Message from the Principal
Tēnā koutou katoa
This week we were privileged to come together as a school community for an unforgettable performing arts Showcase on Wednesday night. Our students took to the stage sharing their incredible talents, learning, and deep passion for the performing arts. It was inspiring to see them explore new and varied genres, expressing themselves with confidence and creativity. From heartfelt performances to powerful expressions of culture and identity, it was a night that truly celebrated the arts in its many forms. We are immensely proud of our students for their courage and commitment to their craft and it was a joy to see their enthusiasm and pride shine through.
Events like this do not happen without the unwavering support and dedication of our staff. We also extend our gratitude to our whānau who continue to support these key events. Your presence and encouragement mean the world to our students and it is through these shared experiences that we build a strong, connected school community.
As we turn our attention to the week ahead, we look forward to Tournament Week, an exciting time for our Netball, Rugby, and Basketball teams. Tournament Week provides a fantastic platform for our top athletes to challenge themselves on a bigger stage, testing their skills and resilience against strong competition. This is a valuable opportunity for personal growth, team bonding, and the pursuit of excellence in sport. We are proud of all our athletes who have trained tirelessly and represented our school with pride. A special thank you goes out to our amazing team of Coaches, Managers and Teachers in Charge. Your dedication, expertise, and constant encouragement are crucial to the success of our sporting programmes. Without your ongoing commitment, we simply would not be able to offer the wide range of sporting opportunities that enrich the lives of our students.
On a more somber note, we pause to acknowledge the passing of Kingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu. We extend our deepest condolences to the Kaahui Ariki during this time of loss. The King’s legacy and contributions to Māoridom and Aotearoa are deeply felt. Moe mai rā e te Kingi, moe mai rā. May he rest in peace.
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa
Catherine Bentley
An Unforgettable Encounter with All Black Legend Richie McCaw
Ten of our aspiring leaders had an incredible opportunity to meet and listen to All Black legend Richie McCaw at Iona College. His inspirational talk on resilience and leadership left a lasting impact, offering our students valuable insights into what it takes to succeed both on and off the field. McCaw’s wisdom and experiences resonated deeply, encouraging our students to embrace challenges and pursue their goals with determination and integrity.
A special moment that highlighted the event was when Year 12 student Devantaye presented Richie with a Ula lole, adding a heartfelt and personal touch to this memorable occasion. It was a gesture that honored McCaw’s visit in a way that will be cherished by all who were present.
We extend our thanks to Westpac for making this unforgettable moment possible. Their support allowed our students to engage directly with one of New Zealand’s most respected leaders, an experience that will undoubtedly inspire and motivate them as they step into their own leadership roles in the future.
Unforgettable Winter Camp Adventures: Tongariro Crossing & Mt Ruapehu
A couple of weeks ago, the senior outdoors class set off on an exhilarating winter camp adventure. We kicked things off with a challenging 20km hike across the stunning Tongariro Crossing where the breathtaking scenery made every step worthwhile. The hike tested us all but we had a blast along the way. The next day, we hit the slopes at Mt Ruapehu for a snowboarding lesson. Everyone, including Mr Pera, picked up new skills and had a thrilling time—especially those experiencing snow for the first time! This camp was the perfect mix of physical challenges and fun, leaving us all with memories we'll never forget. Annah Frazerhurst, Year 12
HGHS Board of Trustees Election for Student Representative
Nominations are now open for the election of one student representative to join the Hastings Girls' High School Board of Trustees. This is a unique opportunity to make your voice heard and represent the student body in important school decisions.
A nomination form and the Election notice have been emailed to all students. If you’re interested or have any questions about the role, feel free to reach out to Tahatera, the current student representative, for more information. Your involvement can make a difference!
University Insights: Otago Medical Students Inspire Our Senior Science Students
We were privileged to welcome Cam and Paradise to our school on Thursday, where they shared their insights with our senior Science students who are considering university Science pathways. Both are in their third year of medical studies at the University of Otago. Cam, who also holds an honours degree in anatomy and Pacific studies, along with Paradise, discussed their unique university journeys, the challenges of moving away from home, and the demands of lectures, study requirements, and managing student loans. They also gave our students a glimpse into life as a student in Dunedin.
Cam and Paradise provided valuable information on the various degree paths available within the Sciences and highlighted Otago's support programmes, such as the free Kick Start and Kia Ita summer programmes designed to help Pacific and Māori students transition smoothly into university life.
This was an incredible opportunity for our Year 13 students, who will be heading off to university next year, to ask questions and gain valuable insights.
Sports News
🏐 Saturday Finals Netball Wrap-Up 🏐
A massive congratulations to all our Netball teams that competed in the finals last Tuesday and Saturday! We've come so far, growing stronger with every game and it’s truly inspiring to see how our dedication and teamwork have paid off. Your hard work, resilience and team spirit have been incredible and we couldn’t be prouder of everyone involved.
With four teams making it to their grade finals and two teams playing off for 3rd place, it’s clear that our efforts have been rewarded. Let’s keep this momentum going as we continue to shine both on and off the court. Here’s to an amazing journey and many more victories ahead! 🌟
Junior A Netball Team Competes in Taupō Tournament
On Thursday 29 August, our Junior A Netball team traveled to Taupō to participate in a mini-tournament against Taupo-nui-a-Tia College and Rotorua Girls' High School. The girls kicked off the day with an impressive victory over Taupo-nui-a-Tia, winning 31-15. Despite a challenging second match, where they faced a strong Rotorua Girls' team and lost 16-53, the team displayed resilience and sportsmanship.
A special recognition for fair play was awarded after each game, with Patreece Andersen and Kiera Fomai being honoured for their outstanding conduct on the court. Overall, it was a valuable experience for our girls, providing them with the opportunity to compete against different schools and hone their skills.
Hockey Team Triumphs Over NGHS Silver with a 5-0 Victory!
We are thrilled to announce that our Hockey team has secured a dominant 5-0 win against NGHS Silver! This impressive result has propelled the girls to the top of their grade—a remarkable achievement, especially considering the team is primarily composed of younger players. Well done team! Your hard work and determination have truly paid off. Keep up the fantastic effort!
Basketball Teams Shine in Division 1 Finals
We are proud to congratulate both our Junior and Senior Basketball teams for reaching the finals in their Division 1 grades on Monday night. Both teams faced fierce competition against strong Napier Girls' High School sides and fought valiantly until the final whistle. While it wasn’t our night, with both teams earning highly commendable 2nd places, their performances throughout the season have been outstanding. Our Junior girls lost only two games all season, and our Senior girls showcased their skills by competing in a boys’ division. We wish our Senior girls the very best as they head to regionals next week in Palmerston North.
1st XV Stars Ready to Shine Against Bay of Plenty this Weekend
We are proud to announce that our 1st XV players Tempryss Lauvao, Maleta Pailate, and Charlotte Tuliau, along with teacher Holly Macdonald, have been selected to start in the upcoming match against Bay of Plenty. The game will take place this Saturday 31 August at the Regional Sports Park with kick-off scheduled for 2:05 pm. We wish our players the best of luck and encourage everyone to come out and support the team!
University Course Planning Dates here at HGHS
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 7
Important Reminder: Head Lice Alert
We wanted to inform you that head lice have been circulating recently. Please take a moment to check your student's hair and treat it if needed. Regular checks and prompt treatment are essential to maintaining the health and well-being of our school community. We appreciate your support in this matter!
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