Wet and Wild at Hype Event

Some brave students and staff volunteered to be 'pied' and splashed on Tuesday as part of a 'Hype Event' to raise money for and awareness of the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge.
Students and staff paid to throw a whipped cream pie at the volunteers or to splash them with a bucket of water.
The World Vision 40 Hour Challenge raises awareness of people around the world who do not have access to things we take for granted like food, education and a home.
This year, the focus is supporting those in the Solomon Islands, who are being adversely affected by climate change. 
There is still time to donate to MAGS' 40 Hour Challenge total here

Matariki Performance at Retirement Village

As a continuation of the relationship that MAGS students have struck up with the Everil Orr Retirement Village, today our Year 10 Te Puna Owairaka students performed a vibrant waiata and boisterous haka for residents on the eve of Matariki.
The performance was rapturously received by the residents, who have enjoyed their interactions with our students since a group of Year 10 boys started visiting the home every week to chat, play board games and generally hang out.
Staff say the residents love having our young people around and look forward to more visits.

Slam the Jams Highlights Outstanding Talent

Last night’s Slam the Jams contemporary concert showcased an incredible array of talent from our music students.
The evening opened with classic jazz selections performed by our very own Owairaka Jazz Ensemble, and the Magnaphonics. Following that, our Year 10–13 student bands impressed the audience with a series of well-rehearsed and dynamic performances developed during class time.
Highlights of the night included a stunning Adele cover by our talented sister duo, Amelie and Niamh, and an original composition performed beautifully by Sophia. The concert concluded on a high note with Daniel and Markus (known as The Remedies) delivering powerful renditions of some classic rock songs.
Music Teacher Ms Fletcher said, "A huge thank you to our Head of Music, Mr Watson, and the whole music department for their outstanding leadership and organisation of this event. We are proud of all the students who participated and look forward to the next opportunity to celebrate their creativity and hard work."

Vibrant Directors' Showcase

Last Sunday, over 40 students from Year 9 to Year 13 put on their annual showcase for Level 3 Drama Directing.
There were excerpts performed from a variety of plays directed by six Drama Accelerate students.
From Aotearoa: When Sun and Moon Collide (written by Briar Grace-Smith and directed by Alysha Dodampegamage),  and Chook-Chook (written by Fiona Farrell and directed by Reanna Hinds).
From Europe: Antigone (written by Sophocles and directed by Imogen Bowman), and The Play That Goes Wrong (written by H. Lewis, H. Shields and J. Saye and directed by Sneha Mandadi).
From the US: The Election (written by Don Zolidis and directed by Jamie Snow), and The Crucible (written by Arthur Miller and directed by Alexandria James).
HOD Drama Miss Hughes said, "The evening showcased a spectrum of genres and theatre forms, and was a wonderful collage of student work."

Extra Show for Dance Concert

Next week, MAGS presents its much-anticipated annual dance concert featuring items by all dance classes and performance groups as well as some outstanding student choreography.
The 7.30pm shows on the Tuesday and Wednesday have sold out but tickets are still available for the extra 5.30pm show on Wednesday, June 25.
You can buy tickets here

Bollywood Competition

After two long months of practice, the MAGS Indian group took part in Bollywood Showdown for the third year this past Saturday. 
This performance also honoured the energy, resilience, and spirit of the girls at our school – qualities reflected in the elements themselves. The performance celebrated 25 years of girls at MAGS and Indian femininity through dance, with the group being led by Taya Govender and Sancy Prabhakar.
This year’s theme was the four elements – Earth, Water, Fire and Air – expressed through different forms of dance from various parts of India. From the grounded strength of Bhangra to the flowing grace of Kathak fusion, and the fiery intensity of hip hop, the group took the audience on a dynamic journey through the elements. 
TIC Mrs Nisha said, "Although we haven't been given information on our placing as of yet, we did have an incredible performance and night. 
"We were commended by the judges and organiser, also receiving a sponsorship opportunity by the owner of Mt Albert Pak'n'Save, who commended us on our stunt work and choreography."

Book Your Three Way Conferences 

Don't forget to book for Three Way Conferences (3WCs).
These 15-minute conferences will take place next week with students' Mentor Teachers on either Thursday 26th of June (10.00am - 6.00pm) or Friday 27th of June (9.00am - 12.00pm).
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).

There are no classes scheduled on Thursday the 26th or Friday the 27th of June while the 3WCs take place.
However, along with the Three Way Conferences, the school is open for online learning next Thursday and Friday. Students are expected to access subject material and learning activities via the Google Classroom portal.

You can read the 3WC booking instructions here

Student Art Expo Calling for Parent Volunteers

The MAGS Student Art Expo is coming up on Saturday, August 2, from 9.30am–4.00pm in the F.W. Gamble Hall — and we need parent help to make it a success!
We’re calling on our wonderful parent community to get involved. With the usual MAGS Art Show taking a break this year, the Expo is a special opportunity to showcase and celebrate the incredible work of our students, including painting, photography, ceramics, digital posters, and technical design. Many pieces will be available to purchase, and we’ll also be featuring work from recent graduates.

Parent Volunteers Needed
We’re seeking parent volunteers to help during the event — whether it’s assisting with set-up, supervising areas, or helping with pack down at the end of the day.
If you can lend a hand, please contact Deputy Principal Christine Cato at [email protected]
Even an hour or two makes a big difference — thank you in advance for your support!
We’re so proud of what our students have created and can’t wait to share it with you. See you there!

Read the Latest Careers Newsletter

Our Careers Department has released its June newsletter, packed full of news about work and study opportunities and events.
You can read it here

Rail Closures over Matariki Weekend

There will be an extended closure of the rail network over Matariki weekend – no trains running from Friday, June 20 – Monday, June 23.
There will also be reduced services during the next school holidays – no Southern Line trains running between Puhinui and Pukekohe, and reduced frequency on all other lines from Saturday, June 28 – Sunday, July 13.

Sports Update

NZSS Cross Country 

Last Saturday, three students competed at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Cross Country at Barge Park in Whangarei.
It was a sunny day on a deceptively challenging course featuring one kilometre of flat sports fields followed by treacherous muddy descents and a brutal one-kilometre uphill staged climb to finish.
Nina Chalmers came 14th of 121 in the competitive Senior Girls category. This was an amazing effort coming off a lingering injury and still on crutches six days before the race.
In the Senior Boys race, Duke Gilbert was briefly in first place (ahead of teen running sensation Sam Ruthe) as he took off like a rocket to the first corner before settling down to complete the race further back in the field. Henry Hills, competing at his first nationals, put in a solid effort to finish mid-pack in 85th after three loops of the 2km track and three times through the climb.  
Assistant Director of Sport Mr Crossan said, "Thanks to all the students’ parents who supported the students at the event, especially to Sarah Yallop who managed the three runners on the day."

Muddy Going at Mountain Bike Series

Race three of the Auckland Secondary Schools Mountain Bike series took place on Sunday at a private farm on Slater Road, north of Woodhill Forest. 
Six students represented the school, with two students competing in their first race this year.
The course was a muddy one that proved challenging and caused some mechanical issues for several students. 
Despite the conditions, our students battled to get some positive results, with two students finishing in the top ten. Hunter Marsh continued his good run of podium finishes. placing second in the Under 17 Boys section. Lewis Darby-Smith finished 10th in the Under 16 Boys section. 
The other students that competed were Max Morgan and Alfie Ferguson, finishing 13th and 19th respectively in the Under 15 Boys category. Liam Cox, in his first ever competition, came 19th in the Under 16 Boys category. 
Chloe Fisher, unfortunately, had mechanical issues and did not finish her race.
Assistant Director of Sport Mr Crossan said, "Thanks to all the parents who supported and transported students. A special thanks to Amie Morgan, who managed our students at the event and Aaron Fisher for being one of the course marshals."  

Climbers Aim Higher

With illness and injury taking their toll on the MAGS squad, it was a smaller than usual team competing in Round 3 of ACCS at Vertical Adventures last Sunday.
However, it turned out to be a very successful day. Brennan Scouller continued to improve with each round, finishing 28th in the Junior Boys, whilst Ronin Ng gained his best every placing of = 20th in the Senior Boys.
Performance of the day was Anna Swan, pictured left, who made her first ever top rope final in the Senior Girls division, finishing in 8th place after the challenging final climb.
Round 4 is at Boulder Co next term, when our team will look to secure their final season placings.

Albertian in Aquablacks

Albertian Amber George (2019-2022), pictured second from left in back row, has been picked as part of the Aquablacks team to compete at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore next month.
Amber, who was Junior, Intermediate and Open Swimming Champion in her time at MAGS, is part of a team of 12 swimmers who will compete in the pool and in open water.
MAGS' Director of Aquatics Mitch Nairn is part of the coaching team travelling with the swimmers.

MAGS Runs Strong at Rogaine Champs

A huge team of keen MAGS orienteers headed to the Auckland Secondary School Rogaine Championship at Woodhill forest on Sunday, June 8.
TIC Mrs Mackinlay-Milne said, "It was a stunning day as the students planned their route through the forest, aiming to collect as many controls and points as possible. They then had 90 minutes to complete their course and return to the event base without gaining any penalties. It was a wonderful event with a huge turnout of students from all around Auckland."
MAGS dominated the teams competition and gained some top podium results in the individual events. 

Team Results:
Senior Boys: 1st (Reuben Adye, William Wood), 3rd (Jack Trowsdale, Caleb Green).
Intermediate Boys: 1st (Charlie Milne, Reuben Bruce)
Junior Boys: 1st (Quinn Harris, Max Morgan)
Junior Girls: 3rd (Matilda Trowsdale, Olivia Wong).

Individual Results:
Senior Girls: 3rd Anna Batchelor
Intermediate Boys: 1st Tahi Harris
Intermediate Girls: 2nd Olivia Appleton, 3rd Lucille Brendolise
Junior Boys: 3rd Jamie Appleton

Upcoming Premier Sport

Due to the Matariki holiday there is none of the usual Basketball or Football games tomorrow night or Netball on Saturday
But the Rugby Boys 1st XV is playing on Saturday, away to St Kentigern College at 2.30pm.
On Monday, the Premier Girls  Basketball team are playing at home against Rangitoto College at 6pm, while the Premier Boys have rescheduled their match.
On Wednesday, the Football Girls 1st XI are away to Epsom Girls Grammar at 4pm, and the Boys Hockey 1st XI play Auckland Grammar 2^nd XI at Auckland Grammar at 4.30pm.
On Thursday, the Girls Lacrosse side play Whangaparāoa College at MAGS at 4pm, and the Girls Hockey 1st XI play Howick College 1^st XI at Lloyd Elsmore at 4.45pm.
More sporting fixtures here