In today’s newsletter we have the following:
Senior Leadership Team
Principal News
Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou katoa,
As we reach the end of Week 9, there is no denying that this has been a long and demanding term. I know many in our community, both students and families, are feeling the winter fatigue and finding things a bit challenging right now.
In our recent assembly, I shared a reflection with our tauira (students): “Unfortunately, we cannot always dictate when things get easier, but when things do get hard, that is exactly when we need to dig deep and continue to live up to the values that define us”.
Seeing our students face these weeks with resilience has been incredibly heartening.
Celebrating Sporting Success & School Spirit
Despite the long term, our school spirit has been shining brightly. The past month has been packed with Central Zone sports competitions. A massive shoutout goes to our Year 8 Boys Football team, who achieved a phenomenal runner-up finish in the Auckland Championships!
Today, that energy continued with our annual ANI School Cross Country. It was an absolute celebration of physical activity, connection, and fun. A huge thank you to Xavier Rice and the rest of our kaiako (teachers) for putting together such an amazing event. Congratulations to every single student who pushed themselves to get around the courses today they were certainly not easy, and your effort was outstanding!
Looking Ahead: New Reports & Matariki
We have some wonderful events and milestones to look forward to as we wrap up the term:
- Mid-Year Reports (Published Monday 29 June): It has been exciting to see the outcomes of our new reporting structure. I am incredibly proud of the immense mahi (work) our kaiako have put into bringing these reports to life. As parents, I know you will see the deep care, effort, and detail packed into them. They are designed to truly help you and your whānau support your child’s learning journey.
- Matariki Morning Service (Wednesday 1 July): Please join us as we celebrate Matariki together. We have some beautiful native trees ready to be planted, and our famous kūmara soup will be hot and ready. We would love for you to come in, connect, and share some kai with our school whānau.
A Final Note of Thanks
As we look toward the finish line of Term 2, I want to extend a massive Ngā mihi nui to all of our parents and caregivers. Thank you for your unwavering support in helping our tauira navigate this term. Day by day, I continue to see the Rangatiratanga (leadership and self-determination) of our students grow and develop, and that is something we can all be proud of.
Kia kaha, stay warm, and let’s finish the term strong.
Ngā mihi nui,
Jason Pocock
Principal, Auckland Normal Intermediate
Deputy Principal News
A Reflection on Rangatiratanga and the Power of Being Present
Kia ora e te whānau,
As we pass the midpoint of Term 2, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the growth of our learners. This week, Mr Pocock and I had the privilege of teaching the final Learn 2 Live (L2L) lesson for the term, focusing on our core Āhua value: Rangatiratanga.
In our sessions, we challenged our young people to look at what leadership means for them right now. For our Year 7 learners, this means showing agency, taking ownership of decision-making, and actively walking towards opportunities to lead and grow. For our Year 8 learners, it is about being an upstander who lives our school values, demonstrating resilience and perseverance, and practising being a strong communicator.
True leadership and self-determination start with the daily habits that set us up for success. To lead ourselves well, we must be present.
The Attendance Picture & Punctuality
Currently, our school attendance rate sits at 83.3%. While we see so much fantastic mahi happening daily, we want to work together to push this number higher. Every single day in the classroom builds momentum, deepens connections, and lifts achievement.
An essential part of Rangatiratanga is punctuality. Arriving on time ensures our learners don’t miss vital morning notices, connections with peers, and the framing of the day’s learning. To support this, we will be increasing our tracking and communications with whānau regarding student punctuality on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: Students need to be in class by 8:45 AM. Arriving anytime after this up and until 1 hour after the bell (8:45 AM–9:45 AM) will be recorded as late (L).
- Wednesday Late Start: School begins later on Wednesdays, with students expected in class by 9:00 AM.
- Sign-ins: Please ensure your teenager informs their teacher immediately if they arrive late.
A Quick Guide for Absences & Appointments
When notifying the school about an absence, please be as specific as possible. Providing vague details like “Family” makes official ministry coding difficult and may result in an unjustified code.
If you must book an appointment during school hours, please factor in travel time:
- Under 2 Hours: Medical appointments lasting under two hours allow students to return quickly without major disruption.
- Over 2 Hours: Medical appointments longer than two hours are coded as M (Medical). Non-medical appointments extending past two hours must be coded as E (Explained/Unjustified).
Let’s work in partnership to foster strong habits of reliability, leadership, and pride. We encourage you to have a kōrero at home tonight about the morning routine. Let’s aim to have every learner through the gates and ready to focus well before the morning bell rings.
Thank you for your ongoing support in upholding our community’s high expectations.
Ngā mihi nui,
Dillon Rungan
Deputy Principal
Reminder: ICAS Exams
A reminder that registrations for this year’s ICAS exams close on Monday, 27 July at 11.59 pm. These optional assessments are a great opportunity for students to challenge themselves in areas such as English, Maths, Science, Writing and Digital Technologies.
For more information about the exams or how to register, please refer to this letter that was sent out earlier this term.
Mid-Year Reports – Coming Soon in Hero
As we approach the end of Term 2, we’d like to give you a heads-up that mid-year reports will be going live in Hero during the final week of term.
This year, our reports have been updated to align with the new guidance released by the Ministry of Education this year. Please see this information sheet about our new reporting format for further information about the changes.
We look forward to sharing these insights with you and celebrating your child’s progress so far this year.
Student-Led Conferences – Week 1, Term 3
Our student-led conferences will be held on Wednesday of Week 1, Term 3. Bookings will open once mid-year reports are live in Hero at the end of this term.
Student-led conferences are a valuable opportunity for students to share their learning journey, reflect on progress, and set goals alongside their teacher and whānau. To support this important process, school will be closed for instruction on this day, allowing time for every learner to engage in a conference with their whānau and teacher.
As with our previous conferences, they will be supported by our He Waka Eke Noa journals, with some whānau homework to be completed ahead of the conference itself. This is designed to be completed together with your child and will help them prepare for the conference by reflecting on their learning and starting to form a meaningful goal to bring to the discussion. This homework task will come home with your young person in week 11.
If you are unable to attend on the scheduled day, please get in touch with your child’s teacher to arrange an alternative time.
We really value your participation and look forward to these rich learning conversations early next term.
Ashley Triana
Deputy Principal – Curriculum
News from our Deans
Navigating the Digital World Together
As we dive deeper into the term, it is fantastic to see our students utilizing their devices to collaborate, research, and push the boundaries of their learning. Laptops and tablets are incredible tools that unlock a world of possibilities, but navigating the digital space requires a specific set of skills—what we call responsible digital citizenship.
Just like learning to cross a busy road, mastering the digital world takes practice, awareness, and a few good habits. At the intermediate age, students are gaining more independence online, and we want to ensure they are equipped to protect both their hardware and their digital footprint.
Tips for Device Care & Safety
- The “Lid Down, Lock Down” Rule: Students should get into the habit of closing their laptop lids when moving away from their desks. Ensuring devices are set to automatically lock upon closing prevents unauthorised access to their personal work and accounts.
- Never Leave Devices Unsupervised: A laptop left on a bench or on a field is a vulnerability. We are encouraging students to always secure their devices in their bags or designated classroom spaces when not in use.
- Password Power: “123456” or their pet’s name won’t cut it anymore! Encourage your young person to create strong, memorable passphrases (e.g., CorrectHorseBatteryStaple!) and to never share them with friends.
Intermediate Advice for Kiwi Homes
Navigating the digital landscape with 12 and 13-year-olds can feel like uncharted territory. Here is some practical advice for managing technology at home in New Zealand:
- The “Public Spaces” Policy: Keep device use confined to family areas like the lounge or kitchen. It’s not about a lack of trust; it’s about creating an environment where making good choices online is easy.
- Keep Up with Netsafe: The digital landscape changes fast. Netsafe NZ is an incredible, free resource for Kiwi parents, offering up-to-date advice on latest apps, gaming safety, and how to handle online bullying.
- The Overnight Charging Station: Establish a central charging spot in the house (outside of bedrooms) where all devices go to sleep at night. This removes the temptation of late-night scrolling and ensures a better night’s sleep.
Conversations to Have at Home
Talking about digital safety doesn’t need to feel like a lecture. Try these low-pressure conversation starters over dinner or in the car:
Ask: “If someone picked up your laptop right now, what’s one thing you’d be worried about them seeing or changing?”
Why: It prompts them to think about privacy and why locking their device matters, without accusation.
Ask: “Have you seen anyone online or in a game this week being a ‘good citizen’? What did they do?”
Why: Shifting the focus to positive online behaviour helps them model the digital environment they want to be part of.
Ask: “What’s the current trend or app everyone at school is talking about right now? Can you show me how it works?”
Why: Flips the script and lets them be the expert, keeping you in the loop regarding the platforms they are actually using.
Our goal at ANI is to partner with you to help our students become respectful, safe, and savvy digital citizens. When they know how to look after their gear and their data, they can explore the digital world with confidence.
Wishing you a safe and connected week ahead.
The Deans Team
ANI Facebook Page
Just a reminder to parents and caregivers that events such as sports, chess and any other competitive activities will be reported on the ANI Facebook page linked here.
Please check out the wonderful achievements of our exceptional students.
Lynley Sheweiry
SLT Executive Admin
Student Achievement & Learning
Principal Awards
Hermia's Outstanding Achievement!!!
Hermia L achieved the following outstanding results in the Level 5 National (Under 13) category at the Wellington Open 2026 competition (held on May 23rd and 24th, 2026):
1st Place – Freehand
1st Place – Hoop
2nd Place – Clubs
1st Place – All-Around Champion
Special Award
In addition to her podium finishes, she received the “Wellington Opens 2026 – Elements Rhythmic Senior Award – Best Results Levels 5–7”, alongside a certificate and trophy.
We are very proud of her hard work and achievements.
Alice, Hermia’s mum
Rimu's Demi Hour of Power Workshops
Rimu students are loving their once-a-week 30-minute workshops where they can choose to boost or extend their learning. Subjects have ranged from maths and reading extension to spelling and fractions boosters, along with typing, handwriting, self-management and research skills.
It’s a wonderful opportunity for students to reflect on their goals and help make positive steps to strengthen their learning.
Lee Smith
Rimu Team Leader
Sustainability Club Update
The Sustainability Club has been learning about invasive weed species in our local park, Windmill Park. We worked alongside Rangers Anna and Theresa to learn how to identify these weeds and understand their impact on our native ecosystem.
Our students did an amazing job identifying invasive plants and carefully removing them from around the native trees growing in the park. Through this hands-on experience, they gained valuable knowledge about protecting local biodiversity and caring for our environment.
By helping restore Windmill Park’s health, our students are also making a positive contribution to the wider community. Their efforts support a healthier, more enjoyable green space for everyone. A fantastic effort from all members of the Sustainability Club! 
Nicola Redshaw and Bryoney Minton
Teachers In Charge Of Sustainability
Celebrating Schools’ Pride Week at ANI
In Week 9, ANI proudly celebrated Schools’ Pride Week Aotearoa, a time to celebrate and support rainbow members of our school community. Pride Week is one way we show whanaungatanga, by helping every student, staff member and whānau feel safe, welcome, valued and included.
Throughout the week, students enjoyed lunchtime activities including rainbow chalk art, pride poster making, mini pride flags, a flag scavenger hunt, and Odd Socks Day, which raised money for InsideOUT Kōaro. InsideOUT is a national charity providing education, resources and support for rainbow and takatāpui communities.
A highlight of the week was having Valentina from InsideOUT speak at our assembly. She shared important New Zealand research, including that 16% of school-aged young people identify with a diverse sexuality, 1.6% are transgender or gender diverse, and rainbow students are three times more likely to face ongoing bullying at school.
Valentina also shared practical top tips for students:
- Avoid assumptions
- Think before asking personal questions
- Check your language
- Remember that you do not have to understand everything to show respect
- Support rainbow people by being an upstander.
Our Pride Ambassador students also played a key role in the week. They shared at assembly and helped create, organise and support the wonderful goings-on across the kura. Their leadership helped make the week feel positive, student-led and full of pride.
Pride Week is an important reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen, respected and included for who they are. At ANI, we are proud to keep building a school where everyone belongs.
Nicole Astrella
Room 6 Teacher and Arts & Cultural Coordinator
Get Ready for the ANI EPro8 Challenge!
The excitement is building at Auckland Normal Intermediate as our budding engineers, scientists, and innovators start the in-house EPro8 competition!
This thrilling event will see teams of students go head-to-head, using their problem-solving skills to tackle complex, hands-on engineering challenges under a ticking clock. Armed with specialised kits of gears, motors, and aluminium frames, our students will need to collaborate, think on their feet, and design creative solutions to real-world problems.
It is a fantastic opportunity for our young minds to showcase their STEM talents, grit, and team spirit in a fun, high-energy environment. We can’t wait to see the incredible contraptions they build and the teamwork they display throughout the next 4 weeks.
Stay tuned for the final results and photos in another newsletter to see which teams will engineer their way to the top! The top two teams will represent us at the Epro8 Auckland Central competition later in the year.
After School Classes
🎨🎶 2026 AFTER SCHOOL MUSIC AND ARTS CLASSES 🎶🎨
Hosted by Auckland Normal Intermediate School
Looking for fun, enriching after-school activities for your child?
Our Children’s After-School Music and Arts Programme offers a creative, educational, and exciting way for students to explore their talents!
📅 WHEN: Classes begin the first week of each term and run for nine (9) weeks
👧👦 WHO: Open to 6–13-year-old primary school students from our local community
📚 CURRICULUM: Aligned with New Zealand Curriculum Guidelines
🎭 What’s on offer?
From music and drama to visual arts and creative expression, each class is designed to inspire confidence, creativity, and new skills in a supportive environment.
🛒 HOW TO ENROL:
Visit our Kindo Shop, browse the after-school classes, and add your choices to your cart — it’s that simple!
Give your child the opportunity to learn, grow, and shine after school.
We look forward to welcoming your family to the programme!
👉 Start exploring classes now on Kindo!
If you are a parent/caregiver: click here
If you are a member of the wider school community: click here
Staff
Reception Reminders
As we move into cough and flu season, we kindly remind parents and caregivers of the following:
- Keeping Sick Children at Home:
To help prevent the spread of illness, please keep your child at home if they are showing any signs of being unwell (e.g. coughing, fever, sore throat). This helps protect other students and staff. - Medical Certificates for Extended Absences:
If your child is sick for more than three consecutive school days, a doctor’s note is required. Without it, any further absence will be recorded as an explained but unjustified absence. - More Information:
For full details on our absence and sickness policies, please visit our website:
ANI Code of Conduct – Absences and Sickness
Thank you for your support in keeping our school community safe and healthy.
Gabi and Megan
Front of House Team
Free Period Products:
As part of a government-funded initiative, we’re offering free pads and tampons for our young ākonga | students in the reception bathroom!
We understand it can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s a student’s first time getting their period, and we want to make sure they feel as comfortable as possible.
Please let your student know they can access these products at any time, and they’re welcome to take some home if needed!
If you have any questions, please speak to Gabi or Cait in reception!
Gabi and Megan
Front of House Team
ANI Community
ANI PTA Matariki Disco
Our PTA Matariki Social was a fantastic success, with happy students enjoying an evening full of fun, music, and dancing. Michael Jackson classics made an impressive comeback, filling the dance floor with enthusiastic dancers all night. A special highlight was our guest DJ, Mr Cardelis, who was a huge hit with students and kept the energy high throughout the event.
A huge thank you to our wonderful staff and PTA parent helpers for their time and support in making the evening run so smoothly. Your help behind the scenes ensured it was a safe, fun, and memorable event for everyone. Thank you to all who contributed to such a successful evening!
Keep an eye out for our next event 
Ngā mihi
Natalie Cassidy
Chairperson of ANI PTA
Upcoming Events for Week 10, Term 2, 2026
Notices from our community partners
