Term Four Week 2
Principal's Message
Kia ora e te whānau
Tonight, we look forward to celebrating the achievements of our athletes at the Sports Prizegiving. This event is always a highlight, acknowledging the dedication, teamwork, and determination of our students who represent our kura with pride both on and off the field.
On Monday, we will hold our final Assembly, where our Gold Ākina badges will be presented. These badges recognise students who have gone above and beyond in service, participation, and engagement throughout the year. We will also acknowledge Tagi Olive, who has been successfully elected as our new Student Representative on the Board of Trustees. Congratulations Tagi—we know you will bring a thoughtful and passionate voice to the table.
This week our Year 13 students enjoyed Spirit Week, dressing up in themed outfits each day and celebrating their final days together as a cohort. Their energy and creativity have brought plenty of laughter and colour to the school.
On Monday, we will also celebrate Diwali, a significant occasion for many of our students and their families. With food to sample, music, and performances, it is another wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community, to learn from and enjoy the richness of culture that makes our school so special.
Throughout Term 4, our Attendance Team will be focusing their support on students whose attendance sits just below the 90% threshold. Through increased awareness, encouragement, and whānau engagement, there is still time for students to lift their attendance and finish the year strongly. Every day counts—and being at school each day makes a difference.
Ngā manaakitanga
Trades Academy Prizegiving
On Wednesday, we were incredibly proud to celebrate our students at the EIT Trades Academy End of Year Prizegiving!
This is a fantastic example of our commitment to academically innovative pathways. The EIT Trades Academy offers our students engaging, hands-on courses that equip them with real-world skills and prepare them for future study. It was inspiring to see them thrive in a diverse range of fields, including Automotive, Building & Construction, Hospitality, Engineering, Electrical, and Hair & Beauty.
We've received glowing feedback from EIT about the hard work and dedication shown by all our students - you should be very proud!
A special congratulations to the following students who received major awards:
Aurora Ivamy
Mary Potaua
Tineesha Rewiri
Giselle Kahui
Your commitment has truly paid off! Well done to all our Trades students for a fantastic year!
100% Attendance, 100% Commitment!
What a fantastic start to the term!
The commitment and dedication of our students is already shining through. A huge congratulations to Mele'ana and Indy! They have both earned themselves well-deserved sushi vouchers for achieving a brilliant 100% attendance. Keep up the great mahi, girls! We look forward to a successful and engaging term ahead.
Leaders vs Leaders
Last Friday was our annual netball showdown against the HBHS Prefects which was an absolute masterclass in skill and teamwork, played right here on our home courts. Our incredible HGHS Student Leaders were dominant right from the start, leading at halftime and maintaining their intensity throughout the game. They held off the challenging boys side to secure the impressive final score of 13-11!
A huge thank you to the HBHS Prefects for a fantastic game and great sportsmanship. We look forward to the rematch next year!
Waiata of the Heart:
Students find their Voice through Pūrākau
On Tuesday, students immersed themselves in a transformative Māori songwriting workshop. They gained a clearer understanding of waiata structure, drawing inspiration from powerful pūrākau such as the story of Rongomaiwahine and Kahungunu.
A key highlight was the collaborative process—building melodies and sharing ideas brought the compositions to life, with students finding it especially helpful to base their songs on a meaningful storyline (kaupapa Māori). The supportive guidance from facilitators, Charles and Emily, bolstered their confidence and appreciation for the art of Māori composition.
Important Dates
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
Senior Exam Tutorial Dates Completed
Senior Study Leave Notifications Sent Out
Thursday 23 October
Strike Action Year 9-13
Junior Reports
Portfolio Due: Level 2 Visual Arts
Friday 24 October
PUBLIC HOLIDAY - HAWKE'S BAY ANNIVERSARY
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Monday 27 October
PUBLIC HOLIDAY - LABOUR DAY
Thursday 30 October
Year 13 Leavers Breakfast
Senior Prize-Giving rehearsal
Senior Prize-Giving
Friday 31 October
Conservation clean up at Peak
Portfolio Due: Level 3 Visual Arts
Senior Students on Study Leave
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.
Link to School Calendar
Menu - Week Three
