FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear HNHS families,

I am sure many of you will have caught up with the fantastic news we received earlier this week regarding the success of our 2025 scholarship students.  For those who are not aware, the scholarship examination is the most challenging examination offered in each subject by NZQA.  Having taught scholarship for many years, I can attest to the fact that success in these exams requires a combination of natural aptitude and hours of hard work.  We are fortunate to have a culture where staff are willing to offer extra scholarship classes in their own time - before school, afterschool, at lunchtime and during the holidays.  In 2025, our students received 30 scholarships in 12 different subject areas which is a remarkable number for any school and is a testament to our focus on maintaining high standards of achievement.


The scholarship results made for a pretty fantastic Monday morning.  On Tuesday morning, we were informed that Rupert Heslop (2025 Dux) had been selected to receive a Premier Award (top 13 students in the country).  Rupert is also a contender for the Prime Minister’s Top Scholar award.  This is the second time I have had the pleasure of accompanying one of our students to parliament to be recognised in this way in three years. 

NEW PARENTS EVENING – Tuesday, 17th February (5pm start in the Auditorium)

I would like to extend an invitation to all of our new parents and caregivers to our New Parents Evening next Tuesday.  This is a fantastic chance to connect with a few key staff including Form Tutors, House Tutors and Heads of House.  We will start with a very brief presentation in the Auditorium at 5pm before moving into smaller venues. 


Having been through the process myself, I appreciate that the transition to secondary school can be just as challenging for parents as it can be for students.  Making a few connections with key staff is an important way to stay connected and involved with school which is just as important now as it was in primary school.


PTA QUIZ NIGHT & FIRST MEETING

Another fantastic way to stay connected with the school is to join our Parent Teacher Association.  The group meet twice each term and the first meeting for the year is taking place on Tuesday, 24th February at 7pm in our staffroom.  During the meeting, I provide a Principal’s Report on some of the things going on around the school so again, a great way to stay in the loop.  


We are fortunate to have had such an active PTA over the years who have fundraised for countless major projects around the school; most recently the new outdoor stage in Barham Common. 


This year’s major fundraising venture is the PTA Quiz Evening and I have attached the flyer with details.  I encourage everyone to grab a ticket as the quiz is always a lot of fun but also directly supports our school and students.


Have a wonderful weekend,


Joel Wilton

Principal

KEY DATES

  • Friday, 27th February – Inter-house Swimming Sports (Village Pool - all students attend)
  • Saturday, 28th February - Sunday 1st March - HB Regional Debating Competition
  • Sunday 1st - Monday 2nd March - Forum Leadership Trip to Wellington
  • Monday, 2nd March – Year 9 and 10 Interim Reports emailed home
  • Thursday, 5th March – Year 9 and 10 Parent Consultation Evening (school closes at 1.00pm, consultations run from 2.00 - 6.30pm). Booking information will be emailed to families closer to the time.
  • Friday, 6th - Sunday 8th March – Silver Duke of Edinburgh Expedition (Whirinaki Forest)
  • Monday, 9th March – Jnr Boys Futsal Challenge Cup
  • Wednesday, 11th March – Snr Boys Futsal Challenge Cup
  • Wednesday, 11th March – Year 11 Parent Consultation Evening (school finishes at the normal time)
  • Friday, 13th March – Inter-house Athletic Sports (all students attend)
  • Saturday, 14th March – PTA Quiz Night (email pta.hnhs@gmail.com for tickets)
  • Tuesday, 17th March – Year 12 and 13 Parent Consultation Evening (school closes at 1.00pm, consultations run from 2.00 - 6.30pm)
  • Saturday, 21st - Friday 27th March – Summer Tournament Week
  • Thursday, 26th March – NCEA Information Evening (school auditorium - all parents and whānau welcome to attend)
  • Tuesday, 31st March – 2026 Open Evening (school closes at 1.00pm - evening starts at 6.00pm in the school gymnasium. All Year 12 and 13 students required to attend)
  • Thursday, 2nd April – Last day of term