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Tālofa lava
This week has been Samoan Language week and in the lead up to the week I did manage to learn some phrases. It is important to acknowledge that here in Balclutha we have a growing Samoan community who bring new experiences and knowledge to our district and to recognise this contribution to our community. Furthermore, the learning of different languages is of benefit for both the learner and also those who first language we endeavour to learn.
Last weekend and the first part of this week I have been attending the Secondary Principal Association of New Zealand annual conference. This conference is a great opportunity to hear from other principals and educational thinkers about new trends and innovations.
During the journey home on Wednesday evening I reflected how much work our teachers, at South Otago High School, do to support students with their studies and provide varied opportunities for learners. Furthermore, that the school is so well supported by both the parent community and also local business. This enables the school to continue to be successful and for our tamariki to thrive and grow to reach their potential.
Industrial action
On Wednesday morning it was disappointing to hear that there was to be a resumption of industrial action. This mean that we had very little time to inform our community that the Year 12 students were to be rostered home on Thursday. I apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Next week the following year groups will be rostered home:
- Year 10 for Tuesday 6 June
- Year 9 for Thursday 8 June
As yet we have not been informed of any other year groups being rostered home or strike action. As soon as we have confirmation of this, we will communicate the information with our community.
Parent teacher interviews
With the resumption of industrial action we are not able to hold our parent teacher interviews which were scheduled for Thursday 15 June. As a compromise, teachers are going to prepare reports to inform whanau of progress for akonga for the first part of the year. These will be completed by Friday 16 June. Whanau will have the opportunity to raise questions and potentially meet with teachers at a mutually agreeable time. Under the industrial action any meetings must be concluded by 4:30pm
Covid cases
This week we have seen a sudden re-appearance of covid cases in the school community. This has meant that a number of students have been self isolating at home. Whilst sudden spikes such as this are to be expected we would like to remind whanau of the importance of students staying at home if they feel unwell. The school does have a supply of RAT’s which we can offer to whanau to enable testing to be done at home.
Finally
I imagine that no one needs to be reminded that this Monday is Kings Birthday Weekend! This means that school will be closed on Monday. It does look like it may be a wet long weekend but I do hope that everyone does have the opportunity to take a break.
Manuia le aso
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Recent News
Health Reminder
With quite a few different illnesses doing the rounds, it is a good time to remind everyone about how they can minimise their risk of becoming unwell: | |  |
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Taichi
On Thursday SOHS students and staff were involved in Taichi classes given by Candice Wang。 | |  |
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The Great NZ Bookathon
For the month of June SOHS is participating in the Great NZ Bookathon which is a nationwide reading competition. | |  |
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Battle of the Pans
On Wednesday our senior Level 3 Hospitality class competed in the Battle of the Pans competition which was hosted at South Otago High School and the first time the competition was held in the South Island. | |  |
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Speeding Through Waihola
Thank you very much to those parents and coaches who have been driving our students through to sporting, academic and cultural activities. | |  |
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Vietnam Poster
SOHS is returning to Vietnam in 2025. | |  |
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OSSSA XCountry Realy
Awesome work today from our eight SOHS students Finn Leeds, Alex Ryan, Oliver Scarth, Cooper Geary, Blake Hyslop, Max McAffie, Bella Paterson and Libby Campbell at the OSSSA X-Country Relays. | |  |
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Ellie Olsen Vetland Swimming
Ellie Olsen-Vetland represented SOHS at the Otago Secondary School Swim competition. | |  |
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Staff vs Council Netball Game
Staff vs Council netball game at lunchtime this week. Staff took away the win 19-15.Thanks to Miss McLellan and Elri for umpiring. | |  |
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Week 6 from the English Department
Literacy strategy of the week: Writing Frames: A writing frame comprises a skeleton outline provided to the students to scaffold their written work. | |  |
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Reporting an Absence
Please use the absence line – phone 03 4180517 and choose the absence or appointment line option. | |  |
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The Great Kiwi Bookathon!
SOHS is taking part in the Great Kiwi Bookathon. | |  |
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