Term Two Week 9
Principal's Message
Tēnā koutou e te whānau
I hope you all had a restful long weekend and were able to enjoy the local Matariki celebrations with your whānau and wider community.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen some fantastic events across the kura. A huge congratulations to all involved in the inter-house netball competitions – well done to our participants and organisers for making this happen.
This week, we also celebrated our long-serving staff members, a wonderful way to end the term and come together as a kaiako whānau to show our appreciation. Special acknowledgement to:
Mrs Sue Eaton – 32 years of service
Mrs Heather Jones – 35 years of service
Mrs Robyn Fargher – 44 years of service
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou. These are incredible milestones in your careers, and it has been a privilege to celebrate and acknowledge your longstanding dedication to our community. E aku rangatira, tēnei te mihi maioha ki a koutou.
Sadly, we also farewell our wonderful Brazilian exchange students. You have become a part of our school whānau and we hope your time here has been as meaningful for you as it has been for us. Thank you for the joy and energy you’ve brought to our kura. We wish you all the very best for your journey home and for what lies ahead - you will be missed.
We’re excited to let you know that we will now be sending out a newsletter each term to keep you updated on what’s been happening both in and out of school. From classroom highlights to extracurricular achievements, this newsletter will be a great way to stay connected with all the wonderful things happening across our kura.
The newsletter will be sent to your email at the end of each term — and the very first edition will be sent out today!
As we close out the term – and my time as Acting Principal, I want to sincerely thank our ākonga, kaiako, and whānau for the trust, support, and learning you’ve shared with me. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve in this role over the term.
Next term, we welcome back our Tūmuaki, Catherine Bentley.
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday break. Take the time to rest and recharge – we look forward to seeing you refreshed in Term 3.
Ngā manaakitanga
Evelyn Leef
Student Details - Update Request Reminder
The Kamar Portal includes student and caregiver details currently listed in the school database. If you haven't done so already, we invite you to check these details and make any updates as needed.
It is particularly important to ensure your details are correct as there will be a School Board election held in September with nomination and voting information being sent out throughout Term 3.
You can access the Kamar Portal by using this link: https://hastingsgirls.school.kiwi/ The Parent Portal can also be accessed under the Portal Menu on the home page of the HGHS website at hastingsgirls.com. If you have forgotten your password please contact the school office.
Once you have logged on, click Details and make any changes needed to the following:
- Student Details
- Caregiver Details
- Emergency Contacts
- Medical Details
Thank you for helping us to keep our records up-to-date.
Year 11s Get a Glimpse into University Life
Yesterday we had the pleasure of welcoming back former student Noorpreet Jalaf, who spoke to a group of interested students about her journey studying Law at the University of Auckland. Now in her second year, Noorpreet shared valuable insights into university life — from moving away from home and living in halls of residence to the support systems and student groups available on campus.
She also gave a helpful overview of how a Law degree is structured, explained rank scores, and discussed options for conjoint study.
It was fantastic to see so many Year 11 students attending, actively exploring future pathways and doing their research early!
Celebrating Voices from Around the World – International Languages Week at HGHS
As part of International Languages Week, a proud group of Hastings Girls’ students took the stage to deliver speeches in their native languages — Samoan, Tuvaluan, Punjabi, Hindi, Malayalam, Te Reo Māori, Tongan, Sinhalese, Khmer, Portuguese, Bisaya, Thai, Tamil, Hiligaynon, and Tagalog!
With courage and cultural pride, they helped us celebrate the beauty of linguistic diversity. A huge thank you to our guest judges and to Mrs Beatty for supporting this incredible event. We’re so proud of our multilingual students for representing their cultures with such heart and mana.
Ko te reo te tuakiri – The language is the identity
Speaking Up: Our Debaters Take on the Future
Last week, two of our senior debating teams served up some decidedly delicious debating as they tackled the hot topic of Artificial Intelligence in universities. Facing off against Woodford House, both teams brought sharp arguments, cool composure, and a whole lot of critical thinking to the floor.
While the final verdict didn’t fall in our favour, the quality of performance was undeniable. Elizabeth Turner, Maia van den Berk, and Annah Frazerhurst impressed with their confidence and clarity. In our second team, Niharika Bukka, Pippa Yule, and Khyushi Bijalwan showed grit, grace, and great logic under pressure.
Debating is not just about winning — it’s about learning, listening, and having the courage to speak your mind. Our students did just that, and more.
We’re proud of their mahi and look forward to the next round!
Hastings Girls’ High School Crowned Hawke’s Bay U16 Rugby Champions
Hastings Girls’ High School U16s have been crowned Hawke’s Bay Rugby Champions after a thrilling 33–21 victory over fierce rivals Napier Girls’ High School. Capping off an incredible undefeated season, the team displayed exceptional skill, resilience, and unity throughout the competition.
A standout across all four weeks, Brooke Lemalu was named MVP for Hastings Girls, consistently leading by example and making a major impact on both sides of the ball. The hard-fought final was a fitting end to a dominant campaign, cementing Hastings Girls’ status as the region’s top U16 team.
Rivalry & Resilience: Hastings Girls’ Meets Manukura
A traditional sports fixture between Hastings Girls' and Manukura is an exciting annual event that showcases friendly rivalry and school spirit. It brings together students, staff, and alumni to compete, cheer, and celebrate teamwork and sportsmanship. This time-honoured match is a highlight of the school calendar, creating lasting memories and strengthening the community and school bonds. Our girls this year put up a good battle against a well drilled and fit Manukura side. We did not get the result we strived for but we did take away a lot of learning that will help us for our upcoming fixture.
Hastings Youth Council Fundraiser
The Hastings Youth Council is currently fundraising for our 2025 Youth Grants – an initiative that supports rangatahi to chase their dreams, whether it’s starting a business through the Young Enterprise Scheme or representing Aotearoa on the world stage in sport.
Last year we raised $5,000 and this year we’re aiming even higher to back more of our incredible youth.
To support this kaupapa, we’ve launched an epic sports raffle valued at $904 – with 100% of proceeds going directly to Youth Grants.
Tickets are just $20 each and by entering, you’re not just in to win – you’re helping our rangatahi succeed.
What’s in the pack?
10x Courtside Tickets to the Hawks vs Auckland Tuatara game – 5 July
Nike drink bottle + backpack
Cosy hoodie + beanie
Māori All Blacks rugby ball
Molten basketball
Super Strike voucher – 1 game for 2 adults
Winner drawn 3 July and contacted directly.
Reach out to Mennat at quamen@hastingsgirls.com if you're interested in entering.
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
School Calendar Link