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Lytton High School
Newsletter · Term 1 2025
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Principal's Message
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What a fantastic and full Term 1 it has been here at Lytton High School. Our students have embraced a wide range of opportunities with enthusiasm and resilience; from Paea Haenga’s success in the Young Navigators programme to the creativity and curiosity displayed in subjects such as Physics, Art, and Performing Arts through hands-on experiential learning. It was a pleasure to welcome Te Rina from Auckland University, who presented to students interested in tertiary study there.
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We’ve also seen the strength of our school community shine through. The Year 9 camp at Whāngārā was a powerful time of whakawhanaungatanga, building relationships and connections, where students connected with each other in te taiao, the environment. Our collective effort in Relay for Life was another highlight, a reminder of our shared commitment to service and to each other. Our Year 9 Science students also had an exciting visit from Te Whai Ao - Dodd-Walls Centre and Otago Museum, diving into the wonders of physics. The Prefect Camp in Rotorua explored aspects of leadership, allowing our student leaders to lay the foundations for the year ahead.
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It's also important to acknowledge the positive trend in student attendance. Regular attendance has improved substantially since 2023, with chronic absence nearly halved over three years. By working together, we can ensure this positive trajectory continues and attendance rates improve even further. Everyday matters!
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As Term 1 draws to a close, I want to acknowledge the hard work of our students, staff, and whānau. It’s been a term of growth, challenge, and celebration. Looking ahead to Term 2, we’re excited to welcome new staff members, continue our journey of learning and achievement, and gather again for important events in the life of our kura.
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This newsletter captures just a few of the many moments that have made us proud. Thank you for your continued support of Lytton High School, we look forward to what the next term will bring.
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Young Navigators Success
We are excited to announce that our Year 13 Business Studies student Paea Haenga has been chosen to attend Young Navigators, an offshoot of the Young Enterprise Scheme. In the school holidays he will be going on an all-expenses paid trip to Auckland with 35 other Māori or Pacific rangatahi from around the motu to embark on a journey of innovation, business, and team building! There he will take part in a 36-hour business challenge run by One NZ, and hopefully return with plenty of Warriors merchandise! Paea is seen here with Ian Musson the Director of the Young Enterprise Trust. Karawhiua, Paea!
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Pathways Term One
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First Aid Course - As we settled into Term 1, some of our year 11 and 12 students completed their first aid certificate over a two day period. Well done to all of the students who participated in a very hands-on course.
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Pacific International Hotel Management School Visit - We were lucky enough to host Emily, our student advisor from the Pacific International Hotel Management School. We engaged with a group of keen students who are potentially looking at Hotel Management / Tourism as career pathways.
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Auckland University - Term 1 we welcomed the lovely Te Rina from Auckland University. She presented to a group of students who are looking towards Auckland University as a tertiary provider. It is a great opportunity for our students to meet with a student liaison and ensure their learning is heading in the right direction. The concept of leaving home and moving away to study can feel like a daunting prospect. Having relationships with student liaisons is a great way to help remove some of this, and make the steps to getting there more realistic.
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Barista Course - Week 6 was all about COFFEE for 12 of our senior students. Our 2 day barista course on site is a great opportunity to take their new skills out into the community. Lots of learning and also lots of fun for the students.
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Exploring Physics with Te Whai Ao & Otago Museum
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Our Year 9 Science students had an exciting visit from Te Whai Ao – Dodd-Walls Centre and Otago Museum, diving into the wonders of physics! They explored multiple slit diffraction with lasers and had a blast experimenting with helium. This hands-on learning experience was both educational and fun, sparking curiosity and excitement for science. We’re looking forward to bringing this fantastic opportunity back next year!
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Whakapiki Ake – Supporting Māori & Pasifika Students in Health Sciences
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Recently, Whakapiki Ake, an Auckland University initiative, visited our senior students to introduce their support programmes for Māori and Pasifika students pursuing careers in health sciences. They shared valuable insights and opportunities, including their upcoming MASH Camp, designed to inspire and guide students on their educational journey. We appreciate their visit and the opportunities they provide for our future health professionals!
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Chamber Music New Zealand
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On Monday 24th March Chamber Music New Zealand visited Lytton High School to bring the Big I project to our students. This involved senior music students working with our students in Rongomaiwhiti under the instruction of specialist tutors, including nationally acclaimed musicians Cathy Irons and Mark La Roche. Our music students got a lot out of the day and enjoyed building connections with the students they met in Rongomaiwhiti. Thank you to Rongomaiwhiti staff for these photos.
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Outdoor Education Update
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With the late run of summer weather and an exciting lineup of activities, the senior Outdoor Education students have had the chance to explore Te Taiao in ways that encourage teamwork, resilience, and personal growth.
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Surfing in Perfect Conditions
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Our surfing sessions have been a highlight, with warm water and consistent swells creating perfect waves for our Years 11, 12 & 13 students. Not only did this experience boost students' confidence in the water, but it also provided an excellent opportunity to learn about and connect with our Atua.
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Year 13 Hikurangi Maunga Hīkoi
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The Year 13 students recently embarked on an inspiring hīkoi to the top of Hikurangi Maunga, one of the most significant mountains in Aotearoa. The hikoi challenged our students physically and mentally, while also connecting them with the cultural significance of the region. The views from the summit were breathtaking, and the experience brought a deeper appreciation of the natural world and its spiritual significance to our students. It was a powerful and memorable experience for all involved.
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Year 11 Camp at Anaura Bay
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Meanwhile, the Year 11's had a fantastic time at their overnight camp at Anaura Bay. Students took part in a variety of outdoor challenges. From surfing to bushwalking, each activity tested their limits and allowed them to build valuable skills in teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. The camp was a chance for students to bond with one another, embrace the outdoors, and push themselves beyond their comfort zones.
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Outdoor Education Teacher
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Prefect Camp & GRIP Conference
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We took away a lot of knowledge about being better leaders from the GRIP Conference, but as well as this learning we also took part in activities such as Redwoods Tree Walking and Whitewater Rafting. These few days as a group helped us get to know each other better and also helped us figure out what we can do to improve this school for the students. Jakeb.
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"The GRIP Leadership conference was a great learning experience for us, and also gave us a lot of inspiration on what we can do for our school. It definitely inspired me to try and improve our sense of community at Ritana, which I will strive to do throughout the year." Cassidy.
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On the 20th to the 22nd of March, all the prefects and some of our teachers went on a little trip to Rotorua for a prefect camp. We were lucky enough to be able to do some pretty fun activities during our stay in Rotorua, like White Water Rafting, The Luge, and also going to the mall. However, the main reason we went to Rotorua was to attend a leadership conference, which had many activities that really got us to connect with other rangatahi. Being able to attend this conference was incredibly fortunate, as we were able to gain a lot of new matauranga to add to our kete in order to become better leaders for the future. Joden.
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Year 9 Camp – Whāngārā
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At the start of the term, our Year 9 students spent three days at Whāngārā – a camp that was as much about settling into high school as it was about connecting to place and people.
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Staying at Whāngārā Marae, students were warmly welcomed into the wharenui Whitireia and Waho te Rangi, where we were surrounded by carvings and kōrero that carry the rich whakapapa of Ngāti Konohi and the famous ancestor Paikea. For some, it was their first time on a marae – an experience that opened up space for learning, connecting, and reflecting.
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There wasn’t much sitting still. We walked from Te Tapuwae o Rongokako back to Whāngārā in the sun and wind, swam in the moana, played games, and got our first taste of surfing. Some students were hesitant to get in the water, others ran straight in. Everyone gave it a go. It was less about mastering the surf and more about being in the moana together.
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Through camp-based activities, sharing amazing kai, learning our school haka, and the Ngāti Porou anthem Paikea, our students had the chance to find out more about each other. Friendships began to form and strengthen by doing things side by side – drying dishes, walking the hill, sitting around yarning, and waiting for a turn.
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By the time we returned to school, there was a noticeable shift. People were talking more, laughing more, finding their feet. It was more than just a few days away; it was a meaningful way to begin the year, connect with a new school, and understand a deeper sense of place.
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Relay for Life
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Over the last few weeks fundraising has taken place at school to go toward Ritana’s fundraising efforts for Relay for Life. In the last weekend of March the prefects and a couple of teachers participated in the Relay for Life event in support of the Cancer Society. The positive atmosphere made the event very exciting, along with the friendly competition between teams to see who can gain the most laps. An outstanding effort was made by Ritana as over the 24 hours they managed to walk 532 laps. It was awesome seeing our students out there supporting their whānau and we are very grateful that each year we are able to support such an important cause.
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Student Council
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The Student Council supported the prefects fundraising for Relay for Life in week eight. Some fantastic members of the council volunteered their Thursday and Friday lunch times to wash cars. The students did a great job and I believe most of them even said “this is fun!”.
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Successful Campaign at the 2025 National Secondary Schools Waka Ama Championships
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During Week 8, we had the privilege of taking three girls’ teams to the 2025 National Secondary Schools Waka Ama Championships. Held over five days, our students experienced waka ama at the highest level for their age and put in outstanding performances.
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A special congratulations to Nahla Aston Coleman, Ibanez Te Pairi, and Kiani Olsen, who stepped up to compete in the U16 W1 section. An extra well done to Ibanez and Nahla, who both made it through to the Te Takere finals—a great achievement!
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All three teams competed with determination, and our W12 team, Lytton Hinewai, brought home a silver medal in the J19 section—a remarkable feat, especially considering that half the team were J16 paddlers!
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We are incredibly proud of all the girls and look forward to another exciting campaign next year. A huge thank you to Keri Ngatoro for her dedication and expertise in coaching, Mr Devery for his ongoing commitment to waka ama, and Mr Rohe for stepping in to support the kaupapa this year. Your efforts are truly appreciated!
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Meijo High School Visit
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The recent visit from students and staff of Meijo High School in Nagoya, Japan was a truly special experience for our school community. In their short time with us, our visitors were welcomed with warmth, generosity, and manaakitanga by our incredible homestay whānau.
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It was clear from the smiles, conversations, and heartfelt goodbyes that the students thoroughly enjoyed not only the activities planned for them, but also the genuine connections they formed through their homestay experience. From cultural exchanges and shared kai, to exploring our beautiful region and engaging in classroom learning, each moment helped to strengthen bridges between our communities and deepen understanding between cultures.
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We are deeply grateful to our homestay whānau for opening their homes and hearts to our guests. Their hospitality was the cornerstone of this successful exchange, and we acknowledge the aroha that went into making each student feel safe, welcome, and part of our wider whānau.
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Ngā mihi nui to everyone who contributed to making this exchange a success. We look forward to continuing and growing our relationship with Meijo High School in the years to come.
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Te Whare Toi a Rītana
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On Wednesday 9th April Te Whare Toi hosted a Whānau Evening where students from across the Art Faculty shared work with each other, their whānau and the wider school community. Our students rose to the occasion and it was a very special occasion. A performance by our Kapa Haka students was also a great way to start the night off. Thank you everybody!
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Sports Roundup
Athletics: This year our Athletics week took place from Friday the 7th of March ending on
Thursday the 13th with the whole school participating on the final day. The winner of the Senior Boys 1500m race was Jack Bush, the Senior Girls 1500m was taken by Selina Mill. Ruby Fergusson won the Intermediate Girls event. The winner of the 800m Senior Boys was Jakeb Te Kani Brown, Intermediate 800m winner was Jaiya Fleming and the Junior 800m Boys winner was Krowzhynn Morrell. Senior 800m Girls winner was Capria Tamatea and the Intermediate 800m Girls was Zyanja Rudge.
In the Senior Javelin event for the boys Victor Barnard was the winner and Oho Hailey won the girls section. Intermediate Javelin Boys winner was Jaiya Fleming and Zyanja Rudge was first for the girls. Juniors were only represented by our boys and Zeidyn Akuhata Brown came first. A new school record was attained in Senior Girls Shot Put by Jessie Hobrough - 11.15m.
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Ka mau te wehi.
On the final day all students representing their House participated in track and field events
accruing house points, also points were awarded to Junior boy’s champion Tom Paul, Junior Girls Champions Cody Lee Kutia and Makuini Wyllie, Intermediate Boys Champion Jaiya Fleming and Intermediate Girls Zyanja Rudge, Senior Boys Jakeb TeKani Brown and Senior Girls Symphony Hira thus resulting in Makauri House coming first overall. Congratulations.
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The following results are from our participation in the East Coast North Island Secondary Schools Athletics Track and Field meet held at Hastings: Jessie Hobrough came 3rd in the Senior Girls Shotput. Tom Paul was a finalist in Junior Boys 100m 3rd place in the long jump, 2nd in shotput qualifying him to represent the East Coast North Island Region at the NZ Secondary School’s athletics. Way to go.
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Basketball: Trials took place over a two-week period for the Junior Boys team. We have a full
team of 12 this year with the games starting on Friday 2nd of May over nine weeks. The Senior Boys had a slow start eventually forming a team of ten players, starting Monday 28th April; their competition also takes place over nine weeks. All Basketball games take place at the YMCA, with the exception of both teams having two games moved - Monday Kings Birthday moves to the Tuesday at Boys High school and again for Matariki Day moves to the Thursday at Boys High – students will be reminded of this closer to the time. This season the teams are supported by teaching staff members Amber Grace, Shom Narayan and Kereama Rakuraku
Badminton: This is proving to be a highly popular lunchtime activity
Hockey: We have one mixed team playing on Monday evenings starting on the 28th April. We
have 14 players, a new coach Anthony Boyder and the teacher in charge is Sarah Cooksley.
Netball: At this stage we are still trialling players for a senior and possibly 2 Junior teams.
Supported by Teacher in Charge Morgan Read, Gaylene Cramer and Jarrod Waikawa. This year once again we have a “Mixed “Boys/Girls social team – lead and coached by student Jarrod Waikawa. The season starts on Saturday the 25th of May.
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Sports Calendar Term 2
9 -11th April - Ki o Rahi Nationals Palmerston North
28th April - Senior Boys Basketball begins
28th April - Hockey begins
2nd May - Junior Basketball begins
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7th May - Ngata 7's Ruatoria
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13th May - Tairāwhiti Secondary Schools Golf Tournament
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27th - 28th May - Tairāwhiti Secondary Schools Gymnastics Festival
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4th June - East Coast North Island Cross Country
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25th July NZ Secondary Schools Swimming Competition
25 -27th July North Island Indoor Bowls, Mount Maunganui
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Staff Farewells
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For Term One we bid a fond farewell to
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Freda Christie - Teacher Aide
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Welcome to New Staff
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A very warm welcome to all the new staff who will join us for Term Two 2025.
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Caleb Matenga - Teacher Aide
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Eleanor Watene - Teacher Aide
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Upcoming Events
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28th April - Term 2 begins
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2nd - 4th May - Hikoi ki Hawaii
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6th May - Board of Trustees Meeting
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26th - 27th May - Year 9 Hearing screening
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2nd June - Kings Birthday
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17th June - Board of Trustees Meeting
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18th June - Ngā Manukorero @ Gisborne Boys High School
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19th June - Kapa Haka Regionals @ Gisborne Boys High School
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27th June - Last Day of Term Two
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