O.I.S. Newsletter - 10 October, 2025
Welcome back to Term 4! We are certainly enjoying the sunny weather and looking forward to a very busy term ahead with many exciting opportunities and activities planned, including athletics, the Diligence Assembly and Prizegiving, speeches, and orientation visits.
Thank you for your support today in keeping sick students at home. We appreciate it, as there seems to be a bug spreading through the school.
A special welcome back to Matt Brien, who has returned from his overseas trip. This term, we welcome Sophie Henderson, Jake Stow, Colleen Carroll and Mequa Smart to our team. Sophie is teaching in the Art room and supporting in the classrooms. Jake will be teaching in the Materials Technology room from week 6. Colleen and Mequa have joined the support staff team. We are excited to have them on our team.
This term is especially important for our Year 8 cohort, as it’s their last term at Oamaru Intermediate. With high school enrolment underway, the transition process begins. As we know, change can look and feel different for everyone, so it’s important we remind our students to be respectful of one another as they prepare for their next step. If you require financial support for your child's high school uniform, the JR McKenzie Trust offers assistance. Application forms are available at the school office.
Looking ahead to next year, our Year 8 camping programme will take place early in the year. Students will attend camp with their homeroom teacher and buddy class. Our current Year 7 students have already received information about this. With the cost of camp around $350, it’s important for families to start financial planning. To help with this, our team has put together a raffle that your child can take part in. We strongly encourage families to participate in this fundraiser. If your child has not come home with tickets, please send them to the office to get them. Two raffle cards will pay the deposit, and 7 raffle cards will pay off your child's camp. 2026 will come around fast, and it is important that we plan for this. Please take advantage of this opportunity, as we want to see every Year 8 student experience camp.
Uniform Reminders: As we transition into summer, girls are expected to wear white ankle socks as part of their uniform. Additionally, all students must have a navy or black hat for PE and break times. Please also ensure that students wear black leather lace-up shoes for the remainder of the term.
A gentle reminder to ensure your child is in the correct school uniform every day. If your child is out of uniform for any reason, please have them report to the office for a uniform pass. Wearing the correct uniform supports students in being set up for success.
Important Dates:
Thursday 23 October: NZEI Strike Day. School is closed
Monday 27 October: School Closed for Labour Day
Tuesday 28 October: Teacher-Only Day: Supervision provided for those who need it.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!
Rebecca Meek