Whaea Bella & Mrs Lyndy Watkinson Kaumātua, special guests, staff and students gathered at Te Puna Aroha, Avondale College’s whare, last week for a special and heartfelt ceremony. On this occasion, one of our Kaumātua Whaea Bella, presented Principal Lyndy Watkinson with a beautifully handcrafted korowai. Made by Whaea Bella herself, the korowai is a significant taonga for our school. Its gifting acknowledges Lyndy’s leadership and the strong relationships within our kura. It was a quiet but meaningful moment, reflecting the values of manaakitanga and respect that sit at the heart of Avondale College. Whaea Bella is a much-valued member of our wider school community. Her generosity, skill, and ongoing support continue to enrich our kura in many ways. This korowai will remain a lasting symbol of connection, care, and shared purpose.

Cambridge International examination fees are due for payment by 4pm, Friday 12 June 2026. Please ensure that payment is received at the College by this date, as required by the University of Cambridge, so that we are able to make entries to the United Kingdom on your behalf. For any Cambridge queries please contact our Cambridge Exams Officer, Mrs C Dale at c.dale@avcol.school.nz

The Careers Department is excited to be hosting our annual Trades Morning on Thursday 4 June, during Periods 2 and 3 in the Stadium. This event gives our Year 12 & 13 students the opportunity to connect with a wide range of local employers and training providers across the trades sector. It’s a valuable chance to explore career pathways and gain real insight into industry opportunities after school. Students will be able to: Learn what apprenticeships involve Speak directly with employers and training providers Ask questions and make useful industry connections Explore future training and career options Year 12 and 13 students in Product Development, Carpentry, Mechanical Engineering, and Automotive classes and Year 13 students in Design & Visual Communication will attend as part of their programme. These students should check with their teacher to confirm which session they will attend. Other interested Year 12 and 13 students are also encouraged to attend - they can register their interest by visiting the Careers Office.

Last week, our Garden Group and Environmental Group came together for a shared lunchtime of kai, conversation, and connection — a merging of two teams who care deeply about our whenua. The initiative by Amanda Hookham, Community Gardens Coordinator at EcoMatters Environment Trust in New Lynn, who has been working closely with our Environmental Group. She saw a natural opportunity to bring both groups together to connect over their shared kaupapa. The delicious soup served on the day was made almost entirely from vegetables grown and harvested by the Garden Group. Paired with warm, freshly baked sourdough, it made for a hearty, wholesome meal that everyone enjoyed. Thanks so much, Amanda!

What began as a casual evening of online shopping on Temu has unexpectedly turned into a lucrative side hustle for Year 11 student Asher Carter. After ordering a product that arrived with a bonus set of hair clippers, Asher’s friends encouraged him to give haircutting a try. “My mates said I should attempt a haircut for a joke,” Asher recalls. “I cut my mate’s hair and didn’t do too badly, so they told me I should keep going.” Taking their advice seriously, Asher upgraded his gear with a new set of clippers for his birthday — the first step in what quickly became a genuine passion. “I realised it could be a fun way to make money — not like a normal job sitting at a desk. You get to talk to people,” he says. Since then, Asher has been honing his craft through determination and self‑learning. He watches YouTube tutorials to refine his technique and swaps tips with his own barber. His dedication mirrors a wider revival in barbering — a trade once considered old‑fashioned but now experiencing a resurgence thanks to social media. Asher has already built a loyal client base of friends, extended networks, and even a few dads. His weekly schedule is filling fast: two cuts on Tuesdays, two or three on Thursdays, and up to three more over the weekend — all balanced around football training. His range of styles is growing too. From everyday tapers and fades to more adventurous looks, Asher enjoys the creativity the job brings. One of his most memorable requests was an “Avatar” haircut: “A buzzcut with an arrow down the middle,” he laughs. “That was probably the craziest.” Early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Classmate Jahsta, Asher’s very first customer, remembers the reaction vividly: “Oh my days, that first day after I got my cut from Asher, multiple people came up to me asking, ‘Who cut your hair, man?’ And I told them it was my mate Carter!” Looking ahead, Asher is already thinking beyond school. With growing confidence and a potential offer of employment at his local barber, he hopes to pursue the profession full‑time. In the meantime, he’s taking his skills into the community. Asher will be offering haircuts at the Whau Youth Board’s ‘Street Beats’ event this Friday afternoon - make sure you swing by and get yourself a free haircut!

From the atrium to the turf, students proudly donned pink accessories on Friday to celebrate Pink Shirt Day—a nationwide day that encourages everyone to stand together against bullying. Various activities were set up in the atrium for students to work together and encourage one another. "As a Safe School leader, my favorite part of this day was the cute small pink ribbons that everyone happily wore," says Neha Jaiju (Year 13). "This gesture symbolizes the unity we had as a school for the anti-bullying movement. The compliment cards and stickers celebrate the kindness and spreading joy to one another." Year 11 Safe School Leader Kenzee Byrne says it was an important day to create awareness of the Safe School kaupapa. “Safe School leaders at Avcol are there to help students who need someone to talk to. We can be new friends for exchange students, or support students who might feel nervous about speaking to a guidance counsellor. Our main job is to make sure everyone feels welcomed and safe at Avondale.” At lunchtime, the spirit of connection continued with a friendly touch match between staff and prefects. Many thanks to the Guidance team and our Safe School Leaders for bringing the day together.

From the Principal Spelling Bee musical spells success Korowai presentation for Principal Lyndy Watkinson Pink Shirt Day From Temu clippers to buzzing business Groups connect over sustainable soup Build Your Futures Trade Morning Celebrating our Associate Staff Cambridge fees due in 4 weeks: Friday 12 June Sports Results Notices

In this Issue In this Issue From the Principal Building a project made to last Planting for the future Tackling the trickiest Bebras Challenge yet Students inspired at World Vision Youth Conference Solving inequalities with Tarsia Keystone Trust School Leaver Scholarships Sports Results Notices

In Weeks 5 and 6, almost all of our Year 11 students who are taking the NCEA pathway will be sitting the Literacy and Numeracy co-requisite exams. These three exams are mandatory and there are two testing opportunities each year. Students who are sitting these exams have been given their NZQA login details by their English and Maths teachers in preparation. Any Year 12 and 13 students who are yet to achieve their literacy and numeracy credits will also be sitting these tests over the two-week period. Literacy Writing takes place in Week 5 on Monday 18 May, periods 1 and 2. Numeracy takes place in Week 5 on Tuesday 19 May, periods 1 and 2. Literacy Reading takes place throughout week 6 (beginning 25 May) during their period 3 English class. These exams are digital, and students must bring their devices, ensuring they are charged before arriving to school. There are very limited devices available on the day. If your child is unable to bring their device to school for testing, please ensure they notify their English or Maths teacher. If you have any questions about the testing programme, please contact Emma Joynes: e.joynes@avcol.school.nz Study at home day for Year 12 and 13 students during Senior Assessment Week As part of Senior Assessment Week (Monday 18 - Friday 25 May), Year 12 and Year 13 students will be given a study at home day. They may use this day to revise for practice exams, or to work towards Internal Assessments. Year 12 study at home day will be Monday 18 May. Year 13 study at home day will be Tuesday 19 May. If any student would prefer to study at school for the day they should discuss this with their Dean. Ngā mihi, Lyndy Watkinson PRINCIPAL T 09 828 7024 E principal@avcol.school.nz W www.avcol.school.nzVictor Street, Avondale, Auckland 1026, New Zealand

Our students enjoyed an unforgettable two weeks in Japan as part of the Daito Bunka exchange, packed with cultural, educational and sightseeing experiences across Tokyo, Hiroshima and Kyoto. In Hiroshima, students visited several significant historical and cultural sites, including Hijiyama Park, Hiroshima Castle, the Peace Museum and Peace Park, where they were guided by descendants of bombing survivors. A visit to Miyajima Island followed, featuring the Itsukushima Shrine, Mt Misen cable car, coastal views and encounters with the island’s famous wild deer. Students also enjoyed trying Hiroshima‑style okonomiyaki (savoury pancake), which proved very popular. Kyoto offered further cultural depth, beginning with Nishiki Markets and continuing with visits to Nara Park and the impressive Todaiji Temple, home to the 15‑metre bronze Buddha. Students walked through the iconic thousand torii gates at Fushimi Inari, explored Kiyomizu‑dera Temple with its water rituals and panoramic city views, and ended with dinner at a traditional conveyor‑belt sushi restaurant. After returning to Tokyo, students settled into homestays and immediately immersed themselves in school life at Daito Bunka, confidently introducing themselves at a whole-school assembly. Throughout the week they strengthened language skills through games with Japanese students, took part in traditional cultural activities such as calligraphy, festival games, tea ceremony and beginner judo, and enjoyed after‑school club experiences. Highlights in Tokyo included a visit to Tokyo Disneyland, shopping across the city, exploring Asakusa and its 7th‑century shrine, and taking in spectacular views from both observation decks of Tokyo Skytree. The exchange concluded with a final half‑day of school activities including calligraphy and cooking, heartfelt farewells to host families, and a scenic journey via Naritasan before returning home. It was a richly rewarding experience, filled with learning, friendship and lasting memories. Our sincere thanks go to Daito Bunka Dai-Ichi High School for hosting us with such warm hospitality, and huge thanks to Ms Lee for organising the trip, and Dr Brown, Ms Ishihara and Mr Harris for accompanying the group. Going to Japan was such a privilege, and what feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I had so much fun going to many culturally significant historical sites such as: Hiroshima Peace Park, Museum and Castle and multiple shrines. As well as going to tourist attractions like Nara Park, Miyajima Island, and Disneyland! It was also so much fun going to Daito Bunka to experience what their school day is like and I hope I can go back when I am older. I highly recommend this trip to anyone and everyone!" -Salia Kingi (Year 12)

In this Issue From the Principal Learning, language and culture - our Japan sister school visit One week to go: The Buzz around school intensifies! IMMC Challenge: Maths meets conservation Performing for the folks Have your say on the future of Avcol Behind the Bee: Eliza Gleeson Sports Results Notices

Avondale College will be holding an Open Evening for prospective students and their families in the second week of Term 3, on Wednesday 23 July 2025 from 4-7pm. There will be no afternoon classes on that day to allow departments time to prepare for the event. Enrolments for 2026 will open at the start of Term 3. IN ZONE In Zone Applications: Open 14 July. Due by 25 July [Online form will open here] In Zone Interviews 12-14 August OUT OF ZONE Out of Zone Applications: Open 14 July. Due by 4pm 27 August [Online form will open here] OOZ Ballot: 3 September OOZ Interviews: 7-9 October Open Evening Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E5CtpazXd/