Term Three Week 2
Principal's Message
Kia ora e te whānau
There is a real buzz of activity around the kura this week as we step into a term full of opportunity and celebration.
Student Leadership 2026 – Applications Open
The process to select our 2026 student leaders is officially underway. Students are currently submitting their applications and we’re looking forward to hearing them speak to the student body about their vision, values, and hopes for the year ahead. This is always an inspiring time in our school calendar and we’re excited to see the next generation of leaders emerge.
Board of Trustees Elections
An email was sent out earlier this week regarding the upcoming Board of Trustees elections. This is a wonderful opportunity to be part of the governance of our kura and help shape the future for all ākonga. We encourage anyone interested to consider putting themselves forward—your voice matters.
Open Evening – Next Week!
We’re excited to welcome prospective students and their whānau to our Open Evening next week. In the lead-up, our team has been out and about visiting contributing schools—always a highlight. This year, they’ve been joined by our newly appointed Junior Leader team who in many cases returned to their former schools and connected with familiar faces. They’ve been superb ambassadors for our kura, confidently sharing their experiences and what they love most about being part of Ngā Rau Huia o Ākina.
Fiafia Night – A Celebration of Culture
Fiafia is coming up soon and the anticipation is building! Our students have been practising for weeks and are ready to take the stage in this vibrant celebration of culture and identity. It’s a joyous occasion that reflects the diversity and pride of our school community. We can’t wait to see you there!
Thank you for your continued support. Please keep an eye on our school calendar and social media channels for details on upcoming events and important dates.
Ngā manaakitanga
Reminder - 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.
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.
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.
Junior Reports – Year 9 & 10
Junior reports for Year 9 and 10 students will be emailed home on Friday afternoon. If you haven’t received one, please check your spam or junk folder first. If it's not there, email Mr Orr at or@hastingsgirls.com with your updated email address.
Ākina Group Photos Now on Sale
Ākina Group photos are now ready and available to order.
Please use the link provided below to place your order:
Link to Order Ākina Group Photos
Get yours today and keep a lasting memory of 2025.
Concord Band Shines at National Festival
Over the weekend, a talented group of musicians from Hastings Girls’ High School and Lindisfarne College travelled to Wellington to represent our schools at the New Zealand Concert Bands Association (NZCBA) Festival.
As one of only three school bands among a field of adult community and regional ensembles, the Concord Band proudly held their own — earning a well-deserved Bronze Certificate!
The trip was filled with unforgettable experiences, including a special performance at Ashhurst School, taking the stage at the main festival venue, connecting with fellow musicians from around Aotearoa, and soaking up the magic of the NZRAF Band’s Saturday night concert.
"It was a great learning experience – it was amazing to see other people perform and meet other musicians from around the country. It was an awesome trip to be a part of." – Pippa, Summer & Sulu
Rezpect Dance Crews Represent Aotearoa on the World Stage
A huge congratulations to our talented students who travelled to Dubai as part of Rezpect Dance Crew, proudly representing New Zealand at the World Supremacy Battlegrounds Dance Championships – the first official hip-hop competition ever held in the Emirate!
The group departed on 7 July and arrived in Dubai on the 8th, returning home on 15 July after an unforgettable international experience.
Alongside days of training, sightseeing, and cultural exchange, the team took part in the event’s opening ceremony, where they joined fellow NZ performers in presenting a powerful haka to showcase our culture with pride.
Despite the scorching 45°C heat, our students performed exceptionally on the world stage. We are incredibly proud of their achievements:
🥈 Rezpect Mega – 2nd place
🥈 Rezpect INC – 2nd place
🥉 Rezpect YG – 7th place
EIT Presentation - Wednesday 30 July
Keen to study at EIT but not sure where to start? Come along to their presentation on Wednesday 30 July at 9:45am in the Library to find out more about the wide range of programmes available.
EIT offers certificate, diploma, and degree courses across many industries including:
Trades – Building, Automotive, Electrical, Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Hospitality
Degrees – Social Work, Nursing, Business, Bachelor of Arts (Māori), Early Childhood and Primary Teaching, Sport and Exercise Science, Viticulture
All Year 12 and 13 students are welcome to attend. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your future study options!
Extra Support for NCEA Science & Maths – Try InTuition Tutoring
We’re happy to share a great opportunity for students needing extra support in NCEA Science and Maths.
InTuition Tutoring NZ offers online tutoring for NCEA Levels 1–3 and Scholarship in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, and Statistics. Their tutors are experienced university students who are passionate about helping others succeed.
All tutors have been police-vetted, and lessons are held in a safe, supportive online environment.
If you're looking to boost your confidence and get ahead in your studies, this could be a great option!
📚 For more information, visit https://www.intuitiontutoringnz.com/
Netball Draw - Saturday 26 July
1st XV Run Rapid against Napier Girls
Last Wednesday, our 1st XV Rugby team travelled to Napier Girls' High School for the third round of the PTS Cup Rugby Competition. Both teams came into the match unbeaten, which set up an exciting contest.
Our girls got off to an outstanding start, leading 40–0 at halftime with some brilliant team play and impressive individual performances. Napier came out firing in the second half, testing our defence, but our girls stood strong, keeping them scoreless.
With some magic from our players, we wrapped up a convincing 57–0 win, securing a spot in the final next weekend in Feilding.
A huge thanks to PTS Logistics for sponsoring our girls in this competition!
Menu for Week 3
Important Dates
Monday 28 July
2026 Student Leadership Applications Open
House Assembly
Peak Walk - Yr 9 OUT
PISA Testing
Rangatahi Wananga - Maia Dreams
Tuesday 29 July
Level 2 PE and Outdoor Education Taupō Camp
Open Evening
Early Finish - 1pm
Wednesday 30 July
EIT Presentation
Thursday 31 July
Junior English Language Whānau Evening #1
Friday 1 August
House Concert
Senior Reports
Saturday 2 August
PTS Cup - Girl's Rugby Competition
Monday 4 August
2026 Student Leader Candidates Speeches
School Assembly
Tuesday 5 August
Yr 9 and Yr 10 Outdoor Hub Mangatepopo Camp
2026 Student Leader Candidates Speeches - Continued
Puhoro Stem
Wednesday 6 August
2026 Student Leader Candidates Speeches - Continued
HGHS BOT Meeting
Thursday 7 August
House Debating - Junior
Junior English Language Whānau Evening #2
Ātea Rangi and Waka Hourua Trip
Friday 8 August
Cultural Day
House Debating - Seniors
Scholarship Applications Close
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
Link to School Calendar