Out with the old, in with the blue at local intermediate

Wairau Intermediate school has begun a rebrand to help foster a sense of unity and gain more exposure in the community.

The Forrest Hill school has introduced new uniforms with a new colour scheme and incorporating the school logo in the fabric.

Principal Yolanda East said the change to blue shirts with the logo prominent better reflected the “unique and boutique” nature of the school. “Being a smaller school we wanted to find a way to get ourselves out there and let everyone know what we have to offer.”

East said that the logo represents the school’s values and origins. It illustrates rivers coming together to form one body of water, which encapsulated the school’s values of togetherness, growth and nurturing.

“We wanted to bring in a uniform that the students could have a sense of pride in and one that represents the school’s identity.”

A revitalised website is also being designed.

The rebrand started in 2020, when the board of trustees decided the school’s imagery needed to be more appealing to potential students, better reflect the school’s values and give it a more consistent identity. Further uniform changes are coming, with maroon jumpers being phased out for blue hoodies, and house and PE uniforms also being updated.

East hopes the rebrand will help boost the school’s roll from its current 280 to a consistent roll of 350 students.

BILL Ryman Resident