Kia ora koutou

This week, I wish to share a part of my speech from Open Night to reflect on the amazing school that we share together.

Welcome to Otago Girls’ High School. My name is Bridget Davidson and it is my great privilege to serve as the 12th Principal at this very impressive school. Can I say first of all that although we do have an enrolment zone,we have a small zone and all students who have enrolled in the past eight years have been accepted to our school, whether in-zone or out-of-zone. The reality is that students choose to go here. They come because they are wanting the balance of high academic achievement for girls, wide arts, sporting, cultural, leadership and service opportunities - and an exceptional school culture - where every student finds their ‘tribe’ and belonging, supported by the mentorship and friendship of our Peer Support and ‘Sister’ students in Year 13. 

This is a truly remarkable school. Ethel Benjamin went here - the first female lawyer in New Zealand. Emily Siedeberg went here - the first female medical student in New Zealand. Margaret Cruickshank went here - the first practising female doctor in New Zealand. Yvette Williams went here - the first female Gold Medallist in New Zealand. You will be in good company when you come here!

Last year, we were listed in the Crimson List - the 50 Top Performing Schools in New Zealand for gaining entrance to the World’s Top Universities. Across all 27 schools in Otago, we were third in NCEA Level 3 results, third in results for University Entrance and second in achievement of Scholarship for girls - across both girls and co-ed schools. For the past three years our school has gained the most Entrance Scholarships from the University of Otago of any school in New Zealand. 

Everything flows from our school values: Whakaute - Respect, Hihiri - Positivity and Pono - Integrity. We have eleven deans and two school counsellors who look after and nurture our students to thrive. At 720 students, we are big enough to have 45 specialist-taught subjects and yet small enough to care and to know you.  

As you may have noticed, we are in the middle of a multi-million dollar redevelopment, due for completion mid-2026. You will be the ones to benefit most directly from the new Science Labs, offices, bathrooms, climbing wall, lifts, historic re-roofing and upgraded fire protection in this government-funded project. We are spoilt for facilities - as you will see in your travels tonight. What you won’t see is our Rowing and classroom facility on the Otago Harbour where we do water-based learning in our Classroom By the Sea.

Come and join us in 2026. Year 9 students have a maximum class size of 26. Enrolments must be into us by Thursday 21st August and Entrance Scholarship applications in by Thursday 7th August. In-zone places can be offered and confirmed prior to that. Out-of-zone places are confirmed definitively on Friday 22nd August and welcome interviews follow. We also invite school tours at any time.

Ngā mihi nui