Term Four Week 5

This week has been noticeably quieter around the school as our senior students move into study leave and prepare for their external examinations. It has been fantastic to see so many students taking advantage of tutorials and working hard to refine their understanding of key concepts ahead of assessments. Their commitment and determination have been wonderful to witness. Best wishes to all of our students sitting external examinations. I know you will do your best! Kā rawe!

Our junior students have also been busy completing their final e-asTTle testing for the year and beginning preparations for end-of-year examinations in Week 6. To support them in their study, we have developed a practical Study Skills Pack that provides helpful strategies and guidance to prepare effectively for their exams. We encourage students to make the most of these resources as they work towards finishing the year strongly.

This week we are also looking forward to our annual exchange with Gisborne Girls’ High School. Students will take part in competitions across a range of sports including netball, volleyball, rugby, and other codes. This day trip is an important part of our school’s history and tradition, providing valuable opportunities for students to connect with their peers from other regions, build new friendships, and enjoy healthy competition.

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending the Hastings Boys’ High School Senior Prizegiving. It was a wonderful occasion celebrating the achievements of their young men and recognising their hard work and successes throughout the year. It was lovely to be part of such a special event and to celebrate alongside our neighbouring school.

Last week, I also had the privilege of attending the Hawke’s Bay Heritage Awards 2026 where our school had been nominated for two awards. I am delighted to share that we received Highly Commended Awards in both categories. One award recognised our school mural while the second acknowledged a project currently in development that aims to help every girl connect with the significant artworks around our school. This exciting project will become part of our Year 10 whakawhanaungatanga programme, strengthening students’ sense of belonging and connection to our school community. We look forward to sharing more about this initiative once it has been completed and trialled with our students.

As we move closer to the end of the year, I would like to thank our students, staff, and whānau for their ongoing support and commitment. Together, we continue to create opportunities for our young women to succeed, connect, and thrive.

Senior Exams and Tutorials

It has been fantastic to see our senior students engaging in their learning for exams. Tutorials are a great way for students to get concentrated support and consolidate their understanding, and we strongly encourage them to make the most of these sessions. Maintaining the study habits covered prior to study leave is key to staying on task while keeping stress levels low.

Junior Exams – Week 7

Junior exams are coming up in Week 7 for English, Maths, Social Studies, and Science across both Years 9 and 10. Students will attend school as usual and go to their regular classes when not sitting an exam. Students will be looking at study skills next week to help them prepare for these exams. Giving their best effort builds valuable “exam fitness,” helping students understand how they perform best under test conditions before they reach the senior school. Results will also contribute toward subject prizes at our Junior Prizegiving, as well as determining our Top Overall Academic Performer in Year 9 and our Junior Dux in Year 10. The Junior Exam timetable is published below.

Teacher Only Day – Friday 20 November

Friday 20 November is a Teacher Only Day. Staff will use this time to strengthen our understanding and planning for the new 2027 junior curriculum. We will also be collaborating with our brother school, Hastings Boys’ High School, meeting in equivalent learning departments to share ideas and strengthen our connections.

Level Up Careers Programme

The Level Up careers programme kicks off in Week 6 and runs until the end of the year. This dynamic programme focuses on students building their skills and understanding of the world of mahi helping them recognise their own strengths, connect their interests to what they are learning at school, and prepare for the future of work. It will culminate at the end of the year with a careers event in the Hall.

Junior Exam Timetable

Monday 23 November
Block 1 – Year 9 Maths
Block 2 – Year 10 Maths
Block 3 – Year 9 English
Block 4 – Year 10 English

Thursday 26 November
Block 1 – Year 9 Social Studies
Block 3 – Year 9 Science

Friday 27 November
Block 1 – Year 10 Science
Block 3 – Year 10 Social Studies

We’re excited to introduce Teiyah Fomai and Elise Hooper, our 2027 Sports Co-Captains, who are looking forward to encouraging more students to get involved in sport and make the most of the opportunities available at Hastings Girls’.

Elise Hooper is a passionate and dedicated student who balances her academic studies with hockey, music and a range of other activities. She hopes to inspire students to step outside their comfort zones, try something new and discover opportunities they may not have considered. Elise believes in leading by example, showing kindness and encouraging others to achieve their personal best.

Teiyah Fomai brings extensive sporting experience and a strong commitment to teamwork, respect and supporting others. Having represented numerous tournament and representative teams, including the Newcastle Knights overseas, Teiyah understands the dedication and resilience required to succeed. She is passionate about creating a positive sporting environment where everyone feels encouraged to participate and celebrate their achievements.

Teiyah is currently in Australia training with the Melbourne Storm U19s team, an exciting opportunity and a fantastic example of the sporting pathways available to our young wāhine.

Congratulations to both Teiyah and Elise! We look forward to seeing the energy, encouragement and sporting spirit you’ll bring to Hastings Girls’ in 2027.

Diwali celebrations filled our school with colour, culture and sweetness!

Our girls spent the week making delicious traditional sweets, including gulab jamun and peda. Friday brought even more excitement as the girls dressed in beautiful traditional attire, fried samosas and fry yums, and packed our festive treats.

Friday lunchtime was a hit, with everyone enjoying the sweets and savoury snacks we all look forward to at this special time of year!

Wishing everyone in our school and wider community a very Happy Diwali! May this festival of lights bring joy, happiness, prosperity and new beginnings to all.

Our 2026 International Students have officially kicked off their exit programme!

On Monday, our students were joined by the international group from Hastings Boys’ High School for an unforgettable day out at the stunning Ashcott Homestead in Ashley Clinton. Scenic views, rich local history, and fantastic company made for the ultimate Kiwi outing!

A big thank you to hosts John and Giovanni for welcoming us so warmly from their captivating history talk and guided house tour to a delicious morning tea spread.

To round out an action-packed week, the group wrapped things up with a fun afternoon at the movies, followed by a thrilling test of teamwork and wits at the Escape Room!

With departure day coming up on 23 November, we are soaking up every single moment and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

This week, we held our annual Junior Sports Exchange with Gisborne Girls’ High School – a fantastic opportunity to continue building on the rich tradition and connection we’ve developed through sport over the years. Adding to the occasion, this was the first exchange where our Principal traveled with us, highlighting the significance of this long-standing connection. It was also a valuable pre-season hit-out for our Junior Rugby 7s team as they gear up for the National Condors 7s Rugby Tournament in early December.

We have recently started trials and training for our Senior A Volleyball programme. Following a successful year, the girls are looking to build on this momentum as they prepare for their campaign, which gets underway early in Term 1 next year.

It is great to see some of our athletes continuing to thrive beyond the school environment. Teiyah Fomai is currently in Australia, training with her Melbourne Storm U19s team. This is an exciting opportunity for Teiyah and a fantastic example of the pathways and opportunities available to our student-athletes.

Over the past couple of weeks, we have also kicked off our Friday morning Strength and Conditioning programme before school. We have regularly seen 7–8 girls attending, which is a positive start. This programme is a key part of our Sports Strategic Plan, focusing on upskilling our student-athletes, developing their physical capabilities and ultimately lifting the standard of our overall sports programme. Any students interested in joining can find out more information from Finn, Fale or Ms Jensen.

Our lunchtime sporting activities continue to provide opportunities for girls to get active, try new activities and enjoy sport in a more social environment. We currently have two volleyball nets set up on the grass area, handball squares painted around the school, and organised lunchtime sport running on the turf every day. These initiatives are all part of our ongoing efforts to create a positive sporting culture where all girls have opportunities to participate, stay active and enjoy being involved in sport.

School Calendar