In this issue From the Principal Upcoming events Welcome to our new Deputy Principals Bee the change: students swarm to celebrate International Bee Day Girls in STEM: A conversation with Dr Min Yee Seow Year 12 Market Day: A display of creativity & commerce "All the world's a stage": Students take on Shakespeare Japan Trip 2026 Drama Academy Presents: The Road to Forgiveness Avcol School Balls through the ages Sports results Noticeboard

Our Level 3 Dance students, selected Year 12 students, and our Level 2 and 3 international cohort had the incredible opportunity to visit Black Grace and Company B, two internationally renowned contemporary dance companies in New Zealand. This year, Black Grace presented Rage —a powerful and thought-provoking piece—at the Aotea Centre as part of Black Grace’s 30th anniversary celebrations, welcoming schools from across Auckland to experience their work. The performance explored the theme of rage  in its many forms—personal, national, and global—reflecting the dancers’ perspectives on current events shaping the world. The production also incorporated elements of physical theatre, with a collaboration featuring Strictly Brown, Leki Jackson-Bourke, and Saale Ilaua, who infused the performance with song, poetry, and drama. This artistic fusion was particularly meaningful during Samoan Language Week, as it touched on historical topics such as the Spanish Influenza in the Pacific and Samoa’s independence from New Zealand. Our students were absolutely captivated, seated right at the front, fully immersed in the energy and artistry of a professional dance company, says Avondale's Director of Dance, Santana Schmidt. "They had the privilege of hearing inspiring words from Black Grace’s artistic director, Neil Ieremia, and the co-founders of Strictly Brown, who shared insights into future pathways and opportunities for aspiring dancers. It was truly an unforgettable experience for our NCEA cohort!"

Applications for 2026 will open in Term 3 2025.  ​​​​ ​All students who live within the Avondale College zone are eligible to apply 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 ​ Online applications will be made live on our Enrolments Page from 14 July.​ ​ The following documents are required in order to successfully submit an enrolment application. Please ensure they are scanned, saved and ready to upload. Latest school report Birth certificate Proof of in zone address (a recent power bill) If not born in New Zealand, a copy of a passport and visa or proof of residency; and proof of refugee status (if applicable)  Proof of legal guardianship (if applicable). In the case of caregivers, proof of caregiver status. In the case of Independent Youth, proof of status. For out of zone applications, evidence of prior connection to the school (if applicable) ​ ​

From the Principal Upcoming events A truly killer show: Little Shop of Horrors  comes to an end From Dreams to Distinction: Honouring Alina & Feng Feng’s Success Drama Academy Presents:  The Road to Forgiveness Supporting students with S.O.U.L Calling all aspiring tradies! Path to Scholarships: essential dates & application advice Sports results Buses replace trains over extended King's Birthday Weekend

Year 12 student Gideon Vaopunimatagi pushed through his nerves to secure first place in weightlifting at the Auckland Secondary Championships on Saturday. Gideon credits his win to the support of Mrs. Nahi, his family, and friends - even those who didn’t know much about weightlifting but cheered him on regardless. "If there's one lesson to take from this experience, it’s that stepping out of your comfort zone is where growth happens," shares Gideon. "You never truly know what you're capable of until you give it a shot." What an incredible attitude and achievement, Gideon! Gideon Vaopunimatagi (centre)

A huge congratulations to Jacob Story (Year 13, pictured third from left) on his incredible success at the New Zealand Open Swimming Championships last week! Jacob came away with an impressive medal haul, demonstrating his dedication and skill in the pool. 50M Breaststroke: Gold 17–18-year-old age group Bronze in the Opens category 100M Breaststroke: Gold 17-18-year-old age group Silver in the Opens category 200M Breaststroke: Gold 17-18-year-old age group Silver in the Opens category 200M Individual Medley: Silver 17-18-year-old age group Way to go Jacob, we're extremely proud of you!

Congratulations to Bushra Tasneem (13ABA) for winning a photo competition run by Te Whau Pathway Project! The theme for the competition was inspired by World Water Day’s 2025 focus on climate change, brought in powerful visual stories showcasing how our local waterways — the Whau River and its many streams — are being affected by or responding to our changing environment. Bushra's winning photo was taken in Te Atatū South. The judges loved the bamboo across the stream and felt it reflected the criteria the best of all the entries! She won $300 for first place. Check out all of the photo entries here! A number of other students from Avondale College had notable entries - this includes Alaina Ali (12WLO), Larah Aldea (13SHS), Annika Singh (12MRJ), Barghavi Gowda (9BRY). Students should keep an eye out for more opportunities from Te Whau Pathway Project as next term will bring a t shirt design competition to the Whau district.

Parents and caregivers of Year 10 students are warmly invited to join us at our NCEA and Cambridge Information Evening on Tuesday 10 June at 6.30pm  in the Avondale College theatre. While the evening is primarily for the families of Year 10 students who will be choosing their senior academic pathway next term, Year 9 parents and students are also welcome to attend.

In this issue In this issue From the Principal Upcoming Events Promoting kindness and inclusion on Pink Shirt Day Avcol students frame the future in Te Whau Pathway photo competition Gateway programme puts the shine on auto work Navigating the Next Step: Tertiary & Leadership Opportunities for Māori and Pasifika Snow, Adventure & Fun—Join the Y10 Ski Camp at Taurewa! Sports Results Speed limits around the school have changed Buses replace trains over extended King's Birthday Weekend

Book now   Our school production of Little Shop of Horrors  opens tomorrow, and tickets are selling fast - don’t miss out on this delightfully dreadful horror-comedy-musical! The show follows timid florist assistant Seymour and his discovery of a mysterious plant he names ‘Audrey II’ - a plant with an unusual taste… for blood. As Audrey II grows in fame, size, and hunger, Seymour faces a spiralling series of moral dilemmas, all set against a backdrop of toe-tapping rock, doo-wop, and Motown-style music. Directed by Rita Stone, this iconic musical promises laughs, thrills, and unforgettable puppetry, featuring hits like “Little Shop of Horrors” , “Skid Row (Downtown)” , and “Suddenly Seymour.” Show Dates: 📅 Wednesday 21 May – Saturday 24 May 2024 📍 Avondale College Theatre Victor Street, Avondale, Auckland 0600 Tickets: 🎟 Adults – $20 🎟 Child/Student/Senior – $15 🎟 Year 9 Special – $10 🎟 Family of 5 (2 adults + 3 children) – $70 🌿 TEN DOLLAR THURSDAY – NEARLY SOLD OUT ( plus 50c booking fee per ticket ) ✨ Come dressed in your best botanical-themed outfit for a chance to win special audience prizes! 🍿 Programmes and refreshments will also be available for purchase in the foyer. Book now  and support our incredible students in what promises to be a night of grisly, musical fun!

In this issue From the Principal Upcoming Events Important notice for parents/caregivers of Year 11/12/13s Cracking the code: Avcol students take on the Bebras Challenge From streams to dunes: Avcol students take Geography to the field! 80 years of Avcol shows Jubilee story a testament to lifelong bonds made at Avcol Cambridge fees due in 4 weeks: 13 June Standing up to bullying with Pink Shirt Day Sports Results Speed limits around the school have changed New Tahatū Career Navigator website

Selina Tusitala Marsh is a proud Avondale alumna, Poet Laureate and academic. We were delighted to welcome her back on the opening day of our Jubilee weekend to share her journey with students. Selina was given the nickname “Mophead” at school, due to her curly hair, which later became the title of several of her books. She shared her desire to see more poetry written from a Pacific perspective, and recited "Fast Talking P.I.", in response to a newspaper article containing stereotypes of Pacific Islanders. This piece won her the opportunity to perform for Queen Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey. As Poet Laureate, Selina also got to meet President Barack Obama on his visit to New Zealand in 2018. Thank you, Selina, for sharing your journey and wisdom—you continue to inspire the Avondale whānau! #Avcol80 #AvcolHistory