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Lytton High School
Newsletter · Term 2 2026
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Principal's Message
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The term opened with a special highlight; a group of students who study Japanese travelled to Japan for our biennial exchange, visiting partner schools and immersing themselves in the language and culture they've been learning here at Lytton.
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That was the first of many things to be proud of this term. As you turn through these pages, I hope you feel the same pride I do. Our young people have pitched business ideas to industry judges, taken the stage with the combined orchestra, completed the Waikaremoana Great Walk, built a home that's now heading to auction and seen their augmented reality artworks selected for the Matariki Sculpture Trail in Tauranga, exhibited alongside established artists from across the motu. We've also opened a wonderful new playground at Rongomaiwhiti, giving our students a safe, inclusive place to move, play and learn.
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One waiata captures the thread running through all of it, Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi. “Tūtira mai ngā iwi, tātou tātou e." Stand together, people. All of us.
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Every achievement in these pages was made possible by people choosing to work together; students, staff, whānau and our wider community, all pulling in the same direction.
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I'll be away on sabbatical during Term 3, with Mr Christophers stepping in as Acting Principal. The school is in good hands and I look forward to returning refreshed.
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Our students have worked hard this term and earned this break. I'd encourage you to enjoy the time together as a whānau and as we approach Matariki, to share a moment with your tamariki to remember those who have gone before us, give thanks for the present and look to the year ahead with hope. They will return to us in a better heart for time well spent at home.
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A heartfelt thank you to our whānau and community for standing alongside us this term.
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Rītana Collective
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Our Year 13 Business group 'Rītana Collective' pitched their business idea for Young Enterprise Scheme at BDO on Thursday. The judges loved their idea, had some excellent feedback for improvement and were generally impressed by the way Te Ohomauri, Jessica, Capria and Zay represented themselves and our kura. Ka mau te wehi!
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Making Music Across the Tairāwhiti
Two of our students, Jacob Yates (Year 12, Trumpet) and Nyla Barbarich (Year 10, Violin) continue to represent the school as members of the Gisborne Combined Secondary School's Orchestra.
On Wednesday 3rd June, the Orchestra took the stage at the Lawson Field Theatre as part of the Tairāwhiti Chamber Music Contest, entertaining the audience while adjudicators finalised results and certificates.
The orchestra rehearses every Tuesday after school at Gisborne Girls' High School and has been preparing for this performance since its first public concert of the year at Patutahi back in February. Music Teacher, Matua Waiora Paul-Utiera, also performs with the orchestra on Trumpet.
The GCSSO now looks ahead to its next series of performances in Term 3, where they will share their music with local primary schools and the elderly across Gisborne.
Congratulations to Jacob and Nyla for their continued commitment and for proudly representing Ritana in the arts.
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Congratulations are in order
Congratulations to Year 12 student Jacob Yates, who has been selected to join the 2026 National Secondary Schools' Brass Band after a nationwide audition process.
Over 80 secondary school students from around New Zealand auditioned, with Jacob successfully earning a place in the premier band on cornet. This marks his first selection to the National Secondary Schools' Band and is a testament to his musical ability, dedication, and hard work.
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From the 29th of September to the 3rd of October, Jacob will travel to Christchurch for an intensive week of rehearsals alongside some of the country's finest young brass and percussion musicians. The course will culminate in a public concert at St. Margaret's College, showcasing the talents of New Zealand's next generation of brass players.
We wish Jacob every success as he prepares to represent both the school and Tairāwhiti on the national stage.
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Rongomaiwhiti: Education Outside The Classroom
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This term, Rongomaiwhiti students have enjoyed some fantastic EOTC (Education Outside the Classroom) opportunities. On Mondays, they have loved their Trampolining sessions at the Gisborne Trampoline Club, building confidence, coordination, and having fun along the way.
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On Tuesdays, students have continued their Swimming sessions at Kiwa Pools, developing water confidence and strengthening their swimming skills.
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Our Angitu students have also enjoyed Modified Basketball at the YMCA and Gisborne Boys' High School, learning new ball skills, experiencing new environments, and staying active.
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We are very grateful to Whitiora Tairāwhiti, Lytton staff, and all those who help make these opportunities possible. These experiences provide valuable learning opportunities and memorable experiences beyond the classroom.
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"I like doing the spinaroonie. I really liked doing the kung-fu kicks. I like passing and bouncing the ball to my friends. I can do the around-the-world ball skill."
– Benjamin Madsen-Jamieson
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"I like the heads, shoulders, knees and toes game. I like shooting hoops. I like doing karate kicks. I am good at them. I had a good time!"
– Tristan Williamson
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Rongomaiwhiti New Playground
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Rongomaiwhiti has recently had a new playground extension completed, which has created a safe, enclosed space for our students to move freely, explore, and enjoy during learning and break times. This new area provides our students a secure space where they can run, play, jump, and learn through movement. This is especially important for our students with disabilities and additional learning needs, as it allows them to participate more confidently and independently in outdoor activities.
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We would like to sincerely thank everyone who was involved in making this happen. Your support, planning, and commitment have helped create a meaningful space where our students can feel safe, included, and free to be themselves. A special thank you to the Esme and Tom Tombleson Charitable Trust for their generous contribution to our inground trampoline.
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Te Whare Whai Hua happenings
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This term Te Whare Whai Hua have been involved in the Mahinga Kai programme through EIT. This has involved maara prep, seed planting and harvesting. We have also learnt various rongoa practices along the way. We were lucky enough to invite our class to our own maara to help us prep the soil for the next season of growing as well as set up our composting system. We are looking forward to getting seedlings we have nurtured into the ground by Matariki so we can enjoy the fruits of our labour with our Te Whare Whai Hua whānau.
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We opened our doors here at Te Whare Whai Hua for our first ever Open Day this term. We had an array of manuhiri ranging from local rangatahi services, school social work and leadership teams and young parents. This was our opportunity to show our community what we offer here at Te Whare Whai Hua. One of our students stole the show with her engaging kōrero about her experiences as a TWWH student. The day was a huge success with new enrolments flowing in over the following weeks. We are so proud of what we offer here at Te Whare Whai Hua and whilst we may have been too busy showing our space off to take photos on the day, we do have a new page on the Lytton High School Website where you can go and find out more about who we are and what we offer.
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Lytton Unlocked
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Lytton High School threw open its doors to welcome our future Year 9s Over three action-packed days, Year 8 students dived headfirst into the vibrant Lytton experience. From hands-on creative projects, which they proudly took home as souvenirs, to discovering the exciting reality of life as a Year 9 student through our school magazine, the energy was electric. It was fantastic to see such curiosity and engagement from our local Year 8s as they explored everything our kura has to offer.
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Whānau Winter Engagement
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Our Whānau Winter Engagement morning was a heartwarming success. We were delighted to welcome families on campus for a delicious, warm sausage sizzle and juice, creating a cozy start to the day. It was inspiring to see our community come together, with many whānau generously donating pre-loved uniform items to support our loan system. Plus, with winter essentials like jackets and jerseys available at significantly reduced prices, it was a wonderful opportunity to gear up for the colder months. A massive thank you to everyone who joined us, it’s this kind of community spirit that makes Lytton High so special.
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Rītana to Japan 2026
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We would like to acknowledge and reflect on our recent journey to Japan, a significant experience that again brought together two cultures. It was the beginning of a new relationship for our 24 students from Rītana. Another journey that was filled with excitement and moments that challenged them in unexpected ways.
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We visited six prefectures (Irabaki, Kanagawa, Tokyo, Nara, Osaka and Aichi) visiting four high schools, two junior high and two elementary schools.
We stayed with host families, in community centres, experiencing everyday Japanese life, their customs, their routines, and their generous hospitality.
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The people are very respectful, polite, and welcoming. Whether you are walking through the busy streets of Tokyo, visiting schools, or staying with host families in smaller communities, there is a strong sense of pride, care, and order.
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The food is always a highlight. Trying authentic sushi, ramen, tempura, curry, takoyaki, and convenience store meals becomes an adventure in itself. Even small meals from train stations or local stores are often fresh and presented well. Sharing meals with host families or students became some of the most memorable moments.
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Visiting schools, participating in their assemblies, learning about Japanese school customs, and sharing Māori culture through waiata, haka, and storytelling helped create meaningful relationships. These experiences allowed us to connect with students and staff, celebrate our cultures, and build a deeper sense of friendship, respect, and understanding.
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Travelling by train in Japan is always an experience in itself. From the speed and comfort of the bullet train to the smaller local trains that take you through towns and neighbourhoods, each journey was interesting and memorable. It was also a chance to learn about Japanese customs and expectations, such as being quiet and respectful while travelling. Unlike what we may be used to, people generally do not talk on trains, which shows us the importance of respect, awareness, and consideration for others in Japanese culture.
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Grease is the Word for Next Term
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If you’ve walked past the drama room or music block lately, you might have caught the faint sound of leather jackets rustling, harmonies clicking, and some seriously energetic hand-jiving. That’s right—our incredibly talented students are officially deep in rehearsals for next term’s production of the musical, Grease; School Edition.
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From Year 9s to Year 13s, stepping into the iconic shoes of Danny, Sandy, and the rest of the Rydell High gang, the dedication on display has been nothing short of spectacular.
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Our students aren't just working the stage either. There is another awesome set of students working behind the scenes on set design, lighting, and costume. The energy, commitment, and teamwork filling the rehearsal spaces each week is a testament to the amazing community spirit here at school.
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How You Can Support the Cast & Crew:
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Save the Date: Show nights are Term 3 Week 3, performed in the War Memorial Theatre
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Let your friends and family know!: We want to see you all there!
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A massive thank you to all the staff, parents, and students who are already pouring their hearts (and weekends!) into making this show a success.
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Get ready to channel your inner Pink Lady, because next term, Grease is definitely the word!
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Rītana Student Council Get Busy
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Since 2025 the Ritana Student Council have been giving stakeholder input to the City Centre Revitalisation project at Gisborne District Council. In April, we were visited by an architect who was developing the vision and scope. In June we attended a public meeting where three options were tabled for developing the Reads Quay / Lowe Street area. Our Student Councillors are participating in and contributing to local politics, experiencing first-hand how things work in this space. An invaluable experience for our young people!
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Some councillors also attended the Model United Nations, run by UN Youth Wellington and hosted by Campion College. Each was assigned to a UN member state, students then had to debate a trade resolution from their country's perspective. Thrown in the deep end with little time to prepare, many of our students rose to the challenge and spoke proudly for their nation. Others just took it all in and enjoyed the impressive debating skills on display. We are looking forward to another crack at this in 2027!
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Back at school, we have started to analyse data from a Ministry of Education Well-being survey students completed earlier in the year. Three areas of focus have been identified and Student Council will be planning actions to:
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- Improve access to affordable, healthy food choices at school.
- Address student fatigue and promote positive health choices
- Enhance peer relationships and ensure everyone feels safe
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We look forward to sharing our progress with this mahi as we strive to make our school an even better place.
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Ngā mihi,Student Council / Kaunihera Ākonga
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Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education has made the most of a settled autumn, with our Year 12 and 13 students enjoying a range of learning opportunities beyond the classroom. From surfing our local coastline to exploring the ngahere and lakes of Te Urewera, students have continued to develop their outdoor skills while strengthening their connection with te taiao.
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Our Year 13 class completed the 46 km Great Walk around Lake Waikaremoana, spending four days immersed in the outdoors. Along the way, students developed their navigation and self-management skills while exploring the concept of kaitiakitanga and the responsibility we all share in caring for the natural places we visit. They also enjoyed unusually settled conditions, with barely a drop of rain throughout the trip.
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The Year 12 class travelled to Lake Waikareiti for an overnight hīkoi to Sandy Bay Hut, where they completed navigation activities and emergency survival challenges while learning how mātauranga Māori has long informed safe travel through the ngahere.
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The fine weather also meant both classes enjoyed regular surfing sessions throughout the term, continuing to build confidence in the moana while developing an understanding of ocean safety and environmental responsibility.
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While the Year 12 class was at Waikareiti, Saydie, Mitchell and Zion represented Lytton High School at Outward Bound in Anakiwa, where they challenged themselves physically and mentally while developing resilience, leadership and new friendships.
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Reflecting on their experiences, both Zion and Saydie spoke about the lasting impact of the course.
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"Outward Bound was a life-changing experience. I learnt not only survival skills, but social and life skills that will stay with me forever." - Zion
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"Outward Bound has shaped me into the person I am today. I came away more disciplined, motivated and confident. The most rewarding part was completing the course as one." - Saydie
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These experiences continue to show that Outdoor Education is about more than learning outdoor skills. It is about developing confident, capable rangatahi who are willing to challenge themselves and support others.
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Anzac Day
On ANZAC Day, our prefects and teachers proudly represented our school at the Gisborne Dawn Service to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of Australian and New Zealand service personnel, past and present. During the service, our Head Girl, Te Ohomauri, had the privilege of laying a wreath at the ANZAC Memorial on behalf of our school, paying tribute to those who gave so much in service to their country. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the importance of remembrance and to show our respect for the legacy of the ANZACs. We are proud of our prefects and staff for representing our school with dignity and respect at this important community event.
Arwen Scott
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Building Futures: Our Academy Teams Up with Ray White Gisborne
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There is something truly magical about watching a house rise from its foundations to a finished, beautiful home. But what makes it even more special is knowing that every single hammer swing, measurement check, and finishing touches was done by our very own Year 12 and 13 Building Academy students.
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Our incredible 2025/2026 young builders have poured their sweat, teamwork, and passion into constructing a complete, two bed relocatable home. Now, we are thrilled to announce a massive milestone for our Academy: We have officially partnered with Ray White Gisborne to take this house to market! In a spectacular show of local support, the team at Ray White Gisborne has stepped up with an incredible partnership.
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Ray White Gisborne is a highly successful, locally owned business known for its heart, and they have proven it tenfold with this collaboration. This isn’t just a business transaction for them; it’s an investment in the future of our youth. The entire Ray White team is getting on board, bringing a massive team effort to our upcoming open homes and the final auction. This level of community collaboration is truly inspiring, and we cannot thank them enough for their generosity.
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The Building Academy is about so much more than just timber and nails. It provides our students with invaluable, hands-on industry skills and real-world knowledge. By working on a live build from the foundations up, these students are gaining a massive head start, allowing them to transition seamlessly from secondary school straight into the building and construction industry.
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Seeing their hard work recognised by a major local industry leader like Ray White gives our students an immense sense of pride and validates the professional quality of their work. It connects their hard work in the classroom and on the tools directly to the real estate market, showing them the full lifecycle of the industry.
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Mark Your Calendars We want our whole school community to get behind this project. Come along, check out the flawless craftsmanship of our students, and meet the amazing team making it happen.
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Open Homes: Commencing later this month (keep an eye on our social media for specific dates and times).
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The Auction: Taking place this July.
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We are incredibly excited about this next chapter and can’t wait to see our students' hard work rewarded on auction day. A massive thank you once again to Ray White Gisborne—together, we are building brighter futures.
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Badminton Success
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Our students recently represented the school at the inter-school badminton competition, with two boys' teams and two girls' teams proudly taking part.
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Throughout the day, all four teams displayed excellent sportsmanship, determination, and teamwork. They competed enthusiastically against strong opposition, supported one another, and represented our school with pride both on and off the court.
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Our boys' teams performed well, finishing in 5th and 6th place, while our girls' teams had an outstanding tournament, securing 2nd and 4th place.
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Congratulations to all of our players for their positive attitude, commitment, and effort throughout the competition. We are incredibly proud of the way they represented our school and thank them for their dedication. A big thank you also goes to the staff and supporters who helped make the day a success.
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Ururangi: Gateway to the Stars
The 2026 Matariki Sculpture Trail is a highlight of the national arts calendar, celebrating the Māori New Year through immersive, digitally augmented reality (AR) artworks. Spanning three key locations—Tauranga Art Gallery, Downtown Tauranga, and Mount Maunganui—this year’s event centers on the theme Ururangi: Gateway to the Stars.
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Following a competitive selection process, I am delighted that the proposals submitted by myself and three exceptional students—Tua-Atea Rauna-Broughton, Tamariki Rhiem, and Alexis Stafford—were accepted, and our works are now featured as part of the trail.
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For these high school students, this is a rare and invaluable opportunity to develop a public art installation, gain professional experience in a burgeoning medium, and exhibit their work alongside established artists from across the motu. If you are in the region, its open now until the 18th of July, and we invite you to join us on July 11th from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm at Toi: Tauranga Art Gallery, where the students and I will host an artist talk to discuss our creative process and the inspiration behind our works.
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Term Two in Careers
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Term 2 has been another busy and productive period for students and staff within the Pathways Faculty at Lytton High School.
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Throughout the term, students have participated in a range of valuable vocational and life-skills training opportunities designed to enhance their employability and preparedness for future pathways. These courses included Workplace Health and Safety, Customer Service, and First Aid training. These programmes have provided students with practical knowledge and industry-recognised skills that will benefit them in both employment and further education.
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A group of senior students successfully completed a Forklift Operator course delivered by Matapuna Training Centre. This qualification provides students with an additional industry-relevant certification and valuable workplace experience. During the term, the faculty also continued to offer learner licence courses, with a number of students successfully gaining their learner licences. These courses remain an important component of supporting students' independence and access to employment opportunities.
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Waikato University Campus Visit
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In mid-June, 14 students participated in a tertiary education visit to the Waikato University campuses in Tauranga and Hamilton. The trip provided students with an excellent opportunity to explore university life and gain insight into future study options. Students toured the halls of residence at the Tauranga Campus and participated in workshops facilitated by staff from the Business and Law Schools. We would like to thank Miss Le Goff and Mr Majstrovic for their support and supervision during this valuable learning experience.
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The term concluded with presentations from tertiary providers representing most of New Zealand’s major universities. These sessions provided students with important information regarding degree programmes, scholarships, accommodation options, and university life. The presentations enabled students to make more informed decisions about their future education and career pathways.
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Term 2 has been a whirlwind of growth for Lytton High School, with 30 of our rangatahi taking the leap into the professional world through our Gateway Programme.
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It’s been incredible to see our students exploring their career aspirations across such a diverse range of industries—from the precision of the motor trade and the fast pace of customer service to the community impact of education and sports. By immersing themselves in real-world environments, our students are gaining more than just work experience; they are building the practical skills and earning the qualifications that turn career dreams into achievable pathways.
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A massive thank you goes out to our incredible local businesses. Your willingness to open your doors, share your expertise, and invest in our rangatahi is helping to shape the next generation of professionals. We truly appreciate the time and effort you have dedicated to developing our students and preparing them for the future.
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Overall, Term 2 has provided students with a wide range of opportunities to develop practical skills, gain industry qualifications, explore tertiary education options, and prepare for future career pathways. The Pathways Faculty looks forward to building on these successes during Term 3.
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Sports Calendar Term 3 2026
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24 - 26 July - North Island Secondary Schools Indoor Bowls Competition
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31 August - 4 September - Winter Tournament week
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25 September - Cross Country
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For Term Two we bid farewell to -
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Caleb Matenga - Teacher Aide
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For Term Three we welcome -
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Leo Maisey - Teacher Aide
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Katie Thompson - Deputy Principal Term 3
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Upcoming Events
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23 July - Matariki Celebrations
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28 July - Board of Trustees Meeting
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1 - 6 August - School Production Grease
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1 - 9 August - Ichioka High School Visit
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10 - 14 August - Cultural Week
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28 August - Teacher Only Day
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29 August - School Ball "Masquerade"
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31 August - 4 September - Winter Tournament Week
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7 - 11 September - Junior Assessment Week & Green Week
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14 - 18 September - Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori & Green Week
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15 September - Board of Trustees Meeting
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21 - 25 September - Green Week
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23 September - Meet the Teacher Evening
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24 September - End of Term Assembly
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25 September - Cross Country
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25 September - End of Term 3
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