| 105 COMMUNITY Greymouth High School: John Griffin Building Greymouth High School. Engineered to inspire. STRUCTURAL + CIVIL + GEOTECHNICAL www.engco.nz Congratulations on your Block D Redevelopment Main contractor jgri n@xtra.co.nz 027 5300 890 www.johngri nbuilder.com T T Kim Newth New classrooms a welcome addition The new replacement block has two new classrooms, two offices and a large, covered verandah. “It is very exciting for our school to have these new, modular-style classrooms that are fit for purpose and much more pleasant.” Greymouth High School, the biggest school on the West Coast, is in good spirits this winter, as a new classroom block nears completion. It replaces leaky old Block D, which was demolished last September. The old 1980s single-storey block had reached the end of its useful life having become damp, mouldy and musty inside with peeling walls. Waste reduction was prioritised during the demolition process with useful items like power points, lights and window catches saved for recycling. Timber was also salvaged from the old block for re-use in the school’s woodwork classes. Principal Samantha Mortimer says the replacement block of two new classrooms, two offices and a large, covered verandah is now nearly complete on a prominent site at the front of the school. “It is very exciting for our school to have these new, modular-style classrooms that are fit for purpose and much more pleasant. “They are really nice learning spaces that will be fantastic for our students and staff. The covered verandah with a large deck is a beautiful space to use outside — I’m sure it will be used in many different ways.” In deciding what would replace Block D, the school weighed up various options and researched what other South Island schools had built. “We’re very pragmatic, realistic people. We didn’t want anything too flash. Our priority for the new build was for good solid classrooms that would be warm and dry, and put together well.” On track to open this July in Term 3, the new classrooms will primarily support the mathematics curriculum across Years 9 to 13. Construction started in January, with Greymouth-based John Griffin Builder Ltd delivering an efficient, quality build for the school. “We totally trust John. He’s a really solid worker and his team is fantastic too. They’re hard working and have been completely dedicated to getting this done.” This latest work caps off a busy few years of refurbishment at the school, which has become adept at juggling learning spaces and timetables to minimise disruption during scheduled works. Block C has been re-levelled and refreshed, Block B’s five science labs renovated, roofing and windows replaced, and the whole school repainted. “We’ve upgraded lots of different rooms and changed the colour scheme to make it more modern. The campus is looking really smart. We have new basketball and netball outdoor courts too. “Lots of work has gone into lifting the school environment. Our kids deserve it, as we want to make sure they get to have a great education here — that’s really important to us. Our staff deserve to be working in a great environment too.” Greymouth High School, which has around 550 students on the roll, encourages a welcoming and caring culture that endeavours to give every student a positive experience of learning. In 2026, the school is in great shape with all the big construction and maintenance jobs now done. “We’re now very much looking forward to the completion of these latest new classrooms that will be a lovely boost this winter for our staff, students and the school community.”
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