Week of 11/7/25

What's Happening at HPA This Week?

Message from the Head of School

Aloha HPA ʻohana,

As we’ve entered the season of gratitude (why isn’t that every season?), there will be a consistent theme in these November notes. Grateful for so much. This week —our relationship with place and the ocean.

It is documented in several different ways, the effect water, especially the ocean’s saltwater, has on our bodies, nervous systems, and in turn, our minds. The ocean quiets our entire being. Its steady rhythm slows our breathing and heart rate, inviting calm. Dr. Wallace J. Nichols through his research coined the term “Blue Mind Effect” that describes the gentle meditative and peaceful state brought on by close proximity to water. Science tells us what our hearts already know: the ocean heals, restores, and reconnects us.

Salt, as a mineral, refreshes our bodies, while even the different colors of blue tend to soothe. And, from where we sit, the wide horizon gives our thoughts space to rest, restoring focus, attention, and perspective. The ocean’s vastness creates an inevitable sense of awe — washing out to the open line of beyond: a horizon of possibility, connection, centering, and expansiveness. No wonder a moment by the sea feels like a reset.

Early in our parenting journey, when we had to give up any notion of playing man-to-man defense with our four kids and go strictly to zone concepts (2 v 4), we found solace in getting to Hapuna Beach each weekend morning, before the sun heats up, the wind changes, and the waters are typically at their calmest. It has been our safe place — oftentimes our rescue parachute — where we could all be together and yet have a bit of solitude at the same time. The perfect playground – no toys necessary. No matter the time of year, this was our routine. It gave us each a healthy space to play, or lay, or dig, or dunk.

Our trusted beach patrol at the north tower, who have watched our kids grow up (now two are beach patrol themselves), celebrate holidays, welcome friends, but mostly watch over us as we stare out into the big blue sea, together, remain steadfast with a head nod and a howzit.

Seventeen years later, this pull to the saltwater and this tradition of connection hold strong. Admittedly, Sunday was the first time in a few weeks we were able to pull it off. It seems we always have an excuse — either it’s windy and rainy in Waimea and we think there is no way it is nice anywhere else in the world, or it just feels like too big of a time commitment to head down the hill for a little while. But I never regret the trip — whether for 20 minutes or two hours. The calm is immediate. Stressors or difficulties do not disappear, but my way of looking at them sure changes. It’s actually hard to explain, but I believe in it.

We use the term wellness a lot these days — in society and definitely in education. It feels like folks are chasing it, searching on-line, in stores, even in packages, yet, like most things, the best source is right in front of us if we pay attention. I can’t think of anything that represents the essence of wellness more than our ocean.

I am grateful to live in this amazing place where the mountains run to meet the sea, and we are connected by it all — a steady reminder of perspective and renewal. We respect it, care for it, and thank it, and it gives back times a hundred.

May the weekend bring you space to breathe, to look toward the horizon, and to feel thankful for all that surrounds us.

Gratefully,

Fred Wawner
Head of School

School Bulletins for the Week of 11/7/25

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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News & Notes

Aloha Lower School ʻOhana!

Our Lower School Student Council has been demonstrating extraordinary leadership this month — leadership grounded in empathy, service, and gratitude. With their young hearts full of aloha, our students are channeling their energy into multiple projects that give back to our larger community. We are excited for the start of our Thanksgiving Food Drive, which will take place from Monday, November 10 – Monday, November 24. Students can bring non-perishable food donations directly to their grade level classrooms, at the morning roundabout during drop-off, or directly to the Village Campus office.

Across Hawai‘i Island, more families and keiki are experiencing food insecurity than ever before. Through this effort, our students are learning what it truly means to serve others — to act with compassion, to organize with purpose, and to lead by example. We are deeply proud of their commitment to mālama kaiāulu, caring for our community and strengthening the bonds that connect us all. Please see the flyer your student took home for more details. Together, we can make a real difference this season of gratitude.

Harvest Fête – Happening Now!
Our annual Pinch Pot Harvest Fête is in full swing! This beloved fall tradition brings together families, friends, and faculty to celebrate the season of abundance and giving. From delicious soup noodles and garden-fresh treats to music by our handbell ensemble and faculty band, it’s a wonderful reminder of all that we have to be thankful for. What a shining example of learning through joyful collaboration! The event brings together our Garden, Art, and Music programs, showcasing how sustainability, creativity, and celebration intersect at HPA. The connection between our creative animal pinch pots and our Ulumau Garden is especially inspiring — students can see firsthand how art and nature can nourish both body and spirit. Thanks to everyone who could make it out, and a special thank you to our ʻOhana Association volunteers for all the time and support!

Upper School Production: Little Shop of Horrors
We welcome all families to come out and support our Upper School performers in Little Shop of Horrors! Please note that this show is rated PG-13 and contains instances of strong language, consistent with that rating. We do not recommend our lower schoolers attend unless accompanied by an adult.

Waimea Holiday Parade
We’re looking ahead to another cherished community event—the 65th Waimea Holiday Parade, on Saturday, December 6! If your family is interested in participating with our HPA group, please fill out the interest form and waiver here. More information will be shared with all interested families and their keiki. Any Lower School student who wishes to join us must be accompanied by a parent for the duration of the event. Keiki will ride in the float while adults walk alongside. This is a wonderful opportunity to represent HPA and ride and walk in our parade!

Save the Date – Lower School Holiday Chapel
Wednesday, December 10, will be our annual Lower School Holiday Chapel Event. All lower school families are invited to this annual evening holiday gathering to enjoy our student handbell and handchimes perform, alongside other exciting student performances and special guests. This year, we are thrilled to return to Davies Chapel, at the Upper Campus. Dress in your favorite festive aloha wear and bring your entire ʻohana.

Mahalo to all of our families for your continued generosity and support. As our student leaders remind us, giving is at the heart of who we are as a community. May this season inspire us all to look outward with kindness, and inward with gratitude.

Have a beautiful weekend, Lower School ʻohana!

Me ka mahalo nui,

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 Monday, November 10.

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, November 24 – Tuesday, November 25: Makahiki Games

• Wednesday, November 26 – Friday, November 28: Thanksgiving Holiday, no classes

• Monday, December 1: K-8 Faculty Work Day, no classes

• Wednesday, December 10: Lower School Holiday Chapel Event, Davies Memorial Chapel, 5:30 pm

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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News & Notes

Aloha Middle School Families,

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” — Helen Keller

I encountered the quote above as I was reflecting on our theme for the 2025 – 2026 school year, “ʻAʻohe Hana Nui Ke Alu ʻIa,” which translates as “No task is too big when done together by all” or “Many hands make light work.” These past weeks at HPA have shown just how deeply this spirit of collaboration and service is alive within our Village Campus community.

Our Pinch Pot Harvest Fête today was a shining example of learning through joyful collaboration. The event brought together our Garden, Art, and Music programs, highlighting how sustainability, creativity, and celebration intersect. The intersection between our ceramics projects and garden was inspiring. Our 8th graders contributed by preparing the Ulumau Garden, harvesting produce, and even chopping vegetables to help feed our community during the Fête. Their work embodied the values of Mālama Kaiāulu, where care for place and people come together through shared effort.

The learning extended well beyond the campus, too. Our 8th graders traveled to the Ka‘ūpūlehu anchialine ponds near the Four Seasons Hualālai to collect authentic field data connecting classroom learning in science to real-world ecosystems. This hands-on engagement has helped them see how the work of scientists, cultural practitioners, and community stewards align in caring for Hawai‘i’s delicate environments.

Our 6th graders also demonstrated the power of collaboration and creativity through their Kinderbuddies storytelling project. Partnering with our Kindergarten students, they listened as their younger buddies told imaginative stories based on prompts, then interpreted those stories through art and writing. These Wā Pilina activities remind us that learning thrives when students connect across ages, disciplines, and perspectives.

Meanwhile, our 7th graders continued their work on the Ke Ala Kahawai o Waimea Trail, deepening their relationship with place through hands-on experiential learning. By contributing to this historic and cultural trail, they are helping sustain a vital walking and biking pathway for the entire Waimea community. Each of our students can proudly walk that trail and see clearly their impact – it’s more than spreading wood chips.

As we move toward the months of November and December, our focus remains on strengthening community through the Mālama Kaiāulu framework. This includes our Village Campus Thanksgiving Food Drive, a joint effort between our K–8 Student Councils. Each advisory will collect food for families in need to contribute to our Makahiki Baskets, as mentioned in advisory newsletters, while also supporting the Annunciation Food Pantry to meet growing community needs.

Looking ahead, there are several exciting events on the horizon:

Wednesday, November 12 – Middle School Admissions Open House for families interested in joining our school community. Registration is still open.
Thursday, November 13 – 8th Grade Hiki Nō Documentary Film Screening for students and 8th-grade families at GPAC. Please note: all middle school students, unless attending after-school programs on the Village Campus, will be picked up from GPAC that afternoon.

The strength of our community lies in the way we come together in the garden, on the trail, in the classroom, and beyond. Stay connected during this ambitious time of learning and engagement.

Special Announcement: Waimea Christmas Parade
It is the 65th Anniversary of the Waimea Christmas Parade, if you would like to march with our float on Saturday, December 6, please fill out this waiver: Waimea Christmas Parade Middle School Waiver.

With gratitude and excitement,

Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal

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