Term Three Week 1

Tēnā koutou katoa and welcome back to Term 3.

I hope you all had a restful holiday break and have returned refreshed, recharged, and ready for what promises to be a busy and exciting term ahead.
A special welcome back to our senior students. This term is a crucial one, as it will help cement the academic year and set you up for success. For those aiming for Merit and Excellence endorsements, now is the time to dig in, work hard, and stay focused.

One of the highlights of this week was the presentation of our first Academic Blazers to three exceptional Year 13 students Mennat Quazi, Maieke Thompson and Rahma Miah. The Academic Blazer is a new award, introduced this year as a legacy project by our Senior Student Leaders, to recognise sustained academic excellence.

To qualify, students must achieve an NCEA Excellence Endorsement at both Level 1 and Level 2 by earning at least 50 Excellence credits at each level. Mennat, Maieke and Rahma are the inaugural recipients of this prestigious award, and we congratulate them on this outstanding achievement. Their commitment, perseverance and consistent pursuit of excellence have set a wonderful example for younger students and reflect the high aspirations we encourage at Hastings Girls’ High School. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing many more students earn this honour in the years to come.

Earlier this year, I spoke about the importance of building good habits. Those habits matter now more than ever. Use the Library during lunchtimes and after school to study. If you need support with literacy or numeracy, please speak with our Learning Support Coordinator, Mrs Elworthy, about the opportunities available. Remember, we are here to help every one of you succeed. It is not too late to make positive changes and achieve your goals.

There is a lot happening this term for our senior students. We have:

• Open Evening on 6 August in Week 3
• Winter Tournament Week in Week 7
• CAA Literacy and Numeracy assessments in Weeks 8 and 9
• Benchmark Examinations in Weeks 9 and 10
• The Senior Ball with Hastings Boys’ High School on 10 September
• The Junior Social with Hastings Boys’ High School on 24 September

These are exciting opportunities and important milestones, so please make sure you are organised and prepared.

I also want to talk briefly about attendance. Everyone has a responsibility to be at school, to arrive on time, and to be in class ready to learn. Research and experience show us that attendance has a direct impact on achievement. As a guide, missing more than five days in a term can significantly affect your learning. Every lesson matters, and every day counts. If you want to achieve your best, you need to be here.

There are also several building projects happening around the school at the moment. The small gym is currently being re-roofed and is therefore out of bounds. I would like to thank Mrs Geary for the flexibility and creativity she has shown in reorganising the Physical Education programme during this time. We are enjoying the new ping pong tables set up in the hall!

During the holidays, our Hall lighting was upgraded, and over the coming weeks we will begin refurbishing our student toilets. Work will start with the 30s Block and is expected to take around six weeks before moving to the 10s Block.

I have spoken with a number of students about the design of these facilities, and some changes will be made, particularly in the 10s Block. There will be fewer toilets, but a separate changing room will be added for students who need to change after school before sports fixtures.

You may also have noticed that the maple trees at the front of the school have been removed. Unfortunately, they had “become unhealthy and posed a safety risk, so they needed to be taken down. I am currently working with our student leaders to explore what can go in their place.

At the end of last term, Mr Summerfield, Principal of Hastings Boys’ High School, and I travelled to Tauranga to support Te Rōpū Manu Huia, our combined kapa haka group, as they proudly represented our schools at the National Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Competition. It was an incredible experience and one that filled us with immense pride. The commitment shown by every student was extraordinary, with more than 20 weeks of after-school, evening and weekend rehearsals leading up to the competition.

Our sincere thanks also go to our dedicated tutors, staff and whānau, whose unwavering support made this experience possible. We look forward to formally recognising Te Rōpū Manu Huia and celebrating their achievements at our next assembly. A special congratulations to Jan Garbutt, Head of Technology, who has been seconded to the Ministry to support the new Curriculum writing for Technology. She will be on leave until the end of the year. Her classes will be taught by Miss Volk who has kindly stepped in to support us.

Today at lunchtime the Hall was abuzz as our Senior Business Classes held their annual Market Day. It was a huge success, and it was fantastic to see the incredible creativity on display across the different stalls. Well done to everyone involved.

As we begin this new term, I encourage each of you to make the most of every opportunity. Work hard, support one another, take pride in your learning, and strive to be the very best version of yourselves.

Remember our Ākina values and our commitment to striving for excellence.

Have a fantastic Term 3 and let’s make it a great one.

Ngā mihi nui
Lisa Akers
Principal

As we settle into the rhythm of Term 3, there are several important academic milestones ahead for our students.

One of the first is the release of the Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessment Activity (CAA) results. Students and whānau can now view these results by logging into either KAMAR or the student’s NZQA account. Viewing the results through NZQA provides a more detailed breakdown of each assessment and can help students identify the areas they need to strengthen if they did not achieve all three assessments this time. Ākina Coaches are available to support students in understanding their results, discussing what they mean, and planning their next steps. The second Literacy and Numeracy (CAA) assessment window for the year will take place in Week 8 of Term 3. Students who are sitting these assessments are encouraged to begin preparing now and to make the most of the support available. These assessment activities will be held in the School Hall under formal examination conditions, following the same format as the assessments held last term. Week 9 has been set aside for students who require catch-up assessments or who have approved Special Assessment Conditions (SAC).

To help students prepare, we are offering supported CAA revision sessions during lunchtime in the lead-up to the assessments. These sessions will be facilitated by staff and our Year 13 Peer Tutors and provide an excellent opportunity for students to revise key concepts, ask questions, and build their confidence. Students wishing to attend are asked to register by emailing Payton Tautau at or Mrs Kate Elworthy at .

To help students feel confident and prepared for the upcoming CAAs, we encourage whānau to support regular revision at home. Even setting aside a short amount of time each week can make a significant difference. Students should review the learning materials provided by their English and Mathematics Teachers, complete past assessment papers available on the NZQA website, and make use of the study guides and resources available in our School Library. We also recommend that students familiarise themselves with the NZQA online assessment platform so they are comfortable navigating the system before assessment day. On the day of their assessment, students should arrive with a fully charged laptop and charger, a calculator and pen, and ensure they know their NZQA login details (username and password), which should be tested beforehand to avoid any issues.

As the CAAs are marked externally by NZQA, results are typically released around seven weeks after the assessment date. Once available, students can access their official results through their NZQA learner account.

The Week 8 assessment window is the final opportunity to complete the CAAs in 2026. Students in Years 10-12 who are not yet successful will have further opportunities to sit these assessments during 2027 as they continue working towards meeting the NCEA co-requisite requirements.

We are delighted to welcome two student teachers to Hastings Girls’ High School for the first half of Term 3. Hosting Student Teachers is an important part of our commitment to developing the next generation of educators, while also bringing fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and new perspectives into our classrooms.

Miss Hanson, from the New Zealand Tertiary College, will be working across both the Science and Visual Arts learning areas. We look forward to the knowledge, creativity, and enthusiasm she will bring to these subjects.

Miss Hannam, from Massey University, joins Physical Education and Health, where she will be working with both junior and senior classes. Outside the classroom, Miss Hannam is a New Zealand representative in Canoe Polo—a remarkable achievement. We encourage everyone to make her feel welcome and ask her about this exciting sport.

We hope both Miss Hanson and Miss Hannam enjoy their time at Hastings Girls’ High School and wish them every success as they continue their teaching journey.

It was another busy term in the Technology Department. During Term 2, we were delighted to host two Student Teachers. Hosting trainee teachers is a fantastic way to share fresh ideas, and we warmly thank the classes who welcomed them into their learning spaces.

Some of our Year 9 students created very special patu during their workshop module. The unit kicked off with a fascinating history and tikanga lesson from Whaea Candyce on traditional materials. Students then shaped their patu using hand tools and traditional methods.

Special thanks to Phil and Oksy, who salvaged a collection of beautiful rimu timber from the old music suite before its demolition! Our students used this stunning reclaimed New Zealand native timber for their creations. Every design was unique, reflecting immense care and respect. To finish, students used modern burning tools to etch intricate patterns into the wood, giving this historic timber a vibrant new life.

Our Year 10 Design and Visual Communication students recently finished crafting architect-inspired birdhouses. Keep an eye out—they will soon be installed around the school grounds ready for local birds to move in! The Contemporary Innovation Hub classes ventured off-site to Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga (Hastings Art Gallery) for a “Mindful Journeys” workshop and an insider look at how a gallery operates.

Term 3 is always a bustling time in Tech, the Innovation Hub classes are in the early stages of launching small businesses. Each team is designing and producing a product to sell directly to our HGHS student body—watch this space for updates! Year 12 and 13 Nutritional Technology and Maker Tech classes are diving into multi-unit manufacturing. Students are exploring production lines and scaling up their ideas (and our teachers have thoroughly enjoyed sampling the delicious trials!) and our senior technology students now have just 12 weeks left of the school year. They are hard at work finishing project evidence for their internal assessments and finalising portfolios for external submission. Keep up the great push, seniors!

On Monday, our student leadership group Te Huia Kaimanawa officially opened our week of Matariki celebrations. Students were invited to reflect on the three key themes of Matariki the past, the present and the future through the stories of the Matariki stars:

Pōhutukawa encouraged us to look back and reflect on our favourite memories and proudest moments from the past year.

Waitī and Waitā challenged us to think about how we can care for our school environment and the world around us.

Hiwa-i-te-rangi, the wishing star, inspired us to share our hopes and aspirations for our kura and the year ahead.

Te Huia Kaimanawa also introduced a week full of activities, including Mahi Toi (art), preparation for Hautapu, and our special Hautapu celebration on Friday. The assembly concluded with two whakataukī that reminded us of the importance of coming together, reflecting on our values, and embracing new beginnings. A huge thank you to Te Huia Kaimanawa for leading such a meaningful start to our Matariki celebrations. We look forward to celebrating together throughout the week as we honour the past, celebrate the present, and look with hope towards the future. Mānawatia a Matariki!

This week we proudly presented our very first Academic Blazers to Mennat Quazi, Maieke Thompson and Rahma Miah. The Academic Blazer recognises students who have achieved NCEA Excellence Endorsements at both Level 1 and Level 2, demonstrating sustained academic excellence across two years of study. As the first students to receive this prestigious award, Mennat, Maieke and Rahma have set an incredible standard for future generations of HGHS students. Their hard work, determination and commitment to learning are something to be celebrated. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement – we are incredibly proud of you!

“”Ka kitea a Matariki, ka rewa te whetū o te tau.”
Matariki has risen, and it’s time for our new year to begin!

This past week, our kura came together under the guiding theme of Matariki Hunga Nui (Matariki brings us all together) to reflect, set goals, and celebrate the arrival of the Māori New Year.

Our student leadership group, Te Huia Kaimanawa, set an inspiring tone by officially opening our celebrations on Monday. They invited us all to explore the three key pillars of Matariki, the past, the present, and the future – guided by the wisdom of the Matariki star cluster. The opening assembly concluded with two moving whakataukī, reminding our school community of the importance of coming together, reflecting on our shared values, and embracing fresh starts.

Throughout Ngā Wero o te Wiki (The Week’s Challenges), our ākonga dived into hands-on learning across the domains of the stars. On Monday, we connected with Pōhutukawa to look back on the year that has passed, sharing our favorite memories, honouring those before us, and celebrating our proudest achievements. Across Tuesday and Wednesday, students explored all nine stars in the cluster—with a special focus on Waitī and Waitā—to brainstorm practical, positive actions we can take to care for our school, local environment, and community. On Thursday, we turned our focus to Hiwa-i-te-rangi, the wishing star, expressing our creativity through Mahi Toi (Arts & Crafts) while crafting our personal goals and aspirations for the future of our kura.

Our week culminated on Friday in a memorable gathering hosted and led once again by Te Huia Kaimanawa, showcasing true student leadership, hospitality, and care. The gathering began with Te Hautapu, a traditional ceremony where food was offered to the stars to express deep gratitude for the past year and to send our collective dreams into the future. This was followed by a dedicated time of acknowledgements, recognising and thanking the many people who have supported our kura and students along the way. Finally, embodying the spirit of Manaakitanga, Te Huia Kaimanawa served food to our students, feeding both body and spirit while demonstrating incredible warmth and community spirit.

Ngā mihi nui to all our students, staff, and whānau for bringing such positive energy to our Matariki celebrations, and a special thank you to Te Huia Kaimanawa for guiding us through such a meaningful week as we honour the past, celebrate the present, and look with hope toward the future. Mānawatia a Matariki!”

On Monday at Assembly, Mrs Akers pointed out the significance of the mural on the back wall of our School Hall as it is one of Hastings Girls’ High School’s most remarkable pieces of history. Painted in 1961 by our former Art Teacher and accomplished artist Mr Fuller, “Famous Women Through the Ages” celebrates influential women from around the world whose courage, leadership and achievements have shaped history. Each woman is portrayed within her own circular frame, surrounded by scenes of significant historical events, while an accompanying panel identifies these extraordinary figures and their contributions. One of the mural’s most enduring features is the quote: “There be of them that left a name behind, that their praises might be reported.” More than 60 years later, these words continue to resonate. They remind us to draw strength and inspiration from the remarkable women who have gone before us and whose legacies continue to shape the world today. This mural is far more than a work of art. It reflects our school’s long-standing belief in the power of women to make a difference and serves as a daily reminder to our students that they, too, have the opportunity to leave a legacy worth remembering.

Hastings Girls’ High School is looking for casual staff to assist with supervising NZQA examinations during November. We are seeking people who:

✔ Are confident using technology and digital systems
✔ Can build positive relationships with students while maintaining exam protocols
✔ Work well as part of a team
✔ Can follow NZQA examination procedures and guidelines

This is a great opportunity to support our students during an important time of the year.
To apply or find out more, please contact Kathy Doyle, Exam Centre Manager at .

Last term Kyah and myself, had the incredible opportunity to attend an Outward Bound course that challenged us both physically and mentally. From tramping and sailing to kayaking and team-building, every activity pushed us well outside our comfort zone.

The experience was truly unforgettable. Beyond the outdoor adventures, it helped me build confidence, resilience, leadership, and communication skills while teaching me the real power of teamwork and perseverance. My biggest takeaway? Real growth happens when you’re willing to step up and embrace new challenges.

I’m so grateful for this experience, and I’ll be carrying the life skills and memories with me long into the future!

Jo Opoc, Year 12

Hastings Girls’ High School is excited to share that applications for the Hastings Youth Council Youth Grants are officially open!

If you have a dream, a project, or an opportunity you want to pursue, this is your chance to get up to $1,000 in funding to make it happen.

Key Details
Age Limit: Open to youth aged 12–21 years.

Grant Amount: Apply for any amount up to $1,000.

Categories:
Individual
Group/Organisation
Young Enterprise Scheme (YES)

Timing: Your project or activity must take place after 29 August 2026.

What Can Youth Grants Help You With?
Sporting Success: Covering costs to represent our region at national sports competitions.
Equipment & Gear: Purchasing equipment to help you hit your personal or academic goals.
Career Kickstart: Supporting costs as you transition into a new job or career path.
Conferences & Leadership: Funding to attend national conferences or tournaments.
Entrepreneurship: Seed funding to launch your own small business or get your Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) business off the ground.

How to Apply
Applications close 28 July

Apply Online: Head over to the Hastings District Council Youth Grants Page to get started.

Need Help? If you have any questions or want support putting your application together, reach out to Paige or Payton .

Don’t miss out on this awesome opportunity to fund your goals – get your applications in today!

Term 3 Sport is Back Underway!

It has been a busy week as sport kicked off again for Term 3, with plenty of positive performances across our teams.

Our Senior A Netball side produced a strong performance against a determined Hastings Christian team, coming away with a well-earned 25–15 victory. Hopefully this result creates some great momentum for the remainder of the season as the team builds towards Lower North Islands.

Saturday Netball also returns this weekend, with the headline fixture seeing our Junior A and Junior B teams face off in what promises to be a fantastic contest.

Our 1st XV Rugby played their second PTS Cup match against a strong Feilding side. The girls showed significant improvement from their previous meeting, but ultimately went down 15–45. They now have a two-week break before travelling to Taupō to take on Taupō-nui-a-Tia College in what should be another competitive match.

Wednesday night rugby also resumed for our Under 15s, who narrowly lost to Wairoa before bouncing back with an impressive win over Havelock North.

Both our 1st XI Hockey and 1st XI Football teams had a bye this week but are eager to return to competition. The football team, in particular, is beginning preparations for their tournament later this term.

Our Badminton teams have a busy week ahead with several important fixtures. Our B1 side will be looking to continue their strong form as they push for a top position in their grade.

School Calendar