AV O N D A L E C O L L E G E
Issue 2 > 2015 www.avcol.school.nz
Microsoft World Champs Talent Quest Stage Challenge Sporting News
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
2 From the Principal Architecture Award
Dear Parents and Caregivers Avondale College students have been involved in an extraordinarily wide range of academic, sporting and cultural activities throughout Term 2. Once again their successes have been impressive and widely publicised. After last year’s outstanding successes in the national and international Microsoft Office Specialist competitions (where three Avondale College students successfully represented New Zealand at the MOS World Championships), hopes were high that our students would once again perform well in 2015. We are delighted to advise that with their most recent achievements our students have surpassed even those expectations and six of the seven students representing New Zealand in the 2015 World Championships in the USA will be from Avondale College. This remarkable achievement follows the New Zealand competitions where Avondale College students took 12 of the first 13 places in the finals. We warmly congratulate these students and their teachers: Mr Paul McClean and Ms Zoe Beaucamp. These successes highlight the New Zealand leadership role our college is taking in computing education, and the large number of students now gaining very high levels of achievement in national and international qualifications systems as well as in internationally benchmarked industry certifications are confirming the quality of the programmes being delivered. Our recent partnership agreement with Hewlett Packard, coupled with significant investment from the Board to further upgrade our network, will
MICROSOFT CHAMPS
CONTENTS further enhance the opportunities for all students to access the very best resources, applications and tools for their futures. Hewlett Packard and Lexel have been involved in a comprehensive review and replacement programme to rebuild what is already the largest school network in country, making it second to none. This is a mammoth task and is due to be completed later in the year. The differences in performance and capability are already becoming evident and will be fully deployed for everyone in the very near future. We are also pleased to congratulate two other Avondale College students who are New Zealand representatives in their academic fields of endeavour. Ery Zhu is currently representing New Zealand as a member of the New Zealand Biology Olympiad team in Denmark and is soon to be followed overseas by our second academic Olympian, Alysha Johnson, who will be going to Russia for the Geography world competitions in August. Term 3 has now begun and our most recent academic data indicates that the majority of students are well on track for positive results in their endof-year qualifications. To ensure these outcomes are realised for all students will require consistent efforts throughout the term and a willingness to take advantage of the many support, homework and coaching programmes offered to all students. If any parents or caregivers would like further information about the assistance that is on offer to ensure the academic success of their children, please do not hesitate to make contact with the school. We are looking forward to another positive and enjoyable term for all of our students. Kind regards, Brent Lewis Principal
3 Microsoft Champs International Olympiad 4
Talent Quest WWI Commemorations 40 Hour Famine School Ball
5 BP Business Challenge Stage Challenge Safe School Leaders 6 Samoan Independence Day Duke of Edinburgh Honours Assembly 7 48 Hour Film Festival Bridge Building Library Bookclub
NZ CHAMPS OFF TO WORLD COMPETITION
Avondale College students are once again proving they are world class, having won six of the seven places in the New Zealand team to compete in the Microsoft World Championships in Dallas, Texas, in August. Di Kun Ong, Bronwen Lamb, Nathan Lee, Aiden Sharpe, Muhammad (Azizul) Islam and Ellen Greenly all won the right to compete in the international event after gaining exceptional results in the national competition. In fact the Avondale students blitzed the competition, gaining 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th places in every Microsoft 2013 Office application except PowerPoint, (where, unofficially, only the competition’s elegibility criteria prevented an Avondale first). It’s a result that translates into Avondale College students being ranked 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th in New Zealand following a year of national competition involving schools from all across the country, including those in Microsoft’s twenty IT Academy schools. Even more convincingly, it’s not a one off. Avondale College students
8 Gateway Careers Dance 9 Drama Geography International 10 Innovation Programme 11 Music 12 Media Performing Arts Academy Science – Horticulture 13 Physical Education Technology Taurewa
made up the entire New Zealand team at last year’s world champs, with all three students gaining top ten placings (of 3rd, 6th, and 10th) in their various applications. For Year 12 student Di Kun Ong, this will be the second time he will be pitting himself against the world’s best in the MOS Championships – which includes students from universities and other tertiary institutions. This year he is hoping to improve on his 6th place world ranking in PowerPoint 2013.
The Avondale students’ success is something that their ICT teacher (and Director of Avondale’s ground-breaking Innovation Programme), Mr Paul McClean, attributes to the creative and design thinking skills being fostered in their innovative classroom environment. Unlike previous ‘comprehension’ based exams, which can be well memorised, the new Microsoft Office exams are project-based and test practical understanding of the software that Avondale students are using each day as they work on their own real world projects. “There are parts of the test where the students, having previously mapped it out in advance, must search for a solution rather than studying the content of a pre-set curriculum. This requires skill and technology competencies that can only be gained through critical thinking, confidence, assured risk management and applied experience,” he says. It’s proving to be a winning formula. 2014 saw more than 750,000 contestants from 130 countries compete for only 123 places in the world finals. This year, six of those finalists will be from Avondale College.
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INTERNATIONAL OLYMPIAD
ARCHITECTURE AWARD
ERY ZHU TO COMPETE IN BIOLOGY COMPETITION
AWARD-WINNING FACILITIES UP FOR NATIONAL AWARD
Avondale College’s 40+ million dollar rebuild has received an award at the 2015 Auckland Architecture Awards in the Education category, as well as a nomination for a national award. The New Zealand Institute of Architecture recognised Jasmax’s work at Avondale College as a project with a positive communal effect:
“The completion of a three-stage, four-year project at this large, aspirational state high school has given its community buildings that it can be inspired by and proud of.” The jury praised the design of the college, saying it deployed the language of an urban street: “The arrangement of confident buildings and courtyards, which are given texture and interest via textured concrete formwork and coloured plywood panelling must surely energise and affirm its pupils each day. The environment within which they easily move is assured and sophisticated, the well-appointed teacher work rooms must be a delight to their users, and the retention of a wing of the school’s historic early buildings is to be applauded.” Avondale College has now been nominated for the 2015 New Zealand Architecture Awards, which will be announced this November. 2 AVCOL
Congratulations to biologist Ery Zhu who has won a place in the New Zealand team at the International Biology Olympiad, to be held in Aarhus, Denmark from 12th-19th July. The competition challenges students to tackle a range of biological problems and experiments on subject matter including plants, animals and evolution. This is an amazing achievement for the Year 13 student, who had to go through a rigorous selection process, sitting three exams, studying over her summer holiday and participating in an eight-day training camp during the April school holidays, held at universities across the country. From the 400 students who sat the first exam, she was chosen as one of the four New Zealand representatives to head to Denmark. “This is going to be a really good opportunity to meet new people and extend myself,” she says. “I love how much I can relate to biology, I can see what I’m learning happening around me in my life.”
“I love how much I can relate to biology, I can see what I’m learning happening around me in my life.” - Ery Zhu Y13 Biology student
STAGE CHALLENGE
BP BUSINESS CHALLENGE
TALENT QUEST Avondale College has come to expect an outstanding display of talent at the annual Talent Quest, and this year was no exception with a highly entertaining array of musicians, dancers and performers giving their all at the final on 14 May. Taking away the top awards on the night were: Dance: Nathaniel Moody Solo Vocals: Kristen Paulse Entertainment: Punit Prajapati Band (and overall winners): The Funky Beasts
Special thanks go to Mrs Donaldson and the prefects who organised the event, and to guest judges: Josh Iopus (from band 3 Houses Down); Matthew Faiumu Salapu (music producer Anonymouz); and Josh Cesan (from dance group Identity).
WWI COMMEMORATIONS
If you’ve ever lost your phone or ipad, then an entrepreneurial group of Year 11 Avondale College students may just have devised the solution for you! Their innovative business proposal was voted ‘best business idea’ at the three day BP Business Challenge run at Avondale College from 27th to 20th May. Organised by the Young Enterprise Trust, students had to form a virtual company with an organisational structure and directors’ roles, then devise a product which would solve a problem or fill a need. Once they had researched the product, target market and competition, the students had to pitch their idea to a ‘dragons den’ of judges. It was a challenging and exhilarating experience for the students, requiring perseverance, communication and team work. Ideas presented by students included smell-free rubbish bins, hover boards, painless waxing and more. The winning team’s idea allowed their target market to track down their phone or other objects via a simple GPS-monitored arm band. The presentation impressed the judges so much that the Rosebank Business Association awarded the winning team an extra $65 so that each member of the team could win $20 each. Avondale College would like to thank the Rosebank Business Association for their support of the programme, and particularly our judges Mike Gibson, Kelvin Armstrong, Hanish Sohail and Blair Peach. Young Enterprise Trust Facilitators Wayne Prince and Lucy Wymer did a fantastic job of ensuring the students remained energetic and excited throughout the duration of the experiential learning programme. Overall it was a fantastic three days with many of the participating students commenting on how challenging and fun the Business Challenge was. We look forward to seeing many of these students shaping New Zealand business in the future.
40 HOUR FAMINE
A Field of Remembrance and a WWI timeline running the length of the transverse corridor were just two of the ways the ANZAC centenary was commemorated at Avondale College in April. Organised by a student steering committee under the guidance of history teacher Ms Clementine Fraser, a special ceremony was held after school on Wednesday 22 April, during which 30 white crosses were placed in specially consecrated ground between the library and A Block. Each cross represented a soldier with connections to the Avondale area who lost their life during the Great War. The students also put together an informative and visually stimulating display which gave more insight into the events of the WWI. The timeline focused on 22 key events of the war, and had at its centre a stunning wreath of handmade poppies made by Mrs Shannon Freestone and Fashion Technology students.
Avondale College has once again shown great HEART in raising over $4,000 for the 40 Hour Famine in support of Bangladesh which has nearly the highest rate of malnutrition in the world. The funds raised this year are going towards towards establishing emergency feeding programmes, teaching families how to grow veggies and improving access to health and nutrition services. Well done to all who did such a great job in supporting this worthwhile cause.
SAFE SCHOOL LEADERS KEEPING THE SCHOOL IN SAFE HANDS…
Helping to ensure the safety of all our students are Avondale College’s Safe School Leaders. Led by Mr Tai, this dedicated (and friendly!) group help promote and maintain Avondale College as a bully-free school.
SCHOOL BALL
Friday 26 June saw a continuation of Avondale’s long-standing involvement in Stage Challenge. 118 students, led by Nathaniel Moody and Lucy Dawber, put together a powerful performance based on the Hansel and Gretel story. Replace Hansel and Gretel with teenagers and it becomes a story about consequences and deceptive appearances. Added to that was another layer about writers and how a story can have its own life. The performance was presented flawlessly and Avondale won awards of excellence for soundtrack, student leadership, set design and stage use, drama and concept.
A Narnia-inspired theme set the scene for this year’s ball, which was held at Eden Park on 5 June. Around 400 guests danced the night away following a sumptuous dinner, surrounded by fairy lights and winterthemed decorations. Many thanks to Mrs Donaldson and all who helped make it such a special event.
Safe School Leaders 2015 Pasilio Hope, Craig Igatia, Junior Soqeta, Aaliya Khan, Jade Wilson-Kali, Lagi Togia, Kayla MacDonald, Ava Hopewell, Cara Kis-ing, Anna Lines, Tazrin Haque, Harrison Murphy, Kansas Anderson, Sammie Rae, Farani Aute-neli, Genevieve Tang, Marah Shahin, Antonia Holmes, Azizul Islam, Yashna Shetty, David Rennison, Helen Petelo, Brianna Ratima, Danielle Noa, Seraiah To’omalata, Louise Sime, Celyn Pauli, Brooklyn Mete, Iliya Thompson, Nicholas Narayan, Israel Levi, Luseane Kauvaka. 4 AVCOL
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“Stage Challenge was fun but challenging! It’s quite a process to come up with a story with in-depth ideas that works well on stage… there’s a lot to think about. Working with such a big cast is not easy but in the end we pulled together and it all worked really well.” - Nathaniel Moody
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
SAMOAN INDEPENDENCE DAY
Students from Avondale College have been training hard and have been preparing to undergo expeditions for both Bronze and Silver awards for Duke of Edinburgh. The first practice camp included a hike through the Waitakere Ranges followed by an overnight stay, with a weekend of learning about how to read maps, plan hiking routes, and how to survive in the wilderness by building bivouacs and administering basic first aid if needed.
Samoan Independence Day was celebrated in style at Avondale College with food and fun events for students and staff. A special morning tea featuring Samoan delicacies was provided for staff, and similar treats were handed out to an appreciative crowd who gathered in D Block to see performances of traditional Samoan dancing and music.
48 HOUR FILM FESTIVAL With only 48 hours to film, shoot, edit and survive, the Rialto 48 Hours Furious Filmmaking competition is film making at its fastest and most fun! Avondale College once again put some of our most creative filmmakers to the test during the weekend of 1-3 May. Despite having their fingers firmly crossed for the genre of Horror, the intrepid 48 Hour Film team was once again given the genre of Rom Com. Compulsory elements included bread as a prop, and the line:”Oh really?” The script writers came up with an idea for a story in the car on the way back from picking up the details on the Friday night and pitched it to the team on their return. The following hours were a bit of a blur with Ms Medland’s kitchen once again being turned into a film set. (She must have been picking up bits of bread for the entire following week!)
HONOURS ASSEMBLY That Avondale College students are highly successful across a broad spectrum of areas was particularly evident at our Honours Assembly on May 6, where some of our highest achieving students were honoured for their achievements this year. Guest speaker Michael Jones presented the awards, noting that not only do these students bring honour to
“Aim for the moon. Dream. Have the courage to stand alone. Pursue your dream. Pick your friends wisely. Be the best you can be.” – Michael Jones speaking at Avondale College 6/5/15
themselves, but their achievements also bring honour to the school and the wider community. For a full list of the details of each student’s achievement, please visit our website: www.avcol.school.nz/events Phyllis Afasene Volleyball Tyler Ambler Swimming, Water Polo Madison Amituanai Swimming Kansas Anderson Polyfest Htoo Aung Basketball Camille Balducci Certificate of Excellence Kayla Brown Polyfest Jahream Bula Athletics Zhinxin Cen Certificate of Excellence Mia Chadwick Athletics Louis Chand Snooker Chanelle Chandra Polyfest Elena Chetland de Vries Athletics Jade Conlon Hockey Maddison Conlon Hockey Ruby Coombes Hockey Arjuna de Simas Oakes Music Arantxa Dowling Certificate of Excellence Tamira Enelikon Senior Girls Kilikiti Cullen Erson Music Teo-Tahi Erutoe Nepia Polyfest Miles Erwin-Atmore Certificate of Excellence Ery Ery Lacrosse, Biology Gabrielle Fa’amausili Swimming Anastasia Fa’aui Dance Tauave Fepuleai Basketball Luke Fielding Athletics. Aquathon Margaret Freeman Polyfest Marciano Fritz Basketball Reuben Goh Swimming Mikayla Graham Underwater Rugby Dong Gun Gyoung Music Mazelina Haurua Tag. Polyfest Kirsten Hill Swimming Dilshani Hondamunige Polyfest
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Timotheo Isaya Athletics Alysha Johnson Geography Irmine Kambimbi Ngoy Polyfest Sayaka Kawamoto Polyfest Miname Larsen Music Natasha Latu Swimming Tayla Latu Swimming Tony Lee Music Danielle Lesatele Polyfest Jessie Liu Certificate of Excellence Jireh Lolotoa Peniata Polyfest Xavier Loretz Certificate of Excellence Catherine Luo Polyfest Ravosoi Lusiana Polyfest Lucy Makaea Swimming, Surf Life Saving Tamar Mani Athletics Briahna Mann Swimming Caitlin Mann Swimming, Aquathon Ethan Manukuo Polyfest , Gaelic Football Daniella Matondo Polyfest Megan Mclean Hockey Callum Mcleod Music Dawn Mercado Certificate of Excellence Joshua Monga Poly Fest Sakuya Mori Tennis Juna Morita Polyfest Bethany Mottram Dance Gavin Ninnes Sailing Danielle Ortiz Polyfest Emma-Rose Owens Senior Girls Softball Sam Palffy Athletics Joshua Parker Music Kajal Patel Polyfest Isaac Pese Volleyball Shalom Pinto Certificate of Excellence Punit Prajapati Chemistry Samantha Quach Certificate of Excellence Riana Rangi Basketball Jared Rawlings Snooker
Deja Rees Athletics James Robinson Softball Mariah Ropati Basketball. Tag Teneva Ropati Basketball Lucy Rupapera Polyfest Silao Saia Senior Boys Kiliktii Anastasia Sekene Rugby 7s, Tag Mika Seltner-Jones Athletics Ikko Shibuya Swimming Lavinia Solomon Senior Girls Touch, Tag Saithan Sonsuphap Polyfest Junior Soqueta Polyfest Christine Sun Music Lilly Taito Poly Fest Genevieve Tang Certificate of Excellence Corbyn Taulealea-Huch Dance Lotolua Tautua Athletics Austin Tavita Music Penitiamo Tavita Music Nick Teau Polyfest Romiromi Teaurere Poly Fest Cherry Thanla Polyfest Amelia Thurlow Music Nina Tollemache Athletics Ligi Tongalea Polyfest Matthew Townsend Music James Unu Polyfest Tagicakitai Vaulina Polyfest Kartikey Vyas Chemistry Kalen Weir Mountain Biking Te Irirangi Williams Polyfest Rosealee Wilson Basketball Jade Wilson-Kali Polyfest Anna Wong Polyfest Jackie Young Swimming Alice Yu Head Librarian Max Zecchini Dowling Music Zhixin Zen Ultimate Frisbee Johnny Zhang Chemistry. Biology
The film starred Laura Evans and Harry Murphy and was ably directed by Myke Prayoncorn and Georgia Vincent. Nathaniel Moody did a fantastic job as editor.
“Overall it was a great group effort and a successful student collaboration that was actually handed in early! “ As usual not much sleep was had, but the team was able to keep going thanks to the energy generated by Ms Medland’s amazing cooking. The film crew would particularly like to thank all the teachers involved and Mr Lewis for once again allowing them to have the run of the school.
BRIDGE BUILDING
LIBRARY BOOKCLUB
Budding engineers put their bridge buildings skills to work on Friday 15 May, as they faced the challenge of building a load-bearing bridge using nothing but skewers and PVA glue. The winning teams will have the opportunity to enter to the Aurecon Bridge Building Competition later in the year.
After collapsing at a school rugby game, Andrew Fiu’s undiagnosed rheumatic fever left him with a severely damaged heart. A survivor of six open heart operations, the author of ‘Purple Heart’ inspired Avondale College students on Tuesday 27 May, speaking as part of the Writers in Schools Programme. Andrew had his audience rolling with laughter as he regaled them with stories from his youth as a Samoan migrant finding his feet in New Zealand. His message was literally one from the heart: “Look, we all have hard lives, no-one is immune,” he says. “The key is how to move forward despite all the drag weighing you down. ‘Tomorrow’s another day’ as they say but it’s only another day if you cruise. It’s going to be a fantastic day if you know deep down inside that you will achieve at least one thing.”
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CAREERS
GATEWAY GATEWAY – WORK EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME
YEAR 13 INTERVIEWS
We see all Year 13 students at least once during the year with the aim of clarifying their future direction and goals. These interviews are mostly completed. Now could be a good time to discuss career goals with your child to continue this process.
Interested in doing Gateway in 2016? Come to our Gateway Info Evening: Wed 26th August 6pm–7pm in the school staffroom. This informative evening is for students and parents. Applications close Monday 7th September 2015 Please collect an application form from outside the Gateway Office in A19. Terms 1 & 2 have been very busy with the Gateway programme continuing to provide our students with extremely valuable experiences as they work through possible career options. Student feedback continues to be very positive as they are enjoying their work placements (one day a week for ten weeks), while gaining knowledge, experience and an understanding of their chosen industry. As a result they will be in a good position to make an informed decision as to whether this is a realistic and attractive future career direction for them.
SUBJECT CHOICES FOR 2016
Students and parents of all year levels are invited to attend the Pathways Planning Evening. Wednesday 22 July 3.30 – 6.30pm Avondale College Theatre You are welcome to drop in any time during the evening. All school departments will be present to help students and their parents to plan subject choices for 2016. Liaison staff from universities, polytechnics and private training providers will also be present to assist with planning beyond school. This is a fantastic opportunity to ensure your child makes informed choices about their future pathways. We look forward to seeing you there.
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Universities, polytechnics and different private providers have started to present information sessions for parents and students on courses within their various faculties. We advise you to contact the tertiary institution your child may wish to attend to see if there is an upcoming presentation or open day. Every Year 12 and 13 student has been given a list of our own lunchtime career speakers for this term. There will be further speakers in Term 3, with a focus on course planning.
DANCE “Gateway was an amazing opportunity for me, to confirm that I want a career in nursing. It was great to work with such a friendly team in Ward 68 at Auckland Hospital. It showed me the different responsibilities and skills needed to be a good nurse. I would recommend Gateway to anyone who would like a taste of their future career.”
DRAMA The Year 10 Drama Academy had an energetic start to the year, devising plays based on the theme ‘On the Hunt’. These will be presented, together with extracts from Ellie’s Incredible Illucinations, for their Speech New Zealand Theatre in Action examination in Term 3. Snippets from these dramas were shared with all the Performing Arts Academy students in the last lesson of Term 2. The Year 9 Drama Academy have just completed their Intermediate Oral Communication exam for Speech New Zealand. The students had to present a demonstration, read aloud an unseen passage from a novel, participate in a role play and present a dramatised adaptation of a fairy tale. The three fairy tales that were presented were Cindy and the Three Gees, The Three Little Pigs and Hazel and Gretel. The examiner commented on how well prepared the students were and how much they obviously enjoyed presenting their work. The Year 11 Drama students have just presented some very entertaining melodramas. They hissed the villain, sighed for the hero and heroine, and were delighted when good triumphed over evil at the end of the plays.
FIFA, PHOTOS AND FAREWELLS
GEOGRAPHY After tackling Brechtian drama earlier this term, Year 12 Drama students are now diligently preparing for their Term 3 evening performance, which will consist of a selection of extracts from Irish plays. These will be presented in the Drama Suite in the third week of Term 3. Performances start at 6.00pm on Thursday 6th August. In the first week of Term 3 our Year 13 students will be presenting In Their Footsteps in the Drama Suite on Thursday 23 July at 6.00pm. These plays are based on the lives of famous people, such as Eva Peron, Rosa Parks, Abba, Jerome Robbins – the choreographer of West Side Story and ‘The Rat Pack’. The Drama Department extends a warm invitation to everyone. The Show Camp took place in the last week of Term 2. Dates for the 2015 show Footloose are 16-19 September, starting at at 7.30pm in the theatre. Tickets will be available through the school by phoning 820 1731 or emailing zate@avcol. school.nz
The Avondale College Geography Club would like to invite you to our weekly sessions of fun-filled activities all to do with learning about Geography! With Geography teachers on hand to answer any questions you have, this also offers you the opportunity to catch up with any assessment work or homework. Don’t miss out: Geography Club is held in C17, every Tuesday after school.
INTERNATIONAL
International students have had a busy term at Avondale College with a number of additional fun events scheduled by the International Department. Thanks to INAKL our students had the chance to cheer for Ukraine and Senegal in their round 16 match of the U20 FIFA World Cup. Later in the term, a number of students experienced the beautiful New Zealand outdoors during their week at Taurewa. A photo competition run by the department showed just what a range of activities our students have been involved in as they make the
most of their time in New Zealand. Congratulations to the competition winners: Markus, Leo, Ysaline, Maria and Zixyuan. We are now bidding farewell to a number of international students who will be heading back to their homes around the world shortly. These students were honoured in a special assembly, where they received a gift of pounamu and a rousing send-off by Te Roopu-o-Patiki. We wish these students every success as they continue with their schooling and lives in other parts of the world, knowing they will always be part of the Avondale College family.
- Jessica Hart (Nursing)
ng) Jessica Hart (Nursi
Forty-eight senior dance students traveled to the Vodafone Events Centre on 15 June and participated in a demonstration and Q&A session with the Artistic Director and dancers from the Royal New Zealand Ballet. The students watched the dancers take a class and rehearse pieces for their upcoming production of ‘Salute.’ After the demonstration students had the opportunity to interact with the members of the company and ask them about the life of a professional dancers. On 22 June we hosted members of the New Zealand Dance Company in our dance studio, B13. Students participated in a two hour masterclass in contemporary dance technique. They experienced muscle and bone/ mind and body exercises (a vigorous, rhythmic form of dance training designed to encourage flexibility, endurance, spacial expansion and mind/body connection) and a highlight of the workshop was learning a contemporary dance sequence choreographed for the company. The students had an opportunity to talk to the dancers about their life in the company and came away motivated and inspired. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience. 8 AVCOL
Winning photo by Markus Troestler
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INNOVATION STUDENTS GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
Innovation Programme students have encountered many different challenges this term as they develop their own real world apps in their before-school and Saturday classes. As they work on their projects, students have also had the opportunity to engage with a variety of industry representatives who have given them invaluable feedback and advice. Students presented their projects to New Zealand Post’s Customer Experience Design Strategist, Andrew Tobin, Client Solution Digital Specialist, Belinda Moffet, and Head of Market Development, Sarah Foote, in May. Students also met Jason Ennor, Managing Director of innovative firm, MYHR, learning about his journey, key challenges and triumphs. It was an informative and fascinating presentation, offering students many key insights into establishing an innovative business. Innovation Programme students are continuing to gain outstanding results in their Microsoft Certification examinations, with some even scoring perfect scores (1000/1000!) – an achievement that is almost unheard of even amongst industry professionals. Having scooped five out of New Zealand’s six top spots at the national Microsoft Office Specialist Championships, Aiden Sharpe, Nathan Lee, Di Kun Ong, Muhammad (Azizul) Islam, Ellen Greenly and Bronwyn Lamb) will be soon heading to Dallas to compete in the World Championships. Underpinning student success is the sophisticated networking system that is being implemented school-wide as part of the college’s strategic partnership with HP. This means Avondale College has become one of the first organisations in New Zealand to roll out a leading edge “software defined” networking system with significant capability, reliability and innovation education tools. Alongside this, Avondale’s Innovation Programme continues to lead the way in ICT education, having met stringent requirements in order to deliver Hewlett Packard’s Institute Programme. Normally geared towards business and IT professionals, the HP programme offers soughtafter credentials that validate real-world skills and expertise in areas such as strategy, innovation, networks, the Cloud solutions, storage and devices. Innovation Programme students will have the opportunity to compete for one of just 16 places on this programme, where they will work towards gaining HP’s Accredited Technical Associate certification in IT and Business. As the Innovation Programme continues to offer students an experience that differs vastly from typical ‘legacy’ ICT classrooms, Avondale College students are becoming further equipped for real success in future business and innovation.
ROCKQUEST SUCCESS FOR KICKING SCREAMING LOVE MACHINE...
BIG SING COMPETITION
Rocking their way to second place in the West Auckland regional finals of the Smokefree Rockquest was Avondale College’s band, The Kicking, Screaming Love Machine. The six piece band (Oscar McFarlane, Cullen Erson, Zain Azimullah, Josh Parker, Myke Prayoncorn and Arjuna de Simas Oakes) performed two original compositions to win a top-two spot in the hotly-contested competition, which gives them a shot at the national finals in September. Drummer - and vocalist - Joshua Parker also won the MAINZ Musicianship Award for his outstanding performance on the night. The band has now risen to the challenge of putting together two new original pieces and a music video to win one of only nine places in September’s grand national final. Watch this space! To see a video of the regional heats, visit www.avcol.school.nz/events
Avondale College’s Choir took part in the non-competitive section of the Big Sing event held at the Auckland Town Hall on 9 June, where they sang superbly. Directed by Carolyn Medland and assisted by Michael Miller, the choir was accompanied by a student pianist for the first time this year: Wendy Mao of Year 13. The choir performed the beautiful ‘Odi et Amo’ (I Hate and I Love) by Carl Orff, the challenging contemporary piece ‘Northern Lights’ by Ola Gjeilo, a setting of the text from Songs of Solomon and the New Zealand folk song ‘Promises to Keep’ arranged by Auckland composer Robert Wiremu.
“The process leading up to the performance included weeks of hard work put in by both students and the utterly dedicated Ms Medland. It was an amazing experience.”
A CAPELLA COMPETITION
This inaugural competition attracted a good number of entries and a very high quality field was in evidence. Winning first place were Isaiah Matafai, Junior Squeta and Jireh Lolotoa-Peniata with the second place spot being awarded to Heseti Lepua, Tamira Eneliko and Mercy Fuatele. Both groups will now go through to the Stand Up Stand Out competition, representing Avondale College.
-Alysha Johnson 13ELS
AUCKLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY CONCERT
Avondale College was once again invited to perform a concert at the Auckland Public Library as part of their prestigious lunchtime series. The Music Department put together a superb repertoire which included the String Ensemble playing ‘Palladio’ by Karl Jenkins, ‘Allegro’ from Vivaldi’s ‘Spring’ featuring Boris Guo (which was absolutely breathtaking) and music from the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean.’ Our Performing Arts Academy Classical students also performed three peices. June Jeong, Dahlia Feng and Joanna Sang performed Haydn’s ‘London Trio’, Bonis’s ‘Pastorale’ and Gerson’s ‘Waltz’. This was an outstanding performance, and especially given all three are still in Year 9. The Jazz Combo were also very well received, playing ‘Yesterdays’ by Jerome Kern and three original pieces by Zain Azimullah (Year 13). These were ‘Cullen’s Secret Cuban Life’, ‘Trombones and Red Wine’ and ‘Down To Business.’
MUSIC AVCOL STUDENTS ‘BRING IT TOGETHER’ Being part of a a 400-strong orchestra was an amazing experience for some of our most talented junior musicians as they took part in the ‘Bring it Together’ event held at the Vodafone Events Centre on 12 May. The special day was organised by the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra and involved school orchestras, bands and choirs from over 60 schools. Musicians from the APO joined forces with the students to play popular orchestral repertoire en masse. The programme included Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’ theme, ‘Happy Happy’ from Ren Stimpy, Tchaikovsky’s ’Marche Slave’ and David Hamilton’s ‘Call to Arms’. Led by New York conductor and educator extraordinaire, Beth Cohen, this mass performance of up to 1000 students was part of the APO’s celebration of New Zealand Music Month. To see a slideshow of images from the day, visit our website: www.avcol.school.nz/events 10 AVCOL
Songwriting competition winner: Laura Prahash (Year 12)
SONGWRITING COMPETITION
Once again the judges were given a very tough job deciding the winners of Avondale College’s Songwriting Competition this year, with a high standard of entries showcasing the superb talent of music students in the school. The finals were held on June 12 and June 19 and the winners (Laura Prahash and Iris Guevarra) will represent the school at the Auckland-wide Stand Up Stand Out competition in Term 3.
INTERMEDIATE TOURS
The calibre of our music students was showcased once again this year at a series of concerts at our some of our contributing intermediate schools. The Avondale College String Group, Jazz Combo and Soul Band all gave superb performances to the students at Blockhouse Bay, Rangeview and Glen Eden Intermediates and will visit Avondale Intermediate next term.
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MEDIA
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Lecturers and diploma students from Unitec’s Communications Studies course and the Film School visited Avondale College on 29 April to work with four of our Year 10 Media Studies classes. The two workshops gave students an insight into what communications studies at a tertiary level involves, and students were also given a practical assignment in which they had to plan and film a short video to meet the requirements of a given brief. It was a very informative and fun day for the students, and the beginning of a positive and collaborative relationship between the Media Studies department and Unitec.
TOUGH GUYS AND GALS
Twenty-six of Avondale’s toughest PE students proved themselves at the annual Tough Guy and Gal challenge held at Woodhill Forest on Friday 26 June. The event involved six kilometres of running, slipping and sliding through a mud and water track. Congratulations to Luke Fielding who came second, winning the silver medal in an outstanding time of 25 minutes and 44 seconds.
TECHNOLOGY BUDDING ENGINEERS DESIGN THEIR OWN ROCKETS
PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY
SCIENCE - HORTICULTURE
The students of the Performing Arts Academy are busy rising to the many challenges the courses present. At 7.45am, five mornings a fortnight, they all arrive to classes with the drive to learn new skills and develop as performers in their chosen areas. The Classical Music Academy students put their learning to the test when they performed in the lunchtime concert series at the Auckland City Public Library on 18 June and again at the Avondale College Classical Concert on 30 June. The Jazz Academy musicians also flexed their performance muscle with an open air concert here in Avondale College’s very own Greek Theatre. Our dancers from the Dance Academy ‘A’ group have been given the wonderful opportunity to participate in a contemporary dance workshop delivered by The New Zealand Dance Company in week 10 of Term 2. In the Drama Academy all of the students are preparing for their approaching Speech NZ exams. The Year 9s will be sitting theirs on the morning of Wednesday 24 June – we wish them well! On the last lesson of Term 2 the Academy students have the chance to present items that they have been working on to each other. It will be fantastic for the varied students to experience a little bit of the different worlds of the performing arts. Thank you to all those parents who encourage their students to be at school bright and early for their Academy classes, and to all those students who show such dedication in being there ready and eagar to learn. Mr B Moore
SPORTS ACADEMY Congratulations to the six Year 9 students who were awarded certificates in recognition of their outstanding commitment, participation and excellence in the Sports Academy programme so far this year. Basketball : Jarome Pulesea Cricket : Aidan Carey Football : Hayden Farrell Hockey : Zach Jacobson Netball : Aaliiyah Whitehouse Opetaia Tovio Rugby : Jayden Oscroft
ORCHARD FOR AVONDALE PRIMARY STUDENTS
Howling winds and pouring rain did nothing to deter a group of determined Horticulture students from planting out an orchard at Avondale Primary School on 28 April, as part of the primary school’s involvement in the Orchards in School scheme run by the KidsCan charity. Led by Mr Norton and Ms Eyre, our students’ efforts were captured on camera by TV3, with the segment airing on Campbell Live. To view the Campbell Live article, follow the link on our college website.
STUDENTS CREATING A HAVEN FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS
A block of farmland near Helensville is becoming a haven for plant and bird life, thanks to the ongoing efforts of Avondale College’s Horticulture students. Each year students go to Cue Haven to reforest the large farm block with native plants grown in Avondale College’s Horticulture sheds. This year students made the most of a fine hot day to plant out manuka, kowhai, flaxes and other native trees on the steep, rolling hills. Students and teachers planted out the young trees in record time, meaning more trees had to be trucked in urgently to keep the energetic team supplied with enough to finish the job. The 59 acre farm land is being progressively planted in native forest species to create a haven for plant and bird life. It will also be a place for future generations to enjoy, protected by a QEII covenant so it can never be cut down. For more photos of the day, follow the link on the college website.
KOWHAI AWARD PRESENTATION
Each year schools involved in the Trees for Survival programme are invited to retain their Kowhai School status in recognition of their success in achieving the aims and objectives of Trees for Survival programme. Under the scheme, Trees for Survival provides native seedlings to schools who are then responsible for looking after them until they are ready to plant out. Avondale College has once again been successful in retaining our Kowhai status, and Field Officer Kirsty Hardy-Boys came to award the certificate to the College in May.
12 AVCOL
The sky is quite literally the limit for one Year 13 Technology class who have been designing and building rockets as part of their 13 Mechanical Engineering lessons. Using a special computer programme to plan the rockets, the students then watched their designs become reality as the department’s 3D printer created the prototypes. The project is a new one for Avondale College students, led by technology teacher Mr Hayes. “We wanted a really creative project for the students,” says Mr Hayes.
“It involves managing the project from design all the way through to completion. And not only do they gain two Achievement Standards, but they have a lot of fun along the way.” Students have now been working on designing and creating launch consoles in preparation for the final stage of the project, which will see a grand launching of all the rocket prototypes in Term 3.
TAUREWA TAUREWA TERM 2 ADVENTURES
Taurewa has been a popular destination this term, with Year 10, Year 12, Year 13 and International groups heading south towards our camp in the heart of the Central Plateau. For Year 12 student Sammie Rae, this camp “ended up being one of the most amazing experiences we have ever had.” Some of their highlights included a stream walk through the rivers of the Tongariro National Park, a challenging mountain biking trek on Ohakune, and a two hour sortie in the pitch dark of the Okupata caves. The group made the most of team building opportunities such as the low ropes course, an overnight tramp staying at the Whakapapaiti hut on Mount Tongariro – and endless games of cards, charades and silly songs. This group was the first to take part in the Ultimate Tramping Challenge – which involved a second night in the bush: “We waved the other tramper teams goodbye and set off towards the bush, amping for the challenges ahead,” says Sammie. This included making our way down steep tracks and waterfalls, tramping for three hours through a freezing river and up hills to get to our secret destination of two planks of wood and a rope to hang our fly over. Once we had collected our water, set up a fire and cooked dinner, we all sat roasting marshmallows and sharing stories before heading to our sleeping quarters for a chilly night out in the open air. it was a phenomenal experience.”
“It was a phenomenal experience, with a bunch of special people.” - Sammie Rae, Year 12 (Photo: Leo Jacqmin)
VIEW FROM THE DIRECTOR OF SPORT Despite the challenges of the fierce winds and rain in the first half, Term 2 has been a full and varied one as we reach the halfway mark of the winter season. The pre-season period for winter sports was enhanced with the return visit of Taaone High School from Tahiti to play our 1st XI football boys. The efforts of Mr Anderson, Mr Van Beurden, Mr Davis and Ms Whiu helped to ensure the success of this visit. (See more on page 15). Our Premier football girls have had a successful term, conceding fewer goals than any other team in their division. They are currently in the top three. Our netball girls (under new coach Tia Winikerei) are very dominant in the Waitakere competition, and in the wider Auckland competitions their results have progressed to match their high ambitions for the end-of-year UNISS tournament. Two of the Premier girls (Brooklyn Mete and Anastasia Sekene) gained selection for the Maori New Zealand team that won the prestigious Australasian competition early in the year. Added to this we must also congratulate Anastasia for her selection for the Auckland women’s 7s team that is to travel to Japan to defend their World Club Championships title in July. This is an incredible double achievement in one term in two separate sports! In rugby the 1st XV have shown real ability and are looking promising as the second half the season approaches.
Our rugby league teams both feature in the Auckland leagues at Premier level and the Under 15s. The 1st XIII are showing commitment and application which is a credit to the boys themselves and the management team of coach Ken Wi and manager Barbara Murphy, assisted by Nadine and Lavinia Solomon on match days. The Under 15s are building a good base under the auspices of coach Tom Edmonds and manager Ms Wright. Both the boys and girls hockey are now playing in the challenging Senior A competitions where they are showing increased confidence and resilience. We are now looking forward to the second half of the season and the tournament, which has been productive for both teams in the recent past. In basketball our boys are making strides in the Senior A competition under new young coach Ethan Nesbitt-Carr. The team has worked consistently and very purposefully from early in Term 1 and they are gaining strong results as the season progresses. The girls (coached by Tim Dennis) have been holding the very top teams in their grade to tight games. Two girls, Riana Rangi Brown and Teneva Ropati, have been selected for the New Zealand Under 17 team. It has been good to see our girls’ and boys’ squash teams performing well at increasingly higher levels. Both the boys and girls teams made it to the finals of the Auckland Senior division play offs, the boys’ finishing as runners
RUGBY up and the girls coming out on top to win the Auckland Div 2 Championships. Our mixed indoor ultimate premier team had another successful campaign, comfortably taking out the North Western Zone title. In badminton, our boys’ team (led by the talented Vong brothers; Dacmen and Daxxon) are yet to lose a game in either singles or doubles. Also pleasing is the development of our girls who despite being new to the sport are beginning to make a real mark in their competition. They are a credit to the work of Mr Patil. This overview touches on just some of our major sporting areas. It is great to see the many teams at all levels and grades working together with staff, parents, ex-students and community coaches to create the opportunities that abound here at Avondale. To all these people we offer our deepest thanks, and to those who are thinking about joining a group, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at the Sports Office! Kohia Nga Taikaka Mr C Jones ort Director of Sp
FOOTBALL
TED TALK
Rugby coaching legend Sir Graham Henry is no stranger to handing out black and white shirts to talented rugby players – but this time the jerseys had the Avondale kiwi rather than the silver fern on the front. Guest of honour at the college’s launch of the 1st XV’s rugby season, Sir Graham - ‘Ted’ inspired a room full of rugby players – girls and boys - drawing their attention to the college’s HEART values as a way of carrying the school’s culture onto the rugby field. His advice was simple: “Not easy, but simple,” he said.
TAHITIAN FOOTBALL EXCHANGE
Sir Graham Henry with this year’s 1st XV jersey.
”Have fun – the more fun you have the better you play. And make good mates – the relationships developed with team mates will be ones that last for life.”
He encouraged the players to work hard, develop their culture, and to work on simple ways of showing this on the field. “You guys have real ability,” he said. “Have the structure, then express yourselves within that. It’s what ‘team’s’ all about.”
KAYAKING SAMALULU: ONE TO WATCH
Samalulu Clifton is making waves in more ways than one. The Year 12 student has had a busy year to date, accruing a range of medals and titles in the sports of sprint kayaking and surf lifesaving. At the Kayak Sprint Nationals held at Lake Karapiro in February, Samalulu gained six national championship medals – four for team events, and two (silver) for individuals. Her talent in this sport has been further recognised with her acceptance into the ‘Paddle ID’ programme, which is the first stage in a threestage high performance programme for sprint kayakers. Samalulu is also a keen surf lifesaver, and won a gold medal in the U16 Women’s surf ski event at the Aquapick Surf Lifesaving National Championships held at Midway Beach in March this year. Following on from this success she has been nominated for the Under 16 Sportswoman of the Year in the Northern Region Surf Life Saving Awards on July 11th.
- Mr J Davis
Samalulu Clifton
LEAGUE LOOK OUT, KIWIS!
Two Avondale College students have caught the attention of national league selectors. Junior Ugapo (Year 13) and Caleb Uele (Year 11) have been selected to attend the New Zealand Rugby League National Performance Camp and Trials for U18s and U16s, being held in Rotorua in July. Good luck, boys!
On Thursday 30th April a touring team From Taaone High School in Tahiti arrived in Avondale for an exhibition friendly football match. Avondale was specially selected for the match thanks to the wonderful experience the team had had two years previously, and again we didn’t disappoint! Our visitors were welcomed onto the campus with a Powhiri from Mr Anderson and his class, and this set the tone for a great couple of days. The afternoon saw a fiercely contested match between two high quality sides. The visitors took an early lead through a well-taken goal, but this was short lived as Kyle Tagumasi broke away to equalise after just 10 minutes. A nasty clash of heads halted proceedings momentarily, but half time arrived with the scores still tied. Midway through the second period the Tahitians took the lead, and with time running out, Avondale poured forward, looking for an equaliser. Alas, it was not forthcoming, and the gaps left at the back were capitalised on by our visitors. Final score Avondale College 1 - 4 Taaone HS. Both teams then spent a wonderful evening bonding and forming great friendships. Dinner at the local RSA with some questionable karaoke from both teams was followed with a night in the Whare. Friday morning saw our visitors depart for another game close by, and a return to the College to spend a second night in the Whare. It was a fantastic experience for both sets of players, and one that I doubt either will forget in a hurry. As a mark of gratitude and respect, the Avondale College boys were sent on their way to Saturday morning’s league game with a fiery traditional haka still ringing in their ears. It was a truly fantastic experience for all involved.
Junior Ugapo and Caleb Uele
NOTICES NCEA FEES Due date: 21 August Fees are payable to Avondale College and must be paid, in full, by 4:00pm, 21 August, 2015. If you do not meet this deadline then fees must be paid directly to NZQA. For details see: www.nzqa.govt.nz. Fees received after 1 December will incur a $50 late charge, payable directly to NZQA. Domestic student entry for all NCEA standards: $76.70 per year Domestic student entry for a Scholarship subject: $30.00 per subject International student entry to NCEA standards: $383.30 per year International student entry to Scholarship subjects:$102.20 per subject.
UPCOMING CLASSICS TRIP Planning is underway for a proposed Classics trip at the end of Term 1 2016 to Greece and Italy. A number of students have indicated their interest already, but if any others are interested they should contact Mr Phil Hill, Deputy Principal: hil@avcol.school.nz Students do not have to be taking Classics to participate in this trip, and it is open to all year levels.
WHARE HOMEWORK CENTRE
Monday 31 August 6pm AVONDALE COLLEGE ATRIUM Ticketing through EventFinda
From the Food Technology classrooms at Avondale College, Nadia Lim’s journey has taken her into the public spotlight as Masterchef winner, food writer and business owner of the phenomenally successful “My Food Bag.” Now one of New Zealand’s youngest millionaires, Nadia is returning to her roots to launch the very latest of her cookbooks, Nadia Lim’s Fresh Start Cookbook. Avondale College is very proud to be hosting this special event where Nadia will sign copies of her books and share the story of her journey so far. It will be a fabulous evening, with tasty samples of her newest recipes - and the opportunity to purchase her book for a special one-night-only price. Mark your diary now, and keep an eye on the Avondale College website for more details as they unfold. We hope to see you there!
Every Wednesday 3.30pm-5.00pm in the Whare Junior and senior students are welcome to come along for support with homework and assessments. Teachers and student leaders will be available to help. Whanau, family, aiga, famili, are welcome. Advice on NCEA and students credits will be available. The Whare Homework Centre is in addition to the Library Homework Centre which is on Tuesday and Thursday. If you would like further information contact Mrs Watkinson, wtn@avcol.school.nz
CONTACT DETAILS To contact the dean of your child’s year level, please email, or phone (09) 828 7024, followed by their extension number or use the direct dial listed. YEAR 9 Dean: Mr Pahlavi Timoteo | DDI: 820 1710 | tmo@avcol.school.nz Assoc. Dean: Ms Sally Bowden | x540 | bwd@avcol.school.nz DP: Mr CJ Healey | DDI: 820 1728 | hly@avcol.school.nz YEAR 10 Dean: Mr Ben Coop | DDI: 820 1709 | cpb@avcol.school.nz Assoc. Dean: Mrs Fredda Sorenson | x542 | srn@avcol.school.nz DP: Mr Phil Hill | DDI: 820 1701 | hil@avcol.school.nz YEAR 11 Dean: Mr Dave Dewsnap | DDI: 820 1708 | dsp@avcol.school.nz Assoc. Dean: Mrs Pritika Patel | x534 | ptl@avcol.school.nz DP: Mr John Goold | DDI: 820 1702 | gld@avcol.school.nz YEAR 12 Dean: Mr Neil Bartlett | DDI: 820 1738 | btt@avcol.school.nz Assoc. Dean: Ms Aylana Wright | x539 | wgt@avcol.school.nz DP: Mrs Kiely Murphy | DDI: 820 1700 | mhy@avcol.school.nz YEAR 13 Dean: Mrs Rhonda Donaldson | DDI: 820 1706 | dsn@avcol.school.nz Assoc. Dean: Mr Shawn Cooper | x560 | cpe@avcol.school.nz DP: Mrs Lynne van Etten | DDI: 820 1720 | vtn@avcol.school.nz
Avondale College, Victor Street, Avondale, Auckland
TERM 3 CALENDAR JULY 29 Open Evening 4-7pm 30-31 13GEO/GEC Rotorua Trip AUGUST 3-7 Enrolment Week (see website for details) 6 Year 12 Drama 6pm Drama Suite 14-21 Senior Exams 17-22 KBB Music Festival 26 Gateway Information Evening 31-4 Winter sports tournament week
SEPTEMBER 2 Out of Zone enrolments close 15-19 School Show: Footloose 7.30pm 24 Report Evening (Seniors) 25 End of Term OCTOBER 12 Beginning of Term 4 For more details on events, visit www.avcol.school.nz/events/calendar
09 828 7024 / admin@avcol.school.nz / www.avcol.school.nz