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Lytton High School
Newsletter · Term 3 2026
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Principal's Message
Tēnā koutou e ngā whānau o te kura nei.
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Term 3 has been a vibrant and rewarding term at Rītana, filled with opportunities for our ākonga to learn, perform, compete, and strengthen their connections with others.
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A major highlight was our production of Grease, which showcased the outstanding talent, commitment, and teamwork of our students, staff, and whānau. We also celebrated Matariki through wānanga and kai tahi, providing important opportunities to deepen our understanding of this kaupapa and strengthen relationships across our kura.
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Rītana was represented with pride in numerous sporting and academic events, including the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League Nationals, the Woolaston Hockey Tournament, the East Coast Mathematics Competition, Fast Five Netball and Lawn Bowls. Students also enjoyed science and career insights through Whakapiki Ake, Pūhoro and the Mātai Careers for Science Day.
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It was a privilege to welcome visitors from Ichioka High School and our sister city of Nonoichi. These visits allowed us to share the manaakitanga, culture, whenua and stories of Tūranganui-a-Kiwa while strengthening our long-standing international relationships. We sincerely thank the whānau who opened their homes and helped make these visits so memorable.
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I would also like to congratulate all students who received awards at our end-of-term assembly. These awards recognised 100% attendance, a 100% assessment pass rate, outstanding demonstration of our school values of Aroha, Ako and Aspire, and the Board of Trustees Award for the top artwork produced this term. Ka mau te wehi!
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This term we farewell Eugene Paea, who served as our Sports Coordinator for the past 20 years. Eugene has contributed immensely to student sport at Lytton High School, creating countless opportunities for generations of students. His dedication, encouragement and commitment have had a lasting impact on our kura, and we thank him sincerely.
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We are also delighted to welcome back our Principal, Wiremu Elliott, following his sabbatical to take the helm as we begin Term 4 and prepare for the final stages of the school year.
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Moving forward, we are now in the process of setting our strategic priorities for 2027-2028. Our first step is consultation with our whānau and wider community, so we encourage you to share your whakaaro using the link provided.
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Ngā mihi nui to our students, staff, whānau and wider community for your continued support. We wish everyone a safe and refreshing term break.
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Violin performance at Kaiti School
This term, our violin and double bass group visited Kaiti School to perform for the students at the kura with their teacher, Kōkā Megan. They played as a group with students from Kaiti and to an audience of school children and their whānau. They sounded great. For some students, it was their first performance ever, and performing in public in a big group is an impressive achievement.' Anne-Marie De Bruin from the Gisborne Herald attended as well; her article and video can be viewed through the link.
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[Violin recital brings Kaiti School and Lytton High School students together ー NZ Herald.]
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Te Wiki Pāngarau 2026 – Celebrating Maths at Lytton
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Earlier this term, we joined schools across Aotearoa in celebrating Te Wiki Pāngarau – Maths Week. It was a great opportunity to celebrate mathematics and remind our students, staff and whānau that maths is everywhere – in our kitchens, shopping, games, sport and even our weekend plans.
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Throughout the week, students were challenged with a Math Puzzle of the Day, featuring visual brainteasers and problem-solving challenges posted around the school. These quickly became a talking point, with students stopping to work out the answers, discussing ideas with friends and, on occasion, passionately debating answers.
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We also held a Maths Week lunchtime competition, where students worked in teams to solve a series of problems. Teams were given one question at a time and could only progress once they answered correctly. This meant that teamwork, communication and perseverance were just as important as mathematical ability.
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Our staff got involved too, with a daily Maths Week quiz featuring a mixture of everyday maths, logic puzzles, estimation, and deliberately tricky questions. A ‘Maths for People Who Hate Maths’ quiz was set up for those who claimed that maths wasn't quite their “thing”.
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We extended Maths Week to our Rītana whānau with a 10-question whānau quiz, allowing families to have some fun and see how we use mathematics in our everyday lives.
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A big thank you to all of our students, staff and whānau who took part and helped to make Te Wiki Pāngarau a fun celebration. Whether you love maths, tolerate it, or would rather avoid it at all costs, we hope Maths Week reminded everyone that maths is much more than what happens in a maths classroom.
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Ngā mihi to all who got involved in our Maths Week.
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Celebrating Mathematical Excellence
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Congratulations to our four Year 9 and four Year 10 students who proudly represented our school at the East Coast Mathematics Competition, competing against schools from Gisborne, Hastings and Napier.
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Our students achieved an outstanding 7th equal in Year 9, 9th equal in Year 10, and 9th equal overall. These results are a wonderful reflection of their mathematical ability, determination, and commitment. Well done to all eight students; we are extremely proud of your efforts.
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New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League Nationals
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Five students; Jaiya Fleming, Mitchell Van Zyl, Kaeden Ham, Mahe Lauti, and Raniera Kuru joined a composite team with students from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Waiū o Ngāti Porou and Te Kura o Manutuke to compete in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rugby League Nationals in Auckland. It's the first time a composite team has been invited to participate in the competition. We started our trip with a visit to the Warriors headquarters at Go Media Stadium, where ex-Kiwi player Tony Iro showed us around the facilities. The students received a great insight into the Warriors’ changing rooms, preparation areas, and recovery facilities.
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It was always going to be a tough competition, especially coming up against some of the bigger Auckland schools. All of our games were hard-fought, and we came away with two wins against Papakura High School and Hobsonville Point School, and lost against James Cook High School, Whangaparaoa, and Pukekohe. The students represented our kura proudly, showing real mana on the field, especially being short of reserves and having to play through injuries. Their attitude, commitment, and resilience throughout the tournament were awesome to see. It was a privilege to take these young men to the tournament, and I hope they enjoyed the experience and continue to love the game as much as I do.
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Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible for the students ー Matua Kereama.
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Ichioka High School Visit
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He mihi nui, he mihi aroha ki a koutou katoa who helped make the recent visit from Ichioka High School, Osaka, Japan, such a memorable and meaningful experience. A very special thank you must go to our homestay whānau who opened their homes and hearts for the entire week. Your manaakitanga, generosity, care, and willingness to welcome our visitors as part of your own whānau played a huge part in making our Japanese students' stay so special. The opportunity to live with a local family allowed our Japanese students to experience everyday life in our community and build friendships and memories that will remain with them long after they return home. Throughout the week, we were proud to once again showcase our beautiful Tūranganui-a-Kiwa “backyard”. Our visitors were able to experience life on the marae, learn about tikanga and our local culture, take part in preparing and cooking a traditional hāngī, visit local farms, encounter our marine environment through the stingray experience, and learn more about the rich history and stories of our rohe.
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These experiences were about much more than simply visiting places. They provided opportunities to share our culture, whakapapa, whenua, kai, and most importantly, our people. Through these shared experiences, new friendships were formed, and the relationship between our communities in Aotearoa and Japan continues to grow stronger. To everyone who gave their time, opened their homes, shared their knowledge, transported students, prepared kai, supported activities, and contributed in any way. Tēnei te mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
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Your manaakitanga ensured our visitors experienced the warmth of our people and the true spirit of Tūranganui-a-Kiwa.
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Nā tō koutou aroha, nā tō koutou manaaki, i rangona e rātou te mahana o te hau kāinga.
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Because of your kindness and hospitality, they experienced the warmth of home.
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Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa.
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私はこの一週間でたくさんのことを学びました。その中でも楽しかったことは、海に行って、エイに触れたことです。私は初めてエイに触れましたが、ぬるぬるしていてとてもかわいかったです。私はこの経験を将来忘れないと思います。ニュージーランドでたくさんの経験ができてとても楽しかったです。ありがとうございます！
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Translation: I learned so much this past week. The most enjoyable part was going to the ocean and touching a stingray. It was my first time touching one, and it was slimy and very cute. I don't think I'll ever forget this experience. I had a wonderful time and had so many great experiences in New Zealand. Thank you!
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Nonoichi ‘Sister City’ Visit
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We have enjoyed a strong, enduring relationship with our sister city, Nonoichi, for the past 36 years. This year, we were honoured to welcome a delegation of eight dignitaries and 12 students to Tūranganui-a-Kiwa. Their visit began with a pōhiri at Te Poho-o-Rāwiri Marae, where they were warmly welcomed and introduced to the rich culture, history, and traditions of our rohe. We later welcomed the delegation to Lytton High School, allowing our visitors to experience school life, connect with our students and staff, and learn more about our community.
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Throughout the week, we proudly shared our special part of the world with them through a range of cultural, educational, and local experiences. These opportunities allowed friendships to grow whilst creating lasting memories. This visit was a celebration of our 36-year relationship and demonstrated the importance of manaakitanga, cultural exchange, and maintaining strong international connections for future generations.
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Woolaston Hockey Tournament
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Thirteen students travelled to Carterton for a week of hockey to proudly represent Rītana against mixed school teams from around the country. The tournament provided plenty of challenges, with our team battling through hard-fought games, disallowed goals, injuries, and even periods of playing without a goalie.
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Despite this, our students showed great determination, resilience, and teamwork. They continued to give it their best and support one another, right through to the end. When they weren’t on the turf, the team enjoyed exploring Wellington and the wider Wairarapa region, making the most of the opportunity to experience somewhere new. It was a busy and exciting week filled with plenty of hockey, laughter, and teamwork. We are incredibly proud of all 13 students for their positive attitude, for getting out there, giving it their all, and getting it done.
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Catalyst for Success: Moments from a Busy Term in Science
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Our junior Māori scientists had a fantastic workshop with Auckland University’s Early Exposure Whakapiki Ake team at the start of this term. The session, grounded in a kaupapa Māori framework, focused on whakawhanaungatanga, finding purpose, and discovering their ‘why’. Our ākonga were highly engaged and thoroughly enjoyed connecting with the presenters, with many keen to continue those relationships afterwards. For some of our students, this will be the beginning of a journey that may lead to opportunities such as the Māori Achieving Success in Health (MASH) programme in their senior years. The photo captures one of the workshops from the day.
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Pūhoro visited Rītana in Week 7 and left our students feeling inspired and motivated to explore their future in STEMM. Founded in 2016, Pūhoro connects mātauranga Māori with STEMM learning, supports academic achievement, and creates pathways into high-value careers.
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Our students were quick to get on board, with 14 Year 10 ākonga signing up to join the programme. From next term, they will take part in weekly study sessions and work closely with the Pūhoro team. We are excited to begin this partnership and see where it takes our rangatahi.
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Mātai Careers in Science Day
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A group of Year 12 and 13 ākonga attended a fantastic medical careers event hosted by the MātaI Research Institute in town. Students explored more than 20 different careers in the medical field through a range of interactive stations and had plenty of opportunities to ask questions and connect with professionals.
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The event also highlighted the pathways available through MātaI, including scholarships for Year 13 students. We have had several recent students successfully gain these scholarships, making this a valuable opportunity for our senior ākonga to see what their future could look like.
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Lytton High School's production of Grease.
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Hitting the stage in Week 3 of this term, we were proud to bring the world of Grease to life at the Gisborne War Memorial Theatre. Across two matinees and two evening performances, from the 3rd to the 5th of August, audiences were treated to the result of what had been a massive undertaking for our students, staff, and wider community.
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This production journey began with auditions in Term 1, followed by rehearsals throughout Term 2 and the school holidays, before the curtain finally went up in Term 3. Our fabulous cast brought the characters, songs, and story of Grease to life while managing to balance rehearsals and performances with their own school commitments.
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Beyond the spotlight, our Technology and Visual Arts departments contributed to the set, with volunteers getting involved in the backstage, lighting, makeup, costumes, set design and building, choreography, and the many other jobs needed to bring the show together. The production provided an opportunity for the students to gain NCEA credits through the Entertainment and Event Technology assessments.
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The whole production was quite the undertaking. Moving everything from school to the theatre was a mission in itself, and after three days and four performances, it all had to come back again. What audiences saw was the result of months of planning, rehearsing, building, creating, organising, moving, setting up, packing down, and solving the inevitable predicaments along the way.
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It is safe to say that all the hard work paid off. Our evening audiences were filled with proud whānau and friends supporting their people, whether on stage or behind the scenes. Our matinees welcomed school groups from around the Tairāwhiti (and also students from Ichioka High School, visiting from Japan) who got the chance to experience the world of ‘Greased Lightning’.
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After each show, the cast headed out to meet the audience as they left the theatre, making quite an impression on our younger visitors in particular, who were excited to meet the performers they had just seen on stage. It was wonderful to see the excitement (and perhaps even a little inspiration) heading out the doors with them.
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A production on the scale of Grease takes a lot of people, time, and hard yards. We are grateful to all of the people who contributed their time, talents, and energy to bring the world of Grease from words on paper to a living and breathing reality.
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Senior Kia Manawanui
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You may have received a House of the Year magazine in your mailbox recently. As part of our employability programme, students from Kia Manawanui were challenged to deliver 4,000 magazines throughout the community. This was a significant task that required commitment, teamwork, organisation, and perseverance.
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The focus of the programme has been on developing and strengthening employability skills through a range of practical, hands-on experiences. These opportunities have helped build positive work habits in real-world settings. Activities have included preparing a Matariki hāngī, supporting and catering for visitors during sports exchanges, and delivering magazines throughout the community. Through these experiences, they have successfully achieved credits while continuing to develop the skills and attitudes that will support them in future employment and life.
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Matariki Celebrations
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We celebrated Matariki by coming together for a kai tahi and participating in a wānanga. Students and staff shared kai, strengthened relationships, and deepened their understanding of Matariki. Through shared kōrero and learning, students gained valuable knowledge while celebrating this important kaupapa together.
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Prefects report
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This term, Lytton High School got behind Daffodil Day to help raise money for the Cancer Society. Students and staff came together to support this important cause, with our fundraiser bringing plenty of yellow positive energy around the school. Thank you to everyone who donated, participated, and helped make the day a success. Every contribution, big or small, helps make a difference. 💛🌼
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Marshalling Cross Country
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Our prefects also had the opportunity to go and marshal at Te Hāpāra School’s cross country. This was a great chance for our team to step up, take on responsibility, and put our leadership skills into action. We worked together to support the students, keep everyone safe, and make sure the event ran smoothly. It was awesome being able to give back to our community while gaining valuable experience and confidence as leaders.
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Fast Five Netball
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Lytton High School entered four teams in the Fast 5 Netball Festival held at the Gisborne
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Netball Centre. Our teams brought plenty of energy and colour to the festival, with each team showing off its own unique style. Special congratulations to O-Blah-Di, who won their pool. Flat Whites came second in theirs, and an honorable mention also went to Capria Tamatea, who received an award for sportsmanship.
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A huge thank you to Kōkā Lana and Mau Stewart for assisting with umpiring throughout the day. Thank you also to all our players for representing Lytton High School with outstanding sportsmanship, kindness, and teamwork.
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Lawn Bowls
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Malachi Gray our Year 11 student has had some great achievements this year competing in Lawn Bowls throughout the North Island.
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He began in April competing in the Kittyhawks National Under 21 Single's Championship hosted by Bowls Wellington.
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In August he represented the Gisborne & East Coast region in the New Zealand Under 26 competition held in Lower Hutt placing 3rd.
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The Ohope Bowling Clubs 4's tournament was held in September. Malachi competed in this with his whānau who all play out of the Te Karaka Lawn Bowls Club. Malachi’s Team won the tournament. We look forward to following your achievements in the future Malachi.
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Outdoor Education
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Term 3 has been another busy and exciting term for Outdoor Education, with plenty of opportunities for ākonga to learn through challenges, teamwork, and experience.
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Waka Ama has been a major focus for our Year 11 and 12 students, developing their paddling skills, communication, and teamwork on the awa. The programme also linked to their Whakatipu Tangata assessment, with students reflecting on how they contributed to and supported their group. Year 11 students will also get the opportunity for a full day of paddling during Week 1 of Term 4. Our Year 13 students have been completing their Leadership in the Outdoors assessment through a range of activities including surfing, fishing, scootering, waka ama and scavenger hunts. They also headed to Whakapapa, Mount Ruapehu, for the annual snow trip, spending the week skiing and snowboarding while challenging themselves in an alpine environment. For many, this was a highlight of their school year. Term 3 has once again provided awesome opportunities for our ākonga to step outside their comfort zones, work together, and enjoy the incredible taiao.
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Morere Hot Springs
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Earlier this week, Kia Manawanui travelled to Ngā Hua o Mōrere to celebrate the students’ successes and achievements. It was an opportunity to recognise their hard work, progress and perseverance, and to enjoy time together outside the classroom. Students relaxed, connected with their peers and staff, and ended the term with a well-deserved celebration.
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For Term Three we bid farewell to :
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Luke Jarvie - Teacher Aide
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Eugene Paea - Sports Co-ordinator
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Katie Thompson - Deputy Principal
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Upcoming Events
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19-22 October Year 9 Smart Exams
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20 October Board of Trustees Meeting
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5 November Senior Prizegiving
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10 November NCEA Exams begin
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15 November Leavers Dinner
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21 November Te Whare Whai Hua 25th Year Celebrations
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24 November Year 8 Orientation Day
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4 December Final NCEA Exams
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7 December Junior Prizegiving
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8 December Board of Trustees Meeting
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10 December Final Day of Term 4
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