2nd August 2024 Newsletter |
Kia Ora Tatou
Olympics refugee team
As I was watching the Olympics this week I noticed a flag I hadn’t seen before. When I looked further it was a flag representing the International Olympic Committee refugee team. Again something I had not come across before. The team was founded in 2016 for the Rio Olympics and is for people that are refugees and are unable to represent their own country.
The cyclist I took note of was Amir Ansari from Afghanistan. As with many of these other athletes he has an incredibly challenging story. Not only to move his life under some of the most difficult of circumstances but he also trained to a level that allowed him to reach an Olympic Qualifying level and therefore compete. This is a level even the most gifted of athletes with far less barriers endeavour to reach.
As I was talking about this in assembly I encouraged our students to treat this as an inspirational message of chasing your dreams whatever the barriers. We can also reflect and be grateful for what we do have and to make the most of the opportunities that do come our way despite the challenges we will all come across.
Japanese international students
This week we welcomed Japanese students from Nichidai-Tsurugaoka High School near Tokyo. The group of fifteen students are staying for three weeks with the aim of learning more of the English language while experiencing a new culture. Mr Taguchi Hiroki is leading the group and we appreciate the schools long association with us. I am sure they will be made to feel welcome and have a fabulous time. A big thank you to the Kapa Haka group for their welcome and the host families that are hosting a student.
Cultural exchange
On Thursday we hosted a cultural exchange between ourselves, Caitlins Area, Lawrence Area and Roxburgh Area schools. Each school performed an item, learnt a new item and encouraged other schools performances. Asking students what their favourite part of the day was I heard “going hard out in the last haka”, “meeting new people” and “the kai”. Great to have you all here and we look forward to going to Lawrence Area School who will be hosting next year.
Open night
As a reminder we will be hosting our Open Night on Thursday 8th August. This is an opportunity for any Y7’s and Y8’s to come and start their transition to South Otago High School. We will start with a presentation in the Hall and then split into small groups led by Y9 and Y13 students to move round the school and see what all of our departments have to offer. This is one of my favourite evenings as it's our first chance to meet the fabulous young people we will be working with in the future.
NCEA evening
On Thursday 15th August we will be hosting our NCEA evening. Although this is especially designed for Y10 students and their families who will be entering NCEA for the first time in 2025, current Y11 and Y12’s are very welcome too. We will be explaining how NCEA works and will have course booklets that show the subjects students will be able to choose in 2025 available. We will have teachers available from each department available so you can ask any questions. This will start in the school Hall at 6pm and take about an hour.
And finally
Congratulations to Ellie Olsen-vetland, Molly Paterson and Clayton Sheppard for representing the school at swimming and bowls respectively. Well done on your achievements and we look forward to more in the future.
Ka kite ano
Nigel Scarth – Acting Principal |
Recent News
Road Safety Program
The school would like to encourage all year 12 students to take part in this important programme. Many students at this age are getting their driving license and this nation wide programme focusses on young people and safe driving. | |  |
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Volleyball
Congratulations to Teue Kabwe, Otago Volleyball U17 Rep who, with her team placed 8th overall in the New Zealand Volleyball Competition late last term. | |  |
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Maruawai Interchange Booklet
SOHS and Maruawai Winter Sports Exchange Tuesday 6th August 2024 SOHS Venue information booklet | |  |
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Staff vs Council
Staff vs Council game was played at lunchtime Tuesday with the staff coming away with the win by 2 sets. | |  |
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Japanese Group Visiting SOHS
This week we have welcomed our visiting Japanese group to South Otago High School. Thank you to our awesome Kapa Haka group for the welcome on Monday morning. | |  |
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Vietnam Fundraiser
In 2025 we are taking a group of students to Vietnam. Their parents are running a show on the 30th of August and would love your support. | |  |
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Bowls SISS Tournament in Dunedin
Molly Paterson won Gold finishing first in the SISS Bowls Tournament held in Dunedin.! Congratulations Molly!! Clayton Sheppard won the plate final. | |  |
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Swimming NZSS Champs in Auckland
Congratulations to Ellie, who spent the weekend representing SOHS to the fullest in Auckland at the NZSS. | |  |
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