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

It's a game that's over 1,500 years old and 600 million people play worldwide, and has experienced a resurgence in popularity after the hit Netflix show The Queen's Gambit . But for Year 10 student Buthsara, there's just one reason he loves chess: "It really suits my analytical mind," he explains. "Sometimes you’ve only got 10 seconds to make a move, and that one moment can decide the whole game." Ranked second in New Zealand for his age group, Buthsara’s journey began at the age of 10—which he calls a “late start" - after his dad introduced him to the game with a simple chessboard and soon became his first coach. From club matches to studying theory through YouTube tutorials and books, he built a calm, methodical approach to the game. "You’ve got to understand the openings, tactics, strategies... there’s a lot of theory involved." To put the complexity in perspective, by the third move of a game there can be over 9 million possible variations. Next on his agenda is representing New Zealand at the Oceania Under 14 Youth Chess Championships in Brisbane this December. After placing second at regionals this year and helping his team reach nationals in Wellington last year, he’s excited to test his skills on a wider range of competitors. Chess Club meets every Monday and Thursday lunchtime in Room B15. Players of all experience levels are welcome. Other board games are also available to try.

Avondale College’s dance leaders Asa Heenan and Ella Eketone continue to make waves in the dance world. Both familiar faces in our Heartbeat  newsletter for their many awards for outstanding choreography, the two recently returned from Los Angeles with international titles to their names. Asa’s hiphop dance crew, Yung ID, clinched first place at the prestigious World of Dance Summit, while Ella’s group, The Collective, took out first in their division and landed an impressive third overall. Despite their long list of accolades, the thrill of victory hasn’t worn off. “Every time you do a new campaign, it feels different,” Ella shares. “You put in the work and hope it pays off—and when it does—it’s the best feeling ever.” To earn their place on the world stage, both groups had to qualify through the New Zealand World of Dance event at Due Drop Events Centre. The top teams are chosen to go over to LA - the birthplace of the hiphop style that Asa and Ella appreciate so deeply. For Asa, who began dancing at age seven and has competed seriously for the past five years, choreography came naturally through years of mentorship and experience. He now leads his own nine-person crew. Ella stepped into choreography more recently, taking charge of the school’s Mega Crew this year. Their shared journey started years ago at primary school—though they didn’t know each other well at the time. Fast forward, and the two now co-lead choreography for the Avondale College dance crew, blending their distinctive approaches. “It’s cool to step into leadership in this way, alongside Ella,” Asa says. “We brainstorm a lot of ideas together.” Director of Dance Miss Schmidt says it has been an honour to watch the two collaborate creatively. "Asa and Ella exemplify the values and vision we hold for all our dance students at Avondale College," she says. "Having worked with them since they were juniors, it has been incredible to witness their growth — not only as outstanding performers, but as inspiring leaders." When asked about their influences, both dancers point to their teams. “The people in our crew are really supportive,” Ella says. “They push us to do better every day.” Victory in LA felt hard-won and emotional for Asa. “We’ve had a thing where we kept coming second at these comps,” Asa recalls. “To finally come first and kind of break that curse—it felt amazing. There was crying, laughing, jumping and cheering.” He attributes the success to their team’s unity: “We did lots of bonding exercises. We felt calm and ready going on stage, like we had each other’s back.” Both Asa and Ella are determined to carve out names for themselves on the dance scene in New Zealand and abroad. For Ella, dancing is a way of expressing herself in a way that's different to any other —“It’s an outlet for expressing emotion." Asa would love to pursue a career in dancing, but hasn't got the details worked out quite yet. The challenge of coming up with inventive and aesthetically pleasing choreographies will keep him dancing long into the future. “It requires you to think deeply... creating and being original is so fun." Watch Yung ID & The Collective's winning performances below:

Parents and Caregivers - nominations for The Avondale College Triennial Board Elections are closing soon. If you - or someone you know- would be a great asset to our Avondale College School Board, then please find the eligibility, instructions and nomination forms below: YOU MUST  get your nomination form, candidate statement (up to 400 words) & photo by 12 noon on Wednesday 6 August 2025 , to Returning Officer, Rochelle on email : zsmr@avcol.school.nz   If you would like to know more information, please also email the Returning Officer, Rochelle on zsmr@avcol.school.nz Nominations close at 12 noon on Wednesday 6 August 2025.

Isaac Yeh (Year 13) has become a familiar face—and sound—in the Avcol performing arts space. From playing violin in school ensembles to lending his voice to Gospel Choir solos, playing the lost-but-loveable florist in the production of "Little Shop of Horrors" - Isaac’s talent has made a lasting impression on students and staff alike. Now, ahead of his next appearance in the classical music showcase "Sound in Colour" this Wednesday, Isaac is reflecting on his musical journey—and shares some wise words to those just starting theirs: 1. Take notice of what you spend your time on "My grandmother played multiple instruments and gave me a harmonica for my 5th birthday. I couldn't put it down. When I was 7, I'd watch [the reality TV show] The Voice with my aunt. I used to sing along and pretend I was on the show. I imagined all the judges pressing the button and turning round for me! So it was obvious from a young age, music was something I should pursue."  2. Find good mentors "I've played violin since Year 7, inspired and supported by two standout mentors: my private teacher, who performs internationally, and Ms. Salmons, Avcol’s itinerant violin teacher. She teaches 50 students and somehow manages to cater to each one so well." 3. Don't take your first 'no' as the final 'no' "I auditioned for a solo in the choir in Year 11, and I got the understudy. It was a blessing in disguise - I learnt so much and figured out areas I could develop more. And now in Year 13 I've gotten a lead." 4. Don't wait to til you're "ready" “Honestly, just try anything. Join what you’re interested in—whether it’s contemporary music, classical, or orchestra. Pick up something out of the norm. Not many people play the French horn or trombone for example. It's apparent me to that the ones who start early, are the ones that become professional later. I often talk to my Year 9 homeroom about getting involved in the arts. It’s all about putting yourself out there and learning on the go. You'll never regret trying." Hear Isaac and a multitude of talented classical artists this Wednesday (30 Jul) at 6pm in the Performing Arts Centre. Gold coin entry, all welcome!

The University of Auckland is holding a Scholarship Information Evening tonight (Monday 28 July) in the PAC from 6:30-7:30pm. All interested Year 13 students, parents, and whānau are warmly invited to attend (please note this event is open to all west Auckland schools). This session will support students who haven’t yet started their University of Auckland scholarship application or who are unsure about the process. Please register for the event here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx ... Please note: due to the short notice of this event, we’ve extended the deadline to apply for a School Reference for University of Auckland Scholarships only. The new deadline is Wednesday 30 July. If your student has any questions, please contact Careers via email careers@avcol.school.nz or have them visit us in A19.

Year 10 student Luke Carter has just been named in the squad for the Under 16 Men’s Football Championship - the qualifying tournament for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup 2026 - which will take place in the Solomon Islands next month. Luke, who's been playing since he was four, has experience across multiple fields, playing in the U23 and U17 club squads for Western Springs Football Club, as well as Avondale’s First XI, and is a member of Avcol's Sports Academy. His selection to the national Under-16 squad came after his performances caught the attention of NZ U16 coach Martin Bullock. A simple text turned into a life-changing call: “He said he’d been watching me for a while— and that he wanted me to represent New Zealand. I was absolutely stoked! I called my mum straight away.” Luke will be one of the youngest members on the squad, made up of players based in New Zealand, Australia and England. He'll begin training camp on August 9 before jetting off to the Solomon Islands to face matches against Samoa, New Caledonia and the Solomons. Luke’s preparations have included vaccinations, malaria tablets, and an ambitious schedule—three gym sessions, three club trainings, and 1–2 individual sessions a week, plus First XI games. On game days, Luke likes to keeps things light: listening to music, cracking jokes in the changing rooms, and chatting with friends. “It’s how I relax—get my mind off the game. The guys help a lot. Our team is very much a brotherhood. We’ve got each other’s backs on and off the field.” Joining Avondale College’s Sports Academy has given Luke an extra edge. The 5:30 am wake ups have helped him become more disciplined, and Mr Johnston, his former PE teacher and current football coach, helps him to “be strict with myself but also having fun." Balancing schoolwork with sport isn’t always easy, but Luke’s drive is clear. He looks up to local heroes Ben Wallace and Jackson Manuel—and idolises Virgil van Dijk for “being fearless and a great leader." With the last Under-16 squad setting a high bar by winning most of their games, Luke is aiming to match their success—and make this tournament one to remember.

Photo: Meeting Internazionale Sport Solidarietà Avcol alumna Kimberley May is now New Zealand's second fastest female athlete to compete in the 1500m sprint. She clocked an astonishing 4:04.40 at the Internazionale Sport Solidarietà in Italy, just behind Parisian Olympian Maia Ramsden. Kimberley’s time is a 25-second leap from her personal best when she left Avcol on a scholarship in 2021. Kimberley grew up in Titirangi in a family renown for karate, earning a black belt before pivoting to cross-country and track. At Avcol, she found her stride as a distance runner, eventually securing a track scholarship to Providence College in Rhode Island, USA—a school famous for developing world-class Kiwi athletes. In addition to her history making feat on the mile, over her four years at Providence, Kimberley competed in the NCAA finals multiple times and finished second behind Ramsden in 2023. She credits longtime Providence coach Ray Treacy, as well as Graeme Holden from Auckland City Athletics, for guiding her growth both on and off the track. Now a sociology graduate, Kimberley has signed professionally with New Balance and will continue training in the US. But first, she’ll proudly wear the black singlet for New Zealand at the FISU World University Games in Germany - one of the world's biggest multisport events, joining an 84-strong Kiwi team - including alumnus Lex Revell-Lewis. Photo: Meeting Internazionale Sport Solidarietà

On Wednesday 30 July, the PAC stage will resonate with stirring Classical music. Our orchestras will perform timeless pieces by the great composers like Handel and Vivaldi, alongside fresh contemporary works. And back by popular demand, our Gospel Choir will bring down the house with their standout set from The Big Sing competition. There’s something for every musical taste. Gold coin entry, all welcome!

We welcomed our new cohort of International Students with a traditional pōwhiri—a beautiful way to begin their journey at Avondale College and Aotearoa. Over the past few days, students have arrived from countries including Germany, Norway, Mexico, Italy, and China, ready to embrace new experiences in and outside of the classroom. It’s been wonderful to see our prefects connecting with them and friendships already beginning to form. We’re excited to follow their stories throughout the year and wholeheartedly welcome them into the Avondale College whānau!

It was a great pleasure to welcome so many visitors to Avondale College last night for our annual Open Day. All areas of the school were on full display, with a large number of current students available to talk to prospective students about learning at Avcol and also the vast array of co-curricular activities available. Enrolments for 2026 are now open, with further information available here .

The 2025 Talent Quest showcased an incredible range of performances, including soloists, bands, and even a traditional siva afi dance - that had the crowd entertained from start to finish. Judging such variety wasn’t easy - thankfully our panel featured some seriously impressive talent: Avondale College alumnus Kiahan Simons-Tipau, a dancer and recording artist; alumna Tinei Matafai-Leniu, an award-winning vocalist; and Aaron Strickland, a Grammy Award-winning music producer. While they deliberated, the crowds were treated to the annual Teachers VS Prefects dance-off - with the prefects coming out tops for their Pitch Perfect inspired routine. We caught up with the winners - the rock band "Blue Nurse", guitarist Ollie Carson who came second thanks to his self-penned song S.O.S, and Deevah Eti and Zuri Delgado of the dance troupe "African Fusion." 1st Place - "Blue Nurse" Drummer Alex Hutchinson-Jones & lead singer Andrew Pedrezuela Bassist Felix Wong Guitarist Ollie Carson How did you come together as a band? Ollie : We met through Jazz Academy a couple of years ago. We used to jam to some rock and metal songs while everyone packed up before the bell, and it led to me asking if they wanted to play some covers together. From there it grew into a proper band. Where did the name "Blue Nurse" come from? Andrew : We went through a few iterations of the band name before I suggested this one, which we all liked. The Blue Nurse is an urban legend [originating from when the school was a war hospital] about a lady ghost haunting the corridors of Avondale. Felix : It's cool having a name that's rocky and also links to Avcol. How did you prepare for Talent Quest? Ollie: A lot of practices at my house during the holidays and in G block at lunchtime. It definitely took a lot of practice, but we also have a really natural rapport as a band, so stuff does seem to come together fairly easily for us. Felix: Yes, lots of practices while also making sure we didn't bother the neighbours! What do you appreciate about one another, musically speaking? Alex: Ollie's incredibly talented, really passionate and puts so much effort in. Ollie: One thing I would say about Andrew is that he is very selfless and willing to step in when he is needed. We couldn't find a vocalist back at the beginning of the band, so he stepped up and learnt how to sing for us, which essentially enabled the band to exist! Felix: Alex is a great drummer, very adaptable and we have a natural, very instinctive way of communicating while playing. Andrew : What I appreciate about Felix is that he's a really innovative person, he is a talented arranger and musician, and I take a lot of inspiration from him. How did it feel when the judges announced you as the winners? Alex : It was such a surprise that it took us awhile to realise that we had actually won. Ollie:  I was shocked, not because I thought we didn't deserve it, but because the standard of the other acts was so high, and they all deserved to place in my opinion. Andrew : It was surreal. All our hard work had paid off. It made me proud of these guys and myself. We're still buzzing from it! 2nd - Ollie Carson Guitarist & song-writer Ollie Carson Can you tell us about the inspiration for 'S.O.S'? Ollie:  It was written in the second week of the holidays, with Talent Quest in mind. It was inspired by the late 80s/early 90s heavy thrash sound, also blending in some more modern metal elements. I have done Talent Quest every year I have been at Avcol, but had yet to place until this year, so I was throwing everything at it and give a killer performance, that way I would have the best shot possible. How did it feel to achieve not one but two placings at Talent Quest? Ollie:  Just amazing. It is my goal to bring rock and metal back to the mainstream, so things like this really mean a lot to me. However, the main reason I do what I do will always be because I love doing it. Music is something I am really passionate about, and that is what drives me to write these songs and get up there and perform them. It makes me really happy. To me, there is nothing else like it. Finally: the question on everyone's mind: how do you perform so well underneath all that hair?! Ollie:  Ha! Lots and lots of practice. I'm sure the hair helps a lot with my stage presence! 3rd - African Fusion Dance Student Dance Leader Deevah Eti is centre, during a rehearsal Zuri Delgado is second from right What were practices like leading up to the performance? Zuri :  Honestly, they were pretty tiring! But we pushed ourselves because we wanted to deliver something polished and powerful. We originally put the dance together for the National Dance Comp (NDC), so thought we might as well enter Talent Quest as well. Making it to the finals was unexpected. Once that happened, we added in some unique movements to really level it up. How would you define the African Fusion genre of dance? Deevah: I would say it's a confidence builder! At the beginning, we were all so shy, like turtles in our shells, but over time our confidence built and we were able to show sides of ourselves that no one gets to see. Zuri :  It’s poppy, groovy, vibey—it just hits different. I only started it this term, but I really love it. You get to embody a powerful character full of strength and fury. It brings this bold energy that people really respond to. Everyone was talking about it afterwards, which felt amazing. Your group is entirely student-led. How’s that worked out? Deevah: Being the choreographer in particular was really challenging because I ended up doing the routine over and over - and over - but the upside is you get to let your creativity flow and the only thing stopping you is yourself. The prize that you get for being a leader is being able to see your own creativity be shown to a crowd on stage. Zuri : For me it's one of the coolest parts of this experience. Deevah is honestly the best. She knows how to motivate us and handle all our personalities, and she's gracious when we make a mistake. What’s the group energy like backstage? Zuri:  So fun! I’m probably the most extroverted, so I bring a lot of the hype. We just vibe off each other, and that connection shows when we perform. How have you all responded to your placing? Deevah: Honestly, we were shocked! Not because we placed but because I thought there were some really good performances that night! I know that me and the girls are proud of ourselves. It was such a fun experience! Zuri, would you like to be a Student Dance Leader in the future? Zuri :  Definitely. I'm in Year 9 but have been dancing for what feels like my whole life. By the time I'm a senior, yes, I want to step up to that role and give it my all.