Enrolments for Year Nine out of zone students for 2020 closed yesterday and notifications of acceptance were emailed out today.

Once again enrolments have been strong which is a testament to the wonderful work of our staff and students. If you are aware of any in-zone students intending to enrol for next year please encourage them to contact us as soon as possible. This is important for our planning for next year.

This has been another week of cultural highlights. The opening of ‘Activate’ Art Exhibition occurred on Monday night with students’ work portraying the theme of art as activism. The entire exhibition has been planned, curated and ‘personed’ by Year 13 art students, who have done an outstanding job. Any pieces purchased will be available for collection from the school office later next week.

The junior production occurred on Tuesday and Wednesday nights. It was a delightful play and showcased the talents of many girls in Years 9 and 10. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of all involved, in particular the playwright, producer and director extraordinaire, Ms Dick.

A number of talented musicians and choristers participated in the Otago Secondary Schools’ Music Festival on Tuesday night. A number of massed and small group performances were presented. It was the 50th time the festival had run with a special orchestral tribute to the Beatles being one of the highlights (it being 50 years since the release of their Abbey Road album).

Wednesday saw us play host to over 700 history students from around the south who gathered to hear Elizabeth Eckford, one of the Little Rock Nine, speak. This was an incredibly powerful and moving presentation as Elizabeth talked about the circumstances she found herself in when she attempted to be one of the first African-American students to attend a formerly segregated school in the US city of Little Rock. It was a story of incredible resilience in the face of overwhelming racism and discrimination. Elizabeth left the students with many powerful messages, such as the importance of owning your education by doing your best as it is your future that you are investing in. You shouldn’t be working hard because your parents want you to or your teachers, you should be working hard because it is an investment in you.

Our OGHS and combined OGs/OBs choirs are currently in Timaru at the Cadenza Choral Competition while we have our Pasifika and kapa haka groups practicing in the school over the weekend.

In a break from things cultural, our Year 13 Physical Education class have been enjoying an amazing week on the Waiorau Ski Farm.

Next week senior reports will be going out and we have Student Learning Conferences on Thursday. Please note that school will be finishing earlier than usual on Tuesday 20 August to allow sufficient time for the professional learning and development staff will be undertaking around restorative practice. Students will be able to leave school for the day at the end of period 4 (1.25pm). Supervision is available in the school library should your daughter require this.