ORATIA SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

MESSAGE FROM MS LINDA

Gong hei fat choy. Happy Chinese New Year. Happy Lunar New Year. Wishing you happiness and prosperity.

Tēnā koutou katoa. Nau mai ki te whānau o te Oratia. Talofa lava. Malo e lelei. Zdravo. Ni hao. Namaste. Kamusta. Greetings Oratia whānau and families.

This Chinese lunar year is the year of the double fire horse. My Chinese uncle tells me that Fire represents visibility, passion, momentum, and transformation. So he warned me to be prepared for a fast and furious year! I was actually hoping for quite a calm year, so we will see what eventuates.

Teaching and learning programmes are well underway now, with Arawhata students heading off to Te Uru art gallery in Titirangi for a school trip. The children are looking at the unique works by artist Bill Hammond, in relation to their inquiries into their own identity. Thank you to all the parents who have helped transport our students up to the gallery and back to make this trip able to happen.

Our Sea Cleaner trips out on the Waitemata Harbour begin this week with all our student leaders getting the opportunity to help clean up our harbour and beaches. All our Ngā Rakau Kaha students will also get the chance to participate in a Sea Cleaners trip. If your Year 6 child is interested in being a part of the Ngā Rakau Kaha programme please sign them up on Kindo so we can add them to the Sea Cleaner sessions.

Finally, I want to remind everyone that our Country Fair is happening on Saturday, March 28. Save the date! This is always a huge enterprise that requires support from every family in the kura. We are asking for donations, prizes, sponsorship, and most of all, your help with the stall your child's class will be running on the day. Be prepared for the communications that will be coming to you from the school office and your chid's teacher. It is always an amazing event, which I know you will love, and I look forward to seeing you all here at school from 11am-4pm on the 28th.

Take care and stay safe.

Kia kaha, kia atawhai.

Ngā mihi nui, Ms Linda

Last Tuesday 10th March a delegation of teachers and students from our kapa haka travelled down to Waihi Beach School to tautoko (support) our amazing kaiako Kōkā Teena, as she was formally welcomed into her new kura with a pōwhiri. During the pōwhiri, our kaimihi (speakers) expressed to Waihi Beach School how much of a treasure Kōkā has been at Oratia, and our wishes that they treat her with all the kindness and aroha she deserves! Although we're sad to say 'haere rā' to Teena, we're happy for the new home and kura she's found down by the beach in sunny Waihi.

LUNAR NEW YEAR 2026

2026 is the Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse. In the Chinese Zodiac, the Horse represents energy, independence, and a bright spirit.

At Oratia School we would like to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a special arts and crafts club on Friday 20th February at lunchtime.

We would love to involve members of our school community. If you are available on Friday lunchtime (from 1pm to 1:50), and would like to help run a Lunar New Year activity, such as Chinese writing, lantern making, storytelling etc. please email Monica (monicamb@oratia.school.nz) for more information.

As we prepare for our upcoming Country Fair, we are kindly asking for donations of goods to help support our fair stalls. Contributions would be greatly appreciated and will help make the day a success for all. If you have a business and would like to contribute a prize, voucher or cash donation, we would love to hear from you - michellem@oratia.school.nz

This term, the scheduled review focuses on behaviour management, staff wellbeing and safety. For more information about the review, go to the Current Review tab at the top of your SchoolDocs site. A summary is provided below.

• Alcohol, Drugs and Other Harmful Substances Policy
• Sun Protection
• Digital Technology and Online Safety
• Cellphones and Other Person Digital Devices

Follow these instructions to log on to schooldocs to review these.

1. Visit the website https://oratia.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm

2. Enter the username (oratia) and password (0604).

3. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.

4. Read the policy.

5. Click the Policy Review button at the top right-hand corner of the page.

6. Select the reviewer type "Parent".

7. Enter your name (optional).

8. Submit your ratings and comments.

9. If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

We’re inviting tamariki (up to 16 years old) to imagine themselves as a superhero for animals and create a drawing that shows how they would help. It could be rescuing an animal in need, caring for a pet, protecting the environment, keeping an animal company or creating safe spaces - however they imagine being an awesome animal guardian.

Competition details:
• Dates: Monday 2 February - Sunday 19 April
• Age categories: Under 5, 5–7, 8–10, 11–13, 14–16 years
• Prizes: One prize pack valued at $100 for each category winner
• How to enter: Tamariki can enter through the SPCA Kids’ Portal using the QR code or link on the poster and competition entry sheet.

Email: principal@oratia.school.nz
Website: https://www.oratia.school.nz
Location: 1 Shaw Road, Oratia, Auckland 0604, Auckland, New Zealand
Phone: +64 9 818-6216
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OratiaSchool/