Principal's Welcome Message

Kia ora koutou

Greetings to you all

New Plymouth Girls’ High School has shaped and influenced the lives of young women since 1885. Our vision, to develop educated, confident young women of outstanding character, is timeless. It is the individual and collective contribution of many that makes it possible for us to enjoy and be a part of this very special school.

Our school is based on traditional values with innovative approaches to teaching and learning supported by modern information communication technology. Over the past three years New Plymouth Girls' High School has been a lead school in an Information Communication Technology initiative. We are now seeing the benefits of a considerable investment in technologies and their use in the classroom.

We have a proud tradition of academic excellence and a proven record of outstanding achievement in sport, visual and performing arts. Our students consistently achieve above the national average in external examinations. Thirty-one New Zealand Scholarships were awarded to our students in 2009. Features of the academic success of our students are the multi-level learning and accelerate programmes that enabled forty-five students to complete NCEA qualifications above their year level.

Personal development is given high priority and leadership opportunities abound at all levels throughout the school. We welcome International students and value their contribution and the cultural diversity they bring to our school community.

This year we are embarking on the sixth stage of a seven-year $6.5 million property development that has enabled us to upgrade many of our existing facilities. Our school hostel is a tremendous asset that offers quality residential accommodation for 140 students in a supportive living and learning environment. We also have outstanding programmes and support services delivered by staff out of our careers, learning support and wellness centres and our special needs unit Waimarie.

New Plymouth Girls’ High School is a school that undertakes to ensure that the young women entering its gates will receive an education that enhances learning and is responsive to individual needs. Our platform of traditional values encourages respect for others, for self and for the environment. What we offer is a unique opportunity to be educated at one of New Zealand’s oldest, most prestigious State girls’ schools that is committed to the education of young women.

I invite you to join with us on the next phase of your educational journey by making New Plymouth Girls’ High School your first choice in secondary education.

Jenny Ellis, MEdL(Hons), BBS, DipTchg
Principal