Notices

Junior Mid-Year Reports and Interviews

Junior mid-year reports will be available online at the KAMAR Parent Web Portal https://portal.takapuna.school.nz/student/index.php from 3.00pm, Wednesday, 14 August. The reports provide current feedback on your student’s academic progress and their effort and engagement in the classroom. You will need to log in to the KAMAR Web Portal with the username...

Mindful Parenting Evening with Shirley Pastiroff - Tuesday 17th September

Time: 6.30pm Venue: Takapuna Grammar School Library Shirley is a counsellor, mother of 5 and one of New Zealand’s leading mindful parenting experts. She trained at the University of Auckland and now works at Renew Your Mind, where she specialises in stress-reduction and research-based mindfulness training. She has worked with clients as diverse as ANZ Bank and Air New Zealand,...

TGS Fashion Show 2019

"The Show must go on” is a kaleidoscope of colour, performance, dance and of course Fashion…. Showcasing a mix of local designers and high quality student work. Work will also be shown from Saint Kentigern’s College. This is a professional production with previous reviews stating that “it is as good as any show at Fashion Week” All proceeds...

Success at Dance NZ Made competition

Yesterday our two dance companies were at the Bruce Mason Theatre all day with the Dance NZ Made competition. The day was made up of workshops, rehearsals and an evening show. They did TGS so proud with their attitude and effort all day particularly in the workshops where they were models of outstanding commitment and energy, Lucy Thorne, in particular, was singled out in front of 150...

Student Art Council Poetry and Songwriting Evening

The Student Art Council held the inaugural Poetry and Songwriting evening. It was a wonderful occasion, set with candles, fairy lights plush beanbags and cookies. Eleven students participated and Bijou (who many of you will remember - class of 2017?) was the celebrity judge. The words and lyrics explored ideas that included, 'the way a person belongs to themselves', ' how reading can...

TGS Concert Band gets Silver!

Congratulations to our TGS Concert Band who received SILVER today at this weekend's 'National Concert Band Association Festival' held at Diocesan School For Girls and competed against other school and community concert bands from all over NZ. Our Concert Band is directed by Mr Andrew Uren and joined this year by Mr Robert Dil. In addition to today's success the TGS Concert Band...

TGS wins Maatangi Whenua Geography Quiz

This week two teams from Takapuna Grammar participated in the North Shore round of New Zealand Board of Geography Teachers Year 11 quiz called Maatangi Whenua. This quiz is nationwide and schools around the country will all be participating in regional rounds to then determine the best Year 11 Geographers in NZ. Our 2 teams competed with 11 other North Shore teams...

School Ball 2019 Photos

Another fantastic evening was held at the Ellerslie Convention Centre on Saturday night for the 2019 Senior School Ball. This years theme was a "Masked in Mystery" Masquerade Ball. The students were very well behaved and by the look of these photo's were having a 'ball' all night... To view more photo's of the event please click here.

Entrepreneurs in Action - Young Enterprise Scheme

On Thursday 27th of June, two of our Level 3 business students, Isabella Bouwer and Abby Harris headed to Wellington to compete in the Entrepreneurs in Action (EIA) Weekend, run by the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES). Isabella and Abby were two of the 80 students selected to attend, with over 4200 students in the YES program this year. This puts them in the top 2% of business students in New...

Massey University Molecular Day

Last week we had 22 enthusiastic, year 12 and year 13 Biology students attended the Massey Molecular day at Massey University. These students were joined by students from Westlake Boys High School and Rodney College. This was an excellent opportunity to experience the techniques involved in DNA Technology. Students were taught how to use pipettes as they would be drawing up small volumes...

'From The Peninsula 2019' showcase of student art work

From The Peninsula 2019 at the Lake House Arts Centre will showcase the art work of 10 schools from the Devonport Peninsula from year 1 to year 13. The participating schools are: Takapuna Grammar • Belmont Intermediate • Devonport Primary • Belmont Primary • Vauxhall Primary • Hauraki School • Wilson School • Bayswater School • Stanley Bay...

Massey University STEM Day

Every year, Massey University graciously opens its doors to high school students from all over the North Shore to spend a day on its campus. This year, eleven Takapuna Grammar School students were given a taste of different lectures at Massey University’s STEM day. Engineering and Ecology are just two of the many subjects that were made available. The interesting presentations and...

Newly appointed school Board of Trustees elected

Dear Parents and Caregivers of Takapuna Grammar School, We are excited to announce that we have a newly appointed school Board of Trustees, who were welcomed in by the Principal and outgoing Chair last week. At this meeting a new Chair and Deputy Chair were also elected. Your Board Representatives are; Mary Nixon, PrincipalPenny Harrison,...

We're off to The Big Sing National Finale!

Congratulations to the Takapuna Grammar School Chorale, and to Leonessa, who have been selected to compete at The Big Sing National Finale held in Dunedin from 29-31 August. For the first time, two Takapuna Grammar School choirs have been selected to compete at this prestigious competition. Only 24 choirs across New Zealand are selected for the National...

TGS Music Department shines at The Big Sing

Earlier this week the four Takapuna Grammar School choirs ventured over the bridge to compete at the annual Big Sing competition. The Auckland’s festival is held at the Auckland Town Hall and showcases over 77 choirs participating each year. The TakaCrooners (junior girls choir), Sultans of Sing (all comers boys choir), Leonessa (auditioned girls choir), and Takapuna Grammar School...

"Ignite" Devonport-Takapuna Kāhui Ako Conference another Success

Takapuna Grammar School recently hosted the second Community of Learning conference for 260 teachers and staff from our seven schools on the peninsular. Te Poho Hall and the beautiful new classrooms located in the northern wing of the Main Block was the venue and we had 260 teachers and staff from our seven schools attending. Our keynote speaker was Mr Welby Ings who spoke about creativity and...

IB Alumni interview with Ella McLeod

We catch up with former TGS student Ella McLeod for a chat and ask her how committing to our IB programme has made a huge difference in her life since starting her tertiary studies... What are you studying, where? Since the start of 2018 I have been studying at the University of Victoria in Wellington and am currently in my second year of completing a Bachelor of Laws....

TGS hosts Google Earth Geography Teachers Course

On Friday 14th June Takapuna Grammar School in partnership with Google Earth Education hosted 20 Geography teachers from around New Zealand for a workshop on the most engaging ways to use the Google Geo Tools in class. The Presenters on the day were Mr Steve Smith from TGS and Dr John Bailey, Program Manager for Google Earth Education from San Francisco. Steve is a member of the Google...

TGS Shave for a Cure fundraising team raises $14,000!

On Friday the 7th of June twenty students and staff were cheered on by a supportive audience as they lost their hair for Leukemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand. Shave For a Cure has become a staple of the school calendar and this years event was an incredible success. Between the 20 shavee's - from all years - the school raised a total of $14,000. This astounding amount...

Rowan Nicks block reopens as new Mathematics Faculty

On Thursday the 30th May we unveiled the latest upgrade to our building improvements, the Rowan Nicks block where the Mathematics Faculty will be located. The newly renovated area includes 10 totally refurbished heated classrooms, staff office area, kitchen room, beautifully finished carpeted hallways with glass window dividers, while making great use of the natural light, established tropical...

Senior Speech Competition Results

Our annual TGS Senior Speech final was well received by a very supportive Year 12 and Year 13 audience last Friday, 24th of May. It was a delight to see the passion and concern our students have about the issues that face young people and the wider world today. Choice of topics varied from the climate crisis, the anti-vaccination debate and the importance of a growth mindset. Maddie...

Latest Update from the PPTA on planned Strike Dates

Dear Parents / Caregivers, Monday, 24 June - PPTA Union Meeting Part of the ratification process involves the PPTA holding union meetings with its members. Takapuna Grammar School has been advised by the PPTA that there will be a meeting on Monday, 24 June at 1.30pm. We anticipate that all Year 9 and Year 10 students will remain at school. Year 11, 12 and 13 students will be sent home...

Host Families needed for International Students

We are looking for kind and caring host families, who live in the Devonport to Takapuna areas, for a number of International students in late 2019. For further information, please contact Carla Hemopo, Community & Communications Manager International: Email: [email protected]  Ph 09 489 4167, ext 9256 

Term 2 Letter from the Principal

I trust everyone had a lovely holiday break. We have been very busy over the past few weeks. A lot of initiatives are now established to ensure we further develop our themes of pride and purpose. Academic progress continues to be celebrated regularly as this is our core business. An Achievers’ Breakfast was held just before the break to honour Year 13 students striving for their personal...

Out of Zone Ballot Entries for 2020

Distinguished Alumni Sir Stephen Tindall talks to Senior School

Takapuna Grammar students were privileged to have Sir Stephen Tindall visit the school on Wednesday 22nd May. As an ex-pupil of the school himself, Sir Stephen was enthusiastic about seeing building advancements, meeting students and returning where he grew up. He spoke to year 12 and 13 students in the afternoon about a variety of topics; including his memories of the school, his current...

Battle of the Schools

The Battle of the School’ and fair is an annual event and is hosted by  Belmont Primary School. It involves each of the primary schools  on the Devonport Peninsula putting together a few teams of year 6 students to compete in a series of physical challenges. This year, several IB students from Takapuna Grammar School volunteered to help with the set-up and running of...

TGS Haka Challenge 2019

The annual TGS Haka challenge was held recently as part of our House competition. Judges Mrs Mary Nixon, Mr Glen Denham and Mr William Catterall were treated to six rousing renditions of the Takapuna Grammar School haka Te Karanga Pakanga. Judges commented on the mana which all the students showed during their performances. Placings were as follows: 1st - Kaha 2nd - Wehi...

Special Education Field Trip - Trees for Survival Planting Day

Trees for Survival are a charitable trust which promotes the growing and planting of native trees to help control soil erosion. By encouraging organisations to sponsor and support school students in tending tree seedlings and planting them out on eroding land, the programme brings communities together to protect New Zealand's soil and water resources. Rotary provides support to the...

"Ignite" Devonport-Takapuna Kāhui Ako Conference - Friday 31 May

Our 2nd annual Devonport-Takapuna Kāhui Ako Conference is happening on Friday 31st May in Te Poho School Hall here at Takapuna Grammar School. The conference is an opportunity for teachers to connect and collaborate within our Community of Learners. The theme for 2019 is IGNITE, igniting passion and creativity through a selection of innovative workshops presented by teachers and community...

Top Scholars honoured at Parliament with Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern

The success of the highest-achieving New Zealand Scholarship students was celebrated at the annual Top Scholar Awards Ceremony hosted at Parliament on 1 May 2019. The Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern was present to acknowledge the success of the students. Takapuna Grammar School students Alex Davey (Classical Studies) and Amanda Sim (Accounting) were recognised as Top Subject Scholarship Award...

Dance Evening 2019: 'A Little Party' - Tuesday 18th June

The Year 13 Dance class and Dance Leaders are putting together another fantastic show for 2019! Takapuna Grammar Dance Department has a long history of presenting exciting and vibrant Dance Evenings at the Bruce Mason Theatre. Our Year 13 Dance class this year has been inspired by the Roaring 20's and The Great Gatsby to bring you 'A Little Party' in 2019. For one spectacular night only at...

Year 12 International Baccalaureate Camp

Term Two began with an exciting three-day retreat to Eastern Beach for Year 12 International Baccalaureate students. The camp was, primarily, a workshop focusing on the main aspects of the IB programme. However, the group of thirty also had the chance to strengthen social ties that will form the basis of their final years at TGS. Engaging in team-based activities that ranged from meditation to...

Tech Ninjas learning new tricks in the classroom

On Thursday the 9th of May our Year 9 students attended the TGS Tech Ninjas Training Camp that was held across various modern learning spaces recently opened inside the main block. Guest speaker Ben Liebert, an alumnus of TGS who is the founder of Blackball Software, started the day with an exciting presentation. He explained the importance of developing digital and computational thinking...

Year 13 Personal Excellence Presentations

On the 11th of April we celebrated our Y13 students who have demonstrated strength in the following Key Competencies; Managing Self and Participating and Contributing. According to the New Zealand Curriculum, the Key Competency of Managing Self recognises the need for young people to master strategies and methods to organise the myriad of tasks and challenges that come their way every day....

Tech Ninjas Training Camp - Thursday 9th May

What is Tech Ninjas Training Camp? On Thursday 9th of May, our Year 9 students will be taking part in Tech Ninjas Training Camp, a day of learning about digital tools and how they can used to improve student/teacher interaction in our classrooms. Instead of timetabled classes, students will attend six different sessions in allocated areas to learn about key digital tools that will...

Ad Augusta News - Term 1

To read about everything that's been happening in our busy Term 1 so far this year, click here to view our latest News. Or click here to view our Newsletter Archives. 

House Chalk Drawing Competition

The inaugural house chalk-drawing competition was held on Friday 12th April the last day of term 1. Each house was asked to nominate 8 artists and they were given a box of chalk, in their house colour. The house artists had to create an image which represented the spirit of their house's meaning. The winners were Wana and Mana, first equal, with Wehi third. Thanks to Mr Potter and...

Business is booming on TGS Market Day

On Wednesday 10 April, TGS Business and Enterprise Department had their annual market day held in Te Poho during lunch. The hall was packed with students and staff racing around grabbing themselves new, innovative, and quality bargains! There were stalls from Year 10 Social Studies classes, Level 1 Business Studies and Year 13 ‘YES’ companies. This was a great opportunity for the...

Photolife - Online Ordering of Photos

Takapuna Grammar School individual and form class photographs are now available for you to view and order online with PhotoLife Studios. Your son or daughter has been given a slip to bring home with their unique Photo Access Key or code detailed on it. This code will display all the photographs of your child. It is then an easy process for you to shop on-line and purchase the photographs...