31 March, 2023 Newsletter |
Kia Ora Tatou
This week we have had a large number of our Year 11 students out of school during the week with two groups travelling to Stewart Island for Geography and two groups travelling to Dunedin as part of their PE course. These are great opportunities for our students to learn in a different environment and experience hands on learning, putting theory into practice. I am enormously grateful to all the staff who gave up time from their own families to be able to offer these opportunities to our students.
Strike action
Once again thank you to whanau as the school was forced to close due to the industrial action by teachers. Whilst no one wants to disrupt the learning of students this action is important as both parties work to ensure that teaching is appealing in order to attract young people into the profession. Recruitment of teachers to fill vacancies is certainly more challenging. At South Otago High School we are very fortunate to have excellent teachers who support our students and provide fantastic opportunities.
Return of international students
This week has been the first full week of hosting our first short stay international student programme since the pandemic in 2019. It has been great to see our kiwi students working with our Thai guests. This group returns home and we will welcome a second group to Balclutha during the second week of the school holidays.
The new term will commence on Monday 24 April. We will formally welcome our new group of international students in the morning with a Powhiri starting at 9am.
Thank you to all the host families who open their homes to provide unique experiences for our international students. It is these experiences which encourage students to return and also help develop lifelong friendships.
End of term
Next week is the final week of the first school term of 2023. School finishes Thursday 6 April and we will have a special assembly on Thursday afternoon. I appreciate that it has been a long term and energy levels are running low. Whanau, please encourage students to rest as we head into the final four days of the term. I hope that everyone will make the most of the long weekend over Easter.
ANZAC Assembly
With the new term starting on Monday 24 April we are going to host our annual ANZAC Assembly at 10am on the 24 April. Parents and whanau are welcome to join this event. Please note that Tuesday 25 April is ANZAC Day and the school will be closed for the day.
Rapid Antigen Test kits
The school has been given a number of cartons of RAT’s which are due to expire in May 2023. These are available to families of students who may wish to pick a box of test kits from the school office. NB please do not come to the school office for a test kit if you are feeling unwell.
Finally
As the weather becomes cooler we are starting to see the rise in winter colds and sniffles. It is timely to remind everyone of the good hygiene practices. The school continues to ensure that all toilet facilities have warm water, soap and hand drying facilities. We also have numerous hand sanitizer dispensers round the school for student use.
Have a good weekend.
Ka kite ano |
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