Kia ora e te whanau!

As we draw to a close of Term One 2022, it is time for us to reflect on what has been a busy and different term for us here at East Otago High School.

The school year started like no other with a number of mandates from the government dictating how we could operate so as to slow the spread of Omicron. Masks and Vaccine mandates became the norm for us in education. This has certainly created challenges for staff, students and families as they wrestle with the complexities of our new reality. Isolation has meant that a number of students, and their families, have had to stay home and work online to keep up with their studies. Luckily this is not our first experience due to previous lockdowns and work has been available for students to march on with.

In spite of all the mandates and restrictions we have been able to achieve a great deal in this first term that a lot of schools in the region and across New Zealand would be envious of:

• Mihi whakatau for new staff and students
• Jack Martin Sports Afternoon
• Year 7 Camp
• Peer Support Programme
• Year 8 Camp/Activity week
• Year 9 Camp
• Athletic Sports
• Swimming Sports
• Touch, Handball, Volleyball, Hockey competitions
• A W Familton academic awards
• School photos
• Year 11 Ocean Adventure 
• Mufti Day
• 'I am hope' mental health presentation
• Outdoor Education/ Duke of Edinburgh tramp
• Brainwave community event and student sessions
• Student Led Interviews
• Senior Real Time Reports
• Cross Country/Fun run

All these activities and events have supplemented our key business which is teaching and learning.

Initiatives introduced this term which have added value to the experience here at East Otago include the "Healthy School Lunches" programme which has meant that all students have the fuel needed to make the most of the learning and extracurricular opportunities at school. The introduction of the Sports Academy is going to provide interested students a pathway to develop their knowledge and skills in their sporting contexts to achieve their personal excellence.

The Year 7/8 playground project will be completed by the end of this term. A huge thank you must go to local community businesses that have played a part in making this a reality. Nick and Natala Colhoun (Four Square) who pointed us in the direction of  Foodstuffs funding opportunity to purchase the playground equipment. Jeff Dennison Builders boxed out the area, laid the concrete, and assembled the playground. And lastly Hewvan that donated the retaining materials for the perimeter and woodchips for the base. Please support these wonderful businesses in your community!

On behalf of the staff we wish you a great Easter break and hope for a much more settled Term two and beyond. 

Nga mihi nui

Marcus Cooper

Principal 

East Otago High School