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Welcome to Otamatea Christian School Athletics Day was awesome! We all had a great time! Thank you to all our helpers, staff, children, and parents. Please send any photos from the day you have to .... lynettebellteach@ gmail.com Hi I am Mark Bell the Principal of Otamatea Christian School. Click on the picture to read my welcome message. A.C.E Academic Christian Education Specialised New Entrant Programme Warm Family Atmosphere Small Teacher to Child Ratios Year 1 to Year 13 International Students Approved Specialised Distance Learning Programme Excellent Rural Environment Qualified and Experienced Teachers Year 12 student essay on the A.C.E curriculum 2021 E.R.O REPORT E.R.O stated in their last report that Otamatea Christian School "is a physically and emotionally safe place for students". This is evident in our warm and friendly atmosphere. PROSPECTUS ​ FRIENDS OF THE SCHOOL - SCHOOL FUNDRAISER ​ OUR SCHOOL We teach a great curriculum, and we also have lots of fun outdoors, cooking, making puppet shows, community gardening... ABOUT US Vision: “Tomorrow’s Community Leaders for Life” ​ The vision of our school is based on the school motto: ​ “Grace and Truth/Wisdom and Faith.” We wish to deliver a Christian education to our students that equips them spiritually and academically to lead, impact positively and shine the light of Christ on the lives of each other, local community and beyond. ​ School Mission Statement: ​ Otamatea Christian School has a threefold mission: ​ To affirm basic Christian values by training students in the way they should go To equip students to lead others To provide a quality academic education How we do this : By providing an education that fosters spiritual and academic growth as well as releasing the talents of each student for God’s service. By providing support to Christian families in the education and training of their children, in the ways of the Lord. By providing an education, that develops responsible, mature and balanced young people with a view of life fashioned and unified by GOD’S WORD. By promoting and teaching the lordship of JESUS CHRIST, the fullness of the HOLY SPIRIT and the ultimate authority of GOD’S WORD in all aspects of the school. Our Values SPIRITUALLY we strive for: Grace & Truth Wisdom & Faith Honouring & Serving Integrity & Stewardship ACADEMICALLY we are: Teachable Creative & Innovative Engaged & Motivated Diligent & Responsible FIND US CONTACT FORM We thank you for your interest in our school. If you would like more information, or to enrol, please contact us by filling in the contact form. ​ 98 Hurndall St Maungaturoto 0520 (Behind Congregational Church) New Zealand ​ Success! Message received. Send OPENING HOURS: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 3pm Phone: 09) 431 8487 ​

Distance learning fees for the 2023 As an independent school, OCS is a non-profit organisation that operates independently of the government. Operating costs of the school are covered by tuition fees and donations. All fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax of 15%. The School reserves the right to change fees at any time. Where possible, one term’s notice of the expected increase will be provided. Distance Learning: $6,000.00 per annum $1,500.00 per quarter ​ ​ Curriculum Resources and Stationery: $600.00 per annum $150.00 per quarter

KAPAHAKA We involve the whole school in our Kapahaka group, so we have a fairly large group (currently 30 students approx.) from 5 yrs old up to 16 years. Our school Kapahaka group has only been going for a little while, despite this, the students have embraced their cultural learning and are performing extremely well, with a lot of great comments and feedback from our audiences. Over the last few years, we have performed at various places, and every year at our school prize giving. We teach waiata (songs) that support our schools' ethics and values, and our aim is to impute Wairua Tapu (God's Holy Spirit) and God's message through our performances. ​

SCHOOL POLICIES The school policies can be found by clicking on the following links. Please contact the school for more information. Attendance Policy Enrolment Policy E.O.T.C (Education outside the classroom) Policy Equal Employment Opportunities Policy Internet Safety Policy (incl. internet bullying) Physical Restraint Policy Child Protection Policy Health & Safety Policy Privacy Policy Stand down & Suspension Policy Vulnerable Children Policy

Become a friend of the school with regular donations, lump sum donations or bequests, by filling out our contact details form and donating online to: BANK DETAILS 02-0484-0105879-00 REFERENCE OCSGIFT CODE Your name Donations are tax deductible for NZ residents Contact Information First Name Last Name Email Street Address Street Address Line 2 City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip code Country Country Code Phone Additional Info > Thanks for submitting!

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Otamatea Christian School is an independent Christian, co-educational school with a warm family atmosphere and an emphasis on character training, values education and high academic standards. Our school has a fine record of providing opportunities for all students who are determined to succeed and who wish to achieve to their full potential. Our senior students strive to achieve a variety of certificates including our High School Advanced Certificate and our Certificate of Achievement with Level 3 endorsements which are both accepted as university entrance for Universities and Tertiary Institutes throughout New Zealand. We aim to assist our students to take full responsibility for their learning and behaviour and we know that quality learning comes from a close partnership between home and school. As a school we encourage parents and caregivers to be an integral part of the school. ​ ​ We have qualified caring staff who encourage all students: ​ • To aim for excellence • To work towards achieving their God-given potential in all areas including the arts, sports and academics. • To have enquiring minds, a sense of discipline, co-operation and responsibility. • To develop an appreciation of their cultural background, a capacity for leadership, concern and respect for others. • To demonstrate high standards of honesty, integrity, courtesy, tolerance and loyalty. • To prepare for future tertiary and vocational opportunities and to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for their chosen career.​ I look forward to meeting students who join our school family and have chosen OCS as their educational provider whether you are a day student, an international visitor or working from home as a distance learner. I know that your association with Otamatea Christian School will be challenging, stimulating and rewarding throughout your educational journey.

Accelerated Christian Education (ACE) curriculum is being used at all levels. ACE resources complement and enhance the New Zealand curriculum. Christian moral standards and truths are integrated throughout all subjects. Children are assessed and graded on the basis of their achievement level in each major subject, rather than on their age. This means less able students are not so likely to develop low self-esteem and more able students can be more fully extended. The educational philosophy of ACE is that children read rather than listen to gain knowledge, and that the “teacher” supervises that learning. Because the system is self-instructional, the supervisors can focus their attention on individual children and the specific areas where assistance is needed. ACE has an excellent program for teaching young children to read; “Reading Readiness” and ABC’s which use a phonetic approach to the alphabet. Once children are able to read, they are presented in each subject with a series of instructional workbooks (PACE’s). The concepts and knowledge in each PACE build upon each other. Each PACE is mastered before a student moves up to the next one, thus eliminating gaps in learning. Senior students , upon completion of a subject, receive credits, which when enough have accrued, qualify them for an ACE Certificate. Students from Year 7 to Year 10 are also extended in the afternoon into many areas to develop the gifts God has given them. They participate in National Student Convention and have a choice of participating in South Pacific Convention and International Convention competing against other A.C.E students around the world in a wide variety of disciplines in Academics, Athletics, Visual Arts, Manual Arts, Performance Arts, Media Arts, Music – vocal and instrumental. More about the Accelerated Christian Education Program The Accelerated Christian Education program is a total package, self-instructional curriculum covering all grade levels and core subjects from Kindergarten through to Year 13. For over 40 years the A.C.E. curriculum has been successfully used by thousands of students in NZ. It is now used in thousands of Christian schools in over 140 countries as well as being used by thousands of home schooling families. Each subject is presented in a series of self-instructional workbooks, called PACEs, progressively graduated so that new concepts and truths build upon previously mastered ones. An 80% pass mark is required in each PACE before a student is permitted to proceed to the next PACE. Twelve PACEs represent one year’s work in each subject. ​ Christian World View All educational curriculum in its content and prescribed methodology presents a particular philosophical position or world view. Public education presents a secular or humanistic world view. The philosophy behind the A.C.E. curriculum is built on basic Biblical principles so that students are taught to see life from God’s point of view as they study the standard subjects of English, Science, Social Studies etc. Biblical values and concepts considered foundational to successful living are conveyed throughout the curriculum in such a way as to become life-shaping influences. A.C.E. is nondenominational. Built on Five Basic Laws of Learning The following five principals under gird the A.C.E system of learning: Students must be placed at the academic level in each subject where they can perform. Reasonable goals must be set each school day. Students must be controlled and motivated. Learning must be measurable. Learning must be rewarded. Meets Individual Needs One of the main principles of the A.C.E. curriculum is that students work at their own achievement level and this can differ from subject to subject. On completing diagnostic tests to determine learning gaps and achievement levels, each student is given an individual academic prescription that will meet his individual needs ensuring that he works at his own achievement level. The nature of the curriculum also allows students to work at their own pace according to their own ability. It is able to meet the individual needs of each student. Mastery Based Learning Advancement through the A.C.E. programme is attained only through learning. Only when a student has sufficiently mastered the contents of a PACE can he advance to the next PACE in the full scope and sequence curriculum. Procedures There are various procedures built into the A.C.E. programme. These procedures when properly utilised can produce the following results: Daily goal setting Students taking responsibility for their own learning A high standard of quality control Mastery of concepts Continual and consistent assessment of student’s learning Academic excellence Self-Instructional Good work habits ​ Self-Instructional Initially the student learns to read using our phonics based programme. Then they read to learn. The student is responsible for setting goals and completing them. The Supervisor (Teacher) is there to clarify and assist the student as needed as well as encourage, motivate and discipline according to procedures if required. Work not completed goes home as homework and parents are expected to supervise their children to complete their work. Character Development One of the features of the A.C.E. curriculum is that it incorporates character building and wisdom principles. Christian truths and Biblical principles are integrated through all subjects. Each PACE promotes one of sixty character traits identifiable in the life of Christ and these are reinforced by a Scripture passage. A.C.E CERTIFICATE RECOGNITION Secondary Qualification A.C.E. offers several of its own secondary qualifications based on various credit requirements. The two highest of these have been assessed by the NZ Vice Chancellors’ Committee and are eligible to be considered for admission ‘ad eundem statum’ (at the same status) as NCEA Level 3, university entrance level by a NZ university. A student must complete 12 PACEs per subject commencing at PACE level 1085 to gain 2 credits towards an A.C.E. Certificate. NZ ACE Level 3 Certificates Approved as University Entrance A letter from the Chair of the New Zealand Vice-chancellor’s Committee’s Subcommittee on Entrance states: This is to certify that the New Zealand Accelerated Education (ACE) Level 3 Certificates are accepted by the New Zealand universities for admission ad eundem statum at entrance level” Students with an ACE Level 3 Certificate must have at least 4 credits in level 3 subjects including at least 3 subjects from 3 different subject domains. Students who achieve a High School Advanced Certificate or a Certificate of Achievement with 10 credits at Level 3 and with a minimum average of 93% in those 5 subjects will be awarded this certificate with honours. The A.C.E. Academic council of New Zealand considers this to be at least at an A Bursary level. Many students have also gained entrance into a number of overseas institutes of higher learning. The following is a list of the A.C.E. Certificates available in New Zealand: NZ Record of Attainment (minimum 10 credits) PACE 37+ NZ Certificate of Achievement Level (minimum 8 credits) PACE 85+ NZ Certificate of Achievement Level 1 (12 credits) PACE 85+ NZ Certificate of Achievement Level 2 (12 credits) PACE 97+ NZ Certificate of Achievement Level 3 (16 credits) PACE 97+ NZ High School Certificate Level 1 (30 credits) PACE 85-1108 NZ High School Certificate Level 2 (30 credits) PACE 85-1120 NZ High School Advanced Certificate Level 3 (48 Credits) PACE 85-1120 Level 3 Certificates can be awarded with honours. There are printed guidelines for each of these certificates.

Newsletters: Please click here for the latest newsletter. 2022 Latest News: Pet Day We had a wonderful day, with lots of fun, friends and fellowship! Everyone worked hard, and our students did great in their entered events! Thank you to all the helpers, organisers and judges on the day! See photos below... ATHLETICS & CROSS COUNTRY DAYS This year we had the privilege of hosting our annual sports days joined with the local home-schoolers! We had fantastic weather and great competition. Children got to catch up with friends, and create new friendships. Below are a few photos from the events. Athletics: Cross Country 2021:

HISTORY ​ Background In 1986, the pastor of the Maungaturoto Congregational Church, Robert Steedman was experiencing the struggles of raising a family who attended the local school. Dissatisfied, he and his wife Lynelle figured there must be a better way to educate children to think and live Christianly. They searched and discovered schools starting up around the country using Accelerated Christian Education. Together with Malcolm Cullen, also of the Congregational Church, they met and were inspired by Ross Davies, Ken Francis and Dick Gordon who were operating a school at Kamo and Alan O’Neil at Dargaville. They decided to do the same. During the first term of 1987, Debra Windsor, who would be the first senior supervisor, lived at Kamo and worked with Ken Francis to learn all about how ACE operated. They proceeded to set up a school board under the church elders and began planning a school to operate at the church. In due course they opened Otamatea Christian School on April 22, 1987. The initial student body consisted of 14 primary school aged children, mostly from the Maungatoroto Congregational Church and the Assemblies of God. In the following year there were 28 students in the school. Gradually they extended the top age of the student body up into the secondary school. The Accelerated Christian education style was working well for them. There was a real sense that school was an extension of family life as parents were integrally involved in the running of the school. ​ Additional Buildings In 1991 a building was brought in and attached to the back of the church to provide additional classroom space. In 2004 an attractive purpose built school building was constructed at the back of the property freeing up the church building. ​ School Staffing The Steedmans left at the end of 1991 at which time Les Gribben became the principal. Les faithfully continued in this role until he handed the baton to Lynette Bell in 2009. Lynette Bell continued to ‘Stay the Course’ and grow the school to 43 students during her time as principal. She believed in releasing the talents and gifts students had been blessed with and opened the school to those that would not be able to afford Christian Education through the introduction of Scholarships and Sponsorship. She served in this role for 6 years until 2015 where she handed over the leadership of the school to her husband, Mark Bell. Mark Bell has been working in the school since 2011. Both Lynette and Mark are called to the Mission Field of providing a strong Bible based Christian Education in our area. They work as a team and hold a passionate vision for Christian Education in which all core subjects are infused with scripture and guided by the word of God. ​ School Community During the time the school has been open, there has been a cross-section of Christian families and non-Christian families and children that have participated fully in the school community. Notably there have been families while based at the Youth With a Mission base at Paparoa contributing to the school community. There is a continuing warm and supportive relationship built up with the other churches in the district. The school has been a valuable contributor to the fellowship of ACE schools and home educators, being actively involved with conferences and conventions, and the local NZACS regional events. Teachers and volunteers from parents, to grandparents, to friends of the school, willingly give of their time and are a blessing to those lives they touch. ​ Conclusion Otamatea Christian School still remains an independent school. Faith and Trust in God are paramount to its smooth running spiritually, physically and financially. Since the early days many students have passed through our school and have achieved outstanding results in their chosen paths including tertiary education. In recent years students that have been through our school have ended up studying medicine, law, physiotherapy, genetics. Some students have gone on to be teachers, nurses or linguists. Other occupations that our students are called to include engineering, building, architecture, social work and building. Otamatea Christian School has been a wonderful example of a community of faithful families educating their children in the knowledge of the Lord and a shining light to those members of the community that have come through its doors in times of storm and uncertainty. Especially in recent years non Christian children and families that have joined our school community have given their lives to Christ. Thus the school has transitioned from a school essentially focused on discipleship to a school also focused on evangelism of those that do not know Christ.

OUR SCHOOL GARDEN About At Otamatea Christian School, we are enthusiastic about the environment and growing fresh vegetables and fruit for our students to eat, and also to share with our school families and the community! We have a large area dedicated to vegetable gardens, and on the perimeter of our school field, and dotted around the school property, there are various fruit trees. We are also part of Tahi NZ "bees in schools" programme. Tahi NZ have put beehives in our back paddock, and are teaching groups of students beehive keeping. The students get to keep some honey for themselves, and Tahi NZ give honey to the school, and provide suits for the students! A large part of the school property is our school nature reserve. Here the children learn about natives, various trees, plants, weed and pest control.

Cyclone Gabrielle Our School was hit by Cyclone Gabrielle which raged its devastating blast in our small community of Maungaturoto. Power and Cell Tower transmission was lost but it has been restored to the main town of Maungaturoto. Children coming from outlying areas are still facing power lines down, and no way of communication due to cell towers being down, being cut off by slips on roads. Members of our school family have lost roofing on sheds and have had to deal with flooding, property damaged. Our farming families are without power for milking. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The school has lost 3 class rooms due to the roof being blown off. We have lost our art/technology room, our music room and the junior afternoon room. There is a lot of damage to these rooms and the children have lost their playground for now as it has had to be cordoned off because the roof landed in it. The blessing is that we started school a week earlier than most schools so even though we have been closed for a week the students have not lost any learning time. The whole school is set up to operate from the main building, that was not damaged. We are insured and the rebuild would will take time. There may be disruptions and noise and more traffic as the re-build takes place. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ How Can You Help ? Please pray for the staff and children for a positive attitude, for patience, diligence and stewardship. If you want to partner with our school, which is in a growth cycle, press the Friends of the School button. ​ Friends of the School