Week of 8/29/25

What's Happening at HPA This Week?

Message from the Head of School

Aloha HPA ʻohana,

Full circle. Again. From morning drop off at the Village Campus to college drop off in Boston. For those of you keeping score at home, this is my third version of this exciting and, admittedly, tear-your-heart-out parenting exercise. You think it would get easier, but like our children, they’re all just a bit different and difficult in different ways. Zooming out, it is just a day in what is hopefully an extension of the learning journey of life. Narrowing the scope, it’s an emotional 48 hours.

This one for me feels the toughest so far — I am a big fan of this kid’s effort and resiliency. I wrote to our staff in May after commencement’s stage crossing noting our appreciation and sense of celebration that should be shared by all. Her K-12 journey wasn’t an easy one, and it took all of us. Truly. That is what is so special about HPA and schools like ours — everyone plays a part in the growth and nurturing of the student experience.

The irony of me standing up at our HPA Opening Days each year and ensuring parents their kid(s) will be safe and sound and not to worry is not lost on me. For those of you who have sat through my annual river rapids visual metaphor presentation, guess who the crying kid in the raft is this week?! Yours truly. I’m here, ready for action but having all the feelings. Checking out the dorm room, multiple trips to Target, the bookstore, and a few meals at local establishments to get a flavor for what’s around, knowing she’s headed to three and a half months of cafeteria dining. Eighteen-year-old daughter and middle-aged dad at college orientation? It’s a balanced mix of awesome, terror, and a Saturday Night Live skit rolled into one. Are there really shirtless guys lifting weights in the yard of a fraternity house (they are always out there) right across the street from my daughter’s freshman dorm? I fight off the urge to go introduce myself to these young folks all the while flexing my scariest crazy dad eyes. I find myself monitoring my breathing on this trip more than usual, anchoring myself to the great foundation that my kid has. Otherwise, my heart will jump out of my throat.

A friend of mine described this day as similar to swim lessons — that moment when you let go and they kick a few times, look back, and you both realize they are swimming. They can do it. They deserve this. We teach them to trust their practice through our programs and countless hours in classrooms, on playing fields, at lunch tables. As the parent, I need to choke this down and practice what I preach. She’s ready and she’s earned this.

I know this for certain: HPA nurtured, guided, and prepared my child for what’s ahead. She has a lot to learn and certainly will have her challenges, but the foundation is there. This is because her teachers, her coaches, and her community poured their hearts, minds, and souls into her. She knows she isn’t alone and represents more than herself. She learned that at the Village Campus, and carried it through her Upper School career. Now, she brings a little bit of Waimea, Hawaiʻi Island, and HPA to Boston. All of our graduates do this, wherever they go, every year.

It’s a cycle that has endured for more than 75 years. The P in HPA is where the magic happens. The act of preparing is multidimensional and comes in different times and in many, many forms. The interwoven development of character traits, core skills, and learning experiences builds a strong foundation on which our kids stand and eventually launch, and from which we ultimately have to give them space and our trust.

Easier said than done. I needed to come see where my daughter is placing her hopes and dreams. After a short while, I have affirmed that she made a choice that fits what she is looking for and will hopefully take advantage of the opportunity. And now, I head out with the comfort of having walked where she will walk, and with the knowledge that she is in a place she will grow. The healthy and bittersweet paradox of wanting to be needed but not being needed quite as much… anymore. Full circle.

Happy Aloha Friday from Boston. Have a wonder-filled Labor Day weekend. See you real soon.

Gratefully,

Fred Wawner
Head of School

School Bulletins for the Week of 8/29/25

Lower School

Each week, K–5 families receive updates highlighting joyful moments, meaningful lessons, and a glimpse into what students and parents can look forward to in the weeks ahead.

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Pilina: Weekly Highlights Connecting Us on Campus

Bringing together highlights, stories, and connections from across our Lower School community this week.

This week starts a new format for our weekly bulletins. We will get to highlight exciting learnings throughout the week in bullet form, with brief notes on what is to come down below. Once a month, you will get a more in-depth look at whatʻs happening at the lower school. Mahalo for continuing to check this space weekly to stay informed!

• Enrichment Day: Today brought our entire Lower School community — Kindergarten through 5th grade — together in their Wā Pilina partnerships to learn and collaborate under the theme of Haʻina, through the lens of our beloved oli and mele, Hole Waimea. Students engaged in a wide range of hands-on activities — such as interviewing a character bot, sketching and book-creating avatars, watercoloring, and making kapala — within enrichment classes themed around art and garden, technology and research, and music and movement. Lunch tables buzzed with lively conversations — ask your child about their dream robot or favorite “would you rather” question! The day began and ended with joyful assemblies, viewing our Hiki Nō stories, sharing our own stories, and singing Hole Waimea, making the day a truly memorable celebration of learning and connection.

• Bike Ed Program: Next week, our 4th graders will take part in our annual Bike Ed program. This is a special learning opportunity right here in town that promotes bike safety and skill development. Thanks to the support of PATH (People’s Advocacy for Trails Hawaiʻi), students not only gain confidence on their bikes but also learn how biking contributes to our school’s sustainability goals by encouraging more “green” transportation.

• Guest Speaker: The 3rd graders had a very special guest speaker this week, Makua Rothman, P ʻ32, ʻ35, who came in to share about how his adventures as a professional surfer and accomplished musician connect to our core values, particularly wonder and pursuit of excellence. Check out our Instagram post.

Upcoming Events

September 17th and 18th will be our Scholastic Book Fair. Students will have the opportunity to browse and purchase books during the school day and after school. Mrs. Tarnas will release a call for volunteers soon, so if you are available to help out, please let us know.

Mark your calendars for our Village Campus ʻOhana Day, on Wednesday, September 24th. This will be a wonderful opportunity to connect with our incredible HPA faculty and have your child lead you through their daily learning spaces, including classroom visits to each of your child’s grade-level and specialty classes. More detailed information soon to follow.

Wednesday, October 15th will be our 3rd-5th grade musical. Families of students in these grades are invited to watch the performance at Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC), at our Upper Campus. Doors open at 1pm; performance at 1:15pm.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Labor Day weekend! We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus on Tuesday, September 2.

Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal

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4.9.26 Lower School with UC Capstone_Dylan Vincent_Gyotaku Painting Demo

Schedule

Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Tuesday, September 2.

We encourage all families to check the School Calendar in myHPA for the most up-to-date information. In addition, a list of Key Dates (school opening and closures) can also be located on the Lower School Family Resources tile located in myHPA.

Coming Up

• Monday, September 1: Labor Day holiday, no classes K-12, school closed

• Wednesday, September 3: School Picture Day

• Wednesday, September 17 to Thursday, September 18: Scholastic Book Fair

• Friday, September 19: Faculty Work Day, all divisions, no classes K-8

• Wednesday, September 24: ʻOhana Day

Past Email Communications

All past email communications can be accessed by visiting the Lower School Family Resources tile on myHPA and scrolling down to Past Parent Email Communications, 2025-2026.

myHPA

In addition to Seesaw, many important resources can be located on our community portal, myHPA. Check the Lower School Family Resources tile for the most up-to-date information.

Middle School

Each week, 6–8 families receive updates reflecting on recent activities and accomplishments, along with a preview of what students and parents can look forward to in the coming days.

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Pilina: Weekly Highlights Connecting Us on Campus

Bringing together highlights, stories, and connections from across our Middle School community this week.

• Middle Retreat Day: Each grade level explored the west side of Hawaiʻi Island. The 6th-grade class explored Pu’ukoholā and Mau’umae, while the 7th-grade hiked out to Kiholo Bay and the 8th graders engaged in service at Ulu Mau Puanui. Mahalo to our grade-level advisors and students for the spirit they brought to these activities, designed through our Mālama Kaiāulu sustainability framework.

• Middle School Clubs: Students across all grade levels engaged in pilina (connection) in one of their chosen clubs. Clubs are not formal activities, but rather a way for our school community to connect.

• Assembly: Our students explored how to balance boundaries and rules as Middle School students through fun games and structured group discussions.

Important Reminders:

Attendance: Please remember to email vcattendance@hpa.edu when reporting student absences.

Combination Locks: All students are required to secure their lockers with an approved lock. Each student was issued a combination lock at the beginning of the year. Personal locks need to be shared and approved by advisors and our front office.

Pick-up: Please ensure that you pick up your student within ten minutes of dismissal.

Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal

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