Information from the Principal

Kia ora Koutou

As the school year races to an end, so too does my time as Tumuaki | Principal at Hillmorton High School.

Thank you to you all for your support of our kura (school) throughout my time here. We know that if we work in partnership with whānau (families) the educational outcomes for our learners are enhanced.

I’m also pleased to be handing the leadership of the school to Mr Sam Ainsworth who is currently our Associate Principal. I know that the school will be in safe hands with Sam, the Senior Leadership team, all of our staff, and you as parents and caregivers in support.

I will continue to be led by our whakatauki as I work as a Leadership Advisor for the Ministry of Education.

Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei 

Strive for the utmost, if you bow your head let it be to a lofty mountain.

I wish you all the best for a safe and happy holiday season.

Aroha nui – with much love

Ann Brokenshire

Tumuaki | Principal

Upcoming Events

• Monday 1 December

• Middle School Whānau Swimming Sports Day (no classes – all students to be at Te Hāpua Halswell Pool all day) Flyer attached

• Tuesday 2 December

• Amazing Race Year 10 – 9.00am-3pm

• Upland Prize Giving 12.30 -1.30 pm

• Wednesday 3 December

• Year 10 Camp all week

• New Entrant 2026 Y7/8 Orientation Visit 9.45 – 11.15 am

• Year 9JML pre-school visit 11.30-12.30 pm

• Thursday 4 December

• New Entrant 2026 Y9/10 Orientation Visit 9.45 – 11.15am

• Year 7 & 8 Big Day Out – 11.00-3.00 pm Te Hāpua Halswell Pool

  Friday 5 December

• Ki o Rahi at Hoon Hay Park

• Year 7 & 8 Merit Assembly

• Tuesday 9 December

• Upland students to Spencer Park 9.30 – 2.00 pm

• Year 9 Merit Assembly – 9.55 – 10.50 am

• Year 10 Merit Assembly – 11.45 – 12.40 pm

• Year 7 & 8 Prize Giving – 2.00 – 3.00 pm

• Wednesday 10 December

• Last day for 2025 – school will close at 11.00 am

• Year 9 & 10 Prize Giving – 9.00 am – 11.00 am

• Year 7 & 8 students will be in Base Camp until 11.00 am

General Information

Middle School Whānau Swimming Sports Day

This is a Middle School event for all students (there will be no classes on Monday). Details here.

Uniform 2026

Kia ora koutou 

We have had great feedback about the uniform changes we made this year for all year levels. We are excited to be launching our new Senior Uniform next year which is optional for Year 11 and above. The updated uniform code reflects these changes (see below). All stock is available in the NZ Uniform shop on Blenheim Road. However, the new PE shorts, the long sleeve shirts, blazer and knitted vest are expected to arrive in store on the 17 December.

Ngā mihi

Sam Forward
Deputy Principal

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. 

From next year we have made the decision to move whānau group time to the start of the day. 

Whilst this has been reduced to three (3) times a week instead of five (5), we believe this will be a positive change to align to our school values (Tūrangawaewae, Whanaungatanga, Mana, Ako). The new structure is attached below. Lastly, kai will still be available in 2026. 

Not returning in 2026 …..

Thank you to those who have already notified us that you will not be returning in 2026.

If your student is not returning in 2026 please let the office know so we can arrange a sign out card for the end of year. This does not include Year 13.

Phone 338 5119 or email:  robertsk@hillmorton.school.nz

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If parents have any concerns regarding their child please direct these to the your child’s manutaki /dean, contact details below:

Attachments

Swimming Day Flyer 2025 (2)   PDF, 175.1 KB

Uniform Notice 2026 FA Web   PDF, 1.1 MB

Whānau Time Day Structure Changes 2026   PDF, 159.6 KB