Term Two Week 5

It has been a busy and productive week as we move steadily toward the middle of the term. For many of our senior students, and for our Year 10 cohort, the focus has been on the Literacy and Numeracy examinations that form a crucial part of their NCEA journey. I have emphasised many times just how significant these assessments are. Without achieving these core standards, students cannot receive their Level 1, 2, or 3 certificates. These exams are truly the gateway to our senior school.

My sincere thanks go to Mrs Moli and Mrs Doyle, our NCEA Exam Centre Manager, for their smooth organisation of these assessments. I would also like to acknowledge the students who attended and upheld our school value of whakaute, respecting the exam environment and enabling everyone to concentrate and perform at their best.

For our Year 10 students, this was their first official assessment opportunity. I was impressed not only by their excellent behaviour but also by the effort they put into revising and preparing. Ka rawe, girls.

Mrs Moli, our Deputy Principal Operations and Mrs Doyle, our NCEA Exam Centre Manager

On Friday morning, we had the privilege of welcoming back Anna Fifield, who attended HGHS in the late 1980s and early 1990s. During her time here, Anna was an enthusiastic debater and spoke warmly about three former staff members, Mrs Brown, Mrs Simonson, and Mr Powdrell, whose teaching helped shape her future path. It was wonderful to hear how the influence of our educators continues to echo through the achievements of our alumnae.

After leaving HGHS and completing university, Anna embarked on a remarkable career in journalism. She became a renowned foreign correspondent for both The Financial Times and The Washington Post, reporting from Asia, the Middle East, and the United States. She later served as the Post’s Asia‑Pacific Editor, overseeing coverage of China and the wider region, and also spent two years as Editor of The Dominion Post.

Anna is a respected New Zealand journalist and foreign affairs analyst, and a non‑resident fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, contributing to work on New Zealand geopolitics and the U.S.–New Zealand partnership. She is also the author of The Great Successor, the first English‑language biography of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, now published in 24 languages. Her accolades include a Nieman Fellowship at Harvard and Stanford University’s journalism prize for her coverage of Asia.

Our Year 12 and 13 students represented HGHS with pride, demonstrating whakaute as they listened attentively and asked thoughtful, insightful questions. Well done, girls.

What an honour it was to have Anna return to us and share such powerful messages about aiming high, believing in yourself, and embracing the opportunities ahead. Her story is truly inspirational, and I hope it encourages all of you to continue reaching for the stars.

Today we celebrated our incredible support staff who keep the cogs of our school turning each and every day. From caring for our students and staff, to quietly working behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly, we are so lucky to have such a dedicated and hardworking team.

Thank you for all that you do for our school community. We appreciate your kindness, your care, and the friendly and fun energy you bring to Hastings Girls’ High School every day.

Ngā mihi nui
Lisa Akers
Principal

Kia ora whānau,

As we move through the middle of Term 2, it has been wonderful to see so many students engaging positively in school life, supporting one another, and making the most of the many opportunities available across our kura.

A reminder to students and whānau that we have a wide range of wellbeing and support services available at Hastings Girls’ High School.

Our Wellbeing Team includes:
• Anthea – Hauora Coach
• Cynthia – Counsellor
• Aaliyah – Youth Worker

Students can access support in several ways. They are welcome to make an appointment through the Student Centre office, or speak with a trusted adult at school including their Dean, Ākina Coach, or a teacher they have a strong relationship with. Someone from the wellbeing team is available onsite each day.

We also have a school nurse available onsite. Students can make appointments during interval and lunchtime at the Student Centre office.

Our wider pastoral network also includes:
• House Deans – Kim Hokianga, Abby Hall, Oriana Kershaw, and Sam Robinson
• Attendance Team – Katherine Jones and Sue Eaton
• Careers Team – Maxine Gilmour and Trudi Barratt

Our Careers team are available to support students with future pathways, including university, trades, EIT applications, scholarships, hostel applications, and career planning. We strongly encourage senior students to begin exploring these options now, as many applications and open days begin over the coming months.

There are also a number of tertiary providers and organisations visiting the school throughout the term. Students are encouraged to regularly check the notices and listen carefully to daily notices so they do not miss opportunities to attend presentations or ask questions about future pathways.

Attendance continues to be a major focus for us this term. Congratulations to all students achieving 100% attendance so far this term, and well done also to those students who have made positive improvements in their attendance and engagement. Students are encouraged to have no more than 5 days off per term. Every day at school matters, and we are proud of the effort students are making.

It has also been fantastic to see the growing house spirit across the school. We encourage all students to get involved in upcoming house events, including House Netball on Monday, the House Quiz later this term, and House Debating next term.

House events are an important part of our school culture and traditions. Our old girls often follow along with school events and house activities through our social media, and it is special to see these traditions continue across generations of Hastings Girls’ High School students.

We encourage all students to get behind their houses, support one another, and continue building the strong sense of belonging and pride that makes our kura so special.

Ngā mihi,
Stef Williams
Acting Deputy Principal Pastoral

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2026 Tertiary Pathways & Information Evenings

For Prospective Students and Whānau A comprehensive guide to student life, undergraduate degrees, and scholarship opportunities.

What to Expect
Campus & Accommodation Tours: View halls of residence and facilities.
Faculty Sessions: Meet staff, explore courses, and attend taster lectures.

Date	Time	Institution	Venue
Mon 25 May	6:00–7:30pm	Massey University	Toitoi, Hastings
Thu 28 May	5:30–7:30pm	Lincoln University	Toitoi, Hastings
Wed 3 June	6:30–8:30pm	University of Otago	Napier War Memorial Centre
Thu 4 June	5:00–8:00pm	NZ Defence Force	EIT Building, Hastings
Tue 9 June	6:00–7:30pm	University of Waikato	Napier War Memorial Centre
Thu 11 June	6:00–7:30pm	Victoria University	Napier War Memorial Centre
Tue 16 June	6:00–8:15pm	University of Canterbury	Napier War Memorial Centre
Thu 25 June	TBA	University of Auckland	Napier War Memorial Centre
Thu 27 Aug	6:00–8:00pm	QRC (Tourism/Hosp.)	Hawke’s Bay (Venue TBA)
Thu 17 Sep	10:00am–2:00pm	EIT Enrolment Day	EIT Campus, Taradale

2026 NZ University Open Day Schedule

Date	Institution	Campus / Location	Time
Sun 3 May – Mon 4 May	University of Otago	Dunedin	All Day
Fri 22 May	University of Waikato	Hamilton	All Day
Mon 20 July	NZ School of Tourism	Chch, Wgtn, or Hamilton	Check Local Campus
Fri 24 July	Lincoln University	Lincoln (Canterbury)	10:00am–3:00pm
Wed 5 August	Massey University	Manawatū (Palmerston North)	All Day
Sat 15 August	Massey University	Ōtehā (Auckland)	All Day
Fri 21 August	Victoria University	Wellington	All Day
Fri 21 August	Massey University	Pukeahu (Wellington)	All Day
Fri 28 August	University of Canterbury	Christchurch	All Day
Sat 29 August	AUT	Auckland CBD	9:00am–3:00pm
Sat 29 August	Univ. of Auckland	Auckland CBD	9:00am–4:00pm
Thu 3 September	Massey (Distance)	Online	See Website

Did you know that not having a driver licence is one of the biggest barriers to employment? This is especially true here in Hawke’s Bay, where public transport options can be limited. Teaching our young people to drive isn’t just about getting from A to B, it’s a crucial life skill that opens up a world of opportunities! We are incredibly proud to announce that last week 28 of our students successfully gained their learner’s licence right here at school! A massive thank you to Senior Constable Christine Leppein for her incredible help and support in guiding our students through this milestone. We couldn’t have done it without you! Missed out this time? Don’t worry! If you missed this round or are turning 16 soon, there will be another opportunity coming up in August. Keep an eye out for sign-up details!

We were so proud to have former students Miracle and Maera visit to speak about their career journey from school into the NZ Army. Both are currently based at Linton Army Camp in Palmerston North. Miracle and Maera completed the Police Prep course while at HGHS, before going on to complete the six-month Service Pathway Course at EIT. This course helped them build their fitness and guided them through the recruitment process. (Year 13 students can also take a service preparation course through the school’s Trade Academy Programme while still at school.) It was fantastic to have Miracle and Maera share their experiences with us and to see them thriving in careers they love.

Congratulations to Manreet and Bella, who are our lucky Week 4 attendance winners! Both girls took home sushi vouchers for maintaining an incredible 100% attendance rate. Outstanding effort, girls keep it up!

Vote for Khushi Bijalwan! We are thrilled to announce that Khushi has been selected as a finalist in the Volunteering Hawke’s Bay Excellence Awards 2026! Cast Your Vote Now link.https://vhb.org.nz/awards Let’s get behind Khushi!

We are excited to celebrate three of our outstanding Year 13 students who are attending the COACH (Creating Opportunities in a Career in Health) wānanga at the University of Auckland this week. Congratulations to Te Ahua Mainini, Grace Warren and Juliet Hokianga on being selected for this incredible opportunity. The four-day immersive experience, was held at Waipapa Marae last week , brings together 80 Year 13 students from across Aotearoa to explore pathways into the health sector. Through workshops, presentations and whakawhanaungatanga, students gain valuable insight into future study and career opportunities in health. A huge mihi to the Whakapiki Ake team and all those who continue to support this important kaupapa, helping our rangatahi pursue their aspirations and future pathways.

We are incredibly proud to announce that Kaea Tangohau has been selected for the 2026 On Campus Experience (OCE) at Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka, the University of Otago! This is a massive achievement with over 120 applications from across Aotearoa and only 30 places available, the selection process was highly competitive. Kaea was chosen based on her academic potential, leadership, and incredible involvement within our school and Māori communities. This fully-funded scholarship will see Kaea heading to Dunedin from 5–9 July to experience life as a university student, attending lectures and exploring college life. Congratulations, Kaea! We can’t wait to hear all about your journey down south.

Sport Hawke’s Bay will soon be circulating an online survey with secondary school students across the region.

The following information will explain how and why they are conducting the survey at HGHS

Why are they surveying Rangatahi (Young People)?

Young people are important to Sport HB, and experiences during secondary school years can inspire or discourage a life-long involvement in physical activity. They want to ensure that rangatahi have great sport, physical activity and active recreation experiences at school and the more they know about a population group, the better placed they are to provide opportunities and experiences that meet our students needs, ultimately supporting a lifelong love of being active – they need to be making decisions that are informed by the audience who they are looking to cater for.

Why will the survey be in schools?

Sport HB want to find out what more can be done to support schools and teachers, and link schools to sport and recreation organisations in our communities. They are targeting secondary schools from across the country, so they have information from a cross-section of rangatahi across New Zealand. They want to survey all secondary school students and school is the best place to reach young people.

Do schools have a say in how and when the survey is administered?

Yes. The survey is circulated during class to students and is completed online. Students will have their say but the survey is anonymous and therefore students will not be identifiable. Any comments students make in their response, including anonymously, are available to the school, to Sport Hawke’s Bay and to Sport NZ. If for any reason you do not want your child to participate in the survey you are welcome to opt your child out of taking part. To opt your child out please email:

MONDAY 25 MAY

PREM BASKETBALL | LUNCH | SCHOOL GYM

SENIOR A NETBALL | 3-5PM | SCHOOL GYM

RUGBY | 3-4:30PM | SCHOOL FIELD

TUESDAY 26 MAY

JUNIOR RED NETBALL | LUNCH | SCHOOL TURF

BADMINTON JUNIORS | LUNCH | SCHOOL GYM

RUGBY | 3-4.30PM | SCHOOL FIELD

JUNIOR A & B NETBALL | 3-5PM | SCHOOL GYM

1ST XI FOOTBALL | 3-4:30PM | SCHOOL FIELD

WEDNESDAY 27 MAY

JUNIOR BLUE NETBALL | LUNCH | SCHOOL GYM

SENIOR B NETBALL | 3-5PM | SCHOOL GYM

1ST XI HOCKEY | 3-4:30PM | SCHOOL TURF

THURSDAY 28 MAY

BADMINTON SENIORS | LUNCH | SCHOOL GYM

JUNIOR RED NETBALL | LUNCH | SCHOOL TURF

FRIDAY 29 MAY

SENIOR B NETBALL | 3-5PM | SPORTS PARK

JUNIOR RED NETBALL | 3-4:30PM | SCHOOL TURF

SENIOR RED NETBALL | LUNCH | SCHOOL GYM

SENIOR BLUE NETBALL | 3-4:30PM | SCHOOL GYM

MONDAY 25 MAY

PREM BASKETBALL VS WILLIAM COLENSO 5:50PM CENTENNIAL HALL

TUESDAY 26 MAY

SENIOR A NETBALL VS WILLIAM COLENSO 6:30PM RODNEY GREEN ARENA | COURT 3

WEDNESDAY 27 MAY

U15’S RUGBY VS TBC | ELWOOD PARK

U17’S RUGBY VS TBC | ELWOOD PARK

1ST XI FOOTBALL VS WOODFORD 2ND XI | 4:00PM HGHS

THURSDAY 28 MAY

1ST XI HOCKEY VS IONA COLLEGE | 5:30PM SPORTS PARK

BADMINTON B1 VS KARAMŪ | 3:30PM KARAMŪ

BADMINTON C1 VS WOODFORD | 3:30PM WOODFORD

BADMINTON C2 VS CENTRAL HB | 3:30PM FLAXMERE COLLEGE

BADMINTON D1 VS HAVELOCK NORTH | 3:30PM HGHS

BADMINTON D2 VS KARAMŪ | 3:30PM HGHS

BADMINTON D3 VS WOODFORD | 3:30PM HGHS

BADMINTON D4 VS CENTRAL HB | 3:30PM FLAXMERE COLLEGE

School Calendar