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Empowering ākonga to achieve success and fulfilment, for themselves, whānau and community
Message from our Tumuaki
Message from our Tumuaki
Kia ora koutou, talofa lava.
Manuia le vaiaso o le gagana Samoa - Happy Samoan Language Week!
As we move through Term 2, we are proud to acknowledge and celebrate Samoan Language Week. This year’s celebration is a wonderful opportunity to recognise the rich culture, language, traditions and contributions of our Samoan community both within our kura and across Aotearoa. Language is deeply connected to identity, belonging and pride, and weeks such as this remind us of the importance of embracing and celebrating the diversity that strengthens our school community.
Throughout the week students and staff were encouraged to learn and use some everyday Samoan phrases such as
· Talofa lava – Hello
· Fa’afetai – Thank you
· O ā mai oe? – How are you?
· Manuia le aso – Have a good day
· Tulou – Excuse me
· Tofa soifua – Goodbye
These simple phrases help us build connection, understanding and appreciation of the Samoan language and culture, while reflecting our own values of Manaakitanga and Whanaungatanga.
Fa’afetai to Sophie Hyde, one of our Deputy Head Prefects and our Pasifika Vaine Toa, who spoke in assembly this week and is instrumental in leading our kura by integrating and celebrating Pasifika culture.
Last week the Government confirmed further details regarding the future of secondary school qualifications and the curriculum in New Zealand. From 2028, NCEA Level 1 will be replaced with a new Foundational Award at Year 11, followed by the introduction of the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE) at Year 12 in 2029 and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE) at Year 13 in 2030. These changes are being developed alongside a new senior secondary curriculum. Our current Year 9 cohort will be the first group to progress through the new qualifications.
As a school, we will continue to monitor developments closely and engage with consultation opportunities as more details become available. We acknowledge that significant change can create uncertainty for schools, students and whānau, particularly given the scale of curriculum and assessment reform already underway. Our focus will remain on supporting our students to achieve success, while ensuring that any future changes continue to meet the needs of all learners, and provide equitable pathways for further study and life beyond school.
Our staff will have the opportunity to continue with their work on the curriculum/assessment changes on the Hawke's Bay-wide curriculum day on Tuesday 2 June.
Please click on this link for detailed information on the new qualifications.
Ngā mihi nui, tofa soifua
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
MAY 2026:
Tuesday 26: Year 12 Music Performance Evening, 5.30-7pm, school hall
Tuesday 26: Literacy & Numeracy CAAs Catch-up Day
Wednesday 27: Careers Expo for Year 12 ākonga
Wednesday 27: Tauranga Girls' College Exchange
Wednesday 27: Year 13 Music Performance Evening, 5.30-7pm, school hall
Friday 29: Hostel closes 6pm
JUNE 2026:
Monday 1: King's Birthday - school closed
Tuesday 2: Curriculum Day - school closed
Tuesday 2: Hostel re-opens 3pm
Wednesday 3 - Friday 5: School's Pride Week
Thursday 4 - Friday 5: Chamber Music HB Regional Rounds
Thursday 4: 'Footnote Dance Trip' for DNZM students Y9 - Y13
Monday 8 - Friday 12: International Languages Week
Monday 8: PTA Meeting, 7pm, staffroom - all welcome
Wednesday 10: Junior Quiz Night, NBHS
Hākinakina - Sports
Hākinakina - Sports
Coming up: Wed 27 May - TGC sports exchange in Tāupo.
Rink Hockey
Congratulations to Keely Flynn, Seersha Flynn, Lexi McIntyre, Zaria McIntyre, and Penny Hunt who played in the Taranaki ANZAC Invitational over the term break.
Keely and Lexi were selected for the New Zealand Women’s team playing against teams from Macau, China and Australia. The team placed a fantastic 1st overall!
Other results included:
Hastings Under 15’s (Penny, Zaria) - 1st overall
Hastings Women’s (Lexi, Keely, Seersha, Penny and Zaria) - 7th
Hastings Division 2 (Lexi, Keely) - 4th
Ka mau te wehi! 💙
ECNI Cross Country Relays
🏃Monday was an outstanding day of racing at the East Coast North Island cross country relays. Our athletes secured victories in the Year 9 and junior divisions, and 2nd in the senior division 🏆🏃♀️
Results
Y9 winning team: Harper-lily Robson, Isla Singer, Lily Tasker, Willow Hambleton.
4th place team: Harriet Johnson (fastest first lap winner), Stella Bentley, Maggie Smith, Amelia Lewis.
Intermediate winning team: Natasha MacRae, Georgia Plews, Paige Roe, Isobel Hodgkinson.
3rd place team: Briar Llewellyn, Brielle Field, Aurora Gregory, Claudia Tosswill.
Senior 2nd place team: Paige Dobson (fastest first lap winner), Alyssa Palmer, Isla Singer, Sophia Morris.
2026 Oceania Athletics Championships
Paige Dobson is competing in Darwin, Australia at the 2026 Oceania Athletics Championships. With over 140 Kiwi athletes competing, Paige is part of the biggest team New Zealand has ever sent to these championships. Paige had an excellent 1500m, winning bronze in a time of 4:38. Congratulations Paige, we are proud of your achievements on the international stage.
Scots College Sports Exchange
Our Senior A netball and basketball teams faced Scots College in a two-day exchange on Tuesday and Wednesday last week. It was a great opportunity for the girls to come up against a strong side like Scots College in preparation for the season ahead, while also continuing to build connections as a new team. After two tough battles, our teams were unable to overcome an early lead, with Scots College remaining unbeaten across both games. A huge thank you to Scots College for making the exchange possible and travelling up to Hawke’s Bay. We wish them all the best for the rest of their season and hope to cross paths again later this year.
Badminton - U19 Capital Team
Congratulations to Alexa Catacutan, who has been selected as one of three players for the combined Capital Region Under 19 Girls' team for the 2026 season. This is a highly competitive team and will be entered in Division 1 for the upcoming New Zealand Junior Team Championships (NZJTC) to be held in Palmerston North in July. Alexa has impressed the selectors with the high standard of play demonstrated at the trials and subsequent match play. In the recent Manawatū Open U17, Alexa was the Girls' Singles champion and runner up in the Mixed Doubles.
Rugby Pre Season Exchange
Last week, our rugby squad traveled to Waipukurau for a pre-season fixture against Feilding High School. Given that the team has only managed a few training sessions together it was a commendable effort. Although the result did not go our way, the players demonstrated excellent work ethic and resilience, maintaining their effort until the final whistle.
We 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
Toi Whakaari - Performing Arts
Toi Whakaari - Performing Arts
Music Month Activities
May has already burst into life as an incredibly busy and exciting month in the Performing Arts Department! With preparations in full swing for Rockquest, Chamber Music, The Big Sing, Showquest, DanceNZMade, Sheilah Winn finals, Youth Fest, Senior Theatre Sports Comp, and everything in between, there has been a constant buzz of rehearsals, creativity, and dedication filling our spaces.
What has been especially wonderful to see, however, is that amidst all of this hard work and preparation, our students have still found time to celebrate National Music Month and share their talents with the wider school community.
So far, we have been treated to a series of fantastic lunchtime performances. Our rock groups brought energy and excitement to the Nixon quad as they showcased their original music in preparation for Rockquest, while two of our chamber music groups delighted audiences in the school hall with their polished and expressive performances.
The music continues this week, with more chamber music groups set to entertain students on Friday, while next Wednesday promises to bring plenty of laughter and school spirit as students battle it out in our lip sync competition!
Not only have these performances provided valuable practice opportunities for students as competition season approaches, but they have also created moments of enjoyment, connection, and celebration across the school community.
Don’t forget to enter your MUSIC MONTH POSTER DESIGN!!!
Due to Liv in the Performing Arts office by the end of the Month, May 31. Please send your entries to music@nghs.school.nz
LIP SYNCING COMP is on Wednesday 27 May at 10.30am. Make sure you have your item ready and you are registered through the Google Doc that Lily sent out.
A huge thank you goes to our music prefect, Lily Harrington, and all of our performers for their enthusiasm, organisation, and willingness to give up their precious time to share their talents. Your passion and commitment help bring music to life within our school and make our community a richer and more vibrant place.
2026 Smokefree Rockquest
The stage was set, the amps were turned up, and the atmosphere was electric as Havelock North High School hosted the 2026 Rockquest on Sunday 17 May. With an incredible line-up of talented musicians taking to the stage throughout the day, it was a celebration of creativity, originality, and youthful musical talent at its very best.
We are immensely proud of our five NGHS entries who represented our school so brilliantly at this year’s competition. Each student brought energy, passion, and commitment to their performance, showcasing not only their musical talents but also the countless hours of practice and preparation that had taken place behind the scenes. It was a fantastic afternoon filled with inspiring performances and a true celebration of emerging musicians.
We are especially thrilled to share that two of our entries have progressed through to the next stage of the competition. A huge congratulations goes to Jasmine Hacker for her outstanding solo performance, and to Lucidation, featuring Audrey Anna Robin, Chloe Evans, Tayla Baxter, and Manawa Rakete from NBHS for their exceptional group performance.
We wish Jasmine and Lucidation every success as they continue their Rockquest journey and head into the finals. We cannot wait to see where their talent, hard work, and musical passion take them next!
Rockquest 3.movChoir workshop with Karen Grylls
The excitement continues to build in the music department as we are thrilled to announce that Ad Lucem and Kotahitanga (NGHS & NBHS combined choir) have been given the incredible privilege of working with one of New Zealand’s most respected and celebrated choral conductors – Dr Karen Grylls, who also happens to be a proud Napier Girls’ High School Old Girl.
Next week, both choirs will take part in specialised workshops with Karen as they prepare and refine their Big Sing programmes. This promises to be an extraordinary learning opportunity and one that will undoubtedly inspire and challenge our students as they continue their musical journey.
Karen’s contribution to choral music in New Zealand is remarkable. She is the founder of Voices New Zealand Chamber Choir, serves as Associate Professor in Choral Conducting at University of Auckland, and led the New Zealand Youth Choir as Conductor and Artistic Director for more than two decades, from 1989–2011.
To learn from a musician and educator of this calibre is an opportunity that will be exponentially rewarding for our students. We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr Karen Grylls back to NGHS and look forward to seeing the inspiration, growth, and musical magic that her visit will bring.
Justin Bird’s Chamber Music Workshops
What a fantastic day it was for our eight chamber music groups as they had the exciting opportunity to perform their prepared works and receive coaching from Justin Bird.
Throughout the day, Justin’s expertise, encouraging nature, and thoughtful approach made an immediate impact as he guided students on the next steps in their journey towards the chamber music competition on June 4th. His ability to inspire while offering practical and insightful feedback created an invaluable learning experience for all involved.
It was a genuine privilege to work alongside Justin, and our students walked away with far more than notes on a page, they left with musical gems, fresh perspectives, and renewed inspiration. It has been wonderful to see the girls embracing his advice, refining their performances, and fine-tuning the details that elevate music from good to exceptional.
As excitement continues to build towards competition day, we wish all of our Chamber Music groups every success as they continue rehearsing and polishing their performances.
The wider community is warmly invited to come along and support these talented young musicians at 1:00pm on Thursday 4 June at the Blyth Performing Arts Centre, Iona College. Also on Friday 5 June for the District finals at 6.30pm. We would love to see you there as our students take the stage and share the results of their hard work and dedication.
Year 12 & 13 NCEA Music Performance
As we move into an exciting season of NCEA performance, our senior music students are preparing to showcase the first component of their performance portfolio assessments. On Tuesday 26 May (Year 12) and Wednesday 27 May (Year 13) audiences will have the opportunity to experience an evening filled with dedication, creativity, and outstanding musical talent.
These performances are always a special occasion, celebrating not only the skill and growth of our students, but also the many hours of practice, perseverance, and passion that have gone into their preparation. It is a wonderful opportunity for our students to step into the spotlight and share the results of their hard work and musical journey.
We warmly invite students, whānau, and members of our school community to join us for these open evenings. Performances will begin at 5.30pm each night and will run for approximately 90 minutes.
We look forward to celebrating and supporting our talented senior musicians as they take the stage.
SAVE THE DATE!
Get ready for one of the musical highlights of the year! Our AMAZING annual music evening is taking place on Wednesday, 1 July!
This spectacular evening will showcase the outstanding performances and achievements from the past two terms, celebrating the incredible talent, dedication, and passion of our students. Audiences will also be treated to performances from our wonderful orchestra and choirs, making this an evening filled with energy, creativity, and musical excellence.
This is an event not to be missed! Mark it in your calendars now and come along to enjoy a night of exceptional entertainment and celebration of the vibrant music culture within our school community.
Shakespeare Finals in Wellington
We are so excited to send off our team to the national finals of the Shakespeare festival, held in Wellington over King’s birthday weekend. Sadie Bond and Maggie Kerr will take the Saint James’ stage to perform their scene from Macbeth. They have been expertly directed by Amelia Sheridan. Break a leg team, we can’t wait to hear how your Shakespeare filled weekend went!
Senior Class Play
Please join us in celebrating the Year 12 class production of ‘The Oddity’ by Mickey Delahunty, with permission by Playmarket NZ. The oddity is a game show - the game of life - with challenges, eliminations and a final battle that will end with a bang!
When: Thursday 25 June
Where: N9 - Drama classroom
Cost: Entry by Koha
Time: 6.30pm
NGHS Showquest 2026
Our senior NCEA dance students have been working incredibly hard as preparations continue for this year’s Showquest performance. This senior entry is being choreographed by the combined Level 2/Level 3 dance class and has provided opportunities for students to be involved in a variety of ways, from lead dance roles to supporting performers and backstage crew. Students from drama, music and kapa haka have also joined the production team, bringing our total cast and crew to 39 students.
This year’s performance is titled Emma Twigg - Against the Current. Inspired by the journey of New Zealand Olympic rower Emma Twigg, the piece explores the determination and resilience required to overcome setbacks. The performance reflects on Emma’s experience of placing fourth at two Olympic Games before achieving her gold medal win in 2020, celebrating perseverance, dedication and striving for success.
Over the past term, students have been rehearsing both during class time and at Wednesday after-school practices. This week marks an exciting milestone as the group prepares for its first full dress rehearsal during E-Period on Friday.
The students will perform at Showquest on Monday 22 June (Week 10), and we are incredibly proud of the commitment, teamwork and creativity they have shown throughout the process. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased via this link: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/showquest-hawkes-bay-2026/hastings/tickets
DanceNZMade Regionals Preparation
Our dance students are currently preparing for the DanceNZMade regional competition in Term 3. This year we have an incredible 14 team entries, alongside a large number of solo performances, showcasing the talent and commitment of our dance students across all year levels.
Rehearsals are happening constantly around the school, with lunchtime practices running every day as well as after-school rehearsals on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. More than 70 students are involved in the competition, with some senior students performing in as many as five or six different items.
It has been fantastic to see the dedication, teamwork and passion our dancers are bringing to the process and we look forward to updating the school community soon on the progress they are making as the competition draws closer.
We love celebrating every Performing Arts success from our students, if you think there is something we should know about, please email Liv music@nghs.school.nz
Ms Tess Tobin - HoLA Performing Arts
Tremains Art for All Exhibition
Tremains Art for All Exhibition
The Tremains' Art for All Exhibition — an exhibition for all tastes and all budgets is only a few weeks away. Get ready to experience an incredible showcase of professional artists from all over Aotearoa New Zealand (as well as some art from NGHS students) — each bringing their own unique creativity and passion.
Why "Art for All"?
ALL artworks are priced for accessibility, with many under $1,300 and a few special pieces up to $5,000. ALL proceeds go directly back to Napier Girls' High School, supporting our ākonga (students) in their academic and creative journeys. Since its beginning, the art exhibition has raised over $250,000 for our school - directly supporting initiatives that benefit every student.
Save the date: 26 - 28 June
Our 9th exhibition is almost here! This year’s Tremains' Art for All Exhibition is running across the weekend of 26 - 28 June, and is NGHS’ major fundraiser.
· Featuring more than 70 professional artists from across Aotearoa
· A perfect opportunity to buy beautiful, original art
· 100% of proceeds to Napier Girls’ High School
Opening Night Function - Tickets on Sale Now!
Date: Friday 26 June 2026
Time: 5.30pm to 8.00pm
Venue: NGHS Hall
Tickets: Purchase here
Be among the first to experience the Tremains' Art for All Exhibition at our exclusive Opening Night function. Tickets are limited so don't miss out! This R18 event offers a special opportunity to preview and purchase artwork ahead of the general public - all while enjoying a vibrant evening of:
Delicious canapés
A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic refreshments
Live entertainment
Visiting the Tremains' Art for All Exhibition
If you can’t make it to the Opening Night, no problem! The Tremains' Art for All Exhibition will be open to the public throughout the weekend in the NGHS Hall - and entry is FREE!
Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June 2026
Open daily from 10.00am to 3.00pm
Don’t miss the ever-popular Pop-Up Gallery in the hall foyer!
Featuring hundreds of art and design items priced from $5 to $200, including:
Prints & posters, jewellery, ceramics and so much more!
There’s something for everyone - come along, browse, and take home a unique piece while supporting NGHS.
We’d love your support to make this year’s event the most successful yet!
Come along, spread the word, and help us celebrate creativity while giving back to our school community.
Visit our website: artforall.co.nz
Share posts widely on social media and follow us for updates and sneak peeks:
Questions?
If you have any queries about the Tremains' Art for All Exhibition, please get in touch with the Art Exhibition team: nghsaae@gmail.com
Umanga - Careers
Umanga - Careers
Year 12 Road Education Safety Day
Our Year 12 students attended the Road Safety Education Programme at McLean Park, Napier, on Friday 15 May.
RYDA is the leading and only national road safety education programme for youth in New Zealand. The programme featured engaging practical demonstrations which have been designed to provide young people with the skills and strategies they need to stay safe on the roads. It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to set road safety goals and build strategies alongside the friends they will most likely be riding with, as drivers or passengers.
Thank you to the PTA for funding this event for our students.
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.
Hawke's Bay Careers Expo
Napier Girls’ High School is booked to attend the annual Careers Expo at Pettigrew-Green Arena, Wednesday 27 May, from 10.30am - 11.30am. This is compulsory for our Year 12 students.
The careers expo helps our students make their first steps to the world of work, by connecting them with the best training and employment opportunities Aotearoa has to offer. Students will speak to experts in their field and gain more information to help them make key decisions about their future career choices.
The expo is also open to parents/caregivers and all students on Wednesday 27 May, 5.00 to 7.00pm at Pettigrew Green Arena.
Year 13 Tertiary Information Sessions
We have held a number of tertiary information sessions this year. It’s been great to see so many of our students attending these sessions and actively exploring their options ahead of the decision-making process.
We have the following sessions booked in for Term 2:
Māori Student Tertiary Presentation - 26 May at 10.35am
Waikato University Scholarship Presentation - 10 June at 10.35am
Bond University Presentation - 16 June at 10.35am
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:
1 July - Waikato University (Tauranga Campus) register here
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
Hawke’s Bay Information Evenings
A number of the universities will be visiting Hawke’s Bay this term and hosting information evenings for students and parents to attend. All of the sessions are listed below with most sessions being held at the Napier War Memorial Centre.
Massey University (held at Toi Toi Events Centre, Hastings) - 25 May (6.00pm) - register here
Lincoln University (held at Toi Toi Events Centre, Hastings) - 28 May (5.30pm) - register here
Otago University - 3 June (6.30pm) - information here
Waikato University - 9 June (6.00pm) - register here
Victoria University - 11 June (6.00pm - 7.30pm) - register here
University of Canterbury - 16 June (6.00pm) - register here
Auckland University - 25 June (time tbc) - register here
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
Careers Expo May 27.pdfCaroline Johnson, Jess Radich, Deb Verhoeven - Careers Advisers
SchoolDocs
SchoolDocs
Reviewing Board Policies, Term 2, 2026
This term the scheduled review focuses on Safety On and Off School Grounds, and we are inviting input from parents/caregivers:
- Daily School Bus
- School Swimming Pool/Swimming off Site
- Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)
- EOTC Governance Roles and Responsibilities
- EOTC Risk Assessment and Management
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 22 June, 2026.
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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