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Linda Miller, Principal
 
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Principal's Report

Ms L Miller, Principal —

Last week I stated that there would be no Nautilus News this week. The events of last Friday however, that unfolded as that newsletter was going out, must be acknowledged.

Our world was rocked last Friday when 50 innocent men, women and children were senselessly gunned down while attending prayers at two mosques in Christchurch. Members of the Christchurch Muslim community were deliberately targeted as a result of their faith. The outpouring of grief, outrage, love and support by the entire nation has served as a reminder that this event was completely unprecedented, completely condemned and did not reflect the views of almost every New Zealander. We have spent time this week allowing staff and students to absorb the enormity of these events but also to find ways to take action to help those suffering.

On Monday we held a full school assembly to acknowledge the loss that has occurred, to provide guidance on how we can help and to outline what our lockdown procedures are. Obviously this loss has been felt most by members of the Muslim community throughout the country, but especially in Christchurch where 50 of their community have been taken. There has also been loss for us as a country as we acknowledge that our geographic location and relatively liberal views have not been enough to keep terror from our shores.

Evidence of the support that has been shown to each other, and in particular to our Muslim sisters and their families, can be seen in a number of photos and articles in today’s newsletter. From the flowers presented to our Muslim students and staff after assembly on Monday to the quilts and messages being created, our girls have stepped up to support those most affected by this tragedy and in the process have helped themselves and others to process what has happened.

Today we have a mufti day to raise funds for the Dunedin and Christchurch communities with our PB4L prefects and Board of Trustees members providing activities and food for all. Tonight I am sure I will see many of you at the vigil organised by the DCC at the stadium. Included in this newsletter is a “Tips for Parents and Educators” document from the Ministry of Education outlining ways we can support young people at a time like this.

Further sad news rocked the education community in Dunedin with the unexpected death of Tracy O’Brien, Principal of Kavanagh College. Tracy was a great colleague and effective principal whose compassion for others and wonderful sense of humour always shone through. He contributed much to sport and education both here in Dunedin and nationally and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Our condolences and love go out to Tracy’s family and the Kavanagh College community.

Despite the sadness of the week we have managed to celebrate the positives of life in Aotearoa New Zealand and at Otago Girls’. Our student led assembly on Tuesday was joyous but poignant with the stand out item being our Year 9 trio of Paige, Anna and Alex performing an wonderful version of “Shallow” from A Star is Born. Their performance moved many to tears and was greeted with a spontaneous standing ovation from the entire school.

With Staff Only Day tomorrow (Friday) and Anniversary Day on Monday, students will have an extended weekend to catch their breath, catch up on work and spend some time with friends and loved ones. We hope you all get to spend quality time with those you love at this time.

Finally, parents of students in Years 9 and 10 will be able to access their daughter’s interim reports through the Edge Portal from today. Please contact the school if you have any problems accessing this or if you have any concerns.