Principal's Message...
Kia ora whānau, I would like to acknowledge all the students, staff, and our parent community at Oamaru Intermediate School. I know first-hand how overwhelming the start of the year can be, as students settle into new routines and classrooms and learn the O.I.S way. I want to commend every one of you for the positive energy and enthusiasm you have brought to the start of the year. Students are taking on new challenges and expectations in their stride. We really value your support.
Thank you for your support in ensuring that your child is in the correct uniform every day. Hats are compulsory in Terms 1 and 4. Please note that nail polish, makeup, and jewellery are not to be worn to school. Your child is able to wear one pair of stud earrings in their ears and a watch.
I believe the two years that your child will spend at Intermediate are a very special time in a child’s life and education. It is a time that they can find out what they like, and perhaps more importantly, what they might need more support with, in a safe and secure environment. At O.I.S, we provide a wide range of activities so that every child can find and follow their passions. We want our young people to experience a balance between academic success, positive social interactions, and full involvement in sports, cultural activities and the arts. We also want them to have a bit of fun along the way!
At O.I.S, we talk about being IDEAL students. You may often hear the phrase “At O.I.S, we are IDEAL students”.
The D in IDEAL is for Daring to succeed. Examples of this can look like
Being at school on time, being ready to learn and having the right gear.
Accepting a challenge and being brave enough to try new things.
Setting goals and working towards achieving them.
The E is for Engaging with mana. Taking pride in ourselves and how we look is a key component of this. At O.I.S, we are very proud of our uniform and how it is worn. An important part of our culture is how we engage positively with people face-to-face and online on any social media platform.
We have zero tolerance for hands-on, swearing, name-calling and racial or repeated bullying comments.
Doing the right thing takes courage and can often mean speaking out when we know something isn’t right. We encourage students to stand up for what they know is right. We also encourage students to live the values both at school, at home and in our community. Over the weekend, take a moment to reflect on your values as a family and how they align with the O.I.S way. Discuss these and how these values can be demonstrated in different contexts.
We have an open-door policy, and we encourage you to talk with your teacher if your child is coming home unhappy or concerned about something. Your first port of contact is your child’s classroom teacher. This is easily done via email or by making a phone call to the office to set up a meeting.
TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMME
Our technology programme has started. The students will get one half-day block of tech 8 times over the term. During this time, they will rotate around our four different tech areas. Keep an eye on Facebook to see what our students are doing in technology.
YEAR 8 CAMP
Today, information has gone home to parents regarding the cost and fundraising that is happening at school. 100% attendance is expected at camp, so we do encourage you to take up the fundraising opportunities we have available this term. If you have any questions regarding camps, please contact your child’s teacher.
COMMUNICATION
Each weekend, our classroom teachers send an email to whānau. This email will outline any upcoming events or reminders. O.I.S is a busy place, and your child will need our support in learning new systems and keeping up to date. We would encourage you to follow us on Facebook and check your emails.
VISITING SCHOOL
If you need to speak with your child or pick your child up during the day, we do ask that you come to the office and sign in. Please do not go to the classroom.
SAFETY
Our school gate is very busy at 8.30 am and 2.45 pm - 3.00 pm. For the safety of our students and staff on duty, can you PLEASE not park on Pembroke Street near the school entrance? You can pick your child up from the gate off the main road, and the Dacre Street gate is open. This is a great option for picking up your child. Make a plan with your child in the morning.
PHONES
If your child needs to bring a phone to school, it must be turned off and handed into their classroom teacher at the start of the day. It is kept secure until the bell rings at the end of the day, and then returned to your child.
NEW WORLD
We ask that O.I.S students do not go into New World before or after school unless an adult is with them. Students are not to ride or scooter through the New World car park at any stage. They must go around.
SCHOOL ABSENCES & LATENESS
If your child is going to be absent or late, we require Parents/Caregivers to ring the school office before 9 am (437 0822) each day or text 022 327 5057 with your child's name and the reason for their absence. The reason is really important as we use different codes for attendance to ensure absences are being recorded accurately.
Non-contact with parents will result in your child being recorded as truant. A notification is then sent to our truancy service.
Any student who is running late in the morning or leaving for appointments during the day must come to the office and Sign In/out on the Vistab system.
SCHOOL LUNCHES
Our school is part of the Lunch in Schools programme. Each child is provided with a hot school lunch. We have been extremely impressed with how many students are taking this opportunity. If your child is not going to have a school lunch, then they must bring their own lunch to sit and eat.
I hope you all enjoy your long weekend
Ngā mihi nui