Hobsonville Point Secondary School Communication

14 November 2025

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE TO STUDENTS

Kia ora e ngā whānau,

As we approach the end of the term, I would like to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful progress we’ve made together and encourage each of you to finish the year strong.

Our school values of excellence, connectedness, innovation, inquiry, and collaboration are what make our community special. I encourage you to continue living these values every day. Be the student who includes others, who offers help, who chooses kindness, and who gives their best effort in everything they do.

Attendance remains so important. Every day at school is an opportunity to learn something new, to connect with your classmates, and to grow both academically and personally. Keep showing up, staying engaged, and giving your best. Your effort today is what builds your success tomorrow. We have provided below our stepped attendance response.

As we prepare for EOTC Week, let’s approach it with a positive and enthusiastic attitude. It’s a time to learn beyond the classroom, to build friendships, and to celebrate all we’ve achieved this year. Remember to represent our school with pride, respect, and a spirit of teamwork.

Finally, continue to study and work hard. The habits and discipline you build now will carry you far beyond the classroom. Be proud of how far you’ve come—and excited about what’s still ahead.

Let’s finish this term with positivity and a focus on the future. Together, we can make these last few weeks some of our best yet.

Ngā mihi

Kirsty Dowding

Tumuaki Principal

INSPIRE - HPSS AND THE ARTPOINT SHOWCASE

On Saturday, 8th November, students from the HPSS art showcase project helped to coordinate the HPSS component of the Community Artpoint event, bringing together work from various project groups and artworks from Massey University.

A vibrant celebration of student artistry and community spirit, the event featured an inspiring collection of paintings, sculptures, and portfolios created by students across the school, each piece showcasing the raw, expressive talent nurtured at HPSS.

Other talented artists in the Hobsonville area also exhibited at HPSS. A highlight of the day was a stunning performance by a gifted artist who presented a series of garments deeply connected to her ancestral heritage. Her work beautifully blended tradition and storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on everyone in attendance. It was a joyful and welcoming day filled with creativity, connection, and appreciation for the arts. A heartfelt thank you to all who attended, supported, and contributed to making the exhibition such a memorable success!

Tehila Lanka, Year 10

SPORTING EXCELLENCE - PRIZEGIVING

On 30th October we proudly hosted our annual Sports Celebration Evening, a wonderful occasion to recognise the dedication and success of our student-athletes, coaches, managers, volunteers, and supporters. 

Our guest speaker was HPSS alumnus and experienced personal trainer, Jalen Wilson (class of 2018). Jalen delivered an inspiring address reflecting on his own HPSS sporting and coaching journey. His core message reinforced the importance of pushing yourself to realise your potential, and the value of giving back to the programmes that support you. Jalen’s words strongly echoed our school values of Excellence, Collaboration, and Resilience.

Congratulations to all our award winners for their commitment and achievements this season. We especially acknowledge our Habit and Value Award winners from each team, as well as our Wings Award recipients (these awards are HPSS’s version of Sports Blues):

Bronze Wings winners: Jake Kilkenny - Hockey, Emile Ramnath - Volleyball, Rizq Clarke - Volleyball, Darcie Fletcher - Climbing, Olivia Good - Touch, Malie Hann - Touch, Olivia Jurgens - Touch, Emma Lynch - Netball & Touch, Megan Wiggill - Netball

Silver Wings winners: Sam Howlett - Weightlifting, Nina Riquelme - Football, Penelope Teirney - Artistic Swimming, Nethnilu Abeywickrama - Karate, Pipi Giles - Netball

Gold Wings winners: Audrina Marsters-Singh - Taekwondo & Muay Thai, Finn MacEachern - Tag, Igor Russanov - Swimming, Yuto Ikeda - Baseball, Kartier Hall - Rugby League 

The following major award recipients were also celebrated:

• Student Service to Sport - Sam Bunn

• Staff Service to Sport - Judit McPherson   

• Official of the Year - Kate Hutchison

• Coach of the Year - Stacie Haines

• Team of the Year - Junior Premier Boys Basketball

• Sportsperson of the Year and Te Pou Hakinakina winner - Igor Russanov

If you would like to access any of the professional photos from the night, please visit the gallery here - a huge thank you to Geoff Salisbury for capturing these awesome images. You can also access our 2025 HPSS Sports Report here, which highlights a variety of our accomplishments this year, alongside some exciting developments for the sports programme as we look to our future growth.

EXCELLENCE IN PERFORMING ARTS - FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD TO THE WIZARD OF OZ

We’re thrilled to announce that Beatrice Li and Nathaniel Busque are starring in the upcoming season of The Wizard of Oz!

This November, the National Youth Theatre brings the beloved MGM classic to life on stage! Join Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion on a magical journey through Oz, with favourite songs like Somewhere Over the Rainbow and We’re Off to See the Wizard. With 250+ talented young performers, dazzling costumes and spectacular choreography, this is a show the whole family will love!

The production is on for a limited time from 28–30 November at Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre - book your tickets here now from Ticketmaster!  

YEAR 9 AND 10 EOTC WEEK INFORMATION

This is a reminder that EOTC week runs from Monday, 8th to Thursday, 11th December for all Year 9 and 10 students. We are well down the track with planning this event, and all whānau should have received emails confirming details this week.

If you have questions or queries please reach out. We are looking forward to making this a wonderful week to wrap up the school year. 

Jayne Dunbar, Deputy Principal, jayne.dunbar@hobsonvillepoint.school.nz 

SPORTING EXCELLENCE - RECENT STUDENT SUCCESS

We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate the performance of TJ Uhatahi, Y10, at the trials for the Dean Bell Cup last weekend. TJ showcased outstanding athleticism and skill throughout the trials, playing a demanding four full games and managing to score two spectacular runaway tries from his own half.  We are also excited to share that TJ has already registered for the Warriors Academy for 2026!  There were a number of happy scouts and recruiters speaking with TJ on the sidelines, and we are keeping our fingers crossed for exciting news about his next steps in the sport. 

Congratulations also to Sofia Darragh, Y9, who is currently training to qualify for trials for the U17 National Women’s Football Team.  This is a significant achievement and we look forward to seeing her continued growth and success in the sport.

Lastly, commendations to Audrina Marsters Singh, Y11! Over the weekend, Audrina took part in the Kaos Fight Series (K1) and emerged as the tournament champion. Adding to the excitement, her sister, Chistabelle - who will be  attending our school next year - also won her division in the tournament.  A fantastic achievement for both sisters - well done!

COLLABORATION - FREE DENTAL CARE

Free Dental Care for Teens! Hobsonville Point Dental offers free dental care for eligible students from Year 9 until their 18th birthday. Keep those teen smiles healthy and bright!  Book online at https://www.hobsonvillepointdental.co.nz/ 

SPORTING EXCELLENCE - AUCKLAND VOLLEYBALL CHAMPS

This week, we have had two teams competing in the Auckland Volleyball Champs.  Both teams have achieved success, setting a foundation for the continued growth of the sport at HPSS

On Day 1, our boys faced a strong MacLeans side, taking a loss but bounced back with a solid win against Manurewa, which qualified them for Division Two. Day 2 saw two wins and one loss, placing them first in their pool and earning a spot in Friday’s semi-final against Massey where they went down 2-0. They’ll play off for 3rd place this afternoon.

Our girls attended Auckland Champs for the first time, which was an awesome experience for them. On Day 1 they came up against some tough competition in MAGS and Elim 1, placing them in Division Three. They secured a good win over Pukekohe, along with two close losses to Glenfield and Elim 2. It was a great experience for our girls and we’re excited to build on it next year.

CONNECTEDNESS - HUB HIGHLIGHTS

This term has been packed with fun moments, new connections, and lots of goodbyes as we wished our seniors all the best for their next steps.

From Ellie Hung (Year 10, Tāhere Tikitiki):
We started the term by saying farewell to our senior hublings. Our hub made cards, shared kind words, and spent time with them during their final hui. Hearing each hub coach talk about how much their students had grown really highlighted the significant achievements of the Year 13s. Over the next few weeks, we planned activities we all wanted to try together. One of our favourites was visiting the local retirement home, where we played games, had tea, and chatted with the residents. It felt really special to bring some joy to their day. We also had an extended hub session where Priya taught us how to make dosa for the teachers. It was our first time cooking it, and learning step-by-step (and eating together!) was super fun.

From Angel Chand (Year 11, Waiarohia):
This term in hub has been full of learning, leadership, laughs, and lots of togetherness. We made the most of our time with the seniors before they left, wishing them good luck for exams and whatever comes next for each of them. Now that they’re gone, the juniors in our hubs along with us as Year 11s, have been spending more time bonding, including some teaming up to create games. We’re all trying to make the most of the time we’ve got left of Term 4.

From Kahlo May (Year 9, Tiriwa):
Hub has been really exciting as we get ready for next year and say goodbye to the amazing Year 13s. They’ve helped so many people in so many ways without even noticing it and always giving advice, support, and encouragement. All the juniors in our Tiriwa hubs have been joining together to plan festive activities, and it’s been such a blast. Term 4 has felt really fun and connected.

IMPORTANT HEALTH INFORMATION

As you will likely all be aware now, New Zealand is currently experiencing an outbreak of measles which is an extremely contagious viral illness. Please see the below information regarding how measles spreads, who to contact if you are concerned, and the best way to prevent measles. Students can also see the school nurse between 0830-1630hrs Mon-Fri if they are feeling unwell during school time.

How measles spreads
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses. It spreads very easily from person to person by breathing in air after a person with measles has sneezed, coughed, talked or even just breathed. Measles can also be spread after touching tissues or other surfaces contaminated with an infected person’s nose and throat secretions (snot and saliva). The measles virus can stay in the air even after the person with measles has left the room or area. If you are not immune and have had face-to-face contact with someone with measles, or have been in the same room as them, you are very likely to catch it.

Symptoms of measles
The first symptoms of measles are similar to other respiratory illnesses, such as a cold, COVID-19 or flu which means it can be hard to know you have measles.

Symptoms of measles are: fever (a temperature of at least 38°C), cough, runny nose, sore/red eyes, rash.  The rash develops 3 to 5 days after the other symptoms. The rash appears as pink or red spots or bumps which start on the face before moving down the rest of the body. The rash may be more difficult to see on darker skin. The rash is not usually itchy. It can last for a week or more. A key feature of measles is that a fever is still present when the rash develops. Measles symptoms usually start within 10 to 14 days after you are first exposed to the virus. They can start anytime between 7 to 21 days.

Preventing measles

The best protection against measles is the free measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. If you are unsure if you or your child has had their vaccinations, you can check by visiting www.info.health.nz/measles-immunity or call the Vaccination Helpline for free on 0800 28 29 26.

Who to contact for medical advice

If you or someone you know has symptoms that you are worried about, contact one of the following healthcare providers or services for health advice and support:

• call your usual GP, doctor, Hauora or healthcare provider

• call Healthline free on 0800 611 116, anytime 24/7

• call 111 for an ambulance in an emergency.

KEY DATES 2025

Term 4 - Monday 6 October - Friday 12 December 

• 21 November - Year 11 Final Day & Prize Giving 12.30pm

• 28 November - NCEA Exams end

• 3 & 4 December - 2.00pm - 7.30pm IEMs for Year 9 & Year 10 students

• 5 December - Year 9 Prize Giving 12.30pm & Year 10 Prize Giving 11.00am

• 8-11 December - EOTC Week for Year 9 & Year 10

• 12 December - Staff Call Back Day