Principal's comment 27th May 2025.

Kia ora e te whānau,

As we move through the term, it’s clear that the demands on our students are increasing — and not just in the classroom. Many of our ākonga are balancing their academic responsibilities alongside a range of extracurricular commitments, from sporting events to cultural performances and leadership roles. This involvement is something we’re incredibly proud of at Geraldine High School. It speaks to our students’ passion, commitment, and drive to make the most of their school experience.

However, with increasing commitments comes the need for effective time management. Learning to manage time well is a vital life skill that supports both academic success and overall wellbeing. Without it, even the most capable students can find themselves overwhelmed and stressed.

Why Time Management Matters

Good time management helps students:

• Meet deadlines and stay on top of assignments

• Reduce stress and anxiety

• Create space for rest and recreation

• Stay engaged and prepared in both academic and extracurricular activities

• Build habits that will serve them well beyond school

Strategies for Students

Here are a few practical strategies we encourage our students to adopt:

1. Use a Planner or Digital Calendar
Record due dates, training sessions, rehearsals, and key events. Break larger tasks into smaller steps and schedule them across the week.

2. Prioritise Tasks
Use a simple system like “must do, should do, could do” to help determine what needs attention first. Focus on completing high-impact tasks before smaller ones.

3. Set Goals and Review Regularly
Short-term and long-term goals give direction. Encourage students to check in weekly on what’s been achieved and what needs adjusting.

4. Avoid Procrastination
Starting is often the hardest part. The “Pomodoro technique” (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) can be a useful method to get things done in manageable chunks.

5. Limit Distractions
Create a focused environment for study. Turning off notifications and setting specific times for social media or phone use can make a big difference.

6. Ask for Help When Needed
Whether it’s from teachers, whānau, or peers, asking for support is a strength. Our school also offers tutoring and homework support — students just need to take that first step.

Our Role as a School

At Geraldine High School, we’re committed to helping students develop not just academic knowledge but essential life skills like time management. Teachers are encouraged to scaffold larger tasks and remind students of deadlines. Our pastoral team is always available to support students feeling overwhelmed.

Encourage your ākonga to come along to Homework Club which is on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons 3.15-4.30pm.

Let’s work together — students, staff, and whānau — to build these skills and habits now, so our learners can thrive in all areas of school life and beyond.

Ngā mihi nui,
Marcus Cooper
Principal – Geraldine High School