Term Four Week 1
Principal's Message
Kia ora e te whānau,
What a week it has been — a true feast of seasons! Sunshine one moment, showers the next, and a brisk wind to remind us that change is in the air. Yet, what a wonderful way to finish the week, with the glorious sun shining down on our student leaders as they took on the HGHS Prefects in a hard-fought and spirited netball match with HGHS taking the win! It was a moment that perfectly captured the energy of this term — teamwork, laughter, friendly competition, and pride in our kura.
This week also brought recognition of our students beyond the school gates. At the Youth Potential Awards, our Pacific groups and Te Rōpū Manuhuia performers took to the stage and were nothing short of outstanding. Their performances reflected the pride, strength, and identity that lie at the heart of Hastings Girls’ High School. A special congratulations to Annah Frazerhurst, Hossana Peni & Cheylarrel Ropitini who all received a Special Youth Potential Awards.
The Mayor also sent through a message commending our students, noting how impressed she was by the talent and mana displayed by both our performing wāhine. It is always heartening to see our ākonga representing the school with such confidence and grace.
As I mentioned in assembly earlier this week, this term will pass very quickly, but it holds great significance. For our senior students, these are the final chapters of a long journey. How we finish matters — not only in results, but in how we carry ourselves, the relationships we strengthen, and the example we set for others.
Enjoy the sunshine this weekend — may it bring a moment of calm and connection before we step into another busy week ahead.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Catherine Bentley
Celebrating Our Rangatahi Success at the Youth Council Awards!
A huge round of applause for our incredible students who represented Hastings Girls' High School at the Youth Council Award Ceremony at Toitoi today!
We are so proud of the following students for their well-deserved recognition:
Annah Frazerhurst (Year 13): Recipient of a prestigious Youth Grant
Hossana Peni (Year 12): Awarded a Youth Potential Award
Cheylarrel Ropitini (Year 9): Also awarded a Youth Potential Award
The talent didn't stop there! Our vibrant Te Rōpū Manu Huia and Pasifika Group gave stunning, powerful performances that showcased the richness and diversity of our school.
What a great day for HGHS and our wonderful young leaders!
Rangatira Conference 2025
Earlier this term, a few of our ākonga, Mennat, Annah and Maieke, were privileged to attend the Rangatira Conference in Rotorua. What an incredible experience!
Mennat shares that the three-day trip was "jam-packed, unique, and challenging," but in the best possible way. The conference deliberately pushed our students out of their comfort zones, helping them grow confident and ready to lead.
It was a valuable experience that truly motivated Mennat and Maieke to step up as future leaders within our kura. We are so proud to see them already planning how to carry this learning into their leadership journey next year!
Masters Success
We are delighted to celebrate a significant achievement that exemplifies our commitment to being an academically innovative and culturally responsive kura.
We proudly acknowledge Whaea Candyce Keelan, who has attained her Masters of Contemporary Education. This achievement directly enhances the quality of teaching and leadership within our school, aligning with the core kaupapa of our junior curriculum and our vision for all students.
The Masters programme, undertaken with the support of Ngā Rauhuia o Ākina, is centred on developing culturally responsive practices. This focus ensures we continue to foster a safe environment and cater effectively to the diversity of all our learners, equipping our staff and whānau to provide the best support for our Māori and Pasifika ākonga.
This is educational excellence in action. As we celebrate this milestone, we are reminded of the guiding principle:
“E tipu, e rea, mo ngā rā o tō ao.”
Grow and flourish, embracing the opportunities of the days to come.
Our HGHS family just got a little bigger!
We are delighted to welcome four wonderful students from Brazil who have joined us for their study journey here in Aotearoa. We’re so happy to have you as part of our HGHS whānau!
We hope your time here is filled with new friendships, great experiences, and plenty of memories to take home.
Celebrating 100% Attendance
A huge shout-out to Nofo and Hayley! At the end of last term, these two exceptional students were drawn as our latest winners for achieving 100% attendance.
We know that being at school every day makes a real difference to learning and success. Congratulations on your commitment and hard work—enjoy your well-deserved sushi vouchers! Keep up the brilliant effort for the rest of the term.
Sports Prizegiving
We're excited to invite you to celebrate the incredible achievements of our athletes at the Hastings Girls' High School Sports Prize Giving!
This is our chance to recognise the dedication and hard work of our students, and thank our supportive community.
When: Friday 17 October at 6:00pm
Where: HGHS School Hall
Come join us for a fantastic evening of celebration, appreciation, and community! We can't wait to see you there.
Important Dates
Monday 13 October
School Assembly
Year 13 Spirit Week
Tuesday 14 October
Waiata Māori Composition Workshop with Aro Music Company
Friday 17 October
Portfolio Due: Level 1 Visual Arts
Sports Prizegiving
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Monday 20 October
Final School Assembly
Diwali Celebrations
Tuesday 21 October
HGHS Board of Trustees Meeting
Ocean Spa and Aquarium visit - International Students
Performing Arts Showcase Rehearsal
Wednesday 22 October
Maker Impact Market
Performing Arts Showcase 6pm
Thursday 23 October
Junior Reports
Gateway Morning Tea Celebration
Portfolio Due: Level 2 Visual Arts
Senior Exam Tutorial Dates Completed
Senior Study Leave Notifications Sent Out
Friday 24 October
PUBLIC HOLIDAY - HAWKE'S BAY ANNIVERSARY
School Calendar
Term 4 is always a fantastic and full-on term, and we're looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our students. Please keep an eye on our newsletter and social media for information about upcoming prizegivings and end-of-year events.
School Calendar
Menu for Week 2
