Southland Boys' High School

Newsletter #3 – Term 2 June 2020

Southland Boys’ High School Te Kura Tua Rua o n gà Tai tama Tàne ki Murihiku

Non Scholae Sed Vitae Discimus

Friends and whanau of the school. We are approaching the halfway point of an eventful year in the life of our historic school. The boys and staff have coped admirably, with the support of those around them, dealing with the upheaval and stresses caused by events beyond anyone’s control. The break at the end of the term is a well-deserved 'normal' term holiday.

It has been pleasing to see just how well the boys have returned to normal and with sporting and cultural aspects of school life resuming then outlets for their energy are once again restored.

As we move forward with educational goals and targets it is important to remember the past but not to dwell on it and use it as a crutch for too long. The Covid effect on education should be left as much as possible in Term 2. Strive on with the task in front of you for the remainder of the year and doors will be opened for you.

It has been my pleasure to present Academic caps once again this year to an ever-growing number of young men who have excelled in their studies. We have also celebrated the successful Youth Mark Award recipients for 2020 and look forward to the official award ceremony later in the year.

Some changes are to be made to the remainder of the school year and one change for your diary is the cancellation of the Term 3 Teacher Only day which was originally calendared for Tuesday 4 August 2020. We await further information from the Ministry of Education regarding any re-scheduling of this date. Please also be aware of the changes to NCEA external exam dates and the effect that this has on the last day of timetabled classes for our senior students this year.

Please continue to encourage your young man to share his day with you and keep up to date with the assessments and tasks that he is completing. A report for our year 7-10 students will be available at the end of this term for you to access on the portal.

Next term starts quickly, we have open night on Thursday 30 July during which we encourage the boys to be involved and share their school with prospective new families. This is close to our only winter sports interschool event when we will welcome Kings’ High School from Dunedin on July 28th. If you can support a team on that day the boys really do appreciate it.

Simon Coe Rector

Tena koutou katoa Welcome to level one and a "new normal" after all the hard yards we have done together to keep COVID-19 at arm’s length the past 8 weeks. Staff and students have moved back into their daily schedules with relative ease thanks to your support and preparation.

For the Board, it is business as usual working our way through the necessary governance items that ensure the Rector and staff have the resources and tools to lift student achievement rates. For this term, the Board will be reviewing policies in relation to Employer responsibilities as well as documentation and self- review. One policy ensures we are good employers for all staff and the other policy audits the work we do in lifting student achievement. For those interested in knowing more please check the school’s online policy manual, located at our website under "About us". Everything you could or would need to know about school policies and the requirements under the Education act to operate a school can be found there.

We received 2019 faculty reports at our April Zoom meeting (Zui) and will meet with the Head of Maths later this month to discuss this report and what the next steps are from here for our learners. One of the very pleasing results back to the Board has been in Pastoral care. School suspensions were down in 2019 and the Board were aware of this as we are required to convene meetings when a hearing takes place. For 2019 we had less meetings than I can recall for the past 6 years and this is attributable to the effort of all our staff taking control and managing expectations of students and their behaviour. This is mirrored in the reduction of classroom referrals to Deans as expectations are clearly set.

Finally, we celebrated 16 Senior students who received Academic caps for Excellence in NCEA Level 1 and 2. Academic caps were re-introduced by the Rector in 2019 after a 40-year absence. Last year six boys were the first recipients and this year has seen a 160% increase. That is an outstanding result and one that Whanau of these students will be very proud of. We certainly are!

Be well and stay warm, nga mihi

Janice Ormsby SBHS BoT Chair

Date Event Last day Term 2 Friday 3 July School reports released to parents Monday 20 July First day Term 3 29-31 July ODE Ski Camp 3-21 August Year 8 Deep Cove Camps 24-25 August Year 13 Alpine Camp 24-28 August Polyfest

Each of these boys have been chosen from a very high calibre of candidates to receive a Youthmark Award. These awards are to acknowledge high achievement across sporting, cultural, community and academic fields. The awards will be presented in October during a ceremony at the Ascot Hotel.

In 2019 SBHS introduced a new academic award. In doing so we resurrected one of our oldest awards. For the first 70 years of SBHS’s existence scholars were awarded with an Academic Cap before being lost to the annuls of history. This coveted prize represented the very highest academic achievement in the school. We decided that our top scholars needed similar rewards and motivation to strive for perfection in the classroom. To this end we established the SBHS Club and brought back the scholars cap. ▪ At NCEA Level 1 a cap is earned by gaining 80 Excellence Credits in a single academic year ▪ At NCEA Level 2 a cap is earned by gaining 60 Excellence Credits at Level 2 or higher within a single academic year ▪ At NCEA Level 3 a cap is earned by gaining 40 Excellence Credits at Level 3 prior to the senior prizegiving In 2018 six students rose to this level of performance and were awarded with the inaugural caps.

In 2019 16 students hit the benchmark. At a ceremony held on Tuesday the 10th of June these boys (who had to wait through the Lockdown to receive their prize) were awarded with their academic caps at an assembly with their families in attendance. 3 of the boys who were inducted into the club for their academic efforts in 2019 were repeat inductees, having been in the group that entered in 2018. These three boys are now striving to gain a Level 3 cap and be the first members of the Gold Club, having been awarded caps at Level 1, 2 and 3 in consecutive years.

The SBHS Club Class of 2019 NCEA Level 1 Club Members NCEA Level 2 Club Members Bruno Burgess James Smith Tomas Gill Taine McKinnel-Stevens Vere Jukes Rory Patu Max Milne Ben Jennings Thomas Robinson Sam Clark Toby Smith NCEA Level 3 Club Members Kapila Tohiariki Repeat Inductees Blake Singleton Level 1 Cap [2018], Level 2 Cap [2019] George Heenan Level 1 Cap [2018], Level 2 Cap [2019] Callum Nimmo Level 1 Cap [2018], Level 2 Cap [2019] Jaxon Taylor Level 2 Cap [2018], Level 3 Cap [2019]

Student well-being survey - We have had over one hundred and sixty responses to our student well-being survey and will begin to analyse this data over the coming weeks. Thank you to all that participated as this information is crucial in helping us to better meet the needs of our students. Truancy - As a school we have implemented systems to deal with truancy. Notifications are sent home for any unexplained absences. This letter also explains the steps in our system and can initiate meetings withY ear Level Deans and/or AttendanceS ervices from the Ministry of Education if truancy becomes a regular occurrence. We also recognise as a school that errors can happen with attendance as some of our boys are involved in a range of extra-curricular activities during the school day. We continue to revise our systems but communication with the school for absences remains the most important factor for any absences. Lateness - We have a small number of students that are continually late for school in the mornings. We would ask that if your son is going to be late for school for any reason, that you contact the school to let us know. We will be tracking students that are continually late and notifications will be sent home. This letter will also inform you of steps the school is obliged to take as directed by the Ministry of Education. We will endeavour to work with you and your son if there are extenuating circumstances for recurrence of lateness. Students working during school hours - We have some of our senior students that are working during school hours. While we understand individuals’ circumstances and encourage our senior students to seek employment, we need our students to understand that they must be attending all classes if they are enrolled at school. Working during school hours is not a justified absence even if you as the whanau member/caregiver contact the school. This will be recorded as an "unjustified explanation" and be recorded as a truancy.

Restrictions on hours worked “If you employ any school-aged students, their work hours must be outside of school hours only and not between 10 pm and 6 am including in times that interfere with the student doing schoolwork. It is unlawful for businesses to employ school-aged students during school hours under Section 30 of the Education Act, unless they have a certificate of exemption. Failure to do so can lead to fines up to $1,000 for both the parents and the employers.”

Uniform - As a school we are proud of our school uniform and ask that our boys wear it correctly and with pride. Our junior boys can wear navy or black thermal tops under their school and PE uniform in the winter months. Any student that presents to school not wearing our uniform items, as shown in our school handbook, will be given a uniform pass for the day. A letter will also be sent to you explaining our steps should this become a regular occurrence. Again, contact with the school is welcomed with any uniform matters. Students that arrive through the gates with any non-regulation items will have them confiscated and you will be asked to come and collect them. Phones/Headphones - Our boys know expectations for use of these devices. They must be switched off before entering classrooms and may only be used at the teacher's discretion. Failure to follow these expectations will result in confiscation of items, and again you will be asked to come and collect them. This can only happen once you have received formal notification from the school. Students may not ring you or contact you to ask the office to release items.

Stop Smoking - This is an initiative run through Nga Kete. We have a specialist available on-site most Tuesday’s from 11.00am – 12.00pm. Appointments can be made through the school office. Health Nurse - The health nurse is also available on site on Mondays from 2.15pm – 3.15pm in our Whanau Room. Confidential and private appointments for any concerns including general health, drug and alcohol, family, relationship/worries, anxiety/mood, diet, smoking, vision.

We thank you for your continued support as we continue to challenge our boys to excel in all areas of school life. Ngā mihi Leon Dunn Kaiwhakahaere – Hauora Senior Master - Pastoral

Greetings, Kia ora, Talafo lava New Zealand is now at Alert Level 1 and many of us are beginning to feel things are slowly returning to a ‘normal’ that we had before Alert Level 4. However, for some of us, especially our students, we are still uncertain, anxious, or fearful of what the future might look like.

Many of us are feeling tired and exhausted and not sure why. It is normal to feel like this. We have spent nearly three months feeling stressed, worrying about our families, teaching our boys online, fearful for our jobs and the economic situation, our futures and trying to do the best we can in such uncertainty.

Our boys are tired and may exhibit behaviours that are out of character, defiant, anxious, angry, listlessness, unmotivated, uncommunicative, do not want to come to school or spending excessive amounts of time on their devices. COVID 19 is not an excuse for inappropriate behaviour but it may be a reason for some of these behaviours. If your son is showing signs of distress, not eating, not sleeping or anxiety, seeking professional support from our school’s Pastoral Care system, Guidance Counsellor or GP is a good place to begin.

Some ideas might include: Having a discussion with your son about how he is: Some students in Years 11 – 13 may be feeling very anxious about how the rest of this year may look or how their future choices or opportunities may have changed. Suggest he talk with his teachers or Careers Advisor; they can help alleviate fears. Check in with your son’s online activities: How much time is he spending online and what is he accessing on his device. Have a conversation with him about exploring other options he can be involved in rather than spending all his time online. It is common for our boys to keep their devices in the room (a) because it is charging or (b) as an alarm clock. Research tells us that it is better not to have our devices in our rooms at all. If possible, it would be better for devices to be charging in a different room. Some of our students are tired due to their sleep patterns being disturbed. If your son is tired and not able to sleep a good sleep routine may help.

Sleep when sleepy: Only try to sleep when you are tired, do not lie awake in bed hoping to go to sleep. If you can’t sleep after 30 minutes get up and do something calming, make a hot drink, read a book, write in your journal, jigsaw puzzle etc. until you feel sleepy (stay away from TV and social media) Bed is for sleeping: Try not to use your bed for anything other than sleeping so that your body comes to associate bed with sleeping. If you use your bed as a place to watch TV, eat, read, play on social media your body will not learn this connection Sleep rituals: Develop your own sleep rituals to remind your body it is time for sleeping. Can be having a shower, having a snack, do some breathing exercises, relaxing music, jigsaw puzzle or write in your journal etc Eat right: A healthy, balanced diet will help you to sleep well. Some people feel hungry before bedtime, get a snack or a warm drink (not coffee) to have 15 minutes before you go to bed Exercise: Regular exercise is a good idea to help with sleep. Try not to exercise before you go to bed. Go for a walk in the morning or when you get home at night, get involved in a sport, go to the gym. The Right Space: It is important that your bed and bedroom are quiet and comfortable for sleeping. A warm space and warm bed are helpful for sleeping. Make sure you have curtains to block out any excess lighting, ear plugs if there is constant noise outside your bedroom. Routines: Make a plan, keep to your routines, getting to bed at the same time each day, having a drink, wind down activities before trying to sleep, put your cellphone in a different place in the house to charge or turn it completely off at night. Please remember we are here to help support you and your son navigate his way through the next few weeks, months, or rest of this year. Contact us if you have concerns or worries. Kaaren Wilkes Guidance Counsellor

Vision Testing The Vision Hearing Technicians from the Southern DHB will be here at school on Tuesday 4th August to screen our Year 7 students. Your child will not be screened if he is under the care of a specialist and/or optometrist. If your boy requires further assessment by an Optometrist, you will be notified by the Technician. Please notify Southland Boys’ High School if you do not wish to have your son screened.

Rain – Moment in Time Bang, bang, bang as the freezing, cold raindrops hit at high pace on the half-broken umbrella, as the huge puddles run down the path moving towards the river like a pack of buffalos. Quick, quick, quick, told the bus driver to get everyone into the bus because he wanted to get home. The bus was only 5 meters where I was standing.

Howl, howl, howl the wind howled and gave me a big shiver down my spine.

Drip, drip, drip went the wet, soggy handle that dripped onto my pants which were struggling to stay dry. You could feel the water slowly crawling into my socks which made my teeth chatter.

As the umbrella started to tag away from me, from the horrible wind, everything seemed like you were in a 1958 movie because of those grey, ugly clouds that cover everything. You could feel the pain in your legs because those heavy, soaked socks you have on and just want to take off, the painful arms that just want not to hold the umbrella.

By Quintin McKenzie 712

War It’s horrible here, it’s nothing we thought, We want to be home and playing our sport.

We’re dreaming of a big roast with pudding and pies, But really, men out here are dropping like flies.

My friends are all with me, some of them dying, I can’t stop thinking about all their mothers crying.

Some soldiers almost drowning in head high deep mud, Some being carried away on stretchers, all covered in blood.

I step outside today in skies of blue and paddocks of green And think about the terrible places our ancestors have been. Jack Claridge 25 April 2020

Saxon Brookland

DIARY OF A YOUNG BOY 29 March 2020 Dear Future Grandchildren “Whoo, pant, gasp!” This morning I went for a run to clear my head, only to have my spirits dampened by an array of people driving to Oreti beach. Do they realise they are putting people’s lives at risk? Why can’t they just obey lockdown protocol? This is the time for empathy, not selfishness. I was so frustrated I could’ve erupted and spat fire upon them like a menacing volcano! Deep down I wanted to say something, but I couldn’t risk leaving my bubble. My dad is one of the frontline medical staff. After hearing that medical staff make up ten percent of all Covid-19 cases, that took a hit on me. Is he going to his execution by walking through those deadly hospital doors? The reality of how frail the world can be looms over me. I feel alone and scared as if I’m backed into a dusty, dark corner with only my faint shadow to keep me company. One-minute civilisation is stable, the next minute we are fighting over toilet paper. Yours James McLeay

5th April 2020 Dear Future Grandchildren I haven’t written an entry in a few days now, rain has been plummeting down, alongside my optimism. Covid-19 cases are still on the rise, and I just haven’t felt like writing. My emotions tend to get the best of me. It’s hard to stay placid in a time like this. Each day is a new activity to try fend against the apathy. Today it was playing with my great grandad’s obsolete indoor bowls set. My family is competitive on another level. Oooh, yawn, boo! Angus somehow always found a way to get on my nerves. Dad trash talked like the Australian cricket team, and Mum; well she was more laid back. It must be an old man's game though because Dad kept winning. The boredom has already started to take its toll, and we are only ten days into quarantine. It took countless trips to the fridge, but I finally came to the realisation, that I miss school. But for now, the fridge is going to have to do. Yours James McLeay

21st April 2020 Dear Future Grandchildren It has been tough in lockdown, but it’s for the good of the country. What could have been a tsunami of grief, sadness and sorrow has been evaded. New Zealand has successfully flattened the curve of Covid-19. I’m starting to see the gold at the end of the rainbow. This pandemic has changed my view of the world. We never seem to appreciate the small things in life until reality slaps us in the face. It’s the simple stuff that I long for, such as chips from the dairy while just chatting amongst mates in person. Another thing I profoundly miss is the social

aspect of athletics training; and the feeling of running with a purpose and being motivated. My friend freedom has been dormant lately, hopefully, he returns soon. Yours James McLeay

Oshadha Perera - Our multi-talented linguist This year one of the rarest terms used is ‘success’. However, one of our Year 10 students has bucked that trend. Oshadha Perera has shown that even in the bleakest of times, a literary light can shine through the darkness. In May, this year Oshadha won a very prestigious writers’ scholarship. NZSA Youth Mentorship Programme acknowledges young writers for their talent by offering them an extended mentorship with established New Zealand authors.

This is an excerpt from one of Oshadha’s pieces. ” When time started, there was nothing in Earth except blackness. The fierce depths of Earth were boiling lava, and the very surface was covered in chilling glaciers. Layers of mighty clouds imprisoned the sunlight. There was no such thing called life... except a tiny village at the very point where the extremes met, to make fire and water, where the clouds gave way to the gentle sunlight.”

This, by itself, is a great accomplishment and one that Oshadha should be celebrated for. However, this young man was far from done. Later in May, Oshadha received word that an essay he had written for a NASA Scientist for a day competition had won the Year 9 and 10 section of the competition. Oshadha’s essay analysed the need for NASA to investigate the possibility of life on Triton (a moon orbiting Neptune). The prize for winning this competition was to go to the NASA institute, however, due to the complication of the Covid shutdown he was awarded with a telescope.

Here is an excerpt from his essay. “The main objective of a mission to Triton would be to confirm the existence of a sub- surface ocean that could host life. Trident identifies explanations on Triton’s young geological age and intense ionosphere as factors to be explored while investigating the geyser plumes of Triton would also be beneficial. Finding answers to these questions as

well as extra information would lead to more specific and accurate hypotheses on one of the most sought-after suspicions of mankind: Does alien life exist in our solar system?” We are all very proud of Oshadha and look forward to where he will shine next.

Logan Marshall in Year 11 has designed a cartoon as part of his art challenge. Great design Logan especially the school tie.

Senior boys have contributed to the request for artists and schools to paint a panel to decorate the boundary around the inner-city CBD construction site. Shaun Wilks with the support of Hunter Heslin, Lionel Joubert, Jack Gray, Aaron Withy and Brad Whitaker have painted the water tower. The panel stands at 2.4 metres and we look forward to seeing it as part of the outdoor celebration of local art.

For our Year 12 and 13 students they have a chance to look at their future careers through our gateway programme. Three students have chosen aviation as a possible career path, Neil Cowie and Sam White (Year 12) and Jordan Herbert-Wilson (Year 13). NCEA Level Two they learn the flight principals and how to read a Visual Navigation Chart while in Level 3 they do flight radio and Visual Navigation Chart. Our tutor for the students, Shaun Wilkes and Brad Whitaker working on the mural for the CBD. Low angle perspective painting Francois Davis (Old Boy) takes the boys through to the of our iconic water tower.

Gore Airport to show them the workshop and take them flying. Last week they flew from the Gore Airport to Invercargill, landed and had a tour of the Tower then flew back to Gore. The tower showed the boys how they keep track of the aircraft in the sky. Those are just some of the opportunities that that they have had this year in gateway, and if you are interested in flying aircraft or being an air traffic controller or just love to be in the sky it maybe the career path for you. Ex-students that have continued flying are Jack McNaughton (Wanaka Helicopters), Logan Stirling (Southland Helicopters) and Leighton White (Southern Wings). By Jordan Herbert-Wilson

Hello from the Sports’ Office My name is Tracey Proctor and I have recently joined the Southland Boys’ High team as Sports’ Coordinator. I am a born and bred Southlander, with two of my own boys and I am excited to be part of the SBHS community. If I can help with anything, or you have any questions, feel free to get in touch by emailing me on [email protected] General It has certainly been an interesting start for sport but we are pleased to be getting back to normal, we have all our winter sporting codes starting, trials and training have been underway over the last couple of weeks along with the preparations starting for our next Interschool with Kings High School from Dunedin and planning for winter tournament week. A lot of you will have noticed that the Rugby Club has been working to improve the number one field. The club is doing a great job and the grandstand is on target to be completed by end of the school holidays. We are always on the lookout for parents to help manage a team, often this involves working alongside the teacher in charge so please get in touch with the sports office if you can help or to have a chat about what is involved. Sports gear is available to students during break times here at school. The Prefects are exchanging items for sports equipment at the sport office. The idea is the boys can exchange an item (ID card, phone, bag, shoes etc) for a ball. This has been running for a couple of weeks and seems to be going well. Sport Registrations While we always do our best to assure our boys don’t miss out on any sports, it is important that permission forms are returned, and payment is made before the closing date listed on the registration form. NB: Without payment your son will not be able to play. If you have any trouble meeting this requirement, please contact the sports office to discuss this before the closing date.

Sports app and website We are excited to advise that we are working on a new app and website for all sports at Southland Boys’ High School. The aim is to have one space where parents and students can go to find out all the latest information along with online registrations, draws, news and notifications.

Sport Uniforms Unfortunately, we have a larger number of team uniforms that have not been returned. We know this has not been helped with many sports comings to such an abrupt stop like they did however some of these were also issued last year If you still have an item(s) at home, please return to the Sports’ office as soon as possible.

Upcoming events 01 July Southland Secondary Schools Cross Country 28 July Kings High School 06 August Southland Indoor Bowls Champs 31 August – 04 September Winter Tournament Week

Top Student Achievements Rico Muliaina NZ U16 Touch September 2020 Mitchell Fitzsimons NZ Cycling Delayed due to Covid-19 Braydon Thomas NZ Maori Cricket Jack Taplin NZ Taekwondo Delayed due to Covid-19

Achievements – Please let us know of your son’s achievements and we are happy to put this on our website and in the newsletters. We rely on parents advising us as the sporting codes do not always inform us of our student’s achievements.

Congratulations to the following boys that have made our 1st XV squad for the season. Aaron Withy [vice-captain], Caleb Williams, Callum Nimmo, Cameron Smith, Clayton Payne, Gareth Turnock, Hunter Areaiiti-Burgess, Ian De Reuck, Jack Taylor, Jordan Tooby, Josh Murrell [captain], Kaea Nikora-Balloch, Levi Gage, Liam McIntosh, Lochie Springford, Luke Bickley, Max Webb, Micaiah Johnston-Brown, Michael Kuresa, Nick Munro, Ravuama Akauola, Richie Kuresa, Ryan White, Sam Cavanagh, Sam Clark, Taylor Peterson, Yestin Yulang, Zyon Taylor.

Southland Boys High School v John McGlashan College Saturday 20 June 2020 The whistle finally sounded for the first game of the 2020, Southland Boys 1st XV season on Saturday with a much-anticipated clash with John McGlashan College in Dunedin. With a new season and a new team there was excitement building to see what the game would bring. After a great start by Southland Boys’ they found themselves up 7-0 with well taken team try scored by debutant Richie Kuresa after a powerful scrum by the forwards. Moments later Kaea Nikora-Balloch spotted a mismatch in the middle of field and scored a well taken try to increase the lead to 14-0. John McGlashan scored before half time to make the score 14- 5. Nikora-Balloch increased the lead with a penalty after the break. With the second half

dominated by the whistle with both teams still adjusting to the new breakdown rules it became a very stop start affair. McGlashan scored two further tries late on but failed to convert these. Southland Boys’ held on to take the victory 17-15. It was difficult to single out individual performances however it was great to see boys playing their first game for the 1st XV rise to the occasion.

SBHS vs Mount Aspiring College Saturday 27 June 2020 There were a lot of positives to take out of this week's game. Some outstanding performances by Richie Kuresa, bringing in 3 tries and Micaiah Johnston-Brown getting over the line 4 times. The forward pack went to work early and gave Kaea Nikora-Balloch the go forward ball that he needed so he could bring his usual flare, with great kicks and attacking options. After a hard fought 15 minutes, we were able to start dominating and ran away with a great result winning 57-3. We have another home game this weekend against Dunstan High School at Les George and would be great to see another good turnout of supporters.

Saturday 4 July vs Dunstan [Home] – Venue to be confirmed 1.00pm Saturday 18 July vs Otago Boys’ High School [Away] 1.00pm Saturday 25 July vs Kings’ High School [Home] but could double as interschool on Tuesday 28 July – venue and time to be confirmed Jason Dermody

As a group we have decided not to run the Surf n Turf Raffle this year. We will look to resume this again next year. Our fundraising emphasis this year will be the Annual Blokes and Sheds Tour in Spring. This is the 20th year so we would like to make it extra special with as many tickets sold as possible. Look out for flyers soon advertising the date and ticketing information. Also, a reminder Entertainment Books are available all year round. https://www.entertainmentbook.co.nz/orderbooks/2602a30 Thank you for your support. Victoria O’Connell Co-Chair PTA

It very quickly became clear to me that with so many in lockdown, the thoughts of a large number of SBHS Old Boys with time on their hands turned to wondering about the experiences of their grandfather/great grandfather during their schooldays here. As a result, I was kept very busy answering such enquiries, but it was good to feel the continuity between generations that our school provides. The photos below illustrate that continuity with the different age groups in the Museum.

Of course, it was the dreaded Covid 19 that caused the lockdown and 'we have been here before' as can be seen from this extract from the Southlandian of 1918: 'The school has already been dismissed a week owing to the prevalence of influenza in the city. There are a few thousand cases at present. Some have been fatal and many serious but the great majority we believe, are more or less mild. About 40% of the school has been mildly attacked by it, together with several of the staff. Business in the city is practically paralysed. The tram system is also on the point of paralysis. The disease has doubtless been brought to the city from the north.' You can easily research details about the 1998 influenza pandemic. Another pandemic, this time concerning polio, saw the school commence 3 weeks later than usual in 1948. And now of course you are aware of the measures taken against the 2020 Covid pandemic, measures which nationally will have saved thousands of lives. Lynley Dear (Archivist)