From the Tumuaki

Nau mai haere mai!

It has been a whirlwind last four weeks of school as we all settle into the new school year. The students have adjusted to the new reality of cell phones being “away for the day” with a positive attitude. That is not to say we have not had some issues, but that was to be expected, and we will address these as swiftly and consistently as we can. We must have the support of our families while settling into this new reality. If you need to contact your student please ring the school office (693 0017) and we will connect you with your child. Students also have access to a landline in our student office to contact you during the day.

This time of year brings opportunities for our students to participate in events such as the swimming sports and athletics days. It was great to see the number of students and whanau down at the community pool last week. The atmosphere and support bodes well for a great year at Geraldine High School. Bring on the Athletic Sports next week!

Last week our PIA students attended the Southern Field Days event in Waimumu. I received an email from a person at the event that was blown away by the programme we run and the quality of our students; so much so that he has donated a significant sum of money to the programme. Thank you Garth Christensen, for the email and generous donation!

On Saturday, a large contingent of our PIA students attended the ‘Young Farmers Competition' in Kurow. Congratulations to all the students who participated but in particular Shelby Henson and Ella Hole who placed second and are off to the finals in Hamilton.

In life, opportunities are like fleeting gusts of wind – they come and go swiftly, often without warning. However, it's how we seize these opportunities that can shape the course of our lives. Whether in our personal, school or working lives, taking advantage of opportunities is crucial for growth and success.

Opportunities rarely come gift-wrapped with a bow; more often they appear disguised as challenges or hidden amidst uncertainty. As such, recognising them requires a keen eye and an open mind. It's about being receptive to change and willing to step outside of our comfort zones.

Moreover, taking opportunities necessitates a proactive mindset. Instead of waiting for opportunities to knock on our door, we must actively seek them out. This might involve networking, continuous learning, or embracing new experiences. By being proactive, we position ourselves to capitalise on opportunities as they arise.

However, merely recognising and seeking out opportunities is not enough; we must also be prepared to act upon them. This requires courage and a willingness to take risks. Often, the fear of failure can hold us back, but it's important to remember that failure is merely a stepping stone to success. Embracing failure as a learning opportunity can fuel our growth and resilience.

Sometimes, saying 'yes' to one opportunity means saying 'no' to others. Therefore, it's essential to align our actions with our values and prioritise what is most important.

Lastly, taking opportunities is not a solitary endeavour; it often involves collaboration and support from others. Building a strong network of mentors, peers, and collaborators can provide valuable insights and open doors to new opportunities. Additionally, supporting others in their pursuit of opportunities fosters a culture of reciprocity and collective success.

On this note congratulations to Charlotte who took on the opportunity to participate in the Wanaka Challenge last week. The picture in this article shows Charlotte with a professional triathlete from the UK; Laura Siddall who gifted Charlotte her medal from the Kona Iron Man event. Charlotte personifies a student making the most of her opportunities. Well done!