Term Three Week 3

Tēnā koutou katoa

Last night we had the pleasure of welcoming hundreds of prospective students and their whānau to Hastings Girls’ High School for our annual Open Evening. It is one of the highlights of our year and a wonderful opportunity to showcase the very best of our kura.

It was fantastic to see our school alive with energy as visitors explored our classrooms, met our staff and students, and experienced firsthand the opportunities that make Hastings Girls’ High School such a special place. From academic programmes and leadership opportunities to sport, culture, the arts, and our innovative learning hubs, there was something for everyone to discover. Families also had the opportunity to learn about the range of scholarships available to Year 8 students, designed to recognise and support young women as they begin their journey with us next year.

One of the highlights of the evening was showcasing our new Academic Blazer, introduced by our Student Leaders as a legacy project. This prestigious award recognises sustained academic excellence and symbolises the high aspirations we hold for every student. We were also excited to introduce our new “Give It a Go” programme, encouraging students to challenge themselves by trying sports such as canoe polo, rowing and pickleball. It reflects our belief that confidence grows when girls step outside their comfort zones, discover new passions, and realise strengths they may never have known they had.

Our students were, without question, the stars of the evening. They welcomed visitors, shared their own experiences, and spoke with genuine pride about what it means to be part of the Hastings Girls’ High School community. They demonstrated exactly why I believe there truly is something here for every girl. Whether a student finds her place in kapa haka, debating, robotics, volleyball, music, the sciences, student leadership, or one of our many clubs and committees, every girl has the opportunity to belong, to grow, and to succeed.

This week we have also proudly celebrated Filipino Language Week, another wonderful opportunity to recognise the rich diversity within our school community. Through cultural performances, language, food, and activities, our Filipino students have shared their heritage with pride, giving us all a deeper appreciation of their traditions and culture. Celebrations like these remind us that our diversity is one of our greatest strengths and that we all benefit when we take the time to learn from one another.

As I reflect on the week, I am reminded that whether we are celebrating academic excellence, cultural achievement, sporting success or leadership, these accomplishments are built on simple, consistent habits. Success rarely comes from one extraordinary moment; it is the result of showing up every day, working hard, asking for help when it is needed, and making the most of every opportunity.

One of the most important habits we can encourage is regular attendance. Students should aim to miss no more than five days of school per term. Every lesson builds on the last, and every day at school provides opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Students who attend regularly are more confident, remain engaged in their learning, and give themselves the very best chance of achieving their goals. Just like athletes who train consistently to perform at their best, our students thrive when they develop positive routines and are supported by their teachers, coaches, and whānau.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the many staff, students, parents, and volunteers who contributed to making Open Evening such a memorable event. Thank you for giving your time, sharing your stories, and making our visitors feel so welcome. Together, you demonstrated exactly what makes Hastings Girls’ High School such a special community.

Ākina – Strive for Excellence.

Ngā mihi nui

Lisa Akers
Principal

Term 3 is always one of the busiest and most important terms in our academic calendar. As the weather cools, learning certainly doesn’t, and our students continue to embrace every opportunity both inside and outside the classroom.

For our senior students, the weeks ahead are particularly significant. Internal assessments continue throughout the term, with benchmark examinations fast approaching. These assessments provide valuable feedback and allow students to identify areas for improvement as they prepare for NCEA external examinations later in the year. I encourage all students to remain focused, seek support when needed, and make the most of every learning opportunity.

Many of our Year 13 students are also beginning to look beyond school. University applications, scholarship opportunities, apprenticeships, and employment pathways are now opening, and our Careers Team is available to support students as they make these important decisions. We look forward to celebrating many of their successes over the coming months.

One of the great strengths of our curriculum is the authentic learning experiences we provide beyond the classroom. This term alone, students have participated in a wide range of field trips, camps, cultural experiences, and sporting opportunities that bring their learning to life. A particular highlight was our Year 10 Exploring the Great Outdoors snow trip, where students experienced alpine environments firsthand while developing resilience, teamwork, and outdoor skills. It was fantastic to see students embracing the challenge and making the most of an experience many had never had before.

Whether our students are completing assessments, exploring future pathways, or learning through real-world experiences, each opportunity helps them build the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need for the future.

I wish all students every success for the remainder of the term and encourage them to keep striving towards their personal best.

Rob Orr
Deputy Principal – Curriculum

“The performing arts tend to unify people in a way nothing else does.” David Rubenstein
Performing Arts is all around us, from listening to music on a long drive and learning TikTok routines to singing at church or speaking in front of an audience. At Hastings Girls’ High School, we offer classes and extracurricular groups that cater to a wide range of interests, talents, and abilities.

Term 2 was exceptionally busy and successful for Performing Arts. Students performed at Fiafia Night, celebrating the many cultures represented within our school community. This was followed by our Showquest performance, which was developed throughout Terms 1 and 2 under the leadership of Performing Arts Captain Maddee Marsh. We also have a dedicated group of instrumentalists who attend weekly rehearsals at Lindisfarne College as part of the combined Symphonic Band. These students proudly represented the school at two major events this year, achieving a Gold Award at the Hawke’s Bay Band Festival and a Silver Award at the annual NZCBA Festival in Cambridge. The term concluded with Te Rōpū Manu Huia, our combined Hastings Boys’ and Hastings Girls’ High School Kapa Haka group showcasing their exceptional talent and commitment at the National Secondary Schools Kapa Haka Competition in Mount Maunganui. The group achieved first place in the Waiata Tira section and placed 25th overall. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and dedication they have shown throughout the year.

In Drama, two students were awarded scholarships to attend the week-long National Youth Drama School (NYDS) programme in the Term 1 school holidays, where they gained valuable experience from industry professionals and connected with students from across New Zealand. Our Una Voce Choir, led by Whaea Oriana, is a combined Lindisfarne College and Hastings Girls’ High School ensemble that meets weekly.

Hastings Girls’ High School offers Performing Arts courses from Years 9 to 13 across the disciplines of Dance, Drama, Music, and Te Ao Haka. Students develop practical performance skills alongside analytical and theoretical knowledge within their chosen disciplines.

Our annual Showcase Concert will be held in Week 7 of this term (3 September, from 5.30pm), providing an opportunity for students and classes to share the work they have been developing throughout the year. We also have a small but powerful group of dancers preparing to compete in Dance NZ Made on 17 August at Toitoi Theatre. We strongly encourage our students and whānau to attend these events and celebrate the incredible talent and dedication of our performers.

Looking ahead, preparations are already underway for our 2027 school production. Written and directed by students, the production will bring together all Performing Arts disciplines while fostering collaboration across subject areas. The story is a reimagined, Kiwi-inspired take on a classic tale of friendship. It has been several years since Hastings Girls’ High School staged a full production, and we are excited to bring this ambitious project to our community at the end of Term 2, 2027.

This week, our school proudly celebrated Filipino Language Week, giving our community the opportunity to learn more about the rich culture, traditions, and heritage of the Philippines.

The week began with a wonderful assembly where our Filipino students shared insights into their culture and performed for the school. We learned that the Philippines is made up of more than 7,600 islands and is home to over 180 languages. Despite the country’s geographical spread and linguistic diversity, one thing was abundantly clear—Filipinos share an incredible sense of national pride and a genuine love of sharing their culture with others.

Led by Jo Opoc and supported by our English Teacher, Miss Zaizel Rangas, our Filipino students created a memorable week of celebrations. Students from across the school had the opportunity to make traditional-inspired cultural keyrings, sample a delicious selection of Filipino food, and enjoy a vibrant cultural concert featuring music, dance, and a very special guest from the Philippine community.

The enthusiasm, generosity, and pride shown by our Filipino students made this week a truly special experience for our entire kura. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make the celebrations such a success and look forward to celebrating Filipino Language Week together again next year.

Last Friday, our SADD team proudly hosted a Road Safety Activity Day in collaboration with the New Zealand Police and the RoadSafe Hawke’s Bay Impairment Prevention Team. Students from Years 9 to 13 had the opportunity to take part in a range of interactive, hands-on activities designed to promote safer choices on and around our roads.The event included exploring Police vehicles and the booze bus, wearing impairment goggles to experience the effects of alcohol and drug impairment, trying alcohol-testing equipment, and taking part in engaging road safety challenges. Police Officers and the RoadSafe team also spoke with students about the importance of making responsible decisions and looking out for one another.

It was amazing to see so many students enthusiastically participating, asking questions, and learning valuable road safety messages in a fun and memorable way. A huge thank you to Khushi and the SADD committee for putting this fantastic event together! We would also like to give a special thanks to the New Zealand Police and the RoadSafe Hawke’s Bay Impairment Prevention Team for their time, support, and commitment to helping keep our young people safe on the roads.

Yesterday, our Year 9 Creative World Hub students had the wonderful opportunity to attend the first concert in the free monthly Midday Music series at the Century Theatre.

The performance, Romantic Reflections, featured pianist Natalie Mészáros, who captivated the audience with a beautiful 50-minute programme of solo piano works from the Romantic era.

For many of our students, this was a unique opportunity to experience a live classical music performance. They thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, taking time to appreciate the music and immerse themselves in a different cultural experience.

We are grateful to the organisers of the Midday Music series for providing such a valuable opportunity, and we look forward to more of our music students attending future concerts throughout the year.

Last Friday saw our annual Leader vs Leader netball game against Hastings Boys’ High School! As always, it was a whole lot of fun, super competitive, and a fantastic challenge for everyone involved.

HBHS ended up taking out the win this year! Huge shoutout to both schools for bringing the energy, sportsmanship, and serious skills to the court!

We’re delighted to celebrate the first of what we hope will be many scholarship successes for our Year 13 students.

A huge congratulations to Abby Ioane, who has been awarded an Early Offer University of Waikato Vice-Chancellor Scholarship valued at $15,000 for 2027.

Abby plans to study a Bachelor of Business Studies at the University of Waikato next year. This is an outstanding achievement, made even more remarkable by the fact that Abby has only been part of the New Zealand education system since 2023. Her success is a testament to her determination, resilience, and commitment to learning.

We are incredibly proud of Abby and wish her every success as she prepares for this exciting next chapter.

Congratulations, Abby! We can’t wait to see all that you achieve.

Congratulations to Elise Hooper, Airini Duff, and Sophia O’Kane, who proudly represented Hastings Girls’ High School at this year’s Maatangi Whenua Geography Competition.

Maatangi Whenua is an annual interschool geography competition for Year 11 students from across New Zealand. The fast-paced event challenges students across eight exciting rounds, testing their knowledge and skills through activities such as atlas challenges, topographic map reading, geographical problem-solving, and even playdough modelling.

Our girls demonstrated excellent teamwork, quick thinking, and geographical knowledge throughout the competition. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented our kura and embraced this fantastic opportunity to extend their learning beyond the classroom.

Well done, Elise, Airini, and Sophia!

Huge congratulations to Lucia and Kelisha, the proud winners of our 100% attendance draw! Both students have walked away with a $20 sushi voucher for their fantastic commitment to showing up every day.

Keep up the amazing work, girls!

Basketball

Our Premier Basketball team had a bye this week and will now face Woodford House in the 5th/6th playoff next week after narrowly missing out on the semifinals. The girls can be extremely proud of their efforts, with the team made up predominantly of junior players competing in a senior competition. The experience they have gained this season will be invaluable for the future.

Netball

Our Senior A Netball team had a hard-fought contest against Havelock North High School, narrowly going down despite having only seven players available due to several squad members being away. The team will meet Havelock North again next week with a full squad available as they look to secure a crucial win and keep their finals hopes alive.

Football

Our 1st XI Football team continued their strong form with an impressive 3–0 home victory over Central Hawke’s Bay College. The girls now turn their attention to next week’s Sports Exchange, where they will face Gisborne Girls’ High School in an important pre-tournament fixture.

Hockey

Our 1st XI Hockey team takes on Iona College this Thursday and will be looking to finish a challenging season on a positive note with a strong performance.

Rugby

Our Under 15 Rugby team finished their season in style with an excellent 30–25 victory over Havelock North High School. This was a fantastic achievement, particularly as the majority of the team were playing rugby for the first time this season. Their improvement throughout the year has been outstanding and is a testament to their commitment and willingness to learn. Our 1st XV travel to Taupō this Friday to take on Taupō-nui-a-Tia College, looking to secure an important win to keep their competition hopes alive.

Gisborne Sports Exchange

Next Thursday, our 1st XI Football, Premier Basketball, and Senior A Volleyball teams will travel to Gisborne to take on Gisborne Girls’ High School in our inaugural Senior Sports Exchange. This is an exciting new initiative aimed at providing more of our senior sports teams with the opportunity to compete against quality opposition from outside Hawke’s Bay. These fixtures will provide valuable preparation ahead of upcoming tournaments while continuing to strengthen the relationship between our two schools. We look forward to returning to Gisborne next term for our annual Junior Sports Exchange, continuing what we hope will become a long-standing and successful sporting partnership.

Last week, Year 9 student Brooklyn Waihua travelled to Auckland to compete at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Swimming Championships.

This was an outstanding achievement for Brooklyn, as she is the first Hastings Girls’ High School student to compete at these championships in over eight years. She represented both herself and the school with pride, determination, and professionalism throughout the event.

One of Brooklyn’s highlights was achieving a personal best in the 50m Backstroke, where she placed 2nd in her heat and 12th in New Zealand for her age group.

We are incredibly proud of Brooklyn’s dedication and accomplishments. We hope her success inspires more of our students to get involved in competitive swimming and pursue their own sporting goals. Congratulations, Brooklyn!

School Calendar