March 20, 2026
Principal’s Message
Last week we held our parent–teacher interviews for senior students and it was wonderful to see such a strong turnout. The conversations around each student’s learning, progress, and next steps were incredibly valuable. Many parents shared that they would like a deeper understanding of NCEA, certificate and course endorsements, and the importance of the Literacy and Numeracy co-requisites.
In response, we will be hosting an NCEA Information Evening for all whānau early in Term 2. This will be an opportunity to unpack how our courses work, what national qualifications require, and how you can support your daughter through the year. As always, open communication with your daughter’s teachers is encouraged—we are committed to walking alongside you as she journeys through Hastings Girls’ High School.
We are continuing to encourage all students to take pride in their appearance and how they wear their school uniform. It has been great to see many girls stepping up to this challenge. Preparing our students for life beyond school means helping them understand that every workplace has standards around presentation, communication, and attendance.
While these lessons begin at home, we are actively reinforcing them at school so that every girl is set up for success. If you are unsure about our bylaws, attendance management plan, or kawa, please visit our website or contact your daughter’s Ākina Coach for clarification.
Our Senior Student Academic Team (SAT) continues to meet regularly to review each senior student’s attendance, academic progress, literacy and numeracy status, University Entrance requirements, and credits gained. This personalised approach allows us to connect with your daughter and support her in a targeted, meaningful way.
It has been a pleasure meeting with many students to discuss their goals, celebrate their progress, and offer guidance where needed. We are especially proud of the large number of girls striving for Excellence endorsements—ka rawe, girls!
With the first round of internal assessments approaching, strong time-management skills will be essential. A reminder that the library is open after school for students who need access to laptops, a quiet study space, or tutoring support.
At the same time, learning beyond the classroom continues to play an important role in developing confident, capable young women. This week, a number of our students have been involved in rich, real-world experiences that bring their learning to life. Our English Language students explored the history of navigation at the Napier Wharf, engaging with a waka hourua re-creation and the Ātea a Rangi Star Compass, and taking part in a powerful Ākina haka pōwhiri to welcome the waka Ngahiraka Mai Tawhiti.
Our Level 3 PE in the Outdoors and Level 1 Geography students have also been out experiencing the Tongariro Crossing, building alpine readiness and fitness while deepening their understanding of our unique natural environment. As we head into the weekend, we wish our students all the very best for Tournament Week. Our Waka Ama team travels to Rotorua and our Volleyball teams head to Palmerston North for the Lower North Island Secondary Schools Summer Tournament. We are proud of the way they represent our kura and look forward to hearing how they get on.
DP Operations Update
Our students are currently pouring an incredible amount of energy into both their studies and their extracurricular passions. Last weekend, Te Rōpū Manu Huia our combined kapa haka group with Hastings Boys’ High School – held their first wānanga right here at HGHS. The group is working tirelessly toward the Secondary Nationals in Tauranga this July, and the sheer work ethic on display is impressive. Their goal is to represent Ngāti Kahungunu and both of our kura with pride and excellence, and they are already well on their way to achieving that. We can’t wait to see all that hard work pay off on the big stage.
Meanwhile, our Pasifika groups are meeting regularly as they gear up for the Hastings Girls’ High School Fiafia Night on Thursday 14 May. This is always a highlight on the school calendar – a night where students from across our school communities come together to celebrate their heritage through performance. What began as a Pasifika tradition has grown to include our Filipino and Sabhyachar aiga as well. The best part? These groups are open to everyone. No matter your background, you’re encouraged to join in and learn. It’s a joy to watch our students share their cultures and passions with each other.
Mrs Amy Moli
Navigating the Pacific
On Monday and Tuesday our English Language classes took a deep dive into history at the Napier wharf! Our students explored a waka hourua re-creation and the Ātea a Rangi Star Compass to learn the secrets of traditional Māori navigation. Our students had the special honour of welcoming the waka Ngahiraka Mai Tawhiti from Tauranga Moana with a powerful Ākina haka pōwhiri.
From studying the twin hulls of the voyaging canoes to learning how ancestors read the stars, waves, and wind, it was an inspiring day of discovery. A huge thanks to our guides for showing us how incredible these Pacific voyages truly were!
100% Attendance Superstars
Attendance goals! Congratulations to Olivia and Keigh, our Week 6 sushi winners.
They both hit 100% attendance and are celebrating with a delicious lunch. Keep up the great work, girls!
Waves of School Spirit
The School Swimming Sports concluded with a fantastic day of competition, enthusiasm, and school spirit. Students gave their best effort in the pool across a range of races and events, showing determination, perseverance, and great sportsmanship throughout the day. There were plenty of exciting finishes and impressive performances, with swimmers proudly representing their Houses and earning valuable points.
A big thank you goes to the PE Department, Sports Department, volunteers, and Sports Committee who were timekeepers and helped the day run smoothly, as well as the students for their positive attitudes and participation. Overall, it was a successful and enjoyable day for the whole school community, with many great memories made in and around the pool.
Overall House winners – Blue House
Year 9 Champion – Manaia Aranui
Year 10 Champion – Mel Savaii
Senior Champion – Elise Hooper
Senior A Volleyball
Last weekend, our Senior A volleyball team competed in their seedings tournament to determine their placement for Nationals. The girls performed exceptionally well, not dropping a single set throughout the tournament and reclaiming the Seedings Shield after not competing last year.
They also secured a nail-biting 5-set victory over Karamū on Tuesday. This was an outstanding effort, especially with four players unavailable. The team now heads to Palmerston North for the Secondary Schools Volleyball Nationals.
Senior B Volleyball
Our Brazilian players continue to improve each week as they develop their understanding of the game. The team showed great progress, securing their second win of the season despite also missing a couple of players.
Touch Rugby
Our senior team entered the final round undefeated and faced a strong Napier Girls side. In a closely contested match, they came away with a 4–3 win, securing their third consecutive Hawke’s Bay title.
Athletics
Five of our athletes competed at the East Coast North Island Athletics competition on Thursday, achieving some fantastic results:
- Faith Sanele: 2nd in the 100m Final, 2nd in the 200m Final, and 2nd in the Javelin Final
- Sandy Iese: 3rd in the Discus Final
Newcastle Knights U17s
The Knights team, which includes two of our school players, entered the round undefeated and near the top of the table. Facing a strong Panthers side, they proved too strong and secured a 24–18 victory.
Game & Training Schedule
With both our Volleyball and Waka Ama teams away at Nationals, only Football and Rugby trainings will take place this week:
- Football Trials | 3:00 – 4:30 | School Field
- Junior Rugby 7s / Rippa Rugby Training | 3:00 – 4:30 | School Field
Please keep an eye on notices for upcoming Badminton trainings.
Important Dates
Monday 23 March
Year 10 Outdoors Hub Waimārama Overnight Trip
Tuesday 24 March
Hastings Girls’ High School 70th Birthday Assembly
Wednesday 25 March
English Language Class Trip: Ātea Rangi and Waka Hourua
Year 10 Moana Nui ā Kiwa Whānau Night
Thursday 26 March
Big Day Out (No school for junior students)
Friday 27 March
Year 9 Outdoors Elective River Study Day Trip
Saturday 28 March
Kapa Haka Wānanga TBC
Monday 30 March
International Students Bush Walk
Level 2 Biology Rocky Shore Trip
Student Led Assembly
Tuesday 31 March
Pūhoro: Term One Wānanga Māpūrau
Wednesday 1 April
Switch Gala Day
Thursday 2 April
Te Ao Haka Performance at Gracelands
Last Day of Term
Friday 3 April
Easter Friday
School Calendar
As we near the end of Term 1, there is still a lot going on in and around our kura. Please take time to read our school calendar.
School Calendar Link
Menu – Week 7
