Embedded Files
Empowering ākonga to achieve success and fulfilment, for themselves, whānau and community
Message from our Tumuaki
Message from our Tumuaki
Kia ora koutou,
As we come to the end of another busy and successful term, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of our students and staff and acknowledge the many opportunities our young women have embraced.
This term has been filled with moments that have showcased the talent, commitment, creativity, and resilience that make Napier Girls’ High School such a special place. Our PTA Art for All Exhibition was a great success bringing our wider community together in support of NGHS. We are grateful to our dedicated PTA who gave so generously of their time in organising such an event, to our fabulous sponsors to all of our helpers and to everyone who contributed to making this event such a success.
We are immensely proud of our Kapa Haka group, who have just represented our kura at the National Kapa Haka Championships in Tauranga. They were outstanding, and did our kura and themselves proud! Their dedication, discipline and passion for te ao Māori embody the very best of our school values.
Our talented Ad Lucem choir has achieved the remarkable honour of being selected for the NZ Big Sing National Finale. This achievement reflects countless hours of rehearsal and the commitment of both our students and conductor, Chris Atkinson. We wish them every success as they prepare for this prestigious event.
Congratulations also to our Showquest performers whose creativity, teamwork, and storytelling saw them achieve an outstanding second place. Their performance was a wonderful example of what can be achieved when students bring energy, courage, and imagination to the stage. This year’s theme was telling the story of Old Girl and Olympic Champion Emma Twigg. Her journey reminds us that success is rarely a straight path. Through setbacks, perseverance, and determination, Emma demonstrated what is possible when we continue striving towards our goals—a powerful reflection of our motto, Ad Lucem.
As we approach Matariki, it is timely for us to reflect on the year that has passed, honour those who have gone before us, celebrate the present, and look with hope and optimism towards the future. It is a reminder of the importance of connection, gratitude, and aspiration.
To our students, thank you for your enthusiasm, hard work, and willingness to make the most of the opportunities available to you. To our staff, thank you for the care, expertise, and commitment you bring each day. To our whānau and wider community, thank you for your ongoing support of our kura.
As we finish the term, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Mrs McLennan for the wonderful contribution she has made to our Science Department while covering for Mrs Fraser in terms one and two. We wish her all the very best for the future.
Heading into the holiday break, I encourage everyone to take time to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with family and friends. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next term, ready for another exciting chapter in our journey together.
Mānawatia a Matariki
Me te aroha
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
Important Dates Coming Up
JULY 2026:
Friday 3: END OF TERM 2
Friday 10: Matariki
Monday 20: START OF TERM 3
Tuesday 21: Loves Me Not Programme for Year 13
Wednesday 22: Matariki Celebration
Friday 24: Year 10 Future Focus morning
Friday 24: Year 11 Speech Finals
Saturday 25: NGHS School Ball
Tuesday 28: Pasifika Quiz Night
Wednesday 29: Study Skills for Seniors - Patrick Sherratt
Thursday 30: Subject Information Evening
Friday 31: PNGHS Exchange (premier teams)
AUGUST 2026:
Monday 3: Fuel Up Nutrition Talk, 7.00pm, school hall
Wednesday 5: NGHS Open Evening, 6.30pm
Sunday 9: Waseda Group arrives from Japan
Monday 10: PTA Meeting, 7.00pm, staffroom
Friday 14: Arts Exchange with NBHS
Saturday 15: Youthfest, Woodford House
Sunday 16 - Monday 17: DanceNZMade Regional Interhouse Competition
Monday 17: Year 10 Self Defence starts
Wednesday 19: Junior Parent-Teacher Online Meetings (only) 2.30 - 6.00pm
Wednesday 19: School finishes at 1.10pm. Study leave commences for Seniors.
Thursday 20 - Friday 28: Derived Grade Examinations
Friday 21: Year 12 CAN Exhibition commences
Planned Road Closures
Planned Road Closures
Please note the following Clyde Road closure dates during the July school holidays:
Monday 6 July, 9:00am–2:00pm (backup date: Wednesday 8 July)
Monday 13 July, 9:00am–2:00pm (backup date: Tuesday 14 July)
The closures are weather-dependent, hence the backup dates.
Hākinakina - Sports
Hākinakina - Sports
Coming up: Pre-team exchange - Friday 31 July
NZ Cross Country Champs
The National Cross Country event was held over two rainy, windy, and extremely muddy days in Upper Hutt. The girls performed very well and represented the school and district with pride.
Results are as follows:
Year 9 Girls
28th Willow Hambleton
44th Isla Singer
51st Briar Llewellyn
Out of over 100 runners, the NGHS Year 9 team came 6th overall for Year 9 girls teams
Junior Girls
56th Natasha MacRae, out of over 120 runners
Regional Mixed Relays
East Coast mixed Year 9 relay team, 2nd overall. Team included Isla Singer and Willow Hambleton
East Coast mixed Junior relay team, 3rd overall. Team included Natasha MacRae and Briar Llewellyn
East Coast mixed Senior A relay team 4th overall. Team included Paige Dobson
Thanks to Mr Roderick for his support and encouragement on this trip. Ngā mihi nui to Napier Clubs for their funding contribution towards this trip.
Badminton
Congratulations to Alexa Catacutan, who won three gold medals in Singles, Girls Doubles, and Girls Doubles and Mixed Doubles at the North Island Hutt Valley U19 Open.
NGHS Cross Country Champs postponement date is in Term 3 on Wednesday 23 September. This is during the last week of the term. A new sign up form will be sent to all students in Week 8 of next term.
Umpires - Putorino Sports Tournament
Huge shoutout to the 12 students who represented us today as umpires at the annual Pūtōrino sports tournament! They did an amazing job officiating netball, hockey, and rippa rugby. What an awesome experience and a brilliant display of leadership!
Rosa Angland
Lexie Ewen
Stella Hill
Lucy Mapp
Willow Oliver
Zoe Reisma
Olivia Rodrigues Tiago Fraser
Paige Roe
Stevie Schaw
Erica Tollison
Georgie Wilson
Haide Wilson
HB School's Long Orienteering Championships
Congratulations to Ona Tosker, who placed second in the Intermediate Girls' Standard.
Equestrian
Congratulations to our two ākonga, who were recognised at the national Dressage NZ Awards in Christchurch, on the 27th June. Year 9 student Zana Crow, won the Newcomer Award of the Tackshop.co.nz U25 Rising Stars League. Year 12 student Chloe Cann also won AMS Saddlery Young rider in Elementary Dressage as well as Tackshop - Hastings Shop Area Young rider Novice bronze/ silver.
HB U18 Invitational Team vs Manukura
Congratulations to our ākonga who were selected to play for a HB U18 invitational team in a highly competitive game this week, against Manukura.
Fuel Up - Live Nutrition Talk
Next term, Sports Prefects Ruby and Breeze are hosting the Nutrition Clinic to present an exciting nutrition talk where you'll discover practical tips on:
Nutrition for active females
Under-fuelling and under-eating
Hormonal health and common period concerns
How to build a balanced, nourishing meal
Common nutrient deficiencies and their impact on health
Anxiety, mood, and the connection with nutrition
Whether you take part in sports or just want to feel your best, this is a great opportunity to learn from an expert and ask any questions you have. This is open to everyone and their whānau. We hope to see you there!
Please sign up for free via this link or scan the QR-Code below, for food and handouts purposes:
SHC Talk Poster (5).pdfWe love to acknowledge student achievements!
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, on social media and on our celebration wall in the gym or held for future consideration for school sports badges and achievement awards.
Mrs MJ Durkin - Head of Sport
House Challenges
Winter Sports
July Holiday Flyer Single 2026.pdf
NGHS learn to row.pdfToi Whakaari - Performing Arts
Toi Whakaari - Performing Arts
Class Play
Last Thursday evening, the Year 12 Drama class gave an outstanding performance of The Oddity, as their class play for 2026. Performing to friends and family, it was wonderful to see every single one of the students shine to their full potential.
Senior Trip to Wellington
Nine lucky senior students got to go to Wellington for a weekend full of theatre. Whilst the weather was atrocious, our experiences were not! We had the pleasure of seeing Kapiti College present Hadestown teen edition - what an outstanding performance. There is huge talent in that high school! Meeting some of the cast members was a highlight for some students! We also got to see ‘OWE’ an interesting devised piece of theatre, performed at Bats theatre. This play got us really thinking about relationships and what you owe to each other. Then off to Cira theatre, we had the pleasure of seeing the final performance of ‘Julia’, a one woman show based on Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard. This was a powerful performance that looked at the different standards and attitudes towards women in power. While we were in Wellington we also had the privilege of going to Victoria University. We checked out their theatre, props, costumes and we also got a tour of the rest of the campus. Senior lecturer James Wenley was incredibly gracious with his time and energy, as he also took a rehearsal for our Youthfest performance. How incredibly lucky we are to share this world with such talented and generous people.
Big Sing Finale
What an extraordinary term it has been for our Performing Arts Department! And now we are absolutely thrilled to share that Ad Lucem has been selected to perform at the Big Sing Finale in Christchurch this August.
This is an incredible honour for both the choir and our kura. Even more remarkably, it has been ten years since any Hawke's Bay school has been represented at the Big Sing Finale, making this achievement all the more significant. Anyone who has had the pleasure of hearing Ad Lucem perform will know that this recognition is a reflection of the choir's dedication, skills and countless hours of hard work under the leadership of Mr Atkinson.
We would also like to acknowledge and sincerely thank Mrs Lee for her accompaniment throughout the year. Her musicianship and support have been an invaluable part of the choirs success.
Ad Lucem will travel to Christchurch from 26–30 August to take part in this national event. We know they will represent our school, our community, and Hawke's Bay with pride, passion, and excellence. We wish them every success.
Barbershop Finals
A huge congratulations to Tori Gibbs and Eliza Woods on earning a place in the Barbershop finals with their group, Treble In Paradise. This outstanding achievement reflects their incredible talent, commitment, and many hours of hard work. They will travel to Wellington with NBHS to compete at the Tākina Wellington Conference and Exhibition Centre from 25–27 September, where they will perform alongside some of the country's finest barbershop singers. We are incredibly proud of Tori and Eliza and wish them every success as they take to the national stage. Best of luck.
Showquest
We are incredibly proud of our cast and crew of 48 students who brought Emma Twigg’s inspiring story to life at Showquest 2026.
Their hard work, creativity and dedication were recognised with:
🥈 2nd Place Overall
🏆 Best Story Award
🎥 Excellence in Technology (Video Wall)
💃🇳🇿🎶 Recognition in Dance, Culture and Live Music
As a former NGHS student and Head Prefect (2004), Emma’s journey of resilience, determination and courage reflects our motto, ‘Ki te Mārama - Towards the Light’. From setbacks to Olympic gold, her story inspired both our performers and our audience.
For the 8th consecutive year, NGHS has proudly participated in Showquest, creating lifelong memories and invaluable opportunities for our students to grow, collaborate, and shine. At the heart of this performance was one message: ‘If you know your worth and believe in yourself, then anything is possible.’
Art for All Performances
A heartfelt thank you to all of our wonderful musicians who performed so beautifully at the Art For All evening. Your music provided the perfect soundtrack to an inspiring exhibition and helped create a truly memorable atmosphere for everyone who attended.
Each ensemble and soloist prepared and presented a three-song programme, organising themselves, their instruments, and their equipment with professionalism and ease. After another busy term of performances, you once again gave your time and talents so generously, demonstrating remarkable commitment and enthusiasm.
Your willingness to step forward whenever an opportunity arises never goes unnoticed. It is often the same dedicated students who volunteer to represent our school, and we are incredibly grateful for your reliability, musicianship, and generosity of spirit. You are outstanding ambassadors for the Music Department and true assets to our school community. Thank you for all that you do!
Music Evening
Our annual Music Evening was another great success, due wholeheartedly to the quality of our musicians. From prize-winning choirs, our ensemble regional finalists, and highly qualified soloists, what a privilege sitting in the audience was. To have back-to-back award-winners hit the stage, it puts into perspective just how outstanding these students are. The calibre of talent in our musicians is exceptional and we love sharing their successes with our school community. The amount of times we have said ‘Congratulations’ to these students this term is a testimony to their dedication and expertise.
A huge shout out to MC and music prefect Lily Harrington, for keeping our evening flowing and being such a rock in the department!
Also thank you so much to our Junior music leaders for their assistance in MC and stage organisation, Year 9 Sophia Zeng, and Year 10 Joey Li.
Music evening 2.movMusic evening 3.movKa Kite to Our Wonderful Exchange Students
As the term comes to a close, we would like to say ka kite anō to our amazing exchange students as they begin their journeys home.
It has been an absolute pleasure having you as part of our Performing Arts whānau. From taking the stage in High School Musical, performing with Orchestra, singing in Big Sing, dazzling audiences in Showquest, and embracing itinerant music lessons, you have immersed yourselves in every opportunity. Your enthusiasm and talent has enriched our department in so many ways.
It has also been a joy to see your smiling faces in Nixon Hall each day, bringing warmth, kindness, and new friendships to our school community. Thank you for embracing life at NGHS so wholeheartedly and for representing our school with such pride and grace.
We hope your time in New Zealand has been filled with unforgettable memories, lifelong friendships, and experiences you'll treasure for years to come. We wish you safe travels, every success in your future adventures, and hope that one day our paths will cross again.
That's a Wrap on an Incredible Term 2!
Another term done and dusted... and what an unforgettable term it has been! We are always immensely proud of our Performing Arts students, but this term has been nothing short of extraordinary. Their talent, dedication and commitment have shone brightly, making this our busiest and most successful term this year.
The curtain rose with our spectacular production of High School Musical On Stage, and from there the pace never slowed. Our students have represented NGHS with distinction at RockQuest Regionals and Finals, Chamber Music Regionals and Finals, the Shakespeare Finals, Big Sing Regionals, ShowQuest, our Senior Music Performance Evenings, the Year 12 Drama Evening, and the Senior Drama trip to Wellington, before finishing the term with our annual Music Evening.
Week after week, it felt as though we were performing on another Hawke's Bay stage, and week after week our students arrived ready to inspire. Whether they were singing, acting, playing, creating, or supporting one another behind the scenes, they brought passion and focus to every performance. They continue to raise the bar and showcase the vibrant culture of Performing Arts at NGHS with pride.
To every student who rehearsed, performed, travelled, volunteered, encouraged others, and gave so much of themselves thank you. You are the reason our Performing Arts Department continues to thrive, and you should be incredibly proud of everything you have accomplished this term. You have represented yourselves, your department, and our school with excellence.
We wish you all a well-deserved, restful holiday. Stay safe, enjoy the break, and return refreshed.
Ms Tess Tobin - HoLA Performing Arts
Tauiwi - International
Tauiwi - International
Community, Connection, and New Experiences
This term, our international students truly embraced the spirit of Napier Girls' High School, stepping out of their comfort zones and fully immersing themselves in school life. We love seeing our students dive into extracurricular activities, which has been the perfect way for them to build lifelong friendships and develop skills outside the classroom. Highlights have been the Big Sing, Ad Lucem Choir, ShowQuest, Art for All Exhibition, and team events across many different Sports.
Exploring the Bay and Beyond
Our international students kept busy this term, diving into a fantastic variety of activities across the Hawke's Bay region alongside unforgettable out-of-town adventures:
Making Connections: We teamed up with other local schools for a fantastic day at the Aquatic Centre. Between swimming, games, and a classic Kiwi BBQ, our girls had a wonderful time bonding with students from all over the world who are also calling the Bay home.
A Touch of Magic at Hobbiton: A day trip to the Hobbiton Movie Set was a massive hit. Stepping inside the movie magic and exploring the detailed interior of the Hobbit hole at Bagshot Row was a definitive highlight for everyone.
Alpine Adventures: Guided by the expert team from the Hillary Outdoor Pursuit Centre, our group hiked through the stunning central plateau, experiencing the breathtaking, rugged natural environment of Tongariro National Park.
Capital City Culture: A visit to the capital city is a must; a three-day trip to Wellington was a wonderful opportunity for students to socialise and bond with peers while packing in plenty of sightseeing, shopping, and an incredible behind-the-scenes tour at Weta Workshop.
Safe Travels & Farewells
As the term comes to a close, we are saying a fond farewell to a number of our international students. We recently held a special farewell lunch to honour our leavers, celebrating their time with us before they head off on their next great adventures.
We wish all of our departing students safe, happy, and unforgettable travels ahead.
Miss Jo Stickley - Manager of International Students
Umanga - Careers
Umanga - Careers
Tertiary Open Days
Tertiary Open Days give students and parents the opportunity to explore the campus and experience first-hand what the tertiary environment is like. You are invited to visit special displays and presentations and explore the various facilities students use. We recommend that the students go to the tertiary open days as it is an important part of the decision-making process.
Below are the dates of the Tertiary Open Days for this year:
24 July - Lincoln University
5 August - Massey University (Manawatu Campus)
15 August - Massey University (Auckland Campus)
21 August - Victoria University
21 August - Massey University (Wellington Campus)
28 August - Canterbury University
29 August - Auckland University
29 August - AUT
Careers Website
Tahatū is Aotearoa New Zealand’s new career website. It has been designed to give your rangatahi an easier way to explore careers, advice, and information.
Here is an information leaflet to help parents, caregivers and whānau learn more about Tahatū and support rangatahi using the website.
University Scholarships for Year 13 Students
We have a number of Universities coming into school this term to provide information on Scholarships. Additionally, MoneyHub, a consumer finance website, has published a guide to hundreds of scholarships for any student planning to start university in 2027. The comprehensive list includes scholarships offered by every university as well as those specifically available to local students. A list of privately-funded, Māori, Pacific and International university scholarships completes the list.
Applications close throughout the year, with tens of millions of dollars available. MoneyHub has also published a list of tips for scholarship success.
For more details and to find suitable scholarships, visit the MoneyHub Scholarship page
Caroline Johnson, Jess Radich, Deb Verhoeven - Careers Advisers
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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