What a privilege to take our students on a life-changing musical journey through the streets of Paris and beyond the barricade!
Putting on such a well-loved and famous musical brings with it all sorts of expectations and logistical and creative challenges. With over 50 students in the cast, 25 in the orchestra, 10 in the stage and tech crew, and 20 staff members, nothing was ever going to be straightforward.
The epic project of staging Les Misérables - School Edition was the focus of our every waking moment from the end of Term 4, 2024, when the cast members were auditioned and the orchestra selected, to the end of Term 1, 2025, when we packed out the school auditorium. It is one of our most complex and detailed productions we’ve done to date, with countless hours spent on cast and orchestra rehearsals, building bridges and sewers, painting shutters and cobbles, collecting and creating props, sourcing and creating costumes, rigging additional lights, placing countless microphones, putting up posters, pushing ticket sales, and tending to the thousands of details large and small to ensure the production ran smoothly and was of the highest possible standard.
We could not have been more proud of the end product - a sold out season with rave reviews, incredible moments on stage and off, and life-long friendships formed.
Visit our Facebook Page - Performing Arts at Rangitoto College - to see many more photos.
Here’s a sample of the feedback we received from happy patrons.
“Congratulations on the superb season of Les Mis School Edition! What a phenomenal show! Hard to believe you have brought this to life in such a short time. All credit to every single one who contributed to this. It was an absolute delight to watch!”
“The whole show was incredibly professional on all levels. The staging, orchestra, sound, acting, and singing were of such a high standard. Thank you for a wonderful production.”
“What an emotional opening night! We were absolutely blown away by the sheer talent of this super hardworking cast, crew, and orchestra. Well worthy of the standing ovation!”
“That was the best show I have ever seen, and I have been to Broadway and the West End. Unbelievable. What talent! Congratulations guys!”
“I saw this afternoon's show. Absolutely loved it! The talent in such a young cast was impressive, the ensemble singing rousing, the solos very moving, great acting, and the orchestra fantastic! Well done, Rangitoto College!”
“Absolutely stunning. Pity you can’t take this on tour. So professional.”
Final seconds amount to lasting glory: Rangitoto’s epic rise to NZSS champions.
In a season filled with highs and lows, the Rangitoto College Premier Boys Water Polo team saved their best for last at the 2025 New Zealand Secondary Schools Division 1 Championship to clinch the title in dramatic fashion.
Despite finishing 4th in both the College Sport Auckland league and the North Island Championships, the boys continued to train hard and never lost faith in their potential. With eight Year 13s in the team and two Rangitoto alumni as their coaches, the motivation to succeed was high.
The tournament saw Rangitoto face off against some of the country’s toughest competition. They defeated 2024 champions Tauranga Boys’ College and showed their grit and cohesion that has been building throughout the year. That win set the stage for a high-pressure semifinal against a powerful Hamilton Boys' side.
Rangitoto came out firing in the semifinal, establishing a strong early lead. But Hamilton, known for their intensity, clawed back into the game. With nerves of steel, Rangitoto held firm in the dying minutes, edging out a 13–12 victory to book their place in the final.
The final against Westlake Boys delivered everything a water polo fan could ask for—fast-paced action, fierce rivalry, and a finish worthy of a championship. Rangitoto stunned Westlake early, racing to a fast lead with a string of spectacular goals from multiple players. But Westlake wasn’t going to roll over. They fought back, and soon the game became a tense, goal-for-goal showdown.
With just 30 seconds left on the clock, Rangitoto trailed by one. The team surged up the pool, launched a well-executed attack, and delivered a precision pass into the post for the goal to tie the game and send it into a penalty shootout.
What followed was pure composure. Rangitoto slotted all five of their penalties with confidence and accuracy, sealing their victory and claiming the NZSS Championship title. High praise and thanks go to Jake Lockwood and Matthew Morris for the knowledge, time and passion they put into this team to deliver this spectacular season ending.
Walking through history: a Classics trip across Italy and Greece
“In April, we had the privilege of going to Italy and Greece with a group of our fellow year 12 and 13 Classics students. Accompanied by four of our wonderful teachers, we spent six days in Rome, taking day trips to Florence and the Vatican City. We enjoyed a beautiful coach ride through Italy, stopping in Naples, and then continuing to Sorrento, where we visited Capri. Finally, we flew to Athens, where we took day trips to Mycenae and Delphi. The trip allowed us to deepen our understanding of artworks and monuments that we have studied throughout our time studying Classics. Some notable experiences were seeing the Colosseum, the Parthenon, and the archaeological site of Pompeii. All of these were incredible opportunities for Classics students, as we got to experience and see amazing structures that have been around for centuries, and stand in the very places where history was made. For some students, this was their first time overseas, but the teachers made sure we were all supported in our adventures. The trip was an amazing way for all the students and teachers to get closer and make unforgettable memories together. It was truly an amazing experience.” - Eloise, Vanna, Emma, Elia, and Gus.
Celebrating international success in Science and Mathematics
We are thrilled to congratulate Cael Sia and Edward Xiao on their outstanding achievements in being selected to represent New Zealand on the world stage.
Cael will be competing at the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) in Dubai this June, as one of just four students chosen nationwide. After competing three times last year, his perseverance and dedication have earned him a place at this prestigious global event.
Edward has been selected for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) in Melbourne this July, joining a team of six top students from across the country. Following a rigorous selection process involving nine exams, Edward has made history as the first student from Rangitoto College to be named to the final IMO team.
We are immensely proud of both Cael and Edward for their exceptional accomplishments and for representing Aotearoa at the highest level. We look forward to celebrating their continued success on the international stage.
