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Ad AugustaA N E W S L E T T E R O F T A K A P U N A G R A M M A R S C H O O L

Our TGS Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year have been honoured beyond the school.

At the recent Auckland Secondary Schools College Sport Young Sportsperson of the Year awards Eliza McCartney won the Girls Athletics category and the Overall Sportswoman of the Year award. This accolade is well-earned. Eliza’s results are outstanding.

• 1st - Potts Classic, Open Women’s Pole Vault, • 1st - Cook Classic, Open Women’s Pole Vault• 1st – Harry Jerome Classic (Canada) breaking NZ U17, U18, U19

records• Bronze medal at the IAAF Junior World Athletics champs, jumping

4.45m to also gain a New Zealand Senior Women’s record• 1st – NZSS (2013) Open Women’s Pole Vault, new record of 4.10m• 1st – NZ Junior athletics champs, Pole Vault• Jumped 4.27m to break the current indoor pole vault record. Eliza

is only the second woman {the other being Valerie Adams} to win a medal at an IAAF World Juniors event. She now holds all the NZ Women’s pole vault records simultaneously.

Markus Somerville followed up his TGS title by winning the Boys’ Sailing category, and with his partner Isaac McHardie, won the Junior Team of the Year. He was then named 2014 Volvo Young Sailor of the Year at the NZ Sailing Awards. His successes this year include:

• 2nd - Sail Auckland, 29er class, Youth male• Bronze medal, ISAF World Youth Sailing championships, Portugal, 29er class• 1st - 2014 RYA Youth National Championship - 29er class, Weymouth, UK• 1st – NZ 29er championshipsAt the same College Sport Young Sportsperson event, Head Boy, Harry Elworthy won

the Boys’ Cycling category. His top results include:• 1st - NH Junior tour, Overall winner plus winner of 3 stages• 2nd – NISS Cycling champs, U20 Boys Criterium• 1st – NZSS Individual cycling champs, U20 Boys Hill climb, 2nd U20 Boys ITT,

2nd U20 Boys Criterium, 2nd U20 Boys Overall points• Selected for the NZ U17 team to race in Australia. Athlete Katherine Badham was a finalist in the Triathlon/Duathlon Girls’ category. She

has also had a wonderful season.• 1st - AKSS Triathlon champs, Intermediate Girls• 1st - AKSS Team Tag Triathlon, Senior Girls• 1st - Barfoot & Thompson ITU Triathlon sprint distance, 16-19 years female

category• 1st - AKSS Duathlon champs, Intermediate Girls

• 2nd – NZSS Triathlon champs, U16 Girls• 1st – NZSS U16 Duathlon champs• 1st U19 and 3rd overall 2014 Duathlon

Oceania Champs in Adelaide• 1st - NHSS Athletics Intermediate Girls

1500m• 1st - NHSS Cross Country champs,

Intermediate Girls• 1st – AKSS Road race, Intermediate Girls• 2nd – ITT U17 NZSS Cycling individual

champs• 2nd - NZSS Indiv Cycling champs, U17

Girls ITTOur congratulations to them all.

Top Sport Results

December 2014

Ad Augusta – December 2014 | 1

IN THIS ISSUE.. .

School News 3Staff News 7Student Achievement 10English 11Business 16Sports 18Art 19Prizegiving 20Grammar Link 22

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2 | Ad Augusta – December 2014

A D A U G U S T A – T A K A P U N A G R A M M A R S C H O O L

Being already at the end of another year comes, again, as a surprise. The year has certainly flown past. At the time of writing, seniors are well ensconced in NCEA, International Baccalaureate Diploma and Scholarship examinations. The true test of student achievement activities feature strongly right now, measuring the teaching and learning programmes of the year. Year 9 and 10 students are engaged in their own exams and, if in Year 9, students are enjoying the diversity of the Camps.

We have revelled in much student achievement recently, as evident in the celebrations of Senior Prizegiving, Junior Prizegiving, Sports Awards and Arts Awards Evenings. Thank you to the many parents who came to these events to support your own and other students’ achievements. It has been a sterling year and we look forward to reporting the data as the various analyses come available.

Looking forward to next year we have much to venture into. While we will articulate the detail in the opening weeks of next year, building facilities will come available in January with a new Science Department precinct, further building development and student focused innovations. We particularly look forward to welcoming the new students in Year 9 and at other levels as well. We add to the existing cohort a whole new injection of students, their talents, abilities and personalities. Welcome to those parents and students reading this newsletter in anticipation of next year. My only advice to you would be to take every opportunity available to you.

I thank you, the parents, for your input this year. We enjoy your involvement, even if your students do not encourage it! With your support we are able to deliver the range and quality of the programmes at Takapuna Grammar School. We thank you for everything you bring to this school.

I wish you all a superb holiday season. I trust it is one characterised by relaxation and quality time with family and friends.

Regards

Simon LambPrincipalTakapuna Grammar School

Dear Parents and Guardians PRINCIPALS REPORT

OBITUARYIt was with regret that the school learnt of the passing of

Warren Boyd who attended Takapuna Grammar School as a pupil. He completed his degree at Otago University and returned later to join the TGS Science Department from 1987 to 1991. He was an inspirational, hard working and dedicated Chemistry teacher. Warren was a perfectionist and expected his students to reach his high standards. He was a popular, engaging and social staff member, willing to participate in discussions on most topics and who displayed a genuine concern for his peers. His love of travel resulted in him leaving NZ to teach in a variety of different countries including Brunei and China. After many years Warren returned to NZ and did short term relief at TGS. He then taught in other Auckland schools until having to retire due to ill health.



SCHOOL NEWS

MONDAY, 26 JANUARY (DAY 1)Auckland Anniversary Day

TUESDAY, 27 JANUARY (DAY 2) All students in school uniform10:30am Year 10 Assembly in Hall followed by Form Period11.00am Year 11 Assembly in Hall followed by Form Period11.30am Year 12 Assembly in Hall followed by Form Period12.00pm Year 13 Assembly in Hall followed by Form Period

• Students to confirm subjects with Form Teachers and Deans• Orientation for International Students in the International

Department• Collect stationery requirements• Students dismissed at the completion of form period and

confirmation of subjects• Year 13 peer support students to meet with Mrs Pottinger

1:00pm in the School Hall • Orientation for International Students in the International

Department

WEDNESDAY, 28 JANUARY (DAY 3) Year 9 students onlyOrientation for International Students in the International Department

9.00am - 3.00pm Year 9 in all day with Form Teachers. Meet in the school hall followed by a Powhiri10.00am Orientation in form classes – stationery subject list discussed and distributed10.40 - 11.00am Interval11.00am - 12.00pm Walk about school orientation, reviewing any other parts of orientation booklets.12.00 - 1:00pm Lunch1:00 - 3:00pm Peer Support

THURSDAY, 29 JANUARY (DAY 4)9.00am All Year 9s and Year 13 Peer Supporters to Hall Full Peer Support day3.00pm Students dismissed

FRIDAY, 30 JANUARY (DAY 5)Normal full day timetable for all students

• Year 9 students to be timetabled to Stationery Shop• All levels to be timetabled to the school hall for individual and

class photos

TERM DATES 2015Term 1 Tuesday 27 January To Thursday 2 AprilTerm 2 Monday 20 Apri To Friday 3 July Term 3 Monday 20 July To Friday 25 SeptemberTerm 4 Monday 12 October To Friday 4 December

FINANCE OFFICE 2014/2015Monday 12 December - 11 January ClosedMonday - Friday 12 - 23 January 2015 9am – 3pmTuesday 27 January onwards 8.30am – 4pm

The Finance Office will close at 3.00pm on Friday, 12 December 2014.

SCHOOL ENROLMENTS 2014/2015Friday 05 December ClosedWednesday 14 January onwards 9.30am – 3.30pm

School Enrolments will be closed from Friday, 5 December 2014 and will re-open on Wednesday, 14 January 2015.

UNIFORM SHOPThe School Uniform Shop will be open for the purchase of all new and second hand Uniforms as follows.

Wednesday - Friday 14 – 16 January 10am – 12.30pm 12.30 – 1.15pm Closed 1.15pm – 3.30pm 3.30 – 4.00pm Closed 4.00pm - 6pmMonday - Friday 19 – 23 January 10am – 12.30pm 12.30 – 1.15pm Closed 1.15pm – 3.30pm 3.30 – 4.00pm Closed 4.00pm - 6pm

Normal shop hours resume on Tuesday, 27 January.

Important 2014/15 School Dates



SCHOOL NEWS

Head Prefects 2015

From the Board ChairAnother year draws to a close, exams are complete and

it is time to both reflect on the year that has gone but more importantly look to the year ahead.

This year marks the physical start of the exciting building redevelopment programme. One wing of the historic Main Block has been emptied, with the teaching and administrative spaces transferred to the ‘relocatables’, installed on the western edge of the school. The modifications to N-block are well underway and should be complete by the start of the next school year. They will deliver an integrated science facility that should be of great benefit to both student and teachers.

The scale of the main building work is such that it requires government cabinet approval. This has delayed the commencement of these works until mid-next year and will be ongoing through the next three school years.

For the current Year 9 students, the school will be a building site for much of their time at the school. This is far from ideal. Everyone involved is working together to try and ensure that there are no negative impacts on the quality of the teaching programmes and to provide a safe environment for all the students and staff.

The scope of the project has grown. What was originally a plan to fix the leaky building has grown to include seismically strengthening it, replanning the interiors to provide a modern learning environment, the new science suite, additional spaces within the Ralph Roberts building and, hopefully, a much improved school hall.

It hasn’t all been about buildings. Our first Year 13 International Baccalaureate Diploma graduates leave the school this year. The IB program provides a significant differentiator for TGS in both the local and international student communities. However, the school continues to see NCEA as the main learning route for the majority of students.

On behalf of the Board I’d like to thank the entire staff of the school for their energy and the input they have provided to our children both during the school day and the many co-curricular actives that would not be possible without their leadership.

I’d like to thank all those parents who contributed to the school via the annual school donation. The additional funding allows us to employ additional staff. This leads to both smaller class sizes and a greater number of subject options.

To those in Year 13 I hope that TGS has provided you with a solid grounding for the next stage of your lives wherever this may take you. To all the other students I hope you have a great break and come back next year reinvigorated for another year of fun and learning. To everyone reading this I hope you have a safe and enjoyable summer break.

-Jon Williams

Left to Right: Donald Coleman (Deputy Head Boy), Augustine Morgan-Guthrie (Deputy Head Girl), Andy Song (Head Boy), Liesbet Vercruyssen (Head Girl)

2014 Dux - Samim Ozyurteri 2014 Accessit Proxime - David Sorrenson



SCHOOL NEWS



Helping coachesThe Coach Support Initiative (CSI) Programme is one of Harbour Sport’s priority KiwiSport projects for the North Harbour Region. After a short trial in 2012, the programme was re-established at Takapuna Grammar in 2013. A part time CSI coaching coordinator was

allocated to work with staff, coaches and student coaches across targeted sports.The CSI programme has one overall goal; ‘to improve Harbour schools’ culture and support around coaching, so more coaches are retained

and supported from season to season’. To achieve this CSI works with industry providers so coaches have access to resources, support and funding for coaching skills’ workshops

and seminars offered by the Greater Auckland Coaching Unit (GACU). Community volunteer coaches often say a lack of support and communication is a factor in reasons for dropping out of coaching roles. CSI

aims to increase these things, working to retain this valuable human resource.One of CSI’s main objectives is raising awareness about the positive impact ‘best practice’ coaching can have on an athlete’s performance and

development. Next year, the focus will be on teaching ‘training smarter’ skills, increasing the chances of optimal performance for the school’s athletes and teams.

Recently senior German students, accompanied by Mrs Avram and Mr Barrowman, attended an address at the Maidment Theatre, University of Auckland, by the German Chancellor Doctor Angela Merkel on Germany’s relationship with New Zealand including educational and scientific exchanges.

The Minister of Science and Innovation and Tertiary Education, the Hon Stephen Joyce, also spoke about the extensive and rapidly expanding interchanges between Auckland University and German research institutes. As Pasch (Partnership) schools, Takapuna Grammar and Pakuranga College, were invited to send

Salsa success for Taka Latin Dance Team Dance teacher, Miss Emily Woodfield introduced some of our most enthusiastic dance students to their first experience of a National

Salsa competition, the New Zealand Salsa Open, in which dancers from all over New Zealand could compete in a variety of categories. Our new Taka Latin Dance Team was formed by Miss Woodfield especially for this event, and comprised 11 talented dancers who were excited to try their hand at Salsa. Prickles Dance Group also learnt a new dance to compete in the Open category. Learning a new dance style in only a few weeks, and then competing alongside very experienced Salsa dancers was a daunting experience for both teams, but they delighted the audience with highly polished and innovative performances. The Taka Latin team won third place in their category, Youth Salsa Shines Teams, which was an outstanding achievement. Prickles Dance Group did not place but were commended by the judges for their stunning performance and fantastic choreography by Miss Woodfield. Later in the day Miss Emily Woodfield competed herself in the adult section, taking out a Silver medal for her solo performance in the Semi-Pro Female Salsa Solo division, and a Bronze in the Open Salsa Duets category

SCHOOL NEWS

students to the address. It was a unique experience for the students to be able to see

and hear one of the world’s most influential women, and European leader, talk on a wide range of economic, educational, scientific and social topics. Although question time was taken up mostly by senior people and the school students did not get enough time to ask some more personal questions they had prepared, Alexandra Kuntze took the opportunity to ask the first question. She was delighted to be able to speak directly to her country’s leader as she would probably never get the chance in Germany.

Students meet influential leader

Cont’d >

The aim of the PTA is to support a wide range of current and future students, with tangible and lasting benefit. While many of our events are fundraisers, we also try to arrange events, such as talks, of interest to parents.

The PTA cookbook, ‘Taste of Takapuna’ is our ongoing major fundraising project. With a wide selection of recipes and stunning photography the Taste of Takapuna is a go-to cookbook for many homes already. At $39 this is a good Christmas gift for friends, family, or a personal and local corporate gift.

Last term 2 copies of ‘Taste of Takapuna’ were distributed to new Year 9 students to sell. By now you’ve had time to look it over. Outstanding payment for these is now overdue. Please arrange payment or, if you don’t wish to purchase, return them in new condition, before 4 December.

The funds raised from the sale of these cookbooks will be used for a major project to enhance outdoor areas to improve the break-time environment for students. Please contact [email protected] if you’d like more copies.February - the PTA hosted a very entertaining talk by Nigel Latta.

February – PTA hosted morning tea for TGS Staff.May - PTA annual dance “Twist ‘n’ Shout”, with local band Ran For Cover. $3375 was raised for 19 school groups nominated

by ticket-holders.June – presentation by Career Clinic – “How to talk with your teen about their career”.August – Comedy Night with Paul Ego, Dai Henwood and Nick Rado.September – PTA hosted a talk by Celia Lashlie on Raising Boys.November – First Aid Kit sales.Projects approved from funds raised this year:$2400 to Dance for a Go Pro and 4 mini iPads;$2500 to Performing Arts for electronic drum kit;$720 to Duke of Edinburgh for tents and equipment;$2000 for 8 bench seats to be placed around the school;$750 to Special Education for a dishwasher;approx $2000 (not finalized) to PE/Rowing for weights equipment.The inaugural PTA Inspiration Award at Senior Prizegiving, was awarded to a Year 11 student who has shown outstanding

personal determination to achieve success. Congratulations to Jackson Tuhiwai.Please see our PTA pages on the TGS website, or contact the PTA at [email protected] for more information.

Ruth BlackmanTGS PTA Chair

The PTA thanks you for your support over 2014



CSI will strengthen current links with Harbour Sport, AUT University, and the Greater Auckland Coaching Unit (GACU). Exciting news for 2015 is the prospect of a new partnership with the Athlete Development Academy based at the AUT Millennium Centre.

It’s been a busy, successful year with the programme helping 34 coaches and in turn around 256 students. I’m looking forward to another year of coaching (and therefore athlete and team) development at Takapuna Grammar.

If you have any questions or feedback about the CSI programme, please get in touch. Ignacio ArellanoCSI Coaching [email protected]

STAFF NEWS



Mrs Marilyn Cummuskey has been an Art, Art History and Photography teacher at TGS since 1997. She has fulfilled numerous roles including being assistant HOD. Her two daughters, Necia and Rebecca Simpson, were students in the 1990s, Necia was Deputy Head Girl in 1995. Marilyn’s love of all things artistic has motivated her to inspire her students and pass on her passion. Highlights have included seeing Kate Moore named as the top Photography Scholar in the country one year and another year having the top Art History Scholar. She has experienced a huge range of changes over the years including the introduction of the NCEA qualification.

Now she is planning on focusing on her own painting and photography, developing her tai chi skills and travelling to new places. We wish her well.

Also retiring this year is Mr Richard Shorter, who began twelve years ago as the computer technician. It was never his intention to stay so long but the extent of technical support we need has increased each year and it has become more than a full-time job. All staff and many students call on his expertise every single day. “Where’s Richard?” is the catch cry. His three children, David, Nicholas and Zoe, came to TGS and their sports saw him umpiring hockey, up to national tournament level, and on the Rowing committee for six years. He was also the Staff rep on the BOT for a three year term. He will be missed and we wish him well.

A farewell to Boaz RaelaKia ora e te whanau.Congratulations to Matua Boaz Raela who will be leaving us at the

end of this year, to move to Rarotonga with his whanau to take up a position as Deputy Principal, at Tereora College. It is with enormous sadness that we farewell Boaz, as he is he pounamu, he taonga in our school.

Boaz is the kindest and warmest of colleagues, with his enormous capacity for aroha for all those in the school whanau. His humour, manner and approach with the staff has given him mana which has enabled him to bring about a culture shift in recent years, with far greater awareness and genuine appreciation for tikanga Maori: powhiri is now an integral part of school kaupapa; the school haka is proudly performed by all students; mihi is used by a number of staff;

Te Reo phrases are commonly used by many staff, and who can forget the incredible version of Lorde’s ‘Royals’ that Boaz wrote for the kapa haka group at this year’s PolyFest, Aue Te Wero, an appeal for us to be kaitiaki (guardians) of our environment. Ka mau te wehi Matua!

His students, in particular those of Maori and Pasifika origin appreciate not only his knowledge and experience in Te Reo teaching, but also his tautoko of them and their whanau.

The longest serving teacher, to retire this year is Mr Lou Barrowman. He joined the staff, as an assistant teacher in 1981 and by 1983 had been appointed Head of Department, Languages. He is an outstanding linguist, teaching all the languages the school offers, Japanese, French, German and Spanish. He also has learned a whole range of others – Chinese, Italian, and Portuguese to name a few. Cohorts of international students have listened in amazement at Lou welcoming them at their powhiri in their various languages. The Latin segment has largely, however, gone unrecognised.

Lou is known nationally as an outstanding subject practitioner. He has advised and supported generations of language teachers through subject associations and as an advisor in curriculum development. He is one of very few teachers to have been twice recognised by the prestigious Sir Woolf Fisher Foundation, in 1987 with a distinction award and in 1991 with a travel award. Within the school, he has had a strong influence in the area of assessment and reporting. He has been relentlessly insistent on maintaining high standards of grammatical accuracy, correct punctuation and the proper use of given names in reports.

Cultural context is a vital element of language acquisition. Lou has promoted this by ensuring that many students have had an opportunity to visit countries in which their learned languages are used. There have been tours to Japan and to Europe, Spain, France and Germany. These tours have often been fast moving to maximise the time available. Lou has also promoted exchange opportunities and teacher visits.

Lou retires to Waiheke. He will have the time to pursue his own interests. Rumour is that there is a boat already purchased to do some fishing. And there are still new languages to acquire. And so - zaijian, adieu, an nyung hi ga se yo, adios, auf weidersehen, ciao, au revoir, vale Lou.

Several long serving staff leave TGS this December

STAFF NEWS



A winning filmThe Year 10 Option F German class has won first place in the Junior

section of the National German Film Competition run by the Goethe Institute in Wellington. The film included a student from Belmont Primary and another from Belmont Intermediate. It was filmed and acted by the students of the class and was brilliantly edited by Year 9 student Callum Erskine. It will be shown at a Prize-giving in Wellington, in December. The topic was “Sehnsucht” which means longing or nostalgia. The jury wrote that TGS students captured the feeling of “Sehnsucht” perfectly, that the co-operation with students from Belmont Primary and Belmont Intermediate was fantastic and that they were very impressed by the high technical standard of the film. It was spoken entirely in German and lead roles were played by; Thomas Casement, Jost Claasen, Michael De Boyett, Leroy Dixon, Zoe Dornbusch, Tim Lunt, Thursday MacDuff, Agnar Niksson, Chris O’Connor, Poppy Ross, Callam Shea and Jenna Williams.

TGS has an international student population of nearly 200 students. Many have success in their NCEA subjects before moving on to New Zealand universities.

Graduates from Year 13, in 2013, now at Auckland University include Yuxin (Bela) Wang dong a BA in Japanese and Economics, Yanling Yu doing Psychology and Economics, Mingyue (Tiffney) Shi, Ziheng (Blake) Li and Danyan Le all doing a BSc. Peiyi (Angelina) Li is doing a BCom, as is Xuhong (Tommy) Deng.

Attending Unitec are Yang (Windy) Shen, (Nursing), Yujie (Eugen) Zou, (Architecture) and Yuan (Bruce) Zhang, (Construction).

Chuqiao (Daisy) Wang has been accepted into a Canadian university.

Currently we also have a number of international students studying the IB Diploma, with good success. At Prize Giving Excellence in IB Mathematics was awarded to Muyu (Naomi) Liu, from China, as was the second placed Distinction award, to Yuxuan (Tom) Zhang. These two students along with high achieving Nina Li and Lin Guo are studying Mathematics at Higher Level for their Diploma. This is the toughest Maths course in IB. Ha Yeon Kim, from Korea, was awarded the Excellence Prize for IB Science. Our congratulations to them all.

Academic success for international students

INTERNATIONAL



STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT

OrienteeringDuring the October holidays, Year 11 student Max Griffiths

travelled to Australia as part of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Orienteering team.

Max achieved some remarkable results during the trip with a 3rd in the Individual Australia Sprint Distance Champs, and 1st place results in the Western Australia Long Distance Champs and Australia Relay Champs.

The NZSS team also came 2nd in the School Relay Champs, and won the overall Southern Cross Junior Challenge Competition against Australian state teams.

Two talented young singers recognisedElla Cornfield, Year 12, who has been learning singing from Jane Horder for the last two years sat her ABRSM Grade 6 Singing exam

and passed with Merit. She is also a section leader in the senior choir Skat-a-Tak and received the Outstanding Vocalist Award for a ‘Singer of Distinction in School Performance’. Ella is playing the role of Nancy in ‘Oliver’ next year.

Maddie Hay is to be congratulated on being selected into the Auckland Youth Choir for 2015. Maddie was a section leader in both Skat-a-Tak and Leonessa this year and last year played a key role in the Music Theatre class’s production of ‘Godspell’. This year Maddie received the Bryant Singing Trophy for Excellence in Choral music and the Vocal Cup for Contribution to Singing Performance.



Summer Reading @TGSIt has always struck me as rather strange that over the long summer holidays, when there is plenty of time to relax and read a great book, the school library is closed; the books are standing quietly and politely on the shelves eagerly awaiting a reader, with the knowledge that, in reality, it will be a long eight weeks until somebody can even be tempted. So, in an effort to make sure that our wonderful resources are fully utilised, we have introduced a ‘Summer Reading at TGS’, programme. Signing up for the Summer Reading programme offers the students two main options. Each signed up student will receive a specially printed tote bag containing ten books. These books can either be a ‘mystery’ selection – (compiled by the library staff and based on the student’s reading past preferences) or ten books of their own selection. Also included in the tote bags, are small gifts and favours from Glenfield Paper Plus, an entry form into a Summer Reading Photography Competition and details of the Takapuna Grammar School Library Facebook Page, so that reviews can be posted as well as a guide to some other titles that may be of interest. Students will be invited to collect their Tote bags in the last week of school, and students currently on exam leave can collect them on their Book Return Day. So far this year, with minimal promotion, we have over 60 students signed up and I hope that this is the start of having ‘an almost empty library over future summer holidays. Books will need to be returned in the first few days of the school year. Happy Reading, Annie White, Teacher Librarian

ENGLISH



Original writing by senior English students

R.I.P ShebaMy bulging rucksack lands with a thump on the sofa. Six hours spent in small stuffy

classrooms had drained the life out of me. I reach down to my feet, attempting to untie the thick tangled knot on my shoes when suddenly, something feels wrong. Suddenly, something inside of me feels empty. The candle in my mind flickers and I turn to face the patch of carpet in the corner. That’s when I remember…..

Sheba was taken from us on the 2 December 2013. The distress that overcame me that day will remain forever engraved within my memory. The space on our crumbling, character filled carpet was her favourite spot to indulge in slumber. She had been the heart of our family for 11 years, beating quickly when we rejoiced and beating slower when we felt sorrow. She became my sole comfort when I wept since she would lick my tumbling tears without even asking. At 15 years old we knew her time was coming, her aching back legs decaying and her distant eyes constantly reminding us of what was to come.

That morning was supposed to be a mere inspection from the vet. Once before we had to face choosing whether or not to let Sheba sleep in eternal peace, but afraid of the loss of her presence, we selfishly decided we could not bear to lose her. The car engine rumbled as I was in the shower and I made a silent prayer, the droplets of water dancing down my face like tears. They had left suddenly so I was certain nothing would happen since I hadn’t even had the chance to whisper goodbye. Mum wouldn’t do that to me. She knew I needed closure. She knew that I would need to hold Sheba in my arms one last time. I dressed, my hands lifeless and chilling and proceeded to turn the TV on, in aid of some distraction. I aimlessly flicked through channels and channels of trash, just as my mind was flicking through scenarios of Sheba’s appointment.

It was not until I had started to battle my way through a bowl of bland soup that I felt a vibration coming from the driveway. I sprang from my chair, my heart pounding as I crashed right into my brother in the hallway. “So?” I asked nervously, my breathing fluttering. Silence passed between us.

I nodded, showing my understanding as the tears started to congregate in my eyes. She had gone and taken part of me with her. As I sat with Mum in the car it was as if seconds had turned into minutes and minutes into hours. Time was never going to be my friend. The longer the hours of the day felt, the more time I would have to drown in the pain of my memories.

I blink, my eyes forcing me to return to the present. It would be dangerous for me to dwell for so long on the past. I had to live in the present. The carpet was empty and would remain so for infinity. It was now my choice to accept this. After all, without death there is no life. But of course, she would continue to be cherished within my memory. In the end, that is all that matters.

R.I.P Sheba

Ella Cornfield Year 12

ENGLISH



VinylI’m never entirely sure what to say when people ask what the first record I ever bought

was. Do they mean the first record I ever paid for, or the first I ever physically bought and got to hold in my hands? Or maybe they just hadn’t thought it through that much, maybe my modern [in]conveniences complicate the situation more than is necessary.

The first I ever technically paid for was Bankrupt! by Phoenix, which I purchased on the internet at two in the morning. I left my friend’s house around one feeling weird and disoriented, unsure of myself.

“I know!” I thought, “I’ll start a record collection!” I had recently started taking music seriously, and I was becoming very good friends with a girl who’d bought her first record at age nine (properly bought, I presume.) In my existentialist haze, I saw buying vinyl as a way to cement my identity. I quickly made a list of my favourite albums and trawled through on-line record shops to see which has the lowest shipping costs. Phoenix’s fifth LP seemed like the way to go.

At this stage I didn’t own a record player, and my dad’s 70s Thorens turntable hadn’t been seen since long before I even existed, probably left at an old flatmate’s apartment, or broken during an 80s house party. In the hope that my parents would see I was serious about vinyl as my collection grew, I was content with using friends’ turntables for the time being.

I fell asleep around three that morning and woke up around half past eight, made coffee, and demanded my dad wake up and drive me into town so I could buy what was my number one favourite album at the time. “You already own it on iTunes, why do you need it on CD as well?” he asked, reluctantly taking the hot tulip cup from my hands.

“Who mentioned anything about a CD?” I replied smugly. He threw back the shot of espresso and promptly got ready. I returned to my bedroom and donned the most alternative looking outfit I could find (I had always been horribly intimidated by the Real Groovy clientele) - Doc Martens, a vintage denim miniskirt, button-up shirt with a bolo tie, and a plaid oversized blazer.

Dad was thrilled with my recent improvement in music taste (he had just bought us tickets to the most important music festival in the world) so seeing my sudden interest in buying vinyl was further affirmation of this.

Upon entering Real Groovy, I was struck with a surprising sense of belonging. I took music seriously, and I had a record collection (kind of). I was now one of the indie record girls I had always feared/admired. I worked my way through the “alternative rock” section of the store, through the alphabet until I got to V. Much to my surprise, and delight, the first record on the shelf was a limited edition pressing of the record on heavyweight white vinyl.

I now owned, physically owned, my favourite album - Modern Vampires of the City by Vampire Weekend.My sixteenth birthday was nine months later and my record collection was big enough to need its own shelf in my bookcase. That

morning my best friend had come over, and my mother drew a large, and rather heavy, box from the hall cupboard. I already knew what it was (I had chosen it the week before). We set it up on my dresser, which was more difficult and time-consuming than I had predicted.

The first record played on my very mid-century minimalist turntable was, naturally, Modern Vampires. It was a ritualistic process, like some sort of pagan sacrifice. Taking the record out of its sleeve, placing it over the pin, lifting the arm and setting the needle on the outer edge of the record, then flicking the switch and waiting for the notes to start. This was the one album I hadn’t yet taken to a friend’s house to listen to, I had been saving it, and my god was it worth it. The Real Groovy slogan rang through my brain repeatedly. “Music sounds better on vinyl.” It does, it really does.

Looking back, the whole process of buying a record over the internet, then buying another that I already owned electronically amuses me. It’s such a mix of old and new technology. Just over a year after my impulsive night-time purchase, my collection has reached an impressive size, and I have no intention to ever stop collecting.

Lily Palmer Year 12

ENGLISH



The StormThe driving rain pounds against the window like an angry fist on a locked door. A

thunderclap roars in the distance. A flash of lightning follows swiftly and I am instantly transported back in time to Vietnam. To the Mekong Delta Riverside.

I remember the first few fat drops of rain splattering the dirt. Within ten seconds they began to pool in stirred up, muddy puddles. My friends and I gathered under the thatched roof, buzzing with excitement at the novelty of our first tropical rainstorm. The sturdy wooden posts supporting the roof creaked like an old man’s frail bones. A gust of wind rushed through the hut, the thatched roof threatening to take off.

The next thing I knew, a laugh burst out of Sue as she ran, fully clothed into the downpour. Within seconds she was drenched to the skin. With only the slightest persuasion we were all out there, joining her in her moment of insanity. Our fears forgotten, we were free to be wild, no concern for consequences.

Moments before, my light summer dress had been floating about in the gentle breeze. Now it pulled on my frame like an anchor, weighing me down, sodden. The rain felt warm as it ran down my skin, forming tiny rivers on the mountainside that was my face, my bare shoulder, my arm. I had never experienced anything like it, rain as warm as a shower in a storm so wild it appeared to have a life of its own. Lightning flashed bright and for a second we were a snapshot in time. Caught in a moment of joyous madness. Almost immediately the thunder followed. We screeched in unison. A high pitched hysteria that could shatter glass. Peal after peal, our cries rang down the riverside.

Our bare feet stirred up the muddy ground as we ran, skipped and danced our way through the storm. In no time we had stirred up a thick layer of sludge. The muck oozed between our toes until we felt like small children again, making mud pies. Children who loved to worm their chubby little fingers into sludge. Whose scraggly dungarees were caked in mud. Their mother’s would fondly sigh when they saw their precious little angel’s ringlets matted to their foreheads.

We heard a deafening boom and looked up. The night sky had cracked in half. A jagged white scar shone bright for a fraction of a second. Then it was gone. The storm was right above us. The palm trees thrashed their branches, as though they were children throwing a tantrum. The howling wind added to the chaos, the mother scolding the child.

As the hot, tropical storm raged on, so did we. Screaming with both delight and fear. No longer concerned about our hair plastered to our faces or the fact that we had no change of clothes handy. The air was alive, buzzing with electricity. As I tipped my head back, laughing like a maniac, the warm, fresh rain poured into my mouth, sweet with the taste of recklessness. Lotus flowers lining the riverbank filled my nose with their intoxicating scent.

Suddenly I am bought back to the present by an angry roar of thunder. As I huddle back under my blanket in cosy Takapuna, the Mekong Delta is nothing but a memory. The thrilling storm just another story for a rainy day.

Liesbet Vercruyssen Year 12

ENGLISH

Oliver! is a popular adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic about an orphan escaping the workhouse to be lured into a kids’ crime gang by the evil Fagin. Nancy is a part of the underworld but tries to help Oliver. The show has plenty of catchy songs such as “Food, Glorious Food”, “Where is Love”, “You’ve Got To Pick a Pocket Or Two”, “Consider Yourself”, “As Long As He Needs Me” and the touching and lyrical “Who Will Buy”.

We auditioned talented Belmont Intermediate students for roles as well as the 110 TGS students keen to be in the school show. Principal roles for next year’s musical at the Bruce Mason Centre are:

Top: the Fagins – Andy Song and Thomas Lunt; Seated: the Nancies, Brie Young and Ella Cornfield; On ground: the Olivers, Christian Swan and Luke Patterson.A very active Term 1 next year will see it on stage at the Bruce

from Sunday 29th March to Wednesday 1 April, the last week of the term.

We welcome sponsorship if your company would like publicity in our programme. Contact Mr De Grut [email protected]

School Show 2015: Oliver!



SCHOOL SHOW



Business and Enterprise newsBUSINESS

In Sir Peter Blake Leadership Week we had a Dream Team talk given by Manfred Lange, an accomplished Business leader and Managing Director of Agile Utilities New Zealand Ltd. His business focuses on the coaching and mentoring of staff in the IT industry. Manfred demonstrated why he is such a good leader and left students with the message that the right people provide a competitive advantage.

We also participated in the AUT Shadow a Leader event, where students are given the opportunity to shadow a leader for the day to gain a real life experience for them. Madison Johnson shadowed Telecom’s (now Spark) Chief Operating Officer Jason Paris; Paul Maxey shadowed Dr David Warburton CEO of Auckland Transport; Sophie Turner shadowed Karen Fistonich, Chairperson of Villa Maria Estate. Madison Johnson reflects on her day:

“Shadow a Leader was an amazing opportunity. I was given insight into a day in the life and role of the Telecom Chief Operating Officer, with Kayne Munroe and Jason Paris. I saw different aspects of the business from Telegistics to marketing at Saachi and Saachi to several different business meetings. It was a great learning experience and I really benefited from seeing the business theories we learn in class, used in real life scenarios. It brought to life everything I have been studying and will definitely impact my understanding for my end of year exams.”

As part of Level 1 Business Studies, students need to plan and run their own business and sell their products at our school Market Day. Following the event three teams were entered into the national Young Enterprise Trust Start-up competition. All of our teams placed in the Top 10. One of the teams, Scentsational was placed in the top three and awarded a Certificate of Excellence, presented by Mr Waller, Deputy Principal. The Scentsational team is Ella Halstead, Helen Leenoh, Olivia Gardner and Chamonix Stuart, who also each won $100!

TGS student Paul Maxey with Dr. David Warburton

The Scentsational team

Villa Maria’s Karen Fistonich with Sophie Turner



BUSINESS

Financial LiteracyTakapuna Grammar School is involved in the Commission for

Financial Literacy and Retirement Income pilot programme to become a ‘Sorted School’. During Money Week we put together a series of opportunities for our students to highlight aspects of financial literacy through personal stories and industry expertise. We also had our first free community lecture at Massey University on the topic of Financial Scams which was very enlightening for everyone present.

Kyung Bock High School VisitIn August we hosted students from Kyung Bock High School

when they visited New Zealand. They stayed in homestays with our students and had a fantastic time learning about our culture and school. They visited the local area with Mr Park and went into lessons. For many of our students it was great to see and catch up in person with the friends that they had made when we visited Kyung Bock High School during our trip to Korea in April.

Monetary Policy Challenge 2014David Sorrenson, Elaine Zhang Lucy Oh and Ercan Hoskin

(pictured left) participated in the 2014 Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Challenge, a national Economics competition where students have to make decisions about changing the OCR (Official Cash rate) based on the same data that the Reserve Bank uses to make its decisions. The team was selected as the Wild Card entry from the Auckland Region (Glenfield College was the other Auckland entry) for the national finals (one of 6 teams from throughout New Zealand) on 20 August in Wellington and came second.

ANZ- Massey Economics ChallengeThis competition was held at Massey University, Albany, where

David Sorrenson, Lucy Oh and Elaine Zhang competed against 14 teams from across Auckland. The competition included questions on micro and macro-economics, the New Zealand economy and a quick-fire round on general economics. We were the overall runners up for our day of the competition.

YES results.We had a very strong end to the year with our YES companies

gaining a range of awards at the regional finals. YES Auckland North Regional winners in Business Management went to: Keep Kool, Closing the Loop, and Onboard

The YES Auckland North Regional winner for Excellence in Innovation was Closing the Loop, who also scooped our first ever National Excellence Award and will be travel to the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme National Awards Dinner, in Wellington on December 10th, to be presented with their award.



1st XI Cricket team achieves breakthrough win

Despite cold, gloomy, windy weather and threatening rain, the Takapuna Grammar First XI completed an outright win over Kristin College on Saturday (15 November), in the final 2-day match of the 2014 ACA Secondary Schools Premier B competition. Opener Toby Robb, and Captain Matt Strain rescued the game from a precarious, weather-affected position, and brought the game home safely.

Three teams were in contention for the Championship going into the final round of the competition, but TGS was the only team to win outright and score maximum points. We believe it is 28 years since Takapuna Grammar last won this Championship.

More importantly, it opens up the possibility of promotion to the prestigious Premier A Competition next year. This would place Takapuna Grammar back amongst the top echelon of cricketing schools in Auckland, a huge boost to the school’s sporting profile, and greater recognition for our cricket programme and our players.

Following in the footsteps of Takapuna Grammar cricketers such as Richard Jones, Danny Morrison, Bruce Warner and the legendary Bert Sutcliffe, the Championship win is great credit to the hard work and dedication of our 1st XI cricketers, their management and coaches, as well as the on-going support that the school receives from the North Shore Cricket Club.

Our female golfers have success

Early in the term, two students took part in the North Harbour Junior Girls vs Auckland Junior Girls golf stroke-play competition. Bridget Connolly won both her matches while Stacy Choi had a win and a loss. Bridget also played in the national age group championships in Taupo, finishing 37th oveall, 17th gross and 12th net.

In the North Harbour Senior Women’s match-play at Omaha, Bridget won the plate in the Stableford, in the Upper Harbour Trophy competition.

Bridget was also selected to represent North Harbour at the Eagles Tournament in Levin that was held in the October holiday break and again at the national interprovincial tournament in Rotorua the following week. This is her second appearance at this tournament.

SPORTS

Junior Boys Takapuna Grammar School Volleyball Team placed 5th at the Auckland Secondary Schools Volleyball Championships. 2014 NZ National Criterium Championships held around Takapuna on Friday 21 NovemberU17 Boys – 1st Harry Waine, 2nd Jacob Kench and 5th Oscar Elworthy



“You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” - Ansel Adams

The work featured on these pages is by our 2014 Level 2 Photography students. It was produced for their External Folio Standard where to achieve highly students have to “produce a fluent body of work that shows understanding of art making conventions and ideas within photography.” This involves “making individual,related works that are critically selected to form a series or sequence in the generation, development, clarification and regeneration of ideas within the art making process.”

This assessment is worth 50% of the year’s course. To complete it, each student has to display approximately 32 photographs on two A1 pieces of board. These represent two terms work, during which time each student explores his or her own individual theme. Students also have to study the work of three to four contemporary photographers to help them extend their techniques and the ideas that surround their chosen theme. 2014 students dealt with such a diverse range of topics as : text bullying, identity, old movies, haunted houses, steam punk, ecology, metamorphosis, gender roles and the populated urban environment.

ART



PRIZEGIVING

Level 1Mayuri Bhindi 1st English LiteracyFrancis Bilham Excellence in French and 1st in History, the Norah Hamblin TrophyThomas Block Excellence in GeographyJordan Blum Distinction in English and 1st in Media Studies, Distinction in History level 2 Esther Cain Distinction Design Visual CommunicationLydia Cassin 1st Science AlternativeIverson Chan-Tung 1st Economics and Accounting and 1st English AGG School Old GirlsMichael Clark Distinction MathematicsDevon Copp Distinction Physical EducationBreanna De Gouw Distinction GeographyAmber Freebury Distinction ScienceKayla Gerber Excellence Technology Food and NutritionMax Griffiths Distinction Chemistry and Distinction Geography, 1st Music, 1st Physics, Distinction Mathematics Extension Level 2Lucy Guild Distinction MathematicsElla Halstead 1st Business StudiesElla Hill 1st ChemistryYuka Isozaki Distinction History, 1st Mathematics Extension – the TGS Mathematics Cup year 11Lily Jervis Distinction GeographyYunyi Jiang Excellence EconomicsHyun-Ji Jo Excellence JapaneseEleanor Johnson Distinction Mathematics ExtensionJacob Kench 1st Physical EducationSuranart Khadkham 1st ESOLJoshua Kim Distinction Mathematics ExtensionSoyun Kim 1st ESOLAlisa Kogiso Distinction HistoryJulian Laking Excellence GermanYe Jin (Geena) Lee Excellence SpanishMarco Legall-Misikini Excellence Drawing for Design and Excellence Design Visual Communication Zachary Martin 1st Drama and Distinction Media StudiesVictoria Mudford Distinction MathematicsRowen Myers Excellence Technology Resistant MaterialsTeAniwa Patterson Excellence Te Reo MaoriChris Pirie 1st AccountingElise Powell 1st HealthBella Purcell Excellence Technology Soft MaterialsMarlene Read 1st MathematicsStorm Robertson Excellence ArtAmy Robertson Distinction English and Distinction HistoryMathew Sherlock Distinction Biology and Distinction English Mary-Margaret Slack 1st DanceLucy Spiers Excellence Special EducationPia Tapsell Distinction Technology Food and NutritionMaryanne Thatcher Distinction English and 1st ScienceToby Wakelin 1st Mathematics Extension Level 2 and Distinction PhysicsClaudia Wallace 1st Mathematics Applied Sarah Winder Distinction Biology and Distinction GeographyKaryn Zhao 1st BiologyAdele Zhao Distinction PhysicsMeng Zhou Distinction English for Academic Purposes - Level 1

Level 2Fiona Bongartz 1st Art Photography, 1st English for Academic Purposes - Level 2Alesha Brokenshire 1stMathematicsMera Conger Distinction, Year 12 IB Spanish Ab Initio, Distinction Year 12 IB Literature, Excellence Year 12 IB Individuals and SocietiesCiara Connolly Excellence GeographyElla Cornfield Distinction Art History, Distinction English Darcy Cox Distinction Chemistry, Distinction PhysicsTyla Cunningham Excellence Hospitality Danille Desvaux D Marigny Distinction Year 12 IB Individuals and Societies, Excellence FrenchSophia Edgson Excellence TourismCaoimhe Fidgeon Excellence Year 12 IB LiteratureHelen Fu 1st AccountingIsobel May Gibson 1st English Literacy, 1st Physical Education PracticalLouie Heron 1st Technology Resistant MaterialsPol Idelon Excellence Year 12 IB ArtsPhoebe Johnson 1st DramaAmy Juer 1st Music TheatreKayeon (Alice) Kim Distinction Accounting, 1st Economics Ha Yeon Kim Excellence Year 12IB ScienceJi Won Kim Distinction Biology, 1st ChemistryKevin Lee Excellence Year 12 IB/NCEA Computer ScienceMin Kyung Lee Excellence JapaneseRaphael Lee Distinction English for Academic Purposes - Level 2Xin Ye (Cindy) Li Distinction MathematicsMuyu (Naomi) Liu Excellence Year 12 IB MathematicsLily MacDonald Distinction EnglishTessa McNair 1st Physical EducationRalph Michell 1st Technology Furniture MakingAugustine Morgan-Guthrie 1st Art History, Distinction English, 1st Media Studies (the Robin Holding Award) Samantha Mottram 1st Business StudiesTafadzwa Mudapataki Distinction Year 12IB ScienceAmanda Jane Mueller Distinction GeographyCourtney Naismith 1st Art DesignJessica Neves Distinction Physical EducationTiffany Nicol Excellence Special EducationIsabelle O’Brien Distinction Mathematics AppliedHannah Patterson 1st Classics, 1st English, Distinction History, Distinction Media StudiesElizabeth Pearson Excellence Year 12IB Spanish Ab Initio Dexter Peffers Distinction MathematicsLisa Pijper 1st DanceTina Price Excellence GermanGary Qian Distinction Design Visual CommunicationRebecca Rawlinson 1st Mathematics AppliedPhoebe Rendle Excellence Te Reo MaoriAdam Rundle Distinction PhysicsEmma Rzepecky Distinction EnglishCharlotte Sellars 1st Biology, Distinction HistoryAhmed Sherif 1st History (the Gallipoli Stone)Imogen Spray 1st HealthLily Steedman Excellence Technology Soft MaterialsLisa Suravej 1st Art Painting, Excellence Design Visual Communication Frank Talbot 1st Physics, 1st MusicLiesbet Vercruyssen Distinction HistorySophie Wakelin Distinction Biology Luoyu (Mary) Xu Distinction Art Design, Distinction MathematicsYuxuan (Tom) Zhang Distinction Year 12 IB MathematicsMiyako Yajima Excellence Maori Cultural Performance



PRIZEGIVING

Level 3Elena Buckley 1st Art Photography (Photolife Award)Tamara Bullock Excellence GermanTessa Carey 1st Dance Daekeun (Sam) Cho 1st Mathematics with Calculus, Distinction PhysicsHenry Cornwell Distinction Biology Annalise Cruickshank Excellence Special Education Bridie Dixon Excellence Music TheatreHarry Elworthy Distinction Year 13 IB Science, Distinction Year 13 IB MathematicsShaleen Farrell 1st Classics (the C.C. Robinson Award)Kate Harris 1st Art History (the Margaret Cullingworth Award), Distinction HistoryMadeleine Hay Excellence French, 1st History (the Toynbee Cup)Jake Helsby 1st Physical Education (the Wareham Shield)Hannah Hood Distinction Year 13 IB Spanish Ab InitioMadison Johnson 1st Business Studies, 1st Accounting (the Margaret Cullingworth Award), Excellence GeographyToshiki Kogiso Distinction Chemistry, 1st Physics, Distinction Mathematics with Statistics (Short Shield)Jasmin Krishnan 1st HealthSi Jing (Joy) Lai Excellence Year 13 IB Arts Lucy Lim 1st Art Design (the Benefitz Award)Madeline Lloyd Distinction BiologyLovely Maralit Excellence TourismJames McArthur Excellence Year 13 IB Spanish Ab InitioLiam Mullane 1st EconomicEui Chan (Lucy) Oh Distinction Year 13 IB Individuals and Societies, Distinction Year 13 IB LiteratureSamim Ozyurteri 1st Biology, 1st Chemistry, Distinction Mathematics with CalculusAdam Purcell Excellence Technology Furniture MakingThomasina Robinson-Chen Distinction English, Distinction History, 1st Mathematics with StatisticsNeeve Sew Hoy 1st Art PaintingElla Sheehy Excellence Technology Soft Materials Young Eun (Alice) Song Excellence JapaneseDavid Sorrenson Excellence Year 13 IB Individuals and Societies, Excellence Year 13 IB Mathematics, Excellence Year 13 IB LiteratureBrooke Stilwell Excellence Te Reo MaoriRachel Sykes 1st English for LiteracyMax Tang 1st Music, 1st Design Visual CommunicationLaurence Tews Distinction Mathematics with StatisticsLinda Vu 1st HospitalitySamara Wash 1st DramaBen Wilks Excellence Year 13 IB ScienceGrace Woods 1st English (the Sam Dorrington Memorial Award)Gavin Woodward Excellence Technology Resistant Materials (the White Cliffe Timber Award)Maya Wyatt 1st Media Studies

Special AwardSamim Ozyurteri DuxDavid Sorrenson Proxime AccessitHannah Patterson Academic Excellence Year 12Max Griffiths Academic Excellence Year 11Tamara Bullock Spooner CupAndy Song White CupEdward Lotawa The Chubb Cleverdon Cup

GOLD MERIT BADGESRobin Charlett-Green - Hockey, Adventure Racing, Sports Council, Rowing, PSSP Sam Hume - Rugby, Rowing, Radio Roar, Ball CommitteeTamara Bullock - Hockey, Basketball, Sports council Ultimate Frisbee

CITATIONS FOR PERSONAL EXCELLENCESabina Giurgiu Merit award Rodney Walshe Ireland essay CompetitionSamim Ozyurteri Mathematics 97% in the University of Auckland Max paperSam Copp Football - New Zealand Under 20 Football team

Katherine Badham Duathlon and Cycling 1st in the NZSS under 16 championship 2nd in the NZSS Individual CyclingKatie McDougall Synchronised Swimming Silver Medal Oceania championship 1st in the NZSS ChampionshipHarry Elworthy Cycling - NZ Under 17 Cycling Squad 2nd in the NZSS Individual Cycling ChampionshipErica Gatland Climbing - NZ Under 18 and Open Woman Outdoor Bouldering teamEliza McCartney 1ST NZ Junior Athletics Pole Vault ChampionshipMaya Wyatt Theatre – Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ Youth Shakespeare CompanyAndy Song Theatre - Shakespeare Globe Centre NZ Youth Shakespeare School ProductionCourtenay Giles Duke Of Edinburgh Gold Medal AwardMarkus Somerville YachtingMadison Johnson NZ Diabetes Society awardHouse Trophy TAINUIAndy Song Peninsular CupAndy Song Farquarson Shield – Senior Speech winnerHenry Watts Year 11 Speech CupElaine Zhang Margaret Campbell Shield Neeve Sew Hoy Mike Donald Memorial AwardLiam Hill Tony Steele AwardBrooke Stilwell Post AwardAlice Song AFS AwardDanielle Desvaux de MarignyZonta International Leadership Award Sabina Giurgiu The Library Service AwardTim Phimester The Auckland City BursaryLydia Knott Aroha CupJonny Raey Daniel James TrophyValentina De Bruin Success CupSoo Min Bae Malcolm Fairgray Cup for HorticultureLauren Burton Prentice AwardIverson Chan-Tung Devonport Rotary Cup for Academic EndeavourLucy Lim Benefitz Graphic Design ScholarshipVailoa Penn Ex-Pupils’ ScholarshipLiam Mullane The BNZ AwardMadeleine Hay and Grace Woods The BNZ Awards for “Being good with money”Ha Yeon Kim TGS International Student ScholarshipToshiki Kogiso Rowan Nicks ScholarshipSamim Ozyurteri Warren Mason ScholarshipThomasina Robinson-Chen The Dorace Mason ScholarshipJackson Tuhiwai The PTA Encouragement AwardSophie Wynn Devonport RSA Memorial Trust Service AwardLovely Maralit Devonport Rotary Scholarship

UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPSMaya Wyatt University of Auckland Scholarships David Sorrenson University of Auckland ScholarshipsHarry Elworthy University of Auckland ScholarshipsNeeve Sew Hoy The AUT Vice Chancellor’s Scholarship Sophie Turner The AUT Business and Law Faculty Award Harry Elworthy and Sophie Wynn The Prefects Training Program Shield Maryam Alhaseny Massey University’s Vice Chancellors High Achievers Scholarships (Arts)Ella Sheehy Massey University’s Vice Chancellors High Achievers Scholarships (Arts)Madeline Lloyd Massey University’s Vice Chancellor’s High Achievers Scholarship (Academic)Alice Song Victoria University Academic Excellence ScholarshipsMatthew Chandler Victoria University Academic Excellence ScholarshipsLucy Eaglesome Victoria University Academic Excellence ScholarshipsSamara Wash Victoria University Academic Excellence ScholarshipsCourtenay Giles University of Canterbury College of Engineering High Achievers Scholarship

Class of 1953 reunionOn Labour Day, nine prefects turned up at school to prepare the Bert Sutcliffe Lounge for the arrival of the TGS ex-pupils

Class of 1953. Some of the ex-pupils spoke of how there used to be a line that went down the middle of the TGS driveway which separated the girls and boys at interval and lunch time. This was hard to imagine for the current prefects and led to many amusing tales.

The current prefects provided tea and coffee and the ex-pupils brought a lovely shared morning tea. The event consisted mainly of sharing stories and catching up on how their lives had gone but also, at the end of the function the prefects took the Class of 1953 on a short tour of the school and allowed them to see just how much it has evolved since they attended. In fact some of the ex-pupils were amazed at just how different the school now looked.

After the morning tea, newly-selected Head Boy for 2015, Andy Song, made a memorable speech. He spoke of how society and Takapuna Grammar School has evolved greatly from when the ex-pupils last attended here in 1953. One particularly memorable excerpt was in his concluding paragraph which I will share with you now:

“The school may have changed a little bit, the technology may have changed a little bit and your high school crush may have changed… a lot. But everything else about TGS will always remain the same. A tree with history has stable roots holding the tree down so it doesn’t get affected by rain, wind or snow, persevering through pain, the high and the low… I would like to thank you [ex-pupils] again, as without stable roots; there would be no green leaves or fruits.”

Thank you especially to Wendy Strain for making this reunion possible and also the help of the prefects who represented the school, especially Emma Ross and Lovely Maralit. Takapuna Tekura, Takapuna Tekura. Takapuna is the school.

By Emma Rzepecky


The Community Newsletter of Takapuna Grammar School Ex-pupils

Grammar Link

A LETTER TO OUR LATEST LEAVERSDear Ex-Pupils,Our 2014 Leavers will enter a new chapter of their lives. We

wish them well and welcome them in to the TGS Alumni family.If you have not already registered on our ex pupil database,

please visit our Takapuna Grammar School website under Ex Pupils. We also have a Takapuna Grammar School Alumni Face book page.

Best wishes and good health for 2015. Wendy Strain

FROM A CORRESPONDENT: THE “BOYS FROM BAYSWATER” IN THE AD AUGUSTA MAY 2014

It was pleasing to hear how many of you enjoyed reading Harold’s story ‘Boys from Bayswater’. The family advises that their father’s story is close to becoming a feature film or television programme. They were delighted to be contacted by the Reid family and will meet with them shortly.

Harold’s family would love to hear from any relations of John (Jock) Marshall Waddell as the story revolves around the story of the three boys

FROM 1975 MAGAZINE

MRS GRANT: THE SCHOOL NURSE

Mrs Grant came to TGS in 1960. At that time she was the only nurse the school had, and was in fact the first school nurse to be appointed on the North Shore. Mrs Grant was more than just a school nurse. She was also a counsellor and often during the counselling of a pupil, Mrs Grant would teach relaxation techniques but in most cases she was simply “somebody to listen,’ and after sharing a problem the pupil often solved it.

Before Mrs Grant could become a school nurse she had to become a trained maternity nurse. She was also a trained dietician and held a Home Science diploma. She has worked in Auckland, Dunedin and Whangarei hospitals. She was involved in the Social Education programme which included involvement with the I.H.C., the rebuilding of Wikitoria House, first aid courses to the equivalent standard of a Bronze Medallion and an open forum in which senior students used to discuss topical social issues. At the end of 1985 Mrs Grant retired after 25 years of service to TGS

“SEIZE THE DAY”Ex-Pupil Brian Wood died in 1980

at the age of 42. His wife Beulah Wood has written a book ‘Seize the Day”. It is a biography of Brian Wood, a teacher from Takapuna who became a high school principal in Nepal. He died climbing in the Annapurna Range in 1980”- I

Brian Wood as a sportsman, musician, teacher, Christian, and family man. Brian was a ‘man’s man’, remembered for his exceptional abilities in sport, mountaineering and music, focused and expressed in the only profession where his abilities and passion could have the maximum benefit and impact on young lives - teaching in boarding schools.

Brian’s life touched and inspired countless lives. His own source of inspiration was not primarily the mountaineering and sporting heroes he so admired, nor the music of Handel or Bach, but the person of Jesus Christ whose life and example he tried to follow in humble service. That is what I find so inspiring about Brian Wood.

- Taken from a review by John Barclay, Principal, Hebron School, India.

To purchase a copy, $20 including postage, contact Beulah Wood at [email protected] We wish to thank Beulah for the copy she has donated to our school. Ad Augusta – December 2014 | 23


We are looking for several capable and enthusiastic people to form a small team to coordinate planning for this exciting event. If you think you can help, please reply to [email protected] Tel.4894167 Ext 9031 with your name and contact details. We will be in touch with you, with a date for an initial meeting for people to attend before committing themselves to this team.

This is going to be a party for everyone who ever attended TGS, with opportunities to catch up with all those people we all went to school with, fellow students and teachers too.

Dear Ex Pupils,Thanks to you all for keeping in touch with us throughout the

year. Our database is growing and our Facebook followers are increasing. We have some wonderful photos from 2014. Reunion catch ups are always special. We have received more memorabilia and enjoyed meeting you at school visits and events. Best wishes and good health for 2015.

Wendy StrainTGS Ex Pupil Community Coordinator

We need you! TGS turns 90 in 2017


Catch Up CornerElizabeth Harper (formerly Cunnington) 1976-1979Elizabeth Harper was recently named as one of Queensland’s

most inspirational businesswomen. She took home the Private and Corporate Sector Award at the state’s recent Telstra Women in Business Awards and will now proceed to the national final in Melbourne in November.

Her ‘day job’ involves building relationships across the GHD business, which currently employs 8,500 people, as well as offering strategic direction to the board. She is also a mentor to many women at GHD and within the IT industry.

Harper started her career as a software developer and says she got to where she is due to perseverance.

“If you do a good job, communicate effectively and build relationships across the business you can achieve anything,” she says. In terms of how she “manages it all”, Harper says she has a very supportive husband, who is the father of five children from a previous relationship. The couple are also proud grandparents.

“We (women) can’t do it all,” she told me. “We have to make choices, in reality there are trade-offs.”

Those trade-offs for Harper include working 18-hour days away from her family including overseas travel, but she says that’s her


choice and she’s fortunate to have such a supportive partner.“I’m (currently) away for three and a half weeks, but my

household will continue to function. It’s about having the right support network within the company, within your family and within your friends.”

There’s no doubt that support network will be cheering Harper on at the National Women in Business Awards next month. For a woman who came from an IT background, Harper is both humbled and exhilarated to be among the nominees.

“This is really about celebrating women, I’m very excited.”

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