News ~ Pānui

Tēnā koutou katoa

This week, Associate Minister of Education David Seymour announced a series of actions aimed at addressing poor attendance across the education sector. With a national target of 90% attendance—equating to no more than five days away from school per term—there is a clear focus on improving student presence in classrooms. Since the beginning of 2023, we have seen a steady increase in attendance here at Hastings Girls' High School - Ngā Rau Huia o Ākina. While we are making progress, like many other schools, there is still work to be done. We encourage whānau to reach out to their student’s Ākina Coach, House Dean, or one of our dedicated Attendance team members if you need support in this area. By working together, we can help our students stay connected and engaged in their learning.

With only a few weeks remaining before seniors go on study leave in preparation for their external examinations, we are in the final stages of developing our targeted support plan. This plan is designed to give students the best possible guidance as they approach their exams or finish final assessments. We will be sharing the details of this support with both you and your students early in Term 4. I encourage all students to make the most of these final weeks of classes. This is a crucial time to consolidate learning and finish strong.

For our Year 13 students, this time of year is especially significant. As they prepare for their next steps, they will experience many ‘lasts’—their last assembly, senior prize giving, performing arts and sports prize giving, last classes, and final exams. It is a time to reflect on their journey, celebrate their achievements, and prepare for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

As we near the end of another busy and productive term, I want to take a moment to thank you all for your continued support and commitment to our school. I wish you and your whānau a restful and refreshing break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back for the final term.