Year 11 Students Explore Future Pathways at Dunedin Careers Expo
Last Wednesday, Tokomairiro High School’s Year 11 students travelled to Dunedin to attend the annual Careers Expo an important event in the school’s career development programme.
The expo provided a valuable opportunity for students to explore a wide range of tertiary education providers, training pathways, and career options. With representatives from universities, polytechnics, private training establishments, and industry sectors on hand, students were able to ask questions, gather resources, and gain insight into the many opportunities available to them after school.
Students returned to Milton with a wealth of information, as well as a clearer understanding of the steps they can take toward their future goals. The day was both informative and inspiring, supporting students to make well-informed choices about their educational and career pathways.
Senior Students Gain Lifesaving Skills in FirstAid Course
On the 8th and 9th of May, 22 senior students from Tokomairiro High School took part in a two-day First Aid course delivered onsite by Industry Training Solutions.
Held in one of the school’s classrooms, the course offered a valuable mix of theory, hands-on demonstrations, practical application, and reflective learning. Students were engaged throughout and appreciated the opportunity to gain essential, real-world skills that could one day save a life.
The programme not only covered core First Aid knowledge but also challenged students to think critically and act confidently in emergency situations. By the end of the course, participants had earned their NZQA-recognised First Aid certificates an asset for future employment, volunteer roles, and everyday life.
Students responded positively to the course, praising the interactive delivery and relevance to their lives beyond school. Opportunities like this continue to support the school’s focus on preparing learners for life after education.
Tena koutou katoa
Tokomairiro High School Newsletter...
SCHOOL MISSION: Inspiring Excellence in Education, in Character and in Life.
Last week was a positive and productive one here at Tokomairiro High School and this week looks to be just as eventful. A key focus over the coming days is the first round of Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessments, which involve selected students from Year 9 upwards. These assessments are part of the changes to NCEA and we acknowledge the effort students and staff have put into getting ready for them.
Alongside this, there are several other events happening:
• Our prefect team is heading to Dunedin to take part in a workshop with prefects from other Otago schools. It’s a great chance to share ideas, create networks and build leadership skills.
• We have 21 students from Years 7 and 8 participating in a Rippa Rugby tournament we wish them all the best for a good day.
• An Aro workshop will also take place this week, giving students a chance to write their own waiata.
• Hato Hone, St John will be running the fourth and last session of the 3 Steps for Life programme.
Pink Shirt Day
Pink Shirt Day was acknowledged by most schools and workplaces around the country on Friday 16th May. However, this was the day where a significant number of our students participated in the East Otago High School sports exchange so we decided to postpone our event. We are going to be acknowledging Pink Shirt Day on Friday 23rd May. There will be a pink themed mufti day (gold coin donation). All money raised will be donated to the Mental Health Foundation.
EOHS Sports
Exchange
On Friday, almost a third of our students took part in the annual sports exchange with East Otago High School, held at the Edgar Centre. It was a full day of competition, and our teams gave it their all in each game. Students represented our school well, both in their effort and in the way they conducted themselves.
Although we narrowly missed out on the overall win losing by just one point we are proud of the way our students took part. Thank you to the staff who supported the teams and helped with transport and supervision.
Representative Netball Success
Congratulations to three of our students who played in their first representative netball matches over the weekend:
Charlotte Lennon (U18) and Pippa Greene and Saffron Healey (U16). This is a great achievement, and we look forward to seeing their continued development in the sport.
Year 11 Careers Expo
All our Year 11 students attended the Careers Expo in Dunedin last week. It was a useful and informative experience, with students able to talk to a wide range of tertiary providers, employers, and training organisations. Feedback was positive, and it was good to see students engaging with what their next steps might look like.
Tiny’s Milton Butchery
112 Union Street, Milton Ph 417 8223 butcherymilton@gmail.com
Cultural Competition Practices Begin
This week, students will begin preparations for one of the most anticipated events in our school calendar the Cultural Competition, which will take place on Wednesday 25th June. Each house will be learning and performing three items: our school haka, our school waiata, and a Matariki waiata. This event is a celebration of identity, teamwork, and pride in our kura. It brings us together in a powerful way and reflects the spirit of this whakataukī:
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. My strength is not that of an individual, but that of many.
We look forward to seeing the enthusiasm and collective effort as practices get underway.
Teacher Only Days – Advance Notice
Please note the following Teacher Only Days (MOE approved):
- Friday 30 May 2025 - Friday 14 November 2025
School will be closed for instruction on both days
Ngā mihi nui, Vicki Wish 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.
Check us out! www.miltonbutchery.co.nz or our Facebook page!
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
Bible Reading for the Week
“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith”1 John 5:4
SOUTH OTAGO’S TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL
East Otago Sports Exchange
On Friday, 16 May Tokomairiro High School students competed against East Otago High School students in our annual sports exchange held at Edgar Sports Centre in Dunedin. Sixty students from Tokomairiro competed in four sports over the day, with all students playing all of the sports. The sports this year were Futsal, Netball, Basketball and Touch. The competition was highly competitive with narrow margins. After an enjoyable day, East Otago High School took the victory. The exchange finished off with outstanding haka from both schools.
Public Health Nurse -Abby Brookland
Available Tuesdays and Fridays at Tokomairiro High School Phone 027 241 1506 to make an appointment.
Supporting Our Community: Meals on Wheels and Volunteer Driving
At the Milton Community Health Trust, we are committed to ensuring that every member of our community has access to essential services that enhance their health, with our Meals on Wheels and Volunteer Driving programmes vital in achieving this goal.
Nourishment and Connection
Our Meals on Wheels service delivers nutritious meals approved by a Registered Dietician, directly to the homes of those who need them most. This service is especially crucial for individuals who may have difficulty preparing meals themselves due to disability, or illness. Beyond providing food, our Volunteers offer a friendly face and a moment of social interaction, which can be a highlight of the day for many recipients.
A Lifeline for Mobility
Our Volunteer Drivers play a crucial role in helping residents get to their medical appointments, grocery store, and sometimes social activities. This service is a lifeline for those who do not have access to reliable transportation. By offering rides, our Volunteers help maintain the independence and well-being of our community members.
Despite the importance of these services, we face significant funding challenges. With insufficient funding from Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora, we rely on community donations and the goodwill of Volunteers to keep these services running. Without your help, we risk having to cut back on these essential services.
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 For-Profit we can provide you with a tax donation receipt. Or you’re interested in Volunteering? Contact us on (03) 417 4399 and know you ll be making a positive impact in your community.
Toko Senior A v Balclutha Motors 19 win
Toko Senior A v Logan Park HS
Toko Mixed 6 Aside v Columba Doves -
Toko Rugby Report
On Saturday Valley travelled to Milton with the hope of knocking off Toko Axemen and put a dent in the home side Top 4 aspirations.
Toko looked to rotate a few players due to a few players suffering from flu during the week along with looking at freshening up the starting team. As a result Toko appeared to lack energy and cohesion during a lacklustre first half. Valley went out to a handy 10 0 lead during the first half. Toko responded with an excellent team try finishing off with some more Jared Hayes brilliance which closed halftime score to 10 5 to Valley.
Toko received some stern words and halftime which led to dominance in both territory and possession for the second half. They were rewarded with second half tries to Jimmy Agnew, Billy Greer and Lightening Lockie Finch while keeping Valley scoreless which shows how resilient Toko is. Fulltime score was 20 10 victory to Toko.
Toko Liam Kingma and James Agnew had massive games along with Dion Shaw marshalled his team well. McLeod Glaister is growing in confidence while Jared Hayes provides the magic.
Congratulations to Jared Hayes and Keegan Ferguson for their selection in Topp Cup squad for match vs Central Otago on Kings Birthday.
Next week Toko Premiers travel to Lawrence for another important match.
~The Judge
Milton SubAssn Indoor Bowls
The interclub played last Tuesday saw Glenledi have the bye. Moneymore resoundly beat Milton Country Club 7-1. The first game saw Moneymore win 13 nil ad draw 7 all. The second game saw Moneymore win 6-5 and 7-6.
The Ladies eight was played in Dunedin on Saturday and Sunday. Southland, Central Otago , Otago, south Canterbury and North Otago Combined each enter two teams of four and play a round robin of Fours, Pairs and Singles in all 15 games each. South Canterbury come out the winners with 123.5 points, Otago runnerup on 117.5 and South Otago were third with 108. South Otago individual points were Jane Wintringham 22, Shona Preddy 20, Alanna Moffit and Michelle Forbes 18, local Barbara Read 17, Hannah Botting 16, Laura Laughton 15 and Lily Paterson 12.
News from the Trenches...
Welcome to the column of truth and wholesome with all news that is fit to print.
This coming Sunday there is a battle royal between RSA and Milton Fire Brigade in a shooting competition, commencing at Lime Works at 10am. I know the Fire Brigade are superb with hoses, not sure how accurate they are with weapons. Just a reminder the RSA are currently the holders and will look at keeping the trophy.
We are still looking for volunteers to assist with Van Driving, namely on a Saturday night for a couple of weeks. Let the RSA know if you can assist.
We are getting close to the conclusion of the World Famous Sports Comp with only 2 weeks left to play your joker and make a late charge for the prizes. There has been plenty of bluffing going on to keep scores secret. One competitor even put his picks through the washing machine to ensure they were clean.
Happy belated birthday to Julie Henderson who is just shy off getting the NZ Super. Give her a big hug.
~Private Pike
15 th May
Toko Junior Rugby Club
Rippa - Toko Gold
POD: Te Arangi Bishop
Coaches choice: Noah Stevenson
Rippa – Toko Blue
POD: Maddox Stephen
Coaches choice: Jaxon Adam
Year 3&4 – Toko Gold
POD: TK Hauraki-Joseph
Coaches choice: Steven McGuirk
Year 3&4 - Toko Blue
POD: Beau Adam
Tackler: Braxton Annear
Year 5&6 – Toko Gold
POD: Kaleb McDonald
Tackler: Adam Woodhead
Year 5&6 – Toko Blue
POD: Talisa Pulu
Tackler: Jack Smail
Year 7&8 – Toko Gold
POD: Hunter Wardell
Coaches choice: Ollie Russell
Tackler: William Allan
Year 7&8 - Toko Blue
POD: Ridge Kenny
POD: Ned Scott
Next week’s games 24 May
(NB: Home team listed first and games are usually 10am)
Rippas
Clinton Black vs Toko Gold
Clutha Blue vs Toko Blue
Year 3 and 4
Clutha Red vs Toko Gold
Clutha White vs Toko Blue
Year 5 and 6
Heriot/Tapanui Blue vs Toko Gold
Heriot/Tapanui Black vs Toko Blue
Year 7 and 8
Year 8’s are playing in a festival at Forsyth bar.
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.
Proudly supported by:
Tokomairiro Community Hub .
Milton Pleasecalluson034781030toarrangeanappointment.
upcoming clinics are: Tuesday 3rd June and Tuesday 1st July ClinicsalsoavailableinMosgiel,Balclutha&Lawrence
Daza'sGarage
168 Union Street , Milton Phone 417 8171
• Automotive servicing and repairs,
• NZTA Warrant Of Fitness inspections and Auto Electrical parts.
• Mobility Scooters & Automotive Battery Sales
Genesis Deadline 12 Noon Monday
Trades & Services
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
• Asphalting
• Driveways
• Paving
• CobbleStoning
• Tennis Courts
• FloorSlabs
Daza’s Garage
