Wow! What a year it has been at East Otago High School in 2019.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the students, staff and families for their support in my first year as Principal at EOHS. My family and I have settled into the wonderful eastern community and look forward to the many years to come.

Reflecting on the 2019 school year it is amazing how much has been achieved this year and how many different opportunities there are for our students.

Sporting: The students have participated in a number of codes in both winter and summer seasons. Two interchanges, the Jack Martin Memorial exchange with Maniototo and the Tokomairiro exchange, winning both. Thank you to coaches, managers, drivers and supporters for enabling these to occur. We also have a number of students participating to very high levels in sports outside of the school. Their achievements have been celebrated across the year and also at our school prize-giving.

Cultural: This year saw the professional performance of Beauty and the Beast Junior. It was great to see so many students involved performing, backstage or helping construct the set. Our Kapahaka group  have had another great year performing in school at our formal occasions and also at the Otago Polyfest and Mana Pounamu awards. They may be small in number but make up for this in spirit and effort. This year also saw our first trip to China for a cultural exchange with 25 students and 5 teachers. This was a great experience for all involved and something that has been offered for 2020 and beyond.

Academic: The school year started with Alex Familton Academic Awards celebrating those students gaining certificate endorsements. It was great to see so many of our students gaining this achievement. It also highlighted a lack of boys gaining this achievement. In 2019 we will have a number of boys meeting this level. Currently we can proudly say that almost all students have gained the NCEA level of achievement for their age and supported a number of other students to gain employment, or further training opportunities in more vocational pathways.

To the Head students, Hannah Paton and Lauren Keen and Deputy Head students, Renae Church and Gracie Woodhouse. Thank you for your contribution to school. You have done an incredible job and are great role models for the students of EOHS.

We have worked hard his year to gain more engagement with families at EOHS. The reformation of the PTA, developing a radio programme with Happy Days, contact with the local marae, formation of a 'Rock on Hui' with local community groups and a reshaping of how our pastoral team works through restorative practices are all initiatives to improve in this area.

While a lot of work has been going on to develop the school for years to come, we are still a work in progress, and will continue to reflect on what we do and why, seek community input and continue with the ethos of continual improvement.

Thank you once again for an incredible 2019 and look forward to an even better 2020.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Nga mihi nui.

Marcus Cooper