HVHS Newsletter

Kia ora koutou e te whānau,

Our Year 13 students have finished their formal lessons and have a final week of tutorials before handing in portfolios and beginning NCEA examinations. I would like to thank our Year 13 students for their respectful approach to their final few days. Last week, the group enjoyed dress-up days, Hotuwaipara Awards and a Dance Benefit Concert. Last Friday saw any remaining white school shirts filled with signatures from friends and teachers, a BBQ in the sunshine, Leaver’s badges handed out to all, and a wonderful haka performed by our upcoming student leaders. We'll come together one last time for the formal Year 13 Prizegiving evening on Wednesday 6 December. But for most, last Friday signalled the end of 13 years of formal schooling.

To our Year 13 leavers - hei konā rā, you have been a fantastic group of young people. You have overcome huge adversity including Covid restrictions, black mould closure of classroom blocks, classes being taught off-site at the Hub, no fun large group gatherings whilst our hall was used as a classroom, and even this year, rostering home whilst teachers fought for better pay and conditions. I was so pleased that this year, Year 13 could enjoy the whole school Sports Day, Sports Tournament Week, Drama productions, ShowQuest, Te Awakairangi March for Mental Health, Geo trips, RockQuest and many more events. It is often those extra unique events that one remembers most about high school.

On Monday, we held the first of what I imagine will be a series of information evenings about the new build and intensive property works happening here over the next few years. To read the Ministry of Education's update from the information evening please click here →

The update includes plans for the two new blocks - which, at this stage, we are naming Block 3A and 3B (see image below). We’ve come a long way since mould was first discovered in March 2021 - but we still have an awful long way to go. We are well into the design phase of the new build, but money for construction will be a Cabinet decision. Alongside the design work of a new build is an extensive fix-up job to many other buildings in the school.

Work has started on the main gym, and we are hopeful it will be ready for the beginning of the school year. Very soon, work will begin on the Dean's offices and the main administration building at the front of the school. Basically, the buildings leak and are slowly decaying - the refreshed building will be weather-tight and robust.

Currently, only students in Years 9 and 10 are onsite. Classroom work continues as usual for Year 9 & 10 students, and we expect students to arrive on time, in the correct uniform and ready to learn.

Years 9 and 10 students were reminded of the expected level of behaviour and conduct around the school during NCEA examinations at assemblies last week. Alongside classroom work, students have Year 9 camps, drama productions, “Big 10” PE day for Year 10 and Volleyball, Ki o Rahi, Softball and Touch competitions to look forward to.

Our International Students who are not sitting examinations have started a special end-of-year programme with students from other Wellington schools. Next week, we begin enrolment conversations with Year 8 students starting here in 2024. So, the busy times of the school continue even though seniors have left.

Ngā mihi nui

Denise Johnson, Principal

Last week, the Dance Department had their end of year showcase, with over ninety students taking the stage in front of a packed out theatre. It is a wonderful way of celebrating all the hard work of the dancers here at HVHS and sharing in the joy they bring to the stage. The students utilised their talents to support their local community by raising $1,200 for Lower Hutt Women's Refuge.

One of the Year 13 Drama classes performed their class production, Witness Protection: The Musical. It was an all-singing, all-dancing love story, written by our own Bernard Beckett. The production ran for two nights on the 18 & 19 October, showcasing our talented students.

Images: Year 13 students in 'Witness Protection: The Musical'.

Students have been working hard to complete their folio board submissions by the deadlines. They will know their grades in the new year. In Term 1 of 2024, we will celebrate Visual Arts at HVHS with an exhibition featuring this work.

Congratulations to Theo Thompson (12HU), who recently performed at the Wellington Jazz Festival. The festival includes international performers and well-known NZ bands, including the Rodger Fox Big Band. At the festival, Theo performed a tribute to musician Frank Zappa.

Sustainable Networks And Pathways (SNAP) is a two-year programme in Tautoko, our Supported Learning Centre (SLC) designed to prepare senior students for life beyond school.

SLC students are paired with one staff member and two Year 13 students from the wider school to provide them with support. These Year 13 students, who are known as SNAP Liaison Mentors, play an essential role in helping the SLC student and their families to transition from HVHS to the wider world. Their support is invaluable and helps to make the process smoother and more positive.

The skills the Year 13 Mentors will learn will be transferable to various jobs. Coaching and mentoring skills are taught, developed and effectively used throughout the year. The two Year 13 students and the SLC student form a tight bond of trust and mutual respect, making this position one of the most valuable roles the students will experience at HVHS.

The activities that the SNAP Mentors are involved in include exploring opportunities in the community and supporting students with our SNAP Frozen (Ice Cream) business. The key is developing the SLC student's life, work and social skills. The self-confidence that is developed by the SNAP Mentors and SLC students is huge, and this is vital to the success of the programme. SNAP students and their Mentors meet weekly to share ideas, discuss plans and practice communication skills. They are based in one combined Mentor Class - 13LR.

Below: Images from the SNAP Programme

Over the years, SLC students and SNAP Mentors have accomplished a diverse range of goals that are tailored to meet the individual needs of the students. These achievements include learning to travel independently by bus, securing employment in cafes, successfully applying for jobs, and excelling at job interviews. The program has also provided opportunities for SLC students and their mentors to engage in activities that challenge them to step out of their comfort zones, such as taking independent trips to Wellington and participating in an Amazing Race around Lower Hutt.

Over the last five years, SNAP Mentors have been so inspired that they have moved into the social work and carers work professions. We even have a former SNAP student working permanently as a Learning Assistant in the SLC.

A big thank you to this year's SNAP Mentors who have done an amazing job supporting our SNAP students and preparing them for the future.

We would like to congratulate and welcome the following students to the 2024 SNAP Mentor Programme: Arya Ubale (12BS), Dhruv Lal (12BS), Jacob Oliver (12BQ), Jessica Gray (12NA), Jimmy Onslow-Osborne (12BQ), Marli Wentzel (12BS), Mhaddix Jones (12NA), Neeve Campbell (12BQ), Rio Salisbury-Metcalfe (12TH), Sean Reinecke (12ME), Sophie Hughes (12PF), Thomas McWhirter (12LO), Yasemin Philippi (12MC) and Yug Patel (12CI).

We know they will have a fulfilling and exciting year working with the awesome students in the school's SLC.

We are always seeking new community contacts to support the work of the SNAP Programme. If you can help, please get in touch with either Heather Lear (Head of Department, Tautoko - Supported Learning Centre) at heather.lear@hvhs.school.nz or Nick Larkin (Deputy Principal) at nick.larkin@hvhs.school.nz

Congratulations to our Year 10 organisers of today's non-uniform day - Vinuki Abeyrathna (10SAWL), Myumi Peiris (10BHPL) and Wayneramon Milo (10SAWL). This trio of students were focused on supporting the awesome mahi of Kaibosh Food Rescue. Kaibosh works in our community to ensure surplus food reaches those who are struggling.

As a result of the kind donations from our Year 9 & 10 families and HVHS staff, hundreds of cans of food will be donated to Kaibosh Food Rescue.

Space Camp was amazing and I would love to go back again. There were 168 students on the camp. We worked from 6.45am to 10.30pm every day. We participated in a variety of activities that covered science, engineering, astronaut training and mission control. My favourite activity was scuba diving. We went down to 7.2 metres, and it felt like I was both light and heavy simultaneously. Going to camp has made me want to explore space even more.

If you have a goal, no matter how far away it may seem, take small steps towards it whenever possible. If you fall down trying to get there, get back up and figure out why you fell and what you need to change. When you make your goal, make the most of every minute because you may never get that opportunity again.

Special thanks to Rob, my RTV, for leaving his family and coming to camp with me. Thanks also to Mrs Martin for making science so much fun and accessible and supporting my interest in space.

- Article by Toby Ireland (11CS) on his experiences at the Space Camp for Interested Visually Impaired Students at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Images below (left to right): Toby at Space Camp in the multi-axis trainer, practising the Mars Mission Simulation and scuba diving.

On Thursday 26 October, the success of our Māori ākonga was celebrated at the Te Whānau a Hotuwaipara Awards Evening. Awards acknowledged achievement across a range of areas including manaakitanga, hākinakina, toi, kapa haka, tikanga and mātauranga. Special congratulations to:

• Mia Brown (13EV) - Aronga Matauranga Tau 13 Taitamahine (Top Year 13 Female Academic)
• Zack Roberts (13LN) - Aronga Matauranga Tau 13 Tane (Top Year 13 Male Academic)
• Coco Holland-Waterson (10SAWL) - Taitamahine Teina (Outstanding Female Junior Student)
• Kaitoro Walker (10LMMO) - Tamatane Teina (Outstanding Male Junior Student)
• Allie Knox (13EV) - Taitamahine Tuakana (Outstanding Female Senior Student)
• Faenza Snowden (13EV) - Tane Tuakana (Outstanding Male Senior Student)

Student Results

Congratulations to the following students for their recent successes:

• HVHS U15 7s Team for winning the Wellington Condor 7s tournament for the first time.
• Charlie Edhouse (9FRTI) recently competed in the New Zealand U17 Youth Women Handball Team in New Caledonia. The team earned 3rd place in the IHF Trophy Oceania qualification tournament.
• Ela Capel (13WR), Alex Irvine (13WA) and Kennedy Snelgrove (13FX) competed at the National Waterpolo Championships in Auckland as part of a Hutt/Manawatu team and placed 4th.
  

2023 College Sport Wellington Sportsperson of the Year Awards - Finalists

College Sport Wellington will host its annual awards this Sunday (5 November), celebrating the brightest young sporting talents from around the Wellington region. HVHS has eleven finalists across 12 sporting codes. Congratulations to:

• Athletics - Mikayla Sola (12SP)
• Badminton - Darren Leishman (11BG)
• Cricket - Oliver Tewatiya (13HM)
• Football - Alyssha Eglinton (12BQ)
• Golf - Sam Jiang (9PHDA)
• Orienteering - Nicholas Green (13WR)
• Para Sport - Toby Ireland (11CS)
• Student Official - Eunice Young (12HU)
  
• Table Tennis - Archit Nanda (11AN)
• Ultimate - Holly Dungey (12MC) & Darren Leishman (11BG)
  
• Waterpolo - George Channer (13EV)

Keeping in Touch

Help us celebrate our students' sporting successes by emailing sport@hvhs.school.nz with any information and results. We can share any photos on our social media pages. For reminders, news and results follow HVHS Sports on Facebook and Instagram.

Images: HVHS U15 7s Team (photo credit - Andy McArthur), winners of the Wellington Condor 7s tournament and Charlie Edhouse competing in handball and representing the New Zealand U17 Youth Women Handball Team (team photo credit - Jun Tanlayco), who placed 3rd.

Enrolments for 2024 in-zone students are open. We ask that parents/caregivers enrol now so that we can plan for their child's learning needs for 2024 and ensure a smooth transition to high school. Please note, out-of-zone applications for 2024 for Years 9-13 have now closed.

Once your child is enrolled you'll receive a booking time for an Enrolment Conversation. Enrolment Conversations start this Monday (6 November). Early enrolment also ensures families and students are notified of sports trials, as many summer teams trial and start training in December.

All enrolments are completed online, please click on the grey button below. For enrolment enquiries, please contact Lesley Mackay at lesley.mackay@hvhs.school.nz or visit the HVHS website for more information.

We are looking for someone to work closely with our Careers and Pathways Team and help students with their future career paths. The ideal candidate has experience working in a school environment or with young people, and has a genuine drive to help people succeed and reach their potential.

This role is full-time, permanent, term-time only position for 40 hours per week. To apply for this exciting opportunity, visit our website for the job description and application form.

Please submit your CV, completed application form and a compelling cover letter to Lana Goddard at lana.goddard@hvhs.school.nz. Applications must be received by Wednesday 8 November at 4.00pm.

We are seeking a vibrant, proactive person experienced in Te Ao Haka and Te Reo Māori who wishes to become a fully qualified teacher. The role consists of Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Haka for Years 9-13.

There are two pathways available for this role:

1. The suitably qualified person could become a full-time staff member and be supported to complete a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Secondary) with the Open Polytechnic. A Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) in Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Haka would be available, as well as time to complete Open Polytechnic studies and compensation for fees.
2. The suitably qualified person will be employed with a Limited Authority to Teach (LAT) in Te Reo Māori and Te Ao Haka on a full-time basis.

Working hours can be negotiated to suit working parents and whānau responsibilities. Remuneration will be dependent on qualifications and experience.

To apply for this exciting opportunity, visit our website for the job description and application form. Please submit your CV, completed application form and a compelling cover letter to Lana Goddard at lana.goddard@hvhs.school.nz. Applications must be received by Wednesday 8 November at 4.00pm.

We're changed to a new school app called SchoolBridge. Downloading the new SchoolBridge app will help keep you informed with alerts & notifications. Parents/caregivers can also report a student's absence using the app, and students can use the app to access their student ID card.

Download the new SchoolBridge App by searching for 'SchoolBridge' on the App Store or Google Play. If you need more information on signing in for the first time, please visit the HVHS website. Please also delete the old SchoolAppsNZ app, which is no longer used.

As part of the School Board's policy review cycle, the following school policies are open for review: Curriculum and Student Achievement, Student Achievement Information, Student Assessment and Achievement, Home Learning, Distance Learning and Health Education. The close-off date for feedback and input is next Wednesday (8 November 2023).

To access the policy reviews: https://www.schooldocs.co.nz/ - search for Hutt Valley High School, and then use the username: hvhs and the password: Adalta

2023

Monday 6 November

• NCEA Exams Start (runs till Thurs 30 Nov)
• Year 8 Enrolment Conversations Start (running till the end of Term 4)

Monday 13 November

• Year 9 Camps Start (runs till Fri 24 Nov)

Wednesday 22 November

• HVHS Board Meeting, 5:30-7:30pm

Friday 24 November

• International BBQ, 6:30-8:30pm

Friday 1 December

• Non-Uniform Day
• 'Big 10' PE Event for Year 10 Students

Tuesday 5 December

• Postponement Date - 'Big 10' PE Event for Year 10 Students

Wednesday 6 December

• Year 13 Prizegiving, 6:00-8:00pm

Thursday 7 December

• Year 11 Prizegiving, 10:00-11:00am
• Year 12 Prizegiving, 11:30am-12:30pm

Monday 11 December

• Last Day of Classes for Year 9 & 10 Students

Tuesday 12 December

• Year 10 Prizegiving, 9:30-10:30am
• Year 9 Prizegiving, 11:00am-12:00pm

2024

Monday 29 January

• First day for new staff, new students in Years 10-13 & Year 13 Student Leaders

Tues 30 January

• Teacher Only Day, no classes for students

Wednesday 31 January

• Pastoral Meetings and Student Leadership Day

Thursday 1 February

• First day for Year 9 Students only (school day starts at 9am)

Friday 2 February

• Second day for Year 9 Students (school day starts at 9am)
• First day for Years 10-13 Students (school day starts at 11.30am)

Tuesday 6 February

• Waitangi Day (public holiday, school closed)

Friday 29 March

• Good Friday (public holiday, school closed)

Monday 1 April

• Easter Monday (public holiday, school closed)

Tuesday 2 April

• Easter Tuesday (school holiday, school closed)

Friday 12 April

• Last day of Term One

Email: office@hvhs.school.nz
Website: hvhs.school.nz
Location: Hutt Valley High School Woburn Road, Woburn, Lower Hutt, New Zealand
Phone: 04 566 4584