Ms Khan’s Year 12 Hospitality and Catering students have been busy turning theory into (delicious) reality as they work toward their practical assessment for Unit Standard 13283: Prepare, assemble, and present salads for service . The roast vegetable, feta, and candied walnut salad they made last week was as tasty as it was colourful on the plate and earned successful students two credits. Ms Khan says the value of hands on, practical work in food technology cannot be underestimated. "When they step into the kitchen, I guide them in working like a professional chef would work," says Ms Khan. "This includes how the students are dressed, how they communicate, and how they ensure a safe and hygienic workspace at all times," says Ms. Khan. Isaac Carr (Year 12) says the challenge was a great way to end a busy week of school — and of course, getting to sample the finished product. “We used our roasting skills from Year 11 Hospitality to perfectly season and roast the vegetables, then put together the dish with its unique sauce and garnish of feta,” he says. “It was a pleasant, warm salad, with the roasted kumara and potato offering hints of pepper that complemented the tang of vinegar in the sauce, topped off with a nice creamy finish from the feta.”

At the Parthenon, Greece Planning is underway for our next Classical Studies trip to Italy and Greece, which will take place in April 2027! The proposed itinerary includes six World Heritage sites, where students will have the opportunity to experience the culture, history, art, and architecture of the places that are significant for our understanding of the world. While in Greece, students will be able to explore the birthplace of democracy and visit famous landmarks such as the Acropolis, the Theatre of Dionysus and Mycenae; and in Italy students will be able to visit important historic sites such as Pompeii, the Colosseum, St Peter’s Basilica and Ostia Antica. This will give students the opportunity to learn about ancient Greek and Roman societies in their geographic and cultural context. All students will benefit from having their horizons broadened from the chance to experience of another culture abroad. The estimated cost is approximately $10,000 and includes: Airfares Private bus transport Hotels Transport from Greece to Italy Insurance All entrance costs All meals Greek cooking class If you wish your child to be considered for a place on the tour of Greece and Italy, please complete and return the Expression of Interest form (students can collect this from the Social Science office before school/during break times) to Ms Watts in the Social Science office by Wednesday 11th of March  so that an initial tour meeting can be organised. - Ms Watts, HOD Classical Studies. Olympia The Colosseum

The bees have been busy! The cast is confirmed, the musos are strumming and drumming, and set production is under way for Avondale College's production of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee ! Student Assistant Stage Manage Abi Haughton, who shares the role with fellow students Hiero Backhurst-Pretty and Nell Taylor, says the actors have been extremely dedicated practising dance routines, singing numbers, and their American accents. "The sense of community is very strong, with each and every member of the cast helping each other with memorising lines and perfecting their songs," she says. "Of course, we have the amazing Ms Stone, the director of the show. She is always on top of things and is doing a wonderful job bringing the show together." "This one's going to be wildly entertaining," says Hiero. "Tickets are going on sale next week, and will undoubtedly start selling out fast, so don't miss your opportunity to see an award-winning show and book as soon as possible. Standby!"

From the Principal Upcoming Events Spelling Bee  rehearsals begin in earnest Italy & Greece 2027: A truly monumental trip From garden, to plate, to gradebook Gateway Programme off to a flying start Alumna wins prestigious Japanese speech competition Sports Notices Notices

L-R: Aphra Paine, Kaela Muldoon, Rachel Lamb, Whitley-Jade McGowan, Jo Thompson Ms Rachel Lamb has recently been appointed as Avondale College’s Director of Careers. After many years teaching science, she discovered a passion for helping young people understand themselves and their future possibilities. This led her to complete a postgraduate diploma in Careers Education and later to work closely with the Careers Department and as the school’s Refugee Coordinator, supporting students to navigate new systems and build confidence. She has also completed postgraduate study in teaching linguistically diverse learners, using science as a context for developing English language skills. Across every role, Ms Lamb has been drawn to supporting students who need help recognising their strengths and finding meaningful pathways, making the Careers Director role a natural next step. As she says, this is where she feels “best placed to serve students on the next stage of their journey.” What the Careers Department offers: Student Support & Guidance Drop‑in advice on subject choices, pathways, and planning Help identifying strengths, interests, and motivations Early careers education for Year 9s Online "Careers Central" profiles to personalise guidance Senior Student Pathways University visits and guest speakers One‑to‑one career counselling for all Year 13 students Homeroom lessons focused on career competencies Equity & Priority Learners Dedicated support for Māori and Pasifika students Collaboration with Learning Support to ensure inclusive opportunities Programmes & Experiences Pathways planning with tertiary providers The Gateway programme Trades Morning exhibition Volunteering opportunities to build CVs and confidence You can stay up to date with Careers on the Student Hub, or via their Instagram  page. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact the team at careers@avcol.school.nz  .

One aspect of Avondale College's HEART Values is Respect - part of which involves learning about the different cultures, traditions and beliefs of our student body. Luqmaan Azmi, Year (12) Muslim Group student leader (along with Maryam Omer, Raz Shelay), shares about Ramadan Mubarak in his own words: Asalaamualaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh - may peace and blessings be upon you all. Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam. It’s a time when Muslims focus on faith, self-discipline, and becoming better people. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset which means no food and no drinks, not even water, during the day. If you’ve noticed some of your Muslim friends skipping lunch and still acting normal, you might be wondering why do we do this to ourselves? Ramadan is about more than just staying hungry all day. It teaches us patience, gratitude, and self-control. Fasting helps us appreciate the things we often take for granted, like food and water. But Ramadan isn’t just about fasting. It’s also about becoming better people — praying more, being kinder, giving charity, helping those in need, and staying away from bad habits. You can think of it as a month-long self-improvement challenge. So, what can you do if your friends are fasting? Honestly, just being understanding and supportive goes a long way. A simple “Ramadan Mubarak,” which means “Blessed Ramadan,” is always appreciated. And don’t worry, you don’t have to stop eating in front of us! Fasting is about self-discipline, and we’re completely fine with it. If you’re curious about Ramadan or Islam, feel free to ask, we’d love to share more. And if you’d like to be part of our Muslim Group, please get in touch with me or Ms Khan. To support our Muslim students, we will keep classroom D12 open every day at lunchtime so please come along. Ramadan Mubarak and I wish everyone a peaceful and blessed month.

Take a walk through the grounds of Avondale College after school and you will hear the sounds of the Pacific, Asia, and beyond as our Polyfest cultural groups prepare for the upcoming festival in March. This year Polyfest has expanded, with performances taking place across two venues in March and April. The main celebrations will run from March 18-21 at Manukau Sports Bowl, and the Māori stage will run from 30 March - 2 April at Due Drop Events Centre. Avondale is proudly entering Kapa Haka, Cook Island, Tongan, Samoan, Niuean, Filipino, Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese and Japanese groups, and, making their debut, our very first German and Latin American groups will perform on the Diversity Stage this year. Each afternoon after school, the Atrium and surrounding classrooms have come alive with harmonising vocals and choreography as performances begin to take shape. This year’s Polyfest theme is "arrival", honouring the journeys that brought diverse cultures to Aotearoa. It’s inspiring to see the dedication of our students and their tutors, and we’re excited to witness the incredible work they’ll bring to the stage.

2026 marks an incredible 30 years of service to Avondale College for Physics teacher Mr Hua Khoo. Known for his engaging storytelling and his ability to weave Tai Chi into almost any lesson, Mr Khoo has become an Avcol institution. Originally from Malaysia, Mr Khoo joined the Avondale College Science department in 1997. His career has spanned generations of students, curriculum changes, technological shifts, and countless Tai Chi demonstrations in the science labs, yet his enthusiasm for teaching remains undiminished. His impact has been widely recognised. At this year’s Scholars Assembly, Mr Khoo was acknowledged for having taught the student who came first in New Zealand for IGCSE Physics. He was also nominated for a National Excellence in Teaching Award in 2021 and was granted a sabbatical in 2009 in recognition of his longstanding contribution to the school. Central to his teaching philosophy is the belief that students learn best through demonstration. “If I show it, they know, it” he explains. This first lesson he does with each new class begins with physics concepts related to water, which he links to Avondale College’s HEART values, entitling it “ Be water, my friend”, a phrase made famous by martial arts legend Bruce Lee. Whether using toys, models, or Tai Chi movements, he finds ways to make abstract ideas comprehensible. Equally important to him is authenticity in the classroom. “Students know what I do comes from the heart,” he says. He encourages students to adopt a positive mindset, sharing the idea that a day often becomes what you expect it to be. “If you think: ‘I’m going to have a rubbish day,’ your day does become rubbish". Starting the day in the spirit of Tai Chi allows the mind to focus, he says. For Mr Khoo, the joy of teaching remains as strong as ever. “I love getting to do what I love every day: teaching, entertaining, and encouraging.” He credits the supportive environment of the Science department as one of the reasons he has stayed so long. “They’re so caring - like a family.” Having reached the milestone of 30 years at Avondale College (and more years at other schools prior), Mr Khoo has no immediate plans to retire. When he eventually does step out of the classroom, he already knows what comes next: he’ll be teaching Tai Chi. Mr Khoo at Open Evening last year Doing Tai Chi at dawn on the school field

This Tuesday the Year 13 Earth Science class went on a trip to Maukatia/Māori Bay at Muriwai. We went to become Geologists for the day by visiting one of the many volcanic features scattered throughout  Te Wao nui ā Tiriwa, the  Waitākere Ranges.  Because rocks can't talk, Geologists have to search for clues hidden within them to solve very complicated puzzles. The puzzle that students had to solve is how the gigantic Waitākere volcano formed the volcanic features neat Muriwai in the last 20 million years. Students identified pillow lavas in the cliff face, used geological principles, pretended being deep-sea burrowing worms to interpret the trace fossils found. The students had an excellent day learning outside the classroom and all gained a new appreciation for rocks. Now back in the classroom the research continues as they try and put the final pieces of the puzzle together. A special thanks to Ms Brown and Ms Taylor for supporting the trip.  Mr R Stephen

Our Pasifika Welcome Evening was a wonderful celebration of connection, culture, and partnership, setting a strong foundation for a successful year ahead for our Pacific learners. A heartfelt 'fa'afetai' to Ms Alai and our amazing Aspiring Pasifika Student Leaders for creating such a warm, welcoming, and uplifting space for our whānau. Key dates for our Pasifika community are as follows: Polyfest 2026 March 18-21, at the Manukau Sports Bowl Pasifika Study Night Every Wednesday in the library 3.30pm to 5.30pm Aspiring Pasifika Student Leaders' Group Weekly meetings Pasifika Careers Evening Tuesday 5 May, 6pm-8pm in the Atrium University of Auckland Pacific Academy Year 11, 12 & 13 tutorials for end of year exams (Maths & Science subjects) Pasifika Year 13 Celebration Dinner Tuesday 8 September

In this Issue From the Principal Upcoming Events Becoming Geologists for a Day Pasifika Welcome Evening "If you show it, they know it" - Mr Khoo celebrates 30 years at Avcol Polyfest practices in full swing Introducing the Careers Team Learning about Ramadan Sports Notices

We had an exceptional number of Year 11 and 12 students achieving an NCEA Excellence endorsed badge, or a Cambridge Distinction endorsed badges at assembly this week. A full list of recipients can be found here: Our biggest congratulations to each one of them. Not simply for these superb outcomes, but for the endeavour, tenacity and commitment to their studies and academic success.