News ~ Pānui

Kia ora e te whānau

What an exciting week it has been at Ngā Rau Huia o Ākina. Our Condors 7s team have done us incredibly proud, competing with real heart and determination. This afternoon they will play off for 3rd and 4th place — an outstanding achievement at a national level. We wish them all the very best for their final game.

Today also marks the last of our external examinations. I want to acknowledge the focus, resilience, and commitment our senior students have shown over these past few weeks — as well as the calm, steady support of staff. Our new air-conditioning in the Hall has been a real game changer, especially with the extreme heat we’ve experienced this week. We are also grateful for our air-conditioned teaching spaces across the kura, which have ensured comfortable learning conditions for our juniors.

Looking ahead to next week:
We have a number of exciting end-of-year learning experiences planned for our Year 9 and 10 students:

• Year 10 Outdoors Hub – Rivers and Lakes Culminating Event
  A fantastic opportunity for our ākonga to apply their learning in an authentic environment.

• Junior English Language – Native Species Science Fair
  A celebration of inquiry, communication, and creativity.

• Year 9 & 10 Career Expo
  Supporting our students to start thinking about future pathways and opportunities.

At the end of the week, staff will gather for a very special celebration for Robyn Fargher, who is retiring after over 40 years of dedicated service to Hastings Girls’. Robyn’s contribution to generations of ākonga — and to the fabric of our school — is immeasurable. We are incredibly grateful that while she steps back from teaching, she will continue her invaluable work in timetabling as our resident expert.

As we head into the final stretch of the year, thank you to everyone for your continued support, positivity, and partnership.

Ngā manaakitanga
Mrs Catherine Bentley