Takapuna Grammar School Yearbook 2022

TAKAPUNA GRAMMAR SCHOOL YEARBOOK 2022

02 03 Front Cover- Yr 11 Maia Madsen Brough Inside Front Cover- Yr 13 Aisha Tanaka-Avers Inside Back Cover- Yr 12 Laura Bolton Back Cover- Yr 13 Sophie Bloom

02 03 CONTENTS 04 Principal’s Message 05 BOT Report 06 PTA Report 08 Farewells 09 Head Prefects’ Report 11 Special Acknowledgements 12 Alumni Black Tie Dinner 13 Senior Ball - Gatsby’s Grand Soiree 15 Community of Learning - Kāhui Ako Conference 16 Faculties & Subjects 18 International Baccalaureate - Diploma Programme 20 International Faculty 25 Performing Arts Faculty 30 School Show - Mamma Mia! 47 Achievers’ Breakfast - Angela Cullen 48 Sports Faculty 58 Commonwealth Games Athlete - Maggie Squire 60 TGS Sporting Alumni - Jacko Gill & Imogen Ayris 92 Co-Curricular Clubs 105 Excellence Assembly 106 Prize Giving Awards 118 Whanau Form Classes 133 Takapuna Recollect Digital Archives 135 School Roll of 2022

04 05 PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE I pay tribute to our Board Chair Andrew Baker, all the Board trustees, PTA, staff, students, parents, and whanau for their hard work throughout this year. TGS started 2022 once again with very pleasing 2021 academic results. Our staff inspired our students to attain pass rates of over 90% at all levels of NCEA and IB. 81% passed University Entrance and 82% gained Merit or Excellence Endorsements at L1, 66% at L2, 61% at L3 and 35 students were awarded 49 scholarships across 19 subjects, including six Outstanding and two Top in Subject across New Zealand in Economics and Japanese. These results are at least 20%, sometimes around 30% higher than national results and 7-14% higher than other Decile 10 schools. We are right to be proud of the high quality of education at Takapuna Grammar. Over the last three years, we learned lessons from the effects of Covid-19, including how much we love being here at school. This year our students asked the staff at TGS to keep the school open every day if possible, so that is what we did. 2022 has been the most difficult year to navigate since the impact of Covid-19 began. Staff and students were affected with continuous waves of absences from illness and household contact rulings. But people at TGS focussed on creative solutions and what a difference that made! Students and teachers hybridised F2F and distance learning to keep programmes running. Assessment was carried out just in time, creating a lot of extra work and anxiety. Assemblies and meetings were done online which required extra motivation for those delivering, but everyone involved stepped up and did all these things with a smile. Co-curricular activities were interrupted but team members motivated each other and helped each other out. Mask wearing was a burden too but despite it all, the resilience, determination and pride of our TGS community shone through with everyone doing what needed to be done and so much more. Throughout the pandemic there has been a lot of concern about mental health and the wellbeing of young people. This year, in line with the school’s refreshed strategic plan and our students’ wishes, TGS deliberately focussed on teaching the ways to be well and linked this to our teaching and learning philosophy; KECA (Knowing, Engaging, Constructing, Applying.) We encourage our students to live this in everything they do, in and out of class and guess what happened? Our students thrived and many excelled across a huge array of activities and embedded skills of resilience, perseverance and collaboration along the way. Students came up with innovative ways of doing what they love to do; singing Valentine’s serenades outside classroom windows, practising for Mamma Mia! for weeks with masks on, choir rehearsals held outside, music lessons under gazebos, players competing in more than one game to help sports teams that were short, teachers and students zooming onto lessons online from home and parents and teachers and students working tirelessly to ensure the work needed was carried out in spite of lessons missed. This year, TGS staff and students have strengthened their engagement in and understanding about what a great education is, and they are going after that. We are embracing our position as a learning institution to empower our diverse tamariki for success now and in their futures. Our students have missed a great deal over the past three years and as the year ends, we celebrate with our community the hard work and pride that has been the unwavering undercurrent at TGS throughout the uncertainty we are living through. Ngā manaakitanga Mary Nixon Principal

04 05 Tēnā koutou katoa, Our school is now into its third year of managing through the global Covid pandemic and 2022 has at times, been even more challenging than previous years. Our principal and her senior leadership team have worked very hard this year to create an environment of participation and fun, and to reconnect our students with the culture of school, sports, extracurricular activities and learning. The uncertainty of new Covid variants and the inevitable colds and flu over winter led to the rolling sickness of our students and teachers, and that really hampered our ability to find a rhythm. As our senior students prepared for their exams, we were reminded of just how important time at school and in class plays on our children’s academic and social development. Our teachers are at the heart of how Takapuna Grammar performs. Despite the challenges of the year, our teachers have worked tirelessly to help our children meet their academic and personal goals. We forget that many of them also coach sports and support extra-curricular activities - all off the back of a massive increase in administrative work as teachers. It is because of our faculty that our academic results are going from strength to strength, that we have a great school culture, and we are seen as a very desirable place to work. In a tight labour market with a high demand for good teachers, we have developed a strong reputation that means we are attracting a very high calibre of teaching staff and so we will be well positioned in 2023. As you read through this 2022 Yearbook and look proudly at the results your children have achieved, take a moment to also feel proud of the teachers, school and community that have enabled them to achieve. I wish our Year 13s and all those students leaving us this year, the very best for their future. With an air of confidence about 2023, we look forward to seeing you all again safe and well after a well-earned summer break. ‘Kia hora te marino, kia whakapapa pounamu te moana, kia tere te kārohirohi i mua i tō huarahi – ‘May calm be widespread, may the sea glisten like greenstone, and may the shimmer of light guide you on your way.’ Ngā manaakitanga, Andrew Baker Presiding Member TGS Board of Trustees MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

06 07 PTA REPORT Covid lockdown at the start of the year unfortunately curbed the PTA’s ability to stage its usual programme of fundraising events, but it was delighted to be able to support the school with new gazebos, house badges and house flags. These have been well used at school events during the year, including the end of year Black Tie Alumni event and will be used more this summer at swimming and athletics house sports events. In addition, the PTA contributed $4,000 to the school’s Hardship Fund to support students and whānau in need, and staged the annual photography fundraiser, generously supported by Timeless Images. We look forward to hosting a full range of events in 2023, with new committee members on board. The PTA is always looking for parental and corporate support, so please feel free to contact us on pta@tgs. school.nz if you’re interested in being involved in any way. Kate Dobbin Outgoing Chairperson LEAVING STAFF 2022 Eve Aspinall Michelle Brewer Tamara Chetty Laurie Davis Rosie Dawson Chris de Jager Emma Eaglen Emily Freeman Richard Hutton Joshua Kirk James Lobaton Wakana Matheson Daniel Menzies Phillip Moss Christina Piet Julia Player Emra Sarikaya Gillian Scott Sue Shin Steve Sherriff Rakesh Tyagi Zeyu Wang Dean Watkins Kate Webber Raewyn Winter Natalie Williams Gae Beckingsale Sylvia Breen Andrea Charlett-Green Bridget Chieng-French Willem Combrinck Kimberly Delaney Reece Hamon Jo Hilario Anna Hunter Cynthia Jaques Alison Jenkins Lucy Jensen Wayne Kam Trudy Lile Jacob Moore Meltem Solak Peter Stanton Hollie Sweetman Rakesh Tyagi Catherine Udy-Bothwell Zeyu Wang Courtney Whiting Lucy Woodruffe Brian Wynn NEW STAFF Health & PE Teacher Special Needs Teacher Science Teacher Gardener Health & PE Teacher Science Teacher Guidance Counsellor Social Sciences Teacher Finance Manager Itinerant Music Teacher Dance & Musical Theatre Teacher Spanish & Japanese Teacher HOF Mathematics Technology Teacher Gateway Coordinator & Careers Assistant Dance & Musical Theatre Teacher Teacher Aide Sports Administrator School Nurse Itinerant Music Teacher Science Teacher Mathematics Teacher Director of Sports Itinerant Music Teacher Itinerant Music Teacher Guidance Counsellor Finance Manager Mathematics Teacher/Teacher Aide Science Teacher Teacher Aide Special Needs Teacher Special Needs Teacher Sports Manager Mathematics Teacher Library Manager Performing Arts Coordinator Specialist Classroom Teacher Teacher Aide Science Teacher Itinerant Music Teacher Music Teacher Science Teacher Mathematics Teacher Social Sciences Teacher Science Teacher HOF Mathematics Mathematics Teacher Social Sciences Teacher Gateway Coordinator & Careers Assistant Deputy Principal STAFF

06 07 Back Row: Paul Reive, Rosalind Kayes, Michael Tillett, Jordan Letoa, Jordan Tricklebank, Tom Hackshaw, Tim Flinn, Chris de Jager, Tim Ryder, William Catterall, Hanlie Van Zyl, Andrew van Stipriaan, Dean Watkins, Daniel Saxon, Caroline Rosenfeldt, Joshua Choice 4th Row: Gillian Scott, Tina Peters, Samantha Steel, Hollie Sweetman, Courtney Whiting, Kylie Matthewson, Meg Lamb, André Sampson, Petri Opperman, Isabella Graham, Willem Combrinck, Jonathon Clayton, Deborah Tonei, Briar Sladen, Barbara Jenkins, Elisabeth Avram, Elise Mullan, Melita Tu’isila 3rd Row: Richard Arnott, Shane Kelly, Alastair Hamilton, Richard Hutton, Kate Greenslade, Yee Gin Chin, Dennise Lusis, Sarah Golds, Kala Carter, Erica Mitchell, Danielle Benadie, Rosemarie Close, Emma Johnson, Kevin Welsh, Aaron Hewitt, Zeyu Wang, Peter Stanton, Briana de Kwant 2nd Row: Taty Logie, Grace Shelley, Jo Hilario, Julia Player, Oriwia Longhurst, Nikki Phillips, Lyn Stevens, Eve Aspinall, Phelisia Ngu, Juliet Cryns, Danya Walker, Rosie Dawson, Jayne Arthur, Georgina Martin, Maggie Huang, Wakana Matheson, Tamara Chetty, Jackie Morley, Shameela Nassery Front Row: Sam Lilly, Boyd Hatcher, Carrie King, Motu Samaeli, Kira Clark, Petra Kent, Nicholas Kingston, Moira Mallarkey, William Scovell, Mary Nixon, Brian Wynn, Mary Pottinger, Jake Lamb, Lucy Perry, Jack Chapman, Leon Videler, Jonty Poward, James Lawton, Hesayvani Murphie

08 09 FAREWELLS BRIAN WYNN Deputy Principal Mr Brian Wynn is retiring from teaching and from his Deputy Principal role at TGS after 32 years of sterling service to our school. This year he organised the inaugural whole-school prize giving ceremony hosting over 2,000 staff, students, and whanau to celebrate students achieving at the highest level academically and in sport, culture, and service. This special event was a fitting swansong to the exceptional standards Mr Wynn has set and delivered to the thousands of students and staff he inspired as a PE teacher, a dean, Head of PE and Health and Deputy Principal. People who spend time with Mr Wynn are overawed by his deep connections to and knowledge about hundreds of students who have been at this school and what they have achieved in the years after they have left. He is a fine example of pride in TGS personified. His contributions to the development of the physical environment and the intangibles that sit at the heart of the school will remain as his legacy. We thank Mr Wynn for his dedication and service to Takapuna Grammar School and wish him all the best for the future. GAE BECKINGSALE In August we officially farewelled our much respected and long standing Finance Manager, Gae Beckingsale. Having graced our school in her Finance role for over 19 years, she truly gained entry into our Furniture and Fittings book. Her association with Takapuna Grammar School extended well beyond 19 years with her being a former student, BOT member and parent to Jonathan and Justin who both attended TGS. Gae decided it was time to shelve the budgets and the calculator and jump on to the Golden Years bandwagon. We wish her well as she embarks on this well deserved journey! ANDREA CHARLETT-GREEN We say farewell to a long serving member of the Science department this year; Andrea Charlett-Green. Andrea has given tremendous service not only to the Science department as an experienced Chemistry teacher but has also given her time and expertise to a number of other areas of the school. Andrea has been heavily involved with the Performing Arts Department, supporting a number of choirs and ensembles in local and nationwide competitions as well as managing the backstage organisation in school shows. The enormous amount of time and dedication to this area of the school has been instrumental in the success of many performances. Recently, Andrea has had the role of Across School Leader for the local community of schools. Her leadership in this role has seen the strengthening of relationships between schools in the area, enabling the smooth transition of students throughout their schooling. Andrea has contributed an enormous amount to TGS over the years and exemplifies the TGS community spirit. She leaves with our very best wishes.

08 09 HEAD PREFECTS’ REPORT Though Covid 19 presented interruptions throughout the year, our prefect team effectively adapted to these tricky times. As a result of our passion and eagerness, we creatively responded to the inconveniences and carried out every endeavour to the best of our ability. The effects of the pandemic thoroughly drove many of our initiatives for 2022 as we recognised the hardships students had been through. At the beginning of this year, we relocated our Year 13 common room. We had recognised the distance between McAlpine’s Lookout and the heart of our school and with wanting to reinforce the connections between year levels, we felt the seniors needed to be more exposed to the juniors. Te Taumata is situated under the library and connected to the Careers office. With voting and conversations with our Te Reo teachers, this name was well suited for the purpose of the space. We held a photo booth style shoot for the Yr 13s, where they had the opportunity to take fun photos with their friends that now make up a wall collage in our room. Our students have enjoyed this new space and we look forward to it accommodating them for many more years. Though the TGS community has always been amazing and well built, we approached the new year with being passionate about forming stronger connections between the sports and performing arts areas. With all of these students sharing the same passion of commitment, performance and teamwork, we felt it would be refreshing to form better links between these groups. An example of meeting this goal was the sports and performing arts councils arranging for our First XV to perform in our school production, Mamma Mia! This was most definitely entertaining, strengthening our school culture and pride. This year, we were really passionate about providing fun and engaging times for our students, as well as strongly connecting with our juniors. The last few years have presented some hardships and in recognising this, we wanted to focus on the wellbeing of our community. To link with our awesome grapevine instagram, we launched a TGS Tiktok, primarily where quirky interviews are recorded after sports games or performing arts events. This interactive platform has brought much laughter and has been a place for students to be updated with the latest TGS events. An additional example was celebrating Easter, where we had pin the tail on the bunny, with prefects and Senior Leadership dressing up to deliver eggs for the day. The head prefects have connected more widely with our community by getting in touch with some of our feeder intermediates and being part of an organisation, Tamaki North. In Term 2, we invited around 30 Year 8 students from TNIS and BIS, who were a part of leadership positions at their school. We held a presentation about being quality leaders and giving our tips for success. Launched this year, Tamaki North consists of all head prefects on the North Shore, where we have monthly meetings, planning initiatives for our students. Celebrating Matariki or carrying out Mental Health Awareness Week has been examples of where we have planned and worked together. Additionally, we held a Head Prefects Conference at our school in the last week of Term 3, where we hosted breakfast and planned for Term 4. It’s been great to connect with our wider community, working together to effectively contribute to our schools. Evidently, despite the occasional interruptions, 2022 has been an absolute blast. Our team of prefects has become equipped with excellent skills by adapting to these unprecedented circumstances. To our wonderful prefects, we would like to recognise your efforts and commitment, which have been strongly reflected through all of your endeavours. We have enjoyed growing with all of you; it’s truly been a year to remember. We wish all students the best of luck for their future endeavours and congratulations to the upcoming prefects; cherish every moment! It has been our utmost privilege to lead Takapuna Grammar School for 2022 and we hope that this year has been as memorable for you, as it has been for us. Ngā manaakitanga. Nā māua noa, nā. Maia Davidson and Rohan Sherlock 2022 Head Prefects

10 11 PREFECTS Back Row: Anna Stuart, Kaya Rose Eible, Issy Webb, Emma Taylor, Phyllis Lan, Emily Davies, Lily Mann Benn, Emanuela Hopkins, Eleanor Stobbart 4th Row: Isla Forrest, Ankia Van Zyl, Bryn Walker, Finn McGregor, Lachlan Jardine, Cameron Sharrock, Brooke Leonard, Lucy Arthur 3rd Row: Samuel Duong, Louis Fisher, Adam Wright, Adam Cao, Jasper Moy, Freddy Birch, Rhys Morris, John Perkinson, Matthew Harrison 2nd Row: Karin Kozuka, Maia Hemopo, Tsenate Akebergne, Georgie Shanahan, Tayla Hodge, Lea Nova Tisch, Angel Jacobson, Michaella Kim, Matt Spooner Front Row: Taine Kearney, Gaby Dellabarca, Connor Cunningham, Maia Davidson, Mary Nixon (Principal), Rohan Sherlock, Riley Booth, Jess Weston, Sam Beattie

10 11 We would like to acknowledge the sad passing of three members of our school whanau this year. MADDIE SMITH was a much loved member of 10 Kauri and will be remembered for her kindness, her humour and her talent for art. Moe ma ra Maddie. TUMOANA (TREMAIN) SAMSON was a popular member of 10 Totara and Tu Tangata and will be remembered for his cheeky smile and his love of basketball. Moe ma ra Tu. FINN LINTON A Sad Farewell ‘Earlier this year we said a sad farewell to our friend Finn, who passed away suddenly. We miss him very much. He liked telling us jokes and was a great soccer goalie. We will miss his big smile and his laughter and playing his favourite game Uno with him. He was a legend!’ - By Special Education classmate Faiza Janif Moe ma ra Finn. SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CAREERS LAURA EATON - DIPLOMAT MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS & TRADE Like so many others, I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life after high school. But I did have the privilege of knowing what I didn’t want to do – and that has made all the difference. Through a process of elimination I settled on a conjoined Bachelor of Law and Arts degree. The degree stretched before me for an eternity of five years, but it bought me some time for trial and error as I searched around for subjects that sparked joy. I found that joy in Arts, where critical thinking about the way that things were (and the way that they should be) was regularly encouraged. Soon enough I got my ticket, officially, to work as a commercial lawyer in an Auckland firm. I spent three high energy years there before taking to the podium at a work function and declaring that my soul was in critical condition. The process of elimination continued. I had in the meantime grown increasingly interested in law as a force for peace, so decided to head back to university to study something called a ‘Master of Conflict and Terrorism’ (MCT). With its compelling focus on the causes, dynamics and consequences of violence, the MCT started to fill a gap in my imagination about how we might make the world a safer place. I now have the privilege of representing Aotearoa New Zealand overseas as a diplomat for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Manatū Aorere) – a job that I hardly even knew existed outside of film and television. The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and sustainable future for New Zealanders – kia hāngai ake e te Manatū he ao-haumaru, ao-tōnui, ao-pūmau, ki te oranga tonutanga mō Aotearoa whānui. We do this by engaging internationally to influence outcomes that align with Aotearoa New Zealand’s values and interests; by pursuing the Government’s international priorities; and by providing advice to the Government on the implications of global events for us down here at the edge of the earth. I am incredibly humbled to wake up every morning and serve the public offshore. And I owe a great deal to the wonderful Takapuna Grammar village of teachers that works to prepare us for that world.

12 13 On the 23rd of September, Takapuna Grammar, in association with the Alumni Prefect Committee, was pleased to host the Black Tie Dinner paying tribute to some of Takapuna Grammar’s most acclaimed alumni. In particular, we were honoured to have Sir Stephen Tindall GNZM and Olympic Games Medallist Juliette Drysdale serve as guests of honour. Over dinner, it was a privilege to listen to a discussion from three trailblazing former students. Technology entrepreneur and former Board of Trustee Tim Williams hosted a roundtable discussion with the founder of Genoapay Shaun Quincey and Lord of the Rings actor Bruce Hopkins about risk and adventure; the discussion provided insight into New Zealand’s business environment and how education as well as adventure can prepare oneself for life’s challenges. It was a privilege to be able to welcome back former students for such an evening, and the school’s thanks go to Leonessa, our premier treble choir who performed at the evening, as well as the Prefect team and Senior Management for organising the Dinner. - Lachlan Jardine (Prefect - Alumni Committee) BLACK TIE DINNER ALUMNI

12 13 Another successful TGS School Ball was attended and enjoyed by our senior students at the Ellerslie Event Centre on Friday 8th July. This year’s theme was Gatsby’s Grand Soirée. The students looked fantastic and behaved accordingly with some outstanding efforts made in their outfits and even more on the dancefloor. For those who want more detail of what happened on the night, here is the official 2022 Ball Prize List! General Prizes: Best Hair: Emily Davies and Jamie Kelly Cutest Couple: Year 12 – Pania Rowe-Karanui and Lyri Posimani Year 13 – Vishwa Patel and Janishka Walpola-Lokuge Most Coordinated Couple: Year 12 – Jai Morrison and Marlon Gentile Year 13 – Anna Rodygina and Sacha Avery Best Dance Moves: Tsenate Akebergne and Matthew Harrison Best Dressed Teachers: Ms Grace Shelley and Mr Brian Wynn Year 12s with Fantastic Presentation: Mikala Cashmore and Natasha Nowaczek Miller Barlow and Ed Ellis-Pegler Year 13s with Fantastic Presentation: Paige Pedersen and Qaizden Stephano Louis Fisher and Finn McGregor Special Presentations: Year 12 Prince – Rocco Conaghan Year 12 Princess – Maia Scott Year 13 King – Raahi Gossage-Krishnan Year 13 Queen – Zara Bruce Thank you to the hard working Ball Committee for all their work in organising this event and we’re already looking forward to 2023’s theme! To view photos from the event, please go to: https://www.bcphotography.co.nz/ takapunagrammarschoolball22 SENIOR BALL

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14 15 COMMUNITY OF LEARNING KĀHUI AKO CONFERENCE In the face of a third year of Covid our Kāhui Ako continued to function successfully, with a conference in Term 2,Term 3 Matariki celebrations and a Tuakana Teina initiative getting under way. Teachers from all seven schools in our Kāhui Ako attended the annual conference held in Te Poho in June. The theme was Ka Mua Ka Muri - looking to the past to shape the future. Everyone enjoyed the day, attending several workshops facilitated by In School Leaders and external providers. This was a valuable opportunity for teachers from ECE, primary, intermediate, and secondary sectors to meet and collaborate on what we can do to provide more excellent, relevant education to all our ākonga. Matariki festivities across the peninsula marked the first official national celebration of this event. Alongside larger peninsula wide Matariki activities, our Kāhui Ako schools held their own community festivals and classroom Matariki projects. A cross section of these were documented and displayed at the Lake House ‘Our Matariki’ exhibition which ran for three weeks near the end of Term 3. This showcased how the schools on the Takapuna-Devonport peninsula celebrated the months of Matariki in 2022 through artworks, stories, photography and video.

16 17 This year has been a busy year in the Business and Enterprise Department as we get back to being able to carry out all our business activities on site along with the introduction of a new Year 10 option course ‘Enterprise and Financial Literacy.’ This subject allowed students to learn about numerous aspects of our subject areas with the integration of Banqer as an online financial literacy platform to make financial decisions come to life in a simulation of future financial decisions. They were also able to learn about the accounting and economic aspects of running a business by creating a product to sell at our School Market Day in June with the aim of making their own profit. Level 3 Business Studies created a wide range of products amongst the Young Enterprise Companies that have been planned and carried out throughout the year. Students have to create products that are both innovative and sustainable and have the assistance of a business mentor to help them take their products to market. This year’s successful products have included a children’s wellbeing book, cultural tea blends, sustainable water bottles, recycled wooden trays, young athletes’ supporter wear, wellbeing aromatherapy products and youth clothing. These products have been on sale to the public and have been showcased during our school events. BUSINESS & ENTERPRISE FACULTIES & SUBJECTS

16 17 Level 2 Business Studies were involved in writing a business plan and carrying this out to take a food product to market with a focus on supporting community wellbeing. This occurred in Term 2 when we had two ‘Food Festival’ lunchtimes. Our school was treated to a full range of yummy edible items with the proceeds going to charity. Level 1 Business Studies were able to visit Vertical Adventures for their studied small business for the first time in a couple of years. They all had a very enjoyable time learning about the business and as they were on site they could all participate in indoor rock climbing. They also planned and created a product in a business activity and sold them to their fellow students during our school Market Day.

18 19 INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME The International Diploma Programme at Takapuna Grammar School continues to go from strength to strength. This year we celebrated our Top Scholars from 2021: Jiaxuan Chang 44, Yuhi Narita 44, Milla Vasiljevic 42, Kenneth Watts 42 and Omar Mourad 41. Despite the disruptions to learning due to the pandemic, all our students passed in 2021 and we look forward to celebrating the current IB2 cohorts’ successes at the end of this year. This year we were reviewed by the International Baccalaureate Organisation as part of a regular five-year review cycle.They noted that our school has an excellent record of outstanding achievements in academics and a wide range of other endeavours and congratulated us on the strong Diploma Programme that we run for our students. On the back of this affirming review we look forward to 2023 marking 10 years of the IB Diploma Programme at our school. This year our students have shown resilience and perseverance by overcoming challenges and disruptions to their learning programme caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. They have pulled together as a team and are collaborative and have a strong sense of community. As part of the Creativity, Activity and Service component of the The IB students have formed a warm family together. While the group is smaller than NCEA, it pulls everyone together closely to each other. They helped each other, encouraged one another, and shared study sources together. IB students have organised study sessions themselves, whether in school or outside of school. They have also used the common room after school as the IB study room to preview and revise topics. This year, our IB students have always found some activities to divert attention and have a rest for a while, such as shared lunches at the end of the terms, and a party after a tough assignment has been completed. These activities strengthened the relationship between the students even further. -Nancy Nan A STUDENT’S PERSPECTIVE… Diploma, students participated in a wide range of activities including, crocheting, vlogging, learning Latin and salsa dancing. They gave back to their community through the service component in and out of school through tutoring, coaching, tree planting and leadership roles, to name a few. The students felt a sense of achievement when they submitted their Extended Essays marking the end of the academic research and writing process. This component requires students to come up with a research question, conduct research and present their findings in a 4,000 word essay. This is excellent preparation for university and examples of students’ questions include: ‘To what extent is manuka honey more viable for medical treatment than non-manuka honey?’; ‘To what extent did colonisation suppress queer sexuality in Aotearoa?’ and ‘Which methods of coaching, both live and online, have the most impact on learning to hold a handstand with the correct technique?’. We are very proud of our IB students and wish them all the best for their future endeavours knowing that they each leave our school as well-rounded learners with an inquiring mind and a global outlook with a focus on local causes.

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20 21 INTERNATIONAL FACULTY For the past two years there has been a different landscape with regard to our International Student cohort. The pandemic has reduced our student numbers and it has meant many of our current students haven’t been able to go home to see loved ones. Staff, parents in New Zealand, agents and students have worked extremely hard to provide pastoral care and support to our wonderful international student whanau. Our International Leaders were very busy throughout the year organising events to encourage our international students to get involved with activities in and out of school. The International Leaders, who are representatives of our International Whanau, have engaged with the students to provide them a memorable and enjoyable experience at Takapuna Grammar. These events included: • Assisting in the annual Food (kai) International Festival, involving food from all around the world, • Chinese, Lunar New Year celebrations • A tradition feast at the end of term with parents/staff and students • Movie Nights in Library, • Cultural Night - combinations of cultural acts from different cultures. (Conducted for the first time since 2019.) International students are an essential part of our Takapuna Grammar School community. They brought their various cultures into the school and created a little multicultural society in TGS. This year, international students had a lot of fun in many activities organised by international leaders, in hand with the prefects of the cultural group. There was not only the annual culture night and food festival, but also a movie night and a shared lunch. International leaders were all extremely proud of the results of each activity. Every one of them was very delighted to see the joy they brought to Takapuna Grammar School students. While the international students are bringing their cultures, Takapuna Grammar School is sharing New Zealand culture with them. It has given international students a warm home in New Zealand to let them feel included and loved. Especially under the pandemic of Covid-19, many of them are not able to go back to their home countries. The staff in the international department undoubtedly worked relentlessly on this mission. They are the bridge between international students and local students. By Nancy Nan INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE The International and TGS Staff have worked closely with our students to ensure their wellbeing has been at the forefront of our minds. Now that the borders are fully open to our International students we look forward to once again welcoming new students to our shores and embracing their cultures into our TGS whanau. Many thanks to all our TGS staff who work tirelessly in supporting our International Student cohort. You make our students welcome and support them in becoming a part of our wider whanau. Special thanks go to my International staff who support our international students with a high level of professionalism and support. We wish our international whanau safe travels back home either on holiday or on a permanent basis. To our students returning we wish them safe holidays. Nga mihi nui. Grant Simpkins Director International Faculty Back Row: Francesca Fong, Nancy Nan, Haeun Lim 2nd Row: Hailey Chen, Albert Yuan, Kent Li, Azu Yamamoto Front Row: Elisa Aihara, Grant Simpkins (Teacher), Claire Guan, Jake Lamb (Teacher), Joy Xu

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22 23 ENGLISH FACULTY The English department is celebrating the success of Sofia Drew and Giselle den Breems. Sofia and Giselle have had poetry published in the most recent edition of Starling, one of New Zealand’s most respected literary journals. To put this success into perspective, poets whose work is published in Starling are taught in our Senior English and Scholarship English lessons. In this issue, Sofia and Giselle’s work sits alongside names like Jordan Hamel, Lily Holloway, and Cadence Chung - poets who have had books published this year, and Nathan Joe, author of the recent Auckland Theatre Company production, Scenes from a Yellow Peril. Senior Speech Competition This year’s place winners were; Michael Young in 3rd place Pearl Nicholson in 2nd place Olivia Priddy in 1st place TGS Writing Competition The 2022 TGS Writing Competition saw a grand total of fifty-five entries. Stories ranged from fanfic tropes about being kidnapped by Harry Styles, to moving social commentary on gender disparities. The stories judged the five best are to be published in the second edition of an upcoming TGS literary journal, giving our students the opportunity to see their writing in print. The winning entry was Liberty Beck’s piece, with Giselle den Breems runnerup. Year 11 Speech Final This year’s topics were varied, interesting, original, and personal, covering everything from conspiracy theories to valuing the time you have, to students’ personal experiences. Third place went to Connor Williams, for his speech detailing an exciting and welcoming first day at TGS. Second place went to Tamir Saeed Mohamed, who presented a speech on his personal experiences with ADHD. James Cassidy was awarded first place, for his excellent speech titled ‘Would we live differently if we knew when we were going to die?’ 2022 has been a productive year for our students in Literacy classes in both the senior and junior years. Year 9 have pursued the Steps programme to improve their reading, writing and vocabulary skills. Year 10 students have completed a wide range of topics to expand their knowledge and literacy skills. Year 11 students have completed the Literacy course covering reading texts with understanding, writing to communicate ideas and spoken communication. The Teacher Aides have continued to support our students in mainstream classes and to provide special assessment conditions for the many students who benefit from this. A special thanks to our community for their ongoing support as reader/ writers for exams. This enables our students to achieve their best and is greatly valued by us all. Thank you for your time and dedication. The cosy cabin sat in the middle of a deserted island untouched for years. Lonely as ever this cabin was surrounded by an icy-cold moat keeping everyone and everything from it. Gusts of wind blew the trees side-to-side; the top of the cabin was layered with thick, white snow that looked exactly like cake frosting.’ -By Flynn Lane ‘The mountains are regal like kings, standing above everything else. Shimmering like a mirror, the lake shows a parallel realm. Trees stand sharp and formal or dead with dull branches. On the river bank is a bed of bushes, but don’t let them deceive you, the branches are like skewers stabbing into anyone that foolishly lies upon them.’ -By Roo Cope LEARNING SERVICES

22 23 LANGUAGE EVENTS It has been wonderful to again this year see language students able to participate in events outside of the classroom. In June, Vicky Sagripanti, Neve Mann Benn, Lily Mann Benn, Olivia Mills and Lucy Smith put their French language and cultural knowledge to the test at the Auckland Inter School Senior French Quiz at St Mary’s College. However, it was their dance skills in the ‘dance-off’ between rounds that saw them win a prize on the night. IAlso in June, Year 9 and 10 students Arisha Khaidurova, Vincent Wright, Julia Shin, Maya Menon, Donna Kim, and Hyemee Lee participated in the New Zealand Schools’ Japanese Trivia Event at Epsom Girls’ Grammar School. (Supported by senior student Mira Menon) Year 12 Chinese language student, Yuri Jeong was awarded ‘Merit’ in the 2022 Chinese Bridge Speech Competition organised by The University of Auckland and Constitute Institute. Georgia Glory placed third in the New Zealand Spanish Level 2 speech competition. Her engaging presentation was on sustainability and a call to arms for the community to recycle and reuse mindfully. GRADUATE STUDENT SUCCESS Two graduate students from 2021 have been accepted into Tsukuba University Japan. Asako Kuroda, an IB graduate is studying a Bachelor’s Programme in Global Issues, which is all conducted in English. Aidan Harris, who studied L3 NCEA Japanese last year, is going to be doing a Healthcare course through the Japan Expert Program. Under the Japan Expert program, you spend the first six Months in intensive Japanese lessons and after that, you join the native Japanese students for your chosen course. Aidan’s interview was all in Japanese. There was only about a 12% acceptance rate for each course, so it is a very impressive achievement for them both. LANGUAGES FACULTY 2022 started off with us celebrating the success of Yuna Hamamoto who gained the Top Scholar award for Scholarship Japanese in 2022. Scoring full marks for this exam is very impressive and has inspired other students to challenge themselves by sitting Scholarship this year. We had a change to the way our Year 9 Languages ran this year and it has been very successful, with students able to study their chosen languages for longer. We have seen a greater number of students studying Te Reo Māori as we have been fortunate enough to have three teachers in the Māori Department this year. This has been of benefit to the wider school as well as the Languages Faculty. We have seen the launch of the Spanish Club, run by students during their lunch time, sharing dance moves, music and language. French and Japanese students have run similar clubs as a way to support language learners. Native speakers have been a wonderful support to the running of these clubs.

24 25 “[The senior student] has been polite, has an encouraging manner and is patient. Thank you for providing this excellent and helpful service. We really appreciate it.” “This is just the greatest news for [the junior student]. [The junior student] is still buzzing for the (Excellence) result! Thank you [to the senior students] so,so much for the tutoring. We are just delighted that she got a result like that. May it continue!!” Excellent work, senior tutors. You’ve made a significant contribution to our school and community. MATHEMATICS FACULTY PEER TUTORING This is the first year that senior students have organised peer tutoring in Mathematics. A capable senior student has been paired up with a junior student to do a one-onone lunchtime tutorial fortnightly. This service has helped provide a smooth transition from intermediate to secondary school for several Year 9 students. Here are some testimonials from parents: “Thank you, we’ve really enjoyed the tutoring. [The senior student] is working very well with [the junior student] and is adapting to her learning style incorporating her dyslexia and dyscalculia.” MATHEMATICS COMPETITION COACHING This year’s Mathematics competition coaching was a great success. We had more students who were involved in TGS’s maths competitions coming together to work through problem solving questions. We met every Tuesday at lunchtime, and prepared students for the various competitions; the Otago Maths Competition, the Australian Maths Competition and Mathex. Through the coaching, we have learnt skills in how to present in front of an audience, practise active listening and clarify mathematical concepts. We learnt some skills in solving some of the questions too. Overall, it is a good experience in coaching students for the mathematics competitions. – Joe McKibbin and Maggie Yang MATHEX Having the opportunity to participate in the Mathex event was astounding. The Auckland Mathex is an annual event where students compete in a team of four to solve Maths questions. My time at the Auckland Mathex competition and the in-school Mathex competition gave me the opportunity to communicate with my peers effectively, connect and build on pre-existing ideas. The training and the competitions help to develop our critical thinking skills and how we adapt to unexpected questions. We were challenged mentally and physically. The excitement in the hall is overwhelming as we competed with all participating schools in Auckland. The Mathex structure is an exciting approach to our learning of Mathematics. – Gavin Wu MATHEMATICS COMPETITIONS Three maths competitions were made available to the students at the beginning of the year; specifically the Otago Mathematics Competition, ICAS Mathematics and the Australian Mathematics Competition. The competitions were all quite different, testing different areas and skills in Mathematics. Nothing excites me more than to be able to share banter with a group of like-minded students during the Mathematics Coaching sessions. Through discussions, we learnt some new concepts and ways of solving problem questions. The exposure to out-of-classroom mathematical questions is motivating for those who wish to learn more. We find the Mathematics competitions challenging and felt that it was rewarding as we learned new skills in solving those problems. – Bill An VICTORIA SENIOR MATHS COMPETITION The Victoria Senior Mathematics Competition was introduced to TGS for the first time this year. The competition is designed for senior students, and involves challenging Mathematics problems which are meant to test students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This competition can be done as an individual or a team of three. Working individually challenges one’s time management and width of approaches towards solving the Maths problems. Working as a team challenges an individual’s teamwork skills and recognises their strengths in a group setting. This year, we had put forward one team for the competition, and we are hoping that more teams of students will take part in the future! This is one competition that helps students learn essential life skills as we go about solving Mathematical problems. – Joe McKibbin

24 25 CHOIR PERFORMING ARTS FACULTY PERFORMING ARTS COUNCIL The Performing Arts Council had a busy year. The Shakespeare play, Twelfth Night began the school year which was soon followed by the musical, Mamma Mia! in which they had a significant role behind the scenes. This consisted of planning, organising, costume design, promotion, and much more. They put on the spring cabaret at the Rose Centre that showcased many talented individuals with performances by many bands, musicians, and singers. The Performing Arts Council is so proud to have exhibited the gifted performing artists at TGS. SULTANS OF SING 2022 has been another successful year for the Sultans of Sing; the 31 members of the non-auditioned lower voices choir have enjoyed all the opportunities that choral singing at Takapuna Grammar has provided. In particular, the Sultans have been honoured to participate in two particular opportunities; the school production and the Big Sing 2022. The Sultans were asked to perform in Mamma Mia! this year, and learned the lyrics and dance moves to Lay All Your Love On Me before performing on the big stage in May. This was an exciting event for the Sultans, who found it quite thrilling to perform on the stage – the first time in years for many. In addition, the Sultans enjoyed the experience of singing at the Auckland Town Hall at the NZCF Big Sing. The Sultans, as usual, had a wide range of repertoire; some traditional choral songs but also a love song to that most classic of New Zealand cars - the Toyota. The Sultans have had a most enjoyable year, and are looking forward to singing with friends in the Sultans next year. LEONESSA Leonessa is Takapuna Grammar School’s Premier Auditioned Senior Girls Choir. This year has been a stellar year for the choir, making music, memories and a Leonessa Legacy as a group. Leonessa competed at the regional Big Sing competition with the pieces, Kyrie and Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day, where they qualified for the National Finale. In August they set off on a five day trip to Christchurch. None of the members had been to Finale before so it was an entirely new experience, and nobody had any idea of what to expect. At Finale they performed two recitals with the pieces, Kyrie and Gloria, and Weep no More and Tomorrow Shall be my Dancing Day. Being able to attend the Finale was an achievement in itself, and the rich and rewarding experiences and skills the choir witnessed at Finale is something they will never forget. On top of this, at Finale the choir earned gold, making history earning the first gold Takapuna Grammar has ever received at Finale, and receiving an award for Best New Zealand Piece performed in the entire festival. This year has been an amazing journey, and the girls cannot wait to continue to perform together and continue to grow and learn throughout the rest of the year. CHORALE The TGS Chorale is our school’s 34-strong premier auditioned mixed choir. This year has been a very successful year for Chorale, who competed in the regional Big Sing competition with the pieces Non Nobis, Domine by Rosephanye Powell, and Two Word Poem by Anthony Ritchie that qualified them for the Big Sing Cadenza. The August trip to Rotorua for Cadenza was an amazing experience, where they sang their original set, as well as A Gaelic Blessing by John Rutter. The outstanding performance led to them being one of four upper North Island choirs to win a Tui Award (equivalent to Gold). The talented choristers feel 2022 has been a very special journey, which has brought them closer together and feeling more than ever like a family. TAKA CROONERS Taka Crooners is TGS’s beloved All-Comers Girls Choir and is the largest choir here in TGS, welcoming girls from Year 9 to Year 13. Continuing from last year’s special award at The Big Sing regionals, Taka Crooners continued to bring forth elegant and engaging performances of various styles and genres. This year, the girls performed a contemporary New Zealand piece, The Moon is Distant from the Sea, and an American spiritual, I’m Gonna Sing ‘Til the Spirit Moves in my Heart, at the regional Big Sing competition and kept everyone captivated by their two performances while receiving much love and support from the audience. With the guidance of their amazing choral director Keani Taruia-Pora and the help of their talented student accompanist Hyemee Lee, Taka Crooners continues to inspire budding singers to take up new opportunities, equip themselves with fundamental choral skills, and build everlasting relationships to bring them into future choirs.

26 27 DANCE Dance is an art form where students create, perform and express themselves through movement. At Takapuna Grammar School, students who choose to study dance have many opportunities to excel and shine throughout the year. This year, our dance students led and assisted in the choreography of our school production, Mamma Mia! They visited and performed at multiple Primary schools, and enjoyed taking part in our Christmas Concert. Our dancers collectively earnt over twenty different awards at the DanceNzMade Auckland Regional competition. Our Cactus team travelled to Palmerston North to take part in a dance competition, where they came in fifth. Our students have achieved so much in Dance this year, and this is just a stepping stone towards what is to come. BALLET Ballet Club worked towards both Mamma Mia! and Dance evening this year, meaning they got many chances to perform their work. In Mamma Mia!, they opened Act II in ‘Sophie’s Nightmare’, acting as creepy spirits as a part of her dream. In addition, they also participated in Dance Evening with a gorgeous dance number, re-enacting the ballroom scene from Beauty and the Beast. The ballet group includes students from many skill levels and different studios on The Shore and so creates some great and diverse friendships. OPEN JAZZ Run by Samantha Lathwood and Molly Turner, the Open Jazz group has made a stellar class this year. Open Jazz gave high energy and high technique work throughout the school year. They performed a spectacular dance in Dance evening that showcased the colour and energy of Prince Ali from the movie Aladdin. The group included some amazing dancers that Takapuna Grammar has to offer and overall, their vibrant energy and love for jazz has made the class outstanding. TAP CLUB Tab Club runs every Tuesday lunchtime in the dance room with a group of students from all skill levels on tap. Run by Olivia Free and Ellie Brown, Tap Club worked towards two big events this year, Mamma Mia!, where they were a part of the fan favourite number, ‘Does Your Mother Know’, and Dance Evening, where they performed as dwarves from Snow White. A few of the tap students competed in NZMADE, gaining second place in their category, which was very exciting for everyone involved. KOREAN FAN DANCE Korean Fan Dance, called Buchaechum, is a traditional and religious Korean dance performed by groups of female dancers. With graceful, and elegant choreography consisting of the use of a vibrant ‘fan’ adorned with feathers and brightly coloured clothes called ‘Hanbok,’ it embraces Korean heritage and culture. This year, Korean fan dance group managed to recruit students from various countries including China, Japan and South Korea to perform to an appreciative audience in the 2022 Culture night, and Dance night. TEMPUS Tempus Dance Company was led by Sophia Walker and Hayley Macduff this year and they have demonstrated great leadership skills.. They have pushed this group of students to give their absolute best. They have done a lot this year such as performing in the school production of Mamma Mia!, Dance evening, and Competing at the DanceNZmade Regionals this year. CACTUS Cactus Dance Company has made the most of this year. Our Cactus leaders, Jess Weston, and Tayla Hodge have kept Cactus busy with all sorts of activities. From school work such as the school production of Mamma Mia!, and promotional videos for the school, they have demonstrated why they are a top-tier dance company. This year, Cactus’ most notable achievements were receiving third and second place in the DanceNzmade Auckland Regionals and fifth in the Nationals. SALSA The Salsa group brought a fun element to this year’s dance group ensemble. Our leaders, Briar Cook and Nia McDonald brought together a very exciting and high-energy class. This year, the group performed in the School production of Mamma Mia! and Dance Evening CONTEMPORARY The Contemporary group has had a successful year. They have had some wonderful performances in the school’s production of Mamma Mia! and Dance Evening.

26 27 DRAMA From Shakespeare to fairy tales, Story Theatre groups have been working all year to provide our community with fun and engaging Drama. These students can be found working before and after school each week on their craft. Led by Mr. De Grut, they held a successful Shakespeare show and took smaller dramas on tour to local schools!

28 29 INSTRUMENTAL GROUPS Although there were few formal performance, all our co-curricular groups worked hard to prepare for another busy and exciting year. The TGS Orchestra, Concert band, Jazz band and Rock bands spent months rehearsing intensively and enjoying some down time in our beautiful surroundings. We were fortunate to have talented students taking parts in our outstanding instrumental groups as well as our dedicated team of teaching staff leading rehearsals. CONCERT BAND 2022 has been a year full of challenges, yet with excitment and learning. The Concert Band, directed by Ms Lauren Raby, worked on a compelling programme, including Earth Dance, Somewhere over the Rainbow, Nebula and The Great Locomotive Chase. A highlight of 2022 was the performance at Holy Trinity Cathedral for KBB music festival where we achieved great results, coming back with an exceptional Silver award. Our time and effort put into this truly incredible week of performance and competitions definitely paid off. Many thanks to the members and soloist who worked hard to prepare for this challenging programme. The TGS Chamber Orchestra is comprised of around 25 brass, wind, string and percussionists of all age groups, ranging from Years 9 to 13. They meet once a week, early every Wednesday morning before school, to prepare and rehearse a vast array of pieces. This year, they performed Holst’s Jupiter, The Incredibles, and the 2nd Movement of the Surprise Symphony. August proved to be an exciting experience for the TGS Orchestra as the ensemble was able to participate in the KBB music festival. Despite this year’s competition being many of the members’ first professional performance experience, the TGS Chamber Orchestra was awarded a bronze award at the KBB Music Festival. The dedication every student puts into their work is incredible, as well as the passion and efforts from their wonderful conductor Josh Kirk, making the group sound like a true ensemble. ORCHESTRA

28 29 The TGS Jazz Band is an un-auditioned group consisting of 14 musicians conducted by Steve Sherriff, who has performed with several admirable bands such as the RNZN band, Rodger Fox Big Band, Auckland Jazz Orchestra, and Blue Train. Hours of long rehearsals during the school day saw the band prepare several groovy, funky and jazzy pieces to highlight talents within the band. Instead of focusing on competitions at a national level, this year the band worked on rehearsing and polishing its skills for future performances. The pieces selected include The Girl from Ipanema, Mambo lnn, and Sonny Moon for Two. The KBB Music Festival next year will feature their performance, which we all eagerly look forward to. Adding bass, microphone and drumming peripherals to the guitar, Rock Band takes players closer to actually making their own music. Since the introduction of Rock Band in 2020, Takapuna Grammar School has successfully paved the way for several rock bands. In August, our musicians presented their outstanding performance as a band in Rock Band evening. Then in the 2022 SmokeFree Rockquest competition, Nataliya and Chamonix Brand made it to semi-finals. Their band, The Barn Project, a collaborative project with ACG Sunderland students, proudly returned with a Musicianship Award for their performance of their original song ‘Stability’ which is about the insecure times we find ourselves in. Additionally, Josh Greenway’s band, Mind Overdrive, performed live at the Smokefree Rockquest North Shore heat and made it through to the regional finals with their original song My Mind’s Design. JAZZ BAND ROCK BAND MUSICAL THEATRE Musical Theatre (MUT) is a fantastic subject established by TGS in which students are assessed on a variety of NCEA dance, drama, and music standards - often with a musical theatre twist. Students are able to develop and grow their skills in all three areas of musical theatre, flourishing into triple threats. As there is only one class, there is a strong sense of community built within the group, and every student endeavours to make their peers feel welcome and supported when stepping out of their comfort zone. This year, Musical Theatre students have been lucky to have the support of dance teacher Mr Lobaton, drama teacher Mr De Grut, and vocal teacher Ms Jane Horder in their journey to becoming outstanding performers. The students actively participated in a wide range of school events, such as the school’s production of Mamma Mia!, the Spring Cabaret, and Dance Evening.

30 31 SCHOOL SHOW - MAMMA MIA! This year’s production of Mamma Mia! was a massive hit. Performed at the Bruce Mason Centre in May, the show was one to remember. A whole school effort, it would not have been possible without the support of our lovely community, staff, and students. The show’s stunning choreography was created and performed by the many dance clubs of TGS. Behind the scenes were the sound and lighting team, the Show Band, our own costume department, and crucial stage crew. Putting it all together was director Bruce De Grut, with input from Julia Player, and musical direction and support from Lauren Raby. The audience was treated to a guest appearance by the 1st XV boys and the Sultans of Sing who performed in the highly entertaining number Lay All Your Love On Me. The cast of over 130 students worked hard to pull together the show, especially considering the additional bumps in the road created by Covid. They began their rehearsals outside when singing inside was not allowed, and eventually progressed indoors to have their first maskless rehearsals only a few weeks before the show. Despite the challenges, both our two casts had their audiences up on their feet dancing and singing along to the encores. Their success was evident and the students could not have been more happy, culminating in a sold-out performance on closing night.

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32 33 JUNIOR PE / HEALTH This year saw the Junior PE and Health programme move away from the traditional forms of performance based grading, to a more holistic/inclusive approach, whereby students were assessed on their ability to engage with and participate in a range of physical contexts. Some big changes to the programme included the removal of the beep test, replaced by a Healthy Active Lifestyle unit focused on engaging in a range of continuous small sided games. The Wae Takaaro (Māori Games) unit looked to increase our students’ engagement with Te ao Māori. These changes were made in the hope of changing the perceptions surrounding PE/Health being a performance driven subject. Here’s what some of our current Year 9/10 students had to say about their experiences this year: “Well I never really liked PE that much; I guess I also thought that it was going to be pretty hard with a lot of hard physical challenges but that actually didn’t happen. Now I actually look forward to PE. I really liked a lot of the Maori games we played in Term 3. It involved a lot of teamwork games which were my favourite.” - Tamsin “I had mixed feelings about PE when I first started at TGS as I have never been that good at PE in the past. What I liked the most about PE this year was the fact that the lessons were able to cater to all capabilities so if I couldn’t do something there would be an alternative. I also liked that the teachers in PE are friendly and approachable which made me feel more accepted.” - Daniel “I love the variation we were given and I love the opportunities that were available to us. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Health and PE in the classroom, but learning about peer pressure, resilience and changes to the body through puberty was interesting and engaging.” - Sarah PE & HEALTH FACULTY YEAR 12 HEALTH Looking back on this year, I am so grateful to have picked up Health in Level 2, as I’ve learnt about many real-world concepts and how our health and wellbeing are impacted in so many ways. The three internal standards we have explored have exposed me to a variety of topics including social media, gender and sexuality, resilience and promoting health within TGS. Through these topics, I have been able to develop an understanding of influences, consequences and strategies on a personal, interpersonal and societal level. Level 2 Health provides a range of learning styles, both in class report work and more tactile, practical work. My favourite standard that we did this year was the health promotion internal. Through this, my peers and I were given the opportunity to organise a self-defence workshop for the senior students at TGS, promoting an aspect of health within our school. I thoroughly enjoyed this unit as it showed me how influential students can be at TGS and I enjoyed seeing the positive difference that we made as a result of the workshop. - Ruby

32 33 SCIENCE FACULTY L1 BIOLOGY FIELD TRIP Like everyone at school we were happy to enjoy a year uninterrupted by closures and cancellations of key events. The summer Biology field trips to the Waitakere Ranges, Smith’s Bush and the local Rocky Shore went ahead and were a beneficial experience for the students involved. Likewise, the collaborative Year 10 trip with Physical Education and English to Rangitoto Island was as successful as ever. We are lucky to live in an area with so many opportunities for students to observe and experience the concepts we teach. A number of students were successful in their Science related endeavours this year. Three of our students Ankia Van Zyl, Elka Drozdowski and Tate Agnew were selected to take part in the Blake Inspire program. This was a five-day-long residential environmental leadership program in partnership with the Ministry for the Environment and Blake NZ. Students were selected from around the country to attend the action-packed five days, with activities ranging from kayaking, political simulations, practical workshops, and presentations on climate change. Last week our Level 1 Biology students spent a day visiting the Arataki Visitor Centre and the surrounding Waitakere Forest area. Students were there to investigate the impacts of pest control on our native forest. They were shown the various traps and bait stations that are used to control the wide range of pests affecting New Zealand’s biodiversity, they took part in surveys to measure numbers of plants, insects and birds and they learnt just how far-reaching the impacts of pests can be. The field trip gave students practical experience of the ideas covered in their first topic of the year and will hopefully encourage them to get involved in local environmental projects. Maggie Yang made it through the initial selection for the New Zealand Biology Olympiad team. She is now part of the training squad and will continue to work within this group with the goal of being selected to represent the New Zealand team. Our Science and Engineering Club has continued to grow this year under the guidance of Mrs Hanlie Van Zyl and her team of student leaders. One of the activities of the club is the EPro8 engineering competition. With so many keen students to be involved, we had to run a series of in-house competitions to select the teams to represent Takapuna Grammar in the interschool competition. OurJunior team of Eshana Choudary, Matilda Edwards, Bill Sha and Zeph Zhong, took first place in the first round of the competition but narrowly missed out on making the final. CHEMISTRY OLYMPIAD PRODUCES GREAT RESULTS The Science department congratulates the success of Susie Ji, Joe McKibbin and Maggie Yang who have received Bronze Certificates in the Chemistry Olympiad competition. They were placed in the 40th-70th percentile of all students attempting this competition and have been offered places in the NZCHO training group, which will be selected on the basis of results in a test later in March 2023.

34 35 L3 GEOGRAPHY MURIWAI FIELD TRIP Our L3 Geography students travelled to Muriwai beach to investigate coastal processes at work. Students collected primary data on the wave processes at a west coast Auckland beach to later compare these results with data they collected at St Leonard’s beach, an east coast Auckland beach. L3 Geographers then were able to draw conclusions about differences between the two coastlines to help them gain five credits in an internal assessment. This trip was also a chance to familiarise ourselves with the different features and characteristics of the Muriwai environment which forms our case study for an external standard. Students explored Maori Bay, experienced the difference between a cave and an arch and made new use of their face masks to block the smell of the gannet colony before finishing off the day with a well earned ice cream. SOCIAL SCIENCE FACULTY On a sunny Wednesday morning in week 6, L1 Geographers set out from the Devonport Ferry Terminal on a field trip to Wynyard Quarter. Before travelling to the CBD, students had been learning in class about the history of this section of Auckland’s rapidly transforming waterfront. L1 Geographers were then set the task of investigating different and potential conflicting uses of Wynyard Quarter’s planned spaces. While in Wynyard Quarter, students collected information on different land uses creating a land use map and gathered observational data on conflicting uses of space at Silo Park and Karanga Plaza before finishing off their day out with a well-earned lunch around Britomart. On their return to class, students translated their primary data into presentations and findings that helped them to answer their research aim and gain four internal credits. L1 GEOGRAPHY - FIELD TRIP TO WYNYARD QUARTER L2 HISTORY - POLYNESIAN PANTHERS AND DAWN RAID WORKSHOP Our Level 2 History students and Pasifika Leadership Group had the privilege of attending a workshop from the Polynesian Panthers - Dr Melani Anae - Associate Professor of Pacific Studies, Revered Alec Toleafoa and musician Tigilau Ness. They shared their personal experiences of the Dawn Raids between 1974 and 1976 and their involvement in the Polynesian Panthers. As students were studying the short and long-term effects of the Dawn Raids on New Zealand society, this talk was incredibly valuable in developing their understanding. All students also received resources to assist in research for their History internal assessment. Three students, Eva Oldham, Malia Faulalo and Olly Papaconstantinou were interviewed and gave an insight into what they had learned about identity and this event in New Zealand’s history.

34 35 SPECIAL EDUCATION FACULTY A huge thank you to our 2022 prefect Matthew Harrison, who has represented us with pride and great enthusiasm at meetings and activities this year. Thank you for your great work and for the outstanding job you have done as an ambassador for our department. This year we welcomed Shonny Stevens. It was with sadness that we farewelled Carina Engelbrecht at the beginning of the year and saw Kim take a year’s refreshment leave. We thank you both for your aroha and support for our students over the past years. As this yearbook goes to print we will be going on camp again. This time staying in Auckland but with a few overnight activities. We have had a quiet year with not as many trips out, but have enjoyed staying together focusing on our classroom activities. We have taken part in Special Olympics basketball and soccer this year. Many thanks to the parents and families who took the time to join us on these Ribbon Days and cheer us on. Congratulations to everyone for a superb effort and giving it your best! This year’s recipient of the Hawkins Family Trophy for Special Olympics is Jeronimo Godoy. As with every year our sincere thanks go out to the many buddies, prefects and helpers that have been involved in the department. Thank you also to the many teachers, students and parents who along the way have contributed to making this another fun, challenging and happy year for us all.

36 37 Design and Visual Communication builds on the creative problem solving introduced through the Year 9 Design Thinking course, with a particular focus on Product and Spatial Design. From learning in Year 10 that covers Ideation, Visual Presentation and Collaboration, to Levels 1 and 2 that move through a range of Product and Spatial Design scenarios, DVC culminates in a final year comprising personalised projects that endeavours to capture the personal perspectives and emerging designer voice of each student. In L3 DVC, the range of spatial projects that have been developed throughout this year range from a housing complex that is a response to the housing crisis, to cricket pavilions in respective secondary schools in New Zealand and England, a café in Narrow Neck, an art gallery on the Auckland CBD waterfront, a plant store in the Britomart precinct, a community creche in Devonport, and a family home in Wanaka. TECHNOLOGY FACULTY DESIGN & VISUAL COMMUNICATION

36 37 Computer Science is a subject that requires students to have a good basic knowledge across several topics including website design and creation, information management and programming. This is taught from the junior levels, and each successive level in the senior school requires students to not only retain the previous years’ knowledge but also to acquire new skills and progressively become more independent in using those skills in new ways. Our Year 9 students continue to surprise with some coding already beyond what is expected at this level. Their enthusiasm has led to adding additional projects to the original course plan from when it was introduced in 2020. In Year 12 and 13, students must create a website for a client and the style of the website is directed by the client who wants a digital medium to promote and sell their products. The Year 11 students do a range of different topics for their website, depending on personal interests. Some of their work is shown here; COMPUTER SCIENCE Food Technology builds on the creative problem solving introduced in Year 9, with a particular focus on production and process. The highlights are The Master Chef and Festive Occasion activities. The highlight for the Year 10 programme is the Term 3 Designer Cake where the students design and create their own signature cake for the marketplace. Level 1 introduces students to a more in depth understanding of nutrition as well as the preservation and packaging of food products. Level 2 students gain a more industrial focus of the food and beverage service of the hospitality industry. Level 3 offers the students the opportunity to hone their baking and barista skills that are required for running a small business. The emphasis is on interpersonal skills ready for the workplace. FOOD TECHNOLOGY

38 39 Resistant Materials Technology involves developing an understanding of and working with a range of hard materials in product design. These may include but are not limited to: Timber, Acrylic / Plastic, Metal, Ceramics, Glass and composite materials. There is an increased emphasis on the use of modern technologies including CAD, CNC, 3D Printing, Laser Cutting/Engraving, Electronics and Robotics. Creativity and individual choice are provided through flexible design briefs that have enabled holistic courses to be designed to meet the needs and interests of individual students. Students develop their understanding of resistant materials through trialling and testing a range of materials and processes to determine the best solution for the design problem they are working on. This is all recorded in a portfolio to provide evidence of their investigations. They are also required to seek feedback from a range of stakeholders to support their design development. Career choices supported by the study of Resistant Materials Technology include, but are not limited to: general engineer, materials engineer, design engineer, CAD technician, interior designer, product developer/ designer, civil engineer, builder and carpenter, construction site manager, fitter and turner, boat builder, timber machinist, cabinet Maker, coachbuilder, joiner, architecture, electrician, robotics engineer, and electromechanical and robotics technician. RESISTANT MATERIALS TECHNOLOGY

38 39 VISUAL ART FACULTY Visual Art at Takapuna Grammar School has had a very successful year with all akonga once again exhibiting their talents through their amazing works of art. NCEA senior art students have flourished in creating portfolio boards of succinct quality, while the junior students have also enjoyed a year full of creativity and critical thinking. All rangitahi are grateful for their teachers’ support and patience which helped their learning along the way. Our Matariki was an incredible exhibition which occurred at the Lake House Arts Centre and showcased art from all the schools from the Takapuna-Devonport peninsula. TGS students’ artworks really contributed to this extraordinary exhibition. We are so lucky to have such a depth of talent in both our students and teachers at Takapuna Grammar School.

40 41 DESIGN

40 41 JUNIOR ART

42 43 IB ART EXHIBITION

42 43 PAINTING

44 45

44 45 PHOTOGRAPHY

46 47 TŪ TANGATA E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā rau rangatira mā, Ko te amorangi ki mua, ko te hāpai o ki muri, nā reira, me wehi atu tātou ki te Runga Rawa mō āna manaakitanga mai ki runga i a tātou ko ngā tauira me ngā kaimahi o te kura nei, otirā, ki a koutou e ngā whānau Ka huri ki a rātou mā kua mene ki te pō, kua huri tuara mai Moe mai rā moe mai rā, okioki atu ai Ko tēnei rā te whakamiha atu ki a koutou e ngā tore kaihuruhuru, kua puta te ihu, hei raukura Kia marino ngā tai ki mua i a koutou Ki a koutou ngā mahuetanga, whakakī āputa, whakamaua kia tina! Ka tika me karawhiu i ēnei kupu aroha ki a koutou te hunga tautoko mai i tēnei kaupapa nui whakahirahira, hei tiaki i ngā taonga o tō tātou kui mā, koro mā E ngā mātua, e ngā tuakana/teina, whānau whanui, ko tēnei rā te whakatū hoe ki a koutou. Mei kore ko koutou, e kore rawa tēnei kaupapa e tū pakari, e whai hua ai. E tika ana te kōrero ā tō tātou kura, ‘mai i ngā taumaha ki te kororia’ I ngā hekenga, ka kimihia ngā mea whai ora mō tātou, i ngā taumahatanga me ōna wero katoa, kia piriponotia!! Prestigious people, speakers of note, chiefs one and all, Acknowledgements to our Almighty Father, for we are forever grateful for his guidance and support in everything we do To those no longer with us and have been taken in the night, Farewell, farewell, rest in peace Salutations to our Year 13 graduates, who have successfully completed their final year. All the best with your future endeavours. May the seas before make smooth sailing. To those stepping up into these positions, grab the bull by the horns! It is important that we sincerely acknowledge those of you who have supported the many occasions, upholding the mana, customs and protocols of our school. To the parents, siblings, and wider whānau, we salute you. Without you, our programme would not be as successful. We endorse our school motto ‘per angusta, ad augusta- from hardship to glory’. We have experienced challenging times this year, but must appreciate all of the good times and keep striving forward. Stay true. Arohanui from Tū Tangata In 2022, Tū Tangata have continued to nurture our tikanga and values through commitment to: • Providing opportunities for leadership for our 80 tauira • International Food Festivals • Poroporoaki for departing staff and students • Pōwhiri for new Year 9 and International students, including other manuwhiri • Matariki celebrations at Bayswater Primary and TGS • Senior Prizegiving • Assisting with Kapa Haka tuition • Supporting Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori Once again, we would like to acknowledge all other staff, families and friends who have supported our kaupapa and especially our TGS prefects who were integral in supporting us where required. To the seniors who are leaving, please keep in touch and let us know how your journey is going. Although you are moving forward with your own pathways, we will always remain a closely knit whānau. We wish all our whanau safe and happy holidays. Enjoy time with whanau. We encourage students to join our Tū Tangata whānau in 2023. Nau mai piki mai kake mai!!!

46 47 Formula 1’s Angela Cullen Speaks at Achievers’ Breakfast In August, we were honoured to have alumna Angela Cullen (nee McNaughton) speaking at our Achievers’ Breakfast in Te Poho hall. Angela (class of 1992) is a former deputy head Girl and later a New Zealand hockey representative player. Since 2015 she has worked for Hintsa Performance and is attached to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team. She is now best known as the physiotherapist and confidante to seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton. Angela spoke about her fond memories of TGS including her many sporting interests, her experiences as a prefect leader and the wonderful friendships she made with both staff and friends with whom she still stays in touch, especially when back home from France where she now resides with her family. The school acknowledged her achievements in the international sporting field by adding her to our Distinguished Alumni Honours Board for Services to Elite Sport. Maggie Squire returns home from the Commonwealth Games To kick off the awards ceremony part of the proceedings the school welcomed Year 12 Maggie Squire onstage only hours back in the country from the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The school congratulated her on representing NZ on her biggest stage yet with a bouquet of flowers and of course her Special Achievement Certificate.

48 49 SPORTS COUNCIL SPORTS FACULTY Council members are encouraged to be open - minded, communicative, respectful and most importantly, forward thinking to help promote sport at TGS. Council members receive support in all areas of developing leadership and qualities that will help in the future. 25 Students were successfully selected this year and they quickly hit the ground running with organising and managing the TGS Swimming sports and TGS House events day. The Sports Council was a passionate bunch of sports leaders who worked hard to promote their sports and help others. Issy Webb, Veer Kapoor, Rhys Morris and Eli Delany were our North Harbour Sports Council representatives and they made us very proud when contributing and attending leadership conferences each term at Sport North Harbour. The Sports Council ran the TGS Swimming Sports, TGS House sports day and the competitive Athletics Day. Sports Council were also in charge of lunchtime activity and sports initiatives on Fridays. We look forward to next year’s crop of Year 13 sports leaders, who will lead the school in promoting positive sport experiences for all. BADMINTON With commendable outcomes, three senior TGS teams participated in the North Harbour interschool leagues.To fill out the rosters, several junior players competed for the senior teams. The mixed age group did not stand in the way of the fantastic achievements, and there was excellent sportsmanship demonstrated towards the opposing teams. The teams were: Senior Girls B grade = Finished 1st Senior Boys C grade = Finished 1st The inter school competition had a good showing from all competitive teams. All teams were able to win a string of games after a difficult start against formidable opposition. Congratulations go to all the players. The in-class sessions on Tuesdays and Sundays were well utilised by social gamers, who make up the majority of registrations.

48 49 ARCHERY Term 1 Term 3 – AIM Tournament Term 2 and 3 Coaching After just three years,TGS has now developed a solid archery base of some 30 archers. Archery offers an alternative to the more traditional sports at TGS and an opportunity to develop new sporting skills. Although TGS primarily focuses on the recurve type bow, TGS student Aleks Miernik is a top archer in the NZ youth field archery competitions, utilising a compound bow. • A team competed in the College Sport Auckland Archery League.This was held at the Auckland Archery Club in Cornwall Park. Aleks Miernik did extremely well and placed second in the compound bow section. • The Auckland Secondary Schools’ Match play event at Cornwall Park was a one - day event and the TGS team of Stephanie Yu, Erin Middleton, and Stirling Hall showed great determination against a talented group of competitors. A highlight of the day was when Stephanie fought her way to fourth place in a field of 92 archers. In August 2022 TGS had a team competing in the inaugural AIM Winter tournament. It was an enjoyable day in the sunshine with over 150 student archers competing from across the Auckland area. In 2022 a new group of 13 novice archers started their archery coaching at TGS. This same group continued through to Term 3 and some real talent is emerging from the group. We have also introduced the concept of using student assistant coaches to help the senior coaches of Brian Shaw and Dennis Mroczkowski. The assistant coaches for 2022 were Erin Middeleton, Stephanie Yu and Max Lennan. Term 1- Archery League Team-Max Lennan, Alex Miernik, Stephanie Yu, Tate Agnew, Erin Middleton, Stirling Hall, George Read Aim Winter Tournament – Aug 2022 Novice archers training in the old gym- Term 3 Aim winter tournament team- Erin Middleton, Stirling Hall, Brian Shaw (Coach), Stephanie Yu, Jovia Cheng

50 51 ATHLETICS Despite Covid-19 disruptions forcing the cancellations of the NZ Secondary Schools’ Track and Field National Champs (December 2021) and the 2022 College Sport Auckland - Northern Zone Champs, Takapuna Grammar athletes had an outstanding summer of athletics achievements. TGS had 17 athletes qualify to compete at the 2022 College Sport Auckland - Auckland Track and Field Champs. Special congratulations and recognition go to: • Year 10 Kate Hallie 1st Intermediate Girls Shot Put and Discus • Year 11 Jodie Nash 1st Intermediate Girls 1500m • Year 13 Ruben Vogel 1st Senior Boys Pole Vault • Year 11 Sascha Letica 2nd Intermediate Girls 800m • Year 13 Samantha Korck 2nd Senior Girls 800m • Year 9 Asha Edwards 3rd Junior Girls 3000m Other Top 10 place getters were Year 13: Anna Tucker 6th Senior Girls 200m, Asha Edwards 7th Junior Girls 1500m and Jessica Donnelly 8th Junior Girls 300m. Other TGS qualifying athletes were; Isla McLean, Hollie Shipkov, Isla Cutts, Nadija Davidson, Tamara Ibarraran Hetz, Jack Jones, Carter Robinson, Zion Valdez and Angus Cliffe. Kate Haillie received the Colgate Games Nick Willis Sponsorship for Outstanding Achievement, the 2022 Athletics Auckland Junior Sportsperson of the Year, and broke several Auckland Shot Put records. Ruben was also first in the U20 Pole Vault at both the Athletics NZ Track and Field National Champs and Athletics Auckland Track and Field Champs. Samantha was third in the U20 400m and 800m at the Athletics NZ Track and Field National Champs and picked up two relay medals for Auckland: first in 4x400m and second in 4x100m. At the Athletics Auckland Track and Field Champs she placed second in U20 100m and 200m and third in 800m and earned second Overall Female at the Athletics NZ U20 Interprovincial Challenge competition. Sascha Letica Jodie Nash Jodie was also second in the U18 1500m at the Athletics Auckland Track and Field Champs and first at the College Sport Auckland Aquathon Champs - Intermediate Girls, showing her talent in swimming as well. Samantha Korck & Anna Tucker Ruben Vogel Kate Hallie Samantha Korck Ruben Vogel Samantha Korck Imogen Ayris