Term Three Week 9
Principal's Message
Kia ora e te whānau,
Today we send our very best wishes to the large contingent of Hastings Girls’ students and staff involved in the Moana Bays Girls' Rugby trip to Europe. While not a school trip, it is an extraordinary experience, to be inspired by the international stage, and to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This adventure has been made possible by an incredible community effort, and we are so proud of those who are involved.
Closer to home, this weekend a troupe of our dancers travel to the DanceNZ Made National Finals. Their item, choreographed by our own talented student Maddee Marsh, is a testament to the creativity, discipline, and teamwork our students embody. We wish them every success as they take their performance to the national stage.
Next week, Huia Kaimanawa lead us into Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori with a week filled with exciting events and celebrations. This is a wonderful opportunity for us all to grow in our knowledge and use of te reo, and to stand proudly together in our identity as a kura.
There will also be disruption next week due to industrial action. We ask that students are at school on the days they are not rostered home. For our seniors in particular, every single day in class is important as we head toward external examinations.
Finally, with the holidays just around the corner, it is lovely to see the first glimmers of spring across our kura. The longer days and warmer sunshine bring a sense of renewal and energy as we head into the last stretch of the term.
Ngā manaakitanga
Catherine Bentley
Upcoming Strike Action Affects Classes Next Week
This notice is to inform you about upcoming strike action by members of the PPTA Te Wehengarua, which will affect our school next week.
Please note the following changes to our school schedule due to the confirmed strike action.
Monday, 15 September:
This action will affect Year 12 and Year 13 students only. PPTA members will not be teaching or supervising these year levels between 9:00 am and 3:15 pm. Because the majority of our staff are PPTA members, we ask all Year 12 and 13 students to remain home on this day.
Please be aware that the school is not closed. The library will be open from 9:00 am to 3:15 pm as a quiet study space for any senior students who require supervision.
Classes for Years 9-11 will run as normal.
Looking Ahead:
We have been notified of further planned strike action next week. We will confirm each day as soon as we receive official notice, but the proposed schedule is as follows:
Year 11 – Tuesday, 16 September
Year 10 – Wednesday, 17 September
Year 9 – Thursday, 18 September
We understand this may be disruptive and will keep you informed with timely updates as the week progresses.
Thank you for your understanding.
Subject Selection for 2026
Our Year 10, 11, and 12 students have begun the important process of selecting their subjects for 2026. This is a crucial step in planning for their future, both for the upcoming school year and beyond.
Students are asked to make their selections through the Kamar portal. The deadline to finalise subjects is Sunday, 14 September. We encourage you to sit down with your student and discuss their choices for the year ahead. You can find more information about all the subjects available in 2026 on our website.
https://www.hastingsgirls.com/page/senior-learning-pathways/
Next week, our Year 9 students will also begin their selection process, choosing their hubs and electives starting on Tuesday, 16 September
School Policies
Our school works with SchoolDocs to provide a website for maintaining, updating, and reviewing our school policies. Different policies are under review each term and our school community can submit feedback. Follow the instructions below to contribute to the review.
Go to the SchoolDocs site for our school by clicking on this link: https://hastingsgirls.schooldocs.co.nz/1893.htm
This will take you to Current review and review instructions.
Enter the username (hastingsgirls) and password (huia).
The policies listed here are the key policies under review this term. Click on the policy you want to review.
Click the “Start your review” button at the top right-hand corner of the page.
Follow the prompts to submit your review.
Note that you can review any policy that has a “Start your review” button, not just the key policies listed in Current review and review instructions. There will be other related policies in that section of the site open for review.
If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.
True Acts of Kindness from Our Year 9 Students
This week, we received a heartfelt message from Maxine Johns, an Emergency Medical Dispatcher at Hato Hone St John, acknowledging the outstanding compassion and maturity shown by three of our Year 9 students — Bella Lange, Cheylarrel Ropitini, and Mel Savaii.
On Monday, 8 September, around 4pm, the girls were on their way home when they witnessed an elderly gentleman fall while getting off a bus near Onekawa School. He had injured his head and was clearly disoriented.
Without hesitation, our students stepped in to help. They called for an ambulance, stayed by the gentleman’s side, and supported him until help arrived. Bella was the caller who contacted emergency services and calmly explained the situation.
We are so incredibly proud of Bella, Cheylarrel, and Mel for showing empathy, quick thinking, and genuine care. These are the values we hold dear at Hastings Girls’ High School, and it’s inspiring to see our young people put them into action out in the community.
All three girls will be acknowledged on stage at Monday’s assembly — and we know our whole kura will join us in celebrating their kindness and leadership.
Our Students Honoured at Young Achiever Awards
We were so proud to celebrate two of our incredible Year 13 students, Maleta Pailate and Mia Kerisiano, who were honored at the Lion's Young Achiever's Award ceremony!
Maleta was recognised for her outstanding achievements in rugby. A true standout, she's represented our school, Hawke's Bay, and even New Zealand age-group teams. We can't wait to see her journey continue as she joins the wider training squad for the Hurricanes Poua in 2025. Maleta's dedication and humble spirit truly make her a role model for us all.
Mia was celebrated for her exceptional talent, passion, and leadership in the Performing Arts. She has been central to the success of our school's dance program, and we are so grateful for her inclusive and supportive leadership. Mia embodies what it means to be a confident and creative young woman.
We are so proud of both Maleta and Mia for their remarkable achievements and for representing our kura with such distinction!
Hastings Girls' Students Selected for Rangatiki Health Internship
Huge congratulations to five of our incredible students, Sisifolau Vaitaki, Marama Naicegulevu, Doris Crichton, Giselle Rapaea, and Janaiah Mohi!
These talented young wāhine have been selected for the prestigious E Hao, E Pao, Folau - Rangatiki health internship. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to dive deep into the world of healthcare.
For one week during the school holidays, they'll be on a paid internship with Health Hawke's Bay, completing placements at the Hastings Health Centre, Flaxmere Pharmacy, and Te Kupenga Hauora. They’ll get to shadow health professionals, learn about various roles in Primary Health, attend cultural competency workshops, and gain valuable insights into future study pathways and scholarships.
We are so proud of these students for taking on this amazing experience and know they will represent our school with pride. We can’t wait to hear all about their journey!
Year 9 Moana Hub Connects with Local History
Our Year 9 Moana Hub recently took a special trip to Ngā Pou o Heretaunga to connect with the rich history and whakapapa of our region. Guided by Whaea Candyce and Mrs Beatty, students explored the different poutokomanawa (carved posts) representing various marae across Hawke's Bay.
It was a fascinating journey as we discovered the stories and connections behind each pou. One that especially resonated with the class was the Takitimu waka, a carving that symbolises our class name, Moana, and the incredible journey from Samoa to Aotearoa.
The students were fully engaged, soaking up the stories and finding answers to questions about their ancestry and the history that binds them together as a class. It was a truly memorable and educational experience that deepened their understanding of our local heritage.
Considering a career in health? We've got two great options for you to explore!
Considering a career in health? We've got two great options for you to explore!
This week, we had the fantastic opportunity to hear from Anthea, Bailey, and Di, who shared valuable insights into careers in Pharmacy and Medical Imaging / Radiology.
Did you know there's a huge demand for these professionals right here in Hawke's Bay? We learned that HB is currently short of 20 pharmacists, and there's a serious need for pharmacy technicians. The earning potential is also significant, with weekend shifts for radiologists paying up to $160 per hour!
Both of these rewarding career paths require a three-year degree and offer incredible employment opportunities. They are definitely worth considering if you have a passion for health.
If either of these careers sparks your interest, remember to focus on your science subjects!
And the Sushi Goes to...
Another round of congratulations is in order! A huge shout-out to Jasmeet and Rahma for their outstanding commitment to learning. They were our 100% attendance winners last week and are now enjoying their well-deserved sushi vouchers.
With only one week of school left, the race is on! Who will be our next attendance champions? Keep up the amazing effort, and finish the term strong!
The U Shop
Need to get your uniforms sorted?
The U Shop is open this Saturday 13 September from 9am to 12pm.
Come on down to get everything you need for the new school term!
Important Dates
Monday 15 September
Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori Week
Partial PPTA Strike - Year 12 and Year 13
Tuesday 16 September
Board of Trustees Meeting
Partial PPTA Strike - Year 11
Wednesday 17 September
Partial PPTA Strike - Year 10
Performing Arts Showcase
Year 9 Outdoors Election - Blowhard Bush Reserve Tramp
Thursday 18 September
2PE Lawn Bowls
Partial PPTA Strike - Year 9
Year 10 Exploring the Outdoors Hub - Kuripapango Tramp
Friday 19 September
International Students from Brazil arrive
Last Day of Term
School Calendar
As the end of Term 3 nears, let's make sure our students are set up for success in the final weeks. Please check our school calendar to stay up-to-date on all upcoming events and ensure your daughter is prepared for each day's activities. You can find the calendar on our website under the main menu
School Calendar Link
Menu for Week 10
