Nau mai haere mai

It has been a hectic couple of weeks here at East Otago High School. Last Monday we had to close the school due to road closures caused by flooding.This meant we had to postpone our Open Day and Evening until the Monday of this week. This was a huge success with 48 students participating in activities in the school over the day. Our Kapa Haka group, Choir and Rock Band entertained them after lunch and they were all sent home with a goodie bag which included a collage of photos of the day. It's moments like these that reminds me of the amazing students we have at this school that did a great job helping the teachers and mingled with the students making them feel welcome and included. A huge thank you to all the staff and students that put in a great effort to make this day a success. Now let's hope this translates into a large intake for 2023.

On Tuesday the 9th of August close to 30 Year 7/8 students participated in the 3 Peaks Cross Country event at Waikouaiti. It was pleasing to see so many of our students gaining places:

Year 7 Girls

1st - Livana Skevington

2nd - Lucy Mackenzie

3rd - Emily Rowland

Year 8 Girls

1st - Grace Jackson

2nd - Sophie Hutcheson

Year 7 Boys

1st - Ollie O'Connell

2nd - Logan Te Huia

3rd - Hamish Smith

Year 8 Boys

2nd - Heath McAra

Even more pleasing was the way that our students represented the school by helping with the marshalling of the event after they had completed their own race. 

On Tuesday we had our second Whanau Hui for the year. We calendar in a Hui for every term but with Covid we have not been able to have one since the start of the year. It was a great turn out with members from Puketeraki Marae in attendance.There was a great amount of discussion on a number of topics. We look forward to strengthening our ties with the local Runuka in the future.

Next Thursday, 25th of August, the EOHS students and staff will be putting on an 'Extravaganza' at 7pm in the DG Murray hall. It has been at least 4 years since this event has occurred and promises to be a highlight of the performing arts calendar. This event is unique to East Otago High School and will only be a success if all our students put their best foot forward. For some students performing in front of a crowd is quite daunting and may cause some anxiety. This is an opportunity for personal growth and as a parent I would strongly encourage you to ensure students are in attendance on that evening. This event builds a positive culture in the school, gives students a chance to show leadership, and provides a much needed vehicle for students in the performing arts. Please support this by having your student attend the night and as many of your family attending. Light refreshments will be on sale during intermission, raffles and an art auction.

Just a reminder that next Friday, 26th of August, is a teacher only day. Our teachers will be attending workshops in Dunedin to explore the proposed changes to NCEA achievement standards in their subject areas. Please ensure that your students have suitable supervision for this day.

Nga mihi nui

Marcus Cooper

Principal/Tumuaki

East Otago High School