Kia ora tatou; This week’s newsletter is full of examples of our awesome GBHS students getting involved, trying new things, and contributing to our school and wider community.

Yesterday, some of our former refugee students, supported by other students, created a pop-up café to mark World Refugee Day. They shared food and drinks from their cultures, helped with translation, and created a really positive opportunity for students and staff to connect and learn from one another. It was a lovely example of the diversity within our school and the importance of everyone feeling that they belong.

This week has also been Schools’ Pride Week. The activities taking place across the school have reinforced the importance of creating a community where everyone feels safe, respected, and included.

There have also been lots of opportunities across the week for students to challenge themselves. Our Year 10 Leadership in Action students completed an overnight hike in the Waitākere Ranges, Year 11 and 12 students took part in the LifeChangers programme, and our Year 12 students took part in the mud run out in Matakana. These experiences are important, they help students build confidence and resilience, work as part of a team, as well as giving them the chance to discover new interests and strengths.

This weekend, some of our students will also be taking part in World Vision’s 40 Hour Challenge. Thank you to our Service Council and all the students supporting the challenge, the bake sale, and the Can Drive. It is awesome to see students giving their time and energy to support both local and international causes.

Have a great weekend.

Fiona Barker
PRINCIPAL