Epsom Girls Grammar School Newsletter - Term 2, Issue 2

Newsletter

Term 2, Issue 3

Principal’s message

Greetings Parents and Caregivers,

Student reports have been a pleasure to read, and the detailed feedback provided by subject teachers about students’ progress and next steps for improvement will be valuable for parents to discuss with their daughter(s). We have described these mid-year reports to students as a ‘half-time team talk’, providing an opportunity for teachers, students, and parents to reflect on learning, assessment, and engagement during the first half of the year, and to plan clearly for the second half of the year. We encourage parents to make appointments with subject teachers during the upcoming Parent Teacher Interviews and to discuss any questions arising from conversations with their daughter about her learning progress.

A growing concern for schools and families is the influence of social media and the impact that social media habits can have on young women’s wellbeing, relationships, and engagement with learning. While the School will continue to use restorative practices and disciplinary processes where student behaviour significantly impacts others within our community, we believe that effective partnership between parents, students, and the School is essential in supporting young people to navigate online spaces responsibly.

As part of this work, we are providing an opportunity for informed community discussion through a screening of the Emmy Award-winning documentary Can’t Look Away, followed by a question-and-answer session. Interest in this event has already been strong, and we encourage families who are having conversations about social media at home to join us for the screening and discussion.

This newsletter is filled with stories, achievements, and celebrations that reflect the courage, dedication, and service shown by our girls across many areas of school life. We hope you enjoy the photos and shared highlights, and that you will join us in celebrating the vibrant, diverse, and caring community that is Epsom Girls Grammar School.

Sincerely,

Brenda McNaughton
Principal

Upcoming Events:

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

Can’t Look Away Screening

A reminder that we are hosting a screening of the Emmy Award-winning documentary Can’t Look Away on Monday, 29 June, in the RFAC here at EGGS. This documentary exposes the real-world consequences of social media algorithms that exploit and endanger vulnerable young users.

Further information about this event was communicated last week in a special bulletin from the Principal. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with representatives from B416, Matilda Green, our community constable, and a representative of our counselling team.  If you have yet to RSVP, please complete this link before 20 June.

 Matariki Celebrations

On 10 July, New Zealand celebrates Matariki, marking this important occasion with a public holiday. Matariki is a significant festival in the Māori calendar that signals the beginning of a new year. It is a time to gather together, celebrate the unique place in which we live, acknowledge the land beneath us, reflect on the past year, and look ahead to new beginnings and aspirations. Matariki is marked by the appearance of the Matariki star cluster, known elsewhere as the Pleiades or Subaru. At Epsom Girls Grammar School, students will celebrate Matariki during Week 11 through a range of lunchtime activities organised by our Kotahitanga Prefects, including creating stars of remembrance, weaving, and learning waiata.

As a School community, we will also mark the occasion with a sunrise hīkoi up Maungawhau/Mt Eden on Wednesday 1 July. We will gather outside the Main Administration office on Silver Road at 5.30am, departing at 5.40am. Following the hīkoi, the celebrations will continue with breakfast together in Hinemāia. In the event of bad weather, cancellation will be communicated via email by 6.00pm the night before. Students and whānau are encouraged to wear warm clothing and bring a torch. Please sign up for the hīkoi by 3.00pm on Monday 29 June using the Google Form: Hīkoi 2026. Everyone is welcome.

Hāngī

At lunchtime on Wednesday, 1 July, we are pleased to offer a hāngī lunch for students at a cost of $10. Thank you to the InZone Education Foundation for organising and preparing this delicious meal for our students.

If you would like to purchase a hāngī, please complete this Google Form. Numbers are limited, so get in quick.

ShowQuest

Regional Champions

We are thrilled to share that Epsom Girls Grammar School has won the regional finals of ShowQuest 2026. After months of rehearsals and preparation, students delivered a powerful performance inspired by the extraordinary true story of Nancy Wake, one of the most remarkable figures of the Second World War.

Through movement, music, lighting, costume, and storytelling, the performance honoured Nancy Wake’s courage, resilience, and commitment to freedom. Congratulations to all students involved, whose creativity, talent, and dedication resulted in an outstanding achievement for the School. We also acknowledge the many student leaders and staff members whose support and hard work made this outstanding success possible.

The Big Sing

Yesterday, 209 students from Epsom Girls Grammar School took part in The Big Sing, New Zealand’s largest secondary school choral festival. Our choirs performed alongside students from across the region, showcasing their musicianship, commitment, and passion for choral singing.

Congratulations to our all-comers choir, Leogato, which received the award for Best Performance of a New Zealand or Pasifika Song for their performance of Matariki, composed by our very own Mx Komene. The choir was conducted by Year 13 student Saye Kiuchi. We now look forward to the announcement of the major awards tonight and the finale selections on Monday.

Spirit Week

Week 6 was Spirit Week, a series of activities led by our Prefect team designed to build School spirit and encourage participation across all Year Levels. Students and staff took part in a range of events throughout the week, including multisport competitions, splashing a prefect, lion hunt, a balcony concert, and the annual EGGS vs AGS Prefect Netball game. This was a highlight of the week, with the EGGS Prefect team claiming an exciting 11–9 victory for the first time in years.

Thank you to everyone who helped organise the week, and to all the students and staff who took part in and supported the events.

Gym Sports Champions

Congratulations to our talented gymnasts who achieved outstanding results at the College Sport Auckland Championships.

•         Georgia Pickles – 2nd Place, Step 8 Artistic Gymnastics
•         Amelia Hsu – 3rd Place, Step 8 Artistic Gymnastics
•         Sasha Landhuis – 2nd Place, Step 6 Artistic Gymnastics
•         Lucy Reynard – 2nd Place, National Women's Trampolining
•         Lucy Reynard – 1st Place, International Women's Tumbling

Click here for more Sport results.

NZCT Chamber Music Contest

In Week 7, nine Epsom Girls Grammar School Chamber Music groups performed in the Auckland Heats of the annual NZCT Chamber Music Contest. Spanning multiple Year Levels, the groups presented classical works to audiences and adjudicators after many hours of rehearsal and preparation. Congratulations to the Epsom Percussion Ensemble, Etoile Collective, Voice Chat, Tonic Triad, Dussek Trio, Nautical Trio, Octonotes, Mike Moszkowski, and DmiTrio Shostakovich for their performances.

Congratulations also to DmiTrio Shostakovich, made up of Saye Kiuchi (Year 13), Euanne Lee (Year 10), and Harper Zhang (Year 10), who were selected as one of 12 District Finalists from 114 groups across Auckland. The trio also received the Adjudicator’s Award for their sensitive playing and ensemble skills. They have since been selected as one of 12 Northern Regional Finalists representing Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, and Taranaki, and will perform at the University of Auckland Music Theatre on 27 June.

Choral Showcase

On Thursday 28 May, our four choirs joined the choirs of Auckland Grammar School in the Raye Freedman Arts Centre for the annual Choral Showcase. It was an exceptional evening of music, with students performing pieces from around the world. For many of the singers, it was their first time performing in front of an audience, and we thank everyone who came to support them.

The evening concluded with all singers joining together on stage for one final performance, a fitting end to a memorable concert.

Balcony Concert

On Friday 29 May, a range of our Contemporary Music groups and soloists performed to a full Science Quad at this year’s Balcony Concert. The programme featured a mix of covers and original pieces, highlighting students’ creativity, courage, and musical talent. Students also played an active role behind the scenes, helping to set up the stage and sound equipment, while senior Modern Music students supported performers throughout the event.

The concert was made possible by our new mixing desk, generously provided by the Rano Community Trust. This equipment gave students valuable hands-on experience, with one Modern Music student mixing the concert live from her iPad over Wi-Fi while positioned among the audience. Adding to the occasion, staff band EGGSpired also took to the stage.

EGGS x AGS Korean Night 2026

On 5 and 6 June, our annual Korean Night in conjunction with Auckland Grammar School took place at the AGS Centennial Theatre. Both performances were completely sold out, with students presenting an impressive celebration of both modern and traditional Korean culture through music, dance, and performance.

Congratulations to all students involved in the Korean Group for their dedication and hard work in preparing for the event.

Year 12 Drama Production

Over two nights in the Raye Freedman Arts Centre, our Year 12 Drama students performed Bertolt Brecht’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui. Set in 1930s Chicago, the play tells the story of a petty criminal who gradually transforms himself into a tyrant.

Through sharp humour and bold political commentary, the production explored how societies can be persuaded, step by step, to accept corruption and authoritarian rule. Congratulations to all students involved for their compelling performances and the many hours of work that went into bringing the production to the stage.

Joutes Oratoires (French Debating)

On 2 June, six senior French students participated in the French Debating Tournament run by the Alliance Française. Twenty-five teams in total participated in this event, which was 100% in French, including the instructions and feedback.

The two motions debated were: “We must ban plastic in order to save the planet” and “In a democracy, there should be no limits on freedom of speech.” All our teams won at least one debate, with our Year 11 team of Mayoori Krishna and Farah Daou winning all their pool matches and becoming the only Year 11 students to progress to the quarterfinals. Congratulations to all students who participated.

Chinese Proficiency Competition

On Saturday 23 May, five Epsom Girls Grammar School students participated in the 19th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Secondary School Students at the University of Auckland. In the Senior Category, Year 13 students Hamama Rifhan and Oshara Edirisinghage placed 11th and 14th, respectively, out of 61 participants, while Year 12 student Lydia Coleman-Smith placed 18th. As part of the competition, students delivered a three-minute speech in Chinese and showcased cultural talents, including the Tea Ceremony and Kung Fu.

Our junior participants, Year 9 students Sana Sooraj and Janvi Ahlawat, presented their first speeches in Chinese and performed a Chinese dance as beginner learners. All five students were competing in the event for the first time, and we congratulate them on the dedication, courage, and enthusiasm they demonstrated throughout the competition.

Mandarin-Guided Museum Visit for Chinese Students

On 3 and 4 June, our Year 12 and 13 Chinese students visited the Auckland War Memorial Museum for a Mandarin-guided tour accompanied by Ms Zhang and Ms Lo. The visit provided students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of New Zealand’s history, culture, and natural environment through the target language, Chinese.

During the visit, students learned about the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand’s geographical features, and the contributions of Chinese New Zealanders, including their involvement in the First World War. The experience supported students as they begin their internal writing assessments and portfolio work, while also allowing them to engage with Mandarin Chinese in an authentic and immersive context.

Barista Masterclass

Our Hospitality students recently enjoyed a visit from specialist barista Brian Kim, who brought café expertise into the classroom. Students gained hands-on experience with latte art, microfoam techniques, and the process of creating the perfect espresso shot.

The session provided students with valuable industry insight and a greater appreciation for the skill and precision involved in every cup. It was an engaging and inspiring experience for our aspiring hospitality professionals.

Pavement Art

On Friday 12 June, the Visual Arts Committee hosted the annual Pavement Art competition, with students using chalk and soft pastel to create a wide range of colourful and imaginative works.

The winning piece, a bear and landscape artwork, was created by Year 11 team Olivia Ward, Charlotte Rickit, Amy Williamson, and Portia Luipuhi. Second place was awarded to the Koi Fish artwork, while third place went to the Whale Shark. The People’s Choice Award will be announced in the coming weeks. Congratulations to all students who took part in this vibrant and creative event.

Crochet Club

Over the past month, the Crochet Club has been working together to create a crochet blanket for premature babies in intensive care. Made up of 15 crocheted granny squares, the blanket will be gifted to the Premmie Knitting Club as part of the Peggy Square Project.

The Crochet Club has grown into a warm and inclusive community where students can learn new skills and enjoy spending time together each Friday lunchtime. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the project so far. Students interested in joining the Crochet Club are welcome to email Mrs St Clair or visit her in E19 on Friday lunchtimes.

Writing Competition

The Writing Group is pleased to announce a new school-wide writing competition open to students from all Year Levels. Students may submit up to three pieces of poetry and/or prose, with a 500-word limit for each entry. There is no set theme.

There will be Junior and Senior winners in both the poetry and prose categories, with winning entries displayed on the Writing noticeboard in Student Support.

Please use the QR code to submit your entries.

Audiobooks at EGGS

Audiobooks are a great way to enjoy reading over the holidays while also supporting literacy development. Through the Wheelers platform, EGGS students have access to more than 1000 audiobooks, available to borrow 24/7, with new titles added each month.

To access the collection, download the Wheelers ePlatform app, select Epsom Girls Grammar School as your library, and sign in using your school ID number and password. Happy listening!

Careers and Subject Information Evening

Please save the date for our annual Careers and Subject Information Evening, which will take place from 4.00pm on Wednesday 29 July. This self-guided event provides students and caregivers with the opportunity to speak with Subject Leaders, industry representatives, and tertiary providers about subject selection and pathways through and beyond School. The evening is designed to support students in making informed decisions about their future learning and career opportunities.

Students will act as tour guides for their families throughout the evening. Visitors may begin in the Hall with industry and tertiary providers, or explore the Library and JPC for subject information. Our Prefects will also be available to assist with directions and questions. This year, we are expanding our popular Women in Health presentation to include information about entry into Medicine, Biomedical Science, and Health Science pathways at both the University of Auckland and the University of Otago. Due to the popularity of this session, it will be a ticketed event held in the Raye Freedman Arts Centre.

Medical and Health Sciences at the Universities of Otago and Auckland

We are pleased to present two sessions on the pathways and requirements for students who are keen to enter into medical and health science professions at either Otago University or Auckland University. Please note that both sessions will cover the same content. 

There will be a wealth of information presented on the following:

1.       First Year programmes that lead to medicine.
2.       Entry into the first-year programmes.
3.       Recommended and/or required subjects.
4.       Number of undergraduates who are accepted into medicine.
5.       What support students are given who don’t get into medicine.
6.       Other clinical and non-clinical pathways.

Due to the popularity of these sessions and seating restrictions, tickets are limited and restricted to two tickets per student, i.e. one student and one accompanying adult. Entry to the session you select is by ticket only.

Please complete the Google Form to reserve your tickets: Session One 4.15pm OR Session Two 5.15pm. If you are unable to attend or wish to revisit the content, the sessions will be recorded and made available on SchoolBridge after the session.