Nau mai haere mai!

Welcome back for Term Two.

It was great to finally have the Maniototo Exchange after a couple of false starts. This is always a special event for both schools celebrating the life and spirit of Jack Martin. It was pleasing to witness the way in which the games were played, hard but fair with great sportsmanship being shown throughout. Congratulations to all who participated as we retained the shield for another year.

Term Two promises to be another full on one here at school. Winter sports are ramping up with Hockey, Netball and Basketball getting into practices and games this week. Well done to the Year 7 and 8 students playing for the Eastern team for their win on Saturday against a large Zingari Richmond side.

Rehearsals for the school production of Footloose are accelerating as we lead into the performance at the end of the term.

While sports and cultural events play a big role in the functioning of the school it is important to make sure that the academic focus is maintained by all students. There are going to be ongoing disruptions due to industrial action from the PPTA. The latest is the rolling rostering home of different year levels. This week on Thursday our Year 11 students will be asked to work from home. Next Tuesday we have a planned whole school strike day where all students will have to stay home, and next Thursday Year 13. We will communicate these to families through email and facebook and remind students of these days. Let us hope for a speedy resolution from the PPTA.

As some of you may be aware there has been a significant incident that has happened in our community where a man has lost his life. This is being investigated by the police and is a very sensitive matter that requires the cooperation of a number of people, with some of those people being connected with the school.

It is important that we, the school community, respect this process by not making comments, spreading rumours or gossiping about this incident with others or online. A number of people will be experiencing grief, trauma and a number of other emotions making the next couple of weeks and months particularly hard.

Please ensure your students show respect to these people by not engaging in idle gossip or spreading rumours. We are here to support any student or family that may have been affected through our pastoral system including our counsellor Mr Heaphy. If any student, family member or a friend needs support this can be accessed through the school office or get a trusted teacher, support staff, dean or SLT member to help facilitate this.

It is at times like these that our small rural communities get in behind each other and show the caring and empathy needed to move forward positively. So please lookout for each other.

Nga mihi nui

Marcus Cooper

Principal/Tumuaki

East Otago High School