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Newsletter Week 1 Term 2
Hastings Christian School
22 April 2026
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From the Principal
Attendance Matters in 2026
Kia ora koutou, welcome back to a new school term. It was particularly special to see students reconnecting with their friends and teachers at the start of the week. It was also wonderful to hear about the experiences of our senior students who participated in the Vietnam tour over the holidays, as they shared at the secondary assembly this morning. Please read on to find out more, with further updates to come in the weeks ahead.
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One of the areas we are continuing to focus on at HCS in 2026 is student attendance. You will hear us talking about this with you and with our students, and it remains an important topic of conversation among staff.
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I recently read a parenting article by Focus on the Family that addressed the age-old question of whether “quality time” with our children is more important than “quantity time.” Their conclusion was simple: we need both. The article challenged the idea that a small amount of “special” time can replace regular, consistent presence.
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It highlighted research showing that greater parental involvement—more time—is linked to better outcomes for children, including:
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- Fewer social and emotional problems
- Lower risk of substance abuse
- Less involvement in crime
- Better academic achievement
In a similar way, we should not fall into the trap of thinking that a quality education during parts of the year can make up for extended periods of absence.
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Each term, schools across the country receive an ‘Everyday Matters’ report outlining attendance rates. As you will see below, 78% of our students attended school at least 90% of the time last term. Of particular note is the number of families taking holidays during term time.
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If a student misses just one day of school every two weeks, they will miss more than a full year of schooling by the age of 16. As parents and caregivers, you play a vital role alongside the school in building strong habits of regular attendance.
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All students are legally required to attend school every day. This is a shared responsibility, ensuring that students attend and engage in learning from the time they first start school.
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Please notify the school if your child is going to be absent, whether for a tangi, medical procedure, or other valid reason. Please note that the Ministry of Education have stated that, ‘time off for family holidays or extracurricular activities (not organised by the school) are not considered acceptable reasons for absence.’
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We understand that it can sometimes be difficult to decide whether your child is well enough to attend school. Health guidance is available to help you make this decision. If you are unsure, please get in touch—we are here to support you.
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If you are finding it challenging to get your child to school, please talk with us so we can work together. Our school is committed to supporting your child’s regular attendance and engagement in learning.
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We continue to build a school culture that supports daily attendance by providing:
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- Strong relationships between staff, students, and families
- A culture that recognises and values each child and their whānau
- A commitment to supporting every student’s learning progress
- A safe and welcoming environment for all members of our community
If you have any questions or concerns about attendance, please contact us so we can work together to support your child.
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Secondary Parent-Teacher Interviews
The parent/teacher interview site is now open for bookings. Information was sent via the school app last week. A reminder that on Tuesday, the 28th of April & Monday, the 4th of May, classes will finish for students at 12:45 pm (lunchtime) to allow enough time for teachers to prepare.
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To book your interviews please click the link below.
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Primary Parent Teacher Meetings
Primary parent teacher meetings are now open for booking. Meeting times will be as follows:
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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.
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We look forward to seeing you to discuss your child’s progress.
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Guidance Counsellor
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Alice Robinson our school counsellor will be here onsite every Tuesday afternoon. We have several ways to refer a student to be seen, staff referral, student self referral and parent referral. Should you wish to contact Alice her email address is a.robinson@hcs.school.nz
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Primary Uniform Reminders
We have noticed a lot of students wearing incorrect uniform items. Please take note of the following:
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- SHOES SHOULD BE PLAIN BLACK (No logos or white/coloured soles)
- TRACKPANTS & POLAR FLEECES MUST BE THE PROPER SCHOOL NAMED ONES
- IF WEARING LAYERS UNDERNEATH THAT ARE VISIBLE, THEY NEED TO BE NAVY
- OPTIONAL JACKETS ARE AVAILABLE
Non school JACKETS AND SCARFS are not to be worn in the classroom
Hair ties should be black, brown or navy & hair clips black/brown or gold/silver
Rings, bracelets, necklaces and nailpolish should not be worn at school
Earrings should be plain and smaller than a hole punch
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Vietnam Tour
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Our students had a fantastic trip to Vietnam in the holidays. Watch this space over the next few weeks to learn more about their amazing time away.
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Teacher Only Day
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There will be a whole school teacher only day on:
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Tuesday 2nd June (Tuesday after King's Birthday)
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This will be a day where staff will focus on the Special Character of the school.
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Safety around HCS
- Parents and students should use the footpaths and marked pathways around the school (follow the painted footsteps when crossing the netball courts)
- The road patrol and kiwi crossing are manned afterschool. Please model good practice to your children by using either of these two crossings when leaving school
- No parking allowed:
- behind the admin block
- on any yellow lines
- on the neighbours driveway outside B Block
- on the grass outside H Block
- No student drivers or learner drivers in the school carpark. Student drivers are to please park on the road. If your child is learning to drive, please have them park on the road. They should not be driving on the school property at any time. This for their own safety as much as for others.
- The drop off zone outside the main noticeboard (first three yellow marked carparks) is for dropping off in the mornings. Please don't exit your vehicle - let your children out and move on.
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HCS Dealing with Concerns
It is important for the harmonious operation of the school that people are aware of and adhere to appropriate procedures for dealing with difficulties. This is a Christian school and it is therefore expected that biblical principles will be applied in dealing with such matters. Matthew 5:12–14 and Matthew 18:15–20 are relevant.
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1. If there is a problem relating to something that has occurred in the class:
The first person to talk to about it is the classroom teacher. Do not prejudge the situation and make an accusation. Explain what you think has happened and give an opportunity for the teacher to explain. (Proverbs 18:13–17) If, after talking with the teacher, you are not satisfied that the issue has been resolved you can either let love cover it (1 Peter 4:8), or you can refer the matter to the senior teacher responsible for that class. If after talking to a senior teacher you still think the issue has not been resolved you may bring the matter to the principal.
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2. If there is a problem relating to something that has occurred outside the class situation:
Follow the same procedures as above except begin by going to the teacher concerned.
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3. If you have a problem with a school procedure or policy:
Go to the person most closely associated with operating the procedure. Do not prejudge the situation and make an accusation. Explain what you think has happened and give an opportunity for the person to explain. Do not challenge the policy or procedure to them. This is particularly important when dealing with administration staff. They do not set the policy or procedure, they implement the procedure or policy set by others.If after listening you are dissatisfied with the explanation, arrange to speak to the principal.
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4. Manner of Approach – Let your speech always be with grace…Timing. Please check with the person concerned that it is convenient to talk. If it is not, make an appointment for a suitable time. Please be mindful that classroom teachers are very busy immediately before school and this is not usually an appropriate time to discuss a concern. Attitude. Do not prejudge the situation and make an accusation. Explain what you think has happened and give an opportunity for the person to explain. Do not challenge the policy or procedure to them.
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5. If a particularly serious situation arises you may go directly to the principal (principal@hcs.school.nz) or the Board chairman (board@hcs.school.nz), especially if physical danger to anyone or property is involved.
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Pizza Lunches
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Available every Friday - order outside the staffroom before school.
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Community Events
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Term Dates for 2026
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Term 2 Monday 20th April - Friday 3rd July
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Term 3 Monday 20th July - Friday 25th September
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Term 4 Monday 12 October - 8 December
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Term 2 Events
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Friday 24th - Y12 RYDA driving Programme
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Monday 27th - Anzac Day Observence
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Tuesday 28th - Primary Teacher Only Day
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Tuesday 28th - Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews - 12:45 finish for secondary students
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Thursday 30th - Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews
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Monday 4th - Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews - 12:45 finish for secondary students
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Wednesday 6th - Secondary Parent Teacher Interviews
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Monday 11th - HCS Board Meeting
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Tuesday 12/Wed 13th - Primary Parent Meetings
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Tuesday 12th-Thurs 14th - Y13 Classics trip to Wellington
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Friday 15th - Strike Percussion Performance
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Monday 18th-Friday 22nd Life Education Caravan
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