As this is the last article I will write for the newsletter this Term I feel it is time to reflect on all the wonderful things that have been happening at East Otago High School and be appreciative of all the time and energy spent by students, staff and family to allow these to happen.

In Week One we had Patrick Sherratt come in for a session with the senior students around study skills. Week Two saw members of the Education Review Office come in and complete an audit of the school and its processes. Week Three saw students from Year 7-9 participating in the Science Fair in Dunedin. Week Four we had our Year 12 students participating in a first aid course and we had a Whanau Hui. Week Five began with our Open Day for potential students from the contributing schools and later in the week the Ski trip for senior students. Week six was all about the amazing "Beauty and the Beast Jnr" production. In Week Seven we had our under fifteen girls participating in a "Quick Rip" tournament at Taieri. Week Eight saw our Kapahaka group perform a moving tribute to Stefan Witehira at the Polyfest.  This week we have our Year 8 students participating at the Koru Games for Netball and Mike King come in for a presentation. The last week of term will see our Year 10 students participating in work week and the senior students completing their practice examinations.

This has been a busy term for all in the East Otago High School community and as stated at the start I am very appreciative of all the work that goes into making this happen.

It's super important to appreciate everything that happens to us. The good, the bad, and the ugly all make us who we are today, and it makes a huge difference when we realise how much that changes us. Everything that happens to us is a part of us, and strengthens us every single day. Appreciation should be a common thing in our everyday life. Being thankful for the things that we have and the people in our lives can make a huge difference on the positivity we create.

I challenge you all to find something to be appreciative of each day and explicitly tell someone about this. I guarantee this simple act will positively affect your mindset and outlook on life.

Nga Mihi Nui.