Epsom Girls Grammar School Newsletter - Term 2, Issue 1

Newsletter

Term 2, Issue 1

Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

It has been a positive start to Term 2, with many opportunities for students to be involved in the life of the School. Our Year 13 Ball last Friday was a highlight, providing a memorable occasion for students to come together and enjoy this ‘glitzy’ moment in their final year.

This week also marks the beginning of our School production, Les Misérables. We look forward to seeing the culmination of many months of preparation from both students and staff. This is always a significant moment in our Performing Arts calendar and an opportunity for students to demonstrate teamwork, commitment, and excellence.

Winter sports are now underway, with students representing the School across a wide variety of codes. These opportunities encourage participation, teamwork, and personal challenge, while also providing valuable experiences of representing Epsom Girls Grammar School in competition.

Alongside these co-curricular opportunities, preparation for the upcoming Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessment Activities (CAAs) is continuing. Students will receive further information shortly, and we encourage them to remain engaged with the available practice resources.

As the term progresses, we look forward to seeing students continue to make the most of the opportunities available to them, both in and beyond the classroom. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support of our students and our School.

Sincerely,

Brenda McNaughton
Principal 

Upcoming Events:

For a full list of upcoming events, see the calendar page on SchoolBridge.

 Mother (Grandmother) and Daughter Breakfast

Yesterday’s Mother (Grandmother) and Daughter Breakfast was a special occasion, bringing together mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and friends to connect and celebrate community here at EGGS.

We were privileged to hear from guest speaker Dr Tanya Evans, Associate Professor in Mathematics and Education at The University of Auckland, who shared valuable insights into how students learn and how to best support them at home. Her address offered practical strategies for supporting young people and encouraged reflection on how we can nurture confident, capable learners. A huge thank you to our Prefect students for their organisation and commitment in bringing this event to life and ensuring it ran so smoothly.

Epsom Girls Grammar School Prefect Day

On 28 April, our Prefects hosted over 100 Auckland Secondary School leaders for EGGS Prefect Day. The purpose of this day was to provide an opportunity for School Leaders to learn, share with each other, and build their leadership capabilities.

Part of the day included guest speakers, former All Black and chairman of the Village Community and Youth Trust Sir Michael Jones and Roseanne Hay from Keith Hay Homes. Sir Michael spoke about the pathway to leadership through service, and students valued his perspective on the importance of knowing your own whakapapa in becoming a strong leader. The Prefects’ theme was “Communication is Key” and students took part in team-building activities throughout the day.  This was a great day of connection, learning, and personal growth.

Sport Highlights

Rugby League Success

Congratulations to Emacyn Ieremia (Year 13), who recently won the Westpac Lisa Fiaola Cup with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. This result marks the club’s second premiership in the premier Under 17 NSW Rugby League competition.

Emacyn made a strong contribution throughout the tournament, including an impressive performance in the Grand Final, where the Bulldogs secured a 40–4 victory. We are proud of Emacyn and celebrate her success as she continues to represent both her team and the School with distinction.

NZ U15 Football Selection

Congratulations to Sophie Roberts (Year 11) on her selection to the New Zealand Under 15 Football Team. Sophie will represent New Zealand at the Oceania Football Confederation U15 Girls Youth Development Tournament in Fiji later this month.

This is a significant achievement, recognising Sophie’s skill, commitment, and development in the sport. We wish her all the best as she represents her country on the international stage.

Check out more sports news and announcements on our website.

Year 10 Cambridge Information Evening

On Wednesday 27 May, at 6pm we will be hosting an information evening about the Cambridge Pathway. This evening is for Year 10 students, and their families, who are considering entering the Cambridge IGCSE programme in Year 11. Please come along to find out about the Cambridge pathway, our offering here at EGGS and to receive information about how to apply to enter the programme in 2027. Please RSVP for this information evening by clicking here.

NCEA Scholarship

Scholarship signups are now live on SchoolBridge and we encourage our Year 12 and 13 students with a particular passion for their subject to register their interest. Scholarship exposes students to ways of thinking that extend beyond the standard high school curriculum. It provides a platform for academic challenge and, at its best, enables students to connect with others who share their passion for the subject.

Scholarship is the pinnacle of academic achievement within NCEA, representing study beyond Level 3. We offer an enrichment programme to support students, including subject-specific sessions and our newly established Scholars Academy. Students sign up through SchoolBridge and are encouraged to discuss their intentions with their subject teachers beforehand.

Common Assessment Activities

Organisation for the upcoming Literacy and Numeracy Common Assessment Activities (CAAs) is well underway. Students involved will be receiving information next week with specific times and places. In the meantime, students need to check their NZQA logins and continue engaging in the practice resources on SchoolBridge.

Literacy workshops for Year 12 and 13 students yet to achieve the CAAs will be running during Thursday and Friday tutor times in the library. Year 12 and 13 Numeracy workshops are ongoing. All students involved will be contacted via email, or students should contact their Dean if they are unsure of their next steps. 

Archery Winners

The annual Auckland Archery League concluded at the end of last term, with our students delivering an outstanding performance. Congratulations to Caitlin Lowe (Year 12) and Lex Ross (Year 13), who secured first place in Division 1 without dropping a match. Well done also to Maia Hecker (Year 13) and Rita Zhou (Year 10), who placed first in Division 3, likewise undefeated, demonstrating strong teamwork and consistent improvement. We are proud of all our archers, their commitment to training, and we look forward to their continued growth and success.

Term 2 International Students Update

This term, the International Department welcomed new students from Japan, Korea, and China. Their first week at EGGS was celebrated with a morning tea, where they had the opportunity to connect with their Year 13 International Committee buddies. Selected Year 12 and 13 students can join the International Committee and take on the role of a “big sister” to a new international student. They provide support and guidance, helping their buddy settle in during their first year of study. We would like to acknowledge and thank them for generously giving of their time during the term break to welcome their international buddies.

We are also pleased to host four students from the Japanese Women’s University High School. During their one-term stay, they look forward to experiencing New Zealand education and culture, improving their English, and sharing aspects of Japanese culture with our community.

AFS Student Exchange Expo

The Round the World Student Exchange Expo will be held on Sunday 31 May, 1pm to 4pm at Taitamariki Hall, Takapuna. Students and families can explore a wide range of international exchange opportunities, from short-term programmes to full academic year experiences, and learn about available scholarships.

Returnee students will be available to share their experiences and offer advice. We encourage those interested to attend. Please click here to register.

Circadian Rhythms Essential Learning

Twenty Year 13 students were invited to Old Government House to hear from Professor Russell Foster of Oxford University, the world leader in circadian rhythm research. Professor Foster talked about the importance of understanding your circadian rhythm, the importance of sleep, and outlined new research linking circadian rhythms to physical and mental health. This was followed by an engaging question and answer time.

We were also fortunate to hear from New Zealand researchers who demonstrated how research into mental health and school success is being conducted in Auckland and Northland. Staff and students had a fantastic day of learning.

Sea Creature Mural in Art Club

This term, Art Club students have focussed on making a “Sea Creature Mural” to enhance the fencing by the Language Block. Students have designed their own creatures, prepped the wooden surfaces, and produced bold, colourful work, showing commitment and enthusiasm. They will be installed over the coming weeks.

In Week 7, Art Club will also host its annual Pavement Art Competition. Keep an eye on Daily Notices for further details.

The 2026 Climate Action-Adventure Race

Forty Year 10 students and four Sustainability Leaders attended the 2026 Climate Action Adventure Race at the stadium next to Mt Albert Community Hall, accompanied by Mrs Ghanim and Mrs Park. They joined teams from intermediate and primary schools in the Albert-Eden area, spending an hour planning routes using an app and maps before the race began. Auckland Council staff shadowed teams throughout the event, which ran from 10am to 2pm and concluded with a prizegiving. Our teams placed well and received several spot prizes.

Across the course, students visited activity stations focused on native and invasive species, and explored the Council Hub, where they learned about community initiatives such as gardening, bike repair, and skills workshops. Travel was undertaken using public buses and trains with provided HOP cards, as well as on foot. The event, organised by Auckland Council’s Sustainable Schools programme, was highly engaging for students.