HVHS Newsletter

NZ Scholarship Exam Winners

We are incredibly proud to congratulate our New Zealand Scholarship exam winners — these students are among the top academic performers in the country. Their success reflects not only their talent, but the commitment they showed throughout the year. They chose to sit additional examinations, attended early‑morning study groups, and consistently pushed themselves to extend their learning.

Congratulations to: Ada Kiddle (2 scholarships), Aaron Chong, Alexandra Tieng, Archie Robertson, Conor Church, Darren Xiong (3 scholarships), Emma McLaughlin (2 scholarships), Idrees Munshi, Luke Smith, Michael Li, Miles Baldwin, Niamh Young (2 scholarships), Rosa Watt (2 scholarships), Minara Dadallagei, and Yusra Aung.

Attitude to Learning Reports

Our Attitude to Learning report criteria is shared with you in the article below. This regular report is one of the most important tools we have for giving students and their families meaningful feedback about how consistently a student demonstrates our school values as a learner.

Students should be working towards a score of 3, which celebrates the grit, effort, and positive learning behaviours we know set students up for success. Attitude to Learning scores are not about academic achievement — they reflect how students approach their learning, how they contribute to the classroom environment, and how well they engage with the opportunities in front of them.

Attendance Alert Emails

The first alerts for concerning attendance have now been sent home. These are automatic emails generated by the Ministry of Education. Details about when these notifications are triggered can be found in our Attendance Plan.

As always, our goal is for every student to attend school over 90% of the time. Consistent attendance is one of the strongest predictors of success at school, and we appreciate your support in helping students build strong habits.

Uniform Expectations

We are working hard to clarify for students, staff, and families what is — and is not — acceptable uniform. For Year 9 students, all items must be those purchased from the Resource Centre. Students in Years 10–12 have the remainder of this year to ensure they have regulation shorts and trousers. These items can only be purchased from the Resource Centre. Please don’t let your child suggest that alternatives are acceptable, as they are not part of our uniform.

Some of the current ambiguity has come from the fact that the Resource Centre (Uniform Shop) has not previously sold trousers for female students, and we allowed similar trousers to be purchased elsewhere. Unfortunately, this has resulted in far too much variation.

To be absolutely clear: jeans, cargo pants, pants with external pockets, and tight-fitting leggings have never been permitted and must not be worn. If new uniform items are purchased during the year, they must be bought from the Resource Centre to ensure consistency.

From 2027, all year levels will be required to wear regulation shorts and trousers purchased from the Resource Centre.

School Board Update

Congratulations to our newly elected Student Representative, Yael Roesch (13LR). Yael will be joining the School Board for her first meeting next week on Tuesday, 24 February.

Upcoming Events

We have our whole‑school Athletics Day next week on Tuesday, 24 February at Hutt Rec. This is always a highlight on the calendar: a mix of serious competitive events, fun house activities, colour, and a strong sense of community. It’s a day where everyone can get involved, whether they’re aiming for records or simply enjoying the spirit of the event.

Getting Involved

It has been fantastic to see so many students throwing themselves into school life already this year. Summer sports are well underway, winter codes are filling up with eager sign‑ups, and our lunchtime clubs are busy — with Dungeons & Dragons proving especially popular. Auditions for the upcoming school musical were popular, and it’s wonderful to see students stepping forward to share their talents.

My message, as always, is simple: get involved. There is a space and a place for every student here, and we love seeing them find the activities that spark their enthusiasm. If your child is still discovering what they enjoy, encourage them to chat with their Mentor Teacher, one of our Youth Workers, or the team at our Sports Office for ideas. There are so many opportunities here, and sometimes all it takes is a conversation to find the right fit.

Ngā mihi nui,

Denise Johnson, Principal

Background Information for New Families

Attitude to Learning reports are emailed to parents every two weeks starting from week 6 in Term 1. For our new families, these reports are designed to give parents and caregivers a clear regular picture of how their child is engaging with their learning in each of their subject classes.

A key thing to remember when reading your student's Attitude to Learning report is that it provides a snapshot of engagement and effort in the classroom, and not academic achievement.

Students also know that consistently high Attitude to Learning scores across all subjects over the school year are part of the criteria for the Ad Alta Awards at the end-of-year prizegivings.

What the Attitude to Learning Scores Mean

The scores on the Attitude to Learning report range from 1 (concerning) to 3 (consistently engaged):

• A score of 3: Awarded to students who consistently demonstrate a commitment to their learning through active application and cooperation. Lifting themselves and others to the heights.

• A score of 2: Indicates a student that teachers may perceive to be "coasting" - attending class but not fully engaging or applying themselves to their full potential.

• A score of 1: Reserved for concerns regarding a student's application. In these instances, the teacher will contact you initially to discuss the score. If the behavior persists, the score will remain a 1, and we encourage you to reply to the teacher to discuss necessary supports.

To read the detailed reporting guidelines for Attitude to Learning scores, please visit the school website by clicking here.

Supporting Students to be Self-Managing Learners

The Attitude to Learning scores reflect how a student is developing as a self‑motivated, self‑managing learner. If a student is surprised by their score, we encourage them to speak directly with their subject teacher. This is a valuable opportunity for them to ask for feedback or to share if they are finding the curriculum particularly challenging. Parents and caregivers are also welcome to get in contact with their student’s teacher to discuss their child’s Attitude to Learning report if they have any concerns.

The Senior Leadership Team (Principal and Deputy Principals) and Deans monitor these scores closely to ensure we provide timely support where it is needed most.

Hutt Valley High School’s annual Athletics Day is happening next week on Tuesday, 24 February, at Hutt Recreation Ground. All students need to meet at Hutt Rec for the start of the school day.

Key Information for Students and Parents:

• Start and Finish Times: All students must meet at Hutt Recreation Ground by 9:00am for Mentor time. Meeting points will be clearly marked. The day will finish at approximately 2:30pm, and students will be dismissed from Hutt Rec.
• Dress Code: Wearing your House colours with pride is encouraged! Don’t forget to get creative for the Fashion in the Field event.
• Events: No advance sign‑ups are required, students simply turn up and compete. For non‑competitive events, students can join any stations where they feel comfortable. We encourage students to enter as many events as they can to earn House Points and to try the two new events: tug-of-war and ski race.
• Attendance: Students must stay for the full day, including Year 13 students. If a student has an appointment, they must see a member of the Senior Leadership Team for a pass to leave the grounds.
• Food, Water & Sunscreen: Students should bring lunch, plenty of water, and sunscreen. A hydration station will be available. The canteen will operate from the Hutt Old Boys Clubrooms at Hutt Rec, and a coffee cart will also be at the event.
• Weather Updates & Cancellations: If the event is postponed due to weather, an alert will be sent via the SchoolBridge App, and updates will be posted on the school website and the HVHS Sport Facebook page by 7:00am. The postponement date is Wednesday, 25 February.

This is a fantastic day for students to get involved, have fun, and support their House. For any questions, please contact Sarah Coales at sarah.coales@hvhs.school.nz.

We invite Māori students and their whānau to our first Whānau Hui of the year, which will be held on Thursday, 26 February starting at 6pm in Hotuwaipara (our school marae). This is an opportunity to establish and grow our connections with you and share an informal BBQ with our extended whānau. If you are able to bring some kai to contribute to the meal that would be wonderful.

For any questions, please contact Matua Paul Morris (paul.morris@hvhs.school.nz).

We had three wonderful days of auditions last week for Urinetown: The Musical and were impressed by the depth of talent at our kura. Congratulations to the ākonga who braved the auditions, and to those selected, please see the full cast list below.

For background, especially for our new families, Urinetown is being performed in the final week of Term 2. Don’t let the name put you off, this is a fun, clever musical set in a world where water is tightly controlled and everyone must pay to use public toilets. The story follows a group of ordinary people who decide they’ve had enough!

We’ll keep you posted via the newsletter and on social media when tickets go on sale.

- Derek Wood, Nick Kovacev, Tim Webster, Annette Inglis and the Urinetown Team

The School Board has approved the HVHS Strategic Plan 2026–2028, which outlines our strategic goals, key priorities, and indicators for success.

The Strategic Plan renews our school's commitment to our established values and our mission to provide high‑quality, inclusive education that centres on students and their wellbeing, supporting them to develop their strengths and talents for purposeful, rewarding futures.

The School Board would like to thank everyone who provided feedback during the consultation process. Your insights played an important role in shaping the final plan. To read the Strategic Plan, click here.

We’re holding a Duke of Edinburgh Information Evening on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, from 5.45pm–7.00pm in the HVHS staffroom (upstairs). Everyone is welcome to come along, no RSVP required.

Sarah Coales, the Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator at HVHS, will be speaking about the Awards (including the new Bronze Pilot scheme), and is also available to answer questions. Sarah brings a wealth of experience from coordinating the Award at other schools, and her role at HVHS is to support students as they register and work their way through the Award.

The Duke of Edinburgh is an Internationally recognised award scheme that is held in very high regard. It is a valuable and worthwhile award scheme where individuals can be rewarded for all the activities they currently participate in. Students are welcome to begin at Bronze, but they can also enter directly at Silver or Gold.

Congratulations to our newest group of Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award recipients who have now completed their Award: Ava Arthurs (12PC), Carly Krimp (10WSLN), Dana Ufferhardt (10ASKO), Hannah Broster (10WHAR), Jasmine Slagter Ting (11DS), Levente Gyori (11SR), Lily Mowat (11DS), Mya Eltringham (10WHAR), Sai Venkataramani Rajaraman (12SK), and Sofia McDonald (10BESD).

It's fantastic to see the increasing number of students taking up this opportunity at HVHS. If you'd like learn more about the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, see the article above on our upcoming Information Evening.

Itinerant Music Lessons

Itinerant music lessons are in full swing in M Block and attendance has been great, ensuring students set themselves up for a great term ahead in group lessons. Itinerant music lessons are at no charge, the only fee to pay is instrument hire which goes towards strings, reeds and annual instrument maintenance. Click here to register for music lessons in 2026.

Check out the Music Notice Board in G Block foyer for lesson information and timetables. There are waiting lists for popular instruments. If you have missed out on a lessons place to start the year, consider joining a group!

Year 10 Band Programme

Students in our Year 10 Music 85A Band Programme class are already learning the basics of their woodwind and brass instruments and getting some super sounds happening. This class runs two practical in-class Concert Band rehearsals each week, with all students learning one of the following instruments: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet or trombone. We will be showcasing our skills later in the year at our annual Music Department Concert and other school and community events.

Image: Volante rehearsal on Wednesday, 18 February 2026.

Volante Choir

Hutt Valley High School's all comers choir, Volante has grown greatly in the past 12 months. To start 2026 we have relocated to S1 for Wednesday morning rehearsals. Over 40 members have been attending the previous two rehearsals and we invite all keen singers to join.

This group is open to all HVHS students. Come along and learn a variety of songs, Māori

waiata, traditional European folk songs, southern state gospel ballads and more! The choir is directed by Ruth Armishaw and accompanied by Nick Kovacev.

Volante will represent HVHS at The Big Sing in June and also perform at multiple events in and out of school throughout the year. Nau mai haere mai! Wednesday 8.30am in S1.

Music Groups Timetable

Please see below for the music groups timetable, 'all comers' groups are open to any student who'd like to join. Auditioned groups are for students who have at least 2+ year's playing experience or lessons.

For any questions on music lessons or groups, please email Jhan Lindsay (Performing Arts Coordinator / Teacher in Charge – Itinerant Music Programme) at music@hvhs.school.nz

The Maths Learning Area are incredibly grateful to Mitre 10 Mega Petone for the support they are providing our students. Mitre 10 MEGA Petone have generously donated 300 calculator batteries and reduced the price to $30 for a further 100 batteries.

Our Maths teachers will use these to ensure students’ learning isn’t interrupted, and to help avoid the unexpected crisis of a calculator battery going flat during an NCEA assessment!

If you’re planning any building, renovation, or outdoor projects, please consider supporting Mitre 10 MEGA Petone. They are located at 25 Bouverie Street, Petone, and are open Monday to Friday from 7am to 7pm, and from 8am to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

To celebrate Chinese New Year (17 February), the Chinese class (pictured) made “Fu Horse” and “Lucky Horse” crafts, as this year is the Year of the Horse. We wish everyone good health in the Year of the Horse, success in all that you do, and that all your wishes come true.

This Sunday, there will be Chinese New Year celebrations in Wellington, including stage performances and an Asian market at TSB Arena. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more details, please click here.

I was fortunate to be selected to take part in Girls on Ice Aotearoa , a 11 day science and outdoor expedition on Mount Ruapehu, run by Victoria University of Wellington and funded by the Antarctic Research Centre. The programme brought together students from all over New Zealand to explore glaciers, snow, and the environment while living and working together on the mountain.

During the expedition, we studied snow, rocks, and glaciers, carried out our own scientific investigations, and created artwork inspired by the natural environment around us. One of the most memorable aspects of the programme was learning about the connection between science, culture, and nature, particularly through Mātauranga Māori.

Living away from home and working closely as part of a team challenged me, but it also helped me grow in confidence and form strong friendships with people who share similar interests. Girls* on Ice was an unforgettable experience that significantly boosted my confidence, connected me with people working in fields I am interested in, and strengthened my passion for science and learning. I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and the friendships I made, and I wish all the best to those applying for future expeditions.

We are always looking for new host families to help with hosting international student attending HVHS. Hosting is a wonderful opportunity to learn about diverse traditions, cultures, and languages while supporting a young person during their time in Aotearoa.

If your family:

• can provide a welcoming and supportive environment,

• has a spare bedroom available, and

• lives in-zone (preferred),

we encourage you to consider becoming a homestay family. Homestay families receive $350 per week.

Hosting options range from short-term support, such as a weekend stay while a student’s homestay family is away, through to full‑time hosting for up to one year.

Our international students come from a wide range of countries, including Brazil, Cambodia, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. For more information or to express your interest, please email our Homestay Coordinator, Anna Kingsford, at anna.kingsford@hvhs.school.nz, and include a short bio about your family and a contact phone number.

Michele is one of our wonderful homestay hosts who welcomed international students Yuko and Sophia into her home last year. Check out the matching tees in this photo - all Yuko’s idea! Michele shared with Jodie (our International Student Director) that she made school lunches for the girls, often including little quotes and affirmations to cheer them on.

Both students have now returned to their home countries, but they stay in touch, sending photos and messages to Michele.

Friendly Reminder

Please keep checking your school emails as this is the way our Sports Office team communicate with families and students on sports updates. Thank you!

Congratulations

Congratulations to the following students and teams:

• Mackenzie Gwerder (11GS), Yasemin Tekin (11SA) and Liv Turner (11CN) members of the Wellington Volleyball U15 Girls Representative Team (pictured) competed at the Battle of the Regions Tournament in December with Taane Koorey-Te Huki (PE & Sports Teacher) co-coaching the team. The team placed second overall, a fantastic result, losing to Tasman in the final in a three set match that was a point by point nail biter of a game.

• Lily Osborne Gilcrist (11CN) competed as part of the U19 Women's New Zealand Floorball Team (pictured) in the Women's U19 World Floorball Championships 2026 AOFC Qualifications in Perth in January, playing Japan, Australia and Singapore.

• Jacob Williams (11GS) competed in the Porritt Classic in Hamilton on Saturday in the NZ U20 3000m championships and won! An incredible achievement at the age of 14, competing as the youngest in the field and requiring dispensation to even compete. This was a 20 second personal best for Jacob finishing in 8:44.

Youth Touch Nationals Tournament

The following students represented Wellington in touch rugby in the Youth Touch Nationals Tournament in Christchurch at Nga Puna Wai Sports Hub earlier in the month:

• Ollie Forster (10WHAR) in the U16 Boys team that finished 15th.
• Halo Cowan (12DA) in the U16 Girls team that finished 8th.
• Taihana Baker (12TI), Zara Baker (12CT), Sunny Everlupi (13KT), Sophie Papps (13KG) and Casey Hurley (13DUCS) members of the U18 Girls team that finished 7th.
• Gus Neilson (13WR) in the U18 Boys finished 5th.

Underwater Hockey

Any students interested in playing Underwater Hockey this year, please come along to the Te Ngaengae Pool (formerly Naenae Pool) on Sunday, 1 March & Sunday, 8 March from 7pm - 8pm for a “Have A Go” session.

Sailing

Competing at the recent Wellington School's Sailing Regatta congratulations to:

• Lucas Holm (12NB) placed 2nd in Starling
• Aurora McKeown (11MR) placed 2nd RS Feva
• Braiden Holm (9MTTH) placed 11th in Optimist.

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.

A friendly reminder that students can still apply for a review or reconsideration for 2025 New Zealand Scholarship subjects. The deadline for 2025 Scholarship review and reconsideration applications is Friday, 6 March 2026.

For information on how to apply for an NCEA review or reconsideration, please visit NZQA’s website.

Last week, parents and caregivers received an email invitation to ‘Join Google Classroom as a Guardian’. Guardian Summaries provide a quick view of your student’s upcoming and missing work, along with recent class activity from their teachers. These summaries are especially useful if your student needs extra support staying organised.

If you need the invitation re‑sent or have any questions, please contact your student’s Mentor Teacher.

Hutt Valley High School uses the SchoolBridge school app. It is recommended that parents, caregivers and students download the SchoolBridge app to keep informed with HVHS alerts and notifications, and it is especially important to have on your mobile during an emergency, e.g. school lockdown. Parents and caregivers can also report a student’s absence using the app (remember to select the correct student's name if you have two or more children at HVHS).

The SchoolBridge app gives students access to their digital Student ID card and school timetable. If you need more information on signing in for the first time, please click here

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, the following policies are being reviewed:

• Alcohol, Drugs, and Other Harmful Substances

• Sun Protection
• Digital Technology and Online Safety

• Cellphones and Other Personal Digital Devices

• Safety and Welfare for Students on Work Experience

• Firearms Not Allowed

The School Board welcomes feedback and input from the school community on these policies. To read the policies click here and search for 'Hutt Valley High School', and enter username 'HVHS' and the password 'Adalta'. The close off date for feedback is Sunday, 1 March 2026.

The Resource Centre is located upstairs in the Library area. To visit, please enter through the School Office in the Main Administration Building and follow the signs to the Library.

The Resource Centre is open Monday to Thursday from 11:00am to 2:30pm, and closed on Fridays. The Resource Centre is also closed on Athletics Day (Tuesday, 24 February). For any questions, please email resource.centre@hvhs.school.nz.

Discounted calculators are available to purchase at the Resource Centre. Available models (all GST inclusive and with a 1‑year warranty) include:

• fx‑9750GII – refurbished graphics calculator – $87

• fx‑9750GIII – new graphics calculator – $111

• fx‑82AU PLUS II 2nd edition – new scientific calculator – $46

The fx‑9750GII and fx‑9750GIII are graphics calculators similar to those sold in retail stores and are recommended for students in Years 11–13. The fx‑82AU PLUS II 2nd edition is a scientific calculator suitable for Years 9–10, but not appropriate for senior Maths courses. All models are NZQA approved.

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, fillings e.g. cheese slices and ham, and grab‑and‑go items (such as muesli bars). 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 Claire Ross (Head of Wellbeing) at claire.ross@hvhs.school.nz.

We’re grateful for the ongoing support of Petone Youth and Family Trust, who provide apples and carrots each week, and the Salvation Army, who supply bread for sandwiches. Koha from whānau has also helped us provide fruit and other essentials for our students. Your generosity helps ensure our students feel full, supported, and ready to learn. Ka nui te mihi.

Tuesday 24 February

• Athletics Day, Years 9-13, Hutt Recreation Grounds, School Day Starts at 9:00am at Hutt Rec
• School Board Meeting, 5:30pm-7:30pm, HVHS Board Room

Wednesday 25 February

• Athletics Day - Postponement Date

Thursday 26 February

• Whānau Hui, Hotuwaipara (our school marae), 6:00pm-8:00pm

Thursday, 5 March

• School ID Photos (Catch-Up Day)

Wednesday, 11 March

• Duke of Edinburgh Info Evening, 5:15pm to 7:00pm

Monday 23 March

• New Zealand Secondary Schools' Summer Tournament Week Starts

Tuesday 24 March

• School Board Meeting, 5:30pm-7:30pm, HVHS Board Room

• Summer Sports Team Photos

Thursday 2 April

• Last Day of Term 1

• Good Friday (public holiday, school closed)

Monday, 20 April

• First day of Term 2

Saturday, 25 April

• Anzac Day (public holiday)

Monday 27 April

• Anzac Day (public holiday observed, school closed)

Wednesday, 6 May

• Learning Conversations with Year 9-10 Families, All Students Learning from Home

Tuesday, 12 May

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

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