Onehunga High School News

Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Onehunga High School

Welcome back to Term 2. Over the term break, I had the opportunity to attend the EduLead Conference in Singapore, which focused on evidence-informed teaching practice and leadership. It is exciting to see that the Learning Toolkit we are developing at Onehunga High School aligns so closely with the latest international research on how schools can best support student success. The work we are doing to strengthen teaching, refine learning processes, and increase student ownership of progress is well placed and will continue to drive positive outcomes for our learners.

This is an important part of the school year for building academic success — a time when strong learning habits are established and momentum is gained. Attending school on time each day, engaging fully in lessons, working through challenges, and applying consistent effort will set students up for success — not only this term but throughout the year. Whānau play a key role in this process: regularly checking attendance, academic progress, and pastoral information through SchoolBridge is a simple but powerful way to stay connected and support your child’s learning journey.

A reminder that next week we are holding our Parent-Subject Teacher Interviews. These evenings are an important opportunity for families to meet with teachers, discuss progress, and work together to support each student’s achievement. Building strong partnerships between school and home has a significant impact on outcomes, and we strongly encourage all parents and caregivers to attend.

We’ve seen a fantastic start to the term, and the stories shared in this newsletter reflect the wide range of successes our students are achieving — in the classroom, on the stage, and on the sports field. I’m proud of the way students continue to step up, set goals, and get involved in all aspects of school life. Their energy and commitment are a strong foundation for the term ahead.

Our WAKA value for the term is Integrity — the foundation for trust, accountability and strong character. At its core, integrity is about doing what’s right, following through on responsibilities and contributing positively to the school community. It underpins the expectations we set for our students, both in their learning and in how they treat others.

We are looking forward to a productive and successful term ahead.

Ngā mihi

Shameen Hayat
PRINCIPAL

Upcoming Key dates

6 and 8 May - Subject Teacher & Parent Interviews 2.00pm to 7.00pm (the school day will end at 1.30pm on these days)
13 May - Pasifika Komiti fono
16 May - Pink Shirt Day
19 May - CAA Reading
20-21 May - CAA Writing
20 May - Open Day for 2026 enrolments (3.30-6.15pm)
26 May - Rotary Dinner - hosted by Level 2 Food & Hospitality and Catering students
2 June - Kings Birthday (school is closed)
12 June - Distinguished Alumni Dinner
16 June - Open Day for 2026 enrolments (3.30pm-6.15pm)
20 June - Matariki (school is closed)
11 July - Last day of Term 2

Xavier White- New Zealand Orienteering Champion!

Onehunga High School's Xavier White has cemented his status as New Zealand’s top U16 orienteer after a stellar performance at the 2025 New Zealand National Orienteering Championships, held over Easter Weekend in Christchurch.

Madeleine One’one Named Youth MP for Maungakiekie in Youth Parliament 2025

Congratulations Madeleine.

Success on the Niuean Stage – Polyfest 2025

Congratulations to all of our amazing winners of the Niuean Group.

Trip To China A Resounding Success.

Despite some students getting ill and some poor weather conditions, the recent trip to China was a resounding success

Good Start To Theatre Sports Season.

OHS Theatre Sports teams have had a pleasing start to the 2025 season competitions.

Health Science Academy Fono.

The Health Science Academy held its first Fono of the year at the end of term one. This was an opportunity for students, teachers and whānau to come together to learn more about the programme and the opportunities available for students.

OHS Students Compete at North Island Orienteering Champs.

Orienteering is a sport that has grown at OHS thanks largely to the successes and determination of Year 10 student Xavier White and the support of his family, who have encouraged and supported other interested students.

Polyfest 2025: A Celebration of Culture , Colour and Community!

Polyfest 2025 was, as usual, a huge undertaking for students, coaches, teachers, and whānau. The dedication and pride of students as they celebrated and shared their culture with the community was heartwarming.

Exploring Carbon Systems with Dry Ice Experiments

Year 9 and Level 1 students have been engaging in exciting hands-on experiments using dry ice.

SHOOTING ⭐️ AWARD WEEK 11 TERM 1, FLYNN CHANDRA

Congratulations to Flynn in Y10 - a respectful, hardworking, and kind student who sets a shining example for his peers through his dedication and integrity.

🌟SHOOTING STAR AWARD WEEK 10 - SERAH OGUNBUNMI Y9

Recognised for her excellence in learning and consistently high achievement in all subjects.

Profile- Mr. Joseph Payne.

Mr. Joseph Payne is pleased to be able to serve the teachers and students of the Onehunga High School community.

INAUGRUAL PARTICIPATION IN RELAY FOR LIFE FOR OHS

Great effort for Service Council to raise funding towards Cancer Society through Relay for Life event.

L3 Media Class Inspired by Tinā -A Must See Movie

L3 Media Class Inspired by Tinā and a Visit from the Filmmakers.

Board of Trustees Election

Later this year, Onehunga High School will be holding elections for the Board of Trustees. Nominations will open on Friday 18 July and close at 12pm on Wednesday 6 August. Electronic voting papers will be issued electronically by Wednesday 13 August, and Election Day will take place on Wednesday 10 September, with the poll closing at 4pm. We encourage all parents, caregivers, and whānau to participate by casting their vote and supporting the ongoing success of our school. Information about how to make a nomination will be available closer to the opening date for those who may wish to put their name forward.

The Board of Trustees plays a crucial role in the governance of the school. Trustees work together to set the school’s strategic direction, monitor student achievement, oversee financial and property management, and ensure that Onehunga High School provides a safe, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment. Strong governance supports effective leadership and quality teaching, both of which are essential to student success.

Over the past three years, the Board has provided steady leadership and a clear focus on student achievement with equitable outcomes, school culture and values. During this time, we have seen a significant increase in academic results across all year levels, a growing roll, and increasing numbers of in-zone families choosing Onehunga High School. The Board’s work in supporting these areas has helped lay strong foundations for the future, and we look forward to continuing to build on this progress together.

George Woodward
Presiding Member

Sports News

Term 2 will see the start of the winter sports season for 2025.

Successes:

Girls Premier A Netball played in the ANC Preseason Tournament on Sunday 27^th April: 2 wins (MAGS Snr A, WGHS), 2 losses (Macleans, Howick) 1 draw (Selwyn)
Xavier White was crowned the national U16 champion at the recent NZ Orienteering National Championships in Christchurch over the Easter weekend. The event featured four races with Xavier claiming 1^st in the middle & long distance as well as the team relay. He added a 2^nd place in the short distance.
Our OHS Sprinters fielded 7 runners at the North Island Secondary School Orienteering Championships held in Waiuku over the ANZAC weekend. Xavier White claimed the Intermediate Boys Championship to round out a successful holiday campaign.
Nerys Fish is currently with the Cook Island U16 Football team contesting the Oceania U16 Women’s Championship Qualifying tournament in the Cook Islands. The winner of the tournament will earn a spot in Group B alongside Tonga, Solomon Islands and no. 1 seed New Zealand.
Hunter Pert has been named in the New Zealand 13U and 15U Kiwi Blacks team for the upcoming Oceania Tournament between NZ vs Australia. This comes after a strong opening weekend in the KIHL Junior League, where Hunter recorded nine goals in six game.

The winter sport season has seen a growth in teams here at Onehunga High School. With the increase in numbers, we are looking for additional support to ensure our students get to represent the school across in their chosen sports. If you are interested in helping out as a supervisor, coach or manager please get in touch with the Sport Department to see what we have available.

Careers

University Ready: Support and Opportunities for Year 13 Students

Over 20 Pasifika students attended a lunchtime seminar focused on careers in medical and health sciences. Guest speaker Susana Vunipola, from the University of Auckland’s Pacific Wayfinders team, shared valuable advice on study pathways, scholarships and the support available for Pacific students at university. She returned this week to meet one-on-one alongside our Careers Advisor, with those students and their aiga who requested personalised guidance.

In another exciting partnership, five of our Year 13 students took part in holiday tutoring run by the University of Auckland’s Faculty of Engineering. The four day focus on Physics and Calculus exam preparation was designed to help them achieve the results needed for entry into the Engineering Honours degree in 2026.

To help all students plan their tertiary study with confidence and aim high for their futures, OHS will be hosting a series of information seminars in Term 2, led by representatives from a range of universities and polytechnics. You can find the schedule in the Events section of our OHS Careers website: https://ohs.careerwise.school/post/140

Adult Learning

While the majority of our Term 2 night classes started this week, we still have some great shorter courses for you to enrol in.

Our Saturday workshops are an amazing opportunity to add to your skill set. Whether that involves learning how to make candles, making your own scent, painting with alcohol ink, perfecting your latte art or learning about Aruyveda.

We also have some amazing cooking classes on offer – Baking for Beginners, Cake Decorating, Appetisers Asian Fusion and Indian Cooking.

Don’t miss the opportunity to use our excellent facilities and be taught by enthusiastic tutors. Enrol online at www.adultlearn.co.nz for a $5 discount.

School TV - Parent Resource

SPECIAL REPORT: Vaping and E-cigarettes

Vaping and e-cigarettes have rapidly become a concerning trend among young people in Aotearoa, with sleek devices and sweet flavours making it all too appealing.

Originally promoted as a tool to help smokers quit, vaping has found its way into schools, social settings, and even bedrooms - often out of sight of parents and whānau. Recent studies show a worrying rise in regular use among students, with many unaware of the real risks involved. Far from being harmless water vapour, vape aerosol contains harmful chemicals and high levels of nicotine, even when marketed as 'nicotine-free'. These substances can impact brain development, increase anxiety, and even trigger lifelong addiction.

In this special report, we explore the facts around vaping, drawing on the latest research and national data to highlight why this issue can't be ignored. We encourage all parents and whānau to start open conversations early and provide practical advice on how to approach the topic without shame or judgement. With education, empathy and strong support networks, we can help young people make safer, healthier and informed choices.

Here is the link to your Special Report

https://ohs.nz.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/ecigarettes-and-vaping-nz

SCHOOL TV

Alumni Registration / Update details

We are currently working on building a comprehensive register of Onehunga High School alumni. Our goal is to reconnect with past students, celebrate their achievements, and strengthen the bonds within our school community. Whether you graduated recently or many years ago, we’d love to hear from you and keep you informed about what's happening at OHS today.

By joining our alumni register, you'll have the opportunity to stay connected with former classmates, attend special events, and support the next generation of students. We believe our alumni are an important part of the Onehunga High School story, and we’re excited to celebrate the lasting impact you’ve made. If you're an OHS graduate or know someone who is, please get in touch and help us spread the word!

https://www.ohs.school.nz/history/alumni

Thinking about becoming a teacher....

TTI offers two school-based Postgraduate qualifications: Primary and Secondary. Trainees are carefully selected in collaboration with partner schools and TTI staff to enrol in a one-year, full-time programme leading to New Zealand teacher registration. The programme features a unique mode of delivery, with all trainees based in a home school for the entire year, fully engaging in all aspects of school life.

Admissions Manager Anita Lam-Stevoska [email protected]