Despite the disruption caused by rostering home, Reading Week still brought a sense of fun and creativity to the school. The “Medieval Days” theme inspired some staff and students to dress up on Friday one Teacher Aide even adorned a full suit of armour. The week concluded with a human chess match on Friday lunchtime, which was certainly a highlight.
Thank you to Mr Daniels for his organisation and enthusiasm, and to everyone who contributed to making the week such an enjoyable celebration of reading.
Year 7 and 8 Science
The 7s and 8s have been taking part in the nationwide Wonder Challenge. This year we have been investigating our household water. We have looked at the water cycle and where our water comes from, and then worked out how to clean our water ready for it to enter our homes, schools, hospitals and other buildings. We have designed reticulation systems (right) which take the cleaned water from storage and shares it out amongst customers, and (left) Cloud and Tui have made a diorama for all the classes to look at that shows the water cycle.
Dates to Remember
Monday 27th October Labour Day - School Closed Thursday 30th October - Last Day for Senior Students
Tuesday 4th November - NCEA Exams Begin
Saturday 8th November - Lake to Sea Trail Bike Ride
Thursday 13th November - Yr 6 Orientation Morning Friday 14th November - Teacher Only Day
Tena koutou katoa
Tokomairiro High School Newsletter...
SCHOOL MISSION: Inspiring Excellence in Education, in Character and in Life.
As we move into Week Three of the term, we’ve had our final full-school Monday assembly, where we heard from our 2025 prefects. Annie, AJ, and Charlotte spoke about how being prefects has helped them grow in confidence and what they’ve enjoyed most about the role. With senior students finishing classes at the end of this week and preparing for exams, it was a great chance for the whole school to hear from them before they move into that next stage.
Class Act Awards
Last Thursday I had the privilege of attending the Class Act Awards, which acknowledge exceptional students from across Otago secondary schools. This year our recipients were Nirvana Collins and Annie Graham. It was wonderful to see them recognised among other outstanding young people from across the region.
NCEA Updates and Study Leave
As the year draws to a close, our senior students are preparing for their final NCEA assessments. Over the coming days, we’ll be confirming which students are eligible for study leave. To qualify, students must have completed all internal assessments and be on track to achieve their qualification.
We wish all our senior students the very best as they enter this final phase stay focused, keep your routines steady, and finish well.
Junior Learning and Testing Week
While our senior ākonga move into exams, our Year 7–10 students will continue with a full learning programme. This is an important time to consolidate the progress made throughout the year and to live out our school values of haepapa, whakaute, and hiringa.
Next week’s Testing Week provides valuable insight into student progress and helps teachers plan effectively for 2026. We encourage every student to give their best effort and take pride in showing just how far they’ve come.
Industrial Action
A reminder that industrial action is continuing. Teaching and non-teaching staff will take part in the mega strike on Thursday 23rd October, meaning the school will be closed for instruction that day
In addition, PPTA members plan to take part in a part-day strike on Wednesday 5th November from 1.15pm. We’ll provide updates and reminders closer to the time thank you for your understanding and support.
Lake to Sea Trail Ride
Planning is well underway for our annual Lake to Sea Trail Ride, our major fundraisers for the school. This year, funds raised will go largely towards the new turf project which is an exciting development for our kura.
All students are asked to bring in a bag of fun-size chocolates, which are provided to the riders for a well-needed sugar boost along the trail. Thank you to those who have already contributed; your support makes a real difference.
112 Union Street, Milton Ph 417 8223 butcherymilton@gmail.com
Rolled Lamb Roast
-Plain or Seasoned$20.95kg
BBQ Steak
$21.95kg
Crumbed Sausages
-Plain or Savoury$14.95kg
Teacher Only Day
A reminder that Thursday 14th November is a Teacher Only Day (granted by the Ministry of Education). The school will be closed for instruction on this day.
Ngā mihi nui
Vicki Wish, Principal | Tumuaki
Tokomairiro High School HORT SHOP OPEN
WEDNESDAYS1:30pm-4pm. Variety of Plants & Shrubs Ready for Planting Now!
Thursday 30th October 6:30 - 7:30pm
For more information and to register, go to: https://tinyurl.com/bdd562vp
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.
Open Saturdays 9am 12pm
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
September Stars of the Month
Congratulations to the following students who have been named our Stars for September!
Digital Technology- PJ Allnut
Senior English- Hayley Anderson
Junior English- Kelbie Manson
Music- Hunter Wardell
Drama- Peter King
Drama- Jasmine Rogers
Art- Kendra Clark
Junior Science- Leo Bandolon and Bronson White
Food technology- Shannyn Ferguson
Values Champ- Alex Blackburn
Social Sciences- Rebekah Scurr
Kapa Haka- Shilah Milligan and Hemi Lambert
Te Reo- Sarah-Jane Norman
Homeroom legend- Aanya Naidu
PE- Carson Sun
Textiles- Ivy Clarke
Horticulture- Niko Coleman
Bible Reading for the Week “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8
Up Cycle
Did you know Milton has its very own bike workshop? At Up Cycle, our mission is to ensure every member of our community has the opportunity to own a bike.
We host regular workshop days where you can bring your own bike for a tune-up. Our team will work with you to get it back in great shape. Alternatively, you’re welcome to help refurbish one of the bikes we have available at the shed. Recently, we’ve accumulated a large number of bikes that are beyond repair. These will be scrapped and harvested for parts and we need your help! Join us at the old Scout Hall on Gray St on Saturday, 1st November for our Demolition Day. It’s a hands-on event where we’ll break down bikes into reusable parts that can help fix others in the future.
We’ll be firing up the BBQ for all volunteers, so come along, bring some friends or family, and enjoy a fun and productive day. If you love taking things apart and supporting your community, this is the perfect event for you!
Contact the Genesis Office for more information about advertising. Just email genesis@tokohigh.school.nz
Milton Area Promotions Turns 20
It's been 20 years since MAP was formed, numbers have dwindled but not the enthsiasm of the committee members. We have lots to celebrate! In this time we have:
Developed Moore Park, with a child’s cycle track and flying fox.
Cleared, beautified and maintained the South bridge approach to the town,
Restored and painted the historic Toll House at the north end of town and rewritten it's bonafide history.
Created the Dog Park amongst the beautiful trees at Taylor Park.
With more plans for 2026. . . plus Who Are We? There is the man who turned up with a larger chainsaw for a job. The man who always mows the grass at the Toll House. The other man who mows the grass at South Bridge. The woman who keeps our south bridge plantings in check. The organisation that loaned us the two forestry men to help clear an overgrown nasty holly area. The kind lady who donated lovely plants for the Dog Park. The couple that turned up to help dig 40 holes for the shrubs. The two men who resized, welded, painted and installed our gorgeous park gates. The two lads who rabbit proofed the dog park. The businesses and other organisations that donate money, time and services when required
The list goes on and on And to the locals, who pitch in and help, not even when asked.
The list goes on and on - small town, BIG heart.
Contact Kay on 021 669 202 to join the crew!
Euchre
8th October 2025
Winner: Russell Loser: Maureen (Owaka) Raffle: Russell
Genesis Classifieds ...
Milton Primary School Oranga Ākonga
Fixed term role until December 2026
There is flexibility for this role to be part-time or full-time.
About the Role
This role is a key part of a collaborative project between Barnardos Aotearoa and Milton Primary School. The role supports students through a bespoke mix of programmes, in-class support, pre-emptive learning as well as in-themoment support when required. Schools are by nature busy and fast paced so to be successful in this role we are looking for someone who is flexible in their approach, committed to working in a collaborative way and will hold students and their wellbeing at the core of the work.
Responsibilities
• Collaborate with whanau and key school staff to assess the needs of tamariki.
• Complete child and parenting case assessments & case work
15th October 2025
Winner: Di (Balclutha) Loser: Una Raffle: Una
News from the Trenches...
Looks like it's all come down to this. One game, one popular team vs Canterbury (or Evil Empire as I prefer). I have access to RSA profiles and it's been recorded we have 189 confirmed Otago Supporters vs 9 Evil Empire supporters. There is only one place to view this match - come along and watch the rivalry of the century at the RSA from 4pm Saturday. For some entertainment, come and watch our NPC Comp “experts” try to pick the winning result it could make or break their chance at a prize! Spot 15 stressed RSA members. The winner will be revealed on Saturday 1st November commencing at 6pm, where the prizes will be awarded. You do not want to miss this night. Don't forget to wear your favourite rugby jersey to win a prize
Speaking of fantastic nights, do you remember the huge nights we had for our wildly successful Darts Extravaganza back in January? The details are in the process of being finalized for the 2026 Comp so stand by for the launch in a couple of weeks.
Also coming up is the race that stops the country with the Melbourne Cup so come along to celebrate on 1st Tuesday on November with usual events celebrating it. We have a jam packed few weeks coming up.
Haggis the Pigeon is back on Info Patrol and informed me that there was a RSA member who accidentally forgot to pay for raffle tickets. He subsequently paid his debts so let's not make this a regular occurrence. Also there was an incident with a courier driver this week, but before our regular World Class couriers Snow or LJ are implicated unjustly, it was not them. Finally Haggis reports on some skullduggery going on with an RSA member allegedly stalking another member by leaving poetry and I understand a Willy Warmer in a mailbox. Haggis is still looking for more information. You need to get to the RSA to find out more. - Private Spike Pike
October 2025
J
• Create and monitor plans using appropriate interventions and the resources available to assist the tamariki and their whanau.
• Work within the school setting supporting individuals/groups of students as well as working alongside staff to support as needs arise across the school community.
• Work with staff to prioritise cases and individual needs.
Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role you will need to have:
• Bachelors level qualification in a recognised education, social service or health profession
• Ability to work flexibly and prioritise work as needed
• Experience working with children/young people and families with complex needs
• Experience facilitating group work with children
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• A current clear NZ driver's license, and
• Registration with an appropriate professional body.
If you don't have some of these skills and experiences but you feel like you could still be a good fit, then we would like to hear from you. Let us know what you would bring to the role!
To apply please email: recruitment@barnadoes.org.nz Applications close on Friday 7th November 2025.
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.
Toko Golf
Twilight Golf
Starting Wednesday 29th October 5:15-5:45pm tee off time
Golfers and non-golfers welcome!
Genesis Deadline 12 Noon Monday
MILTON BRIDGE CLUB AGM
Thursday 6th November at the Clubrooms, 7pm start. The new updated Constitution will be discussed.
Social Bridge to follow. All Members are requested to attend. - Secretary Ann.
Trees of the World SPRING SALE
Starts Saturday 18th October Ends Monday 27th October - LABOUR DAY
- All Conifers in bags - ½ price Huge selection!
- Ornamental Chestnuts - ½ price
- Weeping Maples - 40% off - Flowering Cherries - 40% off - Fruit Trees - 30% off 25% off remaining trees
SH1, 6kms south of Mosgiel Open 9am - 5pm | 7 days | 027 273 8707
MILTON COMMUNITY HEALTH TRUST Annual General Meeting
7.00pm on Tuesday, 18th November 2025 at the Milton St John Ambulance Rooms
Two positions have become vacant for nomination this year on the Board’s stand-down rotation policy. Members of the public who may be interested in standing for the Board are encouraged to speak to one of the current Board members or the Nurse Manager, Dale Wyber.
An information pack including the Job Description and nomination papers is available from the Milton Community Health Trust Office: 7 Eden Street, Milton. Phone: (03) 417 4399 Email: admin@milcomhealth.nz
The time commitment for this Board is approximately three hours per month.
Nominations must be received in writing at the Trust’s office, signed by a proposer and seconder, and carrying the nominee’s consent, by Friday, 7th November 2025.
Elections will be held at the AGM on Tuesday, 18th November 2025.
Current Board Members:
Julie Rutherford (Chair) 027 212 3436
Kerry Dowling (Vice Chair) 417 8004
Chris London 022 676 8848
Justin Geddes
027 487 6487
Helen Vollweiler 027 662 0544
Toni Marr toni_marr@yahoo.com
Oli Blackbourn 027 354 0519
For further information contact Dale Wyber, Nurse Manager on (03) 417 4399 or 027 417 8861.
Windscreen N Glass
We are in Milton every Wednesday morning. For all your windscreen replacements, repairs and glazing requirements. We cover all insurance work. For an appointment.
Trades
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.
