South Otago High School News

25 August 2023 Newsletter

Kia Ora Tatou

Another week has passed, and it has been another period of time which has been very busy. Next week a number of students will be absent at different times as they travel to participate in Tournament Week events throughout the South Island. For students who are not travelling or participating school will be open as normal, and teachers will have work for students to complete. For some classes there may be relief staff, but work will have been set by the usual class teacher with the expectation that it is completed.

Students who will be away do need ensure that they catch up on missed work, especially for senior students whose practice exams commence on Wednesday 6 September.

Kapa Haka Success
Last week our Kapa Haka students participated in the bi-annual Te Hautonga, secondary school regional Kapa Haka competition. Whilst our students did not place the report back has been very positive and the students did extremely well. A more detailed article was published by Stuff and a link is provided below:

More Detail

This week students have also travelled to Invercargill to participate in the Southland Polyfest and on Friday they are also performing for the opening of Te Pou O Mata-au. I have seen the students practicing for these events and I have reflected with them that the group has grown in numbers during the last 5-6 years and the standard of performance has been noted by many in our community. The support of staff and volunteers who coach our students is essential and we appreciate the dedication that they show to our students in providing these opportunities.

South Otago High School BOT Cattle Scheme Fundraiser
We are currently on the lookout for calf doners and grazers for the current season. We have been very lucky with support from our rural community the last few years to be able to continue with this fundraiser for SOHS which contributes to many projects around the school. Stock Donations welcomed also.

If you are interested or would like any further information, please contact Brony Campbell 027 208 4115.

Attendance
During the last week or so we have had a number of students who have been kept at home unwell. It is important that the school is informed promptly if your child is not going to be attending school for the day or longer. Parents can do this by calling the school absence line on 03 418 0517, option 1. The school will send a text message if we do not have an explanation and once rolls are completed in a morning. This can take some time to process if there are groups out of school or many messages to clear in the morning. Please do respond to the text message as soon as possible.

Covid restrictions
With the removal of covid restrictions we do ask that parents please do continue to keep students who are unwell at home. We have also needed to ask parents to collect students who have appeared unwell during the last couple of weeks. We are aware that there is a nasty flu like bug doing the rounds at the moment too. By following the good practice that we have had during the pandemic we can limit the spread of these infections which is of direct benefit to students and their whanau.

NCEA Teacher only Day
In the fourth term there will be a final teacher only day for teachers to be able to engage in professional development for the implementation of the new NCEA system for Level 1 in 2024. The date that has been provided is Monday 13 November. For senior students, they will still be expected to participate in their senior exams as set out by NZQA. Teachers will not be available on 13 November to assist students with their studies. A reminder of this date will be provided closer to the time.

Finally
For all students who are participating in events during tournament week we wish you every success. We expect that you will play with passion and pride and represent the school well both on and off the field of play. I look forward to hearing the results of the competition as they start to come in next week.

Ka kite ano

Recent News

Kapa Haka Invercargill Polyfest

Last week our Kapa Haka students participated in the bi-annual Te Hautonga, secondary school regional Kapa Haka competition.

Mathematical Inclusion and Diversity in New Zealand

Kia ora! MINDNZ (Mathematical Inclusion and Diversity in New Zealand) offers maths lectures, workshops, competitions, and small-group tutorials weekly for Year 9 to 13 students who are interested in advancing their mathematical skills.

Exam Timetable 2023

Exam timetable 2023

Shelley Lambert Art Prize

Dunedin School of Art - Celebrate Exhibition 2023

DAFFODIL DAY 2023

We raised $204.00 to be used at our local cancer society. Thanks to our staff, council and students.

Year 10 Netball Umpiring

Today it was our Year 10 girls turn to umpire at the year 7/8 SOPSSA Netball tournament. Well done girls

Snow Caving

Mr Palmer had his Year 12 ODE class snow caving at the Wanaka Snow Farm over the last couple of days.

Year 9 Netball Umpiring

Well done to these year 9 netball girls who umpired all day at the SOPSSA year 5/6 Netball Tournament.

Reminders re: Cups, Trophies and Blue Nominations

It is time for 2022 Cups and Trophy recipients to dust off and polish the awarded cup or trophy and return to the school office by the end of the month.

Otago/Southland Te Hautonga Competition

The SOHS kapa haka roopu performed at Otago/Southland Te Hautonga competition in Invercargill today.

Upcoming Dates for Term 2023

From the English department - Week 5 and 6

Last week’s summarising strategy was a key word hunt.

BOT Student Election Notice

Would YOU like to represent your school as STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE on the Board of Trustees?