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 Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Mount Albert Grammar School.
The Paris Summer Olympics officially begin tomorrow with the Opening Ceremony scheduled for early morning (NZ time).
Of the 195 New Zealand athletes competing, MAGS Alumni are well represented with four Albertians part of the Football Ferns, pictured above – Milly Clegg, Jacqui Hand, Grace Jale and Malia Steinmetz. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe runs out again for the Black Ferns Sevens, and Michael Boxall and Sarpreet Singh will be taking the field with the Oly White Footballers.
In addition to these competitors, our Director of Aquatics, Mitch Nairn, is at the Games as the coach of swimmer Lewis Clareburt, and our long-serving school physiotherapist, Tawhai Whitewood, is in the support team for the Footballers.
The Olympics are the pinnacle event for athletes across the world, and as a school community we take great pride in the achievements of our MAGS Olympians. It is also nice to think of the part our school has played in supporting these Albertians to realise their sporting aspirations.
And with an eye to some of our future Olympians, congratulations to our young MAGS sports men and women on some outstanding recent results, including the Premier Girls Footballers who claimed the Auckland Championship this week – remaining unbeaten throughout the season!
Lots to celebrate at MAGS this week.
Have a good weekend.
Patrick Drumm
Headmaster
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Click here for the Calendar
Tuesday, July 30
Careers Expo, MH Building, 4pm
Friday, August 2
MAGS Art Show Gala NIght, F.W. Gamble Hall, 6.30pm
Saturday, August 3
MAGS Art Show, 9.30am-5.00pm
Sunday, August 4
MAGS Art Show, 9.30am-1.00pm
Friday, August 16
MAGS Quiz Night, F.W. Gamble Hall, 6pm
 Trials and Registrations
Click here
Fixtures and Results
Click here |
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Our Lion Fund programme aims to provide financial support to allow every MAGS student to access the breadth of opportunities we offer at our school.
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Megacrew back-to-back champions |
  MAGS Megacrew were crowned champions for the second year straight at The Blueprint Secondary Schools Street Dance Competition held on July 11 at the Dorothy Winstone Centre.
The crew of 40 dancers gave a standout performance that gained them a standing ovation – no mean feat with some other schools also giving stellar performances.
Director of Arts Co-curricular Ms Cesan said, "Huge props must go to the prefect leader Hailey Martin and deputy leaders Kyra-Leigh Masina and Elijah Poliko for their commitment and creative choreography, and to the students themselves, who have trained like athletes for this day – giving up the first three days of the holidays for 10am-4pm trainings.
"They were simply outstanding, and so deserved of the first placing."
MAGS DANCERS ON WORLD STAGE
Six of our Megacrew members are heading Stateside to the World of Dance Finals, in Los Angeles, and one of them is then going on to the Hip Hop International Championships, in Phoenix, over the next week.
Congratulations and good luck to Manon Gilbert, Harry Bannister, Reuben Moffett, Minna Bostwick, Alyssa Huang and Brooklyn Smith-Boyd.  |
Football GIrls Are Auckland Champions |
 Congratulations to coach Kate Inwood and the Football Girls 1st XI, who won the Auckland Secondary Schools Premier League on Wednesday when they beat Baradene 1-0 at MAGS.
A win by Baradene would have seen them claim the title but a first-half goal courtesy of a booming shot from striker Emily Lyon was enough to get the Girls home.
The Girls went undefeated (10 wins and a draw – 32 goals for, 6 against) finishing on 31 points. The last time MAGS Girls won the league was in 2016.
The team is now fundraising for Winter Tournament Week and has an exciting offer lined up – a cooking class with top chef Phillip Inwood. Scan the QR Code to find out more and sign up! |
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 There is exciting news for MAGS alumni with our Teams of the Century event coming up next month.
Join us for the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Albertians Association when our Teams of the Century will be announced.
Date: Friday, August 9
Time: 6.30pm
Location: F.W. Gamble Hall
Scan the link to register and secure your spot today! Payment options available online or at the school main reception.
We are thrilled to have renowned sports commentator and Albertian Mark Watson as our MC for the evening. Get ready for an unforgettable event!
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to reconnect and reminisce as we announce the Teams of the Century. Who’s in your team?
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2025 Enrolment Applications |
In-zone Applications for 2025
To assist with planning for 2025, please submit your in-zone application as soon as possible, preferably before Friday, 30 August 2024.
Out-of-Zone Applications for 2025
It is likely Mount Albert Grammar School will be at full capacity in 2025.
Should the Mount Albert Grammar School Board of Trustees be in a position to approve any Year 9 out-of-zone enrolments, for 2025, these applications must be received before Wednesday, 4 September 2024, for a ballot on Wednesday, 11 September 2024.
All 2025 enrolments are processed online via our school website. Please click here
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Buy Your Gala Evening Tickets Now |
 Make sure you are in quick to grab your tickets for the MAGS Art Show Gala Evening next Friday, August 2, starting at 6pm.
This event always sells out as it is a must-see, with the chance to be the first to buy amazing local art, and enjoy music and delicious food and drinks as part of a great night out.
You can buy tickets here
The art show continues through the weekend, when entrance is free – Saturday, August 3, 9.30am-5.00pm and Sunday, August 4, 9.30am-1.00pm.
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Indian Group Shines at Bollywood Showdown |
 MAGS' Indian Group put on a great performance at the recent Bollywood Showdown, coming fourth and winning the Spirit Award as well as Parum Nangia, pictured right, being named the Best Male Dancer.
The group of nine students, led by Parum and Niesha Dighe, were up against 17 other schools.
TICs for the group Mrs Nisha and Miss Sharma were thrilled at the result.
Mrs Nisha said, "I have not had such a huge victory in my last 15 years of managing this group. Our group was the only one who received a standing ovation from the audience."
The theme for the showdown was 'War', and the leaders acknowledged the fallen Albertian servicemen during their intro.
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MAGS' Outstanding Fundraisers |
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MAGS staff and students were recognised today for their outstanding fundraising achievements for World Vision.
Overall, MAGS raised $7089.41 for the 40 Hour Challenge, including $1467.91 on Hype Day, driven by Interact members including Zoe Burnett (Interact President) and Marie Gamage (Interact Vice President).
World Vision ambassador Jade Nomani recognised our top five fundraisers at assembly today with a certificate and badge. They were: Kawiti Albert Campbell (Year 10) $695, Adriana Hall (Year 13) $622.20, Katie Somerville (Year 11) $600, Ella Burton (Year 9) $200 and Chelsea Wijntjes (Year 13) $190.
Ms Stünzner was the teacher who raised the most money, cooking and selling 40 dozen cupcakes, and she was recognised with a certificate.
MAGS received a Silver Award for fundraising over $5000, and Miss Barlow received an award for being an Outstanding Organiser.
MAGS was also awarded the Kaiwhakahau Advocacy Award, which comes with a trophy, for showing innovation in spreading the word about the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge.
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 Deputy Head Prefect Ryan Shen has successfully completed his Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Gold Award after three years of commitment to the prestigious programme.
Ryan had the fantastic opportunity to represent the New Zealand Secondary Schools Football Team in the Sydney tour earlier this year as a part of his residential project. He was able to continue developing his leadership skills and was lucky to meet some of the top secondary school footballers in the Oceania region.
Also among his top highlights, Ryan participated in a final expedition in the Tongariro Ranges for nine days in early 2023, and was lucky to have finished just before the onset of Cyclone Gabrielle.
He said, "The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a highly rewarding journey, and I strongly encourage future students to participate. It offers an incredibly rewarding and fun opportunity for personal growth across physical, cultural, technical, and community pillars." |
Formal Photos to be Ordered Direct |
In future, parents will be contacted direct by PhotoLife to begin the process of ordering formal photos such as class, sports, cultural and ID photos.
PhotoLife – rather than MAGS – will email parents the shoot key codes so that photographs can be ordered online. Photos will still be distributed to students at MAGS as long as they are ordered before the nominated cut-off date. |
The annual MAGS Careers Expo is on next Tuesday, July 30 from 4-7pm in MH Block.
Subject areas will be on display to help with 2025 option choices and there will be representatives from major tertiary providers and industry on site.
Students in years 10-13 are strongly encouraged to attend with their families.  |
Quiz Night Tickets on Sale Now |
Tickets are now available at the Finance Office for the Annual MAGS Quiz Night, a fun-filled event with prizes for the best outfits and numerous spot prizes.
Join the quest to be named MAGS Quiz Night champion while enjoying food and drinks that are available for purchase. Don't miss out on this exciting evening!
All proceeds will go to the I Have a Dream Foundation. This charity is dedicated to empowering Kiwi kids, helping them navigate their way out of intergenerational challenges and achieve their dreams through mentorship and support throughout their schooling life.
Your participation will not only ensure an enjoyable evening but also contribute to transforming the lives, futures, and communities of children in New Zealand.
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 David Barr Thomson
17 October, 1939–15 July, 2024
Dave Thomson attended Mount Albert Grammar in 1952 and 1953 before moving to Saint Kentigern College.
He gained a Master of Science Degree and, after qualifying as a teacher, he taught at Saint Kentigern before spending some time overseas.
He was appointed to the staff at Mount Albert Grammar in 1971, teaching Mathematics, and in 1975 became the Head of Mathematics. He also wrote a number of Mathematics textbooks, which were used in many New Zealand schools.
At the end of 1980 he left to become Head of Mathematics at Green Bay High School.
Following his teaching career he retrained as a counsellor and set up his own counselling practice. He also taught Mathematics at Auckland University.
While at Mount Albert, Dave coached rugby. He had a caring nature and was popular with both staff and students and always put the needs of his students first.
The school sends it condolences to Dave’s family and many friends.
– Greg Cave, Archivist |
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Fencing Bronze at Commonwealth Champs |
 Congratulations to MAGS Fencers Emi Mason and Shubhi Roy, who won bronze as part of the NZ team at the Commonwealth U17 Fencing Championships.
They were part of the girls team that had a convincing win over Wales, before losing to India and claiming a bronze medal.
In the individual event, Emi finished the best of the NZ fencers in 7th place, losing to the gold-placed English fencer.
Fencing coach Kyle Macdonald said, "It was a well-earned top eight result for her."
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Orienteering's Seventh National Title in a Row |
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The MAGS Orienteering team headed to Wellington for four days at the end of the term holiday to compete in the NZ Secondary School Champs.
The competition consisted of three events - the sprint, the long and the teams relay. Wellington, as expected, put on a wonderful mix of stunning sunshine and pouring rain. The whole team demonstrated the MAGS values of hard work, resilience and respectful sportspersonship over the three days of intense competition.
TIC Mrs Mackinlay-Milne said, "The Boys team had a superb competition and came away with their seventh national title in a row. Winning the Top School award (by 116 points over second place Cashmere High School) and also winning the prestigious Premier School award.
"The Girls team also had a very successful event. They gained third place in the Top School competition, with their best ever overall points and results."
Sprint Event: Senior Boys, Sam Carryer 2nd; Intermediate Boys, Tahi Harris 3rd;
Junior Boys, Ben Spreitzer 2nd; Senior Girls, Anna Batcheler 3rd.
Long Event: Senior Boys, Sam Carryer 3rd; Intermediate Boys, Tahi Harris 1st, William Wood 2nd.
Relays: Senior Boys, 2nd – Reuben Adye, Oscar Vink, James Milne; Intermediate Boys, 1st – William Wood, Charlie Milne, Tahi Harris; Intermediate Boys, 3rd – Jack Trowsdale, Reuben Bruce, Caleb Green; Senior Girls, 2nd – Charlotte Spence, Anna Batcheler, Ami McGowan.
Mrs Mackinlay-Milne added, "The NZ competition drew the 2024 school orienteering season to a close, and a farewell to a significant number of Year 13 students who have contributed so much to the MAGS orienteering team.
"We thank those Year 13 students for their service to the sport, their mentoring of younger orienteers and acknowledge their super success over the past five years. A special acknowledgement to Captain Matthew Greenwood, who has been named in the NZ Secondary Team every year of his time at MAGS – five consecutive years."
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Top Finishes at NISS Road Cycling |
Theo Bray (Year 12), pictured centre, competed at the North Island Secondary Schools Road Cycling competition on July 6 & 7 in Cambridge.
He competed in both the individual road race and criterium. Theo came away with two top-10 finishes in the Under 20 Boys section, showing his ability to compete well against some of the country's top cyclists in his age group.
In the road race, Theo finished 6th, completing the 54.8km course in 1:27:36.52. He stayed close to the breakaway group of the top four riders but wasn't able to gain on them. In the criterium, Theo started well, coming second after three laps to finish a credible 10th overall.
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Big Win at Hockey Nationals |
 Four MAGS students were involved in the National Under 18 Hockey tournaments played in the first week of the school holidays.
The girls played in Christchurch, with Michayla Lili-Moa playing for Auckland Blue, who finished third.
Ava Murphy and Rosa Fox played for Auckland White, who finished 19th.
The boys tournament was played in Napier, with Oscar Vink, pictured above and right, playing for Auckland Blue, who won the tournament, beating Canterbury in the final 3 – 1.
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Students Picked for Blues Rugby Camp |
Congratulations to Noah Gregory (Year 13) and Zach Taulapapa (Year 13), who were selected to attend the Blues Under 18 Rugby Development Camp during the second week of the recent school holidays.
The camp was held at MAGS, where the attendees went through various workshops and skill sessions. They finished off the week with an internal game with the members of the camp.
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Auckland Athletics Training |
Term 3 of the Auckland City Athletics Central Hub starts this Sunday from 11am-12pm at the Mt Smart Track.
This is suitable for sprint and distance athletes from school years 9 and 10, not to mention similar age students from winter code team sports where running is key.
New athletes are welcome to trial a session for free to see if it works for them.
For more information, click here
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 Today, the Football Boys 1st XI are playing Sacred Heart at 6pm at Bill McKinlay Park, while the Basketball Premier Girls and Boys are playing at Westlake Boys against Westlake Girls at 6pm and Westlake Boys at 7.30pm respectively.
Tomorrow, the Netball Premiers play Westlake Girls at 9.30am at Auckland Netball, and the Rugby Boys 1st XV face Dilworth College on the Sir B.G. Williams Field at 2.30pm.
On Monday, the Rugby Girls 1st XV play McAuley High at Sturges Park at 4pm.
On Wednesday, the Squash Premier Boys play Westlake Boys at MAGS at 4.15pm, and the Hockey Boys 1st XI play Macleans College at Mt Roskill at 5.00pm.
On Thursday, the Hockey Girls 1st XI play Westlake Girls at Diocesan at 6.00pm, and the Lacrosse Premier Girls have a game scheduled with details to be confirmed.
For updated fixtures and results, click here
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