Term Two Week 3

On ANZAC Day, 25 April, some of our school leaders, senior leadership team, and their families gathered at the cenotaph in Hastings at 5:30am for the Dawn Service. Our Amorangi, Maieke, and Head Girl, Mennat, laid a wreath alongside representatives from other schools across the district.

Following the service, we returned to school to lower our flag to half-mast in respect. Mennat and Maieke recited the Ode of Remembrance and shared a poem before we gathered together to share kai and hot chocolate.

Our ANZAC Assembly, held this week, was an opportunity to honour all those who have served. This year, we placed a particular focus on commemorating our Pacific neighbours who served during times of conflict.

Many of us carry a story connected to ANZAC.
A grandfather who marched.
An aunty who served.
An uncle who never came home.
A relative whose bravery helped shape the freedoms we enjoy today.

So why did they go?
Why did small nations at the bottom of the world send their sons into conflicts so far away?

Because that is the essence of the Pacific.
We are helpers.
We are protectors.
We are people guided by a moral compass that points firmly toward what is right.

Across generations, across oceans, and across cultures, Pacific people share a belief that when our neighbours are in trouble, we do not turn away. We stand beside them.

As we look at conflicts unfolding around the world today, we are reminded how fragile peace truly is. Even here in New Zealand, far from the front lines, we feel the ripple effects through uncertainty and rising costs. But the greatest cost is always carried by the children and families living in war-torn regions, those who lose their homes, their education, their safety, and sometimes the people they love most. War steals futures.

The message shared with our girls was simple: take a moment to be grateful.
Grateful for your home.
Grateful for your opportunities.
Grateful for the freedom to learn, to dream, and to choose your own path.

Do not waste these gifts, because they were paid for by others.

Lest We Forget.

CAA Preparation Update

There is now just one week to go until the CAA exams begin in Week 5. It has been fantastic to see so many students taking practice exams home and actively preparing.

Many students in Years 10–13 have now been given access to the SmartLab platform and shown how to use it. SmartLab is a powerful learning tool that helps students identify the areas they need to focus on before their assessments. Once students complete the initial practice test, the platform generates targeted tutorials and practice activities to support their learning and build confidence.

We encourage all whānau to check in with their daughters about SmartLab and support them to complete their practice test as soon as possible. There is still time to make a real difference to their CAA preparation.

For students without access to a computer at home, the Library is available before and after school, as well as during break times.

A huge well done to the students attending after-school tutoring sessions, and a sincere thank you to the senior students who are generously giving up their own time to mentor others working towards their CAA credits. It has been wonderful to see such commitment and support within our school community. The combination of tutoring and SmartLab practice is proving to be a very effective way for students to prepare.

If students are unsure about their SmartLab login or access, please encourage them to get in touch so support can be provided.

If you were out and about after school this week, you likely saw three familiar faces working hard for a great cause. Niranjana, Hope, and Khushi spent three days in a row volunteering their time as collectors for the Salvation Army. Their persistence and cheerful energy made a real impression on the public, turning a standard afternoon commute into an opportunity for community kindness. The Salvation Army relies on the generosity of the public to support those in need, but that generosity is only possible when people like Niranjana, Hope, and Khushi step forward to help. Their commitment to service and their willingness to give back is a testament to their school spirit and kindness.

A massive thank you to this trio for proving that you’re never too young to make a meaningful difference. Your hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed!

We are incredibly proud of our students who represented HGHS at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aotearoa Youth Declaration event held recently at Iona College.

Year 12 students Khushi Bijalwan and Elizabeth Turner, along with Year 13 students Rahma Miah and Mennat Quazi, took part in this intensive leadership forum. The day challenged students to tackle complex global and local issues, beginning with a high-stakes simulation regarding the protection of Antarctica. Acting as environmental, security, and scientific advisors, our students debated policy decisions as if they were being presented directly to the New Zealand Government.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted closer to home, with students developing realistic solutions for Hawke’s Bay’s education, health, and infrastructure sectors. It is inspiring to see our seniors stepping up to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with such passion and intellect. We look forward to seeing how these young leaders continue to use their voices to advocate for positive change in our community and beyond.

What a fantastic week it has been! The energy around the school has been incredible, and we are so proud of the dedication and commitment our students are showing.

A special congratulations to Hyacinth and Eseta for achieving 100% attendance — an outstanding effort. We hope you both enjoy treating yourselves with your sushi vouchers.

Thank you to everyone for the positive momentum and effort you are bringing each day. Let’s keep it going into next week!

Careers & Workshops: Coming Up This Week

Keep an eye on these dates for upcoming workshops and guest presentations:

Date	Time	Event	Location
Mon 11 May	2:00pm – 3:00pm	Computer Science Workshop	Room 21
Wed 13 May	12:15pm	Queenstown Resort College (All Tourism students)	Room 14
Fri 15 May	8:45am	Waikato University Law Presentation	Library (Fiction end)
Fri 15 May	1:30pm	Camp America / Work Canada Presentation	Room T2 (Lunchtime)
Fri 15 May	2:00pm – 3:00pm	Police Class: Q&A with Former Students	Room T1

Huge congratulations to Irie Nikora, Year 9, on her selection for the Under 14 ANZMRL TEINA & RANGATAHI KOTIRO TOURNAMENT team 2026!
It is an incredible feat to go from a total Rugby League beginner to a national selection in just eight weeks. After leaving everything on the field with her Hastings Girls’ High School friends for the Ngāti Kahungunu U14s, it’s clear Irie’s natural athleticism—honed as a junior netballer—translated perfectly to the footy field.
With great coaching and her Dad’s expert tips from the sideline, she clearly stood out to the Aotearoa Rugby League scouts. We can’t wait to see her bring that same fire to the Pasifika Youth Cup Festival in October.

Our international girls’ group had an absolute blast this week land sailing with Blokart Napier!

The weather was perfect – just enough breeze to get moving, but thankfully not quite enough to take flight! Watching our girls hoon around the course with huge smiles was the highlight of the week, and they absolutely loved the experience.

A massive thank you to the team at Blokart for their expert guidance, patience, and for keeping our girls safe while they pushed the limits!

SENIOR B

VS Iona Senior A | 10:00AM | Court 3

VS NGHS Senior Blue | 10:30AM | Court 2

SENIOR BLUE

VS Woodford Senior White | 11:00AM | Court 18

VS Havelock North Kiwi | 12:00pM | Court 17

SENIOR RED

VS Havelock North Tui | 11:00AM | Court 4

VS Hukarere Girls Mataruahou | 11:30AM | Court 4

JUNIOR A

VS NGHS 10A | 11:00AM | Court 11

VS NGHS 9 Blue | 9:30AM | Court 11

JUNIOR B

vs Havelock North Junior A | 9:30AM | Court 6

VS NGHS 9 Blue | 10:00AM | Court 10

JUNIOR BLUE

VS Taradale Kikorangi | 8:00AM | Court 12

VS Tamatea Tohe | 8:30AM | Court13

JUNIOR RED

VS Karamū Aspiring | 8:00AM | Court 13

VS Havelock North Green | 9:00AM | Court 17

MONDAY 11 May

Prem Basketball | Lunch | School Gym

Senior A Netball | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | School Gym

Rugby | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | School field

TUESDAY 12 MAY

Badminton Juniors | Lunch | School Gym

Junior A & B Netball | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | School Gym

1st XI Football| 3:00pm – 4:30pm | School Field

WEDNESDAY 13 MAY

Junior Red & blue Netball | Lunch | School Gym

Senior B Netball | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | School Gym

1st XI Hockey | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | School Turf

Rugby | 3:00pm – 4:30pm | School Field

THURSDAY 14 MAY

Badminton Seniors | Lunch | School Gym

Junior Red netball | Lunch | School turf

FRIDAY 15 MAY

Senior B Netball | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | Sports park

Senior red netball | lunch | School gym

Senior Blue | 3:00pm – 4:30pm| School gym

MONDAY 11 MAY

Prem Basketball vs Woodford | 7:40pm | Centennial Hall

TUESDAY 12 MAY

Senior A Netball | Pettigrew Green Arena

vs Hastings Christian | 4:30pm | Court 7

vs St Joseph’s Māori Girls | 5:30pm | Court 4

vs Karamū | 6:00pm | Court 5

WEDNESDAY 13 MAY

1st X1 Football vs Sacred Heart | 4:00pm | Park Island 1

THURSDAY 14 MAY

1st X1 Hockey vs Havelock North | 4:15pm | Sports Park

Badminton b1 vs Taradale | 3:30pm | HGHS

Badminton c1 vs HCS | 3:30pm | Hastings Christian School

Badminton c2 vs CHB | 3:30pm | Flaxmere college

Badminton d1 vs Woodford | 3:30pm | Woodford house

Badminton d2 vs Karamū | 3:30pm | HGHS

Badminton d3 vs Karamū| 3:30pm | HGHS

Badminton d4 vs Flaxmere | 3:30pm | Flaxmere college

School Calendar