School News

David Tang (Year 13) has been accepted to West Point, the United States Military Academy in New York, America.  He is one of 15 international recruits, and the only recruit from the southern hemisphere to be accepted into this prestigious programme.  He discussed his achievements on Friday:

What is West Point?

West Point is the oldest military academy in the United States.  It is situated on West Point, on the banks of the Hudson River.  It is a university; specifically and undergraduate college which educates officers of the United States Army. 

Why does it appeal to you?

I get full scholarship there, and receive a high paying job directly afterwards.  I will also be awarded full American citizenship after I graduate. 

When you train, is it in a specialization?

The first year is a general year – they break you in.  The second year would involve a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering for me, and I’ll be fixing army helicopters afterwards. 

Have you confirmed your place in the programme?

IGCSE (Year 11)

                                          #Entries                       % Pass            % A/A* Pass                     Mean

Accounting                               28                          82%                       39%                             75.0%

Economics                               42                          98%                       64%                             81.0%

Geography                               14                          100%                     50%                             82.4%

History                                       14                          100%                     64%                             81.0%

Information Tech                     26                          100%                     31%                             75.2%

Literature (English)                 56                          100%                     66%                             83.8%

Mathematics                             89                          99%                       66%                             82.8%

Physical Education                  25                          100%                     0%                               67.1%

Science                                      65                          100%                     83%                             86.8%

Many of the support staff (as well as the entire senior management team) got into the spirit of the Centennial on Friday by dressing in costumes from the early 1900s.  HBHS hosted school tours from 10.00am to 3.00pm, in which Old Boys and Girls could see the ways in which Boys' High has grown as an organisation and as a family over the last fifty years.  Extensive displays of class photos, organised in decades, as well as memorabilia and refreshments were available in the Hall and common areas.  Many of the Old Boys commented on the way in which the current students made them feel welcome, and conducted themselves with pleasant good humour. 

It was an special treat to be able to host so many Hamilton High School attendees, who are our link with the earliest traditions of discipline and excellence at HBHS.  Our archivists have been able to make a number of valuable contacts as a result of this part of the Centennial celebrations, and we look forward to being able to compile even more thorough records of life at HHS and HBHS as the year progresses.  If you would like to enquire about any aspect of our archive development, please email Zelda Tucker (ztucker@hbhs.school.nz) or call the school (07 853 0440).

HBHS has a growing choir, directed by Ms Holmes.  They have performed at school assemblies recently, and are currently recruiting for new members.  Ms Holmes has been 'singing for as long as she can remember', is a trained singer, has sung in the New Zealand Secondary Students choir, and with a number of different ensembles and bands.  She currently sings in the National Champion Chorus and her barber shop quartet is seventh in the country. 

The choir currently has 14 members.  Their goal number is 30, as four part harmonies can 'make a good noise'.  The choir sang 'Peace Song' by Dorothy Buchanan - a New Zealand composer - for their assembly piece.  The choir has a very broad repertoire and new material is negotiated frequently.  They sing barbershop, contemporary, fast, slow, pop; anything that appeals and can be arranged well is considered.  Some singing is accompanied, but a cappella is encouraged.  The group are working towards regional competitions next year.

Any HBHS student who is interested in joining the choir should contact Ms Holmes - she works in the Music Suite in C Block.

HBHS have committed over $10,000.00 to a Linwood College Trust, designed to be ‘drip-fed’ into this devastated decile 2 Christchurch high school as the need arises. The Service Committee is very pleased to report the success of the following fundraising activities: