May 2026 Edition

View this email in your browser >

Newsletter Week 3 Term 2

Hastings Christian School

6 May 2026

From the Principal

In recent weeks, the running world paused in awe as Sebastian Sawe surged into history, breaking the two-hour marathon barrier. Yet what stood out to me, just as much as the record itself, was the crowd—lining the streets, shouting, clapping, urging him forward step by step. No runner achieves such a feat in isolation. The cheers of others, the voices calling him on, helped carry him through the pain and into something remarkable.

That image provides a powerful picture for us as a school community. The Christian life, like a marathon, is not meant to be run alone. We are called to be people who cheer one another on—not occasionally, but consistently and intentionally. As the Bible reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV): “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Encouragement is not an optional extra in Christian community; it is essential.

This truth was brought home to me again this week through a deeply encouraging email from a past pupil. She shared how, during prayer walks on her family’s property, she has been lifting up our school before the Lord. She described Hastings Christian School as “a beacon in Hawke’s Bay… an environment where people are loving and loved, where they are listened to and corrected.” What a beautiful testimony to the culture of encouragement that so many of you—staff, students, and families—have helped to build.

She went on to pray that God would “establish himself to all who enter the school… that students would not only know God throughout high school, but… carry [that faith] through the rest of their lives.” Those words are both a comfort and a challenge. They remind us that encouragement is not simply about kind words; it is about pointing one another to Christ, again and again, so that faith takes deep root.

Hebrews 10:24–25 (NIV) calls us to this shared responsibility: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” Notice the intentionality—consider how. Encouragement requires thought, effort, and presence. It happens in classrooms, on sports fields, in staffrooms, and in quiet conversations where a timely word can strengthen a weary heart.

There is also an urgency to this calling. Hebrews 3:13 (NIV) says: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘Today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Each day presents fresh opportunities to speak life, to redirect gently, and to remind one another of God’s truth.

One further encouragement I received recently came as a result of meeting with eight other Christian school principals from across the lower North Island. Aside from the practical support of hearing how each school was coping with all of the curriculum changes that the government has introduced over the last two years, it was a real blessing to be able to encourage and share with each other.

As we continue through this term, may we be a community that runs together—cheering, supporting, and strengthening one another in Christ. And when the path feels difficult or uncertain, may we hold fast to the words of William Cowper’s hymn, ‘God Moves in a Mysterious Way:’

Oh, fearful saints, new courage take:  The clouds that you now dread  are big with mercy and will break  In blessings on your head.  Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,  but trust him for his grace.  Behind a frowning providence,  He hides a smiling face.

Gavin Clark

Principal

Student Podcast

Some of our secondary students have started a podcast to keep the HCS community up to date on some of the happenings around the school.

Take a listen!

The Vine Podcast

Primary Parent Teacher Meetings

Primary parent teacher meetings are next week. We are encouraged by the number of bookings so far. There are still spaces should you wish to see you child's teacher.

Tuesday 12 May

3:30-5:30pm

6:30-8:00pm

Wednesday 13 May

3:30-5:30pm

Click on the link below to open up the booking site so you can choose a suitable time to meet your child’s teacher. Meetings are 10 minutes long and are held in your child’s classroom. Jo Oxley, our SENCO, is also available for learning support meetings.

We look forward to seeing you to discuss your child’s progress.

Book Parent Teacher Meeting

House Event

Kia ora whānau, We are excited to share details of our upcoming whole school house event, Medieval Mayhem, taking place on:

Tuesday 26 May at 1:00pm

This is a high energy, rotation style event involving students from Year 1 to 13, where they will compete in mixed year level house teams across a range of fun, medieval themed challenges.

What students can expect:
Students will rotate through activities such as Dungeon Crawl, Joust a Plaisance, Capture the King, Trebuchet Target, Robin Hood, Castle Building, and more. The focus is on participation, teamwork, and building house spirit.

What students need to do:

Dress up in a medieval or renaissance costume or wear their house colours
Come ready to participate, encourage others, and represent their house with pride

House colours:

Mako – Blue
Kahu – Yellow
Maunga – Black
Harakeke – Red
Toki – Green

House events are always a highlight of the term, and we are looking forward to seeing strong participation and great house spirit across the school.

Primary Disco

The student council will be hosting a disco for primary students on Friday 22nd of May. More detials to follow!

Student Achievements

Volleyball

We've had four our our secondary students who have been selected by Volleyball Hawke's Bay to represent our region this term. This is a great achievement and we extend our congratulations to:

Reuben Ward (Y13) - U19 Men's Squad

Petra Palmer (Y12) - U19 Women's Squad

Amy Martin (Y10) - U17 Women's Squad

Michelle Bock (Y10)- U17 Women's Squad

Lift Off Festival

A group of primary students entered fashion pieces in the Lift Off Festival last week as part of the World of Wearable Art event. Check out their video below.

HCS WOW Video

From the Library

Please return all term 1 HCS library books

All books borrowed from the HCS library are now due back - reminder emails have been sent to students with outstanding booksBooks can be returned during primary class visits, left at the school office or returned to the book returns bin in the E-Block workroom.

But it is not a HCS book...As well as books from the HCS libraries, students may also bring home books from the National Library. These are books that we have borrowed from the National LIbrary of NZ to supplement our own collection. These are issued for 3 weeks and need to be returned to the HCS library as per normal library books. National Library books have a barcode on the backcover.

Book Club Issue 3 now open

Issue 3 of the Scholastic Book Club is now available - the first order will be put through next week. Book Club catalogues can be picked up from the school office, E-block foyer or H1.You can also browse the issue at https://www.scholastic.co.nz/parents/book-club-latest-issue/.Order and pay using the Loop app and you receive $5 to use on the next issue. HCS also gets 15% of the order as book credit for the school library.

Exploring Pathways Beyond School

We encourage all parents and caregivers to take a few minutes to explore the latest Leaving School magazine with your young person. This resource is packed with useful information to help students consider their next steps, whether that be further study, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce. The magazine provides real insights into different career pathways, training options, and industry opportunities, helping students make informed decisions about their future. It is also a great way for families to start meaningful conversations about goals, interests, and possible directions after school.

You can access the magazine here:
www.oliverlee.co.nz/leavingschool-issue35

We hope you find it a helpful and practical tool as you support your young person in planning for life beyond school.

RYDA Programme

Following the success of the recent RYDA Programme with our Year 12 students, the same organisation would love to extend their support to you as parents and caregivers. This is a valuable opportunity to build your confidence in supporting your teenager through their driving journey. We encourage you to make the most of this free community event:

Teaching Your Teenager to Drive – Parent Evening

McLean Park - 14 May 2026 5:45 PM - 7 PM

This practical and engaging session will help you to:

• Understand how the teenage brain impacts driving decisions
• Recognise key risk factors for young drivers
• Learn simple, effective strategies for coaching a learner driver
• Support your teenager’s transition to independent driving
• Work alongside driving instructors with clarity and purpose

This is a free event, but registration is required. You can secure your place here:
https://dc_napier_2026.eventbrite.co.nz/

We would love to see as many of our families as possible take advantage of this opportunity. Even attending alongside your teenager could make a real difference to their safety and confidence on the road.

Star Wars Day

We had a few fans dress up for Star Wars Day on May the 4th. Some students took a moment to teach a short impromptu lesson on the history of the galactic empire.

Vietnam Tour

Pizza Lunches

Available every Friday - order outside the staffroom before school.

Community Events

Onekawa Bible Church - Legacy Fundraiser

OBC are getting really excited about what’s shaping up to be a fantastic auction evening on Saturday 16th May - held in the HCS gym. It’s lining up to be a great night out, with a wide range of family-focused auction items—everything from holiday homes and adventure experiences to dinners out, as well as really practical packages like childcare, cleaning, and home/garden services. Click the link below for more info!

Tickets and Information