While Dunedin has had relatively settled weather this week the same cannot be said for Central Otago, which was the base for a number of our Year 10 camps.

Heavy rain meant our camps had to change their plans and reschedule their programmes for the week. Three camps returned a day earlier than scheduled. Although this camping experience was not ideal for our students, and not what they were anticipating, I would like to congratulate these students on the adaptability and resilience they showed, and the support and respect they gave to their peers and the staff responsible for them.

Our Year 9 students have been participating in a very successful programme this week and our Assistant Principal in charge of Wellbeing, Sue Porter, has reported on these events elsewhere in this newsletter. Thanks to all the staff who have supported this programme.

Thank you to those parents/caregivers who have offered to volunteer for our Classroom by the Sea working bees. These will be held on Saturday 18 January (cleaning/gardening) and Saturday 25 January (painting). If you have already volunteered, please mark these dates in your diary and I will be in touch nearer the time. If anyone one else would like to volunteer, please contact me on mi@otagogirls.school.nz.

Tuesday is the final day for all our students. All year levels are expected to be at school at the usual time for our end of year procedures, including the returning of textbooks and sports uniforms, the distribution of the school magazine and our prize-list reading. Prizegiving will start at 6pm at the Regent Theatre on Tuesday night, and it is always a highlight of the school year. All students are expected to attend in full formal winter uniform.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all families associated with our school community a happy and restful festive season. Look after each other and stay safe if you are travelling. Thank you for all the support you have given Otago Girls’ throughout 2019.