Following on from last week’s report about the Year 7 and 8’s celebrating Te wiki o te reo Māori, we now look at other events that were held across the school during the week.
Tāwhirimatea, the atua of weather, gave us the perfect reason to stay indoors on Tuesday and our students took part in a fun and competitive Blooket game in the whare. They tested their knowledge of te reo and tikanga, while showing great teamwork, enthusiasm, and plenty of smiles along the way. Congratulations to our winners. Karawhiua e hoa mā!
On the Thursday students had the chance to get active and take part in a game of Kī-o-rahi. This exciting Māori game involves two teams working together to score points by passing, running, and ripping tags while protecting the tupu. It was great to see everyone showing teamwork, energy, rahi not only encourages fitness and fun, but also connects us with te ao Māori through traditional My success is not individual success, but the success of the collective. We wrapped up Te wiki o te reo Māori with an incredible kapa haka performance. Their passion and pride shone
Throughout the week, students and staff took part in a variety of activities celebrating te reo Māori and tikanga. Congratulations to the winners who showed great commitment by attending at least three days of activities! A special mention goes to Ned Scott, who did an outstanding job in the Arero whīwhiwhi (te reo Māori tongue twister challenge). Ngā mihi nui to everyone who participated and helped make the week such a success. Let’s keep the momentum going.
Kia kaha te kōrero Māori!
drop into the school office with a copy. Please remember, we need to take a copy your child’s birth certificate or passport to verify their identity.
Enrolment Interviews: If you would like to book an enrolment interview, please email erica@tokohigh.school.nz or phone the office on 03 417 8620 to make a time. We look forward to seeing you.
Dates to Remember
Monday 6th October Term 4 Begins
Wednesday 8th October Prefect Voting
Monday 13th - Friday 17th October Reading Week
Monday 27th October Labour Day - School Closed
Thursday 30th October Last Day for Senior Students
Tena koutou katoa
SCHOOL MISSION:
Wellbeing and Exams
Tokomairiro High School Newsletter...
Inspiring Excellence in Education, in Character and in Life.
The clocks have gone forward, the evenings are lighter and the blossom is out on the trees. With the move to spring there’s a sense of energy and change in the air. For our seniors it also signals that NCEA exams are drawing closer. The weeks ahead will be filled with revision and preparation and while this can be a demanding time it is also a chance for students to show the progress they have made this year. There is a whakataukī that feels right for this season: “Whaia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei.” Seek the treasure you value most dearly; if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.
Exams are one of those mountains. They take effort, focus and resilience. For some of our Year 11s this will be their first experience of NCEA externals, laying the foundation for Level 2 next year. Our Year 12 students will be consolidating their learning at Level 2 while Year 13s will be aiming for the results that keep doors open to university, apprenticeships, trades, training or work. Whatever stage they are at, exams are about turning up, giving their best and making sure future opportunities remain open.
Revision is a big part of this. Going over notes, practising past papers and planning study time carefully all help students walk into the exam room with more confidence. But revision works best when it’s balanced. A decent night’s sleep, good food, some exercise and regular breaks don’t take away from study - they make it more effective. Wellbeing and hard work go hand in hand.
As the pressure builds stress is a natural part of the season. A few nerves can even help sharpen focus but too much can get in the way. This is where whānau support makes a real difference. Keeping routines steady, offering encouragement and knowing when to suggest a break can all help our young people to manage the pressure.
Although each student will sit their exam on their own they are not alone in reaching this point. The guidance of teachers throughout the year has built knowledge and confidence. Whānau have supported with encouragement, reminders to keep balance and the steady routines that make a difference. Friends have walked alongside, sharing the ups and downs of the year and often giving the reassurance that only peers can provide. All of these contributions matter and together they help our young people arrive at exam time ready to give their best.
Just as the trees blossom after the cold months our students now have the chance to show their growth after a year of steady effort. The weeks ahead will stretch them but like the blossom they will bring colour and new possibilities. As Term 4 begins let’s encourage our rangatahi to prepare well, look after themselves and face the exam season with confidence.
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School Contact Details
School Office: 03 417 8620
School Cellphone: 027 268 3362
Office email: office@tokohigh.school.nz
Genesis Deadline 12 Noon Monday
Making an Appointment
If you would like to see a member of the Senior Leadership Team or your child's Dean or Teacher, please call or email the office to arrange an appointment at a mutually convenient time. Although we like to meet with parents/ whanau, we are not always available at short notice and may be teaching or working with students or other staff.
The office phone number is 03 417 8620 and the email address is thsoffice@tokohigh.school.nz
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
Investigating Theories at Milton Kindergarten
This term at Milton Kindergarten we have been focusing on feeding mokopuna curiosity (whakamatatemate) through science (pūtaiao).
Mokopuna have been engaging and investigating in longterm and short- term projects, mixing colours through the fun of potion making while also exploring bugs, erupting volcanoes and finding out what will happen as they test out their working theories. “How does it work?”, “What will happen?” and “How do I?”. This has been a fun way for mokopuna to share their ideas in their own time and extend their ongoing scientific knowledge and understanding.
To follow what we get up to at Milton Kindergarten, follow us on Facebook, just search Milton Kindergarten.
Clutha Panel Repairs
• Chassis Straightening
• Structural Repair Centre
• Panel/Paint Repairs
• Plastic Welding
• Free Quotes/ Loan Cars
Have You Signed Up for Kindo?
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.
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 8am-4pm on school days.
• Latest technology equipment & training for late model vehicles Insurance work for all major insurance companies NOVUS agents for all vehicle glass requirements
8 Frances Street, Balclutha Ph 03 418 0192
Dave & Carolyn McDiarmid admin@cluthapanelrepairs.nz
Free pick up and delivery from Milton and surrounding areas.
Vocational Pathways – Opening Doors to Every Future
At Tokomairiro High School, our Vocational Pathways programme is all about preparing students for life beyond school by giving them the confidence, qualifications, and realworld experiences they need to thrive. This year, our students have embraced an incredible range of opportunities designed to build both careerreadiness and personal growth.
From essential certifications like First Aid and the Defensive Driving Course, to Learner Licence practice sessions, students are gaining practical skills that set them up for independence and employability.
With 42 successful work placements completed, they are experiencing firsthand what it means to step into the world of work, connecting classroom learning to real industries and workplaces. Our learners also benefit from regular visits from liaison officers representing New Zealand’s leading universities, polytechnics, and tertiary providers, as well as attending the Careers Expo and the Otago Tertiary and SIT Open Days, ensuring they are well-informed about every pathway available, whether academic, vocational, or industry-based. Many students are already completing industry-recognised qualifications such as MITO Mechanical Certificates, ITS Hospitality courses, SIT Animal Care programmes, and NZST/Yoobee Tourism papers.
In addition, students are working towards unit standards in workplace health and safety, employment law, and CV creation.
Perhaps most importantly, Vocational Pathways focuses on practical life skills that are truly relevant to careers, building confidence, adaptability, and resilience. Whether a student’s future lies in trades, tertiary study, tourism, technology, animal care, or hospitality, this programme ensures they are well-prepared, well-qualified, and inspired to succeed. At Tokomairiro, Vocational Pathways is more than a class, it’s a launchpad into exciting futures.
Learning + Fun = SPEC
There is one word and one word only to describe SPEC this year... BUSY!!! Well, that and fun.
The crew continued with their Tetra Pak recycling efforts, cleaning and processing over 500 so far (and counting). Thank you to the Tokomairiro community for helping us with this.
We worked through modules on Weather, Emotions and Household Jobs. Like last year, we were able to benefit from shared skills. Staff and visitors were willing to share real life stories and practical knowledge with us. A highlight was making a cloud in a jar, courtesy of Mrs Mickey.
In Term 3, we were lucky enough to visit the Bowling Club food hub in Otepoti Dunedin. The students were able to see first hand how people can make a difference in their community. We were able to assist with packing up orders to bring back to the Tokomairiro Hub, ready for distribution. These opportunities have provided ideas for employment in the future, as well as building contacts within our wider network.
In addition to this, the students completed a raft of works to show in the Matariki exhibition, held at Te Whare o Puawai. Word association poems, art works and writing were all on display. Thanks to the school and the community for supporting us this year - we are looking forward to 2026!
Getting All Dramatic
Drama is an important part of learning because it gives our students the chance to be creative, work together, and build confidence. In the New Zealand Curriculum, the Arts help young people express themselves, understand others, and develop important life skills.
This year in Drama, our Year 7 and 8 students have performed a variety of plays. While they’ve had a lot of fun on stage, they’ve also been learning valuable skills such as communication, teamwork, and tolerance. By stepping into different roles, they learn to see the world from other perspectives and respect each other’s ideas.
Drama isn’t just about performing it’s about problemsolving, listening, and supporting one another. These are skills that will help our students in school, at home, and in the wider community. Most of all, it has given them the chance to grow and learn while enjoying themselves.
Celebrating Art
Kia ora koutou! As anticipated, it has been another busy year in the art room.
The 7/8 Homeroom classes all contributed to the Daffodil House "Bags of Hope" initiative organised by the Cancer Society. This was a great way to connect with the community and give back, while exploring our personal interests.
The Year 9//10 cohort branched out with printmaking and digital art in Semester One. We saw Photoshop work, research, wood cut prints, etching, collographs and textile art. This cohort brought a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm - the 'give it a go' attitude we love to see!
Semester One was capped off with an exhibition to showcase the array of work.
The start of Term 3 saw us get the 9/10s into painting. There has been a focus on artists from Aotearoa New Zealand. So far, the student have looked at Robin White, Buck Nin, Kelcy Taratoa and Cliff Whiting. This is a strong group of painters who have taken to every challenge like ducks to water (or artists to an easel). Meanwhile, the seniors have been working week by week to complete their folio boards.
We still had time for fun (and learning) with a couple of great excursions - the year kicked off with the Year 11s visiting the store room of Tuhura Otago Museum and see the famous Millers Flat waka huia. This was a highlight of the year and a real privilege. It didn't stop there. Term Two saw this group visiting Portobello on the trail of Robin White. It was a stroke of luck to be able to study an artist who lived and worked within driving distance of our kura! The Year 12s and 13s weren't to be outdone, with a day in town visiting the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. True to form, curious questions were asked and laughs were had... all in support of inspiring the personal projects for the year.
Students from this class were also able to enter the CELEBRATE Dunedin School of Art show, this year Tokomairiro was represented by Kendra Clark and Reily Mathieson.
We now approach the "busier season" as the folio boards are due in - watch this space to see the final work! A huge thank you to all who have supported the Visual Arts classes this year - staff, parents and the community - and our students who make this place what it is!!
News from the Trenches...
Let's get the elephant out of the room straight away. Congratulations to Lammy Moana who took away the rugby jackpot of picking the correct score of Women's World Cup. The pick the scores for AB test still hasn't been struck, even though there are 175 Rugby experts based at the RSA.
Speaking of rugby, this is the last week for joker to be played in NPC Comp, based on the points score, anyone of about 19 are in with a decent chance to take away the prizes. Who can retain their nerve?? We will be having the prize giving on Saturday 2nd November, so wear your most unique rugby outfit to claim a special prize.
The Joker Draw is now gaining momentum where you need to be here to have your name drawn out. There are also numerous special prizes associated with the Joker Draw so yet again the RSA is the best place to win prizes.
I can now introduce Haggis the Pigeon, who is a relative of departed Paddy who ended up in a pigeon pie a few years ago due to squeaking too much. Haggis provides me all the information and he has given me a cracker story. This revolves around a dedicated wife of a certain RSA member who supposedly left his wallet at home. This beautiful wife brought the wallet to her beloved husband but discovered this husband has two wallets!!! Talk about cunning.
Contact the Genesis Office for more information about advertising.
Advertisements start at just $12, and can be run weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Email genesis@tokohigh.school.nz
Prize Draw Results
Congratulations to the winners of the Kindo Prize Draw Promotion!
Five winners each won a $50 NZ Uniforms voucher and are now up and running with Kindo.
1. Hemi
2. Iris
3. Aden
4. Daniel
5. Lily H Vouchers can be collected from the school office.
Genesis Office Hours
Tuesdays 8:30-3:30
Wednesdays 8:30-12 noon
Public Health Nurse -Abby Brookland
Available Tuesdays and Fridays at Tokomairiro High School
Phone 027 241 1506 to make an appointment.
Tokomairiro High School
HORT SHOP
Openifsignsareout
Wednesdayafternoons
Sunday Service 10am 110 Union Street All Welcome! For more information, follo us on Facebook
Youth United meets fortnightly on Saturdays in term time for ages 10-18. Check out our Facebook page for events & times.
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 7th October, 2pm - 6pm
Open to all community members.
For appointment contact: Ph 03 417 7430 or 027 232 3769 or office@tokowaiora.co.nz
Genesis Advertising
Contact the Genesis Office for more information about advertising. Advertisements start at just $12, and can be run weekly, fortnightly or monthly. Email genesis@tokohigh.school.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
MILTON BOWLING CLUB INC
OPENING DAY
SATURDAY 4th OCTOBER, 1PM DRAW - 1.30PM START BBQ TEA TO FOLLOW NEW MEMBERS VERY WELCOME! BRING ALONG A FRIEND AND HAVE A GO!
The Daffodils and Brewery Ruins at Weatherstons will be open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 12 September - 5 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
Hub Update
Have you popped into the Tokomairiro Community Hub lately? Our doors are always open to welcome everyone, andwe’reproudtobe aplace where connection, support, and care come together for ourcommunity.
Inside the hub, you’ll find more than just friendly faces. Weoffer:
• free clothing for tamariki under five,
• kai is always onhand
• connect whānau with the local foodbank
Over summer, our pātaka kai out the back bursts with fresh fruit and veggies, thanks to generous local growers, making sure good kai is sharedand enjoyed.
Alongside Project Bruce, we support sustainability. You can drop off batteries and Tetra Pak cartons for recycling, helping us care for Papatūānukutogether.
The hub is a base for social and health services. From counselling and wellbeing support, tocommunity groups and interagency mahi, it’s a place where people can find the help they need, or just comeinfor akōrero.
At the heart of it all, the Tokomairiro Community Hub is about people celebrating the strength of our community, looking after each other, and making sure everyone feels they belong. We’d love for you to stop by, say Kia ora, and see what’s happening at your hub.
Authorised by Gaynor Finch 027 417 7021
Email:tokotrailers@xtra.co.nz
Hire a Millenial! Not good with technology? No worries! With a wealth of tech and marketing experience give Olivia a call for all your computer/ phone needs. Phone: 021 035 5861
