Kia ora whānau.
It’s been another action-packed week for our Hewett House rangatahi, filled with sport, fun, and plenty of community spirit.
A busload of boarders headed out to support the 1st XI hockey final, cheering loudly and proudly from the sidelines. They were so proud to see the NGHS team come home with the win. We also had groups enjoying the atmosphere at the Magpies game here in Napier - it’s always a treat to see live sport.
Wednesday was all about our junior ākonga, who enjoyed an afternoon out and about. From Flip Out to ten-pin bowling and the movies, there was plenty of laughter and energy. The day rounded off with a lively North vs South netball game after dinner - congratulations to the North team for taking the win!
Meanwhile, our seniors have been busy with derived grade examinations, which come to an end today. We’re looking forward to having everyone back together next week and settling back into the rhythm of hostel life.
I always value your input and support - whether you're a parent, guardian, or friend of our boarding community. If you have any concerns, feedback, or would just like to drop by for a visit, please don’t hesitate to call, email, or pop in. We’d love to hear from you.
Ngā mihi nui,
Joyce Clark
Joyce Clark, Hostel Manager: 021 245 1862 / hostelmanager@nghs.school.nz
Friday 29 August: Hostel closes at 6pm for mid term break
Monday 1 September: Hostel opens from 3pm
Wednesday 3 September: Hewett House Young Farmers hosting Napier Boys' for quiz and supper
Friday 19 September: Hostel closes at 6pm for end of term
Our senior students conclude their Derived Grade Examinations this week. These assessments give students the chance to demonstrate their learning so far, but more importantly, they provide valuable feedback to guide preparation for the final NCEA examinations at the end of the year.
When results are returned, it’s helpful for parents to encourage students to look carefully at the feedback rather than focusing only on the grade. These exams are a learning checkpoint: they highlight strengths and, more importantly, areas where revision and further practice are needed. If students feel disappointed, please remind them that many do better in the final examinations, when they have the benefit of a longer period of study leave and targeted revision.
At the same time, our Year 10, 11 and 12 students are in the process of selecting their courses for 2026. This is an important stage, and we encourage parents to talk with their children about their interests, strengths, and possible future pathways. Teachers, Deans, and Careers staff are available to answer questions and give guidance. The final programme of study will be shaped by student preferences, teacher recommendations, discussions, and course availability. Every student will also have an individual interview with me to support their decision-making.
- Ms Amanda Johnson (Mandy)
SCHOOL CHARGES - PLEASE SET UP YOUR KINDO ACCOUNT
You will have received several emails from the school regarding Kindo which is our new student payment system. This is for your daughter's school charges such as sports fees, music tuition and other activities. Boarding fees and hostel incidentals should continue to be paid using your normal method.
Please use the following link to set up your Kindo account: https://shop.kindo.co.nz
All accounts set up before 31 August will go into the draw to win a $200 credit for your Kindo wallet. Once your account is set up simply go to the Kindo shop and add the Prize Draw at $0 to your cart (only one entry per student please).
Common situations and questions you may have are covered here.
Summary of what is needed:
1. Set up your account if you don't already have one.
2. You must use the same email address as you have advised school.
3. If you have an existing school automatic payment into the school bank account ensure this has stopped. Existing payments for hostel boarding fees are to continue.
4. If you have a credit balance in your school account our finance staff will be able to load this into your wallet once the account has been set up.
There is a Kindo helpdesk available for support.
support.mykindo.co.nz - helpdesk open 8am - 4pm weekdays: hello@mykindo.co.nz / 0508 454636
DIRECT DEBITS
To reduce the workload for our finance team could you please ensure there are sufficient funds in your bank account so that boarding fee direct debits can be processed successfully on the 20th of each month.
A Quick Reminder
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.
Please note a change of dates for the upcoming closures related to the replacement of the temporary Bailey bridge.
The reason for the changed dates is because the construction programme for the project has shifted by one week. This has had a flow on effect meaning the contingency date of Saturday 6 September for closures are now required. Please see the new dates below (these are the original contingency dates):
10.00am Saturday 6 September to 10.00am Sunday 7 September – Full 24-hour closure to remove the Bailey bridge and install the Acrow bridge.
Sunday 7, Monday 8, and Tuesday 9 September – Night closures from 9.00pm to 5.00am to widen the bridge approaches.
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)