Back in class, back frow, from left, Heather Heaslip, Principal David Graham, Board chair Sean Horgan, Kaumatua Harry Wilson and, front, Louise Upston, Don Heaslip and Liz Stolwyk at the opening.
Goodwood School’s new four-classroom block is blue inside and out and green all over.
“As an Enviroschool we prioritised a number of features including solar power that fully powers the block, a rainwater harvesting system and an environmentally friendly organic septic system,” principal David Graham said.
The new building includes four classrooms, two breakout rooms, kitchen facilities, an office and a new toilet.
It was blessed by Kaumatua Harry Wilson from Ngāti Koroki Kahukura at an official opening ceremony attended by MP for Taupō Louise Upston, Waipa deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk and Goodwood School students, staff, whānau and neighbours.
Two of the new classrooms, which can operate independently or be opened to allow collaboration across spaces, will be used by year 1 and 2 students, and the other two by year 3 and 4 children.
“The design provides access for each class to dedicated science, art and kitchen facilities,” Mr Graham said.
Seven-year-old Zarah Kwok thinks the new buildings are “cool”.
“I’m excited because of the art areas,” she said. “Arts and crafts is my special talent. There are also different spaces to write in.”
Jessica Hawkins, six, is also a fan and is excited to have a place for science experiments.
“It will be so much fun,” she said. “I love it because we are the very first ones to go into the new classrooms.”
The new block completes stage one of a major school redevelopment, which will eventually include another classroom, extensive covered decking and a new adventure playground.
Goodwood School’s new four-classroom block incorporates a range of environmentally friendly design features.
Mr Graham praised contractor Lobell Construction for “successfully navigating Covid restrictions and supply chain challenges” to deliver the much needed block only a week or two later than scheduled.
“The project has been managed by the school’s Board of Trustees under the expert guidance of Goodwood School parent Scott Deschenes despite its considerable size and complexity,” he said.
“This allowed a degree of flexibility in keeping the design true to the school’s values and allowing us to incorporate a range of environmentally friendly features. It reflects the ongoing growth being experienced in Cambridge north, allowing the school to develop in a planned and sustainable way.”
