HVHS Term 4, Week 1
Newsletter - 21 October 2022
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Kia ora koutou,
The first week of derived examinations is nearly over with the last exams finishing at 4:30pm this afternoon. This signals that we have moved into our seniors' crunch time of the year. Term four is ridiculously short, and students and staff have a lot to pack into eight short weeks. It is important for the school community to read school emails and the newsletter. So much is happening.
Many seniors are completing portfolio work - often a year’s worth of learning and study packed into one portfolio or presentation. Here is a fantastic presentation from Ethan Sillay (12KO) one of our Year 12 DVCO (Design and Visual Communications) students.
Year 13 students have little time left at school and is a year group that has missed many opportunities to enjoy events and activities at school during the three years of pandemic-affected learning. It was a delight to host the Year 13 Graduation Ball. Our students looked incredible, behaved beautifully and had a wonderful time. The final day for Year 13 students at school before formal exams is Tuesday 1 November. This day will finish with a farewell BBQ on the school’s front lawn at 12.30pm. Tim Fox (Deputy Principal) and I will hand out Leaver’s badges to all students.
Year 13 Prizegiving is on Monday 5 December at 6pm in the school hall. That will be the final formal event and all students are welcome to attend. Invitations will be sent to prizewinners.
Next week we will formally announce our student leaders for 2023. We have selected an impressive group of school leaders, house leaders, and liaison leaders. We are hopeful that next year will bring a year unaffected by COVID-19 so that existing and new events can happen. Our 2022 leaders have done an incredible job navigating the pandemic landscape to ensure exciting things have happened in school. They will hand over their roles and share their wisdom with next year’s group at the Year 12 Prizegiving on Tuesday 6 December. Next year’s leaders will be announced on the school website on Wednesday 26 October.
We have relaunched the school’s International Student Programme and appointed a new Director, Jodie Murden. We are excited to share Aotearoa and HVHS with international students again. We have hosted 32 international students this year and will likely have 30 international students at school next year. The 2023 international students will be arriving from Japan, China, Germany, Brazil and Thailand.
Recently our Brazilian students travelled to Rotorua, and attended a farewell function with the Ambassador of Brazil. Five new students arrived from Japan this week, and are being looked after by students studying Japanese. Jodie and her team have planned an activity week for international students not sitting NCEA, including cooking, crafts, and visiting Staglands, mini-putt, and Hutt Intermediate School.
Here is our new International Student Video produced by Sam Pietras of Create Now. The video will be posted on the school website soon.
Ngā mihi nui,
Denise Johnson (Principal)
Japanese students arriving in Wellington
Brazillian students visiting Rotorua
Julia Andrade (11LA) at Staglands
Learning Area Spotlight - Gateway - Update from Rob King (Head of Learning Pathways)
We receive many questions from students and parents about HVHS's Gateway Programme. The main focus each year for the Gateway Programme is the workplace programme. This starts with a preparation phase for students during Term 1 which includes the First Aid and Workplace Safety courses alongside career research and updating of CVs. Meghan McKeefry and Jodene Fitness interview students in the workplace programme, carry out a personality quiz (results are always interesting and relevant) and link the students to potential employers that match their profile and career goals.
The work placements for students normally occur over two terms, usually one day per week for at least 10 days in a structured work environment. Students gain hands-on work experience at these placements in their chosen pathway strengthening relationships with their employers. The Gateway team aims to have all student placements completed by the end of Term 2 (typically 90% of students) or the end of Term 3 at the latest. Fortunately, we have a buoyant job market in many sectors of the local economy, especially with tradies keen to give our students an opportunity.
In 2022, 106 students at HVHS have benefited from workplace experiences through the Gateway programme directly or via Employment Ready and the new workplace programme operated through Metal Technology at local engineering firms like ATCO Steel Developments and MJH Engineering. Some students have more than one workplace destination, which is encouraged if the first option is not the right fit - it’s the quest to find their passion. One year, we had a student who tried seven different options before the penny dropped and they were humming!
Images below (left to right): Kyle Bourne (12WB) at MJH Engineering, Ollie Fastier (12FE) at Wellington Airport and Emma Collett (12BE) at Eastern Hutt School.
Kyle Bourne (12WB) at MJH Engineering
Ollie Fastier (12FE) at Wellington Airport
Emma Collect (12BE) at Eastern Hutt School
One of the key factors for successful student placements is the matching of personalities. the right boss, the right work environment, and feeling encouraged and supported. This makes a big difference for our students. This matching of students to a successful work placement represents a huge amount of work for the Gateway team and our student success stories make it worth it. HVHS is hugely grateful to the 76 businesses that offered these work placements to our students. This year, nine students secured apprenticeships and many have gained part-time jobs.
In term 4, the Gateway Team is busy interviewing students and their parents/caregivers for Gateway applications for 2023. Limited spaces are available. If you have any questions on the Gateway programme, learning pathways or offering student workplace placements at your business please email me at rob.king@hvhs.school.nz.
We are hiring! We have staff vacancies for a Student Receptionist, Enrolments Coordinator and Teacher Aide
We have three new job vacancies for the roles of Student Receptionist, Enrolments Coordinator and Teacher Aide at Tautoko (HVHS’s Supported Learning Centre). If you'd like to apply for any of these roles visit our school website for information on how to apply and to read the full position descriptions.
Student Receptionist
Do you like to provide excellent customer service and enjoy working with young people?
We are seeking an enthusiastic person to join our front office team. You will need to be someone who thrives in a busy environment, have excellent attention to detail, good problem-solving skills, strong administrative and organisational skills while working as part of a team.
This position is 5 days a week, part-time permanent during term time only, 29.5 hours per week. Applications close Friday 4 November at 4.00pm.
Enrolments Coordinator
This role involves working with young people and their whānau to manage the enrolment process for HVHS. You will need to be welcoming and inclusive and able to build and maintain high-trust positive working relationships with all stakeholders. Critical to this role is ensuring the accuracy and confidentiality of information delivered to meet deadlines. This role also involves providing backup support to the front office team and like the role above you'll need to be someone who thrives in a busy environment, has excellent attention to detail, good problem-solving skills, strong administrative and organisational skills while working as part of a team. This position is 5 days a week, part-time permanent during term time only, 20 hours per week. Applications close Friday 4 November at 4.00pm.
Teacher Aide - Tautoko Supported Learning Centre
Our fantastic Supported Learning Centre here at Hutt Valley High School is seeking
an enthusiastic teacher aide (whom we call a Learning Support Assistant - LSA) to work
with our amazing students. Our teenage students have a range of learning and/or
behaviour difficulties, so we require our LSAs to be patient, have good communication, build positive working relationships with students/whanau and colleagues so we can provide daily positive learning experiences. This position will involve supporting some students with self care management e.g. toileting. This role is a part-time during term time only and is a fixed term position for 2023. A full driver's licence is essential. Applications close Friday 4 November at 4.00pm.
Helpful Information on NCEA Exams, 2022 Exams Admission Slips & Logging into NZQA
All students have been updated on this information however we appreciate it's a busy time for families so a reminder never hurts.
For students sitting NCEA exams, their exam admission slips and exam information are now available. Year 13 students can collect their information from the student office. All other year groups will receive this information during mentor time.
Students need to collect from the student office the following: 2022 Exams Admission Slip (essential for entry into examinations) and their Candidate Information Sheet (with External Assessment – Rules and Instructions for Candidates).
Once students have their 2022 Exams Admission Slip they need to do three things:
1. Check all entries are accurate. For any errors or missing entries please see Rob Everett to go through the late entries process.
2. Ensure they can login using their NZQA Student Login at www.nzqa.govt.nz/login. To do this students will need to:
- Create an account (if new to NCEA) or check their NZQA Student Login at www.nzqa.govt.nz/login
- Check their address. If a change of address is required, they must ensure their school knows this immediately (go to the front office for enrollment chats). This will ensure any portfolios/workbooks (where applicable) are returned to the correct address in February 2023.
As school leavers, students need to ensure that they update their NZQA login details with a personal email that they can continue to access after leaving school.
3. Students need to keep their Exams Admission Slip in a safe place and bring it to every exam. Students must not write on it or share it with anyone.
Late Entries
Late entries made after Thursday 1 September will not show on a student's original 2022 Exams Admission Slip. If a student is worried about their entries please see Rob Everett.
Replacement Exams Admission Slips
If a student needs a new Exam Admission Slip, we can print and sign a copy from your school’s NZQA Provider login. This can be done via the student office. Students can reprint their Exams Admission Slip through their NZQA Student Login on the NZQA website. As the Principal’s Nominee, Rob Everett must also sign this copy.
Return of marked NCEA and NZ Scholarship exam booklets
If a student sits an NCEA or NZ Scholarship exam, their assessed exam can be accessed through your NZQA Learner Login in late January/February. It is important you create an NZQA Learner Login account if you do not have one, so that you can see their marked booklet.
Groups at HVHS - Trans & Non-Binary Group
Our Trans and Non-Binary Group meets every Tuesday at lunchtime in P4. The group is for students who identify as trans, non-binary, MVPFAFF (Mahu, Vaka sa lewa lewa, Palopa, Fa'afafine, Akava'ine, Fakaleiti, Fakafifine) or questioning their gender.
The group allows you to meet other gender-diverse students, hang out and provide support to each other with your transitions, including issues you are having like being misgendered. This group is organised by Jill Skinner (jill.skinner@hvhs.school.nz) please get in contact for any questions or for more information.
Sporting Achievements
Congratulations to our students and teachers for their sporting achievements over the last month.
- Nate Beard (12WA) competed at and placed 5th in the Cross Country at the 2022 Skoda National Schools Mountain Biking Championship event in Bluff.
- Coco Holland-Waterson (9WL) was named in the Māori a Ikaroa Ki Te Tonga U15 2022/2023 netball team.
- Will Pickering (10GU) competed at the Regional Schools Mountain Biking event at Arapuke. He placed 1st in the U16 Enduro race.
- Jamie Birchler (9RU) and Will Browne (9PL) both competed in the Noumea Open International Climbing Championships. Jamie came 2nd in both the Youth B (U16) bouldering and lead climbing events and Will came 3rd in the Youth B (U16) lead climbing event.
- Taane Koorey-Te Huki (Mr T) a teacher at HVHS was a member of the winning Wellington team at the Nationals Flag Championships held in Auckland.
Congratulations to another HVHS teacher, Angus Devine who was recognised for his services by Cricket Wellington as part of their first-ever ‘Volunteer XI’. The initiative, led by the Cricket Wellington community team, aims to highlight the importance of volunteers to the cricket community by selecting a team of volunteers who have been nominated by clubs and schools from around the Capital.
We love hearing about our student's sporting achievements, you can share any updates by emailing the Sports Department at sport@hvhs.school.nz.
Will Pickering (10GU) - 1st Place
Will Pickering (10GU)
Mr T (on the left)
Rhiannon Mackie (13JDFX) to represent New Zealand at the United Nations Climate Change Conference
Monetary Policy Challenge - HVHS's Team Receives Honourable Mention
At the recent Monetary Policy Challenge, HVHS's team of Eloise Edmunds (13VE), Benji Robertson (12IC), Rasvinder Singh (12KO), Samuel Willis (12NI) and Antony Ye (12BE) received an honourable mention for their outstanding work. The Monetary Challenge is a national competition that is open to all Year 12 and 13 students studying Economics.
The students wrote a monetary policy statement and presented it as a video. This presentation had to analyse the current economic situation in New Zealand and globally. Using this analysis they made a forecast of where inflation was heading and set the official cash rate (OCR). Using a wide range of data to make their forecast they also had to recommend whether to raise or cut the OCR to control inflation.
🔗 https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED2210/S00024/2022-monetary-policy-challenge-winners-announced.htm
Scholarship English Group - Article by May Harmer (13PS)
Cosied up in V9 on a Friday morning, hot chocolate in hand, carefully highlighting phrases, sits the Scholarship English group. Ready to both indulge in the joys of literature and their own natural curiosities about the world, the tight-knit group of year 12s and 13s explore ethical quandaries, the meaning of life, and the intricacies of language, all while preparing for the scholarship exam at the end of the year.
While members of the group might love Austen for the romance and thrill audiences with Shakespeare’s comedies in drama, the stuffy, uptight, group you might be picturing is nothing more than a carefully crafted illusion. This group is a bunch of nerds. Scholarship-winning essays have been written on Star Wars and The Lord of the Rings. There are no limitations in English.
The group has worked through the ethical dilemma that is the works of Sylvia Plath, sparking some healthy debate from all around the table. Previously they’ve focused on everyone from Philip Larkin to T.S. Eliot, though no one can agree on what Eliot’s best work is. (This author thinks it’s “Cats”).
Whether discussing new poetry or getting sidetracked by the thematic parallels of the new season of “Stranger Things”, English Scholarship is the place for cultivating young minds and creating a deeper understanding of the literature we consume and the place it has in our lives.
Congratulations to our 2022 Cultural and Service Award Recipients
Each year HVHS honours students who have made significant cultural or service contributions. The range of areas acknowledged is wide-ranging and demonstrates the breadth of talent in our hard-working students. Areas of contribution included:
- Dance (Co-curricular Groups), Musical Theatre (including the School Musical and Showquest)
- Drama (including Production, Film and Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival)
- Music (including Orchestra, Choir, Pacifica Beats, Rockquest and Chamber Music)
- Musical Theatre (including the School Musical and Showquest)
- Public Speaking (including Debating, School Speech Competition, Manu Korero, Goethe Institute and Alliance Francais)
- Service
At the last assembly of Term 3, the following students received awards:
Certificates
- Ina Zeiss (SLC), Certificate in Visual Art
- Tara Randall (11CN), Certificate in Music
- Matty Miller (9MKTJ), Certificate in Music
- Xander Beatson (9INJA), Certificate in Music
- Lidia Williams (13LR), Certificate in Musical Theatre
- Esme Cochrane (13LG), Certificate in Dance
- Charlotte Sanders (12CP), Certificate in Dance
- Greta McGuinness (11TH), Certificate in both Dance and Musical Theatre
- Clara Archibald (11HF), Certificate in both Dance and Musical Theatre
- Izzy Bloodworth (13YU), Certificate in Dance
- Rio Salisbury-Metcalfe (11LA), Certificate in Service
- Ryan Hammond (11FL), Certificate in Service
- Florian Williams (13NS), Certificate in Service
- Ava Gray (11GW), Certificate in Service
- Erios Sabiston (11CI), Certificate in Service
- Rin Smith (13NS), Certificate in Service
- Carmen O'Grady (9MTCR), Certificate in Service
- Tom West (13BK), Badge for Public Speaking
- May Harmer (13PS), Badge for Public Speaking
- Dan Walker (13YU), Badge for Music
- George Walker (12SK), Badge for Music
- Jasmin Roberts (12NI), Badge for Music
- William Li (11SP), Badge for Music
- Samuel Bennion (11BQ), Badge for Music
- Jimmy Onslow-Osbourne (11BQ), Badge for Music
- Stella Hill (12KO), Badge for Music
- Olly Wilkinson (11MC), Badge for Music
- Luke Barlow (11HF), Badge for Music
- Eloise Edmonds (13VE), Badge for Music
- Finn van der Bar (11HF), Badge for Music
- Tai van der Bar (13HT), Badge for Music
- Martin Jin (11CI), Badge for Music
- Eve Houghton (13MO), Badge for Music
- Vanje Vaafusuaga (12BE), Badge for Music
- Devon Barnes (12CP), Badge for Dance
- George Channer (12NI), Badge for Dance
- Seren Lewis (12SK), Badge for Dance
- Mackenzie Garbutt (11SP), Badge for Dance
- Emma Collett (12BE), Badge for Dance
- Maddi Marshall (11SR), Badges for both Dance and Musical Theatre
- Maria Gray (12IC), Badges for both Dance and Musical Theatre
- Sudiksha Kaul (13RD), Badges for both Dance and Musical Theatre
- Tia Tofilau (12MI), Badges for both Dance and Musical Theatre
- Theo Thompson (11BS), Colours (Black) in Music
- Jaxson Cook (13JDFX), Colours (Gold) in both Music and Service
- Emerson Devos (13AL), Colours in Music
- Oscar Zuijderwijk (13VY), Colours in Music
- Stella Hill (12KO), Colours in Music
- Jiya Anand (13BN), Colours (Gold) in both Dance and Musical Theatre
- Lauren Grigsby (13LG), Colours (Gold) in both Dance and Musical Theatre
- Ella McNeillage (13WR), Colours (Gold) in both Dance and Musical Theatre
- Elizabeth Hanaray (13JDFX), Colours in both Dance and Musical Theatre
- Max Webb (13JDFX), Colours in five categories, Drama (Groups), Drama (Productions), Music, Musical Theatre and Service
Greenpeace Global Strike Day – Congratulations to our Students Raising Awareness of Climate Issues
On Friday, 23 September, the hard work of Izzy Cook (12FE), Seren Lewis (12SK) and Charlotte Hoffman (12FY) was demonstrated in a successful Greenpeace Global Strike Day Rally at Parliament. These students have worked hard to coordinate volunteers, determine logistics and raise awareness of climate issues.
This year the focus was on Agriculture, specifically the use of nitrogen on farms and the impact that this is having on waterways. Izzy in her role as spokesperson and helping to oversee logistics faced many barriers as she supported the action group's efforts. The event saw upwards of 500 students rallying at Parliament, while hundreds also turned out in Auckland and Christchurch.
It was fantastic to see Izzy and her team being interviewed about their passions on a range of media including Breakfast, Newshub, 1News, and a range of radio interviews. They’ve been a part of the Greenpeace Global Strike Day action group since year 10, and are looking for others to join the cause, and to come along in 2023. Congratulations to our students who are stepping up to leadership roles in the community to voice their opinions and take action.
We're looking for reader/writers to help our students
Volunteer reader/writers assist students with learning differences and disabilities during their exams and assessments. As a reader/writer you’ll get the satisfaction of helping support students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia, physical disability or a sports injury to their writing hand!
We’re looking for volunteers with clear spoken English, good reading skills, and either good handwriting or the computer skills to quickly type answers and navigate around an online exam. Training will be provided, and acceptance is subject to a satisfactory Police check.
What’s involved? Volunteers are needed at HVHS during school hours, especially from now until early December. A reader/writer might help for 2-3 hours each term or up to 10 exams a year. We’ll match your availability and willingness to our student’s schedules. You can also say no if a day/date doesn’t suit.
Contact Raewyn at (04) 566 4584 or email raewyn.kerr@hvhs.school.nz to learn more. Please note - current HVHS students aren't able to volunteer.
Get your 2023 enrolments in now!
In-Zone Applications
Enrolments for 2023 are open for students who live in-zone. We ask that parents enrol now so that we can plan for your child's learning needs for 2023 and ensure a smooth transition to high school. A big advantage to enrolling now is that your child will receive the email with subject selections (some subjects have limited spaces) and a booking time for an Enrolment Conversation. Please complete an online enrolment application.
Already Enrolled for Year 9 2023
For those Year 8 students joining us next year, look out for an email regarding subject selections and booking a time for an Enrolment Conversation.
Out-Of-Zone Applications
Out-of-zone applications for students in years 9-13 in 2023 have now closed.
Upcoming Dates & Events
Monday 24 October - Labour Day (School Closed)
Tuesday 25 October - Derived grade exams continue (until Wed 23 Oct)
Wednesday 26 October - HVHS Board Meeting, 5:30-7:30pm
Thursday 27 October - Hotuwaipara Awards, 7--9pm
Friday 28 October - HOSCARS, 6-8:30pm
Monday 31 October - Year 13 Production, 7--9pm &
Studylink Presentation for Year 13 students (looking to do tertiary study in 2023), 10-11am
Tuesday 1 November - Year 13 Production, 7--9pm &
Final day for Year 13 students before exams (with farewell BBQ at 12:30pm)
Wednesday 2 November - Year 13 Production, 7--9pm
Thursday 3 November - Year 13 Production, 7--9pm (Last Night)
Friday 4 November - Last day of Term 4 for students in Year 11
Monday 7 November - NCEA exams start today (and continue until Fri 2 Dec)
Friday 11 November - Non-Uniform Day
Friday 25 November - NCEA Teacher Only Day (No Classes)
Wednesday 30 November - HVHS Board Meeting, 5;30-7:30pm
Thursday 1 December - NCEA Teacher Only Day (No Classes)
Friday 2 December - Big 10 Sports Day for students in Year 10
Monday 5 December - Year 13 Prizegiving, 6-8pm
Friday 9 December - Last day of Term 4 for students in Years 9 & 10
Contact Us
Email: principal@hvhs.school.nz
Website: https://www.hvhs.school.nz
Location: Woburn Road Lower Hutt, 5010 Wellington
Phone: +64 4 566 4584
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hvhs.school.nz