HVHS Newsletter
Week 2, Term 4 - Friday, 17 October, 2025
Kia ora koutou,
It’s a real pleasure to be back on campus after the privilege of a term’s sabbatical. I return feeling refreshed, and grateful that I live in New Zealand. I missed the bush clad hills, the fresh rivers, my garden and backyard. Tower blocks of dense housing was the norm overseas.
During my sabbatical, I had the privilege of travelling and immersing myself in food, language, environments, cultures and communities different to my own. I am not a hotel kind of traveller - preferring to stay in local accommodations with local people. On my travels I’m always struck by how similar we all are, despite our differences. Family and a sense of belonging are fundamental wherever I go. I am always humbled by travel and reminded that I am just a wee speck in the world and that some of the things we fuss and worry about pale in significance to those living in less fortunate countries.
I also visited several schools in South Chicago - those schools while familiar to our own once inside the classroom watching 30 teenagers tackling Maths problems, were worlds away from HVHS. All students and staff passed through the one entrance door to the school, which itself was surrounded by high fences. Once in the door we passed through metal detectors, and around security guards and that was after being reminded to not bring guns onto the campus. No one walks to school because the neighborhood is not safe. I had the opportunity to chat with some senior students - they had the same dreams for their futures as HVHS students - one wanted to be an engineer, one a barber and one a basketball superstar. But what struck me was their desire to attend school and learn. The barriers they needed to overcome to achieve their goals were immense.
We are incredibly fortunate in Aotearoa. Free access to education, safe schools, and endless choices. No metal detectors. No roving security guards, and we can still walk to school. While I was away, the school ran incredibly smoothly - just as I expected. I want to extend my sincere thanks to the Senior Leadership Team, especially Tim Fox and Fiona Pearson. Their leadership, care, and professionalism ensured continuity and calm, and I’m deeply appreciative.
Congratulations to those students that sat their online Co-requisite Assessments for the first time last term. The Reading test results are now out - nearly 85% of the year 10s that sat it, passed, which is brilliant. 97% of our year 13 students have attained the Literacy requirements for NCEA. The results for the Numeracy and the Writing tests will be released on Monday afternoon. Students are encouraged to use their NZQA password to check results from 3pm onwards to see how well they have done. Thanks to the staff who facilitated this big event.
I took my Mum to the Year 13 Drama performance last night, and it was a hit! The play (pictured) was set in a retirement village, which was especially fun since she lives in one herself up in Napier. She was laughing and nudging me through the whole thing, clearly seeing bits of her own life on stage. You can't beat it when the students' creativity hits so close to home for someone in the audience. Well done to our Drama team.
Ngā mihi nui,
Denise Johnson, Principal | Tumuaki
Below are helpful reminders for students undertaking NCEA exams in November:
- Exam timetable & start times - You can view the timetable by clicking here. Students need to be ready at their exam venues at least 15 minutes before your exam starts. Please note that NCEA exams are not impacted by proposed PPTA strike action, this was incorrectly reported in the media.
- Exam venues - Exam locations will be posted at outside the School Office and V9 (Examination Centre Manager's Office).
- Admission slips - No admission slip, no entry! If you don’t have your admission slip or have misplaced it, visit the Student Reception as soon as possible to get a new one reprinted.
- Need a device for a digital exam? Please email Katie Long (Head of Learning Area - Technology/ Principal’s Nominee NZQA) at katie.long@hvhs.school.nz with the name of the exam, date and time you need a device for.
What you can/can't bring to NCEA exams - You can bring a clear drink bottle, and blue and black pens. You are not allowed to bring phones, watches, calculator covers, or your own paper.
- Non-uniform is allowed for students during their NCEA exams.
- Reminders for numeracy exams - Students are required to bring a ruler and a calculator. If a student needs to borrow a calculator, please see the Maths Learning Area for assistance. Any calculator on NZQA's Approved Calculator List may be used.
- myNZQA Account - If your exam involves using a device, ensure you’ve logged into your myNZQA account ahead of time to ensure your device is working correctly (if needed).
- Reminders for digital exams - Students need to turn off the following: screen savers, update notifications, pop-ups and VPN. If students are not sure if their device passes the NZQA Digital Device Check - click here for more information.
- Special Assessment Conditions (SAC) - For students with special assessment conditions please follow the instructions sent from the Learning Support team, and ensure you have joined the 2025-SAC Google Classroom.
For any unexpected events that disrupt your ability to take an exam or that have impacted your exam performance, e.g. illness or emergency, please email Katie Long at katie.long@hvhs.school.nz as soon as possible to start the Derived Grade Exams process.
- by Jon Nash (Head of Learning Area - Maths)
Helprooms
We are now at the pointy end of the year for many of our students. Derived Grade Exams have happened and the world of tutorials and helprooms awaits the returning seniors. The regular Wednesday Maths Helproom will continue to run, extra Year 10 helprooms are running on Friday mornings for students attempting the Level 1 1.4 exam, and the Pavilion (pictured) is booked for the usual two week drop-in sessions from Tuesday 28 October.
Recent CAA Exams
For our students who recently attempted the Numeracy Common Assessment Activity (CAA), the results are due on Monday 20 October. Fingers crossed that the students sitting this experience similar levels of success to the first sitting this year. We gained a record pass rate of 72% for our Year 10 students who sat in Term Two and we are hoping to raise that to over 80% with attempt two. Success in the CAA is a big hurdle for many of our learners and removing that barrier is a hugely positive experience.
Junior Students
Our junior students are deep in their study of algebra, this is a hugely important area of mathematics that students too often fail to see the importance of. Its abstract nature often leads to the "When will I use this in real life?" question which Maths teacher know and love. The answer is often that you won't directly but it is fostering a logical, analytical, problem-solving mentality that is crucial for higher level mathematical and scientific thinking which is vital in STEMM subjects.
HVHS Accelerated Pathway
Finally, a 'tip of the hat' to the students on the accelerated pathway. We currently have six students studying the University of Canterbury's MAT199 paper as distance learning students, thirty-three Year 12 students are studying Level 3 NCEA Calculus a year ahead of time, thirty-five Year 11 students are studying Level 2 Calculus and Algebra a year early, and we have ninety-one Year 10 students attempting to join that pathway in 2026.
For any questions on the Maths Learning Area please email me at jon.nash@hvhs.school.nz
Panda Perfect barbershop quartet performed at the Young Singers in Harmony National Final Wednesday 17 September, Week 10 Term 3 at Lower Hutt Town Hall.
Competing in the Upper Voice category, our four singers, Giselle Charleson (12MO), Jesusa Calasara (11TI), Charmie Calasara (13RO) and Violet Edwards (13RB) showcased their passion and skill of this complex and challenging singing style. The two pieces performed, Orange coloured sky and When I leave the world behind scored them superb marks in their category.
Thank you to David Brooks (Director) for coaching this year. Support from parents and HVHS staff is also greatly appreciated for our students to attend these events.
If you are interested in joining a barbershop quartet or chorus in 2026 check out music page on the school website for rehearsal venues and times.
Photo Credit - Justine Hall Imagery @JustineHallVisual
KiwiRail has let us know that renewal works on the Ava Rail Bridge will begin over Labour Weekend, starting Saturday 25 October. As part of these works, the walkway on the bridge will be closed to pedestrians while the sleepers that support it are replaced.
Students should plan their travel to and from school with this closure in mind. The new shared-use bridge is expected to open to the public by mid-2026. Keep up to date on progress at: hutt.city/ava
Article by Alan Cathro (Teacher of Art History and Art)
Art History is a knowledge rich subject and it is through looking at artworks that students gain an awareness and understanding of the ideas, values and beliefs that make up our world today. Artists are influenced by place and time. Through research and discussion students are able to learn about the ideas that transform societies, such as reactions to the horrors of war, the machine age and the impact of mass media.
It is a context based subject and requires students to engage and interact with art objects of international significance; Art History connects New Zealand to the rest of the world. Students are challenged to think critically and personally in expressing responses that take a position and argue various points of view. It enriches critical thinking skills. Art History at school also allows students to see that there are viable pathways into the creative industries both in New Zealand and overseas.
Our students' experiences studying Art History:
- ‘...encourages a deeper way of creative thinking and strengthens the ability to find connections in visual texts.’ (Grace)
- ‘I found the subject allowed me to gain a level of critical and analytical skill when analysing visual media I had never had before.’ (Ava)
- ‘Art History is not only the study of art, but an exploration into the human psyche itself.’ (Hazel)
- ‘Art History teaches us how art reflects societal changes throughout history.’ (Grace, Kezia & Teegan)
- ‘We explore how art is used as a language.’ (Grace, Kezia & Teegan)
- ‘Knowledge is power. Without Art History, there is a significantly large gap in the education and understanding accessible to students.’ Henley
- ‘It provides important context to historical events, art movements, and insights into how they affected people both as communities and as individuals.’ (Henley)
- ‘It taught me how to understand different cultures, think critically about visual information and to appreciate how creativity and ideas have shaped our cultural history.’ (Aly)
Artwork Image: Rita Angus, Cass, 1936, Oil on Canvas, Recently Voted New Zealand's Favourite Painting
It was great to see former HVHS student Dylan Yu featured in the latest issue of Leaving School magazine. Dylan shares his journey from HVHS to his recent qualification as an electrician.
Dylan said, "You feel super-satisfied when you finish a project. It is also cool to see customers happy after you have fixed their problems". Dylan's long term plans are: "I want to travel and would like to do electrical work overseas, then I'd like to come back and look to start my own business".
A printed copy of Leaving School magazine is distributed to our senior students. to To read Leaving School magazine's online copy click here, and go to page 18 to learn more about electrical trade careers and Dylan's story.
As students begin planning for tertiary study in 2026, and with the recently reported meningococcal cases in NZ, we would like to remind those intending to live in Hall accommodation next year that they are eligible to receive two free meningococcal vaccines (MenQuadfi and Bexsero) to protect them against this serious disease. They are eligible 3 months before they move into the accommodation.
No appointment is necessary — simply visit us at Wellworks Pharmacy, 135 Witako Street for more information or to receive your free vaccination or phone 04 555 0070.
Australian Orienteering Championships
Jacob Williams (10GSSP) competed in the Australian Orienteering Champs over the school holidays, where he was part of the New Zealand Secondary Schools team. This was action packed with 8 events over our 12 day competition.
Jacob performed extremely well, even with what turned out to be the flu with his best individual performances including12th in Sprint event and 14th in the Long event. Jacob's New Zealand Junior Boy's Team also managed a 3rd place in the Relay event. Jacob was also awarded Sportsperson of the Year by the New Zealand Orienteering Team for his sportsmanship over the Southern Cross Challenge Series.
- Molly Carson (10CNPA)
- Ferghus Smith (10SRBZ)
NEW! Year 9 Camp Qualifies as an Adventurous Journey
If your student is considering undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, or has already started they can use the Year 9 camp to meet the requirements of their adventurous journey.
To learn more about the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, please click here or for any questions, please email Sarah Coales, HVHS's Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator at sarah.coales@hvhs.school.nz.
We understand how costly calculators can be for families. To help with this, the Maths Learning Area is trialling a new initiative offering discounted calculators through the Resource Centre. All models available to purchase are NZQA-approved.
Available to purchase:
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fx-9750GII (refurbished, 1-year warranty) – $87
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fx-9750GIII (new, 1-year warranty) – $111
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fx-82AU PLUS II 2nd edition (new, 1-year warranty) – $46
The fx-9750GII and fx-9750GIII are graphics calculators, recommended for students in Years 11–13, and the fx-82AU PLUS II is a scientific calculator suitable for Years 9–10 (not suitable for Years 11–13).
During the school term, the Resource Centre is open Monday to Thursday, 11:00am to 2:30pm and closed on Fridays. Please note that the Resource Centre is closed during the upcoming school holidays. Stock is limited for this trial, but more will be purchased if there is demand.
All of our violins are currently being hired by students, and we already have a waiting list for lessons starting in 2026. Do you have a violin at home that needs to be played? We welcome all violins, even those needing repair or restringing.
Donated violins can be dropped off at the School Office, open 8am–4pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. For any questions, please email Jhan Lindsay (Itinerant Music Programme / Performing Arts Coordinator / Music Teacher) at music@hvhs.school.nz.
If you noticed a school item was missing during the school holidays, our Lost property is still overflowing with unnamed items we’d like to return to their student owners. These include glasses, hoodies/sweatshirts, lunchboxes, jackets, jewellery, shoes, t-shirts, and water bottles.
We encourage parents and caregivers to remind their students to stop by and check if they are missing any school items. Students can check lost property at the Student Reception in the School Office between 8:45am and 3:30pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. Any unclaimed items at the end of the term will be donated to a local charity.
An online lost property form is also available for students (and parents/caregivers) to complete when an item has been misplaced. Click here to access the form, which is also available on Google Classroom for students.
Now’s the perfect time to get their enrolment sorted and tick it off your to-do list! This term, we’re holding Enrolment Conversations with enrolled Year 8 students and their families to help us plan for their smooth transition to high school. Subject selections for 2026 are also open and some options have limited spaces, so enrolling early ensures your child doesn’t miss out. Once enrolled, families will also receive information about booking their child's uniform fittings in Term 4.
Important reminder: Enrolment is not automatic – all Year 8 students must apply, even if they live in-zone, attend Hutt Intermediate or already have a sibling at HVHS. To enrol now, click here: https://hvhs.school.nz/how-to-enrol/
Please note that applications for out-of-zone enrolments for Years 9-13 in 2026 are now closed and will no longer be accepted.
A huge thank you to those of you who have supported our students by donating kai in the past to help us supplement our breakfast club we run each day from Te Korowai.During the colder months, we've seen an increase in students coming in for food, and it's been great to offer sandwiches and fruit alongside the regular breakfast programme.
We’re grateful for your ongoing support. If you’d like to contribute by donating sandwich spreads or fillings, please contact Claire Ross (Head of Wellbeing) at claire.ross@hvhs.school.nz, or drop off donations at the School Office (open Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm during term time).
To our senior Arts students working hard on their folios, please note the following deadlines:
Level 2 folios (Design, Painting, Photography): Wednesday 22 October
Level 3 Design folios: Thursday 30 October
Level 3 Painting and Photography folios: Monday 3 November
If you have any questions, please contact a member of the Arts staff.
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