Week of 5/15/26

What's Happening at HPA This Week?

Message from the Head of School

Aloha HPA ʻohana,

As we approach our Commencement ceremony and this meaningful time of reflection and change, I would like to share a few of my go-tos when faced with natural obstacles in life. I was given these guiding principles at a conference several years ago. Those HPA faculty or staff parents who may be reading this might give an eye roll, as I share these in our all-employee meetings a few times a year to ground and inspire our collective work. I am not trying to be anyone’s life coach, and I apologize if I have used the All-School Bulletin as my own therapeutic blog from time to time. I do want you to know what we try to prioritize, to share our thinking about certain things, and what values and practices we rely on and ultimately share with your students.

So here goes:

The first principle is to “seek first to understand.” This seems so simple, yet we often rush to judgment or a decision before we actually know the full extent of the situation. Time and time again, I learn that context is critical. It is important to take the time to drill down a little deeper. Rarely are things exactly as they seem on the surface.

The second principle is to “speak the truth with love.” There are two critical parts to this statement. Speak the truth AND do so with love. What you say and how you say it are both very important. We all have folks in our lives that we share fun moments with, but it is those few who are brave enough to tell us what we need to hear, AND in a timely manner, who are our true friends. I want to be that person for others and wish for us all to consider this important role for our friends, family, and children.

The third principle is to “embrace the power of community.” Our community is made up of so many strong, brilliant, and wonderful people. Sometimes, we have to search a little bit, but our people are here. The best folks and stories are usually a few layers down. Let’s always commit to learning more about one another, and discovering the special skills and unique experiences of those around us. Walk and see with wonder. In these conversations we will find infinite resources. There is power in our community.

The fourth principle is to “pay attention.” Life is glorious. Be amazed. Notice people. Respect where they come from and their stories. Everyone has a rich and powerful story. In order to see or hear it, we have to pay attention. Avoid the paradox of sitting at a table with folks from all over the world, only to be texting and talking to people you already know from the place you are already familiar with.

Finally, “never worry alone.” This makes so much sense, but we often get stuck in our own heads. It is always so much better to share a worry with someone else. Most of the time, just saying something out loud allows our minds to untangle and offers a bit of clarity. If you have something that you are struggling to process, share it. None of us are meant to solve everything on our own. It is good to get comfortable asking for help or sharing our news. It often unlocks the challenge just by sharing it.

There you have it. These are some of the wisest words I personally have taken to heart and try to apply each day in my own leadership for HPA and parenting — I hope that they resonate with you and offer a sense of connection and grounding at this time of year. We are together in this experience and I find core foundations like this helpful and peaceful in my navigations of the day to day. Our faculty and staff have heard them, our students have heard them, and hopefully there is something in there that you can carry with you today or tuck away for tomorrow.

As we wrap up end-of-year assessments and exams, and head into transitional ceremonies and Commencement, I want you to know what an honor it is for me to communicate with you in this space. I truly enjoy it and appreciate you reading. I hope to see everyone over the course of the next week, but if I don’t, please know how grateful we are to work with your students. Thank you for sharing their learning journey with us at HPA.

Have a wonder-filled weekend!

Gratefully,

Fred Wawner
Head of School

School Bulletins for the Week of 5/15/26

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!

Yearbooks Are Out!
Letters were sent home with a reminder of our respectful signing expectations. Students will receive their yearbooks on Monday, May 18th, to take home and preview with families before signing. Mahalo to our amazing Yearbook Team, led by Mrs. Mellon Monello, K-8 EdTech Specialist. If you have not purchased a yearbook (or are unsure if you have) and would like to, please reach out to Aunty Lynn in the office directly (lkakugawa@hpa.edu).

Summer is right around the corner—don’t forget to check out our Summer at HPA offerings!

We’re excited to offer a variety of programs for all ages, including our Baseball Camp (June 1–4) for ages 8–14, led by Coach Jeremy Lustik, as well as our Swim Lesson Program, which features multiple levels with flexible times and dates throughout the summer.

Spots are limited and filling quickly! For more information or to secure your spot, please email summer@hpa.edu. We look forward to another amazing summer!

Kahilu’s Summer Performing Arts camp opportunities are also available for sign up! Scholarships are available, with a May 27 deadline to apply. In particular, our very own Mrs. Di Bartolo and Nurse Crissy will be heading a special Performing Arts Camp for keiki ages 8-11. Here is the flyer, as well as the link to register. Please visit their website for more info, as well as other options for keiki age 5 and up! https://kahilu.org/education/kahilu-summer-camps/

Students are taking home schoolwork slowly each day. Our final projects are being shared, celebrations are being had, and final assessments taken. Celebrating their learning journeys and witnessing the pride our scholars have in their work is truly special. Thank you for keeping each of these final days sacred. A reminder that the last day of school, Wednesday, May 20, will be a 2pm dismissal, and no after school program.

Please also note that there will be no All-School Bulletin next week, May 22, but I will write to you again on May 29.

Until then, let’s enjoy these final days of school with our wonderful children.

Me ka mahalo nui,

Dora Kwong
Lower School Principal

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Schedule

Our K-5 classes continue with in-person instruction on our Village Campus on Monday, May 18.

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

• Tuesday, May 19: Last Day of After-School Program

• Wednesday, May 20: Last Day of School

Summer at HPA

Summer is right around the corner—don’t forget to check out our Summer at HPA offerings!

Spots are limited and filling quickly!

For more information or to secure your spot, please email summer@hpa.edu.

We look forward to another amazing summer!

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,

I don’t know about your house, but our kitchen table right now is a full “Maycember” scene: stacks of work, final projects, locker clean-out discoveries (“So that’s where the glue sticks went…”), half-finished snacks, and the general joyful chaos that comes with the end of a school year. It’s an exciting, meaningful, and yes, sometimes exhausting time of year. Through it all, though, it has been wonderful to watch our students grow into their next step and to connect with so many of you as we celebrate a successful year together.

Today, I had the chance to help some of our 8th grade boys do a little “adulting” by ironing shirts for next week’s Transition Ceremony. Watching them patiently help one another while learning a simple life skill and sharing a few laughs reminded me that some of the moments students remember most are often the quiet, ordinary ones. Even in the midst of projects, performances, and assessments, every moment matters. Even the ironing.

Our faculty has planned a meaningful final short week for students:

Monday, May 18
– All Classes Day for 6th and 7th graders
– Hapuna Retreat for 8th graders
Tuesday, May 19
– Retreat Day for 6th and 7th graders
– Transition Practice for 8th graders
Wednesday, May 20
– 8th Grade Transition Ceremony at GPAC beginning at 10:00 a.m.
– Early release following the ceremony
– Last day of school for all students

Families may stream the 8th Grade Transition Ceremony here.

As summer approaches, please also take a look at our Summer at HPA opportunities. Programs include Baseball Camp (June 1–4) for ages 8–14 with Coach Jeremy Lustik, along with Swim Lessons offered at multiple levels throughout the summer. Spots are filling quickly. For more information or to register, please email summer@hpa.edu.

Mahalo for your partnership, support, and care throughout this school year.

Aloha,

Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal

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