HVHS Newsletter

To our parents and caregivers - thank you for your ongoing support. I’d appreciate it if you could take a moment to speak with your rangatahi about how they conduct themselves in public while wearing our school uniform. We’ve received some feedback about student behaviour in areas like Myrtle Street, St Albans Grove, and the skate park area near Birdie Park. While I know it's only a small number of students involved, their actions affect how our school is perceived. Please remind our young people that their voices carry, and the language they use may not always sit well with others in our community—especially our kaumatua, older residents and parents with young families. I’d also like to encourage those students who consistently show respect and responsibility to continue setting that standard and support their peers in doing the same. It is so disappointing when a very small number - 5-6 students - lets the other 1,970 down.

Each term, you'll see an article in this newsletter informing families which school policies are being reviewed. Thank you to those who provide feedback and expertise—it’s appreciated and helps us continuously improve our school's processes and procedures.

Thank you once again for a fantastic term. As we head into the holiday break, I encourage everyone to take the time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the company of family and friends. We hope the break offers a chance to unwind and return refreshed for Term 2 - we look forward to welcoming everyone back. Have a safe and enjoyable break!

Ngā mihi nui,
Denise Johnson, Principal

The School Office and Resource Centre will be closed during the school holidays. The School Office will reopen on Monday 28 May at 8:00am.

From the start of Term 2, the Resource Centre will be open Monday to Thursday, 11:00am to 2:30pm, during term time only.

Please don't pick up or drop off students in the staff car park. Space is very limited, and parent/caregiver cars further restrict access. We need to ensure that over 2,000 students and staff can safely move around the school grounds and that mobility vans transporting students with additional needs can safely use the staff car park. Construction is also underway, reducing the available space in the staff car park. We appreciate your cooperation.

If the Office has contacted you to collect your unwell student during the school day, please continue using the visitor car parking spaces.

On Tuesday of Week 10, a group of 13 talented actors represented our kura at the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand's Regional Shakespeare Festival. Their performance of Henry IV Part 1 was a standout of the evening, earning them the award for “Outstanding Performance in a Comedy”. After six weeks of dedicated rehearsal, their hard work paid off, making the kura incredibly proud.

Congratulations to Ella Bruce (12WD), Violet Chai (12PL), Ava Collier (13GA), Celeste de Koning (12BN), Emily Devine (12PL), Violet Edwards (13RB), Livi McElhinney (12WD), Ryan Parks (12WL), Devon Reddaway (13JD), Zoe Sammons (13LR), Krisha Suresh (11BB), Ruby-Jean Willis (13LR) and Oscar Young (12TW).

Thank you to all the students and staff who supported our Junior Spelling Bee yesterday at lunchtime – it was a great turnout! Congratulations to our winner, Amelie Black (10TUTS), who impressed the audience by correctly spelling the word zeitgeist.

Well done also to our runners-up, Melody Hoang-Coelho (9DMST) and Jessica Chan (9WMCE), who both tied for second place. Ka pai to all the participants who gave it a go!

Image (left to right): Amelie Black (10TUTS), Jessica Chan (9WMCE), and Melody Hoang-Coelho (9DMST).

Congratulations to all the finalists in this year’s Senior Speech Competition, who delivered thoughtful and engaging speeches on a range of topics. Each speech was 4–6 minutes long, giving students the opportunity to explore an idea they were passionate about.

• Livi McElhinney (12WD) – How Not to Rob a Bank

• Minara Dadallagei (12AL) – Happiness
• Myumi Peiris (12BH) – The Purpose of Speech
• Priya Silwal (11NS) – Social Media and Mental Health
• Siân Roberts (12BN) – The Issues with Fast Fashion
• Toby Ireland (13CS) – Social Model of Disability
• Vihini Abayarathna (12KT) – How to Stop Fear Taking Control

We're excited to share that 1st place went to Minara Dadallagei (12AL), 2nd place to Myumi Peiris (12BH), and 3rd place to Toby Ireland (13CS). Well done to all our students who took part!

We're excited to share Counsel Culture, our latest short film. Featuring outstanding performances from Nathan Rodwell (12BR) and Minara Dadallagei (12AL), the film brings a powerful story to life. At just under 30 minutes, it’s a fantastic watch for the school holidays.

Counsel Culture - In a world where it's easier to cancel than engage, what price forgiveness?

- by Teram Manze (10GSSP)

What is a dumpling? This is the topic we are going to cover in a University of Melbourne Mathematics workshop this Thursday evening. I imagine that even in Australia, they do know what a dumpling is, although we did have to upload photos of dumplings before the workshop, so maybe not?

I've already learnt that momos, sui mai and samosas are all types of dumplings (and look delicious). I also convinced my parents to cook dumplings for dinner, as part of my preparation of course, so that was a good start. I will join a group of students from inside and outside Australia for a workshop that sounds exciting, fun, and perhaps a little strange.

Background Information

Teram Manze (10GSSP) and Alex Curwen (10KVPI) are participating in Micro Mathematicians, an enrichment program run by the University of Melbourne. This program is designed for advanced students in Years 9-10 who have an interest in mathematics beyond the classroom. We’ll keep you posted on the dumplings/math connections!

Congratulations to the following students:

• Anna Green (9FTWS) had a standout performance at the recent College Sport Wellington Athletics Regional Championships on 20 March 2025. Setting two new records, Anna broke the Junior Girls 300m and 800m with times of 42.66 and 2:15.25, respectively. Just one weekend later, at the Wellington Athletics Junior Track and Field Championships, Anna added another record in the Girls' 400m (Grade 13) with a time of 58.76. Anna also received Athletics Wellington's trophy for Junior Female Middle and Long Distance Runner of the Season (aged 13-15 years).
• Jacob Williams (10GSSP) placed 1st in the U14 New Zealand Secondary Schools Triathlon event in Wānaka, a fantastic achievement!

• Sam Jiang (11TT) played in his first pro golf tournament at Paraparaumu Golf Club this weekend. In his debut, Sam placed 57th out of 123 players.

• Toby Ireland (13CS) broke five world records on the rowing machine in the National coastal rowing competition over the weekend.

Regional College Sport Wellington Athletics Championships Results

• Ben Kimber (11TT) - 3rd in the Intermediate Boys' 3,000m

• Eva Green (13LR) - 2nd in the Senior Girls' 800m

• Finnigan Strickland (10GSSP) - 2nd in the Intermediate Boys' 3,000m

• Hatty Young (9SHMI) - 2nd in the Junior Girls' 1,500m

• Isla Hughes (13AS) - 2nd in the Senior Girls' Discus

• Jessie McKenzie (13ST) - 1st in both the Senior Girls' 1,500m and 800m events

• Leo Hyink (10GSSP) - 3rd in the Intermediate Boys' 1,500m

• Phoebe Willis (9PTNC) - 1st in the Junior Girls' Long Jump, 2nd in the Junior Girls' 100m and 3rd in the Junior Girls' 200m

• Phoebe Willis (9PTNC), Maya Coup (9BESD), Thina Chau (9BESD) & Anna Green (9FTWS) - 2nd in the Junior Girls' 4 x 100m Relay

• Sika Uili (12AL) - 1st in the AWD (Athletes with Disabilities) Boys' Shot Put

North Island Secondary Schools Athletics Championships

Congratulations to the following students who represented Wellington in the North Island Secondary Schools Athletics Competition in Hamilton on 5-6 April.

• Ben Kimber (11TT) - 4th in the Intermediate Boys' 3,000m achieved PB (Personal Best Time)
• Finnigan Strickland (10GSSP) - 6th in the Intermediate Boys' 3,000m
• Hatty Young (9SHMI) - 3rd in the Junior Girls' 1,500m achieved PB
• Isla Hughes (13AS) - 2nd in the Senior Girls' Hammer and 5th in the Senior Girls Discus, achieved PB for both events
• Jessie McKenzie (13ST) - 2nd in the Senior Girls 1,500m achieved PB
• Leo Hyink (10GS) - 12thin the Intermediate Boys' 1,500m achieved PB

🏆 If you have a sporting achievement you'd like us to celebrate, please email the details to sport@hvhs.school.nz

• Visit the Tuckr website and select 'Hutt Valley High School'
• Order cutoff - Place your order by 9am on the day or pre-order up to two weeks in advance

• Menu options - Choose from a range of delicious options, including pitas, main meals, snacks and sides, sweet treats, and drinks.

A link to the Tuckr webpage for pre-ordering is available on the SchoolBridge App and via the Quicklinks section on the HVHS website.

All students have received a link via their school email to complete a school-wide survey. The survey consists of two questions that all students answer and six questions for each individual subject. Please check with your students to ensure that they have completed it. The School Office will follow up with students who haven't completed the survey from Monday, 28 April (Week 1 of Term 2).

Congratulations to William Sanders (10TUTS) and Abby Begbie (10CNPA) for completing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award! We've had lots of students expressing interest in starting their Duke of Edinburgh journey. If you'd like to learn more about the programme at HVHS, click here

For those already working towards their award, don’t forget to check out the Clubs and Groups page , on the HVHS website - many of these activities can count towards your Skill or Service sections. For any questions, please contact Sarah Coales (Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator) at sarah.coales@hvhs.school.nz

Renee Simanu (Youth Worker, Te Puna Waiora) and Whaea Krystal (Kaiako – Te Ao Māori, Te Ao Haka & Languages) have an incredible opportunity to compete on the international stage with Pacific Connection this July!

To help fund their trip to the International Barbershop Convention in Denver, USA, they are hosting a movie night featuring the documentary The Haka Party Incident.

📅 Monday, 14 April
⏰ 7:45 PM
📍 Lighthouse Cinema, Petone
🎟️ Tickets: $25

Snacks and drinks will be provided! If you'd like to support them and enjoy a fantastic documentary, email Renee at renee.simanu@hvhs.school.nz to purchase a ticket.

Aroha tino nui!

The Resource Centre has loaded all sports fees for summer sports. Thank you to our families who have already paid their summer sports fees! If you haven’t yet made your payment, we kindly ask you to do so as soon as possible to support our sports programmes.

Payment Options

We appreciate payments in any amount, whether as a lump sum or smaller scheduled regular payments on a weekly, fortnightly, or monthly basis. If you need to set up an automatic payment (AP), please contact the Resource Centre for assistance.

You can make a payment for your sports fees using one of the following methods:

• Kamar Parent Portal

• SchoolBridge App

• In person at the Resource Centre (Eftpos, cash, or credit card)

• Direct credit to the HVHS bank account:
  Hutt Valley High School
  02-0528-0030654-00

Thank you for your support in ensuring our students have access to sporting opportunities. If you have any questions or need assistance with payment arrangements, please contact the Resource Centre by emailing resource.centre@hvhs.school.nz

Each year, we see students arriving at school who haven't had breakfast and are without kai for the day, and this year is no exception. Unfortunately, some of the charities that previously provided support are no longer able to do so. As a result, we are reaching out to our school community to see if whānau can help.

Donations of spreads for sandwiches, grab-and-go foods such as muesli bars and food items students can easily put in their school bags would be greatly appreciated. If you’re unsure what to donate, grocery vouchers are also a fantastic way to contribute. If you’d like to help, please contact Claire Ross (Head of Wellbeing) at claire.ross@hvhs.school.nz

A special thank you to Bea DnD Games, who have made the Dungeons & Dragons/Magic the Gathering Club possible, helping at least 50 students per week.

There is also a student discount available, which will help the super-friendly staff find your next hobby! Bea Dnd Games is at 199 Jackson Street in Petone, or you can visit their website by clicking here.

Friday 11 April

• Last Day of Term 1

Monday 28 April

• First Day of Term 2

Tuesday 29 April

• Winter Sports Codes, Coaches & Managers Volunteers Evening, 6:00pm-7:30pm, HVHS Staffroom

Wednesday 7 May

• Learning Conversations for Students & Families in Year 9 & 10.
• Students in Years 9-13 Learning From Home

Tuesday 13 May

• NCEA Information Evening for Year 11 Parents/Caregivers

Monday 19 May

• NCEA Co-Requisite Testing Begins

Wednesday 21 May

• HVHS Board Meeting, 5:30pm-7:30pm, HVHS Boardroom

Thursday 22 May

• Showquest, St James Theatre, 7pm (Performance Starts)

Wednesday 28 May

• Whānau Hui, 6:00pm-7:00pm

Friday 30 May

• Teacher Only Day (No Classes for Students)

Monday 2 June

• King's Birthday (Public Holiday, School Closed)

Monday 9 June

• Year 11 Production (Class KO) Begins

Wednesday 11 June

• Year 11-13 Parent/Teacher Interviews
• Years 9-13 Learning from Home

Saturday 14 June

• Rockquest and Tangata Beats Events, Sacred Heart Performing Arts Centre

Monday 16 June

• Year 11 Production (Class BE) Begins

Friday 20 June

• Matariki (Public Holiday, School Closed)

Wednesday 25 June

• HVHS Board Meeting, 5:30pm-7:30pm, HVHS Boardroom

Friday 27 June

• Last Day of Term 2

Saturday 28 June

• Rockquest Finals

Monday 14 July

• First Day of Term 3

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