Aslam Harris (Year 13)Winner: New Zealand's Youngest Super Lightweight Champion (70kg) |
| Recently, Aslam Harris qualified for the New Zealand Amateur Boxing Championship, where he fought for the title in the top Elite Male Lightweight division. Months of intense training, discipline and preparation were behind allowing him to meet some of the strongest young competitors in New Zealand.
The key to success in each fight was the ability to stay focused, determined and resilient; to deliver on the skills and fitness gained in the training camp. Aslam won the championship title by a knockout in the third round. This makes Aslam the 2026 New Zealand Youngest Lightweight Championship (70kg) also ranked 1st in the top five Division. A remarkable achievement. Aslam’s accomplishment would not be possible without putting in those hard days of training, early morning running, tough training camps, and the full support from his trainers, friends and family. Congratulations Aslam. |
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Waitakere Netball Manaakitanga Award
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Congratulations to Lynfield College Premier 1 team, recipient of the West Auckland Secondary Schools Competition Manaakitanga Award 2026. This award recognises a team that truly embodies the spirit of manaakitanga. Respect, Care, encouragement and support for others, both on and off the court. Lynfield College Premier 1 has demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship, positive team culture and respect for opponents, officials and the wider netball community throughout the season. Congratulations to the players coaches and management of Lynfield College Premier 1. You are a fantastic example of what it means to play with mana, heart and respect. |
Outstanding Success at Science Fair
On Friday 28 August, Lynfield College proudly entered nine projects in the Science Fair held at Michael Park School, competing against more than 200 projects from schools across the region. We are delighted to celebrate an outstanding result, with four of our projects receiving awards.
An especially exciting achievement was the nomination of Saira Unni for the prestigious Prime Minister’s Future Scientist Prize, valued at $50,000. We are incredibly proud of Saira and all our Science Fair students for their hard work, curiosity and commitment to scientific inquiry. Congratulations! (The Prime Minister’s Science Prize is announced in mid-November.)
- Saira Unni (Y12): University of Auckland prizewinner (nominated for the Prime Minister Future Scientist Prize)
- Ashna Garg (Y9) and Sana Aravind (Y9): Special Prize and Second Place
- Noureen Fatima (Y10): Third Place
- Aarush Duvvuri (Y11): Special Prize and Highly Commended
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From Lynfield to Melbourne:
Our Lynfield College Indian Dance Crew Journey
Our trip to Melbourne was an amazing experience that we will always remember. We travelled together as the Lynfield College Indian Dance Crew to compete in the Australian High School Dance Competition, and we were incredibly proud to return home with 3rd Place and the Best Choreography Award!
While the competition was the main reason for our trip, it became about so much more than just performing. We got to explore Melbourne together, share plenty of laughs, strengthen our friendships and create memories that will stay with us for years to come. From rehearsing and getting ready together to supporting and encouraging each other on competition day, every moment brought us closer as a team.
A huge thank you to Lynfield College, Mr Chopra and Ms Philip, as well as our parents, supporters and everyone who helped make this trip possible. We truly appreciate the time, effort and support that went into giving our team this incredible opportunity.
We are so grateful that we got to experience this journey together and proud of what we achieved representing Lynfield College in Melbourne. The trophies are something we are proud of, but the friendships, memories and experiences we brought home mean even more. Lynfield College Indian Dance Crew
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Media Studies Screening Night
We hosted a Media Studies Screening Night on Thursday 27 August. it was a very successful event, with 50 students, parents, friends, teachers and other guests, filling the C-Block screening room.
Prize Winners Were:
FIRST | Documentary: “Lenses of Aotearoa” | Ishaan Greenwood, Om Sinhal, Jayden Vishal
SECOND | Music Video: “Sideways” | Aundreah Lakatani, Alana Morgan
SECOND | Documentary: “Still Becoming” | Rocco Maxwell, Charlotte McNaughton
THIRD | Music Video: “Meant to Be” 2 | Ela Egene, Kahaia Huri
THIRD | Documentary: “Take 5" | Nittya Bapat, Breanna Liu-Flowers, Lillias Blakemore
All music videos feature original tracks from past and present Lynfield College students. You can watch other student work on the Lynfield College Media Studies YouTube channel (more student films from 2026 will be added over the coming week).
Thank you to everyone who came and supported the evening and shout out to all the students who worked hard on their Media Studies films this year.
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Western Springs Green Jam
On Monday 24 August, six students from our Sustainability committee attended the Western Springs College annual Green Jam where we learned about other schools' and communities' ways of being sustainable.
The problems with recycling, why it's organised and cleaned, and how it is recycled. In one workshop run by Urban Arc, students tested water and learnt why the pH levels, clarity and oxygen matter in our streams and waters. While at the Western Springs stream, we listened and counted birds to discover if the birdlife is multiplying.
There were a variety of other talks such as Psychology and Emotions around sustainability, smart water, weaving, and crocheting. Towards the end of the experience, we got to share some of our sustainable ideas happening at our other schools in a presentation and have a Q and A session.
Thank you, Western Springs College!
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Lynfield Students Celebrate their Outward Bound Journey
On Tuesday evening 22 August, Outward Bound New Zealand hosted a special dinner at the Akarana Yacht Club. Lynfield College was proudly represented by this year’s participants, Hassan Alizadah (12KHN) and Milla Wild (12PNU).
The evening included inspiring stories from alumni, sponsors. and donors, who shared their experiences and fond memories of attending Outward Bound at Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds. Guests included one of the earliest participants from 1964 and Kathy Nielsen, who was part of the first female intake in 1973, known as the Women’s Brigade.
Since its early years, Outward Bound Anakiwa has welcomed approximately 77,000 participants. The organisation relies on the generosity of sponsors and donors to continue providing these life-changing experiences.
When asked about their favourite parts of the programme, Milla and Hassan highlighted the friendships they formed and have continued to maintain since completing their camp in Term One. They were also proud that their group set a record by walking the 74-kilometre Queen Charlotte Track in just two and a half days.
We encourage students who are ready to test their physical and emotional limits, step outside their comfort zones, and grow into stronger and more confident young people to apply for the next Outward Bound intake.
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2OED Assessment Hikoi at Whatipu
Last week ākonga in 2OED completed their Outdoor Education assessment hīkoi from Mt Donald McLean down to Whatipu. Groups walked on Tuesday 25 and Friday 28 August through Te Wao Nui a Tiriwa / the Waitākere Ranges, with strong views to the coast and time in the caves at the end.
This is Hinengaro wawata in action. Students had to read the whenua, track their route, watch the weather as it changed, and think critically about gear, timing and group movement. They stayed curious about the place they were walking through and ambitious about getting the mahi done well.
Ngā mihi nui to the kaiako who supported both days and to the students who contributed positively to their groups.
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YouTube Channel Launched for Interviewing Politicians
Year 11 student Rais Teuboh has created the YouTube channel 'Sixteen & Speaking' with fellow Lynfield students Srinath Bhai and Ilan Kizhakke Valappil. |
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The channel is a youth-led interview series in which the three sit down with New Zealand politicians and public figures to have honest conversations about politics, society and the issues affecting their generation. Their debut episode features an interview with Mt Roskill MP Carlos Cheung, which you can watch here. Rais and the team are already in discussions with upcoming politicians in Auckland such as Michael Wood, Paulo Garcia and Carmel Sepuloni for upcoming episodes. Sixteen & Speaking is a subscriber-based YouTube channel. |
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Assessment and Exam Integrity
Academic integrity is a core value at Lynfield College, and we would appreciate your help to reinforce its importance with your child.
What you should know about our Assessment Practices
Our school takes student authenticity seriously. This is not only important for earning credits honestly, but it also ensures that qualifications truly reflect what your student has learned. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) requires us to verify that all student work is genuine and completed by the student themselves.
How we Verify Authentic Work
Throughout the year, students receive clear guidelines about assessment expectations through our Student Assessment Guides, which are shared and explained during our Hui mai sessions at the start of the year. Subject teachers also reinforce assessment rules for each assessment. For internal assessments, subject teachers carefully monitor student progress by: - Having students complete work on teacher-created documents (usually in Google Classroom)
- Setting regular checkpoints to track development
- Reviewing the history of student work to ensure authenticity
- Requiring consistent class attendance
This monitoring process helps us support your child while maintaining academic integrity.
Exam Rules: What Your Student Needs to Know
In Term 3 Weeks 8 and 9, most Year 11-13 students will sit derived grade exams.NZQA has specific rules that students must follow:
STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO:
- Communicate with other students or people during the exam
- Have mobile phones or devices on their person (all devices must be switched off)
- No watches
- No earbuds or headphones(unless required for a listening exam)
- Bring notes or handouts into the exam room
- Open tabs outside the exam site during digital exams
- Use tools like Grammarly during digital exams
How you can help
We ask that you support your child by:
- Reminding them about assessment and exam procedures
- Encouraging them to attend all classes and meet checkpoint deadlines
- Discussing the importance of honest, independent work
- Ensuring they understand that following these rules helps them succeed
Thank you
Puketāpapa Youth Foundation Summit 2026
On Friday 21 August, approximately 120 students from Lynfield College and Mt Roskill Grammar School came together for the Puketāpapa Youth Summit, organised by the Puketāpapa Youth Foundation.
The summit provided a space for young people to connect, collaborate and share their ideas about how we can improve our local community. Through a range of activities and discussions, students explored issues that matter to young people and worked together to develop ideas for positive change.
It was an amazing day filled with meaningful conversations, teamwork and youth-led ideas. The summit highlighted the importance of giving young people a voice and creating opportunities for them to play an active role in shaping the future of Puketāpapa.
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Lynfield’s Second Successful Clothing Swap
On Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 August, Lynfield College hosted its second Clothing Swap during lunchtime. Students and staff generously brought in unwanted clothes to donate, helping give pre-loved garments a second life rather than sending them to landfill.
Everyone was welcome to come and choose a garment or two, even if they had not donated anything themselves. Students enthusiastically came and looked, with some even trying before heading off with their new clothes.
It was fantastic to see so many students getting into the spirit of clothing swapping and recognising that unwanted clothes can still be useful to someone else. By swapping and reusing, we can help reduce waste and give clothing a new life.
A big thank you to everyone who donated and supported the event. We look forward to hosting another Clothing Swap next year!
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Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga
Tonga Language Week | Sunday 16 to 22 August 2026
Mālō e lelei
In Week 5 we celebrated Tongan language week by sharing Tongan greetings, cultural performances by Apisai Finefeuiaki and Litia Tufunga and learning talamu (Tongan card game). Our theme for the week was 'Ko 'etau hiva, ko e fe'unu mahu'inga ia ki he mo'ui 'a e Tonga' which means our music is a vital strand to our Tongan culture. The week was a great learning opportunity for all! |
Year 11 Students Visit Waipapa Taumata Rau: Auckland University
| Last week, a small group of Year 11 students visited Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland, for the day. The visit began with a pōwhiri at the university marae, followed by icebreaker activities with students from other secondary schools. This provided students an opportunity to meet new people and connect with them throughout the day’s workshops.
Students took part in a campus tour, which included visiting some of the halls of residence and learning what it is like to live on campus. They were also treated to lunch and enjoyed the wide variety of food available in the residents’ dining hall. |
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| Another highlight was visiting the state-of-the-art sports centre. Its courts use laser lighting to display different boundary lines depending on the sport being played. Students also met university staff who explained the enrolment process, the support available to students, and the different study pathways they could pursue.
The visit introduced our students to the many possibilities available if they choose to continue their education at the University of Auckland after completing secondary school. |
Leadership Diversity Day at Unitec
| On Thursday 13 August, the Year 12 Executives were not at school! We didn’t decide to be truant — we were invited to a leadership diversity day held by the Religious Diversity Centre Aotearoa at Unitec.
Individuals from various backgrounds came together to share their beliefs and ideologies on fostering healthy communities and protecting our environment. We were reminded of something important: It’s our responsibility to take action to look after each other and our surroundings. To get involved and to use our voices to make a difference! Small actions matter. |
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| This day made us more appreciative of the diversity we have in our community and made us feel empowered to see people our age stand and proudly share their values. We are so grateful to have been given this opportunity!
Adi Parab took the opportunity to speak on behalf of all attendees to thank the organisers and presenters. |
KBB Festival Week
In its 43rd year the KBB Music Festival is a celebration of music from over 5000 students in 166 groups that runs from 10 to 15 August 2026.
Our wonderful Music Department and our very talented students competed across three sections - the 'Chamber Orchestra', 'Concert Band' and 'Big Band', at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell. All three groups put in a huge amount of effort in the lead up to the competition. All three groups performed exceptionally well. A special mention goes to the teachers in charge: Mr Sue (Chamber Orchestra) Mr Isdale (Big Band) and Mr McLarin (Concert Band).
Congratulations to Doris Tan (flute) and Ellice Hii (Cello) who were selected to perform in the Honours Symphony Orchestra. This concert is on Friday night at the Holy Trinity Cathedral, and entry is free.
Big Band
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Concert Band
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Chamber Orchestra
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Auckland Secondary Schools Jazz Competition 2026
| The Auckland Secondary Schools Jazz Competition 2026, hosted by the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club, this competition featured youth big bands and jazz ensembles across four rounds of heats and a final. Taking out a Platinum award, the Moa Combo comprised of Ashton Silveira (Sax), Theo Jackson (Piano), Harry Baker (Drums), James Gallagher (Guitar) and Minh Phan (Bass) earned a spot as one of the top four Combos in the competition. The overall level of musicianship and talent was spectacular, and while the group missed out on the top spot, special mention goes to Ashton Silveira who was awarded one of the three Best Soloist awards. A huge achievement from from the group, and their tutor Mr Charlie Isdale. The August 1 and August 2 heats were streamed live online via the Auckland Jazz and Blues Club Facebook Page Also competing at the festival were the Lynfield College Big Band which came away with Gold, as well as the Whēkau Combo, Huia Combo, and Pouākai Combo, which all earned Silver awards. A massive CONGRATULATIONS to all the students involved. |
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Thai Teachers and International Students Enjoyed their Visit
"We had such a wonderful time at our Summer Camp in New Zealand!
During our stay from 18 July to 8th August, our students attended classes at Lynfield College, learning alongside new teachers, making new friends, and experiencing a different learning environment.
Living with host families also gave them the chance to experience everyday Kiwi life, practise their English, and learn more about New Zealand culture. Beyond the classroom, we explored Auckland, Rotorua, Lake Taupō, Huka Falls, Agrodome, Hobbiton, and more! From skiing and hiking to outdoor adventures, our students challenged themselves, gained confidence, and created unforgettable memories.”
Kong Saendee and Aim Siripongwatana (Teachers), Satit Prasarnmit International Programme.
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Maths Week 2026
This year is the 20th anniversary of Maths Week from Monday 10 August to Friday 14 August. Sponsored by the Ministry of Education and New Zealand Association of Mathematics Teachers (NZAMT) it offers curriculum-aligned math resources, online games, and daily challenges for Years 1–11 students and teachers. Participants can access materials and sign up via the Maths Week website.
Maths Week is free, and is available on-line to teachers, home educators, students and anyone else.
Maths Week was established by the New Zealand Association of Mathematics Teachers in 1998. It is a premier event in the school calendar. Recently, it has gained the attention of about 280,000 students, teachers and home educators, and others each year in the last few years.
Activities and Structure
- Daily and Super Challenges: Monday to Thursday features daily math problems where the answer is a number, culminating in a Friday Super Challenge submission.
- Classroom Resources: Includes quizzes, practical challenge cards, financial capability modules, and treasure hunts.
- At-Home Math Talk: Promotes everyday family math engagement in the kitchen, at the supermarket, or during board game nights.