9th April 2025 by Kris Simpson

Wednesday 9th April 2025

Stars of the Month

Each month, we celebrate students who are showing our school values in class. These students are featured in a special display in the school foyer.

Our March stars are:

Connor Clark- Digital technology

Will Williams- Gateway

Kendra Clark- Senior English

Shannyn Ferguson- Senior English

Tane Rewita- Junior English

Tristen Pretorius- Junior English

Niko Coleman- Music

Lilly Taylor- Maths

Brooklyn Mair- Art

Fletcher Savage- Science

Daiha Coulter-Lawlor- Science

Nevaeh- Hard Materials

Payton-Rose Davidson-Dickson- Hard Materials

Reily Mathieson- Food Technology

Joelle De Seymour- Values Champ

Caitlyn Scott- Social Sciences

LyriQ Pedofski- Kapa Haka

Oliver Russell- Homeroom legend

Anahearwhetu Renton- Tamaiparea- Te Reo

English Book Amnesty

While students are cleaning up their bedrooms during the school holidays, please look out for 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. We would love to have them back!!

New Owner for Pharmacy

Tueday 1st April was an important day at Milton Pharmacy as the business was officially sold and handed over to Eric. This marks the end of an amazing era from Chris who started working here in 1999 and then moving on to owning the company in 2009. Chris has gone above and beyond for so many people over his time here and is truly a legend with a lot of his work behind the scenes going unrecognised. We have absolutely loved working alongside Chris and appreciate the amazing boss he has been to us.

Although Chris has sold the business, we are still able to see his lovely face but only twice a week as he slowly settles into retirement, which is well and truly deserved! We are excited to welcome Eric into the ownership of the Pharmacy and wish him well along his way!

New Milton Op Shop

We are open! After weeks of hard work we have officially moved and had our grand opening on the 7th of April. It was great to see all of your smiling faces and support on opening day. To celebrate our opening we are running a promotion for the first week in our new building. Every purchase goes into the draw to win a $50 credit. Don't miss out and come grab a bargain before April 12th to go in the draw. We are all incredibly excited for the future and hope for you all to be a part of it.

- The Milton Op Shop team (Steph, Linda, Lynne, Chantalle, Anna, Fern and Trey)

Tokomairiro High School HORT SHOP

WEDNESDAYS1pm-4pm.

Variety of Plants & Shrubs Ready for Planting Now!

Due to the Easter break, there will be no Genesis on 23rd April.

Dates to Remember

Friday 11th April - Last day of Term One

Monday 28th April - Term Two begins

Tuesday 6th May - Cross Country

Wednesday 7th/ Thursday 8th May - Yr 12 Tertiary Visit

Friday 16th May - EOHS Sports Exchange

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.

As we head into the final few days of what has been a wonderful and very busy Term One, I want to take a moment to thank everyone in our school community for the energy, commitment, and positivity that has shaped this term. It’s hard to believe we’re already at the end of Term One! It’s been a term packed with learning, new opportunities and plenty of memorable moments from Athletics Day and Swimming Sports to house competitions, camps, and classroom successes. I am incredibly proud of the way our students have thrown themselves into all aspects of school life.

But we’re not finished just yet! We still have a few exciting events to come this week, including our Easter Egg Hunt on Friday always a fun way to finish the term. Students can take part for a gold coin entry and who knows, they might even go home with some chocolatey treasure!

Swimming Sports

Last Friday afternoon we held our annual swimming sports and what a fantastic event it was! The pool was a hive of activity from serious competitors battling it out for the win, to those who just wanted to have a go, earn some house points and be part of the action. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun, with plenty of support from the sidelines and lots of laughter throughout the afternoon.

Congratulations to all our participants for their efforts and positive spirit. A special thank you to Mrs Erica Milligan and Mrs Rebecca Mallon for their excellent organisation and to all the staff who helped out on the day. Events like this remind us how lucky we are to have a school community that gets involved, encourages one another and makes these occasions so enjoyable.

House Competition

Our House Competition has well and truly roared into life this year! It has been fantastic to see students showing their house pride and contributing in so many ways whether through participating in major events like Athletics and Swimming, or through their daily efforts in attendance, values and classroom contribution.

Every house has claimed at least one win this term: Ayson – 1st in Lunchtime Benchball and the Tidy Up Challenge

Malcolm – 1st in Term One Attendance

Reid – 1st in Values, Class Recognitions, and House Spirit

Ross – 1st in Athletics

Tiny’s Milton Butchery

112 Union Street, Milton Ph 417 8223

Corned Brisket

Only $14.95kg

Crumbed Wiener Schnitzel

Only $23.95kg (save $3kg)

Lamb Loin Chops

$22.95kg (save $3kg)

Onion Sausages

$15.95kg

Tiny's Milton Butchery will be closed from Friday 18th through to Friday 25th April. If you have any vouchers could you please use them by Thursday 17th April. Thank you

As it stands at the end of Term One (excluding Swimming Sports points):

1st Place – Ayson

2nd Place – Ross

3rd Place – Reid

4th Place – Malcolm

But with only a handful of points separating first from fourth, it really is anyone’s game as we head into Term Two!

Staffing Update

At the end of this term, we farewell Ms Ravneet Sandhu Kaur. Ravneet has been a valued member of our Maths and Science departments since the beginning of the year. We thank her for her dedication and care for our students and wish her all the very best as she moves on to a new position. We are also delighted to welcome Mrs Donna Richards, who has joined us in a part-time role in Gateway and Careers. Donna brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from her work at Palmerston North Girls’ High School and UCOL, and we know she will be a great asset to our school.

Next term, we look forward to welcoming Ms Alex Newton to our teaching team. Alex will be working across the Maths, Science, and Technology departments.

Attendance Code Changes – What You Need to Know

At the beginning of this year, the Ministry of Education introduced changes to attendance codes to improve how schools and the Ministry track attendance patterns. A common question we are asked is what makes an absence justified versus unjustified. Here is a quick guide:

Justified Absences include:

 Illness or medical reasons

 Family emergencies, bereavements, or unexpected events (e.g. bus breakdown, road closure)

 Participation in regional/national sports, arts, or cultural events (non-school, but recognised)

Unjustified Absences include:

 Being away beyond the agreed time for a justified reason

 Employment during school hours

 Birthdays, visiting relatives, shopping, haircuts, babysitting

 Non-approved extra-curricular activities or hobbies

 Privately funded programmes not approved by the Board

We appreciate parents and caregivers letting us know the reason for any absence, as this helps us code attendance correctly. Attendance reports are sent out every two weeks if you notice anything that needs updating, please contact your child’s House Group teacher.

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

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

Good Friday Cross Walk

Meeting at the Four Square car park at 8.45am on Good Friday 18th April, a group of us plan to walk a cross down the main road finishing at the Heritage Church. The walk will start at 9.00am. All are welcome to walk with us (or walk a part of it).

There will be a short service hosted by Tokomairiro Co-operating Parish with the message being delivered by a member of the Mt Zion Church. Hot cross buns and a cuppa will follow.

Year 7 & 8 Camp Fundraising Easter Raffle Results

1st card 32 , no 10 Wayde Alderton

2nd card 62, no 9 Aleshia Davidson

3rd card 30, no 1 Paul Lambert

4th card 8 , no 7 Mel Powick

5th card 9, no 3 Raylene Johnston

Thank you very much to everyone that supported the raffle, it was much appreciated.

Bible Reading for the Week

“Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” - Joshua 1:9

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.

Quote of the Week: ‘People who think they know everything are a great annoyance to those of us who do’ - Isaac Asimov

Essential Care for Our Community: District Nursing and

Palliative Care

At the Milton Community Health Trust, our goal is to provide comprehensive and compassionate care to our community. Our District Nursing and Palliative Care services are vital components of our commitment to ensuring that residents receive the support they need, right where they live. We are a Not-For-Profit, that has been providing either free or subsidised services for the past 29 years – we would like to continue to do so into the future.

Care at Your Doorstep

Our District Nursing service offers essential healthcare directly to your home. Whether its specialty wound care, PICC and PORT management, assistance with stoma and urinary management or chronic disease support, our dedicated nurses are here to help you. This service is especially crucial for those who may have difficulty accessing healthcare outside of their home.

Compassion and Comfort

For those facing serious illness, our Palliative Care services provide compassionate support to both patients and their families. We focus on offering comfort, dignity, and quality of life during challenging times. Our team works closely with families, their General Practice, and the Otago Community Hospice to ensure that their loved ones receive the best possible care.

Community Involvement and Funding Needs

Despite the critical nature of our services, we face significant and ongoing funding challenges. Without adequate health funding from Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, the sustainability of Milton Community Health Trust community services is at risk. In the future we anticipate that we will rely heavily on increased community support and donations, otherwise we risk having to cut back on the care we provide. Yes, we have lobbied Government and Health New Zealand, joined with other regional organisations and presented a compelling case for fair funding. Despite our best efforts – we still face significant funding challenges. If you would like to make a difference in your communityjoin us in supporting these essential health 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. Or if you’re interested in Volunteering? Contact us at on (03) 417 4399 and know you’ll be making a positive impact in your community.

Lovells Flat Women’s Institute

The year began with an outing to Kaitangata to join with the Vintage Car Club members on a visit to the gardens of Julie Maroney and Chris Hight on Bush Road. Mine Creek is the name of the property and have proved a popular place to visit with all the beautifully laid out grounds, restored homestead and colourful blooms.

In March the Annual Meeting was held with no changes to the Office Bearers. Gay Bloxham was presented the Milne Bud Vase for most points in the Bloom and Stalk competition for the year. The Annual Report showed we had enjoyed a varied and busy year.

Members attended the Federation A.G.M. in Balclutha recently with several certificates earned for competitions entered. Member Ila Ryan has joined the Federation Committee.

April meeting we shared how we benefitted from W.I. Friendship, fellowship, Community involvement and opportunities to assist those in need were some thoughts. We all agreed that we have grown in confidence over the years.

We look forward to hosting the ANZAC Service at the Cenotaph and Bryce Memorial Hall on Station Road at 9am with morning tea to follow.

Keep your contact details updated!

Email any changes to genesis@tokohigh.school.nz

0 - 26.4

Toko Golf Club

LGU & Putting 29th March & 1st April 2025

- 40.4

J Greene 85 - 19 - 66

L Day 86 - 16 - 70

9 Holers: N Cubbitt 55-22 - 33

9 Hole Putting: K Drinnan 17

Jo Hitchon: J Greene 66

Anna Burnett: R Devlin 66

May Murdoch: R Devlin 42

E Kennard: R Devlin 28

Longest Putt: L Mitchell

Toko Men’s Results Saturday 5 April 2025

Monthly Medal and Putting kindly sponsored by Cutlers Real Estate

Stu Michelle 95-32-63

Nathan Taylor 81-17-64

Mark Adam 70-04-66 c/b

Bradley Frost 85-19-66

Grant Sheath 83-16-67

Murray Scott 88-20-68 c/b

Lammy Moana 94-26-68

Brendan Lawlor 101-32-69 c/b

Greg Findlay 78-09-69

Putting: G Sheath 28 putts

Twos: D Woodhead, D Weyer, MJ Adam

Longest Putt: N Leonard

Euchre

26th March 2025

Winner: Dawn (Owaka)

Loser: Lorraine (Owaka)

Raffle: Carol (Owaka)

2nd April 2025

Winner: Kathleen Loser: Steve Raffle: Carol (Owaka)

Information Centre and Museum Report

The volunteers have been enjoying the increase in visitors over the summer months. Many travellers have taken the opportunity to ride the cycle trails, hopefully supporting the local businesses too.

ANZAC commemorations are approaching and we will have a display set up with memorabilia. An elaborate framed Honourably Discharged certificate has been donated to acknowledge the service of Private George Cecil Grey, N.Z. Expeditionary Force 4 March 1919, who served with honour in the Great War. Peter Trevathan is to assist with the display.

We are also displaying on regular intervals some of the beautiful gowns that the Museum holds. At present the two piece ensemble was worn for a wedding in the 1860’s. Following on from the Anglican St John’s Cemetery commemorations a team are looking at setting up a display of all that was involved by the TP60 project to restore and preserve the Cemetery.

With the cooler weather and daylight saving end it is time to think about our Annual Book Sale that is set for Sunday 18th May in the Coronation Hall. If you have some books that you wish to donate we would be very grateful.

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

Toko Rugby Report

On Saturday in front of a excellent crowd, Toko Premiers took on Lawrence looking to continue good start to the season.

Toko opened the scoring with a try to McLeod Glaister and Lawrence bounced back with their own try. Toko continue to dominate territory and their forwards made holes for the backline to exploit and come out with a convincing 37-21 victory with Deejay Kane (2), Keegan Ferguson, Damon Clement scored tries. Ethan Harrex, Kaleb Shaw and Keegan Ferguson had strong games up front with Dion Shaw and Deejay Kane having the spark to ignite Toko backline. Scott Anderson brought up 100 Premier Games for Toko. Thanks to Muff for keeping the scoreboard updated. Next week is another home game vs Heriot so come along to support the boys.

-The Judge

The Rebus Club of Milton

After the AGM in March, seventeen members travelled to Julie Moroney and Chris Hight’s garden in either the van kindly arranged by Stu, or private cars. It was still raining on arrival, but with a warm welcome, members were happy to go off and explore. The dahlias were still in full bloom with an amazing array of colour and styles of flowers. There was so much to investigate with plants of all types surrounding water, interspersed with delightful artefacts and sheds for different purposes. Creative sculptures, old machinery and lots of little signs added interesting touches. Chickens of different sorts and a friendly draughthorse were curious with the humans passing by and a friendly dog and cat were happy to accompany anyone prepared to show them a bit of attention. Julie and Chris were happy to chat and answer any questions. The rain stopped and everyone agreed it was well worth the visit.

Thank you, Julie and Chris, for your hospitality.

Fish and chips were ordered at the local shop and members were able to enjoy their lunch at the Community Centre. What a beautiful building and an ideal place to eat in comfort.

Thank you, Joyce Beck, for arranging this.

The next meeting is on Tuesday April 15 at 10 am in the RSA Hall. Committee please meet at 9.30 am. The speaker

News from the Trenches...

Well it appears that Daylight Savings has ended last weekend giving everyone an extra hour in bed. Everyone except one of our members who is a regular contributor to this column. He was outside RSA banging on the door before it opens at 11am.

This coming Friday 11th April we are having our annual Poppy Day collection with our volunteers in the usual places so we thank you for your generous support. Also on Saturday at 9am we will be having a Working Bee so would expect plenty of willing workers to help maintaining our top class venue. Many hands make light work. To complete the weekend on Sunday at 10am we will be having a Bunny Shoot at Millburn Lime Works.

Now it seems it's a full moon happening as I've had numerous reports of behaviour that defies belief but I can rest assured everything is true. First up is the member who undertaking renovations thought his electrical tool was busted, and an emergency call to a mate for a replacement tool sought immediately. Mate responded and discovered member hadn't plugged it in!!! Next up is the RSA member who left lights on in his ute and needed a jump start to get home.

Finally there is another member who has an overwhelming urge to get a Soft Toy from a vending machine. Unfortunately his arm was stuck and he had to be rescued from a mechanic involved in the Otago Rally.

I can't make up all these stories, in fact described as the gifts that continue giving.

- Private Spike Pike