Congratulations!
‘He ihu kurī, he tangata haere - As a dog follows a scent, a wayfarer looks for an open door’.
In 2024 a significant number of our current year 12 and 13 ākonga capitalised on the opportunity to earn endorsements and micro credentials!
These students were recognised in last week’s assembly, showcasing some outstanding NCEA results at all levels - a great celebration of learning and achievement.
Tetra Pak Recycling – Small Actions, Big Impact
Did you know that five percent of all Tetra Pak recycling in the Clutha District last year came from Tokomairiro High School?
That’s thanks to a group of passionate students who set up a Tetra Pak recycling station at school. They have done an incredible job collecting and cleaning the cartons to ensure they can be properly recycled. With a full year ahead in 2025, we can’t wait to see how much they can grow this initiative. Ka pai to these students for their mahi.
Bruce Community Facility - Full Steam Ahead
Milton is on track for more awesome improvements with the upcoming construction of a combined library, service centre, and swimming pool facility. This exciting project is a direct response to the community's wishes during the 2019 “Our Place Milton” consultation, where a majority supported a modern, multi-purpose facility. To help make this vision a reality, the Bruce Community Facilities Trust (BCFT) was formed to fundraise and engage with the community. The BCFT has committed to raising $2 million to contribute to the construction, and we need your help!
We will be seeking the majority of the finance through grant funding organisations. Applications for this can be submitted once consents for the facility have been issued later in the year. But the BCFT is losing no time and is implementing a raft of other ways to raise funds and demonstrate community support in the meantime!
There are a number of options to contribute to the fundraising effort, which we will be outlining over the upcoming weeks. Those making donations over $500 will have the option of being acknowledged in a recognition plaque in the building, displaying your legacy into the future. With the sleek new road surface and markings, the underground power and beautiful streetlights, the murals and the bustling cycle trail, Milton is feeling amazing. Next on the list is the finishing of the footpaths and the transformation of the Stewart Reserve. The new Bruce Facility will be the icing on the cake!
English Department Book Amnesty
Please could all students who have attended recently ensure that all text books and reading books have been returned to school.
In particular we are seeking copies of the following texts: ‘The Land’ by Mildred D Taylor; ‘Better the Blood’ by Michael Bennett; "Shooting Stars" by Brian Faulkner and "Maus" by Art Spiegelmann.
Dates to Remember
Friday 21st March - Mufti Day
Monday 24th March
Otago Anniversary Day – School Closed
Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th March
Year 7 & 8 Leadership Camp (Waihola)
Tuesday 1st April PTA AGM
Friday 4th April
Swimming Sports
Tena
koutou katoa
Tokomairiro High School Newsletter...
SCHOOL MISSION: Inspiring Excellence in Education, in Character and in Life.
7/8 Mil Class Completes Bags of Hope
Term 1 is moving fast and we still have a packed schedule ahead. Next week, our Year 7 and 8 students head off on their leadership camp and shortly after, we’ll be diving into Swimming Sports. There’s plenty happening, so read on for all the latest updates.
Mufti Day
This Friday, we’re holding a mufti day (gold coin donation) to celebrate St Patrick’s Day a little late, but better late than never.
Students can also pre-order pies and ginger beer for purchase. All proceeds will go to the Red Cross, supporting those in need.
Artificial Turf – Help Us Bring It Back
Many of you will know that our artificial turf was damaged beyond repair last year after being lifted by strong winds. Unfortunately, the underlay had shrunk, making it impossible to reinstall.
We have received quotes for a new turf with a 25-year lifespan, but it comes at a significant cost. Right now, we don’t have the funds to cover the full cost, so we will need to fundraise.
This turf has been a hugely valuable facility for both our students and the wider community, and we’re committed to replacing it. If you or someone you know would like to help bring this vision to life, please reach out to us we’d love to hear from you.
Inter-House Competition –
The Race is
On
The house competition is heating up. Ross House is currently in the lead after winning Athletics, but there are plenty more points up for grabs.
• Swimming Sports – our next major event is on April 4th
• Lunchtime Sports – the bench ball competition is running three times a week
• Keeping Our Kura Tidy Challenge – This challenge is still underway, and it has been great to see students taking pride in their school environment. House points will be awarded based on how tidy each house’s designated area is, so keep up the effort!
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We are CLOSED on Monday 24th March for Otago Anniversary Day
• Attendance and Recognition Points – at the end of the term, these will also contribute to house points
It’s still anyone’s game, so get involved and help your house climb the leaderboard.
Tokomairiro High School
HORT SHOP OPEN
WEDNESDAYS1pm-4pm. Variety of Plants & Shrubs Ready for Planting Now!
Our Year 7/8 Mil class has now completed their Bags of Hope a special project that supports those going through cancer treatment. Students decorated paper bags, adding personal touches and messages of encouragement, before they were gifted to cancer patients to keep their belongings in during treatment.
This is the second time our kura has contributed to this worthwhile scheme and it has been wonderful to see our students showing haepapa (responsibility) and manaakitanga (care for others).
Their creativity and kindness will hopefully bring comfort to those facing challenging times. Ka mau te wehi!
Keeping Warm in Autumn
As the mornings get cooler, now is a good time to check that students have the right warm uniform options.
• Approved jackets: Soft shell, Code sideline jacket (NZ Uniforms), or a plain black or navy jacket
• KidsCan jackets: Available for those who need them just let us know
• Navy vest, merino jersey, Back Road jersey or older style woollen school jersey (available through PTA for $20)
Hoodies are not part of the uniform and won’t be permitted at school.
If you have any short-term uniform concerns, please get in touch we’re happy to help.
Cellphones in School – A Year On
It has now been almost a year since the governmentmandated cellphone ban in schools was introduced, including during offsite trips.
Since then, we’ve noticed:
• Increased focus in lessons
• More face-to-face social interactions
• Many students saying they don’t actually miss their phones
Just a reminder:
• If a student needs to bring a phone to school, it can be left at the office for the day
• If caregivers need to contact a student, this can be done through the office
• If a student is seen using their phone during school hours, it will need to be collected by a caregiver at the end of the day
Join Our Wonderful PTA!
The Tokomairiro High School PTA is a vital part of our kura, providing invaluable financial assistance to our students. Whether it’s subsidies for camps and trips or funding for essential equipment, every student benefits!
We are always keen to welcome new members. The PTA AGM will be held on Tuesday, 1st April a great opportunity to get involved. If you’d like to be part of this amazing group, please come along!
Ngā mihi nui, Vicki Wish, Principal
Genesis
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
Different Techniques Help with Understanding
English students at all levels are making the most of techniques they are learning in class, to support their understanding of writing and reading texts.
Students in Senior Literacy have been preparing for the exam. This has involved creating some Formal Writing posters which they have shared copies of to other English classrooms and the library
One group of senior students have been studying the graphic novel "Maus". They also created posters which reflect their understanding of how the story was created.
This display was used last year for juniors who studied "Shooting Stars". It can be used for all reading texts so we can learn about how a Māori world view is reflected. This year students are using it to visualise their understanding of “Hierarchy of Needs: Aotearoa’”. Sticky notes are added to show their understanding, and it can be referred to for essay writing or other learning tasks.
Punctuality is Important
During the first ten minutes of the class, the teacher will:
- Greet the class
- Give important notices/ information
- Set up the plan for the period
- Review what has been learnt
- Set the tasks for the lesson
It is not surprising that if a child is late they will not know what is happening.
Regular lateness/ absence means gaps develop and learning becomes harder. In secondary school, some children will not go into class late, and so they miss the whole period this creates bigger problems.
Children who are at school:
- have no learning gaps
- know what is happening
- enjoy school more
- can achieve to their full potential
- have increased self esteem
- establish good relationships with friends and adults.
Public Health Nurse -Abby Brookland
Available Tuesdays and Fridays at Tokomairiro High School Phone 027 241 1506 to make an appointment.
Bible Reading for the Week
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” - Numbers 6: 25-26
Athletics Success
Last Saturday, 12 of our talented students competed in the Otago Secondary Schools Athletics Championships, giving it their all and making us incredibly proud.
A special congratulations to our U16 relay teams the girls placed first, and the boys took second, both achieving personal best times. Individual highlights include:
• Alec Murray –
• Tremaine Fraser
Alec and Tremaine have now qualified for the South Island Secondary Schools Championship in Nelson next month. We wish them all the best.
SOUTH OTAGO’S TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL
Impossible Quiche
Last week, the Year 9/10 Food Tech Class were busy dicing, slicing, chopping, boiling and baking to create an Impossible Quiche.
The chefs? Cooper, Lucas, Jayden, Kithmi, Marshall, Tai-Lah and Lilly.
The dish? Impossible Quiche. The verdict? Delicious!
Genesis Office Hours
Tuesdays 8:30-3:30 and Wednesdays 8:30-12 noon
Deadline - Monday 12 noon for all articles and advertising
Toko Rugby Report
On Sunday we started off with a fantastic day with the juniors assisted coaching with Sam Fischlii and Keely Hill both Otago stars. This was a fantastic occasion which all juniors loved.
This was followed by Toko Seniors taking on both Taieri and Crescent Senior in a three way pre-season hit out. Toko competed strongly and looks like having a very promising season with a combination of vastly cunning experience players with a batch of keen up and comers.
Toko Premiers took on Taieri for the much vaunted Ken Bloxham trophy with both teams wanting to secure the trophy. Taieri brought down a young highly fast paced feat which caught Toko wanting. Toko hung in there under stifling temperature with The Human Highlight Jacob Jenkins scoring 3 tries. Taieri ran out comfortable winners 36-17
Next week both Toko Seniors and Premiers travel to Outram to go Pig Hunting vs West Taieri. So let's get plenty support there for both teams. Who doesn't like the smell of bacon and pork courtesy of a Toko ambush?
-The Judge
Collagraph Printing
The Year 9/10 Printmaking class has finished their intro to collagraph printing. This week the students prepared found surfaces, mixed ink and used the printing press to transfer the imprint.
Cash, Leon and Dylan show the first parts of the process, while Lily and Olivia display the results. Extra points if you can recognise the objects!
Toko Golf Club
Mark Adam 70-6-64
Dave Wyer 75-10-65
Lex Adam 96-30-66
Josh Day 85-18-67
Peter Sheath 83-15-68 c/b
Brian Cowie 79-11-68 c/b
Greg Findlay 77-9-68
Bradley Frost 88-19-69 c/b
Paul Stevenson 91-22-69 c/b
Fred Taylor 86-17-69
Closest to pin 9/18: Rodger Calder
Twos: M Harwood, A Hale, D Weyer, M Adam, & F Taylor
Hidden Birdie No 12, Nett Eagle No 17 not struck
Articles and Reports
The 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.
26th February 2025
Winner: Pat (Owaka)
Loser: Steve
Raffle: Cath
Euchre
5th March 2025
Winner: Raelene
Loser: Moira
Raffle: Una
News from the Trenches...
On Saturday we held our Annual World Famous Spud Dig comp where we tried something different by collecting the spuds on Friday and weighing them at RSA. Based on the large crowd this was a hugely popular decision and it was one of the best night entertainment this year. There must be some special soil at Moneymore as Ronnie Howie won the largest shore of spuds, while Sandra West won biggest individual spud. We raffled off the magic soil which contains all secret herbs and spices which Greg Manson won, all funds went to the Welfare Fund. I wouldn't recommend getting Julie Aitken to grow spuds as she brought back a clean empty bag instead of having at least something in it. Thanks to all the helpers that contributed to a awesome occasion.
This coming Friday from 6:30 we are holding a special presentation for our Darts Competition. Circumstances beyond our control have delayed this celebration but when we see the special prizes, it will be worth the wait. As you loved the Darts Competition then your attendance is compulsory on Friday night. We have prizes for entrants along with supporters.
Also coming up is Patriots Motor Cycle Club having another Charity Run on Saturday 29 March leaving Mosgiel RSA and concluding at Milton RSA so join up for this ride. This club does tremendous work raising money for Veterans around NZ. I might have to get my leathers out along with my Harley!!!!
Finally it appears the Super Rugby comp is heating up with plenty of jokers being played with some thrilling scoring being accumulated. Looks like a heavy hitter or them all right and is flexing his considerably large muscles making a run to the title.
- Private Spike Pike
Youth United meets fortnightly on Saturdays in term time for ages 10-18. Check out our Facebook page for events & times.
