In today’s ANI Guild we have the following:
● Carnival, Songs, and Pizzas
● Giving back in style!
● Mad Scientist Alert!
● If you ever wondered about AIMS Games…
● While the cats away…
● Learning Today, Leading TOMorrow
● ANI Upgrade
● A Bright And Yellow Day of Daffodils
● Glory awaits…
● It’s Time To…Hikoi
● Consequences of the food can drive
● Back to school
● HappANIngs
● Community Notices
Carnival, Songs, and Pizzas
On Wednesday, the 10th of September, our multi-purpose space (MPS) really proved itself by turning into a carnival, with people dressed up as clowns, lucha libre fighters and even an angel-devil mix! Students and teachers alike arrived at 6pm, dressed up in their finest carnival get-up, and for $10 per ticket, got entry and a free glow-stick. All phones were handed in at the entrance, then the party was on! With songs like ‘California Girls’ by Katey Perry and even ‘Not like us’ by Kendrick Lamar; the night was off to a great start.
Getting a little peckish while dancing your heart out was not a problem as people could get pizzas, candy, chips and drinks, with water being free (obviously), all less than 10 dollars each! On the dance floor, you could find people walking around with over 20 glowsticks they found over the floor selling them and scamming you for the price. People were screaming their hearts out, enjoying the songs and having fun with their friends. There was even a point where everyone was in a giant circle, screaming fein and jumping up – one person even threw skittles in the air!
With the carnival lasting until 8pm, it was like the fun would never end, with prizes for the best dressed, and the best dancers. The best dressed went to a girl with an angel/devil costume and the best dancer went to Emily, Room 2 and a group of year 8 girls dressed in tutus and clown wigs. Their prizes? A full-sized chocolate bar! (yum)
Unfortunately, the party had to end eventually. The parents lined up outside, waiting for our last song, ‘Die with a smile’ by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars to finish, listening to our screams more than the actual song. When it was finally time to leave, the parents came in and collected their child. The children who had handed in their phones collected their phones from the neat lines the teachers were making with them on the floor. Finally after an awesome night, everyone went home, getting ready to sleep as there was still school the next day…….hopefully.
Written by: Saanvi
Edited by: Yume
Illustration by: Yi Ling
Giving back in style!
On Friday 22nd of August ANI had its first mufti day* of the term!! The mufti day was earned by all of ANI’s students from the very good cause of a can drive. The whole school was told to bring in any unperishable items that could be donated to needy families all over NZ. The class that donated the most unperishable items would then get a fundraising badge and get to pick the theme of the mufti day. After many weeks of hard donating, one class was victorious!
Room 5 was the lucky winner of this year’s can drive, and they had a very difficult job! Choosing the theme for the can drives Mufti Day. A group of 5 students from room 5 were picked for this important job. After many “but what about this…” and “is that a good theme?…” They came up with the theme of Black & White.
With the theme chosen, all that was left to do was have the mufti day so on Friday 22nd of August, students came to school in black and white to celebrate ANI’s success. The school was alight with different variations of black and white.
It was an amazing day full of fun that we will be sure to remember.
“A mufti day is a day where a uniform-wearing school allows students for a day to wear whatever they want to. For ANI that means having a theme with it. This time the theme is Black & White which means that all students who partake in mufti day have to wear back and white clothes”
Written By: Scarlett, Renee, Libby, Soleil
Edited By: Soleil
Mad Scientist Alert!
On Friday the 29th of May, the science fair finalists travelled to Michael Park School to compete in the regional NIWA Science Fair, showcasing their prowess in their subject. The NIWA Science Fair is an Auckland Regional event, where schools take teams to compete for placings and prizes. Among the judging geniuses were experts within the area; for many of the different types of science topics, the qualifications were in the Doctorates! This meant that the judges asked extremely pressing questions. Which meant that the participants really needed to know their project.
The students left the school at 9:30, with their presentations ready and mad scientist brains on, ready to wow the judges with their hard work. With more than a term to work on the scientific presentations, all of the students were more than ready to win some prizes at the competition. At 11:30, all of the nervous Year 7 and 8 students competing went down to the judging room with their fingers crossed and speeches drilled into their brains. Most of the judges went in little groups of 2 or 3 and walked around the roo,m looking and listening to students talk about their cool science projects. If you stunned the judges with your amazing project, or the judges wanted to hear a more in-depth description of your project, you would receive an exciting callback from the judges.
The competition was real! With 20 schools participating, 278 students and 168 prizes up for grabs! Every single student in the competition expressed their inner scientist and had a great experience learning new things and making new friends. Now, let’s give it up for the proud winners from ANI of the NIWA Science Fair (winning second place) were… Zoe Zhao and Saanvi Rajpal!!
Written by: Leo, Saanvi R, and Scarlett
Edited by: Saanvi. R and Scarlett
If you ever wondered about AIMS Games…
If anyone is wondering why ANI has been especially chaotic last term, one answer springs to mind. AIMS. The biggest school sporting event in New Zealand, taking place in Tauranga from August 30th to September 5th, with thousands of competitors from across the nation, AIMS is an event no sportsperson wants to miss. And ANI is bringing their best players to the foreground. Many people represent ANI in sports such as football, basketball, netball, and individual sports like rock climbing, badminton, and tennis. There is a sport for any person, as long as you are willing to organise yourself. With training on most weeks, during lunch or after school, it is a race against time to get our students to their full potential for this sporting milestone.
The AIMS trainings began at varying times, depending on the sport. Some started as early as Term 1, others started later, some in late Term 2. But all the trainings had one thing in common. They were hard, pushing the athletes to grow in skill, pushing them to be their best possible sportsperson by the time AIMS came. One trainee commented on questions on their training, stating the following:
“[The training] was good, tiring enough to increase my stamina for the games.”
Many other trainees shared this opinion, believing that they were satisfactory to aid their progress. This is but one piece of evidence that competitors had grown to their limits and were ready for AIMS.
During the time at AIMS, our teams and individuals managed to secure some placings for us. For teams, we had the football girls place 17th, and football boys place 26th. Hockey got 31st, netball managed 43rd, rippa snagged 11th, while futsal boys got 19th. Futsal girls placed 10th, basketball placed 53rd, and hip hop placed 8th. Meanwhile, for individuals, we had some great success. Our rock climbing individual took 1st place, our mixed badminton duo placed 3rd, the Y8 boys team for Cross Country took 3rd place, the open gymnastic representative for level 1-4 1st, while the open gymnastic representative for level 5-7 managed another 1st place.
AIMS is an excellent opportunity for students to see what it’s like representing something at a national level, play sports, and have a week-long holiday. That last one might not be so good, but that’s not the point. AIMS, unlike Central Zones or even Inter Zones, is much different. Not many opportunities come in high school, and the ones that do have much more pressure for parents and students to complete all the admin. AIMS is a time to have fun, test oneself, and maybe win the competition. But we must not only focus on the winners. It is not easy to get into AIMS, so everyone who went, placing discarded, must be commended. Another successful AIMS down, and hopefully, only one in many in ANI’s bright future down there in Tauranga.
Written by Callum, Arie, and Ethan
Edited by Callum
While the cats away…
The tense atmosphere, smiles on point, and anxious students waiting with their parents. This was the one and only… student-led conferences!
On the 16th of July, ANI held the student-led conferences. But this term it was not like any other. Every student proudly showed their parents their brand new He Waka Eke Noa book, also known as their gratitude book. Every student has their own booklet, in which they practise gratitude and set smart goals. Writing gratitude has been scientifically proven to be highly beneficial for you. The students are becoming better at acknowledging the small things that make them happy, which has proven to help sleep and also reduce the chance of anxiety.
But what exactly are the student-led conferences? On the first Wednesday of every second term, all students attend the student-led conferences. This ten-minute talk is led by the students, who share their progress in school and work with their parents to set a SMART goal. Each year, the students set a goal that they would want to achieve throughout the term. This year, we showed our parents our He Waka Eke Noa book and planned a SMART goal with our teachers, which we would be looking to achieve throughout the term.
Even though it was a (somewhat) nerve-racking experience for some students, everyone did their best, showcasing their work, gratitude and goals with their whanau!
Written by: Ethan P
Edited by: Saanvi R and Leo S
Learning Today, Leading TOMorrow
On Saturday, 23rd August Tournament of Minds took place at DIO (Diocesan School for Girls). Students worked really hard for 6 weeks with their team of 7 to create a dramatic and creative performance to present to the judges.
ANI took two amazing teams this year, one with the language literature challenge and one with the arts challenge. Both teams have been busy preparing their props, sets, and costumes for the big event while having a few mental breakdowns and facing many challenges along the way.
What Is TOM?
Starting in 1987, Tournament of Minds has been running for over 30 years all around the world. Tournament of Minds is all about creativity and thinking outside the box. On the very first day of the 6 weeks (Start of Term 3), the team of 7 creative students are given a set of challenges they must choose from: Language, Literature, Arts, Social Sciences, and STEM. On the special day of presenting, as well as presenting their 6-week challenge, they must do a spontaneous challenge where they get judged on their thinking skills, creativity, and teamwork. The difficult thing about TOM is that once the 6 weeks start, the team is not allowed to receive any outside assistance from anyone, including teachers, family, or friends. Surprisingly, these clever students do very well regardless of the fact that they are working alone with their team.
This year, the language literature team placed 3rd place, as well as receiving the spirit of TOM award for embodying Tom’s core values: Respect, teamwork, fair play, creativity, and perseverance. ANI Team 2 also did really well, successfully completing their performance and spontaneous challenge in front of the judges.
Everyone who participated in TOM should be very proud of themselves as it requires a lot of effort and teamwork; it certainly is not an easy job. The slogan for TOM says so: “Tournament of Minds: Challenging the world”
Written by: Yume Fookes
Photos by: Miss Selina Striebich
ANI Upgrade
This term, Mr Boniface announced some very exciting news: ANI is getting an upgrade! The senior leadership team has begun working on a special project: Mission: Upgrade ANI. Over the next couple of years, ANI will get upgrades and new buildings from this special project. Making ANI an even better place to learn.
Mr Boniface sent out a Google form asking the students what they would like to see changed and built in the future for ANI. Many students jumped at the idea of improving ANI’s already great place. Here are some of the students’ opinions on what they wanted to be changed or built at ANI.
Hopefully, in a couple of years, other kids will be able to enjoy these upgrades, such as a heated pool, new turf areas, more sports areas for the more reclusive sports and more seating in the MPS for the year eights and year seven. The upgraded school will be a great change for the students and the facility at ANI.
Thanks to the amazing work of the SLT, the future generation of ANI students will enjoy these wonderful upgrades from the previous ANI students before them for years to come. The future looks very bright for ANI.
“Thank you for your time and consideration. This is a shared journey — and your input will help us prioritise and shape our next steps.
Let’s work together to build a school environment that reflects the needs, values, and dreams of our community — now and into the future.
Watch this space for updates and our finalised plan that we will have available in Term 4”
Ngā mihi nui,
Scott Boniface
Deputy Principal – Community/Property
Written by: Soleil, Tejbir
Edited by: Scarlett
A Bright And Yellow Day of Daffodils
Daffodil Day is an annual fundraising, awareness campaign in New Zealand for the Cancer Society; it is typically celebrated on the 29th of August.
It is a fundraising event in which you have the choice to wear yellow, donate money or even volunteer in the campaign to support the NZ Cancer Society. It is the organisation’s most iconic event, symbolised by the bright yellow daffodil, which represents hope and support for those affected by cancer. Over 71 people in New Zealand are diagnosed with cancer every day, but you have a choice to support cancer charities; but remember, the people that are diagnosed don’t have a choice to pick whether they can beat it or not.
Kiwis have a higher likelihood of getting diagnosed with cancer due to the higher UV levels. So it is important to remember to always apply and reapply sunscreen every time you leave the house.
At the Daffodil Day assembly, we were extremely grateful that some of our staff had the courage to open up about how cancer has affected themselves or people around them.
The yellow daffodil is a symbol of hope and new beginnings, representing the fight against cancer. Donations help the Cancer Society by providing vital help and support services to those affected by cancer.
So on August 29th, don’t forget to wear a yellow daffodil to show these people that you care!
Written by: Charlotte, Rona, and Amarah
Edited by: Soleil, Riya and Selene
Glory awaits…
On the morning of Friday, the 15th of August, ANI sent out their boys and girls AIMS futsal teams to the futsal festival held in Saint John’s. A light breakfast — consisting of granola bars and yoghurt — was shared at school before the teams left for the festival. Excited chatter filled the van as players hyped each other up and argued about what song would be played next.
Twenty minutes flew by before the stadium came into view. The students were quickly rushed inside after the vans had come to a complete stop. The weather carried a slight breeze, and teachers urged everyone to head inside and start warming up to ensure they didn’t get injured. Especially with AIMS creeping closer.
Bags were placed down and students geared up as soon as possible, allowing the futsal players to maximise their training time before the first game. The boys and girls separated into their own teams, and coaches hurried players who were slacking.
After some training, a buzzer rang, indicating a five-minute warning before the first game. Teams huddled together with their coaches, making sure everyone knew what the lineup would be. The boys’ team had their game first at 10:30am. Everyone gathered around the courts, watching and cheering for their own teams. Pre-game jitters could be felt on court and off.
Overall, everyone had a great day with the ANI boys and girls teams winning most of their games! After all the amazing teamwork and sportsmanship shown throughout the day, lollies were handed out to each of the players. The van rides back were filled with joyful shared memories of the day and even more arguing on what song to play!
Written by Chloe L
Edited by Griffin C
It’s Time To…Hikoi
Ake ake ake – a forever language. That was the theme of the 2025 Māori Language Week (Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori), and to show our appreciation for the sacred language, ANI walked a Hikoi up Maungawhau on the 16th of September and we couldn’t have chosen a better day to climb the stunning mountain clear skies with only a small breeze. Everyone’s spirits were high as we ascended the great mountain.
Each team went at a different time in the morning so as not to crash into each other on our way up and down the beautiful maunga. Walking the full Hikoi up and down the mountain took about an hour and a half all in all. At the very top of the mountain, every team sat down and listened to a Maori guide talk about why the walk was so special and sacred to the Maori.
Māori Language Week was founded in 1975 by a group of activists, including Auckland-based Ngā Tamatoa, Victoria University’s Te Reo Māori Society, and Te Huinga Rangatahi. With the outstanding contributions of these three dedicated activist groups, Te Wiki O Te Reo Māori became a thing. The lasting legacy of the amazing people who made this week possible will never be forgotten, neither by Māori nor pakeha.
All in all, the hikoi up Mt Eden was a great learning experience for both teachers and students alike to learn about the significance of the mountain that looks after our kura. Not only did everyone learn something about the beautiful maunga, but it was also a nice time to chat with your friends while walking up the well-trodden track of the mountain.
Maori Vocab
Kura: School
Maungawhau: Mt Eden
Hikoi: Hike
Pakeha: someone who is not of Māori descent
Maunga: Mountain
Written by: Scarlett
Consequences of the food can drive
Mr Pocock stood tall and fully clothed at the edge of the pool, scared of the consequences he was going to face. He jumped ,knowing that he would be rewarding students for their efforts in giving food for the canned food drive.
The canned food drive is an amazing donation, in which students of ANI gave not gold coins, but non-perishable goods, meant for the people in need of extra food and supplies.
It was agreed that, if we reached 350 items, we would be able to have a free mufti day, the theme chosen by room 5, the highest donating class. However, if every student in the school brought an item they would be rewarded with a Comedic show. An amusing moment shared with all of ANI.
Mr Pocock jumped. A cold shiver ran up his spine as he hit the pool floor. Finally, Mr Pocock climbed up the ladder as students cheered and clapped for his bravery.
Supporting this cause means so much to ANI, and we hope we made a great impact on people in need.
Mr Pocock left, shivering but full of excitement. Eventually, he dried off and warmed up. Memories like these stick forever. He will never forget the freezing plunge and will forever remember the joy he brought to ANI.
Back to school
As we near the end of the year, kids are winding down to begin term 4, the last term of the year. With only a term in the way, the year 7s are excited to be year 8s, and the year 8s are enjoying their last term of being an intermediate school student.
It’s crazy to think we are almost at the end of this school year with only a term left! Looking back on it, we have done so many exciting things over the past 3 terms, such as going to AIMS and winning 3 gold medals (Miss Chowdhury) in Individual sports. In addition to sporting achievements, we also had Daffodil Day where everyone dressed in yellow clothes to support The Cancer Society.
And we must not forget the exciting and fun socials we have had each term. We held a very successful can drive with a black and white themed mufti day and Book Week was so much fun. To finish off the term in memorable fashion, Mr Pocock even jumped in the pool in a banana suit!
As the year rolls to a close, more and more stuff seems to pop up for both year 7s and 8s. We have Athletics Day in Week 2 of Term 4, the Year 8 Exhibition also in Week 2, the Year 8 graduation party, and the End of Year assembly at the end of the term. With so many other events coming up to participate in, we’re excited to make the final term just as special as the last 3 terms.
We have had the most amazing term and are looking forward to finishing the year strong in term 4!
Written by: Soleil
Edited by: Scarlett and Soleil
HappANIngs
Community Notices:
