South Otago High School News

18 October 2024 Newsletter

Kia Ora Tatou

The new term is under way and it has been good to get back into the routine again. During the holiday the school was able to make a couple of appointments and I am very pleased to announce we have appointed a new Deputy Principal, Gemma Tuhega, who will be taking up the role vacated by John Douglas and starting in 2025.

Gemma will be joining us from Taieri College and will be a fantastic addition to the school leadership team and will bring new skills and knowledge to the school.

Senior Exams
This week has been busy with senior students sitting their practice exams in preparation for their final NCEA assessments next month. Meeting some students as they left they felt confident of their work. The grades from these assessments may be used by NZQA should students not be able to sit an exam.

Congratulations
Last term I acknowledged Harlin Puna who was going to trial for the New Zealand Under 18 Boys Touch Team during the holiday. Following this trial Harlin has been selected to go forward to the next selection camp later this year. This is a significant achievement and we wish Harlin well for this next stage of the selection process.

Maori Language week community event
Late last term the nation celebrated the growth and development of the use of the Maori language. Some of our student leaders had organised a community event which was unfortunately postponed. I am happy to say that the event will now be going ahead tomorrow, Saturday 19 October. The event will be hosted on the south Otago High School grounds. There will be performances and other attractions. I hope that members of our community will join us for this celebration.

Finally
Starting next week senior students will receive their results from assessments sat during the last week. They will also receive feedback as to how to improve their achievement. It is important that students use the feedback to improve their performance as they prepare for their final exams.

For junior students, they will be hearing about activities that will be organised for the end of the year. It is important that students understand that there is still a lot of work to do before these activities and that the school has high expectations with regards to behaviour, achievement and attendance. Poor behaviour may mean that student may be declined the opportunity to join some activities.

Ka kite ano

Recent News

Upcoming Dates for Term4 2024

Fonterra Science Roadshow

On Friday 18th October we had a visit from the Fonterra Science Roadshow.

Target Shooting

If any students are keen to give this exciting sport a whirl, go and catch up with Pam. The club is holding three open nights, details are below.

Link for Kia Manawaroa

This issue includes some practical tips and resources to help you support your teenager as they prepare for their NCEA exams.

School Magazine

The cost for the Magazine is $25. If you would like to receive a copy, please either pay with cash or pay by internet 02-0918-0160198-00 and annotate it with the student’s name and that it is to pay for the magazine.

Clutha Careers Expo

A Clutha Careers Expo will be held at Te Pou O Mata Au on October 29th from 11 am to 2 pm which is open to the general public.

Chromebook Returns

The Chrome books will be wiped, so remove all personal information you want to keep, and put it in Google Drive or a Portable USB drive.

Otago University Scholarships

Congratulations to the following six students who have been awarded entrance scholarships for 2025.

Peer Support Leadership Opportunities

Year 12 Leadership Training - On Wednesday 20th November current Year 12 students are expected to return to school (Library) from 10am-12 to learn about leadership opportunities in 2025 and an introduction to Peer Support.

Return of Chromebooks

For the Parents and students Level 1,2,3 who have hired Chrome Books. This is a reminder for you to hand the Chrome book back in when you are finished, either this term or after the exams.