23rd July 2025 by Kris Simpson

Wednesday 23rd July 2025

Learning Sporting Skills

Support Clinic Offered

Have you served in any capacity in the Army, Airforce or Navy (CMT, NS, TF, RF)?

Please come along to the RSA’s Support Clinic to find out what support you may be eligible for from the RNZRSA and Veterans Affairs.

Our Support Advisors can outline what assistance is available to: those who have served, are currently serving, spouses and family members.

Our clinic will be running at the Milton Bruce RSA, 31 Union St on Tuesday 29th July between 11am and 1pm. For more information, go to: www.rsa.org.nz/get-support/support-clinics

Dates to Remember

Tuesday 19 August Open Evening

Wednesday 10 September Senior Course Selection Evening

Friday 12 September School Ball

Tena koutou katoa

Tokomairiro High School Newsletter...

SCHOOL MISSION: Inspiring Excellence in Education, in Character and in Life.

As we head into the second week of the term, it was great to have the whole school together in assembly yesterday. It was the first time we were all able to meet since the second group returned from Tokyo late last week. Two of our senior students spoke about their time overseas and shared some photos from the trip. It’s been really enjoyable hearing the different experiences and reflections from the students who took part. There’s no doubt the trip created plenty of memorable moments, along with opportunities for learning and growth.

Board Elections

All eligible voters in our school community should have received a nomination form. This can be used to nominate yourself or someone you believe would represent our community well. The form also includes information about who is eligible to stand. If you need a new form, spares are available at the school office.

Nominations close at 12 noon on Wednesday 6 August, and voting will begin once nominations have closed. Serving on the School Board is an important way to contribute to the governance of the school and help shape the direction of our kura. We encourage you to consider getting involved.

Blue Mountain Sports Exchange

We’re looking forward to hosting Blue Mountain College next week for our annual sports exchange. This is always a well-contested event with close games and plenty of school pride on display. Our teams have been working hard in preparation, and we’re hopeful of a strong showing this year. Whānau are warmly invited to come along and support, match times will be shared shortly.

Year 7 to 10 Testing

This week all Year 7 to 10 students are completing assessments in reading, writing, and numeracy. These are an important part of our mid-year checks and will give staff useful information about how students are progressing. The results will help guide teaching and support decisions, and identify who is ready to take part in the Common Assessment Activities coming up in September. Students are encouraged to give these assessments a really good go. The more accurate the picture we get, the better we can support their learning in the second half of the year.

Parent Teacher Hui

Our mid-year parent–teacher interviews will take place on Tuesday 5 August. These meetings are a valuable chance to catch up with subject teachers and talk through how your child is progressing. Bookings can be made by scanning the QR code or follow this link: https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code/zmv7e. We encourage all whānau to make the most of this opportunity.

Lockdown Procedures

Following the school lockdown incident in Auckland last week, we want to remind our community about what would happen if we ever needed to go into lockdown.

In the event of a lockdown, all students and staff would stay inside buildings until it is confirmed safe to go outside. The school will send updates to caregivers via text when possible. It’s essential that we have your most up-to-date contact information, so please get in touch if your number has changed. If a lockdown does occur, we ask that caregivers do not come to school until the all-clear has been given.

112 Union Street, Milton Ph 417 8223 butcherymilton@gmail.com

Topside Roast

-Plain or Stuffed-

$18.95kg

Pork Chops

$17.95kg

Chicken Nibbles

-Plain or Marinated$9.95kg

Herb & Garlic Sausages

$14.95

Check us out! www.miltonbutchery.co.nz or our Facebook page!

As part of our emergency procedures, students take part in a lockdown drill every year. This helps ensure that everyone knows what to do and can respond calmly and appropriately if a real event ever takes place.

Indoor Bowls

This weekend several of our students will be representing the school at the South Island Indoor Bowls Championships. We wish them all the best as they compete.

We also want to acknowledge Mrs Kylie Johnston, who has played a key role in developing bowls at Tokomairiro. Kylie has been selected to represent the South Island at the National Championships later this week a fantastic achievement. We wish her all the best for the competition.

Ngā mihi nui, Vicki Wish, Principal

Public Health Nurse

Abby Brookland For appointments, phone 027 241 1506

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 ths office@tokohigh.school.nz

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

Seeking Donations

The Tokomairiro High School formal committee is looking for donations of white and/ or light blue sheets and old pillows! These will be used to make decorations to suit our theme of... On Cloud 9.

Bible Reading for the Week “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. - Jeremiah 17:5

If you have any items which might suit, and which you're willing to part with, they would be gratefully received. Please contact jane@tokohigh.school.nz or drop items into the school office if you're able to help.

Tūturu objectives:

More students stay engaged at school, with less reliance on exclusions and expulsions to address alcohol and other drug use.

• Young people are better prepared for the future, equipped to make sense of what they see, hear, and experience.

• Māori and Pacific students achieve equitable outcomes alongside their peers.

• Health services enhance their capacity to work with schools, whānau, and communities.

The Tūturu approach: Helping students make informed wellbeing decisions

1.Strengthening critical thinking skills and connecting students with sources of support.

2.They explore accurate data showing how young people engage with substances, products and behaviours.

3.Alcohol and other drugs, gaming and gambling education* are incorporated across curriculum resources.

* gaming and gambling content has just been released; this content is now available on the Tūturu website.

Contact the Genesis Office for more information about advertising. Just email genesis@tokohigh.school.nz

For all your legal requirements, contact our friendly team at (03) 417-8004 or email milton@sumptermoore.co.nz

Droppinglunchoffforyourchildat school? Noproblem!

PLEASEusethefrontoffice ONLY

Thisallowsustomaintainanaccuraterecordof everyoneonschoolgroundsandensuresthat onlyauthorizedindividualshaveaccessto ourkura- Thank you

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

Quote of the Week: ‘Why was I born with such contemporaries? - Oscar Wilde (1854 - 1900)

My experience in Tokyo was amazing. There was so much to do and see. My favourite part was definitely Disneyland. It was a new and exciting experience for me because I had never done anything like that before. My favourite ride was definitely splash mountain because it was such a hot day and we got soaked. I would recommend to anyone to take the next overseas trip it is an amazing experience.

- Leo

In Japan I learnt a lot about respect and the value of a dollar. I hade an amazing experience walking through Tokyo and visiting our sister school over there.

Surprisingly for the busiest city in the world its’ quiet.

Japan is an amazing place and I definitely would go back. I am excited for the Japanese students to come over here and experience our beautiful country. -George

My favourite memory about this trip was probably Day 1 itself between going to Disneyland and experiencing all the different rides and the flash flood rain we got later that night after tea and we tried to find our way back to the hotel using the underground subway passage it will be an experience I will never forget - Lilly

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,1718, 19

Students numbered off often to make sure we all kept together and no-one got lost, especially in the hectic subway.

Experiencing an unexpected electric storm and flash flood - 22 drowned rats dripping over the shop floor in which we sheltered.

The incredible, dizzying view from the observation deck 54 floors up at Tokyo Tower (202 m) and even higher (460 metres) at The Sky Tree.

Kiwi and Japanese students sharing kai and conversation at Yasuda Gakuen.

The team shirts and team hats the boys kept us entertained with: white polo shirts (the only colour the store had a range of sizes in) some purchased after the storm, Highlanders' rugby shirts, Japanese rugby shirts, football shirts, cheese cutters and animal-themed hats. - Ms Hart

My favorite part of going to Tokyo was going to Disneyland and going on the splash mountain ride. The flight to Tokyo was very long but it was worth it but it is a trip I will never forget - Jackson.

Traveling to Tokyo will be something that I will remember for the rest of my life. My favourite thing about Tokyo was how lively and clean. A standout moment was walking out of the airplane and feeling the 30 degree weather. Never needed to wear a jersey even on the coldest day (high 20s) and I will never get over how cheap the food is over there. Tyrese

I really enjoyed going to Tokyo as it was a great and new experience for me. I loved seeing the differences between Japan and New Zealand, and would definitely love to go back another time. In Tokyo Disneyland or going to the school was my favourite thing as it was something I most likely won't be able to do again.

Thank you to Mr Simpson and Mrs Milligan for making this happen! -Shilah

Our first day in Tokyo started off great with a fun day at Disneyland. Later that evening, we went out for tea. On our way back to the hotel, we stepped outside and walked straight into a huge downpour of rain. Within seconds we were completely soaked. No umbrellas, just ankle deep puddles and lots of laughter. It was total chaos, but honestly one of the funniest and most unforgettable parts of the trip. - Kendra

Toko Golf

2nd

3rd

4th

5th

Two’s: M Scott & B Dunlop, M Adam & F Taylor, P Scott & S Bearman, K Partridge & D Gold

Longest Putt: R Curd

Milton Sub Assn Indoor Bowls

Only one game left in for the Second round Cup when Moneymore play Glenledi.

At the weekend the South Otago top Eight plus their Reserve went to Christchurch to play in division four Inter Provisional. Of the seven Associations competing they come out the winners with 110 points to Golden Bay 107.5 and Marlboughs 102.

Hannah Botting won the Trophy for most games won, Jane Wintringham was runner up with 11 games won. Barry Gray and Robert Wilson had 10, Peter Grant and Stephen Preddy 9 and Chris and Alannah Moffit 8. Their win will put them into Division 3 next year.

Toko Junior Rugby Club

Milton Night’n’Day Junior Rugby Awards 19th July 2025

Rippa - Toko Gold

POD: Braxton Osborne

Coaches choice: Neko Henry

Rippa – Toko Blue

POD: Isaiah Kohey

Coaches choice: Finnley Jones

Year 3 & 4 – Toko Gold

POD: Steven McGuirk

Coaches choice: Liam Calteaux

Year 3 & 4 - Toko Blue

Bye

Year 5 & 6 – Toko Gold

POD: Regan Lister

Tackler: Kaleb McDonald

Year 5 & 6 – Toko Blue

27th June

POD: Max Stevenson

Tackler: Jack Smail

19th July

POD: Jacob Calteaux

Tackler: Kohatu Bishop

Year 7 & 8 – Toko Gold

POD: Ollie Russell

Coaches choice: Arrie Burger

Tackler: Ty Fraser

Year 7 & 8 - Toko Blue

POD: Thomas Clark

POD: Riley Hellewell

Next week’s games - Saturday 26th July

(NB: Home team listed first and games are usually 10am)

Rippas

Clutha Blue vs Toko Gold

Toko Blue vs Owaka

Year 3 and 4

Toko Gold vs Lawrence

Toko Blue vs Heriot/ Tapanui

We have a collection of lost property items in the school office. If you are missing something, come and have a look!!

This is a good time to remind students that all uniforms items should be named!

News from the Trenches...

Have you served in the Armed Forces?? On Tuesday 29 July between 11am and 1pm there will be a visit from RSA Support Services to see what support is available from RNZRSA and Veteran's Affairs. So if you are interested come along to check it out.

On Saturday we held our bi-annual Bacon and Egg Pie competition which attracted some outstanding and extremely tasty concoctions. The winner in a very close competition was Julie Henderson. All the entries were scoffed by the large crowd watching the AB test vs France. Based on the empty plates all entries were well received.

On Sunday 19th August we are having a breakfast for AB vs Argentina test match so put your name down and come along for a big feed.

Also our next NPC Comp kicks off on Thursday 31st July so make sure you have put your name down and let's all gang up on the Big Dawg to knock the parrot off his perch.

All in all no room for gossip so here's hoping for space next week. Here's a quote from a wise Lammy Moana: “Life is short so smile while you still have teeth”.

- Private Spike Pike

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.