ENROLMENT 2026 UPDATE The Out of Zone Ballot took place today, Wednesday 3 September, supervised by Police Officer Wayne Kitcher (pictured with Deputy Principal Ngahuia Lott). Applicants will be notified of the outcome by the end of Friday 5 September. OUT OF ZONE INTERVIEWS Out of Zone interviews are scheduled from 7-9 October. Appointments can be made a week prior via the online booking link that will be posted on our Enrolments page. IN ZONE INTERVIEWS Our Enrolments Officer will contact you to organise interviews during school time over the next few weeks.

Twin innovators win at Science Fair with life-saving tech Annika (left) and Avika Singh We love it when our students show initiative—and Year 12 twins Avika and Annika Singh have taken that to a whole new level. Earlier this year, the sisters approached science teacher Mr. Herber with a request: to represent Avondale College at the Auckland Science and Technology Fair. “I told them that we don’t usually do this particular Science Fair," says Mr. Herber, "but I made a deal—if they organised the admin, and found an adult to drop off their project and themselves on the day, then I'd support them to develop their entry. And they did just that.” The Auckland Science and Technology Fair, held annually, brings together hundreds of students from across the region to Michael Park School in Ellerslie to present projects that solve real-world problems. The twins' project sought to address one of the world’s most pressing health issues: heart disease, which claims approximately 20.5 million lives each year. Using a one- dimensional convolutional neural network (1D CNN), they developed a model that can process and classify normal and five types of irregular rhythms from heart signals. “We already have pre-established electro cardiogram systems, but they require expert interpretation," explains Annika. "We saw a clear need for an automated, affordable system that could help detect cardiac emergencies early, which could decrease unnecessary loss of life, especially in areas of limited medical access." Despite having no medical background in their family, the twins worked with Mr. Herber to understand the science and coding behind their project. Among standout entries like a lamp that adjusts to your daily routine and a GPS system for sailboats, the Singh sisters’ project earned a Highly Commended card on day two of the fair. Initially a bit disappointed, they were stunned to discover later that day—via the fair’s website—that they had actually won first place in their age category. “We messaged Mr. Herber right away and he confirmed it. It felt like a rollercoaster—we were absolutely thrilled!” says Avika. The prizegiving is set for this Monday. In the future, they want to keep building on their device and turn it into a full-fledged heart monitoring system: “We are now working on coding our own sensors and creating an interface that can connect doctors and patients directly,” says Annika. “It is the next stage of our experiment,” adds Avika, “we are not only moving towards real-time monitoring but also focussing on increasing the accuracy of the model through techniques like data augmentation.” They credit Avondale’s Innovation Academy for helping them think creatively and approach challenges with a solution-focused mindset. They encourage students to grasp every learning opportunity they can while they're young, even those beyond Avondale's already abundant offerings of clubs, Academies and competitions. Mr. Herber is confident that the twins are just getting started: “These two students show so much motivation and endeavour—it’s exploding from them."

Our talented Year 12 and 13 drama students are bringing the iconic New Zealand play Niu Sila  to life—with a bold and creative twist. The play centres on Peter (a palagi/pākehā boy) and Ioane (a Samoan boy), close friends who grow up together in the 70s, but ultimately have very different life trajectories. Traditionally performed by just two actors who portray the entire cast, including the central characters, in our production, multiple actors will portray Peter and Ioane at different stages of their lives: Early childhood : Arlo Lorien-King and Clarissa Paulus Older children : Maddie Tomilap and Lola Kelleher Teenage years : Jalana Jayawardena and Finn Hall Adulthood : Gideon Vaopunimatagi and Liam Presling The production’s cultural depth extends beyond the script. Under the guidance of Hamida Kapsin-Ali, our Year 10 drama students have crafted traditional Samoan Siapo cloth to feature in the set design. They dyed the fabric to achieve an authentic look and used handmade stencils to imprint intricate patterns inspired by real Siapo motifs. “We used natural colours and traditional designs, which helped us appreciate the time and care that goes into making Siapo. It was a fun and creative experience,” says Chakshani Goyal. “I loved making mine and can’t wait to see it on stage,” adds Leila Eketone. “I knew what Siapo was, but had no idea how long and detailed the process was until we started. Each strip took weeks to complete,” shares Tess Robinson. ------------------ Arlo says Niu Sila is a beautiful story about the "sweetness" of friendship, but also the painful reality of deep-seated racism. Ultimately, it "celebrates the rich diversity of cultures here, creating a vibrant kaleidoscope of humanity that’s a joy to experience.” Come enjoy the students’ hard work and creativity at the Performing Arts Centre (PAC) on Thursday 11 September at 7 PM. Entry is by koha.

In this Issue From the Principal Upcoming events Winter Tournament Sports Results Enrolments 2026 Update Twin innovators win at Science Fair with life-saving tech Niu Sila: A tale of cross-cultural friendship Conservation Week: Doing good for nature Avcol dancers shine in back-to-back competitions 48 Hour Film Festival: "A Spanner in the Works" Pink Ducky Club brings the laughs at TYP match Zoo tracks, talks, and taxonomy for 13Bio Jersey ceremony celebrates mana and mahi for league girls Shadowtech trip to Airways NZ Aspiring lawyers visit Meredith Connell firm New Zealand Institute of Sport Open Day Unveiling our 2026 Show: Clue #2 Noticeboard

Avondale College enjoyed celebrating Tonga Language Week last week. The 2025 theme was ‘Ko 'etau lea, ko e fe’unu mahu’inga ia ki he mo’ui ‘a e Tonga - Our language is a vital strand of our Tongan culture.’ The Tongan language is a vital strand of Tongan culture because it serves as the primary medium through which traditions, history, and social values are passed down. By speaking the mother tongue, oral stories, songs, dances and ceremonies are preserved and shared, keeping the rich cultural heritage alive. Moreover, speaking Tongan reinforces a sense of belonging and pride, connecting individuals to their ancestors and to each other within the kainga. At Avondale College, students are being encouraged and supported to lead the celebration. The 2025 TLW was a huge success where students volunteered to showcase their talents through music and dance. A highlight was having Miss Filimoehala and the Avcol brass band play at assembly as well as the Friday lunchtime concert to conclude the celebration of the uike lea faka-Tonga. ‘Oatu e fakamalo loto hounga kihe fanau ako, kau faiako moe tauhi matu’a homou ngaahi tokoni kotoa pe. Faka’apa’apa atu, Komiti TLW Avcol. - Ms V Sinisa

Envision Dance Showcase 2025 was a stunning presentation of dance at Avondale College. Students presented assessment work from guest choreographers, their own choreography from internal standards, co-curricular competition pieces, and collaborative works that had been created together with their dance teachers. "A great deal of love and dedication went into this showcase to highlight the incredible creativity within our department," said Director of Dance, Miss Santana Schmidt. "Without our students, the high standard and level of excellence we strive for would not be possible." "I am beyond proud to be part of a community where Dance and the Performing Arts are both valued and nurtured." "Finally, a heartfelt thank you to our parents and caregivers for standing by us through every event, competition, and showcase. Your support ensures that Envision continues to affirm the value of Dance for all those who love it."

In this Issue From the Principal Upcoming events Have your say on proposed NCEA changes Literacy & Numeracy co-requisite testing for Year 11 & 12s Cadenza: Standing ovations & a Silver Award Forty outstanding dance acts at ENVISION Showcase Tonga Language Week SUSO (Stand Up Stand Out) Dance Heats New Club on the block ponders the deep questions Planning for 2026 Unveiling our 2026 Show....one clue at a time Association of Cambridge Schools in NZ - Revision Classes Studylink – Student Loans & Allowances Step by step to a career they love Sports Results Noticeboard

Philippines VS Premier Netball team friendly The Philippines National Netball team visited Avcol last Friday to face off against our Premier Netball team in the gymnasium. Avcol came away with the win 56 to 34. It was a lovely time of cultural exchange of friendly rivalry!

Our 1st XI Girls Football team started their season having to play off to avoid relegation, and since then have gone from strength to strength. On Wednesday they were in the APC Div 2 finals against Epsom Girls Grammar School. We scored early and held on to take the win 1-0. "I was very proud to see them receive their medals and trophy, but more than that I was proud of the way they conducted themselves as players and representatives of Avondale College," says Principal Lyndy Watkinson. Co-captain Koewtaa Waethongkham also expressed pride in the girls' achievements at Monday's assembly: "I am super proud of the team’s success. Today we stand as champions, proof that when grit meets unity, goals turn into glory."

In this Issue From the Principal Upcoming events Top awards for Symphony and Chamber Orchestras Victory for the Girls 1st XI Football team! Philippines VS Premier Netball team friendly Still time to squeeze into the next Taurewa trip! Leveling up with Industry Certifications Sorting finances for higher study Sports Results Noticeboard

The School Board Triennial Parent Election is underway! Avondale College voting packs have been issued via post to all eligible voters. Please get them back to the Returning Officer at the College as soon as possible. We would encourage you to ideally drop your sealed envelope to Reception, or post in the provided envelope in the voting pack. All votes must be posted or handed in by 4:00pm Wednesday 10 September.

Last week a group of Year 11 Tauira Māori attended an awesome event by Waipapa Taumata Rau – The University of Auckland. This kaupapa aimed to nurture and grow the potential of our rangatahi as future innovators, leaders and change makers. Waipapa Ōhanga Rau showcased the diverse spaces across the University, the opportunities available and support surrounding our Tauira Māori interested in studying at University of Auckland.