1999: (Year 40)

  • The 1st March roll was 840 and 1st July 823.
  • A large group of 19 students (the biggest group from any NZ school) attended the Otago University Science summer school in January.
  • Form classes are now known by Levels 9 to 13.
  • Stage one of the new Technology suite was completed and classes started in term 3. Stage 2 has started and will be ready during 2000.
  • The Secretary of Education Mr. Howard Fancy visited.
  • A TSB Technology grant allowed the school to provide the faculty with state of the art computer and satellite internet facilities.
  • After many years of lobbying provision has been made for a pedestrian crossing in front of the College by the Library.
  • In late-July, the Sports Honours Boards were unveiled in the hall as part of a project being undertaken by Mr. Phil Gayton.
  • 21-25 June 20 Year 12 History & Geography students undertook a trip to Auckland.
  • The ISCF group renamed themselves as Soul Vision for the year and were very active .
  • Sunday 1st August, 30 Year 13 left for a weeks course at OPC, Turangi.
  • Judith Gasser participated in a Spirit of New Zealand course. 
  • On 28th May was the "Spirit of New Zealand" scratchy fund-raiser, while the PTA held a Twilight Gala on 21st October.
  • A large group 33 form the Kapa Haka group. On 20th March the Te Roopu Kapahaka O Ngamotu group performed at the International Culture Festival at Manu Ariki , Taumarunui. At another event at Ngaruawahia where there was 46 teams Spotswood was placed 2nd in Haka, and 1st in Moko in the intermediate section to win the Whitianga Challenge trophy for best all round group.
  • We entered 4 teams in the Taranaki Shakespeare Festival.
  • Junior and senior debating teams were active.
  • There was a large intake of new players with several bands operating- Year 9 Beginner band, Year 9 Advanced band, Year 10 Advanced band, Year 12 Combo band, Concert band and the Jazz band Hatrix. The Concert band attended the National Concert Band Festival in Wellington and did an exchange with Onslow College(where Mr. Boyd was). Onslow visited us from 4-6 August.
  • On 10th June the Girls' Basketball and A Netball teams travelled to Wanganui City College for games. On 26th July 2 buses loads travelled to Fraser HS for an exchange involving Cycling, Badminton, Basketball, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, Soccer and Volleyball.
  • Sports teams:- Badminton, 4 Boys' & Girls' Basketball; 3 Boys' & 3 Girls' Cricket; Cycling; Equestrian; Golf; 2 Mixed Hockey; 10 Netball; 3 Boys' & 1 Girls' Rugby; Skiing; Boys' & Girls' Soccer; Yachting; and Boys' & Girls' Volleyball.
  • Mrs. Jan Beggs retired after 11 years at Spotswood teaching Geography & Social Studies and as HOD of Transition & Health. After only 3 years at Spotswood as the Deputy Principal Mr. Garry Carnachan is appointed as Principal of Opunake HS.