15 August 2025 Newsletter |
Earlier today a letter was sent via email advising that the school will be closed on Wednesday 20 August 2025 due to industrial action by teachers in support of their current pay claim. There will be no classes taught or supervision available during the whole school day.
Whilst there are negotiations continuing there is a very small chance that this strike will be called off. If this does happen we will inform our community immediately.
The school has also been informed of further industrial action which will involve rostering year levels home. Currently this is scheduled for the last week of this term. The details of the year levels to be rostered home and the dates are provided below:
- 15 September Year 12+13
- 16 September Year 11
- 17 September Year 10
- 18 September Year 9
Again if there are changes to these actions we will inform the community as soon as possible.
Girls football
Earlier this week I received the following feedback on the performance of the girls football teams. It is a pleasure to share this with our community as these young women represent our school.
‘Both these teams have been wonderful to watch and interact with on the field - despite often being the losing team they do not give up and demonstrate great teamwork and support of each other.
The way they conduct themselves – win or lose – clearly reflects their enjoyment of the game and their camaraderie and affirmative support for each is noticeable compared to
other teams.’
Once again the opportunity for students to participate in extra curricular activities is as a result of the commitment, generosity of time given freely and hard work of both teachers and volunteer coaches and managers.
Without teachers leading these opportunities in their own time students would miss out.
Derived grade exams for senior students
Earlier this week I talked to students that as of today(Friday) we are half way through the term. Now, just over three weeks away senior students will be sitting derived grade exams. I have emphasised to students that these exams are as important as the final exams which they will sit for NZQA in November. The results from the derived grade exams may be used if a student is unable to sit the November exam or has an impaired performance due to illness. Each year we have at least one student who relies upon the derived grade exams. Sadly, we know that they may have prepared better for the November exam but we have to report the derived grade result which will entered on their record of achievement.
Teacher only Days, Term 4
This year the Ministry of Education has allocated two teacher only days for school to allocate towards curriculum and assessment developments. South Otago High School has opted to take these two days once the senior students have commenced their study leave. The two dates are in term four and are currently set for 31 October and 24 November. More information will be shared closer the time.
Finally
In a previous newsletter I have shared how whanau and our wider community can provide feedback on the proposed changes to our national qualification. I encourage you all to have your say on the proposed changes.
Have a good weekend
Ka kite ano
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