April 2026 Edition

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Newsletter Week 10 Term 1

Hastings Christian School

1 April 2026

From the Principal

Job once asked, “If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14). No question can more seriously engage the attention of any person than that one. A few chapters later, Job answers his own question when he says: “I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25–27).

A few centuries later, Solomon made the telling statement that God “…has put eternity into the hearts of men” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). In other words, we all have a sense that there is more to this life than what we experience in the few short years we spend on this earth.

I reminded the teaching staff on Monday, and my Christian Worldview classes this week, that the Christian faith is the only religion whose founder has an empty tomb. For this reason, Peter could say that Christians have a “living hope” because of Christ’s resurrection from the dead. The resurrection changes everything—both for this life and for the one to come.

Without the resurrection, the death of Christ becomes:

the heroic death of a noble martyr,
the execution of a fraud,
or perhaps the pathetic death of a deranged madman.

However, because of the resurrection, Christ’s death becomes the death of the atoning Son of God. The resurrection truly changes everything!

Today at the whole-school assembly, we were able to celebrate Christ’s achievement in defeating death, hell, and the grave. It was such a blessing to have Hanrich Jacobs (a past pupil) come and share a devotion with those who attended. Maisie Reed presented a lovely item on the flute as part of her course requirements. Maisie was introduced as the “poster girl” for the itinerant music programme, having been part of this for the last seven years.

At this assembly, we were also able to acknowledge Omega Stowers, who, as a Year 9 student, managed to come second at the North Island Nationals last weekend! Further to that, we also received notification from a very excited Head of English, Ange Gibbs, that we won our section of the recent secondary school Shakespeare festival. Please read on in the newsletter to find out more!

I also want to acknowledge CJ Morton, who was recognised at a special ceremony over the weekend for his efforts in receiving a Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award last year. This truly was an outstanding achievement!

To finish today’s assembly, we prayed for all those going to Vietnam from our school over the school break. This is a significant undertaking for all, and in particular for our two staff members who will be leading this tour. Please be encouraged to keep the whole team in your prayers—particularly Raphelle Andrews and Emma Nicoll.

Gavin Clark

Principal

Attendance Management

As part of the Ministry's requirement for an attendance management plan, starting next term, we will be notifying parents when their child/ren move through the STAR attendance stages:

Green - less than 5 days absent in the term (no action required)

Yellow - up to 10 days absent in the term (letter sent informing parents)

Orange - up to 15 days absent in the term (letter sent informing parents)

Red - 15 days or more absent in the term (letter sent informing parents)

The attendance data and STAR stage changes are recorded in our student management system (KAMAR), and are reported to the Ministry regularly.

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.

To book your interviews please click the link below.

Secondary School Parent Teacher Inteviews

School Accounts

Please ensure invoices for school items such as music tuition, technology, sport, student diaries, have been paid by the end of the term.

Photolife Student ID Photos - new process

Photolife have sent emails direct to parents to order student ID cards. This is a new ordering platform they've introduced. If you want a student ID, please go online to purchase before 12th April. If you do not receive the email, contact the office for your unique code. In previous years ID cards have been produced for all students and charged to your school account. They will now only produce cards for those who order.

Student Achievement

Huge congratualtions to Omega Stowers who came 2nd in shotput and tied for 3rd in discuss in the North Island Athletics Champs held in Auckland last week. Great effort Omega!

Tournament Day

Well done to our primary students who participated in last Friday’s Girls’ Rippa/Rugby, and Boys’ Netball tournament. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to try something new. Our students had a blast and represented us beautifully. Great job, everyone!

VIP High Tea

Last Thursday, our Year 9 Food Technology students hosted their VIP High Tea, and it was such a great afternoon. Each student invited someone special in their life and planned a high tea just for them. From the food to the presentation, you could see the thought and effort that had gone into it. Students prepared and served a range of sweet and savoury dishes, taking real ownership of what they had created.

It was great to see them step into the role of host and follow through on their planning.

Along the way, they have been learning about making good food choices, building their cooking skills, and thinking about how food impacts wellbeing, but today was really about bringing that learning to life. It was also a great example of manakitanga, with students showing care and hospitality to their guests, and using their gifts to serve others. We are really proud of the way they approached this. It was a great afternoon to be part of.

Ultimate Frisbee

The Year 13 PEA class went away to Taupo for the Secondary Ultimate Nationals. For the students this was really the first time they had ever played Ultimate and so that was a challenge in itself. Learning to throw a disc and how to cut for a pass are not easy things to do. They also had to play in the boys division even though we had girls in the team. Everybody tried hard and they did really well considering for most of them this year was the first time to pick up a disc and throw it in a game. Even though we got beaten, they never stopped trying and never gave up. They played with a great attitude and represented the school well. We all came back with sunburn faces and tired bodies. Thanks also to the Betteridges for letting us stay with them in their house.

Shakespeare Festival

Revenge might have been the theme of the night, but laughter and joy were at the heart of our Shakespeare festival scene from 'Twelfth Night', performed at Havelock North High School, on Monday night. Set in the home of Lady Olivia (Meagan Klooserman), Toby (Nina Veenstra) and best mate Andrew (Alex Vogtherr), along with Olivia's bestie, Maria (Alice Paynter), plan a catfish that makes outsider Malovlio (Ella-mae Seventer) believe he is loved and admired by Olivia. Malvolio may not have 'achieved greatness', but the team certainly did by being awarded an excellence for a comedy scene. Other students involved in making this happen were Micayla Gibbley, Heidi Bull, Ashley Anish, Amy Martin, Bianca LeRoux, Michelle Bock, and Charlie Nicoll. A massive congratulations to all involved!

E1 Rocky Shore Trip

Rocky shore 2026 did not disappoint! Amazingly, we had the absolute privilege of seeing four orcas glide past the bay at Ahuriri, likely hunting stingray, I was later told. We have around 200 orcas in the coastal waters of New Zealand, so it was a rare and exciting occasion. As for rocky shore creatures, life was abundant and the most popular organism in the low tide zone was a decent size octopus who quickly took cover in a crevice to avoid all the curious faces (and hands!). Despite the freezing temperatures, the students had a blast. An unforgettable field trip!

Teacher Only Day

There will be a whole school teacher only day on:

Tuesday 2nd June (Tuesday after King's Birthday)

This will be a day where staff will focus on the Special Character of the school.

Pizza Lunches

Available every Friday - order outside the staffroom before school.

Community Events

Lift Off Kids Festival

"No plans for the holiday? Check this out...The LIFT OFF Kids Festival is happening 13-24 April at Toitoi for kids and families aged 3-13! Lift Off puts children at the centre, with heaps of high-quality events and activities to explore at our very own Toitoi: HB Arts and Events Centre, including performances; interactive, participatory, and immersive experiences; workshops; design projects; exhibitions; parades and much more.Check this video out (please insert) Youtube link here - you might recognise some familiar faces.Website link for more info:Lift Off Kids Festival | Toitoi: Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre. "

Project Prima Volta

Project Prima Volta Junior is a free after-school singing academy for young people who are curious about their voice and want to explore singing in a supportive, encouraging group environment. Weekly training helps students build singing skills, confidence and friendships, with opportunities to perform throughout the year alongside other community groups.

For many young singers, PPV Junior is where it all begins. It offers a welcoming introduction to vocal technique, musicianship, ensemble singing and performance, and for some students becomes the first step into a longer journey with Project Prima Volta.

Auditions for 2026 will be held on Wednesday 22 April at St Paul’s Church, Napier between 4.30pm - 5.30pm, with rehearsals beginning the following week.

Participation is completely free. Selection is not based on how experienced a child already is, but on the curiosity and enthusiasm they bring to their audition. Families can find out more and register their interest here: https://www.primavolta.nz/ppv-registration-1