In today’s newsletter we have the following:
● Senior Leadership
● Student Achievement
● Staff
● Upcoming Events
● ANI Community
Senior Leadership Team
Principal News
Tēnā koutou e te whānau,
This term the Āhua (Value) we have focused on has been Rangatiratanga – to lead and grow ourselves, to be an upstander. We have seen many examples of our tauira living this value, from the classroom to the wider kura. A standout has been our Manaakitanga Monitors, who noticed an issue with rubbish around the school. With the support of Miss Hughes, they have shown true leadership, taking action and putting in the mahi to make a positive change for our kura (school) environment.
We have also celebrated outstanding extra-curricular successes this term. Our U55kg Boys Rugby team, Year 7 Boys Cross Country, Year 8 Girls Netball, and Year 7 Boys Netball team have all achieved fantastic results, with all teams being crowned Zone/Auckland Champions. Our Chess team has also qualified for Nationals, a huge achievement! None of these opportunities would be possible without the commitment of our amazing staff—thank you to every kaiako and coach who supports our students to shine in these areas.
A highlight for Term 3 was our School Mathex Challenge, brilliantly organised by Miss Dale, alongside the Māori and Pasifika Maths Challenge team who also experienced great success. These events showcased teamwork, problem-solving, and the joy of learning together.
Another special kaupapa has been our Can Drive, where each student was encouraged to bring more than one can or non-perishable item. This initiative, in partnership with Communities Feeding Communities, reminded us of the importance of serving others and showed the collective strength of our school whānau when we come together for a cause.
In the learning space, there has been so much to celebrate. Our Year 7 tauira held an assembly to share their learning, with creative outputs ranging from podcasts and drama performances to designing imaginative new countries that could address future challenges.
Our Year 8 tauira have begun their Exhibition journey, eight weeks of deep learning centred on Art as Action—creating art pieces that provoke thought and inspire change. We warmly welcome whānau to join us in celebrating this learning early in Term 4 at the exhibition showcase.
This term we have also embraced and celebrated our cultural language weeks. We have honoured Cook Islands and Tongan Language Weeks, and are looking forward to Te Wiki o te Reo Māori in Week 10. These celebrations strengthen our identity as a kura and enrich our community with pride in culture and language.
It has been a term full of leadership, growth, and achievement—a true reflection of our focus on Rangatiratanga. We are so proud of the way our tauira continue to step up, support each other, and show the power of being upstanders.
Kia haumaru te noho
Jason Pocock
Tumuaki (Principal)
Deputy Principal News
AIMS Games & Electives Week
Next week is always a highlight in our school calendar with the AIMS Games taking place in Tauranga. We are thrilled to have 150 of our students and 17 staff members able to head away to compete, and we wish them all the very best as they represent our kura with pride.
At the same time though, we’ve been working hard to make sure it’s just as exciting a week for the students who will be here at school. While their classmates are at AIMS, our remaining students will be part of a special Electives Programme designed to give them opportunities to try new things, explore interests, and learn in a different way. The electives include things like animation, a whodunnit mystery, visual art options, cultural experiences, film studies, active opportunities and plenty more. Students had 21 options to choose from, were able to choose their top three preferences, and in most cases have been placed into their first choice. The electives will run every day in the middle block, and we’re looking forward to seeing students dive into these new learning adventures. We encourage you to ask your young person what elective they’ve chosen and what they’re most excited about.
e-asTTle Assessments
This week students have been sitting their e-asTTle writing assessments, with reading and maths assessments coming up in Week 9. We know assessments can sometimes feel a bit daunting, so it’s important to remember that they are just one snapshot of your child’s learning. They provide teachers with valuable information that will sit alongside other pieces of evidence to help form well-rounded OTJs (Overall Teacher Judgements).
Students will be able to track their progress across the year using their initial assessments, and they will also be working with their teachers to understand their results and set next steps. These results will be shared with you as well, and students will shortly be able to access the portal to show you how they did. If your child is feeling anxious or you’d like to talk through anything, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with their classroom teacher.
Kia ora e te whānau,
Ashley Triana
Deputy Principal – Curriculum
Understanding Student Attendance: How Absences Affect Success
Regular attendance is essential for your child’s learning and progress. The Ministry of Education classifies student absences into categories based on how many days are missed in a single term. Each level of absence impacts a student’s ability to stay on track with their learning.
Levels of Absence
Worrying Absence (5–10 days per term)
Students in this range are at a higher risk of falling behind compared to their peers.
Concerning Absence (10–15 days per term)
Students in this category find it difficult to make regular progress in their learning.
Seriously Concerning Absence (15+ days per term)
Students in this range struggle significantly to keep up and often disengage from learning.
What Can You Do?
Notify the School: Let us know as soon as possible if your child will be away, and include a clear reason.
Communicate Non-Sickness Reasons: If there are reasons other than illness impacting attendance, please let us know. We may be able to help.
Encourage Good Attendance Habits: Talk with your child about why attending school regularly is important.
What Will the School Do?
Keep You Updated: We will share attendance information and let you know if concerns arise.
Provide a Safe, Inclusive Environment: We work hard to ensure every student feels welcome and supported.
Report Attendance: We are required to report attendance to the Ministry of Education and Auckland Attendance Services (ACES) when necessary.
What the Ministry of Education Will Do
Monitor Attendance: The Ministry checks that schools are supporting regular attendance.
Analyse Attendance Data: Trends are reviewed at local and national levels to guide improvement.
Support Schools: The Ministry provides tools and resources to help schools and families work together.
Encouraging Good Attendance Habits at Home
Building consistent routines and a positive mindset around attending school helps students succeed. Here’s how you can help at home:
1. Set a Consistent Routine
Establish regular bedtimes and wake-up times.
Prepare lunches, uniforms, and school bags the night before.
2. Talk About the Importance of School
Emphasise how school supports learning, friendships, and future goals.
Help your child see attendance as part of being responsible.
3. Limit Non-Urgent Appointments
Book medical or other appointments outside school hours when possible.
If your child must attend an appointment, aim for part of the day rather than missing a full day.
4. Reinforce Positive Attendance
Praise your child when they attend without complaint or effortfully get ready on time.
Celebrate good attendance (e.g., a family outing or small treat for a month of no absences).
5. Identify and Address Barriers
If your child is reluctant to attend, talk with them to understand what’s going on.
Let us know — we may be able to offer pastoral support, learning help, or social guidance.
6. Model Commitment
Share your own experiences of showing up to work, meetings, or commitments.
Let your child see that attendance and participation are values you model too.
Kieran Gleeson
Deputy Principal
Exciting Updates Around Our Kura
We are delighted to share some recent developments that are helping to strengthen and improve our school environment for both students and the wider community.
In our Performing Arts space, new wall mirrors have been installed, creating a professional and inspiring environment for dance, drama, and performance. These mirrors not only support our students in refining their skills, but also reflect our commitment to fostering creativity and the arts at ANI.
Alongside this, our ongoing community property consultation has been a fantastic opportunity to gather ideas, aspirations, and feedback about the future of our school spaces. We are grateful to all those who have contributed their voice to this important process. Your input will play a key role in shaping a kura environment that is safe, functional, and forward-thinking for years to come.
Thank you to everyone who has completed this, it will close next Friday 29th August.
We are also pleased to announce the upcoming installation of security fencing and gates around the bike racks. This improvement helps ensure that students’ bikes and scooters are stored safely and securely during the school day, giving both students and whānau peace of mind.
Together, these projects highlight our ongoing focus on student wellbeing, community involvement, and creating learning environments that inspire and protect.
Have a great weekend
Nga mihi
Scott Boniface
Deputy Principal
ANI 80th Jubilee
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.
To make these events a real success, we need your help.
If you are able to be hands-on help for the Jubilee Day, the Trivial Pursuits night or the Raffle, please pop your name down on the lists linked below.
Jubilee Day helpers linked here.
Trivial Pursuits night helpers linked here.
Raffle fundraiser help linked here.
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!
ANI Facebook Page
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.
Safety First: Drop-Off Reminder for Parents & Caregivers
For the safety of all our students, we kindly ask that you do not drop your children off directly in the school carparks. These areas are busy with staff vehicles and are not designed for student drop-offs, making them a potential hazard.
Instead, please drop your children off next to the school gates, where it is safe and easy for them to enter the grounds.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our tamariki safe!
Student Achievement
Principal Awards
TOI - Wearable Arts: Our girls placed at Nationals!!!
Three exceptional ANI students, Thea M-D, Kate F and Kyla O, have won the awards at Toi – Wearable Arts for Junior National Finalist and Junior Sustainable Garment.
Their garment was called Kākahu Uenuku, and the judges’ comments were this, “Kākahu Uenuku shines with vibrant colour and perfect symmetry, creating a bold and joyful visual impact. Made from reused tags and materials, this rainbow cloak not only celebrates creativity but also earns the sustainability award for its clever elevation of repurposed items.
Their prize is a Bernina sewing machine and a WOW prize pack,
Brooke Tuialii
Teacher In Charge of Wearable Arts
Tongan Language Week Assembly
Urban Futures: Arela Suburb by Kinsuhk
This term Kauri Year 7s have been working as city planners, using their geometry and algebra skills to design a brand-new city from the ground up. They drew scaled layouts, solved equations, and used patterns and symmetry to make their cities both livable and efficient.
Kinsuhk’s design, Arela Suburb, showed great thinking and problem-solving. He worked out equations to decide how many schools were needed for the number of houses, and used scaling to keep his plan realistic. Best of all, he added a personal touch by including not one, but two cricket grounds, making sure the game he loves has pride of place in his future city.
Gymnastics Success!!!
At the end of Term 2, six ANI students competed at the Central West Qualifiers Gymnastics Competition. It was a fantastic day, with all students performing strongly on both the apparatus and floor. Every gymnast placed in the top three for their level, securing a spot in the Auckland Invitational Champions of Champions Championship.
Central West Qualifiers Results:
Parvisha S – 2nd place Year 8 Girls Twisters
Freddie Z – 1st place MAG Level 4
Charlotte C – 3rd place GfA Level 4
Aaliyah M – 1st place GfA Level 4
Chloe S – 1st place GfA Level 5
Naomi D – 3rd place WAG Step 6
In Week 4 of this term, five of our gymnasts represented ANI at the Champions of Champions Championship, where the best from across Auckland came together. It was a long and challenging day of competition, but our students once again made us proud through their talent, perseverance, and the way they upheld our school values.
Champions of Champions Results:
Charlotte C – 1st place GfA Level 4
Freddie Z – 1st place MAGS Level 5
Congratulations to all of our gymnasts on these outstanding achievements!
Nicole Rowland
Teacher in Charge of Gymnastics
Central Zone Squash Champs!!!
Major AIMS Games sponsors!!!
Dear Auckland Normal Intermediate Community,
We are thrilled to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible major sponsors of this year’s AIMS Games. Their generous support has been instrumental in making this event a huge success, and we couldn’t be more thankful. We’d love to take a moment to introduce you to these fantastic businesses:
Goodwins Real Estate
Goodwins Real Estate is an independent, family-owned real estate agency that has been serving the Auckland market for over 30 years. They specialize in both residential sales and property management, providing a comprehensive and tailored service to their clients. Their team is dedicated to delivering outstanding results, and their professionalism and integrity are second to none.
- What they do: Real estate sales and property management.
- Website: https://www.goodwins.co.nz
- Parnell Address: 112 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland 1052
- Mt Albert Address: 910 New North Road, Mt Albert, Auckland 1022
Eden Speech and Language Therapy
Located in the heart of Mt Eden, Eden Speech is a small, family-oriented practice that provides assessment and therapy for a wide range of communication needs. Their friendly team work closely with clients and their whānau to implement personalised, evidence-based intervention to support children of all ages and stages to reach their potential.
What they do: Assessment and treatment of delays and difficulties in the areas of speech, language, voice, fluency (stuttering), and literacy/ pre-literacy.
Website: https://www.edenspeech.co.nz/
Custom Teez
Linda and her whānau at Custom Teez have supported us for a couple of years now. Both designing and planning our AIMS uniforms, coaching sports and fundraising. They truly have been a treasure! For all your custom apparel needs, look no further than Custom Teez. They are the experts in custom t-shirt printing and design, offering a huge range of products from tees and hoodies to mugs and accessories. Locally owned and operated, get in touch!
- What they do: Custom t-shirt printing and apparel design.
- Website: https://customteez.nz/
- Address: Production facility, warehouse, and showroom in Penrose, Auckland.
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.
Pads and Tampons:
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.
Lost Property:
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
Upcoming Events
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