Term Two Week 5
Principal's Message
Talofa lava!
Last Friday, our rōpū Kapa Haka - Te Rōpū Manu Huia placed second at the Haaro o te Kaahu regional Kapa Haka competition. This is a massive achievement, and it means we are heading to the National Kapa Haka competition in Tauranga Moana in 2026! Kei runga noa atu koutou katoa!
This week, we celebrate Gagana Samoa - Samoan Language Week. We began the week with the Ava Ceremony, officially opening the event, followed by a beautiful assembly where our Samoan aiga displayed a great sense of pride through song, dance, and the Samoan anthem.
This round of CAA examinations has now come to an end. Congratulations to all students who participated over the past two weeks. The next round of CAA’s will be held in Week 8 of Term 3.
Our Careers department has been working diligently over the past few weeks to arrange opportunities for our students to explore future careers and higher education options. This has stimulated exciting conversations among students and sparked discussions in classes with teachers on how they can work towards achieving what is required to access particular pathways. Ngā mihi ki a koutou.
Next week, our Level 3 Outdoor class heads off to Rotorua from Tuesday to Friday to explore the great outdoors, where they will experience a range of new and exciting activities. We wish them a safe and adventurous time in Te Arawa.
We hope you all enjoy a safe and relaxing long weekend. We will see you all next week on Tuesday.
Tōfa soifua
Samoan Language Week
We kicked off Samoan Language Week yesterday with a powerful and meaningful ‘Ava Ceremony.
Deeply rooted in Samoan tradition, the ‘Ava Ceremony holds great cultural and historical importance. It’s more than just a ritual — it represents respect, unity, and the acceptance of all who take part. Traditionally led by matai (chiefs), the ceremony is a key part of our social customs and is performed during significant occasions, such as welcoming guests and community gatherings.
We’re proud to honor and celebrate this vital part of our heritage as we embraced the week ahead.
Manuia le afiafi! 🌺
Reminder: No School Monday!
A friendly reminder that Monday, 3 June is King’s Birthday — a public holiday across Aotearoa. That means no school for the day!
Enjoy the long weekend, get some rest, and we’ll see everyone back at school on Tuesday, 4 June.
Stay safe and have a great break!
Junior Parent-Teacher/Whānau Interviews
We invite all parents and whānau of our junior students to attend the upcoming Parent-Teacher/Whānau Interviews on Tuesday 10 June, from 3:30pm to 6:15pm in the school hall.
To book your interview times, please use the following link:
🔗 https://www.schoolinterviews.co.nz/code/9kvkf
An email was sent out on Friday with details about your student’s teachers and subjects to help you make your bookings.
If you need assistance with the booking process, feel free to contact the school office during school hours on (06) 873 1133.
We look forward to seeing you there and working together to support your child’s learning journey.
Keen to be a Peer Tutor?
We’re looking for senior students who are interested in supporting other students through peer tutoring, particularly in subjects like Maths, English, and Science. Right now, there is high demand for Maths tutors, so if you’re confident in this subject, we’d love to hear from you!
Why get involved?
* Support your peers in one-on-one or small group sessions
* Work around your own schedule — lunchtime, after school, whenever suits
* Gain valuable leadership and communication skills
* Strengthen your CV or university applications
* Earn a student tutoring badge and request a teacher testimonial to support your future goals
If you’re interested, email Mennat at quamen@hastingsgirls.com. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference and grow your own skills too!
Te Rōpū Manu Huia Kapa Haka Results
Te Rōpū Manu Huia Kapa Haka Results from Te Haaro o te Kaahu Regional Kapa Haka Competition - we are off to Nationals 2026!
Waiata Tira - 1st =
Kākahu- 2nd
Manukura Tāne (Shaedyn Tangohau) - 1st =
Manukura Wāhine (Turquoise Hawkins-Kemp) - 2ND
Whakaeke - 3rd
Mōteatea - 2nd =
Waiata ā ringa - 1st =
Poi - 2nd =
Haka - 1ST =
Whakawātea - 3rd =
Celebrating Student Success at the Hawke's Bay Year 12 Art Exhibition
We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible success of three outstanding Year 12 photography students from Hastings Girls’ High School whose work has been recognised at the Hawke’s Bay Year 12 Art Exhibition, currently showing at the Hastings Community Arts Centre (106 Russell Street South) until 6 June.
Sisifolau Vaitaiki took home the coveted Best in Show award. The judge described her work as “exceptional,” praising the use of light, leading lines, bold negative space, and clever depth of field. They called it “an example of how individual key elements come together to achieve an overall harmonious and captivating shot.”
Doris Crichton was awarded Best Pasifika Art in Show for her photograph which the judge said “communicates cultural pride,” noting its beautiful use of tone, colour, and composition. “The use of leading lines effectively guides the viewer’s eye and creates balance within the frame, resulting in an overall striking image.”
Kerima-Jaye King received Best Photography in Show. Her powerful image, featuring a taiaha, was described as captivating and impressive. “The eyes of the taiaha pierced through me,” said the judge, who admired the composition, lighting, and use of negative space.
These accolades are a testament to the creativity, vision, and technical skill of our students. Under the guidance of photography teacher Ms Jennifer Dickerson, our students continue to produce thoughtful and visually compelling work that speaks to identity, heritage, and self-expression.
Be sure to visit the exhibition to view their award-winning work in person — you won’t want to miss it!
A Journey of Connection and Discovery — Our Trip to Te Matau a Māui and Ātea a Rangi
The day started with cold, howling winds. We had been told prior to the trip to wear warm, comfortable clothing since it was going to take place near the beach. Everyone in the class met in Room 3, where Mrs Beatty gave a short debrief on what the day would look like and where we would be visiting. After that, we all headed to the vans in our assigned groups. My group was lucky to have Whaea Jen as our driver, while the other group travelled with Mrs Beatty.
On the way to our destination, the van was filled with laughter, exhaustion, and gossip. I could feel the anticipation in the air — and I could also feel the excitement bubbling inside me.
When we arrived, we were greeted by a captivating waka docked at the port. Mesmerised by its beauty, we moved closer for a better look. A lovely lady introduced herself as Whaea Michelle and told us the name of the waka: Te Matau a Māui, which translates to The Fish Hook of Māui.
As we boarded the waka, I was overwhelmed with emotion. It felt like I was meeting ancestors I had never known. It was as if I were connected to the waka itself. We learned so much — its history, the places it had travelled, the various names it had carried, and the different parts that made up this incredible vessel. Exploring the sleeping quarters was genuinely the highlight of my day. It was amazing to see such a unique structure — so different from what we’re used to in everyday life.
After our visit to the waka, we set off to see the Ātea a Rangi Star Compass. There, we learned about the journeys of the Takitimu waka and how it travelled through different countries to trade resources. We also discovered traditional ways of navigating — how to find our way home using the stars, the sun, and environmental markers. We were taught how constellations relate to direction, and how our ancestors used these celestial patterns as guides.
Afterwards, we took time to explore the Star Compass and took group photos to capture the memories of this special day.
In conclusion, this trip gave us the opportunity to connect with our ancestors and offered an experience that will stay with us forever. It allowed us to explore not only our own culture but also appreciate the knowledge and traditions of others. The day was filled with discovery, learning, and moments of connection. I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of this amazing adventure — and I hope to return one day with my family.
By Daphney Vea, Year 11
Year 9 Outdoors Hub Adventure!
On Monday, our Year 9 Outdoors Hub students headed out on an awesome excursion to Mohi Bush and Waimārama Beach! The focus of the day was whanaungatanga—building strong connections—as well as exploring the natural environment through Science and Maths.
Using measurement skills, bush identification, and learning about forest layering, the girls deepened their understanding of the bush while enjoying some hands-on learning. They were a fantastic group to take out and really made the most of the experience.
We’re hoping to fit in another adventure before the end of term—watch this space!
University/Careers Visits
Wednesday 4 June - Futureopoly - Tomoana Showgrounds - 9.30am
Wednesday 11 June - Girls in Hi-Vis - All day
Wednesday 11 June - Waikato University - 8.30am - Library
Wednesday 18 June - Girls with Hi-Vis - All day
Wednesday 30 July - EIT Presentation
Monday 11 August - Whakapiki Ake Māori Science Students - Library
Thursday 15 August - University Of Canterbury Course Planning - 9.45am
Important Dates
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
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Monday 9 June
International Languages Week
School Assembly
Tuesday 10 June
Gym visits - 10 Sports Science
Inter House Sport - Netball
Junior Parent/Teacher Interviews
Wednesday 11 June
Big Sing
Girls with Hi-Vis - Unison
Otago University Science Quiz
Waikato STEM Visits Nursing / Business Schools
Thursday 12 June
Year 9 Exploring the Outdoors Elective Atea a Rangi, White Pine and Waipataki
Friday 13 June
Ngā Manu Kōrero
Senior Ball
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 6
