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Kia Ora Tatou
On Wednesday South Otago High School joined with Taieri College for the annual sports interchange. The weather accommodated a good day, although the fields were still fairly wet underfoot. Whilst not all of the results went our way I do know that our students thoroughly enjoyed participating in the games. We showed a great improvement upon previous results and only missed out by 5 wins out of eleven.
Once again, these opportunities are not able to be provided without the goodwill of teachers and the volunteer coaches who take time out of their busy day to support our students.
Attendance
In the media there has been much discussion about school attendance and the government has set targets for all students to be attending school regularly. The government target is that every student will have an attendance rate of 90% or better.
90% attendance means the equivalent of one day absent every two weeks. In a year that is 20 days missed from school, or four school weeks.
If a student continues maintaining a 90% attendance, by Year 10 they will have missed an entire year of learning by being absent from school.
Sadly, many of our students do not even have 90% attendance. In the past we have said that students need to have 80% attendance in order to represent the school for sport or cultural activities. We will be reviewing this and may be increasing the minimum attendance for students to participate in these activities. Any changes that are made will be well signposted and will come into effect from the start of 2025 at the earliest.
Year 13 Geography trip
At the start of this week a large group of senior students attended a field trip to Fiordland. I have seen some of the photographs from the event and they look great. This is a special part of the world and out students are so fortunate to have the opportunity to visit and see this World Heritage site.
Matariki Breakfast
We are looking forward to hosting the Matraiki Breakfast on Thursday 27 June. Thank you to those whanau who have responded and registered. We do need to know numbers so please do complete the registration form by mid day on Monday 24 June. The link for the registration is provided here.
We will welcome students accompanied by whanau and siblings who will also be welcome to join us for the event. We will be asking for a gold coin donation towards the cost of this event. I hope that you will be able to join us.
NCEA changes
This week the Education Review Office contacted the school and asked for feedback from whanau/parents of Year 11 students who are undertaking NCEA Level 1 in 2024. They have asked that parents of Y11 students complete a survey. Information provided by the Education Review Office is provided below:
Researchers at the Education Review Office (ERO) are doing new research about NCEA Level 1. They want to know about your child’s learning and assessment this year because there have been some recent changes to NCEA Level 1. Your answers can help with future decisions about the NCEA qualification and supports for the school. Please help by completing the survey on this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HSZ2RPR
A bit about this work and why it matters
We want to understand the views and experiences of implementing the NCEA Level 1 changes, and its impacts. The Minister of Education commissioned this review to help understand how things are going and your school’s responses can help inform future decisions about the qualification and school supports.
The survey closes on July 5th
Relief teachers
This week we did have a number of staff away from school on one day and it was very challenging to be able to cover for absent colleagues. We have managed to find some new relief teachers and their contribution is appreciated. Once again, if there is anyone who would be interested in relief teaching roles, working with South Otago High School please do contact John Douglas.
Please be aware that if we have high staff absence we may need to roster a year group home once again. Please be assured that this is a last resort. When it does become necessary, teachers will ensure that work is set for students rostered home to complete whilst off site.
Finally
Next week is a very short week as we celebrate Matariki with a public holiday on Friday. Matariki is the traditional Maori New Year and is signified by the Matariki cluster of stars reappearing in our night sky. This is a time to reflect on the past year and also those who have passed and are no longer with us. It is also a time to celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead.
As of today(Friday), being the shortest day of the year, with days getting longer from now on, it is also an additional chance, with an extra day off, to get outside or work together with whanau. I hope that you will all make the most of this opportunity.
Ka kite ano
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Recent News
From the English Department Week 8
When I thought about what to write this week I wasn't sure what I could say that would be new and interesting. | |  |
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Sports Report Week 7
Sports Report Week 7 | |  |
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PB4L Badge Receivers This Week
PB4L Badge Receivers This Week | |  |
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Hockey
On Thursday a group of hockey students refereed the Sport Clutha year 7 & 8 hockey tournament. They did a great job volunteering their skills. A big thank you to them for their help, Mrs Butler for her organisation and Sport Clutha for the opportunity. | |  |
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Clutha Library Temporary Closure
Clutha Library Temporary Closure, 24-28 June. Work to replace the roof at the Balclutha Library roof has begun and has been planned with the aim to minimize public inconvenience as much as possible. | |  |
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Taieri Winter Interchange
Taieri Interchange was held on Wednesday with seniors at Taieri and juniors at home. | |  |
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Year 13 Geography Trip
The Year 13 Geography students have just spent a lovely two nights in Te Anau. | |  |
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Beach Clean Up
On Thursday, 9U braved the cold and wet to participate in a beach clean up. We were joined by Ruth Baldwin from our local iwi and Scott Martin from the Balclutha Council. | |  |
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