Term One Week 5
Principal's Message
As we move into the middle of the term, it’s wonderful to see everyone well and truly back into the rhythm of school life and learning.
On Monday, I met with our Year 9 students to revisit our school values, with a particular focus on being respectful and kind to our fantastic teaching staff and to one another. One of the real strengths of Hastings Girls’ High School is our young, vibrant staff who care deeply about our girls and their learning.
We also reminded students about the importance of being on time each morning and arriving promptly to every class so they can make the most of every learning opportunity. I look forward to seeing this continue to improve as we move into the second half of the term.
During my visit, a Year 9 student shared how much she loved her Social Studies teacher because he was kind and funny. Immediately, others joined in, eager to talk about how amazing their classes were and the great things their teachers were doing. This positivity has been echoed in my own observations as I’ve moved around the school, seeing high-quality learning happening in classrooms across the kura.
Our senior students have also recently completed their goal-setting for the year. Over the coming weeks, these goals will be supported by conversations about the small, daily habits that turn aspirations into real achievement. Consistency, routine, and purposeful effort will be key themes.
As our focus on learning and achievement continues, it is also a good time to remind students that the school library is open after school on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday until 4pm. Our Academic Leader and her team are preparing to offer tutorials in literacy and numeracy. While some students will be invited to attend these sessions, all students are warmly welcome.
This is a wonderful opportunity to build strong learning habits—make this your habit for success. What a fantastic initiative from our senior leaders.
Ngā mihi nui
Lisa Akers
Deputy Principal Update
It has been a positive and busy start to the year, and it has been wonderful to see students settling back into school routines and reconnecting with their friends, teachers, and the wider school community. My role at Hastings Girls’ High School focuses on the pastoral care and wellbeing of our students, ensuring that they feel supported, safe, and connected so that they are able to thrive both personally and academically. Alongside my leadership role, I am also part of the Physical Education and Health department and teach our Police course, which gives me the opportunity to work closely with students in the classroom as well.
One of the key areas we continue to focus on as a school is attendance. Being present at school every day is one of the most important factors in student success. Our current attendance rate is sitting at 87.7%, which is tracking well, but there is always room for improvement. Every lesson matters, and regular attendance helps students stay connected with their learning, their teachers, and their peers.
I would like to thank our whānau for the improved communication we have been seeing around absences. When families keep us informed, it allows us to better support our students and ensure they stay on track with their learning. Continuing to work together as a partnership between home and school makes a real difference.
Another important part of student wellbeing is feeling connected and involved in school life. At Hastings Girls’ High School we encourage every student to find something they enjoy being part of outside the classroom. There truly is something for everyone—whether that is cultural groups, sports teams, performing arts, debating, leadership opportunities, or clubs and activities that allow students to explore their interests and build friendships. Being involved helps students develop confidence, a sense of belonging, and pride in their school community.
Our sports programme is already off to a strong start this year, and we are especially proud of two of our teams who will soon be representing the school at National competitions. Both our Waka Ama and Volleyball teams have been training hard and showing great commitment as they prepare for their upcoming events. We wish them all the best and look forward to celebrating their efforts and achievements.
Thank you to our students, staff, and whānau for the support you provide each day. By working together to prioritise attendance, wellbeing, and participation, we continue to create a positive environment where our young women can flourish.
Emma Jensen
HGHS Debaters Shine at Regional East-Coast Competition
What a weekend for the Hastings Girls’ High School Senior Debating Team! Our students stepped into the competitive arena last weekend for the prestigious Sainsbury Logan & Williams Regional East-Coast Debating Competition, and they certainly made their mark.
Competing against some of the region’s toughest teams, our girls demonstrated sharp intellect and incredible composure. We are thrilled to announce that the team won three out of four debates against Karamu teams and Havelock North. Closely missing out against a very good Gisborne Girls High School team.
The debate topics were a mix of economic, social and contemporary issues.
Meet the Team
Paige Cunningham
Pippa Yule
Khushi Bijalwan
Elizabeth Turner
While the regional competition was a highlight, the season is just warming up! The team is already preparing for the local inter-school competition later this year. If this past weekend was any indication, our debaters are a force to be reckoned with.
"True debating is about the power of the argument, not the volume of the voice."
Well done, girls—you’ve made the whole school proud!
Senior Parent Teacher Interviews
On Thursday 12 March we will be holding our Senior Whānau Hui from 3.30-6.00pm.
This is an opportunity to come to the School Hall to meet your student's teachers and discuss their progress towards their academic goals and NCEA this year. You will receive a report before then that will summarise your student's effort in learning and a summary of the Learning Conversations that they have been having with their Ākina Coach.
Please book a time to meet your student's teachers by going to:
Planning for the Future at HGHS!
We had a fantastic turnout for our first university presentation of the year! A huge thank you to Natalie from the University of Auckland for dropping by the Library to chat with our students.
She covered everything from subject choices to what life is really like on campus. For those who couldn't make it, here are the two big takeaways from the session:
Externals matter: Sitting your externals is excellent practice and helps build the exam skills you'll need to succeed at university.
Scholarship prep: If you are aiming for scholarships, remember that your results in Year 12 really count! Keep striving for those Merits and Excellences.
Missed out? Don't worry! Keep an eye on our school calendar for more university presentations coming to HGHS in the next few weeks.
Attendance Superstars
Huge shoutout to our Attendance Superstars for this week: Vienna and Seerat! Thank you both for showing up, shining bright, and demonstrating such great commitment to being here every day. We’re so proud of you - enjoy that well-deserved sushi treat!
Celebrating Cultures: HGHS Students at the Mayoral Welcome
Our wonderful international students had a fantastic day out representing our school at the regional Mayoral Welcome Event! It was an honour to be officially welcomed to the Bay by Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum and other Hastings Council representatives and Sally Crown from the Napier City Council.
The highlight of the day? The smiles! Our girls loved connecting with students from all over the region, and there was an extra special buzz when they linked up with a big group of fellow Brazilian students.
Nothing beats that feeling of home away from home. We are so proud of how our girls are embracing life in Hawke’s Bay!
Exploring the Outdoors
Last Wednesday, our Year 10 Exploring the Great Outdoors Hub spent the day exploring the Hawke’s Bay coastline, travelling from Waipātiki right through to Te Āwanga.
Along the way, students observed and recorded the different coastal features they encountered, gathering valuable information to support their upcoming assignment back at school. It was a fantastic opportunity to see their learning come to life in a real-world context while enjoying some of the stunning environments right on our doorstep.
Welcome Cynthia Fameitau
Sports Wrap Up – Week 3
Volleyball – Senior A
After Four dominant wins this season, the girls were determined to keep standards high against William Colenso. The girls proved too strong and lifted another gear, securing a 3–0 win. This marks their Fith straight victory, keeping them undefeated as they continue to build momentum heading toward Nationals in a few weeks’ time. This also marked Imila's and Fili's 50th Premier game for the senior A Volleyball team. A massive accomplishment and recognition of their hard work and dedication to the team over the last 3 years.
Volleyball - Senior B
Our Senior B Team is made up of 6 of our Brazilian exchange students, with some never played in a Volleyball team. After a couple slow weeks of learning and picking up the game, the team secured their first win on Tuesday beating Woodford.
Touch Rugby
Last week marked the second week of the Touch season at the sports park for both teams. The Red team stepped up dramatically from last week with a well earnt win, while the Blue team picked up their second straight win over Napier Girls' winning by one try.
Kī-o-Rahi
It was also the second week of competition at Karamū for our two teams. Both teams played two matches and finished the round with one win and one loss each - Continuing a promising start to the season.
Waka Ama
Our girls are tracking well as they enter their Fifth week of training in preparation for the Regional Championships this coming Saturday in Napier. In addition, our top paddlers are preparing to travel to Rotorua later in March for their National campaign
Newcastle Knights – Round 4
After coming off back-to-back wins, Maddy and Teiyah were eager to make an impact for the Knights in their Round 4 clash against the 3rd placed Central Coast Roosters. With probably their hardset encounter this year the girls stepped up with an impressive 36-14 win, with Maddy also being named in the Tournaments team of the week.
Monday 9th
Senior A Volleyball Training | 3:00–5:00pm | School Gym
Waka Ama Training | 3:15–5:00pm | Vans depart for Clive River
Tuesday 10th
Waka Ama & Winter sport pre-season strength and conditioning | 7:00am | School Gym
Senior Volleyball Games | 4:00–9:00pm | Pettigrew Green Arena
Touch Rugby Training | 3:00–4:30pm | School Fields
Wednesday 11th
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
Senior Netball Trials | 3:00 - 5:00pm | School Gym
Thursday 12th
Waka Ama & Winter sport pre-season Strength and Conditioning | 7:00am | School Gym
Touch Rugby Games | 4:00–6:00pm | Sports Park
Senior A Volleyball Training | 3:00–5:00pm | School Gym
Friday 13th
Kī o Rahi Games | 3:30–6:00pm | Whare Tapere
Our Waka Ama Crew Takes on Regionals!
We are incredibly proud of our Waka Ama team as they head to Pandora Pond for Regionals tomorrow. They have been putting in the hard yards at training, and that commitment is shining through.
We’re wishing them the very best of luck for tommorrow! And the excitement doesn’t stop there—our top paddlers are already focused on the next challenge, preparing to travel to Rotorua later this month for the National campaign. Let’s go, team!
Congratulations Imila and Fili
A huge congratulations to Imila and Fili on reaching an incredible 50 Premier games for the HGHS Senior A Volleyball team!
Hitting this milestone on Tuesday night is a true testament to your dedication, resilience, and the heart you bring to the court every single match. Beyond your talent, your leadership and commitment have played a huge part in building the culture and success of our Senior A team.
We are so proud of everything you’ve achieved, both on and off the court. Thank you for representing our kura with such passion. We can't wait to see what you achieve next.
Important Dates
Monday 9 March
Level 3 Biomechanics Golf Session Off-site
School Assembly
Tuesday 10 March
Victoria University Presentation
Level 2 Ocean Swim
Wednesday 11 March
Young Enterprise Scheme: Spark Tank
Queenstown Resort College to visit
Thursday 12 March
NZ School of Travel to visit
Level 3 PE and Outdoors helping with the Weetbix Tryathlon
Senior Parent / Teacher interviews
Friday 13 March
School Swimming Champs
Monday 16 March
MELLI Class Trip: Ātea Rangi and Waka Hourua
Rugby League Gala
Student Led Assembly
Tuesday 17 March
Tongariro Crossing Trip
Unversity of Otago Presentation
GRIP Leadership Course in Rotorua with selected Student Leaders
St Patrick's Day Mufti Day
Wednesday 18 March
ASB Polyfest Festival Excursion
Year 9 Moana Nui ā Kiwa Whānau Night
Thursday 19 March
Massey University Young Women in Leadership
Friday 20 March
International Students Regional Activities Day
Unserious Careers NZ Roadshow
Year 9 Outdoor Hub Beach Day
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.
School Calendar Link
Menu - Week 6
