HVHS Newsletter

Kia ora students, staff and families,

Yesterday, I enjoyed recognising our award winners and sports badge recipients. Instead of our usual assembly, we decided to celebrate in a more personal way. Students were called to my office and presented their awards in front of key staff members. It was really nice to see the Senior Leadership Team office filled with positivity and support as we applauded our hardworking and high-achieving students.

We also enjoyed the Rugby Boys 1st XV traditional game against St Bernard's last week. Tradition was in full display, with our senior players proudly wearing their rugby caps. I watched the game, and it was a hard-fought one with St Bernard's scoring three second-half tries to win 33-7.

Our music students continue to shine brightly. Luke Barlow (13RS) has been captivating audiences with his performances, earning well-deserved accolades. The Virtuoso Strings Octet, featuring Luke on piano, is performing at the National Final of the Chamber Music Contest tonight at the Michael Fowler Centre. Deputy Principal, Grace Wright said the level of this event is such that you will be astounded that these are just high school students. Every performer and every group is phenomenal. The National Finals start at 6:30pm tonight.

Most recently, Ezekiel Fata Meafou's (13JD) exceptional talent landed him in the top 20 in Tangata Beats. His achievement will be further celebrated as he gets the opportunity to professionally record one of his songs.

Pictured: Tangata Beats names Ezekiel as one of their Top 20 musicians for 2024.

Our Ultimate Frisbee U20 New Zealand representatives have just returned from London, where the women's team achieved a commendable 5th place. Four current students and several former students were part of this team.

On Wednesday, we were thrilled to welcome Monique Anderson as our new Head of Languages. She brings a wealth of experience from her work at the Ministry of Education, where she contributed to the development of NCEA and curriculum. Her previous teaching experience in Manawatū and Auckland has prepared her well for this role. We are excited to have her join our wonderful Languages Learning Area.

Another highlight from last week was Clara Delgado Socarras (13JM) speaking at the Hutt City Council's Mayoral Welcome about her experiences as a Hutt Valley High School international student. Clara was one of our international students who completed a year at HVHS; she is now back home in Germany.

Pictured: HVHS international student Clara Delgado Socarras (13JM) with Mayor Campbell Barry.

Our international programme is flourishing, with a wide range of students from over ten countries being cared for by wonderful host families, many of whom are parents of the school. Thanks for your support and helping make this programme so successful.

Looking ahead, the Year 9 Disco is this Thursday (8th August). Organised by our Junior School Leaders, Josh Goodfellow (13JM) and Clara Archibald (13JM) and our Liaison Leaders, the disco, with its pyjama theme, will be held from 7:30pm to 9:00pm. Tickets cost just $5 and are available at the Resource Centre (upstairs in the library).

Congratulations to all our award recipients and talented students. We appreciate your dedication and hard work. Enjoy the disco Year 9.

Ngā mihi nui,

Denise Johnson, Principal

HVHS's annual talent competition is in week 4 (starting 12 August). To sign up, complete the Google form that was emailed to all students.

Participation points will be awarded to your house, and you can earn bonus points if you perform on stage in your house colour! Don't miss this chance to take the stage for your house!

Thanks to Pukeariki House Leader, Kitty Wood (13WR) for the poster.

Tickets for Year 9 Disco are selling fast so make sure you head to the Resource Centre quickly to buy your $5 tickets! Get your finest pair of PJs and dance moves ready!

When: Thursday 8th August
Where: School Hall
Wear: Pyjamas
Cost: Tickets are $5, available to buy from the Resource Centre (upstairs in the library)

Nighty night, sleep tight, for now. See you next Thursday!

2024 has been a busy year in the English Department. Like every kura in New Zealand, we have spent the first half of the year working through revised Curriculum documents, new assessments, and piles of marking. However, like many of our colleagues, we have also had the privilege of working with an amazing group of students and being exposed to the wide range of opinions held by our ākonga.

The English leadership team has also had a refresh, with Derek Wood taking over as Head of the Learning Area (HOLA) English after the departure of Mark Houghton. Derek was Assistant HOLA in 2023. He has been ably supported by Corey Spence and Genevieve Hanify, who have both been appointed to permanent Assistant HOLA roles.

In addition to our new leadership, we also have exciting new additions to the department. We would like to welcome all of the babies recently born: Koetsu (Shaun McRoberts), Kora (Esther Cardwell), Remy (Sara Pollard), and Bodhi (Brooke Hall-Jones). Our support and aroha to all of you.

One exciting initiative that has been set up in 2024 is a new writing competition. Last term, we issued a wero and invited students to submit a piece of writing on any topic, in any style. We received a huge amount of interest, and some stunning pieces of work were submitted. The winners below are a perfect showcase of the depth of talent we have at HVHS:

Junior Category - Years 9 and 10

• Best Piece, Overall: Cora Coughlan (10NSTT)

• Best Opening: Oxie Taylor (10PDHA)

• Most Original Concept: Rameen Adeel (9HFGO)

• Most Compelling Use of Language: Priya Silwal (10NSTT)

Intermediate Category - Year 11

• Best Piece, Overall: Kaitoro Walker (11MO)

• Best Opening: Katrina Schaff-Ede (11BH)

• Most Original Concept: Juliet Evans (11AD)

• Most Compelling Use of Language: Giselle Charleson (11MO)

Senior Category - Years 12 and 13

• Best Piece, Overall: Māia Waldegrave (12BG)

• Best Opening: Holly MacKenzie 12GA)

• Most Original Concept: Rio Salisbury-Metcalfe (13LA)

• Most Compelling Use of Language: Ada Kiddle (12RB)

Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to offer a diverse range of interest-driven English courses to cater to our students' varied interests. These include Year 11 courses in English through Exercise, English through Myths, Magic and Monsters, and Te Awakairangi, our sustainability-themed course. We are also thrilled to introduce a new Year 12 NCEA Level 2 course, English through Hip Hop. This course will encourage students to think critically about the content, themes, and issues encompassed in one of the world’s most popular genres.

As we head towards the rest of the year, it is important that senior students begin their studies for the exams now. As we have already covered half of the content needed, making time for some revision each night is the best way to guarantee success.

The chopper screams in the sky and blankets the unusual heartstopping shrieks of the kererū. They scatter the sky with green and grey from their feathered figures. I wouldn't be surprised if the leaves lifted off their Pūriri branches to join in the search for safety. Instead, they cling like me. My filthy hair is whipping my face as the chopper nears. This cluster of trees gives a nice, thick canopy of leaves to ensure my invisibility from above. I hope. I grip even more firmly to the branch which still seems promising of holding on to its trunk. My thoughts desert my mind as the massive, metallic beast is hovering above the trees which are hiding my view. Retired, dry leaves at my feet levitate and lash bark in my direction. After a minute or so the helicopter clears off, leaving the ground to stop trembling and the hum of the monster to fade. I know it will be back, like a honey bee to a flower. Pacing back and forth, hungrily searching for the perfect blossom to pollinate. Or to recapture its fleeing prey.

Learn from your mistakes. God, I won’t make this same one again. The wind whistles through unprotected gaps in the floorboards. Unbearable silence rings in my ears and my footsteps ricochet off the walls. I wish the oak surface I stand on will open and swallow me; take me to the place where they've stolen my Whānau. Emotion bubbles in my stomach, and I search every individual wrecked room. I feel anger, worry and most of all, anxiety. My inner mind is absorbed with infinite darkness. They aren’t here like I told them to be. Like they should be. To the body of anxiety, my smoothie of hatred, discomfort and fear; I have no more strength to push you off that cliff anymore. I am shattered glass. You bring no relief, just a sturdy fist to break me from my pain. My hurt is turning to hatred. My skipped heartbeat is coming back, It has duplicated. My heart is a galloping creature. I will find my family and when I do I will make you plunge off that ledge, Anxiety. I will let you fall into the space of ‘no more. I will do so with force and power and muscle because you will be my loser. I will make sure you’re lost and never found by me again. That's a promise I plan to embrace till I fulfill it.

Otago University is asking for applications from students (who will be in Year 12 or 13 in 2025) interested in the opportunity to experience life at Otago for a week in January that runs from Sunday 12 to Friday 17 January 2025.

Check out this link otago.ac.nz/hands-on-at-otago for information and how to apply. Students are encouraged to put time and effort into their applications and explain why they should be offered a place. Applications close at midnight on Thursday, 8 August 2024.

For any questions, please contact Head of Careers and Transitions, Jude Allen at jude.allen@hvhs.school.nz

Senior students and parents are welcome to read the 'Leaving School' magazine.

The magazine is available to all high school students and is designed to helpful information on life after school, future study, apprenticeships, interviews, KiwiSaver and joining the workforce. Senior students may find the profiles on student's courses and careers particularly helpful to read.

Click here to read Issue 30 - www.oliverlee.co.nz/leavingschool-issue30

- Elena Prado (Languages Teacher)

Twenty-four Spanish students from Year 12 and Year 13 and three teachers missed the last week of Term 2 at school, and instead… they went to Spain! It has been the trip of a lifetime. The many awesome experiences they had, and the ones that challenged them to find a way through.

We spent one week in each of the cities of Madrid and Barcelona and a day trip to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Homestay was the accommodation type arranged for students, and it provided them with a more tangible reality of what it means to live in Spain by staying in different households and suburbs and interacting with their hosts. Students had to be independent and manage their way to the language academy and back to their homestays using the Metro and or buses. Outside the comfort zone experiences that students faced and conquered.

Pictured: HVHS students visiting Toledo, Spain

From Monday to Friday, students attended two hours of Spanish lessons a day in a language academy, and they received a certificate for the completion of the course. In the afternoons, they would all go for long walks around town, exploring the many sites that are relevant to Hispanic culture and history. Guided city walking tours, museums, churches, restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, art galleries, parks, vibrant big markets of all kinds, flamenco show, El Corte Inglés (malls), Gaudi’s architecture, volleyball playing, window shopping and plenty of real shopping!

And, of course…Barceloneta Beach with its busy ambience and warm Mediterranean Sea. Students also found many new food flavors to taste, and a few ice creams were consumed to cool themselves down in the hot Spanish summer.

Everyone got a bit of that Mediterranean sun-kissed glow that is already disappearing back into the New Zealand winter. The memories, however, will stay strong and keep them cheerful in the hope of many other adventurous trips to come. ¡Viva el español!

- Rob King (Head of Pathways Learning Area)

The National Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge (NSSCC) is a nationwide cooking competition for high school students that showcases the nation’s best young chefs.

Hutt Valley High's own Ethan Poynter (13LG) recently competed in the regionals, where he was tasked with showcasing a New Zealand-grown vegetable in an entrée; this year, it was parsnip.

Ethan partnered with Brodie Higgens from his Trades Academy course to create a parsnip

and blue cheese mousseline in a walnut shell, with a fennel salad and raspberry pickled

parsnip (pictured), scoring him 99/100 points. Ethan and his partner Brodie won the Regionals competing against the best culinary students from schools in Wellington, Wairarapa and Kāpiti Coast areas.

On Wednesday, August 28, Ethan and Brodie fly to Auckland to compete in the Nationals. They have 80 minutes to cook four portions each of the parsnip entrée and a chicken-based main in front of a live audience.

Homework Club is for students who don’t speak English at home. It offers assistance and support with school assignments and homework.

Homework Club runs every Wednesday from 3:15pm to 5:15pm in the Library at Hutt Valley High School. This club is open to all high school students (Years 9-13), all subjects, and all levels. Students simply need to bring their homework and snacks are also provided.

This Club is run by KiwiClass, an organisation dedicated to helping former refugees and new migrants in the Wellington region. Homework Club is free to attend.

For more information or any questions on Homework Club please email Jamie Casley (Literacy Coordinator) at jamie.casley@hvhs.school.nz

Australian Youth Fencing Championships

Congratulations to Samuel Li (9OADS), who attended the Australia Youth Fencing Championship in Sydney. Samuel placed 3rd in the Individual U15 Foil, an amazing result against tough Australian competition.

Badminton New Zealand Championships

During the school holidays, Aaron Chong (12RI) and Arhit Acharyya (13FL) travelled to Palmerston North with their teammates to compete in the New Zealand Junior Teams Championships. Their Manager and Coach both commented how super proud they were of how well the team played. This is the first time the Hutt Valley Boys U19 Team have played in Division 1 at the National Championships.

U16 Wellington Rugby Representatives

It is fantastic to see four HVHS players named in the U16 Wellington Rugby representatives squads: Connar Gregor (11MO) and Matiu Lowrie-Ronson (12NB) in the U16 Black Squad, Keelan Amopiu (11KG), and Leo van Krimpen (12AN) in the U16 White.

New Zealand Secondary Schools Swimming Championships

The event was held in Auckland from 25 to 28 July at the National Aquatic Centre. HVHS was represented by Millie Sampson (12SM), Hannah Sampson (10MVVY), Oxie Taylor (10PDHA), and Daniel Williams (13JD).

Over 600 of New Zealand's top age group swimmers attended, with HVHS's swimmers performing exceptionally well. Special mention to Hannah Sampson (10MVVY), who claimed two national titles in the 100m and 200m Breaststroke, and Daniel Williams, who won a national title in the 200m Backstroke.

Top 20 finishes at NZ Swimming Championships:

• Daniel Williams (13JD) in the 17 & 18 year age group placed 1st in 200m Backstroke, 2nd in 100m Backstroke and the 200m Individual Medley, 4th in 50m Backstroke, 6th in 50m Freestyle and 7th in 100m Freestyle.
• Hannah Sampson (10MVVY) in the 14-year age group placed 1st in 200m Breaststroke and 100m Breaststroke, 2nd in the 100m Butterfly, 6th in 50m Breaststroke and 50m Butterfly and 16th in the 100m Freestyle.
  
• Millie Sampson (10MVVY) in the 16-year age group, placed 7th in 50m Breaststroke, 17th in 50m Backstroke and 18th in the 100m Individual Medley.
• Oxie Taylor (10PDHA) also in the 14-year age group placed 10th in 200m Breaststroke and 17th in the 50m Breaststroke.

Orienteering Nationals 2024

Over the last weekend of the school holidays, fifteen HVHS students participated in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Orienteering Nationals, which were held in the Wellington region with over 300 competitors.

The team had a really good time braving muddy conditions and rain. For many students, it was the first time they had participated in a national event or experienced a sand dune forest. The whole event was a new experience, especially the relay on Sunday. Everyone did really well, especially our Junior Boys relay team of Ferghus Smith (9SRDL), Nicholas McKenzie (9ICLI) and Ethan Gould (9BQMA) who placed 3rd. Jonathan Green (13CN), in the Senior Boys category, had two top 8 placings in the Sprint and Long events.

The sprint took place on Friday at Kāpiti College in fine weather. But Saturday, the Long Course was in a pine forest at Waitārere and it rained the whole day. It was challenging for many of our students, but they learnt a lot, and are excited for the next big event.

Ngā mihi,

Kristi, Dan, Sarah & Finn

Every year we see a number of students who are coming to school who haven't had breakfast and are without kai for the day. This year is no exception. Some of the charities that have provided support for students in the past are no longer able to provide this service and we are reaching out to our school community to see if this is something you as a whānau would like to help with.

Donations of grab-and-go foods such as muesli bars, spreads for sandwiches or anything that fills a hungry tummy would be greatly appreciated. Families are welcome to drop any donations at the School Office anytime from 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday during term time.

Please contact Claire Ross (claire.ross@hvhs.school.nz ) from our Wellbeing Team if you would like to help.

Winter sports team photos are scheduled for Thursday 29 August. A few reminders for students that will help the day run smoothly:

1. Arrive at the Hall ten minutes before your team photo is scheduled.
   
2. Bring your winter sports uniform or if you have returned please wear your full school uniform and tie.
   
3. Bring any team medals or trophies from the season.
   

This term, we are reviewing the following policies: Concerns and Complaints, Media, Performance Management, Professional Development, Protected Disclosure, Staff Conduct and Staff Leave.

The School Board welcomes feedback and input from the school community on these policies. To read the policies visit https://www.schooldocs.co.nz/, search for 'Hutt Valley High School', enter the username 'HVHS' and the password 'Adalta'. The close-off date for feedback is Friday, 30 August.

Open to all HVHS students and teachers, free beginner Hindi classes start this Monday, 5 August after school in D1 . The details:

• Where: Room D1
• When: Mondays from 3:30 to 4:30 PM
• 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. Students are also welcome to visit the English Language Office on the first floor of D Block.

A Warhammer Club has started 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 runs on Wednesdays in B1 after school with sessions of 90 minutes. Students who come along with receive a free model and be introduced to a new hobby.

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

- Christine Barnett, PPFA

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the HVHS Past Pupils and Friends Association (PPFA) is scheduled for Monday 12 August at 5:30 PM. The meeting will take place upstairs in the staffroom at HVHS.

Agenda items include:

1. Proposed plans for the 100th Celebrations in 2026.

2. PPFA's financial contribution for the 100th.

3. Discussion on the winding-up of the PPFA after the 100th.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

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 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

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
• NZ Blood visiting HVHS, 10:00am-3:00pm

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, 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

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

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

Thursday 24 October

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

Monday 28 October

• Labour Day (Public Holiday, School Closed)

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 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