Two Weeks of Growth and Opportunity at Geraldine High School
It has been fantastic to see the energy, positivity, and engagement around Geraldine High School over the first two weeks of the term. After a strong start to the year with our focus on Belonging – Tūrangawaewae, we have now shifted our attention to our Term 2 value of Growth – Tipu Ake.
Growth is about continually striving to improve ourselves — academically, physically, socially, and culturally. It is about embracing challenge, stepping outside our comfort zones, and learning through both success and setbacks. Over the past fortnight, we have already seen countless examples of this value being lived out across our school community.
One of the highlights of the term so far has been our Cross Country event. It was incredibly pleasing to see such high participation rates across all year levels, with students giving their best effort and encouraging one another throughout the afternoon. Events like Cross Country are not only about the fastest runners; they are about perseverance, resilience, and personal growth. Whether students were competing for top placings, representing their house with pride, or simply pushing themselves to finish the course, they demonstrated outstanding determination and school spirit. We also witnessed some exceptional performances across a range of year groups, and we congratulate all students who challenged themselves and represented their houses so positively.
The winter sporting season has also begun strongly, with excellent participation and encouraging results across Hockey, Basketball, Netball, and Rugby. It has been wonderful to see our students wearing the Geraldine High School colours with pride and competing with determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Winter sport provides students with incredible opportunities for growth — learning how to work together, respond to pressure, overcome setbacks, and continually improve both individually and collectively. Thank you to all of our coaches, managers, staff, whānau, and supporters who make these opportunities possible for our young people.
Our Primary Industries Academy (PIA) students recently returned from an outstanding trip to Dunedin. This experience provided students with valuable opportunities to connect with Taieri College and engage with a range of businesses and organisations connected to the primary industries sector. Trips like these are an important part of helping students see the pathways and opportunities available beyond school while developing their understanding of the industries that are so important to our region and country. The feedback from staff and students has been extremely positive, and we are proud of the way our students represented Geraldine High School throughout the trip.
Our Year 12 students also recently attended the RYDA Road Safety Education programme. This initiative provides young people with important education around road safety, decision-making, and personal responsibility as they move toward becoming independent drivers. The programme encourages students to think carefully about the impact of distractions, speed, fatigue, peer pressure, and risk-taking on the road. We thank the organisers and presenters for delivering such an important and valuable learning experience for our students.
As we continue through the term, there are many exciting opportunities ahead across academic, sporting, cultural, and leadership areas of the school. Our challenge to students is to continue embracing growth — to keep striving for improvement, support one another, and make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Together, through belonging, growth, and resilience, we continue to build a school culture where students are encouraged to pursue their personal excellence.
Nga mihi nui
Marcus Cooper
Principal/Tumuaki
Geraldine High School
