Nau mai haere mai!
It has been a fantastic start to the term, and I would like to acknowledge the outstanding way our students have represented Geraldine High School through their recent participation in Swimming Sports and Athletics. These events are more than just competitions — they are powerful expressions of who we are as a school and how we live our values every day.
Across both events, we saw Belonging in action as students supported one another, wore their house colours with pride, and cheered on teammates regardless of ability or placing. Whether students were competing, officiating, helping set up, or encouraging from the sidelines, everyone had a place and a role to play.
We also saw Growth, as many students stepped outside their comfort zones — attempting new events, aiming for personal bests, or giving something a go for the first time. Growth isn’t always about winning; it’s about effort, learning, and the confidence that comes from trying.
Finally, these events showcased true Resilience. We saw students persevere through nerves, fatigue, disappointment, and tough competition, while still showing sportsmanship, respect, and pride in themselves and their houses.
Our house system — Cox, Tripp, Macdonald, and Acland — continues to be a strength of our school. The spirit, camaraderie, and healthy competition between houses was evident throughout both Swimming Sports and Athletics. House events like these help build connections across year levels and remind us that success is shared and collective.
Looking After One Another Online
Just as we are expected to look after one another at school and in our community, the same care and respect must extend to the online space and social media.
A reminder to students that photos, videos, or comments involving others should never be posted online without their permission. What may feel like a harmless post in the moment can have a lasting impact on someone else’s wellbeing, reputation, and sense of belonging.
Posting images or content of others without consent — particularly content that is embarrassing, mocking, or harmful — can constitute cyberbullying and, in some cases, may breach New Zealand law. These behaviours can carry serious consequences both at school and beyond.
Living our values online means:
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Belonging: ensuring everyone feels safe, respected, and included — both on and offline
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Growth: learning to pause, think, and make responsible choices in digital spaces
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Resilience: having the courage to speak up, seek help, or not participate in harmful online behaviour
We encourage students to be thoughtful digital citizens and to talk with a trusted adult if they are unsure or concerned about something they see or experience online. Together, we can create a culture where kindness, respect, and responsibility extend well beyond the school gates.
Important Reminders for Students and Whānau
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, I would like to clarify a few expectations:
Bus Students
All bus students are required to remain on school grounds in the morning once they arrive. Students are not to leave the school grounds before the start of the school day. This is an important safety expectation, and we appreciate your support in reinforcing this with your children.
Energy Drinks and Soft Drinks
Energy drinks and soft drinks are not permitted at school. If these are brought to school, they will be confiscated. This expectation supports student wellbeing, learning focus, and overall health.
School Uniform
We continue to value pride in our uniform as part of our school identity. Student skirts are required to be knee length. Thank you for your support in helping students meet our uniform expectations.
As always, we appreciate the partnership we have with our students and whānau. Together, we continue to build a school culture where students feel they belong, are supported to grow, and are encouraged to be resilient — in sport, learning, and life.
Ngā mihi nui,
Marcus Cooper
Principal / Tumuaki
Geraldine High School | Te Kura Tuarua o Raukapuka
