Nau mai haere mai!
Learning, Connection and Looking Beyond Our Shores
One of the great privileges of being part of Geraldine High School is the opportunity to connect our students and staff to the wider world. Recently, I was fortunate to spend time in Sydney, Australia, attending the Edutech Conference before travelling to Japan to strengthen our long-standing international relationships. While very different experiences, both trips shared a common theme: the importance of relationships, curiosity, and preparing our young people for a rapidly changing world.
Edutech Australia – Keeping Humanity at the Heart of Innovation
The Edutech Conference in Sydney brought together educators from across the globe to explore the future of learning, leadership, and technology. What stood out most was that despite the incredible advances in Artificial Intelligence and digital tools, the strongest message was not about technology—it was about people.
Internationally renowned educational researcher Andy Hargreaves challenged school leaders to remember that there is no achievement without engagement. He spoke about the need to “repair” the magic of education by creating schools where students feel connected, teachers are inspired, and learning remains deeply human. His message aligned strongly with our own values at Geraldine High School: belonging, growth, and building a community where every learner can thrive.
Another powerful speaker, author Jason Reynolds, reminded us that the most important technology in education is “interpersonal technology”—our ability to look up from our devices, truly see the young person in front of us, and build genuine relationships. In a world increasingly driven by screens and algorithms, this message could not have been more timely.
The conference also showcased practical ways that AI can support our teachers by reducing administrative workload, helping develop curriculum resources aligned to Te Mātaiaho, and creating innovative learning experiences. The challenge for us is to ensure that technology remains a servant to learning—not the driver of it.
As we continue to develop our teaching practice at Geraldine High School, the key takeaway was clear: the future of education is not about choosing between technology and relationships. It is about using technology wisely so that we can spend more time doing what matters most—connecting with our students.
Japan – Celebrating Friendship and Cultural Exchange
Following Sydney, I travelled to Japan alongside Darfield High School Principal Andy England to visit our Japanese partner schools, reconnect with families and agents, and continue building the international relationships that have provided incredible opportunities for our students over many years.
From the moment we arrived in Kagoshima, we experienced the incredible hospitality and respect that sits at the heart of Japanese culture. At Kagoshima Junshin Girls’ School, we were welcomed by staff and students and even joined their daily school cleaning routine—a wonderful example of the pride and responsibility students take in their environment.
The journey then took us on the famous Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima, where visiting the Peace Memorial Park was a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding history, empathy, and working towards a more peaceful world.
In Tokyo, we visited several schools. Tomito, Shukutoku High School (Miku’s school), Yasuda Gakuen School, Tokyo City University School and Setagaya School. A particular highlight was meeting former exchange students and seeing firsthand the lasting impact that international experiences have on young people. These relationships do not end when a student boards a plane home—they become friendships that continue across countries and generations. These relationships have provided countless opportunities for students to experience another culture, develop confidence, and gain a broader perspective of the world. We were honoured by the generosity and manaakitanga shown to us and look forward to welcoming more Japanese students to Geraldine and seeing our own students continue to travel overseas.
Bringing It Home
As I sat on the flight home reflecting on two very different journeys, I was struck by how connected they actually were. Whether listening to world-leading educational thinkers in Sydney or sharing a meal with our Japanese friends, the message was the same: the future belongs to those who can build relationships, embrace new ideas, and understand the world beyond their own backyard.
At Geraldine High School, we are proud to provide our students with opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Through embracing innovation, strengthening international friendships, and continuing to live our values of Belonging (Tūrangawaewae), Growth (Tipu Ake), and Resilience (Tū Kaha), we are ensuring our young people are not only ready for the future—they are ready to help shape it.
Marcus Cooper
Tumuaki / Principal
Geraldine High School – Te Kura Tuarua o Raukapuka
