Our History
Exploring the rich heritage and milestones of James Hargest College
Transition to Online Learning (COVID-19 Response)
James Hargest College shifted to remote learning following the national alert level changes, establishing online classroom structures across Junior and Senior campuses.
Retirement of Four Long-Serving Staff (118 Years Combined)
A century worth of teaching experience left Hargest at the end of 2020 with the retirement of four long-serving teachers: Stuart Elder (started in 1978 and introduced early computing models like the BBC Micro and Commodore 64), Marion Elder (started in 1994), English teacher Lesley Horner (27 years service), and Deputy Principal Jenny Elder (23 years service).
House System Reorganisation & First House Day
Tutor classes from Year 9 to 13 were established as single-House units, and the role of Head of House was created to drive events like dodgeball, benchball, and math olympiads. The inaugural House Day was held in March 2021.
Thomson House Motto & Mascot Introduced
Thomson House introduced its official banner, motto "Be Creative and Inspiring", and associated NZ bird, the Kea.
Hamilton House Motto & Mascot Introduced
Hamilton House introduced its official banner, motto "Courageous and Hard-working", and associated NZ bird, the Karearea.
Menzies House Motto & Mascot Introduced
Menzies House introduced its official banner, motto "Be Curious and Honest", and associated NZ bird, the Morepork (Ruru).
Watson House Motto & Mascot Introduced
Watson House introduced its official banner, motto "Be Kind and Caring", and associated NZ bird, the Kiwi.
School Production "Fiddler on the Roof"
School Production - "Fiddler on the Roof".
2021 NCEA Scholarship results: 8 Scholarships across 6 subjects
James Hargest College's top scholars earned 8 NCEA Scholarships across 6 different subjects in 2021, and 15 students gained Excellence Endorsements at Level 3 NCEA. Scholarships: Finn C. (Outstanding Scholarship in Statistics and Scholarship in Music), Holly M. (Outstanding Scholarship in Music), Corbin F. (Accounting), Olivia H. (Biology), Emily D. (Geography), Alice M. (English, Year 12) and Dylan M. (English). Level 3 Excellence Endorsements: Regan C., Megan D., Ella D., Charlie F., Elise G., Madison G., Daniel H., Madison H., Elijah K., Natasha L., Gemma M., Sophie O., Teegan S., Ethan T. and Tessa W.
100 Club 2021: students celebrated for the highest academic success
The James Hargest College 100 Club celebrates the highest academic success. Students must earn the required Excellence credits in one calendar year and achieve almost all, if not all, of the credits on offer at Excellence level. The students pictured who earned a place in 2021 were Doris S., Benjamin S., Benjamin E., Sean B., James B., Ryder M., Lilly S., Katie M., Alice M., Charly F., Halle F., Brianna L. and Sewmi D. They were to be celebrated formally at an assembly in Term 2 2022.
School Production "Mamma Mia!"
School Production - "Mamma Mia!".
Junior & Senior Campus Building Projects Commenced
Surveying began for the new $2M+ Junior Campus redevelopment (breakout spaces and new facilities) and the preliminary siting for the 14-classroom Senior Campus B-Block replacement.
Schoolwide Health & Mobile Phone Policy Introduced
In response to health guidance, mandatory mask protocols were established alongside a new Years 7–11 mobile phone hand-in policy during class time.
Retirement of Long-Serving Foods Teacher Pat Foster
Mrs Pat Foster retired after decades of teaching generations of Southland families in the James Hargest Home Economics / Foods Department.
LEO Club Raises $552 for Charity
The JHC LEO Club raised $552 through their annual Valentine's Day fundraiser delivering balloons, chocolates, and messages to students and staff.
Caroline Raynes appointed Associate Principal at the Senior Campus
Caroline Raynes was appointed to the Associate Principal role at the Senior Campus, effective from the start of Term 2, 2022. An alumna of James Hargest High School, she returned to teach at James Hargest College in 2005 as a beginning teacher of Health and Physical Education. Over the years she has been a Dean, Head of House (Watson), Year 9 and 10 camp organiser and relief coordinator, and was the elected Staff Representative on the Board of Trustees. Her new role covers the day-to-day organisation and operation of the Senior Campus, the attendance system, and oversight of Pastoral Care, Deans, the House System, the Guidance Department and Staff Professional Development.
New cricket pitches completed at both the Junior and Senior Campus
New cricket pitches were completed at both the Junior and Senior Campus by the end of Term 1 2022, as reported to the school community by Board of Trustees Chairperson Chris O’Connor.
Junior Campus turf project and planning for the new build
A lot of work took place at the Junior Campus over Term 1 2022. The turf project continued to make progress despite some frustrating delays, and trees were cut back at the campus. Al Pannett updated the Board of Trustees on the plans for the new build and was working closely with the lead designers, while departments affected by the new build gave feedback on what they wanted to see and their priorities.
JHC cyclists set New Zealand records at the National Track Cycling Championships
JHC cyclists performed strongly at the 2022 National Track Cycling Championships in Cambridge. George M. won gold in the U17 Boys' Team Sprint in a New Zealand record time and silver in the U17 Boys' 500TT. Finn E. and his teammate broke the national team sprint record earlier in the championships, and George and his teammate then broke it again in the final, riding 33.885. George achieved this despite a serious high-speed crash at training only three weeks earlier. Riley F. won gold in the U17 Girls' Team Sprint in a new national competition record time. Ronan S. won gold in the U19 Men's Keirin and silver in the U19 Men's Team Sprint, with silver also to Marshall E. and Charles T. Bronze medals went to Zadie S. (U17 Girls' Madison), Kayne B. and Finn E. (U17 Boys' Team Pursuit) and Ruby B. (U19 Women's Team Pursuit). Charles T. reached the A Final of the U19 Men's Keirin, with Scott H. and Conrad C. in the B Final.
Covid-19 disruption: year levels rostered home and parent interviews move online
In March 2022, with Covid-19 cases in Invercargill close to their peak, the College moved to rostering individual year levels home in order to staff the school. Attendance hovered just over 80% on most days, about 10% below usual, and the College reported to the Ministry of Education daily. Year 10-13 parent-teacher interviews were held virtually on Wednesday 6 April 2022 (3 - 7.30pm) following positive feedback on the virtual Year 9 interviews. The College hoped to move to the Orange setting from Term 2, allowing larger gatherings and assemblies to resume, with settings due to be announced on 4 April.
40 Hour Famine: JHC fundraising total passes $150,000
Hargest has a proud tradition of making a difference in the world through the 40 Hour Famine. The College's fundraising over the years totals more than $150,000, which was recognised in 2022 when Charly F. was one of thirty students selected from around New Zealand for an online World Vision Leadership Summit. The 2022 Famine was scheduled for 1 - 3 July.
School Production "Head over Heels"
School Production - "Head over Heels".
School Production "Into the Woods"
School Production - "Into the Woods".
School Production "Popstars! The 90’s"
School Production - "Popstars! The 90’s".
Interrobang 2025
School Magazine - Interrobang 2025.
Opening of New Science & Technology Block
Completion and blessing of the state-of-the-art Science and Technology learning spaces on the Senior Campus.
Anna McDowall Appointed Principal
Former Head Girl Anna McDowall officially assumed leadership as Principal of James Hargest College at the start of Term 2, April 2026. Having returned to her alma mater throughout her career as a teacher and Deputy Principal, she now leads the school into its next era.
School Production "The Olympians"
School Production - "The Olympians".
Official Introduction of the JHC Lavalava
Following a student-led proposal and design process, the Lavalava was officially added to the James Hargest College uniform code.
Guidance Department Waharoa Unveiling
Unveiling and blessing of the new Waharoa in the Guidance Department.
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