In today’s newsletter we have the following:
● Senior Leadership
● Student Achievement
● Staff
● Upcoming Events
● ANI Community
Tena koutou katoa e te whānau,
It has been a great start to the new term with lots of mahi going on in class. In particular, some standouts have been the start of the Exhibition process for our Year 8s, our school Mathex competition, our Student-Led Conferences, continued sports competitions, and our school Production about to hit its crescendo.
Student-Led Conferences
Student-Led Conferences are an important part of our school culture. They allow our staff to connect with whānau face-to-face and ensure that our tauira are at the centre. Their development and progress is a shared responsibility, and it is hugely important that we are all aware of what the plans are. Ngā mihi nui to all whānau who came in and supported this process.
Year 8 Exhibition
The Exhibition process is the most important part of our academic timetable. It brings together the combined learning of a two-year journey at our school, with student agency underpinning the entire process. We are always so proud of the innovation and complexity that comes out of this work. Ngā mihi to whānau for your continued support with this.
Mathematics and Mathex
Numeracy is important for all of us to support our growth and development. Our Mathex program allows tauira to show their passion and capability for maths, and it was encouraging to see so many tauira involved in our school Mathex competitions. Congratulations to all of those tauira who have been selected for our school teams.
Sports Update & Netball Success
Well done to our netball teams that have achieved great results in their Central Zone competitions, with both the Year 7 Girls and Year 8 Boys taking out their respective competitions! They now move on to the Auckland Championships. Our netball is very strong at our school, as evidenced by these results and the high number of teams participating on Monday nights down at Windmill Courts. Ngā mihi to Johanna Te Momo, our Netball Director, who is doing a fantastic job in this space.
Looking ahead, the rest of this term sees a major focus on the AIMS Games, where over 120 tauira will be representing our kura.
School Production
The last six weeks have seen a huge amount of work going into our school production. Based on our school and written by our very own kaiako Chitali King, it is a truly special piece of art. Our kids have been working tirelessly under the guidance of exceptional staff, and we are incredibly excited for next week’s performances.
Education Review Office (ERO) Visit
This week we also welcomed the Education Review Office (ERO) to our school. Historically, ERO visits occur every few years depending on a school’s performance in their previous report. The three days they spent in our school were excellent. We had great conversations around what we are doing currently and our strategic direction for the future.
They were very positive in their feedback regarding the progress of our kura since their last visit in 2022. Although we have not received the formal written review yet, we were very happy with the discussions and the constructive next steps suggested for us in the coming years. We look forward to the formal report becoming available in 3 to 4 weeks and will share it with the community as soon as it arrives. I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported us over the last few years to get to this point it is a source of immense pride for our entire school community.
Ngā mihi nui,
Jason Pocock
Kia ora e te whānau,
Welcome back to Term 3! I hope you all had a restful and rejuvenating break with your loved ones. As we kick off a fresh term, it is the perfect time to reflect on the fantastic momentum our learners built at the end of Term 2, particularly around our commitment to being present and ready to learn.
At our school, we know that regular attendance is directly linked to academic achievement, strong friendships, and overall well-being. Before we dive into the term ahead, we want to celebrate some outstanding milestones achieved by our community at the close of Term 2:
- 545 of our learners missed 5 or fewer days of school across the entire term.
- An incredible 198 students achieved a flawless 100% attendance rate!
Ngā mihi nui to all our whānau for your partnership in prioritising daily school attendance. Every day in the classroom provides vital opportunities to connect and grow.
To keep this momentum going, we ask for your continued support with regular attendance and punctuality:
- Absences: If your teenager is unwell, please log their absence via the Hero app. While health guidance from Te Whatu Ora can help you decide if your child is well enough to attend, taking time off for holidays or non-school activities during term time remains unjustified.
- Punctuality & Sign-Ins: Arriving on time reflects Rangatiratanga (ownership and self-management) and ensures learners don’t miss essential morning notices. Learners must be in class by 8:45 AM (or 9:00 AM on Wednesdays). Any student arriving late or leaving early must check in or out at the front office using the Vistab device.
This term, our Deans, Mr. Pocock, and I will be delivering L2L (Learning to Learn) lessons centered on Whanaungatanga (belonging and connection). Our Year 7s are exploring how to celebrate diversity and build healthy relationships, while our Year 8s are diving into understanding their place in our school community.
Let’s carry our Term 2 success straight into Term 3. Thank you for supporting our learners to show up, connect, and shine every day!
Ngā mihi nui,
Dillon Rungan
Deputy Principal
Kia ora e te whānau,
A couple of things from me this week in our DP’s corner.
It is an exciting time at our kura with several updates and events to share. We are continuously working to enhance our environment to ensure it remains a vibrant and supportive space for our students to learn and grow.
We are thrilled to announce that a new pergola has been installed over the rear decking area of R11/12. This structure provides a fantastic 75 square metres of outdoor learning space, offering a warm and dry undercover area for students to enjoy. This is especially beneficial for those days when students want to be flexible in their learning environment, regardless of the weather.
Additionally, our library has undergone a significant upgrade. Key improvements include:
- New issuing area: A more efficient issuing desk designed to streamline book borrowing and returns.
- Modern furniture: New tables and chairs specifically chosen to accommodate our growing number of students.
- Enhanced layout: A refreshed space that encourages both quiet study and collaborative reading.
A massive thank you to Olivia Harrison, our wonderful librarian, for her considerable time and dedication to the planning and delivery of this project.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to our fabulous PTA for their significant funding contributions and to our awesome community for your ongoing support in helping bring this vision to fruition.
Our swimming pool is also receiving some much-needed TLC. Maintenance is currently underway with new water pipes being installed. This work is part of our preparation for the pool’s reopening in Term 4, once the current cold snap has passed and the weather begins to warm up. We look forward to seeing our students back in the water soon!
I have been lucky enough to catch some rehearsals for our upcoming production, and it promises to be an amazing event. The creativity and talent on display are truly inspiring. The students are hyped, and our teachers are ready and raring to go!
Don’t miss out on this showcase of our students’ hard work. Make sure to head over to Kindo to secure your tickets for next week’s performances.
A reminder regarding school gate safety: please do not drive into the school grounds at either the Poronui Street or Disraeli Street gates for student drop-offs or pick-ups.
These entrances are high-pedestrian zones where our students are walking and cycling. To ensure everyone’s safety, please utilise the plenty of safe drop-off options available outside of the immediate school campus boundaries.
Thank you all so much for your ongoing support in keeping our school environment safe and welcoming
That’s all from me for now, have a great weekend.
Ngā mihi,
Scott Bonifac
Deputy Principal
Uniform
Kia ora e te whānau, welcome back to Term 3!
As we settle into another exciting term.
It’s easy to talk about our values, but it’s through our everyday actions that we truly show them. The way we present ourselves, care for our belongings, and represent our kura all contribute to who we are as a community.
At ANI, our uniform is more than just what we wear; it is part of our āhua (values). Wearing it with pride reflects rangatiratanga, by taking responsibility for ourselves and our belongings, and whanaungatanga, by showing that we belong to something important and that we stand together as one community.
As many of our students prepare for the transition to our local grammar schools and other secondary schools, we know they will continue to encounter high expectations around uniform and personal presentation. Developing these habits now helps prepare our young people for the next stage of their education while also building pride in themselves and in our school.
A few reminders:
- Students should wear the correct uniform, including white ankle socks or knee-length black socks with shoes.
- Terms 1 and 4 are hat terms. All students are required to wear an ANI sunhat whenever they are outside. Please ensure your child brings their school hat each day.
- Shoes should be plain black and meet our uniform guidelines.
As a dean team, we have also reviewed our expectations around personal presentation to ensure consistency across the school. Our expectations are:
- No makeup or eyelash extensions. Skincare, such as plain clear pimple patches and discreet use of concealer where appropriate, is permitted.
- One plain stud or sleeper in each ear.
- Nails should be kept short and natural. If nail polish is worn, it should be clear only.
We understand that some students may wear taonga or religious jewellery. If this applies to your child, please contact their classroom teacher in the first instance so we can discuss this with the dean team and organise a permanent uniform pass where appropriate. If staff are ever unsure, they will check with the dean team to ensure our approach is consistent, supportive, and respectful.
Our full uniform guidelines, including approved uniform items and footwear, can be found on our school website here:
Thank you for your ongoing support in helping our young people take pride in themselves, represent our kura with confidence, and continue to uphold the values that make the ANI community so special.
Ngā mihi nui,
The ANI Dean Team
The countdown is on for ANI Thing Is Possible, our 2026 school production!
Join us on Wednesday 12 August or Thursday 13 August at 6.00pm as our talented Year 7 and 8 students bring the ANI āhua to life on stage.
Experience the thrill of the ANI Super Bowl, meet a cast of wonderfully colourful characters, and enjoy plenty of drama, comedy and unexpected moments along the way. This energetic production celebrates the values, people and experiences that make our school community so special.
Adults: $20 | Children under 13: $10
Tickets are available now through Kindo. There are only two performances, so book soon to avoid missing out!
All children attending require their own seat.
Help us build an amazing new playground!
The ANI PTA is raising funds to refurbish and upgrade our school playground, creating a modern, safe and exciting space for 740+ ANI students and the wider Mt Eden community to enjoy.
🎁 DONATE A RAFFLE PRIZE
We’re looking for donations of:
• 🎟 Gift Vouchers (dated from the end of November 2026) • 🛍 Products & Gift Items • 🍽 Restaurant & Café Vouchers • 💇 Hair, Beauty & Wellness Services • 🏡 Bach or Holiday Home Weekend • 🎨 Experiences & Family Activities • 🧺 Gift Baskets • 🛠 Professional or Trade Services • 💙 Business Sponsorships
Every donation – BIG or SMALL – makes a difference!
🤝 CAN YOU HELP?
Do you own a business, or know someone who does? Please ask your family, friends, employer, local businesses, sports clubs, cafés or restaurants if they would like to support our school.
Your donation will help us create fantastic raffle prizes while supporting a project that will benefit our students and community for years to come.
📅 DONATIONS CLOSE
Please deliver all donations to the School Office by Friday, 5 September 2026.
📧 CONTACT THE ANI PTA Natalie Cassidy ncassidy@ani.school.nz or Mandy Tomlins mtomlins@ani.school.nz
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’s mum shared some exciting news about Hermia’s latest achievements.
On 20-21 June 2026, Hermia represented North Harbour Gymnastics at the Autumn Glory of Canterbury Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition in Christchurch.
She achieved the following outstanding results:
Individual
🥇 Gold – Freehand
🥇 Gold – Hoop
🥇 Gold – Clubs
🥇 Gold – Individual All-Around Champion
Hermia was also part of the G4 Group team, which achieved:
🥇 Gold – Group Competition
While these results are a wonderful accomplishment, what makes us most proud is the journey behind them. Rhythmic gymnastics requires immense commitment, discipline, resilience, and courage. Hermia has spent countless hours training, learning from setbacks, and continually striving to improve. Her achievements last weekend are a reflection of her determination, perseverance, and love for the sport.
As parents, it has been a joy to watch her pursue something she is passionate about with such dedication. We are delighted to celebrate her success and to applaud the effort, persistence, and positive attitude that have helped her reach this achievement.
Kind regards,
Alice
On 4–5 July, Hermia competed at the Midlands Championships in Tauranga in the Level 5 National Overs category. She achieved:
🥇 1st Place – Freehand
🥇 1st Place – Hoop
🥇 1st Place – Clubs
🥇 Individual Overall Champion (1st Place)
🥇 G4 National Group – 1st Place
On 18-19 July, Hermia also competed at the Counties Manukau RG Invitational Competition, where she achieved:
🥇 1st Place – Freehand
🥇 1st Place – Hoop
🥇 1st Place – Clubs
🥇 Individual Overall Champion (1st Place)
🥇 G4 National Group – 1st Place
We are incredibly proud of her dedication, hard work, and the way she continues to balance her training with her schoolwork. We wanted to share these achievements with the school and thank you for your continued support.
Kind regards,
Alice
MATHS! Every single team put all of their effort and passion into the competition. We were so proud to see the determination and resilience from everyone.
Kia ora whanau,
Yesterday I had the pleasure of taking our chess teams to the Regional Champs at Swanson School.
What a day it was – full of exciting and tense games, leads changing so often, and right up to the last game, where it went to the wire.
I am exceptionally proud of our school team’s performance, including how the Team represented ANI.
They demonstrated sharp strategic thinking, composure, and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the day. They lived and breathed our Ahua during the day.
Our team delivered a remarkable performance, finishing in a very close 2nd place overall—narrowly missing out on the top spot to Belmont Intermediate by just half a point. I was especially proud of how all 16 players represented our kura superbly in both conduct and team spirit. A special shout-out to James, Samuel and Euan for outstanding results, with James being awarded the 2nd best player overall on the day, receiving a special medal for this.
By securing 2nd place at Regionals, our team has officially qualified to compete at the National Championships in Hamilton on October 24th.
Congratulations to all players yesterday – you were all absolute stars!!
Mr Boniface
One of the biggest events of student’s learning and experience at ANI is the Year 8 Exhibition.
This is a celebration of student’s learning and their journey and growth across the two years at our Kura. Students spend the whole term engaged and investigating a passion or topic of high interest based on their choice. Students this year will be looking at current events and current problems the world is facing. We then have an open evening at the end of the term where students present their learning and share their success with Whānau and the community. It’s a special occasion and we would love to see you all there.
Put the date in your calendars now!
Term 3 Week 10: WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 23rd 6pm – 7:30pm
Year 8 students have kicked off their grand exhibition project with a powerful assembly and introductory workshops.
The theme Solutions for Tomorrow links the Global Goals with our Specialist Learning Areas and is a culmination of their two years of IB learning.
Students will demonstrate their knowledge of Approaches to Learning, like Social skills, self-management, and research, with Learner Profiles like being a communicator, thinker and open-minded. As part of this eight-week program, they will need to interview two experts relating to the Global Goals. We’d love your help! If you have any knowledge, connections or work in any relevant area, we’d love to hear from you. You could either answer student questions, be interviewed directly or attend our Expert symposium in Week 7.
Please contact Lee Smith, Rimu Team Leader, or Sanha McGill, Matai Team Leader, to find out more.
Kia ora all,
Brooke and I had the pleasure of taking these wonderful girls to netball zones, and wow, what a day it was!
After a slow start for the Year 7s, building connections and gaining confidence, they managed to come 1st in their pool. Then came the quarter-finals, a successful win against Remuera 13-3. Next up were the semi-finals; we couldn’t believe our luck. We had to get our combinations right for this one; luckily, we had the team coaches on site to support with this – thank you, Linda and Sarah. A close game, but we beat Dio, 11-7, for our place in the finals. The girls were so excited to be there for the day, let alone be in the final so to make it this far, they were buzzing. Finals… we played Kowhai, and it was nail-biting right until the end.
But, WE WON!!! 9-7, absolutely epic and the girls celebrated with so much enthusiasm!!
Year 8s had a tough first game against Mount Roskill Intermediate, and despite this knockback, they came back strong in their second game, beating Ponsonby 8-6. They continued this winning streak with wins against Remuera, 16-3 and Waiheke High 15-4, making second place in their pool. Unfortunately, their quarter-final was against Dio, who then went on to win the Year 8 comp. Even though they didn’t make the final, their spirits were high throughout the day and supported the Year 7s, displaying our ANI values and creating new ANI chants – Whanaungatanga through and through! Thank you to Johana for coaching the team and to Lynne and Natalie for scoring and transportation.
Brooke and I are so incredibly proud of the girls for how they represented ANI, their sportsmanship and their positivity shown throughout the day.
A huge, huge thank you to all the whānau who showed up today to support the girls in their games – we are so grateful and so were they!
Ngā mihi,
Kayleigh and Brooke
Netball Co-ordinators
Kia ora koutou,
Did you know that it is estimated that less than half (<50%) of students in Aotearoa have school library access?
At ANI, we are lucky to have a growing collection of books for our tamariki to access, but libraries go far beyond books.
Take a look at the way school libraries not only encourage growth, but help tamariki thrive throughout their education.
Happy reading!
Ngā mihi,
Olivia Harrison
ANI School Librarian
Keeping Our Tamariki Safe Online
As our young people become more independent online, they’re spending more time gaming, chatting with friends, and exploring social media. This is a normal part of growing up, but it’s also a good time for parents and caregivers to check in on their child’s online world.
Online safety isn’t just about settings, rules or restrictions. It’s about building a strong relationship so your child knows they can come to you if something online feels confusing, upsetting or unsafe.
Here are a few ways you can support them:
- Age limits matter. Most social media platforms have a minimum age of 13 because younger children are still developing the skills needed to manage online risks such as social comparison, contact with strangers and persuasive content.
- Gaming chat is social media too. Many online issues begin through games like Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft. Take time to explore the games your child enjoys and review privacy and chat settings together.
- Keep communication open. Our children are much more likely to seek help if they know they won’t automatically lose access to their device. A simple message such as, “If anything online ever worries you, come and tell me – we’ll work through it together,” can make a real difference.
As Netsafe reminds us, “The most powerful safety setting your whānau has is connection.”
If you notice your child becoming unusually secretive about their device, withdrawing from friends, or showing changes in mood that seem linked to their online activity, see it as an opportunity for a calm, curious conversation rather than a confrontation.
For practical advice and support, visit Netsafe or Keep It Real Online, both of which offer trusted guidance and excellent resources for New Zealand families navigating the online world.
As part of Child Safeguarding Week, Netsafe is also hosting a free webinar for parents and caregivers of tweens and teens.
Free Parent Webinar: Helping Tweens and Teens Navigate the Online World
The session will explore online safety, cyberbullying, practical ways to support your child, and where to find help if something goes wrong.
Wednesday 9 September | 7.00 pm
Free online webinar
If you have any concerns about your child’s online experiences or would like to talk through how to support them, please feel free to contact me for more information.
Ngā mihi,
Anna | Counsellor
+20 4053 3249
Working days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday.
I work elsewhere on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so I will reply on my next working day.
If you need support, you can contact:
- Youthline – 0800 376 633 | text 234 | talk@youthline.co.nz | online chat
- The Lowdown – thelowdown.co.nz | team@thelowdown.co.nz | text 5626
- SPARX – sparx.org.nz (free online tool from the University of Auckland for managing stress, low mood, and anxiety)
- Kidsline – 0800 543 754 (4pm–9pm weekdays)
- What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (Mon–Fri 1pm–10pm, weekends 3pm–10pm) | online chat 7pm–10pm daily
- 1737 Need to Talk – free call or text 1737, 24/7, any time, any reason
- Netsafe – 0508 638 723 | netsafe.org.nz (for online bullying, harmful content, or anything that’s happened online)
- Bullying-Free NZ – bullyingfree.nz (guidance for students and parents on bullying, including online)
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,
Kate, Megan and Gabi
