Te Kura Kōhine o Ahuriri

Our Honours Assembly saw many ākonga being presented with honours and achievement awards. Honours badges recognise outstanding performing arts and sporting achievement, and an achievement bar recognises high level performance and consistent participation in a sport or performing arts activity.

Celebrating our ākonga achievement goes hand in hand with paying tribute to our wonderful kaiako. Their commitment to our ākonga is outstanding and for that, as well as their expertise and awhi, we are truly grateful.

Hearty congratulations to our ākonga who were recognised at our Pō Whakanui held this week acknowledging all of their achievements and leadership roles.

The guest speakers for the evening were Old Girls' of NGHS - Melissa Tahere and Beth Murfitt. Melissa, from Te Ātihaunui-a-Pāpārangi and Ngāpuhi, and Beth, from Ngāti Raukawa and Ngāti Huia, are lawyers at Whāia Legal, a kaupapa Māori law firm in Te Whanganui-a-Tara that works predominantly for Māori clients across different areas of law. Both wāhine grew up in Hawke's Bay and attended this kura. They later studied at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, where they each completed Bachelor of Laws. In addition, Beth completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Te Reo Māori and Melissa completed a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Human Resources and Employment Relations. After graduation and admission to the bar, they both gained experience at large national law firms before reuniting this year to join Whāia Legal. Together, they are passionate about te reo Māori and committed to ensuring the law develops in a way that recognises tikanga as the first law of Aotearoa. We are proud of our Old Girls'.

In their korero they reflected on Queen Nga Wai hono i te po's address at Koroneihana. Key messages for our Māori ākonga:

Hold fast to your identity. You are Māori - ka puta te reo, ka ora te ao Māori. Let your whakapapa, your te reo, your tikanga, be your foundation - bring your Māori identity into all that you do.

Embrace leadership - big and small. You don't need a title to lead. Every time you raise someone up, stand for fairness, act with kindness, you are leading. Kūini spoke of unity, of bringing people together, of pathways forward for Māori self-determination.
Remember the big picture: your success is not just yours, but your whānau, your iwi, your people.
Kia kaha - stay strong. As Māori have said for generations, Kia Kaha is more than a phrase - it is a call to strength in adversity.

Ngā mihi to Whaea Grace, Mr Otto, and Mr Pipi for all of their mahi both with this outstanding occasion and all of the kaupapa they support in our kura.

NZQA examinations commence 4 November for our seniors. We wish them all the very best. Our library is open for quiet study and we are running a variety of tutorials. We do hope our ākonga are making the most of these opportunities.

Wishing you all the best for the long weekend.

Ngā mihi nui,

Mrs Dawn Ackroyd

Phone: 06 835 1069 Web: www.nghs.school.nz Main Office email: nghs@nghs.school.nz Principal's PA Email: dmcpherson@nghs.school.nz

Important Dates Coming Up

OCTOBER

Friday 24: School & Hostel closed, Hawke's Bay Anniversary

Monday 27: School & Hostel closed, Labour Day

Thursday 30: Study leave starts for all Year 11 - Year 13 students, end of P4

Friday 31 October: Cut-off date for "Torchbearer" school yearbook orders

NOVEMBER

Tuesday 4: NCEA examinations begin

Tuesday 4: Year 8 interviews, 3.00 - 6.00pm

Wednesday 5: Year 8 interviews, 3.00 - 6.00pm

Thursday 6: Duke of Edinburgh information evening, 6.00 - 7.00pm, Library

Saturday 8 - Sunday 9: Duke of Edinburgh bronze qualifying tramp 1

Wednesday 12: Year 8 interviews, 3.00 - 6.30pm

Thursday 13: Hostel Orientation Day

Thursday 13: Year 8 interviews, 3.00 - 6.30pm

Friday 14: Teacher only day - curriculum day

Friday 28: NCEA Examinations conclude

DECEMBER

Monday 1 - Friday 5: Junior Enrichment Week

FINAL WEEK: All students expected to attend all end-of-year activities

Monday 8: Senior students return to school

Wednesday 10: Awards Ceremony

Thursday 11: Prizegiving Rehearsal during day then Prizegiving at Napier Municipal Theatre, 7.00pm

Friday 12: Gift Service, Year 13 Soiree

Change in Times to the School Day

As our senior students start their NCEA external examinations in Week 5, we have made some changes to the school day and junior timetables from Monday 3 November (Week 5). Junior students will receive new timetables on Friday 31 October.

School will start at the usual time of 8.40am but our finish time will be 2.45pm.

All school buses will now depart 10 minutes earlier at 2.55pm. The school library will be open until 3.45pm for any students who need to remain in school.

New School Day Times from Monday 3 November

Period 1: 8.40am

Period 2: 9.35am

Interval: 10.30am

Period 3: 10.50am

Period 4: 11.45am

Lunch: 12.40pm (to coincide with exams out at 12.30pm)

Formtime: 1.30pm or other eg. Assembly, Dean etc

Period 5: 1.50pm settle for 2pm exam start

End of School: 2.45pm

A separate timetable will be sent out for our final week (Monday 8 December to Friday 12 December) when all students (juniors and seniors) are expected at school.

NZQA Examinations

2025 NZQA examinations commence Tuesday 4 November (Level 2 & 3) and Monday 10 November (Level 1).

Lessons for senior students continue until the end of period 3 on Thursday 30 October. All students sitting NZQA examinations must attend the exam briefing on Thursday 30 October at 12.15pm. It is important that all students attend this meeting as rules, instructions and the derived grade process for all candidates will be explained and admission slips issued. Students in Year 11-13 will be dismissed from school at about 1pm. Students who are absent on Thursday 30 October must contact Mrs Roberts to make arrangements to collect their admission slip.

Please note that for students in Year 9-10, this is a normal school day with a 3pm finish and therefore buses will depart at their usual time. The library will be available for any senior students who need to remain in school.

From Friday 31 October until Friday 5 December students in Years 11-13 only need to attend school for their external exams. All students are required in school for week 10 (Monday 8 - Friday 12 December).

All students are expected to attend all of the external examinations they are entered in. Students must be at their morning exams by 9.10am at the latest and their afternoon exams by 1.40pm. Parents/caregivers will be contacted if any student is absent from their examination.

For digital exams students must ensure that their devices are fully charged. Students sitting language exams also require headphones which can be plugged into their device - not earpods or bluetooth devices.

2025 Exam Timetable.pdf

Derived Grade Process

Student may apply for a derived grade for an approved reason such as illness, injury or personal trauma if they are unable to attend an examination or believe their performance in an examination has been significantly impacted.

Any students wishing to apply for a derived grade will need to contact Mrs Roberts for an application form. Please note that whilst the application process is done through school, it is NZQA who make all decisions about eligibility and approving derived grades. Applications must be supported with evidence from an independent registered professional.

Here is a useful link explaining in more detail the derived grade process.

If you have any questions concerning NZQA examinations of the derived grade process, please contact Mrs Roberts: rroberts@nghs.school.nz

Helping Seniors Improve Their Exam Results

To support our seniors with their exam preparation, we wanted you to know about Innervate Education’s on-line learning programme, Passing Exams http://howtopassexams.com/

Study Skills expert, Patrick Sherratt, from Innervate Education, presents ten video units as a 5-step “how to study” approach – everything a teen needs to know to help optimise their exam preparation and ultimately results.

Within these steps, Patrick presents solutions to common challenges students face in the lead-up to their exams. Included are essential tips, tricks and techniques for how to: improve motivation - reduce distractions - optimise memory retention - reduce exam nerves

To view an overview of the programme, please visit: http://howtopassexams.com/

To purchase the programme, just follow the website link: https://www.innervate.co/courses/passing-exams

We hope this programme will give you an opportunity to support your child from home, as they prepare for their end-of-year exams.

Toi Whakaari - Performing Arts

These past three weeks have flown by in a whirlwind of activity, fun, and excitement!

Drama

We had a delightful evening last Wednesday as our Year 11 Drama class shared their class play with friends and whānau. The class performed String of Dreams by NZ Playwright Denise Walsh.

String of Dreams follows a group of students as they go through being 9, 13 and 16 years old. The challenge with this piece was that the students did not have any props, except a loop of elastic as the main prop, which became a flying fox, cricket wickets, books, and a ship to mention a few.

The class were very lucky to have Abby Roff, our student teacher who directed them and did an outstanding job.

Well done Year 11, you were amazing!

We are excited to announce that our 2026 school musical will be High School Musical!

There is a lot of enthusiasm building for what promises to be a fun and high-energy production.

We are also pleased to confirm that performances will take place on Wednesday 29 April, Thursday 30 April, and Friday 1 May 2026.

Senior auditions will be held on 16 November, and junior auditions will be held in week seven during school hours.

We’re looking forward to another fantastic show and can’t wait to get started!

Solo Singing Competition

On Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 October, Nixon block came alive with music as over fifty talented students took part in our annual Solo Singing Competition. With three categories- junior, intermediate, and senior - the event was a true celebration of vocal artistry and courage. What a joy it was to hear each performer take the stage with such skill, confidence, and heart. Performing solo before an audience and adjudicator is no small feat, and every singer should be immensely proud of their achievement.

The standard was exceptionally high, making the task of selecting place-getters both challenging and a genuine privilege. Winners will be announced at next Tuesday’s assembly, and these outstanding vocalists will go on to share their talents once again at the 2025 Gift Service and Prizegiving - occasions not to be missed!

Congratulations to all who participated for your dedication, bravery, and beautiful performances.

Scholarship Evening

Our senior music students captivated the audience with their exceptional Scholarship performances on the evening of Wednesday, 15 October. Each 12–15 minute programme, featuring both vocal and piano works, showcased remarkable skill, artistry, and dedication. The standard of performance was truly impressive, reflecting countless hours of preparation and refinement. Congratulations to all performers for delivering such polished, engaging, and memorable presentations.

Violin Concert

On Saturday 18 October, the Nixon Block came alive with the beautiful sound of violin music as our students prepared for their annual concert, held on Sunday 19.

A huge thank you to our inspiring violin tutor, Thalita Magelhaes, whose dedication and passion for music continue to shine through her students. The concert was a true celebration of talent and hard work, featuring impressive solo, duet, and ensemble performances from students across Years 9 to 13.

Each performance showcased not only technical skill but also a deep musicality that reflected the hours of practice and guidance behind the scenes. Congratulations to all our performers for a truly outstanding afternoon of music - you made us proud!

Guitar Evening

On Thursday 16 October, our students took to the stage to showcase their guitar talents in a wonderfully varied and well-rehearsed concert. From soulful solos to dynamic duos and lively ensembles, performances from Years 9 to 13 celebrated a wide range of musical styles and impressive skill. Under the expert guidance of our guitar tutor, Dave Boston, each piece reflected the students’ growing confidence and passion for music. We were also treated with a guest performance from Dave and his daughter, Naomi Fenwick, performing two pieces for us at the end of the evening. A huge thank you to Dave for his continued dedication and inspiration, and to our supportive parents who not only filled the audience with enthusiasm but also nurtured their children’s musical journeys at home. Bravo to everyone involved!

Instrument Lessons Give it a Go 2025

Once our seniors head off for their NZQA exams, the spotlight turns to our juniors! For three exciting weeks, our talented itinerant tutors will be running ‘Give It a Go’ sessions – the perfect chance for students to explore a new instrument and discover if it sparks their passion for 2026.

Students can try out a wide range of instruments, including: keyboard, saxophone, clarinet, violin, flute, drums, guitar, bass guitar, rockband, and vocals. These taster sessions are completely free and will run until Week 8 this term.

After Labour weekend, a Google document will be sent to the junior school so your daughter can easily express her interest. Don’t miss this fun opportunity to uncover a new musical talent!

Student Teachers

Over the past eight weeks, we have had the privilege of welcoming Abby Roff and Jo Cullen, both in the final stages of their teacher training, into our Visual and Performing Arts departments. Working alongside our teaching team, Abby and Jo have brought enthusiasm, creativity, and a genuine passion for education to every classroom they’ve entered. Their time with us has provided them with the opportunity to refine their teaching practice and gain valuable insight into the vibrant world of classroom life.

We wish them every success as they continue their journey into the teaching profession. On behalf of the department, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Abby and Jo for their professionalism, positivity, and the inspiration they have shared with both staff and students alike.

“What joy it has been to be back in the Performing Arts and Visual Art Departments! I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Year 9 music programme alongside Mr Atkinson as part of my practicum placement. Working with the students has been a real joy, and I can’t wait to start my journey into the teaching profession next year as a qualified teacher.” - Jo Cullen

“I have really enjoyed my placement at NGHS. The Performing Arts Department welcomed me with open arms and I have loved watching these students develop their music and drama skills over the 8 weeks that I've been honoured to teach them.” - Abby Roff

Ms Tess Tobin - HoLA Performing Arts

Hākinakina - Sports

Gymnastics

Congratulations to the following students for their placings at NZ Gymnastics Nationals for Hawke's Bay Poverty Bay:

Stephanie Chandra: 9th overall in Step 8, 8th on bar, 9th on vault, 13th on beam.

Nadia Liesebach: 12th overall in step 8, with individual apparatus placings of 5th on bar, 7th on floor, 9th on vault.

Kaia Ranston: 14th on beam in step 7.

Hawke’s Bay Netball Awards 🏐💙

A huge congratulations to Arna for taking home two major awards, and to all our players, coaches, and supporters who’ve represented NGHS with passion and pride this season. Ka rawe! 💙🤍

Junior Player of the Year – Arna Paewai

Coach of the Year – Anna Parsons & Jewels Falcon, Senior A

Team of the Year – NGHS Senior A

Overall Sportsperson of the Year – Arna Paewai

Teachers Corner

Super well done to NGHS teacher aide Kaya Whaitiri-Dee who attended the NZ U20 women's rugby camp over the weekend.

Alumna

Huge congratulations to Isla Cleall-Harding who played in the OFC U-19 Women’s Championships and was part of the NZ team that made the final which meant they qualified for FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026! 🏆⚽️ 🔥

Kī o Rahi

Āe rā – i tū te kēmu tino whakangahau inanahi! After being postponed from Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, we finally held the much-anticipated Kaiako vs Ākonga Kī-o-rahi match.

Our Year 13 reo Māori class put up a huge effort and showed awesome teamwork and wairua, but our kaiako came out on top — 11–5! 🥇 The proud winners are now guardians of the world’s tiniest trophy. Ka rawe koutou katoa! He tino pai te kaha, te kotahitanga, me te ngākau hihiko i whakaaturia e te katoa. 💙🤍 Ngā mihi nui ki ngā kaiako toa – kāore he mea i tua atu i a koutou!

Kī-o-rahi for the term 4 league has begun! Our kura has teamed up with our whānau at Napier Boys’ High to create both junior and senior teams. Games are played at Whare Tapere Kura in Hastings.

Netball Qualification

What a treat to have some true mana wāhine from Netball New Zealand in the staff briefing this week. 💙🏐✨

They were here to present a Composite Coach Qualification Award to our Senior A Coach, Anna Parsons! 👏🎉

One of our special guests was Tania Karauria, NGHS Head Prefect back in 1979! 💙🏐✨Now NZ Netball’s Performance Pathways Coaching Manager, Tania has coached at every level of the game, from national secondary schools to the Auckland Diamonds, and was the mastermind behind today’s surprise visit.

Alongside her was none other than Leigh Gibbs, a Silver Ferns legend with 61 caps, including as Captain of the 1987 World Champion team! 🏆 Leigh later became Silver Ferns Head Coach and has coached teams across the world. She’s now Netball NZ’s National Community Coaching Manager and was recently promoted to Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her incredible service to netball. 🌿💫💪💙

Let Us Know Your Sports News!

We love to acknowledge our students’ sporting achievements outside of school. If you have any representative selections, results, information or photos from external sporting events that occurred over the holidays or during the term, please send them to sport@nghs.school.nz

This information may be placed in the school newsletter and on our celebration wall in the gym or held for future consideration for school sports badges and achievement awards.

Surfing

Lulu Woolcott competed in the National Scholastics Surfing competition held in Taranaki during the holidays. Lulu was one of nine high school students selected to represent Hawkes Bay against 11 other regional Teams. West Coast conditions were challenging and the competition was strong. Lulu placed 7th in the U14 girls division and the Hawke's Bay team placed 8th overall.

Canoe Polo

Well done to our students involved in the combined NGHS/Taradale HS Junior Canoe Polo team who won the Secondary School Junior Regional Championship, with a nail biting 2-1 win over Karamu over the weekend. Shout out to coaches Aimee, Katie and Pippa and manager Carol Donnelly.

Greer Hambleton, Ophelia Booth, Maia Taylor and Kaia Hohiaia-Hall are now focusing on preparations for nationals, here in November.

Turangi Sports Awards

On Friday night Amy Smith (Year 10) attended the Tokaanu Maritime Charitable Trust 2025 Annual Turangi Sports Awards, where she was successful in winning the 2025 Junior Sportsperson of the Year for Rugby and Squash. She also took out with her F Grade Women’s Squash Team the 2025 Fairplay Team of the Year and the 2025 Team of the Year.

MJ Durkin - HoLA Sport

The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award

Duke of Edinburgh Information Evening

We are excited to invite students and their whānau to our Duke of Edinburgh Information Evening on Thursday 6 November from 6.00–7.00pm in the school library.

This evening is an opportunity to learn more about the Duke of Edinburgh Award and, more specifically, how we run the programme here at Napier Girls’ High School. The award offers students valuable experiences that build confidence, leadership, and resilience, all while having fun and giving back to the community.

If whānau are unable to attend, students are still encouraged to come along to hear how they can get involved and start their own Duke of Edinburgh journey.

We also have the Bronze Qualifying Tramps coming up on 8–9 November or 22–23 November 2025. Planning is well underway for these two final tramps to Te Puia, which will complete the final section required for students to achieve their Bronze Award.

I hope all participants are considering continuing on to the Silver Award next year. If you wish to do so, please let me know and I will send you the link to get started. We look forward to seeing you at the information evening!

Mrs Louise Bassett-Foss - Senior Award Leader, Duke of Edinburgh

Umanga - Careers

EIT Trades Academy Programme

On Wednesday night, we celebrated the achievements of our students involved in the EIT Trades Academy programme. Each week, these students attend EIT to gain hands-on experience and valuable credits across a range of practical courses — including Hair and Beauty, Hospitality, Automotive, Building and Construction, Animal Handling, Early Childhood, Computer Tech, and Services Academy preparation.

This year, 38 of our Year 12 and 13 students took part — a fantastic effort! A huge thank you to EIT for running such an awesome programme and supporting our students to learn real-world skills.

Special congratulations to Cassidy Stoney, who received the Overall Excellence Award in Automotive Level 2, and to Tessa Anderson, who received an award for 100% Attendance in her Hair and Beauty Level 2 course. Ka mau te wehi!

Mrs Caroline Johnson & Mrs Debra Verhoeven - Careers Advisors

Senior Japanese Trivia Quiz

Napier Girls’ High School proudly hosted the 3rd Annual Hawke’s Bay Senior Japanese Trivia Quiz on Friday 17 November.

Nine teams of three to four students competed across six rounds of ten questions, covering Sports & Festivals, Food & Drink, Daily Life, Popular Culture, Geography & History, and Kanji. The quiz featured questions in both English and Japanese, keeping teams on their toes!

Many groups embraced the spirit of the night by dressing up for the “Best Dressed Team” award. Congratulations to “The Bakachans” from Karamu High School, who took home the trophy this year!

Mr Strahan Winchester - HoLA Languages

Junior Master Chefs

Congratulations to the Junior Master Chefs team for competing in the Great Burger Competition at Napier Girls’ High School. Over the past six weeks, students have been developing their knife skills, learning about food safety, and exploring flavour development.

A special congratulations to Year 10 student Lacey Hacker and Year 9 student Coco Jones, who won their respective year group categories. These talented students will now represent our school in the National Competition, run in conjunction with HETTANZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

A big thank you to Mark Caves from EIT for judging this competition and supporting our students.

Mrs Rachel Pollett - TiC Food Technology

Reviewing Board Policies, Term 4 2025

To Parents/Caregivers,

This term the scheduled review focuses on behaviour management, and staff wellbeing and safety, and we are inviting input from parents/caregivers:

- Bullying and Harassment

- Behaviour Management

- Searches, Surrender, and Retention of Property

- Minimising Physical Restraint

- Stand-down, Suspension, and Exclusion

- Staff Wellbeing and Safety

If you wish to be part of this process, please follow these steps below.

1. Visit the website https://nghs.schooldocs.co.nz

2. Enter the username (nghs) and password (adlucem).

3. Click on “Current Review”

4. Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.

5. Read the policy.

6. Click the blue “Start your review” button near the top right-hand corner of the page.

7. Select the reviewer type - "Whānau".

8. Enter your name (optional).

9. Submit your ratings and comments.

10. If you don't have internet access, school office staff can provide you with printed copies of the policy and a review form.

Thank you and we look forward to your feedback no later than Monday 24 November 2025.

Phone: 06 835 1069 Web: www.nghs.school.nz Main Office email: nghs@nghs.school.nz Principal's PA Email: dmcpherson@nghs.school.nz

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