Beginning of the Year

Important Information please read

Kia ora koutou katoa,

I hope you and your family have had an enjoyable and restful break. As we begin 2026, we look forward to welcoming students back to Hillmorton High School. Please find key start of the year information below to support a smooth return to school. This information is also available on our website.

Start Back Dates and New School Day Timetable

For full details please click here

• All students Year 7 – 13 first day back is Friday 30th January, 10am – 2pm 

  • All students will attend our Mihi Whakatau this year which will take place in the quad at around 11am.

  • All students will need to bring in their devices on this day so that we can ensure they are set up with our WIFI Network etc…

  • New international students started on Monday 25th January for Orientation

  • Upland students start on Tuesday 3rd February  

Whānau Group Time Changes 2026

Whānau Group time is an important part of the school day where Whānau Group Kaiako (WGK) work with students around pastoral care, attendance, uniform, achievement, involvement and opportunities. We have made the decision to move whānau group time to the start of the day. To see the new school day structure click here. 

2026 Term Dates

Click here to view our 2026 term dates, public holidays and staff only days.

Student Timetables

All student timetables were released on 19th January 2026, and can be accessed via the KAMAR Portal. You can access this portal directly or via SchoolBridge (easier for logging in – especially if you have multiple children at school). Please use the Curriculum Course Book to understand course codes, descriptions, pathways and costs. There is time for students to make changes where appropriate to ensure they are in the best possible position for their learning pathway but this is dependent on a number of factors: 

• If your child would like to request a change to their timetable, please complete this Course Change Request Form. Our Manutaki/Deans and Heads of Learning Areas will be working through these requested changes over the coming days. Please note that this is a request only and changes are not guaranteed. We will support those who need to fill their timetables first.

• Senior students who are missing one or more subjects from their timetables (that is, they have gaps in their timetable and do not have a full course of 5 or 6 subjects), should come into school on Thursday 29th January 2026, between 10am and 2pm to meet with Senior Pastoral staff in the E Block foyer. International students, please check your emails and communicate with Ms Hunt.

• If your child is unsure about their courses or overall academic pathway, then please contact their Manutaki | Dean directly. Contact details have been provided below. 

Parent Portal

SchoolBridge is our primary parent portal, allowing caregivers access to important notices, alerts, communication, calendars, report absences, view attendance, access financial information, check reports, complete permission forms and more, 

You can access SchoolBridge via your computer by clicking here or by downloading the SchoolBridge App onto your smartphone (please ensure you accept third party on first sign in). Sign in using your email address registered with the school. This could be via Facebook or Google if you use the same email for those platforms. Please contact the school office if you need help with this.

Uniform 

Students are expected to present themselves ready for the new school year in the correct uniform. Please click on this Link for our Uniform Code. We are very excited to launch our new senior uniform this year which includes a new blazer and tie and can be worn by Year 11 students and above. This is optional.

For purchasing new uniform, please do this through NZ Uniforms: 455 Blenheim Road, Sockburn, Christchurch 8042. They also have an online platform specific to our school where you can order uniform items.

Stationery Requirements

Students of all year levels are expected to have their stationery and device ready for the start of classes. Stationery can be purchased from any retailer. Click here to access stationery lists for all year levels.

Ka Ora, Ka Ako  (Healthy School Lunches) programme 

This will continue at Hillmorton High School for 2026. The menu will be updated on our website at the start of each week.

School Policies and Procedures:

School Policies and Procedures are available by clicking on this link and entering the following login details: 

Username: hillmorton    

Password: horomaka

Cellphones

From 2024, New Zealand Government legislation introduced a national “phones away for the day” rule in all secondary schools to create a calmer, safer, and more focused learning environment. Students are not allowed to access their phones from 9.00am – 3.00pm.

Attendance

Regular attendance and punctuality are essential for learning. Students are expected to be ready to learn by 9am each day, with families encouraged to support attendance of at least 90% or higher across the school year. This will ensure that your child has the best chance to make expected progress in their learning across the year.

It is important that all absences and the reason for absence are reported by 9:00am on the day of (or sooner). To report an absence our preferred methods are SchoolBridge or via email to: absentee@hillmorton.school.nz

Social Media

For insights into school life, I will send a Principal’s Update every two weeks and there are also monthly newsletters that are sent to all families. Or, you can follow us on:

● Hillmorton High School Facebook Page

● Hillmorton High School Instagram Page

● Hillmorton High School Parents Facebook Page (run and administered by parents)

● Horomaka Sport Facebook Page

● Horomaka Sport Instagram Page

All essential information will continue to be shared through the official school communication channels SchoolBridge and via Email.

We wish everyone a positive and successful start to the 2026 school year and appreciate your support in ensuring students are well prepared for the year ahead.

Ngā mihi nui,

Sam Ainsworth

Tumuaki | Principal