Celebrating our Top Juniors

Our Year 10 and Year 9 Prizegivings on Tuesday saw Juniors being recognised for their outstanding efforts throughout the year across the Four Pillars – Academia, Arts, Service and Sport.
Students were awarded certificates and prizes in two ceremonies in the the F.W. Gamble Hall, culminating in the special prizes.
Our Junior Duces for 2023 are Nicholas Cowie and Jaimie Harris, pictured above, while the Best All-Round Year 10s are Kawiti Albert Campbell and Zara Bint, pictured below.

The Greg Cave and Elise Goddard Cup winners for Year 9 Academic Achievement are Hannah Jack and Sam Dillicar, while the Best All-Round Year 9s are Ysabella Nimo and Soren Bell.
The Junior Arts Duces are Luca Le Cren and Sophia Armstrong, and our Junior Victrix and Victor Ludorum are Kadee Setters and Tarquinius
Schwalger.
The Paul Gardener Service Cup was awarded to Nicho Fernando and Jacob Ng, while Neville Watson Awards for the Students Who Best Typify the Spirit of Mount Albert Grammar School went to Elliott King and Jaimie Harris (Year 10s) and Te Awanuiarangi Mackwood and Summer Tawera (Year 9s).
The CC Lamb Award for demonstrating Personal Excellence was presented to Samuela Malamala and Ingrid Feng.
The MCs for the Year 9 event were Te Awanuiarangi Mackwood and Isla Ng Shiu, while Indi Peterson and Jacob Ng MC’ed the Year 10 ceremony.
Both gatherings enjoyed a performance by the Junior Jazz Ensemble directed by Kingsley Melhuish, with HOD Music Mr Watson filling in on bass.
In their last duties as Head Prefects, Rosa Fox and Toby Forster attended the prizegivings with Rosa addressing the Year 10s and Toby the Year 9s. Both urged our Juniors to get involved, take on big challenges and make a difference.
You can see many more photos from the prizegivings and all the awardees here                           

Hannah Jack and Sam Dillicar, the Elise Goddard Cup and Greg Cave Cup winners for Year 9 Academic Achievement, are pictured with Mrs Goddard and Mr Cave.

Prefect Executive for 2025

Following the Prefects' Camp this week, MAGS is excited to announce its Prefect Executive for 2025, with Khalen Quensell and Campbell Buchanan chosen from a very strong field to fill the Head Prefect roles.
They will be ably supported by deputies Brendan Akeli, Brooke Margison, Epeli Prescott, Sasha Tobin, Claudia Wen and Tyler Yare.
The Prefect’s role carries great responsibility around service leadership and guardianship of our school culture.
Congratulations to all our 2025 Prefects on their appointment. We trust that the 2025 Year 13 student body will support this group in their significant role.
2025 Prefects:
Reuben Adye, Palepua Afoa, Brendan Akeli, Kingston Ballantyne, Paige Barnes-Kilgour, Anna Batcheler, Campbell Buchanan, Kiva Carr, Nina Chalmers, Victor Coen, Lavinia Craig, Yanine de Boed, Divya Desai, Jemima Flatt, Evie Fraser, Mia Gardiner, Issie Hasler, Awanui Hope, Ben Hori-Elliott, Fei-Chang Andrew Hung. Tamatea Jones, Amy Jordan, Luis Kerrigan, Cameron Lai, Thesadi M.k, Catherine Makasini, Sneha Mandadi, Brooke Margison, Kyra-Leigh Masina, Manumea Matautia, Ami McGowan, Phoebe Newcombe, Liam Ng Shiu, Piper O'Neill, Grace Oloi, Ava Poynter, Epeli Prescott, Khalen Quensell, Erich Retzlaff, Romi Ropati, Jarom Rowell, Alyssa Tamihere, Emina Tiatia, Sasha Tobin, LA Tusialofa, Taiga Ueno, Jason Vincent, Claudia Wen, Michael Xue, Tyler Yare.

Staff Recognised for Excellence

Laura van der Zouwe, at left, and Richie Folomu, pictured with Mr Moyle, were named as the winners of the Herb Towers Staff Award.

Prior to the packed-out Staff Christmas Brunch today, there was one final meeting in the staffroom for the presentation of awards to some of the many well-deserving and hard-working teaching and support staff.
The awards and some impressive staff citations were read out by Mr Drumm and presented by our BoT Presiding Member Catherine Murphy, BoT member Greg Moyle and Albertian Chris Liddell.
Laura van der Zouwe (History, Tourism and Social Studies Teacher) and Richie Folomu (PE and Health Teacher) were named as the winners of the Herb Towers Staff Award for a professional development trip overseas. This award recognises outstanding service to MAGS.
The A Harmos Memorial Award went to Pam Hutchins (English Language Teacher) and James Naylor
(Year 9 Dean, Maths, PE and Health Teacher). These awards recognise staff who have been exceptional in supporting the school’s mentoring programme.
The CP Liddell Staff Awards were presented to Dr Meng Yang (Year 12 Dean, Biology Teacher), Sarah Gauntlett (Visual Art Teacher), Matthew Huang (Science and Biology Teacher) and Kate Inwood (PE and Health Teacher, Coach of the Football Girls 1st XI). These scholarships are worth $10,000 each and recognise excellence in teaching and contribution to the school.

Our BoT Presiding Member Catherine Murphy presented the Andrew Harmos Memorial Award to Pam Hutchins, at left, and James Naylor.

Albertian Chris Liddell presented the CP LIddell Awards to, clockwise from top left, Kate Inwood, Sarah Gauntlett, Dr Meng Yang and Matthew Huang.

Senior Re-enrolment Options

Students going into Year 11, 12 or 13 in 2025 have been contacted with confirmation of the courses they are currently enrolled in for 2025.
Information will also be provided on how to request a change to those courses using an online process following the scheduled release of the NZQA NCEA results on January 15. 
All students should have their options finalised following the online request form process, which needs to be submitted by January 19 –  but there is a final chance to request changes to options in person on Friday, January 24, from 10.30am to 12 noon in the MH Building.
Students who are happy with their options do not need to do anything further regarding re-enrolment, and they will receive their timetables when they return to school on the first day.

Please note: The Kamar Portal is scheduled to be upgraded next week and will be offline for up to 48 hours. There should be no noticeable changes to the user experience following the upgrade.

Monetary Policy Challenge Runners-up

The Monetary Policy Challenge is a competition offered by The Reserve Bank that gives Senior Economic students all over Aotearoa New Zealand the opportunity to address and engage with the monetary policy decisions faced by the Reserve Bank.
The students face a challenge that requires them to research the current state of the economy along with any potential risks that may be faced in the not-too-distant future. They are then required to prepare a seven-minute video presentation to the Reserve Bank explaining their response to the question.
The question posed to the students this year was: “If you were members of the Monetary Policy Committee, what would you set the OCR to at the Monetary Policy Review in October?”
HOD Business and Economics Mrs Farquhar, pictured above, said, "Our keen group of three students managed to find time in and around Term 3 exams to make a submission, gaining second place overall! This is the best result obtained by MAGS in a number of years. An amazing effort by Chelsea Wijntjes, Amy Chen and Tobin Dickison-Judd!! Well done to you all."

Get a Headstart on 2025 with Kindo

Make sure you sign up for a Kindo account so you can get a headstart on planning for 2025.
If you haven't already, set up your Kindo account now and you can check out sports registrations for Term 1, 2025 and pre-order things like Student ID Cards.
MAGS is no longer taking payments directly into our school bank account. If you have an automatic payment already set up to our bank account, please cancel this as soon as possible and create an automatic payment to go directly into your Kindo Wallet. 
For more instructions on automatic payments, please click here
Any outstanding credit on your MAGS account will be added to your Kindo Wallet once a Kindo account has been created.
Please see this link for a copy of the document above to help you to sign up to Kindo, whether it is on your computer or using the app on your phone. There is also a Kindo tab on the MAGS website's Parent Portal that can be used to access or set up an account.
You can also click here to set up a Kindo account for MAGS payments.

Parents who have a Kindo account already through another school can use that for MAGS payments using the instructions here

Need assistance? The Kindo Helpdesk is open 8am to 4pm weekdays.
Freephone: 0508 4 KINDO (0508 454 636)
Email: [email protected]
Online Tutorials: support.mykindo.co.nz

Science Department Christmas Party

Our Science Department got together yesterday for a party with a Christmas-themed murder mystery to be solved.
The scientific sleuths had to distill the facts from the witness accounts around a murder at the North Pole, where productivity is at an all-time low, upsetting many
and putting Santa's legacy at stake.

School Closedown and Reopening

Mount Albert Grammar School is now closed for the holidays and that includes the Enrolment and Finance offices.
The International Office will be closed from December 20, 2024 and will re-open on January 13.
The Enrolment Office will be open again on Thursday, January 16 2025. Mount Albert Grammar School enrolments should be done online here
The Finance Office will be open again on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 8am.
Please note any payments owing will be loaded into parents' Kindo accounts and payments are made online please.
Staff will be enjoying a well-deserved break over summer, so may take some time to answer any emails.
Most queries can be answered by visiting the MAGS website

Order 2025 Stationery Now

Parents can beat the rush and order stationery for 2025 now. 
We’ve teamed up with OfficeMax to make getting ready for school easier!
Students' class lists will be available here

In Memoriam: Stuart McCowan

At the beginning of the week, the school received the sad news of the sudden death of Stuart McCowan. Stuart was the School's Head Prefect and Head Prefect of School House in 1970.
He had been a school Prefect and a House Prefect (as pictured above, at front left) in 1969 – as well as a member of the 1st XV Rugby team, which came first-equal in the 1969 competition.
Stuart was the captain of the 1970 1st XV, as pictured below, but as a result of a broken leg missed much of the season.
He also represented the school in athletics, swimming and tennis, and was the Junior Swimming Champion in 1967.
Academically, he was also very strong. He was a member of the top stream class throughout his time at the school and was placed first in class in 1966, and second in 1968 and 1969. He received an A Bursary in his final year.
Stuart had a distinguished career as an orthopaedic surgeon both in private practice and in the public health system. He was a great mentor and colleague and always provided unwavering support to his patients.
Stuart’s brother Malcolm and their father Allister both attended Mount Albert Grammar School.
Malcolm was a school Prefect and a House Prefect in 1967, and Allister was a school Prefect and a member of the first XV in 1932 and 1933.
A service to commemorate Stuart’s life will be held at the Akarana Events Centre, Tamaki Drive, on Monday, December 9 at 2.00pm.

Homestay Families Needed

We are excited for 2025 and our new cohort of international students. 
We have students arriving from the Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Chile, Argentina, Germany and Italy.  Stays vary from one term through to a full year.
A host is expected to provide a clean and comfortable bedroom with bed, wardrobe (built-in or free-standing) and drawers, linen and towels, desk and lamp, heating in room and three meals a day plus snacks and laundry.
The application process involves police vetting for all family members over 18 and the completion of an application form. 
This is followed by a home visit from the school. This helps us to know a little more about your family’s interests and lifestyle and enables us to make a well-informed student match.
If you would like some further information, or to receive the application forms, please email [email protected]

Sports Update

Seniors Face Tough Competition at Condor 7s

The Senior Boys and Girls Sevens teams competed at the Condor Sevens last weekend, held at Blake Park in Mount Manganui. 
On Saturday, the conditions were challenging with constant rain throughout the day, testing all competitors’ ability to play an open style of sevens rugby. 
On Sunday, conditions were overcast and drier, allowing for a better-quality display at the business end of the competition.
The Boys team started day one with a solid win against Christs College, 22-7, playing very well in the wet conditions. This was followed by a tough loss to Lindisfarne College, 5-19. To round off pool play, the boys got out to an early lead against Kelston Boys in the first half and defended a late surge to win 19-12. 
The next game was a Top 16 playoff against Palmerston North Boys High School. This was a close game throughout, but a late try sealed the win for Palmerston North 22-17. 
The first game for the boys on the second day was once again against Kelston, who built an early lead.  Despite a gallant effort the score was a 14-19 loss. 
A tight win against St Peters College, 14-7, put the boys into the playoff for 13th/14th against Rosmini College. This was another tight contest and a try in the final play of the game saw MAGS win 19-17 to finish 13th overall.
After a convincing 34-0 win against Mount Maunganui College in game one, the Girls team encountered some strong teams in a competitive pool, which included beaten finalist Hamilton Girls and semi-finalist St Mary’s College, Wellington. 
The results in these games were 7-29 and 5-22 losses respectively, with both being close in the first half. The girls won their other pool game against Rosehill College 40-0. 
The Girls qualified for the plate section on Sunday. They bounced back after a tough first day to beat St Hilda's Collegiate 29-7 in the plate semi-final. The plate final was against Sacred Heart Girls College, New Plymouth. Sacred Heart scored early in the second half to lead 14-10 but a last-minute runaway try meant the girls won 15-14 and finished 9th overall. 
A special mention goes to Danii Mafoe (Year 13) who was selected for the Girls Tournament Team.
Assistant Director of Sport Mr Crossan said, "The campaign would not have been possible without the efforts of several people who assisted over the weekend.  A big thanks to Willie Gibbons (Boys Coach), Ms Wright (Boys Manager), Mr Tairea (Girls Coach) and Ming Mafoe (Girls Trainer) for their work.  A special mention goes to Danny-Elle Fesola’i (Year 13) who was not able to play due to injury but assisted with managing the girls team."

Juniors in Top 10 at Condor 7s

The Junior Girls Sevens team travelled to Mount Maunganui to compete at the Condor National 7s  on November 27-29, coached by Mike Nimo and managed by Hayley McGlone.
The last time a Junior Girls team competed at the Condor 7s was in 2020 when it was hosted at King's College.
The weather was warm and some spectacular 7s was to follow over the tournament. The girls did extremely well considering they had a young and inexperienced team of Year 9s mixed with Year 10s .
The girls had a good run of games and unfortunately just missed out on the top eight, losing their last pool game that would have seen them advance to the Championship round.
 
Results:
Fielding High School  – 5-29 loss
Otumoetai College – 39-0 win 
Hamilton Girls – 12-12 draw
KeriKeri – 34-0 win
Cullinane – 41- -0 win
Te Puke High School – 43-17 win
Final Placing: 9^th
 
The Junior Boys Sevens team was coached by Albertian Danny Sialafau and managed by Ms Keenan.
This was also the first time a Junior Boys team had entered since 2020.
The boys played well throughout the tournament, winning all their games except one against Shirley Boys High School, losing 24-26 which was costly in the end as they missed out on the top eight by two points on a for/against countback.
Standout players in the competition were Christian Palu and Curtis Petaia, who found themselves cutting through defensive lines and showcasing some good tries.
The boys finished strong, winning the remainder of their games.
 
Results:
St Patrick's College Silverstream – 19-17 win
Mt Mauganui High School – 31-0 win 
Shirley Boys High School – 24-26 loss
New Plymouth Boys High School – 20-12 win
Otumoetai College – 40-7 win
Taupo-nui-a-Tia College – 27-7 win
Napier Boys High School – 17-12 win
KeriKeri High School – 27-0 win
Final Placing: 9^th

Junior Sports Trophies Awarded

At assembly on Monday, our top Junior sportspeople were recognised and awarded trophies as pictured above. 
Back Row: Jared McKinstry (Best Junior Boys Water Polo Player), Tarquinius Schwalger (Best Junior Boys Volleyball Player), Tay Faleaana (Best Junior Boys Touch Player).
Front Row: Maddisyn McGlone (Best Junior Girls Touch Player), Lily Buchanan (Best Junior Girls Water Polo Player), Katie Watkinson (Best Junior Girls Softball Player).
Absent: Kaiser Schwencke (Best Junior Boys Softball Player), Leyla Pulepule-Tamua (Best Junior Girls Volleyball Player).

MAGS Regains McKinnon Shield

Over the course of 4 weekends, a group of enthusiastic Track and Field athletes from MAGS entered into the McKinnon Shield meets held at Mt Smart Stadium and Waitakere Stadium.
The Athletics Auckland Secondary Schools Challenge Cup was founded in 2014 by former MAGS teacher Anthony Curry as a way for Auckland secondary school athletes to engage in friendly team competition leading up to NZ Secondary School athletics nationals, usually in December.
At the end of round 3, MAGS was in the lead ahead of Westlake Boys High School 56 points to 52 points, with Auckland Grammar in 3rd on 42 points. The final round on November 23 saw the MAGS team take out the top spot.
MAGS have won this cup previously in 2014 and 2015. It is great to have the athletics cup back with MAGS. The presentation of the cup was done last Saturday, and Athletics Captain Nina Chalmers received it on behalf of our MAGS athletes.
Big thanks to all our athletes who participated as part of their build up towards nationals, and the MAGS athletics families who helped out on our fundraisers at Mt Smart for nationals.
MAGS Athletes involved: Zara Bint, Peggy Taylor, Sahara Katene, Jireh Esekia, Ty Gonzales, Jy Gonzales, Ella Hill, Ella Kerrigan, Adam Gruebner, Benjie Fairclough, Eric Zhao, Nina Chalmers, Lio Kaloga, Adam Kaloga, Maddie Earley.
Winners: 

Junior Girls Runners-up at AKSS Tag Champs

Our Junior Girls team competed at the Auckland Secondary School Junior Tag Champs at Cox’s Bay Reserve on Tuesday, after a good showing at the zone competition earlier in Term 4. 
The team went to the tournament with fewer players this time around due to injuries and unavailability. But that didn’t stop them from competing against the top schools in Auckland with only nine players to get through the day. 
The girls were dominant in pool play, only conceding one point in three games. They scored 18 points through pool play. A convincing 9-3 win in the semi-final against Massey High School took the girls through to the final but with only eight players in the final after losing one player to injury in the semi-final. 
Coach Tutu Tairea said, "With brave determination and grit the girls ended up going down in the final 4-2 to Rangitoto College. Rangitoto were able to utilise their substitute players making the difference in the end to come away with the win.  
"A real proud effort from the girls to tough out the day with minimal subs and only just losing out in the final."