Principal's comment 4th of April 2024.

It has been an action packed first term at Geraldine High School. As the new Principal to this great school I have been impressed with the quality of the staff, students and support of the caregivers. Walking through classes during the day I have observed quality teaching and learning. At break times the students have been open to a chat about their weekend or their interests. I have been to a number of sporting events where our students have demonstrated excellent sportsmanship while giving their best.  During this term I have tried my best to meet as many staff, students and family members to get a good picture of the areas that we can sharpen the pencil on. The school is well positioned to make further improvements across the school in the coming months and years if we all work together to make this happen.

Some highlights for me this term included:

• The student leadership camp where I got to meet the amazing student executive and see first hand the quality of students produced at GHS.
• The powhiri to welcome new staff and students (including myself).
• Swimming sports and athletics.
• Volleyball competitions and tournaments.
• PIA events at local A&P shows and further afield.
• Parent teacher interviews.
• Student Executive led assemblies (so well planned and entertaining).
• Academic Blues Assembly.
• Purchase of 2 school vans.
• Year 10 Challenge - High Ropes.
• China Trip.
• Senior Netball tournament in Rangiora.

I would also like to take this time to congratulate a number of students that have done exceptionally well in their chosen sports, academic and cultural pursuits.

Grace Worner had a great Easter competing in the Speed Skating Oceania Championships which were held in Timaru this year. She received the award for the top overall Cadet Girl having gained 4 gold, 1 silver and 2 bronze medals. 

Ethan Hole who has been named to represent New Zealand in the 100m race at the 2024 Oceania Athletics Championships in Suva, Fiji in June.

Ella Waldron - Attended the nationals for athletics and earned a gold in the 100m hurdles. Ella also broke our school long jump record!

Anya Johnston - Third in the South Island Secondary Schools Athletics championships for triple jump.

Ebony Pierson made the South Canterbury under 17 girls volleyball wider training squad.

Mia Pierson, Summer Snow, Hayley Pidgeon, Anya Johnston, Bodean Flannery and Tina Lithgow that all made the South Canterbury under 15 girls volleyball wider training squad. 

Aiden Harris came first in the high jump competition at BMX Jam in Christchurch. He won by jumping a height of 9 feet!

Lachie O'Connell and Tom Batty for winning the Young Farmers fencing competition.

Oscar Ball, Oliver McKeown, Matteo Kimura, Bryn McKeown and Harry Osbourne that made the Roncalli Aoraki Combined Rugby 1st 15.

Spersunder Spitoc, Ella Waldron, Kohl Brown and Imma De la Torre winning their section in the Regional Shakespeare Festival.

Henry Prouting got a distinction award in the Kangourou Sans Frontières, Australian Maths Competition.

I hope all the students have a great break and that you are all able to spend some time together as families over the holiday period. Thank you to all the staff, students, families and BOT members that have made the transition to a new school so easy for my family and myself.

Marcus Cooper

Tumuaki/Principal

Te Kura Ruatua o Raukapuka

Geraldine High School