News ~ Pānui

October 18, 2024

Term Four Week 1

Message from the Principal

Tēnā koutou katoa

A warm welcome back to Term Four! This is an exciting time of the year as we come together to celebrate the many successes of our ākonga across all areas of school life. From academic achievements to sporting excellence, cultural performances, and leadership milestones, Term Four provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the incredible journey we have been on this year.

Over the last few weeks, we have been deeply engaged in the process of appointing our student leaders for 2025. This is always a challenging task, as we are fortunate to have a wealth of leadership talent within our school. Many outstanding students applied, and while it is difficult to see some deserving leaders miss out on formal roles, we are inspired by the high calibre of leadership, vision, and commitment shown by all candidates.

It is equally exciting to look ahead to the new chapter of leadership that these students will bring to Hastings Girls' High School - Ngā Rau Huia o Ākina. Next Wednesday, our current student leaders will officially hand over their roles, and we will formally welcome our 2025 leaders into their positions. The student leaders of 2024 have had a significant and positive influence on our school, and I want to take a moment to acknowledge their incredible work. Their leadership, service, and dedication to our kura have been invaluable, and we are truly grateful for all they have contributed this year.

At the same assembly next week, we will also be presenting our students with their Gold Ākina badges. These badges are a symbol of excellence, recognising students who have shown remarkable engagement, service, and participation in school life throughout the year. Receiving a Gold Ākina badge is a significant achievement and reflects the values of our school: pono, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, kaitiakitanga, and whakaute. We are proud of all those who will receive this honour, and I encourage them to continue being role models in our community.

Another important event next week is our Sports and Performing Arts Prizegiving which will take place on Wednesday evening. This is a special occasion where we celebrate the dedication, talent, and achievements of our ākonga in both sports and the arts. We invite all whānau to join us for this celebration, as we recognise the hard work and successes of our students who have excelled on the field, the court, the stage, and beyond. Their passion and determination are a source of immense pride for our school, and we look forward to honouring them.

As we move through this busy term, I encourage all whānau to stay connected by keeping a close eye on our school calendar and following us on social media. There are many important events coming up, and this is the best way to stay informed and ensure you don’t miss out on key dates and celebrations.

I wish everyone a positive and successful Term Four. Let’s make the most of these final weeks together as we prepare to close out another year filled with growth, achievement, and strong connections within our school community.

Important Information for NCEA Exams

NCEA exams will begin on Tuesday 5 November. Please note that the last day for timetabled classes for senior students is Thursday 31 October. Starting Friday 1 November, all Year 11 students will enter study leave. Most Year 12 and 13 students will also be on study leave from this date but some may need to stay at school to earn additional credits required for passing their NCEA level.

An email will be sent home late next week to confirm whether students will be on study leave or if they are required to remain at school to complete work.

Once students are granted study leave, they are not required to attend school unless they have an exam. During this time, tutorials will be available and we strongly encourage students to participate, especially if they are aiming for an endorsement or University Entrance. The Library will also be open as a study space. Students attending tutorials or studying in the Library must sign in and out at the Student Centre.

For those required to stay at school to complete work, attendance is expected from 8:30am to 3:00pm.

Please remember that students must always be in uniform while at school. Thank you for your cooperation and we wish all our students the best of luck in their exams!

Te Haerenga ki Ruatāhuna, Tūhoe

‘Whaiwhia te kete mātauranga’

On 13 October, our senior Te Reo Māori class embarked on an incredible journey to Ngāi Tūhoe after a term of learning about Maungapōhatu, Rua Kenana, Te Kooti, and more. This experience was all about collective tautoko for our ākonga, guiding them on a path of self-discovery and reconnecting with their whakapapa.

Upon arriving in Tūhoe, we immediately immersed ourselves in their tikanga, marked by the ringing of a bell, a he tohu o te Hāhi Ringatū. We spent the afternoon at the local kura, discovering their unique approach to education, where students prioritize their connection to and understanding of the whenua.

The next day took us to Maungapōhatu, where we witnessed the legacy of Rua Kenana, explored his whare, an original birthing whare, and a kura built in the early 1900s that still stands today. Seeing what we had previously learned about in class come to life was truly remarkable!

We were also fortunate to hear local kaumātua and whānau share their pūrākau, deepening our understanding of Tūhoe's rich history. Our adventure culminated in a breathtaking walk up the maunga, where we were so captivated by the scenery that we didn’t notice how steep it was!

We finished our day with some whakawhanaungatanga wero, where we got to know each other better, sharing advice and words of encouragement for our future paths.

We are immensely grateful for the kōrero shared with us and the experiences we gained. This trip has left a lasting impact, and the memories will be cherished.

E kore ngā mihi e mutu ki a koutou e ngā whānau o Tūhoe i tō manaaki mai i a mātou Ngā Rau Huia o Ākina. Mauri Ora!

Nā Tahatera i tito i tēnei atikara mō te akomanga.

Youth Potential Awards

We are thrilled to announce the remarkable accomplishments of Hastings Girls' High School at this year's Youth Potential Awards!

Our MVTP class, fondly known as "The Fantastic Few," has been recognised for their resilience in overcoming academic, social, and mental challenges throughout the Career Navigator programme. Their dedication to the Hastings community, highlighted by their DIY dog toy project for the Hastings SPCA, showcases their commitment to making a positive impact.

A special shoutout goes to Kendall Ah Kiong for her exceptional leadership as a student ambassador for Mapu Maia in Years 12 and 13, along with her impressive contributions to the performing arts.

Additionally, congratulations to Tehia Taylor for her outstanding achievements in sports! Your ability to excel academically while serving as a role model in your church, home, and the wider community, especially in the face of adversity, is truly inspiring.

Let’s continue to celebrate the incredible talent and resilience of our students!"

HGHS Hip Hop Crew Dances to Success at Nationals!

Over the weekend the HGHS Hip Hop crew travelled to Palmerston North to compete in the Dance NZMade nationals. The girls were outstanding and placed 2nd in their open teams category out of 23 teams and 4th overall out of 56 teams. The group also won the Big Heart Award. This trophy is awarded to the team who portrays genuine care, kindness as well as motivating those around them. It was clear the energy our girls brought with them!
Ka mau te wehi girls, an outstanding accomplishment. We are all so proud of you!

NZ U18 Barbarians

During the recent term break, students Maleta Pailate and Tempryss Lauvao were selected to represent the New Zealand U18 Barbarians team. This prestigious opportunity took them to Auckland where they faced off against the formidable New Zealand U18 Māori side.

The game was intense and showcased the remarkable skill and athleticism of both teams, composed of the best female rugby talent from across the country. In a thrilling contest, the NZ Barbarians came away with the win, clinching the match with a final score of 29-15.

For Maleta and Tempryss, this experience provided invaluable exposure to high-level competition and allowed them to demonstrate their abilities on a larger stage. Being part of such a talented squad not only highlighted their skills but also offered them the chance to learn from some of the best players in the country.

Important Reminder for the Final Term

As we enter the final term of the year, please remember to keep an eye on the school calendar. This will help ensure that students arrive at school prepared for the day's activities. You can easily access the calendar in the drop-down menu on our website or by clicking the link below.
Link to Calendar

Thank you for your support as we wrap up another successful year!