Term Three Week 6

This week, I had the privilege of meeting with old girl Alesha Hope, who works for the Hawke’s Bay Foundation. As we talked, our conversation quickly turned to the significance of being an old girl of Hastings Girls’ High School and the many ways our school has helped shape who we are today.

We reflected on the words of our school song:

“In later years when far away, remember the song you sing today.”

Together, we shared memories of our time at school and the important life lessons and values that remain woven through the fabric of Hastings Girls’ High School. We spoke about the importance of being proud of who you are and where you come from, while always striving for excellence.

Alesha reflected on the value of acceptance and inclusivity, qualities she continues to carry strongly today. She also spoke of the enduring friendships she formed during her years at school. We both reminisced about the incredible teachers who cared for us, nurtured our potential, encouraged us to try new things, and challenged us to be the very best versions of ourselves.

Although Alesha and I attended Hastings Girls’ High School at different times, I was both heartened and inspired by how similar our experiences were. It reinforced for me that every student who walks through our gates is building a kete of skills, values, and experiences that will serve them well for years to come.

With this in mind, it has been exciting to welcome prospective students and families as Year 9 enrolments begin. We look forward to meeting our new students and inviting them to become part of the Hastings Girls’ High School whānau.

Student Leadership
This week has also been marked by our Prefect Leadership Applications. The speeches delivered by our applicants have been exceptional and I have been incredibly impressed by the calibre of students stepping forward to lead.

A consistent theme throughout the speeches has been the depth of involvement these young women already have within our school and wider community. They are leading projects, contributing positively to those around them, and demonstrating leadership through action. Their experiences have given them meaningful examples of what it means to step up and make a difference.

We are fortunate to have such a remarkable group of young women aspiring to leadership roles.

While not every applicant will be selected as a prefect, this should in no way be seen as a reflection of their leadership ability. The selection process focuses on building a balanced team whose strengths complement one another. Leadership takes many forms, and the contributions our students make through committees, service, sport, culture, and everyday interactions do not go unnoticed. There will continue to be many opportunities for leadership and growth throughout the year.

This Saturday, 29 August, I will be attending Rarau Mai at the Hastings Sports Centre. This special event brings together our local Kapa Haka rōpū who travelled to Tauranga to compete at the national competitions last month.

We are incredibly proud of our own Te Rōpū Manu Huia, who represented Hastings Girls’ High School with pride, commitment and mana on the national stage. Their achievement was the result of many months of dedication from our tauira, alongside the wonderful support of their whānau, tutors and everyone who contributed to their journey.

Rarau Mai will be a wonderful opportunity to come together again and celebrate the culture, performance and collective effort of our local rōpū. I look forward to seeing many of our students and whānau there supporting Te Rōpū Manu Huia and all of our talented local performers.

Tournament Week
Next week is Tournament Week and I am looking forward to being on the sidelines supporting our students as they represent our school with pride.

We wish all our teams the very best:

Rugby in Levin
Netball in Wellington
Badminton in Taradale
Football in Taradale

I have already been impressed by the determination, skill, and teamwork displayed by our netball teams. What stood out even more, however, was the care they took to acknowledge and thank their coaches and managers with cards and gifts.

This was a wonderful example of our school values of whakaute and manaakitanga in action, showing appreciation for the dedicated people who generously give their time to support and nurture the sports and activities they are passionate about.

I would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our whānau. Whether driving, coordinating transport, cheering from the sidelines, or supporting behind the scenes, your contribution is invaluable. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting parents, caregivers, and reconnecting with former students at events throughout the season. The strength of our Hastings Girls’ High School community is something truly special, and it is always evident when we come together to support our young women.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week ahead and the very best to all of our teams competing next week.

Ngā mihi nui
Lisa Akers
Principal

As we move further into Term 3, the next few weeks are particularly important for our students, with key assessments and decisions ahead that will contribute to both their success this year and their future pathways.

CAA Literacy & Numeracy Assessments – Week 8

In Week 8, students who are entered will sit the Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessment Activities (CAAs). Achieving the Literacy and Numeracy requirements is an important part of gaining an NCEA qualification, so we encourage students to make the most of the preparation and support available to them over the coming weeks.

For those sitting the assessments, regular attendance and active participation in class are particularly important. Teachers will continue to support students with their preparation and ensure they know what to expect.

Benchmark Examinations – Weeks 9 & 10

Our Benchmark Exams will take place during Weeks 9 and 10 and are an important opportunity for senior students to prepare for their end-of-year NCEA examinations. These exams give students valuable experience working under examination conditions, help identify areas that may need further revision, and provide a clear indication of where they are sitting academically as they head towards the end of the year.

Benchmark results are also important because they are used when determining our senior academic awards and prizes including our highest academic honours, Dux and Proxime Accessit. We encourage students to approach the Benchmark Examinations with the same commitment and preparation they would give their end-of-year examinations. The work they put in now can make a significant difference.

Pathways Hui – 11 September

On Friday 11 September all Year 10, 11 and 12 students will take part in our Pathways Hui where they will begin exploring and making decisions about their subject pathways for 2027. Subject selection is much more than choosing what students would like to study next year. The choices they make can influence the opportunities available to them beyond school including tertiary study, vocational training and future career pathways.

The Pathways Hui is an important opportunity for students to think carefully about where they want to go, explore the subjects that will help them get there, ask questions and seek advice before making their decisions. We encourage students to engage fully in the process, keep an open mind about the possibilities available to them, and make informed choices that will keep their future pathways open.

There is a busy academic period ahead but also one filled with opportunity. Preparation, attendance and engagement over the coming weeks will put our students in the strongest possible position to finish the year well and make confident decisions about what comes next.

CAA Exam Timetable – Click here

Terms 2 and 3 have been busy and exciting for the Science Department. Our Level 3 Biology students travelled to the National Aquarium to investigate the effects of environmental factors on Daphnia. Students designed and carried out an experiment before analysing their findings and producing a laboratory report. Meanwhile, our Level 1 Science students have been immersed in Chemistry, carrying out a variety of practical experiments that have allowed them to develop both their scientific understanding and laboratory skills.

Our junior students have been exploring key concepts across the sciences. In Chemistry, they have been learning about the periodic table and the patterns and properties of elements, while in Physics they have been investigating forces and motion. Through practical activities and investigations, students have been building a strong foundation of scientific knowledge and developing their ability to think critically about the world around them.

This year, students also participated in the University of Otago Science Quiz, a nationwide multiple-choice competition that tests general scientific knowledge across a range of topics. We eagerly await the results and the possibility of bringing home prizes and awards for our efforts. Senior Māori students involved in the Pūhoro STEM Academy also attended a wānanga at EIT where they had the opportunity to explore pathways in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics while connecting with other rangatahi from across the region.

Science learning at Hastings Girls’ High School extends beyond the classroom. Our robotics programme has begun preparations for the 2027 season with teams now confirmed and experienced members mentoring new students. We are in the process of deconstructing one of our old robots and rebuilding it as part of the training process, allowing students to develop valuable engineering, problem-solving, and teamwork skills. Students also participated in STEM workshops facilitated by the University of Waikato where they developed their computer science and technology skills through hands-on activities and challenges.

Our Horticulture Club continues to thrive, particularly throughout the harvest season. Students have enjoyed growing and harvesting a range of vegetables, many of which they were able to take home. The club has also successfully grown a large number of seedlings and several junior classes visited the horticulture area to learn more about the opportunities available and the importance of sustainable food production.

Hastings Girls’ High School offers Science courses from Years 9 to 13, with pathways in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics at senior levels. Through practical investigations, field trips, STEM programmes, competitions, and enrichment opportunities, students are encouraged to develop curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong appreciation of science.

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue expanding opportunities for our students to engage with science in authentic and meaningful ways. Whether through research, technology, environmental projects, robotics, or laboratory investigations, we remain committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists, innovators and problem-solvers.

As we head into a crucial part of the school year, our students are balancing benchmark exams, internal assessments, and preparation for upcoming CAAs. While this can be a busy and sometimes stressful period, there is plenty of support available to help them feel confident and prepared.

Lunchtime Maths Tutoring
To assist students with their upcoming CAA exams, tutoring is available every day at lunchtime.

Run by our Learning Support Coordinator, Kate Elworthy, alongside a team of fantastic student mentors, these sessions offer a supportive environment where students can:

• Ask questions and work through challenging maths topics.
• Practice exam-style questions.
• Build confidence ahead of their assessments.

All students are strongly encouraged to drop in – whether they need help with a specific concept or just want a quiet space for extra practice.

How You Can Help at Home?
Family support makes a huge difference during assessment season. Here are a few ways to assist your child:

Establish Routine: Encourage regular, set times for quiet study and help them organise their workload.
Check In: Ask about their upcoming assessments and remind them to reach out for help when stuck.
Tailor Support: Every student learns differently—some benefit from practice questions while others need to talk through concepts out loud.

Most importantly, remind your daughter that they don’t have to navigate this period alone and that support is always available.

Thank you for your ongoing support as we work together to help our students finish the year strong!

Last week, 37 of our Year 11, 12 and 13 students spent two unforgettable nights in Wellington exploring future study pathways at the Victoria University of Wellington and Massey University Open Days!

To make the most of the trip, students split into three groups based on their passions diving into everything from Design & Architecture to Commerce & Law, and Science & Humanities. They got a real taste of tertiary life by attending mini-lectures, chatting with university tutors, and touring the student halls of residence.

It wasn’t all campus tours, though! We made sure to experience the best of the Capital with a guided tour of Parliament, a visit to the National Library to view Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the historic Kate Sheppard suffrage petition, plus stops at Te Papa, Old St Paul’s Church, and the Wellington Zoo.

It was an incredible trip that gave our students valuable clarity on university pathways and a glimpse of what life in Wellington could look like for them next.

A huge thank you to Mrs Akers and our Board of Trustees for supporting our students and making this opportunity possible!

Maxine Gilmore, Careers Department

Having the opportunity to go to Wellington last Thursday for Victoria University’s Open Day was an extremely beneficial trip for my post-school choices. While exploring Wellington was great, my absolute highlight was being on the Kelburn campus—immersing myself in the subjects on offer, engaging with current students, and getting a real sense of what student life at Vic could look like.

Attending this trip truly solidified my choices for life after secondary school. I had been quite torn between different universities recently but sitting in the Psychology lecture and talking to both first-year and final-year psychology students made a huge impact. One student kindly explained how the Bachelor’s and Master’s pathways work and how course papers are structured, giving me a head start on planning my future steps.

Wellington itself was such a positive and lively city, and everyone was incredibly welcoming and polite wherever we went. The Vic Uni students were eager to chat all over campus—Franny and I even got interviewed by a student for their social media team!

This experience didn’t just help me settle on a university; it opened my eyes to potential scholarships, the support available to me as a Māori and Pasifika woman, the city I’ll be living in, and the community I’ll be surrounding myself with for the next six years.

To all my senior peers: I highly recommend taking full advantage of the opportunities our school offers! A lot of girls were hesitant to go because their friends weren’t attending but you can’t let that hold you back from shaping your future. Step out of your comfort zone and give everything a go!

This week our Year 11, 12 and 13 students had a fantastic opportunity to explore some of the many career pathways available within the health sector.

We were fortunate to welcome 15 health professionals from across Hawke’s Bay, who introduced our students to 10 allied and specialist health careers that may be less well known but are currently in strong demand.

Students heard about Occupational Therapy, Audiology, Radiography, Medical Laboratory Science, Sterile Services, Dietetics, Pharmacy, Cardiac Sonography, Emergency Nursing and Anaesthetic Technology.

Our speakers gave students a real insight into what a day in each profession looks like, alongside information about entry requirements, where to study, employment opportunities and future career pathways. Importantly, they also discussed which school subjects can help prepare students for these careers—particularly valuable as our students begin making their subject choices for next year.

For students who know they are interested in health but aren’t yet sure where that interest might take them, the morning opened their eyes to just how many different opportunities exist beyond some of the more familiar health careers.

A huge thank you to all 15 of our speakers for giving up their time to share their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm with our students. Opportunities like these can play an important part in helping our girls discover a pathway they may never have considered before.

Last week, our Level 2 Physical Education class hit the road for an unforgettable three-day trip to Taupō. While the stunning landscapes made for a scenic backdrop, the trip was all about putting classroom theory into high-octane practice – focusing on outdoor risk management, real-time decision-making, and pure team dynamics.

Across three action-packed days, the girls threw themselves into every challenge. They carved up the snow (and learned how to pick themselves back up with a laugh!) during a full day of snowboarding at Whakapapa, navigated steep lines and technical terrain across the world-class mountain bike trails at Craters of the Moon, and showed stride-for-stride teamwork along the scenic Huka Falls river track trek before unwinding with a well-earned soak at DeBretts Spa Resort.

Managing risks in outdoor environments isn’t just about reading a safety checklist; it’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, assessing live situations, and trusting the person next to you. Throughout the trip, the girls showed incredible grit, encouraging each other through every tumble, steep drop, and sore muscle. Seeing this group embrace new experiences with such enthusiasm, maturity, and positivity was a real highlight. A massive thank you to Mrs Geary for giving up her time and supporting our students every step of the way.

Our Junior Leaders had an awesome time at Frimley Park this week supporting the Frimley School Cross Country!

Serving our neighbouring school community is a vital part of being an HGHS Junior Leader. Opportunities like this give our students a chance to develop valuable leadership and communication skills while demonstrating Whanaungatanga.

Our leaders did an amazing job bringing high energy and encouraging all the primary school runners. A special shoutout to past Frimley students Vardeep Kaur and Anamika Sandhu, who returned to their former primary school as proud HGHS Leaders!

Year 13 student Kaea Tangohau (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Heretaunga, Ngāti Porou & Ngāi Tahu) is set to make her screen acting debut in Roimata, an exciting new short film going into production across Hawke’s Bay next week.

Roimata follows the journey of a young, rebellious punk-rock wāhine who wakes outside an eerie, isolated motel with no memory of how she got there.

Filming will take place over a week at locations across Hawke’s Bay, including Havelock North, Ocean Beach and central Hastings, with an all-local cast.

Making Kaea’s first screen role even more special, she will be acting alongside her Nan, Orine Gillies, throughout the shoot—a pretty special experience for them to share.

The finished short film is set to hit the big screen at a Napier theatre later this year and we’ll certainly be looking forward to seeing Kaea up there!

Ngā mihi nui, Kaea, and all the very best for filming week. We’re excited to see where this opportunity takes you!

Tournament Week & Summer Sports Update

Winter Tournament Week: The Final Push
Our tournament teams are in their final, high-intensity week of preparation before heading across the region and country to test their skills against the best.

Badminton: A group of our talented badminton players kicked off tournament season at the Pettigrew Green Arena regional tournament, demonstrating grit and earning valuable court experience against top-tier competition.

Senior A Netball: The squad departs this Saturday for Wellington to challenge the top schools in the region.

U15 Rugby: Traveling south to Levin, our rugby players are set to compete in the fast-paced U15 Hurricanes Tournament.

Football: The team kicks off their campaign this Monday closer to home at Park Island, Napier.

We couldn’t be prouder of the sweat, discipline, and passion these athletes have put into their training throughout the winter season. Go out there, play with heart, and wear the Hastings Girls’ High School crest with pride. All the best, girls!

Teamwork in Action: Canoe Polo Joins Forces
Preparations for next term’s regional and national tournaments are already well underway, with our Canoe Polo team entering their second week of intensive pool training. In an exciting new initiative this year, we’ve joined forces with Karamū High School. This partnership gives our students a fantastic chance to build strong inter-school connections, refine their technical paddling and ball-handling skills, and field a powerhouse combined squad. We can’t wait to watch their momentum build over the coming weeks!

Get Involved: Summer Sports Sign-Ups Open!
As the weather warms up, it’s time to gear up for summer sports! Whether you’re aiming for competitive success or just want to stay active and have fun with friends, there is a sport for everyone.

How to Register: Catch up with your Ākina Coach this week to check out the full sports lineup and lock in your spot.

Why Join? Summer sport is the perfect way to try something completely new, boost your fitness, and create lasting memories.

Step out of your comfort zone, represent Akina, and make this summer season one to remember!

With our 2026 Sports Prizegiving approaching, we are calling on students and whānau to help us ensure that the outstanding sporting achievements of our students are recognised and celebrated.

We are particularly keen to hear about students who have represented or achieved in sport outside of school including at club, regional, provincial, national or international level. While we are aware of many of the successes achieved through school sport, we know that a number of our students are also competing and excelling beyond the school environment.

The information provided through this form helps us build a complete picture of each student’s sporting achievements across the year. These achievements are considered as part of our Sports Prizegiving awards and the selection of our premier sporting honours, including the Top Sportswoman Cup, which is presented at Senior Prizegiving.

If your daughter, granddaughter, niece or young person in your care has achieved significant sporting success during 2026, please complete the form below so we can ensure her achievements are considered.

2026 Sporting Achievements – Fill in form CLICK HERE

We are incredibly proud of the dedication, commitment and excellence demonstrated by our student athletes, and we want to make sure their achievements both within and beyond Hastings Girls’ High School receive the recognition they deserve.

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