Our School
Principal’s Welcome
Principal's Welcome

Kia ora tātou, nau mai haere mai ki Southland Girls’ High School/ Te Kura Taitamawāhine o Murihiku

At Southland Girls’ High School, we are proud to be a vibrant Year 7–13 kura where every ākoka is encouraged to learn, lead, and thrive. Our school’s long and distinguished history—nearing 150 years—reminds us that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Yet it is our values, our tikaka, and our commitment to empowering young women that guide us forward.

Our School Values – Kā Uara o te Kura

At the heart of SGHS are the values we encourage, model, and explore every day:

  • Respect – Te Whakaute: For the school, for oneself, for the differences and beliefs of others, and for those who strive for excellence.
  • Integrity – Mana: Being open, honest, fair, and always striving for excellence—treating others as we wish to be treated and maintaining high standards in all we do.
  • Responsibility – Takohaka: Taking ownership of one’s learning, meeting commitments, embracing opportunities, and caring for our environment and people.

These values align with our mission statement of being a quality learning community where relationships count and excellence is expected.

Our Learning Philosophy – Ko tō mātou rapuka whakaaro

At SGHS, we believe in a future‑focused, learner‑centred curriculum that allows students to choose pathways matched to their interests, needs, and abilities. Multi‑level learning ensures that age is not a barrier to achievement, and students are supported to choose to challenge themselves.

Our motto, “Non Scholae Sed Vitae Discimus – Not for school but for life we are learning,” continues to shape the habits, confidence, and resilience our students carry into the world.

A Community of Sisterhood – Tuakana–Teina

Our kura is strengthened by the spirit of sisterhood—tuakana–teina—where students uplift one another across all year levels. From Year 7 through to Year 13, our learners grow together, supported by dedicated staff who work collaboratively to ensure engaging, rigorous, and meaningful learning experiences.

Honouring Achievement – Whakanui i te Angitu

Our students consistently demonstrate passion, perseverance, and pride in all areas—academic, cultural, sporting, and service. Their achievements reflect the daily choices they make and the strong work ethic they develop.

A Warm Invitation – Hei Kōrero Pōwhiri

Southland Girls’ High School is a place where every student is encouraged to whāia te mātauraka hei oraka mō rātou seek knowledge for your growth, your wellbeing, and your future.

We look forward to welcoming you into a community where every girl today is supported to become the woman of the future.

Kā mihi nui,
John Grogan
Acting Principal

A quality learning community where relationships count,
and excellence is expected.

Na te kitea te painga o te whanaungatanga
Ka kitea te pakari i roto nga i mahi o te mohiotanga
Ka tupu te mohiotanga ka eke ki te taumata matauranga

– Southland Girls’ High School Mission Statement

RISKS Disclosure

Weekly sports contains risks, including common injuries like strains, sprains, bruises and dislocations. These events are managed by the appropriate sporting body in conjunction with school staff who will manage risk and hazards according to the school’s safety management plan. This includes careful consideration of the risks, all risks will be outlined to the students. While risks can be maintained to acceptable levels they cannot be totally eliminated. Some risk is retained for its learning and experiential value. If you wish to come in to school to see our safety management systems or have any questions, feel free to contact Ashleigh Rabel 03 211 6030 or [email protected].

It is important for safety reasons that students follow instructions given to them by all staff and follow all appropriate school rules. Behaviour by students that is deemed dangerous and puts themselves and/or others at undue risk will result in your child facing disciplinary actions on their return or sent home at the cost of the Whanau/parents or caregivers.

RISKS Disclosure

This event contains risks, including possible injuries. This event is managed by school staff or other organisations who will manage risk and hazards according to the school’s/organisation’s safety management plan. This includes careful consideration of all procedures while carrrying out the activites. While risks can be maintained to acceptable levels they cannot be totally eliminated. Some risk is retained for its learning and experiential value.

If you wish to come in to school to see our safety management systems or have any questions please phone 03 211 6030.

STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT

I understand that sports, trips, and extra-curricular activities are opportunities for me to learn, practice skills, and gain attitudes and values in an environment outside of the school.  I realise that this requires me to take on genuine responsibility for my own enjoyment and safety and that of others.

I agree to do the following to make this happen:

  • Show courtesy and consideration to others.
  • Follow the rules and instructions of staff and other supervisors at the events.
  • Look after myself and my personal belongings.
  • Declare medical conditions that could affect participation in the events.
  • Accept the rules set by the school for the events.
  • Take part in all activities within ‘challenge-by-choice’ options

I understand that my parents / caregivers will be contacted and I may be sent home at their expense if:

  • My actions are considered unacceptable by staff / supervisors of these events.
  • I breach the behaviour / discipline standards of the school.
  • My actions put me or others in any danger.

Book a Tour of Enwood House

Come and see all that Southland Girls’ High School offers boarders with a tour of Enwood House that allows you to see our facilities in action, while meeting the staff and the students.

To book in for a tour of the boarding house, please email Jenni Dennis, [email protected] or telephone 03 211 6030.

Book a School Tour

Come and see all that Southland Girls’ High School offers students with a school tour that allows you to see our facilities in action, while meeting the staff and the students.

Student tour guides will answer questions and offer a student’s perspective, before meeting with a senior member of staff to discuss your child’s enrolment.

To book in for a tour of the school, please email Nicola Macpherson on  [email protected] or telephone 03 211 6030.

close

Southland Girls’ High School
328 Tweed Street, Georgetown,
Invercargill 9812, New Zealand

+64 3 211 6030

[email protected]

Facebook-f Instagram

close

Useful Links