Tokomairiro High School Newsletter...
SCHOOL MISSION: Inspiring Excellence in Education, in Character and in Life.
The end of our third term is fast approaching. As always, I am amazed at what our students and staff have already accomplished. The last two weeks of term will be action packed and full of success!
School Assembly
After a two week hiatus owing to Derived Grade and CAA exams, we were able to gather once again as a school in the hall for an assembly on Monday. The whakataukī “He ora te whakapiri, he mate te whakatakariri” (There is strength in unity, defeat in anger) allowed us to reflect on how its wisdom applies to kapa haka, sport, and all team endeavours. Students were reminded that true success is not measured only by the scoreboard, but by the respect, accountability, and commitment shown to one another in pursuit of excellence. Just as our students support one another, so too do our staff, who are united in the goal of helping every learner achieve more than they thought possible. It was a joy to see our values of whakaute, haepapa, and hiranga displayed across recent events, and we took the opportunity to celebrate our Toko Stars of the Month for August, the fundraising efforts of our 40 Hour Challenge and Daffodil Day teams, participants in the University of Canterbury English, Maths and Science Competitions, and discussed potential involvement in the Cactus Programme and Project Bruce initiatives, as well as the coming THS School Ball. If there was a student who left the hall Monday thinking “there aren’t any opportunities for me!”, my advice would be: better have another look!
Partial Strikes: Rostering home days
The Ministry of Education recently proposed a new offer to members of the Post Primary Teachers Association. Members are currently in the process of voting on the proposal. While there is a chance that the offer might be accepted by the Association, there is also a chance that the planned Rostering Home action will go ahead next week.
The best we can do at this stage is to prepare for the following action:
From Monday 15 September to Thursday 18 September 2025, there are partial strikes planned each day from 9.00am to 3.15pm. During these times, teachers will not teach, instruct, or supervise certain year levels, but will continue with their other duties and teaching of other students. The result of this will be that different year groups will be rostered home each day.
Year levels affected on each day:
• Monday 15 September – Years 12 and 13
• Tuesday 16 September – Year 11
• Wednesday 17 September – Year 10
• Thursday 18 September – Year 9
Thank you for your understanding. If anything changes we will notify you accordingly.
Strategic Planning
Our current Strategic Plan finishes at the end of this year. We are now beginning the process of shaping a new plan to guide us from 2026 - 2028. To ensure this plan reflects the aspirations of our community, we would love to hear your thoughts. A short survey will be available via the QR code. We’d be grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete it.
2026 Enrolments
If you or someone you know were unable to come to our Open Evening and would still like to look around the school, we would be happy to arrange a personalised tour for you. Please contact the school office to make an appointment.
112 Union Street, Milton
Ph 417 8223 butcherymilton@gmail.com
Honey Cured Silverside
$18.95kg
Boneless Chicken Thighs -Plain or Crumbed$18.95kg
Stewing Steak
$19.95kg
Apple, Sage & Rosemary Sausages
$15.95kg
Enrolments are now well underway for 2026. Enrolment forms can be brought into the school office or completed online via our website. We also invite all caregivers of new students to Tokomairiro High School to book an enrolment appointment to allow us to learn a little about your child and answer any questions you may have. These appointments will run between September 8th and 19th and can be booked through the school office.
Course Selection
Our Senior Course Selection Process for current Year 10, 11 and 12 students is underway. Course Booklets are now available, and after our Course Selection Evening on Wednesday 10 September, students will be able to select their preferred subjects for next year via the School Portal. If you are the caregiver of an affected student, you are encouraged to sit with your child and assist them with these very important decisions!
2026 Prefect Selection Process
Year 12 students have now begun the application process to become a Tokomairiro High School prefect in 2026. Their applications will be considered by the Prefect Selection Panel, and if they are selected to go through to the next round, students will be notified and will speak at the first assembly in Term 4 (6 October). Staff and student voting will occur on Wednesday 8 October. Prefect candidates who are given a mandate by these two groups will then be granted an interview with the Selection Panel. The Prefect's Team will be announced and given their badges at the Tokomairiro High School 2025 Prizegiving. We are very excited for our leaders to take this opportunity to shine!
Ngā mihi nui, Bill McClure, Acting Principal
The Genesis is a free publication, delivered weekly to homes and businesses in Milton, and is available on the school website, Facebook or via email. The Genesis office is open Tuesday 8:30am - 3:30pm and Wednesday 8:30-12. If the office is unattended, any articles, advertising or payments can be taken to the school office or left in the secure box in the office door.
Genesis Deadlines: Advertising and Articles - Monday 12 noon. These can be emailed to the Editor at genesis@tokohigh.school.nz.
Genesis is delivered FREE to your letterbox on Wednesday afternoons. Any payments or donations can be made to Tokomairiro High School, account number 03 1736 0009803 000. Please use GENESIS and your name as reference. - Carolyn Shanks, Genesis Editor
Open Day a Chance to Play!
The Tokomairiro Toy Library has been quietly providing local families with access to a huge range of toys for many years, and its benefits reach far beyond simply borrowing playthings.
From puzzles and ride-ons to imaginative play sets and construction toys, the library offers resources that help support children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development.
With toys suitable for babies through to around 8 years old, the collection is always expanding to meet the needs of young families. Memberships are affordable and flexible, starting from just $15, which makes it a cost-effective way for children to enjoy quality toys without parents needing to purchase and store them all.
To give more people the chance to discover what the Toy Library has to offer, an Open Morning will be held on Saturday 13th September, from 10.30am to 12.00pm at 9 Elderlee Street. Families are welcome to come along, explore the toys, and enjoy a sausage from the BBQ.
Bible Reading for the Week ‘You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity
The committee encourages anyone curious about the Toy Library to stop by, whether they are thinking of joining or simply want to see what it’s all about.
For more information, contact tokotoylibrary@gmail.com
Last week we were lucky to have Olympics NZ and Jake from Hungerball Otago run some sessions They learnt about the game Hungerball and then had some fun sessions playing. It was great to learn a new sport!
PROFESSIONAL
SOUTH OTAGO’S TRAVEL
Have You Signed Up for Kindo?
Introducing Kindo- our online school shop that is open 24/7 for orders & payments! Over half of our families have signed up and using this simple new system!
We are simplifying student transactions at our school with the help of Kindo. It offers convenient payment options online for fees or donations, fundraisers, permission forms, registrations and more. Use one family account to manage multiple students.
Our Kindo shop makes it easy for you to: make full or part payments, register for school sports and support fundraisers.
New to Kindo?
Kindo is easy to set up and use. Just visit our website or use the QR code to join.
• Use the ‘create account’ option, to set up an account.
• Depending on the school setup, you will either enter in the email address the school has on file for you, and your students will automatically be added.
• Or you will add in your details as account holder, and your students’ details as members to the account.
Have Questions?
Call in to the school office, or visit support.mykindo.co.nz and search key words, email hello@mykindo.co.nz or phone (09) 869 5200 or 0508 454 636 for assistance - Available 8am4pm on school days.
Genesis Advertising
Email genesis@tokohigh.school.nz or phone 03 417 4483 for more information about advertising.
Hard Materials Gallery
The hard materials student’s have been putting in the mahi to create some outstanding items in the workshop. Their creations came with varying degrees of difficulties, and the students worked through challenges, learnt new skills and problem solved to finish masterpeices they should be proud of.
Putting Health and Safety Knowledge into Practice
In Food Technology, health and safety are at the heart of everything we do. Students from Year 7 to 13 are learning to work safely and independently from checking correct cooking temperatures to setting up mise en place. They take pride in preparing and presenting food that meets health standards, while also learning about school policies and personal responsibility.
CHUNK Learning
An amazing opportunity for senior students during derived grade exam week was our CHUNK learning options. Standing for Creative Hands-on Uninterrupted NCEA , students in Art, Workshop Technology, Food Technology and Music have been able to take advantage of hour block of time to get stuck in to projects.
Rugby Players Celebrated
On Monday, 8th September SOHS Rugby held their awards evening to celebrate the players on their eight teams - three girls teams and five boys teams.
The following Tokomairiro High School students received awards for their contribution to their teams:
Flynn Herbert - 2nd XV, Player of the Year and Players Player of the Year
Troy Mallon - 2nd XV, Most Valuable Back of the Year
Niko Coleman - Intermediate Team, Most Valuable Back of the Year
Tremaine Fraser - Intermediate Team, Players Player of the Year
Tukahia Morton - Junior Red Team, Most Valuable Back of the Year Congratulations!
Giving Golf a Go!
Recently some year 7 and 8 students participated in the Tony Tourell Golf Tournament held at the Milton golf course. This was a fun afternoon out and a new sport for many to have a go at.
Genesis Deadline
Vote Ken Payne For Mayor.
I believe I am the person to lead the Council through the next triennium. This is a new era for council and will need knowledge and skills that understand the political landscape and council operations.`
It is time for change. But change for change’s sake is not necessarily the best answer.
Now is the time for strong experienced leadership. I have been a councillor for 13 years, chaired the corporate and property portfolio and the last three years been Deputy Mayor. Having experience doesn’t mean more of the same. It means you have the knowledge and skills to retain what is working well and make changes where they are required
I am familiar with Central Government processes and believe this is where a major challenge needs to be focused “I am absolutely going to put myself out there and make myself available across the district”.
I want to have a close look at internal processes, efficiencies and structure
Questions always get asked around the council table but, too often, it is too late, and the ship has sailed. This must stop.
• We need to ask Council to review efficiencies and processes within.
• We need to be asking the CEO if there is a better structure that will allow for tighter monitoring and better controls.
• We need to review how we tender and question the heavy reliance on consultants.
• More emphasis needs to be put on local experience and knowledge.
I want to work in a transparent no surprise’s environment. Early detection and early engagement of problems will be paramount
Long term I would like to reduce some debt, but this will not happen until we get the basics right and fix what needs to be fixed.
The first thing to do is balance the books.
Keeping rates as low as possible is a priority but not at the cost of our children’s future or a thriving community.
Toko Market and Boot Sale
As you may have heard, some people were disappointed that the Milton Saturday Market shut down, so a few of us have decided to start up another one on a trail basis. We look forward to everyone supporting this market as we have a lot of talented crafters who would love to come and share their work. We also welcome those who would like to sell off their second hand goods.
We are fortunate enough to hold this at the Presbyterian Church, and on colder days, we will have the option of a heated hall.
The market will be held once a month, starting on Saturday 27th September from 10am - 2pm.
Bridge
Milton Pairs - 4th September 2025
J Scott / A Broome
R Devlin / A Phillips 55.56%
L Clark / L Day 48.61%
K Powell / D Macauley 45.83%
V Crawford / M da Silva
J Turnbull / P Bloxham
V Stanley / T Morland
The Rebus Club of Milton
At the August meeting, new member Alan Winter talked about his time as editor of the Gladstone Observer in of the refinery on Curtis Island which produces Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). In the power point presentation, pictures of the stages of construction were shown. Three plants were built there, each individually owned by different operators. The cost per plant was 3 billion dollars. Coal seam gas is piped from across Queensland and liquefied to -161C. The plants are basically big refrigerators and ships are loaded from the port to transport LNG around the world.
The modules used to construct the refineries were built overseas and brought to Curtis Island by barge. In addition, each camp for a refinery housed 2000 workers: 6000 in all. Houses were built and facilities for normal living were included. Housing was a problem and rentals were high. When finished, the number of workers fell from 14,000 to just 450 required to run the plants.
Alan was thanked by Lex Adam and given a gift.
The next meeting is on Tuesday September 16th at the RSA hall at 10am. The speaker is Mark Adam, who grew up in Milton, to talk about his time in the air force, work with geology in Australia and what he is up to now.
Committee please meet at 9.30 am.
Euchre
27th August 2025
Winner: Joan
Loser: Di (Balclutha)
Raffle: Cath
3rd September 2025
Winner: Trish
Loser: Una
Raffle: Raelene
News from the Trenches...
This weekend has left winter with a final sting in its tail, but always a warm inviting atmosphere at RSA.
Speaking of that, we held an excellent Volunteers morning tea for those that helped with Poppy Day and Daffodil Day. Rumour going around the resident RSA Giggolo was accosted by a prominent lady in the community.
We had another excellent night on Saturday with the AB test vs South Africa with a huge crowd enjoying the festivities. The winners of this week Corporate Couch are looking forward to be waited on. Speaking of NPC Comp get your picks in this week as first match is on Thursday. Now the scores will be covered up and only known by this author and his trusty sidekick so watch the mental disintegration with some of the candidates as they start bluffing their way. The pick the scores still not being struck which is as difficult as getting a shout out of Kasey!!!! Yes it's spelt correctly.
Now listen up, coming very soon to a garden near you are this version for the Spud Dig potato being available so all you magic finger wizards get along shortly to make your selection.
Thanks to Big Bruce Good for driving courtesy van on Friday. Feel free to put your name on the list with bar staff. Plenty of fun times going on at RSA especially on Thursday night as our resident Raffles Sellers have got their own Fan Club so come along to see what the fuss is all about.
- Private Spike Pike
30th August - 2nd September
18 Holes
0 26.4 R Devlin 85 - 10 - 75
26.5 - 40.4 P Keddell 122 - 41 - 81c/b
J McLeod 118 - 37 - 81
H Vollweiler 114 - 32 - 82
Nearest the Pin - L Lister
Jo Hitchon Button R Devlin 76 nett
Anna Burnett Brooch R Devlin 75 nett (best nett LGU)
E Kennard Putting K Partridge 32 putts
May Murdoch Stb Tee R Devlin 32
Mike 027 201 6300 03
Raffle Results
Congratulations to the following people who won a prize in our Daffodil Day Cancer Appeal Multi Draw Raffle: D Williams, Chris M, C Howat, Graeme, L Hibbett, Amanda, Dedrie, Moria, K. Powell, P Hall, D McCrostie, K. Field, M. Powick, W. Agnew, S. Weir, S. Ingram, R Leckie, Wendy, R. Taylor, C. McLellan, Villane, S Fyall, Nadine, M. Lister, A Clark, Greg, D Ferguson, N McSkimming, S Healey, P Green, D Jannsen, Jane, D Evans, Dillon, Jane, K & S Gillies, T Frew, Tess, J Griffin, R Calder, E Tuhakaraina, T. Williamson, Mrs Soper, P Clark and A Gould.
Thank you for your support. All winners have been notified.
Public Notices
Public Notices
The Daffodils and Brewery Ruins at Weatherstons will be open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 12th September to 5th October, 10am-4pm.
$5 pp, $2 U13, pre-schoolers free and $12 family of 4. Cash admissions only. Groups by arrangement. Email enquiries to weatherstons.trust@gmail.com
Follow us on Facebook for updates: Weatherstons Brewery and Daffodils Trust
Daffodil Day Annual Appeal
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the businesses and individuals that generously supported our Multi Draw fundraising raffle for the Annual Daffodil Day Cancer Appeal.
We would like to thank the following - Moto Cafe, Provincial Antiques, Cafe Forum, Alice Murial - Artist, Milton Country Club, Ravensdown, Stihl Shop Milton, Milton Pharmacy, Toko Trailers, White Horse Inn, Milton Motors 2017 Ltd, Plains Florist, Midway Dairy, PGG Wrightsons, Hancock Engineering, M. Woodhead & Family, Kelly's Kitchen, The Merino Story, Night 'n Day Milton, O'Mally & Co, Calder Stewart, Wynard Transport, N MacAuley, Milton Post Centre, Caltex Milton, Framing Plus, Mrs Jenkins, M. Tiffany, Dollar Mart Milton, Great Southern Timber, A. Booth, Agricentre South Ltd, Toko Gym Milton, Milton RSA, H. Pauni & H. Brookland, Clutha Vets, Round 2 Arts, St Johns Court Motels and Milton SuperValue.
Thanks to your generosity, the event was a tremendous success. Special thanks to John, Nicole, Jamie and Nelson at Stihl Shop Milton for their invaluable help supporting our raffle.
a Kindo account by 19th September,
Tokomairiro Waiora Inc.
4 Shakespeare St Milton Free Nurse Clinics 2025
The Nurse Clinics provide a range of services including:
• Rangatahi checks
• CERVICAL SCREENING SELF TEST available
• Sexual health checks and contraception advice including emergency contraception
• Pregnancy testing
• Weight monitoring
• Blood sugar and blood pressure checks
• Heart, diabetes and breathing checks to identify risk of illness
• Chronic disease maintenance
• Access to Podiatrists
• Access to Dietitians
• Helping develop health plans to meet health goals
• Advice on who and what is available to meet people’s health needs.
Next clinic Tuesday 16th September, 10am - 2pm
Open to all community members. For appointment contact: Ph 03 417 7430 or 027 232 3769 or office@tokowaiora.co.nz
Anne Wai Chin Cheng for Lawrence-Tuapeka Ward Councillor
I believe Local Government is about engaging with, making decisions for, and delivering services to meet the needs of the community. Looking after community well-being is at the heart of Local Government.
I have lived in New Zealand since October 1988 and in Lawrence since October 2016.
Serving as a Ward Councillor is a full-time commitment – I have time; and I am fully committed.
I am:
passionate about serving the community,
knowledgeable about Local Government systems and processes, having worked in 8 different Local Councils for some 25 years
hard-working,
approachable,
a good listener,
a team player
a good communicator
I promise to serve the community with integrity – I will explain to you what you need to hear, not tell you what you want to hear.
Authorised by Anne Wai Chin Cheng 0211883973
Genesis relies on articles and reports supplied by the community to fill our pages. Please email these to genesis@tokohigh.school.nz so we can share what is happening in our area.
Vote Gaynor Finch for Waihola Bruce Ward
Trades & Services
Balclutha
Articles and Reports
Genesis relies on articles and reports supplied by the community to fill our pages.
Please email these to genesis@tokohigh.school.nz so we can share what is happening in our area.
Dr. Fix-IT
TV’s, PC’s, WiFi & HiFi Service, Installs & Repairs, Farm Gate Alarms & Cameras
Affordable Rates, Cash Discounts Call 022 516 7729
• Asphalting
• Driveways
• Paving
• CobbleStoning
• Tennis Courts
• FloorSlabs
Genesis Advertising
