Tokomairiro High School Newsletter & Community Noticeboard
Wednesday 4th June 2025
Ngā Manu Kōrero Speech Competition 2025
Last week, our senior Tikanga class had the privilege of attending the Ngā Manu Kōrero regional speech competition in Ōtepoti. Rangatahi from across Ōtākou ki Murihiku
Ngā Manu Kōrero is regarded as the most significant event on the Māori education calendar for nurturing oratory skills and providing the stage for young people to express their views and to lay down their challenges to an admiring and critical audience of peers, parents, whānau, and judges. At the start of the day, our students also took part in the pōwhiri process, contributing toward their assessment standards. It was a valuable and inspiring experience an opportunity to witness a meaningful kaupapa in action and to see the power of language and culture celebrated by rangatahi Māori.
Sioeli Pulu & George Stark (left) won prizes for answering questions and participating in a haka off.
Ka mau te wehi e tama mā!
Tokomairiro High School
HORT SHOP
OPEN
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!
Books Reflect Art Trip
The Year 11 art class shows the fruits of their field trip to Portbello and Hereweka/ Harbour Cone! Students are working on a handmade book, using their photos and research to inform their images. These photos show work from Troy Mallon, Tyrese Gemmell, Shannyn Ferguson and Bea Clarke.
WEDNESDAYS1pm-4pm.
Plenty of plants to fill those gaps in your garden!
School Contact Details School Office: 03 417 8620
School Cellphone: 027 268 3362
Office email: office@tokohigh.school.nz
Bike Safety Reminder
It’s great to see so many of our students riding their bikes to school - it’s a healthy, environmentally friendly way to travel, and we encourage it.
However, we’ve noticed that many students are not wearing helmets. We want to remind everyone that wearing a helmet is not only the law, but also a vital part of staying safe on the road. Even a small accident can lead to serious injury without proper protection. Please check that your child has a correctly fitted helmet and uses it every day.
Visibility is also important at this time of year, so we recommend reflective gear and working lights for those riding in low light conditions.
Let’s work together to keep everyone safe.
Dates to Remember
Wednesday 18th June - Cultural Competition
Wednesday 18th June - Matariki Expo
Friday 20th June - Matariki (School Closed)
Thursday 26th June - Tokyo Trip, Group 1 departs
Friday 27th June - End of Term Two
Tuesday 8th July - Tokyo Trip, Group 2 departs
Tena koutou katoa
Tokomairiro High School Newsletter...
SCHOOL MISSION: Inspiring Excellence in Education, in Character and in Life.
I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend for King’s Birthday it's always valuable to have a small pause before the busy weeks ahead. With just a few weeks left until the end of Term 2 on 27th June, we’re making the most of every day. It’s a busy time for students and staff alike, but there’s plenty of joy and energy in the air as we head towards Matariki and the winter break.
House Sports – Turbo Touch in Full Swing
This term’s House Sports focus is Turbo Touch, and students have really thrown themselves into it. Whether they’re on the court or cheering from the sidelines, the house spirit is very strong. It’s great to see students building teamwork, confidence, and community all while having fun.
House Sports plays an important part in fostering school culture, belonging, and positive relationships. The friendly competition, shared purpose, and weekly routines provide opportunities for students of all ages to connect. Thank you to the staff who make this happen each week your efforts are truly appreciated.
Cultural Competition – Countdown On!
The Cultural House Competition is fast approaching set for Tuesday 18th June. Each house will perform the school haka, the school waiata, and this year, a special Matariki waiata as part of the performance. Practices are well underway, and the standard is already looking high.
This event is a real taonga in our kura, celebrating pride, identity, and kotahitanga. It is always one of the most moving and memorable occasions of the year. We’re excited to see the strength and spirit each house brings to the stage and we’re proud of how seriously our students are taking this opportunity to honour our shared culture and values.
Matariki Expo
Also on Tuesday 18th June, our students will be participating in the inaugural Matariki Expo organised by the Tokomairiro Kāhui Ako. The expo will be held at Te Whare Puāwai o Tokomairirio and will be open from The expo will showcase visual art and writing from students across the Kāhui Ako with the theme Matariki / New Beginnings. This is a new event for 2025, and we identity, and reflection. We encourage whānau and community members to visit and enjoy the work on display.
Tokyo Trip Approaching!
There’s growing excitement among students and whānau as we count down to our Tokyo trip. The first group of travelers will depart on Thursday 26th June, and preparations are almost complete. International travel provides students with the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone, experience a different cultur and grow in independence. We’re very proud of the way students have embraced the responsibility that comes with such a big adventure and we look forward to hearing all about their experiences when they return.
Wrap Up Warm – Uniform Reminder
The chilly mornings have well and truly arrived! Please make sure students are dressed warmly in correct school uniform. This includes appropriate layers such as the school jacket, thermals, and plain black tights or polyprops under uniform items. Keeping warm helps students stay focused and well. If your child needs help with uniform, please contact the school office we’re always happy to help, discreetly and supportively.
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AI and the Digital World
Last week, I attended a conference where two speakers raised important points about the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and the increasing risks the internet can pose to young people. While tools like AI can enhance learning and creativity, they also open doors to misinformation, online harm, and unhealthy content. As adults, it s important we continue to talk with our young people about how to stay safe and use digital tools responsibly. At school, we are committed to helping students build digital literacy and critical thinking skills. It s our goal to equip them not only with knowledge, but with the wisdom to use it well.
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 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 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, your name as reference. - Carolyn Shanks
Who is involved with Tūturu?
Tūturu involves a network of schools and health services, led by the New Zealand Drug Foundation. It is overseen by the Ministry of Education, Te Whatu Ora (Health NZ), NZ Police, and Te Hiringa Hauora.
It was developed by and for Aotearoa schools and services. Eleven schools and five health services were involved in the pilot. Now that the pilot has been completed, we are partnering with more schools and health services across Aotearoa.
Tūturu is funded by Te Whatu Ora and the Ministry of Education. It has also received funding previously from Te Hiringa Hauora, and the Proceeds of Crime Fund.
Tūturu is working with a number of schools in Otago training staff & BOT’s, delivering education to communities, developing curriculum resources & providing evidence-based frameworks for schools, students & staff. We also work with schools, so our young people have access to the right
This video explains in more detail what work schools in
Bible Reading for the Week
“Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced” 1 Chronicles 16:12
Students Taking on 40 Hour Challenge
Students from Tokomairiro High School are taking part in the New Zealand World Vision 40 Hour Challenge to make a real difference in the lives of children around the world. This year, they're stepping up to raise awareness and funds to support communities in the Solomon Islands facing extreme poverty, hunger, and the impacts of climate change. By going without something important for 40 hours, like food, technology, or sleep. They're showing empathy, building resilience, and taking action as global citizens. It’s about more than just a challenge, it’s about standing together to create a fairer, more hopeful future.
The 40 Hour Challenge is more than giving something up, it’s about standing up for those who don’t have a choice.
Click on the QR code for more information and to show your support!
Information Centre / Museum Report
We wish to thank everyone who supported our Book Sale last month, especially those who donated books, assisted with sorting and set up. The Lions Club did a wonderful job for which we are grateful and J.D. Souness for sponsorship with the skip. The weather was much better than last year and our new flag attracted passersby very well. Raffles were won by Wendy Hellyer – Orchid, Audrey Hunter and Courtney – vouchers. We hope you found some good reads for the colder months and look forward to another sale next year. We have a selection available during opening hours which are Monday to Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturdays will begin again at Labour weekend. On display at present we have Royalty memorabilia in line with the Kings Birthday commemoration. Thank you to Peter Trevathan who assisted with our ANZAC display. For the next two weeks our model will be displaying a black velvet jacket with lace and bead features.
Milton Sub Assn Indoor Bowls
The Milton Country Club had a night of horrors when they lost all four games to Moneymore in last weeks Interclub , 16-5, 12-3, 10-7 and 10-4. At the South Otago 5’s last Wednesday night, Moneymore had three wins, two against Glenledi and one against Te Houka. Glenledi had two wins against Waitapeka, and the Country Club had one win against Hillend. After three rounds Katea have 48 points, Lawrence 41 and Paretai 35, Clutha Valley, Finegand and Town and Country 30, Milton Country Club 26 and Glenledi, Moneymore, Hillend, Te Houka 25 and Waitapeka 23.
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.
Clutha Panel Repairs
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Toko Rugby Report
A short report this week due to no Premier Club rugby. Instead to get your rugby fix, there was Topp Cup matches where Southern Region vs Central were taken part in Alexandra.
Unfortunately both Southern Region teams were defeated in two very close and exciting games. Southern Region Premiers went down in a battle royale 41-38 with Toko's Jared Hayes featuring prominently along with Keegan Ferguson who was on the substitute bench. The development match between both teams also went to Central Otago 21-17 to complete the double.
This week Toko Premiers travel to Heriot in a massive fixture in attempting to maintain their standing in the Top 4. This will be an extremely hard match as Heriot suffered a big loss previous week and will be looking for retribution. Let's get the job done Toko!!!
-The Judge
Toko Junior Rugby Club
Milton Night’n’Day Junior Rugby Awards 27th - 29th May 2025
Rippa - Toko Gold
POD: Neko Henry
Coaches choice: Wade Alderton
Rippa – Toko Blue
POD: Colton Warren
Coaches choice:
Jed Marshall
Year 3&4 – Toko Gold
POD: TJ Kire
Coaches choice: Leo Mathieson
Year 3&4 - Toko Blue
POD: Chelsea Martin
Tackler: Jacob Hancock
Year 5&6 – Toko Gold
POD: Lincoln Marshall
Coaches choice:
Ben Woodhead
Year 5&6 – Toko Blue
POD: Talisa Pulu
Tackler: Harry Leckie
Year 7&8 – Toko Gold
POD: Riley Milligan
Tackler: Oliver Foster
Coaches choice:
Hemi Lambert
Year 7&8 - Toko Blue
POD: Gene Wallis
POD: Steven Lambert
Next week’s games - 7th June
(NB: Home team listed first and games are usually 10am)
Rippas
Clinton White vs Toko Blue
Lawrence vs Toko Gold
Year 3 and 4
Lawrence vs Toko Blue
Toko Gold - Bye
Year 5 and 6
Toko Gold vs Toko Blue
7th May 2025
Winner: Moira
Loser: Una
Year 7 and 8
Toko Blue vs Cresent (game to be played in Lawrence)
Clutha Red vs Toko Gold (game to be played in Owaka)
Euchre
14th May 2025
Winner: Carol (Owaka)
Loser: Raelene
Raffle: Maureen (Owaka)
21st May 2025
Winner: Pat (Owaka) Loser: Russell
Raffle: Jan (Owaka)
Raffle: Maureen (Owaka)
28th May 2025
Winner: Pat (Owaka)
Loser: Di (Balclutha) Raffle: Lyn
Dave & Carolyn McDiarmid E: admin@cluthapanelrepairs.nz
Free pick up and delivery from Milton and surrounding areas.
News from the Trenches...
Pretty cold this weekend, even the brass monkeys have been lying low. Best temperature is to be found at the RSA.
First up thank you to the Milton Opportunity Charitable Trust for their donation to our welfare section. Very much appreciated for their generosity. Plenty going on this week with lots of activities planned over the next few weeks. First up the Milton Fire Brigade is looking for retribution as we are having Sports Night with them end of June, so put your name down and let's see if we can continue our sporting dominance.
Our Rugby comp is getting closer to the finish line. Points are going up in value the next few weeks with those in the middle of the field given an opportunity to come from behind. Some may prefer that or make a late charge. Prize giving will be held on Saturday 5th July. Bar Tab starts at 6pm. There are some fantastic prizes for those not in Top 3 that come along on the night. This promises to be a highlight of the year. Also we have arranged an awesome hangi with some delicious tucker on offer.
The same night is AB vs France test which we will be raffling our Corporate Seats along with our annual Pick The AB scores with every AB test until end of year tour in November. So come on you so called experts.
- Private Spike Pike
Genesis Classifieds ...
Tokomairiro Co-Operating Parish
Sunday 8th June 10am Worship Service and Sunday School in the Milton Church Hall Allwelcome!
WeareaChristianFaithBiblebasedChurch 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.
Housie
Saturday the 7th June - Calling starts at 7pm
Doors open from 5:30
Bar meals and raffles
2025-2026 Membership Subs - now due!
Please call into club to pay yours
Thank you!
Bruce Community Calendar JUNE 2025
Saturday 28th June - 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 A&P SOCIETY
Winter Crops Competition 2025
Thank you to the sponsors of the competition this year:
HJ Allison Contracting H&T Agrinomics
Advance Agriculture Clutha Vets
SJ Clark Contracting Corys Electrical
Ron Cowie Contracting Lister Helicopters
Mainland Minerals Otago Tractor Repairs
PGG Wrightson, Milton Ravensdown
Toko Spraying
Contact the Genesis Office for more information about advertising. Just email genesis@tokohigh.school.nz
Milton Elder CARE
The AGM will be held on 16th June 2025 at 7:15pm in the Care Rooms. - All Welcome -
D Umfreville, Secretary
Email the Genesis Office for more information about advertising - genesis@tokohigh.school.nz
Pet Services
Shaggy to SLEEK Dog Grooming Service
Phone Robyn 027 359 1144 to book an appointment or email: shaggytosleek@gmail.com
Trades & Services
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.
Trades & Services
Genesis Deadline 12 Noon Monday for all articles & advertising.
Trailers for Hire
ATV/Motorbike Trailer/ Flat Deck 8x5 General Purpose Trailer with Cage 16x6 Car Transporter
Phone: 03 417 8727
Email:tokotrailers@xtra.co.nz
AttentionAllFarmers!
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• NZTA Warrant Of Fitness inspections and Auto Electrical parts.
• Mobility Scooters & Automotive Battery Sales
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