Kia ora e te whānau,
As we approach the end of what has been a busy and rewarding term, Term 1 assessments have concluded for students, but the marking efforts for staff are likely just beginning. Thanks to all our students, staff, and whānau for your ongoing support, hard work, and commitment. This term has been filled with learning, growth, and achievements.
The past few weeks have seen busy days in Outdoor Education, accompanied by long nights in tents for PE staff, attempting to get exhausted but excited Year 11 PE students to sleep. Additionally, summer sports coaches have had lengthy days leading and managing teams of athletes through challenging and demanding tournaments. I especially wish these staff a restful term break!
I’m pleased to share that Hutt Valley High School will be represented at the Hutt City ANZAC Day Service by our Head Students - an honour that reflects the values and leadership we nurture in our school.
This past week, our incredible 2025 Service Leaders, Ray Moo (13JD) & Caitlin Grove (13JD), organised and rallied the team for Relay for Life – a powerful event that brings communities together to honour cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and raise vital funds for cancer research and support services. A huge thank you to them, to our senior students, and to Tim Fox for giving up 24 hours of their time for this important cause. When I checked today, our school's team had raised $30,581.49, smashing through their original target of $10,000! Your commitment, energy, and teamwork made a real impact, and we’re so proud of everyone who took part. Together, you walked, you supported, and you made a difference.
Please don't pick up or drop off students in the staff car park. Space is very limited, and parent/caregiver cars further restrict access. We need to ensure that over 2,000 students and staff can safely move around the school grounds and that mobility vans transporting students with additional needs can safely use the staff car park. Construction is also underway, reducing the available space in the staff car park. We appreciate your cooperation.
If the Office has contacted you to collect your unwell student during the school day, please continue using the visitor car parking spaces.
On Tuesday of Week 10, a group of 13 talented actors represented our kura at the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand's Regional Shakespeare Festival. Their performance of Henry IV Part 1 was a standout of the evening, earning them the award for “Outstanding Performance in a Comedy”. After six weeks of dedicated rehearsal, their hard work paid off, making the kura incredibly proud.
Congratulations to Ella Bruce (12WD), Violet Chai (12PL), Ava Collier (13GA), Celeste de Koning (12BN), Emily Devine (12PL), Violet Edwards (13RB), Livi McElhinney (12WD), Ryan Parks (12WL), Devon Reddaway (13JD), Zoe Sammons (13LR), Krisha Suresh (11BB), Ruby-Jean Willis (13LR) and Oscar Young (12TW).
Thank you to all the students and staff who supported our Junior Spelling Bee yesterday at lunchtime – it was a great turnout! Congratulations to our winner, Amelie Black (10TUTS), who impressed the audience by correctly spelling the word zeitgeist.
Well done also to our runners-up, Melody Hoang-Coelho (9DMST) and Jessica Chan (9WMCE), who both tied for second place. Ka pai to all the participants who gave it a go!
Image (left to right): Amelie Black (10TUTS), Jessica Chan (9WMCE), and Melody Hoang-Coelho (9DMST).
Congratulations to all the finalists in this year’s Senior Speech Competition, who delivered thoughtful and engaging speeches on a range of topics. Each speech was 4–6 minutes long, giving students the opportunity to explore an idea they were passionate about.
This year’s finalists and their topics were:
-
Livi McElhinney (12WD) – How Not to Rob a Bank
- Minara Dadallagei (12AL) – Happiness
- Myumi Peiris (12BH) – The Purpose of Speech
- Priya Silwal (11NS) – Social Media and Mental Health
- Siân Roberts (12BN) – The Issues with Fast Fashion
- Toby Ireland (13CS) – Social Model of Disability
- Vihini Abayarathna (12KT) – How to Stop Fear Taking Control
We're excited to share that 1st place went to Minara Dadallagei (12AL), 2nd place to Myumi Peiris (12BH), and 3rd place to Toby Ireland (13CS). Well done to all our students who took part!
- by Teram Manze (10GSSP)
What is a dumpling? This is the topic we are going to cover in a University of Melbourne Mathematics workshop this Thursday evening. I imagine that even in Australia, they do know what a dumpling is, although we did have to upload photos of dumplings before the workshop, so maybe not?
I've already learnt that momos, sui mai and samosas are all types of dumplings (and look delicious). I also convinced my parents to cook dumplings for dinner, as part of my preparation of course, so that was a good start. I will join a group of students from inside and outside Australia for a workshop that sounds exciting, fun, and perhaps a little strange.
Background Information
Teram Manze (10GSSP) and Alex Curwen (10KVPI) are participating in Micro Mathematicians, an enrichment program run by the University of Melbourne. This program is designed for advanced students in Years 9-10 who have an interest in mathematics beyond the classroom. We’ll keep you posted on the dumplings/math connections!
- Visit the Tuckr website and select 'Hutt Valley High School'
- Order cutoff - Place your order by 9am on the day or pre-order up to two weeks in advance
- Menu options - Choose from a range of delicious options, including pitas, main meals, snacks and sides, sweet treats, and drinks.
A link to the Tuckr webpage for pre-ordering is available on the SchoolBridge App and via the Quicklinks section on the HVHS website.
Congratulations to William Sanders (10TUTS) and Abby Begbie (10CNPA) for completing their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award! We've had lots of students expressing interest in starting their Duke of Edinburgh journey. If you'd like to learn more about the programme at HVHS, click here
For those already working towards their award, don’t forget to check out the Clubs and Groups page , on the HVHS website - many of these activities can count towards your Skill or Service sections. For any questions, please contact Sarah Coales (Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator) at sarah.coales@hvhs.school.nz
Renee Simanu (Youth Worker, Te Puna Waiora) and Whaea Krystal (Kaiako – Te Ao Māori, Te Ao Haka & Languages) have an incredible opportunity to compete on the international stage with Pacific Connection this July!
To help fund their trip to the International Barbershop Convention in Denver, USA, they are hosting a movie night featuring the documentary The Haka Party Incident.
📅 Monday, 14 April
⏰ 7:45 PM
📍 Lighthouse Cinema, Petone
🎟️ Tickets: $25
Snacks and drinks will be provided! If you'd like to support them and enjoy a fantastic documentary, email Renee at renee.simanu@hvhs.school.nz to purchase a ticket.
Aroha tino nui!
Each year, we see students arriving at school who haven't had breakfast and are without kai for the day, and this year is no exception. Unfortunately, some of the charities that previously provided support are no longer able to do so. As a result, we are reaching out to our school community to see if whānau can help.
Donations of spreads for sandwiches, grab-and-go foods such as muesli bars and food items students can easily put in their school bags would be greatly appreciated. If you’re unsure what to donate, grocery vouchers are also a fantastic way to contribute. If you’d like to help, please contact Claire Ross (Head of Wellbeing) at claire.ross@hvhs.school.nz
A special thank you to Bea DnD Games, who have made the Dungeons & Dragons/Magic the Gathering Club possible, helping at least 50 students per week.
There is also a student discount available, which will help the super-friendly staff find your next hobby! Bea Dnd Games is at 199 Jackson Street in Petone, or you can visit their website by clicking here.
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