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$$PLAIN_TEXT_PREVIEW$$
Hobsonville Point Secondary School Communication
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21 February 2025 PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE Kia ora e ngā whānau, The students, teachers and support staff have settled into classes, and our timetable is in full swing. I am incredibly proud of how we started this year and how our Hobsonville Habits are on display. As we settle into the school routine, students must develop good habits at school and home to support their learning and thrive. We have worked hard over the summer break to set up all our learning spaces in a way that helps students learn. We ask all our students to be in the right place at the right time, ready to learn with their cell phones either at home or turned off in their bags to ensure they can maintain focus. Good routines at home can support students’ learning. We often notice that some students are struggling with sleep at this time of year. The life of today's teenagers is busy and in constant flux. They have increasing responsibilities at school and home, their social lives are expanding, their independence is growing, and they're making plans for their future. Sleep fuels these important processes. Good, plentiful sleep is essential to teens' development, growth, and quality of life. All too often, teens don't get enough sleep. Their hectic routines, their inexperience in managing their time and making healthy choices, and the often sleep-unfriendly schedule of the world around them put teens at high risk for sleep deprivation. According to research, very few teens—as little as 15 percent—get the sleep they need. Short on sleep, teens face challenges to their health, safety, performance, and ability to learn. Please read the SchoolTV article on creating a plan to help teens sleep better. This includes managing screen time and helpful tips. https://hpss.nz.schooltv.me/content/blog/teens-need-more-sleep-you-think We value your partnership to ensure our students can reach their personal excellence. Ngā mihi Kirsty Dowding Tumuaki Principal
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KEY UPCOMING DATES - BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETINGSThe dates and venues for the remaining 2025 school Board meetings are listed below. Board meetings are open to the public. All members of the school community are welcome to attend. Thursday 27 March 4.00pm, Hobsonville Point Primary School Thursday 29 May 4.00pm, Hobsonville Point Secondary School Thursday 24 July 4.00pm, Hobsonville Point Primary School Thursday 4 September 4.00pm, Hobsonville Point Secondary School Thursday 23 October 4.00pm, Hobsonville Point Primary School Thursday 20 November 4.00pm, Hobsonville Point Secondary School Thursday 11 December 4.00pm, Hobsonville Point Primary School
Note: At the 27 March meeting the Board of the Hobsonville Point Schools is considering a resolution to increase the number of parent representatives on the Board at the September 2025 elections from five (5) to six (6).
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CONNECTEDNESS - ALUMNI CULINARY EXPERTISEOn Monday the Q3 food technology class had the opportunity to meet a past student, Nick Graham. After graduating from HPSS, Nick studied in France for three years and completed a French patisserie and culinary course. Nick is now currently working as a chef in a Michelin star restaurant in London. In preparation for the Level 3 food technology assessment, we have to carry out practicals to learn how to make eclairs independently while also learning the quality control and specifications of eclairs. As Nick has learnt how to make pastries, he demonstrated the various techniques we need to master and how effective each step was to the final outcome. It was very interesting to see the impact food technology had on Nick's future pathway, as we saw how he utilised his learning and experience in his current working environment. Our experience helped us see how NCEA Food Technology prepares those who are looking into culinary school or food technology as a profession. Nabira Saeed, Year 13
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From HPSS to the Michelin Kitchen: My Culinary JourneyReturning to HPSS recently, this time as a guest teacher, made me reflect on the journey that led me here. It’s surreal to be on the other side of the classroom, sharing the experiences that shaped my career. After graduating in 2023, I spent time working in professional kitchens before pursuing formal training at Ferrandi Paris. Their short-form intensive course built on the foundations I learned at HPSS, refining my skills from knife handling to advanced culinary techniques. My studies also included a minor in cheese and wine, adding an extra layer to my education (and my palate)! I was fortunate to receive a job offer straight out of culinary school, skipping the usual stage (internship) process. I’ve since been working at Gavin Restaurants in London, starting as a commis de cuisine and now as a demi chef de partie in their Michelin-starred French restaurant, managing the larder section and a small team. The transition from studying to real-world cooking was intense, which is why I always recommend gaining hands-on experience before pursuing formal culinary education. I also want to thank the Pathways Department at HPSS, who helped me organise my overseas studies. Without their support, I don’t know if I would have had the confidence to take such a big step. This journey has been challenging but incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next! Nick Graham, HPSS Alumni
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GOODSPACE HAUORA SURVEYIn Week 6 we begin our HPSS Hauora Survey with Year 9 students. The survey will capture the general wellbeing of students and look at what else HPSS can offer to meet the needs of our young people. Other year levels will be surveyed at various points in the year. Please contact Victoria Marsden (HOD Student Services) by email on victoria.marsden@hobsonvillepoint.school.nz if you have any questions.
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RYDA DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAMMEOur Year 12 students had an incredible learning experience at RYDA on Monday, gaining valuable insights into road safety through engaging workshops and real-life scenarios. With an impressive 98% attendance, our students were highly engaged throughout the day, actively participating and reflecting on the importance of safe driving. A huge thank you to the presenters from Road Safety Education Limited (RSE) for delivering such an impactful and thought-provoking program and to the volunteers from Rotary who looked after us all so well. Parents and caregivers can find additional road safety resources to support their teens at https://rse.org.nz/about-ryda/parents-caregivers/.
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INFORMATION - TERM 1 SPORTS TRIALSAt HPSS, we believe extra-curricular activities foster personal growth and help students form connections and a sense of belonging. The following clubs and activities are taking place this term: Ultimate club - Monday lunchtimes, gym Badminton club - Friday lunchtimes, gym Table Tennis club - Tuesday after school, 3:30-5:00pm in Auditorium Judo - Mondays after school, 3:45-4:45pm in the gym Kick boxing - starting soon, meeting Tuesday 25th Feb at morning tea, in Alpha, for anyone interested Sailing club - contact Sports Dept for more information Climbing - contact Sports Dept for more information Orienteering - check Instagram or contact Sports Dept for more information Competitive Badminton - meeting Monday 24th Feb at morning tea, in Alpha for anyone interested Table tennis (competitive) - Juniors and Seniors - information to be provided to students later in the term.
In addition, trials for Netball, Basketball and Football are taking place at the following times:
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CONNECTEDNESS - CAREER & UNI PATHWAYSCommencing next Monday 24th February, we have representatives from the universities and the NZDF coming into HPSS on Mondays at 9:30am to give overview presentations to students considering university study/NZDF in 2026. Further details can be found on the Ka Awatea (Pathways) Google Classroom - please encourage any Year 12/13 students to join this if they haven't already, for tertiary study and careers-related information. Dates are as follows: University of Otago - 24 February Unitec - 3 March University of Auckland - 10 March Massey University - 17 March AUT - 24 March University of Canterbury - 31 March Waikato University - 7 April Victoria University- 28 April NZDF - 5 May
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INFORMATION - SCHOOL PHOTOSSchool photos have now been finalised. All caregivers should have been sent an email with their child’s unique key code to go online to view and purchase 2025 photos. Please check your junk/spam folder. There is free delivery of the photos if orders are placed before Sunday, 2 March 2025. If you are unable to find the email, contact Beverley on beverley.dixon@hobsonvillepoint.school.nz to be provided the key code.
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INFORMATION REGARDING DROP-OFFSThis is a reminder that pick up and drop offs either side of the start & finish of school must take place in the Nugget Avenue carpark. Please see the diagram below. The laneway outside the school office is reserved for deliveries and emergency services. Traffic in the laneway poses a risk to the safety of our learners. We appreciate your support with ensuring their safety.
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SPORTING EXCELLENCE - OLIVIA GOODCongratulations to Olivia Good (pictured on the right) for presenting Ngati Hine at the inaugural Māori Touch Tamariki Tournament. After a long season playing for North Harbour touch throughout the summer, Olivia was offered the opportunity to represent her Iwi at the tournament in the Under 14 girls division. She has now joined our senior girls touch team in which she will be an asset.
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INFORMATION - CALM AND CONNECTED TWEENS & TEENS ONLINE SEMINARHPSS has been approached about a free online parenting summit which is taking place this weekend. Over three days, 16 experts in the fields of parenting, neuroscience, psychology and education will be hosting online sessions intended to help you connect and bring more calm to your family, and raise your teen's confidence, resilience, wellbeing and independence. In particular, they will focus on practical, reassuring ways to: understand, connect and communicate with your teen to bring you closer - AND deal with the eye rolls, withdrawal and emotional outbursts of the teen years! keep your teen safe online and on social media take care of yourself and soften the parent guilt help anxious teens find their way & support teens with ADHD understand how the teen brain works and how this affects the way our teens act and respond improve their time management navigate friendships and sibling relationships understand how to parent tricky teenagers and find out what you need to know about teens and alcohol
The registration link can be found here – https://bit.ly/teen_summit_2025
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KEY DATES 2025Term 1 - Monday 3 February - Friday 11 April Term 2 - Monday 28 April - Friday 27 June Public Holidays: King’s Birthday – Monday 2 June Tuesday, 3 June - Staff Only Day Matariki – Friday 20 June
Term 3 - Monday 14 July - Friday 19 September Term 4 - Monday 6 October - Friday 12 December 24 October - Staff Only Day Public Holidays: Labour Day – Monday 27 October 12 December - Staff Only Day
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