25 October 2024

Kia ora e te whānau; Today was a day of celebration and reflection as we bid farewell to our senior students, who are beginning their study leave. Saying goodbye to our Year 13s and those who are not returning next year is always poignant. They have helped create so many memories over the past five years and have influenced our school in so many ways. From the big milestones to the small, everyday interactions, these moments have shaped their time at GBHS. We wish all our senior students all the best for their upcoming exams. And for our leavers, all the very best for the exciting new chapters that await.

Our 2025 Student Leaders were announced today and I want to congratulate the Year 12 students who were nominated and those selected. I am excited to work with these talented individuals next year and to see the positive impact they will bring to our school.

Our annual Sports Awards event was held last night and it was a fantastic acknowledgement of the sporting talent we have in our school. A special thank you to Hamish Mackay, Director of Sports, along with our Sports Coordinators, Leo Drake-Rogers and Jada Murray, for their dedication and passion in creating such a wide array of opportunities for our students. Hamish steps down from his role at the end of the year to take on the position of Assistant Dean for Year 9 in 2025, and I want to acknowledge the huge contribution he has made to sport at GBHS.

Looking ahead to the next few weeks, there are lots of exciting things coming up for our Junior students such as Beach Ed, Softball Day and the Amazing Race.

To those celebrating Diwali, I wish you a very happy and prosperous Diwali! May the light of the diyas guide you towards the path of happiness and success.

Ngā mihi nui, Fiona Barker PRINCIPAL