Cadets Fly Flag at Anzac Service 

From left, ATC cadets Stella Scahill, Yvette Luo and Anja Schollum at the dawn service.

Three MAGS female cadets were front and centre at the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Cadet Sergeants Stella Scahill and Anja Schollum and Leading Air Cadet Yvette Luo formed the Flag party, which had the honour of lowering and raising the flags on the cenotaph at the April 25 service attended by thousands of Aucklanders.
The trio are members of the No. 3 (Auckland City) Squadron Air Training Corps.

New Deputy Principal Appointed

MAGS is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Holdgate, who has started this term as Deputy Principal.
Mr Holdgate previously served as Head of Williams Boarding House at St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton for five years. Prior to this, he held a leadership role at Newington College in Sydney, overseeing the development and delivery of an extensive service learning and outdoor education program.
A teacher of both Social Sciences and Physical Education, Mr Holdgate holds a Master of Educational Leadership from the University of Sydney, as well as additional postgraduate qualifications in Positive Psychology from the University of Melbourne.
An enthusiastic advocate for sport and the outdoors, Mr Holdgate has coached rugby and cricket teams at both club and representative levels. He is committed to fostering a vibrant, high-achieving school culture and looks forward to working in partnership with the wider MAGS community to support the school’s continued pursuit of excellence in all areas.

Sign Up for Bubbles and Banter

MAGS is thrilled to invite you to an evening of memories as we celebrate 25 Years of Girls at Mount Albert Grammar at Bubbles and Banter on June 27, 2025, starting at 7pm.

This special complementary event welcomes all past students, parents, staff, and whanau to come together in the W.O.H Gibbs Room for an evening of fun and laughter.  Let’s reminisce, celebrate our achievements, and strengthen the bonds that have shaped our community.
Over the last 25 years the school has changed enormously.  New classroom blocks, dynamic spaces and learning areas have contributed to this. Optional school tours are available at selected times. Take some time to explore, see the school in action and experience the school, both old and new.  
Please register here for this event. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email the school: [email protected]

Rowers' Malta Experience

The nine MAGS students who were chosen as part of the New Zealand Anzac Beach Sprint Team enjoyed huge success in the rowing events in Malta as well as some sombre reflection when they visited Anzac war graves.
Rowers Joshua Murphy, Aria Wallwork, Tim Reeves, Arlo Powell, Louis Collis,
Hunter Whitten, James Neilson, Ziggy Miller and coxswain Amelia Jones
were part of a NZ team that won seven of the eight finals. Australia won one and Malta none.
In advance of Anzac Day, there were five days of training and visiting historic military locations on Malta such as the Malta Naval Cemetery, where Albertian Herbert Earney is commemorated.
Our rowers took part in the main ANZAC Day Service before competing in Boys, Girls and Mixed Crew
racing in single, double and quad coastal rowing boats.
One of the organisers, Roger McGarry, said, "The MAGS students represented the school with distinction and the parents group was brilliant as well. 
"It was really a Classics trip with sport added in, with visits to so many historic and culturally significant sites, and the students took such an interest in it all. Also, [Assistant Director of Rowing] Holly Chaafe did an outstanding job on the coaching."

Parking Restrictions at MAGS at All Times

Please be aware that significant parking restrictions are in place on the school grounds outside of school hours.
To make sure that you are not disappointed when travelling to watch games at MAGS, we recommend that you park on the surrounding roads and walk to the games via the Alberton Ave entrances.
We understand the frustrations with parking in Auckland so want to make sure you are prepared when travelling to MAGS sporting events.
The Aquatic Centre car park, as pictured above, is no longer part of the school and will be monitored by the facility provider. Please be aware you will be towed if parking there when not using the pool.

Dancers' Dedication Rewarded

Pictured above, back row from left: Minna Bostwick, Harry Bannister, Manon Gilbert. Second row: Bailey Tomokino, Reuben Moffett, Peyson Mataroa. Front row: Joshua Wen, Makaia Quensell, Brooklyn Smith-Boyd, Alyssa Huang. Inset: Kyra-Leigh Masina.

During all the weekends in Term 1 and during the holidays, a group of MAGS students were working up to six hours a day to perfect routines for national competitions held over the last month.
Director of Arts Co-curricular Ms Cesan said, "These young dancers have all earned the right to represent NZ  in International finals to be held later in the year. Congratulations to these outstanding young dancers."
 
World Dance Crew Competition International final 
 
YUNG ID
Winners Youth Supercrew 
Joshua Wen and Peyson Mataroa (Year 9), Alyssa Huang ( Year 10), Reuben Moffett, Makaia Quensell (Year 11), Harry Bannister, Minna Bostwick and Manon Gilbert ( Year 12 ) 
IDCO 
Adult Supercrew – 2^nd place 
Reuben Moffett and and Harry Bannister 
Youth Division 9 Man 
TRUE NINE – Harry Bannister 2^nd place 
DUCHESSES – Bailey Tomokino  3^rd place 
 
World of Dance NZ Qualifier  
 
YUNG ID
Winners Youth Supercrew
THE COLLECTIVE 
Winners Adult Supercrew – Kyra-Leigh Masina  
 
WSB  Qualifier 
DUCHESSES
Winners Youth 9 Man 
 
HHINZ – NZ Qualifier 
RANGERS – Brooklyn Smith-Boyd
Winners Varsity 9 Man 

Can Drive Coming Up for City Mission

Interact is once again undertaking a Can Drive, alongside Westhaven Rotary, in support of Auckland City Mission. 
One in five New Zealanders experience food insecurity and are unsure of where their next meal will come from. Cold and harsh winters can be extremely difficult for thousands of these individuals and families who cannot afford food during these times.
Interact wants to support these people and is encouraging students to bring in canned goods to donate to this cause. 
Interact members will be coming around during AMP in Week 4 to collect non-perishable items such as baked beans, sweet corn, and canned fruit. For Juniors, there will also be interform points up for grabs for the number of cans collected in each class. 
Your support could be life-changing —just one can could bring warmth and hope to someone in need this winter.

Juniors Win Clash of the Colleges

MAGS Agriculture and Horticulture students have again excelled at the Auckland Clash of the Colleges held at Donald's Farm in Whitford at the end of Term 1.
Our Junior team of Elle Musson, Zoe Mallett, Olivia D'Rose and Kara Slessor were victorious. They are pictured above left, while above right are our third-placed Seniors, Abby Cook, Maddy Cameron, Hanna Smith and Isla Stephenson.
At the Clash of the Colleges, Secondary school Ag and Hort students from across the Upper North Island competed in teams of four, battling it out in 15 modules, including gumboot throwing, as pictured left, to be crowned champions

Year 8 Info Evenings Coming Up

Mount Albert Grammar School will soon be holding two information evenings for prospective Year 9 students in 2026.
These evenings are primarily aimed at in-zone Year 8 parents and guardians, and their sons/daughters, and will be held in the F.W. Gamble Hall on Wednesday, May 7 and Tuesday, May 13, from 7pm-8pm.
To manage numbers, feeder schools have been assigned an evening to attend but if that date does not work there is no problem attending the other evening, and there is no need to RSVP.
May 7: Kowhai Intermediate School, Pasadena Intermediate School, Ponsonby Intermediate School, Wesley Intermediate School.
May 13: Auckland Normal Intermediate School, Balmoral Intermediate School.
Attendees will get: 
• A visual presentation about Mount Albert Grammar School for Year 9 students in 2026.
• Information about our enrolment procedure for the 2026 intake.
• The opportunity to find out about the academic, sporting, arts and cultural opportunities at MAGS.

Sports Update

Sports Captains for 2025

At the Year 13 Headmaster's Assembly today, our Sports Captains for 2025 were announced and presented with their badges.

Back Row (L-R): Tupou Kautai (Netball), Peyton Uri (Basketball), Liam Ng Shiu (Volleyball), Damon McKinstry (Water Polo), Jirah Esekia (Athletics and Rugby), Henry Olliver (Cricket), Arlo Powell (Rowing), Calum Taylor (Squash), Dylan Yare (Touch).
 
Front Row (L-R): Mr Drumm, Nina Chalmers (Athletics and Hockey), Poovika Parthiban (Lacrosse), Ami McGowan (Orienteering), Karamea Driscoll-Maruariki (Touch), Yash Patel (Hockey), Elijah Yarr (Fencing), Kuron Cloete (Softball).
 
Absentees: Felix Burge (Football), Ronan Byford (Rugby League), Lavinia Craig (Rugby), Emma Curnow (Rowing), Lily Cuttriss (Cricket), Yanine de Boed (Water Polo), Macy Hains (Swimming), Reanna Hinds (Under Water Hockey), Brooke Margison (Tennis), James Milne (Orienteering), Logan Wood (Basketball), Phoebe Newcombe (Archery), Piper O’Neill (Football), Emina Tiatia (Volleyball), Reuben Ayde (Orienteering).

Archer Selected for NZ Team

Congratulations to Phoebe Newcombe, who has been selected to represent New Zealand at the World Youth Archery Championships in Canada in August this year. 
She is the only female recurve archer in the team. Phoebe's selection follows a stellar summer season which saw her win both the target and matchplay rounds of the U18 Women's Division in the National Championships over Easter, as well as the North Island Youth Championships.  
Year 13 international student Ilaria Melchiori competed in the Nationals as well. She won the gold medal for the U21 Women's Recurve Target competition and made the bronze final of the team competition with two Albertian archers.

Orienteering Boys' Ninth Consecutive NISS Title

During the last few days of the term break, the MAGS Orienteering team headed to the North Island Secondary School Champs.
The competition consisted of three different events (Sprint, Forest Long, Team Relay) over three days.
TIC Mrs Mackinlay-Milne said, "The weather fluctuated from sun to torrential rain, with very low visibility, making the final day of competition on the Waiuku coast challenging. All the students competed and represented their school with amazing skill, pride and commitment." 
Accumulation of points from the three events saw the MAGS Boys team crowned as Premier Boys Team and Top Overall Boys School for the ninth year running, winning by a huge margin of 172 points.
The MAGS Girls team finished 3rd overall, achieving a podium place for the sixth year in a row, putting in a fantastic effort on the final day to stay ahead of Havelock North High School. 

Top results:

Lacrosse Players Claim Gold

Four MAGS lacrosse players represented New Zealand in U18 representative teams at the annual Australian National U18 Lacrosse Tournament, held in Adelaide from April 16-20.
Ceanna Toogood (#11) and Jasmine Kaur (#19) filled midfield positions as part of the Auckland-based 'NZ Ahi' U18 Girls team, who competed in Division 2.
NZ Ahi were dominant during their round-robin games, with four wins over the Australian teams: 15-7 vs Victoria A; 17-3 vs South Australia A; 7-5 vs Victoria A; and 9-4 vs South Australia A.
On day four, NZ Ahi faced their Waikato-based counterparts, 'NZ Toa', in a divisional cross-over match that went to the wire. 

Having been level after three quarters, NZ Toa eventually ground out the win 9-8 in a nail-biting finish. 
NZ Ahi qualified first in their group to make the Division 2 Final, which they won 13-5 against Victoria A to take home gold.
MAGS lacrosse players Nate Lawson and Andrew Hung, pictured right, were midfielders in the NZ U18 Men’s Lacrosse Development Team. 
They faced off against experienced and well-drilled Australian sides from Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Despite not winning a game, the NZ boys played some excellent lacrosse, kept to their game-plan, and held high spirits throughout the tournament.  The Australians were incredibly welcoming and showed respectful camaraderie to the NZ boys, who gained valuable international experience against Australia’s best U18 players.
This was important to Nate and Andrew, as for the last nine months they have been trialling for the NZ U20 Men’s Lacrosse Team, who, along with MAGS lacrosse coach Sam Nash as the NZ U20 offensive coach, are setting their sights on South Korea in August for the U20 Men’s World Championships.

MAGS' First Ki-o-Rahi Nationals

At the end of Term 1, our Ki-o-Rahi team made history by competing in the Ki-o-Rahi Nationals held in Palmerston North — the first time MAGS has ever qualified for this prestigious tournament.
TIC Ms Frandi said, "After five years of hard work and development of the sport at Mount Albert Grammar School, it was an incredible milestone to see our students take the national stage and compete with passion, pride, and skill. The growth and maturity of our players were on full display, and the fruits of their commitment to the sport were evident throughout the tournament.
"This achievement would not have been possible without the unwavering guidance and influence of our dedicated coach, Boston Aiturau, whose leadership has been instrumental in building and nurturing Ki-o-Rahi at MAGS."  Ms Frandi and Sean Hamilton also travelled with the team.
The team played seven games over two days. They were up against more experienced teams, which included eventual winners Wainuiomata High School. There were signs of improvement as the tournament went on. The hard work paid off, getting a win on day two against Cullinane College, 23-8. 
Ms Frandi added, "The tournament provided our players with an unforgettable experience and a valuable opportunity to grow not just as athletes, but as representatives of our kura. We are excited to continue this momentum and look forward to seeing the game, our players, and their skills continue to grow in the years ahead."

Overall Winner at NISS Mountain Biking

During the first weekend of the school holidays, Hunter Marsh (Year 11) competed at the North Island Secondary Schools Mountain Biking Championships, held at the Summerhill Mountain Bike Park in Papamoa. 
Hunter entered in the cross country, endurance and downhill races in the Under 17 Boys category. His best effort was second place in the cross country, completing the four-lap course in a time of 1:09:23. In the endurance race he finished 9^th and in the downhill he finished 12^th.
Overall, Hunter won the Under 17 Boys General Classification based on his efforts over the three races.  He finished with a total of 121 points, beating second place by two points.

Teams Excel at Auckland Triathlon

Yesterday, 17 students competed at the Auckland Secondary Schools Triathlon, held at the Point England Reserve.   
Five students competed as individuals and four teams of three were entered. This was rescheduled from early March. 

The weather conditions were a mix of rain, sun and wind, making the course challenging.
Our students put up a good showing with many doing their first secondary schools triathlon. 
Two teams came away with podium finishes: Sammie Visser, Chloe Berry and Jaimie Harris finished third in the Girls Novice Teams section with an overall time of 49:32. 
In the competitive Senior Under 19 Girls teams category, Macy Hains, Ailsa Taylor and Miri Kent finished a credible third against more experienced triathletes. This was on the back of a quick swim from Macy, who was second fastest out of the water.
In the individual categories, MAGS had several top 10 finishes with Jacob Aldiss finishing 9^th in the Under 14 Boys section. Cameron Taylor and James McGrath finished 5^th and 7^th respectively in the Novice Boys section.
William Wood finished 9^th in a strong Senior Boys field in his first time representing the school at a triathlon.
Assistant Director of Sport Mr Crossan said, "The day would not have been possible without the help of several parents who assisted in transport and marshalling. Thanks to Louise Taylor, Julian Aldiss, Sarah Appleton, Gareth Berry and Megan McGrath."

Swimming and Athletics Champions Recognised

Our Swimming and Athletics champions were recognised at assembly on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively this week.
Our 2025 Swimming Champions, pictured above, are, Back Row: Connor Webby (Intermediate Boys Champion), Bianca Chan (Intermediate Girls Champion).
Front Row: Ethan Chan (Junior Boys Champion), Khalen Quensell (Senior Girls Champion), Taiga Ueno (Senior Boys Champion), Marli Coverdale (Junior Girls Champion).

Our Athletics Champions, pictured below, are, from left, Christiaan Findlay (Junior Boys Champion), Gracen Faumui (Junior Girls Champion), Maddie Earley (Intermediate Girls Champion), Nina Chalmers (Senior Girls Champion) Absent: Benjie Fairclough (Senior Boys Champion), Jy Gonzales (Intermediate Boys Champion).
 

Top Results at Fencing Nationals

Over Easter, several MAGS Fencers attended the NZ U17 Nationals held in Wellington.
In the Men's U17 Epee individuals, Patrick Barham-Wang came ninth, Xavier Edwin-Woollard 12th, Nico Meyer 15th and Thales Gomes Almeida 18th.
In the regional event, Patrick also won gold with the Auckland A Team, and Xavier and Thales placed fourth with the Auckland B Team.

Upcoming Premier Sport

The Basketball Premier Girls and Boys are at home today with the Girls playing EGGS at 6pm and the Boys facing Auckland Grammar at 7.30pm. The Football Boys 1st XI are also playing this evening – at 7pm at Crum Park against Selwyn College.
Tomorrow, the Rugby Boys 1st XV play their first game of the 1A season at home to King's College at 2.30pm.
On Monday, the Rugby Girls 1st XV play Auckland Girls Grammar at Colin Maiden Park at 4pm.
On Wednesday, the Squash Premier Boys are at home to Westlake Boys High at 4pm; the Football Girls 1st XI are at home to Selwyn College at 4pm, the Rugby League 1st XIII are away to St Paul's at 4pm; and the Hockey Boys 1st XI play King's College at Mt Roskill Grammar turf at 5.15pm.
On Thursday, the Lacrosse Girls Premiers are playing Whangaparaoa at 4pm at MAGS.