News ~ Pānui

Kia ora e te whānau

Firstly, I want to acknowledge and congratulate all our students who represented Hastings Girls' High School on the sports arena during Tournament Week. Our teams showcased determination, teamwork, and resilience with each experiencing the joys of victory and the valuable lessons that come from facing defeat. These experiences, both the wins and the losses, are crucial in shaping who we are. They remind us that it’s not just the results that matter but how we conduct ourselves in every moment—on the court, field, or bench. It’s in these challenging times that our true character shines and our actions and words reveal who we are. I am immensely proud of each of you for representing our kura with pride and integrity.

I am also thrilled to confirm that our Senior Ball will take place during the last week of this term. This is a special event on our school calendar offering our Year 12 and 13 students the chance to experience a formal yet fun-filled evening. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our young wāhine to celebrate their hard work and enjoy a memorable night together.

This week, during assembly, I had the pleasure of sharing some exciting changes ahead for our senior curriculum. We are committed to ensuring that our ākonga are prepared for whatever path they choose, be it university, trades, or direct entry into the workforce. To better support our diverse learners, we will be broadening the range of subjects on offer, with a particular focus on strengthening pathways for our vocational students. This change reflects our commitment to providing a curriculum that is responsive to the needs of our community and our students' aspirations. More details about these changes will be shared at our upcoming Pathways Hui where ākonga will have the chance to learn more and ask questions.

As we approach the end of the term, our focus is also on supporting our senior students as they prepare for study leave and their NCEA assessments. Some of our NCEA Level 2 and 3 students will be remaining at school beyond the start of study leave and we will be implementing a comprehensive support programme tailored to ensure the best opportunity of achieving their learning goal. We are committed to helping each student reach their potential and we encourage them to take full advantage of the resources and support available. Further details to come.

Additionally, regular timetabled senior classes will conclude at the beginning of study leave. All Level 1 students will begin study leave on this date. It is crucial that all senior students make the most of this time to prepare for their external examinations. We will be offering tutorials for all courses with external examinations. When students return in 2025, we will review their final results and work closely with them to create a personalised learning programme that addresses their individual needs so that they receive the guidance and support required to thrive.

I am excited about the opportunities these changes bring for our school and our students. Together, we are building a learning environment that supports every student to succeed, not just academically but in all areas of their lives. Thank you to our whānau for your ongoing support—it truly makes a difference.