 |
Kia Ora Tatou
This week has been somewhat disrupted due to the strike and the rostering home of Year 13 students on Thursday. Also a large group of senior students were away on a Geography field trip to Mount Cook at the start of the week.
Despite the disruptions we have been reviewing attendance data for all students. This shows that there is a 10% improvement in school attendance compared with the same time last year. Some of this will be the result of covid cases being reduced but our data also shows a significant drop in unjustified absences.
Whilst we are still not reaching the 90% attendance goal for all students it is good to see some of the actions the school has taken having a positive effect. Also a large thank you to whanau who have encouraged and supported tamariki to attend. I also appreciate the support from our volunteer coaches and managers who are reinforcing the school expectations around school attendance.
Whangarei Boys High School caving accident
I would like to acknowledge the tragic loss of a Year 11 student from Whangarei Boys High School in the caving accident on Tuesday. There may be some of you who will speculate as to who was responsible or the decisions that were made. The important things to remember are that there is a whanau and a community who have to endure the loss of a loved one. None of us were present or know the circumstances of the event and our thoughts should now not be on blame but the love and care we should send to the whanau and community.
The accident is also an opportunity to reflect upon our own practices and some in our community may appreciate some reassurance. At South Otago High School we do have a strong background in outdoor education. For each of our trips which take students out of the classroom a safety plan is drawn up to identify potential hazards and plans to reduce risk and how to ensure both student and staff safety. Each plan is reviewed by another member of staff, a senior staff member and then the principal. For overnight trips there is a further review by the Board of Trustees. Whilst preparation of these plans can be demanding it does support staff and parents who volunteer to ensure that safety is placed as prime importance. The South Otago High School process for trip approvals is under constant review and refinements are regularly made to the process.
On going industrial action
Next week the industrial action by secondary teachers is set to continue with students in Year 9 being rostered home on Tuesday and Year 10 on Wednesday. The school will email parents prior to the day that students are rostered home. These letters are targeted to the appropriate year group. So older or younger siblings should attend school as normal if they have not been rostered home.
Future potential dates for year groups to be rostered home are:
Thursday 25 May Year 11
Tuesday 30 May Year 13
Thursday 1 June Year 12
Tuesday 6 June Year 10
Thursday 8 June Year 9
A letter will be sent home within three days of the date to be rostered home, once the PPTA have confirmed the action.
For senior students who have been rostered home they are still expected to attend their tertiary programs either in Dunedin, Invercargill or at Big River Homes. Their tutors are not striking and still expect students to attend as normal.
Thai students
On Thursday we had our farewells to our Thai students, their teachers and agents. They have all remarked how much they have enjoyed their time here in Balclutha and attending South Otago High School. Such a positive experience would be impossible without the support of the whole community and in particular the host families who welcomed students into their homes. On behalf of both the Thai students, their families and the teachers, thank you for looking after our guests and making New Zealand so positive and enjoyable.
Finally
The weather towards the middle of this week was wintery and very cold and wet. It is timely to remind whanau and students that this weather, whilst a significant change, is not unexpected. Students should be prepared with the correct uniform for the conditions and also ensure that shoes are dry for the next day of school. I expect the weather will continue to get cooler as we now move towards winter.
Ka kite ano |
Recent News
Wellbeing: Bullying Free NZ Week 15-19 May 2023
This nationwide focus on bullying prevention occurs next week with Pink Shirt Day on Friday 19th. We are encouraged to reinforce our value of respect in the school and wider community where we support one another against bullying. | |  |
|
|
Loves Me Not Year 12 Thursday 18th May
During the nationwide anti- bullying week one of the activities we have planned next Thursday is the 'Loves Me Not' programme. | |  |
|
|
Geography Year 12 Mount Cook Trip
Over the last couple nights both Year 12 Geography classes have been in Mt Cook. | |  |
|
|
Upcoming Dates for Term 2 2023
Upcoming Dates for Term 2 2023 | |  |
|
|
|
|
|
|
