Week of 10/31/25

What's Happening at HPA This Week?

Message from the Head of School

Aloha HPA ʻohana,

I love this week every year. What goes with my neon blue wig? Can I really wear my old Chuck Taylors and retro plaid pants one more day? I mean, who else gets to dress up in different costumes for five days in a row and still call it work? What started with a burst of energy in our athletics programs last week has rolled into a full wave of Ka Makani pride sweeping through our campuses. There’s something special about this time of year — the energy shifts, the smiles get a little wider, and the lanais fill with laughter, cheer, and the creative chaos that can only mean one thing: Spirit Week!

When I get the chance to speak with Student Council leaders, I often ask them to consider three pillars that tend to shape our school culture and define the student experience.

The first is scholarship — the daily pursuit of excellence, curiosity, and growth. Let’s make sure our students feel good about diving into academics — studying, talking about studying, and doing extra research as the norm. It’s cool!!

The second is service — the way we contribute to something larger than ourselves, from small acts of kindness to lasting impacts in our communities. Be kind, think of others first. It reciprocates and permeates campus quickly and sweetly.

And the third, and often the spark that fuels both of the first two, is spirit — the energy that connects us, lifts us, and reminds us how much fun it can be to learn and grow together. Own your time here. Be stoked to be here and be with each other.

School spirit isn’t something that can be mandated — and some years, the harder we try, the less it sticks. While adults can set the stage, it’s our students’ sense of security and willingness to dive into their wondrous side that makes the difference. On Monday at the Upper Campus, our student leaders led us in an “old school” pep rally where we chanted, played games, and honored our fall season teams. It was a bonding moment for everyone, with faculty and staff joining our grade levels in a series of silly yet highly competitive events. (Note to self: check the video replay of what appeared to be a clear faculty victory in the five-person balloon race).

Spirit Week takes a comfortable dose of courage and creativity from all of us — and when we push through hesitation, the silliness and joy that follows is contagious.

This week, we were all infected with that magic. From Pajama Day’s cozy kickoff at the Village and Upper Campus, to the imaginative Dream Job Day outfits that showed how big our students dream, to the colorful unpredictability of Wacky Wednesday, the energy has been nonstop. Advisory Theme Day brought collaboration and humor, with groups rallying together around shared ideas, meme day (that one didn’t translate with me), tacky tourists, and today we’re wrapping it all up with the ever-popular Halloween Costume Day, where creativity truly takes center stage.

A special shout-out to our parents — I can still remember all too vividly my wife and me trying to understand our kids’ vision for crazy hair or costumes, only to look at each other and shrug after using every supply in the house before 7 am. Thank you for helping make mornings run as smoothly (and as festively) as possible during this busy week. Whether it’s finding that missing sock for Pajama Day, styling intricate braids and spikes, dye jobs, tracking down last-minute costume supplies, or cheering from drop-off with a smile and a camera ready, you are a huge part of what makes Spirit Week work.

And to our advisors, student leaders, and teachers — thank you for embracing the chaos with humor and heart. I love when everyone joins in, and there was plenty of that to go around this year, with each office and classroom seeming to outdo the next in clever creativity. The grins and giggles filling our classrooms, offices, and pathways this week is proof of what happens when we work, play, and celebrate together.

As someone who tries never to take himself too seriously, this week is a great reminder to practice what I preach. Making the work fun just makes sense. Stepping out of routine helps us appreciate both the joy of play and the value of returning to structure.

Here’s to keeping that Ka Makani spirit alive — in every classroom, on every field, and in every heart.

Have a SAFE and spirited weekend, everyone!

Gratefully,

Fred Wawner
Head of School

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School Bulletins for the Week of 10/31/25

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!

Spirit Week
What a spirited week it has been! Mahalo to our Lower School and Middle School Student Councils for designing such fun and thoughtful themes. I’m especially grateful to our Lower School grade-level classes and Middle School advisory teachers for responding to student feedback and transforming those ideas into creative class celebrations. From Student Teaching Day to S’mores Day, our students showcased initiative, imagination, and, most importantly, school spirit for their individual class themes. The variety was so special! Thank you to everyone who participated in any of the days and helped make this week a memorable celebration of community and joy. A very special mahalo to our dedicated and generous ʻOhana Association representatives and volunteers for making our campus especially spooky and festive. The treats were of course a big hit, and all the children showed a lot of enjoyment today during our parade through the middle school.

Harvest Fête
We are thrilled to invite all families and friends to our upcoming Harvest Fête! This annual fall gathering celebrates the season of gratitude and giving. As in years past, you can look forward to delicious bowls of soup noodles, fresh treats from our garden, and music from our Middle School handbells and our talented faculty band. Each Lower School student will also take home their own handcrafted pinch pot — this year with some especially creative embellishments. The entire event is hosted by our Village Campus, and we hope you’ll join us for this time of warmth, connection, and fun. Many thanks to Mrs. Hustace, Mrs. Prutow-McKenna, and Ms. Marchildon for leading this wonderful event. If you’d like to volunteer, there are still a few spaces available on our ʻOhana Sign-Up Sheet.

Student Council Updates
Our Student Council is busy planning its next acts of service, beginning with a Thanksgiving food drive. Now more than ever, local families are in need, and our students are eager to respond with generosity and care. Following next Tuesday’s meeting, council members will share details and flyers with their classes. Mahalo in advance for your support and participation in this effort to give back to our wider community.

Astronomy Event at Kahilu Theatre
Please join us for a free, ʻohana-friendly Keck Observatory Public Astronomy Talk with five-time astronaut and astronomer John Grunsfeld. The event will take place on Thursday, November 13, at 7:00 PM at Kahilu Theatre (67-1186 Lindsey Rd, Waimea, HI 96743). Doors open at 6:45 PM, and no reservations are required. For those unable to attend in person (or find this conflicting with dinner or bed time!), the talk will be recorded and posted later in the Keck Observatory’s Cosmic Videos Library. Event details can be found here.

As we move deeper into the season of harvest and gratitude, I’m again reminded of how each of us contributes to the rich fabric of our school community. Whether through laughter during Spirit Week, generosity in our food drive, or shared celebration at our Harvest Fête, we nurture the spirit of mālama kaiāulu — to care for our people and place. Thank you for being such an essential part of this community and for helping our students grow with joy, kindness, and purpose.

Have a beautiful and safe 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 3.

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 3: Winter After School Term Begins

• Friday, November 7: Pinch Pot Harvest Fête

• 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

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.

Flik Food & Dining Services Feedback Survey

Please take a few minutes to complete the following survey about our food and dining services. We appreciate your feedback!

Spirit Week Photo Dump Challenge — Win a $25 Ka Makani Gift Card!

Get ready to show off your Spirit Week style! Starting on Monday, October 27 you can participate in our Spirit Week Photo Dump Challenge for all HPA students and faculty— with a chance to win a $25 gift card to the Ka Makani Café & Bookstore!

How to Enter:

Take a photo of yourself or your child’s Spirit Week outfit each day.
Send your photo to us via Instagram DM at @hawaiiprep or email marcomm@hpa.edu
Be sure to include your name or your child’s name.
Each photo = 1 raffle entry (limit: one entry per person, per day).

Who Can Participate:

All HPA K-12 students and faculty are eligible.
Parents may submit on behalf of students.
Parents with multiple HPA students may submit one photo per child per day.

Photo submissions are due by Saturday, November 1. The winner will be announced on Monday, November 3.

Please note: By submitting a photo, you are giving permission for it to be featured on the HPA Instagram page.

We can’t wait to see your Spirit Week looks! Be sure to follow along on Instagram @hawaiiprep

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,

The energy of a Spirit and Holiday week can be a lot! Iʻll admit that I can be a ball of nerves when it comes to being ready and supporting all of the festive participation in our Spirit Days and I can positively share that the energy of our students, faculty and staff make it all worthwhile. A huge mahalo to you all for making this a Spirit Week to remember. I want to applaud Dr. Renigar on his Día de los Muertos + Halloween art mash-up Pumpkin display and contest. Our students found connections to each cultural tradition and a way to contribute to our campus decorations on the lanai. Another mahalo to our ‘Ohana Association who decorated our campus for our holiday activities on Friday. You made it a special day once again!

The next four weeks are an opportunity for academic immersion and engagement along with some of our cherished traditions and demonstrations of learning:

Garden and Art programs host the Pinch Pot Harvest Fête on November 7. Handbells and Faculty Band will be performing performing!
The 8th Grade Hiki Nō Showcase will be held on Thursday, November 13 at GPAC.
Lower School and Middle School Makahiki Games are hosted here at the Village Campus on November 24 and 25.

Astronomy Event at Kahilu Theatre
Please join us for a free, ʻohana-friendly Keck Observatory Public Astronomy Talk with five-time astronaut and astronomer John Grunsfeld. The event will take place on Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 PM at Kahilu Theatre (67-1186 Lindsey Rd, Waimea, HI 96743). Doors open at 6:45 PM, and no reservations are required. For those unable to attend in person (or find this conflicting with dinner or bed time!), the talk will be recorded and posted later in the Keck Observatory’s Cosmic Videos Library. Event details can be found here.

Have a great weekend!

With gratitude and excitement,

Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal

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