Kia ora, and welcome to the 2025 school year. A special welcome to all our new students, international students, families, and whānau - over 400 of you.
I’d like to start this newsletter by introducing the team that leads HVHS and then later share some of the messages we have given and will stress further in our upcoming assemblies. I learned when my kids were teenagers that not everything said or asked at school was remembered and passed on accurately at home. This newsletter is one way of communicating important school events and activities with family and whānau.
We are a leadership team of six - me and five Deputy Principals. Each Deputy Principal holds a significant portfolio, oversees a year level, and supports several heads of learning area - so they effectively run a small school.
Nick Larkin looks after Year 9 with Deans Richard Edwards & Kirsten Taylor.
Rob Everett oversees Year 10 with Deans Angus Devine & Emma Pritchard.
Tim Fox looks after Year 11, with Deans Sarah Langley & Frank Versteegan.
Fiona Pearson looks after Year 12, with Deans Shaun McRoberts & Jeremy Keane.
Grace Wright looks after Year 13, with Deans Robyn Lantsbery & Stephen Gibson.
At HVHS, in partnership with families, whānau and the wider community, our mission is to nurture an environment where our students are encouraged and supported to grow into their best selves. Our school is like a vibrant, ever-changing snapshot of New Zealand. We're super proud to be a place where so many cultures come together - we've got over 40 different first languages being spoken here! Our students bring all sorts of different backgrounds and experiences to school; there is a myriad of personal attributes among students and staff - from hair colours, skin tones, heights, styles of dress, types of eyewear, family compositions, and the diverse homes and cuisines that define us, despite our differences, the advice we give all students is simple: take care of the person beside you, whether you know them or not. I hope that this is something you can also stress for us at home, especially during a student’s online social media life and when competing on the sports field. It is an easy way to ‘live’ our school values.
As mentioned at the pōwhiri, we want to work with whānau and families, so communication and regular connection are priorities. Please let us know earlier than later if anything is troubling or concerning you or how we can better meet your child’s needs. Equally, please let us know when things are going well or if your child has had some exciting successes or achievements.
Your first port of call should always be your child's Mentor Teacher. By now, you should have had an email from your Mentor Teacher introducing themselves - please let us know if that still needs to happen. You can also directly contact Subject Teachers, the year-level Deans, the Head of a Learning Area or a Deputy Principal. Our Wellbeing team, led by Claire Ross, has trained Counsellors and Youth Workers available to support you and your children. Kristi Tia (Sports Director) runs a superb Sports Department and is also available to help. Jhan Lindsay oversees our performing arts co-curricular world, and Adrian Cartwright looks after our many clubs. The Principals’ PA, Lana Goddard, our Office Manager, Rachel Williams, or any of our office staff are here to help you, too.
While our four values are being kind and welcoming, persevering and achieving, we know that teenagers, many under 16 years of age - will not always get it right. They will muck up or say and do mean things - as they probably do at home; they will test boundaries - as they probably do at home; they will try to wear the latest trendy thing, which is at odds with our uniform. As a restorative school, we will support our students through their mistakes. We expect them to take responsibility, make amends for any harm caused, and then move forward with valuable lessons learned. Another piece of advice we share with students in a bid to stop silly things from escalating is to Pause, Stop, Breathe, and Think before you Respond. We expect a calm, tolerant campus. We expect a kind and welcoming school.
To help and guide our students to live well together, we have a clear set of simple rules around behaviour, attendance, uniforms and cell phone use. All communities have rules and expectations, and we are no different. We proudly have a uniform. The basic rule is that most of our official items have our wings on them. If it has our HVHS wings, it’s correct. If it doesn't have wings - it doesn't fly. A few exceptions exist - for example, plain black outer-layer jackets and hats are OK. This is a pragmatic decision to keep costs low.
Our behaviour rules are simple and sensible. Be kind and be welcoming. Listen to your teacher - they are the leader of the room. Let others learn - and help others to learn. Our rules around cell phones are that all phones will be placed in storage hangers or boxes for every class; they are to be placed inside bags during breaks, meaning they are not seen or heard.
Lastly - I know that busy, active students who attend regularly thrive and achieve here. Our statistics prove that students with regular attendance at over 90% are successful in NCEA, and students who are actively involved in sports, clubs, service or performing arts thrive and enjoy school and don't get into mischief.
90% attendance means less than 5 days of absence per term. Using the Ministry of Education's traffic light system, this would mean you are in the Green Zone (see below). All students should be aiming to be in the green zone.
Fiona Wu was our Dux in 2024 and just a few days ago she gained an Outstanding Scholar Award from NZQA. She gained an Outstanding in English, an Outstanding in Biology and Scholarship in Chemistry. Fiona is one of only 55 students who achieved at this level nationally and will now receive $5,000 a year for her first three years of study.
Fiona is leaving for the University of Otago today to begin her first year of Health Sciences. We thoroughly congratulate Fiona on her amazing achievement and look forward to hearing about her ongoing success. We also thank all the staff who have helped Fiona on her journey.
We are looking for a dynamic, fun, and organised individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment. If your strengths include a high level of attention to detail and the ability to switch between tasks with ease, then we want to hear from you!
With approximately 1,980 students and 170 staff on-site each day, HVHS is a diverse and dynamic place to work. The Attendance Officer role is a crucial one, as the school is responsible for students for the duration of the school day, and we must adhere to Ministry of Education attendance requirements.
In this role, you’ll be expected to manage competing priorities, stay focused on the details, and meet deadlines. The skills required for this role include:
- Multi-tasking: The ability to juggle different duties is essential. You'll likely need to handle a variety of tasks during the school day.
- Teamwork: You’ll be working alongside others in the administration office, answering phones, assisting with reception, and other administrative tasks. There is high interaction with students, whānau, and all staff.
- Repetitive tasks with deadlines: Some aspects of the role may involve repetitive work, but the upside is there’s a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.
- School environment: The role directly contributes to supporting students and staff, with a focus on the school’s values and community.
Hours of Work:
- Monday - Friday 8.30am - 3.30pm (6.5 hours per day, 32.5 hours per week)
- 40 weeks per year (term time only, with some additional hours during school term breaks as required and by prior agreement)
- Start date for the role is Monday 28 April 2025 (start of Term 2, 2025)
How to Apply: please submit your cover letter, CV and completed HVHS Application Form,
by 4pm on Friday, 28 February 2025, to Lana Goddard (Principals’ PA) at lana.goddard@hvhs.school.nz
For more information, please see the Attendance Officer Job Description by clicking here
Interested in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards? Join us on Monday, 24 February, from 6:00pm to 7:00pm in the HVHS Staffroom to learn more about this exciting opportunity at HVHS.
HVHS Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator, Sarah Coales, will guide students, parents, caregivers, and whānau through what’s involved in the programme and how to register. The evening will primarily focus on the Bronze Level Award, but Sarah is happy to answer questions about all levels—Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
For any questions about the Information Evening, please contact Sarah Coales at sarah.coales@hvhs.school.nz - we look forward to seeing you there!
We are proud to announce our first group of students who successfully took on the challenge of the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award. This accomplishment is the culmination of six months of Physical Activity, Community Service, and Skill Development, along with the challenge of two adventurous expeditions into the outdoors. The journey required perseverance, determination, self-management, and leadership.
Well done to the following students for receiving their Bronze Award:
- Alia Leitner (11PC)
- Amelia Urquhart (10CIGB)
- Belinda Chapman (12MO)
- Ben O'Riley (SLC - pictured on his Kaitoke Tramping Expedition)
- Bianca Philip (12MO)
- Cameron Johns (11BB)
- Conor Jackson (12BN)
- Daniel Perfect (11TT)
- Ella Redmond (11CP)
- Henrik Collins (11TT)
- Isla Gellatly (10SATO)
- Isla Hughes (13AS)
- Kate Gruar (12WD)
- Kevin Wang (11NS)
- Mac Smith (12PL)
- Nick Torbit (11TT)
- Rosa Watt (13NB)
- Sofia Saiful (10GSSP)
Art students can collect their 2024 Art Workbook from the Arts Learning Area during school hours. Unclaimed workbooks will be recycled after Friday, 21 February.
For any questions, please contact Adrian Cartwright (Co-Head of Learning Area – The Arts) at adrian.cartwright@hvhs.school.nz
Hutt Valley High School students have the opportunity to put their spelling skills to the test in this year’s Spelling Bee competition! This is a fantastic way to build vocabulary, strengthen spelling accuracy, and challenge yourself in a fun, competitive environment.
Students in Years 9 and 10 will receive a weekly spelling list of 12 words in weeks 3, 5 & 7 this term. During these weeks, they will study their words at home and take part in a spelling test during class time. The top-performing students will progress to the final competition.
Spelling Bee Final
Finalists will be announced in Week 9 and will receive a final spelling list to prepare for the championship round. The grand final will take place on Thursday, 10 April, in the HVHS Library, where students will compete for the titles of Year 9 and Year 10 Top Speller, with prizes awarded to the winners.
For any questions on the Spelling Bee, please email Megan Tompsett (English Teacher) at megan.tompsett@hvhs.school.nz
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 from our Wellbeing Team at claire.ross@hvhs.school.nz.
All new students have received a copy of the New Student Handbook 2025 during their orientation. We highly recommend that new families read the New Student Handbook.
The handbook is the go-to guide for all things HVHS, covering:
- School values, behaviour, and uniform expectations
- Daily timetable and school map
- Arriving late, reporting absences, and leaving school during the day
- Student Reception, storing large items, e.g. cricket bags & the IT support
- Hotuwaipara (school marae) and the HVHS karakia, waiata and haka
- Ad Alta Awards, school houses and extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, groups and music and dance opportunities).
Music lessons for students with confirmed enrolments begin from Monday, 17 February. Students need to check the window of M1 for the instrument and vocal lesson timetable.
Music groups, ensembles, and choirs also start on Monday, 17 February. For any questions, visit the Music Department or email music@hvhs.school.nz
Registrations for free music lessons accepted all year round. Music lessons are offered for the following instruments: bass guitar, cello, clarinet, double bass, drums, flute, french horn, guitar, percussion, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, viola, violin and voice.
Due to student demand there are now waiting lists for a number of instruments. To apply for free music lessons in 2025, please click here
Donations can be dropped off at the HVHS Office anytime between 8:00am and 4:00pm, Monday to Friday during term time. For any questions, please contact Lucy Twigg at lucy.twigg@hvhs.school.nz
We have 13 tickets left! We'd love you to join us for a fantastic opportunity to see the film before its official release while also helping our Poly Club students with their fundraising efforts.
🎬 Date & Venue: Tuesday, 25 February, Petone Lighthouse Cinema
🎬 Time: Movie starts at 8:30 PM – arrive by 8:00 PM for raffles and more!
🎬 Tickets: $25 (includes movie snacks)
Don’t miss out on this fun evening - reserve your spot today! To purchase tickets, email Sheena Anglesey at sheena.anglesey@hvhs.school.nz
Ofa atu, Ngā mihi, Fa'afetai tele lava.
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