Kia Ora Tatou
To start this newsletter I would like to start by acknowledging the passing of Kīngi Tuheitia Pōtatau Te Wherowhero V11. The King was a humble man who rose to lead the Kingitanga movement on the passing of his own Mother, Kuini Dame Te Atairangikaahu. In turn, he is now succeeded by his own daughter Kuini Nga wai hono i te Po.
The reign of new monarch coincides with new challenges for Aotearoa, New Zealand and at a time when it is important that our communities work together to build the country we want for ourselves and future generations.
Back into routine
This has been my first week back in school after having some time away on study leave. Despite being considerably older than the students at South Otago High School, I am continuing to learn and develop in my work.The time out from school has been invaluable for me to continue with my education and learning. I did spend part of my time with other principals and education leaders from across the globe. It was interesting to note that in rural New Zealand we have similar challenges and issues as education leaders elsewhere in the world. These are a shortage of teachers joining the profession, the challenges that students and schools face post the disruption of the pandemic and changing demands of society and education systems.
Despite the challenges that we face it has been a pleasure to be back in school. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff who stepped up and took on additional responsibilities in my absence.
Rostering home
Unfortunately, today, Friday, we had to roster home the Year 12 and 13 students with the expectation that those that follow off site courses or work experience continue with their programmes. The rostering home was necessary due to teacher absence and the unavailability of relief teachers. The school does all within its resources to avoid rostering home of students and in particular senior students who are nearing the end of their courses.
Ideally we will not need to roster home in the future but should it be necessary there will be careful consideration as to which year group is selected. The school will not roster home Year 9 students as some will be under the age of 14 who cannot be left at home unaccompanied.
When rostering home is necessary will inform our community as soon as possible.
Maori Language Week
Next week is also the start of Maori Language Week. There will be a number of activities taking place in school and in our community. In particular on Saturday, 21 September there will be a community event held on the school grounds. This is a student organised and lead event and I hope that our school community will join the event. A poster advertising the event is included in this newsletter
Conference day/night
Thank you to all whanau who attended the conference meetings. I am aware that some families were unable to attend at these times. If you have not managed to meet with your child’s mentor then please do contact the mentor to either request a meeting, telephone or online meeting. These conferences are important and support your child to achieve and also demonstrate whanau involvement in your child’s learning and future success.
Measles
The following information was provided by the Ministry of Education to all schools with a request to share with our community:
Measles is dangerous and contagious, especially in communities with low vaccination rates. Although New Zealand continues to be free of measles, it could arrive at any time. We encourage everyone to check if they are immune to measles, especially those planning to travel overseas for the school holidays. The key message: if you aren’t sure, get vaccinated.
Polyfest
On Wednesday a large group of students travelled to Dunedin for the Polyfest event at the Edgar Centre. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend this year due to a Board of Trustee meeting. However, the report back from the event was that the student’s performance was well received and very professional. As I saw the list of names of students who were performing I reflected what a change in the Kapa Haka group from a handful of 5 or 6 students a few years ago to now where there were 28 performers! The numbers are, without doubt, a reflection upon the time and commitment of the staff, Mr Williams, the tutor, Timikuka Walker but also our student leaders, Paige King and Tipene Wereta McDiarmid.
Finally
This week I had the pleasure of attending the annual meeting for the Clutha Foundation and was extremely proud to hear Paige King, one of our Y13 Cultural Leaders speak. In her speech she acknowledged how she has grown and developed her leadership from starting as a Y9 student to now being a strong leader and role model in the school.
Furthermore, Paige this week has been to Wellington to attend the opening of the Ringa Toi Art Exhibition at Te Papa where she has had two pieces of work on display. The art pieces are selected by NZQA from senior student work from around New Zealand. This is the second year that Paige has had items of her work selected for this prestigious exhibition. Photo’s of her work will appear in a future newsletter.
Ka kite ano |
