Newsletter
Term 4, Issue 1
Principal's Message
Greetings parents and caregivers,
The final term of the year is always one of both celebration and anticipation. Over the past few weeks, we have had the privilege of acknowledging the many ways our students contribute to the life of the school — through leadership, service, academic endeavour, and cultural excellence. The Mihi Aroha Awards, the Manaakitanga Leadership and Service Awards, the Learning and Community Awards, the Pasifika Awards and Sports Awards have each highlighted the spirit of Epsom Girls Grammar School: one of compassion, courage, and commitment. These occasions remind us of the extraordinary young people in our community and the dedicated staff who guide and support them.
This week’s Senior Prizegiving was a particular highlight. It was wonderful to come together as a community to celebrate the achievements of our senior students and to acknowledge the collective effort that underpins their success. My sincere thanks go to all who contributed to the event — staff, students, and whānau alike. The pride, aroha, and sense of belonging that filled the hall were a testament to the strength of our community.
Today also marks a significant milestone for our senior students. For our Year 13s, this is their final day at school — a time of reflection, gratitude, and excitement for the journey ahead. We look forward to celebrating with them at the Graduation Dinner, and I encourage families who have not yet purchased tickets to do so soon to ensure this special evening can go ahead.
For our Year 12 students, reports will be available on the portal this afternoon, and leadership roles for 2026 will be announced at the end of the day. We have a strong cohort of Year 12 students this year and we look forward to the impact they will have on our school next year in whatever leadership capacity they hold – with or without a badge.
As NCEA examinations approach, we wish all our senior students the very best for their preparation and performance. This is the time to consolidate learning, seek support where needed, and maintain balance and perspective. To our juniors who will continue with their focussed learning till the end of term, and to our Year 11 students whose last timetabled day will be 7 November — keep the momentum going. Every day of learning matters, and every effort contributes to growth.
We have accomplished so much together this year, and the weeks ahead bring opportunities to finish well and to reflect with pride on all that has been achieved.
Sincerely,
Brenda McNaughton
Principal
Upcoming Events:
24 October — Last day for Year 12 and 13 students
27 October — Labour Day (School closed)
4 November – 28 November — 2025 NZQA External Exams
5 November — School closed from 12.35pm for PPTA industrial strike action
7 November — Last day for Year 11 students
10 November — Teacher Only Day
11 November — Teacher Only Day
12 November – 14 November — Year 9 and 10 Exams
17 November – 21 November — Year 10 Camps
For a full list of upcoming events, see the upcoming events page on the school website.
Sports Success
Cycling Nationals
Our cycling team travelled to Feilding from 21–23 September to compete in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Cycling Championships. Over three days, students raced across team time trial, individual road race, and points race, demonstrating skill and determination.
The team’s efforts were rewarded with an impressive medal haul. The Senior A Team—Nina Worrall, Zoe Kivell, Ava Liggins, Emily Hammond, and Hazel Johnston—claimed bronze in the team time trial. Individually, Emily Hammond earned bronze in the U17 Girls Points Race and gold in the U17 Individual Road Race.
This success was made possible by the support of our cycling committee and parent group, and the dedication of head coach Cath Martin and assistant coaches Hannah Mead and Elena Worrall. Congratulations to all our competitors for representing Epsom Girls Grammar School with distinction.
Rugby Representative Honours and 7s Success
Congratulations to our students on a series of outstanding rugby achievements this term.
Representative selections include:
- Sofia Govind – 2025 NZ Māori U18 Nga Mareikura team.
- Mikaya Tonga, Anakiu Opeti-Finau, and Dellis Tuitupou – U18 NZ Barbarians Team.
- Emacyn Ieremia – U18 Pasifika Team and U17 Samoa League Team, Champions of the Pacific Youth Cup.
- Tia Korewha – Aotearoa Māori Rugby League U14 Girls Team, competing at the Pacific Youth Cup in October.
On the team front, the EGGS Rugby 7s squad competed in the Auckland Secondary Schools 7s Tournament on 10 October in Otahuhu. After a close loss in the final against Howick College, finishing 22–29, the team secured a Top 3 placing, qualifying them for the Condor 7s National Secondary Schools Rugby Sevens competition in November at Mount Maunganui.
Well done to all our players for their skill, dedication, and commitment to representing Epsom Girls Grammar School with distinction.
NISSSC Ski Success
Five of our students recently represented Epsom Girls Grammar School at the North Island Secondary Schools Ski Champs (NISSSC) at Tūroa Ski Field in Ohakune. The event returned for the first time since 2019, and despite freezing wind, rain, and near-zero visibility, our skiers showed determination and enthusiasm throughout.
All students competed in the Giant Slalom, with three also taking on the Ski Slopestyle. Special congratulations to Annabel Sigley, who placed 1st in Senior Girls Slopestyle, and to Annabel, Billie Furze, and Natalie Johnson, who achieved 3rd overall in the team Slopestyle event. A big thank you to Richard Furze, Michael Poynter, Dan Bycroft, Mrs Watts, Miss McCool, and Mrs Vince for supporting the team and helping make the experience such a success.
For a full roundup of all the sporting success at EGGS, click here.
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Arts and Cultural Awards Ceremony
On 17 September, the Raye Freedman Arts Centre came alive with creativity and celebration at our annual Arts and Cultural Awards Ceremony. It was a wonderful evening recognising the incredible talent, passion, and achievements of our students in Arts and Culture.
Congratulations to all award winners and scholarship recipients. A heartfelt thank you to the RFAC staff, Arts Learning Area, cultural group Teachers in Charge, student performers, Arts and Culture Prefects, Arts and Culture Committee, and all the student and teacher volunteers who helped make the night truly special.
Manaakitanga Leadership and Service Awards
On 9 October, the Manaakitanga Leadership and Service Awards recognised students who have shown exceptional leadership and service within our School community. The afternoon celebrated the dedication of those involved in the Student Council, Peer Support, Kotahitanga, Community, and Learning committees.
It was inspiring to see so many students acknowledged for their contributions, making a positive impact both at School and in the wider community. Congratulations to all award recipients for their outstanding efforts and the example they set for others.
Infinity Plus One visits EGGS
On 8 October, Learning Prefects welcomed Subash Chandar K from Infinity Plus One to lead his “Solve for X” workshop. With over 100 students attending, it was one of our most popular events in recent memory.
Subash delivered an engaging session that went beyond maths, encouraging students to tackle challenges in exams and in life with confidence and resilience. His insights and thought-provoking messages left a lasting impression, inspiring students as they prepared for the pressures ahead.
The atmosphere was electric, with students actively participating and reflecting on his words. After the workshop, Subash stayed to sign calculators and books, describing the audience as “the best crowd so far from all my visits,” and noting, “For the first time ever, I couldn’t sign all the calculators!”
The energy and warmth from students made the event truly memorable, and we look forward to many more inspiring visits in the future.
2025 NZ Engineering and Science Competition
Epsom Girls Grammar School was represented by 10 teams in the 2025 New Zealand Engineering and Science Competition on Saturday 2 August, joining more than 1,000 teams nationwide.
Over eight hours, students worked together to solve complex, real-world challenges, showing focus, teamwork, and resilience under pressure. Their preparation before the competition was evident in their confident performance, and their commitment was clear throughout the day and reflected the spirit of future scientists and engineers. They made EGGS proud.
Mathematics Competition Success
Last term, our students shone in several maths competitions, including the Otago Junior Mathematics Competition, the Australian Mathematics Competition, and the Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiad (APSMO).
In the Otago competition, Vani Singh placed 3rd nationally in Year 10, with Ivy Huang and Shrika Nitsingham also in the Top 30. Vani also earned a High Distinction in the Australian Maths Competition, alongside 12 other students awarded Distinctions.
In APSMO, Yujeong Lee and Sophia Liu ranked in the Top 10%, while Joy Zhai, Wendy Wang, and Olivia Robinson placed in the Top 25% across New Zealand and Australia.
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Australian Girls Choir Workshop and Concert
At the start of Term 4, the Music Department welcomed the Australian Girls Choir to the RFAC for an inspiring visit. Selected from over 6,000 singers across Australia, the choir led a three-hour workshop with our junior choir, Fiorente, teaching two new pieces.
The day culminated in a beautiful evening concert for family, friends, and the community, showcasing the combined talents of both choirs. Students forged new friendships and shared a warm sense of ANZAC connection, making the event a memorable celebration of music and community.
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Contemporary Music Spring Concert
With a stunning view of Mt Eden and a packed science quad, our Contemporary Music Group performed their first outdoor concert on the last Friday of Term 3. Rock bands and soloists entertained an enthusiastic crowd, and there was even a special appearance by the staff band. It was a fantastic way to wrap up a busy term.
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Sports Science Camp
From 9–10 October, the Year 13 Sports Science cohort enjoyed an overnight camp in Hahei, Coromandel. Planned by the 13PSS students following their Safety Management assessment earlier this year, the trip included kayaking to Cathedral Cove, digging pools at Hot Water Beach, and a boat tour of the nearby caves and islands. It was a fitting and memorable way to conclude their Sports Science journey at Epsom Girls Grammar School.
Chinese Kung Fu Fan Workshop
As part of our cultural enrichment programme, students from four Chinese classes took part in a Chinese Kung Fu Fan workshop on 10 October. Guided by tutors from the Centre for Language Education, University of Auckland, students learned the graceful movements of this traditional practice.
Static Electricity in Action
Year 11 Physics students had a hands-on lesson in static electricity as part of our Physics is Fun programme. Using a Van de Graaff generator, they explored how static charges make hair stand on end and objects move.
“I loved using the generator in Physics,” said Harriet Houldsworth, 11TOM. “It was amazing to see my hair stand up and understand how static electricity works!”
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PTA Movie Night – Widow Clicquot
The PTA is excited to host an event to encourage all of our community to come along for a relaxed evening, and an opportunity to meet new people. The PTA Movie Night is on Thursday 13 November at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre. Tickets are $20 (plus booking fee) and include a movie ticket, a drink, and a snack. Additional drinks will be available to purchase, and parking is free on site and nearby. Be in to win a bottle of Veuve Clicquot just by attending! All welcome.
Widow Clicquot tells the remarkable true story of one woman’s determination to build one of the world’s most successful champagne houses.
Book now via iTicket
