Term Three Week 5
Message from the Principal
Kia ora koutou
Understanding the NCEA framework is crucial for our students and your support plays a significant role in helping them navigate this journey. As you're aware, the recent changes to Level 1, including the new literacy and numeracy requirements, have added some challenges this year. The more informed our students are, the better they can track their progress towards their learning goals.
If your student needs further support in understanding their results, please encourage them to speak with their Ākina Coach or House Dean. These resources are available to help them make sense of their achievements and ensure they’re on the right path.
For those students working towards an NCEA endorsement with Excellence or Merit, it's important to remember that 50 credits are required. We encourage students not to leave this to chance but rather to map out opportunities to earn these credits, one standard at a time.
On the sports front, I am thrilled to share some highlights from our netball teams. On Monday, our Ākina Netball team suited up for their final game of the season against Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kahungunu. The team started strong but consistency got the better of us, and we couldn’t quite clinch the win. However, our team, made up of Year 9-11 students, held their own in a competition dominated by seniors, and we’re proud to have finished 4th in Division B!
The talent in this group is undeniable, and I’m confident we’ll come back even stronger next year. A massive thank you to the girls for making this season so enjoyable and entertaining. A special shoutout to Kori Waerea for volunteering her time and being an incredible Coach—we appreciate everything you’ve done for us this year!
In more exciting news, our Senior A Netball team has triumphed in the Hawke's Bay Division 2 competition, securing a fantastic 35-28 victory over Karamū. This well-deserved success is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication throughout the year. We are incredibly proud of you all!
A special thank you goes out to Coach Jamie Richardson, Manager Jo Husband, and Sports Coordinator Finn Martin for their unwavering support, guidance, and commitment to the team's success. Your efforts have been invaluable in helping the girls reach their full potential.
Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our incredible hip hop crew, who danced their way to victory at the Dance NZ Made competition held at Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Opera House. Their performance was nothing short of spectacular, and their hard work and dedication truly shone on stage.
Led by our talented Year 13 Head Girl, Kendall Ah Kiong, the crew not only won the Open Teams class but also took out the Hawke's Bay overall championship, outshining 11 other schools and hundreds of participants. Kendall’s choreography was a masterclass in creativity and precision, and the crew executed it with unwavering energy and passion.
I also want to acknowledge Mia Kerisiano and Milca Valoaga, who received a national award from Dean "the Danceman" Mackerras for their remarkable impact during the 11-13 workshop. Their love of dance and infectious energy changed the entire atmosphere, reminding us of the unique power of the arts to inspire and uplift.
The crew’s success is a testament to the vibrant spirit of our school community, and I am incredibly proud of their achievement. As they move on to the Nationals in Palmerston North on 12 October, we stand behind them with full support and anticipation for what they will accomplish next.
As we celebrate these achievements, I also want to take a moment to acknowledge the end of Tongan Language Week. This week has been a wonderful opportunity for our school to celebrate and embrace the rich Tongan culture that is part of our community. Malo ‘aupito to everyone who participated in making this week special, and for helping to ensure that the Tongan language and traditions continue to thrive here at Hastings Girls' High School.
Ngā mihi nui,
Catherine Bentley
Principal, Hastings Girls' High School
Hastings Girls' High School Hip Hop Crew Breaks It Down at Dance NZ Made
Hastings, 20 August 2024 —The energy was electric at Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Opera House last night as Hastings Girls' High School's hip hop crew danced their way to victory at the Dance NZ Made competition. The crew took the crown in the Open Teams class and went on to win the Hawke's Bay overall championship, outshining 11 other schools and hundreds of participants.
The crew, led by the talented Year 13 Head Girl Kendall Ah Kiong, delivered a performance that was pure fire. Ah Kiong, also a member of the local Mafia Family Dance Crew, crafted a routine filled with hard-hitting beats, flawless isolations, and dynamic power moves. The crew’s synchronization, energy, and passion for hip hop were on full display.
Principal Catherine Bentley was full of praise for the crew’s remarkable achievement. “The girls really brought their all to the stage,” Bentley said. “This victory is a testament to their dedication, hard work, and the incredible talent they possess. Kendall’s choreography was nothing short of brilliant, and the entire crew executed it with precision and heart.”
Adding to the night’s accolades, special recognition was given to Mia Kerisiano and Milca Valoaga, who were honored with a national award by Dean "the Danceman" Mackerras. In a moving speech, Mackerras said, “I see young people in this job all the time, and I love nothing more than seeing them shine in a way that nobody else can. This morning, during the 11-13 workshop, we had two incredible young women who changed the entire energy of the room just by the way they danced.”
Mackerras’s words highlighted the unique impact that Mia and Milca had on the workshop, showing how their love of dance and infectious energy could light up a room and inspire others around them.
The crew’s triumphant return to Hastings Girls' High School was met with cheers and congratulations from students and staff alike. Their hard-earned trophy now stands proudly in the school’s main office, a symbol of their outstanding achievement and the vibrant spirit of the Hastings Girls' High School community.
And the journey doesn’t stop here. The crew will now take their talent to the national stage, moving on from regionals to the nationals in Palmerston North on 12 October. The entire school is behind them as they prepare to represent Hawke’s Bay and continue their winning streak. We wish them the best of luck!
The hip hop crew’s success at Dance NZ Made is just the beginning. With this victory, they have set a new benchmark for excellence in dance and inspired their peers to pursue their passions with the same determination and enthusiasm. As the school celebrates this incredible win, it’s clear that the future is bright for these young dancers, who have proven that with talent, and hard work, anything is possible.
Farmers' Market Success
A group of enterprising young women from Hastings Girls' High School took a significant step toward their entrepreneurial dreams last Sunday. As part of this year's Young Enterprise Scheme (YES), these students showcased their innovative business ideas at the Hastings Farmers' Market, engaging directly with the local community and putting their classroom knowledge into practise.
The Young Enterprise Scheme, a national programme designed to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, requires students to form a business, develop a product idea, and navigate the challenges of bringing that product to market. The programme emphasises real-world experience, giving students the opportunity to learn essential skills in marketing, finance, and product development.
Sunday’s event was the culmination of months of hard work, creativity, and perseverance. The students set up stalls at the bustling Hastings Farmers' Market, where they presented and sold their unique products to the public. From eco-friendly innovations to handcrafted goods, the diversity of ideas on display was impressive and a testament to the students' dedication.
"The enthusiasm and innovation displayed by our students have been truly inspiring," said Mr Stephen Gardner, the YES coordinator at Hastings Girls' High School. "Watching them apply what they've learned in a real-world setting and seeing their confidence grow has been incredibly rewarding."
🌋 Exploring the Great Outdoors! 🌋
Our two Exploring the Great Outdoors Hubs just returned from an unforgettable four days in Tongariro National Park as part of their Mountains and Volcanoes studies. The girls walked, sledded, built snow people, had epic snow fights, enjoyed hot swims, and deepened their understanding of Alpine regions at the Information Centre.
This incredible experience will fuel their inquiry projects for the rest of the term. Both the students and teachers had an absolute ball!
Performing Arts Showcase
Join us for an unforgettable evening of talent and creativity at the Hastings Girls' High School Performing Arts Showcase 2024! Our showcase features a diverse array of performances, including choir, dance, music soloists, stage band, music groups, Te Ao Haka, and other cultural performances.
This spectacular show brings together all the performing pieces our students have mastered as part of their regular curriculum in Dance, Music, and Te Ao Haka. Additionally, enjoy special performances from our extracurricular groups such as Hip Hop and Sabhyachar.
Don't miss this opportunity to witness the incredible talent and hard work of our students. Purchase your tickets now and support the vibrant performing arts community at Hastings Girls'. Tickets available online or from the Student Centre.
https://www.trybooking.com/nz/events/landing/13124
Leadership Application
Being a Student Leader is not just a title—it's an honour and a responsibility to serve, inspire, and lead. Whether you're passionate about academics, culture, sports, or student welfare, there's a place for you to shine.
🗓 Applications Close: Friday 13 September
📝 Don’t miss your chance to be part of something bigger! Apply and help shape the future of Hastings Girls' High School.
To apply click here: https://www.hastingsgirls.com/student-leaders-2025/
Sports News
Sports Captain's Corner
With winter sports coming to an end, we want to thank and celebrate the incredible individuals who dedicate their time and efforts to support our kōhine. Our kura is fortunate to have the support of numerous volunteers who are our heartbeat and we are deeply grateful for their unwavering commitment and invaluable contribution.
This term, our kura is operating with numerous sports teams, each led by dedicated volunteer managers and coaches. Their tireless efforts and passion for volunteering in sport deserves recognition and applause. Their hard work and dedication positively impact our kōhine.
In this week's pānui, we are introducing a new segment where we spotlight and celebrate the exceptional work of one of our outstanding volunteers who go above and beyond.
We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support of all our volunteers and we look forward to sharing more stories and experiences from our remarkable team. Thank you to all our volunteers for your dedication and passion. Your hard work truly makes a difference!
Name: Mrs Hall
Sport in charge of: Badminton Teams
About the sport: This year we have six teams enrolled in Badminton which has grown significantly since last season.
Being a volunteer requires lots of time and commitment. So what makes volunteering so fulfilling for you?
So the reason I chose to volunteer, first and foremost, is because I enjoy having the opportunity to build relationships with students outside of the classroom. I always find it a really good opportunity to get to know them and build those connections which then translates nicely into having those good relationships within the classroom. Another reason I enjoy volunteering is because sport has played a huge role in my life and my upbringing and I know how it's helped shape the person I am today in lots of positive ways. So for me, it's important to facilitate and give students and young people the opportunity to have that same experience that I had growing up and just giving back to something that's provided me with so much in my life.
Why are you so passionate about sport?
As I've already mentioned, sports played a huge role in my life. It was my outlet, my passion, something that I have kind of naturally been blessed with. So that was something that gave me a lot of confidence because I could achieve well in sport. It was a huge part of my family's life growing up with three older brothers. I spent a lot of time playing various sports and I was rewarded. I was also lucky enough to be the Sports Captain here in 2006 as well. So, being able to come back and keep giving to sport at the school I attended has been really awesome as well.
A Huge Congratulations to Our Senior A Netballers!
We are thrilled to announce that our Senior A Netball team has triumphed in the Hawke's Bay Division 2 competition, securing a fantastic 35-28 victory over Karamu. This well-deserved success is a testament to the team's hard work and dedication throughout the year. We are incredibly proud of you all!
A special thank you goes out to Coach Jamie Richardson, Manager Jo Husband, and Sports Coordinator Finn Martin for their unwavering support, guidance, and commitment to the team's success. Your efforts have been invaluable in helping the girls reach their full potential.
Ākina Netball Team
On Monday, the Ākina Netball team suited up for our final game of the season against Ngā Kura Kaupapa Māori o Kahungunu. We started strong but consistency got the better of us and we couldn’t quite clinch the win. Our team, made up of Year 9-11 students, held their own in a competition dominated by seniors and we’re proud to have finished 4th in Division B!
The talent in this group is undeniable and I’m confident we’ll come back even stronger next year. A massive thank you to the girls for making this season so enjoyable and entertaining. And a special shoutout to Kori Waerea for volunteering her time and being an incredible Coach—we appreciate everything you’ve done for us this year!
HGHS Battles Bravely in Top 4 Qualifier, Falls to St Mary's College 24-50
In a fiercely contested Top 4 qualifier Rugby game held at Wairarapa Bush, Hastings Girls' High School faced off against St Mary's College for a chance to advance to the National Top 4 competition. Despite a valiant effort from the Hastings Girls' team, St Mary's College proved too strong, securing a 50-24 victory. The match showcased the determination and skill of both teams, with Hastings Girls' High School putting up a commendable fight but ultimately falling short. St Mary's will now move on to compete in the National Top 4 competition.
University Course Planning Dates here at HGHS
Wed 28 Aug EIT 1.45pm
Mon 16 Sept Victoria Uni 1.45pm
Tue 24 Sept Massey Uni 11.20am
Wed 25 Sept Whitecliffe College of Art 11.20pm
Menu for Week 6
School Calendar
Please keep an eye on the school calendar to ensure that students are arriving at school prepared for the day's activities. You can find the calendar in the drop down menu of our website or click on the link below
Link to School Calendar