Kia ora whānau,
This week, I had the privilege of attending a Youth Mental Health First Aid course. We explored the many challenges facing young people today and discussed how we can recognise when someone may be struggling and respond with appropriate care and support.
Recent New Zealand data shows that one in four young people aged 15–24 experience mental health challenges. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of looking out for one another, keeping conversations open and ensuring our young people know they do not have to manage difficult times alone.
Please know that my door is always open. If you have concerns, or simply wish to have a chat, you are always welcome to contact me.
Here at Hewett House we work closely with the school's pastoral team including Counsellors, Deans and members of the Senior Leadership team. Together we form a strong network of care, helping every student feel connected and supported.
Good luck to our Big Sing rangatahi performing in Christchurch this weekend and all those away next week for Winter Tournament week.
A reminder that the hostel is closed for an exeat Friday 4 September from 6pm, until Monday 7 September opening at 3pm.
Ngā mihi nui,
Joyce Clark
A final reminder to our Year 9 and 10 whānau — this is your last chance to sign up for our upcoming Whānau Dinner. Please complete the Google form if you would like to attend. We look forward to sharing a lovely evening with you on Monday 7 September.
Joyce Clark, Hostel Manager: 021 245 1862 / hostelmanager@nghs.school.nz
Kia ora koutou,
Our senior students are concluding their Derived Grade Examinations this week. These assessments provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate the learning they have developed so far, while also offering valuable feedback to help them prepare for their final NCEA examinations later in the year.
When results are returned, we encourage parents to help students look beyond the grade and focus on the feedback. These examinations are an important learning checkpoint, helping students identify their strengths as well as the areas where further revision, practice and preparation are needed. If a result is disappointing, please remind students that it is only one step in their learning journey. Many students achieve stronger results in their final examinations, when they have the benefit of additional study time, targeted revision and a clearer understanding of what is required.
Our Year 10, 11 and 12 students are in the process of selecting their courses for 2027. It is important for the students to think carefully about their interests, strengths and possible future pathways. We encourage parents to have conversations with their children about the options available and to support them in making informed choices.
Teachers, Deans and Careers staff are available to provide advice and answer questions throughout the process. Students will also have an individual subject selection interview to help them consider their options and make decisions with confidence. The final programme of study will take into account student preferences, teacher recommendations, individual discussions and course availability.
Ngā mihi
Mrs Caroline Johnson
Hostel Academic Dean
Kia ora.
I hope everyone’s derived grade exams went well! It has been so great seeing everyone putting in the hard work and making the most of their study time. There have been some very dedicated study sessions happening around the hostel, and it’s awesome to see everyone supporting each other and staying motivated.
It’s also been nice to see the hostel starting to feel full and lively again after so many people have been off sick. Having everyone back has definitely brought more energy and laughter around the place!
With winter sports now coming to an end, I want to congratulate everyone on an awesome season. It has been great seeing everyone getting involved, representing their teams and schools, and putting in the effort throughout the season. Whether you had a successful season, faced some challenges, or simply enjoyed being part of a team, you should all be proud of what you achieved. A big congratulations to everyone on a fantastic winter sports season! ⚽🏉🏀🏑
With only a few weeks left of the school term, let’s keep working hard.
Nga mihi,
Lucy, Rose and Morgan
Rose Greaves, Lucy Parker
Morgan Anderson
Tasmin Henricksen competed at HBPB Regional Winter short course meet for Heretaunga SunDevils last weekend.
She placed:
- 2nd 13 year old girl 200m IM and 200m breaststroke
- 3rd 200m backstroke, 100m IM, 100m breaststroke
- 5th 50m freestyle
Congrats to Tasmin!
We love celebrating successes at Hewett House.
If you have some news we would love to hear about it so we can include it in future pānui editions :)
Friday 4 September: Hostel closes at 6pm Exeat weekend
Monday 7 September: Hostel opens from 3pm
Monday 7 September: Junior whānau dinner at 5pm
Friday 25 September: Hostel closes at 6pm for End of Term
Sunday 11 October: Hostel opens from 3pm for Term 4
7-day Boarders
For planning purposes, it is very helpful if our 7-day boarders can let us know by 9.00am each Thursday if they will be away for the weekend. This greatly assists our kitchen team with accurate meal planning and helps us avoid unnecessary food preparation and wastage.
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 go to considerable effort to cater for your needs.
Boarding Action Group
Year 9 - Mabel Heath & Lily Ashton
Year 10 - Stevie Schaw
Year 11 - Bella Derbie & Evelyn Ferguson
Year 12 - Emma Brady & Addison Oliver
Year 13 - Victoria Kyle
These are your year group representatives.
If you have any ideas, please send them on to these girls.
Netsafe
Netsafe is New Zealand’s independent, non-profit online safety charity. Taking a technology-positive approach to the challenges digital technology presents, they work to help people in New Zealand take advantage of the opportunities available through technology by providing practical tools, support and advice for managing online challenges. Netsafe keep people of all ages safe online by providing free support, advice and education seven days a week.
Netsafe can assist you in getting content removed from some places online and talk to you about the other options available to you – for example, taking the case to the Police. If someone is threatening to share nude images/videos of you or blackmailing you, we can also let you know what you can do about it. Our team talks to people in situations like this everyday, so we’re used to talking about it and can provide you all the information you need.
There are apps that can help too, like Take it Down takeitdown.ncmec.org. This is an anonymous tool for anyone under 18 to get your intimate image or video removed from social media, including Facebook.
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 Kate Stevens (mornings), Mrs Hayley Berriman / Ms Mia Shelford / Mrs Heather McKenzie / Ms Kym Hildreth (afternoons/evenings)
Mrs Michele Glogoski (Friday evening, weekends), Mrs Lynda Jackson (weekends), Mrs Kellie Fulton / Ms Michelle McLellan (overnight)