9th August 2024 Newsletter |
Kia Ora Tatou
Open Night
Open Night is one of my favourite events of the year. We get to meet and welcome the new students that will be with us for the next few years for the first time. Last night was no different as we had excited and possibly anxious students too. I hope that meeting lots of teachers and students in the school was a positive experience and is part of our welcome to you. As I walk around I am always impressed with how our students show pride in the school with the way they guide the Y7 and Y8 students and engage them in activities with each department.
Common Assessment Activities
For those students that attempted the Common Assessment Activities in July the results are now available. These were the online tests for Reading and Writing to count towards NCEA Literacy plus the NCEA Numeracy assessment. You can find the results on the NZQA website using the students login. They are not available on the schools portal until January.
Physical Education
Last week we said a farewell to Mr Ensor. After six years of teaching at South Otago High School he has decided to move on and pursue his career elsewhere. Before then he is enjoying his OE in the UK and we wish him safe travels.
We are pleased to announce that Mrs Darbe Butler is Acting Head of Physical Education until the end of the year. We have appointed Mrs Jaylene Evert to the teaching staff as a member of the Physical Education department.
Rostering home
This week we rostered Year 11 students home. We only do this as a last resort. Unfortunately we had very few relievers available and a number of staff away due to illness and other commitments so we were unable to cover all the lessons. There is a possibility we may need to do this again and if we need to do so as much warning as possible will be provided. Teachers will make sure that work is available to complete at home.
Interchange
Tuesday was a wonderful day of weather for the interchange with Māruawai College. We welcomed the senior students for their games at South Otago while the juniors travelled to Gore. It was a close interchange with South Otago narrowly winning by 6 wins to 5. Thanks to everyone that helped to make this possible.
And finally
Two newsletters ago I talked about school being a formal place. The vast majority of students respect this all of the time. In the last week or so I have noticed a numbers of times students have been using language that is not formal. I would like to remind everyone that the way we speak to each other is important, and whether its a friend, someone in your class, office staff, cleaner, teacher aide, caretaker or teacher I expect that the language that is used will be respectful.
Ka kite ano
Nigel Scarth – Acting Principal |
Recent News
PB4L Awards
We have lots of students meeting our expectations regarding our values and receiving PB4L badges that acknowledge this. | |  |
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Māruawai Winter Interchange
Our Māruawai Interchange was held today in beautiful weather conditions. Many thanks to our staff, students, coaches, umpires, score keepers, referees, Ms Brown and her team. | |  |
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Cups and Trophies
Cups and Trophies from 2023 prize giving must be returned to the school office as soon as possible. | |  |
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Cook Island Language Week Ai Katu
On Tuesday at lunch we had a group workshop making ai katu for cook island language week.
Thanks to Paige and her team. | |  |
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Job Opportunity
Fonterra is currently recruiting an apprentice for both their Stirling and Edendale sites. | |  |
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Drive Coach
We are excited to be running a free parent evening in Balclutha next week, 13th of August. | |  |
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Speech Finals 2024
On Wednesday morning we celebrated our best Year 9 and 10 speakers in our annual speech finals. Year 9 and 10 students have written and delivered speeches in the English classes and the best in each class compete for the best speaker. | |  |
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