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Empowering ākonga to achieve success and fulfilment, for themselves, whānau and community
Message from our Tumuaki
Message from our Tumuaki
Talofa, Ni sa bula, Mālo ni, Kia orana.
As we celebrate Pasifika Week, warm pasifika greetings to you all. Our Pasifika Fono was a well attended event - an opportunity for us to build on the strong relationships we have with our Pasifika whānau. Our Vaine Toa - Mischa Lemalu and Destiny Tuese - organised many events this week to share and celebrate their Pasifika culture.
It was wonderful to meet with Year 9 whānau earlier this week at our Whānau Evening. We were thrilled with the turn out, despite the thunder and lightning. Our Year 9 ākonga have settled in well to life at NGHS and are positively engaged - enhancing our school community. Tino pai!
Nau mai haere mai to Mrs Alicante, who joins the Mathematics learning area. We wish her all the very best for a great start. Ngā mihi to Mrs Rose who has been assisting us in this learning area.
Our swimming sports held last week was a different format this year, consisting of our championships held at the Hastings Sports Park and the non-championships attending a 'Splash and Dash' event at the Napier Aquatic Centre. The whole school came together later in the morning. A great day was had by all. Congratulations to Niwha House. The results of the championships and House results can be found later in this newsletter.
At a recent assembly, the Wellbeing Prefects - Iloara Faamu and Christine Huang - spoke about International Women's Day. As we approach International Women's Day on 8 March, Napier Girls' High School is proud to embrace this year's global theme, "Empower, Elevate, Equalise." This theme serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of championing gender equality, celebrating the achievements of women, and creating opportunities for future generations.
At Napier Girls' High School, our commitment to these values runs deep. Every day, we strive to empower our ākonga to find their voices, elevate their ambitions, and prepare them to make a positive impact in whatever paths they choose. Whether it's through academic excellence, leadership opportunities, sports, cultural pursuits or community service, we are dedicated to nurturing confident, capable, and compassionate young women.
International Women's Day is not only about celebrating how far we've come but also about recognising the work still needed to achieve equality. It is a chance for us to reflect on the trailblazing achievements of women - whether in our school community, our nation, or around the world - and to encourage our rangatahi to dream big, break barriers, and contribute meaningfully to society.
We have spent this week celebrating IWD with many activities highlighting women's achievements and promoting a culture of inclusion and respect. By supporting the theme of "Empower, Elevate, Equalise," we reaffirm our commitment to building a school environment where every girl feels valued, inspired, and ready to lead.
Kia manuia,
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
MARCH 2025
Tuesday 11: Year 9 English Cemetery Trips
Wednesday 12: Level 2 Geography Coastal Research Trip
Friday 14: Athletic Sports Day, Marewa Park
Saturday 15 - Sunday 16: Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Practice Tramp 1
Thursday 20: Pasifika Leadership Workshop
Thursday 20: Junior Social with NBHS
Thursday 20 - Friday 21: Year 13 Geography Tongariro Trip
Monday 24 - Friday 28: Summer Tournament Week
Monday 24: PTA/AAE Committee Meeting, 7.00pm in the staffroom, all welcome!
APRIL 2025
Wednesday 2: NCEA Evening for Y10 & Y11, 5.30pm in the library
Reviewing Board Policies
Reviewing Board Policies
Reviewing Board Policies, Term 1, 2025
This term the Napier Girls’ High School Board of Trustees is reviewing the following policies and are inviting input from parents/caregivers:
· Health, Safety, and Welfare Policy
· Safety Management System
· Risk Management
· Worker Engagement, Participation, and Representation
· Healthcare
· Recording and Reporting Accidents, Injuries, and Illness
If you wish to be part of this process, please follow these steps below:
Visit the website https://nghs.schooldocs.co.nz
Enter the username (nghs) and password (adlucem).
Click on “Current Review”
Follow the link to the relevant policy as listed.
Read the policy.
Click the blue “Start your review” button near the top right-hand corner of the page.
Select the reviewer type - "Whānau".
Enter your name (optional).
Submit your ratings and comments.
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 28 March 2025.
Toi Whakaari- Performing Arts
Toi Whakaari- Performing Arts
Showquest
Showquest rehearsals started this week with a cast of 63. Our entry will be performed at Toitoi Theatre on Monday 19 May. We look forward to updating you as we make progress on it.
‘Salem 1692’
Based on the true Salem witch trials, eight girls, led by Abigail Williams, spark hysteria in 1692 after being caught performing secret rituals. They accuse townspeople of witchcraft, fuelling paranoia and false testimonies. Abigail frames Elizabeth Proctor, while the trials become a battleground of fear and revenge. Reverend Hale investigates, but justice crumbles as John Proctor’s affair is exposed. Giles Corey is tortured to death, and John refuses to falsely confess, choosing integrity over life. His execution, along with nineteen others, leaves Salem scarred by fear and mass hysteria, forever marking the town’s dark chapter in history.
Drama
Drama club is up and running, this happens every Wednesday lunchtime in the Drama room (N9) and is run by Edie Croad. This club is open to all year levels for people with a love of Drama. Students play improvisation games and will also work with a script in the hopes of putting on a production.
The SGCNZ Shakespeare Festival, being held in week 11, is gearing up to be a wonderful evening. NGHS has 5 teams entered and are all student-directed. We have two 5 minute scenes from Macbeth, a 5 minute scene from A Midsummer Night's Dream and King Lear. Our 15 minute scene is taken from The Merry Wives of Windsor. This is a great selection of comedy and tragedy with over 23 students involved. The groups are working really hard and well underway with their masterpieces. Stay tuned for more information about the evening so you can come and support our talented students.
Music Students Attend Internationally Renowned Concert Pianist
On Monday evening, 17 music students along with Ms Tobin attended the Chamber Music NZ series, Piers Lane -Nocturnes at the MTG Century Theatre Napier. He played the full 21 Nocturne’s by Chopin and finished with an extra performance of Waltz in C sharp minor. The students were in awe of the ability and experience Piers Lane brought to his performance. The lyrical melodies that came from the Steinway grand piano filled the auditorium and delighted all who were present. Our students are to be commended on their audience attendance as the session was quite lengthy, however beautiful. We are already looking forward to the next performance in this years series.
Music Performance Groups
Our co-curricular music groups are now up and running. The following groups are available for your daughter and it is lovely to see so many students already involved. New members are still welcome.
- Aotearoa Choir (focusing on NZ music)
- Ad Lucem NGHS auditioned choir
- Ngā ihi o te ra (School Choir)
- Theory Club (to assist with extending music knowledge)
- Rock Band (working towards RockQuest and building band skills)
- Concert Band
- Orchestra
- Songwriting Club
- Keyboard Club
- Chamber Music
If you would like to discuss any of the above options for your daughter, please contact Ms Tobin.
Ms Tess Tobin - HoLA Performing Arts
Hākinakina - Sports
Hākinakina - Sports
IMPORTANT DATES COMING UP
Friday 14 March - Athletic Sports at Marewa Park
Pre-events:
Monday 10 March: Open 3000m - 8am, Marewa Park
Tuesday 11 March: Javelin - Lunchtime, Bottom Green
44f0a8b1-6c4e-4c07-b238-643bbb1b89d7.mp4Swimming Sports Day
With the closure of our long-standing venue, Frimley Pool, we had to shake things up this year. Our championship swimmers kicked off the day at the HB Regional Aquatic Centre, chasing records and podium finishes. Meanwhile, the rest of the school went to the Napier Aquatic Centre, and rotated through four exciting activities to earn house points:
🏊♀️ Novelty Swimming Races
🧘♂️ Pilates
💪 Fitness Challenge in the Gym
💃 Dance Challenge
Prior to lunchtime, our championship swimmers joined for the second half of rotations followed by our much-loved whole-school House Chant competition.
The swimming sports wrapped up with an epic teacher vs prefect showdown! 🏊♂️🏃♀️🚴♂️💃
The competition wasn’t just in the pool — it extended to gym challenges like the skier, stationary bike, and rowing machine, followed by a running race. And to top it all off, the ultimate test of skill and style: the dance-off where we witnessed the teachers bringing their best moves to the floor! 🕺🎶 However the prefects took out a narrow win.
A huge thank you to Renee Baarspul, John and Chi, the lifeguard team at Napier Aquatic Centre, the gym team and Napier City Council for their collaboration and support of this new initiative.
Swimming Sports Results!
Here are your 2025 Swimming Champions:
Year 9
🥇Blanca Fernandez de Castillo
🥈Paige Roe
🥉Lili Caviale-Delzescaux
Year 10
🥇Addy Wairama
🥈Olivia Johnson
🥉Libby Furlong
Year 11
🥇Ophelia Booth
🥈Paige Dobson
🥉Meika Strachan
Year 12/13
🥇Breeze van Veldhuizen
🥈🥈Tied: Holly Stanford & Zoe Ennor
Massive congratulations to all our champions!
House Results
While Auaha stole the show with their epic house chant performance, the overall house competition was a nail-biter... Niwha! With 1780 points, they edged out Māia by just 6 points (1774).
Well done to everyone who competed, cheered, and gave it their all!
Students Coach Support 2025
Sport Hawke's Bay Student Coach Day is coming up! Sport Hawke’s Bay along with HB Netball, HB Hockey, Central Football, Basketball HB and HB Rugby Union are excited to announce the 2025 Student Coach Day and we’d love for you to be part of it! Students please register your interest with the Sports Office if you haven't already.
Date: Tuesday 8 April 8am – 12pm
Location: HB Netball Community Room – Mitre10 Hastings Sports Park
This event is dedicated to developing and supporting HB student coaches, building their confidence in planning and delivering effective coaching as they head into the winter season. Through engaging workshops and interactive sessions with Sport Hawke’s Bay and our five codes, students will gain valuable skills, insights, and hands-on experience to enhance their coaching journey. It’s an opportunity not to be missed!
Aquathon
Well done to Paige Dobson, who through placing third at the NZ Aquathon U16 championships in Kinloch recently, has qualified to represent NZ in the Age Group World Aquathlon Championships in Pontevedra in Spain in June!
Canoe Polo
Congratulations to our two students who have been selected for NZ Canoe Polo teams for the Oceania Cup in April, held in the Gold Coast.
Meg Ronberg, Year 13 – NZ Junior Paddle Ferns (pictured 3rd from left)
Ophelia Booth, Year 11 – NZ Woman’s U18A
Surf Lifesaving
We received a great result for our girls at the HB Junior Champs this weekend. Mia Scott (Y10) came 1st overall and Peta Byers (Y10) placed 2nd overall. Four juniors also won the U14 mixed relay team (Ocean Beach Kiwi Club) - three from NGHS: Mia Scott (Y10), Aramia Moore (Y10) and Hazel Laurence (Y9).
Rink Hockey Success!
Over 21-23 Feb, four of our ākonga represented Hastings in the Hastings Summer Classic 2025 Rink Hockey Tournament.
- Keely Flynn & Lexi McIntyre (Y11) – U19 & Women’s divisions
- Seersha Flynn (Y9) – U15 & Women’s divisions
- Penny Hunt (Y9) – U15 division
Fantastic results for their teams:
U15 – 2nd place
U19 – 2nd place
Women’s – 3rd place
Ka pai, team! 👏👏
HB Hockey Reps
Students interested in the HB hockey rep trials, the link to register is here:
https://www.playhq.com/hockey-new-zealand/register/8866c1
Registrations close Friday 14 March.
Canoe Racing
Well done to Kaia Hohaia-Hall and Greer Hambleton, who represented Hawke's Bay at the Canoe Racing New Zealand Tikitapu 2 Sprint Regatta in Rotorua this month.
Together they placed:
U16 Women's K2 200m 2nd, 500m 3rd
U16 Women's K4 200m 1st, 500m 1st
Kaia
U16 Mixed K4 200m 2nd
U16 Mixed Relay 100m 5th
Greer
U14 Women's K1 200m 1st, 500m 1st, 2.5km 1st
U16 Mixed K2 200m 1st, 500m 1st
U16 Mixed K4 200m 1st
U16 Mixed K1 Relay 100m 1st
U18 Women's K4 200m 2nd
They are looking forward to teaming up again for the National NZ and Oceania Sprint Championships at Karapiro in April.
Anyone interested in giving kayaking a go please make contact through the details on the Hawke’s Bay Canoe Club website www.hbcc.org.nz or through the Hawke’s Bay Canoe Club facebook page
Teachers Corner
Congratulations to current kaimahi Kaitlin Cotter and alumnae Hannah Cotter on their stunning victory with the Black Sticks in the Nations Cup in Chile! 🏑🏆
Rafting
Congratulations to Year 11 ākonga Keeva Harrison who was part of the Rangitikei Woman’s Rafting Team that competed last week in the R6 Pacific Cup Rafting Competition which was held on the Buller in Murchison.
She has qualified to be part of the team that will represent NZ in Malaysia in the World Rafting Championships in December. Tau ke, Keeva!
Touch Rugby
Congratulations to Kendal Waenga (Year 10) who represented Te Matau-a-Māui at the NZ Māori Touch Nationals where they came 3rd overall.
Futsal
Congratulations for their selection in the Hawke's Bay National Superleague squad to current students Isabella Dollery (Year 13) and Georgia Cameron (Year 12).
Aluma
Congratulations to Grace Henricksen (pictured in centre) for her selection into the NZ Women's Canoe Polo team. All the best for the upcoming Oceania Championship in April.
Shout out to our former students Charlotte Cameron, Aimee Atkins, Abby Oliver, Hollie Gee and Ella Simmonds plus coach Claudia Barham for their roles in the Hawke's Bay National Futsal Superleague squad.
Rippa and Rugby 7s
Any junior students interested in playing rippa or rugby 7s the first practice is on Monday 10 March on the bottom field. 3.15pm - 4.30pm. Training will be in preparation for the Gala day tournament.
Send Us Your Sports News!
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:
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 - Head of Sport
The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award
The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award
Silver/Gold Training Tramp – Tararua Ranges
Over the weekend, 33 students embarked on the Silver/Gold Training Tramp at Makahika Outdoor Pursuits Centre, accompanied by Mrs Raggett, Mrs Harrison, and Mr Poulgrain. The aim was to develop essential skills in preparation for their upcoming Silver or Gold practice tramps later this year.
With perfect weather conditions, students tackled various challenges designed to test their navigation and resilience. Gold participants camped under tarps and navigated back to their starting point using only a map and compass. Their route took them through streams, dense bush, and old tracks, requiring strong teamwork and determination.
The students showed incredible perseverance and a positive attitude—no complaints, just commitment and effort. Congratulations to everyone for stepping up to the challenge! It was a thoroughly enjoyable weekend.
Upcoming Tramp Dates
Bronze Award: tramp 1, 15-16 March (practice), tramp 2, 5-6 April (practice)
Silver Award: 10-11 May (practice), 12-14 Sept (final qualifying)
Gold Award: 12-14 Sept (practice)
As always we need parent support on these tramps, if you have any questions about coming on a tramp please email me: lbassett-foss@nghs.school.nz
Louise Bassett-Foss, TiC Duke of Edinburgh
Re-Draft 2024 Cover Design Layout v1.0.pdfRe-Draft Writing Competition Success
Re-Draft Writing Competition Success
Congratulations to Year 12 ākonga Leela Williams! Two of Leela’s stories have been selected for publication in Re-Draft 24: We Scream in Static — an annual collection of writing by young adults in Aotearoa. The judges praised her work, saying: "We love the way her storytelling is so sophisticated because it is understated." Ka mau te wehi, Leela!
A copy is available in our school library — come and check it out!
Kiwi English, Mathematics and Science Competitions
Kiwi English, Mathematics and Science Competitions
The University of Canterbury is delighted to offer the annual Kiwi English, Mathematics and Science competitions for Primary, Intermediate and Secondary schools in Years 5 to 10. The skills based Kiwi competitions are written by New Zealand teachers for New Zealand students and closely align with the New Zealand Curriculum. The online competitions will be run in the last 3 weeks of Term 2 and the first week of Term 3. The competitions take place at school under exam conditions. Parents/caregivers will be provided with an individual student report outlining student performance. All participating students will be awarded a certificate and a prize will be awarded to the top student in each competition. The cost for a student to participate is $9.90 per competition entered.
Any interested Year 9 and 10 students please email Miss Baylis at ebaylis@nghs.school.nz to be registered.
Umanga - Careers
Umanga - Careers
Year 13 Tertiary Information Sessions
It has been pleasing to see the great attendance at the tertiary information sessions so far this term. We encourage our Year 13 students to attend these presentations to explore their future study options and to gather information regarding courses. Recently, we have had presentations from Victoria University, Lincoln University and Auckland University.
The remaining presentations are as follows:
Tuesday 11 March - AUT online presentation at 10:30am
Wednesday 12 March - Waikato University at 10:30am
Thursday 20 March - University of Canterbury (UC) at 10:30am
Tuesday 25 March - Massey University at 10:30am
Tuesday 13 May - Otago University at 10:30am
Mrs Caroline Johnson & Mrs Debra Verhoeven - Careers Advisors
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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