School Ball Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the senior year, the 2016 Avondale College school ball ‘Meet Me in Paris’, held on Saturday 18 June, was a sophisticated occasion. Eden Park’s ASB Lounge was decorated in a stunning Parisian theme which included 60 tables, dramatic lighting, photo booths, a roaming photographer and an ample dance floor. From the moment the doors opened at 7pm, beautifully dressed young women and sharply dressed young men walked the garden path entrance into the venue. Guests were treated to finger food, a buffet meal and dessert. Dancing started early in the evening and carried on until the last song was played at midnight.
Stage Challenge Avondale College once again gave a spectacular performance at this year's Stage Challenge, with the eight-minute student-led production touching on the theme of child abduction.
Many thanks to the Year 13 Deans Mr Bartlett and Ms Wright as well as the Prefect Committee for organising such a polished event.
"This is an amazing feat and everyone involved should be extremely proud of what we have achieved." Avondale College was presented with the Award of Excellence for Costuming Character, the Canon Award of Excellence for Visual Enhancement and The Edge Award of Excellence for Soundtrack.
Leading the way was Year 13 director Natasha van Etten who, along with her student leaders Gemma Rushton, Cara Kis-ing, Georgia Vincent, Jaynie Ng and Sammie Campbell, put months of planning and preparation into the event.
Congratulations to all who took part on and off the stage, and particular thanks to the parents and caregivers who gave their time to support those involved.
" Words cannot express how proud we are of this year’s cast and crew of Avondale College’s Stage Challenge performance Are You Safe?," said Natasha.
SCHOOL SHOW
Daito Bunka Exchange The relationship between Avondale College and our Japanese sister school, Daito Bunka University Dai-ichi High School, is now in its 27th year!
BIG HAIR, BIG HEART, BIG HIT With its vibrant musical numbers and the outstanding singing, dancing and acting talents of our superb students, Avondale College’s production of Hairspray the Musical left audiences singing on their way out the door, after five fantastic evening performances in September.
The College would once again like to thank all the students and staff who gave their time, enthusiasm and energy to producing such an entertaining and memorable show, in particular Director Miss Erica Newlands, Musical Director Mr Mathew Stenbo and Choreographer Miss Clare Jennings.
Following the final bows, bronze, silver and gold service badges were awarded to students who had given three, four and even five years of service to musical theatre at Avondale College.
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In April this year, the bi-annual exchange saw students from Avondale College making their way to Tokyo where they were hosted by families from Daito Bunka school. The hosts organised many class activities that allowed for interaction with their students, and following a fun cultural day, Avondale students were each given a kimono to take home. During their stay, our students also saw many of the famous temples, shrines and castles and ate plenty of sushi and noodles. They experienced a simulated earthquake at the Safety Learning Centre and Disneyland was a highlight for many. Three months later, on 27 July, Avondale College welcomed 24 students, two teachers and two parents from Daito Bunka on their
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return visit. The visitors spent two days in school experiencing the New Zealand classroom attending lessons in Art, Food Technology, PE and Japanese, as well as visiting their host student’s classes. The Japanese group presented Avondale College with a gift at assembly, sang a traditional Japanese song and performed a very modern and hugely entertaining dance to the Avondale students which earned a rapturous applause. They had an exciting experience at the Tree Adventures in Woodhill and spotted their first kiwi bird at Auckland Zoo. They then spent two days in Rotorua and Waitomo before returning to their host families for the weekend. Avondale College values the special relationship that has developed with this Japanese school and looks forward to many more students experiencing for themselves a connection with their sister school.