This has been a busy week in the life of the school.

I appreciate that so many parents and caregivers of Year 9 students took the opportunity to attend our Meet the Teacher evening on Monday and hope that the evening allowed you to put faces to names, ask questions, and learn how connect to the student portal and the school app. I encourage you all to take up the opportunities we offer to come into the school and in so doing become more connected with Otago Girls’.

There have been a number of opportunities to recognise our student successes over the past week. At assembly on Tuesday we presented Scholar Blues to our top academic achievers in the 2018 NCEA examinations, and also presented badges to those who received Levels 1 or 2 with Merit or Excellence. We also had a number of our 2018 Scholarship winners join the staff for morning tea, after they had spoken to current Year 13 students about their scholarship experiences. Names of all the students who were presented with these awards are listed elsewhere in this newsletter.

On Wednesday at a Pasifika fono, the academic, cultural, sport and leadership successes of our Pasifika students over the past year were celebrated. This group were also introduced to new initiatives open to them in the wider community at the Otago University Business School and the Mercy Centre. I was delighted that so many families joined us for this occasion and appreciate their positive heartfelt words about how the school supports their daughters.

Last night we held the International bar-b-que, where our new International students and their host families were welcomed by Wairua Puhou. We are thrilled that these students have chosen to be educated at Otago Girls’ and it is pleasing to see how well they are adjusting to life with their wonderful host families and to the school routine. All these young women add to the cultural diversity of our school which we value so much.

This week has also seen summer sports practices and trials get underway and on Monday the Year 9 students attended a Sports Expo featuring the summer sports we offer to students and they had the opportunity to sign up for these different codes. Last Saturday I enjoyed watching one of the most committed sports codes in the school when I joined 23 rowers at the Otago Harbour where they competed in the Otago Secondary Schools' Head of Harbour Regatta. What dedication this team of girls (and their families) show.

I would like to draw your attention to two upcoming events. Next Wednesday at 7.30pm the Parent Teacher Student Association will hold their AGM in the school library. All parents, particularly those of Year 9 students, will be warmly welcomed. These meetings enable parents to connect with each other and to become a crucial part of a group which gives so much to the school. I encourage you to join us for this meeting. On Friday 1 March the Otago Girls’ High School Alumni Association will be holding a social gathering for ex-girls in the school and all mothers/caregivers who attended the school themselves are warmly invited to join us on this occasion. More details on both these events are in this newsletter.

As I write this report I am looking forward to Sports Day where House spirit will be rife throughout a fun-filled day of camaraderie and friendly competitiveness. One of the highlights of Sport Day is the high level of participation whether it be in the tabloids or the more serious athletic events.