Term Three Week 1
Senior Students at the Market Expo today
Principal's Message
Kia ora e te whānau
Nau mai hoki mai ki te kura — welcome back to Term 3! It has been wonderful to see our ākonga return with positive energy and a sense of purpose. I hope you all managed to enjoy some rest and whānau time over the break.
We began the term with a whole-school assembly focused on self-discipline and goal setting, using the metaphor of a shopping mall map: in order to know how to get to your destination, you need to know where you’re currently standing. Our message to students was clear — small, consistent efforts over time lead to real progress, whether it’s in academic achievement, attendance, or personal goals. This term is a crucial one, especially for seniors, as the road toward external exams becomes very real.
One of the great joys of Term 3 is watching our students represent our kura in a wide range of winter sports. I’ve had the chance to get out on the sidelines this week and am so proud of the sportsmanship, determination, and pride our ākonga display. A heartfelt thank you to our coaches, managers, teachers, and whānau who support our teams week after week. Your time, transport, cheerleading and care for our students does not go unnoticed — we couldn’t do it without you.
Academically, this is a key term. For seniors, assessment deadlines and exam preparation start to ramp up. For our junior students, feedback from their end-of-term Common Assessment Tasks will be coming home over the next week or so. These results help us — and you — track progress and identify where further support or extension might be needed. It's also a valuable way to keep students focused on the steps they’re taking now to prepare for success in the senior school. Well done to our senior business students for their fabulous Senior Market Expo today at lunchtime. It was awesome to see our students sharing their products and new found knowledge with their peers. Watch this space for the Farmers Markets Young Enterprise Scheme.
A key event on our calendar this term is our Open Evening, where we open our doors to prospective students and their whānau. It’s an opportunity to showcase the incredible learning, leadership, culture, and opportunities we offer here at Hastings Girls’ High School – Ngā Rau Huia o Ākina.
If you know someone who is considering their high school options — whether it’s friends, whānau, neighbours or workmates — we would love your support in encouraging them to attend. Your voice and experience as part of our community is powerful. When others hear from you about the positive things happening here, it helps them see the potential and belonging that exists within our kura. Open Evening is a great chance to see our students shine, meet our staff, and learn more about what makes our school special.
Thank you for your ongoing support. We are looking forward to a full and purposeful term ahead, and as always, we’re here if you need anything.
Ngā manaakitanga
Catherine Bentley
Open Evening
6.00 - 7.30pm, Tuesday 29 July 2025
We welcome all Year 7/8 students and whānau to join us for an open evening where you can explore our school and meet some of our staff and students. There will be an opportunity to hear from our Principal and learn more about our academic programmes and enrolment process.
What to Expect on the Night
Our Open Evening begins at 6:00pm in the School Hall with a welcome from our Principal, Catherine Bentley.
Following this, you'll have the opportunity to explore a range of interactive subject stations set up around the school. These include:
Core learning areas and specialist subjects
Information about our electives, academic programmes and learning pathways
Displays on sports, performing arts, careers, student leadership, and more
Uniform guidance and enrolment support
You can choose to take a self-guided walk through the spaces that interest you most, or join one of our personalised guided tours led by our staff.
Our Open Evening is designed to be tailored to your interests, giving you the chance to ask questions, meet our staff and students, and discover what Hastings Girls’ High School has to offer.
We also warmly invite you to book a personal one-on-one tour during the school day — a great way to see our learning environment in action.
Early Finish on Tuesday 29 July
We will be holding our Open Evening on Tuesday 29 July, and as part of our preparations, the school day will finish early at 1:00pm.
Students will still attend all four of their timetabled classes, each running for one hour. Instead of a lunch break, morning tea will be provided.
Students who usually travel home by bus are welcome to remain at school until 3:00pm if needed.
Thank you for your support as we prepare to welcome prospective students and their whānau.
Year 9 Scholarships for 2026
Scholarship applications close 4pm on Friday 8 August 2025.
Applicants will then be shortlisted and interviews will be held during the week of
18-22 August.
To apply: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1d8d1878651e404ba424832170fb4362
Get on board!
Nominate yourself or someone you know to be a school board member.
Nominations are open for the election of five parent representatives to the Hastings Girls' High School Board.
Please read information attached.
Student Safety After School – Please Support Our Crossing Guidelines
We kindly ask all parents and caregivers to support our efforts in keeping students safe after school by ensuring your child uses the pedestrian crossing on Pakowhai Road.
We have had several near misses recently where students have attempted to run across the road to meet waiting parents, narrowly avoiding passing vehicles. This is extremely concerning, and we are asking for your help.
Please speak with your child and remind them they must use the crossing, even if you are parked on the opposite side of the road. We also ask that you do not signal for them to cross outside of the designated area.
Thank you for helping us keep all of our students safe.
Winter Illness Reminder
As we move through the colder months, illnesses such as colds, flu, and other respiratory viruses—including RSV—are common in schools and early learning settings. These viruses spread easily through coughs, sneezes, and close contact. RSV can be particularly serious for babies and young children, sometimes leading to pneumonia or bronchiolitis.
Watch for these symptoms:
Runny nose
Coughing or sneezing
Fever, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
Loss of appetite
Trouble feeding due to breathlessness
Please help us keep our school community well by following these reminders:
Keep your child at home if they are unwell, and return them to school only once they are feeling better and symptom-free.
Tamariki should stay home for at least 24 hours after cold or flu symptoms (e.g. cough, runny nose) have resolved.
Encourage regular handwashing with soap and thorough drying to help stop the spread of illness.
Seek immediate medical care if your child has shortness of breath or rapid breathing.
Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and healthy this winter.
Watch Our Showquest Performance!
We’re excited to share the link to our amazing Showquest entry from last term! Our students put their heart and soul into this powerful performance, showcasing creativity, talent, and teamwork on stage.
A huge thank you to everyone involved—students, staff, whānau, and supporters—for bringing this vision to life. We are so proud of what our performers achieved!
Farewell to Our Brazilian Sisters
Até Logo, Not Goodbye
On the final day of Term 2, we said a heartfelt farewell to our wonderful Brazilian students as they completed their time here at Hastings Girls’ High School. Over the past two terms, these incredible young women have brought colour, joy, and a vibrant energy to our kura that will be deeply missed. They participated fully in school life, brought fresh perspectives to the classroom, and shared their beautiful culture with warmth and pride. Though it’s always hard to say goodbye, we know their next chapters will be just as bright as their time here. Thank you for your smiles, your laughter, and your friendship.
Boa sorte e até logo — good luck and see you soon!
Fired Up and Fearless: HGHS Hosts Round 2 of the Secondary Schools Debating Competition
On a crisp winter afternoon, Hastings Girls’ High School proudly hosted Woodford House for Round 2 of the Secondary Schools Debating Competition — and what an energising contest it turned out to be.
The moot for the round was a timely and thought-provoking one:
"This House Supports Student Climate Strikes."
With only 30 minutes of limited preparation, both teams had to think fast, structure their arguments under pressure, and get ready to stand their ground. In this round, both of our HGHS teams were on the negative, while the Woodford teams took the affirmative.
In the battle of ideas, our Senior A team of Maia van den Berk, Elizabeth Turner, and Mennat Quazi came out on top, securing a well-deserved win against Woodford’s polished Year 12 team. Their calm logic, strategic rebuttal, and confident delivery proved decisive. Well done.
Meanwhile, our Senior B team — made up of Pippa Yule, Khushi Bijalwan, and Niharika Bukka — faced an experienced and articulate Woodford Year 13 side. Despite a spirited and intelligent performance, the win went to Woodford in this round. Still, the learning, camaraderie, and sheer thrill of stepping into the debating arena were victories in themselves.
A big thanks goes to all our girls for getting stuck in and giving it their all. Debate requires quick thinking, teamwork, and the courage to speak your mind under pressure — and both teams did us proud.
Ka rawe kōtiro mā
Workplace Experience at Brittany House
During Term 2, five of our students had the incredible opportunity to complete a work placement at Brittany House Residential Care in Hastings.
Attending one day a week, they gained hands-on experience and built valuable skills while working alongside the amazing team caring for residents.
The students loved their time at Brittany House, and we’re so grateful for the generous thank-you gifts they received in recognition of their efforts.
A huge thank you to the team at Brittany House for welcoming our students and helping them grow in their chosen career path!
Newlife Shines at Entrepreneurs in Action 2025
We’re incredibly proud of Newlife Faleone, Year 12, who recently took part in the Entrepreneurs in Action (EIA) programme, an unforgettable and inspiring experience that brought together some of Aotearoa’s brightest young minds.
Initially feeling nervous, she quickly found her stride as part of Team ACCENTURE, a group of supportive, creative, and driven individuals. With the guidance of a dedicated mentor and strong teamwork, the group aced their very first challenge — taking out first place on the opening night! That win set the tone for an amazing weekend full of learning, growth, and connection.
Throughout the programme, she gained valuable knowledge about business and entrepreneurship, built confidence, and stepped outside her comfort zone. The experience left her feeling proud, inspired, and excited about the future.
A huge thank you to @YES (Young Enterprise Scheme) for creating such a welcoming and empowering environment. Your support made this opportunity one to remember.
Ka mau te wehi!
Sunrise Hut Adventure Wrap-Up
To cap off Term 2, the Year 10 Outdoor Hub ventured up to Sunrise Hut for an overnight trip! The climb was a challenge, but spirits were high and the views made it all worth it.
The evening was full of laughs, endless noodles, and some hilarious possum encounters (we're still not sure who was more scared – the possums or the girls!). A light dusting of snow added to the adventure, but morning cloud cover meant no sunrise for us.
Once the skies cleared, though, we were treated to some seriously epic views.
This overnight trip was the perfect way to wrap up the term and bring our learning about Te Ngahere to life."
Explore Massey!
Free Bus to Manawatū Open Day 6 August
Free Bus to Massey University Open Day – Manawatū Campus
Wednesday 6 August 2025
Keen to explore what university life is really like? Massey University is offering a free bus for Hawke’s Bay students who would like to attend their Open Day at the Manawatū campus.
This is a fantastic opportunity to check out study options, meet lecturers and students, and get a real feel for life on campus. If you're considering Massey as a future study destination, we highly recommend you attend.
Free Bus Details
Departs: 6:00am – Hastings Cenotaph
Pick-up on route: 6:55am – outside Thornton Lodge Motel, 2307 Takapau Road, Waipukurau
A Massey staff member will travel with the group.
To attend, you must register online:
Register here
Once you’ve registered, Massey will email a parent permission form. Your spot on the bus will be confirmed once the signed form is returned.
You can also view the full Open Day schedule and register your attendance here: Massey University Open Day 2025 – Manawatū
Let us know if you have any questions — we hope to see lots of our girls taking up this opportunity!
Experience University Life:
Hands-On at Otago
Applications for the 2026 Hands-On at Otago programme open on Monday 14 July 2025!
This is a fantastic opportunity for current Year 11 and 12 students (who will be in Years 12 and 13 in 2026) to experience a full week of student life at Otago University. Participants stay in a residential college, explore a subject area of their choice, and take part in academic workshops, social activities, and campus life — all while connecting with students from around the country.
The programme runs from Sunday 11 January to Friday 16 January 2026, with over 20 subjects to choose from across Business, Health Sciences, Humanities, and Science.
Places are limited, so we encourage students to put real thought and effort into their applications. Scholarships are available and we strongly recommend students apply for one.
For more information on subjects, scholarships, accommodation, costs, and how to apply, visit: otago.ac.nz/hands-on-at-otago
Let us know if you’re interested or have any questions — we’d love to support your application!
Maleta Pailate Shines at NZ U18 Rugby Camp
Massive shoutout to Year 13 student and member of the school's 1st XV Rugby team Maleta Pailate who travelled to Hamilton in the second week of the holidays to take part in the NZ U18's Rugby camp and North vs South game. This was a great opportunity for Maleta to rub shoulders with the best school girls rugby talent in the country as well as showcasing her own skillset. We look forward to seeing Maleta thrive in the rugby scene and wish her the best of luck for her next opportunities.
Netball Draw - Saturday 19 July
Menu for Week 2
Thinking About a Career in the Police? Come Along to the Hastings Recruitment Seminar
If you're interested in a career that makes a real difference, here's an exciting opportunity to learn more about joining the New Zealand Police.
The Hastings Police are hosting a Recruitment Seminar and we encourage all students and whānau — especially those from our diverse school community — to attend and find out how you could help keep our communities safe.
Event Details:
Tuesday 26 August 2025
5:30pm
Hastings Central Police Station — 102 Eastbourne Street West, Hastings
At this seminar, you'll hear directly from the Police recruitment team about what’s involved in the application process, what it takes to become a Police Officer and the different roles available.
How to Register:
Email HB.Recruitment@police.govt.nz or visit newcops.govt.nz for more information.
This is a great way to start your journey toward a meaningful and rewarding career — don’t miss out!
The Illuminati Night Ride
The Illuminati Night Ride is organised by Bike Hawke's Bay to promote safe cycling and having fun. It is supported by Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga.
School Calendar
We have another busy term ahead so 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
https://www.hastingsgirls.com/school-calendar/