Takapuna Grammar yearbook mock u[

TAKAPUNA
GRAMMAR SCHOOL

YEARBOOK 2021

02

CONTENTS

4 PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE ? CO-CURRICULAR PRIDE AWARDS - SPORTS
5 BOT’S MESSAGE ? CO-CURRICULAR PRIDE AWARDS -
6 PTA REPORT PERFORMING ARTS
8 STAFF ? JUNIOR PRIZE GIVING AWARDS (2020)
13 HEAD PREFECTS’ REPORT ? FORM CLASS PHOTOS
14 SCHOOL BALL ? ROLL OF 2021
18 COL CONFERENCE
? ACADEMIC FACULTIES AND SUBJECTS
? FEATURE ARTICLE - CAREERS:
PLUMBING WITH WILL O’BRIEN
? FEATURE ARTICLE - PREFECTS’ CONFERENCE 2021
? SPORTS AND CO-CURRICULAR
? SCHOOL CLUBS
? HOUSE EVENTS AND POINTS
? IB SPECIAL AWARDS PRIZE GIVING
? SENIOR SUBJECT PRIZE GIVING AWARDS
? SENIOR SPECIAL PRIZE GIVING AWARDS

03

PRINCIPAL’S
MESSAGE

hours of extra tuition and encouragement for
students to develop their interests and unique skills. Parents
support these opportunities with their expertise and energy.
The dance evening held at the Bruce Mason Theatre, Shake-
speare evening, choir concerts, annual hui and hangi at the
navy marae, Maadi Cup and numerous sporting and cultural
events were a few of the highlights this year.

2021 has been demanding for staff and students with
Covid-19 continuing to have a major impact. Auckland was
plunged into a short lockdown early in Term One and we
all hoped this was the end of such interruptions. However,
in August there was a more significant outbreak of the virus
that resulted in Auckland schools being closed for most
of Term Three. Staff and students pivoted overnight from
face-to-face learning to remote programmes, but the effects
of lockdowns were far reaching. Not only were academic
programmes interrupted, but winter sports and music com-
petitions were stalled suddenly and later cancelled. This
resulted in students missing finals rounds and national level
events such as The Big Sing and Winter Tournament, for the
second year running.

Takapuna Grammar continues to evolve for students to re- Students and staff showed amazing resilience and the close
ceive an excellent education as per the intentions of those relationships between teachers and
who founded the school. Examination results released in their classes came to the fore. Students hunkered down
January showed 2020 was another strong year for student with their families juggling work, school and life at home.
achievement with over 90% attaining NCEA or IB quali- The social aspect of education was apparent as students
fications in each of the senior year levels. An impressive willingly engaged in Google Meets and individual inter-
number of students gained Merit and Excellence Endorse- views with staff. Students accepted lockdowns were an
ments and NZQA Scholarships. An abundance of financial essential tool to enable them to return on-site with their
scholarships was awarded by tertiary institutions to school teachers and friends at some future point. They used their
leavers. These boosted students’ options beyond school as time well, with student leaders and staff creating virtual
most continue studying at tertiary level in universities and experiences for assemblies and ceremonies when the
apprenticeships across Aotearoa and all around the world. on-site options were not available. Fun activities included
motivational videos, live online music concerts and cleverly
This year’s student engagement and achievement was just curated virtual art shows.
as strong as last year. New initiatives prepare our tamariki
to thrive in the fast-changing world and complement the Despite the interruptions, the school made significant prog-
academic and co-curricular programmes that have un- ress with the building programme. The Jack Kelly Sports
derpinned learning at TGS for the past 94 years. Design hall was renovated internally and the adjacent lounge given
thinking is now taught to all Year 9 students. Te Wāhi, our a makeover. The pool is being heated and covered over the
innovation hub is available for students to build and experi- Christmas holidays and a partnership between the school
ment with creative ideas. This year an innovator in residence and a private provider will see this venue become a hub for
engineered a collaborative art-tech project with Year 10 swimming activities for the local community. The continued
students. implementation of the garden plan has enhanced several
areas. The view of the school from the Lake Road entrance
is now most impressive.

I thank everyone for adapting quickly to meet the challeng-
es of these extraordinary times. Your
talent, commitment and focus ensure the ongoing delivery
of excellent education services at
Takapuna Grammar School.

Ngā manaakitanga

Students excelled outside the classroom in a wide array of Mary Nixon
activities including sport, science and mathematics compe- Principal
titions, engineering, writing, music composition, YouTube
videos and community performances. Staff provide endless

04

MESSAGE FROM THE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Tēnā koutou katoa,
COVID-19 was once again a dominant feature in the
landscape of our lives in 2021. We learned that as COVID
evolves, our lives must evolve with it, but without the luxury
of time normally afforded evolutionary change. The delta
variant in the latter part of the year in particular, forced New
Zealand into an extended lockdown which stretched the
resolve of New Zealanders, Aucklanders and our school. It
appears certain that COVID and its variants will continue to
play a part in shaping our lives in the years to come, albeit
with diminishing power over us.
As a Board we are very proud of the world-class educa-
tion that Takapuna Grammar provided for its students in
these most challenging times. The Principal, her Senior
Leadership team and the entire faculty were professional,
committed and tireless. For me, it was the way they went
about their business that counted most…with aroha. Aroha
reflects empathy, compassion, understanding and a love,
expressed through genuine care and belief in the growth,
development and wellbeing of our children.
Our students showed grit and resolve in the face of the ups
and downs of 2021 but dealt with their disappointments
and loss with grace and humility. These attributes will serve
them well in the future. Our sports teams and the arts ex-
celled at the highest levels and our ongoing programme of
work on the grounds, made the school environment more
beautiful than ever.
With prudent stewardship and your support, Takapuna
Grammar ended the year in a sound financial position and
with a cohesive five-year strategy, providing confidence and
a measure of certainty for 2022 and beyond.
As a newly elected Chair, I am fortunate to have inherited
a school that is in great shape and well positioned for the
future. Penny Harrison’s six-year tenure on the Board and
her outstanding leadership as Chair over the last two years,
took a strong and talented board and created a culture of
inclusion and excellence that flows through the school to
our students. Her contribution to our school, our communi-
ty and our children has been immense. She will be missed.
Ngā mihi nui ki a koe e te rangatira!
The whakatauki ‘Me uru Kahikatea’ sums up the culture of
Takapuna Grammar for me in 2021. The proverb refers to
the kahikatea tree which lives in swampy ground. Swamps
don’t provide much support to grow tall trees, being innate-
ly unstable. The kahikatea learned to intertwine their roots,
forming a solid base on which to support each other to
grow straight and tall.
We say farewell to 2021 and our Year 13 students and look
forward to the challenges and opportunities that will come
in 2022.
Nga manaakitanga,
Andrew Baker
Chairperson

05

PTA
REPORT

While the PTA is an organisation primarily focused on bring-
ing members of our school community together, our fund-
raising activities during the year were once again impacted
by Covid-19 alert level restrictions.
We hosted a very successful staff morning tea at the start
of the year which is our way of thanking the staff for the
support they show us, and updating them on our plans for
the year.
The annual PTA Dance, which is a key feature on the
school’s social calendar and a great way to welcome new
families, raised nearly $4,000 for various school clubs,
organisations and teams, with the generous support of local
band Ran for Cover.
In addition, we 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.
Unfortunately, due to the Level 4 lockdown in August, we
had to cancel our ever-popular Comedy Night and at the
time of writing, it’s looking likely that we’ll also have to call
off our annual Golf Day planned for mid-November.
We look forward to hosting our full range of events in 2022
and working even more closely with the school to bring
more of our fund-raising projects to fruition.
Kate Dobbin
Chairperson

06

STAFF
2021

NEW STAFF LEAVING STAFF 2021

Michael Ferkins Health & Physical Education Teacher Katrina Woodley - TIC ESOL
Cathryn Gill Geography Teacher Robert Dil - Performing Arts Teacher
Isabella Graham Science & Biology Teacher Jon Fahlander - Mathematics Teacher
Tom Hackshaw Art & Technology Teacher Toni Ferens - Physical Education & Health Teacher
Jo Hilario Mathematics Teacher Yasir Patel - Mathematics Teacher
Jordan Letoa Health & Physical Education/Science & Sam Yesli - Mathematics Teacher
Biology Teacher Sam Harris - BOT Secretary
Phelisia Ngu Mathematics Teacher Michelle James - Special Education Teacher Aide
Yasir Patel Mathematics Teacher Jenna Murie - Director of Sport
Jonty Poward Geography Teacher Danny Parker - Assistant Caretaker
Oriwia Soutar Te Reo Māori Teacher Erin Ramsay - Liaison Librarian
Amelia Hallagan Sports Coordinator Hannah Sykes - Occupational Therapist
Reece Hamon Director of Sport Henry Whitfield - Sports Coordinator
Sophie Johnson Occupational Therapist
Taty Logie Learning Support Teacher Aide
Dennise Lusis Special Education Teacher Aide

07

FAREWELLS AND SPECIAL
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

TONI FERENS DANNY PARKER

Toni Ferens has been part of our TGS whanau for sixteen Danny Parker worked at TGS for seventeen years as
years and during that time she has taught PE, been TIC assistant groundsman and latterly as assistant caretaker.
Health, worked as a dean, has taken on significant roles in He was well known and well-liked by staff and students. He
promoting manaakitanga and wellbeing in our kura and was visible as he worked around the school and regularly
in the past year, she has worked with students requiring stopped for a friendly chat as he carried out his many and
Special Assessment Conditions. As if this is not enough varied duties. Danny’s jobs included locking and unlocking
for one person, over the past twelve years she and her the school, so he was on site early for those staff arriving
husband Duncan have produced three lovely children! first and he said goodbye to many teachers as he secured
Toni sets herself very high standards and does all her their rooms at the end of the day.
mahi with total commitment and enthusiasm; there are no During his time at TGS the systems for managing recycling
half-measures for Toni. Others around her find her both evolved and Danny played a key role in collecting the large
inspiring and motivating and enjoy working with her. She volumes of paper to ensure they were passed on for re-use
balances the need to get the mahi done with her wisdom through sustainable practices. Danny’s duties also included
and experience of what will work and then if required, care of the grounds and gardens. He took pride in making
she modifies her approach to try something different. This the school environment attractive and tidy with the fields
tenacity and perseverance is something we love and admire mowed and gardens weeded. Danny has been a loyal,
about Toni. Students really enjoy being in her classes, hardworking staff member and we wish him well for the
knowing that they get the best of lessons as well as the care future.
of an extra Mum!

She is leaving TGS to take up a new opportunity at Carmel
College and we are going to miss Toni’s energy, intellect
and infectious humour.

08

TONI FERENS

Toni Ferens has been part of our TGS whanau for sixteen Danny Parker worked at TGS for seventeen years as
years and during that time she has taught PE, been TIC assistant groundsman and latterly as assistant caretaker.
Health, worked as a dean, has taken on significant roles in He was well known and well-liked by staff and students. He
promoting manaakitanga and wellbeing in our kura and was visible as he worked around the school and regularly
in the past year, she has worked with students requiring stopped for a friendly chat as he carried out his many and
Special Assessment Conditions. As if this is not enough varied duties. Danny’s jobs included locking and unlocking
for one person, over the past twelve years she and her the school, so he was on site early for those staff arriving
husband Duncan have produced three lovely children! first and he said goodbye to many teachers as he secured
Toni sets herself very high standards and does all her their rooms at the end of the day.
mahi with total commitment and enthusiasm; there are no During his time at TGS the systems for managing recycling
half-measures for Toni. Others around her find her both evolved and Danny played a key role in collecting the large
inspiring and motivating and enjoy working with her. She volumes of paper to ensure they were passed on for re-use
balances the need to get the mahi done with her wisdom through sustainable practices. Danny’s duties also included
and experience of what will work and then if required, care of the grounds and gardens. He took pride in making
she modifies her approach to try something different. This the school environment attractive and tidy with the fields
tenacity and perseverance is something we love and admire mowed and gardens weeded. Danny has been a loyal,
about Toni. Students really enjoy being in her classes, hardworking staff member and we wish him well for the
knowing that they get the best of lessons as well as the care future.
of an extra Mum!

She is leaving TGS to take up a new opportunity at Carmel
College and we are going to miss Toni’s energy, intellect
and infectious humour.

09

HEAR PERFECT’S
REPORT

Two weeks into the year we went into lockdown, which programme gave students the opportunity to study on a
wasn’t a great start, but we made the most of every minute Tuesday or Wednesday after school, either independently
we had at school. We managed to complete almost every or with help from the prefects and teachers. This built off
event on the Prefect Calendar, despite the occasional the existing tutoring programmes and brought all the
interruption from Covid. departments together to provide more student support.

This year we put in place three new initiatives; a regional During the Term Two holidays, we were fortunate enough
Head Prefects’ conference, a Year 9 co-curricular exhibition to hold our annual dusk Anzac Service in the library,
and a tutoring programme. With 65 other head prefects which couldn’t take place last year due to lockdown. The
from schools across Auckland, we took a series of new ideas community, staff and students gathered in the library for a
back to the prefect team. One of the main focuses that special evening to remember those who gave their lives for
came out of this was our Whanau Form Class structure and us to be where we are today. After the holidays we started
how we could further enhance house spirit and connections Term Three with the Year 13 movie night and the talent
across all year levels. show, which were both great successes.

At the beginning of the year, the prefects nailed the first Despite lockdown interrupting Shave for a Cure,
ever interactive co-curricular exhibition. Year 9 students got the Culture Night and the Haka Challenge, everyone
a taste of sixteen different groups, showing them the range has succeeded in adapting to the unprecedented
of opportunities they can get involved with. Following this, circumstances. The prefect team has put countless hours
the co-curricular committee put together a co-curricular into the planning and execution of this year’s events to
exhibition for the whole school. The exhibition showed off make 2021 a year to remember. Whether their events have
even more of these groups and it was rewarding to see a gone ahead or not - we’d like to recognise their efforts and
significant uptake in co-curricular involvement. commitment. tWe wish next year’s prefects all the best of
luck. We hope that they have an uninterrupted year and get
For many, Valentine’s Day was the favourite of the year. The to run the events that lockdown prevented us from holding.
events committee organised deliveries of notes, serenades,
cookies and roses to many students across the school. It has been a privilege to lead Takapuna Grammar through
It was a great way to set the tone for the rest of the year. the course of 2021. We wish the rest of the school all the
Following this was the Junior Social - a fun ‘glow in the best for their future endeavours and hope that this year has
dark’ themed night for the prefects, Year 9s and Year 10s, been as memorable for them, as it has been for us.
run by the Junior Committee.
Additionally, the co-curricular committee created a tutoring Nā māua noa, nā
programme, run by prefects and loved by the students. The Jack Clough and Emma Mason

10

PERFECT’S
2021

GIRLS BOYS

Emma Mason Jack Clough
Lizzie Chapman James Fairbairn
Julie Bongartz Finn Barrett
Allegra Bouwer Harry Beale
Jasmine Bridge Shea Bratton
Anna Browning Sean Brownlow
Charlotte Chamberlain Max Clarke
Sidney Glennie-Crosby Andrew Crotty
Amelie Hall Hugo Doughty
Kate Kaye Joseph Duong
Sarah McClune Cam Eastmure
Ella Mckinney Theo Edmonds
Kate McMillan Hayden McKay
Holly Morse Will O’Brien
Mayzie Mortimer Monty Rose
Nonoka Ohta Chinmay Sood
Jade Poppelwell John Steel
Tessa Renneberg Thomas Swarbrick
Priya Taua Oliver Travers
Madeleine Thorne Emmanuel Trommer
Kotoe Tozaki Chris Williams
Grace Yee Kevin Zhang
Aloi Moataane

11

SENIOR BALL
2021

With no interference from lockdowns this year, the annual
Takapuna Grammar School ball took place on the final day
of Term Two, the 9th of July. As usual, the event was held
at the Ellerslie Convention Centre, giving Year 12 and 13
students the opportunity to dress up and enjoy the evening.
The ball committee put together the event, with a red carpet
and elegant attire to fit the theme; A Night at the Oscars. The
night included a sit-down buffet meal as well as dancing,
awards and music - courtesy of the DJ. The room was filled
with vibrant energy as everyone embraced the opportunity
to dress elegantly and admire one another’s attire. As the
night went on, the award winners were given an Oscar for an
array of categories, such as Best Presentation, Cutest Couple
and Best-Dressed Teacher. There was a rush of anticipation
as everyone cheered each other on.The 2021 Prince and
Princess of the ball was awarded to Year 12 students, Louis
Fisher and Maia Davidson, while Jr Cherdchuen and Mia
Willman took home the biggest award of the night - King
and Queen. As midnight approached, a sea of exhausted
students left with their heels in their hands and a night’s
worth of amazing memories. A huge thank you must go to the
ball committee as well as Mrs Combrinck, Mrs Close and Ms
Gill - the night wouldn’t have been possible without you and
everyone is thoroughly grateful for all your hard work.

12

13

C20O2L1 Conference

Our Kāhui Ako (Community of Learning) is made up of Kāhui Ako recently, ECE teachers from centres across the
seven schools: Bayswater, Belmont, Devonport, Stanley Bay peninsula were able to join us at this year’s conference, with
and Vauxhall primary schools with Belmont Intermediate their insights adding to the range of perspectives we all
and Takapuna Grammar. Eleven Early Childhood Learning have on our learners.
Centres across the peninsula have now joined our Kāhui Other collaborations have included the successful Tuakana
Ako, extending our educational pathway even further. Teina programme running between Bayswater School
Operating in our sixth year, we are continuing to develop and Takapuna Grammar School, with students from Year
shared practices around our Kāhui Ako: Achievement 10 mentoring Years 5 and 6 students in their writing.
Challenges which focus on Writing, Maths and The groups spent time in Terms One to Three, practising
Relationships. Our overarching drivers are Wellbeing and speeches and sharing creative writing pieces - both online
Transition, with these proving to be more important than and in visits to each others’ schools.
ever over the past eighteen months. Other groups of students have supported schools in
Within School Leaders from all seven schools lead inquiry environmental activities such as tree planting at Bayswater
projects in their own schools as well as meeting regularly at Reserve, provided with the help of the Auckland Council.
WSL hui to share ideas and extend links between schools. Performing Arts groups have toured the peninsula
The team of Within School Leaders has been instrumental schools to share their programmes, with musical and
in developing collaborative programmes that provide fresh drama performances across Terms One to Four. Science
energy to all teachers in the Kāhui Ako and their work is programmes are being developed in which schools are
invaluable. able to collaborate and share learning. Every year sees
Our third annual Conference was held on June 4, 2021. This more projects being run across our Kāhui Ako and there are
year’s conference had a theme of Whakarongo Mai Matou - several new initiatives in the pipeline.
We Are Listening: Responding to student and whanau voice Our external professional development providers continue
in order to improve outcomes across our Kāhui Ako. 250 to work with teachers across the Kāhui Ako in Maths and
teachers from across the Kāhui Ako attended, immersing Writing, with established programmes which have now
themselves in ideas around three key focus areas from a been running for several years. Work has now begun on a
recent Me and My School survey: Relevance, Relationships new Literacy programme and several schools are already
and Role Models. taking part in professional learning with the aim of aligning
Our speakers, from fellow teachers to outside providers teaching practice across the educational pathway.
and experts, presented a range of workshops and hands- Our annual COL Art Exhibition, due to run through August
on sessions aimed at developing collaborative initiatives and September at the Lake House, was unable to be held in
for teachers and students within our seven schools and person due to our Level 4 Lockdown. Determined to adapt
early childhood education centres. Keynote speakers were to our new situation, a virtual version was curated. Students
Brenda McPherson and Gwendoline Smith. Brenda started from all seven schools, from Year 1 to Year 13, contributed
the day with some thought-provoking ideas on reframing pieces on shared themes to this year’s ‘From The Peninsula.’
the three Rs of Education and Gwendoline kept us all
entertained during the afternoon session. Having joined the

14

15

DESIGN & VISUAL
COMMUNICATION

A highlight for DVC came with the announcement of
the NCEA Scholarship results in February - for DVC, five
Scholarship awards were given. Takapuna DVC students did
wonderfully well in achieving this impressive result.. Despite
the 2020 lockdown interruptions, this result was reflective of
the capability and commitment of these students as well as
their resilience and persistence. The graphs below are TGS
Students who gained DVC Scholarship and their work:
There are some changes in our project.
The new change is the new Design Thinking course for
all Year 9 students. It is a one-term programme where all
students are encouraged to develop their creative and
critical thinking. It is a constantly evolving course that has
also needed to pivot. In this course, creative play is to be
encouraged.
While junior students are working on creative and critical
thinking, senior students are working on the design with
local significance. For example, Level Two DVC students
created new design ideas for the Devonport Yacht Club
Building. Liaising with some key people who are part of the
Devonport Yacht Club community, the class has developed
their own aspirational responses to this design context. The
intention was to display these outcomes at the Yacht Club
building itself at the end of the year, but with the recent
lockdown, this is something we may have to follow up on in
the new year.

16

There are some changes in our project.
The new change is the new Design Thinking course for
all Year 9 students. It is a one-term programme where all
students are encouraged to develop their creative and
critical thinking. It is a constantly evolving course that has
also needed to pivot. In this course, creative play is to be
encouraged.
While junior students are working on creative and critical
thinking, senior students are working on the design with
local significance. For example, Level Two DVC students
created new design ideas for the Devonport Yacht Club
Building. Liaising with some key people who are part of the
Devonport Yacht Club community, the class has developed
their own aspirational responses to this design context. The
intention was to display these outcomes at the Yacht Club
building itself at the end of the year, but with the recent
lockdown, this is something we may have to follow up on in
the new year.

17

ART
VISUAL ART
FACULTY

As we have had a couple of lockdowns this year, students
have had to work on building their amazing boards at
home. The teachers have put great effort in helping us in
any way possible., There has been some incredible success
this year. Sasha Bremner (photography student) and
Emilia Perry (design student) are the 2021 TGS Pat Hanly
award finalists. Apart from trips being cancelled, the senior
students visited Auckland Art gallery to view Toi Tū Toi Ora,
a Contemporary Māori Art Exhibition. This was a wonderful
experience for these students and it helped them produce
their amazing work this year. Finally the art students this
year couldn’t have been so successful without all the
incredible help from all the staff. We thank them for staying
calm and tirelessly helping us during these tough times.

18

IB VISUAL
ART

There are some changes in our project.
The new change is the new Design Thinking course for
all Year 9 students. It is a one-term programme where all
students are encouraged to develop their creative and
critical thinking. It is a constantly evolving course that has
also needed to pivot. In this course, creative play is to be
encouraged.
While junior students are working on creative and critical
thinking, senior students are working on the design with
local significance. For example, Level Two DVC students
created new design ideas for the Devonport Yacht Club
Building. Liaising with some key people who are part of the
Devonport Yacht Club community, the class has developed
their own aspirational responses to this design context. The
intention was to display these outcomes at the Yacht Club
building itself at the end of the year, but with the recent
lockdown, this is something we may have to follow up on in
the new year.

19

BUSINESS
& ENTERPRISE ART

As many business owners have experienced recently, it
is a challenging and dynamic environment that we find
ourselves navigating through this pandemic. This is no less
applicable to our Business students who as part of their
course content have a practical business activity to operate.
This year has meant our students have adapted to remote
learning for key concept knowledge which has brought
to life the impact of external factors upon their own lives.
This has made it a real world and personal experience
and hopefully made the application of external factors to
businesses much more relevant.
At Level 3 all Business Studies students plan and run their
own Young Enterprise Scheme Company. This is a real
business operation that spans the whole school year. This
year we have used the knowledge gained from last year
to develop and devise innovative products and ways of
working to ensure that our businesses could be successful.
We have had a wide variety of products taken to market
which included a can saver and a range of versatile dry
baking mixes to help reduce food waste.
The School Market days and The Food Festivals have all
managed to run and many students have been involved
in these events. We are very proud of the efforts of our
students to persevere in order to deliver these during
uncertain times.
The businesses that we have studied for NCEA have been
Vertical Adventures for Level 1 and Air New Zealand
for Level 2. Whilst we have not been able to visit these
businesses in person this year we have been able to
complete an online study session with Darrin, the owner of
Vertical Adventures. This has greatly assisted all our Level 1
students with their understanding and work for their exams.
Air New Zealand has been vastly affected by a wide range
of external factors this year which students have been able
to study in detail and apply to their classroom knowledge.
The Year 10 Enterprise and Financial Literacy semesters
have been busy times as students learnt about financial
capacity, careers, sustainability and aspects of finance and
accounting, economics and business studies, through
operating a business activity.

20

ENGLISH

It has been a busy year for the English Department, with SCHOLARSHIP
events that were cancelled last year making a welcome ENGLISH
comeback with plenty of students getting involved.
Competitions, trips, and the fun fast-paced environment Following fantastic successes in the English Scholarship
have made the year simply fly by for the students and exams last year, the English department built a flourishing
teachers. A particular highlight was the Senior Debating new Scholarship course that proved to be a big hit among
competitions where Karin Kozuka, Angel Jacobson, Phoebe students. Run by Mr Tricklebank, sessions took place at 7:25
Rennie and Ankia Van Zyl secured a well deserved spot every Friday morning. Over the course of the year, speakers
in the Advanced Open Octofinal; with Karin receiving a ranged from English teachers to librarians, drama teachers
Top 10 Speaker Award at the Auckland Schools Debating and even students. The students were introduced to new
Prizegiving. Takapuna Grammar is incredibly proud of authors and books they had never previously experienced,
the enthusiasm and perseverance shown by those in the thus widening their horizons and opening up a whole new
English Department, and how they came together to make world of literature and its possibilities. The lessons taught
2021 memorable. Despite Covid-19 causing a few hiccups students valuable skills for their exams that were important
along the way, it has been an incredible year, and we hope for those sitting not only Scholarship but also NCEA and
2022 brings even more excitement! International Baccalaureate exams.

SPEECH COMPETITION

The annual Senior Speech Competition commenced on
Friday, 28th of May. Hosted in Te Poho by prefects Theo
Edmonds and Ella McKinney, the competition was watched
by a supportive Year 12 audience. Finalists Emma Mason,
Rocco Conaghan, Maia Scott, Jess Weston, Amy Lee, and
Lara Link all presented strong and persuasive speeches
with topics ranging from the importance of CPR to gender
inequality in sports.
After a close competition, Deputy Principal Mr Scovell and
former student Kazim Khan selected the winners. Amy Lee
and Lara Link placed second and third respectively with
their entries around racism in modern-day society and the
negative effects of fake news. A well deserved first place
was awarded to Jess Weston for a touching presentation of
her speech, ‘Family Isn’t Biology.’

Winners Amy Lee,Lara Link, Finalists Maia Scott, Rocco
and Jess Weston with Conaghan,Amy Lee, Emma Mason,
judge Kazim Khan Lara Link, and Jess Weston

COMPETITION WINNERS RANGITOTO TRIP

Year 9 student Harry Prinsep has achieved a fantastic result in In Term Three the Year 10 English
an out of school writing competition this year. Harry was given classes embarked on an out of the
a special mention for his outstanding haiku, ‘Matariki Has Begun’ classroom learning adventure. Excit-
entered into the Lingogo Matariki Short Story Competition in July. ed for a change of scene and a day
This is an impressive achievement as there were over 1000 entries. away from their desks and books, the
A small excerpt from the poem: students took a scenic ferry ride over to Rangitoto Island.
Te huihuinga o te whanau The hike up the island was well worth it for the panoramic
Ko te mutunga o te Hauhake views of the harbour and the packed lunches at the summit.
Waiata me te kanikani On the way back down they explored the cavernous tunnels
Kua timata a Matariki hollowed from flowing lava. The trip was a perfect oppor-
Whanau gathering tunity for the students to study the wildlife, bond with their
It’s the end of the Harvest classmates, and gather inspiration for their next story. They
Singing and dancing returned back to school the next day, aching from their
Matariki has begun adventure, but eagerly keen to work on their travel pieces.

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THE DUKE OF
EDINBURGH
HILLARY AWARDS

The Duke of Edinburgh programme has seen a dramatic
rise in popularity in the school, especially from Year 9
students. We now have over 250 students who have
completed or are currently completing this globally
based programme. At TGS we are trying to help create
opportunities for our young people to learn new skills or
develop existing ones, get physically active, give something
back to our special ‘peninsula’ community and take part in
some outdoor adventures. There are three levels: Bronze,
Silver and Gold. Each level has four specific sections and
participants need to complete activities in Service, Physical
Recreation, Skills, and Adventurous Journey - and for Gold,
a Residential Project.

“My Gold qualifying adventurous journey took place in the
Kaimai Ranges over four days in July. I was the only TGS
student, with a boy from Westlake and five girls from Kings
and Diocesan. By the end of the tramp we knew each other
well and were all friends.

The tramp had its mishaps: notably with the other boy and
I sharing a one person tent due to a logistical error and me
waking everyone in the night when I got out of the tent to see
a possum prowling around.

Our final night was amazing: we arrived at the Hut much
earlier than expected after a very early start so as to secure
bunks (no one wanted to camp again in the cold) and the hut
was set in a beautiful clearing. We kicked back on the deck
and watched the sun go down, playing cards, chatting, and
enjoyed a late night campfire with William Pyke, the famous
explorer and creator of the William Pyke Challenge, a youth
development programme like the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
He had so many inspiring stories to share.

ESOL LEARNING
SERVICES
2021 has been an exciting year in ESOL. With the borders DEPARTMENT
remaining closed this year, our numbers of students in ESOL
classes have been fewer than usual. Sadly, at the end of Term 2021 has been a creative and productive year for Literacy
Three we farewelled Mrs Woodley, a long term ESOL teacher students. Year 9 students have worked on the Steps
at Takapuna Grammar School. She will be missed by staff and programme to enhance their spelling, vocabulary and writing
students alike. Mr McLaughlin, Whaea Tina and Koka Oriwia skills. Year 10 students have covered a variety of topics from
readily entered the fold. Though it has been a transitional Space to Endangered Species using journals to support their
year, it has been exciting to further our English skills and work reading. Yr 11 students have completed the Literacy course
in culturally diverse classrooms. We are looking forward to focusing on reading and understanding, writing skills and oral
2022 and the exciting opportunities that are set to present communication.
themselves.
The teacher aides in Learning Services have continued to support
students in mainstream senior and junior classes and to provide
special assessment conditions to help our students to succeed.

We would like to thank our community for their ongoing
support of our students by volunteering to act as reader/
writers for exams. This helps our students immensely in
exams and we are very grateful for your time, enthusiasm and
dedication.

22

INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE

The International Baccalaureate is a two year programme “IB has help me to alternate my ways of thinking and dive
which aims to develop an all rounded student. IB has deeper into knowledge”
helped us learn many new skills, preparing us to be good -Sarah
global learners and setting us up for success in the future. “I enjoy IB because everyone is quite close which allows us
Through IB we learned how to manage our time, think to have a much more enjoyable environment when learning,
critically and how to properly and quickly research key I also enjoy how the curriculum challenges us to think
information. What’s great about IB is that students are able deeper and really understand what we are learning. The IB
to explore subject matters they are interested in through way of learning is very different from what I’ve experienced
the classes they take. IB offers a unique way of learning. before.”
For example, with some of our internal assessments we are -Ana
able to choose our own topics to research (must be within
the subject of the IA) where we lead our own practicals and
type up reports, evaluating our results.
In the IB we also have three additional courses called CAS,
TOK and EE. In CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service), we are
required to do approximately 150 hours of experiences that
fall under one of those three categories. CAS challenges us
to go out of our comfort zone whether it be trying out a new
sport or helping out in the community or learning a new
instrument. TOK (Theory of Knowledge) is a class where we
delve into the depths of how we learn and what the world
around us teaches people.

23

LANGUAGES TE REO MAORI:
FACULTY This year, the Te Reo Maori department has continued to
put in a lot of effort. Students learn how to properly structure
TGS is lucky enough to have a language department offering sentences and pronounce words with macrons correctly.
five languages: Te Reo Māori, Chinese, Japanese, Spanish Students also work on tasks such as kōrero, pānui, tuhinga and
and French. 2021 started off with the annual International whakarongo. They learned tikanga and about each of their
Food Market where international delicacies such as Japanese individual tribal connections and pepeha.
Dango, French Croissants and Fried Rice. We had stands for “I took Maori because I want to learn more about my culture
Japanese, French, Chinese, Spanish and Korean food. and learn the language.”
During lockdown, students continued studying via online -Pania
learning. Having Google Meets and using websites such SPANISH:
as Education Perfect and FluentUto help them practise The Spanish department has worked hard this year. Students
their speaking, listening and overall comprehension of the took part in the International Food Market earlier this year
languages they are studying. selling churros which is a type of fried dough from Spanish
FRENCH: cuisine. This year students taking Spanish had the pleasure
The French department has continued to work hard through of working with Beatriz, a language assistant. She has helped
2021. This year we were lucky enough to get a language develop skills and integrate vocabulary and grammar
assistant, Sandy. She has been a great help with the speaking structures into conversations.
aspects of French as well as vocabulary. A Club Francophone JAPANESE:
has also been started where native French speakers or those The Japanese department has a variety of opportunities
wanting to talk to native French speakers come together provided by Mr Lamb, Mrs Lamb and Mrs Kent. Many of
during lunchtime to get to know each other and speak in the students are influenced by anime or the culture behind
French. If it had not been for lockdown, students of the French Japan, therefore many people enjoy taking Japanese. Some
department would have been able to participate in a Senior students represented Takapuna Grammar School at the Trivia
French Quiz night at St Mary’s college. This is an event where night which all Auckland schools participate in at Epsom
around 80-100 French students from around Auckland come Girls’ Grammar School. At the open day, Japanese provided
together to display their knowledge on the French language calligraphy for people to experience and a group of Japanese
and culture. Some students would have also taken part in the students performed a traditional dance. During language
DELF exam, an internationally recognised qualification that week, there were quizzes sent out to whanau form classes and
certifies the abilities of candidates in the French language. the winning class won prizes. There are also opportunities
‘I really enjoyed the way our discussions in French were natural outside of school such as the Japanese Language Proficiency
and that an effort was made to make sure we felt like we were Exam, which is an internationally recognised qualification of
discussing things of substance.’ Japanese knowledge.
-Hadi Saeed Mohamed
“Depuis mon plus jeune âge, j’ai une passion pour apprendre
le Français et je pense que c’était grâce à mes professeurs
et de leur passion commune pour cette langue que ce
qu’elle leur a apporté. J’ai toujours voulu voyager autour du
monde et le fait de pouvoir être capable de me rapprocher
avec d’autres personnes dans le monde, et de pouvoir
développer des relations en découvrant la culture Française
me semble formidable. Et donc, je m’efforce d’ améliorer
mes compétences en Français et en ce moment, j’ai vraiment
apprécié pour élargir mes horizons plus loin que juste le
temps et la grammaire.”
-Lily Mann Benn
CHINESE:
The Chinese department has been working hard throughout
the year. Some of the students participated in a Chinese
speech and a Chinese writing competition involving schools
from all around Auckland. Students find that Chinese is the
sort of language that gets easier the more you learn. We hope
to see an increase in the student body within the Chinese
department.
“Chinese is not as overwhelming as it seems; it has relatively
uncomplicated grammar compared to other languages and a
large number of the key terms of Chinese have been formed
as translations of English. So even though you are entering
a different culture, the content of many of the modern key
concepts is familiar.”
-Amy Lee

24

25

MATHEMATICS STUDENT-LED MATHS COACHING
FACULTY Throughout the year, student-led after school maths coaching
sessions were held three days a week. Led by several of our
MATHEX senior student volunteers, each session provided additional
Despite the annual Auckland Mathex competition being support for students in whichever area of maths they wanted
cancelled due to Covid-19 this year, our in-school Mathex to focus on. Format of tuition ranged from one on one focused
competition for juniors fortunately took place before sessions to small groups depending on the needs of each
lockdown. With every Year 9 and 10 class participating, four student. There were fifteen senior tutors that regularly helped
students were selected from each class to compete against around 20 to 30 pupils each week.
other classes in their year level. This year’s winners of the TGS TGS MATHS SITE
Year 9 Mathex competition were April Liang, Rachel Sun, This year the Mathematics department went above and
Oscar Cordner and Ryan Geary-Huang from Rata. The Year 10 beyond the call of duty to provide the students with a TGS
winners were Maia Madsen Brough, Bill An, Natia Tsulaia and maths site, containing an overview of all the courses the
Saskia Nyhoff from Kea. school has to offer, each course coming with an outline as
well as daily and weekly planners. Course websites are also
“The sound of classes and teachers cheering us on and the included with topic specific material to help students study
sensation of other teams racing against us resulted in an and prepare for their assessments.
intense, action-packed competition.” -Bill An

OTAGO MATHEMATICS COMPETITION
This year we have celebrated the success of a group of junior
students who performed well in the Otago Mathematics
competition. Among the many junior students that
participated, three Year 9 students; Leon Dromer, David Xie,
Zeph Zhong, and one Year 10 student; Joe McKibbin were
the Top 30 award winners of this year’s competition, each of
whom received $50 vouchers. We also had ten distinction
award winners who were in the top 15% of all participants at
their level.

26

PERFORMING PERFORMING
ART ARTS COUNCIL

This year, the TGS Musical Theatre programme has been The Performing Arts block was busy as always this year which
a whirlwind of activity and change. Following last year’s of course meant the Performing Arts Council was on the
lockdown production success, this year Musical Theatre go as well! This involved everything from helping out at the
decided to shake things up with their curriculum. Now, not Winter Choir Showcase, backstage at the dance evening and
only are students assessed on solo assessments, group selling tickets at the Mean Girls Shakespeare shows. They also
devising, but on dance as well. This new and improved put on the Winter Cabaret at the Rose Centre in Belmont,
programme seeks to build our aspiring theatrics into triple which was an amazing opportunity for students of all years
treats - able to fill whatever niche they find themselves in to showcase their talents.This included accomplished piano
in the world of Broadway and productions. These students accordion player Andre, an up-and-coming band with some
have had the opportunity to showcase their skills in the 2021 of our Year 10 students, and performances from some of our
Performance evening at the Rose Centre, with skits created talented Performing Arts Council members including Alice
by the students themselves as a part of their internal work. Jones (Freya) and Matt Spooner. All of the Performing Arts
These performances were through the roof - all thanks to the Council members are thrilled that they had the opportunity to
hard work of not only the students but the staff team, led by support and encourage events for our lovely performing arts
Ms Grant. With next year’s production on the horizon, these community at TGS.
students are bound to be busy. Be ready, and you might get
to see these performers in action in the 2022 musical, Mamma
Mia.

27

CHOIR CHORALE
The TGS Chorale has had another successful year
28 making it all the way to The Big Sing Finale! Although
the event could not happen this year, the TGS Chorale
has made us very proud!

LEONESSA
Leonessa has had another stellar year singing some of
the best repertoire out there. These girls have worked
hard for their success and we are very proud!

SULTANS OF SING
The Sultans of Sing is Takapuna Grammar School’s
non-auditioned tenor-bass choir for lower voices. 2021
has been yet another enjoyable year for the Sultans,
with the 31 member-strong choir competing at The Big
Sing competition in the Auckland Town Hall, captivating
the audience with their rendition of “Always Look on the
Bright Side of Life” from Monty Python’s Spamalot.
The Sultans pride themselves on their wide repertoire;
“We perform everything from Bach to Broadway,” says
Year 13 Head Chorister Sean Brownlow, “It’s so fun to be
making music with people from all walks of school life,
not just music and band students, and it’s great to see
some of them auditioning for our premier choirs.”

TAKA CROONERS
The Taka Crooners is Takapuna Grammar School’s
non-audition alto-soprano choir. This year the Taka
Crooners was opened up to students from all years and
now has 50 members - the highest number in the histo-
ry of Crooners and it is now the largest of the four Taka-
puna Grammar choirs. 2021 has been a very successful
year. Out of the 60 choirs that competed in The Big Sing,
they were awarded the Best Performance of an ‘Other
Styles’’ work by a choir that has not participated in the
National Finale for the past two years. At this year’s Big
Sing Competition they were awarded for their perfor-
mance of the modern spiritual, ‘Nothin’ Gonna Stumble
My Feet’ by Greg Gilpin. Choir director Keani Taruia-Pora
says, “This is an amazing feat for an all-comers choir like
Taka Crooners, to gain recognition for our hard work and
quality of singing above other senior, more experienced
choirs.”

DANCE

This year, Takapuna Grammar School has many dance
opportunities. TGS provides dance as a subject, Year 9
extension class, Year 10, Level 1, 2 and 3. TGS were lucky
enough to perform at the Dance Evening which was held at
the Bruce Mason Theatre. We were very lucky to perform it
this year with many thanks to the 14 dance leaders who put
a lot of dedication and effort in teaching many dance co-
curriculars during mornings, school time and afterschool. The
majority of the groups were all-inclusive groups, Ballet, Jazz,
Contemporary, Tap, Perform X, Lyrical, Hip Hop and Kpop while
two dance companies, Tempus and Cactus dance company,
are auditioned groups.

29

LYRICAL (ESHANA) KOREAN FAN DANCE

At TGS, we celebrate and embrace various cultures and 2021
has been another beautiful year for the Korean fan dance group.
Korean fan dance is a traditional Korean dance using traditional
Korean costumes, (hanbok) and a pair of fans. This year, nine
students took part in the group, performing for school events
such as the International food festival, M-block open day and Year
9 open day. We look forward to the Korean fan dance group’s
performances for next year and beyond.

TEMPUS AND CACTUS DANCE COMPANY

Takapuna Grammar Schools offers a wide range of dance groups
however, in the many of them, Tempus and Cactus Dance
Companies are auditioned groups. This year, Tempus Dance
company was led by Poppy McDonald, Amy Nattress and Bella
Sutton and Cactus Dance company was led by Emma Neill, Tessa
Renneberg and Lucy Throne. A highlight of this year was in June,
the two dance companies performed at the National Dance
Challenge competition at Kristin School. Tempus Dance company
performed in the jazz section and Cactus Dance company
performed in the contemporary section and placed first place in
the section. Cactus and Tempus both performed at the Cabaret
shows and the Dance Evening 2021.

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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!

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