In this Issue From the Principal Upcoming events Senior Prizegiving Second Bite initiative nourishes the Garden Club Exploring Robotics at IET Moana Project fosters leadership skills for Pasifika youth Out and about with our International Students You're invited to our Performance Academy Showcase! Noticeboard

Earlier this week, we proudly celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of our students at the Senior Prizegiving ceremony.  Awards were presented to those who achieved top results across their subjects, alongside special honours for exceptional service and contributions to school life. We also acknowledged students who collectively earned over $130,000 in tertiary scholarships to support their studies in the coming year. A heartfelt thank you to all our distinguished guests who joined us to present awards. And a standing ovation for our top academic achievers of 2025: NCEA Dux: Jed O'Brien and Catalina Baird Cambridge Dux: Feng Feng Chen Cambridge Proxime Accessit: Alan Wang A full list of award winners can be found below:

Avondale College has been gifted a very special instrument from the Notable Music Trust, a trust set up to nurture emerging artists and provide accessible music education opportunities across New Zealand. The first student given the opportunity to play the beautiful viola is Year 12 student, Fa’agalo Wells Collins. Fa’agalo has long dreamt of owning her own viola, but up until now, she has only played a modified violin. The viola is larger and heavier than a violin, with a deeper, warmer tone. "It's not really 'a big violin', it's pretty much a whole different instrument," she says. "I was so excited to learn I'd be receiving it. Miss Salmons [Avondale College's itinerant strings teacher] wanted me to have it as I'm moving into a leadership position within the section. It's wonderful." Avondale College would like to extend their thanks to Kylie Wong and the Notable Music Trust for this generous gift, and to Henry and the Des Moines Quintet for their fundraising behind the scenes. This instrument will continue to benefit students for years to come, supporting their musical development and helping to foster an enduring appreciation for music. Find out more about this amazing charity:   https://noteablefoundation.co.nz

Every year since 1945, Avondale College has produced Taikaka  – a beautiful, high-quality yearbook filled with the stories, photos, and artwork that capture the spirit of each school year. This year’s edition is extra special - our 80th Jubilee commemorative issue! Avcol families have the chance to secure their very own copy at a subsidised cost of just $25, including postage. It’s a wonderful keepsake that celebrates our students’ achievements, and a lasting reminder of this milestone year in Avondale’s history. To order your copy, please pay $25 using your reference details: · by EFTPOS to the Avondale College Cashier or College Shop during office hours · by credit card via our Family Connection payment portal · by Direct Credit:   Account Name: Avondale College Board of Trustees   Account Number: 03-0109-0291016-00   Reference: Your [Family Code] and TAIKAKA Please make payment by 3 December 2025. If you choose not to purchase a copy, the charge will be removed from your Family Account after this date. The yearbook will be posted to families in January – a perfect way to look back on the moments, milestones, and memories that made 2025 so special. If you have any questions, please contact Susan Elijas, Communications Director, at ejs@avcol.school.nz .

It was a bittersweet moment farewelling our Year 13 students at a special assembly and picnic on Tuesday. Many have been with us since Year 9 and are now stepping out into the world as young adults. Ms Khan, Mr White and Mr Gray all addressed the students, sharing their personal journeys since graduating school and challenged the students to follow their passions and keep their options open. The Year 13 students warmly thanked their Home Room teachers and many photos were taken to mark their last day of classes. Following the formalities the Year 13s shared a BBQ lunch with their teachers at our wharenui. Shirts were signed, stories were shared and some tears were shed, before students headed home to start their study leave. --- For those still considering their next steps beyond school, our Careers Department remains available after graduation to offer support, advice, and guidance. We also invite all our departing students to join our Alumni network - please sign up here: www.avcolalumni.nz  .

Last week we celebrated Niuean Language Week with the theme of, “Fakatapunu, Ofania, mo e Fakaaoga e Vagahau Niue!” (“Elevate, cherish, and use the Niuean language!”). We held a concert in the PAC featuring a series of beautiful dances, including one by Head Girl Kenahemana Hekau and her sister Anoiha. On the Friday, students were encouraged to wear Niuean cultural accessories such as a Kahoa Hihi (shell necklace), Foufou (floral head piece) and Fiti (single flower). With more Niueans living in Aotearoa than on the island itself, and the fact it is listed on UNESCO's endangered language list, our Niuean students play a vital role in encouraging and using the language so that it may be passed onto future generations.

In this Issue From the Principal Upcoming events Sports Awards 2025 A fond farewell to our Year 13s Introducing our Board for 2026 Niuean Language Week Order your Taikaka Yearbook! Iconic blazer bequeathed to Avcol Viola a notable gift to cherish MIXIT Performing Arts Workshop Sports Results Noticeboard

Avondale College held our 2025 Sports Awards Evening on 23 October, honouring the dedication, talent, and achievements of our student athletes across a wide range of disciplines. The event brought together whānau, coaches, and staff to applaud outstanding track records, team work, and the contributions of our Sports Council both on and off the field. Our special guest was none other than former Tall Black (and alumnus) Lindsay Tait, interviewed by James Pleasants and Koewtaa Waenthongkham. He spoke about his humble beginnings in West Auckland to his rise to playing basketball at the highest levels, including a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games. Congratulations to all our athletes who were recognised at our annual Sports Awards evening. Particular congratulations go to our top trophy recipients:- Tui Katene Trophy for Leadership in Sport Jean-Luc Dewerse- Perkins Trophy for Best Senior Boys Team Senior Boys’ Volleyball Rockfield Trophy for Best Senior Girls’ Team   1st XI Girls’ Football Ross Trophy for Best Performance by a Senior Team   1st XI Girls’ Football team Eccles Trophy for Outstanding Performance in a Non-traditional Sport Millian Chen Kingstone Cup for Best All Round Sports Record Keita Hirano Binns Cup for Best All Round Schools Record   Mia Paerata and Juliette Tofilau-Seluini Jason Twigg Cup for Outstanding Achievement in Girls’ Sport Overall Girls' Winner: Sienna Makwana Jason Twigg Cup for Outstanding Achievement in Boys’ Sport Overall Boys' Winner: Jacob Story For a full list of recipients, see below.

Find below the Individualised Personal Achievement Course ( IPAC) Schedule below:

We've been displaying some incredible creations from students in our senior Product Development, Resistant Materials and Carpentry classes in the Atrium this week. Year 11s designed and made a lamp of their choice, Year 12s created a small piece of furniture and Year 13s had the freedom to design and make any project of their choice. All projects have a sustainability focus and students creatively repurposed items such as a bike wheel, a bed head, a drying rack and a vase in their projects, as well as incorporating aspects such as minimal design, flat pack projects, organic materials and finishes and recycled metals and timbers. They are all working towards Achievement Standards, giving them the option to obtain university entry on this pathway. It was a pleasure to see a number of musical instruments this year - including two superb electric guitars - which students were able to demonstrate as part of the showcase.

Last Wednesday, we celebrated the talent, effort, and exceptional filmmaking skills of our Media Studies students at the Avondale College Film Festival! After many years, Film Night is officially a tradition, allowing us to showcase the short films made by Year 12 and 13 Media Studies ākonga to the Avondale College community.  The students, friends, and whānau in attendance were an amazing crowd. Laughing and gasping in all the right moments, the audience enjoyed gritty noir crime films, hilarious mockumentaries, and unsettling psychological thrillers, alongside our 2025 entry into the 48Hour Film Festival, "A Spanner in the Works" which was shortlisted for Best School Team in the Tāmaki Makaurau region.  The calibre of this year's films was incredible, and a testament to the passion and resilience of this phenomenal Media Studies cohort. Congratulations to our amazing students, to the winners on the night, and to all who supported them along the way. Year 13s, we'll miss you, and Year 12s, we can't wait to see what you create next year!  2025 Award Winners:  Best Cameo - Taiko Campbell as Bigfoot/Andrew in "Sasquatch Hunter: A Documentary" by Isla Hanlan and Jed O'Brien Best Acting in a Supporting Role - Isla Hanlan as Vanessa Flowers in "The Buzz" by Finn Hall and James Johnston Best Ensemble - the cast of "New Zealand Tomorrow" by Lewys Evans, Finley Hooper, and Liam Presling Best Action & Stunt Choreography - "Sasquatch Hunter: A Documentary" by Isla Hanlan and Jed O'Brien Best Sound - "Jazz Hands" by Harris Gall, Aaron Prasad, and Joshua Tohi Best Costume & Production Design - "To Be Or Not To Be" by Alys Edlin, Sammie Morgan, and Gabrielle Orinia Best Cinematography - "Fork In the Road" by Theo Dann, Fred Hamilton, and Saphire Maney Best Editing - "Smoke And Mirrors" by Joachim Cleator, Dave Sadaraka, and Ranuga Udugala Best Actress in a Leading Role - Bella Brown as Deevaugh Bootz in "Brance New World, Same Old Bootz!" by Bella Brown and Arlo Lorien-King Best Actor in a Leading Role - Arlo Lorien-King as Beef in "24 Hours With Beef" by Catalina Baird and Florence Rowland Best Original Screenplay - "Fork In the Road" by Theo Dann, Fred Hamilton, and Saphire Maney Best Directing - "Sasquatch Hunter: A Documentary" by Isla Hanlan and Jed O'Brien Best Picture - "24 Hours With Beef" by Catalina Baird and Florence Rowland  People's Choice Film - "24 Hours With Beef" by Catalina Baird and Florence Rowland People's Choice Acting - Arlo Lorien-King as Beef in "24 Hours With Beef" by Catalina Baird and Florence Rowland

In October, five Avondale College students represented their island nations - Tonga, Niue, the Cook Islands, and Fiji - in video presentations for the UN Youth Event in the United States. The event focused on how climate change is affecting Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and how young people can help advance the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Alicia Story, representing the Cook Islands, spoke about the beauty of her homeland and the challenges communities face with floods, droughts, and storms. “It’s devastating to live in New Zealand and watch your family suffer from climate change,” she said. “Those directly affected must have a powerful role in promoting the SDGs. That’s us - let’s act now.” Kiri Pepena, from Fiji, described rising sea levels, stronger cyclones, and coral bleaching. “Climate change is not just an environmental issue - it’s about our survival, our culture, and our way of life,” she said. “We are not just the future; we are leaders today.” Kenahemana Hekau, representing Niue, shared how changing weather patterns are affecting fishing and farming. She also highlighted Niue’s Ocean Wide Initiative, which protects 100% of its waters. “We may be small, but we are strong. We are not just leaders of tomorrow - we are protectors of today.” Ava and Lily 'Uhila, from Tonga, spoke about Cyclone Gita and the resilience of their people. “When disaster strikes, youth are on the frontlines,” they said. “Our power comes from unity and determination. Protecting Tonga, the Pacific, and our planet is the same fight.” These students’ voices are a powerful reminder that Pacific youth are not only raising awareness - they are leading the call for action on climate change.