In today’s ANI Guild we have the following:
Back to the Chalkboard!!!
Over the centuries, learning, school and education has changed drastically for the better, from working in the farm, to having desks facing a teacher, and into the modern and sophisticated ILE’s and Hub’s we have today.
However, for the first week of Term 4, the unimaginable happened. The school had shut down the wifi. This came as a very sudden shock to students and teachers alike. Well, only if they hadn’t heard about it before. Mainly the teachers panicked, as without wifi, there could be no computers, even for teachers to cast slides, or even use the ILE TV at all!
The teachers had to scramble to find a solution, for entire lessons which had been based on devices that were no longer able to function. As stress kicked in, drastic action had to be taken. It was time to go back to the CHALKBOARD!!! Or, in our case, the whiteboard.
Having the lack of devices was a great opportunity for us to experience how school life was, back in our parent’s schooling age.
Now while some might disagree with me and would prefer to go back to their devices, we can all take away something from this particularly weird, but eye-opening experience.
Written by: Kushaell
Edited by: Avni
Ready, Set, High School!
While the first two weeks of term 4 might seem like a pretty normal time at ANI for the year 7’s, the year 8’s have been quite busy!
Last week, at the start of term 4, we had a device-free week with no wifi! We used that time to prepare for either an exciting or terrifying week – exam week. Our teachers helpfully decided to give us study tips to practice our skills for the upcoming tests – from what NOT to do at an exam, to how to study! We even had to practice doing speed essays – you’re given a thesis statement and you’re off! 45 minutes is on the clock! Seems like a lot of time but in reality, it isn’t always enough.
Then came exam week. Over Monday and Tuesday classes, the year 8’s did some tests on e-asttle as a way of preparation for Wednesday as well as for our reports. What comes on Wednesday you may ask? Well, of course, it’s the middle of the week, Hump Day… but that’s not what we’re here to tell you about. We were told we had to do a 40-minute math exam as well as a 40-minute literacy exam – both a somewhat review of what we’ve learnt during our time at ANI. Of course, it’s not an official exam for our reports – simply something to prepare us for the harsh realities of high school.
However, imagine our surprise when we were told that both examinations were to be 40 minutes long! That seems like such a short time… but it will get us use to the pressure of exams … Sitting in rows of chairs, nervously clicking our pens as we awaited the first exam – literacy. There were reading comprehension questions and then a whole essay to be written at the back! A truly nerve-wracking experience. Apparently, some students’ pens stopped working and they didn’t have a spare! Luckily for them, the teachers decided to show mercy on those poor souls.
The maths exam took place after a longer morning tea break, back in the MPS again. This time we needed some more stationary – pencils, eraser, ruler… cOMPAsS? pROTRACTOR? For some reason, almost half of year 8 didn’t have a compass or protractor! I suppose they all lost the ones in the stationary pack at the start of the year since we didn’t use them… but protractors?
Yet again our teachers graciously showed mercy by handing some out. Luckily, however, the compass was only used in one question and so was the protractor!
The 40 minutes flew by like a breeze – factors, bar graphs, nonverbal reasoning and more…
I’m sure that I wasn’t the only one to feel an immense sense of relief even though it wasn’t going to be on our reports. I suppose doing mock exams like these just end up filling you to the brim with nervousness.
Heading back to class for lunch eating and break- a chance to shout (not too loud) and have fun after sitting in silence for almost the whole day.
Most classes seemed to just chill, or mark a bit of the math exam before moving on to some other tasks that had to be done.
We all left school with a weight lifted off our shoulders, finally, peace. No scrambling around for stationary, no blanking out on a question, just peace.
It was finally over! Well, for now at least. Some of us have entrance exams for high school coming up soon, and then there are also exams while you’re at high school too!
Our teachers have been working extremely hard to condition us in the mystical ways of high school. Hopefully, all this work and effort will pay off in the long run!
The impending doom of high school awaits us all in the end, but for us year 8’s it’s coming very, very soon. We are all filled with a growing anticipation and a mix of excitement and nervousness as the year slowly comes to an end.
Of course, there are a lot of amazing things coming up for us soon – the Amazing Race, Pool Day, Exhibition …
Well, we’ll deal with that when we reach it. For now, we can enjoy the weekend.
Written by Avni
Edited by Ayesha & Sohum
Highs and Lows of ANI Netball
On Wednesday, the 16th of October, ANI held its annual Netball Prize giving. Outstanding players were recognized for their efforts, and coaches and team managers shared gratitude for the wonderful season as well as some personal highlights from games. Awards included: most valuable player, most improved, and sportsmanship.
A huge thank you to Miss Hughes and Mrs. T for their unwavering dedication to providing for ANI netball teams. From submitting the teams to the uniforms and organising the netball AIMS teams. We couldn’t have done it without you!
All in all, it was a successful and outstanding evening celebrating the highs and lows of this year’s winter season. Catch you next year, netballers.
Writers: Saisha, Griffin and Selene
Editor: Selene
Photos: Selene
ANI Volleyball Experience!!!
It was the day of the long-awaited volleyball trials at ANI, the MPS flooded with kids eager to start playing. Trials were spread out across two weeks, the first one in week 8 and the second in week 9. More than 50 kids tried for each team but unfortunately, only 9 could make the cut. It was a tough decision, it took a long time to make the final teams but alas the teams were announced in week 10 on a fateful Tuesday.
After the teams were announced, both teams had to practice every week leading up to the tournament (some practised more than others). Mr Cadelis led the girls’ team and Mr Christie led the boys. Little did we know, CZ was coming soon with the boys having their competition on week 1 Tuesday and the girls having it on Thursday.
Thursday arrived and the girls arrived early, ready for the challenge ahead. We headed straight to Eventfinda stadium where central zones were held. Mr Cadelis signed us in and we headed to the main courts. The courts were packed with teams warming up for their upcoming games. It was going to be a long day about who was going to stick it out to the end.
We played 5 consecutive games with 5-minute breaks in between. At the end of the competition, the ANI girls’ volleyball team placed 5th, winning 3 games and losing 2. All very close but challenging games for everyone.
Overall it was a challenging yet fulfilling day. Although the teams were put together at the last minute, everyone tried their very best and played with sportsmanship. All in all, it was an amazing day full of highs and lows. We wish the best to next year’s volleyball team.
Writers: Selene, RJ
Editor: RJ
Photos: Selene
Matai to The Outback
As the sun hid behind the gloomy clouds, we were all buzzing with excitement. It was Thursday 17th October and it was the day the Matai Team was going to the zoo! This trip was based on our term 4 Inquiry Topic HWEO (How we express ourselves) and for our Y8 exhibitions.
When the bell rang, we all went to our classrooms and the roll was taken. It was 9:00am when we started to make our way towards Disraeli Street where we would be boarding our buses to the zoo, the atmosphere was electric! It seems like there is an exciting day ahead of us, as all we did whilst we waited for the bus was discuss the trip ahead. Our bus had soon arrived, marking the commencement of the zoo trip.
At 9:30am, we arrived at the zoo and we were introduced to two lovely zookeepers named Koha and Lizzy. They showed us where we would meet and have our education session, which is a learning experience lesson related to New Zealand flora and fauna. It was a long walk from the entry, but that didn’t bother us. It was lovely to see some animals while we made our way to the hub. Once we arrived, we had a short Health & Safety briefing and they explained what the schedule for the day was. An education session is on the agenda for the day. It is an event where one of the staff members had taken the class for some activities.
After our briefing, we all got into our allocated groups and started our adventurous journey off at the South East Asian trail where we got to see the orangutan who were sunbathing and the siamang that were laying on trees upside down. Soon after we saw some sea otters coming out of their little homes and they looked adorable.
When we had finished looking at the adorable sea otters, we saw a tiger. He was walking back and forth viciously. But unfortunately, the tigers were the last animals on the South East Asia trail. But we still had many more trails to explore! It was really hard choosing what trail we should go visit. But in the end, we decided to go and visit the Australia Bush Track. But unfortunately, it was closed for maintenance. So then we decided to explore the South American trail.
When we started our South American journey, we saw some Galapagos tortoises which were MASSIVE! It was so wholesome to see them having a great time by themselves. After that we went to go visit the Spider monkeys and the Squirrel monkeys. They were everywhere! They were so quick that it was hard trying to spot one. After looking at the expeditious monkeys, we went to visit the spiders. Some people got scared and didn’t even dare to go near them. The last animal on the South American trail were the alligators. They were having a nap while sunbathing. We were all amazed by how still they were.
After we finished the South American trail, it was time for our Education Session. We trotted back to where we all split up. When we got there, everyone else from ILE 4/5 was already there. When our education session started, Koha had taken RM 4 and Lizzy had taken RM 5 for the education talks. We started off with an activity where you had to tick all the birds you saw. We went to the NZ forest birds track where we saw many birds. After we finished that activity, we had another activity. That activity was where we had to identify the animal footprints. When we had identified the footprints, we would have to write what animal it was and if it was a pest or a pal. It was a very fun and interesting activity. It eventually became 12 and our time was over. It was really fun and interesting.
After our education session, we sat down to have our lunch. After eating for 15 minutes, it was time to start exploring the zoo again. Like last time, it was hard to choose what trail to visit since so many people were recommending which place we should visit next. We finally decided to explore the African Trail. We had to walk all the way back to where we had entered the zoo. At last, we had reached the African trail. We had seen giraffes, zebras & ostriches. The giraffes were eating while the zebras and ostriches were relaxing in the sun. After we observed the giraffes, zebras & ostriches, we moved along and viewed the rhinos and meerkats.
One thing really cool about the meerkat exhibit was that you could move through a little tunnel and see the meerkats up close. Then we saw the lions which were also sleeping. After we saw the lions, we had then looked at the flamingos and the elephant. We stopped there for a break and to eat some food. After our break, we continued our African trail. We saw cheetahs, baboons and several! It was very rare to see a Serval since they were always hiding!
Wrapping the African trail, we decided to go visit the Kiwis since it was almost time to head back to school. We started to walk fast since we were short of time. We had finally reached the kiwi room. It was pitch black since the kiwis were a nocturnal animal. Meaning they only came out at night. It was quite hard spotting them but I did spot 2! It was lovely to see the kiwis and it was such a lovely day! After we saw the kiwis, it was unfortunately time to go. We all waited at the entrance for the other groups to come. Once they all came, it was time to get on the bus.
It was an awesome day to visit the Zoo. It was nice and sunny and it was lovely to see all the animals, especially the serval since you never get to see them! Overall, it was a tiring day because of all the walking we did. It was a lovely time! Hopefully, we get to go again!
Written by Sohum K
Edited by Aariz A, William F & Selene Q
Photos by Sohum K
The Great Upset V.2
Our first week back brought many exciting things – but Thursday had Hub Rua surfing the waves of Orewa!
As we know in The Great Upset, Hub Rua had a bit of a sad time at Surf Camp. But luckily, they were generously treated to a complete makeup of the terrible weather – an awesome trip to Orewa Beach for another day full of fun activities!
Often, a long drive can bring boredom. However, this didn’t quite apply to Hub Rua – with Karaoke, singing, and the occasional game of Eye-Spy taking place. Contrary to the entertainment in the buses, the first sight of the sky in Orewa did not look quite so good. Grey, dreary clouds loomed over the beach, threatening to wreak rain and gloom onto the delightful day. However, soon the wind picked up, creating waves and taking the clouds with it. After a brief safety talk, each of the classes moved into their respective activities – Surfing, Free Swim, and Free Time. Time to get onto the real fun!
Any passerby who was to look upon the water at 10 o’clock would see a mass of blue rash-tops and the occasional successful surfer. Although waves of considerable size were rare, a couple of lucky people would manage to catch a wave (before it stopped!) – if it was big enough! The majority of the groups would manage to paddle and catch the wave – but standing up was the hard thing!
A description of the classic wipeout is described here: They would paddle forwards, traces of foam slipping onto the surfboard, the wave tipping over, taking the board with them. Gingerly rising, they would manage to kneel, or even stand, before balance kicked in. Over they would go, surprised as could be, toppling headfirst into the churning sea. Overall, surfing would be the most enjoyed activity – but that was not all!
Meanwhile, a group of free swimmers enjoyed themselves among the waves – getting swamped was not uncommon! According to the safety briefing, sometimes a few stingrays would be present in the area – but they were harmless. Nevertheless, some still felt not quite as sure about the water. Beach activities often gave way to the playground, the beachside filled with grass and tussock. Of course, there were gaps to refresh and cool down– much needed for the energetic Hub Rua!
The drive back was distinctly quieter, much of the previous enthusiasm gone. However, there were still many keen conversations buzzing around. To add to the excitement, the buses alternated between first and second – a ‘race’ back to school!
Throughout the trip, good spirits were kept up during the amazing time at Orewa – Hub Rua getting back from another awesome day!
Written by Leo
Edited by Leo and Griffin
Photos by Ms O’Dea and Miss Hughes
The Final Stretch
The start of another exceptional term at ANI has arrived – the final term of 2024!
Along with the commencement of the fourth term of the scholastic year, the elder proportion of the students of this phrontistery have reached their final term at Auckland Normal Intermediate School. This concluding chapter of the pupils’ primary education signifies an important period of time in their scholastic journey, as they prepare for the next stage of their education. With the increase in the number of homework assignments, it has brought more stress to the entirety of our educational institution.
This also signifies that it is not an effortless time for teachers, with the increase in the workload for them as well. The pupils of the phrontistery should be appreciative of the support and encouragement given to them by their preceptors. The educators of our academic institution have been working tirelessly to prepare the older students for secondary education, and, for the remaining fraction of the students, preparing interesting and thought-provoking activities for them to enjoy.
However, it is also a crucial time for the younger portion of our academic institution as they prepare themselves for their end of year exams. These end of year tests are essential for a fruitful first year of school.
Hats came back from the very bottom of the students’ closet which seemed to have mysteriously disappeared, and appeared around the school wearing a hat to school is compulsory during the Summer months. Trips to the school pool have started, and a new SPEC rotation has begun. The sun is shining at ANI and we are looking forward to an excellent final term!
Written by: William, Raafey, Snowey
Edited by: Kushaell and Leo
Photos by: Selene
ANI 8
The ANI 8: 8 questions. 1 student. 1 staff member. Heaps of fun!
Mr Pocock (our Principal) and Aariz
Linked here
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