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HVHS Newsletter
Friday 5 July 2024 - Term 2, Week 10
Principal's Update
Kia ora koutou,
It has been a crazy busy term with sports, ShowQuest, NZ Brain Bee Competition, preparing for the school musical, gearing up for Winter Tournament Week, performing music at St James’ Church, and Old Timers Day at rugby. Schools are wonderfully busy places.
This week, we have three staff and several students in Spain, with upcoming trips to Japan and France. Last week, the PE’ers scaled Mt Holdsworth in the rain. Some of our young staff have become parents and are now navigating the world of full-time working parents, others are enjoying the years of being a full-time taxi for their school-age children, while others, like Jairo Trujillo-Ramirez (Head of Languages), are preparing for retirement. Jairo has given 18 years of service to HVHS. We will miss his passion, commitment to his students and, of course, that strong Colombian accent. Thank you Jairo - we wish you all the best for your future.
Matariki provides us with a time to Reflect, Remember, and Dream.
Reflect - I’ve been thinking about just how many people contribute to the smooth running of (most of the time) HVHS. We really are a mini city within Hutt City. In the last month, over 700 families came in for parent-teacher interviews; numerous parents and community members manage and coach sports, often giving up their annual leave to attend events like the Whanganui exchange and other mid-week activities. Some of you employ our students and others support them in many other ways. Thank you.
Remember - Our community is vast, encompassing not only those who are part of our school today but also all those who have walked these grounds before us. Our local community also supports us in countless ways. MJH Engineering is a prime example of this incredible support network. They are a valued partner company, providing our students with invaluable Work Integrated Learning opportunities.
We'd particularly like to thank Jeremy Mikoz and Malcolm Hammond from MJH Engineering.
At the beginning of the year, Jeremy organised a generous donation of steel and helped us leverage MJH Engineering's purchasing power, enabling us to acquire materials at a 50% discount! When our school welder recently broke down, Malcolm generously donated one of their welders that they didn't use much, saving our school between $6,000 and $8,000. How amazing is that?
New Beginnings/ Brighter Futures - I’m pleased to announce that the Ministry of Education has advised us that the replacement building project has been funded for the final design of C-block and E&M blocks, and the construction of the replacement C-block. I am hopeful that the new build will be well on the way - maybe near completion for the 100th celebrations in 2026.
Two Year 12 students, Calista Limmer (12CW) and Millie Sampson (12SM), hope to start a Cooking Club for Year 9 students in Term 3. This is a student initiative and a new club for the school. If you are interested, you can learn more and sign up by clicking here
Enjoy your break and see you all refreshed and ready for the new term!
Ngā mihi nui,
Denise Johnson, Principal
Poly Club Takes the Stage at HuttFest
"Their pride was infectious, and their flair was a beauty to behold. They represented themselves, their families, the school, and the cultures extraordinarily well!' - Rob Everett, Deputy Principal
Our Poly Club performed last night at HuttFest to thunderous support from the crowd. HuttFest is a yearly event where students come together and celebrate Pasifika heritage through song and dance. From the first rehearsal at school to performing at HuttFest, it is a huge undertaking that is only made possible by the support of student's families and a number of special people behind the scenes.
A special thank you to teachers Veisinia Lotaki and Sheena Anglesey, who kept the vision and energy up for the students; the parents who led the fundraising efforts; and our student leaders Kim Pua (13JD), Mikayla Sola (13JD), Tavita Iosefa (13EV), Oloitefu Malaitia (13HF), Jay Keating (13AL), Shekinah Simpson-Tiaki (13FX), Rangiotu Box (13RS) and Noa Miki (13JM).
Images: Poly Club ready to perform at HuttFest 2024. Check out HuttFest's Facebook page for more photos (of Day 4, Show 8) that will be added soon.
University of Auckland Medical School Visit & the NZ Brain Bee Challenge
Last Wednesday a group of 8 students accompanied by Sheena Anglesey (Science Teacher) and Jon Nash (Head of the Maths Learning Area) went to the University of Auckland's Medical School to participate in the NZ Brain Bee Challenge 2024. The teachers were really just the admin wing of the process, the real driving force was Archit Nanda (12AN), he was the motivator and motivation behind it all. Archit participated by himself in 2023 and generated enough interest to inspire eleven HVHS students to participate in Round One. Eight qualified for Round Two and were invited to Auckland for the finals.
An early flight got us there in time, students in blazers ready to represent. Esteemed professors spoke about following passions, and our students then embarked on the team quiz. Both HVHS groups did well and featured on the leaderboard at various points. Ultimately, both just missed out on the podium for the final. All eleven of us did a series of lab tours covering DNA replication, cell imaging and a visit to the archives.
After lunch, we met a series of science researchers who each told the story of their journey in a bid to inspire future scientists. The penultimate event was the individual final. It was intense, and everyone demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the brain and neuroscience. Awards were handed out at the end, with Racquel Premraj (11BH) receiving an internship day for finishing in the top 25 in the North Island, an amazing effort.
Overall, it was an excellent experience for everyone. Hopefully, more students will participate next year, and this will become a regular event in the HVHS calendar.
Images: students touring the Medical School and pictured underneath is Associate Professor Deborah Young (North Island & National Coordinator for the NZ Brain Bee Challenge), and the three students who received internships, Racquel Premra (11BH), Amrutha Madhusudhan (Epsom Girls Grammar), Eliza Shaikh (Lynfield College), along with Rich Easton (CEO of the Neurological Foundation)
Students Develop Tsunami Alert Systems at the CRISiS Challenge
After last year's success, HVHS entered two teams ('Oceans 4' and 'Innovation Illumination Corporation') to take part in this year's annual CRISiS Challenge run by the Joint Centre for Disaster Research at Massey University in Wellington. The CRISiSLab Challenge is a yearly event that brings high school students together to explore the fascinating world of science and technology, focusing on crisis management. This year's challenge focused on the development of a Tsunami alert system that could warn coastal communities of potential incoming Tsunamis.
The students spent two months working out how to gather the data from a pressure sensor to display on a custom-made website and then develop a warning system that could alert people to incoming dangers. On Tuesday last week, the teams travelled to Massey University to present their ideas to their competitors from around the Wellington region and judges from NIWA, NEMA, GNS, Victoria University and the Joint Centre for Disaster Research. Both teams showed fantastic ingenuity and creativity when developing their systems and presented their idea with confidence. The judges spoke highly of their work and were impressed with the ideas that they presented. The experience has taught the teams to manage their time effectively during group projects and the value of working collaboratively to develop innovative ideas.
Pictured (left to right): Arya Ubale (13LR), Jessica Meyer (13LO), Emma McLaughlin (12GA), Morgan Grummitt (12MR), Mac Smith (11PL), Tanush Arra (11RU), Jayden Tolley-Beales (11BU), Idrees Munshi (11BU) & Tom Salway.
STEM Trivia Quiz - Hosted by Our Academic Leaders
- Academic Leaders, Fiona Wu (13FE), Eileen Wu (13FE) & William Li (13FE)
Last Wednesday, we were excited to host HVHS’s first-ever STEMM Trivia Quiz at lunchtime in the hall based on the annual STEMM Student Challenge. Armed with a bag of 200 pieces of candy, we asked a variety of questions within the scopes of Science, Technology, Mathematics, and General Knowledge. We had quite a few teams turn up and compete against each other, reducing our bag to one candy left.
It was fun to see passionate students at HVHS participate in this new event, and due to this success, we hope to host another next term.
Luke Barlow - Selected for the National Finals of the Chamber Music Contest!
The Virtuoso Strings Octet, featuring Luke Barlow (13RS) on piano, recently excelled at the Central Regional Finals of the NZCT Chamber Music Contest. Competing against hundreds of groups nationwide, they achieved an impressive 2nd place with their performance of Craig Utting's Four Scenes for Octet, which included movements 'Frankie in the Garden', 'Elegy for Elaine', 'Romance with Elizabeth', and 'Duel among Friends'.
With their top-three finish, the Virtuoso Strings Octet has earned a spot as one of only nine groups selected to perform at the National Final of the Chamber Music Contest, which will take place at the Michael Fowler Centre on Friday 2 August.
Image: Luke (on left) with members of the top three groups at the Central Regional Finals. Photo from Chamber Music New Zealand.
Hi-Vis Events Inspire Future Careers in Infrastructure
The 2024 Girls with Hi-Vis initiative aimed to inspire young women to pursue careers in infrastructure, showcasing a range of opportunities in this vital sector. Female students from Years 11-13 were invited to participate in five different events, offering a unique glimpse into the industry.
The events included visits to notable sites such as Fulton Hogan's Willowbank Quarry, HEB Construction's Sludge Minimisation Wastewater Treatment Plant, Northpower, and West Wind farm, Meridian's largest wind farm. These experiences allowed students to see firsthand the exciting projects and career paths available to them.
Please email Jodene Fitness (Pathways Assistant) at jodene.fitness@hvhs.school.nz for any questions on the Hi-Vis event or to learn more about upcoming opportunities for students.
Free Beginner Hindi Class Available – Starting Term 3
Open to all HVHS students and teachers, free beginner Hindi classes start from Term 3. The details:
- Where: Room D1
- When: Once a week, from 3:30 to 4:30 PM (exact day to be confirmed)
- Start Date: Week commencing Monday, 29 July (week 2 of Term 3)
- Tutor: A native Hindi speaker and experienced teacher
For more information, please get in touch with teachers - Yanling Guo at yanling.guo@hvhs.school.nz or Sarah Roper at sarah.roper@hvhs.school.nz, or students are welcome to visit the English Language Office on the first floor of D Block.
Drawing Club - Interpreting a Fairytale Competition
Please get in touch with teacher Olivia McVey at olivia.mcvey@hvhs.school.nz if you're interested in hearing more about Drawing Club.
Year 9 Disco - Get Your Pyjamas Ready for Thurs 8 August!
Tickets cost $5 and will be available to purchase from the Resource Centre. The Resource Centre is located upstairs in the library and is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00am to 2:30pm during term time only.
Hutt Hospital Mahi Exposure Day
Six Year 11 students - Betta Mak (11BH) , Matilda Hall (11IN), Mirelly Nunes Pereira (11JM), Himani Bist (11BN), Minara Dadallagei (11ST), and Akshara Bansal (11ST) attended the Hutt Hospital Mahi Exposure Day to learn more about and to simulate a variety of health-related careers at the hospital.
They made a TikTok video showing proper tooth brushing techniques with a health promoter, filled cavities with dental hygienists, delivered babies with midwives, delivered CPR with cardiothoracic nurses, and discussed how teams work together to support mental health with a panel including a social worker, a psychologist, an occupational therapist, and a mental health nurse.
Minara said that "I really enjoyed this day. It opened my eyes to the variety of jobs in the medical field and showed me all the opportunities open to us and the university and education needed for certain jobs. This really helped me see all the paths I could take. I really liked learning CPR. I feel way more confident in doing CPR and I feel like I could do it if there was an emergency."
Sports News
- Kristi Tia, Sports Director
Seven HVHS students are heading to Birmingham, England, during the school holidays to represent New Zealand to compete in the 2024 World Junior Ultimate Championships. Congratulations to James Bowen (11KG), Ben Coubrough (12AN), Harris Coubrough (12KI), Holly Dungey (13LN), Darren Leishman (12BG), Bianca Philip (11MO) and Nynke Turner (11TJ). This is an incredible achievement, and we wish you all the very best for over there!
Three HVHS teams competed at the Central Zone Qualifying Tournament in June. The Senior Mixed Underwater Hockey Team placed 5th and qualified for the National Underwater Hockey Tournament in Tauranga over Winter Tournament Week. The Junior Teams were less successful, with the Junior Open / Mixed Team placing 6th and Junior Girls placing 8th.
These are all great results for a challenging sport - played in a 2m deep pool! Four players were also selected to trial for the Underwater Hockey U18 Regional Representative Teams - Ali Rahman (12SM), Morgan McKeown (11KT), Zach Rodgers (11TJ) and Ila Gould (11PL).
Tate Behl (9QKDO) and Cooper Hopkins (9SATO) recently competed in the College Sports Wellington Indoor Bowls Tournament and placed third overall in the pairs competition.
Ben West (13RS) has been selected for the Wellington U19 Men's Cricket Development Squad. Ben will be hoping to secure a place in the team that will go to the Gillette U19 Men's National Tournament next summer.
Congratulations to Keelan Amopiu (11KG), Connar Gregor (11MO), Matiu Lowrie-Ronson (12NB), Gus Neilson (11BN), Leo van Krimpen (12AN) and Toby Webb (11IN), who have been selected for Wellington Rugby's (WRFU) U16 Boys Player Development Week in July. As well as John Fitzgerald (13EV), Jacob Gibbs (13WR) & Madoc Gregor (13EV), who have been selected to attend the WRFU U18 Rugby Camp. Good luck boys and go smash it!
Our Winter Sport Team Photos are on Thursday 29 August. Please see the schedule below for your team's time slot.
Thank you to all the students who have participated and excelled in their sports this term. HVHS has had a lot of success, and you have made us all proud. Enjoy a relaxing holiday, and we look forward to continued success in Term 3!
Ngā mihi,
Kristi, Dan, Sarah & Finn
MISSCHEFS COOKING CLUB - Launching in Term 3
- Calista Limmer (12CW) & Millie Sampson (12SM)
We are two Year 12 students with a long-standing passion for hospitality and cookery. Inspired by our business, "MISSCHEFS," we are excited to launch Misschefs Cooking Club, which will be held after school on Thursdays starting in Term 3.
As Hospitality and Food and Nutrition Excellence students, we are eager to share our love for baking and cooking with HVHS students who share our passion. Our Cooking Club will run during Terms 3 and 4 and is exclusively for Year 9 students who are not currently enrolled in a food or hospitality subject this year.
If you're interested in joining, you can learn more and sign up by clicking here
HVHS Clubs - Warhammer Club Starting in Term 3
A Warhammer Club is starting up in Term 3 for Year 9 students. The club is for beginners and experienced players. Warhammer is a tabletop miniature wargame where players assemble and paint miniature models representing their armies.
The club will start after school in Term 3 on Wednesdays in B1 with sessions of 90 minutes. The focus of the Warhammer Club is on painting figures rather and not gaming. If you're interested, please contact teacher Sarah Thomas at sarah.thomas@hvhs.school.nz
Students who come along with receive a free model and be introduced to a new hobby.
HVHS Clubs - Coding & Animating Club
The Coding and Animating Club is open to all year levels. It is a space for students of all levels of experience to share ideas and knowledge. Students are welcome to bring their own projects or learn how to code and animate 3D games, multiplayer games, 3D models, and complex animations.
The club runs on Thursday lunchtime in B14. For any questions, please contact Katie Long (Head of Technology Learning Area) at katie.long@hvhs.school.nz
Families with Year 8 Students - Enrol Now for 2025
Enrolments for 2025 are open for in-zone and out-of-zone 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 child as early as possible. This allows us to plan for their learning needs and ensure a smooth transition to high school. An added benefit of enrolling now is that your child will be in the first group to receive the email with subject selections (many subjects have limited spaces).
If you have any questions, please email our Enrolment Coordinator, Lesley Mackay at lesley.mackay@hvhs.school.nz
HVHS Calendar - Upcoming Key Dates & Events
Term 3
Monday 22 July
- First day of Term 3
Monday 29 July
- Year 12 Productions for Classes BE & FY (runs all week)
Wednesday 7 August
- Woburn Apartments Music Concert, Starts 3:30pm
Thursday 8 August
- Otago University Course Planning Session, 9:00am - 11:00am
- Year 9 Disco, 7:30pm - 9:00pm in the HVHS Hall
Monday 12 August
- House Got Talent Competition (runs all week)
Tuesday 13 August
- Whānau Hui, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday 16 August
- StudyLink Presentation, 1:30pm - 2:30pm in the Library
Monday 19 August
- School Musical 'Sweet Dreams' (runs all week)
Tuesday 20 August
- HVHS Board Meeting, 5:30pm-7:30pm, HVHS Boardroom
Wednesday 28 August
- Senior Leaders Sports Exchange, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Thursday 29 August
- Winter Sports Team Photos (all day in the HVHS Hall)
Monday 2 September
- Mid Term Break (School Closed)
- Tongan Language Week
- NZ Secondary School's Winter Sports Tournament Week
Wednesday 4 September
- Otago University Course Planning Session, Second Visit, 9:00am - 11:00am
Tuesday 10 September
- StudyLink, Second Visit for Application Support, 9:00am-11:00am, Library
Wednesday 11 September
- Gateway Graduation Ceremony, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Monday 16 September
- Literacy & Numeracy Testing Week
- 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
Saturday 21 September
- HVHS School Ball, Lower Hutt Events Centre
Monday 23 September
- Year 13 Production for Class FY (runs all week)
Tuesday 24 September
- HVHS Premier Sports Awards, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Thursday 26 September
- Canterbury University Course Planning, 12:30pm-2:30pm in G7
Friday 27 September
- Hikoi for Mental Health event
- Last Day of Term 3
Term 4
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
- Hotuwaipara Awards, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Monday 28 October
- Labour Day (Public Holiday, School Closed)
Tuesday 29 October
- Dance Benefit Event
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 (run till Friday 29 November)
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)
Monday 18 November
- Year 9 Camps (classes scheduled over two school weeks until Friday 29 November)
Wednesday 20 November
- HVHS Board Meeting, 5:30pm - 7:30pm, HVHS Boardroom
Friday 29 November
- Last day of NCEA Exams
Friday 6 December
- Year 11 Prizegiving, 10:00am - 11:00am
- Year 12 Prizegiving, 11:30am - 12:30pm
- Year 13 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
Contact Information
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