HVHS Newsletter

Kia ora koutou e te whānau,

The last term ended with our annual hikoi - and walk for mental health along Te Awakairangi. 150 students volunteered to ‘walk’ 10 km along our beautiful awa for no reason other than taking in the scenery, relaxing and connecting with friends, being active and, for many, trying something new.

The Mental Health Foundation identifies Five Ways to Wellbeing - connecting, giving, taking notice, learning and being active. They strategies help people take care of their mental health and wellbeing. Regularly practising the Five Ways is beneficial for everyone.

Exam time is upon us, and it would make sense for students to plan how to look after their wellbeing. Along with the five ways to wellbeing, I can't stress enough how important it is to make and stick to a study plan. For study tips and tricks, check out the Study It website → for NCEA help from real students and teachers or this one for Exam Preparation → ideas that may help.

If anyone had the privilege of attending this year's World of Wearable Art (WOW) show, you will have enjoyed our former Cultural Leader Jaxson Cook wowing the audience. Pictured below, Jaxson was one of four headlining performers and was outstanding. Anna Flaherty (Head of Performing Arts HVHS ) said, “his stunning voice and beautifully natural, quirky movement style fit that show like a glove".

Ngā mihi nui,

Denise Johnson

This Wednesday (25 October) is a Dance Benefit Showcase. The show is suitable for all ages and runs from 7:30pm - 8:30pm in S1 Theatre. Entry is a $5 koha (donation) with all proceeds going to the Hutt Valley Women's Refuge. Come along and celebrate the talent and hard work of the dancers at HVHS! Doors open at 7:00pm.

The school and the Ministry of Education are hosting a community briefing and Q&A session on Monday 30 October from 5:00pm -7:00pm. This drop-in session is to update the school community and neighbours on the progress, designs, and future property development plans for HVHS. Everyone is welcome to attend. Please drop in anytime between 5:00pm and 7:00pm on Monday 30 October.

Below: Drawing from the HVHS Design Plan for discussion at the community briefing.

During this crucial time of the year, many of our senior students have been busy revising for, and sitting their external exams. The new learning continues for the students in our internal-based senior subjects and our junior students. Our senior electronics classes continue to find creative outlets for their circuit building, senior horticulture students are making good use of the spring rain, while our junior students have been investigating many physics concepts around forces, motion and weight.

Some junior students have opted to extend themselves in science through completing science badges this year. This involves picking a branch of science that interests them and completing a series of set tasks in that field. Priya Silwal (9NSTT) and Aaron Shaji (9NSTT) have both completed an impressive 5 science badges so far this year and will receive a bronze science badge for their efforts. Priya talks about her experiences in completing science badges below:

If you have a deep interest in science and wish to expand your knowledge beyond the limits of your academic curriculum, science badges are an excellent way to do so. I discovered science badges during the first term and have earned six so far.

My first badge was focused on human biology, as I am passionate about understanding the intricacies of the human body. Science badges offer a unique and interactive way to learn about your areas of interest. With a diverse range of topics available, from agriculture to engineering, there's something for everyone.

To begin your journey in earning science badges, all you have to do is approach your science teacher and express your interest. They will then provide you with a list of tasks related to your chosen topic. Each task will have a certain number of stars you will earn on completing it. By earning 20 stars, you will receive a certificate and a science badge to recognise your efforts.

Science badges are an immersive learning experience that enriches your knowledge and encourages you to explore your interests further. The tasks assigned are designed to be fun and interactive, making the learning process not only informative but also enjoyable. By earning each badge, you gain a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue learning. Therefore, I highly recommend science badges to anyone who wants to challenge themselves and discover new aspects of science. Science badges have been a rewarding and enjoyable experience for me, and I hope they will be for you too.

- Priya Silwal (9NSTT)

Students in Year 13

A friendly reminder that the last day of classes for Year 13 students is Friday 27 October. Students in Year 13 will attend spells 1 & 2 on this day. Afterwards, Angus Devine and Teri McMullan (Year 13 Deans) will host a farewell event with a BBQ outside the Front Office at 11:30am. Students in Year 13 will be on exam leave from Monday 30 October.

Students in Years 11-12

The last day of classes for students in years 11-12 is Tuesday 31 October. Students are expected to attend their full day of classes. Students in Years 11-12 will be on exam leave from Wednesday 1 November.

Optional Tutorials for Years 11-13

If students need extra help or support before their end-of-year exams, remember that optional tutorials are available with class teachers at their normal scheduled class times during study leave.

Admissions Slips for NZQA Exams

NCEA exams start on Monday 6 November. Students will receive their exam admission slip and a copy of their timetable this Wednesday (25 Oct) during Mentor Time. It is important that students check that all entries are showing; if not, they need to contact Rob Everett as soon as possible.

The Literacy and Numeracy assessments are being held at school during week 4 on the following days:

• Numeracy on Tuesday 31 October
• Reading on Wednesday 1 November
• Writing on Thursday 2 November

On the above exam days, students will attend the exam with their class at the following times:

• 9:00am- 11:00am for 10 BAPS, BHPL, BKBN, HTMS, HYYU, INJA, KTIC and OAKS
• 11:30am - 1:30pm for 10 BRBU, CRWD, LMMO, MKTJ, SAWL, TWOH and senior students who have been contacted

Students who need to borrow a device will sit their exam in the Library. All other students will complete their exam in the Hall.

Devices & Calculators

Students must bring their own devices for these assessments, including calculators for the numeracy test. Before the exam, we recommend that students check their device has the right operating system, screen resolution and browser to meet the specifications for a digital exam. The specifications are listed on the NZQA website →

If you have any concerns, please contact Rob Everett (Deputy Principal) at rob.everett@hvhs.school.nz

Staff from Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington will be at HVHS this Tuesday (24 Oct) from 1:00pm-3:15pm in the staffroom to help Year 13 students plan their course. Please email Jude Allan at jude.allen@hvhs.school.nz if you have any questions.

Student Results

Congratulations to the following students for their recent successes:

• During the term 3 school holidays, Bree James (13LR) and her New Zealand Girls 17&U Indoor Cricket Team played in the Junior World Cup. Bree's team qualified for the grand final against Australia, narrowly losing to Australia 142-121 and finishing 2nd overall. Bree wrapped up the tournament with awesome results, including 116 runs, a strike rate 114.85 and 10 wickets.
  
• Mila Haami (11GL) competed in the 2023 National NZ Judo Championships Competition at the Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua last Saturday, placing 1st in her weight division.
  
• Alyssha Eglinton (12BQ) and Brooke Neary (11GL) are members of the New Zealand U16 Girls Football Team that has now qualified for the 2024 U17 Girls Football World Cup. The team qualified after beating Fiji in the final Oceania 2023 World Cup qualifying tournament.
• The New Zealand U20 Ultimate Girls and Boys teams competed in Sydney during the school holidays. Representing New Zealand were Tess Gendall (10INJA), Sadie Fleming (10MKTJ), Darren Leishman (11BG), Bianca Philip (10LMMO) and Holly Dungey (12MC). Both teams beat Australia 3 games to nil - a fantastic result.
  
• Jamie Birchler (10LMMO) and Will Browne (10BHPL) competed at the two-day National Mountain Bike Downhill Championships during the school holidays. The challenging course resulted in five broken collar bones. Thankfully, Jamie and Will were unscathed.
  
• Good luck to Jess Young (11CW) competing in the Youth Boulder Nationals this weekend in Auckland.
  
• Nicolas Green (13WR) won the bronze medal in the Australian National Orienteering Championship in the New Zealand Relay Team. Nicolas also placed 4th in the Australian versus New Zealand Schools Competition Sprint event, 4th in the Long Event, and in the top ten for his other events. In the overall competition, New Zealand thrashed Australia.
  

Keeping in Touch

Please help us celebrate our students' sporting successes by emailing sport@hvhs.school.nz with any information and results. We can share any photos on our social media pages. For reminders, news and results follow HVHS Sports on Facebook and Instagram.

Images: Tess Gendall (10INJA), Sadie Fleming (10MKTJ), Darren Leishman (11BG), Bianca Philip (10LMMO) and Holly Dungey (12MC) representing New Zealand in Ultimate, Jamie Birchler (10LMMO) and Will Browne (10BHPL) competing at the National Mountain Bike Downhill Championships and Nicolas Green (13WR) at the Australian National Orienteering Championships.

Enrolments for 2024 in-zone students are open. We ask that parents/caregivers enrol now so that we can plan for their child's learning needs for 2024 and ensure a smooth transition to high school.

A big advantage to enrolling now is that your child will receive an email with subject selections (some subjects have limited spaces). Once your child is enrolled you'll receive a booking time for an Enrolment Conversation. Enrolment Conversations start on Monday 6 November. Early enrolment also ensures families and students are notified of sports trials, as many summer teams trial and start training in December.

All enrolments are completed online, please click on the grey button below. For enrolment enquiries, please contact Lesley Mackay at lesley.mackay@hvhs.school.nz or visit the HVHS website for more information on closing dates. Please note, out-of-zone applications for 2024 for Years 9-13 have now closed.

We're changing to a new school app called SchoolBridge. Downloading the new SchoolBridge app will help keep you informed with alerts & notifications. Parents/caregivers can also report a student's absence using the app, and students can use the app to access their student ID card.

Download the new SchoolBridge App by searching for 'SchoolBridge' on the App Store or Google Play. If you need more information on signing in for the first time, please visit the HVHS website. Also, check out the images below.

Please also delete the old SchoolAppsNZ app. It will no longer be used from 31 October 2023.

As part of the School Board's policy review cycle, the following school policies are open for review: Curriculum and Student Achievement, Student Achievement Information, Student Assessment and Achievement, Home Learning, Distance Learning and Health Education. The close-off date for feedback and input is Wednesday 8 November 2023.

To access the policy reviews: https://www.schooldocs.co.nz/ - search for Hutt Valley High School, and then use the username: hvhs and the password: Adalta

Friday 20 October

• The Hoscars, Hall from 6:30pm to 9:30pm

Monday 23 October

• Labour Day (public holiday, school closed)

Tuesday 24 October

• Year 10 Drama Productions continue (run till Fri 27 Oct)
• Te Herenga Waka Victoria University Course Planning, 1:00pm - 3:30pm, in the staffroom
  

Wednesday 25 October

• HVHS Board Meeting, 5:30-7:30pm
• Dance Benefit Showcase, 7:30-9:00pm

Thursday 26 October

• Te Whānau a Hotuwaipara Awards, 6:00-9:00pm
  

Friday 27 October

• Last Day for Year 13 Students
• Year 13 BBQ, 11:00am-12:00pm

Tuesday 31 October

• Last Day for Year 11 & 12 Students

Friday 3 November

• Non-Uniform Day

Monday 6 November

• NCEA Exams Start (runs till Thurs 30 Nov)
• Year 8 Enrolment Conversations start

Monday 13 November

• Year 9 Camps Start (runs till Fri 24 Nov)

Wednesday 22 November

• HVHS Board Meeting, 5:30-7:30pm

Friday 24 November

• International Students BBQ, 6:30-8:30pm

Friday 1 December

• Non-Uniform Day
• Year 10, 'Big 10' PE Event

Tuesday 5 December

• Postponement Date - Year 10, 'Big 10' PE Event

Wednesday 6 December

• Year 13 Prizegiving, 6:00-8:00pm

Thursday 7 December

• Year 11 Prizegiving, 10:00-11:00am
• Year 12 Prizegiving, 11:30am-12:30pm

Monday 11 December

• Last Day of Classes for Year 9 & 10 Students

Tuesday 12 December

• Year 10 Prizegiving, 9:30-10:30am
• Year 9 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