Week of 11/21/25

What's Happening at HPA This Week?

Message from the Head of School

Aloha HPA ʻohana,

I believe wholeheartedly in the value of an HPA education. Kids thrive here because they are cared for, and our programs are first rate due to the expertise and intention our faculty and staff bring to their work. And because of that, my commitment remains steadfast: to ensure that earnest students who seek this experience have a pathway to be here. It drives me.

Access is part of our history and part of our identity. For 75 years, families, alumni, and community supporters have leaned into the belief that HPA should remain a place where opportunity is shared generously. Countless acts of giving have sustained this tradition, including grants from community and private foundations, support from loving families and visionary philanthropists who quietly underwrite deserving students, and HPA’s own institutional commitment to need-based financial aid. This collective effort has shaped generations of Ka Makani.

This Saturday night, we have one of our most important and celebratory opportunities to continue that legacy: Alu Mai, our annual art auction and gala in support of financial aid. Alu Mai is always a reflection of the aloha and creativity that define our community and the shared commitment that makes HPA possible for so many families. This annual scholarship and financial aid fundraiser has underlined our commitment to access for more than five decades – a focus of HPA’s history and horizons.

I remain deeply grateful for what HPA has offered me and my own family. This place has shaped us in meaningful ways, and that gratitude is the fire that propels me to make sure these opportunities remain available for future generations. From each curious little face I welcome at our Village Campus morning drop-offs, to the handshakes and hugs at 8th grade transition, to HPA’s amazing and transformational commencement ceremonies, I am called and inspired to move us forward. To keep the HPA mission strong. To serve our outstanding community.

Mahalo for all you do to uplift our students, strengthen our ʻohana, and carry forward the spirit of Ka Makani. E alu mai and have a great weekend!

Gratefully,

Fred Wawner
Head of School

School Bulletins for the Week of 11/21/25

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.

Aloha Lower School ʻOhana!

It has been a beautiful week of school, despite the unpredictable wind and rain! Thank you to all families who have donated to our Student Council-led Thanksgiving Food Drive! We will continue to receive donations through this coming Monday, November 24th.

Upcoming Dates and Notes

Lower School Holiday Chapel, Wednesday, December 10 | 5:30-6:30 pm

We are delighted to invite you to our annual Lower School Holiday Chapel. This gathering brings our community together in celebration, offering our students and families a moment to pause, give thanks, and connect with the spirit of the season as we close our first semester. Our featured performers will be our 4th and 5th grade handchimes and handbells choirs, alongside some special guest speakers and musicians. Students will be seated by grade with their class. Please drop them off with their teachers upon arrival and you can be seated in the audience. Aim to arrive by 5:15pm as the event begins at 5:30pm. Don your favorite festive aloha wear!

Lonoikamakahiki!

The Season of Lono is here! During the second quarter, students learned about and participated in the season of Makahiki. They are learning the spiritual importance of the Makahiki season as well as the Hawaiian games associated with the time period. During this time we emphasize the importance and practice of mahalo (gratitude) and kūpono (excellence). Students are learning games such as: Ulu maika (Hawaiian Bowling), Uma (Arm Wrestling), Kūkini (Running), Hakamoa (Chicken Fight), and Hukihuki (tug of war) and more. These skills range from physical strength to accuracy, balance, and strategy. It is their favorite time of the year in Hawaiian Studies and I enjoy teaching, playing, and witnessing their growth over the years.

This Monday (November 24), our 8th-grade students will host our Lower School Makahiki Games and honor Lā Kū’okoʻa, our Independence Day of Hawai’i. Please have your child rested, hydrated, and ready for a day of games, joy, and healthy competition.

Reminders:

• Wear their red HPA PE shirt or a red Shirt (See Aunty Dot if you do not have one).
• Bring Water Bottle
• Wear Running Shoes
• Wear and Bring Sunscreen

We look forward to a great day honoring our traditions of Hawai’i.

Aloha,
Kumu Kūwalu

Winter Break Workshop: Breakin’ with Evan

In October, our Lower School PE classes had the opportunity to learn break-dancing with a special guest teacher, Evan. Evan is offering a dynamic three-day introduction to the art of breakin’ during our winter break at Prince Dance Institute! In this workshop, students will build a strong foundation in core breaking techniques, explore creativity, and boost confidence both on and off the dance floor. The workshop also includes arts and crafts, Hip Hop history, and plenty of movement and fun.

Dates: Monday, December 29 to Wednesday, December 31
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Ages: 7 and up
Experience: No prior dance experience needed

Learn more and register.

Have a beautiful weekend, Lower School ʻohana!

Me ka mahalo nui,

Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal

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4.21.26 Lower School Isaac Art Gallery Wa Pilina Exhibit

Schedule

Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, November 24.

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

• Monday, December 8, 7:40-8:00 am: Morning drop-off at Davies Chapel, Upper Campus

• 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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Pilina: Weekly Highlights Connecting Us on Campus

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

Aloha Middle School Families,

Lono I Ka Makahiki! Mahalo for your continued partnership as we move into this season of gratitude and community. In Hawaiʻi, the season of Lono is a time of renewal and reflection, and our school community celebrates it through the Makahiki Games — a cornerstone of our commitment to learning rooted in Hawaiian tradition. These games invite our students to practice leadership, respect, and teamwork while deepening their sense of place. To learn more about some of the fundamental tenets of Makahiki season, you can read this post from Kaʻiwakīoummoku (Pacific Indigenous Institute).

We are also grateful for your generous contributions to our Advisory Makahiki Baskets, which help support families in need during the holiday season. Please check your child’s advisory emails for any final details of the exact food items needed to create a full basket contribution.

After our return, we will be in the full swing of the closing of the 1st Semester and the Holiday Season. HPA, lead by our ʻOhana Association, will have a float in the Waimea Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 6. To support or march in the parade, please refer to this communication from our ʻOhana Association.

Upcoming Dates and Reminders:
• Monday–Tuesday, November 24–25: Lono I Ka Makahiki! Monday: 6th and 7th graders have an All Classes Day while 8th graders lead the Lower School Games. Tuesday: The whole Middle School participates in Makahiki with support from Upper School seniors and Kanu o ka ʻĀina students.

• Monday, December 1: Teacher Work Day — no school for students. Classes resume Tuesday, December 2.

• Friday, December 5: HPA Handbells performs at the Parker Tree Lighting at 5 pm.

• Saturday, December 6: Waimea Holiday Parade

• Thursday, December 11: Middle School Performing Arts Showcase at GPAC — families are warmly invited to celebrate our students’ music and theater performances.

• Friday, December 12 – Last day of the 1st Semester. Holiday Break begins for students. Classes resume Tuesday, January 6.

With gratitude and excitement,

Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal

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