Poetry

War
Blood splatters the trench red.
Someone’s heart explodes with sorrow and tears of pain roll down cheeks.
A merciless sniper makes his 98th kill,
98 families are heart broken, distraught.
Bombs fall like rain exploding when they hit the ground.
Grenades fly. Land. Shatter into a million pieces penetrating skin and flesh.
Ripping through someone’s soul.
Lifeless bodies fall to the ground.
- Resting in heavens hands

Nicholas Brabyn



Aborigines
Curious brave
Hunting for food
Harmony with the land
Dancing around the fire happily.

Chloe Cakau



Waterfall
Flowing gracefully
Clear water glistening
Sharp rocks pointing upwards Birds singing in the background

Chloe Cakau




Haiku
Thundering grey waves
Foamy manes of sea horses
Upon the white spray

Greta Lund




Autumn
Golden dancers pass
The beauty is breathtaking
Hide from the soft chill

Jessica McFelin



Diamante
Hot
Warm dehydrated
Burning steaming heating
Fire sun ice glacier
Chilling shivering numbing
Bitter freezing
Cold

Julia Musgrave




Diamante
Honesty
Loyal faithful
Caring sharing understanding
Truthfully blissfully guilty heart-rending
Suffering hurting distressing
Cruel nasty
Lies

Maloti Maama




Diamante
Sea
Freezing wet
Splashes swirls engulfs
Salty spray sterile isolated
Shrivels cooks heats
Sweltering waterless
Desert

Georgia Shepherd




The Haunted House

Howls and moans
From inside
Rattle the windows
Tap on the panes.
Vines draped over the slanted roof
Whip the air
Aimlessly.
Broken down doors, smashed beer bottles
Add to the gloom of this rickety, forgotten mansion.

Overgrown weeds
Peep over the cracks on the pavement
Tiles caked with dirt and mud
Forgotten, unopened letters lie on the doorstep
Ancient, soggy papers rustle in the light breeze, advertisements flap on the garden path
Their once bright colours
Faded into near nothingness
Old empty soda cans and chip cartons
Peep out from under dustbin lids
Hopefully
As if someone might use them again.

And blood,
Blood is everywhere!
Leaking from cracks in the bricks
Flowing from shattered windows
Melancholy organ music plays sullenly, darkly
A wolf howls in the distance
This house looks as if
Someone’s taken a nightmare and left it there.

And I,
I am
I am only a ghost
Here
At this
Old
Haunted
House.

Sophie van Waardenberg




Fog
Silent, heavenly
Enveloping the land
In a tight embrace
Like mother to a child

Sophie van Waardenberg




Autumn
Bent, twisted branches
Scraping aimlessly at sky
In search of lost leaves

Sophie van Waardenberg




The Haunted House

Hesitantly inching across the mossy surface of an overgrown path,
Behind, a forest; thick with wild weeds and viny tendrils,
In front lies and old, remote forgotten house.
A house so ancient that it looks like a house no more.
Climbing up rickety stairs to find a pair of big, black eyes staring.
Screams fill the air and the owl hoots loudly as it flies off into the distant.
Recovering,
Opening the door as a damp, musty smell wafts by.
Stepping timidly through a long, dark corridor,
Floorboards creaking, creaking.
Suddenly, from the corner of my eyes,
Spying several misty forms, all coming towards me.
Quaking in terror as the ghosts circle me,
Trying to grip my soul and make it their own.
Screeching in anguish, felling cruel, heartless, bony hands grapping with my sprit.
Trying to run but it’s too late- they’ve got me.
“Your ours now” they shrieked with a bloodcurdling cackle
“We’ve got you and we’ll never let you go”.
Falling in an endless pit,
Coming out.
Knowing.
Different.
One of them now.
Waiting……………..Waiting.

Livne' Ore




The Olympics!!!

Olympics where all countries will meet
Long distance runners, walkers and swimmers compete
Yachting, windsurfing, rowing and all water sports
Marching to glory and medal and sorts
People casting aside all their hatred and fears
In a time of courage and honour and tears
China hosted the Olympics 2008
Sports is the pathway to peace over hate

Afi Jenkinson




Spooky, slithering, snared
slippery, slashed, sneaky,
slaughtering, striped,
stretched, snake

Omar Khan




Call from You
There I was,
All alone,
Waiting silently,
By the phone,

Expecting nothing,
Nothing at all,
But secretly hoping,
You would call.

Sonnyeo Htay




Beauty
Beauty is not your face,
In this Human Race,
It’s the love that’s shared with others,
What children get from their mothers,
It shall not be harmful or become a disgrace,
It shall be the sun shining in the morning, hitting your soft sweet face.

Maria Yoon

Royal Oak Primary and Royal Oak Intermediate Cultural Exchange

On Friday 28 November our two schools had an exchange of cultures in the Royal Oak Intermediate School Hall. First the intermediate Tongan Girls group performed - the Taulunga, followed by the intermediate boys group who performed the Taufakaniua. Both performances were awesome! Then it was Royal Oak Primary School's turn. The boys (only 11 of them!) blew the roof off the hall with their haka! This was followed by the primary girls who performed a Tongan dance and the Samoan sasa. After sharing the perfomances, it was the Year 7 & 8's turn to have a go at teaching the primary students a little piece of their dances. There was a lot of fun and laughter and new friendships were formed. Special thanks to all the adults and tutors involved - it was an awesome afternoon all round!
Malo aupito!

Central Zone Athletics

This year a large group of students were selected to represent our school at the Central Zone Athletics competition. Our pupils competed against students from all over Auckland. Central Zone results:

Junior Girls Discus - Anne Loa - 3rd
Junior Girls Shotput - Anne Loa - 3rd
Junior Boys Long Jump - Mika Steinmetz - 2nd
Junior Boys Discus - Karl Ofanoa - 2nd
Intermediate Girls High Jump - Sarah Hofmann - 3rd
Intermediate Girls Long Jump - Sarah Hofmann - 1st
Intermediate Boys Discus - Jarred Curtis - 1st
Senior Boys Discus - William Tonorio - 1st
Senior Boys Shotput - William Tonorio - 2nd
Senior Boys Shotput - Chris Sagaga - 3rd
Senior Boys Relay Team -Elia Fata, Tommy Rees, William Tonorio, and Baxter Pepe - 1st

The students displayed excellent behaviour and enjoyed their day. Thanks must go to Mr Oakley and Ms Davids for supporting the students so enthusiastically.

Eleni Lokotui

REC Group

In 2008 the Salvation Army staff offered their time and expertise to work with selected Year 7 and Year 8 students. REC was both fun and educational. Students learnt a lot about supporting each other, risk taking and working as a team. Students were also encouraged to develop their leadership skills. Although there were a lot of ups and downs, everyone had a great time. We would like to give a special thanks to the Salvation Army staff for all of their hard work.


Shanelle Poa and Martha Laufoi.

Central Zone Touch

On November 19 three strong teams went to the Central Zone Touch tournament. The three teams scored lots of tries and played hard. The students were exhausted after the tournament because all the players did their very best. The girls’ team played well but were not placed, the boys came second and the mixed team won their competition. The mixed team went on to compete at the Interzone Competition. Royal Oak Intermediate was proud of all the teams and hope they continue playing touch.

Girls Team:
Fiona Taupau, Manako Nemaia, Elena Tou (tapuosi), Summer Rolfe, Joanna Tova, Michelle Folaumoetui, Ofeira Vaomua, Angel Ashby, Amrita Dewan, Montana Taogaga.

Boys Team:
William Tonorio, Fred Taupau, Jordan Fonokalafi, Kereti Fa’aea, Vincent Faitau, Elia Fata, Hira-Lee Jensen, Wade Coe, Jay Ratu, Hamuera Nathan, Sione Tuifua, Sam Tuifua, Frank Fonokalafi, Hapate Cope.

Mixed Team:
Jury Ryan, Hayleigh Niao, Baxter Pepe, Sam Lulia, Elkan Faasavala, William Tutuila, Tua Faleafaga, Xanthe Vaimalu, Mary Taupau, Maria Tova.

Yearbook Team

This year Yearbook has been very stressful but enjoyable. The year has been full of surprises and lots of hard work. We all had to pitch in and go way back to get information. I enjoyed being part of the yearbook team and had alot of fun.

Staane Rowe




Yearbook this year has been successful once again. It was difficult, but we finally made it in the end. It was really enjoyable, learning how to type school articles for the Yearbook. It was an excellent experience this year and it has been a blast!

Mark Garcia





Being in the Yearbook team meant being committed and responsible for our own actions. It was a great experience working with other students and teachers. Thank you Mrs Campbell for giving me the opportunity of being on the Yearbook committee.

Asinate Waqa





Yearbook has been great this year!
I’ve enjoyed so many experiences in writing.
I’ve learnt a lot this year being in the Yearbook team.
I have made a lot of new friends during my time in the team.
It has been an honour to be in the YEARBOOK TEAM!

Eleni Lokotui



Being in the Yearbook team was a great experience for me and several others. I had an awesome time writing reports about school events that happened during the year. It was good to see everyone working on something and rushing around panicking, trying to get reports finished. I really enjoyed being part of the Yearbook committee. It was a great experience and I liked it.

Maxine Makavilitogia





The Yearbook this year looks great. I struggled at times, but in the end the team and I helped to produced a high quality Yearbook. A lot of hard work and time was spent on this year's Yearbook. I learnt so much, including how to edit the school articles and taking photos on different angles. I enjoyed my time here this year.

Campbell Rolfe




I loved being in the yearbook team because I have learnt so much through the year by doing articles and sorting out photos for every subject in the school. It has been a privilege being in the Yearbook team and I’ve made a lot of friends during the year.

I will be missing Mrs Campbell dearly and Mr Spadoni, they put hours of great work and responsibility throughout the whole year!

Osovale Leulu



Working in the ROI Yearbook Team was a fun and rewarding experience!! It was cool going out of the school and taking photos of all the different events happening around and outside of the school. I had a lot of fun!! Thanks!

Alex Forsyth

Board Chair Report

Talofa Lava, Malo e Lelei, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Kia Orana, Le Hou, Namaste, Ni Hao, Shalom, Guten Tag, Bonjour, Chou ncl. Dohbro-ye-ootra, Ha Luo, Zdravo, Helot, Merhaba, Ni Sa Bula, Gocte vlo'ere, Saalam, Tang, Chao, Kon-nichiwa, As-salam-alai-kum, Tena Koutou Katoa, Greetings.

At a conference for School Trustees this year, one of the most inspiring presentations was given by Ron Rice from the Iowa Association of School Boards in the USA. It was titled “School Boards Matter!” It was a talk on how successful board leadership can make a huge impact on improving student achievement. As a board this is our number one goal at Royal Oak Intermediate.

For many people what the Board does and why it exists is a bit of a mystery! Very simply our job is to ensure the school is doing what it’s supposed to do, within the regulations and framework set by the government. By the way, if you’re keen on finding out more about the board, all our meetings are open to the public and you are more than welcome to attend.

It is also the Board’s role to set a visionary direction of where we want our school to be in a few years time. How will it feel? What will it look like? How successful will it be at developing young people who are outstanding and well-educated citizens?

And how well will Royal Oak Intermediate succeed at reflecting the hopes and aspirations of the school’s wider community?

To achieve this, the Board has begun a review of our Strategic Plan and Vision. This will ensure that the school will continue to grow and improve over the next 3 – 5 years.

An important part of this review is making sure that we hear from you, our school community. So while we have started to talk with the community, we are very keen to encourage our entire whanau to let us know what your dreams are for Royal Oak Intermediate. Our dream is that one day in the near future this school will be considered the very best intermediate in the country!

To help us on our way are some exciting new improvements in the buildings and grounds starting with an inter-challenge confidence course that will be up and running for the new school year. There will be more news next year as our property plans are finalized.

The heart of our school though is the children, and the Board is very proud of the Academic, Sporting and Cultural success that has been achieved this year: the International Exams and Otago Problem Solving; the many sports teams that made it through to the Auckland Championship Competitions; and a fantastic Cultural Show that was created by and showcased the talents of our students.

As well, the Board continues to be delighted with the contributions of students in the everyday running of the school especially the school council and the student health team. It shows a real awareness of their role as part of a community.


To all our whanau who continue to support the school, thank you. We so very much appreciate your passion and loyalty! Also, I would like to thank my fellow Board members for their commitment and hard work. There is a lot of work to be done, with limited time and they do a great job.

Finally, to our wonderful staff – a huge thank you! The tremendous effort they put in lies at the heart of our children’s education. They demonstrate incredible dedication not only in the classroom, but by providing extra curricula opportunities, while continuing their professional development. And on top of that, there is the exciting challenge of implementing a new New Zealand Curriculum!

By all working together we can and do make a real difference for our students!

Best wishes to you all for a safe and happy festive season. Ka kite ano.


Mr Steve Murray


Board Of Trustees:
Steve Murray (Chairperson), Kirsty Hardie Boys, Alona Ben-Tal, Renate Hofmann, Adle Geradts, Darryl Connelly, Merrill Ridgley, Richard Harris, Mariana Faasavala.

Central Zone Boys Kilikiti

The Boys Kilikiti team trained hard leading up to the Central Zone tournament. Their dedication paid off with the boys winning the competition! At the Interzone tournament the boys tried their best, coming second overall. The team played with great pride and displayed some excellent skills on the day. The boys are congratulated for their commitment to training and enthusiasm at the tournaments.


Boys Kilikiti Team:
Omar Khan, Ash Kumar, Waisea Tara, Jayde Siva'a, Jordan Balfour-Bary, Baxter Pepe, Elia Fata, Martin Siitai, Frank Fonokalafi, Jarrod Walker, Leiite Peauala, Jay Ratu, Henry Congerton, Manisela Hala, Phoenix Manukuo, William Tonorio, Costner Hala, Chris Sagaga, Fred Taupau, Robert Aloua, Antony Vavia, Phillip Sinel, Tui Gautusa.

Tongan Boys Group

This year we had a Tongan Boys Group which was led by one of our teachers, Ms Starr. The boys met once a week during period 5 to learn from each other and rehearse performance items. The group performed at Grandparents Day and the Cultural Show. The boys also taught students from Royal Oak Primary some of their moves. The boys would like to thank Ms Starr for all of her support.

Kapa Haka Performance Group

The Kapa Haka group practiced every Wednesday during Period 5. In the Cultural Show the group performed four songs. They opened with Te Timatanga Te Kupu, followed by Korero Tia Mai and Kapioioi. They ended the performance with the traditional Haka. The group would like to thank Matua Chris and Whaea Rose for all their help and support with the dances and songs.

Staane Rowe and Gabrielle Kururangi

Central Zone Tag

The Central Zone Tag tournament was held on a scorching hot day at Cornwall Park. The girls and boys team both placed first in their division, taking them to the Champion of Champions Interzone Tournament. The teams were exhausted afterwards but very proud of themselves. The students are to be commended for their dedication to training, great skills and excellent sportsmanship. Both teams went to the Interzone Competition on 26 November at Cornwall Park. The girls team was second and the boys team was fourth. They had a very successful day.

Girls Team:
Sini Lata, Xanthe Vaimalu, Montana Taogaga, Hayleigh Niao, Tua Faleafaga, Fiona Taupau, Manako Nemaia, Tina Tuibenau, Mary Taupau, Angel Ashby, Michelle Folaumoetui, Tetania Oaariki, Maria Tova.

Boys Team:
Thomas Colenso, Hamuera Nathan, Vincent Faitau, Elia Fata, Jury Ryan, Kereti Fa’aea, Karl Ofanoa, Sione Tuifua, Elkan Faasavala, Sam Lulia, Wade Coe, Hira-Lee Jensen, Baxter Pepe, William Tonorio, Sione Vahaakolo, Frank Fonokalafi, Hapate Cope, Whetu Pompey.

Central Zone Rugby Girls

Royal Oak Intermediate sent one team to the Central Zone Rugby tournament this year. It was a really tough day for the girls as there were a few rain showers. The girls did very well, displaying good skills against the opposition. Special thanks to Mrs Aliifaalogo who trained the team during her lunchtimes.

Girls Rugby Team:
Tatum Wichman, Brittany Fonokalafi, Lana Turner, Montana Taogaga, Afioga Pio, Ratasha Taefu, Danielle Edwards, Tafina Toeoaana, Hayleigh Niao, Mamaene Mamia, Suini Tuisano, Shaniah Wright, Te Aroha Pairama, Rachel Loa, Maria Tova, Michelle Folaumoetui, Latu Misi, Ethelie To’o, Tyneece Moutira, Candace Fitisemanu.


Martha Laufoli

Technology

Technology this year was taught by Miss Davey. Students were given opportunities to create new and fascinating designs for such things as kaleidoscopes, jewellery, masks, house models and camera packs. Students learnt about elements of design and worked at solving problems throughout the production process. We would like to thank Miss Davey for all the effort she put into Technology classes.

Shanelle Poa and Martha Laufoli

Bio Food Technology

Time goes fast when you’re having fun, and that was the exact situation for the Bio Food Technology classes. Both specialisation and extension classes had great experiences and learnt life-long skills. Royal Oak Intermediate students learned how to make a range of dishes such as pizza bread, banana berry smoothies, ethnic rice dishes, muffins and potato cups. Students taste tested different breakfast foods and learnt about healthy eating options. All the Royal Oak pupils had a wonderful year working with Mrs Gounder.

Asinate Waqa and Maria Yoon

Deputy Principal's Report - Andrew Francis

This has been a busy year for me in my new role of Deputy Principal – Curriculum. I am overseeing the development of the new, New Zealand Curriculum at Royal Oak Intermediate and feel confident the school is making good progress toward its implementation. Our plans for the future look very exciting with the advent of an innovative overview for 2009. Topics include; Facing a Challenge, My Future, Creativity, and Enterprise. Teachers are already thinking about resources and creative ways to teach these topics.

I have worked with the school council and have been pleased with the range of ideas discussed at our weekly meetings. They have also kept me informed about what the pupils at Royal Oak Intermediate are thinking. Hot chocolate from the canteen started up again in term two. This was an idea from 2007, but it was this year’s student council who listened to what pupils were saying and organised it to begin again. The councillors have worked hard with school socials, World Vision, class meeting and orientation day visits, which included visits to other schools. They have been a very keen bunch of young people. Special thanks must go to Ryan Palmer (Chairperson) and Michael Lavakula (Secretary) who met with me every Friday to plan and report back on council business. Ryan and Michael have truly been the voice of the student body.

I would like to acknowledge the students of Room 16 in 2007. They will always hold a special place in my heart and it has been a pleasure watching them grow and learn this year. It was a pleasure to teach them.

I wish all the students and their families a safe and happy festive season.

Principal's Report

The students and staff at Royal Oak Intermediate School never cease to amaze me. We recently held a cultural show which epitomises the basis of Royal Oak Intermediate. When students heard there was going to be a show some formed their own groups and asked for teacher support. Teachers gave willingly of their time and energy to help these young people explore their identity as emerging adolescents. In other cases teachers and teacher aides offered opportunities and the students stepped way outside their comfort zone to be involved. This co-operation and co-construction of learning and growing opportunities is a feature of our great school.

Academic endeavours are an important part of all schools. This year we set challenging Reading and Numeracy goals. We set ourselves high targets and while we reached them easily in Reading we fell a little short in Numeracy. This has given us cause for reflection, which is not a bad thing, as it allows us to focus on where to next and look at what we need to do differently. In other academic areas we have continued to hold our own. We were involved in a wide range of extra programmes from Mathex, Science Primary Research Project, Kids’ Lit Quiz and International Exams to name but a few. Royal Oak Intermediate also featured in Auckland sport. We had students competing in Interzone Cross Country, Gymnastics, Kilikiti, Orienteering, Rugby League, Soccer, Tag and Touch. This is a tribute to the hard work of both teachers and students. This year, for the first time, we ran a Home-School Partnership project in Numeracy. This involved teachers, teacher aides and parents working together over four evenings to support parents in understanding how the Numeracy Project works.

While we had sincerely hoped to have the Interchallenge and Astroturf in place before the end of the year this has not happened. I always knew bureaucracy was slow but… never mind, we will see these items in place for 2009 as well as an internal upgrade of the main block.

The school receives huge support from the community; foremost from our Board of Trustees. This dedicated group of people govern the school and support myself in many different ways. I would also like to acknowledge the work that volunteers and support staff do in our school. Without the parental support on school trips and the organisational skills of our administration team, many activities simply could not take place.

2009 will be challenging and exciting. There will be major developments in property that will begin to bring our school very firmly into a 21st Century learning environment. Academically we will remain focused on improving students’ Reading and Numeracy achievement levels. Finally, I appreciate the support of the Board of Trustees, staff, parents and students. From the first moment I stepped into the grounds of Royal Oak Intermediate mid 2008 I knew this was a great school – it is even better than I thought possible. Have a safe and enjoyable break.

Houses

At Royal Oak Intermediate we have a house system. There are four different house: Binsted, Buchanan, Grainger and Jordan. When students first arrive at our school they are randomly put into a house. As the year progresses students earn points for their house. Points can be earned for class work, being a good role model, service to the school and for success in academic, cultural and sporting activities. Each week the winning house is announced at assembly and at the end of term prize giving the winning house for the term is revealed. At the Buchanan Day prize giving in Term 4 the winning house for the year is announced. A student representative is asked to come up on stage to accept the trophy on behalf of all the students in the winning house. There is much friendly competition between the houses at our school.

School Athletics Day

On November 18 the school gathered in house groups ready for Athletics Day. The day began drizzly and cold, but this did not dampen the efforts of the students involved. Everyone tried extremely hard to do their best! Events included: high jump, long jump, shot put, discus, 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and the 1500m. Well done to everyone who participated and a big thank you to Mr Oakley for organising the day!

Acacia Wratten-Stone


100 Metres
Junior Boys 1st Karl Ofanoa, 2nd Maro Bonsu-Maro, 3rd Sione Vahaakolo
Junior Girls: 1st Tyla Hewitt, 2nd Vika Fenunuti, 3rd Jade Naus
Intermediate Boys: 1st Jarred Curtis, 2nd Sione Tuifua, 3rd Tevita Ofa
Intermediate Girls: 1st Tua Faleafaga, 2nd Fiona Taupau, 3rd Mataua Peauala
Senior Boys: 1st Elia Fata, 2nd William Tonorio, 3rd Tommy Rees
Senior Girls: 1st Hayleigh Niao, 2nd Ariana Little, 3rd Charlene Underwood


200 Metres
Junior Boys 1st Karl Ofanoa, 2nd Jachin Rowe, 3rd Adil Bhayani
Junior Girls: 1st Kenya Fuemana, 2nd Sharniah Yorke, 3rd Morgan Gavin
Intermediate Boys: 1st Jarred Curtis, 2nd Daniel Isherwood, 3rd Jack Dai
Intermediate Girls: 1st Fiona Taupau, 2nd Mataua Peauala, 3rd Manako Nemaia
Senior Boys: 1st William Tonorio, 2nd Baxter Pepe, 3rd Jamal Gardiner
Senior Girls: 1st Hayleigh Niao, 2nd Ariana Little, 3rd Michelle Fomaumoetui


400 Metres
Junior Boys 1st Maro Bonsu-Maro, 2nd Mika Steinmetz, 3rd Adil Bhayani
Junior Girls: 1st Jade Naus, 2nd Zoe Bertenshaw, 3rd Mary Taupau
Intermediate Boys: 1st Daniel Isherwood, 2nd Jarred Curtis, 3rd Tevita Ofa
Intermediate Girls: 1st Ellie Finn, 2nd Ashleigh Patton, 3rd Mataua Peauala
Senior Boys: 1st Hira-Lee Jensen, 2nd Ethan Ramritu, 3rd Yayha Ben Jemaa
Senior Girls: 1st Ariana Little, 2nd Hayleigh Niao, 3rd Bronwen Lemow


800 Metres
Junior Boys 1st Maro Bonsu-Maro, 2nd Maioha Roberts, 3rd Jachin Rowe
Junior Girls: 1st Tule Langi, 2nd Maria Tova, 3rd Jade Naus
Intermediate Boys: 1st Daniel Isherwood, 2nd Omar Khan, 3rd Henry Congerton
Intermediate Girls: 1st Ellie Finn, 2nd Fiona Taupau 3rd Mataua Peauala
Senior Boys: 1st Ryan Palmer, 2nd Robert Hill, 3rd Kirk Madgwick
Senior Girls: 1st Acacia Wratten-Stone, 2nd Bronwen Lemow, 3rd Hayleigh Niao


1500 Metres
Junior Boys 1st Adil Bhayani, 2nd Jachin Rowe
Intermediate Boys: 1st Henry Congerton, 2nd Ryan Comer
Intermediate Girls: 1st Ellie Finn, 2nd Mataua Peauala
Senior Boys: 1st Ryan Palmer, 2nd Robert Hill
Senior Girls: 1st Ariana Little, 2nd Bronwen Lemow


High Jump
Junior Boys 1st Karl Ofanoa, 2nd Hamuera Nathan, 3rd Maro Bonsu-Maro
Junior Girls: 1st Maria Tova, 2nd Lee Papua-Vihi, 3rd Latu Misi
Intermediate Boys: 1st Jarred Curtis, 2nd Tevita Ofa, 3rd Daniel Isherwood
Intermediate Girls: 1st Sarah Hofmann, 2nd Lini Hansen 3rd Julia Musgrave
Senior Boys: 1st Baxter Pepe, 2nd Hira-Lee Jensen, 3rd Esera Aufai Ieti
Senior Girls: 1st Maxine Makavilitogia, 2nd Michelle Folaumoetui, 3rd Deana Davis-McNab


Long Jump
Junior Boys 1st Mika Steinmetz, 2nd Karl Ofanoa, 3rd Ermel Ma’u
Junior Girls: 1st Tyla Hewitt, 2nd Tina Clarkson, 3rd Jasmine Aramoana
Intermediate Boys: 1st Jarred Curtis, 2nd Christopher Fa’alau, 3rd Junior Tuta’alili
Intermediate Girls: 1st Sarah Hofmann, 2nd Manako Nemaia 3rd Fiona Taupau
Senior Boys: 1st William Tonorio, 2nd Elkan Faasavala, 3rd Baxter Pepe
Senior Girls: 1st Amrita Dewan, 2nd Deana Davis-McNab, 3rd Michelle Folaumoetui


Discus
Junior Boys 1st Karl Ofanoa, 2nd Wiremu Hazleman, 3rd Barnes Pepe
Junior Girls: 1st Mary Taupau, 2nd Anne Loa, 3rd Lee Papua-Vihi
Intermediate Boys: 1st Viliami Maamaloa, 2nd Jay Ratu, 3rd Jarred Curtis
Intermediate Girls: 1st Sarah Hofmann, 2nd Tina Tuibenau, 3rd Hatesa Esekia
Senior Boys: 1st William Tonorio, 2nd Christopher Taratu, 3rd Baxter Pepe
Senior Girls: 1st Deana Davis-McNab, 2nd Eleni Lokotui, 3rd Brinny Mathias


Shot Put
Junior Boys 1st Eddie Taratu, 2nd Fisa Tuimana, 3rd Sione Taliai
Junior Girls: 1st Emma Siola’a, 2nd Anne Loa, 3rd Mary Taupau & Hannah Matamua
Intermediate Boys: 1st Viliami Maamaloa, 2nd Tui Pulu, 3rd Taniela Matakaiongo
Intermediate Girls: 1st Sini Lata, 2nd Faye Faleafaga, 3rd Te Aroha Pairama
Senior Boys: 1st William Tonorio, 2nd Chris Sagaga, 3rd Jamal Roebeck
Senior Girls: 1st Paxton Brown, 2nd Maxine Makavilitogia, 3rd Ofa Cocker

Central Zone Netball Girls

On July 29 the netball girls of Royal Oak Intermediate competed at the Central Zone Netball tournament. They played in horrible weather conditions and unfortunately did not place in the tournament. The girls tried their very best and displayed excellent sportsmanship throughout the day. They represented our school with pride in the less than perfect conditions. Special thanks to all the supporters who braved the weather and continued to encourage the girls during the day.

Team A:
Eleni Lokotui, Osovale Leulu, Tua Faleafaga, Elena Tapuosi, Amber-Lee Clark, Montana Taogaga, Manako Nemaia, Lynette Talagi, Asinate Waqa, Reba Pinto.

Team B: Candace Fitisemanu, Summer Rolfe, Emma McCluskie, Brinny Mathias, Priya Kanji, Anna Kapi, Salina Kanji, Heather Muliipu, Aimee Lloyd-Parangi, Annelise Muliipu.

Team C: Tetania Oaariki, Julia Musgrave, Hope Tauia, Sini Lata, Paris Fifita, Ashley Cope, Mikayla Busby-Ward, Grace Kaifa, Sharniah Yorke, Maloti Maama.

Tuesday Team:
Jessie Kaufusi, Zoe Bertenshaw, Lee Papua-Vihi, Lucinda Crawford, Jemma Afaaso, Erin Wylde, Natasha Purchase, Alice Bragg, Julia Musgrave, Lucy Kelly.


Eleni Lokotui and Osovale Leulu

Cook Island Group

The Cook Island Group started as a period five activity part way through the school year. The group worked towards performances for Grandparents Day and the Cultural Show. The students showed their parents, family and friends their ways of movements and posture, and how Cook Islanders dance. They rehearsed every Tuesday under the watchful eye of Miss Bell. The group did an amazing job of entertaining their audiences, making them smile from ear to ear!

Central Zone Netball Boys

On August 27 two teams went to the boys Central Zone Netball Competition. The boys trained for several weeks leading up to the tournament and displayed excellent skills on the day. The Year 7 team did very well and won the tournament! The Year 8 team also did well, suffering a narrow loss in the final to Balmoral, overall placing second. Unfortunately there was a miscommunication from the organisers of the Interzone Competition and our teams did not compete. Special thanks to Miss Bell and Kirsty Hardie-Boys for coaching our boys to success.

Year 7 Team:
Barnes Pepe, Hamuera Nathan, Sione Vahaakolo, Wiremu Hazelamn, Joshua Aliifaalogo, Elliot Nelisi, Keanu Areai, Karl Ofanoa, Nicholas Ngau Chun, Jarred Curtis.

Year 8 Team:
Baxter Pepe, Ryan Palmer, Tom Bertenshaw, David Wong, Wade Coe, Tui Gautusa, Elkan Faasavala, Ash Kumar, Tane Tito, Leiite Peauala.

Cultural Show

In Term Four Royal Oak Intermediate held two Cultural Shows. On Wednesday 12 November and Thursday 13 November students shared their talents with families and friends. Items included: Kapa Haka, Choir, Indian Group, Tongan Groups, Hip Hop Dancers, Java Jive, Cook Island Group, Drama Group, School Band, German Movie, Wearable Arts and Singing Performances. There was a lot of hard work by students and staff to get the show ready. On the night several adults supported our students, providing costumes and supervision. The show was a huge success and we were very proud of our students!

Central Zone Volleyball Girls

On October 9 the volleyball girls of Royal Oak Intermediate went to Waitakere Trusts Stadium to compete in the Central Zone Volleyball tournament. There were two teams, one Year 7 team and one Year 8 team. They tried their very best, training every day leading up to the tournament. The Year 7 team came third and the Year 8 team came fourth. All the girls represented our school with pride and determination.

Year 7 Team:
Maloti Maama, Faye Faleafaga, Grace Kaifa, Lee Papua-Vihi, Aiesha Thomson, Esther Ah Hong, Matilda Leavasa, Setaita Tuitavake, Felicia Solis.

Year 8 Team:
Ofeira Vaomua, Ruth Elekana, Eleni Lokotui, Maxine Makavilitogia, Fransan Amosa, Lini Hansen, Natalie Munien, Lynette Talagi, Osovale Leulu, Tua Faleafaga.

Osovale Leulu

Central Zone Hockey Girls

On June 25 the girls Central Zone Hockey team participated in the tournament held at Lloyd Elsmore Park. Although the girls did not make it to the Interzone Competition they played well in all their games. They showed great sportsmanship, played fair and cheered on the other teams. The supporters were very impressed with their enthusiasm; they were great ambassadors for our school!

Team:
Ellie Finn, Ellen MacKenzie, Bronwen Lemow, Tyla Hewitt, Sitati Moli, Sarah Brown, Charlene Underwood, Baley Koloni, Morgan Gavin, Brenna Johns, Sarah Haley, Gabrielle Kururangi and Staane Rowe.


Staane Rowe and Gabrielle Kururangi

Indian Group

The Indian group was a period five activity run by Mrs Ratnam. The group learned two dances during the year that were choreographed by Mrs Ratnam, Jasmine Gaunder and Sheetal Singh. The group performed at assemblies, on Grandparents Day and at our Cultural Show. The outfits for the performances were authentic Indian costumes and they looked stunning. A lot of time and effort was put into rehearsing the dances and it paid off! The dances were amazing!

Gabrielle Kururangi and Staane Rowe

Languages

New to specialisation this year was Language classes. Mrs Berger shared her language skills in French and German. She used a variety of activities, games and DVD’s to help students learn. All Year 7’s learned German and all Year 8’s learned French. Students who were keen to develop their skills further were also able to opt into extension classes on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. One highlight of the year was Languages Week where classes got to promote and share a variety of languages. The whole school had fun and we all learnt a lot from each other.

Alex Forsyth

Otago Problem Solving

This year many students from Royal Oak Intermediate participated in the Otago Problem Solving Competition. The competition involved sitting five tests throughout the year. Each test had five problems to solve. The first problem was usually quite easy, with the remaining four questions getting harder and harder. If students gained ten or more correct answers over the five tests, they earned one point towards an Academic Badge. Students who scored highly were also invited into the school Mathex team.

We would like to congratulate the following students for achieving an Award of Excellence: Ryan Palmer, David Wong, Jonathan Stuart, Julia Musgrave, David Wu and Tom Bertenshaw.


Gabrielle Kururangi

Saturday Hockey

The Saturday Hockey teams were mixed boys and girls teams. They made their way to a hockey turf every Saturday to represent our school. There were three teams, two eight-aside and one eleven-aside. All the teams trained hard every Thursday afternoon for one hour at Onehunga High School. Most of the teams’ games were played at Mt. Roskill and lasted for 45 minutes. The players would like to thank their coaches and supporters for making the hockey season so enjoyable.


Royals:
Sarah Haley, Ellie Finn, Campbell Rolfe, Ellen MacKenzie, Elame Kifetew, Tui Gautusa, Ryan Comer, Jachin Rowe, Patrick McGuinness Ngatai, Charlene Underwood, Bronwen Lemow, Adam Laycock.

Lords:
Staane Rowe, Brandon Young, Eland Sabine, Gabrielle Kururangi, Lucy Tuave, Cherise Barry, Kendra Billington, Jesse Thompson, Samantha Harrison, Bayley Koloni.

Dukes:
Morgan Gavin, Brenna Johns, Sarah Brown, Sitati Moli, Chaenala Price, Mark Garcia, Dane Kemp.


Campbell Rolfe and Cherise Barry

Netball

On Saturdays during Terms 2 and 3, the netball girls of Royal Oak Intermediate played at Mt Roskill Intermediate. There were three teams, a Year 7 team, Year 8 team and mixed team. The three teams were in different grades A, B and C, all playing on different courts. The girls enjoyed playing their games and they represented Royal Oak Intermediate with pride.

Another group of keen netballers trained at school each week and then competed in a Tuesday night tournament for two terms. They were a team of Year 7 girls and they played very well in the competition.

The girls would like to thank their coaches and supporters for all of their help this year.

Saturday Netball: Team A:
Eleni Lokotui, Osovale Leulu, Tua Faleafaga, Elena Tapuosi, Amber-Lee Clark, Montana Taogaga, Manako Nemaia, Lynette Talagi, Asinate Waqa, Reba Pinto.

Saturday Netball: Team B:
Candace Fitisemanu, Summer Rolfe, Emma McCluskie, Brinny Mathias, Priya Kanji, Anna Kapi, Salina Kanji, Heather Muliipu, Aimee Lloyd-Parangi, Annelise Muliipu.

Saturday Netball: Team C:
Tetania Oaariki, Julia Musgrave, Hope Tauia, Sini Lata, Paris Fifita, Ashley Cope, Mikayla Busby-Ward, Grace Kaifa, Sharniah Yorke, Maloti Maama.

Tuesday Team:
Jessie Kaufusi, Zoe Bertenshaw, Lee Papua-Vihi, Lucinda Crawford, Jemma Afaaso, Erin Wylde, Natasha Purchase, Alice Bragg, Julia Musgrave, Lucy Kelly.

Osovale Leulu and Eleni Lokotui

School Mathex

Every year Royal Oak Intermediate holds a Year 7 & Year 8 Mathex Competition. Each class chooses a team of four people to complete. All four team members help with the problem solving and one is the runner. The competition was held in the hall and all class members watched on the sidelines, cheering for their team and encouraging them to win. The winning class for the Year 7 competition was Room 3 and in the Year 8 competition there was a draw between Rooms 6 and 9. The winning classes each received a Maths game to share with their class.

Cherise Barry

Science Badges

Science Badges was a Period 5 activity held every Tuesday. The Year 7’s went to Mrs Nabi in Room 20, the Year 8’s went to the Bio Food Technology Room with Mrs Gounder. Students worked in their own time to complete activities and then submitted their work for marking. Each badge earned students one whole point towards an Academic Badge. There were many different badges you could work towards for example; Zoology, Human Biology, Large Animals and Botany. Students really enjoyed discovering new things about the world around them!

Alex Forsyth

Student Health Team

The Student Health Team was a group of students who discussed different ways of living a healthy lifestyle. The Student Health Team was led by Miss Kennedy and they met every Tuesday period five. Highlights of the year included: Eleni Lokotui and Georgin Raju representing our school at the Fuelled For Schools Conference in Wellington, and the school-wide survey of students’ breakfast and lunch eating habits. The Health Team worked very hard throughout the year, helping to make Royal Oak Intermediate a healthier school!

Student Health Team:
Eleni Lokotui (team leader), Osovale Leulu, Tina Tuibenau, Tui Gautusa, Donna Ma, Kalyan Todha, Samantha Harrison, Raumati Te Pairi, Nicole Bahan, Angel Ashby, Zulfikar Rizvee, Sean Heenan, Amy Ma, Geilisha Moodley.

Talent Quest

This year Miss Rhodes and Mrs Aliifaalogo organised a school Talent Quest. First there were team heats and then the winners from each team moved on to the school finals. Many people tried out and there was a big variety of talent. Eleni Lokotui came first performing a very soulful song. A group of boys called “Live Comedy” which included Moasegi McCarthy, Esera Aufai Leti, William Tonorio, Chris Sagaga, Jamal Roebeck and Fuaina Misa, were a very funny comedy group that placed second. Henry Congerton came third, performing a song by Celine Dion. The audience really enjoyed the performances and cheered throughout the show. All of the contestants were proud of their efforts.

Alex Forsyth and Gabrielle Kururangi

Tongan Girls Group

This year 18 fantastic students made up our Tongan Girls Group. Sisilia choreographed the dance and made everyone practice, practice, practice and this paid off! The group’s first performances of the year were on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 of November. Everyone loved watching them and the group loved performing. The Tongan Girls Group would like to say a big thanks to Sisilia and all the parents who supported them!

Alex Forsyth and Ane Matakaiongo

Honours Badges

When students start at Royal Oak Intermediate they are given an Honours Badge Book. This book outlines how students can work towards a variety of badges: Academic, Culture, Service and Sport. When students have earned at least four badges in at least three areas and received five merit certificates from a range of staff members, students can apply for their Honours Badge. Applications for Honours Badges are discussed at a full staff meeting and every member of staff must approve the application. Honours Badges are presented at assemblies, which families are invited to attend.

Honours Badge Recipients:
Kendra Billington, Ash Kumar, Ariana Little, Ellen MacKenzie, Ryan Palmer, Reba Pinto, Sarah Haley, Brinny Mathias, Henry Congerton, Ellie Finn, Katherine Apperley, Julia Musgrave, Vishwa Jani, Eleni Lokotui, Brandon Heremaia-Dale, Manako Nemaia, Phoenix Manukuo.

Brinny Mathias was awarded a second Honours Badge in November. We congratulate Brinny for her outstanding achievement.

Literacy Badges

Literacy Badges was an optional Period 5 activity where students interested in Literacy met in the Library. The two teachers that took Literacy Badges were Ms Davids and Ms Starr. Students participating in Literacy Badge activities were encouraged to read a certain number of books and complete follow-up activities or ‘Book Chats’. Completed work was often displayed outside the library for students and visitors to view. Students who completed a Literacy Badge got one point towards an Academic Badge. Literacy Badges was a fun and rewarding group for all involved!

Acacia Wratten-Stone

Library

The library is a vital part of Royal Oak Intermediate, where students and teachers are allowed to take out books for their own reading or for the classroom. There are hundreds of books to choose from, covering a range of genres. Students also have the opportunity to research for information using one of the many computers. Student librarians are in charge of issuing, returning and shelving books whenever people are in the library. Librarians earn points towards a Service Badge for their work. The library is a fantastic place that our students really enjoy!

Acacia Wratten-Stone

ICT Extension

This year ICT Extension was more complicated and fascinating than ever before. The teacher in charge of ICT was Mr Spadoni. Every Tuesday we had the Year 7 ICT Extension group, with the Year 8’s going on Thursdays. Each Wednesday the Yearbook team met and on Fridays we had a special group called the Network Team who fixed computers around the school and helped Mr Spadoni a lot. A big thank you to Mr Spadoni for his enthusiasm and for teaching us wicked computer skills!

Central Zone Boys Volleyball

Mr Hameed chose two teams to compete at the Central Zone Volleyball Tournament at the Trusts Stadium on September 18. The boys played hard with massive spikes happening in each match. At the end of the day the Year 8 team placed fourth and the Year 7’s placed second. The day was full of fun and all the Year 7’s can’t wait until next year when they can try to go one better and win the tournament.

Year 7 Team:
Barnes Pepe, Wiremu Hazleman, John Tagi, Karl Ofanoa, Elliot Nelisi, Poasi Taukeiaho, Keanu Areai, Ermel Mau

Year 8 Team:
Baxter Pepe, Elia Fata, Manisela Hala, Jordan Fonokalafi, Fred Taupau, Jay Ratu, Wade Coe, Wiliam Tonorio, Jonathan Tinai


Jesse Lee & Mark Garcia

Central Zone Tennis

In early February a small group of pupils competed in the Central Zone Tennis Tournament. The competition was held at the Windmill Road Tennis Courts, Mt Eden. Even though there was not much training time our students all played very well. Special thanks to the parents who supported the students on the day.

Year 7 Girls:
Zoe Bertenshaw, Hannah Carter, Julia Musgrave.

Year 8 Girls:
Brinny Mathias, Ellen MacKenzie, Natasha Ching.

Year 7 Boys:
Adam Laycock, Jarred Curtis, Jonathan Stuart.

Year 8 Boys:
Ash Kumar, Thomas Bertenshaw, Ryan Palmer.

Cherise Barry & Stanne Rowe

Central Zone Squash

On September 11 the Royal Oak Intermediate Squash teams went to the Royal Oak Racquets Club to compete in the Central Zone Squash Competition. Our teams were competing against students from all over Auckland and the standard of play was high. Overall the boys team placed second and the girls team won the tournament. A big thanks to Ms Roberts and Mr Palmer for supporting the teams. A special thank you must go to Mr Oakley for organising the Central Zone Competition.

Girls Team:
Paxton Brown, Hayleigh Niao, Natasha Ching and Te Aroha Pairama.

Boys Team:
Ryan Palmer, Tom Bertenshaw, David Wong, Tom Knight, Jordan Balfour-Barry, Adam Laycock, Caleb Amiatu and Euan Fane.

Maxine Makavilitogia

School Band

This year our school band was a big success. It was run by the new music teacher, Mr Hill. The band consisted of eighteen children playing a variety of instruments. Mr Hill did a fantastic job of getting the students ready for their public performances. They performed skilfully at our Grandparents Day, Cultural Show and Prize Giving. Everyone praised them for their hard work and great sound!

By Gabrielle Kururangi

Visual Arts

This year Visual Arts was like a rollercoaster, with the school having three art teachers. Early in the year Mrs Marvin left us after teaching at Royal Oak Intermediate for many years. For one term we had Miss Wells before she accepted a job at another school closer to her home. Miss Rhodes, who was teaching in Room 18, was appointed the new Art teacher for Royal Oak Intermediate. Miss Rhodes did some amazing work with students this year and is looking forward to working with all students in 2009. In Visual Arts students shaped many design ideas and used a range of materials to produce quality work. Students' work was displayed in the art room, at the main office and in the hall foyer.

Mark Garcia & Cherise Barry

Kapa Haka For Health

Kapa Haka For Health was a Period 5 activity that was held in the hall every Wednesday. The group was a mixture of girls and boys who learnt unique arm and leg movements including the Taiaha and Rakau. Joining the group meant being responsible, being a leader and most importantly learning to respect the culture. Special thanks must go to Matua Chris, Whaea Bella and Whaea Erin for giving up their time to teach the group about Maori culture.

Asinate Waqa

Guitar Lessons

The guitar group consisted of over 80 students this year and was taught by a teacher who was new to our school, Mr Manetto. Students came with varying abilities, some were complete beginners and others had some experience. Mr Manetto had the opportunity to teach students new skills and improve the more advanced guitarists’ abilities. The year was enjoyed by the students, all knowing that they now have the ability to play guitar.

Jesse Lee

Central Zone Boys Cricket

In Term One Ms Steel and Mrs D’Souza took two teams to an exiting day of cricket. It was amazing; everybody participated and played their part. Each game was 25 minutes long and each team played 5 games. The results were as follows: Year 8 A Team fifth;
Year 8 B Team fifth; Year 7 A Team second; Year 7 B Team seventh.

Year 7 Team:
Barnes Pepe, William Smyth, Orion Laban, Hamuera Nathan, Jonathan Stuart, Jarred Curtis, Eland Sabine, Daniel Johnstone, Anthony Fono, Mika Steinmetz, Poasi Taukeiaho, Mathias Iversen, Mikaera Rivers, Shane Poharama, Atu Kaufusi, Malupo Moala, Adil Bhayani.

Year 8 Team:
Omar Khan, Henry Congerton, Kereti Fa’aea, Tom Knight, Dylan Carter, Jordan Balfour-Bary, Ash Kumar, Ryan Palmer, Euan Fane, Baxter Pepe, Joshua Si’ilata, Jesse Lee, Josh Cheer, Soman Yella, William Tonorio.

Omar Khan

FLEP

In Term Two, a group named FLEP (Family Life Education Pasefika) came to Royal Oak Intermediate to teach Year 8 pupils about puberty and culture. They taught us about changes in our body - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Girls and boys had separate lessons, as well as the lessons within their class. The whole school was rewarded with an entertaining concert by the FLEP band 2XL.

Asinate Waqa

Central Zone Table Tennis

On June 5 the Central Zone Table Tennis team competed at the Auckland Table Tennis Stadium in Epsom. Mr Freeland was the coach for both the girls and boys team. Ryan Palmer made it to the semi-finals and was placed fourth overall. In the doubles section, Brinny Mathias and Julia Musgrave were placed third overall.

Girls Team:
Aiesha Thompson, Julia Musgrave, Brinny Mathias, Natasha Ching

Boys Team:
Ryan Palmer, Tommy Rees, Antony Vavia, William Tonorio, Leo Lim

Asinate Waqa

Central Zone Cross Country

This year we sent over 50 students to the Central Zone Cross Country Competition. Students trained for several weeks with their class and also did extra sessions leading up to the event. The teachers were very impressed with the students' level of fitness and commitment to doing their very best. As a result of outstanding performances at the Central Zone Competition, two students were invited to the Interzone Championship: Maro Bonsu-Maro and Ellie Finn.

Impromptu Speech Competition

On August 18 Royal Oak Intermediate held an Impromptu Speech Contest. Six students won through to the school final: Joshua Si’ilata, Sophie van Waardenberg, Jarred Curtis, Tommy Rees, Eroni Vesikula and Manisela Hala. We were very proud of all the students and congratulate them for their bravery and excellent oral language skills. Sophie van Waardenberg was the winner and represented our school at the Central Zone Competition. Sophie displayed a high skill level at the competition and won the event!

History Of Royal Oak Intermediate

Royal Oak Intermediate School is located at 74 Symonds Street, Onehunga. It was originally known as Manukau Intermediate when it was established over 60 years ago, in 1943. Prior to this, the school was a zoo, owned and operated by John Boyd from 1912 - 1922. During the Second World War it was also briefly used by the Wilson Home.

Principals of Royal Oak Intermediate:
1943 - 1946: Henry Binsted
1947 - 1953: Frederick Day
1954 - 1958: C. Lawrence Brock
1959 - 1969: Alexander Aitkin
1970 - 1986: Eric Boggs
1987 - 1989: Graham Smith
1990 - 1999: Don Cochrane
2000 -2007: Christopher Nixon
Current Principal: Darryl Connelly

Learning Support

Another busy year has come to a close. We have been able to offer pupils a wide range of support and programmes. This has been made possible through the hard work of our staff and the contributions of many agencies and skilled personnel.

Some of the highlights have been Te Mana Tiki Tiki, REC Sportzlife, A.R.T, Drama, Hip Hop, Seasons and KIPs programmes.

Learning support has been provided through English Second Language classes, small group learning support, Bannatyne and dual correspondence enrolment. Our Teacher Aides, Resource Teachers of Learning and Behaviour, Social Worker in School, Public Health Nurse, Group Special Education personnel and Visiting Teacher have all continued to contribute to the successes our pupils enjoy. We look towards 2009 with the anticipation of continuing to build on our achievements.

Mrs Ariane Wallace

Deputy Principal Report - Susan Whysall

Once again our students have achieved excellence in various academic, sporting and cultural activities this year. This success is testament to the hard work of our students and the dedication of our staff.

I am proud to be a part of a talented team who work incredibly hard to provide a range of opportunities for our students. Each year our staff are supported by many agencies and individuals in our community. We are fortunate that others invest their time and expertise in order to help our students reach their potential. I am also very grateful for the support I have received from families. Communicating honestly and working together has indeed been the key to success.

The most important aspect of my work is the time I spend with students. We have a dynamic student body who continue to amaze with their energy, commitment and talents. Often students come to me for support; I am humbled that they trust that I will do my best to help them work through their concerns. By listening to each other and considering all perspectives we are able to make positive steps forward. I have worked closely with many students this year; I am constantly impressed with their resilience and kind hearts.

This is my last year at Royal Oak Intermediate. I will miss the vibrancy of our school community and in particular the enthusiasm of our students. I am very proud of our students and encourage them to believe in their self worth. They have much to offer our community both now and in the future. To the staff I offer my heartfelt thanks for their support over the years. It truly is a team effort every day and I am grateful for their dedication and friendship.

I will look back on my time at Royal Oak Intermediate with great fondness. It has been a privilege being a part of this community. I wish you all much success and happiness it the future.

Miss Susan Whysall

Drama Performance

Over the course of twelve weeks, a group of eleven students rehearsed a drama performance. On Friday 24 October the group displayed their great skills in front of staff and students. The show was a skit about bullying. It included the thoughts and feelings of both the bully and the victim. At the end everyone was very impressed with the fabulous effort and talent exhibited by the performers.

Drama Group:
Raevyn Ryan-Rapana, Jarred Curtis, Sean Heenan, Sam Robertson, Elkan Faasavala, Manisela Hala, Connor Brown, Montana Taogaga, Semisi Raitamata, Osovale Leulu, Moasegi McCarthy, Leiite Peauala, Paris Fifita.


Gabrielle Kururangi

School Council

Each year classes elect a Class Councillor and Deputy. From the votes the elected Councillor attends each meeting held by the chairperson on Thursdays during period five. They discussed topics like the next social and upcoming events. The school council was involved in several things this year including: organising hot chocolate sales at the tuckshop, raising money for World Vision Sponsorship, hosting families on orientation mornings, and showing Year 6 students around our school.

Chairperson: Ryan Palmer
Secretary: Michael Lavakula

Staane Rowe

Science Road Show

As the assistants helped set up, the first school came rushing in. They sat down and were ready for the first show presented by Darleen and Peter. Following the show the kids were set free to explore the 55 different activities. The most popular was the wind tunnel which both Mrs Nabi and Ms Davids had a go in. In between schools the Room 6 helpers tidied the activities and then had free time before the next school came. Darleen, Andrew, Shane, and Peter’s aim was to teach children about science by presenting an informative and fun show and by providing interactive activities.


Cherise Barry And Gabrielle Kururangi

Grandparents Day

On Thursday 23 October, students from all over the school invited their grandparents to attend the Grandparents Day in the hall. There were performances from the Choir, Java Jive, Tongan Group, Indian Group, Cook Island Group, Band, a performance from the Wearable Arts group, Henry Congerton and a singing performance by four girls – Eleni Lokotui, Tina Tuibenau, Asinate Waqa and Osovale Leulu. The Bio Food Extension group prepared the excellent food for the day and several students acted as waiters. Overall it was a fantastic afternoon enjoyed by students, grandparents and performers alike!


By Acacia Wratten-Stone

CZ Boys Basketball

It was a terrific day as the Boys Basketball teams set out for the Trust Stadium in Henderson. The tournament was held on 12 August 2008. The teams played very well; the Year 8 team came fourth and the Year 7's came second overall. The supporting adults were very impressed with the both the skills and sportsmanship displayed by the teams.

Year 8 Team:
Moasegi McCarthy, William Tonorio, Wade Coe, Daniel Isherwood, Ezera McCarthy, Leiite Peauala, Brian Parejas, Phillip Sinel, Frank Fonokalafi, Brandon Heremai- Dale, Philip Ballocanag.

Year 7 Team:
Wiremu Hazleman, Elliot Nelisi, Karl Ofanoa, Mika Steinmetz, Bryce Tovi, Ermel Ma'u, Keanu Areai, Taniela Matakaiongo.

By Mark Garcia and Omar Khan