Term One Week 3
Principal's Message
I have been reminded this week of how important our uniform and a positive attitude are in setting the tone and culture of our school.
For me as Principal, how students present themselves is directly linked to being ready to learn. When a student is wearing the correct uniform, has the right earrings, no extra jewellery, hair tied back appropriately, and arrives to class on time, it sends a clear message to staff: I am here, I am focused, and I am ready to learn well.
Are you being excellent? Remember our motto — Ākina: Strive for Excellence. This applies to every aspect of school life, not just the classroom. Excellence is reflected in the small daily habits that shape who you are becoming.
We do still have several students who haven’t quite got this right, and over the coming weeks this will be a focus within our Ākina groups. I know our whānau will support us in ensuring our young women present themselves with pride and purpose. The good habits you build now will transfer into adulthood and prepare you well for the workforce and beyond.
As I move around the school at interval and lunchtime, I continue to be impressed by how respectful and inquisitive our students are. Many have asked how I am finding being Principal — and I can honestly say I am thoroughly enjoying getting to know both staff and students in equal measure.
I have been working to ensure students have access to volleyball nets and a range of rugby, netball and basketballs so they can be active during breaks. It has been fantastic to see how quickly this has been embraced. I have already had requests for more handballs — so that will be next week’s mission!
A big thank you to our Sports Coordinators, Finn and Fale, for helping get this initiative underway. From here, our Sports Captain, Leilani, and her Sports Committee will step up to ensure this continues. Thank you for your leadership — it is wonderful to see students creating opportunities for others to be active and engaged.
This is a busy time of year, with sign-ups for sport and cultural activities happening across the school. Please keep a close eye on school notices so you do not miss important meetings.
It has also been a privilege to hear our combined Hastings Boys’ and Hastings Girls’ Te Mana Huia Kapa Haka group practising in the hall after school. Mr Summerfield, Principal of Hastings Boys’ High School, and I are very proud to support this group as they work towards achieving success at nationals this year.
Being selected to represent Hastings Girls’ High School at a national level is a significant honour. With that honour comes commitment — commitment to attending school regularly, attending practices, maintaining excellent behaviour in class, and ensuring event fees are paid prior to travel.
If you need support in any of these areas, please speak with your Ākina Coach or contact the school. We are here to help you succeed.
Ākina — strive for excellence in all that you do.
Ngā mihi nui
Mrs Lisa Akers
Deputy Principal – Curriculum Update
It has been a busy and positive start to the year, and it has been great to see our students engaged, settled, and ready to learn across all year levels.
For those who may not know me, I am very pleased to be stepping into the role of Deputy Principal – Curriculum this year. I have been part of the Hastings Girls’ High School whānau for the past eight years as a Geography teacher, and over the last few years I have also served as Learning Support Coordinator (LSC) and Assistant Principal. Prior to joining the Senior Leadership Team, I was the Green House Dean, a role I really valued as it allowed me to build strong relationships with students and whānau while supporting both their academic progress and wellbeing.
Outside the classroom, I enjoy being involved in wider school life. Students may see me coaching football in the winter months or performing as part of the staff band (usually on vocals, guitar, or keyboard). These connections beyond the classroom are important to me, as they help strengthen engagement and a sense of belonging for our students.
Our junior hubs are settling well into their routines, and it has been particularly encouraging to see how positively our Year 9 students are embracing high school life. It was fantastic to meet parents, caregivers and whānau at the Year 9 BBQ recently and begin building those important partnerships that support learning and success.
Our senior students have been setting academic goals for the year, and I encourage whānau to keep talking with them about what they hope to achieve in 2026 and how this connects to their future pathways beyond school. Clear goals, along with regular conversations about progress, make a significant difference to student achievement. Senior Parent–Teacher Interviews on Thursday 12 March will be a valuable opportunity to meet teachers and discuss what your student needs to do to succeed and reach their goals.
Term 1 is also a key time for learning beyond the classroom. From junior PE swimming in the school pool to curriculum-based trips around Hawke’s Bay, these experiences are not just outings, but purposeful extensions of classroom learning. Upcoming trips to Waimārama, Waipatiki, Te Mata Peak, Ātea Rangi and Tongariro are closely linked to learning areas such as Geography, Science, Physical Education, and Environmental Studies. Field trips allow students to apply their learning in real-world contexts, develop inquiry skills, and deepen their understanding of our local environment, culture, and landscapes. These authentic learning opportunities support our curriculum by making learning relevant, engaging, and connected to the world our students live in.
We are also looking forward to celebrating our senior students’ NCEA endorsement success at our upcoming school assembly on Monday. It will be a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and commitment our students have shown in their academic learning.
Thank you for your continued support in helping our students to engage, achieve, and succeed.
Celebrating Art Excellence!
Huge congratulations to Nadia Morrell and Harshpreet Kaur, for their outstanding success in the NCEA Art Scholarship!
Both Nadia and Harshpreet received scholarships for their incredible Art boards, providing a great start as they begin their university journeys this year.
A massive shout-out and thank you to Mr Chris Lee for his mentorship and dedication in guiding these talented artists toward such a fantastic achievement.
We can't wait to see what you create next, girls!
Hands On Otago Experience
Welcome To Our International Students!
We officially welcome eight wonderful new students from Brazil to Hastings Girls’ High School!
To kick things off, we recently gathered for a potluck dinner with our new arrivals and their wonderful homestay families. It was a huge success and a fantastic opportunity for everyone to connect, share some delicious food, and start building lifelong friendships.
A massive thank you to Wendy for opening up her home and hosting us all—it was the perfect way to bring our international community together!
Our international programme thrives because of our incredible local support. If you are interested in joining our homestay or international community, please get in touch with Jen 06 873 1133. We are always looking for welcoming homes to be part of these students' New Zealand journey.
Kapa Haka Excellence: Erica Monika-Matehaere Paul Secures National Spot!
Ka Mau te Wehi Erica Monika-Matehaere Paul (Year 12) and her Kapa Haka Roopu, Mātangirau!
The group competed at the Ngāti Kahungunu Regional Kapa Haka competition in Waipukurau this past weekend, securing an impressive 4th place overall. This fantastic result means they have officially qualified for Te Matatini 2027 in Hopuhopu, Waikato!
We are so proud to see our ākonga excelling in our community and keeping our culture thriving. We can't wait to see you take the national stage, Erica!
Meet Josh Clifton - Teacher Aide
Empowering Futures: A Thriving Start for our Trades, Gateway, and Career Pathways
At Hastings Girls’ High School, we pride ourselves on being an academically innovative environment where every student is supported to find their unique passion. We know that success looks different for everyone, and providing a safe, inclusive space to explore those various pathways is at the heart of what we do.
This week, we celebrated a massive milestone for our Gateway and Trades departments, alongside some inspiring visits from our community partners.
Protecting the Future: NZ Police Visit
Yesterday, our Year 12/13 Police Course Students were honored to welcome a team of inspiring wahine from the New Zealand Police. Constable Gemma Hyde (HB Police Recruitment Officer), Frontline Constables Sahria Adams and Ashleigh Renata, and Sergeant Laura Bevan from the Family Harm Unit spent time with our students sharing the realities of life on the force.
Our students gained valuable insights into the application process and entry requirements, as well as a "day in the life" look at frontline policing and specialized roles like the Family Harm Unit. It was a proud moment for the school to hear from Gemma that two of our former students are currently in the recruitment process and well on their way to joining the NZ Police! We look forward to exploring even more roles within the force as the year progresses.
Exploring New Horizons at EIT
The momentum continues with our EIT Trades Academy, which officially kicked off for 27 of our students last week. Running through until the end of Term 3, this programme allows our kōhine to step outside the traditional classroom and immerse themselves in hands-on, future-focused industries.
The diversity of interests this year is truly inspiring. Our students are currently developing specialist skills across a huge range of sectors, including:
Technical & Trades: Automotive, Building & Construction, Electrical.
Creative & Wellness: Hair & Beauty, Pikitoi, Hauora.
Service & Hospitality: Bakery, Hospitality, Services Preparation.
Primary Industries: Agriculture, Sport, Coaching & Exercise.
Equine Studies
While some are in the workshops and kitchens, five of our dedicated Gateway students have taken to the field! This week marked the start of a six-week work placement with the Birchleigh Polo Club.
Their first day was a resounding success, with the girls diving straight into the world of equine care. Over the coming weeks, they will be refining their skills in horse grooming and the meticulous maintenance of saddlery. This is such a fantastic opportunity for our students to build confidence in a professional rural setting, learning the discipline and care required in the equine industry.
A Community Effort
We are so proud of our students stepping into these new environments. We also want to extend a huge thank you to our community partners—the NZ Police and Birchleigh Polo Club—for providing such rich, real-world experiences for our girls."
Sports Wrap Up – Week 3
Senior A Volleyball
Our Senior A Volleyball team continued their 2026 campaign with another impressive week of competition.
The girls recorded two dominant wins:
Defeated Karamū High School 3 sets to 1
Defeated Hastings Christian School 3 sets to 0
This sees the team 3 wins from 3 games, remaining unbeaten to this point in the season. An excellent achievement from the whole squad.
U17 Newcastle Knights | Round 2
Last Saturday, our two HGHS girls, Teiyah Fomai and Maddy Seumanutafa, played their second game of the season for the Newcastle Knights U17 side against the West Tigers.
Fresh off a strong performance in Round 1, the girls were eager to make it two wins from two. The Knights delivered another solid outing, securing a 20–10 win over the West Tigers. It was a close and competitive match, and both Teiyah and Maddy contributed well to the team effort.
Congratulations to both girls on an outstanding start to the season—a great effort from them both.
Monday 23rd
Junior Rugby League Games | 4:30pm | Lindisfarne
Senior A Volleyball Training | 3:00–5:00pm | School Gym
Waka Ama Training | 3:15–5:00pm | Vans depart for Clive River
Tuesday 24th
Senior Volleyball Games | 4:00–9:00pm | Pettigrew Green Arena
Touch Rugby Training | 3:00–4:30pm | School Fields
Wednesday 25th
Waka Ama Training | 3:15–5:00pm | Vans depart for Clive River
Rugby League Training | 3:00–4:30pm | School Fields
Kī o Rahi Training | 3:00–4:30pm | School Fields
Thursday 26th
Touch Rugby Games | 5:00–6:00pm | Sports Park
Senior A Volleyball Training | 3:00–5:00pm | School Gym
Friday 27th
Kī o Rahi Games | 3:30–6:00pm | Whare Tapere
Important Dates
Monday 23 February
School Assembly - Leaders Badges/Endorsement Ceremony
Wednesday 25 February
Year 10 Outdoor Hub Coastal Exploration Day Trip
Friday 26 February
International Students Mayoral Visit and Welcome
University of Auckland Presentation
Saturday/Sunday 28-29 February
Hawke's Bay Regional Debating
Monday 2 March
Level 2 Outdoor Hub Waimārama Overnight Trip
Whakapiki Ake Year 12/13 Māori Students
Year 9 Assembly
Tuesday 3 March
Victoria University Pasifika Liaison
Wednesday 4 March
Waikato University Presentation
Thursday 5 March
Year 9 Outdoor Elective Peak Walk
Friday 6 March
School Athletics Day + House Haka Competition
Senior Goals & Effort Reports
School Calendar
With a busy term ahead, we want to make sure every family stays up to date with the latest happenings at school! Please take time to read our school calendar.
Link to School Calendar
Menu - Week 4
