Trust Horizon grant helps turn up the volume at Allandale School hall
Left to right: Cefiro-Kapree Karekare, Leila Lloyd, Ngahiraka Te Purei
Standing: Ariana-Jade Gardiner
Stage two of an audio-visual upgrade for Allandale Primary School’s community hall is about to begin, with a $19,445 grant from Trust Horizon providing the funding needed for a brand-new sound system.
Stage one of the upgrade covered the visual aspect, with the installation of a new projector screen. Now, with funding from the Trust in place, the project is set to be completed – with modern and streamlined mounted speakers replacing the school’s existing sound system.
“Our current system can be a bit hit and miss, and just one teacher knows how to run it, meaning we have to call on them for all our AV needs,” says Allandale Primary School Principal, Josh Te Aomarere. “We really needed a more user-friendly and reliable system, with higher-quality sound, that anyone could operate.”
Currently, the hall is mainly used for school assemblies. However, with the new sound system in place, Te Aomarere hopes to widen the hall’s community use – and also expand further into the performing arts. “The goal is to do kapa haka one year, and a stage production the next, so that there’s something on every year for kids who aspire to the stage. Having the right tools for the job will let those kids who are passionate about the arts represent themselves in the best light.”
A new sound system isn’t the only change coming to Allandale. $16,910 of the Trust Horizon grant will go towards the system upgrade, while the remaining $2,535 will contribute to transforming the school’s front entrance with a brand-new electronic sign.
Allandale School is located at a busy T-intersection, making its electronic sign a valuable form of communication with students and whanau – as well as advertising to the wider community. However, after over 10 years in use, the existing electronic sign had suffered from water damage and outdated technology.
Left to right: Ariana-Jade Gardiner, Cefiro-Kapree Karekare, Ngahiraka Te Purei
Standing: Leila Lloyd
“The electronic sign is a useful way to remind whanau what’s happening and stay connected, but it hasn’t been working for at least the last couple of years,” says Te Aomarere. “I’d always drive past and think, ‘We must do something about that sign.’”
With the grant from Trust Horizon, that thought can now be turned into reality. The school is currently working through the design process, ensuring the sign’s branding and messaging accurately represents the school.
“Having just joined the Allandale team as principal in January this year, it’s been fantastic to learn about the history of the school and its existing signs, symbols and designs,” Te Aomarere explains. “We see the sign as another opportunity to tell our story with consistency and longevity, so we’re taking the time to get it right.”
The upgrades to the hall and electronic sign were a natural fit with Trust Horizon’s strategic priority of Transformational Investment in Community Pride. “We’re pleased to offer our support in revitalising Allandale’s hall, and strengthening its place as a focal point for wider community gatherings and events,” says Trust Horizon Trustee, Yvonne Boyes. “The new electronic sign will also enhance Allandale’s street appeal, and add to students’ great sense of pride in their school.”
On Allandale’s part, this funding has enabled the school to continue to adapt, evolve, and keep pace with the latest technology. “It shows we’re continuing to be bold, modernising ourselves, and letting whanau and community know that we’re moving with the times,” says Te Aomarere. “Trust Horizon has helped us put something out there that we can all be proud of, and that support is really important to us.”
Read more about Trust Horizon’s projects here.