Principal's comment 24th June 2025

As Term 2 comes to a close and we pass both the halfway point of the school year and the winter solstice — the shortest day — it’s a timely moment to reflect on all that our students and staff have accomplished during this busy and rewarding term.

Term 2 has been full of opportunity, challenge, and celebration across all areas of school life. Our students have continued to embrace a diverse range of experiences that contribute to their personal and academic growth. From the incredible Strike Percussion performance, to the Primary Industry Academy’s big adventure to the West Coast, and the Student Coach Development Day, students have demonstrated enthusiasm, curiosity, and commitment to their learning journeys.

It has been a term rich with physical challenge and outdoor experience — Year 9 camps at Peel Forest, Outdoor Education rafting and tramping trips, and our school cross country provided many with the chance to step out of their comfort zones and build resilience. Our sporting talent was on full display during the Aoraki Basketball tournaments and the quad tournaments against Ellesmere College, Darfield High School, and Mount Hutt College.

Our students’ involvement extended beyond our region as well. We were proud to see GHS students sailing aboard the Spirit of Adventure in Auckland, and representing our school with excellence at the Mystery Creek Silver Staples fencing competition, where they brought home gold.

The Raukapuka Waiata Festival, held in partnership with our contributing primary schools and local ECE providers, was a heart-warming reminder of the strength of our community and the cultural richness that underpins our kura. To top it all off, we end the term with the much-anticipated Wearable Arts competition, running across Thursday and Friday night this week — a showcase of creativity, teamwork, and school spirit.

Throughout Term 2, we have focused on the school value of Respect, and it has been pleasing to see so many students demonstrating this in their actions, relationships, and attitude. A special congratulations goes to Cox 3 Whānau class, who earned the most Respect MyMahi points this term and will enjoy a celebratory lunch this Friday.

As we look ahead to Term 3, our school-wide value shifts to Achievement, aligning with a renewed focus on academic progress and goal-setting. We encourage all students to approach the new term with determination and purpose in their learning.

Finally, I’d like to wish all of our students and their whānau a restful and enjoyable Term 2 break. Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership — we look forward to an exciting and productive Term 3 together.

Ngā mihi nui,

Marcus Cooper
Principal
Geraldine High School