will still be available on a Friday.

String Sums is an engaging game to play at home. It challenges you to think about number patterns, providing opportunities for critical thinking and use of strategy and can be easily adapted to suit a range of levels.  
To play this game at home all you need is a dice, some paper and a pen. If you wish to use bigger numbers you can use a pack of cards and pull out the cards 1 (Ace) through to 9.  Roll the dice or use the cards to create a string of numbers to add - you might start with 5 or 6 numbers and build up to create string sums of 10 single digit numbers or maybe 2 or 3 digit numbers to create strings to add.   
For example 3 + 6 + 7 +9 + 5 +1 + 8 =  or 28 + 34 + 12 + 17 +16 =
To increase the complexity further you could change the operation.  
Have fun playing this super fun and simple game! 

Creating cartoon characters and showing movement through the use of stick figures was the focus of these artworks created by Room 6 - Mānuka and Room 7 - Akapuka.

We had two teams enter in the Southland Top Bike Competition with our Otatara Team 1 (Harry Domigan, Jackson Nyhof, Willie Robson, Charlotte Rain, Georgina Rain) finishing in 4th place out of 17 schools and our Otatara Team 2 (Levi Harper, Tas Wandless ,George Kennedy, Maisey Stewart, Scarlett Robson) finishing in 5th place.  It was great to see them working as a team and supporting each other throughout the sprints, skills test and cross country race.  A special mention to Caroline, Becky and Leanne who managed our teams for us on the day.

We began painting our 3rd pou in the last term of 2023 and have now completed it.
This pou represents Oreti Beach and was designed and painted by Year 6 students; Natally, Felicity, George, Milan, Maisy, and Jonty along with artist Sharon Wilson (aka Sharon Tressler art). 
The style of art was inspired by Hawaiian surf artist, Heather Brown and shows the tussock on the sandhills, surf, a sunset and Stewart Island in the distance.

Big thanks to each and every one of you for your amazing support and generous contributions, especially through our Easter Bun fundraiser! What a fantastic kick-off to the year. Here’s a quick recap of our achievements this term and a sneak peek at what’s in store next.

We've raised an incredible $4,534.30!
Here's the breakdown:
Uniform Sale brought in $655, our Sausage Sizzles cooked up $801, and the Hot Cross Buns were a hit with $3,078.30.
A massive thank you to everyone involved in the planning and volunteering for these events. Your hard work doesn’t go unnoticed!

Our spotlight donation this term was on the stage upgrade—a game-changer for our tamariki and teachers alike. It’s heartwarming to see it being used to its full potential.

Looking Ahead to Term 2:
Get Involved: Want to lend a hand? Please reach out at opg@otatara.school.nz . Every bit of help makes a big difference.
Term 2 Meeting: Mark your calendars for Tuesday, 7th May, 7pm in the staffroom. Join us to plan more fun and impactful activities.
Upcoming Events: Get ready to groove at the Term 2 disco and enjoy some delicious sausage sizzles during lunchtime.

Emma Lindsay
Otatara Parent Group President

Next term we are delighted to welcome Mrs Hannah Winder back to our school.  Mrs Winder is a wellbeing support volunteer trained by Lifewalk (www.lifewalk.org.nz), an organisation that provides wellbeing support for schools and workplaces.  In the past Mrs Winder has worked in our school as a teacher aide and her 4 children all attended our kura.  

Mrs Winder will be in our school on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am to 1pm.

We are also excited to be welcoming two teachers next term - Ms Emily Flett is joining our team opening up our second New Entrant classroom (Monday - Wednesday) and will be teaching collaboratively with Mrs Raylene Burgess - Heald (Thursday and Friday).

To register your child/ren for sport in Term 2, click on the links below for further information.    Please note registration closing dates, late entries will not be accepted.  All payments are to be made to the Otatara School bank account: 030855 0560871 000.

After registrations have closed and teams have been organised, team information will be emailed out to parents/caregivers.

Sunday 19th May - Splash Palace

This event is for competitive swimmers. Click on the link below for information/registration details. Once you have registered your child with Fastlane, could you please email: sport@otatara.school.nz with your child's name and events entered, to assist with the relay team entry.  The team will also require a manager if you would like to take on the job please let me know.  If you are not registered with a swim club please email the above address with your child’s entry information. 

Tuesday 14th May - Waihopai School

Sunday 19th May -  Fosbender Park

Cost $10

For more information about this event click on the link below.

If you would like to enter your child please email sport@otatara.school.nz

Southland Orienteering has a Training Event on Sun 5th May - perfect for Schools Champs entrants.

Where: Donovan Park (meet at Waikiwi Rugby Clubrooms car park)

When: Sun 5th May, 10.30am training, then 2 courses to follow from 11.30am

Cost: Training is free but maps for the courses are $5

RSVP: Students to email southlandorienteeringclub@gmail.com if they are coming to training, to give us an idea of map numbers

Our school has recently joined School Docs, an online portal for our policies and procedures with a built in self-review system.  All policies and procedures are monitored by the School docs team and regularly updated to comply with New Zealand legislation, ERO and Ministry of Education requirements. 
You can access our policies and procedures through our website - Board of Trustees - Policies and Procedures  -  https://www.otatara.school.nz/27/pages/7-policies-and-procedures and click on the School Docs logo

Username  - otatara

Password - 9879

Friday 12 April - 2:00pm Whole School Assembly

                            Morning                     Afternoon

Monday          Deidre Murphy            Deidre Murphy     
Tuesday          Pip Mcilwrick               Pip Mcilwrick         
Wednesday   Sarah Hamilton           Sarah Hamilton
Thursday       Mandy Oosterbroek   Mandy Oosterbroek
Friday             Taryn Bellman             Taryn Bellman

 

Parent helpers please be at school by 8.20am for the morning patrol and 2.40pm for the afternoon patrol. If for some reason you are unavailable on your rostered day please swap with another parent.