Issue 05/20 NEWSLETTER 30 November 2020 Kia ora, Kia orana, Talofa Lava, Fakalofa lahi atu, Malo e lelei, Namaste, As-salāmu ‘alaykum, Ni Hao, Bula Vinaka, Greetings Parents and Caregivers

JUNIOR PRIZEGIVING 2020 UNIVERSITY VISITS AND ACTIVITY DAYS Wednesday 9 December 10.30 a.m. BEAMS - Business, Engineering, Architecture and Parents and caregivers of our Year 9 and 10 Planning, Medical and Health Sciences and Sci- students are invited to attend our Junior ence at the University of Auckland. Prizegiving on Wednesday 9 December at 10.30 a.m. Monday 30 November 10 students from Year 10 All of our Year 9 and 10 students must attend who are Maori and Pasifika spent the day attending Prizegiving . workshops in the subject areas listed above. The school bus will run at the normal time in the The purpose of the day was to encourage Year 10 morning on Prizegiving day, and it will leave school students to consider Science related courses and to after Prizegiving at 12 noon. continue to take Mathematics and Science subjects to Year 13. Schools from all over the North Island Parking is limited, so if you plan on attending it would be participated in the day. a good idea to get here as early as possible. Monday 7 December Year 9 and 10 students will receive their last school University of Auckland Arts Day for all Year 10 report for the year on 9 December. students. Students will attend workshops in Wednesday 9 December is also the last day of school Poetry, Philosophy, Art History , Criminology and for our students for this year. Binaries. We have an interesting programme planned for our Activity day for our Year 9 students Year 9 and 10 students for the remainder of this term, details of which are in this Newsletter. Tuesday 8 December University of Auckland Languages Day for all Year 9 students. Students will attend work- BACK TO SCHOOL 2021 shops in French, Spanish, Korean, German, Tuesday 2 February 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chinese, and Samoan. The workshops will high- First day for all new students light the importance of learning more than one Welcome Powhiri at 9 a.m. language. Wednesday 3 February 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The University gives each student a lunch voucher First day for Year 10 students and they can use it at various lunch stalls in the Year 13 course confirmation quad. Thursday 4 February 8.50 a.m. to 3.20 p.m. Activity Day for our Year 10 students All students back at school Our teachers are planning a range of interesting Friday 5 February 8.50 a.m. to 3.20 p.m. and fun activities for our students on the two Normal school day activity days. Monday 8 February Waitangi Day public holiday MASKS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT Thank you all for your support this year. I wish you an Please will you remind your daughters that it is a enjoyable and safe summer holiday break and I look mandatory requirement that masks which cover the forward to welcoming our students back for what we mouth and nose are worn on all modes of public hope will be a more normal year in 2021. transport. Ngaire Ashmore We have had a number of e-mails from members of Principal the public letting us know that some of our girls are not wearing their masks or wearing them incorrectly e.g. around their necks while travelling on public You can keep up to date with school events on our school website trains and buses. http://www.aggs.school.nz/ and in a more informal way on our Reusable masks with the AGGS logo are Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ available for purchase here at school for $5 each. AucklandGirlsGrammarSchool/ also our Sports page https://www.facebook.com/AggsSport/

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YEAR 10 BP BUSINESS CHALLENGE Seventy Year 10 students recently took part in a 3 day programme called The BP Business Challenge. Working in teams of 8, the students had to imagine a new product or service, write a business plan to produce, finance, market and sell their product and then launch the idea in a pitch to the judges on the final day. Five successful business people judged the quality of each team's business strategy. The Judges included AGGS old-girls Vaitaua Mauala, Marie Holo and Kahurangi parent, Cushla Lulu. The judges were impressed with the enthusiasm, knowledge and confidence of all of our girls. Congratulations to the winning company: Language Tech - Trish Peralta, Heila Saadat, Yalda Hosseini, Lea Cruz, Jiya Lalli, Sadiyah Begum, Deighton Pinomi and Jeirdre Canlas. Their product was Speak & Sign which is a visual translator targeted to those who are hearing impaired. Safa Nazari and Jessica Irabor were also presented awards to recognise their leadership skills over the three days.

The winners—Language Tech with the judges

STAFF FAREWELLS 2020

Recently we farewelled Deputy Principal, Ms Lamberton, who has moved to the Hawkes Bay. We also said farewell to Ms Falkiner, our Guidance Counsellor who is moving to live and work in Singapore. Ms Griffiths our Japanese Language teacher will be retiring at the end of this year after 28 years at AGGS. We are also saying goodbye to Year 9 Dean, Ms Faka’osi, who is moving to live in Hamilton and to Ms Hughes who is going to a new job at Long Bay College. PE teacher Ms Leiataua and Science teacher Ms Wehmeyer, who have been on year long fixed term contracts will also be leaving us this year. DP—Fiona Lamberton

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AGGS SENIOR PRIZEGVING 2020 Once again our senior students were awarded a significant number of sholarships and grants at Prizegiving — below are just some of the scholarships and grants that were awarded: University of Auckland 3 x Top Achiever Scholarship (Exceptional academic ability, leadership and achievement) Awarded to: Rashida Haneef, who was also our Dux; Krisha Kumar and Deputy Head Girl, Sarah Qaisar — $20,000 for one year including a place in a hall of residence. Sarah Qaisar was also awarded the prestigious Louise Gardner Scholarship worth $24,000 for an undergraduate degree. Maori Academic Excellence (Exceptional academic performance and achievements in cultural and extra curricular activities) - Deputy Head Girl, Kahlia Pai $20,000 paid over 3 years. Academic Potential (Academic ability) - Brianna Tran $10,000 Vaka Moana Scholarship (Maori & Pacific students) - Seini Afu, Fine Aholelelei, Tavanyah Tione and Luise Tuaoimaalii $15,500 each and a place in a hall of residence. AUT University Excellence Significant Student—Head Girl, Anya Hill All AUT scholarships cover tuition New Horizons Scholarships — Salonie Parekh and Bless Vevesi fees of $6,500 for 1 year and depend- Kiwa Sholarship - Jessica Jerry ing on results can continue for a Scholarship to study Bachelor of Science - Alana Beehre maximum of 3 years. Waikato University Te Paewai o te Rangi Scholarhship— Deputy Headgirl, Chelsea Falepeau—$25,000 Ko Te Tangata School Leaver Scholarship—Hannah Tiniteila $5,000

University of Otago Pacific Peoples Entrance Scholarships—Mele Ngauamo and Losaline Matapa $10,000 each

Crown Institute Travel Awards— all expenses paid 5 day vocational education trip to the South Island— Marara Havea, MargaretStowers, Brigid Pisa and Sisilia Sefesi

Te Kuhunga Hugo Charitable Trust Law Schools Scholarships—$8,000 each and a mentor from law firm Meredith Connell - Mere Aria Vua and Blaze Tusa

Some very happy scholar- ship winners!

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YEAR 10 TIRI TIRI MATANGI TRIP On Friday the 27th of November 60 year 10 girls from When we arrived at the island we were greeted by the our Kura embarked on an educational and sunny island’s welcoming rangers. All of us 60 girls were adventure to Tiritiri Matangi! then split off into smaller groups so Tiritiri Matangi guides could teach us about the fruit bearing trees/ For most of us (including me) it was a brand new ex- perience and for others it was a familiar setting but on rākau whai hua and the variety of birds/manu māori that day we gathered as a whānau to learn new things living in the rākau. Some of the birds we saw were tūī, about the island. kōmako (bellbird), kōkako, toutouwai (North Island robin) and tīeke. We boarded a ferry at downtown Auckland and 90 minutes later arrived at the island. Once we reached the top of the island we stopped at the visitor centre for lunch and a presentation about During the trip we were kept busy by observing the marine pollution. On our walk back to the beautiful sea. The sky couldn’t have been any bluer ferry we did a beach clean-up and were surprised by than it was that day. Some of us relaxed on the top how much plastic there was. All of us took something deck of the ferry; everywhere I looked I saw girls’ hair special home with us that day, this trip was definitely flying up and around thanks to the immense wind! one to remember. Jessica Irabor (Year 10).

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JUNIOR STEM CAREER DAY 2020 On Wednesday November 25th, AGGS held its annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths Careers Expo in the Study Hall and Jubilee Library. All of our Year 9 and 10 students had the opportunity to visit the expo during the day. We had displays from the University of Auckland, AUT, Unitec, MIT, Waikato University, Massey University, Victoria University, ESR, The Electrical Training Company, Building and Construction Apprenticeships Training Organisation, and KiaOra Hauora.

Many of the displays were interactive: the girls were able to view a VR model of a cell, watch a superconductor being made, control robot balls, listen to each other’s heartbeats, analyse forensic evidence and do some computer programming. One of the highlights was the opportunity for students to walk through Bella the inflatable bowel to learn about the importance of bowel screening. Comments from the girls included: ‘”Taught me to aim high for the future”. ‘”It has given me more confidence”. “The people on the stands are so passionate.’” “Very informative.” “Given me ideas about what I can do in the future.”

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SPORT IS BACK AND IN FULL SWING Netball Academy in 2021 AGGS will be starting a Year 9 Netball Academy. Athletics – AGGS will be competing at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Track, Field and Road Race Champion- We have had over 60 year 8 students trialling for ships in Tauranga from 11 December to 13 December. the Year 9 Netball Academy next year. Thank you Jayde Parsons from 10PN will be competing in three to Ms Smith, Ms Hunia, Mrs Lilly Stowers and Ms events: 400m, Triple Jump and Discus Throw. This is a Whenuaroa for your hard work. Thank you to our huge milestone to have AGGS back competing on the Principal, Ms Ashmore for providing the National stage. We wish Jayde Parsons all the very best in opportunity for the “pilot netball academy” her first NZ Secondary Schools competition. Rugby 7s The Junior Waka Ama Regatta took place on Satur- Our Senior team played in the Auckland Rugby day 7 November at Orakei Basin. AGGS entered teams into tournament on Friday 16 October at Suburbs the W6 250 Girls and Mixed sections (paddling with St Rugby Club and our U15s team played at Peters College) for Divisions 1 and 2. Our crews performed Avondale Racecourse on Thursday 22 October very well especially given that the majority of our students (U15 Girls) were new to the sport. It was wonderful to have the Junior Our Senior girls Rugby 7s finished sec- Regatta as there was no event in 2019 due to bad weather. ond in their pool to make the semi-finals where Ms Dallas Ashmore – teacher in charge said it was a great they came up against a strong MAGS team. day for our Waka Ama girls and they loved the experience. The game was played at a frantic pace by both teams with our girls being the eventual winner AGGS entered two teams for Junior Volleyball and booking their place in the final against this term. Our A team played in the Central West Competi- Howick College. Howick College came through to tion and our B team played in the Central competition. Both win the final but AGGS has qualified for NZ teams went to the Auckland Junior Volleyball Champs at Condors 7s for the first time in a few years. Bruce Pulman Arena on 12 – 14 November. Our A team made the top 20 by finishing in18th place. Our B team was U15 Rugby 7s – With the success from last placed in a tougher draw but competed very well to finish in years 2nd place finish at the NZ Condors 7s, there 41st place. Mrs Elizabeth Falelua – teacher in charge said has been strong competition for places in the the season was a “learning one” for many of the girls who team. haven’t played Volleyball at a competitive level and she was Our U15s team competed at the Auckland happy with how well the girls represented the school. tournament with high expectations. The competi- tion also gave the players an opportunity to play Junior Tag – AGGS has continued to be very good at this in a competitive environment. sport. The team came through section play unscathed Our Junior Tag team competed in the Central Western Zone and met One Tree Hill College in the semi-final tournament at Hato Petera on 3 November and which proved to be a nail biter! With full time al- finished Runners Up to Carmel College. Placing second most up, One Tree Hill scored the winning try to granted automatic qualification to the Auckland Junior Tag send them through to the final. This means our Championships on 16 November. team has abit of work to do before it heads into On 16 November our team came through section play the NZ Condors 7s tournament . unbeaten. They followed this up with an epic semi-final This is some footage taken by a parent of our against Waitakere College which went down to the wire. The team playing Botany College https://youtu.be/ game was drawn at full time and went into overtime. Our WshK18CoQnY girls worked hard and managed to win 2 tries to 1 to advance to the final. The Senior Condors tournament will be held on In the final, AGGS met One Tree Hill College to set up a re- 10th and 11th December and the Junior match of the section game which had ended in a draw earlier tournament will be on 12th and 13th December at in the day. Final whistle and our girls were exhausted but Kings College. nevertheless they had played their hearts out to finish Run- ners Up for the second time in three years. Congratulations to our coaching staff and Ms Remarkable effort from our girls. Samantha Hunia (TIC) for all the hard work that has gone into preparing and organizing our Junior Touch – AGGS has a strong history of performing Rugby 7s teams this term. well at Junior Touch tournaments. Our girls played in the Western Zone competition and demonstrated great skill to 2020 has been a challenging year for sport at reach the final, where they played against Hobsonville Point AGGS. Despite this we have had major success College. The first half was close with AGGS leading 3-1 in many of our sports this year. going into halftime. In the second half the team found some extra energy and ranaway with the game—keeping We are looking forward to continued success and Hobsonville scoreless to win 9-1. The touch team now most importantly to a full year of sport in 2021. advance to the Auckland Junior Touch Championships to be played on Tuesday 1 December at Cox’s Bay in Westmere.

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STUDENT LEADERS 2021 Our Head Girl, Deputies and Prefects for 2021 were announced at Senior Prizegiving. Our Prefects and Peer Supporters will be at- tending two training days on 20 and 21 January next year—to be all ready for the before the start of school. Congratulations to Jane Fasavalu (pictured) who will be our Head Girl in 2021. Deputy Head Girls are: Nina Halaufia, Kendall Bramley, Pragati Prasad and Nirvana Fidow Prefects for 2021 are: Omama Ahmad, Athea Dimaculangan, April Hinton-Voisin, Charlie-Kaige Kamuhemu, Maninder Kaur, Manraj Kaur, Aroha Lula, Caitlin Malone, Lumina Noreen Mendonca, Julia Pasturan, Maia-Rose Reremoana, Jiya Tanwar, Tusipepa Tautaiolevao, Brooklyn To'o and Nanisē Vuni,