Term Three Week 8
Message from the Principal
It was a privilege to attend the Heretaunga Lions Young Achiever Awards earlier this week where we celebrated the outstanding achievements of young people from across our region. Our guest speaker for the evening was Aaliyah Ah Kiong, an old girl of Hastings Girls' High School and a recipient of this award in 2014. Aaliyah shared her inspiring journey over the past ten years in her talk titled ‘Life Beyond the Basketball.’ She spoke candidly about her personal journey of self-discovery, embracing her Samoan and Māori heritage and how this has shaped her identity and life choices. Proud to stand tall in her identity, Aaliyah now works as a social worker, supporting young rangatahi as they navigate the complexities of adolescence.
This year, we were delighted to see Kendall Ah Kiong recognised as our HGHS-Ngā Rau Huia o Ākina recipient. Kendall was acknowledged for her exceptional leadership, academic excellence, and contributions to the Performing Arts. She is a true role model for her peers, embodying the values of our school in everything she does.
Throughout the evening, over 20 young achievers from the Heretaunga region were celebrated for their diverse talents and incredible accomplishments. From academic excellence to leadership and community service, the range of achievements was truly impressive, reflecting the bright future that lies ahead with such dedicated and talented young people in our community.
Today, our school hall was buzzing with excitement as students attended our annual Pathways Hui. This expo-style event offered a fantastic opportunity for our students to explore the senior curriculum, learn about various subjects and understand the pathways available to them. The Hui is a key moment in the academic year, providing invaluable insights into how different courses can support students' learning journeys both at school and beyond.
Throughout the day, students engaged with teachers, asked questions and gathered information to help them make informed decisions about their subject choices for the coming year. This event is designed to empower students to take charge of their learning pathways, aligning their interests and goals with the opportunities available.
In the coming days, we encourage our students to explore our website for further information around subject choices and to discuss their ideas and options with whānau and teachers. Our staff are always here to offer guidance and support during this important decision-making process, ensuring that each student feels confident in their choices and excited about their future.
Te Huia Kaimanawa have lots of exciting events planned next week for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, starting with their student-led assembly on Monday.
Ngā mihi
Catherine Bentley
Kendall Receives Lions Club Young Achievers Award
We are incredibly proud to announce that Kendall, Head Girl of 2024 and former Arts Captain, has been honored with the Lions Club Young Achievers Award. The Young Achievers project, founded in 2010 by the Hastings Heretaunga Lions Club, celebrates the outstanding contributions of young people to their communities. Although the Heretaunga Lions Club no longer exists, Hastings Host Lions Club has continued this meaningful project with the help of dedicated community members like photographer Terry Winn.
At school, Kendall’s leadership shines. Her peers respect her for her calm and positive presence, and she is a role model to students across the school. In her time as Arts Captain, and now as Head Girl, she has led by example and shown immense dedication to her studies. Kendall dreams of combining her passion for dance with teaching, aspiring to become a professional dancer and secondary school teacher in the future.
This recognition by the Lions Club highlights Kendall’s resilience, hard work, and contribution to our school and community. We congratulate her on this well-deserved achievement!
Senior Pathways Hui – A Great Success
On Friday 13 September, Hastings Girls’ High School hosted the Senior Pathways Hui, and we are pleased to report that the event was a great success! Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 had the opportunity to explore the senior courses available for 2025. It was a valuable day with students gaining key insights into the subjects and pathways that will help shape their future goals whether they’re aiming for university, trades or other career options.
We are excited to announce that detailed information about the new senior courses for 2025 is now available on the school website. We encourage parents and caregivers to review this information and have meaningful discussions with their students to ensure they make informed choices that align with their aspirations. You can also visit careers.govt.nz for additional resources to assist with these conversations.
This event plays a key role in helping our girls take charge of their educational journey and we’re excited to see how they make the most of the opportunities ahead!
Get Ready for Te Wiki o te Reo Māori Next Week!
Kia Reri mō Te Wiki o te Reo Māori ā Tērā Wiki!
Ā tērā wiki, kei te tino hīkaka mātou ki te whakanui i Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, he wā motuhake ki te whakanui i te ataahua me te hiranga o te reo Māori. He nui ake tēnei whakanui i te reo noa iho; he whakanui i te ahurea me te tuakiri o Aotearoa, he whai māramatanga hohonu ake, ā, he whakapakaritanga i tō tātou hapori.
Kua whakaritea e mātou he rārangi mahi hihiri mō te wiki, he mea hanga kia whai wāhi ai ngā ākonga, ngā kaimahi, me te whānau ki ngā mahi whai tikanga. Mai i te ako i ngā rerenga kōrero hou me ngā waiata, ki ngā awheawhe pāhekoheko, ka whiwhi whai wāhi katoa. Kaua e mahue—tirohia te rārangi o ngā mahi kua tāpirihia, ā, uru mai ki te whakanui i Te Wiki o te Reo Māori! Kia kaha te reo Māori!
Next week, we’re excited to celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, a special time to embrace the beauty and importance of te reo Māori. This celebration is about more than just language; it’s about honoring the culture and identity of Aotearoa, deepening our understanding, and coming together as a community.
We’ve got an exciting lineup of activities planned for the week, designed to engage students, staff, and whānau in meaningful ways. From learning new phrases and songs to interactive workshops, there will be plenty of opportunities for everyone to get involved. Don’t miss out—check the attached list of events and join us as we celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori! Kia kaha te reo Māori!
Period Products Available: Your Well-Being Matters
At Hastings Girls' High School we are committed to supporting the well-being of all our students. Period products are discreetly available at the Student Centre for anyone who needs them. Please feel free to take what you need including extra products to use at home or during the school holidays. We encourage you to make use of this service with confidence as we aim to provide a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
Bringing Legends to Life: The Magic of Puppetry and Storytelling at The Studio Hub
A few weeks ago, students at The Studio Hub embarked on a creative journey, crafting amazing puppets as part of their retelling of the Māori creation story of Papatūānuku and Ranginui. Storytelling holds a special place in our hearts, helping us to connect with our cultural heritage and pass down values from one generation to the next. The legend of Papatūānuku and Ranginui not only tells the origin of our world but also shares lessons about family, unity, and balance in nature.
Using puppets to bring this story to life adds a whole new dimension to storytelling. Puppetry encourages students to engage with characters in a hands-on way, making the storytelling experience more interactive and imaginative. It allows them to express creativity, develop communication skills, and build confidence as they take on the roles of storytellers and performers. Through this art form, students can explore different perspectives and immerse themselves in the cultural richness of the narrative, creating a lasting connection to the stories they tell.
Basketball Team Shines in Tournament Week
Last week, our basketball team headed to Palmerston North as the final team to compete in tournament week. The girls faced tough competition in their pool, including strong opponents like Manukura and eventual champions Napier Girls'. Despite a challenging loss to Sacred Heart Girls' in pool play, the team bounced back brilliantly, defeating Sacred Heart in the playoffs to secure an impressive 7th place finish in the lower North Island region.
With a squad full of talented Juniors and Year 11s, the future looks bright for this team. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, resilience, and the way they represented our school. Well done, girls!
Week 9 Sports Trainings
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 9
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
School Calendar Link
School Holiday Fun
