Epsom Girls Grammar School Newsletter - Term 2, Issue 2

Newsletter

Term 2, Issue 2

Principal’s message

Greetings Parents and Caregivers,

As recent curriculum drafts are released and announcements about New Zealand’s new qualification system are reported in the media, our School is well positioned to respond to these changes. We are preparing our Year 9 students for the new qualification system, while ensuring our Year 10–13 students continue to make the most of their learning and qualifications. Our new timetable is creating equity of access to excellent literacy and numeracy learning for junior students and increasing access for senior students to experts in each of their chosen subjects. The introduction of the Cambridge pilot has also enabled learning areas to draw on the best of both national and international curricula within their learning programmes. Parents and students can be confident that learning taking place in classrooms at Epsom Girls Grammar School will prepare students to succeed in whatever qualification is used to assess that learning.

In the coming weeks, mid-year reports will be written and made available to parents ahead of subject teacher meetings at the end of Term 2. We encourage all parents to read summary comments carefully and take note of both assessment grades and learning engagement grades. At this stage of the year, while assessment grades provide a snapshot of current attainment, attitude and effort grades are often the strongest indicators of how students will continue to grow and progress throughout this year and beyond. We encourage parents to pay particular attention to these indicators and, where effort requires improvement, to work with their daughter to address this early. Prioritising meetings with your daughter’s Dean and subject teachers to seek specific support will be critical to her success this year.

In co-curricular events this term, we have been delighted by the sold-out shows performed by our music, dance, and drama students in the EGGS/AGS annual production, Les Misérables. These students received amazing support from teachers, the production crew, and the wider community. Winter sport is now underway, and the significant increase in student participation, along with the many regional and national representatives selected across our teams, is a testament to the generosity of teachers, parents, senior students, and members of the wider community who coach and manage teams. We are grateful for the time and expertise shared with our girls to help them find their people and their passion at Epsom Girls Grammar School.

Sincerely,

Brenda McNaughton
Principal

Upcoming Events:

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

Sport Highlights

Table Tennis

Congratulations to Year 9 student Karen Looi, who recently represented New Zealand at two World Table Tennis Youth Contender tournaments in South America. Karen won the Under 13 Girls’ title in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and placed third in the Under 13 Girls’ Singles event in Asunción, Paraguay.

Karen has also enjoyed success nationally and recently been named in Table Tennis New Zealand’s 2026 National Squad. These are exceptional achievements, and we look forward to following her continued success in the sport.

Swimming

Congratulations to the 17 students who competed at the Eastern Central Zones Swimming Competition last Friday. The team represented the School exceptionally well, with several podium finishes across individual and relay events.

For a full list of Sport results, click here.

Les Misérables

Work on the impressive production of Les Misérables began at the end of 2025. Students and staff from Epsom Girls Grammar School and Auckland Grammar School dedicated many hours to rehearsals and preparation, resulting in a spectacular season of eight sold-out shows.

Each performance was presented to audiences ranging from friends and family to members of the wider community. Thank you to everyone who supported the production throughout the season. It was a memorable experience for all involved, and we thank everyone whose hard work, commitment, and talent made the production such a success.

Year 9 Multisport 2026

In Weeks 3 and 4 this term, our Year 9 Tutor Classes battled it out for class pride, reputation… and a pizza lunch in the annual Multisport Competition. This much-loved event brings the School community together, giving students the opportunity to showcase their costumes, teamwork, and sporting skills, while also allowing Peer Supporters to lead and organise their classes.

This year, 9KOL/WCX claimed victory over 9LOW in a dramatic final in Week 4. Thank you to the Peer Support and Sports Prefects for organising the event, along with our Year 13 Peer Supporters and Sports Committee for their leadership and support throughout the competition.

Smokefree Rockquest 2026

Students from Epsom Girls Grammar School took part in the Rockquest Auckland Central heat on 17 May. Bands silvr six, SUGARCOATED, Migraine, and Placeholder delivered outstanding performances of their original songs that brought energy, creativity, and storytelling to the stage.

The lead-up to Rockquest involved a huge commitment, with many students rehearsing before school, at lunchtime, and after school—some practicing five days a week. EGGS stood out for the number of high-quality entries and the strong turnout from students and supporters who came to cheer the girls on. We also have students preparing for the Solo/Duo category on 21 June, and we wish them all the best as they continue to develop their performances.

Strings and Amplifiers Concert

On Wednesday 20 May, our rock bands, soloists, and chamber music groups performed in our annual Strings and Amplifiers concert. The contrasting styles drew in record crowds, with nearly 80 students taking the stage to showcase their hard work and talent.

This year, SUGARCOATED and Migraine performed original songs, while audiences also enjoyed the debut performance of the EGGS Ukulele Orchestra. It was an exceptional evening of entertainment. The Ukulele Orchestra rehearse on Wednesday lunchtimes and welcome new members.

12 Sports Science Camp

In Week 4, the Year 12 Sports Science students attended an exciting camp at MERC Long Bay. Students stepped outside their comfort zones and took part in a variety of challenging activities including; canoeing, sailing, projectiles, outdoor survival, and giant stand up paddleboarding. The camp provided opportunities to develop teamwork, communication, resilience, and leadership skills in a supportive outdoor environment. Many students enjoyed trying new experiences, encouraging one another and built confidence.

The camp also allowed students to strengthen friendships and create lasting memories together. MERC instructors were impressed by the students’ positive attitudes, willingness to participate, and determination to give every activity their best effort. Experiences like this are invaluable in helping students grow outside the classroom while developing important life skills for the future.

2026 Tour de Quiz tournament

In Week 3, Epsom Girls Grammar School had four Year 11 students (Advaita Vijendran, Farah Daou, Duluth Siyasinghe, and Edith Tozer) participate in the French Tour de Quiz tournament against students from five other schools. Throughout the evening, students competed in various team quizzes that tested their French vocabulary and grammar knowledge. EGGS placed first for the fourth consecutive year, while Advaita Vijendran placed first overall out of 32 students.

One section of the competition required students to speak to as many students as possible in French, and Farah Daou achieved third place in this section. The tournament was hosted by Naomi Poynter, our French Events Leader, and Isla Kendall. Eulalia Johnson also led the team of Year 12 and Year 13 student volunteers who welcomed the competitors and completed the scoring.

Spanish Quiz Evening

In Week 4, four teams from our Year 12 and 13 Spanish classes represented Epsom Girls Grammar School at the Spanish Senior Quiz Evening held at Takapuna Grammar School. One of our Year 13 teams placed first – an impressive achievement. Congratulations to Mariana Acosta, Annabelle Chen, Maia Hecker, and Amber Allport. Congratulations also to all our other participants.

This year the event brought together 24 teams, twice as many as last year, from schools across the country. It was a lively and engaging competition that allowed students to collaborate and apply their language skills, cultural understanding, and general knowledge.

Kotahitanga Chalk Art

On Friday of Week 3, the Kotahitanga Committee hosted a lunchtime chalk art event that brought colour, creativity, and positivity to the School. The event included a competition with students creating artwork inspired by Māori culture, and writing uplifting messages such as aroha (love) and kia pai te rā (have a good day) as a visual display.

The event celebrated inclusivity and helped foster the supportive atmosphere that defines EGGS. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the vibrant display outside the Marjory Adams Hall.

EGGS x AGS Korean Night 2026

After four months of preparation, the Korean Group is excited to present the 2026 AGS x EGGS Korean Night on 5 and 6 June at the Centennial Theatre, Auckland Grammar School from 7.00pm to 9.45pm.

This major student-led production, presented in conjunction with Auckland Grammar School, showcases a variety of performances celebrating both modern and traditional Korean culture. Tickets are available from iTicket for $18.

12 Health Expo

At lunchtime on Tuesday 19 May, our Year 12 Health students hosted an interactive Health Expo in the Joyce Fisher Stadium. Each group designed and presented a stall focused on a key wellbeing issue affecting Epsom Girls Grammar School students in 2026, including mental health, social media addiction, alcohol use, and vaping.

Students created informative displays and organised a range of hands-on activities to help raise awareness; including slime decorating, plate smashing, fitness challenges followed by straw-breathing exercises, and interactive quizzes. A variety of giveaways and prizes, such as stress balls, chocolates, and lollies, also added to the event. The expo was a fantastic opportunity for students to educate, connect, and promote positive wellbeing within our School community. Thank you to everyone who came along and participated in making the event such a success.

NZTrio Masterclass

In Week 5 our Chamber Music groups were treated to a visit from the NZTrio (described as New Zealand’s most indispensable ensemble). Amalia Hall (violin) and Matthias Balzat (cello) ran a coaching session for three of our Chamber Music groups in preparation for the NZCT Chamber Music contest in Week 7. Their advice as string players was invaluable and students were able to adjust their performances in time for their Strings and Amplifiers concert.

Auckland Writers Festival

On 14 May, students from the Writing Group attended the Auckland Writers Festival in the Aotea Centre. Students listened to talks from a diverse range of writers, including Gilbert Enoka (author of Become Unstoppable), Josh Silver (author of Happy Head), Nikita Gill (author of Hekate), and slam poets Matariki Bennett and Manaia Tuwhare-Hoani.

The annual trip is highly valued by the Epsom Girls Grammar School writing community and provides both inspiration and learning opportunities for aspiring writers.

13 Physics - Rainbow’s End Trip

On Friday 22 May, 116 Year 13 Physics students visited Rainbow's End, where they experienced forces first-hand through a variety of rides. The trip helped strengthen students’ understanding of physics concepts by connecting classroom learning with real-world experiences, while also encouraging critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Student Shiley Fang reflected that the trip “enabled us to experience the physics surrounding amusement park rides” and helped bring classroom learning to life in a practical and engaging way.

Homestay Families Required

Epsom Girls Grammar School is seeking welcoming, caring, English-speaking families within 5km of the School to host international students from Term 3, 2026. Hosting periods vary from two to four terms, with many students coming from Europe and Mexico for two-term stays.

Host families receive $420 per week, per student, and are required to provide full board. If you are interested in becoming a homestay family, please contact Accommodation Co-ordinator Stella Hsu on 970 6757 or email sthsu@eggs.school.nz for further information.

University of Otago Open Evening

The University of Otago will be holding an Information Evening for senior students and their whānau on Thursday 18 June, from 6.30pm to 8.00pm at the Tasman Room, Alexandra Park, Auckland.

This is an excellent opportunity for students and families to learn more about study options, accommodation, scholarships, and student life at Otago. Register here for further information.