24th September 2025 by Kris Simpson

Wednesday 24th September 2025

PCT Challenge Fun

On Thursday we entered two teams in the PCT challenge.

around during Mentoring time on

We entered one team in the competitive section, which needed one Year 7 girl, one Year 7 boy, one Year 8 girl and one Year 8 boy.

The PCT challenge is an obstacle course set up by the Police that each team must complete together.

Our competitive team came 4th out of 20 teams and our other team of all boys came 1st. Well done

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

Tokomairiro High School Newsletter...

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

Term 3: Rich and Rewarding!

As the first week of the term break gets underway, it is appropriate to reflect on the many highlights of the past ten weeks. Our second Tokyo group returned with stories and positive memories that will last a lifetime. We were also privileged to host Japanese student visitors who enriched our community with their culture and contributions. Academic achievement was enriched through the Years 7–10 AsTTle assessments, the Common Assessment Activities, and the Derived Grade Exams, all of which gave students invaluable experience and provided kaiako and ākonga alike with precious information about how to accelerate learning in the time we have left in 2025. Beyond the classroom, our students represented the school with pride at Polyfest, practiced sportsmanship and teamwork through the Blue Mountain Exchange, and thoroughly enjoyed the social highlight of the Tokomairiro High School Ball. The Year 6 Open Evening and Food Tech visits reminded us that our future students are watching, learning, and eager to step into the opportunities we have in store for them. Each of these experiences has allowed us to grow stronger through shared challenges and achievements.

Focus Areas for Term 4

Term 4 is always a crucial time in the school year. For our seniors, every moment of preparation matters as they enter the final stretch toward their qualifications. Prefect candidates will deliver their addresses, giving us insight into their vision for 2026 and how they intend to lead and serve and guide our kura. Reading Week will reinforce the power of stories and ideas, while Year 10 students confirm their subject choices and our juniors begin their own course-planning process. The Lake to Sea Trail Bike Ride fundraiser, a teacher-only day for staff learning, and our final prizegiving will provide opportunities to connect as a community, celebrate achievement, and look with confidence to the year to come.

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

This year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori was celebrated with warmth and commitment, and it was a joy to see so many of our students and staff embrace the chance to make their use of te reo come alive in their daily lives. Whether through learning a kupu hou, offering a greeting, or taking part in activities, each small action contributed to the strengthening of our identity as a school that honours this taonga. We thank and acknowledge Whaea Clare and her roopu for the love and dedication they put into these events, and the passion for te reo that they live each day.

Strategic Planning

As 2025 draws closer, we continue the process of shaping a new Strategic Plan to guide us from 2026–2028. The plan requires the input of our students, staff, whānau, and wider community. Your voice matters in this process, and if you have not yet done so, we warmly invite you to share your perspectives through the community survey accessible by following the QR code.

2026 Enrolments

Tokomairiro High School enrolments for 2026 are open. If you or someone you know intends to but has not yet initiated the enrolment process, we are more than happy to provide a personal tour of the school. Enrolment forms can be submitted online or through the office, and we encourage whānau of incoming students to contact the office with questions so that we can ensure a smooth and supportive transition.

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

Pork Chops

$18.95kg

Marinated BBQ Steak

$21.95kg

Chicken Nibbles

$10kg

Book in your Homekill!

Want your meat ready for Christmas?

Secure your spot! Call or email us, or send a pm via Facebook.

Whakataukī for Term 4

Whaia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei – Pursue that which is precious, and if you must bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.

As we look ahead to Term 4, this whakataukī reinforces the fact that striving for the truly worthwhile things in life is seldom easy, but the challenges we face give what we achieve more meaning. As we head into the home stretch of the school year, let us aim high, support one another, and take pride in every step of our journey together.

Ngā mihi

nui, Bill McClure Acting Principal

Open Saturdays 9am 12pm Genesis

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

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

Vote Larry Frost for Milton Ward

Fiscal responsibility or lack there of your spiralling rates bill.

Figures from the Cutha District Council Annual Report

Summary 2023-2024

Bible Reading for the Week

‘You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand’ - Psalm 16:11

1.2023-2024 Operating Budget Forecast had a surplus of $770k, actual budget ended with a $16.69m LOSS.

2.Clutha Leader 11.9.2025: The Mayor claims he is saving rate payers money on Milton’s Gray Street Plaza which was budgeted at $5m, but the contract was given at $1.1m.

Q: Why budget $5m when the job can be done for $1.1m?

This amount still seems excessive to many residents in Milton that I have spoken to.

3. Clutha Leader 18.9.2025: The Mayor said Central Government should “force Councils” to work together to “save money”

Q: Why haven’t Councils been collaborating and forming buyers groups etc to reduce Councils cost structures previously?

Seems like a no brainer

Our Council, the CEO and Senior Management are meant to work in the best interests of rate payers now and should not require Central Government forcing them to work together to do so!

Do you want excessive spending to continue?

Milton and the surrounding areas, need a community led strategic vision looking 10 to 50 years into the future around facilities like Sport, Arts and Culture, Housing, Business, Infrastructure and Tourism. This will establish when and what needs replacing, upgrading and developed in an integrated manner which will help reduce costs and stop assets from becoming fragmented and dysfunctional.

For me; one example would be Taylor Park and the show grounds area. This could be developed into an attractive tourist area by adding to the existing facilities, which would include the swimming pool and make it a one stop tourist destination for

The loss of the Museum and Café proposed by Roger Mahn at no cost to the rate payers is an example of lost opportunity to the Milton community and shows a complete lack of vision and long-term strategic thinking from the Clutha District Council. That opportunity went to Geraldine which is now a tourist destination for thousands of overseas visitors a year, some that

Time for change unless we want to continue our slide into the abyss.

Genesis Deadline 12 Noon Monday Contact the Genesis Office for more information about advertising. Just email genesis@tokohigh.school.nz

SOUTH OTAGO’S TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL

News from the Trenches...

As I write this week column, I am basking in glorious 20 degrees on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Plenty going on this week as we enter into another Ranfurly Shield era with Otago. We did have members of RSA there which may have been the good luck charm. Speaking of that, the RSA will be the place to be next Saturday with Otago vs North Harbour commencing at 1pm and AB vs Australia kick off at 5pm. Along with the Pick The Score of Women's Rugby Final England vs Canada which must struck. Jackpot is sitting at over $100 so get your entries in. We still have tickets available for our highly sought after Corporate Couch next Saturday as well. So it's all go down here.

Speaking of Rugby, our NPC Comp is starting to heat up as we near the business end of the competition. Next week I will reveal details of our prize giving which will be spectacular.

Next week we will have our Spuds ready to be chosen for our World Famous Spud Dig Comp so chose wisely.

I arrived back from Clutha and I think I observed some members of the RSA speeding at high rate of knots in a jet boat with what deemed an elderly person on the back bouncing screaming on a biscuit to slow down!!!

- Private Spike Pike

Toko Golf

Single Par

16th September 2025

0-26.4

Jenny Good 2up

Wendy Agnew 1up

25.5 - 54

Pam Keddell -6

Helen Vollweiler -8 c/b

Lyn Mitchell -8

9 Holes

Noeline Cubbitt 1 down

Janice Pierce

Closest to PinWendy Agnew

Euchre

10th September 2025

Winner: Kathleen Loser: Una

Raffle: Di

17th September 2025

Winner: Wendy

Loser: Joan

Raffle: Dawn (Owaka)

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.

Tokomairiro High School HORT SHOP

Openifsignsareout

Wednesdayafternoons

WE’RE HIRING: FRESH FOOD / STORE MANAGER

Tokomairiro Four Square Milton

Are you ready to take the reins of a Four Square supermarket and make a real impact? We’re seeking a motivated and experienced Fresh Food / Store Manager to lead from the front, build an awesome team culture, and grow as a dynamic leader.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in fresh food or retail supermarket management

• Strong leadership and people management skills

• Current Duty Manager’s certificate (or ability to obtain one)

• Forklift Licence (or ability to obtain one)

• Solid understanding of stock control, ordering, merchandising, and compliance

• Passion for delivering exceptional customer service

• Ability to motivate, train, and develop staff

• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities

• Tech-savvy with basic proficiency in store management systems

• Thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment

In Return, You’ll Get:

• Competitive salary based on experience

• Mobile phone included

• Opportunity to lead a flagship store in a growing region

• Full support from the wider Four Square and Foodstuffs South Island network

Why Join Us?

This isn’t just a job it’s your chance to shape the future of a store from the ground up. Our Four Square aims to set a new benchmark in shopping experience, community connection, and operational excellence. If you’re ready to lead a vibrant team and make your mark in one of the South Island’s most modern supermarkets, we want to hear from you!

Apply now with your CV and cover letter to Michael.jago@fssi.co.nz Applications close: 12th October 2025

Situation Vacant Situation Vacant

Genesis Classifieds ...

Bruce Community Calendar OCTOBER 2025

Saturday 25th - Blessed Box, 9am at Tokomairiro High Food Tech Room. Details on Facebook.

Sunday 26th - Book Book & Boot Sale, Leitch Memorial Hall, Taieri Mouth 9am 2pm. Ph Fay 021 297 5948

Wednesdays WOMEN'S SPACE at the Toko Hub 2-4pm JP Service Desk at the Library, 3pm-5pm

Thursdays MILTON COMMUNITY SHED behind the Showgrounds

BRIDGE at the Coronation Hall 7pm TAI CHI at the Milton RSA, 1pm, ph 027 279 1602

Fridays @ the Library CROCHET FOR BEGINNERS 10-11am

Friendship Group meets at 1:30pm at old Senior Citizens Rooms. Ph Christine 021 028 46101

Children&Youth

Every Wednesday 10am-11am –Lovell’s Flat Playgroup, Bryce Memorial Hall

Every Thursday 10:30-11:30 Toddler Time-Milton Library

Thursday and Fridays, term time. 9.15-12 Playgroup 0-5yrs, Free! @ Te Whare Puāwai, 34 Spenser Street. Just turn up. Morning tea provided. E: tess@tewharepuawai.co.nz

For the full calendar, visit www.projectbruce.org/community-calendar

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.

Tokomairiro Early Learning Centre on Spenser

Our new building extension is now open and we have spaces available for children aged from birth to 6 years. Enrolment enquiries are most welcome. ph 027 4531103 or email telc@xtra.co.nz

Milton Sub Assn Indoor Bowls

A.G.M

Milton Bowling Club Monday 29th September at 7.30 pm

Apologies to Barbara 027 417 8145

The Daffodils and Brewery Ruins at Weatherstons will be open Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from 12th September to 5th October, 10am-4pm.

Have a sewing problem? Now available for clothing alterations, mending and other sewing services. PhoneSharon0274161488

Balclutha 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.

Genesis Office Hours

Tuesdays 8:30-3:30

Wednesdays 8:30-12 noon

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.

$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