Kia ora Hewett House whānau.
Welcome back after the long weekend! We hope you all managed to enjoy some rest and relaxation, despite the variable weather. It’s lovely to see our hostel full again with laughter, stories and energy as we head into the final weeks of term.
A special mention goes to our senior students who begin their NCEA exams next week. We wish you every success — your preparation, perseverance, and commitment will serve you well. Remember, you are supported by your Hewett House family every step of the way.
Whakataukī:
Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei.
Seek the treasure you value most dearly; if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain.
May this serve as a reminder to aim high, stay focused, and be proud of all you have achieved.
If your daughter's plans differ from what you indicated on the Google form please expect a call from staff to verify your daughters whereabouts. With so many moving parts it is vital that we work together to keep our girls safe.
Don’t forget to send through your Young Farmer calendar orders so that we can get these ordered.
Ngā mihi nui,
Joyce Clark
Joyce Clark, Hostel Manager: 021 245 1862 / hostelmanager@nghs.school.nz
This year we’ve had a number of students move between the two boarding options. As the hostel operates with fixed costs and staffing commitments that are set for the full year, these changes can have a significant impact on budgeting, fee calculations, and administration.
Following a review of our process, the following guidelines will now apply:
Notification: By the last week of Term 4, families must email the Hostel Manager confirming whether their daughter will be a 5-day or 7-day boarder for the following year.
7-Day Boarding: Once a student has elected to be a 7-day boarder, this arrangement will remain in place for the full year and cannot be changed to 5-day.
5-Day Boarding: Students who are 5-day boarders may request to move to 7-day boarding at any time from Term 1, however, they cannot revert back to 5-day within that same calendar year.
Extra Nights: The “extra nights” option remains available for 5-day boarders who need short-term accommodation for special events or commitments.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to ensure fairness and clarity for all our boarding families.
- Mrs Linda Francois, Finance Manager
2026 Hostel Fees Reminder
Fees per annum are:
5 day $13,860
7 day $15,250
The first instalment is due for payment by 20 November 2025.
NOVEMBER
Thursday 30 October: Last day at school for seniors
Tuesday 4 – Friday 28 November: NCEA examinations take place
Thursday 13: Hostel Orientation Day
Friday 14: Teacher only day - curriculum day
DECEMBER
FINAL WEEK: All students are 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
Term 4 always seems to fly by — it’s a fast-paced few weeks filled with assessments, celebrations, and all the end-of-year traditions that make this time so memorable. But before the festivities begin in earnest, our focus is firmly on examinations.
Next week, NZQA exams begin for our senior boarders. Many of them have assessments spread over several weeks, so establishing a clear study plan is essential. We encourage students to create realistic revision timetables and stick to them, making effective use of prep time in the hostel and the tutorials offered by staff. Hostel supervisors are also on hand to help students manage their time, stay organised, and keep a healthy balance between study, rest, and recreation.
Our junior boarders continue to work through their own assessments in the coming weeks. These provide a useful summary of the year’s learning while helping students strengthen their study and test-taking skills. Year 9 students also have their class Science trips to the National Aquarium this week or next — a welcome break from the classroom and a great chance to connect learning with real-world experiences.
We wish all our ākonga the very best in their exams and assessments. Keep using your time wisely, support one another, and remember that good rest and steady effort go a long way. Kia kaha, kia māia, kia manawanui!
- Ms Amanda Johnson (Mandy)
Kia Ora!
We hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend and took some time to relax with friends and family. It was definitely a well-deserved break!
As we wrap up another busy week, it’s crazy to think how quickly Term 4 is flying by. It’s been a jam packed few weeks for everyone in the hostel.
A big shoutout to all the girls who started study leave on Thursday. Good luck, stay focused, and most importantly, back yourselves. You’ve got this!
As the seniors begin to drift in and out over study leave, it’s a reminder of how close we are to the end. The hostel already feels a little different without everyone around all the time, but it’s also a sign of all the hard work and effort that’s gone into getting to this point.
Like most of us, we’re definitely looking forward to summer slowly starting to make an appearance. Take some time to enjoy it, make the most of being together, and finish the term strong.
Have a great weekend everyone!
- Kaela, Chimari and Georgia
Illness
If you're feeling unwell or showing any signs of illness, please stay home and take the time you need to recover. Your health — and the health of others — comes first.
Change to 5 / 7 Day Status
If your daughter is wanting to change her boarding status ie to 5 day or 7 day this needs to come to the Hostel Manager in writing please.
Special Dietary Students
Please remember that if you have listed yourself as a special dietary requirement you are expected to honour this and not change your mind as something else appeals. The kitchen staff are going to considerable effort to cater for your needs. Once again, thank you for your support.
Sunday Late Dinners
If you require a late/saved dinner on a Sunday night this MUST be booked by 12.00pm on the Sunday by putting your name on the list at the office preferably before you leave on Friday afternoon. If you have not booked a late/saved dinner you will be able to have toast and spreads. We hope you can appreciate that our kitchen team need to be able to plan for accurate numbers. It is very difficult for them when suddenly they need to find 15 – 20 extra servings. Thanks for your support with this.
We love celebrating successes at Hewett House.
If you have some news (and/or photos) we would love to hear about it so we can include it in future pānui editions :)
HEWETT HOUSE TEAM
Lynley Keehan, Reception (weekdays): 021 488 758 / hewettoffice@nghs.school.nz (this email is checked seven days a week)
Joyce Clark, Hostel Manager: 021 245 1862 / hostelmanager@nghs.school.nz (this email is not checked seven days a week so if urgent, please email hewettoffice@nghs.school.nz)
Supervisors: Mrs Joan Willox / Ms Sarah-Jane Lothian (mornings), Mrs Hayley Berriman / Ms Te Aroha Hawkins / Mrs Heather McKenzie (afternoons/evenings)
Mrs Michele Glogoski (Friday evening, weekends), Mrs Lynda Jackson (weekends), Mrs Kellie Fulton / Ms Michelle McLellan (overnight)