14 February 2025 Newsletter

Kia Ora Tatou
 
It has been a very positive first full week of school with lots going on about the school. This week we welcomed the first of our international students from Brazil who will be with us for the first half of the year. For many this trip to New Zealand is the first time they have left their country and they are both excited and happy to be here, Thank you to the homestay families who have welcomed them into the community.
 
Greenpark
I was fortunate to be able to go to Greenpark twice this week to see our new Year 9 student and their student leaders working together. The atmosphere on both days was great and students were working together and fully participating in all of the activities. I would like to acknowledge the contribution of both the staff who attended the camp on both days, colleagues who covered their absence and also the student leaders who were wonderful role models for the day.
 
Student achievement
This week scholarship exam results were announced and I am very pleased to report that Shelley Lambert was awarded a scholarship for Painting. Further comment about this excellent achievement is provided elsewhere in this newsletter.
 
Student Council
This week we have announced the student council members from year 13. I am looking forward to seeing their leadership in specific roles and their encouragement to other students to get involved in the wider life of the school. These students have been nominated based upon their talents and leadership that they have shown about the school prior to Y13. The student council for 2025 is:

• Elri Gelddenhuys
• Poppy Johnstone
• Reed Malone
• Gabiel McCone
• Johnstone Phillips
• George Ouyang
• Katie Murray
• Bree Campbell
• Jessica Allan
• Nathan Bocock
• Henry Villar
• Graycen Kell

They will be joined by the head students, Annaliese Bisset, Luka May, Amy Arndt and Ulysses Cu. I look forward to working with you all throughout the year.
 
Fono meeting
On Thursday evening we had a fono meeting for our Pasifika families and students. The event was really well attended and I really appreciated the conversations and opportunity to meet so many families. It was also to hear of some of the successes of Pasifika students who have moved from high school to employment and apprenticeships. Thank you to Salu and Miss Tuhega for their work organising this event. (The food was great too!!)
 
Athletics day
Last week I wrote about the importance of attendance at school and the missed opportunity to learn when students are absent. On 25 February we will hold our annual school athletics day and this is part of our school curriculum. It is also a day when some students will tell whanau they do not need to attend. We expect all students to attend. If they are unable to compete in events we have plenty of supporting roles which we need students to assist with during the day.
 
Parents, please do not condone your child’s absence by keeping or allowing them to stay at home for the day. Do send them to school and encourage them to be involved in what is typically a fun and exciting day.
 
Year 10 Camp
In a couple of weeks all of the Year 10 stuydents will be heading away to their annual camp at Tautuku. This year, by way of a change, the camp is for the whole week. Mr Matsas has worked very hard to put together a great programme for the week and we want all of our Y10 students to be involved.
 
As a school we do appreciate that the financial cost may appear be a barrier to participation. We would like the opportunity to help whanau who may have concerns about paying for the camp. In the first instance please contact Mr Matsas or myself and we will help as best we can to remove the financial barrier so that your child can attend this important learning opportunity.
 
Cell phones, away for the day
Thank you to those whanau who have requested a cell phone exemption for their child. A letter has been sent to all applicants with the result of the request for a cell phone exemption. The form for applying for a cell phone exemption is still available and whanau can continue to apply for exemptions as the need arises.
 
Finally
I have just finished attending the first student council lead assembly of the year. Students have left to go to their last lesson of the week. Students have left with a smile on their face and energised for the end of the week. Some staff who are new to the school have commented to me during the week that there is a positive atmosphere about the school and how good it is to be here. Seeing students heading away to class has reinforced that on the whole we do have a positive school environment and culture.
 
Have a good weekend
 
Ka kite ano
 

Recent News

Attendance Reminder Please use the Absence and Appointment line provided to record your student’s absences. Phone 03 418 0517 and choose the appropriate extension. Emails are not monitored for attendance. View More   NZQA Scholarship in Painting 2024 Congratulations to Shelley Lambert from Year 13 in 2024 for gaining Scholarship in Level 3 Painting. View More   South Otago High School Pacific Fono Our Pacific students and their families meeting our teachers and sharing some food over conversations about teaching and learning at South Otago High School. View More   Wellbeing: Student Support Our Public Health Nurse is available to support students/whanau/staff with health related issues. View More   Student Vehicles For students that bring a vehicle its a great time to be gaining more independence and I am sure we all remember getting our first vehicle. View More   Blazer Hire Consent form and payment to come to the office as soon as possible. View More   Brazilian Students at SOHS Welcome to our new International Students from Brazil who are joining SOHS for Term 1 & 2. View More   Cell-u-licious Year 10 T this week has been busy learning about cells and their organelles. View More   Greenpark 2025 Greenpark 2025 View More   Chromebook Hire The SOHS have loan Chrome Books available for students who require access to the school internet. View More