The Scholars Academy had the honour of hosting Subash Chandar K—an extraordinary maths teacher whose educational YouTube channel, InfinityPlusOne , has become a lifeline for NCEA maths students up and down the country. Drawing from his own setbacks—including failing engineering and the first three years of his maths degree—Subash spoke candidly about resilience and self-belief. It took him seven years to complete his qualification, but that winding path led to him a profound knowledge of how people grasp and retain mathematical concepts. He now stands as one of New Zealand’s most celebrated teachers, having earned the 2025 New Zealand Local Hero of the Year, along with the Jim Campbell Award for Teaching Excellence, and was a Top 10 Finalist spot in the 2025 Global Teacher Prize, selected from more than 5,000 educators worldwide. During his talk, Subash encouraged students to cultivate a growth mindset and explore how dopamine—the "reward" chemical produced in the brain —can be harnessed to motivate you towards your goals. The students were so captivated by his candour and helpful tips, that many of them got him to sign their calculus books, pencil cases and calculators at the end of the session!

Audiences were delighted with an evening of inspirational and improvisational music at the Jazz & Soul showcase late last term. Ensembles moved effortlessly from jazz standards to Bob Dylan covers to contemporary hits by Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, and Bruno Mars - demonstrating both versatility and passion. "Jazz in particular is a notoriously difficult genre to master," says Director of Jazz Mike Robinson. "It takes a lot of mental concentration and musical acuity to really pull it off, so I'm really proud that our students put on such a polished performance." Four jazz combos and the College's Big Band will be heading to the Auckland Schools Jazz Competition over the next two weekends, which is being held at the Birkenhead RSA. We wish them all the best!

It's been a particularly busy time for our Head Girl, Kenahemana Hekau! Fresh from representing Avcol in the Whau Pasifika Festival's School Debate, Kena travelled to Wellington to take part in the 2025 Youth Parliament, representing the Kelston electorate (which includes Avondale). Kena spoke in the House of Representatives about unemployment rates, representation within decision-making fora, and the need to vote and to understand the democratic system. Over the course of the three-day programme she came to realise along with many other Youth MPs that these issues are prevalent throughout New Zealand. "As a cohort we came to discuss these issues and find recommendations and resolutions in which benefited our communities but also brought us closer together as a team," says Kena. "I encourage more Pacific youth to get involved within these spaces to create an environment in which we can come together as a community within parliament. So decisions are made for us, by us." Kena was selected by Hon. Carmel Sepuloni in recognition of her authenticity, confidence, positivity and sense of duty towards her community. "I was telling her last night that we haven’t yet had an NZ MP of Niue[an] descent - perhaps Kena will be our first!" said Hon Sepuloni on her Instagram. "Very proud of this young woman." Given the fact that seven sitting MPs were once Youth MPs, that could be a very possible reality!

The Avcol Mega Dance Crew performed at the Blueprint Street Dance Competition at Due Drop Events Centre during the holidays, and took out the coveted Creativity in Choreography Award - an accolade they've won three times over! What makes their success even more impressive is that the crew is entirely student- led. From choreography and costuming to rehearsals and team coordination, it's the students who take full ownership of the creative process. The journey begins early, with the Dance department mentoring promising performers from Year 9 onwards, gradually preparing them for leadership roles. This year, Dance Leaders Ella Eketone (Year 12) and Asa Heenan (Year 13) have stepped up with outstanding professionalism and passion. Their efforts have further earned them the honour of representing New Zealand at the World of Dance Summit in the USA this week. Ella Eketone & Asa Heenan Director of Dance Santana Schmidt says it's a particularly proud moment to watch them from the audience knowing how much the students have invested in their performance. "It's a proud moment, mostly because you have observed their rehearsals, all the highs and lows, for it all to come together in that one performance. There are lots of warm fuzzies, because this is us sharing our creativity, our understanding of street dance, our performance, our "us" with the our wider community."

In this issue From the Principal Upcoming events Cultural Day a celebration of diversity A Sibling Story: Pacific Games victories & Olympic dreams Kena is in the House! Mega Avcol Dance Crew excels in choreography - again! Jazz & Soul, with Heart and mind Save the date: Sound in Colour 30 July Hauora through Brotherhood for our 1st XV Thank you, Mrs van Etten! 20 year anniversary for ECEC kaiako Wearing school uniform with pride Sports Results Noticeboard

The beginning of Term 3 is an important time in the school calendar, with all students from Years 9 – 12 choosing their subjects for next year. In preparation for this, we invite you to look through our Academic Programme   This outlines all of the subjects available at Avondale College, along with the pre-requisites and other useful information. Please note the hyperlinks in the contents page to help you navigate the document. In the first week of Term Three, students will receive an email with a link to select their subjects for next year. This process will be supported by their home room teacher, and needs to be completed by the end of week two. Students at all year levels will choose ‘reserve’ options, and will also have the opportunity to rank their choices in order of importance. Students will be prompted to enter their parent or caregiver’s email address so that parents are aware of choices made; we would appreciate parents' support in responding to this email with their approval. Thank you for your support of Avondale College

​​Our online enrolment portal for 2026 is now open! All students who live within the Avondale College zone are eligible to apply for enrolment to attend our school. Students must be enrolled by their parent or legal guardian.  IN ZONE In Zone Applications: Open 14 July. Due by 25 July   In Zone Interviews 12-14 August OUT OF ZONE Out of Zone Applications:  Due by 4pm 27 August    OOZ Ballot: 3 September OOZ Interviews:  7-9 October Visit our Enrolments page to access our online enrolment portal.

We held our long-awaited Cultural Day —and it was nothing short of spectacular! The atrium came alive with colour and sound, with each classroom transformed into an interactive learning hub for a different culture. Students enthusiastically shared their heritage through traditional clothing, lively dances, schoolyard games, and language challenges that invited everyone to learn something new. It wasn’t just a day to wear something different—it was a day to walk in someone else’s shoes, learn a few new dance moves, and come away with a deeper appreciation for the cultures that make up our vibrant student body. A huge thank you to Ms Houston, Cultural Day Leaders and the entire organising team for turning this vision into reality.

On Monday we held our Honours Assembly for Term 2. The Term 1 assembly was delayed due to Polyfest and our 80th Jubilee, so it was impressive that we had so many students being honoured again just 7 weeks later. It is a testament to how involved Avondale College students are, the range of opportunities available, and their drive for excellence. Congratulations to all who were celebrated at this week's Honours Assembly. For a full list of students, please see below.

In this issue From the Principal Upcoming events Gospel Choir performs at The Big Sing Avcol Dance shines from NDC to Bollywood Seasoned Avcol vocalist takes on Jazz and Soul Opening Doors to Trades & Apprenticeships Girls with Hi-Vis Handmade with Heart: crafting earrings in Fashion Tech Checkmate! Chess players show great promise at tournament Talent Quest opens with show-stopping energy Delicacies & delights sell out at Market Days Sweet treats, caring hearts - students fundraise for World Vision Sports Results Noticeboard

In this issue From the Principal Upcoming events Mānawatia a Matariki! Wearable Arts entries wow the crowds Methane SAT Engineer inspires future scientists Students market the world at mock Travel Expo Gospel Choir heading off to Cadenza Talent Quest heats continue to entertain & inspire Matariki gifts for our littlest stars Sports results Noticeboard

Avondale College's school pepeha has been developed in conjunction with our iwi partners, Te Kawerau a Maki. A pepeha is a way of introducing yourself in Te Reo Maori. It is a locator, telling people who you are by sharing your connections with the people and places of significance to the whenua. It provides a sense of place, and acknowledges the mana of Tangata Whenua.