 The Continuity of Learning |
 Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Mount Albert Grammar School.
As the process of curriculum and assessment review continues in New Zealand there has been a growing emphasis on incorporating evidence about the science of learning – that is an understanding of how human beings learn.
There is a rich body of research that supports specific teaching practices that enhance learning in the classroom. At MAGS, our teachers utilise this evidence as they design their lessons with a goal to ensure learning is deliberate and planned – as opposed to a chance event.
Teacher-led, direct instruction is a valued pedagogy at MAGS. But students also must be highly engaged in every step of the learning process. A MAGS teacher will use the lesson to build on knowledge from the previous day(s) while weaving in new content and skills which will require practice for students to master. Tomorrow’s lesson will again build on the learning from today and so on. It is a continuous and sequential process.
But learning can only be continuous and sequential if students are present in the classroom … every day! It will be no surprise that the greatest barrier to learning is absence from school. Lateness to lessons also plays a part here with the cumulative effect impacting not only the individual, but also disrupting the learning of fellow classmates.
The formula is simple – commit to being present at school – on time, every day, for every lesson! To be the best you can be requires more than just simply turning up ... but that is where it starts!
Looking forward to seeing our students at 8.40am sharp on Monday!
Have a good weekend.
Patrick Drumm
Headmaster
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Click here for the Calendar
Thursday, June 20
Blood Donor Day, F.W. Gamble Hall
Friday, June 21
Slam the Jams contemporary music concert, E10, 7pm
Thursday, June 27
School finishes early, at 1pm.
See below for details
Friday, June 28
Matariki holiday
Wednesday, July 3
Night of the Classics music concert, Raye Freedman Arts Centre, 7pm
Thursday, July 4
Three-Way Conferences. No classes.
Friday, July 5
Three-Way Conferences. No classes.
End of Term 2  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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Board Show and Market Evening |
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 Bookings opened on Monday for Three Way Conferences (3WC), and all parents should have received an email with instructions about these.
This is considered to be one of our significant annual events and ALL students are expected to attend a 3WC, along with their parent(s)/guardian(s).
This 15-minute conference will take place with a student’s Mentor Teacher on either Thursday, July 4 (10.00am - 6.00pm) or Friday, July 5 (9.00am - 12.00pm).
You can see how to book an interview here
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Hype Event Kicks off 40 Hour Challenge |
Blood Donor Day Next Week |
 Next Thursday, June 20, we will be holding the annual MAGS Blood Donor Drive.
Donating blood is a truly life-saving gift and helps communities all over New Zealand.
One blood donation can save up to three lives and is a gift that can only be given from one person to another – there is no substitute.
Could parents please discuss the idea of blood donation with their children and potentially encourage those who are eligible to consider donating next week.
Give blood, save lives. |
 On Monday this week, parents should have received an email about important upcoming events and changes to the normal school day structure through to the end of Term 2.
Among those, school is finishing early on Thursday, June 27 – at 1pm – to allow for an official opening of our new Nairn Building, pictured above.
You can read the full email here |
MUNA Broadens World Perspectives |
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Six students travelled to Rosmini College to take part in this year’s Model United Nations Assembly, held on May 24 and 25 and run by the Rotary Club.
Over the two days, Year 12 students Lucy Kennedy, Olive Evans and Luis Kerrigan represented Ireland, and Year 13 students Samuel Reeves, Felix McElwee and Tobin Dickison-Judd represented South Sudan.
TIC Ms Adams said, "The key purpose of the event is to support our students in the development of leadership, and fostering and maintaining diplomatic relations in the complex world that is politics to support peace and understanding amongst nations.
"An integral component of the Assembly is to set aside your own personal beliefs and opinions and take on those that best represent their country. This is no easy feat, particularly when we have empowered young men and women who value their position to have a voice in our modern society."
She added, "The students represented our school proudly, addressing an audience of over 300 people. As well as having to speak on their selected issues, the students had to field questions from other delegations in order to promote or defend their position. Notably, one of our remits was to speak to all member states respecting territorial sovereignty. With the current conflicts occurring overseas, we see and feel the need for these important conversations.
"Students were also lucky enough to hear from former politician Chris Carter, who previously held a leadership position with the United Nations Development Programme, leading the strengthening of local governance in all 34 Afghan provinces."
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Mathematician's Inspirational Formula |
 Mathematician Subash Chandar K (aka infinityplusone) is coming to MAGS next Wednesday to speak at Year 12 Assembly and will also be involved with some of Mr Walden's Maths lessons that day.
He will talk about his academic journey, the importance of resilience, and the role that STEM subjects have to play in society.
There is an infinityplusone YouTube channel with all sorts of different Maths tutorials here |
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Class, ID Photos Available to Order |
Parents and students were emailed this week with instructions about ordering Mentor Class and ID Photos online.
Students who were present for their photos have been issued with a shoot key code so photos can be ordered from PhotoLife.
Students will not have a code if they were not at MAGS when the photos were taken (due to issues such as late enrolments/starts).
Photos will be delivered to school for free if ordered by July 3. |
Duke of Edinburgh’s Visit in 1956 |
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The Headmaster, Murray Nairn, escorts the Duke of Edinburgh onto the main fields.
We have recently enjoyed our second “King’s Birthday Weekend” and with it the second year of King’s Birthday Honours.
In 1956 the current King’s father, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, came to the school as part of a visit to New Zealand.
The school was especially honoured to host the Duke, and students from all secondary schools between Pukekohe and Orewa were invited to participate in a number of sporting activities.
Prince Philip was welcomed by a guard of honour made up of students from a number of the schools and under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Boulton, who had been appointed to the staff in 1928.
The headmaster, Murray Nairn, then escorted Prince Philip around the various sporting activities which gave him an opportunity to speak to the teachers and the students involved.
At the conclusion of the sporting activities, the students gathered in the school hall to listen to an address by the royal visitor.
– Greg Cave, Assistant Archivist  To the right of the Duke is Herb Towers, who taught at Mount Albert from 1922 until 1978. He received an MBE for his services to athletics and for his involvement in the Empire Games held in Auckland in 1950. |
 The term dates for 2025 have now been finalised and can be viewed on our website here |
Sprinter Claims Oceania Title |
 MAGS Year 11 student Kendra Scally-Tu’i was recently selected to represent New Zealand at the Oceania Area Athletics Championships in Suva, Fiji. Kendra is one of New Zealand’s top U18 female sprinters, and proved herself to also be one of Oceania’s top sprint athletes, claiming not only a gold in the U18 women’s 200m, but also setting the Oceania Championship record in the process – it stood at 24.48s and she lowered it to 24.30s.
She also claimed a bronze medal in the U18 100m with a time of 12.30s, and silver in the U18 4x100m Relay in a time of 48.18s |
MAGS' Five Commonwealth Fencers |
 Congratulations to the five MAGS students who have qualified for the Commonwealth Junior & Cadet Fencing Championship in Christchurch from July 12-19.
There were only 10 spots in the NZ U17 Epee Team up for grabs and five of these were taken by Emi Mason, Shubhi Roy, Thomas Pham, Elijah Yarr and Nico Meyer.
Their coach, Kyle Macdonald, who was also announced as the Head Epee coach, said "For the past couple of years, this group of MAGS Fencing students have been working incredibly hard. They've been balancing their schoolwork, training sessions, and social lives, all while focusing on their goal. From early morning practices at school to evening sessions at the Auckland Swords Fencing Club, they’ve really put in the hours. They have worked on strength, conditioning and agility training along with individual lessons with coaches. They’ve also traveled to multiple selection competitions and training camps across New Zealand and even to Australia. "
He added, "This was the toughest selection process in years, and our fencers really stood out. Their commitment and determination have been nothing short of amazing.
"They’ve overcome some tough competition and managed to stay strong through injuries and the ups and downs of coughs and colds. Now, they’re gearing up to compete against the best in the Commonwealth, with over 350 top fencers from 14 different countries."
You can follow their results here
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Snowboarders' Cool Results |
Last Thursday, nine students competed at the Auckland Secondary School Snowboard Champs at Snow Planet.
TIC Mr Huang said, "Despite some tough competition, our students demonstrated skill and determination, resulting in a commendable medal haul."
Gina Fisk secured the bronze medal in the Junior Girls Slopestyle event. Hanyang Liu earned bronze in the Dual Race category. Caleb Vincent claimed the silver medal in the Junior Slalom race.
Mr Huang said, "Additionally, our collective efforts led to success in the Teams Race. Hanyang Liu, Caleb Vincent and Lucas Turner secured the gold medal in this category, showcasing their solid performance.
"As we acknowledge these accomplishments, we look forward to further growth and success within our snowboarding program." |
Equestrian Team Riding High |
The MAGS Equestrian team recently competed in two NISS events and gained some excellent results.
The NISS Horse Trials were help in Taupo across two days. Fleur Cato, Ruby Cato and Grace Taku competed across dressage, show jumping and cross country disciplines. The combined results for each individual rider saw Grace gain a second in the 80cm class and Fleur gain a fifth in the 90cm.
The NISS Show Hunter competition was held at Saint Peter's Cambridge. Sophie Mackenzie gained two firsts and a second competing over four classes.
TIC Mrs Charman said, "A fantastic effort from both the students and parents involved." |
On Tuesday, 10 students competed at the Auckland Secondary Schools Duathlon, held at the Pukekohe Park Raceway.
After some early drizzle in the morning cleared, conditions were comfortable despite some wind on the open course. Competitors ran around the horse racing track and completed the cycle leg around the old motorsport track. |
 MAGS came away with five top-three placings across various categories.
In the Junior Boys Open Bike section, Jacob Aldiss finished second in a time of 59:04. The Junior Boys’ team of Luke McGowan and Tom Gaskell came second also in the teams section. They had the second-fastest run in both legs and third-fastest cycle. Their course consisted of a 3km run, 11km cycle and 2.4km run.
Olivia Appleton finished third in the Intermediate Girls Open Bike category, completing with a time of 1:11.10. Jessica Loxton finished first in the same section on the back of a strong cycle leg that was nearly three minutes faster than the next best cycle leg. Jessica finished with a time of 1:09.23. Blake Climo finished third in the Intermediate Boys Open Bike section, completing the course in 1:13.11. Their course consisted of a 4.6km run, 14km cycle and 2.4km run to finish.
Theo Bray continued his good multi-sport form, coming second in the competitive Senior Boys section. He has had three top-three placings across the triathlon, aquathon and duathlon this year. Theo had a narrow lead after the first run leg and stayed in the hunt for first place throughout the race. He completed the 4.6km run, 19 km bike and 2.4km run course in an impressive time of 55:59.
Assistant Director of Sport Mr Crossan said, "The day would not be possible without the help from several parents with transporting students and their bikes to the venue early in the morning, as well as supporting through the day. Thanks to Sarah Gaskell, Phil McGowan, Julian Aldiss, Adam Kent, Dennis Loxton and Melissa Bray."
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Tennis Champions Recognised |
 Our 2024 Tennis Champions were recognised at assembly today and presented with their trophies.
They are, above, back row: Ethan Au (Junior Boys Champion), Erueti Selwyn (Intermediate Boys Champion),
Front row: Chelsea Wintjes (Senior Girls Champion and Open Girls Doubles Champion), Amelie Kelly (Open Girls Doubles Champion and Open Mixed Doubles Champion), Charlie van der Heide (Junior Girls Champion), Belma Alisic (Intermediate Girls Champion).
And at right, from left, Dinghui Liu and Wesley Deng (Open Boys Doubles Champions).
Absent: Myles Kelly (Senior Boys Champion and Open Mixed Doubles Champion). |
 Today, the Football Boys 1st XI are playing Westlake Boys High at 7pm at Crum Park Turf, while the Basketball Premier Girls and Boys are home, to Manurewa High at 6pm and Sacred Heart College at 7.30pm respectively.
Tomorrow, the Netball Premiers play Baradene College at 9.30am at Auckland Netball, and the Rugby Boys 1st XV are away to Liston College at 2.30pm.
On Monday, the Rugby Girls 1st XV are at home to Auckland Grammar at 4pm, on the Sir B.G. Williams Field, while the Rugby League 1st XIII play Southern Cross Campus on MAGS 2. The Lacrosse Premier Girls are also playing a catch-up game, vs Westlake Girls High at 4pm at Westlake Girls High.
On Wednesday, the Football Girls 1st XI play EGGS at MAGS at 4pm, the Rugby League 1st XIII face St Paul's College at 4pm on the Sir B.G. Williams Field, and the Hockey Boys 1st XI play Orewa College at North Harbour Cello Turf 1 at 5.10pm.
On Thursday, the Hockey Girls 1st XI play St Kentigern at Mt Roskill Grammar 4.45pm, and the Lacrosse Premier Girls play St Mary's at MAGS at 4pm.
For updated fixtures and results, click here
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