Apr 8, 2025

Epsom Girls Grammar School - April Newsletter

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Newsletter

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

 

The last few weeks have seen a number of our teams compete in regional and national tournaments and some of our cultural and drama groups compete in significant competitions across Auckland. The spread of our students' successes across these areas demonstrates the diversity and creativity that we treasure at Epsom Girls Grammar School. Nine sports teams recently represented our school nationally for Summer Tournament Week, and we congratulate all students on the sportsmanship they showed during these competitions. I'd like to highlight some of the achievements below:

 

  • Open Water Swimming Championships: Olivia Bates - Gold in the 3.5km and 500m races, and Silver in the 1000m race.
  • Rowing Maadi Cup: Silver medals for the U17 8+ and U16 4+.
  • Jessica Walkinshaw has been awarded a Rowing NZ U18 trial.
  • Ultimate Frisbee Nationals: Silver medal.
  • Waka Ama Nationals: W12 250m - 5th place.
  • Water Polo North Islands: 5th place for Division 1 Premier Team.

  

As we approach the end of term, I would like to congratulate the students for their dedication to their learning. This was highlighted in Student-Led Conferences, where students and families engaged with the progress made so far and the goals students have set for their academic achievement this year. Being ready to learn is an essential part of our school.

 

I wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

 

Polyfest

Throughout this term, we have had 14 cultural groups meeting regularly to practise performances to present at Fiafia Night at school, or at ASB Polyfest. At Epsom Girls Grammar School, we have a team of teachers who support our different groups, but many of our student leaders take an active role in the organisation, choreography, tutoring, and leadership of these groups. The strength, grace, tenacity, and pride on display in each of these performances has been a joy to see, and we thank so many of our parents who gave of their time, expertise, and resource to help our girls express themselves through this journey and through their performances.

 

We look forward to sharing more photos of these performances in due course.

 

Tournament Week

During summer tournament week we had a number of teams away representing the school at national tournaments and regional competitions.

 

Of particular note were the performances of our rowing team, with seven teams qualifying for A finals and our Under 17 8's and Under 16 4's getting silver medals in these finals.

 

Also of note were our Ultimate Frisbee team placing second at Nationals, Olivia Bates’ performance in NZ Secondary Schools Open Water Swimming Championships, our Waterpolo Premier team who placed 5th in Division 1 and Our Waka Ama girls’ performances in their National tournament. Our 1st XI cricket team who went unbeaten through the Auckland competition, winning the Auckland Regional competition, made it to the semi-finals of the T20 qualifying tournament.

 

Opportunities to perform and compete at the highest levels are part of what we value at Epsom Girls Grammar School and we congratulate our Futsal, Volleyball, and Basketball 3x3 teams for representing our school and themselves so well in their respective tournaments.

 

Other events to note are:

Mother and Daughter Breakfast (& Grandmother)

Celebrating the women who inspire us with guest speaker Jodi O'Donnell (CEO of TVNZ).

 

Join us on Wednesday 7 May, from 7.15 to 9.30am for a special morning of connection, inspiration, and quality time with family, friends and our school community. This event is the perfect opportunity to share a delicious breakfast, hear from our guest speaker, Jodi O’Donnell, and strengthen bonds.

 

Tickets are available now through the school's online shop $50 per ticket or $100 per pair. Secure your spot today!

 

Year 13 Ball

A glimpse of Old Hollywood

 

Step into the glamour of a bygone era at the Epsom Girls Grammar School Year 13 Ball.

 

This year's theme promises an evening of elegance and sophistication. Join us on Friday, 9 May 2025, at the Ellerslie Event Centre, where the golden age of cinema comes to life.

 

A night filled with music, dancing, and timeless memories; this is a red-carpet affair not to be missed!

Old Girls Association Morning Tea at Eden Gardens

The Old Girls Association invites all past students and staff to attend the Annual Morning Tea to be held at Eden Gardens on Wednesday 9 April 2025 at 10am. For more details and to register follow this link.


2025 School Production

The 2025 Major School Production (in conjunction with Auckland Grammar School) is Anything Goes.

 

All aboard the S. S. American for this cheeky and charming musical wrapped up in one of Cole Porter's most magical scores. Etiquette and convention head out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love! Music, dance and a whole lot of laughs Anything Goes is delightful, delicious and de-lovely!

 

The show will open on Saturday 10 May and closing night is Saturday 17 May, with two matinee performances on Monday 12 and Saturday 17 May.

 

Tickets start from $25 per person click here for more details and to purchase your tickets.

Numeracy and Literacy CAAs

The Literacy and Numeracy CAAs will run on Tuesday 20 May to Thursday 22 May (inclusive). The majority of Year 11 students will be sitting the Literacy (Reading) and Literacy (Writing) examinations. Year 12 and 13 students who have yet to gain their Numeracy corequisite will sit the Numeracy examination on Wednesday 21 May. More information about the CAAs will be sent.

Leave Passes

If a student needs to leave school during the day, a leave pass needs to be requested from the Student Support area by emailing attendance@eggs.school.nz. The school expectation is that passes are requested no later than tutor time of the morning needed. Ideally, the school is notified of any appointments prior to the day of the appointment.  Once the pass is created these are collected by the student and they are then able to sign out of school. It would be appreciated if families or caregivers do not arrive at school for a known appointment without requesting the leave in advance.  If this occurs the student will not be able to sign out in an efficient manner, as the leave has not been entered in the system

Homestay Host Families

The Epsom Girls Grammar School International Department is looking for families who can provide a caring and supportive home environment for an international student. If English is your first language, you have a spare room and live within close distance to school, we look forward to hearing from you.

 

Hosting an international student is an enriching experience and a wonderful opportunity to share your family life, Kiwi culture, and hospitality, to experience other cultures and learn more about the world. In 2024, NZ$380 per week is paid to cover full board and in 2025 will increase to NZ$400 per week. Please call Jo Bostock on 970-6757 for further information or email jbostock@eggs.school.nz.

 

The Parent Portal aims to provide you with information about your daughter and an ability to make payments online. Access to all the functions within the Portal is available to all parents and caregivers. Snapshots of what is available on the Parent Portal are here. Instructions for accessing the Parent Portal for new students are here.

Should you have any questions regarding this email, please contact my PA, Catherine Readhead, on 09 9706 707.

 

Sincerely,

Brenda McNaughton

Principal

Epsom Girls Grammar School