Kia ora koutou,

It has been another busy and rewarding few weeks at Napier Girls’ High School, with our ākonga representing the school with pride across music, sport and many other areas.

A Silver Return to The Big Sing National Finale

A very special congratulations to our Ad Lucem choir, who travelled to Ōtautahi Christchurch to represent NGHS at The Big Sing National Finale and returned home with a Silver Award.

The Big Sing began in 1988 and has grown to become New Zealand’s largest choral event. Each year, more than 9,000 secondary school students from approximately 280 choirs participate in regional festivals across Aotearoa. From these choirs, only a select number are invited to perform at the National Finale.

This year’s achievement was particularly significant, as it marked NGHS’s return to the National Finale 33 years after the school last qualified. Our students performed with confidence, skill and genuine joy, representing our school superbly both on and off the stage.

The Silver Award recognises not only their musical talent, but also the many hours of rehearsal, commitment and teamwork behind their performance. The Finale was an amazing celebration of music and provided our students with the opportunity to perform alongside, and listen to, some of the finest secondary school choirs in the country.

We are immensely proud of every member of Ad Lucem. Our sincere thanks also go to the staff - Mr Atkinson, Ms Tobin, Miss Liv McCloskey, Mrs Mannering, accompanist Sarah Lee, whānau, and supporters who helped make this memorable experience possible.

Winter Tournament Week

Tournament Week is always an important event on the secondary school sporting calendar, and once again our students represented NGHS with determination, teamwork and pride. The final results will be in the following newsletter.

Congratulations to all our students on their results and, equally importantly, on the commitment, resilience and sportsmanship they demonstrated throughout the week. Competing at tournament level requires months of training, early mornings, travel and considerable personal commitment. We are proud of the way our students supported one another and represented the values of NGHS.

Thank you to our coaches, managers, staff, parents, whānau and other supporters. These opportunities would not be possible without the time, encouragement and practical support you so generously provide.

Curriculum Day — Monday 7 September

On Monday 7 September, the school will be closed for instruction while our staff undertake a Ministry of Education approved Curriculum Day, focused on preparing for the revised New Zealand Curriculum.

The National Curriculum is currently undergoing significant change. Revised English and Mathematics & Statistics content for Years 0–10 is already in place, while all revised learning areas for Years 9 and 10 are required to be taught from the beginning of 2027. Changes to the senior curriculum will then be introduced progressively alongside the new national qualifications from 2028.

Our Curriculum Day provides valuable time for staff to work together on what these changes will mean for teaching and learning at NGHS. Staff will examine the revised curriculum structure and content, identify changes within their learning areas, review current Year 9 and 10 programmes, and begin aligning teaching sequences and assessment practices with the new requirements.

There is still detail to work through as final curriculum material and implementation support are released; however, this day will allow our staff to build a shared understanding and take a considered, school-wide approach to the changes ahead. Our focus remains firmly on providing high-quality learning experiences and ensuring our ākonga are well prepared for future study, employment and participation in their communities.

Ngā mihi nui for supporting this important professional learning day and for your continued support of our students and staff.

Mrs Dawn Ackroyd

Winter Tournament Week Results

Congratulations to all teams who competed at regional/national tournaments. Ngā mihi nui to Pub Charity for their support in helping to fund these trips.

Netball Senior A - Lower Norths in Wellington

Basketball Senior A - Regionals in Palmerston North

Hockey 1st XI - Federation Cup in Whangarei

Hockey 2nd XI - Chris Arthur Tournament in Stratford

Football 1st XI - Premier Tournament in Taupō

Equestrian - North Island Interschool North Island in Taupō

Games are currently still going on for some codes. We’ll publish the results and photos in our next newsletter!

Big Sing

Last week the Ad Lucem choir made their way down to Christchurch, where they attended the 2026 Big Sing Finale. We are beyond excited to announce that the choir was awarded a silver medal at the Gala evening. This is a testament to the hard work and talent of the students, as well as Mr Atkinson. 

It was a big week of travelling, rehearsing, and performing. Between visiting the Catholic Cathedral College, an impromptu performance at Winnie Bagoes Pizzeria and performing an award winning programme on stage at the Christchurch Town Hall, the students managed themselves incredibly well, and represented the school beautifully. 

Selected among the top 24 from around 280 choirs across the country. Eight schools received gold awards, 13 received silver and three received bronze. This is a mammoth achievement from the choir and Mr Atkinson.

Thank you to our staff, whānau and wider community for rallying behind the girls, we could not have done it without your support. 

Enjoy your well deserved break girls, we are so proud of you!