From the Principal
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I tēnei wiki, ka whakanui tātou i a Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori. He wā tēnei ki te ako, ki te whakamahi, ki te whakamana hoki i te reo Māori, tētahi o ngā taonga nui o Aotearoa.
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This week, we celebrate Māori Language Week—a time to learn, use, and value te reo Māori, one of the great treasures of Aotearoa New Zealand. As many of you know, Whaea Marie has prepared daily challenges for students, staff, and the parent community—many with a "sweet treat" as an incentive to "Ko te reo kia rere" (let the language fly!). This is the whakatauākī (a Māori proverb with a known author) that we have chosen as our theme for the week.
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So why all the fuss, and what insights does the Bible give us? It reminds us that words matter.
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God speaks. The Bible begins with a God who speaks creation into existence: "And God said..." (Genesis 1). Throughout Scripture, phrases like "God said" and "Thus says the Lord" appear over 1,000 times! God is not distant or silent. He communicates with His creation, revealing Himself through His Word and, ultimately, through the Word made flesh—Jesus Christ.
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As we learn a Māori greeting, use a whakataukī, sing a waiata, or listen carefully when someone speaks their language, we remember something much bigger. God is gathering people from every language on earth. Revelation 7:9 offers a glimpse of where God's great story is heading: "a great multitude... from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." One day, we will hear that great multitude singing together—not because everyone has become the same, but because people who are wonderfully different have been united by the same Saviour.
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Aside from this, several other noteworthy events took place over the past week, including the annual Year 9 ski trip and the Year 10 market day—which seems to get better with each passing year! We also had the Hastings, Havelock North, and Flaxmere primary and intermediate interschool cross-country championships. Read on in the newsletter to find out more about these events.
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However, I would particularly like to focus on an event I attended last Wednesday. I had the privilege of joining Eddie and Lara Coates at the annual Lions Young Achievers ceremony at Lindisfarne College, which represented high achievers from all Havelock and Hastings schools. Later in the newsletter, you will see a photo of Noah receiving his award from Wendy Schollum, the Mayor of Hastings, alongside the citation read during the evening.
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Like Noah’s parents, I was so proud of how he addressed the crowd and acknowledged the Lord for the abilities He has given him. Noah’s citation was so compelling that, despite requests to hold applause until the end, several audience members spontaneously clapped for his achievements. Kia pai te rā!
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Lions Club Young Achiever Award -Noah Coates
Here is the citation that went along with Noahs award.
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Noah has made an exceptional contribution to our school, helping to shape its culture and
strengthen its special character. A young man of humility, integrity, and strong Christian faith, he has led as Head Boy with courage, conviction, and a genuine commitment to serving others. Through both his words and actions, Noah has championed student voice, initiated meaningful improvements to school life, and inspired those around him to lead with purpose.
Beginning his leadership journey in Year 10 as a member of our inaugural Student Council,
Noah consistently demonstrated initiative, maturity, and a desire to make a positive difference.
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Respected by students and staff alike, he possesses a rare ability to unite people, encourage
others, and create opportunities for others to flourish. This year he launched a weekly school
podcast, combining humour, insight, and community connection. Alongside his academic
excellence, musical talent, and wholehearted involvement in school life, Noah has left an
enduring legacy and exemplifies the very best of our special character. Noah plans to study both humanities and science at Victoria University in Wellington, where he will undoubtedly continue to lead and serve with distinction.
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School photos and Keycodes
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School photos are ready for ordering online via Photolife. Keycodes will be sent via email from Photolife today. Please ensure you check your junk, spam, or promotions folders, in case the message is filtered. Free delivery applies to orders placed before midnight on Sunday, 27 September 2026.
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Benchmark Exams
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Senior students in year 11-13 will have their benchmark exams next week of term (21-25 September). Students were given a paper copy of the schedule on Monday and it was also sent out via an alert on the SchoolApp on Monday.
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Primary Term 4 Sport Registrations
Registrations are now open for term 4. Further information about each sport is provided on the registration form. If your child is interested in participating in a summer sport next term, please complete the form by Tuesday 22 September. If you have any questions, please feel free to email Mrs Nadia Saathof at n.saathof@hcs.school.nz.
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House Picnic and Mufti Day – Friday 18 September
Our final House event for the year will be an all-in House Picnic on Friday 18 September. Students should bring their usual lunch from home and will gather with their House to enjoy some food, fun and time together.
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The same day will also be a gold coin mufti day, raising funds for our Junior High Volleyball A Team as they prepare to attend their national tournament in Term 4. Students are welcome to get into the House spirit by wearing their House colours for mufti if they wish.
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Please pray with us for some great picnic weather!
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Headlice
We have had some cases of head lice in the junior classes. This is a common childhood problem that spreads easily through close head-to-head contact. To help us contain this and keep all our children comfortable, please check your child’s hair regularly. What to look for:
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- Small, crawling insects close to the scalp (lice).
- Tiny, silver-white oval eggs glued to the hair shafts near the scalp (nits).
- Frequent scratching or an itchy scalp.
What to do if you find lice:
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- Treat the hair immediately using either the wet-combing method (with conditioner and a fine-toothed lice comb) or a chemical treatment from your local pharmacy.
- Check all family members and treat everyone who is affected at the same time.
- Return to school: Children with live head lice should stay home until their first treatment begins. Once treatment has started, they are very welcome back at school.
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Thank you for your prompt cooperation in helping us manage this quickly.
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A3 Trip to Duart Hospital
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This week, our smallest learners paid a visit to the residents at Duart Hospital. Armed with a healthy dose of curiosity, our five-year-olds sat side-by-side with the residents for an afternoon of shared activities. For our new entrants, the visit built confidence and kindness outside the traditional classroom walls. For the residents, the children brightened the afternoon with their joy and energy. Thank you to the parents that came along to help.
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Y9 Ski Trip
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The Y9's had a awesome trip to Whakapapa last week to enjoy skiing & snowboarding on the mountain. Students showed grit and enthusiasm as they mastered new skills and enjoyed time together as a year group. A huge thank you to Mrs McEvoy the Y9 dean for her organisation of the event and to Mrs Haakma, Mr Meinsma & Mrs Swart who accompanied the students.
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Te Reo Competition Winners
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Well done to all the staff, students and parents who have taken up the challenge of using te reo Māori during the day.
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Monday (Mane) - Carol Walsh
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Tuesday (Tūrei) - Gerald Feyter
School Community Winners so far:
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Monday (Mane) - Birgitte Ataera
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Tuesday (Tūrei) - Jaime Parry
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Student Achievements
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Well done to Franco Burger (E1) who has recently received his Rātā Award through Scouts Aotearoa as a member of the Westshore Sea Scouts. The Rātā Award is the highest award a Cub can achieve. The award recognises the skills, leadership, community involvement and personal development that are central to the Cub programme, where young people are encouraged to explore, take on challenges and contribute to their community. As part of working towards this award, Franco completed a range of projects, including research on ocean conservation and the wildlife at Pandora Pond, organising a beach clean-up, and researching the importance of Antarctica with the support of a Doctor of Geology who has travelled there twice for research. He also organised an adventurous cycling journey for other Scouts from Westshore to Eskdale and the surrounding areas. We are very proud of Franco for achieving this special milestone.
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Support Our Volleyball Team on Their Journey to Nationals
Our school volleyball team is heading to Nationals in November this year, and we are seeking support from local businesses and members of our school community.
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Sponsorship will help reduce the cost of transport, accommodation, tournament fees and other essential expenses, making this wonderful experience more affordable for our players and their families.
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We are offering the following sponsorship options:
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- $750 – Major Sponsor: A large logo on the front of the team’s warm-up shirts
- $500 – Supporting Sponsor: A logo on the back of the shirts, with space available for four sponsors
- $200 – Sleeve Sponsor: A logo displayed on a shirt sleeve
Sponsors will also receive recognition and advertising in the school newsletter, along with the opportunity for a business profile or feature in a future newsletter.
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The boys will wear their sponsored shirts throughout the Term 4 volleyball season as well as at Nationals, providing valuable exposure for the businesses supporting them.
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We would also be extremely grateful for any businesses, families or members of our community who would simply like to make a donation towards the team. Every contribution, regardless of its size, will help.
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This is a wonderful opportunity for our boys to represent and promote our school, demonstrating what a small school like ours can achieve on a national stage. We also hope their journey will blaze a trail for future school volleyball teams and inspire our younger players to keep going and set their sights on achieving the same.
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All sponsorship payments will be invoiced through the school and treated as marketing and advertising.
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If your business would like to sponsor or donate to the team, please contact Kelly Fenwick at kelfenwick@gmail.com or 021 081 52254.
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Thank you for helping our boys represent our school at Nationals!
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Pizza Lunches
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Available every Friday - order outside the staffroom before school.
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The Vine Student Podcast
Here is this week's episode.
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Community Events
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If anyone would like to be in the Blossom Parade along with the Hope in Jesus car, could they please contact me, 0220966300. We would love for a happy bunch of people to join to represent this Christian entry in the parade.Thanks, Maria Henderson.
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Term Dates for 2026
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Term 3 Monday 20th July - Friday 25th September
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Term 4 Monday 12 October - 9 December (approx)
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Tuesday 2nd February Y1-8 Start & Y9/13 Orientation
Wednesday 3rd February Y9-10 Start & Y13 Start (camp)
Thursday 4th February Y11/12 Start
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Monday 8th February Waitangi Day Observed
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Tuesday 9th February Whole school in attendance
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Term 3 Events
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Friday 18th Sep - House Picnic & mufti day
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Mon 20th - Fri 24th Sep - Benchmark Exams for Y11-13
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Friday 24th Sep - Last day of term
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