That's a wrap! With just over a week left, we can reflect on a great year at HSS

Tena Koutou Parents and Care Givers

As I finish my eighteenth year at Hampden Street School, I’m increasingly convinced the years really are getting faster. It feels like only yesterday we were welcoming tamariki back through the school gates for the start of 2025. It’s been a whirlwind - not helped by the sheer volume of change rolling through the education sector. A new curriculum, fresh initiatives, and major updates to the Education and Training Act all ensured this year was one for the books.

Yet, despite the noise, we’ve worked hard to shield our tamariki and community from the stresses that sit behind the scenes. When I look back, it’s the positives - not the politics - that truly define 2025 at HSS.

One of the standouts this year has been the incredible learning beyond the classroom. Twelve classes headed away on camp - our seniors to Mistletoe Bay and our middles to Teapot Valley. These experiences create memories that last a lifetime, and it’s been wonderful to see the confidence and teamwork that came from them.

We’ve also enjoyed so many other highlights: Te Kākano’s performances at both the gala and the citizenship ceremonies, strong achievements across interschool sport, our Whenua Iti adventures, another stellar edition of Hampden Street’s Got Talent, and our beautiful celebrations of Matariki, Diwali, and Onam. Add to this the rich class projects and inquiry topics explored across the school, and it’s clear our learners have had a vibrant and diverse year.

Communication sits at the heart of a thriving school community, and we genuinely appreciate the whānau who took the time this year to send positive, supportive messages. Those emails mean more than you might realise. Equally, we value the parents who reached out when they had concerns - your willingness to talk with us early strengthens the partnership we rely on to support your children.

Our HSS Fundraising Committee has once again worked absolute magic. With two major events - the sold-out Quiz Night (a record-breaking $28,000!) and our famous Twilight Gala - they’ve helped fund top-court resurfacing, swimming lessons, camp support, and new library books. Their contribution to our school is immense, and we are incredibly grateful.

Our Board of Trustees has also had a strong year, and I am thankful for the guidance and support they provide. This year we welcomed two new members, Drew Matheson and Roxy Tillie-Gibson, who bring fresh skills and perspectives to an already highly capable team.

Finally, to our remarkable staff: thank you. We are privileged to have such a dedicated, professional, and hard-working group of educators and support staff. This year we farewell a true Hampden Street legend — Denise White — after 28 years of service. Denise’s impact on generations of students is immeasurable. Her energy and passion helped establish basketball at HSS, and she even played a part in launching Tall Black Finn Delany’s early journey in the sport. Denise leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, and we wish her every happiness in her well-deserved retirement. She will be dearly missed.

Best wishes to you all for a safe, happy, and restorative summer break. Thank you for your trust, your support, and your partnership throughout 2025.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Don McLean

Principal/Tumuaki