Embedded Files
Empowering ākonga to achieve success and fulfilment, for themselves, whānau and community
Message from our Tumuaki
Message from our Tumuaki
Kia ora e te whānau
I hope you all had an opportunity to enjoy the lovely weather we were blessed with over the long weekend.
At a recent assembly our prefects spoke of the importance of 28 October. Along with it being Labour Day, it is also the date to commemorate the NZ Wars. The title of the commemoration is Te Pūtake o te Riri, He Rā Maumahara. It is a day of remembrance where stories about the New Zealand Wars are enacted, shared, remembered, and discussed by Māori and Pākehā.
"Assembly today is an opportunity to reflect on the conflicts of Ngā Pakanga o Aotearoa/The New Zealand Wars, the loss of Māori and Pākehā lives, and the lasting impacts these events had, and have, on people in Aotearoa." The idea for the commemoration came from some Ōtorohanga College students. They decided to start a petition to raise awareness of the New Zealand Wars, to teach about the New Zealand Wars in schools and to local communities, and to remember those who died during the wars by having a National Day of Commemoration. The petition was successful. "I hope this assembly will contribute to your understanding of the responsibilities we have as people living in Aotearoa New Zealand and inspire you to find out more about these important events. We learn about the past to learn what we want in the future." Alice Baker, Head Prefect
The last few weeks have been busy with celebrations of our ākonga.
Our Honours Assembly saw many ākonga being presented with honours and/or achievement awards. Honours badges recognise outstanding performing arts and sporting achievement, and an achievement bar recognises high level performance and consistent participation in a sport or performing arts activity.
Celebrating our ākonga achievement goes hand in hand with paying tribute to our wonderful kaiako. Their commitment to our ākonga is outstanding and for that, as well as their expertise and awhi, we are truly grateful.
Hearty congratulations to our ākonga who were recognised at our Pō Whakanui acknowledging all of their achievements and leadership roles. The guest speaker for the evening was an Old Girl of NGHS - Dr Sally Rye (Kairangahau Matua), Lead Researcher, Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. She spoke of the "A-ha" moments we have in life and using moments to be life lessons for us.
Key messages from her kōrero: We can choose "to be a giver or a receiver" metaphorically a 'fountain or a drain'. We can't control events we encounter but we can control how we respond. With a fountain 'water is life' - it sustains us, it's how we can nurture others. We need to look after ourselves and make sure we surround ourselves with those that 'fill our fountain'. Sally's parting words were for success in life - "show up and be a fountain." Her full kōrero is further in this pānui.
Ngā mihi to Whaea Grace, Mr Otto and Mr Pipi for all of their mahi - both with this outstanding occasion and all of the kaupapa they support in our kura.
NZQA examinations commence next week for our seniors. We wish them all the very best. Our library is open for quiet study and we are running a variety of tutorials. We do hope our ākonga are making the most of these opportunities.
All the best for the rest of the term.
Ngā mihi nui
Mrs Dawn Ackroyd
IMG_7258.MOVIMG_7259.MOVPhone: 06 835 1069 Web: www.nghs.school.nz Main Office email: nghs@nghs.school.nz Principal's PA Email: dmcpherson@nghs.school.nz
Reviewing Board Policies
Reviewing Board Policies
This term the Napier Girls’ High School Board is reviewing the following policies and are inviting input from parents/caregivers:
- Finance and Asset Management Policy
- Managing Income and Expenditure
- Financial Conflicts of Interest
- School Donations and Student Activity Payments/Attendance Dues and Other Income
- Expenditure
- Asset Management and Protection
- Property Planning and Maintenance
- Prevention of Bribery, Corruption, Fraud, and Theft
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 Friday 22 November 2024.
Important Dates Coming Up
Important Dates Coming Up
MOE Teacher Only Day
Friday 15 November
Please note that to support the ongoing work with NCEA changes, we have a MOE teacher-only day scheduled for Friday 15 November. School will be closed for students. There are no NCEA examinations on that day.
The hostel will remain open.
NOVEMBER
Tuesday 5: NCEA Examinations begin
Thursday 7: Duke of Edinburgh Information Evening, 6.00-7.00pm, school hall
Thursday 14: Hewett House Orientation Day
Friday 15: Teacher-only Day (Hostel remains open)
DECEMBER
Monday 2 - Friday 6: Junior Enrichment Week
Monday 9: Seniors return to school
Thursday 12: Prizegiving, Municipal Theatre, 7.00pm
Friday 13: Gift Service and Leavers' Soiree
Friday 13: End of 2024 School Year
Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
We are holding our information evening this Thursday 7 November, 6.00pm -7.00pm in the school hall.
This evening is for students and their whānau interested in participating in the internationally recognised award at Bronze level in 2025.
I will explain how we run the award at Napier Girls’ High School and answer any questions you may have. I look forward to meeting you all.
Mrs Louise Bassett-Foss - Senior Award Leader
Change in Times to the School Day
As our senior students start their NCEA external examinations next week, we have made some changes to the school day from Monday 4 November to Friday 6 December. We have reduced our lunchtime from 50 minutes to 40 minutes so that our Year 9 and 10 students are in classes before the start of the afternoon NCEA examination session. School will start at the usual time of 8.40am but our finish time will be 2.45pm.
All school buses will now depart 10 minutes earlier at 2.55pm, except for the Bay View bus which will leave at its normal time of 3.30pm. The school library will be open until 3.45pm for any students who need to remain in school.
A separate timetable will be sent out for our final week of school from Monday 9 December through to our final day Friday 13 December.
Choosing to be a Fountain or a Drain, How will You Choose to Turn Up?
Choosing to be a Fountain or a Drain, How will You Choose to Turn Up?
Throughout our life cycles, we are continuously met with challenges and adversity. Firstly, I want to encourage you to turn up and face life head on. Do not allow anyone or any environment prevent you from showing up. You can’t always choose what happens to you, however you can choose how you respond.
People will throw negativity at you, hate on you or tell you are not good enough, show up anyway. You have all you need within you to succeed, trust this. Knowledge is important, qualifications are important, experiences are important. However, what matters most in life is how you choose to turn up.
The one message I would like to share with you that I wish I had articulated when I was at school, was that we have a choice in life to be a fountain or a drain. In ever aspect of our life whether at school, work, home or
Ko au te puna. Ko te puna ko au
Wai (water) is fundamental to survival within te ao Māori, it sustains life, it used to cleanse and purify as well as heal. Traditionally, Māori settlements were near water as this was essential for our People to thrive. We are also made up of 70-80% water.
If you choose to be a fountain then it is important you lean into self care to ensure a healthy and vibrant flow of your puna.
Take time to rest, rejuvinate, sit and reflect. Be alert to what is being put into your puna (spring). Look after your puku(gut) which the core of your well-being and where your living waters flow. Trust your intuition and allow your puku to guide you a-wairua (spiritually). Think about how our ancestors lived to keep a healthy gut, all the foods, toxins and stress that were introduced throguh colonisation are keeping Indigenous People in cycles of unwellness. Be mindful of this and protect your space by being in tune with these things in your puna. Learn how to unblock or filter out any toxins that enter.
Dr Sally Rye - Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou
NZQA Examinations
NZQA Examinations
2024 NZQA Examinations Commence on Tuesday 5 November
From today until Friday 6 December students in Years 11-13 only need to attend school for their external examinations. All students are required in school for Week 9 (Monday 9 December - Friday 13 December). Further information regarding this final week of school will be communicated separately.
NZQA Examinations and Derived Grades
NZQA examinations begin this Tuesday 5 November. Please see exam timetable. 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 and their afternoon exams by 1.40pm. Parents/caregivers will be contacted if any student is absent from their examination.
Please note, many of the NZQA examinations are now sat digitally. Students are reminded that their device must be fully charged.
Students, for an approved reason such as illness, injury or personal trauma, may apply for a derived grade if they are unable to attend an examination or believe their performance has been significantly affected and attended an NZQA external.
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
Passing Exams Online Learning Programme
Passing Exams Online Learning Programme
The Passing Exams Online Learning Programme is available to support your child with their upcoming external exams. Study Skills expert, Patrick Sherratt, offers 10 short video-lessons that present a 5-step ‘How to Study’ approach. Within this approach, students will receive a range of tips, tricks and techniques to help improve their motivation, reduce distractions, optimise memory retention, minimise exams nerves and more. We hope you will take advantage of this useful resource. For more information please visit: http://howtopassexams.com/
Hākinakina - Sports
Hākinakina - Sports
Canoe Polo
Congratulations to Grace Henricksen who was a member of the Junior Paddle Ferns team that placed 3rd at the 2024 World Championships in China.
Our junior canoe polo team placed second in the HB regional secondary school tournament at the Mitre 10 Park. They now prepare for the national tournament on November 15-17.
Sports Leaders
It's awesome to see our sports leaders involved with various youth boards:
⭐Georgia Jones and Anika Barham are our Sport HB Student Council members. They're pictured above with Peter Cowan, who shared his Paralympics experience along with his Bronze medal at their final year meeting this year.
🏉Allura Holt is a member of the HB Rugby Youth Board (pictured below) who meet once a term at the HB rugby office.
🏐Anika Barham is a member of the Netball NZ Youth board (pictured below) and attended a meeting at the Netball NZ offices in Auckland recently.
Netball HB Awards
Congratulations to all those who have been recognised and named as finalists for the HB Netball Awards 👏
Bench Official Cadet of the Year: Carys McDowall
Junior Umpire of the Year: Jessica Broad
Junior Player of the Year: Anika Barham and Graecyn Parahi
Coach of the Year: Anna Parsons and Jewels Falcon
Team of the Year: NGHS Senior A
Dancing
Congratulations to Emily Clibborn who competed at the Gisborne A&P Show on Saturday 19 October and placed first in the open age group. She also sat and passed (with honours) her final New Zealand Academy of Highland and National Dancing Exam. Emily is now qualified to teach and/or adjudicate at competitions.
Fitness and Conditioning
The school gym has been popular during the students’ lunch breaks which is used for general fitness.
Once again this term we have Fitness Circuits with Parris Petera (Wednesday lunchtimes) and CrossFit (Thursday 7am) with Waka Petera running once a week in our school gym which helps with strengthening and general fitness.
We love to celebrate students' achievements! If you have any results and/or photos, please send them through to us sport@nghs.school.nz
Surf Life Saving
Congratulations to Lucy Kinnear who has been selected in the NZ Youth Surf Life Saving Squad. Recently Lucy won a silver medal at the World Champs in the Gold Coast representing Waimarama Surf Club.
Netball
Congratulations to the these ākonga who have been selected for the NCZ Advanced Camp November 2 - 3:
Arna Paewai
Belle Kinnear
Hannah Field
Emily Crowther
Football
No holiday over Labour weekend for some of our football girls who participated in the National Club U19 football tournament over the weekend playing for Taradale AFC or Port Hill. The Taradale AFC team had a top 4 finish.
Pictured below are Isabella Dollery, Charlotte Cameron, Isabelle Dunning, Georgia Cameron, Ruby Hogarth and Abi Hutchinson.
Secondary Schools Triathlon Info_Napier.pdfMrs MJ Durkin - Head of Sport
Toi Whakaari - Performing Arts
Toi Whakaari - Performing Arts
House Choir Competition
Term 3 finished with the highlight of our House Choir competition.
The results were 1st Niwha, 2nd Auaha, 3rd Marohi and 4th Māia
The set song ‘Find Me Somebody to Love’ by Queen was presented by each House followed by their choice piece.
Mr Tim Sherrifs from NBHS adjudicated the event. He was most impressed by the presentation from all of the Houses.
A lot of fun, laughter and hard work was had by all involved.
Solo Singing Competition
This year the solo singing competition saw a return of the Live performances. Students had the option to either digitally upload an item for house points or perform Live to be eligible for the solo singing cup. There were over 80 entries in total which is fantastic.
The results are as follows:
Junior Solo Singing: 1st: Isabella McCann 2nd: Liza Kogtenko 3rd: Dakota Mackie
Intermediate Solo Singing: 1st: Ada Seymour 2nd: Juliet Beckett 3rd: Mikayla Davies
Senior Solo Singing: 1st: Renee Seymour 2nd: Lucy Simpson 3rd: Tiaki McArdle
Solo Singing House Points: Auaha 130 Niwha 110 Māia 95 Marohi 95
Chamber Music ‘The Young Viruosi’
On Tuesday 28 October, eight junior music students had the opportunity to attend a performance workshop with South Korean born violinist Yeyeong Jenny Jin, the winner of many awards including most recently the 2023 Michael Hill International Violin Competition. Also, a very talented young pianist from South Korea, 2023 Sydney International Piano Competition winner, Jeonghwan joined Jenny. This talented Chamber Duo are currently touring throughout New Zealand and Australia.
In the morning, the students were involved in one-on-one tutorials as well as ensemble tutorials. Each and every one of them gained positive feedback and feed-forward from Jenny and Jeonghwan.
In the evening the students attended the Chamber music at the MTG. This truly was a magical experience for our students. We would like to thank Chamber Music NZ and the Napier branch of NZCM for offering this opportunity to the students and gifting complimentary tickets for the evening performance. What a treat.
Summer Campbell’s Success in Ballet
In the July school holidays, Summer Campbell auditioned and was accepted into the Canterbury Ballet Affiliate Training Program 2024. Following training with Canterbury Ballet last term, she was offered a place in their full-time Pre-Professional Training Programme, majoring in Classical.
Canterbury Ballet students are trained in the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) National Training Curriculum and is the only fully accredited school in New Zealand for this curriculum.
Summer is very excited about the next step in her dance training journey. She will continue to develop her technical and artistic capabilities, to audition and attend International Summer Intensives. Canterbury Ballet's training and guidance will prepare her for a professional career as a ballet artist in New Zealand and abroad.
We wish Summer all the best for her wonderful future in Dance.
Ms Tess Tobin - HoLA Performing Arts
Umanga - Careers
Umanga - Careers
Studylink Applications
If students are studying in 2025 - 16 December 2024 is a very important date.
Students need to apply for their student allowance or loan before 16 December 2024 to give themselves the best chance of having everything sorted ready for the start of your course.
Application information can be found here:
https://www.studylink.govt.nz/online-services/apply/first-time/index.html
Mrs Caroline Johnson & Mrs Debra Verhoeven - Careers Advisors
Celebrating 140 Years
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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