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Empowering ākonga to achieve success and fulfilment, for themselves, whānau and community
Message from our Tumuaki
Message from our Tumuaki
Tena koutou katoa,
I do hope that the NZQA examinations are going well for our ākonga. Ngā mihi to our Deputy Principal Mrs Roberts who is ensuring all is going well at our end.
Over the last week we have had the pleasure of meeting our incoming Year 9 ākonga and their whānau, marking the beginning of an important partnership between kura and home. These connections are the foundation for a successful school experience, ensuring that ākonga feel supported both inside and outside the classroom. When whānau and schools work together, it fosters stronger communication, better engagement, and a shared commitment to each student’s success.
As we prepare to farewell our Year 13s, it’s a reminder of the ongoing cycle of learning, growth, and the strong sense of community that supports the journey of every ākonga.
We are thrilled to share our NCEA co-requisite assessment results for the 2025 Common Assessment Activities (CAAs). At NGHS ākonga have the opportunity to sit their co-requisites in Year 10, giving them experience with external assessments and a strong foundation for success.
These results reflect the mahi of ākonga, the dedicated teachers, and the strength of our numeracy and literacy programmes overseen by Mr Mather and Mr Homan-Smith. Ka rawe! These great results set our ākonga up for continued success in 2026 and beyond.
Wishing you all the very best as we head towards the end of our school year.
Me te aroha nui ki a koutou kata.
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
Important Dates Coming Up
NOVEMBER
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, 10.00am - 1.00pm
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
Torchbearer Order Now.mp4
Guidance Following Increased National Risk of Measles
Health New Zealand is alerting schools to an escalating risk of measles as it responds to a measles outbreak following confirmation of 13 new cases of measles since 20 October.
This escalating risk is a concern, especially for education settings where measles can spread rapidly. In New Zealand, our measles immunisation rates are too low to prevent outbreaks from happening when measles is circulating in our communities. Our low immunisation rates contribute to this lack of community protection.
Measles is highly contagious and serious – about one in three people may need hospital care. It spreads when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes.
Information to share with parents, caregivers and your communities
Measles is circulating and is very contagious. There is now measles in Northland, Auckland, Manawatu, Nelson and Wellington, and we expect further cases across New Zealand.
Watch out for symptoms – fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes, and a blotchy rash:
Anyone with measles symptoms must stay at home and should seek urgent advice by ringing their doctor or Healthline on 0800 611 116.
Anyone who is closely exposed to a measles case must stay at home. Heath New Zealand will provide individuals with advice on a case-by-case basis (including when they can leave quarantine at home).
Health New Zealand is actively working with the schools that currently have measles cases.
People are considered immune to measles after having two doses of a measles vaccine from 12 months or older, or if you have had measles before. For more information on measles immunity visit:
Measles immunity – Health New Zealand
Encourage families and whānau to check their own and their child/childrens’ immunisation status through My Health Record:
My Health Record – Health New Zealand
Anyone born between 1969 and 2004 may have only received one vaccine dose and might not be fully protected. It’s safe to get extra doses. A free vaccine can be booked online or via the Vaccination Helpline on 0800 28 29 26.
NZQA Examinations
NZQA Examinations
2025 NZQA examinations commenced on Tuesday 4 November.
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.
Derived Grade Process
Derived Grade Process
Students 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
2025 Exam Timetable.pdfToi Whakaari - Performing Arts
Toi Whakaari - Performing Arts
Wednesday 29 April, Thursday 30 April and Friday 1 May 2026
High School Musical
Senior auditions will take place on Sunday 16 November, with times allocated to our senior students this week.
Junior auditions will be held Tuesday and Thursday of Week 7 during lunchtime. Times for these will be shared next week.
A huge thank you to all the students who have stepped up to audition, we wish you every success as you prepare! All students who have signed up should now have access to the audition pack on Google Drive. If you’re having any trouble finding it, please pop in to see Juliana in the Performing Arts office or email music@nghs.school.nz
We’re so excited to see your talent shine and can’t wait to kick off another spectacular show season!
Instrument Lessons Give it a Go 2025
Now that our seniors are in the midst of NCEA exams, the spotlight has turned 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, Cello, Clarinet, Violin, Viola, Flute, Drums, Guitar, Bass Guitar, Rockband, and Vocals. These taster sessions are completely free and will run Weeks 6, 7 & 8 this term.
A Google form has been sent to the junior school so your daughter can easily express her interest. It is not too late to sign up.
Solo Singing Competition
On Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 October, Nixon block came alive with music as 35 talented students took part in our ‘Live’ Solo Singing Competition. The standard was exceptionally high, making the task of selecting place getters extremely challenging.
Congratulations to the following award recipients:
Junior Cup (Year 9)
1st Anouk Linter-Beck
2nd Kaia Carter
3rd Lucia Ancell
Intermediate Cup (Year 10)
1st Addy Wairama
2nd Helena-Jane Hill
3rd Connie Bishop
Senior Cup (Years 11-13)
1st Eliza Woods
2nd Tori Gibbs
3rd Lucy Simpson
Ms Tess Tobin - HoLA Performing Arts
Hākinakina - Sports
Hākinakina - Sports
Equestrian
Congratulations to Addison Oliver, who has returned from her event in China where she gained a 2nd, 9th and 18th in her different events. Out of over 100 riders, Addison was the highest overall placed international rider.
We had 15 riders competing at the HB A&P Show in the Woodford Interschools Show Jumping event. The competition was abandoned due to the fierce winds on Thursday, with jumps falling down before horses could jump them. Our riders in the 1m class had to return for an 8am start on Friday. Addison Trumper on Ngatamahine JJ Airtime rode a fantastic clear round to win the 1m class, representing NGHS Akeake. Britta Oliver was placed 5th in the 80cm class, riding for NGHS Kauri and Annabel Alexander was 6th, riding for NGHS Rata. NGHS Akeake was placed 4th overall, with clear rounds from Addison Trumper, Millie Burne and Jemma Haenga.
Iron Māori
Congratulations to Addy Wairama who competed in the Iron Māori Quarter team event as her team's swimmer, completing the 1km swim leg. She placed first in the open women's Quarter team event and was the youngest participant in the teams category, finishing in 19:05.23. A special opportunity for Addy to participate as a family, with relatives visiting from the USA to compete and extended family involved in organising the event through Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga.
Leadership Session
Three of our Year 13 ākonga, and Mr Mather, had the opportunity to meet All Blacks legend Kieran Read at a Ricoh-sponsored leadership Q&A for Hawke’s Bay students. 🖤🏉 The former NZ captain shared valuable lessons about resilience and performing under pressure from his playing career. Aimee, Briar, and Ella were selected to attend in recognition of the promising leadership they’ve shown in sport at NGHS. What an amazing opportunity.
Netball
Congratulations Arna Paewai who attended the New Zealand Secondary Schools Netball Camp, in Auckland, over Labour Weekend. 🏐✨
This national camp brought together 24 of the country’s top secondary school players for a weekend of high-level coaching, match play, and development — a key step on New Zealand’s high-performance pathway.
Players were chosen based on their performances at major national events including the National Development Camps, Netball NZ U18 Champs, and Regional Secondary School Championships. At this camp, two teams were selected to take part in a three-day Quad Tournament against an Australian state side.
Arna, we’re so proud of you. Your selection reflects your incredible skill, commitment, and passion for the game.
NZ Rink Hockey 🏑
At the Nationals held in Taranaki earlier this month Napier Girls’ High School was proudly represented by four students:
• Seersha Flynn (Year 9) – U15 and Women’s grades
• Penny Hunt (Year 9) – U15 grade
• Keely Flynn (Year 11) – U19 and Women’s grades
• Lexi McIntyre (Year 11) – U19 and Women’s grades
The Hastings U15 team had an incredible tournament, finishing 2nd in a thrilling final and conceding only a single goal in extra time to Whanganui. 🥈
The U19 team placed 3rd 🥉 and the Women’s team achieved a strong 4th place finish 💪. Ka mau te wehi, kōhine!
The Carnival runs from 12.00pm – 3.00pm, packed with games, kai, music, and activities for everyone — and the Skate Show kicks off at 1.30pm sharp!
Carnival Highlights:
- Live music & entertainment – Nick Herbison, DJ Soph aka Sneeky & MC Jack Jensen
- Tacos, home baking, ice block & drink stalls (with plenty of healthy options)
- Pre-loved clothing stall
- Skate merch stall – boards, protective gear & clothing
- Art station & face painting
- Lawn & skate games for all ages
- Giant bubbles & slack-line balance challenge
- Epic raffle prizes from local legends
- Chill zone for whānau & friends to relax and enjoy the vibes
No EFTPOS available — please bring cash for stalls and raffle (bank transfer available if needed).
This is a FREE community event — everyone welcome! Bring your whānau and friends, and help us celebrate another magical day of skating, music, and connection.
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.
MJ Durkin - HoLA Sport
The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award
Tonight from 6.00 – 7.00pm, I am hosting our 2025 Duke of Edinburgh Information Evening. This session is designed to introduce students and their families to the award and answer any questions they may have about how it all works.
Our current Bronze Award participants are preparing for their Qualifying Tramp, either this weekend or on 22–23 November. Fingers crossed this lovely weather continues for both groups!
Looking ahead to next year, all Year 9 students are invited to sign up for their Bronze Award for 2026 now. Information packs will be available from Monday 10 November, please come and see me to collect one. Once registered, students can begin their award over the Christmas holidays, which is ideal for those with busy summer plans such as surf lifesaving, swimming, tennis, or child-minding, all excellent Duke of Ed activities!
I’m really looking forward to seeing all the great photos from the upcoming tramps and will be sure to share them in the next newsletter.
Mrs Louise Bassett-Foss - Senior Award Leader, Duke of Edinburgh
Reviewing Board Policies, Term 4 2025
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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