HVHS Newsletter

Kia ora koutou,

It has been a busy and wonderfully satisfying few weeks across our school community. Our senior students have officially departed on exam leave. We wish every single one of them the absolute best as they enter this final stretch. May all their dedication, focus, and hard work throughout the year be rewarded with fantastic NCEA results.

A heartfelt thank you to our Year 13 cohort for the mature, thoughtful, and respectful spirit with which you finished your time at HVHS. Few moments were as moving as the ceremonial planting of the kōwhai tree - a tree carefully nurtured from a tiny seed sown five years ago.

In many ways, its growth has beautifully mirrored your own journey through school: from delicate seedlings requiring patient guidance and care, to strong, resilient trees ready to stand proudly on their own. Positioned in its new premier location overlooking the field, the hall, and the river, it stands as a lasting symbol of your legacy and deep connection to our school community.

A massive thank you to our senior leaders, who have done a truly wonderful job of uplifting the school community this year. Giving to others has been front and centre, with students actively contributing to numerous service fundraisers. It has been inspiring to see our school values lived out through genuine community action and care for others.

Our junior students in Years 9 & 10 continue to shine, demonstrating fantastic energy both inside and outside the classroom. A reminder that working hard in class continues right up to the last day, as every opportunity contributes to success next year. Please continue to make the most of your learning by continuing your great attendance, your punctuality to class, and wearing your uniform well.

Hotuwaipara Award 2026

Congratulations to all our tauira recognised at the Hotuwaipara Awards! A special mention goes to our premier award winners, Coco Holland-Waterson (13JDPN) and Kaitoro Walker (13JDPN), who have contributed to HVHS across numerous fields and serve as stunning role models.

• HVHS Sportsperson of the Year: Coco Holland Waterson (13JDPN) — recognised for incredible achievements in HYROX competing against and beating athletes many years her senior. Coco is a very humble, and down-to-earth person and athlete, and becoming such a role model for young people. Hard work, sacrifice and dedication pays off, as does having a super supportive team around her.

• Commendable Performances: Special mention to Junior Sportsperson of the Year, Carla Horspool (9WNDO) and also to Jacob Williams (11GS), Hannah Sampson (12VY), Kayne Howat (13LE), Charlie Edhouse (12NI), Hugo Smith (11CN) and Bianca Philip (13WR) who have also excelled in their respective fields.

Staff Achievements

• Eric Steadman for his fantastic 3rd-place finish in the Auckland marathon.

• Luke Williamson, National YES (Young Enterprise Scheme) Teacher of the Year. This superb programme gives students real-world experience in learning about and running businesses, helping build the foundation for future economic and leadership success.

While it is a privilege to highlight our students' many accomplishments, a recent incident reminded us of the importance of representing our school well. Yesterday, we received photos of a couple of students behaving poorly while wearing our school uniform after hours. Although this occurred outside of school, wearing the uniform means directly representing our school and wider community.

The students involved have since reflected on their behaviour, taken responsibility for their actions, and expressed a genuine commitment to doing better from here on in. We are proud of our positive culture and appreciative of their willingness to learn and grow from this experience. Please take a minute to remind your children that they are representing you, and us while wearing the HVHS uniform.

As we look ahead to the remainder of the term, let us stay focused on supporting one another and celebrating the countless positive achievements of our students. We remain immensely proud of our HVHS community, its diverse talents, and the core values of being kind and welcoming that define us every day. Together, we will continue to foster a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment for all.

Ngā mihi nui,
Denise Johnson, Principal

Each year Katherine Mansfield House & Garden invites entries for the Mansfield Short Story Award from Year 12 and 13 students in the Wellington region. On Thursday 22 October, twelve finalists (pictured below) and their guests, including teachers, attended an awards event at the National Library. This year's judge was award-winning journalist and short fiction writer Michelle Duff.

Congratulations to HVHS finalists Kaitoro Walker (13JDPN) for his short story Setting Down and Mishall Umar (13BH) for Seven Minutes of Sunlight. Judge Michelle Duff commented on Mishall's short story: "This story opens a window for a reader, making us think of what life must be like in Afghanistan for women and girls right now, and best of all, making us care. A very successful story."

A special congratulations to Kaitoro Walker (13JDPN), who was named runner-up for the Mansfield Short Story Award, with the judge noting his writing was both astute and heartbreaking in a story described as "a searing indictment on the colonisation of a body and mind."

Two Hutt Valley High School teams received nominations at the recent Wellington Region Young Enterprise Scheme Awards celebrating the best Business Studies students in Wellington. The award nominations included:

• Glamore (foldable makeup bags) for the Sustainability Award - Zoe Rae (13IN), Debanshi Krishna (13MO), Kate Gray (13BH), Maddie Huizer (13BH), and Arnawa Weerakkody (13WL).

• SnapEase (portable wearable gheatpacks) – nominated for the Community Award, Innovation Award, and Finance Award - Siân Roberts (13TOBZ), Myumi Peiris (13JDPN), Riley Green (13SHDM), Nicholas Walcott (13MAHI), and Luisa Narvaez Benavides (13KG).

• Leadership Award nomination - Zoe Rae (13IN).

Article by Nicole Urquhart (13BR)

Hutt Valley High recently hosted their annual celebration of student-made Media Studies films, ads, and music videos. The Hoscars! Our drama room, S1, was packed tight! The majority of the nominees (including myself) had to sit on the floor to make space. Regardless of the seating arrangements, the night was a tremendous success as we were given an exclusive viewing of the most well-crafted pieces from our media classes. Students across year groups showcased their ability in cinematography, acting, editing, and directing through these stunning works that they spent crafting over the year.

As one of those students it was such an amazing opportunity to be given a chance to share my team's creation with a wider audience, getting their reactions, feedback, and praise meant the world to me. These works of media are the culmination of our heart and souls. The Hoscar nominations were well deserved and the winners, some were there for the first time, were so thankful to be recognised. It feels nearly impossible to describe how it felt to have our films seen and be recognised for the effort we put into them.

There is one aspect of the night that I will never forget, each award winner got to tell us a fun story about their piece's production or what inspired the work itself. Hearing from the artists directly and seeing their efforts on screen is truly inspiring to those planning to head into the film industry in Uni. Many of our Year 13 students who have taken Media Studies for the past few years, or even just this year like myself, are pursuing a career in the film industry through university. The few that aren’t have said that taking this class has widened their opportunities for the future and helped them find their own passions in creative fields.

The 48 Hours team and their film were also among the audience as they accepted a few awards. 48 Hours is an additional activity that some Media Studies students decided to do where they commit to writing, filming, and editing a film to completion within 48 Hours. If you are interested in the film industry or are curious about the creative arts, taking Media Studies as a class at any year level is an excellent first step into that field. I highly recommend that you take Media Studies, if you are Year 13 in 2027 you could participate in 48 Hours too! The teachers in Media Studies are incredibly encouraging and will help you succeed, hopefully to the point of having your own film qualify for the Hoscars!

We are looking for a part-time Music Administration Support Coordinator to provide high-level administrative, logistical, and operational support to the Music Department, specifically focusing on the Co-Curricular Performance Music Programme (itinerant music lessons, bands, orchestras, choirs, and chamber groups).

This role ensures the smooth running of the day-to-day musical activities, coordinates external tutors and itinerant teachers, manages event logistics, and assists with the tracking of student resources and NCEA performance assessments.

This role is part-time during term time only for ten hours per week. To learn more including how to apply, please click here.

All senior French students took a trip to the French Film Festival at Petone Lighthouse to attend a private screening of the film ‘La Venue de l’avenir’, a spectacular film set in Paris across both modern times and the late 19th century.

Year 10 students have been learning all about French food and have enjoyed making crêpes in class, as well as sharing a French breakfast with baguettes, jam and juice.

DELF French Exam

The DELF is an official exam organised by the French Ministry of Education through the French Embassy and the Alliance Française of Wellington. It comprises six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2 and follows the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which means that it is internationally recognised, particularly by French universities.

This year, 29 students from HVHS sat the DELF at the end of August. All worked hard to prepare for it, attending lunchtime tutorials and doing extra work. Madame Dean and Madame Black are delighted to announce that all students were successful with the following students achieving a score of 80% or higher:

• Level A1: Margot Dal Vesco-Byrne (10STSF), Olive Field-Dodgson (10RNOL), Scarlett Heath (10WBMV), Melody Hoang-Coelho (10STSF), Amelie Hofmann (10WHAR), Amanda Leon Ortega (10DRCR), and Briar Slade (10DRCR).
• Level A2: Maia Cameron-Jones (11TU), Ariana Covetta Pastorini (12SK), Grace Li (11TU), Caoimhe Moran (11DF) and Toby Pepper (11DF).

Félicitations à toutes et à tous!

The Student Leadership Team would like to continue to encourage mental health awareness among students in our kura. Looking after your mental health is important, so this is a reminder to check in with your friends and to also reflect on your own headspace.

Please know that at any point during your time at HVHS, there are services available if you would like support. Please visit the Wellbeing page on the school website, or you can find the Wellbeing Team in Te Korowai (the school's Wellbeing building, situated directly behind Tautoko and opposite the Deans' area). Also check out the video by Head Student, Myumi Peiris (13JDPN) and Youth Worker, Kaitlin Kirk talking about the Mental Health Services available at our school.

The following students have received a Distinction grade, meaning they are in the top 20% in Aotearoa New Zealand in the Australian Mathematics Competition. Congratulations to:

• Year 10 - Viraaj Ambiti (10WSLN), Ryan Hood (10ASKO), Isaac Lyu (10GFDI), and Gautham Muthukumaran (10STSF)
• Year 11 - Rajan Subramaniam (11SR)

A copy of the questions and fully worked solutions can be found on our Maths Competitions Google Classroom (use code 37yg5qbe to join).

End of year exams for NCEA and NZ Scholarship subjects run from Tuesday, 10 November until Friday, 4 December 2026. Please find below helpful reminders for students sitting these exams.

Schedule & Attendance

• Dates: Exams run from Tuesday, 10 November until Friday, 4 December 2026. Please click here to view the exam timetable.
• Venues: Room allocations will be posted daily at reception and at various other key places around school.
• Timings: Morning exams start at 9:30am and afternoon exams at 2:00pm. Please arrive 20 minutes before the exam starts.

• Daily Routines: Senior students in Years 11-13 are on study leave when they don't have an exam. Year 10 students will attend regular classes unless they are sitting an exam.

• For Students with Special Assessment Conditions (SAC): Please follow the instructions that will be sent from the Learning Support team. If applicable, students to go to V5 to meet their Reader/Writers.

Exam Requirements & Equipment

• Admission slips: No admission slip, no entry! If students don’t have an admission slip or have misplaced it, they should visit the Student Reception as soon as possible to get a new one reprinted. These will be issued to students in Week 3.
• What you can/can't bring: Students can bring a clear drink bottle, and blue and black pens. They are not allowed to bring phones, watches, calculator covers, or their your own paper.
• Non-uniform is allowed for students during their NCEA exams.
• If a student needs to borrow a device to sit their exam, please use this request form by clicking here (as soon as possible).
• 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).
• Digital Exams: Students must download Chrome browser to their Windows, Chromebook or Mac laptop prior to starting the exam, and bring a fully charged laptop.
• For Paper Exams: Students must use blue or black pens only.
• For Numeracy Exams: Students may also bring rulers and calculators (see the Maths Learning Area if they need one).
• For Language Exams: Students must also bring headphones.

If an unexpected event (such as illness or an emergency) disrupts a student's ability to take an exam, impacts their exam performance or if an exam is missed, please email Katie Long (Principal's Nominee NZQA) at katie.long@hvhs.school.nz as soon as possible to start the process of applying for a derived grade.

Our school has dedicated Maths and Science Help Rooms to support students in all year groups. For both Help Rooms, students are welcome to drop in, no bookings are necessary. See the timings and room locations below.

Maths Help Room: Ongoing Wednesday Sessions & Extra NCEA Exam Support

• Regular Wednesday Afternoon Sessions: Every Wednesday after school from 3:30pm to 4:30pm in P6, a range of Maths teachers (and student helpers) are available to support you. The Maths Help Room is open to students of all year levels and ability levels. Come along to get help with homework, studying for assessments or any Maths questions.

• Extra NCEA Exam Support: To help senior students prepare for exams, we are running additional drop-in revision sessions in the Pavilion from Monday 2 November to Monday 23 November. These are running from 9:00am-3:15pm every school day (from 10:00am on Mondays). Students are welcome to drop in anytime throughout the day. Please bring past papers or revision materials with you. Non-uniform is permitted during these extra sessions.

Science Help Room

• Regular Weekly Sessions: Every Thursday after school from 3:30pm–4:30pm and every Friday at lunchtime from 1:30pm–2:15pm in B11, students in all year groups are welcome to come along and get help with science homework or upcoming assessments.
• Extra NCEA Exam Support: To help students prepare for science end of year exams, we are running a Science Help Room in B11 from 9:00am–4:00pm every school day from Monday 2 November to Friday 20 November, where students can drop in to get help studying for their external exams.

College Sport Wellington Finalist

College Sport Wellington will host its Annual Awards this Sunday (8 November) celebrating the brightest young sporting talents from around the Wellington region. Congratulations to the following students named as finalists:

• All Rounder of the Year: Charlie Edhouse (12NI)
• Athlete with an Intellectual Disability: Ash McLeod (SLC)

• Badminton: Adreeta Acharyya (12NB)

• Climbing: Holly Meyer (12NB)

• Floorball: Lily Osborne Gilchrist (11CN)

• Golf: Sam Jiang (12DP)

• Hyrox: Coco Holland-Waterson (13JDPN)

• Orienteering: Miriam Water (11GS), Cameron Johns (12BB), and Evan Wells (12NS)

• Shooting: Hugo Smith (11CN)

• Student Coach of the Year: Blake Smith (12FY)

• Swimming: Hannah Sampson (12VY)

• Table Tennis: Jacob Andrews (13BR)

• Team of the Year: Senior Ultimate Team

• Ultimate: Bianca Philip (13WR), Nynke Turner (13JDPN), James Bowen (13WR), Lachlan Brill (13WD), and Sam Worsley (13JDPN)

• Volunteer of the Year (Adult Category): Sheryl Tamou

Orienteering

Cameron Johns (12BB) recently represented New Zealand in Canberra, competing at the Oceania and Australian Schools Orienteering Championships as part of the NZ Southern Cross Schools orienteering team. The two New Zealand teams finished tied for first place in the Southern Cross Challenge, ahead of all competing Australian states and New Caledonia. Cameron also achieved standout individual and team results in the M18 class, securing 2nd place in the relay, 5th in the middle distance, and 8th in the long distance.

2026 HVHS Premier Sports Award Winners
Congratulations to the students and teams celebrated at the recent HVHS Premier Sports Awards, especially Carla Horspool (9WNDO), awarded HVHS Junior Sportsperson of the Year, and Coco Holland-Waterson (13JDPN), awarded the HVHS Sportsperson of the Year Shield. To read the complete list of winners please click here.

For more HVHS highlights from the 2026 year in sport, watch Noor Hatem’s (Sports Coordinator) fantastic montage video by clicking here.

Friendly Reminders

• Please keep checking your school emails as this is our way of sending communications from the Sports Department.
• Term 4 sports fees have now been added to your school account. Please ensure these fees, along with any other outstanding sports payments, are paid as soon as possible.
• Winter Sports Team Photos: Check your inbox for an email sent on Tuesday, 20 October from the fantastic team at InPhotography. It includes your login and password details to view and purchase photos.

Stay Connected - Like & Follow Our New Social Pages

The Sports Office has recently updated their social media pages for the Sports Office, please use the link below to follow these pages, and hear the latest HVHS sports news and reminders:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sporthvhs/ | @sporthvhs
• Facebook - Click here | Search 'HVHS Sport'

We're currently running low on donated uniforms, especially school skirts and black formal trousers in size medium! If your student has outgrown their uniform or no longer needs it, please consider donating it back to HVHS.

We'll ensure it is passed on to a student who needs it or loaned to a student who needs a replacement uniform item for a couple of days. Any uniform items you wish to donate can be dropped to the HVHS Office, open Monday to Friday from 8am-4pm during term time.

The marae is open for breakfast from 8am until 8.55am for students needed kai before school starts. On offer is toast, weetibix, warm milo and great company! There will always be pre-made buns (jam or peanut butter) available on a table close to the door for everyone to help themselves, as well as any fruit that is donated.

Every now and then a bonus pot of something filling might be on offer like pumpkin and bacon soup or curried sausages, especially during the colder days. For any questions or offers of help, please email Sonia Talivai (Literacy Support) at sonia.talivai@hvhs.school.nz

At HVHS we want every student to have the opportunity to learn and thrive. One of the ways we support this is by making sure students who arrive without breakfast or enough food for the day can access kai when they need it.

If you’re able to help, we are currently seeking donations of sandwich spreads, muesli bars and milo. Donations can be dropped directly to the School Office during term time, Monday to Friday, 8am–4pm. For any questions, you’re also welcome to email Lloyd Ward (Acting Head of Wellbeing) at lloyd.ward@hvhs.school.nz. Ka nui te mihi.

Has your child achieved something amazing? We’d love to hear about and celebrate our students’ successes outside the classroom — whether in sport, music, speech, dance, or other activities.

If your child has a sporting achievement, please email the details to Kristi Tia (Sports Director) at sport@hvhs.school.nz. For all other achievements, contact Lana Goddard (Principal’s PA) at office@hvhs.school.nz.

Need New School Trousers & Shorts?

From the start of 2027, all students will be required to wear the approved school trousers and shorts, which will only be available for purchase through the Resource Centre. If you need to purchase black trousers or shorts, we strongly recommend purchasing the correct ones from the Resource Centre now to avoid having to buy another pair at the start of next year.

Resource Centre Opening Hours

The Resource Centre's opening hours are Monday to Thursday during term time from 11:00am to 2:30pm, and it is closed on Fridays. For any questions, please email resource.centre@hvhs.school.nz.

Enrolments for 2027 are now open for in-zone applications in Years 9-13. We encourage families to enrol early to help us plan for your child's learning needs. Early enrolment also allows students to select their Year 9 subject options. For information on how to enrol and key enrolment deadlines please click here. Please note that out-of-zone applications have now closed for Years 9-13.

At Hutt Valley High School, our School Board adheres to a three-year policy review schedule to ensure our policies remain current and effective. This term, we are reviewing the following policies:

• Curriculum and Student Achievement
• Reporting about Student Progress and Achievement
• Learning Support
• Health Curriculum
• Māori Educational Achievement
• Privacy Policy

To read the policies click here and search for 'Hutt Valley High School', and enter username 'HVHS' and the password 'Adalta'. The School Board welcomes feedback and input from the school community. Please email your feedback to Tania Jovanovich (Office Manager) at tania.jovanovich@hvhs.school.nz by Sunday, 15 November.

Monday 9 November

• Enrolment Conversations Start for Enrolled Year 8 Families
• Year 10 Productions (Class KO), Last Performance on Tuesday, 10 November, S1, 6pm Start

• NCEA & NZ Scholarship Exams Start, Running until Friday 4 December

• Year 10 Productions (Class FY), Last Performance on Thursday, 12 November, S1, 6pm Start

• Junior Music Concert, Room S1, 6:30pm-8:00pm

• NCEA & NZ Scholarship Exams Continue, Running until Friday 4 December

• Teacher Only Day - Ministry of Education Curriculum Day (No classes for students)

• Year 9, Clash of the Classes, Sladden Park, 11:00am Start

• NCEA & NZ Scholarship Exams Continue, Running until Friday 4 December
• Solomon Islands Pidgin Language Week

• HVHS Art Exhibition, 5-7pm

• School Board Meeting, Boardroom, 5:30pm-7:30pm

• Tautoko (Supported Learning Centre) Wizard of Oz Production, HVHS Hall, 3:30pm-4:30pm

• Big 10 Event (for Year 10 Students)
• Last Day of NCEA & NZ Scholarship Exams

• Year 11 Prizegiving, Lower Hutt Town Hall, 11:00am-12:00pm
• Year 12 Prizegiving, Lower Hutt Town Hall, 1:30pm-2:30pm
• Year 13 Graduation Prizegiving, Lower Hutt Town Hall, 6:30pm-9:00pm

• Last Day of Term 4 for Students in Years 9 & 10
• Year 9 Prizegiving, HVHS Hall, 9:30am-10:30am
• Year 10 Prizegiving, HVHS Hall, 11:00am-12:00pm

Thursday, 28 January

• First Day for Year 9 Students, 9:00am-3:15pm

• First Day for Students in Years 10-13, 9:00am-3:15pm

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