Kia ora tatou; This week I was able to tour the construction site for our new Science Building, and it is already clear that this is going to be an outstanding facility for our students and staff. Even better, the project is currently tracking ahead of schedule, which is exciting news for the school.

Science is already a real strength at GBHS. A significant number of our students continue with science pathways right through to the end of Year 13, and achievement in science is consistently high. This has been accomplished despite the fact that many of the labs currently being used are original to the school when it opened in 1973. They have served the school well, but it is certainly time for our students and staff to have modern, purpose-built spaces that match the quality of the teaching and learning taking place.

Our partnership with construction company Watts & Hughes and architects Jasmax has also been a real highlight of the project. As mentioned in earlier newsletters, this partnership has already created work experience and learning opportunities for students, giving them a first-hand look at the design and construction process. We are very grateful for the way both organisations have engaged with our school and helped make this project about more than just a building.

We also marked Pink Shirt Day today as part of a full week of activities. It was great to see so many students and staff getting behind the day and showing their support for kindness, inclusion, and respect. The colour around the school was great to see, but even more important was the message behind it, that every student should feel safe, valued, and included at GBHS.

Days like this are a good reminder that school culture is built through the small things we do every day, the way we speak to one another, the way we include others, and the way we show respect in our interactions. Thank you to everyone who supported the day and helped make the message so visible across the school.

It is also shaping up to be a great weekend of sport, and I continue to be impressed with the passion and talent of our students. I also want to give a special shout-out to our four bands who are competing in SmokeFreeRockQuest on Sunday.

Have a great weekend.

Fiona Barker
PRINCIPAL