O.I.S Newsletter - 15 May 2026
Our Purpose: To prepare students to be active participants who will contribute to their community.
It has certainly been lovely to have the sun shining! The very positive attitude of our students and staff supports a high impact on our learning environment. Today, we celebrate our wonderful support staff team and express our sincere gratitude for their dedication and hard work. Our support staff, including our administration team, property manager, and teacher aides, play a vital role in our school community. Their efforts contribute significantly to a positive learning environment and have a direct, positive impact on student learning and well-being. We deeply appreciate their collaboration with teachers to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
A huge well done to our entire community for your incredible support in selling Cadbury chocolates! We also want to extend a massive thank you to Amanda Notman, Jude Garrett, and our team of money-counting volunteers, Helen Reeves, Sara Daly and Alicia Jones who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support this drive.
Final Call for Returns: While the fundraiser has been a success, we still have several students who need to return their money.
Deadline: Please ensure all outstanding funds are in by Monday, May 18.
Drop-off: Please take all money directly to Amanda Notman in Room 11.
Thank you for helping us cross the finish line!
A huge thank you to the students who went to the Network Waitaki Event Centre opening on our behalf. A massive shout-out also goes to our students who were involved in the Pōwhiri.
Our winter sports programme is in full swing, with students actively playing hockey, basketball, and netball. I am looking forward to watching these games!
We are encouraging all Year 8 students and their whānau to head along to the upcoming open nights at Waitaki Boys' High and Waitaki Girls' High over the next two weeks. While this exciting step can sometimes spark uncertainty and be unsettling for some, attending these events is an important part of gathering information to help make well-informed decisions for 2027.
Today, a number of our students and staff were wearing something pink. This is a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of Bullying. Pink Shirt Day is an anti-bullying movement that celebrates diversity and creates environments where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected.
At Oamaru Intermediate, one of our values is Acting with Respect, which means respecting self, others' opinions, religions, identity, and our environment. We are always talking about doing the right thing even when others are choosing not to, speaking up when something isn’t right, and seeking help when a situation is unsafe. Keep talking with your child about calling out inappropriate and unsafe behaviour, whether it be online or face-to-face. We can all do our part to stop bullying.
This week, I have taken the time to reflect on what we can do as parents to support our children’s mental health and well-being.
Create a safe and supportive home environment: providing lots of opportunities to actively listen and encourage open communication, and providing emotional support when needed.
Encourage healthy habits: a balanced diet, regular exercise, digital-free time, and adequate sleep can have a huge impact on your child’s well-being.
Model healthy coping strategies: We can model healthy coping strategies for our children by managing our stress in a healthy way. This can include practising self-care, seeking support from friends and family, or seeking professional help when needed. As adults, our children take cues from us, they watch how we react and respond to different situations. Our children learn from us.
Take an interest in what your child is doing out of school, spend time with your child, and know who they are hanging out with and who they are talking to online.
Be aware of warning signs: It's important for us to be aware of warning signs that may indicate that our child is struggling. These signs can include changes in behaviour, academic performance, or social interactions. If you are worried about your child, then do reach out for professional help. This can include talking to your child's doctor, Fiona - Public Health Nurse, Youthline, or a mental health professional. Early intervention can make a big difference in a child's mental health outcomes.
Remember that every child is unique and may require different approaches to maintain good mental health. At Oamaru Intermediate, we have an open-door policy, where students and whānau are always welcome to speak with their teachers about any concerns they are having. If you have a concern or have noticed a change in your child, do reach out to your child’s classroom teacher. They are only too willing to support and connect with you.
Have a safe and enjoyable weekend
Rebecca Meek
Tumuaki, Oamaru Intermediate School