Hastings Boys' High School

Newsletter 2022 July Volume 5

Farewell Mr Barrett our Deputy Headmaster after 38 years at HBHS

Can I first of all welcome on the stage Mrs Julie Barrett and 2 of Mr Barrett’s sons Jay and Cam, 2 very fine products of our school.

Mr Graeme Barrett our Deputy Headmaster will retire from teaching, leaving behind 38 years of outstanding service. Joining the teaching staff in 1983, Mr Barrett was quickly promoted to Head of Physical Education in 1989, Assistant Principal in 2004 and Deputy Headmaster in 2009. A Deputy Headmaster’s role is a difficult one. Not only are you responsible for the day to day running of the school but also the tone and standards within the school.

Mr Barrett is a quality teacher but equally important a quality person who has worked tirelessly for the students and staff of the school. He is demanding of high standards yet compassionate and caring, where the welfare and learning of our students have been his priority.

Outside the classroom, for every one of his 38 years, Mr Barrett has coached a sports team, most recently volleyball and rugby, a commitment to our school which has not been achieved before.

Mr Barrett, on behalf of the teaching staff, community and the thousands of boys you have taught, our sincere thanks and appreciation for all that you have done, we are a better school and region because of it. We all wish you well in Wanaka and please visit us often as you will always be an important part of our school.

Mr R G Sturch, B.Ed., Dip.Tchg., M.Ed.Admin.(Hons).,
Headmaster

Year 13 History Trip to Waiouru

On the 13th of June the Year 13 History class went on a one night trip to Waiouru to visit the National Army Museum in order to assist with our internal assessment, “investigating battles of significance to New Zealand in World War 1 and World War 2”. Some of the battles chosen included the Battle of Crete, El Alamein, Monte Cassino and Gallipoli. After tackling the Gentle Annie and a lunch stop in Taihape, we arrived at the museum. Our guide Daniel showed us round the museum, giving us quality information on our chosen battles. He then gave us a presentation on the history of weapons during the war, showing us a range of weapons and explaining their advantages and disadvantages, which was definitely a highlight for the boys.

Before heading off to Ohakune and our accommodation, we stopped off at the Tangiwai Memorial Site, a place of historical significance to New Zealand. In 1953 a train disaster caused the loss of 151 people after the Wellington to Auckland express plummeted off a heavily damaged bridge due to a lahar on Christmas Eve 1953. Mr Hill gave us an interesting geological visual consisting of dirt and pebbles, and showed us the site of the tragic train accident, where one of the pieces of the old bridge still remains. We then made the short drive to Ohakune, grabbed some dinner in town before setting up camp at our 5 star accommodation, The Hobbit Motorlodge for the night.

We were up bright and early the next day, and straight back to the museum, after grabbing a quality breakfast of sausages, bacon, toast and hot chips. Daniel took us to the research library, where we researched books on our chosen battle. He also answered questions from the boys relating to their internal assessments. We were also lucky to hear from Captain Miles Houlahan who talked about his position and told us some interesting stories about his career. Finally, we went to the Army base where we learnt about vehicles and tanks used during World War 2, and got to jump in the various tanks, which was definitely a highlight of the trip for me.

We then travelled back to Taihape for some lunch, before heading over the Gentle Annie once more and arriving back at school. The boys learnt a lot during this trip, and it gave us a lot of resources and information towards our internal assessment, as well as being very enjoyable. Thanks to Mr Hill and Mr Crawford for the wonderful driving and organisation of this trip.

Joel van den Hout, 13Br

zoom_out_map

Mr Trent Bray - Licensed Building Practitioner

Mr Bray is the Teacher In Charge of the Building Academy and is a qualified builder. He recently studied and became an LBP (Licensed Building Practioner) so this means all of our work on the build can be signed off with the Council in school by Mr Bray. This is an awesome accomplishment and it means we do not need outside help to get consent and inspections.

zoom_out_map

Carter Ah Kiong - Hip Hop

Carter Ah Kiong 9My is part of a Hip Hop dance club "Mafia".

His group - "The Cartel" has qualified for the World Champs. This means that they are the first Hawke's Bay crew to qualify for HHI Worlds in Arizona Phoenix, USA!

This comes after many hours of blood, sweat and tears.

The club would like to thank everyone who has supported us this far in our journey.

zoom_out_map

Learners Licence

Once a term our local police constable, Senior Constable Chris Leppien comes to Hastings Boys’ High School to tutor and guide students who wish to, and are eligible get their Learners Drivers Licence. She tutors them at school and then takes them to the VTNZ to do their test.

This is such a valuable resource as a number of students find it difficult to navigate the process with sometimes unavoidable hurdles in their path. This way, it is all done at school and under close supervision.

We thank Senior Constable Chris and the New Zealand Police for their support of this programme.

Students can register their interest at the Student Centre.