Values Week  

This week we’re holding our values week that celebrates our three school values - Manaakitanga (Care), Māia (Courage), and Manawa Reka (Curiosity). The 3MCs are the foundation of our school that encourages growth, learning and perseverance.  

On Monday our Community Committee held a ‘Māia Moments – Just say ‘Yes’ day’ where students were encouraged to step out of their comfort zone in an engaging and supportive environment. 

Tuesday saw the Academic Committee hold a Chess event allowing students to display their problem solving skills and critical thinking.  

On Wednesday, the Pastoral Committee showcased ‘The Pastoral Art Project’ where students come together to take part in a collective art project that encapsulates their personal ideas of manaakitanga.  

Thursday’s ‘Who am I?’ was held by all three committees and conveyed all our values in action. This allowed students to partake in a fun, light-hearted game where their care and curiosity was exercised as they came together as a community to solve clues and mysteries. 

Friday’s ‘Manawa Reka Meet Up’ was organised by the Academic Committee and saw past students from Edgewater College come together to share their experiences on life after high school. The purpose of this was to inspire students by showcasing alumni success stories on university life and work experience.

Term 3 Wellbeing  

As term 3 commences it’s very common for students to feel overwhelmed and stressed with the workload they'll be experiencing for internal and external assessments.  

All your peers and friends will be going through the same thing so remember to stay kind and support each other. However, it’s important to reflect on our goals, what drives us to be the best versions of ourselves and what keeps us grounded. Whether that be going for a peaceful walk, socialising with your loved ones or even reading a book.   Please know that your student leaders are here to help – please don’t hesitate to reach our to one of us and we can also put you in touch with the wide range of support services our school offers.  

Make sure to take some time out for yourself because you deserve it!  

Naadirah Sahib  |  Head Student 

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou 

THURSDAY 14 AUGUST 2025  | 6.00 - 7.30 PM  

We warmly invite prospective students and families to meet our outstanding staff and students to  experience “EC Cares” in action. Come and discover the exciting learning opportunities, personalised support and fantastic facilities we offer our learners as they begin their high school learning adventure. Featuring live music by our exceptional students and award-winning Jazz Band. 

Applications for enrolment are now being accepted for 2026 with Out of Zone applications closing on Wednesday 27 August. Enrol online at www.edgewater.school.nz/enrolment or contact the College office for an enrolment pack. 

Matavai Pacific e-newsletter launched

Matavai is a new monthly e-newsletter offering key updates, Pacific education stories and details of upcoming events.  
To subscribe and read the latest issues, visit: Subscribe to Matavai Pacific e-newsletter
Read Matavai here

Kia Ora! My name is Eileen Sherson-Whittington, and I’m proud to serve as the School Social Worker here at Edgewater College. 

My role is to support the emotional, social, and mental well-being of our students so they can succeed both in and out of the classroom. Whether a student needs someone to talk to, help navigating a difficult situation, or connection to resources like counselling, housing, or food assistance, I’m here to help. 

I work closely with students, families, teachers, and community organizations to make sure everyone has the support they need. My door is always open, and I believe every student deserves to feel safe, heard, and valued. 

Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or visit my office in the Hauora Hub.  I’m here to listen, support, and advocate for our students every step of the way.

Last year, we introduced two new camps for our Year 10 and Year 12 students at Willow Park, Eastern Beach.  Our Year 10 students experienced an Adventure Camp where they explored our school values through a range of teamwork and problem solving challenges.  Our Year 12 students had the opportunity to build their Leadership skills as they worked through activities based on our School Capabilities framework – Creative and Critical thinking, Collaboration and Communication, Character and Citizenship.  These camps are designed to foster confidence, promote teamwork, and develop essential attributes such as self-awareness, resilience, and effective communication. These competencies are essential not only to academic success but also to life beyond the classroom.  

Some photos from last year’s camps are below showing our students and staff in action. Given their importance for all students these camps are heavily subsidised by our Board of Trustees so all students can attend – this means we only charge $20 for the two day, one night camps. 

The 2025 Year 12 Leadership camp takes place next week and all Year 12 students are required to attend for the two days.  We kindly remind any students who have yet to submit their permission slips for this year’s camp on SchoolBridge to do so promptly, ensuring they do not miss out on this valuable learning experience outside the classroom.  Alternatively a hard copy can be obtained from Mr Ioane and handed in to the school office.  If you or your child has questions or would like further information please don’t hesitate to contact their Mentor teacher or Dean, or Mr Ioane at [email protected].  

From Sommerville School

 

Sommerville Celebrates Pasifika Awareness Week  

At Sommerville, connection to culture and identity is something we deeply value. During Pasifika Awareness Week, our ākonga have embraced the opportunity to explore the rich and diverse cultures of the Pacific.
We’ve been learning Pasifika greetings such as Talofa, Kia ōrana, Mālō e lelei, Bula, Aloha, and Fakalofa lahi atu — and practising them with pride! Through visual art, music, and storytelling, students engaged in meaningful ways that touched both hearts and minds.
 A special highlight was the incredible support from our students’ whānau, who helped bring Niuean culture to life. Their contributions through dance, music, and stories created unforgettable memories and strengthened our sense of whanaungatanga.
Fakaaue lahi – thank you for helping us celebrate Pasifika with such spirit and joy!

School Events

Eastern Schools Career Expo

On Wednesday 11 June, the 2025 Eastern Schools Career Expo brought together over 2,000 students, whānau, and staff from eight local schools at the Howick Leisure Centre. With exhibitors from universities, industry training organisations, and employers across various sectors, students had the opportunity to explore study options, apprenticeships, and career pathways. 

The expo also featured a workshop hub and industry presentations, giving attendees valuable insights into future opportunities. The 2025 Expo was a huge success and a powerful reminder of how community partnerships can support and inspire our next generation of workers, learners, and leaders. 

Pictured is Vinah Matiseni, the lucky winner of a boom box speaker from TechStep!  

 

---

Waihi Gold Mine 

As dawn broke, our senior Science ākonga set off on a journey that promised more than just answers. It offered inspiration. Armed with curiosity and a drive to understand how science can shape a better world, they travelled to Waihi to explore the past, present, and future of gold mining in Aotearoa. 

The day began at the Waihi Gold Discovery Centre, where learners interacted with hands-on exhibits that brought New Zealand’s mining history vividly to life. Here, big questions emerged: How do we balance economic progress with environmental responsibility? How can science drive more just and sustainable futures? 

Next, our ākonga stepped into the real world of industry with a guided tour of the Waihi Gold Mine. Standing at the edge of the open pit, they were struck not only by the scale of the operation but also by the effort taken to manage safety and minimise environmental harm. 

At the Process Plant, they saw the chemistry of gold extraction brought vividly to life. They also engaged with a technical slideshow delivered by the site’s metallurgist, who unpacked the chemical processes in ways that directly supported their learning for NCEA Chemistry 3.3 (AS 91389). But this wasn’t just about meeting curriculum standards. It was about seeing how the knowledge they are building today can contribute to a more sustainable tomorrow. 

In the afternoon, the group travelled to the breathtaking Karangahake Gorge to hike the Windows Walk, a trail steeped in natural beauty and mining history. As they explored tunnels carved long ago and stood beside rusted remnants of early industrial machinery, students were reminded of how far we have come and how much potential they hold to shape what comes next. 

Throughout the day, our ākonga embodied the spirit of inquiry, leadership, and hope. They asked bold questions, made meaningful connections, and reflected deeply on the role science plays in building a better future. 

This experience was more than an extension of classroom learning. It was a spark. A reminder that science, when guided by values and vision, is a powerful tool for transformation. And that our rangatahi are more than ready to lead that change. 

Alex Mao Youth Photography awards  

A huge congratulations to two Edgewater College students who achieved top honours at the 2025 Alex Mao Youth Photo Awards. This competition is part of the Auckland Festival of Photography and invites photographers/artists (under 25 years) to enter their best work. 

We are delighted to announce that Isabella Nabouta won first place with her image entitled 'Na Bati Lailai – The Young Warrior'.  Isabella says she was "inspired by Raude by Black Rose, and this image of my little brother Jireh in traditional Fijian warrior wear reflects our people’s strength, sacrifice, journey – themes echoed in the stormy sea and Jireh’s Cakaudrove heritage." The award earned her a $1200 grant from the Alex Mao Foundation as well as a Harvey Norman photography package. 

In another remarkable achievement, Andrei Cruz secured third place with his image ‘SOS’. “I'm passionate about nature photography and my photo was inspired by SZA's album cover "SOS". Her album really helped me get through a rough time in my life." Andrei received a $500 grant from the Alex Mao Foundation and a Harvey Norman photography package. 

Well done to these two incredibly talented artists on their remarkable achievements. 

Jazz Band on show  

What a great way to end term 2!! With Mentor Day interviews underway on the Thursday and Friday, the Edgewater College Jazz Band and talented soloists had the opportunity to perform two concerts at the Uxbridge Theatre, Howick and the Edgewater Retirement Village. These concerts were well received by the public and it was a great opportunity to perform repertoire that the JazzBand will be showcasing at the KBB Festival in week 5.  

Positive feedback was received congratulating the soloists and it was proclaimed the best school to perform at the Uxbridge by some of the audience members. The Edgewater Retirement Village loved the program so much they requested an encore and we did not disappoint. They are most definitely looking forward to the Edgewater Music Department's 'SHINE' concert happening in Week 1, Term 4.   

Thank you Mr. Holmes, Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Arthur for your hard work in setting up these gigs to make it happen." 

John Vasquez  |  Student Representative   

Year 9 Mood lamp project 

Our Year 9 Technology Design students recently illuminated their creativity with an exciting new project: designing and laser-cutting personalized wooden mood lamps! Drawing inspiration from their diverse interests, hobbies, and cultural backgrounds, each student embarked on a unique design journey.  

It was inspiring to see their Māia (courage) as they bravely explored new software like Tinkercad to bring their 3D models to life, and then confidently tackled the laser cutter to precisely cut their intricate designs. Students were genuinely excited to take home their finished lamps, a fantastic display of their new design and fabrication skills. 

Annual Music Tour

At the end of Term 3, the Annual Music Tour will be happening. This is an amazing opportunity for our students to head out of Auckland and take their music on the road. 

This year we are planning on visiting the Bay of Plenty region. We already have a number of schools and retirement centres excited about us coming and performing to them. For many of our students, this is one of the most exciting events of the year but there are always costs involved. We have set up a Give-a-little page to help raise funds for our students so the overall cost of tour can come down. If you have the means to give a few dollars to this worthy cause we would be incredibly grateful. Also feel free to promote this fundraiser with family and friends. 

givealittle.co.nz/cause/help-us-raise-funds-to-get-our-students-to-music

This week at the library we are celebrating the nominees for the NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. The winners will be announced 13th August, so come and check out some of the contenders!  

My Book of the Week is one such prospect: Tui Pea Luva, written by Mele Tonga-Grant.  

This collection of poetry, nominated for the Non-Fiction award, reflects on the author’s relationship with her mother, sisters and aunts while also celebrating her Tongan heritage and how this has shaped her identity.   

The poems are short but punchy and are visually presented in interesting ways which make for a fun read. I particularly enjoyed the continuing themes of mother and sisterhood that flowed through each piece.  

If you would like to read this collection, all our nominees will be on display until Book Week in Week 5.     

Tara Holland | School Librarian