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This weeks newsletter is out slightly early on Thursday as the school will be closed tomorrow, Friday, as the country celebrates the Māori New Year, Matariki. This is a time for reflection of what has been achieved in the last year and to remember those who may have passed away. It is also a time to look forward as to what the future may hold.
For the school, a year ago we started the consultation with our community and others about the possibility of building a whare. The motivation was to physically show that we were a New Zealand school and a visible demonstration that we acknowledge the special place of Maori in our school, community and society.
A year on there is much to celebrate and also to look forward to. First I would like to acknowledge Mark van Asperen who was a great support for this project and I am very pleased to note that the ‘whare ako’, as it will be known, is taking shape! The work has been completed by students as part of their building studies programme. The roof is on and the external walls have been clad. If you are heading up to Clydevale the building is the last one in the yard close to the road at the Big River Homes sight.
Nearly half of the students involved in the construction are Maori and are gaining valuable qualifications and experience which we expect will support them into a career in the construction industry in the future.
We look forward to the building being located on site in early 2025.
Matariki celebrations
On Tuesday morning we hosted our annual Matariki Breakfast at school. It was a pleasure to provide a warm welcome to so many akonga and whanau who braved the cold early start to join us for breakfast. It was also a pleasure to host former students who joined our event and also to hear from them, their success after attending South Otago High School.
Later in the morning we also had a special assembly where a new tree was planted close to the location where a tree had been removed. The planting of the tree symbolises a new start to the new year and the location also acknowledges the loss of the old tree that had stood close by in the past.
Thank you to the Kapa Haka group who supported both activities. Also a special thank you to the netball girls and their supporters who were up very early to prepare breakfast for everyone.
Big Sing
On Monday a group of talented singers supported by Mrs Ward and Mrs Bensley travelled to Dunedin to participate in the Big Sing event. An article appeared on the front page of the Otago Daily Times on Tuesday morning and highlighted the achievement of the group and of Jared Gerida in particular and his success in learning English upon his arrival in New Zealand two years ago.
Clutha District Council’s Community Service Awards
On Wednesday evening I had the pleasure of attending the Clutha District Council’s Community Service Awards where we had two students nominated for the award. It was most pleasing to see two South Otago High School students share the award. The two recipients were Maddie Grinton and Annaliese Bisset. Congratulations to both students.
Taieri Interchange
On Wednesday we played host to the senior students of Taieri College whilst the junior teams travelled to Mosgiel for the annual winter interchange. From the games played in Balclutha there was a good spirit and it was great that we were able to release students from class to support our teams here.
Finally
This evening is the inaugural community matariki event which has been months in the planning. Our students will be performing during this evenings festivities. I hope that whanau will come along and support both this new initiative and also our own students as they perform.
With Friday being a day off do have a good long weekend.
Ka kite ano
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Recent News
Matariki
This morning we had a special Matariki Assembly where we planted a tree to signify a new year and new growth! | |  |
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Taieri Winter Interchange
Today we held our annual interchange against Taieri on a very brisk day. Many thanks to our staff who travelled and those at home. | |  |
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2025 Clutha District Council Community Service Awards
Congratulations to our Head Girl Annaliese Bisset and Maddie Grinton for receiving the ‘Youth Spirit Award’ at last nights Clutha District Council’s Community Service Award Ceremony. | |  |
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ODE Orienteering
Mr Leather and Mr Russell along with our Year 11 Outdoor Education class were Orienteering in Ross Creek before a climb up Pineapple Track. | |  |
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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
South Otago High School Presents - CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG 28th - 30th July 2025 | |  |
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Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Rehearsals Underway
Blimey O'Reilly! 6 weeks until Chitty Chitty Bang Bang takes the stage! | |  |
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OSS Swimming in Dunedin
Ellie Olsen-Vetland and Stuart Swallow had a great day representing SOHS at the OSS swimming meet today in Dunedin. | |  |
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Korimako Group at Big Sing
Our vocal group, Korimako, performed today in the regional competition, The Big Sing, in the Dunedin Town Hall. Our group was small but mighty! Mrs Bensley and Mrs Ward were super proud of them. | |  |
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PB4L Badges
PB4L Badges: Bronze Badge Recipients, Silver Badge Recipients and Gold Badge Recipients | |  |
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Chess Competition 2025
Congratulations Amber, Zion and Franco on winning the School Chess competition, please enjoy your well deserved prize! | |  |
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Top of the Pops
Here’s a great opportunity for anyone interested in performing arts. | |  |
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