Principal

Principals Comment

Tena koutou katoa

Napier Girls' High School was established in 1884 and its history and traditions are an important part of the culture offered to our students.

The school has developed a strong special character and fosters this through strong ties with the Old Girls' Network and a range of regular events that embrace and value past traditions. Full school assemblies build school spirit and pride and ensure important traditions are retained and fostered. Massed singing and Gift Service are well known school traditions often spoken fondly about by old girls.

Each student is encouraged to develop her all round potential fully. This means developing her brain, social skills, participating in the huge range of sport, music and cultural activities and taking advantage of leadership opportunities. Students are keen to succeed and encouraged to do so by staff and their peers.

Students learn a range of thinking skills and Habits of Mind to assist them to use these skills in new situations. There is a wide range of subjects available. Each junior student samples learning from most subjects available at senior level including language modules. This exposes her to a wide range of concepts and helps prepare her for a range of careers in global world.

Most girls stay at school for five years and go on to tertiary study. The school has a fine record of academic achievement which is consistently higher than other schools of similar decile rating and size, other single sex schools and other schools in the area. Excellent teaching is delivered by dedicated staff who set and expect high standards from their students. Students strive to achieve at high levels. It is common for families to be associated with the school for many generations and to be very proud of this.

Excellent pastoral systems ensure students develop good relationships and social responsibility. The deans develop a thorough knowledge of their year group as they follow them through all their years of schooling. Values such as pride, integrity, encouraging diversity, being self aware and relating well to others are important as is having fun and enjoying school. The House system, vertical forms and hostel all contribute to students being involved in school life.

Our aim is for each girl to develop and leave school an intelligent, confident, caring young woman well prepared to take on the many and varied challenges of an exciting future.

Mary Nixon