Kaiapoi High School unveiled one of its new 23 classroom equivalent buildings to the public on Sunday, the day before the first day of the 2018 term.

Principal, Bruce Kearney, said he was excited and nervous about the debut of the buildings. "It's a bit like Christmas and getting to unwrap our new presents. I love it and I'm sure the students will feel the same."

Kearney said the building process had been streamlined and simple, which he credited to having an excellent architect, project manager and site manager.

"I know other schools have been involved in every aspect of construction. But right at the beginning we took the stand that it wasn't our place to pick toilets, door handles and taps, we'll leave that to the experts."

"Teaching in the classrooms of old were factories, students in and students out. This is a shift in focus which is much more about the relationship between students and their teachers – that's what is important to us."

Kaiapoi North School officially opened its new classroom blocks on the first day back of the 2018 term. Waimakariri District Mayor David Ayers and Waimkariri District MP Matt Doocey had the ribbon-cutting honours.

Principal, Jason Miles, said the day was a significant one in the 56 year history of the school."This is a day of old meeting the new, when the refurbished meets the rebuilt."

Year eight student JayJay Morris said he is rapt with what the buildings bring to his school. "They are awesome, the environment of us all working together is great."

Teacher Phil Henderson is also enjoying working in the new classroom. "It's completely different to the other classrooms, it has such a great feel, all working together. Despite what a lot of people probably think it's not noisy all. In fact they are really calm spaces."

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