Year in summary.
2025 has been another exceptional year for our students, our staff, and our community. A particular highlight has been the opening of our wonderful new gym. It has quickly become a vibrant hub—busy with PE classes, full of life at break times, humming with sports practices, and frequently used by community organisations. It is great to see this facility benefitting the whole Geraldine community, young and old.
This year also saw the introduction of our Building Academy. Kyle Proffit has done an outstanding job guiding his students through establishing a fully functioning building compound and completing a three-bedroom farm accommodation unit, which will be transported to Pleasant Point in early December. This has been an invaluable opportunity for our practically minded students to gain industry experience and qualifications, working alongside tradespeople and developing confidence in a real-world environment.
Kyle and his team have also supported the school with a number of smaller projects, including the construction of picnic tables built collaboratively with junior students—a wonderful example of tuakana-teina in action. These experiences develop interpersonal skills, teamwork, and character qualities that are not always captured in traditional assessments, but which are absolutely essential.
I have once again been incredibly impressed with the calibre of our Student Executive and their contribution to the running of the school. Their theme for the year — “Tū hei kōtahi, ka eke taumata – Unite and achieve to reach new heights” — has guided their actions and leadership throughout 2025.
Our Head Students—Mackenzie, Hunter, Ebony and Oliver—have been exceptional ambassadors, representing us proudly at A&P shows, ANZAC commemorations, contributing to school events, and every major school occasion. We are truly blessed with such outstanding young leaders.
Congratulations to our Student Executive members for 2026:
Ethan Hole – Head student
Georaeah Edmonds-Cooper – Head Student
Cayden Halsey – Deputy Head Student
Kylie Fraser – Deputy Head Student
Summer Snow – Arts Leader
Dillan Sami – Sports Leader
Shalom Paewhenua-Henry – Rangatahi Leader
Mia Pierson – Rangatahi Leader
Renzel Punto – Multicultural Leader
Hayley Pidgeon – Academic Leader
Tharushi Wickramanayake – Multicultural Leader
Jaeger Sims – Cox House Leader
Emily Muff – Acland House Leader
Seth Baker – Macdonald House Leader
Briar Cunningham – Tripp House Leader
Anya Johnston – Board Representative
Our International Department has grown significantly this year, and the presence of short- and long-term international students has added vibrancy, culture, and global connection to our school community.
Academically, our students have worked incredibly hard—through their regular classes, tutorials, and homework club. Congratulations to Chanalee Walter-Duncan who was announced Dux of the school at our senior prize giving, with MJ Sollano the proxime accessit.
In sport, our students continue to punch above their weight. Their achievements include:
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Our Senior Boys Basketball Team qualifying for Nationals for the first time.
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Our PIA fencers taking every school title in New Zealand.
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Our senior A netball team securing their a grade position in the SISS
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The formation of our first ever rowing team.
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Continued growth in hockey and volleyball, thanks to the tireless work of Hillary McCullough and Sarah Johnston and the many parents they inspire to support the programme.
A large group of students have made regional representation in their chosen sports and a couple of individuals have hit national representation or international competitions. Well done Ethan Hole, Grace Worner and Kyra Marrett who continue to excel in their chosen sports.
These opportunities simply would not exist without the incredible support of our parents and community members. Thank you for everything you give—your time, your transport, your energy, and your passion.
In the arts and cultural space, we have also achieved significantly. Our Kapa Haka rōpū performed at Flava in Timaru for the first time in several years, and we are aiming to attend Polyfest in Christchurch next year. Wearable arts, Vibes, Shakespeare, and a range of music performances have showcased the incredible talent of our students.
Looking ahead, we have been consulting with the community on our strategic plan for the next three years and beyond—a robust process we are close to finalising. The shared vision that has emerged is:
Growing Stronger Together
The Purpose: To inspire and empower personal excellence
Our community has spoken strongly about the importance of belonging, resilience, and ensuring every student grows into a confident, capable, connected member of society. This is a journey I am excited to continue alongside you all.
It is with sadness that I announce the departure of Simone Tulley our Assistant Principal (Pastoral), who has secured a new role in Timaru.
This departure creates an opportunity, and I warmly welcome Adele Quinn, who will join the SLT team in 2026. Adele brings deep experience, strong knowledge, and a formidable work ethic.
I would like to acknowledge Maria Heitkonig who has retired. Thank you for your long service to the school and all the best as you move to Christchurch to be closer to family. Congratulations to Jordyn Te Rahui Hobbs who takes up the HOD position in English. I am sure you will add to the significant contribution of Maria and add your own footprint.
To our other staff members that have secured positions outside of Geraldine. Scott Austin moves to Riccarton High School, Lydia Yang moves down the road to Roncalli College, Leonardo De Angelis moves slightly further afield back to his home country of Italy, and finally Jesse Purton who takes a years leave of absence to take up a position at Tereroa college in Rarotonga.
Thank you for your service, we wish you well in your next steps in education.
Finally I would like to wish everyone a hapy Christmas and New Year. Have a great break and we will see you at the end of January for a great 2026.
Nga mihi nui
Marcus Cooper
Principal/Tumuaki
Geraldine High School
