In today’s newsletter we have the following:
● Senior Leadership
● Student Achievement
● Staff
● Upcoming Events
● ANI Community
Kia ora koutou,
Term 3 is often one of the most challenging points in the school year. The weather is cold and wet, and the end of the year can still feel a long way off. However, it has been encouraging to see both staff and students return with energy and enthusiasm to start the term strong. In assemblies, I’ve been focusing on our Āhua (value) of Rangatiratanga — encouraging our tauira (students) to be upstanders and to uphold our values through their actions and kōrero (speaking).
We recently completed our Term 2 student surveys, and the results were both affirming and encouraging. Our students continue to report high levels of positivity about their school experience. Notably:
- 95% of tauira say they have healthy friendships at school
- 89% enjoy coming to school
- 89% feel a sense of belonging at our kura
These results reflect a continued growth in the positive culture we’ve been working hard to build. Additionally, we’re seeing meaningful gains in how our students approach challenge:
- 83% of students say they try different strategies when challenge
- 84% say they set goals that stretch and challenge them
This shift in mindset is a credit to the collaborative efforts of our kaiako (teachers), tauira, and whānau — ngā mihi nui for your ongoing support.
We’ve also seen strong improvement in our achievement data. The matched progress from mid-2023 to mid-2024 shows clear growth across key learning areas.
Some results already meet or exceed our end-of-year expectations (highlighted in the blue shaded boxes in the graphs below). These outcomes are only possible through the consistent dedication of our entire school community.
As we celebrate these successes, we also want to ensure we’re recognising all student achievements — especially those that take place outside of school.
If your child has achieved something special beyond the classroom, please let us know by emailing Lynley Sheweiry at lsheweiry@ani.school.nz so we can celebrate their success appropriately.
It was fantastic to see so many whānau attending our Student-Led Conferences on the first Wednesday of the term. Hearing our tauira speak with clarity about their learning progress and goals was a powerful reminder of their growth and potential. The next step is accountability. We encourage you to keep the learning conversations going at home with questions like:
- What happened at school today?
- How are you tracking towards your goals?
- What did you find challenging?
- What did you do when you were challenged?
- How did you help others today?
These conversations help reinforce learning and build lifelong habits of reflection and resilience.
Term 3 is shaping up to be a busy and exciting one. We currently have almost 30 students visiting from Sunin International School in South Korea, near Busan. It has been a rich cultural and educational exchange, and we look forward to future connections.
We are also preparing for AIMS Games in Week 8 — a multisport tournament that’s the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. With over 100 of our students participating, it’s a significant event on our calendar. For those remaining at school, our staff have planned a range of exciting passion projects and foundational learning opportunities to ensure everyone continues to be challenged and engaged.
Lastly, a brief update on Board elections: While most schools are holding elections for whānau representatives this year, our school will not be participating in this cycle as our current Board was elected within the last 12 months. However, all members of our community are welcome to attend Board meetings. These are held on Tuesdays in Weeks 3 and 8 of each term. You can check our website for confirmed dates. While attendees do not have voting rights, your presence and perspectives are always valued.
Ngā mihi nui for your ongoing support. Let’s keep working together to make Term 3 a positive, productive one for all our tauira.
Kia haumaru te noho
Jason Pocock
Kia ora whānau,
We’re excited to let you know that we are currently developing a new long-term School Property Plan, and we would love to hear your thoughts, ideas, and aspirations for our kura.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be sending out a community survey to gather your feedback. This is a valuable opportunity to contribute your voice to the future of our school environment.
While important work such as ongoing maintenance and regular cyclical upgrades (like painting, roofing, and plumbing) is already covered in our planning, this survey focuses on bigger, transformational opportunities that will directly benefit our tamariki and wider community.
We’re particularly keen to hear your ideas around how we can enhance our learning and community spaces. Whether it’s through improving outdoor environments, adding new facilities, or strengthening the cultural heart of our school, your input is vital.
As many of you know, we are currently in the process of upgrading our school library, using generous funds raised by our PTA and from our upcoming Jubilee celebrations. This will become a modern, engaging space for reading, collaboration, and creativity — but it’s just the beginning!
We also have some bold ideas under consideration, including:
- Building a multi-purpose community hub/marae/sports and meeting space
- Covering the school pool area to allow for year-round use
- Developing a full-sized astro turf hockey turf on the school field
- Resurfacing our netball, basketball, and multisport concrete courts
- Building a large dedicated storage facility for our kura’s equipment and resources
This is a shared journey — and your input will help us prioritise and shape our next steps. Look out for the survey link coming next week via our School app, HERO. We encourage every whānau to participate and share their thoughts.
Let’s work together to build a school environment that reflects the needs, values, and dreams of our community — now and into the future.
Enjoy your weekend, everyone.
Ngā mihi nui,
Scott Boniface
Deputy Principal – Community
This term, students will be completing their second round of e-asTTle assessments for the year. In Week 6, they will sit their e-asTTle writing test, followed by reading and maths tests in Weeks 9 and 10.
These assessments help us understand each student’s progress and next learning steps.
As this is their second time doing these tests this year, students should know what to expect; however, we encourage you to have a conversation at home about the upcoming tests and support your child to feel calm, confident, and prepared.
Kia ora e te whānau,
Ashley Triana
Deputy Principal – Curriculum
On 23rd July, we celebrated Principal’s Day in honour of our Principal, Jason Pocock, and visiting Principal Park Sang Wook from Korea.
A special presentation was held in the staffroom, during which the following citations were read:
Jason Pocock
For leading with Manakitanga, Rangatiratanga, Māramatanga, and Whanaungatanga. For guiding with integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our school values. Thank you for not only talking the talk but walking the walk.
Ngā mihi nui mō tō ārahitanga me tō manaaki.
Park Sang Wook
For your outstanding dedication and leadership in accompanying and supporting your students on their educational journey to Aotearoa New Zealand. Your commitment to fostering global connections and enriching student experiences is deeply appreciated.
Ngā mihi nui for your mahi and manaakitanga.
In recognition of Principals Day on 23 July 2025, the ANI Board of Trustees takes this opportunity to acknowledge the significant contribution of our Principal, Jason Pocock.
We see first-hand how much time and effort Jason gives to the running of our school, and his passion and commitment to our internal and external stakeholders who make up our ANI community.
We appreciate you Mr Pocock.
Jason, Ateli, Bronwyn, Gershon, Leon and Murray
ANI School Board
We are excited to share that Auckland Normal Intermediate (ANI) is turning 80 this year!
Back in 1945, Auckland Normal School officially became Auckland Normal Intermediate, beginning with a roll of 438 students. Fast forward to today, and we proudly serve 739 wonderful learners.
To celebrate this milestone, we are hosting a special Jubilee Day on Friday, 14th November, followed by a fun-filled Trivial Pursuit Night that evening.
As part of the evening event, we will also be holding a raffle, with tickets being sent home in mid-October. Since we’ve moved away from our traditional chocolate fundraiser in support of healthy living, the raffle will serve as an important initiative to raise funds for improvements not covered by the Ministry—starting with a much-needed library upgrade.
Trivial Pursuit Night Details:
- Date: Friday, 14th November
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: The MPS
- Tables: 15 tables of 8 (get in quick!)
- Tickets: $30 per person (includes a cheese platter and a mystery bag for your table)
- Extras: Pizza served at mid way through the night, cash bar available, games, spot prizes and a silent auction throughout the evening
- Prizes: for the winning table
To make the night a success, we would greatly appreciate your support. If you are able to contribute in any way, be it goods, services, prizes, or accommodation (such as a weekend at a beach house), for our silent auction, we would be incredibly grateful. If you have any items to donate, please contact Mandy Tomlins our Alumni Ambassador: mtomlins@ani.school.nz
Let’s make ANI’s 80th a celebration to remember!
More information will become available soon in regard to invitations to the Jubilee Day and tickets for the Triv night.
Please pop onto your calendar the date and start asking friends and family if they have the brains to compete in the Triv night!
Just a reminder 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.
Hermia represented her club, North Harbour Gymnastics, to compete in the Recreational Gymnastics Queensland Cup 2025, which was held in Brisbane, Australia.
Hermia competed in three routines: freehand, ball and rope.
We are so proud to share that she achieved 1st place in all three routines, as well as 1st place in the Individual All-Round.
It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with rhythmic gymnasts from Queensland and learn so much through this remarkable experience.
Kia ora e te whānau,
On Monday 21 July, Mrs Tuialii and I took 11 tauira to the second Māori and Pasifika Math Challenge event at St Peter’s College.
There were 4 teams added to the competition and they were very high-level mathematicians!
Our Year 7 A team (Caleb, Aaron and Dallas) came 1st place in Year 7, each taking home a $30 Westfield voucher and a whole lot of pride.
Our Year 8 A team (Luca, To’a, Caiden and Alee) came 3rd place in Year 8, each taking home a $10 Westfield voucher.
I’d like to acknowledge To’a and Caiden, who stepped up to be in the Year 8 competition, and Luca, who I “voluntold” this morning he was now coming after two students called in sick. We also all got to take home a bit of kai (a very impressive spread of chicken tenders, sliders, cookies and juice) and on the way home tauira asked “when is the next event?”.
Ngā mihi to the Flux twins’ mother, Lisa, for support with transport.
It was a fantastic morning for our Māori and Pasifika Math Challenge tauira. We are really proud of their attitudes and efforts – they represented our school well.
Ngā mihi,
Renée Dale
Team Leader
Sam H achieved incredible success at the New Zealand Robot Olympiad (NZRO) 2025, held at the University of Auckland during the term 2 school break.
The NZRO is the most prestigious and historic robotics competition for school students in the world.
Top-performing students are selected to represent New Zealand at the International NZ Robot Olympiad 2025, which will be held on the Gold Coast, Australia, this December.
Sam H has received the following honours:
– Technical medal from Creative movie
Congratulations Sam, this is a remarkable achievement.
We’re proud to see so many of our ākonga taking initiative and creating clubs that reflect their passions and interests.
This term, a range of student-led clubs have launched, including Jump Jam, Indian Dance, Bollywood Dance, Anime Club, Kawaii Craft Club, Handball, Chinese Dance, and more!
These clubs are started by students, for students, and it’s been awesome watching learners step up to lead, organise, and connect with others.
If your child is interested in starting a club later this year, they can pop in to see Miss Astrella for an info pack and support.
Ka rawe, team!
Nicole Astrella
Arts Coordinator
The sun was shining and the energy and excitement was high.
The Year 7 team started off strong with a massive win against Waiheke.
The rest of the day was a little harder and they came up against some really strong teams. This took us out of the chance for quarters, semis and finals but we had a friendly game against Ponsonby at the end of the day, which was great!
The girls’ support and energy on the sideline while supporting the Year 8’s for their games was on fire!
The Year 8’s absolutely smashed it all day! They came up against some strong competition but made it to first in their pool, leading them to the quarter finals.
This was a tricky game, but they won 12-11 against Waiheke. Onto the semis against Royal Oak, the energy was high, but we were a little nervous. The girls pulled it out of the bag and won 16-11.
Then for the finale… we played Marist.
Goal for goal, the girls were looking pretty good. In the last 20 seconds, the girls got the ball down the court and with time running out, Cienna made the final shot to take us to a WIN!! 14-13!!
YEAR 8 CHAMPIONS!
We are so proud of all the students we took to the zones. Go netball!
Sian Stephens and Kayleigh Hughes
Netball Co-ordinators
“Mud, grit, and big smiles at the 2025 Tough Guy/Gal!”
Kia ora koutou,
Here are a few snapshots from Monday’s Tough Guy/Gal event.
The course felt more like a cross-country run than a typical obstacle course, but there was no shortage of mud, grit, and challenge. Even though it wasn’t a competitive event, our rangatahi gave it their all—Harley (RM1) came in first, and I’m fairly sure Imogen (RM7) was the fastest of the Gals.
Ngā mihi nui to Mr Xavier Rice and to the Flux twins’ mum and kuia for their awesome support.
David Sinclair
Teacher In Charge of Distance Running
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.
A quick reminder that pads and tampons are available in the reception bathroom for students who may need them during the school day. They’re welcome to collect these at any time—no need to ask.
Please feel free to let your child know this support is there for them if needed.
Just a quick reminder that lost property is kept at reception for any students who may have misplaced items. Please encourage your child to check regularly, as the lost property is cleared out at the end of each term.
Thanks for your support!
Ngā mihi,
Cait and Gabi
Important information for Out of Zone Families
Important information for Out of Zone Families
- Will you be applying to Mt Roskill Grammar School for 2026?
- Do you have a child at MRGS now?
- Did a sibling or parent go to MRGS?
- Do you live outside the MRGS School Zone?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, it is very important that you get your application in by the Out of Zone deadline at 4.00pm on Wednesday 27 August so your child can be included in the Ballot.
Even if you have a child already at MRGS or someone else in your family went to MRGS, you must still apply by Wednesday 27 August.
Applications received after Wednesday 27 August will be considered late and will not be included in the Ballot.
You can submit an application online at: https://www.mrgs.school.nz/how-to-enrol/ or you can collect a printed form at Reception in the Administration Building, Gate 2, Frost Rd.
We are very happy to answer any questions you may have about enrolling your child, so please feel free to email admin@mrgs.school.nz or call us on 621 0050 extension 0.
