In today’s newsletter we have the following:
Senior Leadership Team
Principal News
He pānui tīmatanga tau – Beginning of the Year Newsletter 2026
Tēnā koutou e te whānau,
What a tremendous start to the 2026 academic year at our kura. From the very first day, our school has been a hive of excitement, purpose and hard mahi. It has been wonderful to see our grounds and classrooms once again filled with the energy of our tauira and staff.
We began the year by welcoming our new tauira and kaiako with a mihi whakatau. As always, this process was uplifting and deeply positive. It ensures that new members of our community feel connected to our kura — ready not only to grow themselves, but also to help grow others. That sense of belonging and whakawhanaungatanga is central to who we are.
Ngā mihi nui to the many whānau who joined us on 30 January to connect with teachers. These partnerships are vital. When kura and home stand together, we truly become a collected army, united in supporting our tauira to achieve and flourish.
From 2 February, it has been inspiring to see learning underway from day one. High expectations have been set and embraced. This has been made possible through our staff creating robust and engaging learning opportunities, and our tauira arriving prepared and ready to learn.
At our first two assemblies, we have focused on our Āhua Māramatanga — our learning journey — particularly the descriptor: I have a growth mindset and persevere when learning is challenging. We have been talking about how we often try to control or react to the thoughts that enter our minds. While it is important to acknowledge these thoughts, it is even more important to recognise when they are unhelpful and to reframe them.
For example:
- “I can’t do this activity, I must be dumb” becomes, “This is a hard task. I haven’t mastered it yet, but if I keep trying, I will.”
- “This task is too hard” becomes, “This task is challenging. My brain is working hard to solve it — that means I am learning.”
I have encouraged our tauira to identify and challenge fixed mindsets and to take control of the things they can control. I refer to these as the “little foxes” — the small things that, if ignored, can spoil the vine.
The little foxes include:
- Effort – 100% control over the effort brought to class each day.
- Learning habits – choosing behaviours that help us learn best.
- Uniform – wearing it correctly with pride and showing we can follow expectations.
- Being on time – arriving ready to learn when the bell goes, demonstrating respect for learning opportunities.
- Following reasonable expectations – we may not always agree with every rule, but where expectations are fair, we follow them. If we disagree, we engage in respectful conversation.
- Gratitude and appreciation – recognising what we have and valuing others.
When these small but powerful actions come together, they create a learning environment that is mana-enhancing and supports success — both individually and collectively.
Beyond the classroom, there have already been many opportunities for our tauira to shine. Our sports teams have been active, with tennis and softball zone days underway, alongside a very successful “Have a Go” Day. Ngā mihi to the whānau who attended our sports evening — your support makes a real difference.
Our music and cultural groups have begun, with auditions taking place and practices underway. Our Year 8 tauira have embarked on the exciting William Pike Challenge, embracing new adventures and leadership opportunities.
We also celebrated a fantastic Super Bowl Day, where classes competed in a variety of challenges. Congratulations to Te Hau, who have taken an early lead in the House of the Year competition!
This week it was also special to celebrate ANI alumni Hamish Kerr, who recently won the Supreme Halberg Award at the Halberg Awards. It can be easy to view individuals like Hamish as superhuman, but he was once an 11–13 year old at ANI, just like our current tauira — involved in many activities, succeeding in some and being challenged in others. His journey reminds us of what is possible through perseverance, growth, and commitment.
A reminder regarding devices: as a BYOD kura, we expect tauira to bring a device from home where possible. We do supply devices; however, we do not have enough for everyone. If there are challenges around providing a device, please speak with your child’s kaiako so we can work together to find a solution.
Finally, for safety reasons, if you are dropping off or picking up your child, please do not drive into the school grounds. Instead, use Poronui, Disraeli or St Andrews and allow your child to walk in. Our site is tight, and we want to ensure the safety of all members of our community.
Enjoy the remainder of summer. We look forward to seeing you at our Student-Led Conferences on 4 March, and please keep an eye out for my Friday messages on Hero.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Kia haumaru te noho
Jason Pocock
Principal ANI
Deputy Principal News
Student-Led Conferences – Wednesday 4th March
Kia ora e te whānau,
It has been wonderful to see our students settling into their learning over the first couple of weeks of the term. They have already been engaging with their He Waka Eke Noa journals, setting SMART goals for Term 1, and thinking about their learning journey ahead.
Our upcoming Student-Led Conferences are a great opportunity for students to reflect on their progress so far, share their learning, and work alongside teachers and whānau to plan next steps for the rest of Term 1 and beyond. These conferences are student-led, giving them the chance to take ownership of their learning and display māramatanga, while we support and guide them.
From Monday, students will bring home some whānau homework. It’s important that they sit down with their family to discuss their learning prior to the conference. This ensures that during the conference, the discussion is meaningful and focused, building on the conversations already had at home.
Each conference will be 10 minutes long and will include:
- A short chat about highlights so far
- Information about He Waka Eke Noa
- A check-in on Term 1 goals
- Discussion of next steps and a goal for Term 2 and beyond
As the conferences are brief, they may not allow time for in-depth discussion around specific concerns or information. If you wish to discuss these further though, please contact your child’s classroom teacher to arrange multiple slots or an additional time to connect.
Conference Details:
- Date: Wednesday 4th March
- Time: 11:00am – 7:00pm
- Booking: Through Hero or by contacting your child’s classroom teacher. Bookings will go live on Monday 23rd February.
- Additional Support: Our ESOL teacher, SENCo, and specialist teachers are also available to book a time if you wish to connect with them
We look forward to seeing our students take the lead in sharing their learning and celebrating their achievements with you!
Ashley Triana
Deputy Principal – Curriculum
A Focus on Attendance
Kia ora,
I am absolutely delighted to introduce myself as your new Deputy Principal at Auckland Normal Intermediate (ANI). Firstly, I want to express my sincere thanks to Tumuaki Jason Pocock, the Board of Trustees, the Senior Leadership Team, and our wonderful staff and students for such a warm welcome. I truly appreciate your trust and am excited to work alongside this talented team to achieve ANI’s strategic goals.
I join you with 16 years of leadership and curriculum experience within the Normal School network, most recently at Epsom Normal Primary School, and I am arriving with high energy and a genuine passion for our students’ success.
A Focus on Attendance
One of my key leadership portfolios is School Attendance, and I am pleased to share that our attendance for this term currently sits at 93.5%.
While this is a strong figure, it’s important to remember that regular attendance plays a vital role in academic progress, confidence, and overall engagement. There is a clear connection between being in the classroom consistently and doing well. Making sure students attend and engage in learning is a shared responsibility; as a parent, your support in ensuring your child is at school every day is the foundation of their learning journey.
Thank you for your ongoing commitment to your child’s attendance. I am eager to meet all of you and look forward to a fantastic term ahead!
Dillon Rungan
Deputy Principal ANI
Property Update
Our property development continues to be an exciting and visible part of our kura’s ongoing growth, and it is pleasing to see a number of key projects underway or moving into their next phase.
A significant highlight is the PTA’s decision to fund and complete the redesign of our library. This project includes new furniture, updated shelving, and a modernised issuing centre, creating a refreshed and future-focused learning environment for our tamariki. This is now entering its final phase and should be completed by the end of term 1. We are incredibly grateful to our PTA for their commitment to enhancing learning spaces and investing directly into the heart of our school. The redesigned library becomes a space that promotes reading, collaboration, and student agency for many years to come. The addition of our full time librarian, Olivia Harrison, has had a huge impact on how our students access and utilise the library space.
Looking ahead, our next major project will be the redevelopment of our smaller playground. Scoping for this work will occur during the term as we begin shaping a space that better reflects the needs and aspirations of our students. We are excited about the opportunity to reimagine this area to provide engaging and inclusive play opportunities.
In addition, the larger-scale property priorities identified through consultation with our community, staff, and students have now had high-level pricing completed. We are now moving into the feasibility stage, which will allow progress to begin in a more detailed and structured way. It is very exciting to see these community-informed aspirations gaining momentum.
Of course, one of our most popular facilities continues to be the school pool. It remains a huge favourite with our tamariki, who are making the most of swimming lessons and the opportunity to cool down during these warmer days. The pool is a real asset to our school, supporting both learning and wellbeing.
Over the coming weeks, you will notice that we are repainting and relining our carparks, courts, and outdoor spaces. This maintenance work ensures our grounds remain safe, clearly marked, and well presented.
This is also a timely reminder to all parents and community visitors that we ask you not to drive onto school grounds to drop off or collect your child, in the mornings and afternoons. For the safety of all students, please park outside the grounds and encourage your child to walk into school.
We are also seeing a fantastic increase in the number of students biking and scootering to school. This is wonderful to see. To ensure everyone remains safe, please remind your child to:
- Wear a helmet
- Follow safe riding protocols
- Consider wearing a high-visibility vest
Student safety remains a priority, and with the continued support of our community, we can ensure our kura remains a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue to improve and invest in our school spaces.
Ka kite,
Scott Boniface
Deputy Principal
News from our Deans
Kia ora e te whānau,
We’re your 2026 Deans and proud members of the Student Support Team. Our role is to support students with pastoral care, help guide positive choices, and be there when things don’t quite go to plan. We work closely with staff and whānau to make sure every student feels seen, supported, and ready to succeed.
This term, our whole kura is exploring the value of Māramatanga. Students will learn what it means to tackle challenges with the right mindset and use practical strategies to keep going when things feel tough. These ideas will be strengthened through lessons led by the SLT and Deans.
We’re excited for a year filled with growth, resilience, strong friendships, and plenty of wins along the way!
Ngā manaakitanga,
Year 8 Deans
Kayleigh Hughes – Rimu
“I say ‘team’ so much, it’s basically my catchphrase.”
Denisse Bello – Matai
“I be-leaf in you all — positive vibes and terrible puns included ”
Year 7 Deans
Nicole Astrella – Totara
“I’m still besties with my friends from intermediate. It makes me laugh when I think about the people who played on the playground with me are now doctors, teachers and world changers!”
Bruce Ng – Kauri
“Why are frisbees so good at making friends? Because they always come back around.”
Welcome to Our Team Newsletters
Kia ora whānau,
We are excited to share our Team Newsletters for Term 1! This term, our Unit of Inquiry is How We Organise Ourselves, and over these first few weeks, students have been exploring the systems and routines that help us organise ourselves for learning.
Our team newsletters provide a closer look at what your child will be learning across the term, key dates, and insights into what’s happening in each classroom. They are shared on Hero and are also available on our school website, but for easy access, they are linked below:
- Totara Team Newsletter – linked here
- Kauri Team Newsletter – linked here
- Matai Team Newsletter – linked here
- Rimu Team Newsletter – linked here
- Kowhai Team Newsletter – linked here
We hope you enjoy reading about the exciting learning happening in each team!
ANI Facebook Page
Just a reminder to parents and caregivers that events such as central zones, 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
The Hero School App
All day-to-day information, events and updates will be communicated to you through Hero.
You will receive personalised alerts for your child, make ANI shop purchases, lodge absences or reach out with LiveChat and more!
The school newsletter and any other notices will all be sent to you via the Hero App. This app can also be used to report an absence.
Should there be a school emergency, this is how we will notify you so it is essential you have the App installed.
Our Hero app is available for both iPhone and Android phones and all our communications are through this app.
For clear instructions on how to download the Hero app, please click here.
For any queries or support on how to access the app, email us on ani@ani.school.nz
Go Green for Mitey
Go Green for Mitey is our fundraising day supporting Mitey, which delivers mental health education for our ākonga, helping them understand their emotions, build resilience, and thrive in their learning. Through our partnership with Mitey, our school is contributing to meaningful, long-term change by equipping ākonga to care for their own mental wellbeing — and that of others — throughout their lives.
On Friday 13 March, ākonga are invited to wear something green and bring a gold coin donation to help Mitey extend this vital work to more schools across Aotearoa.
Your support helps shape brighter futures by equipping tamariki with skills that will support their wellbeing now and into their teenage years. www.mitey.org.nz.
Relay for Life 2026
ANI is putting in a staff team for Relay for Life 2026 on March 28th.
We will be running/walking/dancing around the track for 12 hours. For many of us, this isn’t just a fun run—it’s a way to support whānau and friends who have faced a cancer journey.
We are raising funds for the Cancer Society, but we want to emphasise that donations are entirely optional. If you are in a position to help, we would be deeply grateful for your support.
You can find our team page at https://auckland.relayforlife.org.nz/t/ani-kaiako . Thank you for standing with us!
Student Achievement & Learning
Principal Awards
Kung Fu school's youngest black belt
One of our wonderful students Kabir has represented his Kung Fu school at the Lunar New Year celebrations.
Sustainability
Our beekeepers have been busy bees over the last two weeks!
Dressed in their bee suits, they have helped inspect the hives and continue to learn more about our amazing bees. Last Wednesday, we had a fantastic afternoon extracting honey using our new honey extractor. So far, we have extracted over 60 jars of delicious honey — and there is more to come!
Over in the garden, we had a productive session tidying up the planters and preparing them for our winter vegetable crops. We are especially pleased that our kūmara plants survived the summer and are looking super healthy.
Gardening Club is open to everyone and runs every Thursday at lunchtime — everyone is welcome!!
Finally, we are in the process of finalising our Sustainability Leaders for 2026. These students will take responsibility for sustainability initiatives around the school and come up with creative ideas to make our school an even more sustainable place for us all.
Arts and Culture at ANI – 2026
Kia ora e te whānau,
My name is Nicole Astrella and I am proud to be this year’s Arts and Culture Coordinator for 2026. There is something special about the way creativity brings people together. At ANI, arts and culture are not extras. They are spaces where students discover who they are, find their people and build the confidence to step forward.
2026 is a year of strengthening, showcasing and sustaining the vibrant cultural life of our kura.
Student-Led Groups
Our student-led groups are back for 2026. One of the things I love most about ANI is that students can run their own groups, shaped by their passions and interests. Whether it is something creative, cultural, competitive or completely new, these groups give students a space to lead and connect.
We are also inviting new groups to form. If your child would like to start or register a group, they can complete the proposal form so we can support them with space, staff guidance and promotion.
Form here: Student Groups: Expressions of Interest 2026
ANI Cultural Day – Monday 16 March
We are excited to launch our very first ANI Cultural Day. Students may wear traditional dress, colours, or sports gear that represents their home country. The day will include cultural sharing within ILEs, a parade and assembly, a shared cultural morning tea, cultural games, group sign-ups and a collaborative cultural art piece that will be displayed in our learning spaces.
As part of the day, every student will create an ANI Pledge through the He Waka Eke Noa journal. This supports Rangatiratanga by encouraging leadership of self and ownership of growth. Teachers will revisit these pledges throughout the year and celebrate the progress students make.
Cultural Fest
Following the incredible participation last year, Cultural Fest will expand to two evenings. This means more equitable stage time, stronger preparation and even greater whānau engagement. Keep an eye out for further details later in the year. Student groups will be encouraged to develop and share performances as part of the festival.
Music and Performance Pathways
Under Dr Wei’s leadership, our music programme continues to grow. Choir and orchestra students audition, with the aim of developing a strong ensemble and working toward competition readiness.
Our choir auditions were held on Thursday, with more happening next week. Orchestra audition submissions close on 26 February. Students are asked to submit a 1–3 minute video of themselves playing their chosen instrument to nastrella@ani.school.nz, including their name, class and grade if known.
School Production
Our school production is on this year, and we are excited to see it come to life. Productions offer students an opportunity to collaborate, perform and grow in confidence. More information will be shared in the coming months.
Arts and culture at ANI is about belonging. It is about visibility. It is about opening doors so every student can see a place for themselves.
We are looking forward to another exciting year of creativity, celebration and connection. There is still so much more to come.
Ngā mihi nui,
Nicole Astrella
Arts and Culture Coordinator
Sport At ANI
Sports Captains
This week we officially presented our Sports Captains with their Captain badges. Incredibly, they have already run four successful events; The ANI Superbowl, School Sports Assembly, Have a Go Week and even leading the Parent Sports Evening. They have been thrown in the deep end and me oh my they are swimming! Congratulations to; Rafa, Lulu, Codie, Leo, Finn, Zarni, Kyla, Caiden, Grace, Kamya, Jed and Charlotte for their amazing efforts and managing the beginning of another chaotic ANI year.
Central Zones
Our Central Zones kicked off this week with Tennis! With two gorgeous days to kick of the year, all our tennis players ripped in and represented ANI proudly. Kaitlyn B came 3rd in the year 8 singles. Rae B and D Musthaffa came 3rd in Year 7 Girls Doubles! What a wicked way to start their ANI sports journey.
Next week we will have our softballers up to the plate!
Have a Go Week
Our Sports Captains led sports through lunchtime during this week, and it was a great success! We saw hundreds of kids jump into a sport and have a crack. What a wonderful opportunity to see kids in fun, organised games at lunch.
Sports Evening
What an incredible evening that was! We had over 160 whānau, some of our amazing teachers, Anna and Matt from EGGS High Performance Sport and of course our eager tauira, attend our Sports Evening last night. After playing a few sports (where our parents ran it back to their prime…) our Sports Captains shared our kaupapa and information in regards to Sport and ANI in 2026.
For those not usually (or yet) into sport – this week all of your children have been invited to come ‘Have a Go’ at our lunchtime sports. Please do encourage your children to come along to future lunchtime sports, especially if they are feeling a little unconfident, as we want to grow, engage and provide opportunity to these students in particular!
Distance Squad is already underway – shot Matua Dave!
Check the school calendar for our upcoming trial dates for Netball and Basketball.
We are waiting for information from EGGS regarding our pool space to kick Waterpolo off.
We are in need of an eager parent to take on Futsal. There is information in the link above – drop me an email if you want to chat.
Here is the link for signing up for AIMS and Long Term Sports.
Ngā mihi
Xavier Rice
Sports Coordinator / PE Teacher
The Blues are launching a new initiative called the LEGO Little Blues passport.
The LEGO Little Blues Passport is a fun, interactive activity booklet aimed at engaging children with the Blues with a FREE ticket and through matchday experiences, prizes, competitions.
What’s Inside the Passport:
Free Kids Ticket!
up to two free with the purchase of an adult ticket for 1 home game.
Gameday check list
in stadium engagement for kids to get involved in.
‘Extra Perks’ page
6 slots on a Blues schedule that kids need to get stamped to get a free prize.
These are limited to the first 500 kids.
Prizes are LEGO products and Barfoot & Thompson Blues Jibbits.
Competitions page
Win a Blues visit to your school or rugby training.
Hello Fresh – $200 off promotion.
LEGO colouring in competition – win 1 of 3 $500 prizepacks.
Staff
Book Fair
Get excited, the book fair is back at ANI! 📚
Starting the week off with ANI Book Day, students will be immersed inthe world of reading during the week of March 3 – 6.
Students can visit the book fair during morning tea, lunchtime, and during their library class time. We can’t wait to see you there!
Olivia
ANI Librarian
School Counsellor
Kia ora koutou,
I made my way around classes during the first week of school to introduce myself (and River, who is definitely more popular) and talk with ākonga about what counselling looks like here at ANI.
Anna MacLeod
ANI School Counsellor
ANI Community
ANI PTA Social
The PTA have their termly Social coming up on Thursday 12th March, 6pm-8pm.
We encourage all students to come and share some pizza and fun with their friends. This is a great opportunity to connect with friends outside the classroom and meet new people. We will have a photographer taking photos, and this year we will have eftpos available for purchasing confectionery, chippies, pizza and drinks. We look forward to seeing your young ones there.
ALSO if you are interested in being a helper and part of the ANI PTA support crew to help at events such as the upcoming social and quiz night please email your name, contact phone number and email to Natalie natsjcass@gmail.com so she can add you to the whatsapp group. As a small, but mighty committee we really need and appreciate extra hands for events and fundraisers.
Ngā mihi,
Natalie Cassidy
Chairperson of ANI PTA
After-School Table Tennis Club
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
The Auckland Normal Intermediate Table Tennis Club is affiliated to the Auckland Table Tennis Association and will be run by Auckland Development Coach Ebi Kleiser. The programme offers opportunities to learn new table tennis skills and games, enjoy friendly competition and win some spot prizes!
To support your decision for your child to play, please read the important information below.
Club Day: Starts Term 1, Tuesday 10th February to Tuesday 31st March every Tuesday from 3.30-5.00pm
Venue: ANI Multi-Purpose Space
Cost: $80.00 for Term 1. Join with payment made by Bank transfer to:
Auckland Table Tennis Association (Inc) 12-3013-0104400-04
Particulars: Player Name
Reference: ANI
Please note that spaces are limited to the first 40 registered and paid players.
Parents/Caregivers are responsible for organising arrangements with your child after they leave the
Table Tennis Club session e.g. walking home, pick up or transport from school.
For more details contact Ebi Kleiser on (021) 083 09994 or email tabletennisnr@gmail.com
Regards,
Ebi Kleiser
Development Coach
ANI After-School Table Tennis Club Permission Form Term 1, 2026
I give permission for________________________________________ (full name) in Room_____ to join ANI After-School Table Tennis Club Term 1 on Tuesdays from 3.30pm-5.00pm.
I understand I will be responsible for my child’s $80 fee and transport arrangements for the Table Tennis Club.
Parent/Caregiver Name: ________________________________ Signed: _____________________________
Contact (Mobile): ___________________________ Email: __________________________________________
Email permission form to: tabletennisnr@gmail.com
ROAD SAFETY WEEK: 4 – 10 May 2026
Road Safety Week is coming up in Term 2. You can register now to receive our free electronic action pack once it’s available, and ideas in the run up to the week. Find out more and fill in our quick online form at www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz.
Road Safety Week is coordinated by Brake and sponsored by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.
The theme of the week is Road Safety Heroes, recognising all those who work to make our roads safer and support people following crashes. It’s an opportunity for you to celebrate your own Road Safety Heroes, such as staff or volunteers who help to teach children road safety or help them to get to and from your school safely, local emergency services, or others who help to keep people safe on local roads.
The week is also a great opportunity to start road safety campaigns and activities in your school and community, or to link your existing activities to a national campaign.
ROAD PATROL SUPERHERO DAY
Wednesday 6 May
Kindly sponsored by the AA, Road Patrol Superhero Day is an opportunity to recognise school road patrollers as Road Safety Heroes. It’s easy to get involved; simply encourage your road patrol students to dress up on that day. Schools that participate receive free electronic resources.
You can take part in the national day on Wednesday 6 May, or on another date of your choosing. To sign up, simply tick the Road Patrol Superhero Day activity box when you sign up for Road Safety Week.
Find out more at: https://www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz/road-patrol-superhero-day/
GO YELLOW
Brake is part of the Yellow Ribbon Road Safety Alliance, which works to raise awareness of road safety. One of the ways the Alliance does this is through use of the colour yellow. Find some easy ways to Go Yellow here: https://www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz/go-yellow/.
Register today to be kept up-to-date and receive your free electronic action pack when they’re available – www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz.
Wishing you all the best for the rest of Term 1.
The Brake Team
Brake, the road safety charity
t: + 64 (0)21 407 953
e: brakecharity@gmail.com
w: www.brake.org.nz, www.roadsafetyweek.org.nz, www.globalfleetchampions.org
Kids ride free on weekends
Did you know children aged 5–15 travel free on buses, trains and ferries* every weekend and public holiday with a registered AT HOP card?
It’s a great way for families to save money, explore the city and enjoy stress‑free travel. It’s quick and easy to register a child concession and only takes about an hour for the 40% discount and free weekend travel to be available. Google ‘kids go free’ or visit AT.govt.nz to learn more.
* Excludes Waiheke and Rakino ferry services. Conditions apply.
Upcoming Events for Week 4, Term 1, 2026
Notices from our community partners
Auckland Transport
Speed Limits are changing on roads near our school: Poronui Street and Disraeli Street.
These changes will happen between 9-13 June 2025.
The Ministry of Transport has approved the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limit 2024.
This updated rule requires Auckland Transport to reverse the permanent 30km per hour speed limits introduced around our school.
Speed limits are changing on around 1,500 Auckland roads. Please keep an eye out for new speed limit signs.
This is a list of streets in Auckland that will be affected by new rules set by the Ministry of Transport, linked here.
