Term Two Week 4
Principal's Message
Tēna Koutou Katoa,
The week began with our participation in the Showquest, where we placed 2nd overall and won a series of awards for the evening, and to Sharon Faalelea, who took home the ‘Whetū Rangatahi’ for the overall Senior Performer of the evening. I would like to congratulate and thank all of our ākonga; we are incredibly proud of you all. I also want to thank our teachers and whānau for their hard work and commitment to getting our ākonga to the stage.
Thank you to our senior ākonga whānau who attended the parent-teacher interviews this week. Despite the cold evenings, we appreciate your commitment and time.
Our first week of CAA literacy and numeracy exams have ended, with one more week to go. You can catch up next week if you missed your scheduled time this week. Well done to those of you who sat the exams, and we wish you all the best with your results.
Today, our combined Hastings Girls’ High School | Ngā Rau Huia o Ākina and Hastings Boys’ High School Kapa Haka group, Te Rōpū Manu Huia, performed at the Hārō o te Kāhu Regional Kapa Haka Competition. This campaign has been ongoing since the start of Term One, and I would like to thank our tutors, teachers and ākonga involved in this mahi rangatira. This also could not have been possible without the support of our whānau - ngā mihi aroha ki a koutou katoa. We wish them all the best with the outcome, and the results are to follow.
Next week, due to King's Birthday the following week, we decided to bring Samoan Language week forward to allow a whole week experience and celebration. We look forward to the week's arrangements, with the 'ava ceremony to open, followed by the school assembly led by our Samoan aiga on Monday.
I wish you all a safe and enjoyable weekend.
Ngā mihi mahana ki a koutou katoa.
What a Night at ShowQuest!
Our amazing HGHS students lit up the stage at Toitoi with their powerful performance "This is Us", earning 2nd place overall at the Hawke’s Bay regional ShowQuest competition!
The performance challenged stereotypes and celebrated the diversity and spirit of our school. Massive credit to Mia, who choreographed and led the entire piece as part of her Level 3 Dance course – your leadership and creativity were outstanding!
The cast poured in hours of practice and gave everything on stage – we couldn’t be prouder. A huge shoutout to Sharon, who was named Top Senior Performer, and to the team for also earning Excellence in Culture and Music and recognition in Art and Dance.
Thank you to our Performing Arts Captains, all the students, and the staff who supported this mahi. You showed our wider community what HGHS is all about – teamwork, talent, and heart.
Ka mau te wehi, team HGHS!
Pink Shirt Day
Last Friday, HGHS turned pink for a powerful cause — and raised $262 in support of Pink Shirt Day!
We proudly joined Aotearoa in standing up against bullying, supporting the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand’s mission to promote kindness, inclusion, and respect.
Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!
Thank you to everyone who wore pink and donated!
House Haka Competition Showcases School Spirit
On Wednesday, we held our much-anticipated annual House Haka competition—a celebration of pride, unity, and cultural strength.
Each house delivered a powerful and passionate performance, showcasing not only their dedication to the haka but also the strength of their teamwork and school spirit.
A huge congratulations to Purple House, who took out the top spot with an outstanding performance. Blue House followed closely in second place, with Gold House securing third.
Ka rawe to all our students involved—you made the day unforgettable!
HGHS Musicians Shine at Hawke’s Bay Festival of Bands
On Sunday 18 May, a group of talented Hastings Girls’ High School musicians performed at the Hawke’s Bay Festival of Bands as part of the Concord Band, a combined group made up of students from HGHS and Lindisfarne College.
The band competed against 13 others from across the North Island, including school and community groups from Cambridge, Hamilton, and Palmerston North. Our students have been working hard in rehearsals leading up to the festival, and their commitment paid off with a polished and high-quality performance.
A special mention goes to Summer Gifkins, who featured on flute with several beautiful solos, setting a musical and atmospheric tone in one of the band’s key pieces.
The Concord Band was awarded a Silver—an excellent result that reflects the dedication and skill of all involved.
Next up, the band is preparing for the NZCBA National Festival in July, where they’ll travel to Wellington for performances and workshops. We’re incredibly proud of our musicians and look forward to seeing them continue to grow and shine.
University/Careers Visits
Monday 26 May - Queenstown Resort College - Library -11.20am
Tuesday 27 May - NZ Career Expo - PGA - 9am
Wednesday 28 May - AUT Presentation - 1.45pm
Thursday 29 May - PIHMS Hotel Management - Library - 9.45am
Wednesday 4 June - Futureopoly - Tomoana Showgrounds - 9.30am
Wednesday 11 June - Girls in Hi-Vis - All day
Wednesday 18 June - Girls with Hi-Vis - All day
Monday 11 August - Whakapiki Ake Māori Science Students - Library
Thursday 15 August - University Of Canterbury Course Planning - 9.45am
Netball Draw
Important Dates
Monday 26 May
Samoan Language Week
Queenstown Resort College Tourism Presentation
Student Lead Assembly
Ava Ceremony
Year 9 Outdoors Hub Bush Day
Tuesday 27 May
Year 10 Visual Arts Public Art Tour
Year 12 NZ Career Expo
International Director Hui
Wednesday 28 May
Tinā Movie Screening -- Y9 Te Moana nui ā Kiwa
Thursday 28 May
PIHMS Hotel Management School Presentation (selected year 12/13)
Year 9 Exploring the Outdoors Elective Blowhard Bush Reserve
Friday 30 May
Year 10 Outdoor Hub Bush Day
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Monday 2 June
Public Holiday - King's Birthday
Tuesday 3 June
Schools' Pride Week Aotearoa
L3 PE Rotorua Camp
Wednesday 4 June
Futuropoly Careers Event for Year 11 cohort
House Concert - Gold
Thursday 5 June
Gym visits 10 Sports Science
Year 9 & Year 10 Contemporary Innovation Hub Bridges to Schools
Friday 6 June
House Concert - Blue
Rainbow Mufti Day
School Calendar
Please keep an eye on the school calendar to ensure that students are arriving at school prepared for the day's activities. You can find the calendar in the drop down menu of our website or click on the link below
Calendar Link
Menu - Week 5
