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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.

SCHOOL FEES

Welcome to Otamatea Christian School NEW ENTRANT INTAKE 6TH OF JUNE 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 ​

WHAT WE OFFER ​ 1. Enrolment in a private school with New Zealand University Qualifications 2. Diagnostic tests overseen by experienced staff who will create individual prescriptions that meet each students’ actual needs rather than being given generic prescriptions. 3. One on one teaching to quickly fill small learning gaps. 4. Curriculum resources delivered to your door without the need to order. 5. An online platforms flag system to request one on one teacher help like in a classroom. 6. Regular teacher interaction to encourage and monitor progress and provide accountability. 7. High expectations and success rates. 8. Becoming part of an online class and school. 9. Access to a wide variety of certificates and the experience to help chose the best certificate for your child and their chosen career. 10. Support to attend Student Convention as part of the school where students gain confidence in developing their gifts and talents and exploring new areas of development. 11. Invitation to join school events and activities. 12. Access to staff with experience in helping students to excel.

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:

2023 school terms and 2023 school term dates for New Zealand primary, intermediate and secondary schools. ​ Term 1 Wednesday, 7th February: -School Starts Monday 18th March - First international Student from Hong Kong starts at school Wednesday: 3rd April - Athletics Monday 8th April - Remainder of International Students from Hong Kong start at school Monday 8th April - Parents of Hong Kong Students and their home school director in school Tuesday 9th April - One Act Play permission forms need to be sent back to school Wednesday 10th April - Mattresses to school for Ponatahi Christian School Mission Team Thursday 11th April - Ponatahi Christian School Mission Team Arrive (22 people) Friday 12th April - Last day of school for Term Term 2 Tuesday, 30th April: School begins. Honour Roll Trip for Term 1: To be Confirmed. Monday 6th May Junior Youth (Years 6-8) Global Leadership Conference World Vision Tuesday 7th May Youth (Years 11-13) Global Leadership Conference World Vision Friday 10th May - Paige Caitlin from World Vision to speak to children. Friday 17th May 7 pm - One Act Play Festival - Our students will be performing - I am Called, Send Me based on Carol Wards Story of God calling her to his mission field. Saturday 18th May 2 pm & 7 pm - One Act Play Festival Tickets: Adult $20 Children $10 Door Sales only. Monday 3rd June Student Convention Registration, Invoicing and Payments due. 1st - 16th June, Student Convention Online Submissions due. Friday, 30 June - Term 2 ends. Term 3 Monday, 22 July: School begins. Friday 26th July - Student Convention Registration Closes, Early Entry Submissions to be in, Visitors forms to be in. Monday 26th August to 30th August - Student Convention Tuesday 27th August - Student Convention Athletics Day 8.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Pakuranga Athletic Club Lloyd Elsmore 36 & 38 Cascades Rd, Pakuranga Heights, Auckland 2010 Friday 27th September - Term 3 ends. Term 4 Monday 14th October - School Starts Friday 18th October - Pet Day start 8.45 a.m. Friday 1st November - Cross Country 8.45 a.m. start. Friday 20th December - School Finishes ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ SCHOOL TERM DATES 2024

Please complete the online application below, or click here for the printable version. Application for Enrollment - Distance Learning Student's First Name: Student's Last Name: Student's preferred name: Address & Postcode: Postal Address (if different): Home Phone: Mobile Phone: Birth date: Age: Ethnicity: Iwi: Male/Female: Present Year Level: Last early childhood centre or school attended: Father's name: Occupation: Email: Personal Mobile: Address & Postcode: Mother's name: Occupation: Email: Personal Mobile: Address & Postcode: Person responsible for student at home: Previous experience using A.C.E Pace's (Yes/No) Father, Christian Y/N Mother, Christian Y/N When: Level: Church Attended: Does student have special needs / medical conditions: Please indicate general academic acheivement of student's previous work: Has your child ever been suspended, dismissed, or refused enrollment to any other school: Reason for choosing Otamatea Christian School's Distance Learning Programme: I agree that if my child is admitted for enrolment to Otamatea Christian School’s Distance Learning Programme, I will insist that he / She complies to the programme, discipline, and other requirements of the school. Signed Caregiver 1 (Father) Clear Date Signed Caregiver 2 (Mother) Clear Date Where did you hear about OCS Distance learning Send Your enrollment form has been successfully sent.

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 Point of Difference Excellence! Excellence! Excellence! Psalm 121:1-2 King James Version (KJV) I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, From whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, Which made heaven and earth. ​ What is the point of difference of Otamatea Christian Schools Distance Learning? The answer is....Excellence! Excellence in Growing our Christian Faith, Excellence in Growing Academically, Excellence in Growing our Giftings to serve the Kingdom. . Why do all things with excellence? “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men …” Colossians 3:23. Such a simple scripture – yet with such an incredible, liberating message! When I do everything heartily (i.e. from the heart) for the Lord, this overrides all ambitions of wanting to make a good impression on other people. ​ What is God's standard of excellence? On graduation it is God's desire that students be meek, humble, gentle, patient, peacemakers, seekers of justice, righteous, examples of integrity, compassionate, forgiving, faithful in marriage, loving, other- directed, and fishers of men. Citizenship, ethics training, academic knowledge, understanding wisdom. We are not a home schooling agency that specialises in administration or a hub where students engage when they choose. We are offering a specialist, private, distance learning school, with the resources, expertise, and expectations to generate success and excellence in all areas. We aim to enable all students to reach their full potential and to discover their God given talents. ​ Our fees are set to provide the staff and resources needed to provide students with what they need to become the leaders of the future in their chosen fields. ​ If you are looking for a top notch education from the comfort of your home join our school family. ​ Our distance learning is not a replacement for those who are enjoying home schooling but an opportunity for those who are looking to Accelerate their child learning to its full potential regardless of their ability. ​ For more information contact the school: otamateachristianschool@gmail.com ​ ​

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

Thank you for your interest in our school. I look forward to welcoming international students from all over the world who are motivated to experience New Zealand education and who will respond to the challenge of hard work along with involvement and participation in academic, sporting and cultural activities. Otamatea Christian School is a small, Christian, co-educational Year 1-13 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 for the A.C.E Academic Year 12 and Year 13 certificate of Christian Education which is accepted as entry level into New Zealand 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. All students are encouraged to: • aim for excellence • work towards achieving their God-given potential in all areas • have enquiring minds, a sense of discipline, co-operation and responsibility. • develop an appreciation of their cultural background, a capacity for leadership, concern and respect for others. • demonstrate high standards of honesty, integrity, courtesy, tolerance and loyalty. • prepare for future tertiary and vocational opportunities and to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for their chosen career. I welcome you to our school and congratulate you on your choice of New Zealand as an educational destination and I hope that the association with Otamatea Christian School will be challenging and rewarding throughout your stay in our country. ​ Mark James Bell - Principal

International Student Testimony "Please believe that Otamatea Christian School is the start to your dreams and aspirations" - Fiona Yue ​ My name is Fiona, and I’m a freshman in high school. When I was just 8 years old (Year 3), my family moved to New Zealand from China. I took the diagnostic test of the Otamatea Christian School when I first started. I was startled by the fact that I couldn’t even read the term “brother” correctly. My principal, Mr. Bell, at that time told me that it would take me six months to learn English and a year to be able to speak with others without a language barrier, and sure enough, his predictions were true. For five years at Otamatea Christian School, I learned to comprehend, read, and write and excel in all of them. I was a top-class student when I entered secondary school (Epsom Girls Grammar School). My teachers thought highly of the talks and presentations I presented. Excellent and really engaged, according to my report. These were all only made possible with the assistance of Mr. and Mrs. Bell. My foundation was so strong that my Math teacher, English teacher and classmates all inquired as to whether I attended a prestigious school. They all questioned me about my school’s name. I am very proud to have studied at Otamatea Christian School. The school has helped me adjust to high school successfully. Over the course of my five years at Otamatea Christian School, I also have learned appropriate behaviour and manners. My family was significantly helped by the school as well. My family and I adapted well to life in New Zealand thanks to the principal’s wife and his kind invitations to parties and fishing trips. My family is really appreciative of what they have done. I’d like to express my brother Eric’s gratitude on his behalf to Mrs. Bell, the wife of the principal, and Director of International Students. She worked one-on-one with my brother to help him adjust to school life. She also helped him with social skills while supporting him with a positive outlook. Overall, I’m very appreciative of a school that feels like a family. Please believe that Otamatea Christian School is the start to your dreams and aspirations. Fiona Yue.