HVHS Newsletter

Kia ora koutou,

Grace Wright (Deputy Principal) and I have talked with a large group of Year 12 students aspiring to be leaders next year. What a super bunch—full of ideas, energy, and enthusiasm. Many students mentioned the joy and satisfaction of coaching junior sports teams, performing in the musical, and being literacy leaders. Many discussed getting more involved next year, especially in activities like Kapa Haka, social sport and the performing arts. Others spoke about clubs they had set up that I didn't know were happening—darts and mahjong. I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring to the school, but I also want to remind students not to leave ‘getting involved’ until their last year at school. Get involved now. The full list is on our website's Clubs & Groups page.

Here’s another link, this time to showcase our talented staff—Whaea Krystal Clarke, who leads Kapa Haka here at HVHS, and Renee Simanu, a member of Te Korowai's Wellbeing Team. Enjoy this performance—Musika Moana Cultural Set. As mentioned in the last newsletter, Whaea Krystal is teaching Māori Performing Arts next year, and you should go and chat if this is something you would like to study.

I have received several lovely emails from parents complimenting our senior students who have coached their children. The emails are full of praise for our students' fabulous role models, caring attitudes, and supportive leadership styles. To use some of the feedback - “They, the students, have been fabulous ambassadors and are a great bunch of humans".

Congratulations to Rosa Watt (12NB) and Abby Howat (13LR) for being shortlisted for the 2024 Katherine Mansfield Short Story Award! As finalists, they have been invited to attend the awards event at the National Library of New Zealand.

This week has been incredibly busy, as have many others in our school calendar.

On Monday night, I attended a Fiafia night for Ezekiel Fata Meafou (13JD), which raised money to help send him to the Tangata Beats finals in Auckland - he is up there now. If you would like to listen to the Tangata Beats final, Tangata Beats will be livestreaming it from 7pm. Good Luck, Ezekiel.

On Tuesday night, I attended a super acoustic concert (pictured below) showcasing our outstanding musical talent at school. Junior and senior students performed for parents and friends. Jhan Lindsay and Nik Kovacev managed, and MC’d the evening, and a large group of teachers and tutors supported students. I have loved listening to the Jazz Band, a group we have watched develop for many years. Their performance was so tight and precise, and they showed enthusiasm and confidence.

Wednesday night was our Gateway Graduation event at the Petone Workingman’s Club. Gateway students receive acknowledgment and certificates for completing their work experience and community projects. The school connects with hundreds of local businesses, and I thank you so much for including our students in your work and helping them prepare for their full-time working lives.

To end this week, our students will volunteer at Sunday's Te Omanga Hospices Vintners’ Lunch. This is the major fundraiser for the hospice, and it is lovely that we can help within our community.

Also, this week, we had year 8 students from our contributing schools visit to get a first look around the campus. Some of our Year 10 students have been leading the groups and sharing things about the school with them. Early next term, Year 8 students will be invited for an enrolment conversation which is a meeting with our school, whānau and student. If you know someone who has not yet enrolled, please encourage them to do so as soon as possible.

Ngā mihi nui,

Denise Johnson

Science at HVHS in 2024 started with a new leadership team. Shane Harrison is the Head of Science, supported by Kylie Miller, Tom Salway and Chris Riley. Three enthusiastic first-year teachers, James Davies, Dylan Goldsmith and Rei Stokes, have joined us along with Bronwin Meyer, who arrived during the year from South Africa.

Our Year 9 and 10 programmes are being redeveloped and have a large focus on the local

environment. Students have been investigating the water processes, chemistry and health of Te Awa Kairangi and learning about the local flora, fauna and geological processes. There has also

been learning about plant biology and uses, electricity, acids and bases, the atmosphere,

weather and climate.

This year we have revamped the Year 11 Science programme to align with the changes to Level 1

NCEA and introduced a new Year 11 Science course “Science and Sustainability”. This has a focus on addressing environmental and socio-scientific issues from a holistic perspective and

investigating misunderstandings and misinformation around science and technology issues.

As part of their learning about biodiversity and pest control students have visited Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne and have been monitoring pest mammals around the school.

Students have been involved in many science-related activities including HuttScience's STEMM Student Challenge, CRISISLab Challenge (pictured below) and Innovative Young Minds. Several Year 11 students were also successfully involved in the Auckland University BrainBee neuroscience challenge in Term 2.

A number of Year 9 and 10 students are currently preparing for the Epro8 Engineering Challenge. We also have three students, Emma McLaughlin (12GA), Niamh Young (12NB and, Brooke Merrett-Kaufman (12GU) participating in the New Zealand International Biology Olympiad. All three have achieved Bronze level and passed the entrance exam for the NZ Biology Olympiad team. They now have the opportunity to undertake a rigorous summer training program, after which they will sit another exam in March in hopes of being selected for the official training camp next year. This is a remarkable achievement, as the exam is highly competitive and reflects their outstanding reasoning, scientific literacy, and comprehension skills.

In February, students and staff interested in space exploration spent time with a NASA Space Shuttle astronaut, Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper, who visited HVHS, which was fascinating. Heide spoke to a group of teachers and students about her two trips to help construct the International Space Station and presented the school with a very beautiful book 'The NASA Archives'.

We have sparked curiosity in both teachers and students, along with a lot of laughter and positive relationships.

Good luck to all our students sitting the NZQA co-requisite tests next week from Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 September. A few key reminders students:

• a charged device is required for all tests
• for numeracy tests you will need a calculator
• the Year 10 Numeracy test has an earlier start time of 9am (not 9:30am) on Wednesday 18 September
• NCEA Exam rules apply to all co-requisite tests.

They key dates and subjects are:

Monday 16 September

• Year 11, 12 and 13 Writing tests in spells 3 & 4 in the Hall

Tuesday 17 September

• Year 10 Writing test - please check your emails for start times and locations
  

Wednesday 18 September

• Year 10 Numeracy - at 9:00am (earlier start time) in the Hall
  
• Year 11, 12 and 13 Numeracy tests - in spells 3 & 4 in the Hall
• Year 10 Reading in Spells 1 & 2 (check emails for room locations)
  
• Year 11, 12 and 13 Reading in Spells 3 & 4 (check emails for room locations).

For any questions on the NZQA co-requisite tests please contact Rob Everett (Deputy Principal) at rob.everett@hvhs.school.nz

Earlier in the week at the Gateway Graduation Ceremony - parents, whānau and friends gathered at the Petone Working Men’s Club to celebrate the progress, successes and hopefully, a clearer vision of the future for their tamariki, our Gateway students. We welcomed Ginny Andersen, list MP for Hutt South, Karen Morgan, Hutt City Councillor and Hutt City Councillor, and Denise Johnson, our Principal, as guest speakers.

The evening focused on the students’ journey both through their workplace experiences and involvement with the community projects which are the mainstay of the classroom programme. Rob King (Head of Learning Pathways) was able to report that Jodene Fitness and Amanda Walters, our workplace brokers, have to date organised 122 work placements. Some students managing more than one work placement.

Many kinds of enterprises have been involved, from public health to horse training, Mayor’s Office to barbering, automotive to electrical, bakers to fashion, piloting to graphic design; the range of job

choices has been wide.

Students received graduation certificates and enjoyed a generous supper. All in all, a great night of celebration and Rob King, in his 35th and final year of teaching, was humbled by the thank you messages shared by Daisy Fletcher (12GE) and Leo Van Krimpen (12AN).

We wish to thank Jodene Fitness, Amanda Walters and Jude Allen for their hard mahi, organising the function and ensuring all thoroughly enjoyed the celebration.

Images: students at the Gateway Graduation Ceremony, and receiving their certificates from Rob King.

We'd appreciate any help from our school community to find work experience opportunities for senior literacy students. Our senior literacy students are seeking real-world work experience to enhance their learning and help them think about their pathways beyond school. They are excited to see different workplaces and interesting and diverse types of roles and careers.

We’re looking for businesses across all industries who can provide:

• a supportive environment for skill development
• opportunities for hands-on experience in a variety of roles

Ideally, we would love to hear from workplaces that can offer a two or three day placement.

If you are able to help, or would like more information, please contact Nicola Fletcher and Genevieve Hanify at senco@hvhs.school.nz

We have a number of spaces open for junior students from the start of Term 4. Why not sign up and get a head start on learning an instrument for 2025. Hire cost for instruments is $25 for the term.

Instruments available to learn are: bass, cello, clarinet, drums, double bass, flute, french horn, guitar, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, viola, violin and voice.

To enrol a student for lessons in Term 4 please email Jhan Lindsay at music@hvhs.school.nz

Next Friday, 20 September, our talented Year 11 business students will be holding a Market Day! During lunchtime in the hall, they will be showcasing and selling the unique products they have designed and created.

Lots of fantastic products are on sale including hauora hair oil, beaded and threaded bracelets, and octopus inspired fidget toys (see their fantastic product posters below) and more!

Students from Tautoko (Supported Learning Centre) will be at Market Day with their product - Panda's Heroes (upcycled soft toy) that can be used as a door stop or a sensory support. They are taking part in the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES).

Payments at Market Day can be made with cash or via direct debit. As part of this event, students will be donating 25% of all profits to the Cancer Society.

Katrina Schaff-Ede (11BH) attended CHOGM the Commonwealth Youth’s annual flagship event that provides an opportunity for high school students to immerse themselves in international relations and develop a greater understanding of world issues.

At the two-day event, Katrina met David Seymour (ACT Party leader) and Nancy Lu (List Member, National Party) and was allowed to watch the acknowledgements to New Zealand's Maori Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII in the Chamber.

Image: students at the recent CHOGM event.

Congratulations to our top three speakers:

• 1st - Izzy Longson (9GSSP) on the default is male
• 2nd - Rory Maxwell Lamb (9QBDO) on the British royal family
• 3rd - Bee Hebron (9BQMA) on horseshoe crabs.

Well done to all participants for their outstanding speeches!

As a special memento for our student performers and their families, the Drama Department has created a 14-minute highlight reel from Sweet Dreams - The Musical.

If you couldn’t attend the show or would like to revisit some of your favorite moments, simply click below and enjoy!

Anna Jamison (13LG) recently competed at the Junior World Powerlifting 2024 Championships in Malta.

Anna came 6th in the world overall in her age and weight category and broke 3 New Zealand records for squat, bench and overall combined total.

Anna completed 9 out of 9 lifts and each one was a personal best! An amazing result on the world stage.

At HVHS, we encourage students to bring their own device to school. With over 90% of our students arriving in Year 9 with a Chromebook they are well equipped to access course materials, resources, and assessments through Google Classroom. Unfortunately, for some families, the $400 cost of a basic Chromebook is out of reach due to financial hardship.

To bridge this gap, we work with these families, using the support of our community and whānau to provide solutions. In previous years, we have been fortunate with our annual request to gift Chromebooks to our students most in need. If you think that this is something you can do to help a student - we would love to hear from you.

How to Make a Donation to the Chromebook Appeal

To donate, simply make your contribution to Hutt Valley High School's bank account below using the references 'Chromebook' and 'Donation'.

Hutt Valley High School

02-0528-0030654-00

For more information, please contact Principal Denise Johnson at denise.johnson@hvhs.school.nz to discuss your donation. All contribution, big or small is greatly appreciated and can be truly life changing for many students.

Finding your homework hard? Have a test coming up? Wanting some extension work? Didn't get the grade you wanted in the last assessment? Come to the Maths Help Room and get some individualised support with whatever maths you need help with.

The Maths Help Room is open to all year levels and ability levels. It runs from 3:30-4:30pm every Wednesday after school in P4. Every week there are a range of maths teachers available to help. You can bring your own work from class, or we can find you something suitable.

There is no need to book; just turn up. Please email Jill Skinner (Maths Teacher)

at jill.skinner@hvhs.school.nz if you have any questions.

Do you have a student who is struggling to connect with classmates at school? The Dungeons and Dragons Club is a welcoming and inclusive place for students to foster more connections at school.

We are currently seeking junior students who would benefit from joining the D&D Club. With senior students increasingly focused on their NCEA exams, we have several new groups forming, providing an excellent opportunity for junior students to get involved.

The D&D Club meets every Thursday after school in room V8 until 5:30pm. Teachers are on hand to support students, especially those who may feel shy about joining a group.

If you have any questions, please contact Marcus Blomquist (Maths Teacher/Assistant Head of Restorative Practices) at marcus.blomquist@hvhs.school.nz.

We currently have a shortage of secondhand uniforms to donate to students. We'd greatly appreciate your help, especially with donations of school jerseys/hoodies, black shoes and black jackets.

All donations of secondhand uniforms are given to students to ensure they stay warm and comfortable. If you can help, please drop your donated items off at the School Office, which is open from 8:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday, during term time.

Enrolments for 2025 are open for in-zone applications for Years 9-13 and out-of-zone applications for Years 10-13. Please note that out-of-zone applications for Year 9 have now closed, and we are no longer accepting applications.

All enrolments are now completed online. Please go to the enrolment page to find the online enrolment form and key enrolment deadlines.

We strongly encourage parents and caregivers to enrol their children as early as possible. Year 8 Enrolment Conversations are scheduled for mid-November. These enrolment conversations allow us to meet with parents, caregivers and students to plan for their learning needs and ensure a smooth transition to high school.

If you have any questions, please email our Enrolment Coordinator, Lesley Mackay at lesley.mackay@hvhs.school.nz

Monday 16 September

• Literacy & Numeracy Testing
• Te Wiki o te Reo Māori - Māori Language Week
  
• Year 13 Productions for Class BE (runs till Friday 20 September)

Wednesday 18 September

• Woburn Apartments Music Concert, 3:30pm - 5:00pm

Thursday 19 September

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

Friday 20 September

• Year 11 Market Day, Lunchtime in the Hall (cash & direct debit sales)

Saturday 21 September

• HVHS Year 13 Ball, Lower Hutt Events Centre, 7:00pm - 11:00pm.

Monday 23 September

• Year 13 Production for Class FY (runs all week)

Tuesday 24 September

• HVHS Premier Sports Awards, 6:00pm - 7:30pm, School Hall

Wednesday 25 September

• HVHS Rugby Prizegiving, 5:30pm - 8:00pm, School Hall

Thursday 26 September

• Canterbury University Course Planning, 12:30pm-2:15pm in G7
• Year 10 Speech Competition - Final, 4:00pm-5:00pm
• HVHS Basketball Prizegiving, Staffroom, 5:30pm-6:30pm

Friday 27 September

• Hikoi for Mental Health Event
• Last Day of Term 3

Monday 14 October

• First Day of Term 4
• Derived Grade Exams (run till Wednesday 23 October)

Wednesday 23 October

• NCEA Level 2 Art Portfolio Workshop, 8.30am - 3.15pm
• HVHS Board Meeting, 5:30pm-7:30pm, HVHS Boardroom

Friday 25 October

• HOSCARS (HVHS's Oscars), 6:30-8:30pm, Hall

Monday 28 October

• Labour Day (Public Holiday, School Closed)

Tuesday 29 October

• Hotuwaipara Awards, 7:00pm - 10:00pm (New Date)

Tuesday 29 October

• Dance Benefit

Wednesday 30 October

• Last day of school for Year 13 Students

Friday 1 November

• Last day for Year 11 & 12 Students

Tuesday 5 November

• NCEA Exams Begin (runs till Fri 29 Nov)

Thursday 7 November

• Teacher Only Day (School closed for students)

Monday 11 November

• Year 10 Production Season - Classes FY, KO and MI (runs all week)
• Year 9 Social Studies Bus Trips (classes scheduled to Wed 13 Nov)
• Year 8 Enrolment Conversations (run until Friday 15 November)

Monday 18 November

• Year 9 Camps (classes scheduled over two school weeks until Fri 29 Nov)

Wednesday 20 November

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

Friday 29 November

• Last day of NCEA Exams

Friday 6 December

• Big 10 Sports Event for Year 10 Students
• Year 11 Prizegiving, 11:30am - 12:30pm
• Year 12 Prizegiving, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
• Year 13 Graduation Prizegiving, 6:30pm - 9:00pm, Lower Hutt Events Centre

Thursday 12 December

• Last Day of Term 4
• Year 9 Prizegiving, 9:30am - 10:30am
• Year 10 Prizegiving, 11:00am - 12:00pm

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