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Uike Kātoanga’i ‘o e lea faka-Tonga
Tonga Language Week | Sunday 16 to 22 August 2026
Tongan Language Week (Uike Kātoanga'i 'o e lea faka-Tonga) celebrates and honors the Tongan language, heritage, identity, and traditions of the 97,824 people of Tongan heritage who live in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The official theme for 2026 is “Ko 'etau hiva, ko e fe'unu mahu'inga ia ki he mo'ui 'a e Tonga” - Our music is a vital strand of our Tongan culture.
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.
This week our Chamber Orchestra, Concert Band and Big Band are competing the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell. All three groups have put in a huge amount of effort in the lead up to the competition, and special mention goes to the teachers in charge: Mr Sue (Chamber Orchestra) Mr Isdale (Big Band) and Mr McLarin (Concert Band). All three groups performed exceptionally well.
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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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 Also competing at the festival were the 黑料大事记 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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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 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.