After months of planning, fundraising, and excitement, the countdown is nearly over this Thursday, the first group of students departs for Tokyo!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to experience a new culture, explore one of the world’s most vibrant cities, and represent our school on the international stage. From historical landmarks to modern innovation, food, language, and everything in between it’s going to be an unforgettable adventure.
We are incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received from our school community to help make this trip possible. A very special thank you goes to Mr Kris Simpson, who has led the organisation of the trip with dedication and care, supported by Mrs Erica Milligan, Ms Tash Freeman, and Ms Mary Hart.
We wish all our students and staff safe travels and a fantastic experience and we look forward to hearing all about it when they return!
Cultural Competition Results
Te Mokihi Trophy: 1st Reid - 212 Malcolm - 205.5
Ayson - 205 Ross - 176.5
Waiata tira: Reid / Malcolm
School waiata: Malcolm Haka: Ayson / Malcolm / Reid Manukura tāne: Millanian Potae / AJ Nixon Manukura wāhine: Sarah Jane Norman
Search for Tokomairiro High School on You Tube to see all the coverage from the day thanks to the Toko TV crew!
Dates to Remember
Thursday 26th June - Tokyo Trip, Group 1 departs
Friday 27th June - End of Term Two
Thursday 3rd July - Group 1 Returns
Tuesday 8th July - Tokyo Trip, Group 2 departs
Monday 14th July - Term 3 Begins
Tuesday 15th July - Group 2 Returns
Tena koutou katoa
Tokomairiro High School Newsletter...
SCHOOL MISSION: Inspiring Excellence in Education, in Character and in Life.
Mānawatia a Matariki! As we return from the Matariki long weekend and step into the final week of Term 2, it’s a good time to pause and reflect on all that’s been achieved this term and to look ahead to what’s still to come.
There has been so much to celebrate across the kura: from cultural competition and sports events to assessments, trips, and new learning opportunities. We still have a busy few days ahead, including bon voyage to our first Tokyo group and I look forward to finishing the term well before we all enjoy a well-earned break.
Cultural House Competition
Cultural Competition 2025 was truly one to remember. Participation from all four houses was outstanding, the atmosphere in the hall was electric, and the performances were absolutely top-tier creative, passionate, and full of house pride. I was very glad I wasn’t one of the judges, as I genuinely couldn’t have picked a winner!
A huge thank you goes to Whaea Clare Healey for the immense amount of work she put into organising the event her dedication made the day the success it was. It was also wonderful to welcome students from local early childhood centres and primary schools, and to see so many parents, grandparents, and past pupils filling the hall in support. It was a fantastic celebration of who we are as a kura.
House Points – End of Term 2 Update
The house competition is a huge part of school life at Tokomairiro, and Term 2 has been packed with opportunities to earn points across a wide range ofevents.
• Cultural Competition: 1st Reid, 2nd Malcolm, 3rd Ayson, 4th Ross
With all of Term 2's points added, here are the overall standings:
• Ayson – 2000 points
• Reid – 1900 points
• Ross – 1750 points
• Malcolm – 1450 points
There’s still a long way to go and plenty more chances to earn points in Term 3 so any house could still win the House Shield for 2025!
112 Union Street, Milton Ph 417 8223 butcherymilton@gmail.com
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Sports Coaching Certificate
2025 saw the introduction of a new course for us Sports and Recreation. In this programme, students have the opportunity to complete a Level 3 Sports Coaching Certificate through the Waikato Institute for Leadership and Sports Studies.
To gain the qualification, students complete four modules over two years. I’m delighted to share that all of our students have successfully completed their first module. This is a fantastic achievement and a strong start to the programme.
Reports
Mid-year reports were emailed to all caregivers last week. If you haven’t received your child’s report, please first check your spam or junk folder. If it’s not there, contact the school office so we can confirm your email address and resend it.
If you have any questions about your child’s report, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the relevant teacher.
BYOD and School Devices
A reminder that all students in Years 9–11 are expected to bring their own device (BYOD) to school each day to support their learning. If you are unsure about the specifications required, please contact the school office.
We also ask that if any families have a school Chromebook at home that is not currently issued to a student, please return it to the office as soon as possible. Any unreturned Chromebooks have been remotely blocked and will no longer function outside the school network.
Looking Ahead
Term Three starts on Monday 14th July. Students in Years 9 and 10 will begin their new semester courses, so there will be timetable changes. All students will need to collect their updated timetable from their house group teacher at the start of the day.
Next term will also include a number of important events:
• Parent–Teacher Interviews – a chance to meet with teachers and discuss progress.
• Course Selection Evening – for students and families to explore subject choices for next year.
• Open Evening – an opportunity for prospective students and caregivers to come and see what Tokomairiro High School has to offer.
More information and dates for these events will be shared early in the term.
Ngā mihi nui, Vicki Wish, Principal
Kahui Ako Matariki Competition
The Tokomairiro Kāhui Ako held a writing and art competition which culminated in an exhibition for Matariki. This was organised by Catherine Weir of Milton Primary and Mary Hart of Tokomairiro High School. All our member schools and Early Childhood Centres were invited to contribute something on the theme of ‘Matariki/New Beginnings’. We were delighted with the large number and variety of entries received. These were judged and displayed at Te Whare Pūawai o Tokomairaro last Wednesday.
A breakfast held to open the exhibition was a wonderful opportunity for staff from across the Kāhui Ako to celebrate student work and catch up with colleagues in the different sectors. Jess Tuhega from the Ministry of Education opened the exhibition and gave a short speech on the relevance of Matariki for everyone but especially for teachers who are in the midst of huge changes in our education system. Jess reminded us that Matariki is a time to reflect on the past, to rest and to plan for the future. It is hoped that we may host another competition/exhibition next year or the following one. The exhibition was open to whānau after school on Wednesday.
Bible Reading for the Week “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong”. 1 Corinthians 16:13
Our thanks to all the teachers and students involved and especially to the judges. Prizes and certificates will be distributed to the successful students at the various schools this week.
ECE Section
Visual Art
1st - Sydney
2nd - Matthew
3rd - Harper H
Highley Commended Charlotte S Naziah Tait B
Primary Section
Visual Art - Years 1-3
1st Colt (Taieri Beach)
2nd - Braxton
3rd - AlexG
4th - Evie D
5th - Oakley (Taieri Beach)
Highly Commended: Cassidy
Visual Art - Years 4-6
1st - Konee
2nd - Aria C
3rd - Ryker (Taieri Beach)
4th - Henry
5th - Jack
Highly Commended: Jake
Creative Writing - Years 4-6
1st - Pryn
Tokomairiro High School
2nd - Konee
3rd - Sophie
4th - Maddison
5th - Regan
Highly Commended: McCormick
Tokomairiro High School
Creative Writing Years 7
1st: Apihai
2nd: Addie and Taya
Highly Commended: Cash and Lilly
Formal Writing Year 7-8
1st: Analise
Highly Commended: Tyrell
Visual Art - Year 7-8
1st: Thomas and Oliver
Highly Commended Cooper R Tui T Cloud G Ruby F
Visual Art -Year 9-10
1st: Elijah
Highly Commended: Kayden McD, Tristen and Cash
Above right some examples of the student’s competition entries. Congratulations!
Milton Rotary donation to Milton Foodbank
The Milton Rotary Club has made a donation of food supplies to the Milton Foodbank to ensure they have enough supplies over the winter.
Milton Foodbank coordinator June Caldwell says there are families finding it hard to manage in the present economic climate and demand for support is always a little greater during the winter.
The Milton Foodbank relies on donations of food and money so this donation of $2,500 of food from the Milton Rotary Club is both timely and very generous.
Milton Rotary President Stan Leishman said the Milton Foodbank provides an essential service delivering emergency food parcels for families in need in the Milton/ Waihola area “As a local service club it is a privilege to assist a very worthwhile cause, June and team at Foodbank do a wonderful job supporting our community and Rotary is pleased to be able to assist. Stan thanked the Milton Four Square and SuperValue for their assistance.
Milton Foodbank Coordinator June Caldwell with some of the Rotary donation at the Foodbank.
Holiday Fun at the Milton Library
There is no need to sit around and be bored these school holidays, with something on offer for everyone. There is no need to book, just turn up for some fun on the day.
Monday 30th June 3 - 4pm - Pirate Academy
Wednesday 2nd July 3 - 4:30pm - Movie at the Library
Thursday 3rd July 3 - 4pm - The Great Library Describe Off!
Monday 7th July 3 - 4pm - Playdough workshop
Tuesday 8th July 3 - 4pm - Catapult Challenge
Thursday 10th July 3 - 4pm - Kids Bingo
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.
Connecting Theory with Practical Experiences
The Year 11-13 Agricultural and Horticultural Science class got stuck into a dissection last week. They have been learning about life processes focussing on nutrition and reproduction and were able to dissect a pig's reproductive tract.
This hands-on activity gave students a unique opportunity to observe the internal structures and understand how the reproductive system functions in mammals. By identifying key organs such as the ovaries, uterus, and oviducts, students were able to connect their theoretical knowledge with real-world anatomy, deepening their understanding of reproductive biology in livestock.
Toko Junior Rugby Club
Milton Night’n’Day Junior Rugby Awards 21st June 2025
Rippa - Toko Gold
POD: Noah Stevenson
Coaches choice: Braxton Osborne
Rippa – Toko Blue
POD: Layton Rhodes
Coaches choice: Aria Milligan
Year 3 & 4 – Toko Gold
POD: Swade Baker
Coaches choice: Bill Sutton
Year 3 & 4 - Toko Blue
POD: Kairon Kohey
Coaches choice: Tom Hayes
Year 5 & 6 – Toko Gold
POD: Baxter Hayes
Tackler: Jonty Scott
Year 5 & 6 – Toko Blue
POD: Reko Taupo
Tackler: Kohatu Bishop
Year 7 & 8 – Toko Gold
POD: Ollie Foster
Coaches choice:
Ayson Wardell
Tackler: Ollie Russell
Year 7 & 8 - Toko Blue
POD: Scottie Coleman
POD: Riley Hellewell
Next week’s games - Saturday 28th June
(NB: Home team listed first and games are usually 10am)
Rippas
Cresent Black vs Toko Gold
Clutha Red vs Toko Blue
Year 3 and 4
Cresent vs Toko Gold
Clutha Red vs Toko Blue
Year 5 and 6
Lawrence vs Toko Gold
Heriot/ Tapanui vs Toko Blue
Year 7 and 8
Toko Gold vs Toko Blue
Sumpter Moore —Barristers & Solicitors
5 Eden Street, (PO Box 16) Milton
For all your legal requirements, contact our friendly team at (03) 417-8004 or email milton@sumptermoore.co.nz
Toko Rugby Report
Last Saturday we held our annual Club Day which featured all of our Superstar Junior teams playing at home. It was a fantastic time watching all the kids having the best fun playing footy and having saveloys afterwards. It shows the Toko Club has an excellent base to build on for upcoming years.
This was the entree to the Toko Premiers vs Owaka in a critical match with Toko needing five points to maintain their standing in the Top 4. Owaka opened the scoring with a penalty before Jared Hayes scored a scintillating individual try. Toko trailed 115 at halftime. The second half was a continuation of the first half with numerous knock ons and losing possession for Toko. Toko scored tries to Scott Anderson, Keegan Ferguson and Jacob Jenkins to sneak out fortunately winning 22 - 17.
For Toko, Ethan Harrex and Caleb Shaw had massive games along with Liam Kingma. Next week Toko Premiers take on West Taieri in a match that promises to be explosive and feisty. We need a lot of support for the boys next week.
-The Judge
News from the Trenches...
Plenty of goings on over the next few weeks ensure that Milton RSA will be at full capacity with plenty of social happenings that you need to be a part of.
This Friday we have our annual Sports challenge vs Milton Fire Brigade. We have gathered a formidable team to take on the Fire Brigade but I understand a couple of fire fighters (could be my age group) are looking for retribution. Sounds like a interesting battle ahead. Results will be published next week. Make sure you join the RSA revolution. Next Sunday we will be having a memorial for Cav who recently passed away. This will be from 1:30 next Sunday, so come along to share your memories of Cav.
The following Saturday we will be having our Super Sports Comp prize giving as the scores are being tallied up with plenty of talk around who has reigned supreme. Also on that night is our pick the scores for every AB test along with our Corporate Couch up for being won. So get in quick.
Speaking of rugby, there was a RSA member who loudly asked which part of the South Island are the Chiefs from???
Finally all you RSA Master Chefs, our delicious Bacon and Egg Pie competition is back this year and will be held on Saturday 19th July so get your secret recipes perfected
Too much going on, no room for gossip from the usual candidates.
-Private Spike Pike
Sunday 29th June 10am Worship Service & Sunday School in the Milton Church Hall
*Followed by Soup and Buns Luncheon. AllWelcome!
Sunday Service 10am 110 Union Street All Welcome! For information, follow us on Facebook or call 021 249 6312
Youth United meets fortnightly on Saturdays in term time for ages 10-18. Check out our Facebook page for events & times.
Toko Golf
Stableford 14th and 17th June
0—30.3
L Day 34
D Matsopoulos 30
R Devlin 29
L Mitchell 29
9 Hole Stableford
N Cubitt 14
L Glassford 9
30.4 - 54
K Partridge 25
J Jones 20
L Lister 20
Closest to Pin 9 and 18 - Helen Vollweiler
Knockout/ Plate - 21st June 2025
N Clark bt B Cowie
M Adam bt M Clark
A Hale bt MJ Adam
P Sheath bt B Lawlor
P Scott bt B Carruthers
M Scott bt B Dunlop
P Stevenson bt D Weyer
Stableford
G Findlay 36pts
M Mead 35pts
B Adams 34pts
Two’s N Clark
Longest Putt M Scott
Milton Sub Assn Indoor Bowls
Well the winner of the J. K. Clark Shield has been found and once again Glenledi went out with all guns firing. They beat Moneymore 10-5, 7-4 and 9-3 and lost 4 - 9 The win gives them the right to play in the Club Championships late July. South Otago fives were played in Balclutha on Wednesday night. After their big win on Tuesday night Glenledi defaulted giving their opposition full points. Katea are in the lead with 66 points, Milton Country Club and Lawrence are in 2nd equal position with 46 points. Moneymore are 8th equal with 35 and Glenledi last with 25.
This week the Milton open singles will be played.
Nominations are open for the election of five (5) parent representatives to the school board.
All eligible voters will receive a nomination form. Use this form to nominate yourself or someone in your community. You will also receive a nomination cover letter calling for nominations. Information on who is not eligible to be a board member is available from the Returning Officer.
If you need more nomination forms, contact the school office.
Nominations close at noon on Wednesday, 6th August 2025
You may provide a signed candidate statement and photograph with your nomination.
The electoral roll is held at the school and can be viewed during normal school hours.
As nominations are received, there will be a list of candidates’ names kept at the school up until election day, which you can view.
Voting closes at 4pm on Wednesday, 10th September 2025
Signed Jo Milburn, Returning Officer
Bruce Community Calendar JULY 2025
School Holidays - Lots on at the library in the afternoons. See the article in this week’s Genesis, or ph 03 417 8220
Saturday 30th July - Blessed Box, 9am at Tokomairiro High School Food Tech Room. Details on Facebook. Wednesdays WOMEN'S SPACE at the Toko Hub 2-4pm 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 Monday 3:30-4:30 Crafternoon (5-12 yrs) Milton Library
Every Tuesday 3:30-4:30 Kids Challenge –Milton Library
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. 9.30-12 Playgroup 0-5yrs, Free! @ Te Whare Puāwai, 34 Spenser Street. Just turn up. E: tess@tewharepuawai.co.nz
For the full calendar, visit www.projectbruce.org/community-calendar
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 1st July, 2pm - 6pm
Open to all community members.
For appointment contact: Ph 03 417 7430 or 027 232 3769 or office@tokowaiora.co.nz
ArtwithHeart
Art with Heart is a group that meets Mondays 10:00-12:00 at Te Whare Puawai, 34 Spenser Street, Milton.
We are a group of like-minded people who come together to explore visual art forms and exchange stories, stimulating discussion & non-judgemental support.
We provide art materials with the generous support of the Creative Communities scheme, and monthly workshops to help improve your techniques. Multiple mediums are available for you to play, explore and express your creative desires. Beginners welcome. No experience necessary –just a desire to explore visual art. A small charge of $5 per session is necessary to cover the hire of the venue.
Everyone is welcome. We would love to see you there. For enquiries contact Maggie on 027 374 0921.
We look forward to meeting you.
Proudly supported by:
Contact the Genesis Office for more information about advertising. Just email genesis@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
Memorial Service Memorial Service
Memorial Service for Mr. William Albert (Bill) McDonald
The family of Mr. William Albert (Bill) McDonald wish to advise that a memorial service to honour and celebrate Bill’s life will be held at the Milton Bowling Club on Saturday, 12th July 2025, commencing at 11:00am.
Family, friends, and all who knew Bill are invited to join us in remembering and paying tribute to a beloved member of our family and local community.
What’sOnattheGym?
Keep Moving Tuesdays at 2:30pm, $3
Mums with Bubs welcome 10am-2pm
Body Composition - find out what’s underneath $18 each or $150 for 10 concession
AttentionAllFarmers!
Get ThoseWinterRepairsDone withPhantomEngineering!
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