The Board of Trustees have established the Gisborne Boys’ High School Endowment Fund at the Sunrise Foundation to help provide future sustainability for the school.
Gisborne Boys’ Highs School (GBHS) Board of Trustees Chairman, Ian Ruru, says the board felt it was important to establish the fund as a vehicle for their loyal alumni to support the school.
“The board hopes the endowment fund will be a way for them to show their support to the school. We are optimistic that together with our community and whanau we will build a valuable taonga for our sons and future generations.”
Ian added that “all schools operate in a tough environment, funding is always tight, and we have to be smart in finding ways to increase our subsidiary income.”
“With this modest start, our endowment fund won’t start paying dividends in the short term, but in the long term it is important to grow a meaningful fund and create a significant legacy for the school.”
Andrew Turner, GBHS Principal, says working in partnership with the community to grow the fund aligns nicely with the schools kaupapa of ‘Together, Stronger’.
“Although I’ve only been in this role for a short time, I’ve already seen the wider community engagement with the school. There is real pride and connection to Boys’ High for so many in the community.”
He added that although there is high immediate need, he is committed to helping students understand sustainability and future proofing.
“We will be starting this year with a challenge to Year 13 students to undertake fundraising for the fund. It’ll be up to them, under the leadership of Head Boy Dylan Hall, to think of ways for our students to raise funds to help the school be sustainable in the future.”
Glenda Stokes, Sunrise Executive Officer, says the team at Boys’ High do a fantastic job, but the business of running a school is a phenomenal task and, as with many schools, funding constraints are a considerable challenge.
“We are excited to work with them to build their fund, to help ensure the continued success of the school and to help future leaders in their mission to challenge young men to develop and achieve their potential.”
All donations to the Gisborne Boys’ High School Endowment Fund will be invested, protected and grown to keep up with inflation. The surplus investment income will be returned to Gisborne Boys’ High School each year.