Nau mai haere mai!
Our senior students have now passed a significant milestone — their final week before study leave and into the final stretch of your NCEA journey.
For our Year 13 students, this is more than just the end of another school term — it’s the end of your school career. You’ve grown, learned, laughed, faced challenges, and achieved so much during your time here. You have contributed to the life and culture of Geraldine High School in ways that have left a lasting mark. I’d like to take a moment to thank our Student Executive for their outstanding mahi this year. You have led with integrity, creativity, and service — your efforts have shaped school events, strengthened student voice, and supported your peers throughout the year.
After interviewing for next year’s Student Executive, I can confidently say that the legacy you’ve built will continue. We have a fantastic group of student leaders ready to take the reins and move things even further. To those students who applied but missed out — please know that the decision was incredibly tough. The calibre of applicants was exceptional, and every one of you would have made an excellent member of the team. Leadership is not confined to a badge — it’s shown every day in how you contribute, support others, and live our school values.
To our Year 11 students, these are your first external exams — an important milestone. Stay focused, manage your time well, and believe in the preparation you’ve put in.
And to our junior students, a reminder — your year is far from over. Keep your standards high, maintain your effort, and finish the term strong. The habits you build now will shape your future success.
On their last Wednesday, our Year 13 students channelled their inner interior design superpowers by pranking a number of areas of the school. The PE Office and Mr Cosgriff’s rooms in particular were given significant facelifts to acknowledge ‘Prank Day”. This is a fun day that is light-hearted and in good taste. It was a real surprise to see my rubbish bin taken hostage (tied to the top of the exterior basketball hoop by the outdoor shed). I hope the students put as much effort into their external assessments, as we will be guaranteed excellent results
I’ll leave the students with a quote that captures this moment in time perfectly:
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. Hard work always pays off in the end.”
Kia kaha, give your best in the weeks ahead, and know that your effort now will open doors for your future.
Ngā mihi nui and all the very best for your exams.
Marcus Cooper
Principal/Tumuaki
Geraldine High School
