In late January, OTHC held the annual Orientation Day for all our new Year 9 students. This day is held for our new students to get a feel of the place, meet their teachers and start the high school journey. This day is supported by the college’s Peer Supporters team. This day is run by Mr Kimiangatau one of the college’s Deputy Principals. He expressed his thoughts on the day and its significance. “The Year 9 pōwhiri is always a highlight of the calendar. A time where the OTHC whānau grow and we welcome not only the students but their families to our school. To start their journey with us honouring the tiriti and tikanga Māori through a formal welcoming like pōwhiri is uniquely NZ.  The students were nervous as usual but as they worked through the orientation process and made connections with students and staff, you could see the nerves turn to excitement and joy. The pōwhiri and day was a huge success, and I'd like to thank the team behind such an occasion, as it is only successful through the work of many.” A couple Year 9s were also interviewed to give their feedback about their experiences moving from intermediate to high school. New student Charis Tuaiti said, “It was different adapting to a new environment and hard to take it all in. The senior students were really cool, and we had lots of fun having them show us around.” 

Hunter Le’au also expressed his thoughts adding, “I liked the new environment and meeting all the different people especially the staff who were pretty cool. The senior students were very kind and helpful showing us around the school.”   Overall, the day was a success, and it allowed the new Year 9 students to feel less nervous about starting their high school journey. It has started on a positive note ensuring them that there are student leaders and staff who are ready to always help them at OTHC.

SITI KAMAL & NILA VIMALENTHIRAN - NEWS MEDIA TEAM