Since we returned to school post-lockdown Otago Girls’ has been very fortunate to receive two lots of funding from the Community Trust of Otago’s $ for $ education fund.

 $25,000 was donated to us for equipment for the establishment of an Innovation Hub in the school. The laser cutter which arrived this week, and was featured in the Otago Daily Times was purchased with this funding. The aim of the Innovation Hub is to create a space within the school where staff and students are able to be supported to develop digital solutions to real world problems. As well as creating a physical space that will foster innovation, the school will be investing in further equipment to expand the opportunities available to students. The second funding donation for $11,000 will be used to purchase furniture for Te Taiwhaka o Kā Moana e Rua (our Classroom by the Sea) along with water sampling equipment and a weather station to be based there. We are very grateful to the Community Trust of Otago for supporting these ventures.

Thank you to all parents and caregivers who took advantage of our on-line parent interviews for Junior students this week. I would encourage you to give us your feedback on this new method of connecting with you for these interviews. A link to the feedback form is given in this newsletter.

It has been encouraging to see a number of activities continue to return to normal within the school. Many of our sports teams are back training and playing competitively and I am looking forward to being able to get back to watching some of our sport codes perform. This week I also enjoyed watching the Year 12 Drama students perform their devised performances and I could certainly hear the wonderful drumming accompanying the Year 12 Dance students during their West African dance workshop.

A reminder that our Open Night will be held on Tuesday 28 July with three one hour tours available at 4pm, 5pm and 6pm for prospective students and their families to choose from. Please spread the word among the community and encourage families to book their tour via the school website.