Hillary House News

“It’s not the mountain we conquer but ourselves,” can be taken to mean not having to be a fantastic hero to do certain things. You can be just an ordinary person, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals. The intense effort, the giving of everything you've got, is a very pleasant bonus.

Hillary House students are finding that out this year with a huge involvement in House competitions and school activities from all year levels.

Our Year 13 Student Leaders continue to do an amazing job and we are very appreciative of the time and commitment they have given us as a House. From supporting us on Year 9 camp to helping and mentoring our juniors, to organising shared kai for the Year 9’s, this year's executives have really gone above and beyond in their duties.

Year 9 camp was a real highlight. With fabulous weather, beautiful scenery, wonderful ākonga and outstanding singing (especially on the bus) our camp was one to remember. The first Hilary House Camp talent quest really got the students involved and enjoying a moving performance by Oliver Kelly and Jayden Uriao. Congratulations to Annabelle Birchler and Matthew Monk for taking out first place!

The Inter-House Competition has provided opportunities in Term 1 with our SummerFest, both senior and junior. Benchball was hotly contested over both lunch times and wānanga periods. Hillary seniors came away with a very credible 3rd place, while our juniors placed 2nd overall. It was great to see students pushed out of their comfort zones playing a different code and showing off some impressive transferable skills. This put us into first place on the House leaderboard. Ka rawa, team!

The Relay for Life was another activity students could be involved with to give back to the community and it was great to see so many students out there showing the school value of Contribute.

It is with a great deal of sadness we farewell long term Hillary Kaiako, Christine Rowe, who leaves us to start new adventures. Mrs Rowe has been a staunch member of Hillary since Houses were re-established in 2005. She has taught at RHS for 36 years. We will miss her greatly.

Richard Smith also leaves us for a term to undertake some personal projects (no doubt involving cars). Enjoy your well earned break.

Term 2 is shaping up to be a busy one so, to both staff and students, thank you for your efforts in the first term of the year and I hope you manage to get some time to relax and unwind after a very busy term.

If you have any concerns or questions please contact Miss Brambly or myself in the Hillary Office.

Emma Gibson

Head of Hillary House