Week of 11/14/25

What's Happening at HPA This Week?

Message from the Head of School

Aloha HPA ʻohana,

In a week when ka makani reminded us of both its strength and its care—bringing cool air and long-awaited moisture—it has also swept through our campuses as a surge of creative energy. The arts are alive at HPA in ways that ground us, lift us, and reveal just how expressive and talented our students truly are.

Last weekend’s Upper School production of Little Shop of Horrors was a vivid example. After three decades in education, I’ve sat through my share of high school musicals, and there have been several outstanding performances, along with more than a few squeakers and clunkers. This one was a little different. The talent, skill, and composure on display—every line, every note, every well-timed pause—were exceptional. These young people can truly sing, performing with confidence, personality, and joy. Adding to the magic was a live band tucked into the rafters each night. If you closed your eyes, you might have thought you were listening to a professional studio recording. Three of the musicians were our own faculty, joined by two old friends of the school, playing with the cohesion and fun energy of a group fresh off a tour with Bruce Springsteen before stopping by campus.

And Little Shop was only one window into a much broader story. Across HPA—from the Village Campus to the Middle School to the Upper School—the arts are in full creative bloom. I asked our division Principals to share some of the highlights from across our campuses.

Our youngest learners are exploring hands-on projects that connect them with world cultures, great artists, and the beauty of Waimea: Kusama-inspired pumpkin dots in kindergarten; “Land & Sea” landscapes after a visit to Isaacs Art Center in Grade 1; Kente-cloth weaving in Grade 2; Bayeux-inspired stories and Motte & Bailey castles in Grade 3; enlarged Mona Lisas in Grade 4; and Grade 5’s “Waimea Starry Night” pastels echoing van Gogh and the puʻu above campus. All K–5 students also completed a ceramics cycle, crafting animal-themed pinch pots for our Pinch Pot Harvest Fete —an artistic reminder of gratitude and giving during this harvest season.

At the Middle School, music students are preparing holiday performances, with Handbells and Choir joining for a December showcase of “Dona Nobis Pacem.” Theatre students are rehearsing Boxes and developing set designs, while visual arts students are creating everything from Hawaiian flower studies to block prints to mixed-media collages—eight of which were accepted into the Hawaiʻi Nei exhibition in Hilo. Ceramics students are now tackling their most complex animal pinch pots yet. Bringing it all together on Thursday were 19 Hiki Nō documentary short films that made you smile, cry, and stand up and cheer with pride and joy seeing our 8th graders reflect on their passions and the people that have supported them along the way – each using our core skills of collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and most notably, creativity.

The Upper School continues its rich creative momentum, from digital media and film projects to mixed-media collages, large collaborative paintings, printmaking, charcoal studies, and the newly formed 22 musician ensemble exploring a diverse repertoire of funk funk (“Brick House”), classical (Handel’s Water Music), jazz (“Charlie Brown Christmas”), and different film genres. Recent master classes from alumni and visiting musicians added even more depth to the experience. How about that!?!!

From the youngest pinch pot to the most intricate lighting cue, from Kusama dots to Georgia O’Keeffe petals, from choir harmonies to funk bass lines—creativity is everywhere right now at HPA. It reflects the energy of our people, the generosity of our faculty, and the spirit of Ka Makani that inspires and sustains us.

Lastly, in honor of Veterans Day this week, I extend our deepest gratitude to the veterans and military families within our HPA ʻohana. Your service, sacrifice, and commitment to others remind us of the values we strive to uphold each day.

Lean in and hold your hat – Ka Makani is only getting stronger.

Have a wonder-filled weekend!

Gratefully,

Fred Wawner
Head of School

School Bulletins for the Week of 11/14/25

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!

Last weekend, our five HPA Robotics teams joined students from across Hawaiʻi Island for the First Lego League Qualifying Tournament, showcasing months of creativity, collaboration, and perseverance through our After-School Robotics Program.

This year’s theme, “Unearthed,” invited students to follow traces of the past—uncovering hidden treasures, mysterious artifacts, and forgotten stories. Teams were challenged to consider questions such as: What lies behind the ancient symbols carved in stone? What tools help archaeologists in their exciting work? And how can our ideas shape the future?

We are thrilled to share that four of our teams have qualified for the HFLL Challenge State Championship on February 1 at McKinley High School on Oʻahu, and one team has been invited to the Robotics Aloha Tournament on December 6 at Kalani High School, also on Oʻahu.

Congratulations to our incredible teams:

Demolishing Dogs (Grade 4)

Cookie Capybaras (Grade 4)

Penguin Paleontologists (Grade 5)

Makani Megs (Middle School) – invited to the Aloha Tournament

Code Erosion (Middle School) – winners of the Innovation Award for their prototype of an augmented reality game that brings old Hawaiian sites to life, allowing users to experience what these places may have looked like thousands of years ago.

We are so proud of our wonder-filled students and the imaginative ways they are applying technology to connect the past, present, and future. A heartfelt mahalo to Mrs. Mellon Monello, our K–8 Educational Technologist, whose expertise, encouragement, and passion make these opportunities possible. The success of our Robotics Program reflects her steadfast dedication to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and excellence in every learner. Mahalo also to our many parent volunteers and mentors, without whom this would not have been possible!

Assembly at Davies Chapel – Drop off at Upper Campus 12/8
On Monday, December 8, our Lower School will gather at Davies Chapel on Upper Campus for our regular bi-weekly Lower School assembly. Please drop off your keiki through the Kohala Gate, at the front of the Chapel, between 7:40–8:00 am, as you would on a regular school day. Teachers will be there to greet and guide our students. Following our assembly, students will be bused back to the Village Campus to continue the rest of the day. We are looking forward to having our assembly at Davies Chapel as we close out the semester!

Waimea Holiday Parade
We still have space for Lower School students to ride in our float for the upcoming 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. Any Lower School student who wishes to join us must be accompanied by a parent for the duration of the event. Keiki will ride on the float while adults walk alongside. This is a wonderful opportunity to represent HPA in our broader Waimea community and to celebrate the season together with joy and school spirit! Hope to see you there!

Our campus continues to shine with the spirit of curiosity, creativity, and connection as we traverse our second quarter. Whether through robotics, assembly gatherings, or our participation in the Waimea Holiday Parade, our students are finding meaningful ways to learn, give, and grow together. Each of these moments reflects our shared commitment to Mālama Kaiāulu—to care for our community and for one another—with hearts full of wonder and a deep pursuit of excellence in all we do.

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 17.

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,

This past week, our 8th graders proudly presented their Hiki Nō documentary films, the culmination of months — really years —o f growth, collaboration, and storytelling. This cross-curricular project is a hallmark of our Mālama Kaiāulu framework, blending Hawaiian Studies, English, Ed Tech, and Library work into authentic, student-led media. Each film reflected care for place, community, and creativity. Mahalo to Kumu Kūwalu and our Hiki Nō teaching team for their thoughtful leadership and to our families for your continued support.

As we move toward the Thanksgiving season, our students and teachers are deeply engaged in meaningful learning experiences. Please take a moment each week to review your child’s grades and teacher comments in myHPA, these will inform the Advisor Reports shared over Winter Break.

Upcoming Events and Reminders:
• Thursday, November 20: 7th Grade Hike up Lae Lae during the afternoon Experiential Block
Please check your child’s advisor emails for details. Pick-up will be at the Rutgers Tennis Center for 7th graders that day.

• Monday–Tuesday, November 24–25: Lono I Ka Makahiki!
Our 6th and 7th graders will have an all classes day on Monday, while 8th graders lead the Lower School Games. On Tuesday, our whole Middle School will participate 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.

• Thursday, December 11: Middle School Performing Arts Showcase at GPAC
Families are invited to enjoy an evening of music, theater, and celebration of student performance.

Mahalo for your continued partnership in creating an environment where our students learn, lead, and thrive together.

With gratitude and excitement,

Michael Cservenak
Middle School Principal

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