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Lytton High School
Newsletter · Term 2 2025
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Principal's Message
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What an inspiring Term 2 it has been for Lytton High School! We were honoured to host Dr. Claire Achmad, Chief Children’s Commissioner, whose visit involved the sharing of findings from the 2024 Mana Mokopuna Review.
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Our Year 10 Fashion class poured their creativity and compassion into making beautiful patchwork cot quilts for babies at our local hospital - a beautiful act of kindness!
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We also celebrate the courage and determination of our students who competed in a local weightlifting event, achieving personal bests and building remarkable confidence.
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Our school choir shone at The Big Sing, returning with the Spirit of the Festival - Youth Ambassador Award.
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Sincere appreciation to our Ngā Manu Kōrero team, where four students proudly represented our school. Special congratulations to Ariana Stuart and Zyanja Rudge, who both placed second overall in their respective sections - an outstanding achievement!
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As the term came to a close, Te Rōpū Rangatahi o Rītana, our kapa haka, performed with pride at the Secondary Schools Regional Kapa Haka Competition, and generously offered free performances for local schools in the last week of term, sharing their talent and passion with our wider community.
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These moments are just a glimpse into the talent, passion, and dedication of our young people.
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As we close the term, we look to the rising of Matariki; a time to reflect, reconnect, and renew. In particular, we acknowledge Hiwa-i-te-rangi, the star to whom our ancestors sent their aspirations and dreams. Like them, we encourage our students to hold fast to their goals and continue growing with purpose and pride.
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Thank you to our staff, students, and whānau for your support and dedication throughout the term. May the season of Matariki offer you time to rest, reflect, and dream boldly for the term ahead.
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A Visit from the Children's Commissioner
Last year the Children's Commissioner team visited Te Whare Taupua faculty (whanau, students and staff) to seek first hand experiences, perspectives and insights to raising mokopuna with neurodiversity in our community. This was a very powerful session where whanau could share their trials and tribulations associated with access to the outside agency support and funding they needed for their mokopuna to thrive. This also helped inform the review of the Child and Youth Well-being Strategy 2024.
This term the team returned with the Chief Children's Commissioner, Dr Claire Achmad to share their findings and thank us for the input we provided. Our voices can be heard in the key themes section of the Mana Mokopuna Review 2024, and guided the Youth Strategy Action Plan 2024-2027. We are so grateful to have our voices heard and to spend time with Dr Claire and her team as they advocate for our youth.
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Fashion Class Gets Creative with Purpose:
Patchwork Cot Quilts for a Cause
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Our Year 10 fashion class has been stitching up something special! Over the past few weeks, students have been busy designing and creating beautiful patchwork cot quilts. This hands-on project wasn’t just about learning sewing techniques – it was also about creativity, collaboration, and giving back.
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Using a variety of fabric scraps and patterns, each student crafted a unique quilt, showcasing their personal style and the skills they’ve developed in class. The classroom buzzed with the sound of sewing machines and laughter as students pieced together their work – and the results were stunning!
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But the best part? These quilts are being donated to our local hospital to bring comfort and warmth to babies and families in need. It’s a wonderful way for our class to make a meaningful contribution to the community.
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Well done to everyone involved – you’ve turned fabric into something truly heartwarming. 💖
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Stay tuned for more exciting projects from our talented fashion students!
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The quilts were proudly presented to the Neo Natal Unit this week where they were gratefully received.
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Happy Mothers Day Te Whare Whai Hua
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Mothers Day is an important day at Te Whare Whai Hua. Motherhood can be full on and leave little time for ‘me time’. For many of our māmā, this is their FIRST Mothers Day so we wanted them to feel extra special and appreciated.
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This year, Kelly was kind enough to open up her new whare as our celebration venue. We gathered together to prepare a delicious brunch. We also had Layton - an ex TWWH student - come with her camera to take photos of our māmā with their babies in the beautiful riverside setting.
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Kelly’s daughter Taylor was generous with her time and skill, offering up nail artistry for those students who were keen.
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The whole day was a lovely celebration of all our māmā and their dedication to their motherhood journeys. We even had a 21st birthday too!
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Lytton High Students
Show Strength At Local Weightlifting Event
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8 students from Lytton High School recently stepped well outside their comfort zones to compete in a local weightlifting competition held at Patutahi Hall. The venue came alive with energy, effort, and the sound of barbells hitting the floor as teen athletes from gyms across Tūranga gathered to showcase their strength.
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A mix of Year 11, 12 and 13 students — most of whom had never lifted a barbell before — were invited to compete in the Teens Division. With just three weeks of training, many of the students approached the opportunity with nerves and uncertainty. Comments like “I don’t want to, Kōka” and “I’m not ready, Koka” were common in the lead-up to the event. But with encouragement, determination, and a chance to try something new, they gave it everything.
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Their journey began at Turanga Stronglift, a small but powerful gym tucked away on Childers Road. There, they were guided by Kasey Maini-Brown, a New Zealand weightlifter, who generously opened her doors and shared her expertise. Kasey taught the group the three fundamental Olympic lifts — the Clean, Clean & Jerk, and the Snatch — all challenging movements that require not just strength, but coordination, focus, and grit.
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On the day, students achieved personal bests across the board, with the heaviest Jerk reaching an impressive 70kg in the Teens Division. But the challenge didn’t end there. Athletes went on to complete two grueling Stronglift WODs (Workouts of the Day), which included a mix of max calorie burns, dumbbell snatches, sledge pulls, burpees, and running. Despite the intensity, every team finished strong — and smiling.
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The transformation in mindset was clear. From reluctance to pride, the students were buzzing post-competition:
“That was intense — I’m glad I did it.”
“Can we do that again, Kōka — and pick our own teams next time?”
“Can we keep training at lunchtime?”
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These were students who might never have had the chance or confidence to take part in an event like this without that initial nudge. While others may have seen more "athletic" candidates as obvious choices, this event wasn't about finding the best — it was about becoming your best.
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This was Healthy Active Learning in its truest form — stepping into an unfamiliar space, trying something new, and walking away with not only a sense of achievement, but a new passion. The ripple effect is already being felt, with more students expressing interest and admiration for their peers who competed.
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A huge mihi to Turanga Stronglift, Kasey Maini-Brown, and Whānau Fit Patutahi for their support, guidance, and manaakitanga. Your efforts have helped lift the confidence and spirits of our rangatahi — and given them an experience they won’t forget.
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Te Rangiora Bartlett- Tamatea
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(Amber-Rose Bartlett-Tamatea) Reserve
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Yeah The Boys: First Place
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Teen Athlete of the Competition:
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Te Rangiora Bartlett-Tamatea
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Matariki Market Day
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Beautiful weather and a great turnout made for a great first Matariki Market Day at Rītana. Stalls were run by Student Council, the Prefects and our Year 11/12 Business Studies students. A great range of products were on offer, from waffles to 'Tornado Potato.' Some decisions now need to be made about charity contributions, so watch this space. Ka rawe o koutou mahi!
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Driving lessons with
Ms Hewetson look like fun!
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The Big Sing
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Our school choir travelled to Hastings to participate in the Big Sing competition. Ten schools from the Hawkes Bay region took part, we were the only Gisborne school. There was a very high standard set by the other choirs but our students performed well and received positive feedback from the adjudicator. We were awarded the Spirit of the Festival Youth Ambassador award, which came with a $500 prize. This funding will help us pay for the cost of the trip. Please come to our fundraising concert on August 15th – dancing is optional!
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Pathways Term 2
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First Aid Courses - We have had a lot of interest in our First Aid courses this term so we have had two and both have been at maximum capacity. It's always good to see the students have such enthusiasm to learn some great skills.
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Girls with High Vis - The purpose of Girls with High Vis was to gain hands-on experience, hear from inspirational women, and learn about career opportunities in infrastructure (Energy, Civil, Water and Telecommunications). Electrinet did an amazing job, the girls had such a great day and learnt a lot.
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Customer Service Level 2 and Level 3 - Miranda from The Get Group spent two days with our students and was very impressed at how well they worked together as a team. This course is about building confidence to go out there and grab that dream job. Every student passed their Level 2 and Level 3 course.
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Day in the Life Programme - A new incentive of the GDC welcomed students to spend the day learning about what a normal day working for the Gisborne District Council looks like. Jaeda spent the day at Kiwa Pools learning about all roles of the many staff employed there.
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Awapuni Speedway
Prize Giving
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A huge congratulations to Jorja Rogers for receiving two awards at Speedway Prize Giving on Saturday the 7th of June.
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Jorja received Best Ministock Female Driver and Runner-Up Points for the season.
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Ritana Speech Competition
This year saw another successful speech competition held with a lot of ākonga participating for the first time. Competitors tried for either the Rītana Oratory trophies or to be Rītana's representative at the Manu Korero regional competitions or both. The speech topics were based on the Ngā Manu Korero Competition, plus an option for ākonga to choose their own topic. The results were as follows.
* Winner of the Junior Rītana Oratory Trophy & Te Kura Mātātahi Tiungārangi: Te Māngai Kōrero mō Te Kura ō Rītana 2025 - Maddy Honig
* Winner of Te Kura Mātātahi Hārongārangi: Te Māngai Kōrero mō Te Kura ō Rītana 2025 - Mautaiaha Stewart
* Highly Commended for the Junior Rītana Oratory Trophy - Krystal Kingi
* Winner of the Senior Rītana Oratory Trophy & Te Kura Pakeke Tiungārangi: Te Māngai Kōrero mō Te Kura ō Rītana 2025 - Zyanja Rudge
* Winner of Te Kura Pakeke Hārongārangi: Te Māngai Kōrero mō Te Kura ō Rītana 2025 - Ariana Stuart
* Highly Commended Senior Rītana Oratory - Jeree Smith-Morgan
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Ngā Manu Kōrero
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On the 18th of June, four of our students Ariana Stuart, Zyanja Rudge, Maddy Honig, and Mautaiaha Stewart proudly represented our kura at the regional Ngā Manu Kōrero competition, hosted at Gisborne Boys' High School.
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All four ākonga delivered outstanding performances, with both Ariana and Zyanja placing second overall in their respective sections - an incredible achievement. A special mihi also goes to Maddy and Mautaiaha, who competed for the first time at an event of this level and showcased real courage and dedication.
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We are extremely proud of the time, effort, and heart each of these students put into their preparation and performance. The school, and your whānau, celebrate your success. Kia mate ururoa, koi mate wheke.
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Outdoor Education
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It’s been an action packed term for our Outdoor Education students, filled with unforgettable experiences in nature, personal growth, and strong links to Te Taiao.
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Our Year 12s ventured into the ngahere on an overnight trip to Sandy Bay Hut, Lake Waikareiti. Here, they explored the values of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and whanaungatanga (connection) through practical challenges in navigation, emergency shelter building, and a Survivor-style team challenge. The trip was a chance to disconnect from devices and reconnect with the environment and each other, strengthening their understanding of Te Taiao and their place within it.
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Our Year 13s rose to the challenge of completing the 46km Lake Waikaremoana Great Walk, a journey through sacred lands of Ngāi Tūhoe. The hike not only tested their physical endurance and leadership skills, but also deepened their appreciation for the cultural and environmental significance of this beautiful area. Students practiced manaakitanga, supporting and looking after one another and left with a greater respect for the stories, history, and wairua of the land.
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Closer to home, both year levels embraced the elements, surfing through the final Autumn swells despite the cold. Through their time in the moana, students developed confidence, resilience, and a sense of connection to the ocean as a living, dynamic part of Te Taiao.
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We’re incredibly proud of the way our students continue to engage with the outdoors, not just for adventure, but with respect and care for the environment around them. Ngā mihi nui to all for an inspiring term. We look forward to more challenges and deeper connections next term.
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Leadership in the Outdoors
Honouring Waitā and Tangaroa, Year 13 students Nia and Jade led a surfing session for Year 9
Kia Manawanui as part of their Outdoor Leadership assessment. The experience deepened
their connection with te taiao, strengthened tuakana-teina relationships, and reminded us to
respect and protect the life-giving waters of Tangaroa. Ka mau te wehi!
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Sports Roundup
Basketball: This term we had a Junior Boys and a Senior Boys team taking part in theTairawhiti
Secondary Schools Gisborne Basketball Association Competition. The Junior Boys have shown
tremendous improvements in their games so far. This year the Junior team is diverse, we have boys who have never played basketball before and we also have experienced, talented members – a good mix. This is very encouraging for our future basketball development. The Senior Boys Basketball side has had a disappointing season so far. We have been unable to muster a full team on a regular basis, therefore having to default games. Hoping to have a better turnout for the rest of the season.
Badminton: is the “in “sport at the moment at Lytton – it’s very popular with a big
increase of students getting involved and playing at lunchtime. This term we entered in the
Tairawhiti Secondary Schools Inter School Tournament, held here in Gisborne. Our four teams did very well. Our top girls team consisting of Kiani Olsen, Chloe Riwaka, Bella Richardson and Charlie- Rose Wharehinga – Hawea, won the Poverty Bay & East Coast Guy & Dunsmore Interschool Badminton Competition trophy by coming first. Tino pai.
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Cross Country: We had a small number of Cross Country runners represent us at the East Coast North Island Secondary Schools Competition, held here in Gisborne. They all achieved their personal best in their respective grades.
Hockey: We have one mixed team playing on Monday evenings, with a total of 16 players
made up by a mixture of all year groups. This year we have a new coach Anthony Boyder and the teacher in charge is Sarah Cooksley. We are currently finalising our trip details for the Woolaston Trophy to be held in Stratford in August.
Netball: This season we have a Senior, Junior and Social team playing. Due to the upgrading
at the netball courts our student’s games are currently held at Gisborne Girls High School. Lytton High School has been accepted to take part at the Lower North Island Secondary Schools Netball Tournament, in Palmerton North during Winter Tournament Week. We have entered in the ‘Carnival Tournament’, a participation-focused 3-day event, especially for those new to netball.
Ngata Sevens : Once again our students participated in a really fun day. Great hospitality was provided by Ngata College. Our Year 10 girls Netball came first in their pool. Year 9 girls were unplaced but definitely played well against hard opposition. Our Rugby boys also faced stiff competition but managed to win their final game of the day. It was a great opportunity for the students to mix with their peers.
Rugby: Lytton has amalgamated their rugby for a number of years in the past, because of low
numbers, with Nga Uri a Maui, Manutuke and Campion College. This year we have been fortunate to have more than enough players register for Lytton, in the Poverty Bay Under 18 rugby grade. We have boys who have never played rugby before, giving tremendous contribution. There are a few Under 16 boys making their mark in this grade as well. With uncontested scrums, contest in the lineouts and over all general play, the team is improving with each game, giving the Coaches Matt Henwood and Bailey Matoe assurance that they are on the right track.
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Swimming: Many thanks and congratulations to all those who part in the Lytton High School Swimming Champs. The time keepers, recorder and of course the swimmers. Special mention of Zyanja Rudge and her prowess in the water. She broke 11 Lytton High Intermediate Girls records, in various strokes, over 25M, 50M and 100M distances. Ka mau te wehi.
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Sports Calendar Term 3
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16th July - Girls Rugby begins
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23rd July - Fast Five Netball
25th July - NZ Secondary School Swimming Competition, Hamilton
25 - 27th July - North Island Indoor Bowls, Mount Maunganui
25 - 29th August - Woolaston Hockey Tournament, Stratford
25 - 29th August - NZ Secondary Schools 2nd XI Football Tournament, New Plymouth
25 - 29th August - Lower North Island Netball Competition, Palmerston North
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School Board Elections
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All state and state-integrated schools are required to hold board elections every three years, and the next round will take place this year, in September 2025.The School Board is an important part of our kura as they set the strategic direction for our school, consult with our school community about our kura, ensure the schools funding is spent wisely and ensure that we are giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi within our kura.Our board is made up of 5 parent representatives, the Principal, a staff representative elected by staff, and a student representative elected by students.The current board has appointed Election Pilot as our Returning Officer, and the election will be conducted online. They have been assisting schools with elections for over 20 years and have been the only election provider accredited by the Ministry of Education to provide online election services since online elections started in 2022.Nomination and voting forms will be sent to all eligible voters by email directly from Election Pilot. If we don’t have an email address for you, nomination and voting papers will be sent by post so no one will miss out.School Board Elections must be held in accordance with the provisions in the Education and Training Act 2020 and the Education (Board Elections) Regulations 2022. Your name and contact details have been provided to Schooled Election Pilot to enable the provision of election services for our kura as required by legislation.They will use your contact details for the provision of election services for Lytton High School only and your details will be deleted 60 days after the election date as required by legislation. If you have any questions about the election process, please contact the Returning Officer directly on 0800 VOTENZ (0800 868 369) or election@electionpilot.nz.We will continue to keep you updated through the various stages of the election process. Our election date is Wednesday 10th September.
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Staff Farewells
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For Term Two we bid a fond farewell to
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Cheryle Greaves - Teacher Aide
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Welcome to New Staff
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A very warm welcome to the new staff who will join us for Term Three 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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22 July - Board of Trustees Meeting
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28 July - 1 August - Yokohama Hitorizawa Visit
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31 July - 1 August - School Production "Wheelers Luck"
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15 August - Concert & Charity Ball
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17 August - Lytton High School Open Day
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9 September - Board of Trustees Meeting
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15 - 19 September - Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori
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19 September - Last day of Term 3
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