Last evening we awarded our Year 9 Scholarships. These students are just one group of super-stars in a sea of fabulous super-stars and we are so impressed with the way that our Year 9 students are embracing school life at Otago Girls’ High School. Today is the next Year 9 and 13 Sisters event, with a shared lunch organised by our Peer Support Prefects, Emma Fahey and Rosa Van Turnhout. 

The Arts have been flourishing with Chamber Music this week as well as rehearsals simultaneously for Showquest, our School Production of Grease, Hautonga, Rockquest and a Jazz Rock Fusion fundraiser concert. The dedication, stamina and talent of our performers are astounding and reflect the generous efforts of the staff and whānau coaching, directing and supporting them. Staff at our school give time and energy well beyond what is required - and this is what makes the magic here!

We continue to ask that parents set high expectations for their children and that they ask often about learning and study, including specific subject questions and career discussions. It is only in partnership with home, with a united message about the importance of having strong long and short-term goals, that we can achieve what we do together. Of particular importance are positive talk and attitudes around mathematics and reading. Mathematics is all around us - in cooking, budgeting, Sudoku, sports scoring, petrol filling or car-charging, distances, shopping, time management, weather forecasts and scheduling of chores. Reading is a mindful pleasure that gives rest, recreation and insight on the world. Make the most of every opportunity to practice maths and read books at home. A little maths and reading built into everyday day builds habits for life. 

Mathematics is about ideas, and anyone with curiosity and persistence can explore those ideas.

-Nalini Joshi

Ngā mihi nui