Congratulations to our junior debating team who took out the Tennyson Shield yesterday! The Tennyson Shield is competed for by junior public speakers from Otago Girls’ High School and Otago Boys’ High School. Always hotly, contested yesterday’s victory in the debate was particularly sweet given the OGs team was presenting the negative argument, always the more challenging stance. The moot was “This house believes that space exploration is a worthwhile investment” and the team of Ella Richardson, Juju Moharram and Jenny de la Harpe presented convincing arguments to take out the debate.

Other competitive events this week have included the South Island Junior Volleyball Championships held in Invercargill and the South Island Junior Water Polo Championships, held in Christchurch. The volleyballers finished 10th in First Division, a great outcome, but the highlight of the week was the Silver medal won by Tamara Jackson and Te Atawhai Campbell in the beach volleyball competition - an event neither had played in before yesterday! Congratulations to all involved. The water polo competition continues with the team having two wins from two games yesterday.

Year 10 Camp preparation has continued this week with camp meetings and first aid courses taking place. All the best to all campers for next week.

The Year 9 programme is set to begin next week with Mrs Porter and teachers setting up a range of fun and active activities for students. Part of the week includes a fun run on Thursday.

While all of these activities are going on our seniors are sitting their NCEA examinations. Despite the difficulties of the year our students are managing these well and it is always lovely to talk to the girls after their exams and see their relief and satisfaction at a job well done.

Our careers department has done a sterling job supporting a number of students who, for many reasons, have required additional support to achieve their academic goal this year. They have run a daily programme that has allowed students to follow individual learning plans.