Tēnā koutou katoa

This week we celebrated Pink Shirt Day (yesterday, not today, to avoid colour confusion with Swimming Sports today). By taking part in Pink Shirt Day 2025, we do our part to eliminate bullying by celebrating ourselves, celebrating every single person in our school, and promoting kindness and inclusion.

Shockingly, New Zealand has the third-highest rate of school bullying out of 36 OECD countries. Those bullied are far more likely to experience mental health issues. Pink Shirt Day works to reduce bullying by supporting schools, workplaces and communities to be safe, supportive, welcoming and inclusive for everyone. The only solution to bullying is an welcoming environment where we all look after each other and each other’s feelings, showing empathy and care for those around us. 

Students are encouraged to:

• Learn the names of everyone in every one of their classes.

• Talk to a new different person at school every day - even if it is just a friendly hi in the hallway or lunch room.

• Smile at people. 

• Look out for people who are isolated.

• Grow up and out of cliques and groups.

• Leave online or real groups or people who are unkind - surrounding themselves with positive people 

• Use the THINK principles online - and in person:

Is it TRUE?

Is it HELPFUL?

Is it INSPIRING?

Is it NECESSARY? And

Is it Kind?

• Exercise fair play and teamwork on the sports and cultural fields, always representing their school in the best way possible. 
  

• Support and stand up for friends and classmates when people are being unkind, reminding them that respect for other people is a dearly and closely held school value here at Otago Girls’ High School.
  

Today we held our wonderful Swimming Sports Day. Students displayed the exceptional school culture we enjoy here, turning up to participate, dressing in their house colours, cheering on their friends, laughing together and applauding the exceptional swimming performances - including the Prefects and teachers in the Staff-Prefect relay! Thanks to the parents and whānau who instill values of kindness and respect in our students every day.

“When someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you do not stoop to their level. Our motto is when they go low, you go high.”

 – Michelle Obama

Ngā mihi nui