Nau mai haere mai,

It has been a busy couple of weeks here at East Otago High School. Class photos were taken on Tuesday the 11th of February with the photographer commenting on how well presented and mannered our students were. The annual Athletics sports were held on Wednesday the 12th of February with great participation from all students and an inclusive environment created by our senior students. It was heartwarming to observe how our students support each other to be able to participate without judgement or pressure. Our Sports Captains and House Captains did a great job over the day to encourage, motivate and support all students. I would like to acknowledge the parents that came along and helped on the day. These events would not be possible without you volunteering your time and expertise. Thank you!

We have also completed our voting and interviewing process to establish our school leaders for 2020.

Head Students - Melissa McLeod and Ella Sheat

Deputy Head Students - Katelyn Toomey, Sophie Woodhouse and Sydney McCaw.

Sports Captains - Kate McLelland and Tamati Sagar

Cultural Captains - Katelyn Toomey and Sydney McCaw

Maori Prefects - Senior - Luke Paton and Lily Blasby - Junior - Maia Park (male student to be added).

House Captains

Clark House - Naomi Bridger and Tamati Sagar

McKenzie House - Mitchell McLeod and Katelyn Toomey

Muir House - Amy Turner and Levi Park

School House - Luke Paton and Lily Blasby

Well done to all these students for firstly putting themselves forward for these positions, then going through a nerve wracking interview process. You will all do a fantastic job leading the school this year and being positive role models for the other students.

It is the time of year for the majority of our annual camps. Year 7 students are currently at Camp Iona with Ms McLachlan and Mr Cummings, while the Year 8 students are experiencing a new week of activities led by Mr Walker. This is a great chance for these students to develop positive relationships with their peers and teachers as well as trying activities that put themselves outside their comfort zone. Yet again these opportunities would not happen without the support of our amazing whanau support. Next week will see the Year 9 students off to Glenorchy. We believe that students get a huge amount out of these weeks that can not be replicated in a class environment and will continue to provide these experiences for our students at affordable prices.

For our senior students it is time to knuckle down into the routines and discipline required to be successful at NCEA. Our teachers will be working hard to deliver relevant, engaging material while setting up a classroom environment conducive to learning. Students need to exhibit our school values by:

Be motivated to succeed in all your classes.

Show respect to yourselves, staff and students by helping create a great learning environment. 

Take responsibility for your learning by being prepared to learn with the right equipment and a positive attitude.

Be courageous in your learning, take risks, be willing to make mistakes. Failure is your first attempt in learning. Show resilience when you have a set back and jump right back in and go again.

Nga mihi nui

Marcus Cooper