Term Three Week 5
Principal's Message
Kia ora e te whānau
This week has reminded me just how vibrant and connected our kura truly is. From culture to competition, exams to enterprise — our ākonga continue to show up, shine, and support one another in ways that make us proud every day.
Fiafia Night was once again a beautiful celebration of identity and belonging. The packed hall, the energy on stage, and the support from whānau reflected the strength of our community and the pride our girls take in who they are. The performances were joyful, moving, and powerful. To all involved — ngā mihi maioha. You’ve given our whole school something to treasure.
We’ve also had plenty of action on and off the field. Our 1st XV rugby team showed resilience and heart in their Hurricanes Semi Final against a strong St Mary’s side. We’re incredibly proud of the way they carried themselves. At the same time, our students proudly represented us at the Rugby League 9s Festival, continuing to build our reputation as a kura that values teamwork, community, and sporting spirit.
As we move into Benchmark Exam week, I want to acknowledge the focus and preparation many of our students have shown. These assessments are an important part of academic growth, and we know our students are ready to give it their best.
Looking ahead, we also want to acknowledge the upcoming PPTA strike action. These events can be disruptive, and we are doing all we can to ensure minimal impact on student learning. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
This week we warmly welcomed to our visiting Japanese students — we hope your time at HGHS is filled with connection, learning, and lasting friendships.
Finally, congratulations to our incoming Board of Trustees members, Brendon Jones, Moira Fomai, Nicole Vakatini, Paul Drower and Stacey Tito. As well as our returning staff rep Candyce Keelan. We’re grateful for the leadership and care you bring to our kura.
As always, thank you to every student, staff member, and whānau who continues to contribute to the life of Hastings Girls’. It is through your commitment that our school thrives.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Catherine Bentley
Principal – Tumuaki
Hastings Girls’ High School
Benchmark Exams: Week 18–22 August
Benchmark Exams will be taking place throughout next week from
Monday 18 August to Friday 22 August (including Wednesday 20 August during the Strike).
Students who have an exam should meet in the Hall foyer beforehand.
For the Level 1 English exam, students will be directed to their allocated exam rooms from the foyer.
If you do not have an exam, you are expected to attend your normal timetabled classes except on Wednesday when, due to the strike, students will be able to go home. If students have two exams on Wednesday, they are expected to remain at school and will be supervised.
If you finish your exam early and are released from the Hall, please go directly to your next class.
For morning exams, students must remain at school for the rest of the day and attend their afternoon classes as usual.
Please make sure you are prepared and on time for all exams. Best of luck to everyone sitting them!
Important Notice: Upcoming PPTA Strike Action
We want to keep you informed about the upcoming industrial action being taken by members of the Post Primary Teachers' Association (PPTA) and how this will affect our school operations.
Full-Day Strike – Wednesday 20 August
The PPTA has called a full-day strike on Wednesday 20 August. On this day:
There will be no timetabled classes.
The school will remain open and the library will be supervised for students who require a place to study or need to be at school.
Benchmark exams will proceed as scheduled.
Students with both a morning and afternoon exam (who are not in Year 13) will be required to remain at school between exams, supervised in the library.
Students attending school for exams must be in full school uniform.
Rolling Strikes – Week of Monday 15 September
Rolling strikes are planned to begin in the week of Monday 15 September. These will involve specific year levels being rostered home on certain days. We will share a detailed schedule and guidance closer to the time.
We understand that strike action can be disruptive and we appreciate your ongoing support as we navigate these changes. Our priority is ensuring that learning continues as smoothly as possible for all students.
If you have any questions or require further clarification, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the School Office.
Young Enterprise - Farmers' Markets
Saturday at the Napier Urban Farmers' Market
Clive Square, Napier: 8:30am – 12:30pm | Saturday 16 August
Sunday at the Hastings Farmers' Market!
Pavilion Building, Showgrounds: 8:30am – 12:30pm | Sunday 17 August
Come along and support four of our incredible Year 13 Business groups as they share their awesome creations:
Enchanted – Ananya & Rohzahn’s stunning earrings with a cultural flair, plus handmade keychains
Whenua – Petronilla & Alize’s nourishing kawakawa moisturiser
LentilCrunch – Ocean's crispy lentil topping – a delicious addition to any meal
Bridlewood Boards – Annah & Maia’s rustic chopping and serving boards, finished with horseshoe handles
Shlick Creations - Tempryss, Charlotte & Kadence are selling Organic hair wax sticks, for that schlick look!
Aura Fragrances - Grace, Jessica, Mary & Queenie, when scent becomes a statement
Support local talent, grab some goodies, and see what our students have been working hard on – we’ll be there all morning!
Fiafia 2025 – A Joyful Celebration of Culture and Community
Last Tuesday evening, our annual Fiafia Night once again drew a packed house, with whānau and community filling the Hall to celebrate the vibrant cultures that make up our Hastings Girls’ High School whānau.
This year’s Fiafia featured incredible performances representing Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Niue, Tokelau, Cook Islands, Fiji, Philippines, and India. Each group brought energy, pride, and spirit to the stage, delivering performances that celebrated identity, unity, and tradition.
We are immensely proud of all the students involved. Their dedication over the year—turning up to practices, learning their routines, and supporting one another—shone through in every performance.
A heartfelt thank you to the families who stood behind our performers. Whether it was through helping with costumes, tutoring dances, or providing transport, your support is invaluable and deeply appreciated.
Special thanks must also go to Blossom Sale, our Fiafia Coordinator, and Hossana Peni, our Performing Arts Captain. Their leadership and hard work ensured the evening ran smoothly and was a resounding success.
Fiafia continues to be a highlight of our school calendar, showcasing the beauty of our cultural diversity and the strength of our community spirit. Mālō ‘aupito, vinaka vakalevu, fa’afetai tele lava — thank you all!
House Quiz: A Huge Success!
A huge thank you to our incredible Student Council and Academic Committee for organising an amazing annual House Quiz! It was fantastic to see so many teams participate and the Hall was buzzing with energy.
A massive congratulations to our winners:
* 1st Place: Purple House
* 2nd Place: Gold House
* 3rd Place: Green House
All of our winning teams received awesome baskets full of goodies. We can't wait to do it all again next year!
A Day of Unity and Diversity: Cultural Day 2025
Our hallways were filled with colour and pride last Friday as we celebrated our annual Cultural Day! The event was a powerful reminder of the rich diversity within our school whānau. Students and staff came together to share and celebrate their unique cultures, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. From lively lunchtime activities to a wonderful display of traditional dress, the day was a true celebration of what makes our school so special—a place where every student is seen, heard, and celebrated. We are so proud of our students for embracing and sharing their heritage with such enthusiasm!
Netball Draw - Saturday 16 August
Upcoming Careers Dates
Tuesday 19 August
University of Waikato Course Planning | 9.45am | Library
Tuesday 26 August
Defensive Driving Course (places still available, email gi@hastingsgirls.com if interested)
Tuesday 2 September
Victoria University Course Planning | 1.45pm | Library
Wednesday 3 September
Whakapiki Ake - STEM Session for Year 9 Māori students
Tuesday 9 September
Massey University Course Planning | 11.20am | Library
Radiation Therapy Career Information Talk | 8.30am | Library
Important Dates
Monday 18 August
Benchmark Examinations
Dance NZ Made Troupes
Tuesday 19 August
University of Waikato Course Planning
Waikato University Course Planning
Wednesday 20 August
Japanese Group Sightseeing
BOT Voting Begins
Year 10 Exploring the Outdoors Hub - Kuripapango Tramp
Thursday 21 August
University of Victoria Open Day | Kaupapa Māori Haerenga
Badminton Individuals Tournament
Friday 22 August
Filipino Language Week
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Monday 25 August
NZSS Winter Tournament Week
2026 Student Leader Announcement
House Assembly
Hurricanes U15 12s Rugby
Tuesday 26 August
House Debating Round 1
Wednesday 27 August
2026 Student Committees Applications Open
NZSS Basketball, AA Prems
Thursday 28 August
NZSS 1st XV Championships
Friday 29 August
Daffodil Day
House Debating Final
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
School Calendar Link
Menu for Week 6
