Mr Stradwick Appointed Cashmere High Principal

Congratulations to our Deputy Principal John Stradwick, who has been appointed Principal of Cashmere High School in Christchurch.
It's a bittersweet moment for MAGS staff and students. While we are all pleased for Mr Stradwick, we will miss his energy and immense contributions across the school.
Among his many responsibilities, he oversees Year 13, the Prefects group and student leadership, leads curriculum, is involved in the school’s strategic plan, and oversees the Arts Faculty and professional learning for teachers. He has also coached football and cricket, as well keeping a sharp focus on supporting the numerous service programmes that so many staff and students are involved in.
Mr Stradwick is an Albertian, and was Head Boy at MAGS in 1993. He returned to MAGS as Deputy Principal at the start of 2018 from Ormiston Junior College, where he was Deputy Principal. 
He and his wife Anna live in Mt Albert with their three sons, two of whom are currently attending MAGS.
Mr Stradwick said, "I have been incredibly fortunate to work here at MAGS, a leading school in the country. I am proud of how MAGS fosters a sense of belonging for everyone in our large community. Opportunities to lead, contribute and grow are woven into the fabric of our school, and I encourage everyone to get involved and push yourselves to the next level. While I am excited about the new opportunities ahead, I will deeply miss the people and the vibrant environment that make MAGS so special."
Mr Stradwick will be at MAGS until the end of Term 3 before starting at Cashmere High in Term 4.

Art Show Weekend is Here!

The always wonderful MAGS Art Show kicks off with the Gala Evening today, starting at 6pm.
Guests this evening will have the chance to be the first to buy amazing art from professionals and students, while enjoying music and delicious food and drinks as part of a great night out.
There are two performances tonight, beginning with the Ace Classical Trio (Catherine Chen, Amy Burnett, Ella Nguyen) playing from 5.45pm-6.30pm in the foyer.
In the hall, a jazz combo featuring Theo Wright, Gene Todd and Flynn Bell will play from 6.30pm-8.30pm.

SATURDAY 3rd AUGUST

10.00am – Jonathon Yu (Violin)
10.30am – Felix Armstrong and Pranz Cortez (Violin Duet )
11.30am – Catherine Chen (Piano)
12.00pm – Ella Nguyen (Violin)  
12.30pm – Anouk Blackburn (Piano and Vocals)
1.00pm – Ella Nguyen (Violin) 
1.30pm – Anouk Blackburn (Piano and Vocals)
2.00pm – Emma Newland (Vocals)
2.30pm – Lucie Dutot (Clarinet
3.00pm – Emma Newland (Vocals)
3.30pm – Lucie Dudot Clarinet)                      
4.00pm – Catherine Chen (Piano)

SUNDAY 4th AUGUST
 
10.00am – Jonathon Yu (Violin)                    
10.30am – Pranz Cortez (Piano)
11.00am – Emma Newland (Vocals)
11.30am – Catherine Chen (Piano)
12.00pm – Junior Dance Performance 
12.30pm – Erich Retzlaff (Guitar)
1.00pm – Junior Dance Performance 
                      

Careers Expo Showcases Opportunities

The Careers Expo held on Tuesday was another hugely successful event, with students exploring exciting future opportunities.
Representatives from universities, industry training organisations, tertiary institutes, police and the army visited our school to promote educational and vocational opportunities. Teachers from each department and Deans at MAGS were also available to discuss course options and the strengths of their subject area.
HOD Careers Ms Hanson said, "All the providers gave very positive feedback about our students and we have continued to forge positive relationships with our tertiary and private providers."  
Students who want to learn more about course option choices or career pathways should book an appointment with the Careers Department soon.

Junior World Dance Champions

Massive congratulations to six of our MAGS dancers who were crowned Junior World Champions at the World Of Dance International Finals in Los Angeles.
Alyssa Huang (Year 9) Makaia Quensell, Rueben Moffett (Y10), Manon Gilbert, Minna Bostwick and Harry Bannister (Y11) were part of IMPRINT crew from IDCO who won the Junior Teams Division.  
Director of Arts Co-curricular Ms Cesan said, "Even more impressive is that this competition has a final round that gets all division winners and runners-up to perform again for the overall prize and these junior dancers came fourth overall, a stunning result for them."
You can watch their winning performance here

Grappling With Challenges

Four Product Design students from MAGS –  Krrish Patel, Sam Chadha, Lars Stock and Min Luong – were selected to participate in the prestigious Grapple24 competition in Christchurch.
Grapple24 brought together 20 of Aotearoa's top young innovators to tackle this year's challenge: how New Zealand could be self-sustainable if imports and exports were halted.
Over seven intense days, they worked in teams, received mentorship from industry experts and showcased there solutions in a final pitch event.
BioTiles, which included Krrish and Min, pictured above third and second from right respectively, and five other amazing team-mates from across the country, won the competition. 
Their project, a Bio Gas Generator that converts food waste into gas for cooking and fertiliser for crops, impressed the judges and earned them the $1500 prize.
HOF Technology Mr Bailey said, "This achievement was a fantastic experience, and we are incredibly proud of what they accomplished together. Congratulations to everyone who participated."

Better Relationships Promoted

This week our Year 12 cohort were delivered a program called Loves-Me-Not.
The Loves-Me-Not program has been developed and is facilitated in secondary schools by the New Zealand Police alongside trained school staff.
The programme looks at consent, respect, healthy/unhealthy relationships, cycles of abuse as well as ways in which we can build positive relationships and be active bystanders/upstanders, stepping in and taking action when needed.
Assistant Principal Ms Lythe said, "We know that this programme is very worthwhile and that our students came away with an increase in knowledge, skills, tools and confidence to better navigate relationships in their lives."
 
“I like the influences and media discussion and the personal but sensitive stories of Sophie and Crystal.  I really like the balance of the police person and the teacher in the room. The police person had lots of great information about the law and examples, and this worked well with the information and sensitive aspects/discussions that the teacher provided.” – (Year 12 Student)

Drawing Attention at Zine Festival

Last Saturday, a range of students from MAGS displayed and sold work at Auckland Art Gallery as part of the Auckland Zine Fest.
TIC Mrs Leonard said, "Members of the public were blown away by the inventive and creative talents of our students. Over $100 was raised for the Visual Arts, and students got to engage with members or the community and showcase their skills to a wide audience of art lovers.
"Many thanks to Miss Vercoe and Ms Mulgrew for all their work with the students as part of this rewarding and exciting project."

Another Strong Debating Season

The Advanced Open Debating Team, comprised of Year 13 Prefect captains Ryan Antia and Nishka Arora, along with Year 11 students Lachlan Paul, Eliza Rodger and Stephanie Zhang, continues to excel as a leading debating team.
Over the past four years, the team has achieved numerous victories and has progressed to the Octo-finals each year.
This year, they have won nearly all of their regional debates, securing impressive victories against schools with strong debating traditions.
Ryan Antia was recognised as the best speaker during these competitions. These successes have placed the team in the Top 10 among the 354 teams competing in the Advanced Open category in Auckland.
On Tuesday, they faced Westlake Boys High School in their final Octo-finals but lost in a closely fought debate.

Get Your Quiz Night Tickets

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.