On Monday we welcomed the new year 7 students to our kura with a mihi whakatau. Then we went on a tour around the school and completed a scavenger hunt in groups finding different places around the school. We spent time in our Homeroom classes and played some fun games getting to know each other. We finished the day with the prefects cooking a BBQ for the students and their families. We are really looking forward to a great 2025!
WEDNESDAYS1pm
Vegetable
School Cellphone: 027 268 3362
Office email: office@tokohigh.school.nz
English Department Book Amnesty
Please could all students who have attended recently ensure that all text books and reading books have been returned to school.
In particular we are seeking copies of the following texts: The Land by Mildred D Taylor; Better the Blood by Michael Bennett; "Shooting Stars" by Brian Faulkner and "Maus" by Art Spiegelmann.
Dates to Remember
Thursday 6th February
Waitangi Day
Swimming Sports School Contact Details School Office: 03 417 8620
Wednesday 5th February
Itinerant Music Teachers Concert (for all Y7-10 students)
Monday 10th February
School Photos
Tuesday 18th February
Athletics Day
Friday 4th April
Tena koutou katoa
Tokomairiro High School Newsletter...
SCHOOL MISSION: Inspiring Excellence in Education, in Character and in Life.
Tokomairiro High School staff and students have hit the ground running in 2025!
Monday was a special opportunity for us to welcome and begin to acquaint ourselves with our Year 7 students. Many hearts were stirred as the school hall filled once again with the sound of waiata as part of the mihi whakatau early in the day. It is certainly inspiring to contemplate the journey our youngest students have embarked upon: the many cherished memories they will no doubt create during their time as a high schooler, the varied accomplishments big and small, the vital learning they will undertake, the skills they will acquire, and the friendships they will form and nurture and carry with them for the rest of their lives, among many other things, make this a significant milestone indeed.
The Tokomairiro High School Hall rang with chatter and laughter as the whole school gathered together again Tuesday morning to kick off the day and, for years 8-12, the year. Students and staff have spent the week getting back into the habits necessary to make the most of the opportunities 2025 has to offer, filling in timetable gaps and catching up after a good break, all in service of the important work of getting into some serious learning!
Principal’s Update
We are all very much looking forward to the safe and speedy return of Mrs Wish. No matter where she is in the world, we know that a substantial number of her thoughts and a large part of her very kind heart are back here with us. And her beloved husband and pets! We want the very best for her during a challenging time.
NCEA Results
Tiny’s Milton Butchery
It is still early days, and much of the analysis of our 2024 results is still to be carried out. We are, however, generally very pleased with the results that last year’s Level 1, 2 and 3 students earned. On average, across all three levels, we were able to perform better than the reported National and School Equity Index Band (schools like ours) achievement. Staff learned a great deal by undertaking the new Level 1 curriculum in 2024, and are enthusiastic about applying their learnings to improve results for all ākonga once again in 2025. We have set ourselves some lofty targets to meet in terms of academic achievement, and it is our intention to meet and exceed them!
112 Union Street, Milton Ph 417 8223
BBQ Week!
Rump Steak Plain or Marinated
Only $22.95kg Save $4kg
BBQ Lamb Shoulder Chops
Only $16.95kg (While stocks last)
Try some tasty Steak & Onion Sausages
Only $14.95kg
Check us out!
www.miltonbutchery.co.nz or our Facebook page!
Fortnightly Reports
In 2025 we are looking at changes to what and how we report information to parents in our regular communications. Firstly, our intention is to send more accurate and specific attendance data. Hopefully, this will make it easier for parents and caregivers to work with the school to ensure that attendance information is as accurate as possible. This is in line with changes that the Ministry of Education is making to track and analyse student attendance nationally. This includes several changes to the coding used to mark attendance. We are also expanding the scale used to measure our values of Whakaute, Haepapa and Hiranga (Respect, Responsibility and Excellence) from 4 to 5 class by class. Once again, this change will allow us to track student engagement and learning in class and reflect it as accurately as possible.
Uniform
Full school uniform is an agreed expectation for every student, every day. The Uniform Code is set by the Board of Trustees, and staff are tasked with enforcing it. If a student arrives at school out of uniform (in any way!) he or she is required to see a Dean or Mr Simpson to acquire a Uniform Pass for the day. As always, hoodies are not Tokomairiro High School Uniform Code compliant. If it is cold and a student needs a Uniform Pass, he or she is encouraged to wear a code compliant JERSEY or make use of any of the other appropriate alternatives. We also have a limited supply of uniform for anyone who persists in turning up incorrectly dressed. Our aim is to support students to treat their time at Tokomairiro High School as practice and preparation for the world of work!
BYOD
Firstly, a quote from Mrs Wish: A reminder to all students in Years 9-13 that there is now an expectation to bring your own devices (BYOD) to school. If you are unable to bring a device then please speak to your house group teacher. If you have a Chromebook that belongs to the school, please return it promptly. All school Chromebooks have now been locked and can no longer be used.
Secondly, students in years 9-13 have been issued with a Bring Your Own Device Agreement. Students and parents are required to complete the section at the bottom and return a signed copy to the school.
Cellphones in School
The government imposed ban implemented in Term 2 of 2024 remains in place. Students and staff report that this change made a huge difference for the better in terms of wellbeing and learning in 2024, and it is important to maintain and build on that momentum.
Information about individual student subject and certificate endorsements will be available in the weeks to come.
Attendance
If your child is going to be absent for any reason, parents and caregivers are encouraged to contact the office to let them know. Alternatively, on their return to school, students can bring a note to their house group teacher within 48 hours if the office has not been contacted. Contact can be via an email, text or phone call.
An exemption can be sought in a very limited number of circumstances, and if one is required, the paperwork to apply is available at the school office. Like last year, students can also legitimately arrange to turn their phone into the office at the beginning of the day and have it returned at day’s end if it is required after school for work or to coordinate transport after sports practices, etc. If, during break or class time, a student is seen with a phone, he or she can expect to have the device confiscated, and his or her parent / caregiver will be required to retrieve it.
Ngā mihi, Bill McClure, Deputy Principal
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
School signage
We love what has gone up so far! Keep your eyes peeled, there is much more on the way. This positive, very visible change is just another indication of the big plans, high hopes and even higher expectations we have for 2025!
New signs were put up on Tuesday at the entrance to the staff carpark and included a new backlit sign on the front of the office block.
2025 Uniform Information
For 2025, school uniforms items that are able to be worn are:
• Navy vest, merino jersey, Back Road jersey or older style school jersey (available through PTA)
• Black skirt, shorts or pants
• Navy polo tee-shirt, short or long sleeved checked shirt. (Please remember, on colder days, students are able to wear navy, black or white thermal tops under these)
• PE top and shorts
• Soft shell, or CODE waterproof jacket. Or plain navy/ black
• Black shoes with black or white socks, or navy stockings New uniform items can be purchased from NZ Uniforms in Dunedin.
Tokomairiro High School has its own second hand uniform page on Facebook. There are a range of uniform items available, and members are invited to buy or sell their own items. You can join this page by following the link (https:// www.facebook.com/groups/1056602061990214)
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 office@tokohigh.school.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
For all your legal requirements, contact our friendly team at (03) 417-8004 or email milton@sumptermoore.co.nz
Bible Reading for the Week
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength”Philippians 4:13
Support School Attendance at Home
Regularly discuss school goals and praise efforts
Have regular bedtimes on school nights
Remove electronic equipment from bedrooms, this includes televisions, cellphones and gaming consoles
Use an alarm clock
Ensure homework is done, uniform and lunch is ready, and bag packed at night
Don’t wait for small concerns to grow act sooner rather than later.
Public Health Nurse Abby Brookland
Available Tuesdays at Tokomairiro High School in the Guidance Counsellor’s Office. Phone 027 241 1506 to make an appointment.
Genesis Deadline 12 Noon Monday
5 Eden Street, (PO Box 16) Milton
Quote of the Week:
‘Nothing is so admirable in politics as a short memory’John Kenneth Galbraith (1908-2004)
Sumpter Moore —Barristers & Solicitors
Prefects Look Ahead...
Our prefects have had a busy start to their year with a day getting to know the Year 7’s on Monday, and settling in to their own timetables from Tuesday. Each of them have shared their thoughts for 2025….
Madeleine - I’d like to further develop my leadership skills and become more confident in leading and public speaking in front of the school. I hope to encourage the younger students to step up and take on opportunities inside and outside the classroom.
Nirvana - I want to encourage our neurodiverse and Māori community to achieve anything they desire to, and I also want to show our school community that we can achieve anything in life, regardless of our obstacles.
AJ - I would like to grow my leadership skills this year, and be a role model. Being a prefect will give me plenty of opportunities and be a good thing when I am looking for work. I would also like to do more voluntary service within the school.
Annie - I want to challenge myself in a different way, and gain more leadership experience. I think the skills that I will learn as a prefect will be valuable in my future.
Charlotte - This year I would like to grow my leadership skills and be a role model for our younger students. I would like to
Capturing Stories and Building Connections
Moving to Tokomairiro was a big step a fresh start, a new community, and the chance to put down roots in a place that already feels like home. Since arriving, I’ve been getting to know the incredible people and businesses that make this region so special. Whether you're a creative, a small business owner, or an entrepreneur, I can help you showcase your brand with authentic, high-quality imagery that connects with your audience.
As much as I love capturing branding and business imagery, I also know that professional photography isn’t always in the budget - especially for small businesses just getting started. That’s why I run Content Coach Workshops - designed to help business owners take control of their own marketing by creating high-quality content using just their mobile phones. These workshops are practical, hands-on, and packed with everything you need to know about lighting, composition, storytelling, and editing. Because having strong visual content shouldn’t feel overwhelming - it should feel empowering.
Business & Brand Photography Giveaway!
One of the things I love most about my business is being able to give back to the community. Supporting local isn’t just about spending money, it’s about lifting each other up, collaborating, and making a real impact.
So, to celebrate the incredible businesses in South Otago, I’m running a Business/Brand Photography Giveawayvalued at $550! If you're a business based in Waihola, Milton, Toko Mouth, Kaitangata, Lawrence, Balclutha, or anywhere in between, this is your chance to win a branding photography session designed to showcase what you do best. Whether you're looking to refresh your brand, create new content for social media, or simply capture the heart of your business, this session is for you.
How to Enter:
Tag your business in my giveaway post on Facebook or Instagram (@kerryhodgephotography)
OR email me your details to be in the draw.
That’s it! Simple, easy, and an incredible opportunity to level up your brand. Entries close February 20th, and I’ll be announcing the lucky winner then. I can’t wait to work with someone amazing and help bring your business to life through powerful, professional imagery.
If you’re ready to book a session, join a workshop, or just want to chat about how I can help capture what matters most to you - let’s connect! www.kerryhodgephotogrpahy.com kerryhodgephotography@gmail.com
Milton’s Growing Gallery!
Over the last year, beautiful large pieces of artwork have been popping up around town, putting smiles on faces and creating a unique identity for Milton and the district.
Our very own Alice Muir has splashed her trademark bright and cheerful work across several of the retail frontages, with fish, chippies and other take-away delights, poppies, flowers, polka and an array of pharmacy goodies. This is in addition to several other pieces on public buildings and walls around town when does she sleep?! Alice was also commissioned by Project Bruce to paint the sheep on the Merino Story wall to adding to the growing number of works by mural artists in Milton in our giant gallery.
More public art is a theme that has consistently come through on the wish list in Project Bruce’s consultations and conversations.
Spot was painted by Koryu (who also completed the Waihola public toilets last year) and early last year, Eva Meeuws painted the Taylor Park toilets with native flora, naming the work
The 2025 Prefect Team: (left top right) Annie Graham, Nirvana Collins, AJ Nixon, Charlotte Lennon and Madeleine Clarke.
Toko Golf
2025 Opening Day and Kennard Memorial Trophy
Thirty-six players played mixed pairs or stableford. The weather came to the party with sunshine despite the rain forecast. Players brought a plate to share for a delicious evening meal.
Congratulations to Pam and Grant for winning the Kennard Memorial Trophy, kindly sponsored by Dick Kennard.
Kennard Memorial results:
P Keddell & G Sheath 86 - 22.6 63.6 nett
S Bearman & M Adam 74 - 7.2 66.8 nett c/b
R Reid & M Scott 88 - 21.2 66.8 nett
W Agnew & M Clark 77 - 9.6 67.4 nett
D Kennedy & J Day 90 - 22.0 68.0 nett
L Rogan & F Taylor 89 - 20.8 68.2 nett
M Cain & S Michelle 94 - 25.2 68.8 nett
Two’s: Jenny & Nic
Longest putt across the field: Mike Closest to the pin 5/14 women: Jenny Closest to the pin 5/14 men: Nic
Pam Keddell and Grant Sheath with Dick Kennard (centre)
Articles and Reports
The 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.
Office Manager
Tokomairiro High School seeks an office manager to work 19.5 hours (3 days) a week, term time only, in our main school office.
The ideal candidate will:
• be confident in the use of computer technology.
• be well organised and able to establish positive relationships with all stakeholders: staff, students, caregivers and outside agencies.
• be adaptable and multitask within a busy office environment will be essential.
• be the first point of contact with our community
• exemplify our school values of Respect / Whakaute, Responsibility/ Haepapa and Excellence / Hiranga
• share the role with another office manager
• work in a welcoming and supportive environment with a strong focus on student success.
Expected hours of work: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday19.5 hours, 8:15-3:15 with ½ hour for lunch
The advertisement closes on 7 February and the new appointment will take up their post as soon as possible or later depending on availability of the right candidate.
Please apply to the Acting Principal Bill McClure for an application form and a job description by emailing (bill@tokohigh.school.nz)
Euchre
15th January 2025
Winner: Pat (Owaka)
Loser: Loraine G
Raffle: Lorraine D (Owaka) (
22nd January 2025
Winner: Lyn Loser: Una Raffle: Moira
And the winner is???? To be announced shortly. On Friday night we held our Darts Competition finals with Lammy The Enforcer Moana vs Greg The Shooter Manson and Tony Mountain Man Everest vs Ivan Storm Bringer Mason. Lammy managed to overcome Greg while Ivan conquered Tony in a epic battle and deciding leg. The final which was in front of a raucous and excited crowd was a tantalizing match with Lammy The Enforcer Moana reigning supreme. This has been a undeniable success with massive crowds enjoying themselves.
We have lined up our 2025 Fishing Comp which will be held on 22nd February with funds being raised to the Otago Rescue Helicopter which does an amazing job. So come along and try to be one of the best anglers to show your skills.
Also upcoming in a few weeks is our World Famous Super Rugby comp with entry now open. Can any knock off Marty from his perch as he attempts to go for the double after he won NPC. He has laid down the gauntlet for any challengers. Sign up quick! Competition kicks off mid February.
Also based on the momentum of Darts Comp we are looking at running a Pool Tournament so if you are interested, let the RSA know - we will continue to reinforce our standing as the premium social venue in South Otago.
As you can see, too much happening at RSA so there’s no room for gossip in this week’s column. Mind you, contrary to popular opinion, I only deal in facts.
- Private Spike Pike
Situation Vacant
Situation Vacant
Public Notices
FRIENDSHIP GROUP
For fun, a laugh and a chat. We meet every second Friday in the Senior Citizen’s rooms next to the RSA. Join us at 1:30 on 31st January and bring a $2 coin
Public Notices
Articles and Reports
The 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.
Toko Rugby Football Club Inc.
Invite you to the 125th Club Registration Night for in-person registrations at the Club rooms
Wednesday 12th February 2025 6 - 9 pm
Bruce Community Calendar FEBRUARY 2025
Saturday 22nd Blessed Box Cook, 9am Friday 28th –Tokoiti School Food Truck Night from 5:30pm
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. 9.30-12.30 Playgroup, come along with your tamaiti for some play and hot coffee, free, under 5yr Olds, @ Te Whare Puāwai, 34 Spenser Street.
For the full calendar, visit www.projectbruce.org/community-calendar
Genesis Classifieds ...
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 4th February, 2pm-6pm Open to all community members. For appointment contact: Ph 03 417 7430 or 027 232 3769 or office@tokowaiora.co.nz
Genesis Deadline 12 Noon Monday
Trades & Services
Trades & Services
Trades & Services
Dr. Fix-IT
TV’s, PC’s, WiFi & HiFi Service & Repairs, Security Cameras & Video Doorbells
