Senior students in Years 11, 12 and 13 were presented with certificates recognising their achievements in 2025.
We had a great start to Spirit Week! Friday was Halloween so a celebration of games and treats was on the cards.
The events were coordinated and superbly run by Reily Matheson, Iris Flett, George Stark and Emily Wicks. A number of students won prizes for their costumes.
The Year 9/10 Drama class also found some costumes to dress up in!
Dates to Remember
Tuesday 4th - Friday 28th November - NCEA Exams
Thursday 13th November - Yr 6 Orientation Morning Friday 14th November - Teacher Only Day
Wednesday 3rd - Friday 5th December - Activity Days
Monday 8th December - Prizegiving
Entertainment provided by our talented seniors; Keanu, Jack and Viktor (left) and Sioeli (right)
Below: Valedictory speech from Head students Madeleine and Nirvana, then a final photo of the Class of ‘25!
Tena koutou katoa
Tokomairiro High School Newsletter...
SCHOOL MISSION: Inspiring Excellence in Education, in Character and in Life.
It’s lovely to see some fine weather today after the recent wind and snow it feels like summer might finally be on its way!
This is always a busy and exciting part of the term as students complete final assessments, prepare for exams and staff begin looking ahead to next year. There’s a real sense of focus and purpose around the kura and it’s great to see our ākonga setting themselves up well for the end of the year.
NCEA Updates and Study Leave
Students have now been advised if they have study leave. Even if a student has study leave, they are welcome to come back to school to work but this should be arranged directly with specific kaiako. When students are on site, all school expectations around phones and uniform remain in place.
Students coming in for meetings with teachers must also sign in and out at the main office.
End of Year
Staff are now preparing end-of-year reports for all students which will be sent out on Friday 5th December. These reports will focus mainly on the second half of the year, highlighting both progress and achievement. We encourage whānau to take time to go through these with your tamaiti and celebrate their successes.
Our Activity Days will run from Wednesday 3rd December to Friday 5th December, providing a great way for students to enjoy the end of the school year together. Further information about these days will be shared soon. The Final Junior Assembly and Prizegiving will be held on Monday 8th December where we’ll celebrate the many achievements and efforts of our students in 2025.
Turf Update
On Sunday, part of the fence around the turf was taken down and a large number of people came along to help remove sections of the old surface. A huge mihi and thank you to Mark and Rachael Russell, Gill Campbell, Ray Lowe, Kate and Duncan Woodhead for their help with organising, rolling up and moving the turf.
The large court area should hopefully be cleared by the end of the week a really exciting step towards replacement. We expect the new turf to be installed on the larger court around March or April next year.
We will also be fundraising for the turf over the coming months as this is one of the biggest investments we have ever made in our kura. The new surface will make a huge difference to sport and recreation for our students and wider community.
PTA Online Auction
In light of the bike ride not being able to take place this November, the PTA will be running an online auction to help raise funds that would have been generated by the ride. If you have any items, services or experiences that you could donate, we’d be very grateful. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for further information every bit of tautoko helps.
Teacher Only Day
A reminder that Thursday 14th November is a Teacher Only Day granted by the Ministry of Education. The school will be closed for instruction on this day.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
112 Union Street, Milton Ph 417 8223 butcherymilton@gmail.com
Honey Cured Silverside
$19.95kg
Tasty Pork Chops
$18.95kg
Onion Sausages
$15.95kg
Book in your Homekill!
Want your meat ready for Christmas?
Secure your spot! Call or email us, or send a pm via Facebook.
Open Saturdays 9am 12pm
This year we introduced Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) across the school and we will continue with this in 2026. Students are expected to bring a suitable device for learning.
Noel Leeming has a list of recommended models available. Please note that tablets are not suitable for classroom use at this level.
With Black Friday sales coming up this could be a good opportunity to look for suitable devices at discounted prices.
Measles Information
With more measles cases being reported around the country it’s important we all remain alert. Please watch for symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes and a blotchy rash. If unwell, stay home and contact your doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Vaccination is the best protection please check that everyone in your whānau is immunised. Anyone exposed to measles who has not received two MMR vaccinations cannot attend school for at least eight days.
More information is available on the Health New Zealand website: Measles: Locations of Interest in Aotearoa New Zealand – Health New Zealand
Ngā mihi nui
Vicki Wish, Principal | Tumuaki
Tokomairiro High School
WEDNESDAYS1:30pm-4pm. Variety of Plants & Shrubs Ready for Planting Now!
• Latest technology equipment & training for late model vehicles Insurance work for all major insurance companies NOVUS agents for all vehicle glass requirements
8 Frances Street, Balclutha Ph 03 418 0192
Dave & Carolyn McDiarmid admin@cluthapanelrepairs.nz Free pick
Tiny’s Memorial Tournament - 1st November 2025
Tiny's Memorial Tournament was held at Toko on a beautiful sunny day. I wish to thank all our sponsors for the overwhelming support. Please support them where you can: Balclutha Motors, Berridale Farm, Calder Stewart Industries, Caltex Milton, Marty & Nic Clark, Clutha Licensing Trust, J.C, Josh & Lisa Day, Raewyn Devlin, Forum Café, Jimmys Pies, Kellys Kitchen, Milton Butchery, Milton Hammer Hardware, K Partridge, Scenic Hotel Group, Sid, Stihl Shop Milton, Tokomairiro Four Square and G.Y
Thank you to the Players for making this an incredible day and everyone who helped in any way - Wendy Agnew
Results:
Ladies: W Agnew 39pts
D Matsopoulas 38pts
S Bearman 37pts
Men: J Murray 44pts
M Scott 43pts
W Howell 42pts
Longest Putt 7/16 - M Clark
Closest Pin Men 2nd Shot 9/18 - D McMillan
Closest Pin Ladies 2nd Shot 3/12 - J Good
Two’s - B Frost, B Dunlop, G Sheath, N Webb and D Matsopoulas
Left: Ladies Winner Wendy Agnew with Men’s Winner Jack Murray.
SOUTH OTAGO’S TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL
Above: Wendy, Craig, James and Laura take a moment
Bible Reading for the Week
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” - John 14:27
News from the Trenches...
It would appear my new Portuguese Pigeon Lapo Alsi got a bit excited in the wind last week and dropped couple of pages for last weeks report. I think my legal team were glad in hindsight certain stories weren't revealed.
And the WINNER is??? The King Brendan Sheath reigns supreme in NPC Comp by going back to back. His new nickname is Penrith Panthers as this could be the start of a dynasty!!! Can anyone stop him?? Tanya Manson 2nd, Nick McKay 3rd were only one and two points behind. This was the closest competition we have had. It all comes down to loyalty with a knowledgeable RSA member getting 4th but not picking Otago in semi final cost him the big prize. Stay calm until next year when we kick off Super Rugby Comp.
Thanks to those who rocked up to the RSA Working Bee on Saturday, place is looking flash now aye??? Always need a few extra helpers on those days would have made job easier. So consider coming along and not leaving it to same ones.
This week we will be launching our 2026 Darts Comp Extravaganza. This will be restricted to first 16 entrants with cost $5. This time YOU get to decide your nickname and walk on music!!! If you haven't let Woody or Lammy know what they are, we will do it for you so don't come crying to us if you don't like what we selected. Get in quick as there was huge success last year and interest is there. Comp will be held on last three Saturday nights in January.
Now Lapo Alsi has reported to me a bit of news. On Saturday night we asked people to dress up in rugby gear. Two members just about caused a ruckus with one looking tough in Southland Stags gear, but worse was the member who dressed up in Crescent jersey, and they were a life member. This person claimed jersey still fitted after 50 years so he was an outstanding athlete either then or now!!! You decide.
Saturday 8th November in Roxburgh and the Teviot Valley GARAGE SALES START 8AM
MAPS $5.00 each from 7.30am at Freshchoice Roxburgh, Benger Gardens Café Ettrick, and Miller ’s Flat Tavern
PLEASE BUY A MAP EACH BECAUSE EACH MAP SOLD GOES TO OUR LOCAL FUND ‘TEVIOT VALLEY KIDS COUNT ’ ANDIF YOU PURCHASE A MAP YOU WILL GO INTO A DRAW FOR A HAMPER donated by our wonderful community
Enjoy your day everyone!!
MILTON BRIDGE CLUB AGM
Thursday 6th November at the Clubrooms, 7pm start. The new updated Constitution will be discussed.
Social Bridge to follow. All Members are requested to attend.
- Secretary Ann.
Genesis Deadline 12 Noon Monday
Toko Golf
Twilight Golf 9 Holes
Wednesday Evenings 5:30-6:30pm tee off time $2
All Welcome! Toko Golf Club, Back Rd.
Milton Bridge Club Meets at 6:45pm on Thursdays in the Senior Citizen’s Rooms (next door to the Milton RSA)
All Welcome, beginners included
TOKO JUNIOR RUGBY CLUB AGM
Date: Wednesday 19th November Time: 7.00pm
Venue: Toko Rugby Club Milton
MILTON COMMUNITY HEALTH TRUST
Annual General Meeting
7.00pm on Tuesday, 18th November 2025 at the Milton St John Ambulance Rooms
Two positions have become vacant for nomination this year on the Board’s stand-down rotation policy.
Members of the public who may be interested in standing for the Board are encouraged to speak to one of the current Board members or the Nurse Manager, Dale Wyber.
An information pack including the Job Description and nomination papers is available from the Milton Community Health Trust Office: 7 Eden Street, Milton. Phone: (03) 417 4399
Email: admin@milcomhealth.nz
The time commitment for this Board is approximately three hours per month.
Nominations must be received in writing at the Trust’s office, signed by a proposer and seconder, and carrying the nominee’s consent, by Friday, 7th November 2025.
Elections will be held at the AGM on Tuesday, 18th November 2025.
Current Board Members:
Julie Rutherford (Chair) 027 212 3436
Kerry Dowling (Vice Chair) 417 8004
Chris London 022 676 8848
Justin Geddes 027 487 6487
Helen Vollweiler
027 662 0544
Toni Marr toni_marr@yahoo.com
Oli Blackbourn 027 354 0519
For further information contact Dale Wyber, Nurse Manager on (03) 417 4399 or 027 417 8861.
TOKO RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB INC
Annual General Meeting
Monday 17th November 2025
7pm at the Club Rooms
1.Present/Apologies
2.Confirm minutes last AGM
3.Matters arising last AGM
4.President’s report
5.Treasurer’s report
6.Bar Report
7.Election of office bearers
8.Confirmation of Club Patron
9.Life members
Apologies to: Secretary at committeetrfc@gmail.com
Toko Rugby Football Club
P.O. Box 177
MILTON
Tokomairiro Historical Society & Bruce Museum Trust A.G.M.
Tuesday 11th November, 7 p.m. at the Museum
Supper to follow All Welcome. Apologies to 417 7480 or miltoninfo@xtra.co.nz
Special Meeting
A special meeting of the Tokomairiro A&P Society will be held on Wednesday 12th November at 7pm at the Whitehorse Inn, to pass the new constitution, all members welcome to attend.
Please email tokomairiroap123@gmail.com to request a copy of this new constitution.
The Tokomairiro Waiora Incorporated AGM
Will be held at 6:00pm
Wednesday 26th November 2025
At 4 Shakespeare St, Milton All welcome
Super will be served at the conclusion of the meeting
RSVP by: Friday 21st November 2025 to: office@tokowaiora.co.nz or ph. 03 417 7430
Contact the Genesis Office for more information about advertising. Just email genesis@tokohigh.school.nz
Shaggy to SLEEK
Dog Grooming Service
Genesis Classifieds ...
Phone Robyn 027 359 1144 to book an appointment or email: shaggytosleek@gmail.com Pet Services
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.
Genesis Deadline 12 Noon Monday
Have a sewing problem?
Now available for clothing alterations, mending and other sewing services.
PhSharon0274161488
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.
Phone: 021 035 5861
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
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.
