End of an era for Hastings Girls' High School principal of 19 years

Geraldine Travers joins the three other former Hastings Girls High School principals, Constance Miller, Jean Kelt and Jill Davidson after serving 19 years. Photo / Duncan Brown

The longest-serving Hastings Girls' High School principal, Geraldine Travers, has decided that her time at the helm is up.

After 19 years at the school she announced her resignation recently but said she would not leave until the end of term one next year.

She gave the news in a special assembly and said it was a real thrill to receive a standing ovation from the girls and staff.

"It was the closest I have ever come to getting completely choked up. Hastings Girls' has become such a big part of my life," Mrs Travers said.

The 60-year-old school has only had four principals, and Mrs Travers certainly made her mark.

Staff member Jillian Frizzell said Mrs Travers was a valued, treasured principal and leader.

"Her kindness and generosity towards her staff and their families knows no bounds, with many of them being recipients of her knitting for their children and grandchildren."

She said her depth of character, sense of humour, and principled decision-making ensured her collaborative school leadership has been second to none.

Board chairwoman Celia Kurta said the school had grown in all aspects since her arrival, including the roll size, financial viability and academic achievement.

"Her dedication to the education of young women has always been at the forefront of her leadership and will be her lasting legacy."

Mrs Travers said she would miss being a part of the school every day, as she had met so many lovely girls.

"People say the most important time in a child's life is the first five years but I see it as those five secondary school years."

She said she enjoyed watching the girls go from dependent young girls to independent woman.

"They go from holding Barbies to driving cars and earning a living. It is really amazing to watch."

Leaving at the end of term one meant she could see the completion of two building projects, a learning environment in block 40, and a Board of Trustees-financed extension to the gymnasium.

During her time as principal the school was named as New Zealand's top state secondary school by North and South magazine and she received the NEITA Excellence in Leadership awards at both regional and national levels.

Last year she was also awarded a New Zealand Order of Merit at Government House. Both Ms Frizzell and Ms Kurta said she would be "dearly" missed by the school community.

"She leaves the school in a very positive position and proves that with proper leadership and management, a lower-decile school can achieve results equal to or better than any school in the country," Ms Kurta said.

"Her strong interpersonal skills and her ability to inspire those around her have resulted in a unified approach to the education of the young women of Hastings Girls' High School," Ms Frizzell said.

Mrs Travers was now standing for the Hastings District Council in the Hastings-Havelock North ward.