Message from the Principal

Tēna koutou katoa
The beginning of a school year is a momentous occasion, filled with excitement, anticipation, and the promise of new opportunities. It marks the start of a journey where we will collectively learn, grow, and create lasting memories together. This year, our focus remains on fostering an environment of academic excellence, personal development, and community engagement.To our returning students, welcome back! A new year means a fresh start and a fresh set of goals to work towards. The more you can be enthusiastic about the school year and what you can achieve academically, culturally and in sporting arenas, the more you will contribute to and enrich the vibrant tapestry of our school community. To our new students, we extend a special welcome. We are excited to get to know you, nurture your talents, and help you feel at home in our Hillcrest High school community.

Caregivers, your partnership is invaluable to us. We encourage open communication and collaboration as we work together to create an environment where every student can thrive. We have various events throughout the year to involve you in your child's educational journey, and we look forward to your active participation. There are Year 9 and Year 10 parent information evenings in the first few weeks, Talentcrest, parent teacher interviews, Autumn gala and an international evening just to name a few. So please read our newsletters which come out on a regular basis throughout the year so you know what is happening in our kura.

As we begin the new school year, let us embrace the challenges and celebrate the successes that lie ahead. A school community is like a three legged stool. Without all legs firmly attached the stool is unstable. So too is your child’s education without the student, teacher and parent all being fully invested in ensuring growth happens.For those of you who would like to know the timeline of appointing a new principal. The position has now been advertised and this closes on the 18th of February. The new principal will commence on the 29th of April. In the meantime our Senior Leadership team will continue ‘full steam ahead’. 

Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi With your basket and my basket the people will live

And finally the government has introduced regulations around cell phone use that state clearly cell phones must be ‘away for the day’. We hope caregivers will support us in ensuring cell phones are kept at home and if it is necessary for the phone to be at school for after school organisation, that it remains in the bag for the entire school day.

Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children.

Ngā mihi nui

Christine Williams

Acting Principal