We have kicked off Term 3 with a strong focus on developing our life skills and preparing for the world of work. We have been building our functional cooking skills, visiting Mini Woolies, and getting our hands dirty in the garden while learning about our role as kaitiakitanga and caring for our environment. 

We have been using Te Reo Māori in our social communication groups alongside NZSL and core boards to support communication with our classmates. 

In Inquiry, we have been exploring science, learning about solids, liquids and gases, as well as the Pacific Ring of Fire and what causes volcanoes/earthquakes. 

We have also been enjoying getting active in the PE Gym, practising and developing our basketball skills!

Whānau Chess Competition 2026

The Whānau Chess Competition is particularly valuable because it provides a different type of competition from traditional school-house sports. 

It offers a valuable balance between individual achievement and collective house identity. While students compete individually in their games, their results also contribute points towards their house. This provides an opportunity for students who may not normally participate in house sport to make a meaningful contribution to their house’s overall success. It is a wonderful example of how students can contribute to their house in different ways while developing their skills, strategy and sportsmanship. 

Congratulations to Ngata, the winners of this year’s Whānau Chess Competition, and to Richmond Francisco (12SL), pictured, for his individual achievement. Thank you to Mr Thomson for organising and running the Whānau Chess Competition.

Stand Up Stand Out Competition 2026

This year we had a few students participate in the Auckland wide competition known as ‘Stand Up Stand Out’. 

This competition gives students the opportunity to showcase their talents in the following categories: Solo Vocal, Group Vocal, Solo Instrumental, Bands and Dance crews. The competition is held over several weeks and hundreds of students from all over Auckland compete. 

Amy Wallace and Naite Vai competed in the Solo Vocal section. Both gave great performances considering this was their first time competing in the comp. All judges gave great feedback, Mr Holmes was buzzing out as Che Fu was one of the judges. Sadly, the girls did not know who he was so Mr Holmes felt pretty old. 

After 3 days of heats, the judges chose the top 14 vocalists to move through to the semifinals on Saturday 5th September in the Concert Chamber in the Auckland Town Hall. We are very excited to announce that Amy was chosen as one of these semi-finalists. A week later Jireh Israel (on bass) and Esther Fa'alava (on vocals) competed in the ‘Bands’ section of the competition. An unusual combo of instruments but these two performed out of their skins. All judges were watching in awe as these two pulled off riffs and runs that made the crowd go crazy. We are also so proud of these two as they have also made it through to the top 10 bands who will compete in the semi-finals on 5th September. We wish them all the best for the semis.

David Liti – Weightlifting

Our students have the wonderful opportunity to take part in weightlifting coaching through Strength HQ as part of our Kōwhiri Ākonga programme. These sessions provide students with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of weightlifting in a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment. 

This opportunity has been made possible through the generosity of Tina Ball and David Liti, Commonwealth Games gold medallist, who are giving their time and expertise to support our students. 

This week, our students had the privilege of catching up with David and Tina following David's Commonwealth Games gold medal success in Glasgow. Hearing about David's journey, dedication, and achievements was an inspiring experience for our students. 

We are incredibly grateful to David and Tina for making this opportunity available. Their ongoing support and commitment to our students through Strength HQ is greatly appreciated, and we thank them for the positive impact they continue to have on our students.

Leadership Diversity Day

Early in week four, Ms Cook and Mr Hardie accompanied 11 students to the Leadership Diversity Day facilitated by the Religious Diversity Centre Aotearoa NZ.

The group were welcomed on to the marae and wharenui at MIT in Ōtara in the morning followed by a session on Māori spirituality and their thoughts on leadership. 

Throughout the course of the day students were able to connect and collaborate with students from other kura and communicate on various diversity issues they were given as groups. There were a series of presentations from speakers of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Christian and Baha'i communities. 

It was a fantastic event for students to problem-solve as future leaders of our school.

Dream Girl Conference

Our Year 13 girls had an amazing time at the Senior Dream Girl Conference hosted by Sisters United. 

From the moment we arrived, they were super-hyped, excited to participate and ready to give everything a go! Throughout the day, our students confidently joined in with the activities and discussions, shared their ideas and, most importantly, supported and encouraged each other. 

One of the highlights was seeing them come up with their own business ideas and confidently present them to the whole group. They were creative, brave and not afraid to put themselves out there! The girls also really connected with the sessions on money, self-worth, confidence and becoming their own CEO. 

During Elisha Tamasi’s session on self-worth, it was lovely to see our students reaffirming each other, celebrating each other’s strengths and encouraging one another to keep working towards their goals. With Punipao Lavea keeping the energy high, our girls were engaged, laughing, participating and enjoying every moment of the day. 

It was so awesome to see our Year 13 students shine, support one another and step outside their comfort zone. They left feeling inspired, empowered and, most importantly, reminded of just how much they are capable of achieving.

Celebrating student success

Congratulations to Logan Knezovich (12PS), who recently competed in the Golden Gloves North Island Championships. Logan was crowned Junior Male Novice 70kg Champion — a fantastic achievement that reflects his hard work, dedication and commitment to his sport. 

Well done, Logan! We are incredibly proud of your success and look forward to seeing what you achieve next.  

Art dept

We have nominated one of our Year 12 Photography students, Anetailor Ravarua to represent Edgewater College for the Arts Out East upcoming Cultural Series titled ‘The Routes of Roots’, as a part of the Howick Frames. 

The Howick Frames are opportunities to showcase young emerging creatives and the cultural diversity prominent out East. The exhibition theme centres on culture, identity, migration, diaspora, heritage and belonging, with artists encouraged to interpret these ideas through their own experiences and creative practice. There will be a total of 9 students' artwork from across East Auckland exhibited in rotation between mid-August and November this year. 

This artwork is publicly displayed- so keep your eye out for it if you are walking around Howick main street! 

Anetailor’s artwork will also be professionally presented in correlation with the Cultural Hub, a two-week pop-up happening, at Botany Town Centre (26th September – 10th October). This photograph is titled “Wawine Manea” and is inspired by her Cook Islands Culture. Sarah Fonua is her model.