The annual New Zealand Engineering Science Competition is a prestigious problem- solving event for senior secondary students, organised by the University of Auckland’s Department of Engineering Science and Biomedical Engineering. This exciting and intellectually demanding competition invites teams of three or four Year 12 and 13 students who have a strong interest in mathematics and science. This year’s event took place last Saturday and ran for the full day. Our school was well represented, with 59 students across 15 teams participating under the guidance of Mr Herber, the teacher in charge. In the month leading up to the competition, the students prepared by tackling open-ended problems and developing their mathematical modelling skills. The 2025 challenge was: “If New Zealand built gravity batteries near wind farms, how much energy could be stored during a period of strong wind?” Teams were required to research this real-world engineering problem and develop a solution, submitting a comprehensive 10-page report by 6pm that day. It was a full-on but rewarding experience. Some teams worked smoothly and methodically. Others wrestled with tricky modelling or burst into spontaneous karaoke to manage the stress. There were moments of frustration, but ultimately, every team made it to the finish line—tired, proud, and just a little frazzled. The results of the competition will be announced in November, and we eagerly await the outcomes. Regardless of the final rankings, all students gained valuable experience in teamwork, research, and creative problem-solving.

In this issue From the Principal Upcoming events Preparing for Senior Exams Avcol students among top 10 in the world at tech "Olympics" Friendship the key to jazz victory Problem-solvers compete at NZ Engineering Science Comp Tough Guy & Gal challenge University at 11: Alisa Pham visits Scholars' Academy In theatresports, anything can happen! Playing against giants: Jean-Luc Dewerse Sound in Colour a treat for the ears Tickets selling fast to Envision Dance Showcase Sports Results Noticeboard

The Avondale College Triennial Board Election nominations have now closed! We have 16 nominations in total. Voting packs will be posted to all eligible voters to the postal address we have on school record by Wednesday 13 th  August. Please note:  In the voting pack there will be a pre-paid envelope to send back your voting paper (please read the instructions in the voting pack carefully), alternatively you are welcome to hand-deliver your voting paper in the envelope provided to the school office, during the hours of 8:00am - 4:00pm Monday to Friday.

We have completed our PRACTICE Emergency lockdown and all students, staff and persons on-site are safely accounted for. Everyone did extremely well and responded to instructions.  I would like to personally thank you for your support while we conduct practices such as this to keep our community safe.    Kind regards – Mrs Lyndy Watkinson, Principal

Avondale College is conducting a PRACTICE Emergency lockdown . This is NOT a real incident. Updates will be provided on our website. Please do not come to the school or phone the school as we won’t be able to attend to you. We will update this website when the practice drill has been completed. Thank you.

Enrolment interviews for all students living in our zone will be held on Tuesday 12, Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 August. An interview booking link has been emailed this afternoon to all parents who have enrolled their child as an in-zone student for 2026. If you have not received this email, please contact our Enrolment Officer, Kim Lawrence: k.lawrence@avcol.school.nz , or phone (09) 828 7024. If you have not yet submitted your child's in zone application, please do so as soon as possible! The child and at least one parent or caregiver must attend the enrolment interview.   Please bring with you, originals of all the supporting documents provided in the online application.  This includes:  Original birth certificate or passport Most recent Year 8 school report Proof of address (Must be in the name of one of the caregivers and show the residential address of the student, ie: an electricity bill dated within one month of application date (preferred); OR Council rates statement or invoice; OR Tenancy agreement) Proof of citizenship/residence (if not born in NZ) Proof of refugee status (if applicable) If you have any questions, please contact our Enrolment Officer, Kim Lawrence: k.lawrence@avcol.school.nz , or phone (09) 828 7024. We look forward to meeting you and your child next week.

Experience "Envision," a dance showcase featuring Avcol's top dance groups. One night only - Thursday 21 August at 6pm - in the Performing Arts Centre. Adults: $10 Students: $7 Children (5-11 Years): $5 4 & Under: Free Tickets are selling fast! Secure yours now via https://www.trybooking.com/nz/YUH Please note: 50c booking fee is applied at checkout

The Avondale College School Board advises that we will have a number of vacancies for out-of-zone students for 2026.   The Board operates an enrolment scheme; therefore, it is required to fill any vacant out-of-zone places by ballot.   The Board has determined that in 2026, there are likely to be places for out-of-zone students as follows:    Up to 200 Year 9 places, Up to 10 Year 10 places Up to 10 Year 11 places Up to 10 Year 12 places, and Up to 10 Year 13 places.  Applications for places at any year level must be received by 4pm on 27 August 2025 to be eligible for the ballots, which will be held on 3 September 2025.  Parents will be notified of the outcome within three days of the ballots.

Two of our jazz bands, the Avondale College Big Band and Swing 46, are heading into the Auckland Secondary Schools Jazz Competition finals this Sunday - we wish them all the best! If you'd like to support them in person, the event kicks off at 1pm on Sunday at the Birkenhead RSA. Entry is $15 (cash only) at the door. Avondale College Big Band Swing 46

Congratulations to Avcol teams "Ho ho ho" and "The Divas" who came out 1st and 2nd respectively at the first TYP Theatresports match last night against Mt Albert Grammar and Kāipāra College. Team "Ho Ho Ho" "The Divas" If you've never experienced the fun and frivolity of a theatresports match, you can catch the next one on Tuesday 26th of August at 6pm in the Avcol Drama rooms!

Year 13 rugby captain Eli Carter has been selected for the International Rugby Academy of New Zealand's Advanced Players Course —and was also named as the sole recipient of the programme’s scholarship. Out of the more than 350 under 20 year olds from across the country, only 30 were offered placement into the course dedicated to coaching and high-performance athlete development. After reviewing his CV and an hour long interview, Eli was chosen for the sole scholarship will cover flights, accommodation, and tuition at an intensive one-and-a-half week training camp held in Upper Hutt, Wellington. “I was just proud to be accepted,” says Eli. “To find out I was the only one awarded the scholarship—I was speechless.” Eli, who is co-captain of Avondale's 1st XV Rugby team, has played across key backline positions including first five-eighth, halfback, and fullback. Known for his tactical playmaking, communication, and ability to create opportunities for teammates, he credits his composure and focus during goal-kicking to solo sessions at his childhood rugby club. "I envision myself back at my old rugby club, training by myself, focussing on staying composed and not letting the crowd distract me." His rugby aspirations reach beyond the playing field. Eli hopes to one day become a professional player and ultimately transition into coaching. He’s already begun laying the foundation for that dream, mentoring younger players on his team, coaching non-contact forms of the game, and completing a refereeing course to deepen his understanding of rugby’s rules and strategies. He's in talks to complete a year-long Pro Sport course after school ends. Inspired by former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, close friend and former All Black Michael Jones and his Under 15s Coach Tau Mauga, Eli draws from strong leadership examples both internationally and locally. At Avcol's recent Open Evening, he spoke to prospective students about the importance of foundational training and making the most of early development opportunities. “I’m looking forward to training like a pro and learning from the best,” he said. “I’d encourage anyone who’s passionate about rugby to apply for this opportunity.”

In this issue From the Principal Upcoming events Asa & Ella triumph in World of Dance in LA International student eyes third national fencing title Board election nominations closing soon! All that Jazz: Two Avcol groups head to Jazz comp finals Eli scores sole scholarship to elite Rugby programme Checkmate: Buthsara's at the top of his game Microsoft Champs touchdown in Orlando Prepare for unscripted brilliance! Blood Day in overdrive Sports Results Health & Safety Noticeboard