South Otago High School News

2023 Newsletter

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26 May, 2023 Newsletter

Kia Ora Tatou
 
This week I spoke to students to advise them that they are half way through the term. For senior students, working towards NCEA, they are nearly half way through their course of study after which we would expect that most will be on study leave for the end of year NCEA assessments. This week mentors have been focusing on Year 10 students and checking in on progress towards their goals.
 
NCEA Tracking
The school has received fridge magnets for students to use at home to monitor and track progress towards NCEA achievement. These are expected to be distributed next week and will be a ready reminder to whanau and students of the progress being made towards NCEA this year. The magnets will be provided to all Y10,11 and 12 students this year. For Year 10 students we expect them to achieve the Literacy and Numeracy requirement for NCEA L1 this year and we encourage you to review this with your son/ daughter.
 
Congratulations!
This week we have several academic, sporting and cultural achievements to share with our community. I believe that students from South Otago High School do extremely well in their achievements and represent the school and community.
We are extremely proud to announce the following achievements:
Class Act nomination for 2023: Jethro Ware and Ryan Williams
U15 Otago Basketball Representative: Molly Paterson
New Zealand U16 Touch Representative: Sydney Marshall
He Waka Kotuia Representative: Paige King
 
Also former Head Student, Matt Whanga is taking to field, starting for the Highlanders tonight at Forsyth Barr Stadium. This will be a very special occasion as the Highlanders farewell Aaron Smith.
 
Each of these nominations and achievements individually are significant. To have so many achieving across such broad categories is a great achievement. Well done to each of the recipients who has demonstrated excellence in each of their own fields of expertise.
 
Industrial action
Earlier this week a letter was sent home to whanau regarding the suspension of industrial action pending further negotiations with the government over teachers pay and conditions. As teachers we are aware of the disruptions for both students and whanau. I would hope, like many teachers, that a solution to the claim can be negotiated quickly. It is vital that an agreement is reached which will encourage our brightest and best degree graduates to consider a career in teaching as worthwhile, a viable means to repay student loans and provide a clear career pathway.
 
With regard to any future industrial action we have not yet been informed when this may take place. As soon as we have information we will communicate this with our community at the earliest opportunity.
 
Calf scheme
Each year, as spring arrives a number of our local farms participate in the schools calf scheme which provides important income into the school. This income is used to support student opportunities and facilities which the school bulk grant may not be able to afford. Before the end of this term we are going to host an evening to thank those farmers who have supported this fundraising event but also provide information to other in the community who may be interested is supporting this initiative. I anticipate that invitations will be sent out within the next week or so. If anyone is interested in learning more about the scheme or what the money is used please do come along to our forthcoming event.
 
Finally
In the last week we have seen a number of non uniform jersey’s and also hoodies starting to come into school. The Board consulted last year and have followed the feedback from both students and the community to provide a school jersey that is both warm and practicable. Students who insist on wearing non uniform items will be asked to remove them and contact with home will follow. Thank you to the majority of whanau who are supporting the school by ensuring students are wearing the correct school uniform.
 
Ka kite ano

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Reporting an Absence

Please use the absence line – phone 03 4180517 and choose the absence or appointment line option.

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