TGS really got into the LGBT+ spirit, with a public celebration of Pride Week. The Peer Sexuality Support Group (PSSP) worked on this project to bring pride to every school day.

A movie night was held, showcasing ‘Pride’, a comedic drama depicting the true story of a group of LGBT+ volunteers who band together to aid the striking coal miners in the UK in the 1980s. Mr Eichblatt, the Teacher in Charge of PSSP and the LGBT+ support group, found this event the most personally fulfilling and successful. He noted that it was “an opportunity to share an important moment in history with young members of the LGBT+ community”.

Richard Hills, the first openly gay Auckland councillor, spoke to a junior assembly about his life as a gay member of the community, and the difficulties of coming out. A bake sale was held to fundraise for Rainbow Youth, a national organisation supporting LGBT+ youth. On Friday, students chalked messages of support in the central courtyard to the soundtrack of gay anthems. It happened to be the same day that North Shore principals were being hosted by TGS principal, Mrs Mary Nixon, and it created quite a splash on a glorious, sunny winter’s day,

This was the first time the school has run a Pride celebration, and Mr Eichblatt was impressed to see that the students were engaged and having fun. “This needs to be more than just a one-off event,” he said. “Every student needs to see that the school is a kind and compassionate place that is open to diversity.” An event like this supports all, but is especially important for the students silently struggling with their sexuality or gender. It is important that they see representation within the school; their teacher wearing a ribbon, or classmates involved in what is still a taboo subject for many. 

By Julia Giurgiu (Year 13 Journalism student)

 

A national champion

Year 13 student, Rina MacDonald, competed in the New Zealand Highland and National Dancing Championships in Christchurch.  She had a fantastic weekend of dancing coming home as the New Zealand Under 18 Champion, after winning six of the ten NZ Championship titles.

Rina puts her heart and soul into perfecting her technique, training with her Auckland teacher, Vicky Maples, and having weekly Skype sessions with her Blenheim teacher, Robyn Simmons. She also travels to Blenheim regularly for lessons.

 

Showing off our city

In the middle of winter, a few weeks back, the students in Year 1 of the International Baccalaureate programme met with visiting students from Japan and introduced them to the Auckland CBD. 

Kiwi English, the organisers of this event, known as Brothers and Sisters Day, provides international students with the chance to sightsee in New Zealand. Our students had the role of being authentic tour guides.  Each student was a leader for two consecutive days.

Once given a map, the tour guides were free to lead the group to some chosen destinations. The main goals were to communicate in English, and foster a cheerful environment so the Japanese students reaped the greatest rewards possible. 

Some of the locations visited included the Sky Tower, Albert Park, Victoria Park, Auckland Art Gallery and Queen Street. Students had to plan routes on their maps according to their list of destinations. 

For many of the teenagers from Japan, it was their first time interacting with Kiwis one-on-one, and there were many selfies taken. At the end of the day, a multitude of contact details were exchanged; many friendships were formed. Jessica Cheung confirmed wholeheartedly: “It was an awesome experience and we made lots of friends who we'll never forget.” Much enthusiasm could be witnessed in the time spent together, and some will only be eager to take this opportunity again.