In today’s newsletter we have the following:
Senior Leadership News
Acting Principal News
Dear parents and whānau
Kia ora koutou
It’s hard to believe that we are nearly at the end of week 3. There has been plenty happening over the last 2 weeks, with the NMSSA (National Monitoring study of students achievement team) in our kura. The testing of student ability at Years 3, 6 and 8 Nationally, provides information about achievement and trends over time, with their findings shared with us toward the end of Term 4, outlining how ANI performs when compared across New Zealand schools. The full report and final assessment will be publicly available from 2025.
We farewell our Korean tour group who return home after being with us since the start of the term. We wish them all the very best on their travels and we have thoroughly enjoyed hosting them at ANI. Some of their students have indicated they are keen to return as long-stay international students. This positive endorsement of our kura is directly attributed to the mahi our kaiako do in providing quality programmes for all tamariki.
Our sports teams continue to succeed in their respective categories, as recognised later in this newsletter, and congratulations go to all participants for representing ANI strongly, and with pride. A large group of students attended the Tough Guy, Tough Girl challenge on Wednesday where they not only battled the cold temperature but navigated a very muddy and boggy farmland in Kumeu. All returned with big smiles and assured me they had lots of fun. A big thank you to Matua Steve and Mr Rice for coordinating such a large group event.
The school production “The Addams Family” is nearing its final preparation and rehearsals before its opening next week. We have our local contributing schools coming to watch a special matinee performance next Tuesday, with opening night on Wednesday 14th @ 6.00pm. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets via our Kindo shop, as this show is going to be outstanding. A huge thank you and massive appreciation must go to Blake Wilson and Maddie Brodie for their strong leadership, dedication and direction in leading this incredible performance. The cast are working tremendously hard and deserve the accolades I am sure they will receive during their shows. I would also like to thank the large number of staff who are helping with makeup, backstage, props, costumes and all other jobs required to ensure this event is a success. A special mention and thank you to those students who are helping out in various roles associated with the production. It is very much a TEAM ANI effort. I am looking forward to running the candy bar and seeing the show next week!
That’s all the news for now, have a safe and happy weekend whanau.
Kia haumaru te noho,
Scott Boniface
Acting Principal ANI
Deputy Principal’s News
Learning Program Highlights for This Term
IB Theme: Where We Are in Place and Time
This term, our learning program is centered around the International Baccalaureate (IB) theme “Where We Are in Place and Time.” This theme invites students to embark on an inquiry into histories and orientation in place, space, and time, exploring the natural and human drivers of movement, adaptation, and transformation. It is also the theme where we teach our New Zealand Histories unit.
Theme Descriptor and Key Concepts
Our exploration is guided by the theme descriptor: “An inquiry into histories and orientation in place, space, and time through natural and human drivers of movement, adaptation, and transformation.” This means students will delve into how historical events and various factors have influenced the movement and settlement of people. The key concepts we are focusing on are causation and change, which will help students understand the reasons behind human actions and the impacts these actions have over time.
Central Idea
The central idea for our inquiry is: “Aotearoa’s past, present, and future is shaped by the movement of people.” This idea will frame our investigations and discussions, allowing students to see the continuity and transformation within our society.
Lines of Inquiry
We have structured our inquiry into three main lines:
- Movement of People in the Past: Students will explore historical migrations and the factors that influenced these movements.
- Movement of People in the Present (Last 10 Years or So): This will include an examination of contemporary migration patterns and their current impact on society.
- Movement of People in the Future: Students will consider future trends and predictions about human movement and how these might shape Aotearoa and the world.
Skills Development
In addition to our thematic inquiries, we are focusing on developing key academic skills:
- Research Skills: Students will enhance their ability to gather, evaluate, and synthesize information from various sources.
- Mathematics: Our math curriculum will concentrate on geometry and number
- Writing: In writing, students will be looking at both fiction and non-fiction pieces this term. Some key teaching around essay writing will be part of this term as well, with a particular focus on writing structure.
Engaging Families in Learning
We encourage parents to initiate conversations with their children about their own history and movement to New Zealand. Sharing personal stories and experiences can enrich our students’ understanding of the themes we are exploring and provide meaningful connections to their own lives. These discussions at home can be a valuable extension of our classroom activities, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse backgrounds that contribute to Aotearoa’s rich cultural tapestry.
We are excited about the rich learning opportunities this term offers and look forward to seeing our students grow as inquisitive and knowledgeable individuals. Stay tuned for updates on our progress and highlights of our students’ work!
Nga mihi
The ANI DPs – Kieran, Scott & Ashley
Korean Visitors
Our group of 29 students and three teachers from Chengwon Primary School in Seoul, Korea, have had having a wonderful experience at ANI. They are all thankful to the ANI teachers, staff, and students for making it such a unique and memorable experience.
They now have a better understanding of our school lessons and IB curriculum. The students did an amazing job, participating in discussions and presenting in both Korean and English and today an assembly was organised for them where they all received certificates for their time spent at ANI.
Kate Shin
International Student Director
2025 Enrolments
Events
Production: The Addams Family
We will open our gates for a short time only so get your tickets fast! The only way to purchase tickets is to log onto your Kindo app. $20.00 for Adults and $10.00 for 13 and under.
Show Nights:
Wednesday 14 August, Thursday 15 August and Friday 16 August.
Doors Open:
5:40 pm – Show Starts 6:00 pm
Ticket sales are now available via the online Kindo Shop linked here.
Hui/Fono - Term 3
Mōrena Team,
This is a friendly reminder that our Term 3 Hui/Fono will be held on Wednesday 21st August at 5.30pm-6.30pm
For anyone not sure what the Hui/Fono is all about, it is when we invite our Māori and Pasifika families in for a kōrero around how we can best support our Māori and Pasifika learners. What we are doing well and where we could potentially do more. It is a chance to engage with community.
You are encouraged to attend but it is not compulsory. Could you please let me know if you are planning to attend for catering purposes please.
We will have a few performances from some of our Pasifika groups to acknowledge and celebrate Cook Island and Tongan language weeks.
Any questions please let me know.
Brooke Tuialii
Teacher in Charge of Hui/Fono
Email: btuialii@ani.school.nz
Daffodil Day - Yellow Mufti Theme!
We will be holding a ‘yellow’ mufti day on Friday August 31st. Students will meet on the courts with their gold coin donation and then spell ANI!
Upcoming Events for Week 4, Term 3, 2024
Student Achievement
Principal Awards
Chess
Royal Oak Intermediate was the venue of the Auckland regional games where three schools, lucky us, won a pass to go to Nationals on the 26th of October for the teams National Final, and 27th for the Champions trophy (individual mode) in Wellington.
As expected, it was a very tough competition, yet, despite winning and losing games we won a ticket to go to Wellington.
We came 3rd place in the competition after Northcote Intermediate (1st place) and ACG Sunderland (2nd place). Grayson was the second-best player during the tournament.
The 5 lovely students attending to Nationals are:
Grayson P-T (Rtg. 1601)
Ethan T (Rtg. 1320)
Harrison M (Rtg 1275)
Wilson L (Rtg. 1124)
William F(Rtg 1062)
Leo Salso got a medal but could not qualify as 5 is the maximum for a school to go to Finals.
Cynthia Montesinos
Teacher In Charge of Chess
New Zealand Robot Olympiad 2024
The New Zealand Robot Olympiad 2024 was held in the University of Auckland during the 2nd school break. The New Zealand Robot Olympiad is the most prestigious and historical robot competition for school students in the world.
NZRO selects the best students who represent New Zealand to participate in the International NZ Robot Olympiad 2024, which will be held in Busan, Korea next January.
Shine Wang achieved a Tech medal from Creative Standard and will represent NZ at the International competition.
Congratulations from everyone at ANI.
Year 7 Masterchef 2024
Our first round of Masterchef is now complete!
I just wanted to share some of the delicious dishes the Year 7 students have served up over the last two days.
Huge thank you to our judges Gabi & Caitlin who tried everything with enthusiasm and were really impressed with what the students achieved.
Here are a few of our faves and once I have had the second rotation of classes we will go into the semi finals round.
Brooke Tuialii
Food & Soft Tech Teacher
Sustainability
Last week, two of our Sustainability Leaders, Aarohi from Room 19 and Logan from Room 23C, visited Bunnings in Grey Lynn, where ANI received $400 worth of gardening equipment.
We were fortunate to acquire a hose, raised beds, gardening tools, and a variety of vegetables and herbs to grow. This generous donation is a fantastic way to launch our Garden to Table program. We look forward to seeing our garden grow bigger and thrive.
Another project we have launched is some sprouting kumara plants that will be ready for planting in the spring.
Cynthia Montesinos & Nicola Redshaw
Teachers In Charge of Sustainability
Arts
Rockshop Bandquest
Come and support Abhi, Amaia, Andy, Flynn, Harrison, Nuthara, Saisha, Sam, Thomas and William as they represent ANI across 2 bands for the annual Rockshop Bandquest Competition.
You can buy your tickets on the Ticketmaster website linked here.
Annual Arts and Culture Showcase
Sports
ANI Waterpolo – Tim Sonderer Tournamant
Mōrena ANI,
Over the weekend two of our water polo teams took part in the Tim Sonderer Tournament.
Team Kākahi took part in a very tough B-grade. Feedback from the coaches was that the team put their best foot forward every game and represented ANI very well, in and out of the water.
Team Taniwha took part in the A grade and had a strong run facing some very tough teams (including all-boy teams). The team took on RI in the 3rd & 4th finals, sadly losing 11-4.
Myself, Jordan and the coaches are very proud of all the players that took part in the tournament and we are looking forward to taking on the country in 5 weeks’ time!
GOOOOOO ANI!!!!!
Harry and Jordan
Waterpolo Co-ordinators
CZ Netball Recap
When I was asked to take Y8 CZ netball, it all made so much sense. Who else to ask to mould our young male-netballers but the Irish weapon who spent the majority of his short amateur netball career crashing into poor opposition players, missing every shot and generally causing the ref to take pity on me and explain for the 1000th time how I cannot move with the ball.
Anyway, I was ‘coaching’ our Y8’s on Wednesday while Sarah and Gerhson had a far more successful time with the Y7’s.
Our Y8’s had a tight first encounter, somehow letting slip a 6-1 advantage to lose their opening game 7-6 to Kohia Terrace.
Standout performers from game one were Toby at centre, Declan at WA and Te Maika at GA. Our group games became steadily more difficult and we endured some tough losses to Ponsonby Intermediate, Kōwhai Intermediate and a brilliant Balmoral side. So proud of the boys for all the hard work, they taught this Irishman a few lessons 🙂
Once pool games were done, there was some confusion around placings for the Year 8’s and so we ended up playing for what we believe was 11th & 12th and drawing 5-5. The final is going to be replayed, such was the confusion, at a later date but our battlers were not in contention for those places regardless.
Kieran Gleeson
Teacher in Charge of Y8 CZ Boys Netball
Netball Umpiring Courses
Please check out the Auckland Netball Website for umpiring opportunities. It would be great to have more students trained up as 6 v 6 umpires to support local primary schools in the future.
There is one coming up soon!!
Format: 6v6
When: 12 August from 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Venue: 7 Allison Ferguson Drive, St Johns
Cost: $35.00 per person (includes a whistle)
Kayleigh Hughes
Teacher in Charge of Netball
ANI Squash
A good day at the squash club on Tuesday 6th August. All 3 teams competed with skill, ever-growing confidence and pride.
Teams:
– ANI boys 2: Aariz, Zeedan, James, who won the plate.
– ANI girls: Saige, Isabel and Saisha, also won the plate.
– ANI boys 1: Thevan, Seb, Matthew won the whole competition. Congratulations to the whole team.
All in all, ANI played with integrity and respect for others, even sometimes sharing their stuff with others. It was a fantastic day of sport and the team really did themselves proud!
Sam Carruthers
Teacher in Charge of Squash
Mud Run Mayhem!
On Wednesday, 60 tamariki transformed into muddy marvels. With the sun shining and spirits high, our students tackled obstacles and embraced the unexpected including a surprise mud pool that left everyone grinning from ear to ear!
Our students displayed incredible courage and teamwork, stepping outside their comfort zones and conquering their fears. One unforgettable highlight was the impromptu mud fight that five brave souls couldn’t resist!
A massive thank you to Scott and Xavier for getting behind the van wheels and our dedicated parent helpers for making this day possible.
Steve Van Nes
Teacher in Charge of the Mud Run
Auckland Schools Mountain Biking:
A message from Jon Hasler, Auckland Grammar School.
Please find information on this race here:
Event Manual: linked here
Race Course Vs Hazards Vs Marshal positions: linked here
Registration (entry): linked here
Please note that the rider name may appear in the pre-registration section as they have raced before, that does NOT mean they are registered to do Race 3. You must still register them, and of course pay, to be registered to race.
If you have raced before, enter first name of rider, then (parent) email (email used last time / for invoices)
NOTE: You are now able to volunteer for multiple events – so if you have helped in then past, and want to again, please do!
Jon Hasler
Auckland Schools Mountain Biking / Auckland Mountain Bike Club.
P +64 9 623 5400 http://www.ags.school.nz
Staff
A message from our Counsellor:
5, 4, 3, 2, 1: a simple exercise to calm.
It can be very easy to get caught up in our day-to-day stress and anxiety. Grounding techniques offer a practical way to pull your focus back from what’s worrying you and return you to the present moment, this helps calm the body’s fight or flight response and helps maintain a balanced state of mind.
The 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 technique is one of the easiest mindfulness strategies to manage stress and anxiety – it can be done almost anywhere at almost any time.
Describe to yourself or to a friend the following in as much detail as you can – really focus your energy and attention to your surroundings.
5 – Name 5 things you can see. Take notice of the texture, colour, shape (etc.) of 5 objects in your immediate surroundings.
4 – Name 4 things you can hear. Take notice of sounds close and far, this could be anything from a fan humming, the sound of your own breathing, to the hustle and bustle of the school playground or office.
3 – Name 3 things you can feel. Take notice of how the ground feels beneath your feet, the textures of your clothes, any objects you may be holding, focus your attention and describe the texture, weight, pressure, temperature (etc.).
2 – Name 2 things you can smell. Take a deep breath and notice 2 smells around you, this could be your cup of coffee, scented hand-soap, food cooking, your (or someone else’s) perfume. Does it smell strong? Sweet? Bitter? Pleasant or unpleasant?
1 – Name 1 thing you can taste. Take notice of what you can taste, maybe take a sip of water. Can you taste the lingering flavour of toothpaste? Or the last thing you ate? Sometimes strong smells can activate our sense of taste, so pay attention to that too.
The beauty of this method lies in its ability to shift your focus and engage your senses so that your attention is captured in the reality of the present – not swept away into an anxious, imagined future. This helps give our anxiety distance and perspective, increasing our feelings of control over it.
You can contact Chloe (senior counsellor) or Anna (counsellor in training) at counsellor@ani.school.nz.
ANI Community
ANI PTA
Exciting news that the PTA will be hosting the inaugural ANI PTA Quiz night on Friday 18 October.
Special guest MC Jeremy Corbett will be hosting the night.
Join us for a fun evening of ANI whanau connection. $20 per person with 8 per table. Tickets will be on sale soon.
Meitaki maata,
Notices from our community partners
Mt Roskill Grammar School Out-of-Zone Enrolment
Enrolment for Out-of-Zone places at MRGS for 2025 closes in four weeks’ time at 4.00pm on Wednesday 4 September. Enrolments received after this date will not be included in the ballot and will go on a waiting list. If you would like to make an Out-of-Zone application you can do this online or pick up a paper copy from Reception at MRGS. Paper forms may also be available from the Office at your child’s Intermediate school.
Information about how to apply and what documents you need is on our website under the Enrolment tab at: https://www.mrgs.school.nz
For all enquiries, please email enrolment@mrgs.school.nz or call Reception on 621 0050
