Gym build full steam ahead

Kia ora koutou,

We wanted to provide you with an update regarding the recent demolition of our school gym and the exciting developments that have followed.

We are pleased to confirm that funding has been approved for the construction of the new gym, we are eager to move forward with this important project. Attached to this message, you will find a render of what the new gym is likely to look like. We believe it will be a fantastic addition to our school and the wider Geraldine community.

As we progress with the construction, our top priority is ensuring the safety of our students and staff. Therefore, we are currently working on an access plan that will prioritise safety while allowing for efficient construction progress.

The new gym will not only serve as a space for physical activity but will also include storage and multi-use space, catering to the diverse needs of our school community. We are grateful the Ministry has committed to progressing this project, highlighting its significance to our community.

We are also excited to be working with the main contractor Thompson Construction and Engineering (Thompson) along with Solutioneering, our project management firm, to provide opportunities for student engagement throughout the construction process. We believe that involving our students in this project will not only benefit their learning but also foster a sense of ownership and pride in our school facilities.

Thompson and Solutioneering are local companies and have been working with both the Ministry and the school property team to ensure the gym complies with best standards for teaching and learning as well as coming up with innovative solutions to ensure the build is cost efficient.

We anticipate occupying the new gym space from Term 1, 2025, and we cannot wait to see the positive impact it will have on our school community.

In the coming weeks, we will be issuing a press release to the media to share our progress with the wider community. Additionally, we will ensure that you are kept informed of how the construction works are progressing over the coming months.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for this project.