The school will be closed on Wednesday 29 May as a result of the teacher strike that will be taking place that day.

Please note that this is contrary to what I said in last week’s newsletter when we were considering providing limited supervision.

The strike action being taken by members of the PPTA and NZEI is an attempt to get the government to work towards a solution to the unprecedented shortage of teachers that is being experienced around the country. There are numerous reasons for this shortage, most of which have resulted from a decade of under-funding and neglect in the education sector as well as the increasing demands and challenges being faced by teachers as they carry out their work. To quote the PPTA “Teachers are struggling with over-assessment, red tape and box-ticking, and children are missing out on the one-on-one time they need with their teachers.”

Teachers do not take this action lightly and they do so in the hope that their workload and conditions can be improved so that they can better support and educate your children. While it is hoped that the strike will prompt a shift in the Ministry of Education’s stance in negotiating a settlement with the respective unions, it is possible that further industrial action will take place in coming weeks. We will keep you notified of what is happening. A letter from PPTA is included with this newsletter.

Nominations for positions on the Otago Girls’ High School Board of Trustees closed at midday today. I will notify you in due course as to whether we will be holding an election or not. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the outgoing board for all of their hard work over the past three year term. The school has been very well served by a group of skilled and thoroughly professional people who care deeply about the school and in providing the very best opportunities to ensure every student thrives. In particular I would like to thank our Board Chair, Peter Hogan, whose responsibilities have extended far beyond that of other Board members. I have truly appreciated his support and interest in what we are doing and in his willingness to step up and represent the board at all major school events and in all major publications.

This week I have thoroughly enjoyed getting out with staff and students on EOTC activities. On Tuesday it was the Year 12 Science class geology trip to Brighton, Rotary Park and the Pyramids. On Wednesday I got to join Year 10 on the walk around Karitane Peninsula. Also out this week have been the Year 13 geographers. The value to be gained from the opportunity to get out of the classroom and learn from experts in their fields, in the field, cannot be underestimated. What should also not be underestimated is the time and energy required by all staff who make these opportunities happen.

Please support the teachers next week. We need great teachers who feel valued in our schools in order that our young people can flourish.