Key Dates and Information
Key Dates & Start of Year Information
Start dates for 2026 are as follows:
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Year 9 and International Students
Friday 30 January at 9am -
New Students in Year 10, Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13
Friday 30 January at 9am -
Year 10 Students
Tuesday 3 February at 8.40am -
Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13 Students
Wednesday 4 February at 8.40am
Course checking dates for 2026 are as follows:
These dates only apply to senior students who are new, have clashes or have now met prerequisites for courses through their external exam results.
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Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13
Friday 30 January from 11am to 1pm -
Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13
Monday 2 February from 11am to 1pm
Student Expectations
Henderson High School has a caring, safe and supportive environment because we all share the same high expectations. Our philosophy is: Respect for self, Respect for others, Respect for property.
Whanaungatanga - we are connected to each other and we each contribute to this community.
- Get involved in activities at school, such as sports, cultural groups, clubs and service groups.
- Remain on the school property during school hours unless you have been authorised to sign out.
- Be cooperative, polite and follow instructions in the classroom and around the school.
- Build and maintain positive relationships within the school community.
Manaakitanga - we support our learning and mana, and we treat each other with respect.
- Encourage others in their learning and effort.
- Stay on-task and work hard (not disturbing others).
- Keep your cellphone in your bag or in the lockbox if you bring it to school.
- Be kind and non-violent in your words and actions: No kind of name-calling, foul language or other forms of verbal or written abuse will be tolerated. This standard is expected within the school, on school transport and always while wearing the school uniform.
Kaitiakitanga - we care for our place and we are thoughtful in our words and actions.
- Act responsibly towards the school environment, including putting litter in bins and taking care of the grounds and buildings.
- Look after your own belongings and do not steal or damage school property or any other person’s property.
- Promptly report accidental (or other) damage to a teacher or the main office. Cost of damage will be assessed and students will be expected to pay for any wilful damage caused.
- Vandalism and graffiti are considered to be antisocial acts and are in breach of the school rules.
- Hand in skateboards/scooters to the Deans for safe-keeping during the day.
Motor vehicles may only be brought to school with written permission from Senior Leadership. Vehicles are to be parked in the designated student parking area. - Dangerous items are not to be brought on site. These include fireworks, tobacco, vapes, alcohol, drugs, solvents, weapons or related items.
- Inappropriate items or incorrect uniform will be confiscated. The school is unable to take responsibility for misplaced confiscated items.
- Store bicycles in the provided area. Cycle helmets are a legal requirement and, for safety reasons, cycles cannot be ridden on the school grounds or the pedestrian crossing.
Kotahitanga - we are unique and united, and we celebrate our diverse community.
- Wear your school uniform with pride, i.e. neatly and correctly at all times.
- Be punctual, fully equipped and attend every class (unless excused). If you are late to school, go straight to Form Class. If you arrive after 9am, report to the Student Centre Office.
- Only use electronic devices when indicated by the teacher and always use them appropriately.
- Always use designated pedestrian crossings and over-bridges to cross roads or railway tracks.
2026 Stationery Information
Basic stationery for students to bring every day: Blue Pen, Red Pen, Colour Pencils, HB Pencil, Eraser, Ruler, 14B8 Refill.
Students who have access to a Chromebook are encouraged to bring it to school.
You can view prices and purchase stationery online via the link below.
Select Year – Select Year – Click Find Lists
All items should be purchased before school starts.
Bus Routes
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA – as set down by the Ministry of Education.
Buses are provided by the Ministry of Education for students who live more than 4.8km from the school and are not on a regular bus route. Students who are not eligible (ie, do not meet this criteria) should choose the most suitable form of public transport and will need to pay for their fares (cheaper with a student ID card).
Please find below the pick-up and drop-off locations of each bus route. Please note that the bus will not stop to pick up or drop off students from streets that are not listed below.
1. Piha – Ritchies Bus (21)
Morning pick up locations – Departs 24 Seaview Rd (Piha Store) at 7.30am, then stops via Piha Rd, Scenic Dr, West Coast Rd and Forest Hill Rd. Drop off at Henderson High School.
Afternoon – Bus departs from HHS bus shelter straight after school. Please wait at the bus bay once released from class.
2. Henderson Valley/Opanuku – Ritchies Bus (19)
Morning pick up locations – Departs 3 Opanuku Rd at 7.30am, then stops via Henderson Valley Rd, Shaw Rd at 7.50am, Carter Rd, and West Coast Rd. Drop off at Henderson High School.
Afternoon – Bus departs from HHS bus shelter straight after school. Please wait at the bus bay once released from class.
3. West Coast/Parker – Ritchies Bus (20)
Morning pick up locations – Departs 270 Forest Hill Rd at 7.30am, then stops via West Coast Rd, Parker Rd at 7.40am, takes a U-turn at 183 Parker Rd, Parker Rd and West Coast Rd. Drop off at Henderson High School.
Afternoon – Bus departs from HHS bus shelter straight after school. Please wait at the bus bay once released from class.
Can a student’s place on a bus be taken away?
YES. Where a student’s behaviour is an ongoing or serious problem, the school and the bus operator may decide to withdraw the privilege of a place on a school bus. This could be a temporary measure, or in more serious cases, a permanent one. In such circumstances it is up to the caregiver to make their own arrangements to ensure they are meeting their legal obligation to get their child to school. Caregivers are not entitled to a conveyance allowance in this situation.
If you wish to apply for school bus transport please:
- Read the bus routes and MOE eligibility criteria to confirm if your child meets eligibility criteria.
- Complete the Application Form and return it to your school dean.
- Ensure that your child/children understand the rules relating to required behaviour.
Bus Behaviour Agreement
All students who travel on the bus may continue to do so while they behave in a reasonable and safe manner, including the following:
- Follow health and safety protocols at the relevant Covid Framework level.
- Sit down straight away and remain in your seat for the whole journey.
- If standing, always remain behind the driver. For safety reasons, stand quietly without moving around the bus.
- Refrain from throwing items or eating/drinking on the bus.
- Use polite and appropriate language when talking. Speak quietly so you do not distract the driver.
- Respect the Bus Operator’s property at all times by sitting properly on seats and not damaging surfaces.
- Always speak respectfully to others on the bus.
- Respect others’ property and keep your belongings to yourself.
- Listen to and follow all instructions from the bus driver and/or teacher on duty.
- Behave in a safe manner at all times on the bus, and at the bus stop or depot.
- No vaping/smoking or chewing gum.