These two symbols also represent strength and a striving for higher ideals, also reflected in the school's motto of Fide et Fortitudine.

From the following year, J. Garfield Anderson became rector, a post he held until 1954, during which time the school grew greatly in both size and scope.

[citation needed] In April 2006, South Otago High School became the first New Zealand school to run a Jeans for Genes day in aid of the Haemophilia Foundation of New Zealand.

Jeans for Genes, a charitable event originating in the United Kingdom, sees schools raising funds to help children with genetic disorders through sponsored events on a day on which school uniform is temporarily replaced by the wearing of denim jeans.

In September 2008 new principal Nick Simpson reopened plans to establish an area computing facility.