Dio Today - December 2025

DEC 2025

TRIBUTE TO

HEATHER MCRAE

SENIOR PRIZE GIVING TOP AWARDS

SPEAKING OUT VOICES THAT INSPIRE

CONTENTS | DECEMBER 2025

32

44

4

17

70

LEADING

LEARNING

LIVING

02 From the Principal

14 A full IB school

40 Chaplaincy

Speech delivered at Senior Prize Giving

04 Tribute to retiring Principal Heather McRae

08 Heritage Foundation Our restored Chapel is back at the centre of school life

10 Shrewsbury Building The creative heart of the Dio campus

Our IB offering now includes the Middle Years Programme

17 Senior Prize Giving Celebrating the top achievers from 2025

24 Religious studies Exploring faith and ideas

31 Junior School Proudly sharing learning

Building a community where wellbeing matters

44 Finding your tribe Extracurricular clubs and societies

46 Performing Arts Instrumental and choral successes

55 Sport Round-up of Terms 3 and 4 sports

LIFELONG FRIENDS 68 President’s column An update on Diocesan Alumnae Association activities

70 Founders’ Day A celebration for Old Girls of all ages

74 Women2Watch Dio alumnae pursing their dreams

79 Milestones

From the editors

Diocesan School for Girls Clyde Street, Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand Private Bag 99939, Newmarket 1149 P. 09 520 0221 E. office@diocesan.school.nz DIOCESAN.SCHOOL.NZ

Since Principal Heather McRae announced that she will be retiring at the end of Term 1 next year, tributes have flowed in acknowledging her leadership of Dio over the past 17 years. While the end-of-year functions are a reason to celebrate, this year they carry a tinge of nostalgia as Heather is saluted for her educational acumen, steering Dio to the position the school consistently holds in the top ranks of New Zealand educational institutions. Read our tribute on pages 4 and 5 of this issue of Dio Today.

BOARD CHAIR Mrs Jenny Spillane PRINCIPAL Ms Heather McRae CHAPLAIN Reverend Sandy Robertson

So, we come to the end of another busy school year. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our readers for their interest and wish everyone in the wider Dio family a happy and restful holiday season. We look forward to your company in 2026 when we do it all again!

ASSISTANT CHAPLAIN - SENIOR SCHOOL Rev’d Bryan Haggitt ASSISTANT CHAPLAIN - JUNIOR SCHOOL Rev’d John Goodwin

Meri Kirihimete.

HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL Mrs Margaret van Meeuwen

Liz McKay, Editor Deirdre Coleman, DAA Editor

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS SENIOR SCHOOL Mrs Dian Fisher Mr Simon Walker

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ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Mrs Kate Burkin HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL Mrs Sue Cattell DEPUTY PRINCIPAL JUNIOR SCHOOL Ms Nicole Lewis DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS Mr Paul Sherris (from Term 3) DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Ms Shelley Johnston DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Mrs Angela Coe DIRECTOR OF RECRUITMENT AND PEOPLE Mrs Melissa Karl (from Term 3) DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS Mrs Kate Jones HEAD PREFECT Lotosina Tavui

ON THE COVER

DEPUTY HEAD PREFECT Ivy Barrington

Maysaa Chaimongkon (Year 6) in an after-school Taekwondo class. Whether students are interested in the arts, sports, or clubs, there is something for everyone at Dio. Refer to the Living section (pages 4463) to see the range of options students can explore at Dio.

DIO TODAY is produced through the Marketing Office of Diocesan School for Girls and is designed and published

by Soar Communications Group Limited.

For information about this publication, contact:

Commissioned photography: Photo by Nicola Topping, Real Image | www.realimage.co.nz Other commissioned photography: Craig Butland | Craig Butland Photography | craigbutlandphotography.com Blake Armstrong | Craig Butland Photography | craigbutlandphotography.com

Alumnae editor and proofreading, Deirdre Coleman, E. d.g@slingshot.co.nz

Editor, Liz McKay E. lmckay@diocesan.school.nz

L E A DIN G FROM THE PRINCIPAL

SENIOR PRIZE GIVING SPEECH

Friday 14 November 2025

N

gā mihi nui kia koutou katoa – nau mai, haere mai ki tēnei po whakanui o ngā ākonga.

Welcome to this very special evening where we celebrate outstanding achievements and share our hopes and challenges for the future of education.

This year I have affectionately informed people that Dio has been reviewed up the wazoo – with an IB MYP review, an ERO review, subject, service-learning, Futures Thinking, EOTC and cyber security reviews. I can confidently say that we are bordering on being perfect!

Although tonight is all about the achievements of our senior students, I want to take a special moment to thank the staff and Board for their resilience and leadership. It is with special pride that we acknowledge our people tonight and thank those who make this school possible.

I am most proud that the school has a continuous process of learning about itself and its environment. Peter Senge wrote about the fifth dimension of organisational effectiveness, which is systems thinking. This process relies on us not only evaluating our own improvements, but being constantly aware of the environment our students will experience in the future. This is always upon us as we live amid everchanging global political, cultural and social change. As Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “Change is the only constant in life.” His use of a river demonstrated his point – that you cannot step twice into the same river because both the river and the person are constantly changing. A similar point was made by Heisenberg with his uncertainty principle about not knowing

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for sure where a particle is – both theorists capturing the challenge of education.

At a recent ISNZ conference, Daisy Christodoulou, Director of Education at No More Marking in England, explained that in a few years’ time, she wouldn’t be surprised if a major scandal surfaced about many university degrees that have been conferred to students who have no certified knowledge. While the world was waiting to consider the growing use of AI, students were already using it to write their examinations. Professors argued that they could ‘tell’ an AI-generated piece of work, so 115 samples of AI work were secretly handwritten and submitted for assessment. Interestingly, 112 scripts were marked as human created, with only three consistently being identified.

Even more concerning was that 105 human-generated scripts were identified as AI created. Humans cannot reliably detect AI. Diomidis Spinellis, a professor at the Athens University of Economics and Business, was annoyed that false research articles attributed to him were being created in his name. Of the 53 articles produced in the highly respected Global International Journal of Innovative Research magazine, he examined articles with the fewest in-text citations, and at least 48 appeared to be AI-generated, while only five showed signs of human involvement. Turnitin’s AI detection scores confirmed high probabilities of AI-generated content in most cases, with scores reaching 100% for multiple papers. The analysis also revealed fraudulent authorship attribution, with AI-generated articles

falsely assigned to researchers from prestigious institutions. Spinellis says that “the journal appears to use AIgenerated content both to inflate its standing through misattributed papers, and to attract authors aiming to inflate their publication record.”

Just this week, the BBC reported that an innocent Brazilian hairdresser found her image making headlines in India after her photograph was splashed over the news in an allegation about election fraud. She told the BBC she initially thought it was all a mistake, or a prank.

Her image had found its way around the world without her permission and was used in media articles about fraud in India that had nothing to do with her. She has now removed all her social media accounts and is in hiding as she fears retribution from political activists.

The undermining of truth and trust in scientific research with the growing lack of human ability to detect AI is of major concern for educators. Daisy Christodoulou encourages educators to lead the way in calling out the impact of losing the ability to write. She says that writing as a tool for thinking cannot be outsourced to AI. As with our many human inventions, including social media and technologies, we seem to always discover the unintended effects before we learn to manage the tools.

With generative AI pornography now a thing, when will we learn to put the wellbeing of humanity first?

There are many voices calling for some commonsense approaches but, as we know, common sense is not that common.

LEADING

is up to human intervention to prevent the loss of academic rigour that could undermine our own survival.

Relying on technology rather than our own intelligence, values and emotions is a major threat to humanity.

Even AI agrees with me, suggesting that threats include cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, the erosion of social cohesion, and the potential for unintended consequences from AI and autonomous weapons. While technology has enabled progress in areas like medicine and communication, its risks must be carefully managed through education, global cooperation and responsible control. So far, we have yet to demonstrate the ability to manage these things that stem from the unintended consequences and human misuse of technologies.

“Relying on technology rather than our own intelligence, values and emotions is a major threat to humanity.”

Heather McRae, Principal

The Internet of Business also continues the theme of exploitation of humanity.

There is a new word describing the life cycle of leading business platforms – it is called 'enshittification'. This is a real word that describes the life cycle of the online business world. According to Cory Doctorow, platforms like Amazon, Netflix, Temu, Spotify and Uber offer you incredibly cheap stuff – way cheaper than anything you have experienced. So, who pays for the actual cost for promising you a ride anywhere, anytime, free music, or to buy stuff at ridiculously cheap prices? Initially you benefit but it is the low-paid drivers, poorly paid workers, song writers and performers who cover that cost. The platforms typically die because they get consumed by their own business customers when they increase their fees to claw back all the value for

themselves. The Internet of Business is just as efficient at exploiting human behaviour.

This is the world we and our girls navigate and there is common sense in revisiting what education should provide and how we can use AI and technologies constructively. Schools do have a moral, ethical and educative purpose, and it is important to underpin our future educational direction with what is right and just for society. Our current challenge is to ensure that learning takes place, that students know their stuff, that we can distinguish who knows their stuff, and can be assured that the stuff they know is foundational for academic success and for being great people in the world. While we may appear to be in the midst of another human-created technological crisis, it

The message for today is to take heed of the many signals we are seeing about the changing world and whether it is one we are in control of, or if and when those changes will control us. I have great faith in our ability to educate our way forward, alert to what we are facing, but we will need the strength to not always take the easiest path.

Technology has made life easy, but the danger is when we stop thinking and feeling.

At Diocesan, I like to think we will never stop thinking or learning how to be intelligent, compassionate and caring people. Our use of AI and control over devices is, much to the chagrin of some young women, designed for protection and to foster the very knowledge and practices that will protect humanity in the future. The specificity of new curricula, the structure of new qualifications are all designed to keep learning and thinking at the centre of our core business. You will see this evening, the magic of achievement, the reward for hard work, with the persistence and brilliance of the human mind. I believe we are well placed to always embrace the future and provide the most outstanding preparation for life. Thank you for supporting us and for being part of something extraordinary.

Ut Serviamus Heather McRae, Principal

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Heather’s arrival at Dio

A Tribute to Heather McRae – Principal of Diocesan School for Girls, 2009–2026

W

hen Heather McRae first stepped through the gates of Diocesan School for Girls in 2009, she became the 11th principal of a school with a proud history – and added her own chapter to a legacy of long-serving, transformative leaders. After more than 16 years of dedicated service, she now prepares to leave a community she has shaped and guided, and of which she is deeply proud.

Heather’s journey to Dio was not the conventional path of a private school principal. Raised on a farm in Eketahuna, educated at Tararua College, and with a career spanning state schools in New Zealand and an international private school in Beijing, she was principal at Pakuranga College before moving to Dio. However, she did have a personal connection – her grandmother boarded at Dio in 1906, with other close relatives also attending.

From the beginning, Heather’s approach was refreshingly different. She was not bound by tradition for tradition’s sake; she arrived with a clear-eyed sense of purpose, strong leadership experience and the courage to reimagine what Dio could become.

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At the heart of her tenure lay a simple but powerful set of priorities: deliver on promises, put teaching and learning at the centre, and build a culture of trust and high standards.

With the strong support of then-Board Chair Hilary Poole, she restructured leadership, strengthened curriculum delivery and raised expectations of staff and students alike. She believed in clarity – from behaviour management grounded in restorative practice, to financial stewardship that kept Dio strong through turbulent times.

Her impact can be seen everywhere on campus. From the sports turf and pool to the Arts Centre and masterplan for future development, Heather has overseen ambitious projects that balance growth with green spaces. She has supported innovative ideas – from the FabLab to Te Whare Huia – and given permission for staff and students to dream boldly. Importantly, she worked to ensure Dio stayed ahead of the curve: trialling online learning before Covid struck, banning phones on campus well before the mandate, and navigating social media’s arrival with wisdom and openness to parents.

LEADING

“She lifted expectations for staff and students alike, but always balanced with firmness and care”

She has been a passionate advocate for girls’ education, believing it uplifts women and addresses inequities, and she has welcomed diversity – embracing cultural difference, celebrating rainbow students, and modelling inclusive leadership.

It was during Covid, however, that Heather’s leadership shone most brightly. Drawing on her experience with SARS in China, she acted swiftly, kept the community informed with calm authority, and ensured that every girl continued to learn. Dio delivered a full online programme while other schools scrambled, and not a single staff member was left unpaid. Parents came to trust her communications implicitly, and staff felt her compassion through every uncertainty.

Yet, for all her authority and professionalism, Heather has never been a distant principal. She is known for turning up at sports matches, concerts and student events; for dancing to Abba at birthday concerts; for donning the Dio Dragon costume; and as the instigator of a much-loved team tradition – toasting in the new school year with a glass of champagne. She is stylish, yes, and deeply professional, but she is also warm, funny and human.

For the girls, she has always been visible, approachable and authentically herself.

Alumna, parent, French teacher and dean Christine Lewis summed up Heather’s influence beautifully: “Heather has been an amazing principal and role model during her time at Dio. Strong, intelligent, approachable, funny, caring, visionary, courageous and always inspiring, she has led with elegance, grace and a sense of style that we all love. The underlying truth to all this is that Heather genuinely loves the school; she loves being a part of our special community, one that she has helped to foster… Dio is in a wonderful place because of Heather’s inspirational leadership.”

Head of Senior School Margaret van Meuwen reflected on Heather’s leadership style: “In a large school, principals can sometimes feel remote. Heather has been the opposite. She brought stability, a fresh approach and an unwavering focus on curriculum and culture. She lifted expectations for staff and students alike, but always balanced firmness with care. She has been deeply involved in every aspect of school life, visible to the girls, and courageous in her vision for campus development. She will leave Dio stronger, steadier and ready for the future.”

As she leaves, Dio is in a strong position: financially resilient, academically thriving, spiritually grounded and physically transformed. It remains a high-trust, high-expectation school where innovation is welcomed and girls are prepared for the challenges of the future.

Rev’d Sandy Robertson, who has worked alongside Heather over the last 17 years, said: “Heather gave chapel a new depth of meaning in our community. For her, faith wasn’t just symbolic – it was lived. She strengthened our Anglican identity, wrote her own Christmas reflections, and ensured chapel was a place of warmth and belonging. She embodied Dio’s values with humility – often the last person quietly tidying up after services – and she showed the girls what servant leadership truly looks like.”

Heather McRae’s legacy is not only in the buildings, programmes or policies she leaves behind; it is in the generations of Dio girls who carry themselves with confidence, values and a sense of belonging – shaped by her example of courageous, grounded and servant-hearted leadership.

For the girls who only know Dio under Heather’s stewardship, her farewell will be emotional. There will be many ‘lasts’ – the last Big Sing, the last School Ball, the last Carol Service message written in her own hand. And while she will leave her office, she will never truly leave Dio. Her influence is woven into its culture, its community and its spirit.

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A sense of gratitude

I

t will come as no surprise that 2025 has been a big year for the Board. While there have been the obvious campus projects either recently completed or nearing completion, by far the biggest task is finding an educator to lead our beloved school beyond the end of Term 1 2026. Given the incredible strength of leadership that Heather McRae has provided over the last 17 years, the enormity of our job is not lost on any member of our Board of Governors.

It is with a sense of irony that I have been thinking recently about gratitude – particularly for everything that goes into making Dio one of the finest girls’ schools in the country and one that’s held in very high regard by educators in New Zealand and globally.

So, what is that ‘everything’? There is our beautiful campus, of course, the maintenance and continual development of which is never far from the Board’s focus. There is also the embedded culture of excellence in the education of young women, which has come into even sharper focus this year with the Government announcement of changes to secondary qualifications and subjects in light of perceived weaknesses in NCEA. While we support the proposed changes, we have absolute confidence in the NCEA qualification as it is currently delivered at Dio and will continue to be delivered through the transition period. It has served our girls extremely well, providing access to universities globally.

However, the one thing that glues the ‘everything’ together is our people. The support provided by Dio staff for Dio girls was evident to me when my daughters were at Dio. I saw Heather McRae and Margaret van Meeuwen, along with many others, giving of their time and energies to support my two girls competing in different sports, sometimes on the same day, in different parts of the country.

My observation over the last two years as Board chair is that this level of support is no box-ticking exercise. It happens because Heather and her leadership team, along with all Dio staff, genuinely care about each and every Dio girl, no matter what their academic, cultural or sporting endeavours may be – and their presence and support is authentic. Dio staff are there through the good and the not so good, and they take immense The deep culture of educational excellence, warm pride in everything that each Dio girl does and, even more professionalism, and ambition with unwavering importantly, how they go about it.

support that we have at Dio is exceptional.

The deep culture of educational excellence, warm professionalism, and ambition with unwavering support that we have at Dio is exceptional. I have immense gratitude for

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Jenny Spillane

that Dio culture and the leadership of everyone at Dio who works so hard to foster it on a daily basis.

Replacing Heather McRae is a daunting task, but it is made easier and, consequently, more exciting because of the way Heather, her exceptional executive team, and all Dio staff dedicate themselves to Dio girls.

Jenny Spillane, Board Chair

LEADING

Executive Appointments MELISSA KARL: BRINGING TWO DECADES OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCE TO DIO In July 2025, Dio was excited to welcome Melissa Karl as the new Director of Recruitment and People. With more than 20 years of experience in human resources, Melissa brings expertise in recruitment, career development and people leadership. Before joining Dio, she worked at the University of Auckland, where her passion for the education sector was ignited.

Melissa says the role at Dio immediately resonated with her. “I believe strongly in the value of education and the impact it has on shaping and strengthening communities,” she says. “This felt like a unique opportunity to support women and education, while contributing to a school with such a proud history.”

Her role is focused on attracting and retaining great Dio team members and ensuring everyone feels supported to thrive.

She oversees initiatives such as onboarding new teachers and support staff, leadership development, wellbeing, performance and succession planning, while working closely with the principal and executive team to align people priorities with Dio’s strategic direction.

Looking ahead, Melissa’s focus areas include a number of initiatives to enhance Dio’s brand as an employer and create an exceptional employee experience. Building strong talent pools is also a focus, ensuring Dio can proactively meet future workforce needs.

Paul Sherris and Melissa Karl

“I also see technology and analytics as powerful tools to support smarter, data-driven decisions in the recruitment and people space,” she adds.

“This background means I understand both the business side of running an organisation and the educational priorities that guide everything we do,” Paul says.

Melissa believes that attracting and retaining great teachers and staff is about more than filling roles. At Dio, it means offering career growth, strengthening pathways and fostering a community where people feel connected to a bigger purpose and can do their best work.

After nearly 12 years at Queen Margaret College, Paul was ready for a new challenge. Attracted by Dio’s reputation for educational quality and the scope of the role, he is excited to contribute to the school community. His responsibilities include campus development, property maintenance, finance, IT systems, risk management and operations such as the Aquatics Centre and the Dio Shop. “I make sure the operational side of the school runs smoothly so teaching and learning can happen effectively.”

“It’s about brand, community and purpose,” she says.

A BLEND OF EDUCATION AND BUSINESS: WELCOMING PAUL SHERRIS Earlier this year, Dio welcomed Paul Sherris as Director of Business and Planning. With experience in both education and the private sector, he brings a valuable understanding of how to balance operational needs with educational priorities.

Paul began his career in technology and marketing before retraining as a mathematics teacher. Over the past 20 years, he has taught in the UK and New Zealand and moved into senior leadership, most recently as Deputy Principal and then Director of Finance and Operations at Queen Margaret College in Wellington.

In his first months in the role, Paul has focused on learning how the school operates and identifying ways to improve processes. With major projects like the Shrewsbury Building refresh underway, he is committed to planning developments that enhance learning while minimising disruption.

Paul enjoys the variety of his role and collaborating with staff to deliver improvements. Outside work, he and his wife are enjoying settling into Auckland and exploring its community and outdoor lifestyle.

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Our Heritage Heart Restored

For more than a century, the Chapel of Our Glorified Lord and St Barnabas have been the spiritual and emotional centre of our school. Beneath their soaring timbers, Dio girls and their families have gathered in faith, hope and celebration.

It is where milestones have been marked, farewells made, and joy shared.

Early in 2024, this beloved building was carefully wrapped and closed to our community so that a restoration of extraordinary complexity could begin.

Now, the chapels once again stand revealed – renewed, strengthened and ready to inspire future generations.

GUIDED BY HISTORY, CRAFTED WITH CARE The project was guided by Heritage New Zealand and Salmond Reed Architects, whose vision was to preserve the chapels’ historical integrity while ensuring they would stand strong

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well into the future. Every decision was sympathetic to the era in which the chapels were built. Traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering were woven together so subtly that, to the casual eye, they appear untouched – exactly as they should.

At the heart of the project was Dio’s own Property Manager, Melissa Brady, who carried the responsibility of seeing the Chapel carefully renewed. For Melissa, it was deeply personal.

“We wanted to do justice to both chapels, keeping the heritage features intact while ensuring the modern upgrades would see them stand for another 100 years.”

The ASPEC team shared that same reverence. Site Manager Robbie Davis reflected: “We’ll never get a chance to work on a building with so much meaning ever again.”

Specialist craftsmen Alex Kay, John Jones and many others worked tirelessly, their hands guided by passion as much as skill. Every detail was given extraordinary attention – not just to restore, but to honour.

A LABOUR OF LOVE The scale of the restoration was immense. In many cases, old ways were deliberately chosen over modern machinery to ensure every detail was handled with respect.

With no vehicle access, even the most physically demanding tasks had to be carried out by hand. For example, as the foundations were repaired and replaced, six cubic metres of dirt were wheelbarrowed out of the site every single day for seven weeks. It was painstaking, back-breaking work, but the only way to ensure the Chapel was treated with the care it deserved.

LEADING Left: Window detail in St Barnabas.

Top left: Chapel altar.

Top right: Looking down the nave towards the altar in the Chapel of our Glorified Lord.

Middle right: Looking across from the Chapel of our Glorified Lord to St Barnabas.

Bottom right: St Barnabas Chapel.

THE STORY'S IN THE DETAIL

A LIVING LEGACY

The deeper you look, the more remarkable the restoration becomes.

• The foundations were found to need strengthening. These were replaced and strengthened, giving St Barnabas new stability without disturbing its character.

• Every floorboard was carefully lifted, numbered and replaced in its original position.

• The chancel arch, central to the Chapel’s design, was completely rebuilt, concrete poured in situ around the original moulded plaster arch.

• The chancel ceiling sarking was numbered and removed, bracing inserted invisibly into the roof, and the wooden panels replaced.

• The stained-glass windows were lovingly restored. Today, they gleam once more, their colours flooding St Barnabas with light.

To step inside the Chapel of Our Glorified Lord and St Barnabas today is to feel both the history and renewal.

It is at once familiar and freshly alive, its beauty enhanced rather than altered. As one observer noted, “You would never know just how much has been done, and that is the true mark of success.”

THANK YOU We sincerely thank all those who, with vision, care and craftsmanship, have helped preserve the heart of our school.

To the Diocesan Alumnae Association, the many alumnae, and current families who have so generously given their support, we offer our heartfelt thanks for ensuring the chapels are preserved for future generations of Dio students.

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Shrewsbury exterior

Shrewsbury showing mezzanine floor

SHREWSBURY BUILDING

A

– a year of renewal

fter more than a year of transformation, the Shrewsbury Building has finally emerged from its wrap and scaffolding, ready to reclaim its place at the creative heart of Dio’s campus. Since work began in late 2024, Shrewsbury has undergone a complete redevelopment of its structure along with the addition of a mezzanine level. Now nearing completion, the building feels like an entirely new space – a hub designed to inspire and support our students’ creativity for years to come.

Shrewsbury has always been home to Dio’s specialist creative spaces, with classrooms dedicated to painting, photography, printmaking, design, material design technology, food technology, textiles, fashion design and more. This redevelopment ensures those disciplines can continue to flourish in modern, flexible environments where knowledge and creativity combine through practical, hands-on learning.

STRIPPED BACK AND REIMAGINED The project has been a full transformation, beginning with a complete exterior redevelopment. New upper and lower roofs have been installed, along with glazing across the ground floor, Level 1 and mezzanine. The exterior has been upgraded with Louvre and Nu-Wall cladding, while inside, wall framing is complete, and the joinery installation is well underway. The lift and staircases are now in place, and internal fittings are progressing across all levels, bringing the building closer to its final form.

With these major milestones achieved, the focus has shifted to the internal fit-out, shaping learning spaces that will soon welcome students back.

CREATIVE DISCIPLINES UNDER ONE ROOF When Shrewsbury reopens, creative industries will be brought 10

DIO TODAY

together under a single roof. Several areas currently located in the Centennial Building will relocate into Shrewsbury, giving the faculty a centralised and purpose-built home.

Head of Faculty Matt Bennett notes that the redevelopment has created new opportunities to broaden Dio’s creative industries offering.

A new workshop and maker-space will give students the tools to design and develop products in a wide range of materials.

Within this space, a new Fab Lab will foster experimentation and innovation, supporting the production of cutting-edge creative projects. ₂ The new mezzanine floor will add 181m of new space for students and we plan to use this to introduce a dedicated exhibition space for visual arts, providing a professional gallery-style setting where student work can be displayed.

The building itself will also showcase student creativity. Two sweeping staircases, encased in a perforated balustrade designed by creative industries students, will stand as both a striking architectural feature and a lasting legacy of their contribution.

SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION Alongside its educational benefits, the Shrewsbury redevelopment represents a major step forward in Dio’s sustainability journey.

Refurbishing existing buildings, rather than demolishing and rebuilding, is one of the most effective ways to reduce a school’s carbon footprint, drastically decreasing material waste and the impact of creating and transporting new materials.

While financial realities do not always allow us to follow this path, we are delighted that with the Shrewsbury Building we were able to embrace this more sustainable approach.

LEADING Render of art hub mezzanine floor

Render of food technology

Solar panels on Shrewsbury Building

Render of junior art - DVC room

Render of mezzanine kitchen

Redesigning the roof to a more pitched structure will also help prevent the building from accumulating water and provide better protection for the building, which is a big problem in Auckland’s climate.

Modern systems and building fabric upgrades have also been carefully chosen to reduce energy demand, cut emissions, and demonstrate best practice in sustainable school design: • Heating: Replacement of gas boilers with air conditioning units will provide a more efficient solution. Our space heating solution should result in an energy reduction of 66,300kWh per year and reduce our carbon emissions by 15,400kg of CO₂ per year.

• Hot water: CO₂ heat pumps will provide a more efficient way of producing hot water. This solution should result in an energy reduction of 5,300Wh per year and reduce our carbon emissions by 1,200kg of CO₂ per year.

• Lighting: New LED fittings with smart controls will provide a more efficient solution. Our lighting solution should result in an energy reduction of 26,800kWh per year and reduce our carbon emissions by 2,951kg of CO₂ per year.

• Solar PV: A 112.6kWp solar array should reduce our energy consumption by 136,709kWh annually and reduce our carbon emission by 15,020 kg of CO₂ per year.

• Fabric improvements: Enhanced insulation and western façade louvres should reduce heat loss by 40% in winter and ease cooling demand in summer by limiting solar heat gain.

Together, these initiatives represent significant progress in energy efficiency and carbon reduction. While modelling is based on standard usage, the results highlight the environmental benefits of investing in efficient systems, renewable energy and smarter design.

A CREATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE FUTURE The refurbished Shrewsbury Building is more than bricks and mortar – it is a statement of Dio’s commitment to creativity, innovation and sustainability. It will provide students with state-of-the-art spaces where ideas can be explored, skills developed, and projects brought to life, all while minimising the environmental footprint of the school.

The project remains firmly on track, with the remainder of 2025 dedicated to completing the interior fit-out and civil works. Students will return to the Shrewsbury Building on the first day of Term 1, 2026, ready to begin the next chapter in a space that is both inspiring and sustainable.

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MAPPING OUR OWN PATHWAY Schools, learning and curricula have been in the news regularly over the last few months as changes in curriculum and the assessment and examination programmes are widely debated. Diocesan has always walked to the beat of its own drum, Margaret van Meeuwen having implemented the International Baccalaureate’s three programmes over the past 17 years to encompass the learning from Years 1–13. But that does not mean we aren’t concerned about a robust New Zealand first-world curriculum and examination system. As parents and employers, we all should be.

Some recent statistics remind us why changes are needed – 25% of students did not attempt one of their external standards in the 2024 round of NCEA examinations. Over 250,000 students skipped whole exams because they had enough credits already. And only a third of New Zealand Schools offered all the four standards per subject. The flexibility of NCEA, once seen as an advantage, has regularly become its Achilles’ heel.

It is important to understand that NCEA has served Dio girls very well since its inception in 2002. Over that time, thousands of Dio girls have headed off to university careers, gaining entry and success in their chosen pathways. The criticisms of NCEA in the media are quite general – for example, too much reliance on internal standards. We have a good balance of internal and external standards at Dio. Many of the other concerns expressed about NCEA Level 1 do not apply to Dio; we offer full robust programmes, almost all our students continue to Levels 2 and 3, and their pathways invariably are tertiary focused.

As an independent school, Dio can and does map its own pathway. We set standards that are both challenging and achievable, and we are one of the top achieving schools nationally. Dio students have, however, never settled for ‘Achieved’. Each year, 80-90% of each cohort have had their certificate endorsed with ‘Merit’ or ‘Excellence’. It will be a small change in mindset as we return to the top results being an ‘A’!

Margaret van Meeuwen, Head of Senior School 14

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AN IB WORLD SCHOOL Diocesan has been on the journey to become a full International Baccalaureate (IB) school since 2008 when we introduced the IB Diploma Programme, the senior qualification offered over the last two years of secondary education. At that time, Diocesan was looking to introduce another pathway to complement the NCEA. The Diploma appealed to us over other possible curricula because it was a whole philosophy of education, not just a set of examinations.

The IB overtly aims to do more than ensure good examination results – its programmes develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people. Service is an underlining feature, and critical thinking skills are developed through the individual subjects, as is the Theory of Knowledge (TOK). International mindedness is a cornerstone of the IB, and students are encouraged to question, challenge assumptions and consider both local and global contexts. A compulsory language ensures that all students are more than monolingual.

Shortly after, the Diocesan Junior School adopted the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This programme emphasises cognitive, social and personal development, and teaches high-level thinking skills that help students learn to critically analyse information. The programme is designed to foster the development of the whole child, encompassing her social, physical, emotional and cultural needs, as well as her academic development.

Our girls in the Junior School have thrived with several languages to choose from, and specialist teachers in the performing arts, visual arts, science, technology and physical education. The six years of learning culminates in The Exhibition, where students in small groups research and investigate an area of interest. This year they based

LEARNING Yr 6 Exhibition

Yr 10 Com munity projects

their inquiry on one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Yr 10 Community projects

The missing piece of the jigsaw was always the learning in the Junior High School. Over a period of time in 2017 and 2018, senior curriculum leaders researched international curricula and made the commitment to introduce to Dio the Middle Years Programme (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate.

While Covid and lockdowns got in the way of the early training of staff and implementation of the programme, we gave ourselves time to be confident in our delivery. In 2025, we had the authorisation visit, which is necessary to confirm that we could move from a candidate school to an authorised school.

In that review, Diocesan received multiple commendations confirming that our programme is world class.

The MYP also uses the New Zealand Curriculum (NZC), but pins that to the framework of the MYP. Again, it is international minded and intellectually challenging, a language is compulsory, and the Year 10 students finish with their Community Project. This is where the features of the IB and the Diocesan values align so well – students in small groups research and deliver a service project to a local community group with which they identify. Their small actions, be that in rest homes, baking for church groups, working with the SPCA, and other community organisations, ensure that service at Dio is a living part of the curriculum.

It is exciting to be part of the International Baccalaureate community and to have a seamless education available for Dio girls from Year 1 to Year 13. There are just three full IB schools in New Zealand (offering the three programmes).

Yr 6 Exhibition

We are confident in the curriculum delivery for the Junior High Students, which prepares them for senior and tertiary studies, retains breadth across the eight curriculum areas of the IB and the NZC, and commits to a holistic, internationally benchmarked programme of study.

We are grateful for the heads of faculties and the MYP Programme coordinators who have shouldered much of the planning and development of their subject areas over the last six years, in particular Michelle Nicholl, the MYP Coordinator, who got us across the line and Deputy Principal Dian Fisher, who has picked up the role of co-ordinator for next year.

Margaret van Meeuwen, Head of Senior School DIO TODAY

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L E A R N IN G

NEW NATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Recent announcements by the current government have been welcomed at Diocesan as we prepare to implement changes in curriculum and assessment from 2028 (the current Year 8 cohort) to offer the New Zealand Certificate of Education (NZCE in Year 12) and the New Zealand Advanced Certificate of Education (NZACE in Year 13). There will also be a Foundational Skills Award available in Year 11 from 2028, which will focus on literacy and numeracy and is likely to include attendance.

Almost every Dio student remains at school until Year 13 when the pathway is almost entirely tertiary based, so the Foundational Skills Award will not be a final school award for them.

The debate around NCEA has focused on some of its weaknesses – for example, the ability to offer an almost entirely internally assessed course, and for students to be able to accrue enough credits to achieve the NCEA without completing the whole course.

But it is important to understand that NCEA has served Dio girls very well since it was introduced in 2002.

Over that time thousands of Dio girls have headed off to university 16

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careers, gaining entry and success in their chosen pathways. The flexibility of NCEA at Dio has meant we have successfully offered multi-level courses for individual students. Students can therefore work at a level where their natural fluency (in a language, for example) or level of ability (in mathematics, for example) can be challenged, rather than their age determining the level of course for which they are entered.

Approximately 50 Year 11 students have taken up the challenge in 2026 to enter for one or more Level 2 subjects. Dio students have always been motivated to achieve at the highest level, not just ‘Achieved’, and we are one of the highest schools nationally for levels of ‘Merit’ and ‘Excellence’ endorsement.

The new qualifications will address some of the concerns nationally that flexibility has led to inconsistent learning experiences. Subjects will be based not on the modular credit format, where students and schools can self-select the standards, but on full and coherent whole subject courses, based on the New Zealand Curriculum, which need to be taught as one package.

The grading system will return to A (being the top) and E (being the lowest), based on a numerical score of 100 for each subject. Students must enter for at least five subjects and pass four to achieve the certificate.

While a mix of internal and external assessments is appropriate, having a clear mark out of 100 overall for each subject, rather than grades for individual standards, will incentivise students to complete the examinations, as every mark counts towards the final grade.

We want to reiterate to all current students and parents that NCEA is still a strong qualification and, because of how we structure it here at Dio, it has created outstanding success for many young women here and internationally. New Zealand students with NCEA qualifications have gone on to experience success on the global stage. The work that is being done towards this qualification currently is valuable and important for future generations of New Zealanders, including Diocesan students.

Margaret van Meeuwen, Head of Senior School

LEARNING

SENIOR

Prize-giving Introduction from Head of Senior School Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa, nau mai, haere mai. Welcome to the Diocesan Senior School Prize Giving for 2025.

Staff at Diocesan each year are asked to complete an inquiry as part of their professional learning to support their ongoing development. I read the results of these as they are signed off each year.

One really resonated with me this year.

The teacher found after professional reading and research, seeking learner voice and reflecting on her own practice, that the timeless elements of effective teaching are not found in technology systems, or changing curriculum documents, but in the human connections we build between teacher and student every day.

Students thrive when they feel seen, supported, known and generally cared

for. They learn best through conversation, collaboration and interactive engagement, not despite the presence of technology but alongside it, when we use it purposefully without letting it replace genuine human connection. It seems that flashy strategies or innovative new approaches aren’t as important as the foundational elements of trust and belonging that make everything else possible. So, should teachers use AI to create units, give feedback and create presentations? Absolutely, let it do the admin so teachers can remain present as the human in the room building those essential relationships.

the sports field, when we reach out to serve others, when we show the kind of servant leadership that our motto teaches us. While we celebrate many students, I also congratulate the students not on the stage tonight who have still demonstrated growth as young people in their own ways.

The awards we make tonight recognise the outcomes of some of those relationships and the human connections that we have all profited from – be that in the classroom, on the stage, on

Margaret van Meeuwen

As I welcome you all tonight, I want to also pay tribute to Heather McRae at her last senior prize giving. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you, Heather, and you can be very proud of the Diocesan that you leave behind you. Our whole Diocesan community is indebted to you.

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Congratulations to our top academic students for 2025.

The Dux award represents our most outstanding academic achievement.

The joint NCEA Dux for 2025 – Ella Bosselman and Nina Wilson (because this is a joint award, there is no Proxime this year) Ella Bosselman is following on from her award as the top NCEA student in Year 12 with a perfect set of Excellences in all her subjects for Level 3 NCEA. Her teachers comment on her intellectual curiosity and her ability to engage with complex concepts, which demonstrates her maturity and critical thinking. Her quietly insightful contributions to class are really appreciated.

Ella has real strengths in the arts demonstrated not just in curriculum drama, but also Mary Poppins, the Shakespeare festival and Senior Improv, and as a member of the St Cecilia Singers. We all hope that Ella continues to pursue performances on the stage and as part of choral groups at a tertiary level.

Ella has accepted the Tangiwai Excellence Scholarship to Victoria University where she is planning to study towards an arts degree, with a double major in English literature and psychological science.

Nina Wilson has also completed a full set of Excellence results in 2025 across all her subjects. Nina’s success is across 18

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the curriculum in sciences, mathematics, humanities and English, evidence of the exceptional ability she has across all academic and scholarly demands.

She demonstrates a deep and insightful approach to her studies and the passion and natural curiosity she brings to all her classes is appreciated by all.

Nina’s teachers remark on her ability to condense complex issues into scholarly and incisive reports, taking into account several angles and approaches. This level of precision and intellectual curiosity will serve her well in her tertiary studies.

Nina is planning to go to Otago to study towards a BA/LLB and she has secured an Otago University Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship.

The IB Dux for 2025 – Leer Mao Leer is an exceptionally talented academic student who has approached the two years of the Diploma programme with an energy and enthusiasm that her teachers have found completely rewarding as they have worked alongside her. Leer is always prepared to push herself and shows a genuine love of learning for its own sake, not the grades or the prizes she can achieve. Her contribution to class is outstanding, and her

willingness to debate and explore complex and challenging ideas from various perspectives is something from which her peers benefit.

In 2024, as a Year 12 student, Leer achieved Outstanding Scholarships in religious studies, history and English and a Scholarship pass in Chinese.

For this, Leer was named as one of 55 Outstanding Scholars by NZQA and received a prize of $5000 per year for three years at university. She is hoping to go one better than this in 2025 as she is entered for seven Scholarship subjects. In the Diploma we are also expecting great things for Leer as she has very strong results going into her final examinations.

Leer also makes a huge contribution to the school outside the curriculum, especially in the creative fields of choral music and art, and as part of the Ethics Olympiad and Council, the Chinese Cultural group and as an Amnesty Group leader.

Leer is destined for a stellar career whatever direction she takes. She is hoping to get into the University of Pennsylvania to study business and economics, and ‘Trump willing’ she will start there mid-2026.

LEARNING

SERVICE AWARDS Ut Serviamus Award – Xinyu Jiang This award acknowledges what sits at the heart of our school values. Ut Serviamus as our motto recognises the importance of servant leadership.

The Gospel of Mark reminds us that Jesus explained to his followers that their practice of leadership was to be distinctly different than the self-seeking, self-serving and domineering style of leadership often found in the world: ‘Whoever would be first among you must be servant of all.’

Here at Diocesan each year level has service-learning challenges to seek out ways in which we can support the wider community, be that local communities or further afield. This award celebrates a student who

goes beyond that and uses initiative to genuinely look for ways to improve the world for others.

creation or storytelling, she aims to combine creativity, compassion and action to make positive lasting change in the community.

Xinyu is a talented skateboarder and wants to share her love of this sport with other young women. She has been instrumental in establishing events for them to compete at, such as the Auckland Women’s Skateboarding Festival, and GIRLYPOP Skateboarding workshops and Wellness Riders coaching. Xinyu is a co-founder of the TEDx Epsom Women’s group where she hopes to elevate women’s voices and celebrate female leadership through sport and storytelling. She also runs the social enterprise Fuzzy Bunny which raises funds for the East Tāmaki, Women’s Refuge and is a regular volunteer at Everybody Eats. Xinyu says that whether through mentoring, event

Xinyu Jiang

Eliza Edwards Memorial Award – Daisy Buchanan This award is named after former Principal Eliza Edwards and the qualities that define it are etched on the window at the back of the School Chapel. Casey embraces those qualities: ‘Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Kindness, Humility, Faithfulness and Self-Control’.

Daisy Buchanan

Daisy demonstrates those qualities every day. Her kind smile and infectious enthusiasm have been appreciated by us all since she entered Dio as a five-year-old.

Daisy is a proud Edwards girl (fittingly for

this award!), following in the footsteps of her big sister Clementine. This year she led Edwards house with heart and passion. Daisy has a genuine interest in others and for Daisy a leadership role such as House leader is not about her. She seeks to bring out the best in others, shares the limelight with them and encourages and fosters the same kind of involvement in school that she enjoys.

Daisy has accepted a University of Otago Leader of Tomorrow Scholarship and is intending to study engineering.

The full lists of all the awards made at the Arts Awards, Sports Awards, Senior Prize-giving and the Junior High School Prize-givings are available to view on the school website in the News & Successes section.

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OTHER SERVICE AWARDS SERVICE AWARDS Senior Ko Tātou Cup Sophie Pearce Aaliyah Dye

Year 11 Service Award Elizabeth Flint

BOARD SCHOLARSHIPS

Year 13 Service Award Holly Bricklebank Isobella Baggaley Heritage Foundation Beale Awards for Service to the School Kate Beagley Susie Finlayson

Year 12 Service Award Audrey Tse

The Heritage Foundation Dorothy Shrewsbury Bursary is named after Miss Shrewsbury, a former Headmistress, and is awarded to the Top Academic Student in Year 12. This year we had a joint award from both IB and NCEA – Eloise Voss and Harriet Wells

PRINCIPAL’S AWARDS

Eloise Voss and Harriet Wells

SCHOOL LEADERS 2026

At Senior Prize-giving the Head Prefects for 2026 were announced.

Congratulations to Ruby Walker (Head Prefect) and Millie Bridger (Deputy Head Prefect).

Ruby Walker (right) and Millie Bridger (left)

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Academic Scholarships – Year 11 Katie Astwick Eliza Brader Kahlo Coulter-Lewis Wendy Xie Academic Scholarships – Year 12 Sophia Haines Linda Qian Eloise Voss Harriet Wells Arts Scholarships Grace Pereira Annabel Smith Sports Scholarships Piper Hayton

Up to eight Principal’s Awards are awarded for each year level to a student who, through her dedication and contribution to her studies and to others, has demonstrated: - Reliability and commitment - Creative thinking and innovation - Resilience and persistence in accepting challenges - Personal excellence - Demonstration of the School motto Ut Serviamus.

Principal's Awards – Year 11 Chloe Driscoll Katherine Dunn Katherine Howse Shreya Khurana Hollie Lawson London Leighton Beatrix Sharpe Anna Ye Principal's Awards – Year 12 Stella Elsmore Mia Hanton Emma Lamberton Alice Li Amelia Smith Sophie Walter Abbey Wei Brontë Wolfgram Principal's Awards – Year 13 McKenna Chan Celina Dong Aimee Herrod Stella McElroy Danica Nali Samantha Thompson Maddison Tong Charlotte Wear

LEARNING

Honouring Marilyn Carter: A PASSION FOR SCIENCE AND LEARNING FOR LIFE Dio science and maths teacher Marilyn Carter has received one of nine national Honours Awards from Independent Schools New Zealand (ISNZ). These awards recognise staff who go above and beyond in their service to independent schooling, celebrating innovation, excellence and commitment that truly exceed expectations.

Marilyn was born and raised in Swansea, Wales, in a Welsh-speaking family. She completed an honours degree in physics and mathematics at the University of Wales in Aberystwyth, before beginning her teaching career in schools across England and Scotland. She emigrated to New Zealand in 1982 and joined the Dio teaching team the following year.

For more than 40 years, Marilyn has been a constant presence in Dio’s Science Department, teaching physics and science from Year 7 to Year 13. She became Teacher-in-Charge of Physics in 1989 and has acted as Head of Science on several occasions, though she always found her greatest fulfilment in the classroom. Along the way, she completed a master’s in science education at the University of Auckland and contributed her expertise to the development of physics education nationally, through curriculum design and assessment practice. enabling individuals and societies to make rational decisions.”

Marilyn also co-founded Dio’s Duke of Edinburgh Award programme in 1987, running it for its first 25 years. Hundreds of students completed expeditions under her guidance, tramping through the Waita-kere and Hunua Ranges, around Lake Waikaremoana and across Tongariro. Her love of the outdoors continues today, with recent adventures including the Rakiura, Queen Charlotte and Abel Tasman tracks.

She was an early and enthusiastic supporter of Diocesan's adoption of the International Baccalaureate (IB), recognising the way it broadens students’ perspectives and strengthens academic depth.

“The diploma prepares students for a career anywhere in the world,” she says. “IB students are global citizens, making them an asset to communities wherever they go.”

Reflecting on her career, Marilyn explains, “I’m very glad that I have spent my career as a science teacher. Everyone needs to understand basic science; it is the foundation on which absolutely everything around us relies. It develops critical thinking, logical reasoning and analytical skills, along with

She says, “Scientific literacy is essential as a defence against misinformation and fake news in today’s world. It is also vital for finding ways to use our scarce natural resources rationally, to ensure the continuity of humanity and our precious planet.”

The ISNZ Honours Award recognises not only Marilyn’s professional excellence but also the countless ways she has enriched school life. At Diocesan, she has inspired generations of students to embrace curiosity, resilience and a lifelong love of science.

Head of Faculty of Science, Bernard Potter, offered this reflection: “Marilyn’s award is a fitting recognition of her extraordinary dedication to Dio and to physics education.

She combines deep knowledge with genuine care, integrity and warmth, always willing to step in wherever needed.

After decades of service, it’s wonderful to see her passion acknowledged nationally. Marilyn embodies the very best of our profession and her influence on Dio students and colleagues will be felt for many years to come.”

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Left to right: Rob Boasman, Dian Fisher, Heather McRae, Hannah Barber-Wilson and Cassandra Newman

Teaching tomorrow:

DIO AND THE TEACHERS’ INSTITUTE In 2025, a new teacher training initiative, the Teachers’ Institute (TTI), was launched to develop high-calibre teachers, integrating real classroom experience from day one with professional learning.

“They are learning on the job while also understanding the wider background to teaching. It is practical, contemporary and designed to strengthen teacher education in New Zealand.”

Created by leaders from some of Auckland’s best schools, TTI seeks to develop professional, high-quality teachers who are classroom ready. As a post-graduate qualification, applicants have a range of prior experience, helping to fill the gap for much-needed specialist teachers across a range of subjects.

Entry to the programme is competitive, with a robust screening process to ensure applicants are well suited to the training and that schools are matched appropriately to each trainee.

Unlike traditional university-based qualifications, TTI offers a one-year postgraduate teaching programme where trainees are immersed in schools from the first day. It is designed for careerchangers, recent graduates and those returning to the workforce.

Trainees receive a stipend, have their fees covered and benefit from working alongside experienced mentor teachers.

With Principal Heather McRae serving as Chair of the Board and Deputy Principal Dian Fisher seconded as Programme Manager, Dio has played a central role in shaping this practical pathway into teaching. Alex Baker (History) and Rob Boasman (Physics) have been subject leads this year, supporting TTI trainees across Auckland in their specialist areas. Next year Jo Spencer (Health and Physical Education), Matt Bennett (Technologies) and Denis McLay (Religious Studies) will be contracted as subject leads.

“TTI is training teachers in the best way possible,” says Dian.

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TTI welcomed 48 teacher trainees for secondary school training this year. In 2026 the programme will expand to over 150 trainees, across both secondary and primary training.

TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION OF TEACHERS This year, Dio welcomed two of its first TTI trainees, each working in a faculty with the guidance of a mentor teacher. For them, Dio is more than a placement; it marks the beginning of their teaching careers. One of these trainees is past student Hannah Barber-Wilson, who has returned to her old school to take her first steps into teaching. Hannah completed a Bachelor of Arts in geography and sociology at the University of Auckland in 2023. She knew she wanted to work in education but was drawn to a more practical pathway than universitybased study.

“Coming back to Dio through TTI has been incredible,” she says.

“From the start, you are in the classroom observing, learning

training because it gives me the chance to learn about myself in a safe environment. It is the space to work out any kinks in my teaching before I step into the classroom on my own next year.”

Hannah is based in the Social Sciences Faculty, teaching geography to Years 10 and 11 students. In Term 1 of 2025, she completed a placement at Auckland Grammar School to broaden her perspective.

Together Hannah and Cassandra are experiencing how TTI combines classroom practice with workshops, away placements, and the backing of a supportive cohort. Both are finding their voice as teachers while gaining the confidence and skills to step into their own classrooms in the near future.

“I have felt really supported by both Dio and my cohort throughout the experience,” she adds. “The workshops are especially valuable because they let me take what I have learnt in class and apply it with more academic rigour while also drawing on the expertise of specialist subject teachers.

Everything so far has been engaging and practical and I know it is preparing me to become the best teacher I can be.”

Alongside Hannah is Cassandra Newman, who is training in the Science Faculty. Originally from Australia, Cassandra completed a Bachelor of Science, majoring in animal biology, at Deakin University before moving to New Zealand with her partner at the end of last year.

“I wanted to apply to TTI because of the year-long school placements,” she explains. “It felt like the best way to really jump in at the deep end and learn what teaching is all about.”

For Cassandra, the strength of the programme lies in its balance of immersion and support. “TTI has been important for my

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A NEW FUTURE FOR TEACHER TRAINING The year-long programme combines classroom immersion with regular workshops, away placements and a supportive cohort structure where trainees share experiences and solve problems together. By their second year they are ready to step into full-time teaching roles with support from TTI programme managers and tutors.

Dio has long championed excellence in education and the school’s leadership and involvement in TTI reflects its commitment to innovation and to strengthening the teaching profession. As Dian Fisher explains, “We want the very best teachers in our schools and this programme is about creating the conditions for that to happen.”

For Hannah, Cassandra and their fellow trainees, TTI is more than a qualification. It's a new way of preparing teachers who are confident, capable and ready to inspire the next generation.

LEARNING

and then gradually stepping up to lead lessons. Having a mentor to support my subject knowledge has made all the difference and I quickly became part of the faculty.”

EXPLORING FAITH AND IDEAS When Denis McLay joined Dio in January 2024 as Head of the Religious Studies Faculty, he brought with him an impressive academic background and a genuine passion for teaching. His arrival has been warmly welcomed by staff and students, and he now leads a faculty that is both strong in results and central to Dio’s identity as an Anglican school.

For Denis, religious studies is about more than textbooks and exams. “At its heart, it is about understanding what it means to be human,” he says. “We want students to develop the ability to think critically, appreciate different perspectives and navigate the complexities of life with integrity.”

A LIFE SHAPED BY LEARNING Denis’s journey into religious studies reflects his lifelong curiosity and love of history, ideas and culture. After attending King’s School and King’s College in Auckland, he moved to England to study at Durham University, where he completed a BA (Hons) in Ancient, Medieval and Modern History.

Durham proved a formative place. The city’s cathedral, built nearly a thousand years ago and home to the relics of Saints Cuthbert, Bede and Oswald, left a lasting impression. Denis recalls the extraordinary moment of handling an original manuscript written by the Venerable Bede around AD 710.

His dissertation focused on the First Council of Nicaea in AD 325, a pivotal moment in Christian history, and the role of Bishop Ossius of Cordoba, who presided on behalf of Emperor Constantine the Great.

After Durham, Denis completed an MA in Russian and PostSoviet Politics at University College London. He explored history, politics and security, including how new Eastern European states shaped their identities, the development of post-Cold War nuclear policies, and church-state relations in

Durham and its Cathedral made a lasting impression on Denis McLay

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Russia. Back in New Zealand, Denis completed a Graduate Diploma in Theology at the Catholic Theological College in Auckland.

A TEACHER THROUGH CHANGE Denis began teaching in 2020 at Timaru Boys’ High School, right as New Zealand entered its first Covid-19 lockdown. “I trained in a pre-pandemic environment but suddenly had to adapt to teaching online,” he says. “It was a real reminder that resilience and adaptability are essential for both teachers and students.”

He later moved north to St Patrick’s College, Silverstream, where he became Assistant Head of Religious Education.

The role strengthened his love for the subject and gave him valuable leadership experience. When the opportunity at Dio arose, it felt like the perfect next step.

“I was drawn to Dio by its reputation for academic excellence and the chance to lead a faculty in a school with such a strong sense of community,” Denis explains. “I’ve always valued singlesex education, and moving back to Auckland also allowed me to be closer to family.”

STRENGTH IN THE FACULTY Religious studies at Dio is the largest faculty of its kind across Anglican schools in New Zealand, with seven teachers bringing a wide range of expertise into the classroom.

“One of the real strengths of the department is that each teacher contributes their own academic and professional interests,” Denis says. “That diversity exposes our students to a broad range of perspectives.”

The programme reflects this variety. Religious studies is

LEARNING Denis McLay, Diocesan's new Head of the Religious Studies Faculty, in St Barnabas Chapel.

compulsory from Years 7 to 13. In Years 7 to 11, it is taught as religious studies, introducing students to Christianity and other world religions while fostering critical thinking and intercultural awareness through the Middle Years Programme. In Years 12 and 13, the subject continues to be compulsory but is taught under the name Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (PRE), offering a more in-depth exploration of philosophy, ethics and global issues. These senior courses prepare students for tertiary study while developing skills such as reasoning and ethical reflection.

Academic success has followed. In 2024, seven Dio students sat Scholarship Religious Studies. Two gained Scholarship and two earned Outstanding Scholarship, giving a 57% success rate overall, with nearly a third at Outstanding level. These results compare favourably with other schools and reflect both the quality of teaching and the commitment of students.

NCEA results at Level 3 are also consistently strong, with many students earning Excellence endorsements.

Looking ahead, Denis has introduced a pathway that will integrate Scholarship preparation into senior PRE courses from 2026, rather than relying on lunchtime sessions. The initiative has already tripled the number of students planning to attempt Scholarship. “It’s important that the highest levels of challenge are available to all students as part of their normal learning,” he says.

MORE THAN GRADES While the results are impressive, Denis stresses that religious studies is about more than exam performance. “The subject develops compassion, humility and the ability to grapple with

ethical dilemmas,” he says. “These qualities are essential for any career, whether it’s medicine, law, business or leadership.

They are just as important in personal life.”

Students are encouraged to bring contemporary issues into class discussion, from medical ethics to religion’s role in global conflict.

SHAPING THE SUBJECT NATIONALLY Beyond Diocesan, Denis contributes to religious education across New Zealand. He is part of a working group developing a curriculum framework for the Anglican Schools’ Office, guiding all 44 Anglican schools nationwide. His involvement ensures that Dio continues to have a strong voice in shaping the future of the subject.

LOOKING AHEAD For now, Denis is focused on building relationships within Dio and continuing to strengthen the faculty’s tradition of excellence.

“Religious studies matters because it helps us understand the big questions of life, who we are, what we believe, and how we should live,” he reflects. “To be part of those conversations with young people is a privilege. At Dio, our students engage with these questions with real curiosity and energy.”

With strong leadership, a dedicated faculty and impressive student results, religious studies at Dio is thriving. Under Denis McLay’s guidance, the subject will continue to challenge, inspire and equip students for thoughtful lives beyond school.

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Voices that inspire TAKING DIO TO THE WORLD STAGE In June, Dio students Catherine Li (Year 8) and Cathy Li (Year 10) travelled to Indiana University to represent New Zealand at the International Future Problem Solving Conference. Competing in the Creative Writing and Creative Storytelling divisions, Catherine placed fourth in the junior category and Future Problem Solving leade r Anna Dykgraaf with Cathy Li Cathy placed seventh in the and Catherine Li middle division, following their success at the New Zealand national rounds. The international event brought together more than 2000 students from around the globe.

Future Problem Solving

Zara Oliyath (Yr 12) won awards at the Race Unity Speech Competition.

T

he ability to communicate with confidence and clarity is one of the most valuable skills a young person can develop. At Dio, opportunities for public speaking and the spoken word are woven into school life, from classroom presentations to national competitions. These experiences encourage students to find their voice, share ideas with conviction, and connect with an audience. This year, Dio students have stepped onto local stages and national platforms alike, showcasing their talents in a remarkable range of events and competitions.

NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR DIVERSITY AND JUSTICE Year 12 student Zara Oliyath earned national recognition at the Race Unity Speech Competition, winning the ‘Multicultural NZ Award for Diversity’ and the ‘Speech NZ Award for Delivery’.

Judges praised her use of pause, pace and variety, which brought to life her speech on Te Moana Nui o te Kanorau: The Great Ocean of Diversity. Using the metaphor of the surf, Zara reflected on the challenges and opportunities of strengthening race relations in Aotearoa. She later addressed the New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils in Wellington.

Zara’s success builds on years of speaking and debating at Dio, from winning the Auckland-wide debating competition in Year 10 to taking the senior Soapbox title this year with a slam poem on health inequities. Her achievements show her ability to tackle important issues with clarity, courage and creativity.

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Hayley Liu, second right

Dio’s international success also extended to debating. This year, Hayley Liu (Year 13) represented New Zealand at the EVATT National Debating Finals in Melbourne, a prestigious Model United Nations-style competition where students debate global issues and tackle the complex workings of the UN Security Council.

LEARNING Soapbox winners Zara Oliyath and Seraphina Tse

Soapbox Prelims

SOAPBOX: A DIO TRADITION The Dio Soapbox competition, held at the end of Term 1, remains a highlight of the school year. More than 200 students entered speeches in the preliminary rounds, with topics ranging from selfie culture to social justice. The event also included visual art and essay writing entries. For many students, Soapbox is their first chance to present ideas to a large audience, and it is often where confidence begins to grow.

At the finals, Year 7 student Seraphina Tse won the Junior title with her speech on selfie culture, while the Senior title went to Year 12 student Zara Oliyath for her slam poem on

Junior School Soapbox winner Caitlin Henderson

the public health system. Slam poetry is a form of spokenword performance that uses rhythm, pace and emotion to bring poetry to life for an audience.

The Junior School also held its own Soapbox event, with Years 5 and 6 students writing and delivering speeches.

Twelve finalists were chosen, and the winner was Caitlin Henderson with her speech on extinction and the impact of humans on the environment. Events like these show that Dio students begin developing their skills from an early age and build on them each year.

Mooting finals – Senior Team 1

MOOTING Communication at Dio takes many forms, and this year students once again featured strongly in the Auckland Schools Legal Mooting Competition. Mooting is a simulated court case where students act as lawyers, developing arguments for the defence or prosecution and responding to questions from a judge.

In Term 2, Dio had three senior teams and three junior teams reach the quarterfinals – an impressive achievement given the large field of schools. Senior Team 1, made up of Isobella Baggeley, Violet Tucker, Molly Sherrard and Joia Jackson, went on to win the competition for the second consecutive year. In the junior division, a Year 9 team of Sophia Williams, Natalie Stuart, Esther Turley and Aarya Pandey also reached

the finals, competing strongly against older students. Nina St John received the award for ‘Most Memorable Mooter’, recognising her exceptional skill, clarity and presence in the courtroom. These achievements highlight both the students’ dedication and the guidance of code captains Violet Tucker and Isobella Baggeley.

While the earlier rounds are judged by law students, at the finals they are joined by Mark Henaghan, senior law lecturer from the University of Auckland. Reaching the finals of this competition is a huge affirmation of Dio students’ ability to develop a complex and convincing legal argument, then deliver it with confidence and conviction. A number of leading law firms watch these finals with interest. For students interested in a legal career, doing well in this competition means being noticed by potential future employers.

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THE ART OF THE AUCTION

Word: The Front Line

CREATIVE EXPRESSION THROUGH SPOKEN WORD

Students at Dio gain valuable experience working with auctioneers, where they develop both verbal and nonverbal communication skills. They learn to read signals, interpret body language, and manage a room effectively, while also enhancing their math skills and building charisma to lead auctions confidently. At the REINZ Auctioneering Competition, Lara Woods achieved first place and Gabriella Mitchell took second. Both students impressed the judges with their confidence, quick thinking and sharp numerical skills, showcasing the diverse abilities Dio students cultivate beyond the classroom.

Spoken word poetry (also known as slam poetry) continues to grow in popularity at Dio, giving students another avenue for expression. This year, two groups have been involved in Word: The Front Line, Auckland’s secondary schools’ competition, mentored by professional poets Jessie Fenton and Jennifer Rockwell.

The group of Alice Li, Emilia Young, Anya Taylor and Sophia Davies showcased the power of spoken word by combining writing and performance in a way that felt both personal and expressive. They advanced through the semi-finals, reaching the Grand Slam finals at the Aotea Centre and finishing in the top six. With confidence, they presented collaboratively at the last full-school assembly of Term 3. Alongside their success, senior students Zara Oliyath, Melissa Lau, Hailey Liu and Molly Hutton extended their skills through the He Reo Rangatahi programme run by Action Education, which connects young poets with experienced mentors and offers opportunities for growth and collaboration.

SPEAKING UP: DEBATING AT DIO Dio’s younger debaters shone at a tournament held at St Cuthbert’s College on Saturday 13 September, with two keen Years 7 and 8 teams taking part. The Year 7 team of Nadeli Mhuka, Seraphina Tse, Elanor Jansen and Robyn Jiang was new to debating but, with guidance from club leaders Isobella Baggeley and Violet Tucker, impressed with their energy, ideas and confidence. The Year 8 team of Maggie Atkinson, Eila Ellison, Lucy Walter and Hedy Qin went on to win the tournament outright after a day of spirited competition.

Reflecting on their success, teacher-in-charge Jane Hart said, “Across all levels, Dio debaters have shown great skill, confidence and pride. From our newest Year 7s to our senior students representing New Zealand, we are proud of the way they think critically, argue persuasively, and support one another.”

Dio student Lara Woods won the REINZ Auctioneering Competition

SPEAKING ACROSS CULTURES Language competitions also gave Dio students the chance to shine. At the Chinese Bridge Competition in May hosted by the Confucius Institute in Auckland, Year 8 students Bella Gowans, Vihaana Lankapati and Francesca Ross won first prize in the primary category group performance with their elegant umbrella dance. Other Dio students were also recognised, receiving merit certificates for their impressive speeches and performances.

Dio students also participated in the Alliance Française French debating competition, Joute Oratoire, on 3 June at the Alliance Française in Remuera, where they gained valuable experience in their first year of entry.

In German, several students competed in the annual Goethe Speaking Competition, where students learning German come together to speak to each other in German. We had Dio girls from Years 7 to 13 take part and achieve some wonderful results. We are really proud of these girls; the judges were very impressed with their speaking skills and enthusiasm. These events highlight the way Dio students are encouraged to explore language and culture alongside communication, preparing them for life in an increasingly interconnected world.

LOOKING AHEAD WITH CONFIDENCE Across classrooms, stages and international arenas, Dio students are developing their voices in ways that will stay with them for life. Public speaking teaches clarity of thought, confidence and the courage to share ideas.

Year 8 debaters Eila Ellison, Lucy Walter and Maggie Atkinson

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When Dio students speak, they do more than perform; they express who they are, they connect with others and they contribute to the conversations that shape our communities.

LEARNING

FROM DRAMA CLASS

to film set Dio student Sophia Bryant-Taukiri (Year 10) has been involved in the upcoming movie Klara and the Sun – an adaptation of the best-selling novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, directed by acclaimed New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi.

The film tells the story of Klara, an artificial friend designed to prevent loneliness, as she tries to save a heartbroken family of humans. Sophia plays the role of Sal – or rather, a bereavement-doll version of Sal – Sal was character Josie’s older sister, who died at a young age. Her loss prompts the family to create a replica, inspiring the development of Klara.

Sophia was selected for the role after submitting an audition tape. Taika Waititi was impressed with her audition and chose her for the part. Although her role does not involve speaking lines, Sophia was required on set for two weeks, filming first in a wheatfield in Wanaka and later at Auckland’s old train station.

Reflecting on the experience, Sophia shared how inspiring it was to work alongside stars like Jenna Ortega (who plays Klara), Amy Adams (who plays her mother), Steve Buscemi, and Mia Tharia. Her most memorable moment was filming an emotional scene with the cast in Auckland, describing it as surreal and deeply motivating.

“Working with Taika was such a privilege – he has a clear vision of how he wants things to look and feel," says Sophia. "I've never been part of something like this before, and it was so interesting to see the process of what happens behind the camera.”

Sophia has always been passionate about acting, with a special love for film. She credits taking drama with Ms Davies in Year 9 for sparking her aspirations. She admires versatile actors like Emma Stone, Anna Kendrick and Jennifer Lawrence, and hopes to continue acting, perhaps combining her dance background into future roles.

When asked what she learned from the experience, Sophia highlighted the teamwork and dedication behind the scenes.

Sophia Bryant-Taukiri

Sophia was selected for the role after submitting an audition tape. Taika Waititi was impressed with her audition and chose her for the part.

“The most unexpected thing I learnt about the film industry while working on this project was the number of people involved – their effort and dedication to create such an amazing outcome is incredible.”

Her advice to others? “No dream is too big.”

The movie is expected to release in late 2025, potentially debuting at an international film festival. We are very excited to see Sophia’s big-screen debut.

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ADVOCACY FOR CHANGE: Mandipa Mhuka At just 15 years old, Dio student Mandipa Mhuka is already stepping up as a voice for young people and communities in need. This year, she was selected as a 2025 Generation Hope Ambassador for Save the Children New Zealand, one of only a few students nationwide chosen for the youth leadership and advocacy programme.

Mandipa, who has attended Dio since she was four, has always had a strong sense of purpose. Of African heritage, she is passionate about creating fairer opportunities for young people and tackling inequality.

“The chance to make change for youth facing hard times was something I couldn’t ignore,” she explains.

Her interest in advocacy was shaped by Dio’s Ma-tauranga Ma-ori programme and her engagement with Te Reo Ma-ori and environmental studies, which strengthened her understanding of social justice and cultural identity. Watching the Ihuma-tao protests and learning about Te Tiriti o Waitangi also opened her eyes to the power of collective action.

Since becoming a Generation Hope Ambassador, Mandipa has taken every opportunity to learn and lead. At the Youth Noho in April, she met young advocates from across Aotearoa and gained insight into how policy, law and community action intersect.

Meeting the Minister for Children, visiting the Save the Children offices, and speaking at the Child Poverty Action Group PostBudget Hui were standout moments that built her confidence and communication skills.

As part of the programme, Mandipa led her own ‘Beat Hunger’ fundraiser, supporting Save the Children’s campaign against child malnutrition. From May to July, she ran a samosa fundraiser with a local business to raise money for ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF), which provides nutrition for children suffering from acute malnutrition.

“It was rewarding to see people support such an important cause while enjoying something they love,” she reflects.

Mandipa also took part in Aotearoa Youth COP, hosted by the Youth Climate Collective, which brought together over 100 youth to discuss climate policies being presented at COP30 in Brazil.

Representing the healthcare sector, she helped develop policy recommendations around WASH: water, sanitation and hygiene.

“It was amazing to hear from leaders like Heather Campbell, CEO of Save the Children NZ, and to realise that youth voices can influence decision-makers,” Mandipa says.

Another highlight was contributing to Tongan Language Week in August by creating content for Save the Children’s social media.

Having learned Tongan dance at Dio, she wanted to celebrate the language and culture behind it.

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Generation Hope Ambassad

or Mandipa Mhuka

“I love learning about new cultures, and this gave me a chance to share that with others,” she explains.

Through these experiences, Mandipa has gained valuable leadership skills and learned to balance her ambassador role with her studies and extracurricular activities. “I’ve learned to prioritise, stay organised and make advocacy part of everyday life.”

Looking ahead, Mandipa hopes to start a youth advocacy or African culture group at Dio to encourage discussion and inclusivity.

“Dio has many groups that give students a sense of belonging,” she explains. “I’d love to create a space where others can share their stories and learn from each other.”

Mandipa is inspired by leaders such as Malala Yousafzai and Varaidzo (Vee) Kativhu, who show that determination and compassion can spark global change. Her advice to other students is simple: “Find a cause that matters to you and get involved. You don’t have to wait to make a difference.”

Mandipa’s selection as a Generation Hope Ambassador reflects her passion, drive and potential to be a powerful force for change in Aotearoa and beyond. As Save the Children’s Youth Engagement Co-ordinator Vira Paky puts it, “Her passion for her community and the brightness in her advocacy practice is the breath of fresh air that is deeply needed in the social-change sector.”

LEARNING

JUNIOR SCHOOL

FROM THE

Head of Junior School

LEARNING WITH PURPOSE: ENGLISH, MATHEMATICS AND BEYOND In the Junior School, learning is both purposeful and inspiring. Our curriculum is grounded in Te Ma-taiaho (the Refreshed New Zealand Curriculum) which defines what we are teaching. These documents contain the key learning outcomes and progressions that guide every child’s learning journey.

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) provides how we teach these, through a rich, inquiry-based framework that brings these outcomes to life through authentic, connected and meaningful learning experiences.

Sue Cattell

In mathematics, our students are encouraged to see themselves as mathematicians – confident, capable problem solvers who can reason, question and apply their understanding in creative ways. Under the guidance of our specialist mathematics teacher, learning goes well beyond practising skills. Students engage in open-ended investigations, mathematical discussions, and real-world applications that strengthen both conceptual understanding and fluency. Whether exploring fractions through hands-on activities or tackling collaborative challenges, our learners are building confidence, precision and perseverance.

In English, language is the gateway to thinking, expression and connection. With the support of our specialist English teachers, students engage deeply with literature, language and ideas. They read widely and critically, write for authentic purposes, and use oral language to explore and communicate understanding. Through inquiry units, reading and writing are naturally embedded across subjects, from crafting persuasive arguments about environmental issues to composing narratives that express empathy and imagination. Our aim is for every student to see herself as a confident communicator and a thoughtful reader and writer.

Across all areas of learning, we seek to make meaningful connections. Science, for example, is embedded in the classroom

Together, Te Mātaiaho and the PYP ensure our students develop not only strong academic foundations but also the skills and dispositions needed for lifelong learning.

through inquiry and through our integrated STEM learning.

Students investigate the natural world, design and test solutions, and learn to think like scientists and engineers. Through practical, hands-on experiences from coding and robotics to exploring forces, habitats and materials, our girls develop curiosity, critical thinking and collaboration. The integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics ensures that knowledge is not learned in isolation but connected to real-world understanding and innovation.

What makes our Junior School distinctive is our commitment to excellence – both academic and personal. With the expertise of our specialist and classroom teachers, and the inquiry-driven approach of the PYP, our students experience a curriculum that is challenging, connected and inspiring. They are encouraged to ask questions, make connections and take ownership of their learning.

As our girls move through the Junior School, they develop the confidence to see themselves as thinkers, creators and leaders.

The foundations they build, help prepare them to thrive in a world where curiosity, understanding and purpose are all important.

Sue Cattell Head of Junior School DIO TODAY

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The PYP Exhibition teaches Year 6 students to plan, problem solve and work together

Proudly sharing learning WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME (PYP) EXHIBITION?

the power of how our young people can make a difference.

The PYP Exhibition is a special milestone for our Year 6 students, and a highlight in the school calendar and the IB Primary Years Programme for International Schools. It is an in-depth inquiry that connects and consolidates learning during their time at a PYP school.

All Year 6 students – Junior School teachers mentor a group to support them alongside Year 6 classroom teachers.

Our school community – Year 6 girls showcase their learning to our school community as part of the exhibition. Junior School classes visit alongside Junior School, Junior High and Senior School teachers. Parents, family, friends and other PYP schools are invited to learn, celebrate and share the success of the PYP Exhibition.

Working in small groups, girls identify real-world issues they care about in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They ask big questions, research and take meaningful service and action. This helps them reflect on their responsibilities as global citizens.

Throughout the exhibition process, students build essential skills, such as research, critical thinking, collaboration, communication and self-management. With guidance from their teachers and mentors, they learn to plan, problem solve and work together.

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WHO IS INVOLVED?

WHAT IS THE PROCESS? The Year 6 Exhibition is a rich inquiry where students work collaboratively to explore real-world issues under the theme ‘How we organise ourselves’, learning about the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The process begins with the Ignite phase, where our girls participate in Service Week in Auckland, learning what organisations are doing to support the needs in our community.

During the Ignite phase, girls learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and global citizenship, and start reflecting on how they can make a difference locally and globally.

LEARNING

We then move into the Explore and Investigate phases.

Girls brainstorm issues they care about, form groups, develop research questions, and dive deeply into gathering and synthesising information. Along the way, they build key research skills, practice academic honesty, learn about reliability and validity when researching, and reflect on the Learner Profile attributes they’re developing.

In the Respond phase, girls plan how they’ll share what they’ve learnt and how they’ll take action. We encourage them to raise awareness in our school community and partner with an organisation to inspire change. Each group prepares an interactive display and presentation.

The journey culminates in the PYP Exhibition, where our Year 6 students proudly present their findings, knowledge, action and reflections to the school community over two days. This is a wonderful celebration of learning, teamwork and advocacy.

WHY IS THE PYP EXHIBITION AN IMPORTANT PART OF OUR STUDENTS’ LEARNING, AND HOW DOES IT PREPARE GIRLS FOR MYP, YEAR 7 AND BEYOND?

Builds independence and self-management During the Exhibition process, students plan and research with guidance. This mirrors the increasing expectations for selfmanagement and organisation in Junior High, where students navigate multiple subjects, deadlines and commitments.

Develops research and inquiry skills Students learn to ask meaningful questions, locate and evaluate information from various sources and synthesise what they research into their new knowledge and understanding. The foundational research skills are essential for the MYP curriculum in Year 7 and beyond.

Grows confidence in communication One of the highlights in the Exhibition is seeing the girls share their new knowledge and advocate for the UN Sustainable Development Goals to an authentic audience.

During the Exhibition Expo, they share to their peers, teachers, families and wider community to explain their thinking. This builds their confidence to speak clearly, justify their ideas and interact thoughtfully. This experience helps build vital skills they will use in Year 7, such as oral presentations, visual presentations, debates and discussions.

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Learning to collaborate effectively The exhibition is done in a small group. Students learn to work with different people, resolve conflicts, share tasks and combine their strengths. These skills translate directly to group work and team tasks in higher year levels.

Connects learning to service and action As part of the exhibition, girls are encouraged to think about how their new knowledge can make a difference, whether it’s raising awareness, proposing solutions, or taking action in the community. This nurtures a mindset of agency and responsibility and encourages our girls to live our school motto: Ut Serviamus – that we may serve. These skills are critical to help our preadolescents have purpose, curiosity and a strong sense of self.

Embeds the IB Learner Profile attributes The Exhibition brings the IB Learner Profile attributes to life.

Students demonstrate being Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Reflective, Communicators, Inquirers, Risk-takers, Open-minded, Caring, Balanced and Principled. These attributes support our students to become lifelong learners and global citizens as they move to Junior High and beyond.

Nicole Lewis Deputy Principal Junior School and PYP Co-ordinator

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LEARNING

THE ART ROOM COMES ALIVE –

WHERE ART SUPPORTS STEM Through collaboration with PYP units of inquiry, visual art often supports STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) by providing experiences that integrate mathematical concepts, scientific knowledge and observation, and technological tools with creative expression.

Our Year 4 art classes serve as a perfect example of this integration where students discovered the fascinating connections between visual art, science and mathematics.

During our ‘Who we are’ STEM-focused unit of inquiry, students were inspired by the anatomical drawings of Leonardo da Vinci.

Using our life-sized skeleton model, affectionately known as Bones, students applied mathematical principles to master drawing a human in proportion using the classical eight-head measuring method. This is developed further in Year 5 for fashion drawing that uses nine heads.

This exploration of anatomy and proportion didn’t stop there.

Leveraging technology, the students used the Procreate app on their iPads to analyse and draw facial proportions on a new layer above their self-portrait photograph. To further hone their observation and technical skills, they meticulously sketched skulls, developing their use of six tones with blending techniques to create a sense of three-dimensional form.

Building on this solid foundation of realistic presentation, our unit ‘How we express ourselves’ took a wonderfully abstract turn. The students were now challenged to intentionally distort and play with the proportions they had learned, exploring the expressive power of unrealistic forms through the lens of Cubism. Their muse for this project was the exciting and inspirational 14-yearold American artist Andres Valencia, whose style is influenced by Pablo Picasso and Amedeo Modigliani. They were captivated by his vibrant, fragmented portraits and they channelled his style to create their own cardboard self-portrait sculptures.

Kerrie Parker

Annabelle Lilic

Arya Lin (4MY)

Myla Zhu

Yuti Shao (4SK) Cubist self portrait

Holly Blackie (4WR) Cubist self portrait

Mikayla Qiu (4SK)

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CELEBRATING

the arts

This year, our Junior School community came together to celebrate the creativity, talent and dedication of our students at the Arts Extravaganza. The evening opened with the powerful presence of kapa haka, setting the tone for a programme filled with variety, colour and joy.

From Year 1 performers to our more experienced ensembles, every item showcased the enthusiasm and commitment that the arts inspire in our school. Audiences were treated to lively Jump Jam routines, junior class items, and the vibrant sounds of the Orff Orchestra, Concert Band and String Ensembles. The choirs, Bella Voce and the Chapel Choir, filled the auditorium with harmony and heart.

The Arts Extravaganza was more than a performance, it was a celebration of community, creativity and the joy of learning through the arts. It highlighted the diverse opportunities available to our students and the way music, movement and performance bring us together. The evening left our audience inspired, uplifted and immensely proud of our girls.

This year’s celebration was also especially poignant as we had earlier farewelled Ms Mehernaz Pardiwalla, whose leadership

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has shaped the heart of our music and performing arts for the past 17 years.

Mehernaz introduced students to the joy of performance, from Year 5 productions to choirs, instrumental groups and classroom music. Under her guidance, the performing arts became a vibrant space where students developed technical skill, the courage to express themselves, and the joy of collaboration.

Her impact extended far beyond the classroom. Performances became Mehernaz occasions that united the school Pardiwalla community. Mehernaz’s integrity, passion and commitment to excellence nurtured talent, instilled confidence, and ensured every student experienced the transformative power of the arts. Many Junior School students went on to develop even further in the Junior High and Senior School choirs and performances.

Mehernaz left for a new role overseas and we reflect with gratitude on her dedicated service. Her legacy will continue to echo in the music and performances that bring our Junior School community together.

David Gordon, Director of Junior School Performing Arts

LEARNING DIO TODAY

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FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS

The Junior School Library has always been cherished as the heart of the school.

We have a strong reading culture here at Dio and the library is a busy place during lunchtimes and class visits.

This year, our love of literacy led us to take a group of girls to the Auckland Writers’ Festival and to enter a team into the first ever children’s Lit Ex Competition.

Our highlight of the year is always Book Week. This is when we celebrate our love of books with mystery readers, literary competitions, book-related treasure hunts and lots of buddy reading. The climax, of course, was our annual book character parade, where we saw an exciting array of amazing costumes. A huge thank-you to all the parents who helped to get their daughters ready on the morning of the parade; it was very special to see their chosen stories come to life.

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LIVING CHAPLAINCY

Diocesan welcomes new Junior School chaplain Reverend John Goodwin

Chaplaincy in the Junior School

A

new and exciting chapter has begun in the life of our Junior School with the appointment of a part-time chaplain. With the continued growth in our roll, the Board of Governors recognised that the workload for the chaplain serving across the whole school had become too great. In response, they made the decision to appoint a dedicated Junior School chaplain to ensure our youngest students are consistently nurtured in ways that support not only their learning but also their spiritual growth and wellbeing.

At the beginning of Term 3, we were delighted to welcome The Reverend John Goodwin into our community. His commissioning service was a joyful occasion, during which Bishop Ross Bay presented him with his licence to minister at Diocesan School. Father John, as the students will know him, is no stranger to school chaplaincy, having served for 16 years as the much-loved chaplain at King’s School before retiring in 2024. We are truly fortunate to have him bringing his wisdom, warmth and deep care into our Junior School.

Rev’d Goodwin’s role is hands-on, encompassing chapel leadership and classroom engagement. Each timetable cycle, he leads chapels for Foundation, Years 0-3 and Years 4-6, offering age-appropriate worship that blends music, storytelling, prayer and reflection. He also visits classrooms to share Bible stories,

encourages teachers in leading daily prayer, and supports the creation of dedicated prayer spaces. His presence is already enriching the spiritual life of the Junior School, reminding us that faith is something woven into everyday school life, not just reserved for special occasions.

Music continues to play a central role in our chapels.

Participation in choirs is strong, with students showing both enthusiasm and commitment. The Chapel Choir once again excelled at the Kids Sing competition, receiving the top award – a wonderful achievement that reflects the hard work of students and staff alike. Together with Bella Voce, the Chapel Choir alternates in leading the singing for our Year 3–6 chapel services. This not only builds confidence in our young singers but also continues the centuries-old Anglican choral tradition, which holds such an important place in our school’s heritage.

The introduction of a dedicated Junior School chaplain has already brought much joy and depth to the life of our youngest students. With Rev’d Goodwin’s guidance, chapels, prayer and music are becoming ever more central to our community life, helping to shape a foundation of faith and belonging that will carry our students through their years at Dio and beyond.

Rev’d Sandy Robertson, Chaplain DIO TODAY

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BUILDING A COMMUNITY

where wellbeing matters

At Diocesan School for Girls, we know that education is never just about exams, grades and university pathways. Learning at its best is about the whole person. It is about young people who feel safe, supported and encouraged to bring their true selves into the classroom and onto the sports field, the stage, the chapel and beyond. When students are thriving, they are able to reach their potential, both academically and personally. That is why Dio has been working to place wellbeing at the very heart of school life.

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Wellbeing is not an ‘extra’ or something to squeeze in once the important work is done. It is the foundation on which all learning, achievement and growth rest. When students understand their strengths, practise self-care, and learn strategies for resilience, they are better prepared to face challenges, bounce back from setbacks, and enjoy the richness of life at school and beyond.

LIVING KO TĀTOU EVERY DAY

For students, Ko Ta-tou takes the form of a simple but powerful agreement, centred on six aspirations: Be Genuine, Be Respectful, Be Self-Compassionate, Be Courageous, Act with Empathy, and Act with Integrity.

For staff, these principles are reflected in our Culture Code, which emphasises passion for learning, openness and trust, and kindness and compassion.

Many of our own students have told us that they want more opportunities to develop deeper self-awareness and to learn practical strategies for managing stress, building confidence and supporting others. This feedback is at the centre of our new direction. By increasing our focus on wellbeing, we are responding to what students have asked for, while also building a stronger and more connected Dio community.

This shared language is already being woven into the fabric of school life. Each term, the whole school focuses on a particular Ko Ta-tou value – this term, it is ‘Being Courageous’. The values are highlighted in tutor groups, deans’ assemblies, chapels and classrooms, reminding us all that wellbeing is built not only in big moments but in small daily actions.

KO TĀTOU: OUR COMMUNITY

WELLBEING IN THE CURRICULUM

The renewed emphasis on wellbeing sits within a bigger vision: Ko Ta-tou – Our community. Ko Ta-tou expresses who we are as a community and what matters to us. It is not just aspirational, but something each of us commits to working towards, because community is only ever real when all members take part.

The most significant step forward is the introduction of a Wellbeing Education Curriculum. From 2026, Year 11 students will have dedicated wellbeing lessons, one period per cycle, and over the following two years this programme will be extended across all year levels.

Over the past two years, staff and students have been invited to share their hopes for the Dio community. Through focus groups across the Junior School, Junior High, Senior School, Te Whare Huia, and with international students, we asked the question: What kind of community do we want Dio to be?

The answers were clear and inspiring. Students and staff described a community where teachers genuinely care, where you don’t have to be perfect, and where everyone belongs. They imagined a place where people are excited to come to school, where friendships are open across groups, where cultures are celebrated, where people say hello in the corridor, and where worries such as bullying are taken seriously. They asked for an atmosphere that is cheerful and joyful, supportive and inclusive, and where diversity is not only recognised but embraced.

OUR SHARED FOUNDATIONS

In response to this feedback, the Ko Ta-tou framework has been relaunched with three strong foundations that will guide the way we live, learn and relate to one another: • Christianity – reminding us that every person is beloved, worthy and created for relationship with God, self, others and creation. We are called to live with respect, care and a commitment to reconciliation and service.

• Biculturalism – grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, affirming te reo Ma-ori, tikanga Ma-ori, and ma-tauranga Ma-ori as treasures, and honouring Ma-ori as tangata whenua. We seek to create an environment where Ma-ori students and staff feel valued, celebrated and supported.

• Positive psychology – the science of what enables people and communities to thrive, focusing on strengths, resilience, joy and connection. This gives us a practical language for building wellbeing day by day.

Together, these foundations provide the shared language and values that shape Ko Ta-tou.

LIVING

WHY WELLBEING?

“By increasing our focus on wellbeing, we are responding to what students have asked for, while also building a stronger and more connected Dio community.”

Rev’d Robertson

These sessions will help students to: • Build resilience and manage challenges with confidence.

• Recognise and use their personal strengths.

• Develop healthy relationships and practise empathy.

• Take responsibility for their physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

By embedding wellbeing into the curriculum, Dio is affirming that success is about more than academic achievement.

It is about helping every student discover what makes life meaningful, giving them the tools to flourish, and ensuring that the whole school community benefits from a culture of care.

A COMMUNITY COMMITMENT At its heart, this renewed focus is about more than programmes or frameworks. It is about choosing, every day, to create a community where kindness, respect, courage and compassion are lived values. It is about ensuring that Dio is a place where everyone can belong, contribute and thrive.

As the whakatauk reminds us: He waka eke noa – we are all in this together.

Rev’d Sandy Robertson, Chaplain

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Pastoral Care A

at Diocesan

t Dio, we believe success is about far more than academic results. True success means thriving in every aspect of life – academically, socially, emotionally and personally. In today’s fast changing (and increasingly online) world, that is not always easy.

We know that school can also present challenges at any stage, whether it’s navigating friendships, managing personal growth, or coping with the pressures of exams. That is why pastoral care is a cornerstone of education at Dio and central to every student’s experience.

Our pastoral network ensures that students feel supported, understood and guided throughout their journey. In both the Junior and Senior Schools, this care is provided by a dedicated team of deans, chaplains and counsellors who work closely together to create a safe and supportive environment where students can flourish.

JUNIOR SCHOOL – Foundations of wellbeing From the earliest years, pastoral care plays a key role in helping girls feel secure, happy and ready to learn. By establishing strong foundations of care and support, students develop confidence and resilience, skills they carry into their later schooling and beyond.

The pastoral framework in the Junior School reflects the

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wider school network, adapted thoughtfully to meet the developmental stage of younger learners. This ensures that while the structures feel familiar, they are responsive to the particular needs of children at this stage of life.

• Deans – Each Junior School year group, from Foundation through to Year 6, has a dean responsible for overseeing progress and wellbeing. Deans provide continuity, guidance and reassurance, ensuring that every student is known and cared for as an individual.

• Chaplains – Led by Rev’d John Goodwin in the Junior School, chaplains offer pastoral and spiritual support, helping students develop a sense of belonging, connection and shared values.

• Counsellors – School counsellors assist students to deal with a variety of personal or social issues that have a potential to put a student’s wellbeing, learning or school achievement at risk. In the Junior School, therapy dog Tui is a much-loved presence, visiting the library each Tuesday morning and bringing comfort, joy and calm.

Together, these layers of support create a nurturing environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to thrive.

SENIOR SCHOOL – Growing through the journey As students move into the Senior School, their challenges naturally evolve. Academic demands increase, social

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“Tutor teachers, deans, chaplains, counsellors and nurses collaborate closely, ensuring no student is ever overlooked.”

dynamics grow more complex, and personal identity takes shape. To meet these needs, Diocesan offers a robust pastoral framework that combines professional expertise with strong, long-term relationships.

TUTOR TEACHER SUPPORT Every student belongs to a house tutor class, with a tutor teacher who often remains with them for up to seven years.

This continuity means tutor teachers know their students well, offering consistent guidance and care. Acting as the first port of call for both students and families, tutor teachers balance academic oversight with personal support.

DEAN SUPPORT Each year group has a dean who journeys alongside students from Year 7 through to Year 13. Deans play an integral role in monitoring academic progress, identifying social or emotional needs, and providing targeted support when required. Our 2025 deans are: • Year 7 – Kit Bushell • Year 11 – Tracey Cusdin • Year 8 – Josh Farrell • Year 12 – Jessica Thompson • Year 9 – Georgie Trivett • Year 13 – Neil Cheetham • Year 10 – Hanna Peterson Through these sustained relationships, deans come to know their students and families closely, enabling them to provide continuity, encouragement and timely assistance.

CHAPLAINS The chaplaincy team, led by Rev’d Sandy Robertson and supported by Rev’d Bryan Haggitt, provides pastoral and spiritual care across the Senior School. Rev’d John Goodwin supports the Junior School. Their work encourages reflection, connection and community, ensuring students feel part of something greater than themselves. By fostering inclusivity and belonging, the chaplaincy strengthens the values that underpin life at Dio.

students and their families to external services.

A much-loved member of the counselling team is therapy dog Miles, who provides comfort, calm and unconditional care – a gentle reminder that wellbeing can also be strengthened by small, uplifting moments.

NURSES – Expert health support Our Health Centre is staffed by qualified nurses who provide professional medical care when students feel unwell or are injured. In addition to responding to immediate needs, they also support ongoing health management, offering reassurance and practical guidance to help students maintain balance during their busy school lives.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH What makes pastoral care effective is the way all these roles connect. Tutor teachers, deans, chaplains, counsellors and nurses collaborate closely, ensuring no student is ever overlooked. They also work in partnership with teachers and parents, creating a united and inclusive approach to wellbeing.

Pastoral care is also embedded in the wider life of the school through our curriculum, and opportunities in education outside the classroom (EOTC), sport and the arts. These experiences bring students into contact with teachers, peers and mentors, while also engaging them in physical and mental challenges.

Such experiences are not only enriching in themselves but also serve as important building blocks for pastoral care, fostering resilience, teamwork and a sense of belonging.

At Dio, student wellbeing is actively monitored through tools such as the GoodSpace Schools Survey and the NZCER survey, which measures school climate, culture and relationships. The insights gained help us refine and adapt our pastoral systems, ensuring they remain relevant to the challenges young people face today.

COUNSELLORS

EVOLVING WITH THE TIMES

Our counselling team are Clare Norton, Fiona Pritchard and Alison Chuang. Our school counsellors assist students to deal with a variety of personal or social issues that have a potential to put a student’s wellbeing, learning or school achievement at risk. Support is needs based. All sessions are confidential and respectful, ensuring that students feel understood, supported and empowered.

While we are proud of the strong pastoral networks across both the Junior and Senior Schools, we also recognise that pastoral care is not static. The challenges facing young people shift as society changes, and we are committed to remaining responsive, compassionate and forward-looking in our approach.

Counselling offers a safe, confidential space where students can explore these challenges and develop strategies to cope, adapt and grow. Support is tailored to each individual, and if needed, counsellors can refer

At its heart, pastoral care at Diocesan is about ensuring that every student feels cared for, supported and equipped to thrive. By combining professional expertise with deep personal relationships, we help our girls build resilience, confidence and a sense of belonging that will serve them well beyond their school years.

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FINDING YOUR TRIBE The vibrant world of clubs and groups at Dio

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lubs and groups – eclectic, student-driven and passion-fuelled – are creating powerful spaces for connection, creativity and leadership. With more than 40 active clubs available to students in Years 7–13, there truly is something for everyone.

Clubs are run by a mix of student leaders and volunteer staff, typically meeting at lunchtimes or other scheduled times. There’s no one-size-fits-all structure, and that’s part of the charm. This flexibility allows clubs to evolve each year, reflecting the initiative and interests of our student body.

From Minecraft Club to Chess, T-Pop Dance to the Dio Investment Group, the options are as diverse as our students. Some clubs, like Robotics and Coding or Future Problem Solving, focus on practical challenges and creative thinking. Others, such as Anime or the Visual Arts Club, offer students a space to express themselves, showcase their talents, and connect over shared interests. Groups like UN Youth and Amnesty International invite students to explore global issues and grow as informed citizens.

“Our clubs and groups at Dio give students the chance to lead, explore and find joy in their own interests,” says Kate Burkin, Assistant Principal. “They’re spaces where girls grow in confidence, build friendships, and discover new passions, all while challenging themselves in different ways.”

While some clubs are competition-based, like Mooting or Mathex, others are linked to external programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award or Spirit of Adventure. Many are simply formed around shared interests, from debating and creative writing to cultural dance or philosophy. What unites them all is a strong sense of belonging – a place where students can be themselves, try something new, and deepen their passions alongside like-minded peers.

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Joining is easy. Students can explore what’s on offer through DioConnect, where each club has a dedicated page outlining meeting times, goals and how to get involved. Many clubs host open sessions or taster weeks, making it simple for new members to give it a go.

As a school, we’re proud to support such a range of diverse and dynamic clubs. These groups reflect the many ways Dio girls engage with the world – not just through competition or performance, but through curiosity, connection and creativity.

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CLUB SPOTLIGHTS

Just a few of the many ways to get involved ROBOTICS AND CODING CLUB

Years 7–13 | Meets Tuesdays at lunchtime The Robotics and Coding Club is where innovation, logic and creativity come together. Students explore programming, build robots, and take on problem-solving challenges using technology. Whether you’re just starting out or are already passionate about coding, you’ll collaborate in teams, experiment with hardware, and gain confidence in digital creation. It’s a hands-on space for future engineers, developers or anyone curious about how tech can shape the future.

EDITORIAL COMMITTEE

Years 7–13 | Annual project-based The Editorial Committee is behind Student Voice – an annual student magazine produced by Learning Auckland, which brings together students from schools across Auckland. Dio is proud to be part of this collaborative initiative.

Members of the committee are involved in the full editorial process, from planning content and researching stories to writing, editing and designing the layout. Professional journalists mentor the team, giving students a real-world publishing experience. If students love writing, design or storytelling, this is a fantastic opportunity to find their voice.

Students can speak to their English teacher to get involved.

ANIME CLUB

Years 7–13 | Meets at lunchtimes Whether you’re a long-time fan or just anime-curious, the Anime Club offers a relaxed, welcoming space to share your favourite shows and explore new ones. Students can watch episodes together, talk about characters and storylines, and

even try their hand at manga-style drawing. It’s a place to geek out, unwind and meet others who share your love of anime and manga.

CHINESE DANCE CLUB

Years 7–13 | Auditions in Term 1, lunchtime rehearsals A highlight of Dio’s performance calendar, the Chinese Dance Club is an inclusive and vibrant space where students celebrate culture through movement. Members learn traditional fan dance techniques and rehearse throughout the year for performances at events such as Culture Night and Night of the Dance. It’s a team that blends grace, heritage and performance, and always brings colour to the stage.

THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S HILLARY AWARD: A PROUD TRADITION AT DIO Years 10–13 | See DoE page for details For over 40 years, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award (DoE) has been a well-established and valued part of life at Dio. This internationally recognised programme has encouraged generations of students to challenge themselves, grow as leaders, and develop resilience.

Open to students from Years 10–13, the Award is offered at three levels (Bronze, Silver and Gold). Each stage requires participants to commit to community service, learn a new skill, and complete an adventurous journey, building confidence and independence along the way.

All the information students need to get started is available on DioConnect, with experienced staff and programme leaders providing support and guidance throughout the process.

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PERFORMING ARTS

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PERFORMING ARTS 2025 has been a standout year across all areas of the performing arts, with record numbers of students involved in music, dance and drama. With so much happening, it’s hard to capture it all, but what follows is a snapshot of the highlights from the second half of the year.

Terms 2 and 3 were our busiest yet, the calendar jam-packed with high-level events: KBB Festival, Kids Sing, Big Sing Finale in Dunedin, NZCT Chamber Music Finals, Hip Hop Nationals, Bandquest and Play it Strange. Results have been outstanding, and the Arts Centre a hive of creativity and energy.

We also celebrated our own vibrant community with standout events like the Night of Dance, Junior School Shelagh Thomson

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Arts Extravaganza, Dio Culture Night, IB Arts Exhibition, Scholarship Showcase and Aria Night. The ever-inspiring Arts Awards and Showcase rounded off Term 3 with some unforgettable performances.

Term 4 wrapped up the year with a flurry of award ceremonies, JHS Showcase, Prize givings and P&F functions. Meanwhile, our actors, dancers and musicians were already deep into auditions and rehearsals for our two blockbuster productions in 2026; Chicago for the seniors and Annie for the Year 5 students.

With an extraordinary team of tutors, directors and teachers behind the scenes, Dio continues to lead the way nationally in the performing arts. This school truly champions and celebrates

Culture Night

the artistic spirit of our talented students. A huge thank-you to everyone who’s been part of this journey; your commitment, creativity and excellence make it all possible.

2025 has been nothing short of phenomenal, and 2026 is already shaping up. Go Dio Arts!

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A TRIPLE GOLD CELEBRATION

for Dio choirs

Huge congratulations to our incredible choirs who have shone brightly at this year’s national choral competitions – Kids Sing and Big Sing. These competitions are Australasia’s largest and most prestigious secondary school choral festivals. With international acclaim for musical excellence and high-energy youth involvement, The Big Sing continues to soar in popularity, bolstered further by the global success of the film Tinā.

St Cecilia Singers (director Jono Palm er and vocal consultant Andrea Creighton) Gold Award, Best Festival Recital Programm e by an Uppe r Voice Choir, Hutt City Trophy for Best Performance of a New Zeala nd Work

At the regionals, our senior all-comers choir Dio Cantoris, led

by Isobella Baggaley and Libby Nicholls, were awarded Highly Commended. Our premier choir, St Cecilia Singers, led by Joia Jackson and Lotosina Tavui, made headlines by taking home the top award for Best Festival Recital Programme by an Upper Voice Choir. This exceptional win crowned them as the top secondary school girls’ choir in Auckland for 2025.

But the winning streak didn’t stop there; at the national finale in Dunedin, they went on to receive a prestigious gold award, and the Hutt City Trophy for Best Performance of a New Zealand Work – an outstanding win. Ranked the top choir in New Zealand, St Cecilia Singers wowed the judges with their artistry and musicianship, surpassing strong competition under the expert directorship of Jono Palmer and vocal consultant Andrea Creighton.

These amazing achievements round out a triple-gold year for Dio choirs in 2025, with Chapel Choir and Virtuoso Voce also striking gold at Kids Sing, with both our junior choirs taking home three awards with standout scores, sweeping the stage in their year groups.

What a year, what a team, and the trifecta across each choir – bravo to all our amazing choristers and their fantastic directors!

(director Years 7 and 8 Virtuoso Voce d, Andrea Creighton) Gold Awar , Best Performance of Test Piece Adjudicator Award

Years 5 and 6 Chapel Choir (director Jono Palmer) Gold Award, Best Performance of a New Zealand work, Adjudicator Award

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Instrumental successes Dio Symphony Orchestra (director Shelagh Thomson). Leaders – Jenny Seo and Jennifer Ni

Dio Concert Band (director Jasmine Sun). Leaders – Sophie Edmonds and Wendy Chen

KBB MUSIC FESTIVAL In August our four large instrumental ensembles represented Dio at the prestigious KBB Music Festival and what a week it was. This celebrated event showcases the very best in secondary school instrumental music-making, with over 5000 students, and six actionpacked days of outstanding performances at Holy Trinity Cathedral– a true ‘fest of the best’.

We’re especially proud of our newly formed Dio Concert Band, led by

Dio Chamber Orchestra (director Shelagh Thomson). Leaders – Madeleine Christiansen and Jessica Lu

ConcorDio Intermediate Strin gs (director Shelagh Thomson).

Leaders – Sienna Worsnop and Step hanie Yuan

Ms Jasmine Sun. In her hands, the band has revived and reenergised the Dio sound and this year, they achieved their highest award ever – a silver medal – what a comeback.

Meanwhile, ConcorDio Intermediate Strings also hit a major milestone with their best-ever score in the bronze category. And to top it off, all three of our large ensembles earned high scores from the adjudicators, each just one mark shy of gold.

With 150 Dio students across all ensembles, our musicians played their hearts out, represented the school with pride, and left audiences inspired. Our amazing Head Prefect, Lotosina Tavui, wowed the crowd with a soul-stirring rendition of the jazz classic At Last.

NZCT CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION Twelve of our top Dio instrumentalists across eight different groups participated in the chamber music competition in June. This national competition draws students from across the regions in the district heats, followed by the National Finals in August. There were 100 groups in the Auckland heats alone, so the competition was fierce.

Chamber musicians Erin Bao, Vevina Wang and Chloe Xiao

Every group played in a variety of combinations within their categories; including wind trios, string quartets, quintets and string trios.

Our girls performed magnificently and we were thrilled that so many Dio instrumentalists took home some great awards, with the Nino Rota Trio awarded first place at the Auckland Finals and they also went on the win the National Finals in August.

Newcomer’s Award – EMY Trio (Emily Wang, Mia Zhou, Yolanda Zhang) Junior Award and Auckland Finalist’s Award – VEZA Quartet (Eve Lu, Zi Xuan Wang, Angel Tao, Verity Jin) Adjudicators’ Award – LCI Trio (Claire Nicholls) Auckland Overall Winner and National Final Winners – Nino Rota Trio (Angel Tao, Ella Zhang, Iris Guo)

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Years 9/10: (L to R) Maddy Denby, Eve Lu, Jasmine Hughes

Senior: (L to R) Emilia Young, Lotosina Tavui, Joia Jackson

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Years 7/8: (L to R) Mia Zhou, Yolanda Zhang, Isabella Bines

JUNIOR AND SENIOR ARIA COMPETITIONS On Tuesday 14 October, we proudly presented Aria Night, an extraordinary annual celebration of classical vocal artistry. This prestigious event showcased our finest singers, ranging from Year 7 to Year 13 finalists, carefully selected from over 50 talented entrants, many of whom stepped onto the solo stage for the very first time.

We were honored to welcome Sarah Mileham as our adjudicator. Recognised as one of New Zealand’s most captivating young operatic voices, Sarah is a celebrated soloist with NZ Opera and a recipient of numerous

distinguished awards. Her breathtaking rendition of Puccini’s beloved aria O mio babbino caro was a true highlight of the evening.

Years 7 and 8 1st prize – Yolanda Zhang 2nd prize – Isabella Bines 3rd prize – Mia Zhou

This event encourages students to engage deeply with classical vocal repertoire and to perform in the original language of each piece, with attention to stylistic and interpretive authenticity.

Years 9 and 10 1st prize – Jasmine Hughes 2nd prize – Eve Lu 3rd prize – Maddie Denby

A special thank you to Juan Kim for his expert accompaniment, and to our dedicated voice teachers for their work in preparing the performers.

HIP HOP At Dio, Hip Hop is more than just a dance style – it’s been a 10-year movement and we’re proud to have five incredible Hip Hop crews, led by their outstanding coach Ashley Metcalfe, whose talent, dedication and leadership continue to ensure that Dio Hip Hop shines brighter every year.

Dio Mega crew

Years 11 to 13 1st prize – Joia Jackson 2nd prize – Lotosina Tavui 3rd prize – Emilia Young

Dio Mega – elite senior crew (Years 9–13) with 33 talented dancers.

Dio AIMS – Years 7 and 8 team with 10 powerhouse performers.

Dio Intermediate – Years 7 and 8 crew Dio Development Team – all-comers Years 7 and 8 Dio Senior – all-comers Years 9 to 13.

Dio Mega took 1st place on the national stage at Hip Hop International

(HHI) FOMPAC DANCE COMPETITION Dio Mega – 1st place Dio AIMS – 3rd place Dio Intermediate – Very Highly Commended Dio Mega won Best Choreography of the entire event

PROJECT 2025 – TAURANGA (KING’S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND) Dio Mega – 2nd place Dio AIMS – 4th place Dio Intermediate – 9th place Dance NZ Made: Dio AIMS 2nd place

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Culture Night

LIVING Year 12 curriculum dance

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n August we were treated to another exceptional Culture Night; the theme for this year was ‘Many cultures, one community, celebrating unity, through diversity’ and was organised by the School Culture Council led by Yeshvi Kamdar and Ms Dykgraaf. The event featured captivating performances, with an incredible range of music and dance showcasing cultures including Māori, Chinese, Indian, Korean,

Thai, Samoan, Tongan, Irish, Filipino and many more. For the first time, Dio staff took to the stage and performed, adding to the energy and excitement of the evening. With a packed audience in our theatre, families were also treated to homemade cultural delicacies after the event. This festival continues to celebrate Dio’s cultural diversity and student commitment.

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Arts

AWARDS

Isobella Baggaley and Joia Jackson

SHOWCASE

The celebration of the 2025 Senior Arts Awards and Showcase was held at the end of Term 3 in the Performing Arts Centre. The dedication students have shown in all areas of the creative and performing arts throughout 2025 has led to unprecedented successes at both regional and national levels. Our programmes have seen record numbers of students involved across music, dance and drama, and outstanding inhouse productions drawing audiences in their thousands over the year.

These acknowledgements and awards represent achievements beyond the academic curriculum.

INSTRUMENTAL ACHIEVEMENTS KBB FESTIVAL

Four large instrumental ensembles represented Dio at this prestigious instrumental ‘fest of the best’. We were especially proud of our newly formed Dio Concert Band who achieved their highest award to date – a silver. All three of our large ensembles earned high scores from the adjudicators – each just one mark shy of gold.

DIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Leaders – Jenny Seo and Jennifer Ni

HIP HOP

DIO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

DIO MEGA CREW

Leaders – Madeleine Christiansen and Jessica Lu

• First place at HHI nationals • Second place at Project 2025 nationals • Best Choreography award at the FOMAC competition in Central Auckland • First place at FOMAC competition in the Mega Schools division

Leaders – Sophie Edmonds and Wendy Chen

Mega Crew

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CONCERT BAND NZCT CHAMBER MUSIC NATIONAL FINALS Twelve top Dio instrumentalists across eight different groups participated in the chamber music competition at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre. Dio won some outstanding awards.

Newcomer’s award EMY Trio Junior award and Auckland finalists VEZA Quartet Adjudicators’ award LCI Trio Auckland overall winner and National Final winners Nino Rota Trio

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St Cecilia singers

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CHORAL ACHIEVEMENTS NZCF Big Sing competition At the regionals and finals of the NZCF Big Sing Competition, St Cecilia Singers were awarded Big Sing - Joia and Sina celebrating gold Distinction and Best Female Choir.

At the finale, they were awarded gold and the Hutt Valley Trophy.

Bella Cantoris were awarded Highly Commended at the regionals.

DRAMA Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ – regionals and nationals Shakespeare Essay Competition – 1st prize: Hayley Liu Video Title Card Competition – 1st prize: Hayley Liu for A Midsummer Night’s Dream Costume Design – Highly Commended: Hayley Lui Runner-up for the Best 15-Minute Scene – Joia Jackson and Isobella Baggaley for their exceptional portrayal of Emilia and Desdemona in Othello.

AWARDS AND THE PRESENTATION OF CUPS Cups are presented to students with an exemplary level of commitment, ability and participation.

Arts Council Award Star Award for 2025 – Eloise Cain and Wing Sze Chow Bayleys Staff Award for the Arts – Ms Anna Dygraaf Mannion Speech and Drama Cup – Isobella Baggaley and Joia Jackson Diocesan Dance Cup for Excellence in Choreography and Performance – Mia Kara and Dani Gardiner-Kent Diocesan Instrumental Cup for Long-term Loyalty and Leadership – Sophie Edmonds and Jenny Seo Auctioneering Cup – Lara Woods and Gabriella Mitchell Penny Macdonald Award for Excellence in Debating – Violet Tucker and Isobella Baggaley Kapa Haka Koru Award – Emma Young and Anna Preece Jean Gallagher Cup for Commitment to Instrumental Music – Madeleine Christiansen and Jennifer Ni Terri Crouch Cup for the Most Promising Vocalists – Joia Jackson and Lotosina Tavui McCabe Cup for Excellence in Contemporary Music – Joia Jackson Hazel Kinder Cup for the Most Committed Choristers – Madeleine Christiansen Sandy O’Brien Cup for Excellence in Drama – Ella Bosselmann

ARTS AWARDS IMOGEN WELLS AWARD FOR SHOWING ALL-ROUND EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS Jaimie Park and Isobella Baggaley Service underpins everything we do at Dio. In the arts, we rely on individuals who participate and show commitment and perseverance, giving generously of themselves. Jaimie is an accomplished contemporary and classical musician, playing in orchestras and bands, and a talented dancer and choreographer.

Isobella has been in Dio choirs for years, is a highly accomplished drama student and debater, and has taken leads in all our productions over the years.

They are not just performers, they are Jaimie Park very willing helpers, and Isobella Baggaley mentors and leaders.

THE IMOGEN WELLS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS Libby Nichols and Ella Bosselman Since Year 7, Libby and Ella have been a constant and vibrant presence in the performing arts at Dio. Their contributions are across choirs, drama productions, Shakespeare Festivals, dance shows, singing competitions and leading roles in every school production. What sets them apart is their talent and unwavering dedication. Their enthusiasm is infectious and their professionalism inspiring. They have led by example, lifting others with them and setting a very high standard. These two live and breathe the arts, and have given Libby Nichols so much to the Dio and Ella Bosselman community.

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Lotosina Tavui

THE DAVID GORDON CUP FOR EXCELLENCE AND COMMITMENT Joia Jackson Joia arrived in Year 7, quiet and observant, but in the last few years, she has blossomed into a confident, vibrant and gifted young woman. Her singing voice is nothing short of angelic, her acting compelling, and her ability to hold the stage is exceptional, as shown in her performance in the lead role of Mary Poppins.

Joia’s achievements include: ATCL Diploma in Speech and Drama, finalist in the ‘Play it Strange’ songwriting competition, member of New Zealand Secondary Students' Choir, taking leads in our productions, and co-leading our elite choir, St Cecilia Singers. Her love for choral music is infectious, inspiring our younger singers to work harder and sing with pride, which was evident with the awards and accolades showered on St Cecilia Singers at Big Sing Finale.

Joia has shown tireless dedication. This year she led the Arts Council with compassion, creativity and conviction, and has set the bar high.

Joia Jackson

THE ROSEY EADY CUP FOR A ‘SPECIAL INDIVIDUAL WHO WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE’ Lotosina Tavui The talents of this remarkable young woman have shone brightly across many diverse disciplines.

In music, Lotosina represented Dio at regional and national levels, and has been a cornerstone of our musical ensembles. She is an outstanding brass player and the longest-standing member of the Dio Symphony Orchestra, joining in Year 7 as principal (and only) euphonium. She has entered the Concerto and Aria Competitions since Year 7, winning three times, played in chamber groups and sung in rock bands.

Lotosina has also played lead roles in school productions and our cultural events, initiating and leading our Samoan groups in performances. She choreographed and performed solo, inspiring others through her commitment to sharing her heritage. As co-leader of St Cecilia Singers, she stood centre stage to perform Le Tupalaga o Aotearoa, a beautiful tribute to her cultural legacy. Lotosina was also part of the prestigious New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir, earning the honour of singing solo on the national stage.

Othello

Her mentorship and leadership have left a deep and lasting impact on our school. As a hugely popular head prefect, she’s helped shape 2025 into a year Caption of unity and here xxx xxxx xxxxxxx positivity.

Mary Poppins

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LIVING Lucy Gilleece and Chelsea Lane

SPORTS AWARDS On Thursday 16 October, we celebrated Diocesan’s sporting achievements for 2025 at our annual Sports Awards, showcasing successes in celebration of our young athletes.

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he Diocesan Sports Awards celebrate the achievements, effort and spirit of our athletes, coaches, and wider sports community. Each year, we come together to recognise not just successes and results, but the values that make Dio sport special; teamwork, resilience and pride in representing our school.

The 2025 awards reflect another busy and successful year.

From our junior students taking part in their first competitions to our senior athletes competing for Auckland and New Zealand, there has been plenty to celebrate.

These awards also acknowledge the people who make it all possible; our coaches, managers, parents and volunteers who give their time and energy to support our students week after

week. Together, these moments capture the true spirit of One Team Dio. Our guest speaker Chelsea Lane is a trailblazing performance therapist and performance leader. Chelsea made history as the first woman to lead the performance and medical team for an NBA franchise – as the Executive Director of Performance for the Golden State Warriors – helping them secure back-to-back championships in 2017 and 2018.

Chelsea then moved to the Atlanta Hawks as Vice President of Performance and Sports Medicine, further cementing her reputation as a game-changer in athlete care and team culture. Her unique perspective bridges the gap between cutting-edge sports science and compassionate leadership. In recent years, Chelsea has returned home to Aotearoa, sharing her insights with New Zealand’s elite athletes, sporting organisations and corporate leaders, while continuing to consult globally.

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TOP SPORTS AWARDS SPRAGGON MCFARLANE CUP FOR OUTSTANDING CODE CAPTAIN

VICKI HEARFIELD CUP FOR ENTHUSIASM AND PASSION TO SPORT

Xanthe Miller – swimming

Abby Welsh – water polo and Liv Barker – hockey

DIO STUDENT OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR Ruby Thomas

DIO STUDENT COACH OF THE YEAR We could not run sports as we do without our student coaches. We have over 100 students each year giving up time to volunteer and give back to our younger sports teams.

Dio Student Coach of the Year (Senior School) Mckenna Chan – netball and Indigo Riley – hockey

ALISON ROE CUP Service to Sport Kate Beagley

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR Peter Thompson – rowing

BAYLEY’S AWARD FOR STAFF CONTRIBUTION Tash Keene

TEAM OF THE YEAR NZSS Cross Country Senior 3-person team Hannah McManus, Sophia Haines and Maddie Worrall

Dio Student Coaches of the Year (Junior School) Belle Imlah and Sophie Walter – flippaball

JUNIOR HONOURS AWARDS The Junior Honours Awards recognise achievements at the highest level.

These recipients have demonstrated exceptional ability in their chosen fields.

Our winners have all represented New Zealand at a world championship event – either in Years 9 or 10 or in an U-16 age group world championship.

Sarah Kennard – gymnastics Teresa Wang – golf Queenie Lang – golf

SENIOR HONOURS AWARDS The Senior Honours Awards recognise achievement at the highest level.

The recipients have demonstrated exceptional ability in their chosen codes.

Our winners have all represented New Zealand at a world championship event at age 18 and above.

Lucy Gilleece – water polo Indie Williams – triathlon Bowie Wang – fencing

COACH OF THE YEAR

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE AWARD

Holly Cliffe and Victoria Edgar – netball and Hannah Ngare – water polo

Sarah Kennard Presented to a JHS student who has reached the highest level in their sport this year.

JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD Henrietta Yarrell Stevenson Presented to a JHS student who has contributed at a high level to multiple sports throughout the year.

DEL HOOPER CUP FOR OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT Bowie Wang and Indie Williams

BARBARA KISSLING – PREMIER SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR Lucy Gilleece

Hannah McManus, Sophia Haines and Maddie Worrall

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LIVING Junior Honours - Teresa Wang

Junior Honours - Sarah Kennard

Junior Honours - Queenie Lang

Senior Honours - Lucy Gilleece

Senior Honours - Outstanding Individual Achievement - Indie Williams

Senior Honours - Outstanding Individual Achievement - Bowie Wang

Junior High School Outstanding Performance Award - Sarah Kennard

Junior High School Sportsperson of the Year Award - Henrietta Yarrell-Stevenson

Barbara Kissling – Premier Sportswoman of the Year - Lucy Gilleece

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Dio Dancing Queens Jump Jam Team at Auckland Strictly Jump Jam Competition

PUTTING THE DIO X-FACTOR INTO JUNIOR WINTER SPORTS

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ver the winter terms, we ran 23 competitive hockey and netball teams with just under 200 girls participating. Our competitive ski racing girls were also in action and so were our Jump Jam, artistic gymnastics and rhythmic gymnastics teams.

We loved seeing their excitement, joy, pride and camaraderie.

While results haven’t been our primary driver, the girls have certainly achieved a lot, both in development and in outcomes.

Fun and technical development have been key contributors to the girls’ progress and success and so has the special Dio X-factor: sportsmanship. We are so proud of our girls as they’ve really shown up to their sports with the best version of themselves. They have committed to their teams, given 100% effort, shown resilience and courage in the face of challenge and learning, remained positive and disciplined, and displayed real grit and determination. This has been the main victory in our winter sports programme. The girls have demonstrated great sportsmanship, and this has served them well.

Sportsmanship is often underrated and misunderstood. This winter season, we had conversations with our students around personal behaviour and the way they show up to their sports.

The girls took ownership, agreeing on expectations such as commitment, a learning mindset, effort, respect, positivity, cooperation and resilience. During the season, the coaches helped to embed the sportsmanship X-factor by encouraging the girls to ‘walk their talk’ at training and games. These personal behaviours are key indicators of success in sports; more so than current ability levels and results – and they are highly transferrable into all areas of learning and life.

We’ve been approached by members of the public, parents and some sports providers who’ve commended our girls. One particular coach and national judge had visited many primary schools in Auckland and noticed ‘something different’ about our Dio junior girls and coaches, observing they were engaged, willing to learn, had positive attitudes, were respectful and disciplined, and really trying their best.

Growing strong, resilient young sportswomen, with the potential for success is our real game and in this our junior girls are winning.

Year 5 Emeralds Netball Tournament Team

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Year 5 Rubies Netball with student coaches at end of season game

Earlier in the year, our Year 6 students had the wonderful opportunity to take part in an inaugural sports exchange with Somerville House (Queensland, Australia) who visited Diocesan Junior School as part of their New Zealand sports tour. It was a pleasure to welcome Somerville House to our school and to Aotearoa, New Zealand with a special p whiri, which set us up for a day of respect, teamwork and shared experiences.

Throughout the day, Year 6 Dio girls mixed with their Somerville House peers and took part in four exciting rotations designed to build connection and foster sportsmanship.

Together, the girls participated in action-based learning games that focused on teamwork; explored Matauranga Māori with

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Building friendships Whaea Kali; competed in friendly matches of basketball in our Dawn Jones Sports Centre, and made a splash with flippa ball in the Aquatic Centre!

The day was about coming together, supporting each other, and building friendships through sport. It was inspiring to see the camaraderie and encouragement on display as our students and their Australian friends learned, laughed and played alongside each other.

We are proud to have hosted Somerville House and look forward to growing this special sporting relationship in the years ahead.

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Winter Tournament Week 2ND XI HOCKEY – MARY CLINTON CUP The 2nd XI hockey team had an excellent week in Whanga-rei, competing in a tournament largely made up of 1st XI sides. The girls started strongly, topping their pool with an impressive 18 goals scored. They narrowly missed the final after tying with Ot moetai and falling in a shootout, but bounced back to beat Rosehill in the playoff to secure a well-deserved bronze medal. A big thank you to managers Michael and Janie Loveridge, and to alumnae Lucy and Anna Bannatyne, who balanced full-time work and their own hockey commitments to provide expert coaching, physio, recovery support and detailed tactical analysis.

The team: Sophia Angland, Isabel Berry, Jessie Bickelmann, Zara Brabant, Francesca Eglinton, Lucy Gibson, Phoebe Kelt, Niamh Loveridge, Coco Morton, Liya Patel, Sophie Pearce, Noomi Riley, Hope Stirton, Mila Stirton, Isabella Turner, Iqra Vaswani and Georgia Walton.

BASKETBALL – NORTHERN REGIONAL CUP An extremely young team faced tough opposition from Onehunga, Kristin, Waitakere and Botany Downs, learning valuable lessons through the week. They finished strongly with a comprehensive win over Waiuku, placing ninth overall.

The team: Mia Hassett, Keira Johnston, Caroline Kennar, Elenoa Ngata, Zara Oliyath, Deva Perese, Thea Smales, Eseta Tavui, Violet Tucker, Brontë Wolfgram, Coco Wren and Alice Zhang.

CYCLING – NORTHERN TOUR Fifteen cyclists competed across three events over two days. Saturday featured an individual time trial and a Mount Wellington hill climb, while Sunday’s criterium was cancelled for U-16 and older riders due to bad weather. Despite this, Dio achieved multiple personal bests, top 10 finishes and podium results. In the time trial, Phoebe Xiao was third in U-13, Alyssa Burrows third in U-14, Mika James second and Issy Riley third in U-16. Phoebe won silver in the National Hill Climb U-13 category and bronze in the criterium, while Issy Riley took bronze in the U-16 Hill Climb.

The full team: Laura Allan, Imogen Burgess, Alyssa Burrows, Rose Finlayson, Lucy Forman, Pippa Forman, Mackenzie George, Madison Hoon, Lily James, Mika James, Annabelle Judd, Isabella Riley, Chloe Ulmer, Alice Wellington, Lily Worthington, Chloe Xiao, Phoebe Xiao and Stephanie Yuan.

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Dio 2nd XI hockey team on tour

in Whangārei

1st XI Hockey

1ST XI HOCKEY – NATIONAL TOURNAMENT The 1st XI girls opened their campaign with emphatic wins over Craighead (8–0), St Peter’s (3–0), Whanganui (3–0) and Taradale (6–0). The forwards were clinical, the midfield moved the ball with pace, and the defence – led by Kate Wyber and Katie Astwick – was rock solid. In the early crossover, the team lost a close 2–3 match to eventual champions St Margaret’s, then drew 1–1 with Westlake Girls’ before losing a shootout despite a heroic effort from goalkeeper Sophia Dobby. Congratulations to captain Livvy Barker for finishing the tournament as joint top scorer with 10 goals and a big thanks to coach Hitu Patel, manager Miss Phipps, and all parents for their wonderful support.

The squad: Katie Astwick, Isla Barker, Livvy Barker (tournament top goal scorer), Laura Bowden, Aimee Bradley, Olivia Carpenter, Petra Craddock, Sophia Dobby, Chloe Driscoll, Samantha Ford, Sophie Hodson, Lucy Howe, Hollie Lawson, Tessa Lepionka, Sara Revell, Indigo Riley, Charlotte Waite and Katherine Wyber.

Premier Netball had an outstanding campaign, returning to B Grade and setting their sights on promotion. They won pool matches against Lynfield, Sacred Heart Girls’ and Mt Roskill Grammar to qualify for the top 16. A narrow two-goal loss to Whakatane lit a fire, and the team responded with confident wins over Gisborne, Kerikeri and Botany Downs to reach the semi-finals.

Against unbeaten Aorere, Dio’s full-court pressure turned the tide late to win 37–35 and secure a spot in the B Grade final. In a thrilling rematch with Whakatane, the girls fell 29–30 in the dying minute, claiming silver medals and promotion to A Grade for 2026.

The team: Honor Small, Sophie Priscott (Tournament team), Isabella Coleman, Saskia McLaren, Frankie Ashford, Mikaela Fong, Piper Hayton, Boh Curran, Johanna Middlemiss, Kate Beagley (Tournament team), Emily Keene and Ruby Sue Howlett.

Special mention to Ruby Thomas, who umpired B Grade throughout the week, receiving excellent feedback and being awarded the C Grade final – a top honour for a student umpire.

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PREMIER NETBALL – UNISS TOURNAMENT

Diocesan's underwater hockey squad at the National Secondary Schools' Championships

UNDERWATER HOCKEY – NATIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS Diocesan was represented by a junior and senior underwater hockey team in Wellington at the recent National Secondary Schools’ competition. The junior team was the youngest team in the competition with many of the students having only begun to play underwater hockey this year. The team placed ninth overall but have learnt so much to take into next year! Thank you to coach Daniel for all his help this year.

The senior underwater hockey team placed eighth on a wild card entry into the tournament. This result is exceptional for the girls with many girls only taking up underwater hockey this year. Overall, it was a great week for both teams with lots of learning and growth.

The Premier team: Imogen Bevan, Sienna Camp, Lyla-May Cockle, Samantha Gill, Stella Grayson, Addison Hewlett, Molly Hopwood-Craig, Eve Lambert, Savannah Mortimer and Emily Penrose (Team Most Valuable Player).

The Junior team: Charlotte Barker, Leigh Fletcher, Lily Hayes, Charlotte Joe, Rosie Karpik, Alice Lambert, Caitlin Nelis and Grace Penrose (Team Most Valuable Player).

FOOTBALL – NZSS TOURNAMENT

ROAD RACE RELAY FESTIVAL AND NATIONALS Twelve Dio runners braved wild wind and rain at Pakuranga Sailing Club, with Year 9 placing third, and Junior and Senior teams both winning their 10km relays. The next day, 10 girls represented Auckland – the largest group from any girls’ school – combining with athletes from other schools to form five relay teams across Senior, Junior, Year 9 and mixed divisions. All five teams won their races, completing a clean sweep.

Year 9: Abi Bethell, Clementine Coney, Flora Stevens Oskam, Eden Brettell (bronze).

Junior: Maggie Croft, Chloe Ulmer, Grace Larsen, Lucy Bell (gold).

Road race running: Abi Bethell, Clementine Coney, Flora Steve ns Oskam and Eden Brettell

Senior: Izzy Coney, Hannah McManus, Neve Sparrow, Maddie Worrall (gold).

Zara Benton and Harriet Lowe also competed for Auckland combined teams.

First XI Football finished 14th, improving on last year’s result. They came out of pool play in second place to face MAGS for a top eight spot, drawing in regular time before narrowly missing out on penalties. The girls then fought through the 9–16 playoff bracket, ending with a determined final game performance to finish 14th.

The team: Ava Carey, Sian Christie, Mia Crosby, Aaliyah Dye, Holly Fendall, Holly Fergusson (Team MVP), Susie Finlayson, Mia Hanton, Sofia Kong, Anna Lynskey, Lucy Materi, Stella McElroy, Skye Murdoch, Sophie Schulze, Felicity Tongue, Gemma Twist and Holly Webster.

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AIMS GAMES The AIMS games are Australasia’s largest junior sporting event. They offer Years 7 and 8 students the chance to compete in both individual and team competitions. This year, AIMS drew an impressive 14,000+ competitors from 430 schools across 31 sporting codes – this means that AIMS Games had more participants than the Olympics!

Basketball had a challenging but valuable week, taking on tough opposition and developing both individually and as a team. Their spirit and energy were clear in every match. Well done to Amelia Bartle, Caroline Cai, Olivia Chapman-Smith, Ivy Herrick, Isabella Keenan, Rosie Ormsby, Zoe Sherrock, Sophia Sutton, Madison Taylor and Molly Walden

Cross country was held in wet, windy conditions, with the Year 8 team of Stella Leach, Olivia Sanders and Phoebe Ulmer taking first overall. The Year 7 runners also impressed, finishing in the top 80 out of more than 100 competitors. Charlotte Scholfield, Georgia Anderson, Lily Vonn Southcombe, Mackenzie Lim, Olivia Sanders, Orla Loveridge, Phoebe Ulmer, Stella Leach and Zenobia Menzies made up the full Dio contingent.

AIMS Games - Hockey

The Years 7 and 8 hockey team topped their pool, then held their nerve in a semi-final shootout to win three goals to one thanks to Mila Pereira, Willow Bracewell and Phoebe Ulmer. They claimed a well-earned silver medal after a close final against Te Kamo. Goalkeeper Sammy Locke deserves special mention for her composure and crucial saves. Congratulations to Zara Askew, Willow Bracewell, Honor Hodson, Florence Kirkpatrick, Samantha Locke, Zenobia Menzies, Mila Pereira, Lucy Simeon, Phoebe Ulmer and Ella van Schaik.

The Hip Hop team travelled to Tauranga, taking part in a free workshop with a top choreographer before competing in the finals on Saturday night. They were supported by the netball team who came to cheer them on. The crew returned to Auckland on Sunday after a great weekend. Congratulations to Ella Campbell, Jenny Liu, Serena Lu, Sophie Ngan, Florence O’Sullivan, Mila Pereira, Grace Tarm, Cecilia Wang and Stephanie Watt.

AIMS Games - Water Polo

AIMS Games - Hip Hop

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Water polo enjoyed a perfect week, opening with two wins and going undefeated through to the final. The girls were outstanding, winning their semi-final and final convincingly to claim the gold medal. It was a special experience playing both familiar Auckland schools and new opposition from around the country. Congratulations to Lucy Baggaley, Scarlett Dalton, Nadia Hall, Olive Heatley, Sophia Henderson, Catherine Li, Gabrielle Niccol, Olivia Sanders and Emily Talacek.

Tennis players Isla MacRae, Katie Zhang and Chloe Wang all placed in the top four in singles, with Chloe winning her division, Katie finishing third and Isla fourth. Chloe and Isla then combined in the doubles to add more strong results.

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AIMS Games - Swimming

AIMS Games - Tennis

The swim team brought home multiple medals across individual and relay events. Catherine Li won three races, Anna Li added silver, and Dio claimed three relay golds.

The 4x50m freestyle team was Ella van Schaik, Catherine Li, Sophia Sutton and Anna Li. Helena Fu and Annabel Croft joined them to win the 6x50m relay, while Ella van Schaik, Catherine Li, Anna Li and Annabel Croft won the medley relay.

The full team included Anna Zhang, Annabel Croft, Helena Fu, Kate Xu, Oceanna Sun, Sophia Sutton, Syleena Vo, Zoe Larsen, Ella van Schaik, Catherine Li and Anna Li.

In orienteering, Abbie To placed seventh in the sprint, with Annabelle Johnson and Isabel Wong finishing in the top 40 from 101 competitors.

The team also placed eleventh in the rogaine event out of 36 teams.

AIMS Games - Orienteering

AIMS Games - Netball

Football had a fantastic tournament, going through the opening pool round undefeated and conceding just one goal. A win, a loss and a draw in the next pool saw them through to the top eight, an achievement celebrated with plenty of pride. After two intense days of finals play, including narrow penalty shootout losses, Dio finished eighth overall.

Well done to Annabelle Johnson, Bella Gowans, Blair Castronova, Charlotte Schofield, Emilie Miller, Georgia Anderson, Grace O'Sullivan, Olivia Lowe, Phoebe Xiao, Sahar Bhikoo, Stella Leach, Tilly Jones and Zara Beguely.

Netball kicked off early on Sunday, starting with two wins and a narrow loss in pool play against St Oran’s and two teams new to AIMS. This earned a spot in the A and B Grade, placing Dio inside the top 64. After two tough matches, the team bounced back with a win and then produced a thrilling one-goal victory over Pinehurst, who had beaten them earlier in the season. Dio finished in 42nd place overall, an improvement on last year and a clear sign of progress. Congratulations to Abigail Paea, Boyan Zhang, Cynthia Li, Coco Keene, Isabella Bines, India Aiono, Mia Lin, Natalie Biddles, Scarlett Faull and Georgiana Davies.

Our individual athletes were outstanding across yachting, canoe, rock climbing, gymnastics, trampolining and golf. Mila Pereira placed second in both DMT and tramp, Caity Gollogly came sixth in tumbling, and Emily Wang claimed first in ball and ribbon for fifth overall. Emma Stead reached the semi-finals in rock climbing after finishing seventh out of 63 on day one. Canoeists Lucy Beggs and Ruby Steel won the Year 7 girls’ mixed team relay, with Lucy adding an individual bronze. Lulu Lang represented Dio with pride on the golf course.

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Flying the flag In 2025, Dio students were selected for New Zealand international teams across a range of sports, carrying the silver fern with pride and representing their school and country with focus and dedication. From ice rinks in Canada to sailing waters in Turkey and athletics tracks in California, they competed on the world stage. The following highlights showcase the variety of sports in which Dio students have gained valuable international experience, from individual events such as fencing, rhythmic gymnastics and triathlon, to team sports including rowing, hockey and water polo.

ARCHERY Yanlin Yang (10NE) and Ashley Zu (8ED) represented New Zealand at the 2025 Trans-Tasman Challenge in Christchurch.

Yanlin competed in the U-16 recurve division, while Ashley participated in the open women’s barebow category.

ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS Sarah Kennard (10MP) represented New Zealand at the 2025 WOGA Classic in the Junior age division (Level 9), placing third on bars, fourth on floor, and fourth overall. Her New Zealand team also finished third overall in February. She was subsequently selected to represent New Zealand at the 2025 Artistic Junior World Championships in Manila, Philippines, in November at the Junior International level.

ATHLETICS Jacqui Nasrabadi (13SE) was one of 16 athletes selected for the New Zealand team competing in California, participating at the Arcadia Invitational, Mt San Antonio College and Santa Barbara. Her selection followed strong 64

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International reps

performances at the NZ Secondary Schools’ Championships and Summer Classics events.

Sina-Maria Su’a (9CW), national U-16 shot put and discus champion, set a new world best in the U-14 girls’ discus with a throw of 48.86m, surpassing a record set in 1990. Her success is supported by coach Walter Gill.

In October, Year 12 student Hannah McManus (12MI) represented New Zealand at the 2025 Oceania Cup in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. The event brings together athletes from across the Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia.

Hannah competed in the 800m, 1500m and 4x400m relays, gaining valuable international experience. She was also named as a non-travelling reserve for the Australian All Schools Cross Country Championships.

CROSS COUNTRY Maddie Worrall (11PM) represented the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ Cross Country team at the Australia School Sport Championships in Queensland in September. She finished 16th overall in the 16–17-year-old girls’ category and placed fourth among her New Zealand age group peers.

the North Island Secondary Schools’ women’s foil. She also competed at the Asian Senior Championships in Bali, placing 42nd individually and helping New Zealand to 14th overall.

FIGURE SKATING In May, Year 12 student Christine Aixinjueluo (12SE) represented New Zealand at the Oceania International Figure Skating Competition in Melbourne, Australia. She placed fifth in the short programme and fourth in the free skate with her new routine.

GOLF Teresa Wang has had an outstanding year in golf, shining both here in New Zealand and on the international stage.

She was the U-16 champion at the New Zealand Golf Age Group Championships and earned selection into the Golf NZ Development Squad. She also secured her world ranking card, opening the door to compete at world-level events. On the international stage she represented New Zealand at the Toyota Junior World Championships and then went on to claim an incredible second place at the FCG Callaway World Championships. Her achievements this year reflect not just her talent, but her discipline and commitment to the sport. Teresa is a young golfer with a very exciting future ahead.

FENCING Bowie Wang (11NE) represented New Zealand at the World Cadet and World Junior Championships in China, finishing 86th and 125th respectively.

She also travelled to Australia for the Asian Championship qualification and was nominated for the national team.

In New Zealand, Bowie placed second at the U-17 Nationals, contributed to the North Island team’s gold and won

Queenie Lang has also made her mark in golf this year, earning selection into the Golf NZ Development Squad and securing her world ranking card.

She has already stepped onto the international stage, at the IMG Junior Championships and the FCG Callaway World Championships, gaining invaluable experience against some of the best young golfers in the world.

SKIING

In January, Year 13 student Livvy Barker (13MP) was named in the New Zealand U-21 Black Sticks Women’s squad and made her debut in a practice match against the New Zealand Ma-ori team.

Her strong performance in this match, combined with her contributions to the U-18 Auckland campaign, led to her selection for the U-21 squad that played a series of games in Japan in October.

Anna Yuan (10MI) represented New Zealand at the Whistler Cup in Canada in April, competing in super G, giant slalom, slalom, and parallel. She placed 25th in super G, 30th in giant slalom, and 27th in parallel in the U-16 category.

ICE HOCKEY MeiMei Keith (9CO) has been selected to represent the New Zealand U-18 Ice Hockey team set to compete at the World Championships in 2026.

INLINE HOCKEY MeiMei Keith (9CO) also competed at the Tasmanian Cup in Australia, scoring several goals as her team went unbeaten to win gold. She also represents Auckland in ice hockey and trialled for the Ice Ferns.

ORIENTEERING Cerys Findlow (11CO) and Charlotte Dalziel (11RO) were selected for the U-16 women’s team competing at the European Youth Orienteering Championships in Brno, Czechia, in July.

For Cerys, it was her second international experience, while Charlotte was competing overseas for the first time – an amazing achievement for both.

RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS In May, Louella Chabel-T (11SE) spent two weeks in Canada competing at the Koop Cup and the Manitoba Provincial Championships, achieving podium finishes in all events. She carried this strong form into the New Zealand Secondary Schools’ competition in August, finishing second overall in Level 8 and placing first in hoop, second in ball, and second in ribbon.

SAILING Flora Oskam-Stevens (9MI) represented New Zealand at the European Optimist Championships in Turkey in May. Competing against 115 U-16 sailors, she started with a fourth-place finish and maintained consistent top 20 results throughout the competition. In the Gold Fleet finals, Flora won race 8, reportedly the first time a New Zealand sailor has achieved this. She finished 13th overall, recording the second-best result ever for a New Zealand girl at the event.

At senior level, Lucy Gilleece (13RO) represented New Zealand in the U-20 women’s team at the World Aquatics Championships in Salvador, Brazil, where the team placed 11th overall.

Xanthe Miller (13NE) competed in the 2025 Tri Series in Ballarat, Victoria in July. She was part of the New Zealand Black team that finished second overall, just 100 points behind Australia, New Zealand’s closest result in the series.

Alongside these student achievements, Director of Sport Angie Winstanley-Smith played a leading role on the international stage as head coach of the New Zealand White Caps at the World Aquatics Championships in Singapore in July, guiding the team to a 10th-place finish.

TRIATHLON

WORLD DUATHLON

Indie Williams (11MP) won both the women’s 16–19 and the overall women’s races at the Napier Sprint Triathlon, securing her place at the 2025 World Triathlon Championship Finals in Australia in October. She was also named in the Triathlon New Zealand Development Squad, a group of eight athletes under 20 and now looks ahead to the World Age Group Championships in Wollongong, Australia and the Oceania Championships, in Napier in early 2026.

Chloe Ulmer (10MI) has been selected to represent New Zealand in duathlon at the World Triathlon Multisport Championships next year. Chloe achieved this selection by winning gold in the U-19 Sprint Duathlon Championships this year.

SWIMMING

ULTIMATE FRISBEE Petra Craddock (11MI) was named in the New Zealand U-20 Ultimate Frisbee training squad for the 2025/26 campaign. She will attend the national selection and training camp in January 2026 with the goal of being named in the official NZ U-20 Ultimate team to compete at the 2026 World Junior Ultimate Championships in Spain.

WATER POLO Dio water polo players continue to gain selection for New Zealand teams across all age groups, reflecting the school’s strong tradition in the sport.

Indiana Coe (10RO), Juliette Laury (10MP), Claudia Sundstrum (10NE), and Henrietta Yarrell-Stevenson (10RO) were named in the New Zealand U-15 Women’s Team, with Maritsa Radich selected as a non-travelling reserve.

Grainne Aitken (11ED), Charlotte Manks (11SE), Chloe Sandor (11MP), and Olivia Willis (11MI) earned places in the New Zealand U-17 Women’s Team. Both teams competed at the Australian National State Championships in Canberra in September, coached by Dio staff member Gabby Oloapu and alumna Hannah Ngare (2017).

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HOCKEY

WATER SKIING Ruby Presnall (9SE) represented New Zealand at the U-18 TransTasman Challenge at Lake Maraetai, Mangakino, in March. She won the U-14 division in her first international event and also won all sub-junior races that season, placing second in a speed-restricted open class, reaching 105kph in races lasting up to 25 minutes.

CELEBRATING SUCCESS Across ice, water, tracks and fields, Dio students have shown determination and resilience. Their achievements reflect the support of coaches, families and the wider school community.

Director of Sport Angie WinstanleySmith is proud of how Dio athletes have represented both the school and New Zealand.

“Reaching international representation takes discipline and resilience,” she says. “Our students carry themselves with pride, representing their sport, their country and their school community. We celebrate all they have achieved and the example they provide to others.”

As 2025 ends, we celebrate these accomplishments and look forward to the opportunities ahead in 2026.

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A BUZZING BREAKFAST

David Pacey

and a café makeover

I

t's been a busy and exciting six months for the Diocesan Parents and Friends Association, with two fantastic projects that brought our community together and made a real difference to school life.

First up was the Junior School Father-Daughter Breakfast.

Held on 21 October, this event is always a favourite, and this year didn’t disappoint. Dads and daughters gathered early for a delicious breakfast and quality time together.

The real star of the morning was our guest speaker, Ruud Kleinpaste, better known as the Bug Man. Ruud brought his love of insects to life with stories, science and even a few live creepy crawlies! The girls were fascinated (and a little squeamish) as they got up close with some of nature’s tiniest creatures. It was a fun, fascinating way to kick off

Dio cafe volunteers

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the day and a great reminder of how special the natural world can be.

While the breakfast event was about connection, another big project was happening behind the scenes – a significant upgrade to the school café kitchen. Over the Term 2 holidays, the café space got a complete makeover. We’re talking structural improvements, brand-new equipment, and a fresh, modern layout that makes life much easier for the team that runs it. This completes a total makeover of the café, which began last year with a complete refresh of the café seating space.

If your daughters haven’t popped into the Dio Café lately, it’s worth visiting. It’s not just a place to grab a healthy snack or the ever-popular Freddo Frog chocolate (fun fact, the café

Lovinn' the Cafe!

LIVING 'Bug Man' Ruud Kleinpaste was guest speaker at the Junior School Father-Daughter Breakfast

sells nearly 20,000 Freddo Frogs a year!); it’s also a warm, welcoming hub operated by parents and friends, and the fantastic café team led by café manager Jenny. The new kitchen setup means the team can work more efficiently, and it opens the door to even more exciting food options in the future. Think faster service, fresher choices and maybe even a few new menu surprises.

A huge shoutout to the amazing café team and the school property team, who worked incredibly hard to get everything done in time for the start of Term 3. The turnaround was tight, but thanks to their dedication, the café was back up and running without missing a beat. And a thank-you from the Heritage Foundation: “Thank you to the Parents & Friends Association – your gift has created a welcoming new kitchen and café space for students, staff and families to enjoy.”

And here’s the best part: you can be part of it too! The café is always on the lookout for new volunteers. Whether you’ve got a regular morning free or want to help now and then, it’s a great way to meet other parents and be part of the school buzz. If you’re keen, just drop a line to the café manager at diocafe@ diocesan.school.nz.

So, whether it’s sharing breakfast with bugs or grabbing a snack from the café, the past six months have been a great reminder of what makes Dio special – community, connection and a lot of heart.

Parents and Friends wishes all students and families a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to seeing you all in 2026.

David Pacey, President Parents & Friends of Dio

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L I F E LON G F R IE N DS

AUCKLAND DIOCESAN ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION (INC) PRESIDENT Emily Steel (Houlker) VICE PRESIDENT Sarah Mackenzie (Macalister) TREASURER Felicity Buche (Olson) EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Nicki de Villiers (Dodds) EDITOR – LIFELONG FRIENDS PAGES Deirdre Coleman d.g@slingshot.co.nz COMMITTEE

Alumnae Association update It’s been a year of connection, innovation and growth for our Dio Alumnae community. An exciting milestone was the launch of our new alumnae website – a central hub for news, events and opportunities to share and stay involved. We’re already seeing the benefits of an accessible and engaging platform where our community can gather.

Our inaugural Lunch & Learn brought together alumnae from different decades for an afternoon of learning, laughter and lively discussion. The event provided professional insights and created a wonderful space for networking and rekindling connections.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive and there’s clearly an appetite for more opportunities to share knowledge and support one another.

Behind the scenes, the committee has been working hard to ensure our events, initiatives and communications continue to reflect the vibrancy of our Dio alumnae network. I want to thank

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the committee for their dedication and enthusiasm, and the alumnae who support us by attending events, sharing stories and engaging with our new website.

We remain deeply committed to supporting the current generation of Dio girls. Through contributions to Spirit Scholarships, the Alumnae Bursary and the Chapel Restoration Project, we continue to support Dio’s traditions, opportunities and values, and ensure the heart of our school beats strongly for years to come.

As part of the Chapel restoration, on behalf of Diocesan alumnae, the DAA has proudly donated $100,000 towards restoration of the stained glass and leadlight windows in St Barnabas Chapel.

Dio Old Girls really are everywhere, as evidenced in the reunions held in Christchurch, Tauranga and Auckland this year. Our 1-year and 5-year out reunions have proved incredibly

Sarah Liebmann (Gibbons) Liz Eglinton (Tingey) Nicky Gadsdon (James) Luba Murphy Auckland Diocesan Alumnae Association Private Bag 99-939, Newmarket, Auckland 1149 www.diocesanalumnae.co.nz

popular, giving us the chance to connect with the newest members of our alumnae community. Reunions across these cities and cohorts highlight the strength and reach of our Dio Old Girls, and the joy of reconnecting.

We are excited to build on this momentum – with more ways to contribute, and chances to connect and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Dio women everywhere.

Ut Serviamus Emily Steel President, Diocesan Alumnae Association

LIFELONG FRIENDS

AN ONLINE HOME FOR OUR ALUMNAE COMMUNITY On 6 October, we launched our brand-new Diocesan Alumnae website. If you haven’t already, go and check it out. Our recent engagement survey revealed valuable insights into what you want from us as an alumnae organisation. As part of your feedback, 75% of you said you’d use a dedicated Dio alumnae website – so we created one.

It’s a space designed specifically for the 17,000 Diocesan alumnae worldwide, to share news, stay connected and celebrate the achievements of Old Girls in the community and the workforce.

You’ll also be able to: • Learn about upcoming events – reunions in Auckland, other New Zealand locations and around the world, gatherings and awards ceremonies, the Grad Ball, and our new Lunch & Learn series.

• Read about the work the Alumnae Association does, including scholarships we offer, and what you can do to help us.

• Nominate a fellow Old Girl for a Women2Watch, Alumna Merita or Ut Serviamus award, and read about past recipients.

Our future plans for the website include more stories of alumnae, especially those who have taken a less conventional path, more ways to connect, and new features such as video footage to keep the site fresh and engaging.

None of this would be possible without the huge efforts of DAA committee member Liz Eglinton, who has led this project, working with Scratch Media to build the site.

Visit www.diocesanalumnae.co.nz to update your details, and spread the word to all your Dio friends. Together we can build a lively community and ensure Old Girls have a place to connect.

TREASURES OF THE CHAPEL As our Chapel is revealed in all its restored beauty, we are reminded not only of the sacred space itself, but of the stories and symbols within its walls that carry our heritage. A constant presence at the heart of school life, the Chapel has been a place where Dio students have gathered to worship, celebrate and reflect.

Among its treasures is the Mitchelson Memorial Bell, which stands proudly beside the Chapel. It was gifted in 1936 by Lady Mitchelson in memory of her husband, Sir Edwin Mitchelson, a Dio founder. Its clear ring has marked countless services, assemblies and milestones, a timeless call that links today’s students with generations of Dio alumnae before them.

Inside, the Eliza Edwards Memorial Window welcomes all who enter.

Donated by the Old Girls’ League in 1981, it shines with the ‘fruits of the Spirit’: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, humility, faithfulness and selfcontrol – qualities past headmistress Miss Edwards cherished and encouraged in her students.

by Bishop Simkin in 1951. Funded by the Old Girls’ League to fulfil founding headmistress Miss Pulling’s vision for the Chapel of Our Glorified Lord, it is a quiet symbol of faith and inspiration.

Together with the eight banners of Dio’s school houses lining the walls, these treasures remind us that the Chapel is a living testament to the people, values and traditions that shape Dio. We can’t wait to welcome you back into this special space.

Learn more about Dio’s history in our Digital Archives: dio.recollect.co.nz Abby McWilliam, Development Coordinator & Digital Archive Content Creator

Outside, on the chancel wall, the Thorwaldsen Statue was dedicated

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Shirley Ann McNamara (Horrocks), Joan Poole (Ernest), Janet Wilbur-Smith (Mollgaard), Jill McPherson (Cummings), Joan Neild (Eades), Kate Cooke (Reid) and Ngaire Garland (Atkinson)

Founders’ Day Heather McRae and Raewyn MacCormick enjoying a laugh

Dio alumnae of all ages gathered on Saturday 1 November to celebrate Founders’ Day and the year-group reunions of the classes of 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2015. Hosted by the Diocesan Alumnae Association, the day’s events included the AGM, a service in the newly refurbished Chapel, the Senior Old Girls High Tea, school tours and cocktails.

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Diocesan Alumnae Association President Emily Steel

1985

LIFELONG FRIENDS Anabel Greville, Joely Main (Allan) and Katie Treneman (Winstone)

Crystal Beavis, Kirsten Palmer and Susie Gibbs

Nneka Okpala-Webster, Annie Cochrane, Stephanie Brooks and Kezia Meiring (Langdon)

1995

A packed service in the newly refurbished Chapel

Jane Ferguson (Mulligan), Jennifer Wheeler, Jane Williams (Mitchelson), Robin Hall, Billie Barker (Saunders) and Tania Sweet (Simpson)

2005

Anny Kim, Sarah Hollands, Alice Tilley and Luba Murphy

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&

Kate Lowe

Back on site guiding change Dio alumna Kate Lowe (PY2005) has returned to school in a different capacity.

She’s now working as project manager on the refurbishment of the Shrewsbury Building, along with a team of highly competent women.

Throughout 2025, Diocesan’s Shrewsbury Building has undergone a transformation to reflect the evolving ways subjects in the creative industries and art departments are taught. A key player in this project is Old Girl Kate Lowe (Andrew) who is the consultant senior project manager running the project.

REVISITING OLD MEMORIES Kate hadn’t really been back to Dio since she left, aside from taking her now five-year-old daughter, Zara, to swim 72

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classes at the aquatic centre. Now she’s there regularly. She joined the Shrewsbury project toward the end of the design period when she began her role with 4PM, a boutique project management consultancy that coordinates the professionals, stakeholders and contractors involved in projects like this.

“The first time I went to visit the Shrewsbury Building was a bit surreal,” she says. “It was exactly the same as I’d remembered – it was a bit like a time warp. The space was so familiar, yet I hadn’t been there in nearly 20 years.”

In addition to studying graphics, art design and art history in what was known back then as ‘S block’, Kate has a personal connection to the Shrewsbury Building.

“In Year 11, our group of friends found a spot behind Shrewsbury Building to sit where no one bothered us. We called ourselves ‘The S-Block Chicks’ and would spend our breaks and lunchtimes there, sunbathing, making up dances and getting water balloons thrown on us by the Dilworth boys.”

BACK TO WORK AT DIO

During her 15-year career, she’s worked on a wide variety of projects, including large apartment buildings, hotel refurbishments and fitouts, schools, supermarkets, office buildings and commercial spaces.

In her role as project manager, Kate visits Dio every fortnight to chair the site meetings during which the team goes over progress on site, as well as risks, design queries and changes.

Every other week, she’s back for more meetings to resolve ongoing queries or do a site walk-around.

“Each project is so different, and you’re constantly learning.

When you think you’ve seen everything, something else comes along. The teams and the relationships are what stands out the most when I think of a past project.”

“The Shrewsbury project is a full refurb. We took everything back to the bare bones and have been building it up again, adding extra structure and seismic strengthening.”

While refurbishment projects seem simple, Kate cautions that you never know what you’re going to find with an existing building.

“You always hit something and ponder what went on in the construction industry of yesteryear. Shrewsbury definitely wasn’t as bad as other projects I’ve worked on, but it did produce a few headscratchers in the process.”

Kate also ran the procurement for the project, compiling all the documentation and the contract and putting it out to tender to potential main contractors.

“During construction we administer the contract for the client and run the job from a day-to-day perspective. I work alongside the design team – architects and engineers – the client’s quantity surveyor and the contractor’s team, which includes project managers, a site manager and quantity surveyors.”

Kate says the team on this project has been excellent.

“It’s a great team and everyone genuinely gets along. The best teams are those where people have a mutual respect for each other. There will always be challenging times on a project where things don’t go to plan, but it’s about how they are handled. We’re all here for a common goal.”

WHERE IT ALL BEGAN Kate had wanted to be an architect from the age of nine, and after leaving Dio, she graduated with an architecture degree from the University of Auckland. But the fallout from the GFC meant architecture jobs were in short supply, so she pivoted into project management and has worked mostly in consultancy (the client side) since 2010.

“I worked as a project manager for just over three years before heading overseas on OE. While I was in London, I decided to give architecture a go, but I realised I wasn’t interested in drawing window details, so I returned to project management and worked on projects in Oxford, Windsor and London.”

While she didn’t set out to become a project manager, Kate is very happy with her career path and has never looked back.

“It’s ultimately a better fit for me personally, as I’m highly organised. Part of my interest in construction is being curious about what’s going on behind that hoarding. Being a project manager, you get eyes on a whole project and are part of a team.”

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“It seemed appropriate that I would come back to work on that building,” she says.

While she didn’t set out to become a project manager, Kate is very happy with her career path and has never looked back.

PUTTING A FEMALE STAMP ON CONSTRUCTION The construction industry is still very male dominated, and being a female of small stature has brought its challenges for Kate.

“In the early days, it was commonly me and a room full of tall men at the meetings. Being a woman in a man’s industry, it took longer for me to gain confidence in what I was doing.

You’re building up from being a junior and you also don’t get automatic respect, so you have to earn that. Now I’m more experienced, it doesn’t bother me as I know my strengths and have confidence.”

However, she’s definitely noticed a change in male/female ratios post Covid, including two concurrent projects in 2022/23 where often the men in the room were by far the minority.

“One of my most successful projects had a female site manager, myself and a female architect. The architect had an exceptional level of documentation, the site was the most well-run I have come across, and the works were finished a month early.”

On the Shrewsbury project, Kate works alongside her project director, 4PM founder Monique Sullivan, who is an ex-Dio mum. Other women involved include the project architect, the contractor’s quantity surveyor and health and safety manager, and Melissa Brady, Diocesan’s property manager.

Kate says Monique has been a wonderful role model who’s shown that it’s possible to have a career and be a mum.

“She’s well respected in a man’s industry and she’s allowed me to create a work/life flexibility that suits me and my young family. I’m able to work in a job that stimulates me while still being involved in school activities and pick-ups.

When she’s not working, Kate enjoys e-biking, Pilates and a busy social life with friends and family. She also still catches up with a core group of friends from her Dio days.

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WOMEN2WATCH: THE GRIT AND COURAGE TO PURSUE THEIR DREAMS Women2Watch acknowledges the achievements of Diocesan alumnae under the age of 35 as they make their mark on the world. This year, we celebrate two 2017 graduates: Olympic New Zealand rower Kate Haines and NZ Defence Force Lieutenant Hannah Brady.

KATE HAINES

HANNAH BRADY

For Kate Haines, the Olympics has been a goal since intermediate school. In 2024, that dream came true when she partnered with Alana Sherman in the women’s pair in Paris.

An engineer officer in the New Zealand Defence Force, Hannah is based at Linton Military Camp where she commands a team of 50 soldiers in Construction Troop.

While rowing at Dio, she won multiple Maadi Cup medals and was selected for the New Zealand U-19 rowing squad for the Junior World Rowing Championships in Lithuania and the Netherlands. After leaving school, she was named in the U-23 New Zealand team in 2018 for the Rowing World Championships in Poland and was selected for the Elite World Cup team in 2022, racing at the World Rowing championships in Czechia.

“I chose a career that would challenge me every day and continue to push me outside of my comfort zone,” she says.

2023 saw Kate awarded her Red Coat at the New Zealand Rowing Championships in the women’s premier quad. The following year she and Alana Sherman travelled to Switzerland and qualified in the women’s pair for the Paris Olympics.

On her return to New Zealand, Hannah was posted to Waiouru Military Camp as a platoon commander, responsible for leading and up to 45 new recruits through their basic training. In June 2024 she graduated as an officer into The Royal New Zealand Engineers Corps with the rank of Second Lieutenant.

In a graduating class of 104 trainee officers representing six countries, she held one of the six senior leadership positions.

But in a highly competitive field, they were unfortunately knocked out in their Olympics repechage. The disappointment was difficult, says Kate.

“It took a couple of months for that feeling of pride for even getting to the Olympics to really sink in. I realised it wasn’t just about the Olympics; it was about everything that got me there.

The friendships I built, the gruelling training, the stress and setbacks, finishing my degree – that was the real achievement and something I’m very proud of.”

Kate is now a mentor for the U-23 and U-19 athlete development programmes and is on the steering group for The Athletes’ Cooperative, a union for elite rowers and cyclists.

She’s grateful for the memories and experiences she had at Dio. “I truly believe this school shaped me as a person and played a huge part in helping me reach the Olympic Games.”

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Kate Haines and Hannah Brady

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A highlight for Hannah was being selected for the Officer Commissioning course in Duntroon at Australia’s highly respected Royal Military College. There, she was appointed Company Sergeant Major of her company, leading and managing 84 other cadets.

Hannah was recently promoted to lieutenant and, while she's seized every opportunity that's come her way, she admits it hasn't always been easy.

“I’ve been pushed to my limits and beyond. I have learnt military tactics and leadership development, both in the classroom and on-field exercises. I’ve learnt the importance of trust and respect and leading soldiers to war. I’ve also learnt I can survive with no food for five days and fall asleep walking and carrying 40kg! While it might sound horrific, it was a privilege to work with people who genuinely cared about seeing me succeed with them.”

Read more about Kate Haines and Hannah Brady on our website: www.diocesanalumnae.co.nz

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A LIFETIME OF SERVICE

to health and safety Dio alumna Dr Felicity Lamm (PY1972) was recently honoured with a Safeguard Lifetime Achievement Award at the NZ Workplace Health & Safety Awards. The accolade acknowledged her long career as a researcher, teacher and mentor in the health and safety space, and her work to help strengthen our country’s health and safety ecosystem.

Former Diocesan Board of Governors member and fellow alumna Madeline Hernon describes Dr Lamm as “a huge legend”. It’s not hard to see why, with all that she’s achieved over the past three and a half decades in the occupational health and safety (OHS) space.

After starting her career as a zookeeper in Auckland and then moving to the UK in the 1980s, Felicity studied sociology and employment relations at the University of Auckland. When she did her master’s looking at regulatory law enforcement in health and safety, OHS was in its infancy in New Zealand, with services primarily delivered by the Department of Labour.

“When I started working in occupational health and safety in the 1980s, the regulations and enforcement were piecemeal, complex and unwieldy,” she says. “There were five government departments covering OHS, and 31 Acts supported by hundreds of regulations and codes of practice. It was a nightmare, and our workplace fatality rates were – and still are – horrendous.”

Photo courtesy of Safeguard magazine

Returning to the UK, Felicity worked at the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) in Bristol and at the University of Bath, gaining valuable insights into regulation and enforcement.

Back in New Zealand, she began her doctoral studies, focusing on how small businesses comply with health and safety regulation and carrying out research both in New Zealand and Australia.

Later, as a senior lecturer at the University of Auckland Business School, Dr Lamm taught and carried out research in OHS, management and employment relations. During that time, she not only supervised and mentored postgraduate students and developed award-winning resource materials, but also completed projects for organisations such as the NZ Fire and Emergency Services, Auckland DHB, Fisher & Paykel, and the Department of Labour.

“I was fortunate to be able to lecture to all commerce students on occupational health and safety and employment relations, which meant that the managers of the future had some idea of how important the topic is, not only in New Zealand but globally.”

In 2007, Dr Lamm became an associate professor at the Auckland University of Technology, where her role included

Dr Felicity Lamm received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 NZ Workplace Health & Safety Awar ds.

delivering programmes in OHS, risk management and stress and resilience, and developing bespoke OHS courses for industry clients. A year later, she set up the Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Research – a multidisciplinary centre for OHS and risk management research, policy and practice – of which she was principal researcher and codirector until 2024.

In 2018, she was appointed as Chief Advisor Occupational Health and Safety for the New Zealand Government. It was a role she greatly enjoyed because it involved not just developing resources for all government agencies, but working alongside them to improve health and safety.

“We targeted key issues, like mental health and wellbeing, and ran successful campaigns to raise awareness. It was all about lifting the game.”

With her expertise and experience in OHS, Dr Lamm has been invited to be an expert advisor and witness at numerous government inquiries into health and safety, including Tranz Rail and Pike River. She also co-edits the New Zealand Journal of Employment Relations and is on a number of editorial boards.

Now working in part-time roles at both Victory University and the Southern Institute of Technology, Felicity supervises and mentors undergraduate and postgraduate students and develops research projects. She finds it gratifying that so many students have a real passion for health and safety and risk management and have made successful careers in this area.

“But New Zealand’s OHS record is appalling compared to the rest of the world,” she says, “and so much more needs to be done. In the future, I hope we can view health and safety as perfectly normal, like putting on a car safety belt.”

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A World of Movement Alexandra McDonald-Bull (PY2009) has spent the last decade travelling and teaching Pilates all over the world. She’s lived in Paris and recently opened a private Pilates studio in Sinai, Egypt.

Tell us a bit about your school days I started at Dio in Year 7, a year after my family moved to New Zealand from the UK. I loved my time at Dio; it reminded me of my school in England. I was interested in everything, but my love for the arts ended up determining what subjects and extracurricular activities I did. Being Deputy Prefect (Arts) in Year 13 brought me a lot of joy and the chance to embody 'Ut Serviamus'.

I basically lived in the music department but loved all my academic subjects and time spent in chapel, which provided a place of peace and calm in my rather chaotic schedule. I thank Rev’d Sandy Robertson, Shona McIntyre-Bull, JayneAnn Young, Dian Fisher, Bess Reynolds and David Gordon for all their support throughout my school years.

What did you do after leaving school?

I did a conjoint BCom / BMus at the University of Auckland and decided to pursue musical theatre. The next step was to audition at one of the prestigious London conservatories, which would take me closer to my West End dreams.

However, I went to these auditions knowing my heart was no longer in it.

I had a burning desire to travel, and I wasn’t ready to fully commit to this performing path and whatever lay ahead.

So, I returned to New Zealand, working some casual job in events, and started travelling more often and for longer.

How did you get into Pilates and what has it meant for you?

Becoming a Pilates teacher was never my intention. I’d been doing Pilates for two years at a local studio when the manager suggested I do their teachertraining course. I did it, thinking it would be temporary until I found what I was ‘supposed to be doing’. Pilates opened so many doors for me. Plus, there’s something very satisfying about helping people feel better in their bodies, especially those suffering from chronic 76

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physical or mental pain. It’s let me connect with people from every walk of life, and I believe I’m wiser and more compassionate because of this.

I’ve also got to do some exciting brand collaborations, festivals and large-scale events, plus teach some well-known public figures, movie directors, actors and athletes. Pilates has given me opportunities to teach in Paris, Lyon and the French Alps. I’ve been hosted privately in Los Angeles and Dubai, lived at a retreat centre in Thailand for a few months, and offered classes in Serbia, Jordan, Uganda and Mexico.

Describe your time in Paris.

In 2018, I left New Zealand indefinitely.

After a month hiking the length of the UK, I ended up in Paris, which is where I was born. I worked as an au pair before setting myself up as an ‘autoentrepreneur’ (self-employed).

For two years, I lived in a ‘chambre de bonne’ with the toilet and shower on the landing and a tiny kitchen. Through a Facebook post I found my first private client. I also babysat for the owner of a dance fitness studio, teaching her daughter English, then I got a job teaching at a Pilates studio.

Alexandra at sunrise on the top of Mt Sinai

Paris felt like my oyster, and I decided to tackle one of my career dreams: working between London and Paris.

I created my own Pilates x dancefitness class concept, which I ended up teaching in Le Jardin des Tuileries and in London’s famous Covent Garden studio, Pineapple Studios.

How did you navigate the Covid years?

Covid was an interesting time for me professionally and personally, but it didn’t stop me travelling. I was working online and, when it was legal, I’d venture to remote places to hike such as the Matterhorn. I spent quite a bit of time in New Zealand, where I taught movement as therapy at a South Auckland-based charity before heading to Queenstown for six months to lead hikes and set up my own Pilates venture. In April 2022, I returned to Europe.

What have been some of your favourite travel destinations?

In amongst the work trips, I’ve had some stand-out adventures, including a 10day Tour du Mont Blanc hike in the Alps, walking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and visiting a small medicinal cacao farm in the Amazon Jungle. This year, I visited Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Most of my adventures have had a spiritual component, including recent hikes to some of the oldest monasteries and churches in Georgia and Armenia.

You recently moved to Egypt to set up the first Pilates studio in South Sinai.

What drew you there?

I’ve always had a thing about Egypt and in late 2022, I finally got to visit the pyramids and temples. It was as wonderful as I had hoped. In March 2024, I met someone who told me that I would hear a place said to me three times. Later, while I was visiting the famous library in Alexandria, three separate people told me about a magical town on the Red Sea in South Sinai called Dahab, and that it would

LIFELONG FRIENDS Alexandra has set up the first Pilates studio in South Sinai, Egypt

be ‘my vibe’. A few nights later, I was watching the sunrise, having completed the moonlit overnight hike to the top of Mt Sinai (where Moses received the Ten Commandments) and I decided I’d stay in Sinai for the next few months.

Towards the end of this time I felt the pull back to Paris and lived there for six months in a lovely apartment in the 5th arr. opposite La Sorbonne. I soaked up all the arts and culture I could, but in my heart, I knew I needed to go back to Sinai and teach Pilates there. Once I made that decision everything sort of happened like magic; I found a house in Dahab, which is where my studio is based, and somehow the first Pilates machines Sinai has ever seen eventually arrived in April 2025.

a little crazy and stubborn has helped me keep going, as well as my faith that everything was going to be ok.

What challenges have you encountered along the way?

Nothing has worked out as I originally planned. There have been many pivots, twists and turns. I’ve been guided by blind faith; that small voice that says ‘now, do this’ or ‘go there’. You can plan and be logical, but it’s more my heart and soul that have been the decision makers. I’ve been greatly humbled by my own health challenges and by people who have entered and left my life, also by learning how to live and work independently in another language and overcoming very human thoughts and doubts about what I’m doing.

Tell us about your personal belief system. How has that evolved?

Throughout my adventures and travels, I’ve also been on a spiritual journey. I have always had a connection to God, but I’ve also found myself drawn to other spiritual modalities. I travelled around the world learning about other spiritual practices, beliefs and ancient rituals, but through all these discoveries I found myself back where I started – grounded in my Christian faith. I commit to daily Bible study and have a small Christian fellowship that meets weekly in Dahab.

My mum and Dio both embedded in me the belief that as a woman I could take on the world and ‘follow my star’. Being

What are you most proud of?

Both the calibre of people I’ve managed to attract into my life and finding, in

myself, the knowing that I’m never alone (even though I’ve spent a lot of time on my own). I also feel quite proud of my dedication to mastering French, which has definitely opened many doors for me, including some translation work for The Napoleon Foundation and as an English for Business coach with mostly French students.

What are your plans for the future?

My only life goal is to never stop learning – and maybe travelling. I know my time in Egypt is limited. I have a five-year visa and I’m seeing this as a chance to live in the present as much as possible: running my studio, learning Arabic, discovering more about the Middle East, and enjoying living between the Sinai Mountains and the Red Sea. I’d like to complete a book (or maybe a mega musical) on my adventures to date.

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BAY OF PLENTY ALUMNAE LUNCH On Monday 1 September, we were thrilled to gather with our Bay of Plenty alumnae at Trinity Wharf, Tauranga. The occasion was the perfect chance for alumnae living in the area to come together over a relaxed lunch. Some had travelled across from Rotorua to join us.

Our fun and vibrant group of a dozen Dio alumnae enjoyed conversation, reconnection and plenty of laughter. Old classmates reminisced, new connections were made, and the spirit of Dio was very much alive and well in the Bay.

Back L-R: Barbara Flemming (Webster), Elizabeth Smith (Turner), Nicola Davies (Warwick), Anna McCardle, Emily Steel (Houlker), Janet WilburSmith (Mollgaard), Mary McCardle (Williams), Susan Sowman (Wigg).

Front L-R: Winsome Birtwistle (Donovan), Judy Stotter (Harris), Dianne Gower, Jill Nicholas (Neill).

We’re grateful to all who attended and made the event such a success. This is just the beginning. We look forward to building on this momentum and growing this regional gathering in the future. We also invite our wider Dio community of past and current families from the Bay of Plenty to join us.

NELIGAN GIRLS – A RED-AND-PURPLE REUNION Dio alumna Amelia Christie (PY1992) contacted us to share a moment of amazing coincidence that shows just how strong the Dio Old Girls’ network still is – even on the other side of the world. She has lived in London for the past 21 years, and her sister Bridget Christie (PY1989) has been there for 18 years.

“At our summer street party in Putney, London, my sister Bridget and I found ourselves chatting to our lovely 85-yearold neighbour Sandra Edwards (PY1963),” says Amelia. “The conversation wandered to her children who had moved to Australia, and then to her own roots in New Zealand. We discovered that we were all fellow Aucklanders – and, more remarkably, all Diocesan girls!

“As if that wasn’t connection enough, Sandra mentioned her house at school and we discovered we had all been in Neligan.

I can’t begin to tell you how much amusement this gave us all.”

Amelia says it even led to an impromptu – if slightly rusty – rendition of the school song.

“We had to mumble a few lines, having not sung it in 35 years, or in Sandra’s case, 60 years.”

For the Neligan trio, this unexpected moment was a beautiful reminder of the bond Dio girls share – a sense of pride, belonging and spirit that transcends both years and geography. Sandra has been living in London since 1965 and was delighted to reconnect with some fellow Dio girls.

Following their neighbourhood gathering, Amelia popped in for a cup of tea with Sandra and the pair sat for an hour looking at her school memorabilia, including her debutant ball invitation and school badge.

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Dio Old Girls Bridget Christie, Sandra Edwards (Rose) and Amelia Christie at their street party in Putney, London.

“We feel very lucky to have found such a special connection in our own street,” says Amelia. “Thank you to the Alumnae Association who put the framework in place for us to have a community beyond the ‘school yard’ and continue the sisterhood of amazing women.”

MILESTONES Deaths Sarah Allison (Kellaway, PY1977) on 9 June 2025 Carole Byles (Crawford, PY1958) on 25 May 2025 Ashleigh Daly (PY2008) on 25 September 2025 Anne Gates (Waddell, PY1957) on 6 June 2025 Annette Hargrave (Costello, PY1963) on 8 November 2025 Jocelyn Jesson (Brown, PY1964) on 30 January 2023 Susan Marriott (PY1959) on 19 June 2024 Karen Mason (Thomas), Diocesan staff member 1987 – 2008, on 27 October 2025 Diana McDonald (Lintott, PY1950) on 14 July 2025 Patricia Mules (PY1959) on 9 August 2025 Prudence (Prue) Olde (Kear, PY1958) on 20 July 2025

Geraldine (Kate) Saunders (Letcher, PY1991) on 25 August 2025 Hester (Anne) Scott (Rix-Trott, PY1957) on 27 May 2025 Claire Smythe (Gilchrist, PY1953) on 26 April 2025 Mary Stevenson (Clifton, PY1947) on 1 July 2025 Beverley Thompson (Bartle, PY1946) on 23 November 2024 Natalie White (PY1949) on 8 July 2025 Adrienne Wilton (Smith, PY1951) on 19 October 2025

Achievements Marnie Arruda (Rowllings) received her Bachelor of Naturopathy from Wellpark College of Natural Therapies in 2012.

Nicola Jackson earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 2017 from Southern Cross University.

Chelsea Johnson graduated from Massey University in 2021 with Bachelor of Food Technology (Hons).

Jenna Johnson earned a Bachelor of Communications from Victoria University and a Masters of Marketing

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Marilyn Rogers (Hartley, PY1960) on 1 November 2025

Communications (Hons) from the University of Melbourne.

Tegan Johnson gained an LLB (Hons) and a BA in psychology and criminology from Auckland University.

Emma Ruck obtained her Membership to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in the subject of Veterinary Behaviour in 2023. She is now also a Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) accredited veterinary behaviourist.

Susanne Walker (Carpenter) graduated in 1995 from the University of Auckland with an MA (Hons).

Note: PY stands for Peer Year, the year an alumna would have been in Form 7 or Year 13.

From 2026, we will be publishing alumnae death notices once a year in our December issue, and will no longer publish marriages, births or achievements. If you have a story to share, please email Deirdre Coleman, Alumnae Editor: d.g@slingshot.co.nz

UPCOMING EVENTS • 5-year-out Reunion (PY2020) new date: 17 December, La Zeppa, Freemans Bay • 1-year-out Reunion (PY2024) new date: 17 December, La Zeppa, Freemans Bay

NOMINATIONS FOR ALUMNA MERITA AND UT SERVIAMUS AWARDS The Diocesan Alumnae Association invites your nominations for these two special awards. The Alumna Merita and Ut Serviamus awards recognise Dio alumnae who have made outstanding

contributions in their field and shown an excellent example of service. To nominate someone, please email their name and occupation to dioalumnae@diocesan.school.nz.

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Cecilia Robinson, Rochelle Moffitt, Casey McPike, Flicka Williams and Nicole Green.

Rochelle Moffitt and Samantha Marsh

Emily Steel and Matilda Green

Samantha Marsh, Madeline Sharpe, Louise Newsome and Jackie Tritt.

Food for thought In late July, the Diocesan Alumnae Association held our very first Lunch & Learn event at Ebisu in Auckland. Bringing together around 80 alumnae for an inspiring afternoon, it was the realisation of an idea that’s been brewing for a while. The discussion topic for this gathering was the ‘B416’ campaign to set a minimum age of 16 for social media in New Zealand. This powerful initiative aims at raising awareness around online safety and digital wellbeing for young people.

As our inaugural event, this was an exciting start to a new initiative where we’ll explore topics that matter to our community. Many alumnae are associated with the B416 campaign: Dr Samantha Marsh (PY1998) led the conversation,

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with Rochelle Moffit (PY2000) facilitating, and Nicole Green (PY2005) the current CEO. They were joined by campaign co-chair Cecelia Robinson for a thoughtprovoking and engaging event.

We received excellent feedback from those who attended, with one alumna sharing: “The topic was really interesting and relevant and I really enjoyed meeting some different Dio alumnae. It’s quite a vibe connecting with women you don’t know but have a common thread with.”

The strong turnout and enthusiastic response have set the tone for what we hope will become a much-loved series, offering alumnae the chance to learn, connect and be inspired by each other.

Jenny Wheeler and Robin Hall

D R C AT H E R I N E P BDS, MDS (Otago)

D R C AT H E O RIN T EORN T I S T RET P HOORD BDS, MDS (Otago)

Caring and professional breast care delivered by our multidisciplinary team • Breast Cancer Management, Surgery, Reconstruction • Breast Examination • Ultrasound

S MILE W ITH C ONFIDENCE

• Family History Clinic • Breast Pain • Lactational Problems

breastassociates.co.nz

S MILE W ITH C ONFIDENCE

OR T H O D O N T I S T

(09) 522 1346

New Zealand’s Leading Gastroenterology and Hepatology Group Practice Comprehensive Consultative and Endoscopy Services

www.cportho.co.nz 522 2767 8 Saint Vincent Avenue Remuera

Trusted care in the comfort of your home.

We provide skilled and compassionate caregivers for:

In-Home Care GASTROENTEROLOGISTS

Mark Lane • Philip Wong • Alan Fraser Helen Myint • Elena Ryniker • Maggie Chapman-Ow CONSULTATIVE SERVICES • General Gastroenterology • Inflammatory Bowel Disease • Viral Hepatitis • Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Disease • Familial Colorectal Cancer Assessment DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES • Oesophageal pH Monitoring • Capsule Endoscopy • Colorectal & Bowel Cancer Screening ENDOSCOPY • Gastroscopy, Colonoscopy • PEG & ERCP

ASSOCIATED ONSITE SERVICES • Jonathan Koea Hepatobiliary, Pancreatic & Upper GI Surgeon • Philip Allen Colorectal Surgeon • Lyn Lloyd Specialist Renal Dietitian • Joanne Wong Specialist Dietitian

ALLEVIA SPECIALIST CENTRE 100 Mountain Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023 www.aucklandgastro.co.nz Email: admin@aucklandgastro.co.nz Ph: (09) 630 1838 EDI: akgastro Affiliated Provider to Southern Cross Health Insurance for selected services.

Appointments available

Dementia Care

Post-Operative Palliative Care

Call or email us for a free no obligation assessment: T: 09 579-1212 E: office@katemcleanhomecare.co.nz W: katemcleanhomecare.co.nz

Kate McLean Homecare