30th April, 2025 by Kris Simpson

Wednesday 30th April 2025

What

has been happening in Homeroom?

Our Year 7 and 8 students have settled into life at Tokomairiro High School really well. Term one was very busy read about some of the things we have been up to!

Food For Thought Programme

Recently Laura from Food for Thought visited the Homeroom classes to deliver three nutrition sessions to the students. The students learnt about how foods and nutrients support active and growing bodies, how to read the nutritional information on packaged foods and explored the sugar content in different drinks. We discovered that a 600ml bottle of Coca-Cola contains a staggering 16 teaspoons of sugar!

In the last session, students were given the opportunity to apply their newfound knowledge by analysing nutrition labels on various packaged foods to learn more about what is in our foods. We are now expert food detectives!

At the end of the programme, each class received a $60 PaknSave gift card to share some healthy kai. We look forward to spending this next term.

Water Skills Programme

Life Education Visit

In the last week of term we had a visit from Pip and Harold and the Life Education Bus. All Homeroom classes went for five sessions learning about their bodies and mind, during pubertal change. We were really impressed with how well the students participated and everyone enjoyed seeing Pip and Harold again.

Sew a Softie!

In the later part of term one all Homeroom classes have been Water Skills for Life swimming been practising skulling, water, kicking on their back through 'rapids' water, techniques. We also used the life jackets and did some activities in the water with our clothes on. This was a lot harder than we thought. We have been really impressed with how well the children have participated in learning and practising these different skills.

Tokomairiro High School HORT

WEDNESDAYS1pm-4pm.

Lots of great bargains in May!!!

Genesis Deadline 12 Noon Monday for all articles & advertising.

Genesis Office Hours

Tuesdays 8:30-3:30 Wednesdays 8:30-12 noon

In the last few weeks of term one the Homeroom classes participated in the programme Sew a Softie. Students had to design a softie that they would sew and then gift to someone as a way of showing kindness to others. First students drew a template on a piece of paper and then traced this onto material of their choice. Once they were ready they used a sewing machine to sew their material together. A gap was left at the end to stuff their softie. Then the students hand stitched the last part and decorated with pompoms, googly eyes and pipe cleaners if they wished. This was definitely something that tested students' patience and some had softies that didn't turn out exactly how they first thought! It was a fun experience though!

Dates to Remember

Monday 5th May - Tertiary Open Day

Tuesday 6th May - Cross Country

Thursday 8th & Friday 9th May - First Aid Course

Wednesday 14th May - Year 11 Careers Expo

Friday 16th May - EOHS Sports Exchange

Tuesday 20th May - PTA Meeting

Tuesday 20th Thursday 22nd May NCEA Literacy and Numeracy CAA’s

Tena koutou katoa

Tokomairiro High School Newsletter...

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

Term 2 is off and running and it’s shaping up to be a very exciting few weeks. Although it’s a shorter term, we’re packing in a huge amount:

• The first of our annual sports exchanges is in mid-May.

• Two major house competitions are coming up: Cross Country next week and our much-loved Cultural Competition in June a real taonga of our school calendar.

• And, a major highlight almost 20% of our students will be heading to Tokyo for an amazing international experience at the end of the term.

We’ve also welcomed some new faces to our kura:

• New students joining us across several year levels

• Mrs Alex Newton, who has joined the teaching staff full time

• Two student teachers from Otago University on placement with us Nau mai, haere mai we’re delighted to have you all on board.

3 Steps for Life

We are proud to be partnering with Hato Hone St John to offer the 3 Steps for Life CPR and AED training programme to our students. This has been offered to students in Years 9–13, and we are thrilled with the number of students keen to learn these vital life-saving skills. Training sessions begin this week. It is wonderful to see so many of our young people stepping up to be prepared to help others.

Common Assessment Activities

At the end of May, we enter the first NCEA Common Assessment Activities (CAA) window for 2025.Students who have been entered for the CAAs will already know their assessment dates. These are two online assessments one in literacy and one in numeracy sat under exam conditions at school. Passing a CAA awards 10 corequisite credits towards NCEA. Students do not need to achieve both literacy and numeracy at the same time they can build their success step by step. Teachers are preparing students in class, but extra preparation at home will give them the best chance of success. Every bit of practice helps.

Attendance and Fortnightly Reports

Attendance matters and we are proud to share that our current attendance rates are among the highest in Otago, and still climbing. To support this, every two weeks we send out attendance reports alongside a summary of your child’s values scores for each class. If you spot any errors, please contact your child’s House Group Teacher. If you do not receive these reports, please check your spam folder first. If still missing, contact the school office to update your email address. Thank you for your support in helping us maintain accurate attendance records.

Attendance Code Changes – What You Need to Know

The Ministry of Education has introduced new attendance codes this year to help schools and families track attendance patterns more clearly.

Tiny’s Milton

Butchery

112 Union Street, Milton

Ph 417 8223 butcherymilton@gmail.com

Pork Chops

$17.95kg

Porter House Steak

plain /garlic/peppered

$31.95kg

Onion Sausages

$14.95kg

Stock up on all your meat for duck shooting weekend!

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

Justified Absences include: Illness or medical reasons

Family emergencies or bereavements

Participation in regional or national recognised events

Unjustified Absences include: Holidays during school time

Employment during school hours

Shopping, haircuts, birthdays, babysitting Non-approved private activities

Please continue to inform the school if your child is absent and provide a reason it really helps us apply the correct coding.

Teacher Only Days 2025 – Advance Notice

There will be two Ministry of Education-approved Teacher Only Days this year: Friday 30th May 2025 and Friday 14th November 2025.

School will be closed for instruction on both of these days. Please note these dates in your calendars.

Ngā

mihi

nui,

Vicki Wish, Principal Genesis

Public Health Nurse - Abby Brookland

Available Tuesdays and Fridays at Tokomairiro High School Phone 027 241 1506 to make an appointment.

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

Aotearoa Māori

Netball Tournament 2025

During the holidays, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Pōneke (Wellington) for the AMNOHL National Tournament, where I proudly represented Te Waipounamu. Our journey began on Wednesday as we made our way to Picton, staying overnight at Waikawa Marae. It was a special time to connect and have our final netball training before boarding the Interislander ferry to

Once we arrived, we settled into the beautiful Koraunui Marae in Stokes Valley. On Friday, all ten teams from across Aotearoa were officially welcomed with a pōwhiri at Ākau Tangi Sports Centre, marking the beginning of a busy and exciting weekend. Throughout the tournament, I got to meet some amazing people, including Te Mākau Ariki (the Māori Queen’s mother), and ANZ premier netball players like Tiana Buchanan, Paris Lokotui, and Aliyah Dunn.

Aotearoa Maōri netball is more than netball it’s about learning our whakapapa, waiata, powhiri, and celebrating Te Ao Māori, something I truly value and enjoy. Saturday and Sunday brought the real intensity, with tough games. Our team performed really well, growing stronger with each game and overcoming every challenge that came our way. I feel incredibly privileged to have been part of Te Waipounamu netball for the past three years, and I look forward to next year's tournament in Whangārei!

Saffron Healey

or email milton@sumptermoore.co.nz

Bible Reading for the Week

“”The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? - Psalms 118:6

Sporting Chance Applications

Sporting Chance is a grant that is offered to provide financial assistance to children from disadvantaged circumstances to help them take part in sport. It funds participation and will assist with the basic costs of playing a sport. Sporting Chance makes grants for the costs of fees - You can apply for the cost of club or schools' fees for playing sport. There are some exceptions so be sure to apply for the right costs to increase your chances of getting a grant.

To be eligible for a grant, a student must be:

 Regularly attending school in Otago, and between Years 1 and 13 (5 to 18 years old).

 Participating in an ongoing sporting commitment, which could be a season or a year depending on the sport.

 Have genuine financial need as determined by the referring body

If you feel you fit the above criteria and would like to apply for the grant please contact Kim- Guidance Counsellor. There are limited funds available.

Applications close on 15th May and there will be no further applications made after this date until the next season sports.

Toko TV Sums up Term One

Follow the link to Toko TV’s video of a life in the day of our super school!

From art to food technology, house competitions to gateway, and homeroom to french - there’s plenty to see.

You can also check out our fabulous new signage around the school grounds!

Find the video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSSx-1XYUuI

From the Art Room…

The 7/8 Mil class has finished looking at Claes Oldenburg's sculpture 'Dropped Cone.' The students made their own sculptures using cardboard, found objects, plaster, paint and paper.

The results were attached to our desks in lieu of skyscrapers!

Matt, Tui, Ruby and Jack show their completed work.

Empowering Lives: Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy

At the Milton Community Health Trust, we offer a range of services designed to enhance the quality of life for those in our community.

With our Occupational Therapy subcontracted from Clutha Health First and Physiotherapy services subcontracted to SPS Physio, their roles are key to helping people regain independence, improve their overall well-being and to remain supported in their own home.

Regaining Independence

Our Occupational Therapist collaborates with clients to adapt their homes, develop new skills, and regain independence. Whether it’s a stroke survivor learning new ways to perform daily tasks, someone recovering from surgery, or facing an illness, our Therapist is dedicated to supporting your journey to better health. The service has an excellent range of equipment designed to help support you at home.

The Year 9/10 printmaking class put their fine motor skills to use in a 3D project! Students spent the last two weeks using the natural shape of driftwood to then whittle, sand and polish a small tūna (eel) sculpture. Eyes were added using glass beads. We are very proud of the hard work from this crew in Term 1!

No More Saturday Markets

I am sad to say the latest Milton market has not worked out as hoped and has closed down. The weekly market had been setting up next to the beautiful church since 3rd September 2022; it started on a sunny day with 28 stalls and its future looked bright. The very busy main street of Milton seemed, to me, the ideal place for a farmers-style market but, unfortunately, for one reason or another, it didn't happen; market gardeners are thin on the ground, government regulations deter home-bakers, rising costs, that sort of thing.

There are lots of creative craftspeople around and many came to the Milton market to sell what they'd made. Market stall-holders work hard to create a stall, and they want to earn more than enough to cover costs. But, despite advertising and promoting the market, without fresh food and produce, the number of customers and, then, stallholders dwindled, to a point where I finally decided to call it quits. Thank you to Eric Gordon and the council of the Tokomairiro Co-operating Parish for giving me the opportunity to give it a go. I am happy to say that the market contributed around $6000 to church funds. It was a great experience and I met some lovely people over the past two and a half years. Thank you to everyone who wished us well, especially those of you who actually came along to sell or buy something. All the best, Sandy Mulqueen

Improving Mobility and Reducing Pain

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, surgery, managing pain or want to improve your mobility – the SPS Physiotherapy services are designed to help you. Skilled Physiotherapists collaborate with you to create personalised treatment plans that fit your lifestyle. Imagine the impact on a community member who can finally walk pain-free or return to their favourite activities.

Unfortunately, the MCHT funded portion of their services are under constant threat due to insufficient funding from Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora. Without additional community support we may not be able to sustain these programmes long term.

If you would like to make a difference in our community - join us in supporting these essential services. When you have the opportunity, please speak up on our behalf!

Donations are gratefully received and can be made either online – Milton Community Health Trust 06 0936 0068678 00 – (Add your name or organisation as a reference,) or by visiting our office at 7 Eden Street, Milton. As a Not-ForProfit we can provide you with a tax donation receipt. Contact us on (03) 417 4399 for further information and know you’ll be making a positive impact in your community.

ORC reminds communities to burn dry firewood this winter

Air quality becomes degraded during winter due to the use of wood burners combined with cold calm weather, and the occurrence of inversion layers.  ORC is currently running its annual Burn Dry, Breathe Easy campaign highlighting ways to ensure your firewood is dry for burning in winter, and the effects that burning wet wood and other items can have on air quality and the environment. Woodsmoke pollution can be reduced when you burn only dry wood and keep your fire hot and not smouldering. Always make sure the wood you are burning is dry. It’s better for you, your home, and the environment. Burn Dry, Breathe Easy tips:

• Stock up on firewood before Christmas to allow it to dry out before the following winter

• Stack your firewood off the ground, out of the rain and with plenty of airflow so it dries faster

• Use a wood moisture meter to check if your firewood is dry enough to burn. Less than 25% moisture means more heat and reduced smoke

• A well-built fire of scrunched up paper/firelighters, kindling, and firewood with plenty of airflow ensures a well-heated home and less smoke

• Don’t burn wet or green firewood, treated wood or household rubbish as they can release harmful toxins into the air.

• To reduce smoke overnight, make sure you can still see flames when you turn your fire down.

Find out more at orc.govt.nz/burndry

Toko Rugby Report

It's been a busy period after our highly successful 125th Anniversary Celebration where the whole weekend went off to many comments from people traveling from all over NZ and overseas. Just reinforces how popular this club is in the community. Thank you to all those who volunteered and made it an awesome event. Even some stars from yesteryear still showed they have got it.

On Saturday Toko Premiers looked to continue their great form with a trip to Owaka which is normally a hard place to score a victory.

Toko went there and scored a comprehensive 43-27 victory and won the Reg Phillips and Dean Miller trophies. For Toko Keegan Ferguson had an outstanding match along with Lightening Lockie Finch and Kaleb Hayes who celebrated 50 Matches.

This week's match is being played on Thursday vs West Taieri at Outram due to duck shooting. This should be an absolute vital game for Toko to maintain the momentum.

-The Judge

Milton Sub Assn Indoor Bowls

The Opening night of the 2025 season was held before Easter at the Milton Bowling Club. President Alistair Allison welcomed all those present and wished them well for the season.

Barbara Read and Stephen Woodhead were the winners with three wins and runners up were Alistair Allison, Alwyn Read and Graeme Hill with two wins.

A second Snowball was held last Tuesday with another good turnout.

Game 1: Russell Copland, David Sutherland 8, Gary Foster, Stephen Woodhead, Carol Rutherford 5. Ray Low, Alwyn Read, Pete Trevathen 7, Alistair Allison, Raymond Perry, Donna Richards 6. Elizabeth Read, Bruce Dobson 11, Barbara Read, David Cook 6.

Game 2: R. Copland 8, E. Read 3. . Foster 11, R. Low 4. A. Allison 10, B. Read 3.

Game 3: A. Allison 12, R. Copland 2. R. Low 11, E. Read 2. G. Foster 6, B. Read 5.

There were no teams with three wins but four teams had two wins. On a count back the winners were Alistair Allison, Raymond Perry and Donna Richards with 34 points, runners up were Russell Copland and David Sutherland with 31 points.

A snowball will be had this week and Interclub starts on 6th May.

Euchre

9th April 2025

Winner: Joan

Loser: Una

Raffle: Di (Balclutha)

16th April 2025

Winner: Val (Balclutha)

Loser: Joan

Raffle: Di (Balclutha)

News from the Trenches...

Another week has passed with a fantastic Anzac Day being marked with the appropriate level of respect being exhibited. It's always pleasing to see the large crowd especially with the younger generations wearing family medals. Special thanks to Stan Leishman (Speaker), Rev Vivienne Galletley for their part of the service along with Kim Craig for camera work. Thanks to the RSA members who also assisted. All contributed to a superb day.

Now is the time of year a lot of people get very excited as it's Bang Bang Bang season with Duck Shooting this week. We will be holding our Duck Weigh In with all entries needed to be there by 4pm on Sunday with some great prizes and BBQ to follow.

Also for those interested in the Super Sports Comp picks need to be in by Thursday night as there are some club rugby games held that night. Make sure you don't miss out.

- Private Spike Pike

Bridge

Bridge Stakes 17th April 2025

Avis Broome/Riette Ferreira 56%

Kathy Powell/Ann Phillips 53%

Vic Stanley/Raewyn Devlin 50%

Lester Clark/Kay Roughan 50%

Tony Morland/Jo Turnbull 41%

Toko Golf

Champs Semi Finals Saturday 26th April

M Adam bt D Weyer

N Clark bt D Woodhead

D Gold bt P Sheath

B Cowie bt M Harwood

B Frost bt M Mead

J Day bt F Taylor

P Stevenson bt S Scott

T Clark bt L Adam

Bisque Results

G Sheath 5up

M Scott 4up

R Curd 4up

Closest to the Pin

R Stringer

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.

Genesis Classifieds ...

Tokomairiro Co-Operating Parish Sunday 4th May 10am Worship Service in the Milton Church Hall 4pm-6pm Whanau Funday in the Milton Church Hall Allwelcome!

Youth United meets fortnightly on Saturdays in term time for ages 10-18. Check out our Facebook page for events & times.

8:30-3:30

8:30-12 noon

Genesis Classifieds ...

Vacancy: School Office Administrator

Up to 10 hours a week Days Negotiable

Previous office administrator experience is an advantage but not essential as training will be given.

Contact Gloria at principal@taieribeach.school.nz or phone 03 481 7890 for more information. Applications close Friday 16 May.

Keep your contact details updated!

Email any changes to genesis@tokohigh.school.nz

Applications for funding available now in store.

Closes9thMay.

Board Member Position

Tokomairiro Waiora Inc is seeking Expressions of Interest from persons who may wish to join the Board of TWI.

This is a governance role.

You will understand the Clutha/South Otago community and an interest in the social well-being of our community.

Ideally you should:

• be inquiring and willing to learn

• be able to work co-operatively with other Board Members and Management

• bring critical thinking to decision-making

• be non-judgemental

• have some understanding of tikanga Māori

While experience in governance would be desirable, lack of experience should not put you off if you feel you have the personal qualities and passion for this role. Training will be available to develop your professional and personal skills.

TWI is a kaupapa Māori organisation that provides a wide range of social and health-related services throughout the Clutha/South Otago takiwā.

Board meetings are held monthly in Milton.

If you are interested please email a covering letter outlining the skills you can bring to our organisation contact@tokowaiora.co.nz by Friday 16 May 2025.

If you have any questions please contact Bruce Vollweiler (Chairman) 027 4378 284

Tokomairiro Waiora Inc

Tokomairiro Waiora Inc.

4 Shakespeare St Milton Free Nurse Clinics 2024

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 6th May, 2pm-6pm

Open to all community members.

For appointment contact: Ph 03 417 7430 or 027 232 3769 or office@tokowaiora.co.nz

Bruce Community Calendar MAY 2025

Wednesday 7th May Lovells Flat Womens Institute 1:30pm. Bryce Memorial Hall, Station Road.

Sunday 18th May Information Centre/ Museum Book Sale 9.30 - 3.30 Coronation Hall

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

MILTON BOWLING

CLUB

AGM & PRIZEGIVING

Sunday 18th May 2025 at 2:30pm Agenda: Prizegiving Election of Officers

Confirm changes to Constitution and Travel Fund. BBQ to follow.

APOLOGIES TO 0272433415

WAIHOLA BOWLING CLUB AGM

Will be held at the Waihola Bowls Clubrooms

Sunday May 18th 2025 at 1:30pm All Welcome

Milton Bruce Returned Services Association (Inc)

Annual General Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Milton Bruce Returned Services Association Inc, will be held in the Club Rooms, 31 Union Street Milton on Tuesday 6th May 2025 at 7:00pm. Business

• Apologies

• Confirmation of Minutes of previous AGM

• Adoption of Annual Reports

• Adoption of Accounts for the year ending 31.12.2024

• Election of Executive Committees

• General Business.

• Adoption of Subscriptions for 2025.

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

D Williams Secretary

Tokomairiro Early Learning Centre AnnualGeneralMeeting

Thursday May 1st

7pm at our Johnson Street Centre Allwelcome.

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.

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