Kia Ora Team South,

Certainly exciting times at the school!

Seniors off to do final exams, with most of them already completed. Keep the hammer down team, don’t take your eyes off the goal! Remember the ‘Finish Strong’ assembly we had earlier in the year, the immense satisfaction knowing you went all out right to the end will be a great feeling when it is all behind you.

School is a different place without the senior students, it’s all rather quiet, but thankfully we have the next bunch of neat students coming along to step up and fill the space with soul, happiness and achievement!

The Dunedin Juniors were in Timaru on the 21^st, was awesome to have them in. I asked Oro what he thought of the new Timaru school and got a big thumbs up, so that will do for me! Thanks to Kerry Stewart and Matt Williamson for bringing them up.

Also, our Juniors start their swimming this week which they all love, it’s a great skill to learn.

Two more great events coming up:

Firstly, Golden Oldies Day is on the 27^th, bring an older friend along to the open day for a guided tour, morning tea and games set on by the students.

Secondly, school visit day for the students joining next year is happening on the 30^th November. It will be a good chance for the kids to meet teachers, see their learning environment and test the playgrounds! It’s our absolute guarantee that the learning and opportunities that come with OneSchool will be significantly greater than anything they would have experienced in the past.

Ka kite anō,

Marty Brodie, on behalf of the CA Team

I am pleased to announce that we have appointed an excellent junior teacher to our Invercargill 3-6 position, to commence at the start of 2019. Miss Josie Renton comes to us with recent teaching experience in England and New Zealand. She has strengths in literacy, numeracy, the arts and catering for students with specific learning differences. Miss Renton is also well versed with our self-directed learning philosophy. We are excited to welcome Miss Renton to our teaching team and look forward to working with her next year.

Jordi Brewerton - Jordi is an incredible role model and diligent student.  She always comes to class prepared and creates high quality work that exceeds expectations. Jordi is a remarkable learner because she is self-motivated and always challenges herself to be at her very best. Jordi is also a model student who sets a positive example for her peers. She works hard not only herself, but to help her peers as well. She is dedicated to helping her classmates succeed and grow in every way she can. Jordi can usually be found helping her teachers with odd jobs, making sure her classmates understand the assignment, or helping others around the campus. Her work ethic and focus on doing well is an inspiration to her classmates. Well done Jordi.

Lachlan Mascull - Lachie has been very dedicated on his Science and he very committed to the Student Leadership Team. He has been hard out organizing the Golden Oldies Day. Lachie is a great role model to the younger students and has been seen playing with younger students fairly. He is a committed sports player and will fight to win in everything he does. Keep up the good work Lachie!

What does it mean to be a kiwi?

It's one thing to learn about different cultures, but in order to really make connections or comparisons, we first need to ensure we really understand our own.  

The Dunedin and Invercargill 7/8 class conducted a full day SOLE in zoom breakout rooms exploring the question "What does it mean to be a kiwi?"  We then had to present our research and thoughts in a one page visual graphic that we have sent to classes in the UK, North America and Europe. Hopefully we'll get some responses soon!

Congratulations to the South Campus Year 7/8 debating team, Alfonso Simmons, Lorenzo Rawnsley and Cherry Rountree who have made it through to the National Semi-finals.  They did an incredible job debating Manawatu Campus on the moot "Money can't buy you happiness."  It was an extremely close call and the look of genuine shock as the judge declared South Campus the winner was priceless!  We look forward to seeing them represent us again in the semi final next Wednesday during P3/4.  

“Always put your best foot forward, because you never know where your next step may lead you.”

Stephan Labossiere