![](https://dispatch.bridge.school.nz/uploads/34/7ae71abbbf69fb11f76a12c1622a7395.jpg?20230515) A Giant in the Story of MAGS |
![](https://dispatch.bridge.school.nz/uploads/34/f097db40ad4d9c5f22971811bdfa98a2.jpg?20240226) Tēnā koutou, e te whānau o Mount Albert Grammar School.
Earlier this week the school was informed of the passing of Maurice Hall, fourth Headmaster of MAGS. Maurice was the second-longest serving Headmaster, leading MAGS from 1970 until 1988. It was a period of immense change in the MAGS community and society in general. Throughout his tenure, he led a broadening of education offerings to meet the changing demographic of the school.
![](https://dispatch.bridge.school.nz/uploads/34/92a4fe9fb22118c043f6b4d0dc4ea0bb.jpg?20240510) Maurice, pictured right, brought a humanistic and values-based approach to leading MAGS. He had an unwavering belief in the potential of every student to succeed. In many ways he was a leader ahead of his time.
Maurice never lost his passion for MAGS and took great joy in attending the many functions and celebrations held at the school. He was a regular attendee at prize givings, ANZAC Assemblies, Albertian Dinners and Luncheons – and he particularly delighted in cheering on the MAGS 1st XV on Saturday afternoons.
Just a week after blessing the new Murray Nairn Building, named after the third Headmaster of MAGS, this week has been one of honouring another giant in the history of the school, including flying our flags at half-mast.
We are grateful to Maurice for helping to create the MAGS of today – a school of which we are so proud.
Kua hinga te tōtara o Te Waonui a Tāne … A mighty tōtara has fallen in the forest of Tāne
May he rest In peace.
Per Angusta Ad Augusta. Patrick Drumm Headmaster |
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Tuesday, May 14 Year 8 Information Evening, F.W. Gamble Hall, 7pm
Wednesday, May 15 PPTA Paid Union Meeting, 1pm
Friday, May 17 Pink Shirt Day
Monday, June 3 King's Birthday Holiday
![](https://dispatch.bridge.school.nz/uploads/34/7d9a92a48027179d66e9cbfe329470bf.jpg?20240510) Thursday, June 13 Board Show and Market Evening
Friday, June 28 Matariki holiday
Thursday, July 4 Three-way Conferences. No classes.
Friday, Juy 5 Three-way Conferences. No classes. End of Term 2 Photo Essays
![](https://dispatch.bridge.school.nz/uploads/34/6960a8a9cf109606be127af230a089b1.jpg?20240508) Rugby Girls 1st XV v Kanto Matsuura High School Click here 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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![](https://dispatch.bridge.school.nz/uploads/34/18e1e8dcb030938cef5cdc68907a36f5.jpg?20240510) Our Assistant Archivist Mr Cave looks back on Maurice Hall's time at MAGS:
Maurice Hall came to MAGS in 1962 from Avondale College as Head of the Mathematics Department. In 1969 he took up a Senior Lectureship at Massey University before becoming our fourth Headmaster in 1970. Maurice, pictured right with his late wife Maureen, was regarded as an outstanding Mathematics teacher and regularly lectured and advised on new developments in the teaching of Mathematics and co-authored Mathematics text books. Students remember him as a caring, friendly teacher. When he returned as Headmaster, the school, and New Zealand as a whole, was just entering a period of dramatic social change and it was Maurice’s task to steer the school through this while at the same time maintaining the core values of the school. For the first time the school had to devise programs for students with little or no English. The school slowly developed into a multicultural school and was one of the first participants in the Secondary Schools’ Polynesian Festival (now known as Polyfest). Maurice fostered the Arts and the school opened its first Music suite in 1983. In addition to annual drama productions, the school produced a series of musicals starting in 1981 that fostered closer relations with Marist Sisters’ College and Auckland Girls’ Grammar. Sport continued to be important in the school, with many successes across most codes but the highlight was probably the school’s victory in the inaugural secondary schools’ rugby competition in 1982. In 1976, the new Library Block was opened by Sir Robert Muldoon, the Prime Minister and an old boy of the school. Two years later the squash courts were opened, and in 1984 Sir Robert Muldoon returned to open the “new gymnasium”, a full-sized facility that replaced the old wooden structure which now houses the Learning Centre. Maurice had steered the school through a number of fundraising ventures, which allowed the school to build a modern gymnasium that suited the needs of the school. In 1972 Maurice appointed the first woman to teach on the staff since the end of World War II. From then on women were appointed in greater numbers, some attaining positions of responsibility, and all of them contributing positively to the life of the school. Maurice instituted the Parents’ Association to allow parents to have a greater voice in the education of their sons. In 1986, the Auckland Grammar Schools’ Board, which had been responsible for the school since 1922, was dissolved, meaning the school had its own Board of Governors allowing even greater input from parents. Maurice was instrumental in setting up a very successful Board, which was soon to be known as the Board of Trustees. Maurice’s education philosophy can be summed up in the introduction to the 1981 Albertian: “The school strives to meet the needs of those it serves. Above all it strives to respect the individuality of all its members.” When it was time for teachers to write reports, he always reminded them that they were writing about the children whose parents loved them and so teachers should always find something positive to write. Maurice was dedicated to the school. The 1988 Albertian contains a long valedictory. One sentence sums up his dedication. “Except for his wife and family, who gave him constant support, nobody will really know how much time Mr Hall devoted to the school.” This devotion continued and he regularly attended sports and cultural fixtures. The school thanks Maurice for his immense contribution and sends its sincere condolences to his whānau. A Requiem Mass for Maurice will be held at 11am tomorrow at Mother of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 510 Riddell Road, Glendowie. All welcome. ![](https://dispatch.bridge.school.nz/uploads/34/22498c145dc232bb0e0f0b9210192893.jpeg?20240510) Maurice Hall is pictured with current Headmaster Mr Drumm and former headmasters Dale Burden and Greg Taylor at one of the many events he attended at MAGS. |
Top Scholars Recognised at Parliament |
HOD Technology Mr Bailey, at left, and HOD German Mr Gibbs, at right, accompanied Jude Wilson, centre left, and Samuel Reeves to the Top Scholar Awards ceremony at Parliament.
MAGS' two Top Scholars from the 2023 Scholarship exams, Samuel Reeves and Jude Wilson, were recognised at Parliament this week. Samuel and Jude, the Top Scholars nationwide in German and Technology respectively, were presented with their awards at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister of Education Erica Stanford. |
Changes to School Day Next Wednesday |
Due to the PPTA Paid Union Meeting next Wednesday (May 15) at 1.00pm, MAGS will operate an adjusted timetable structure on the day.
Senior students will have their usual four classes and finish at Lunchtime, however classes are 10 minutes shorter and Lunchtime is earlier at 12.20pm. Junior students will also have their usual five classes with adjusted times, and Assembly has been moved from the morning to the afternoon, with their day also ending earlier at 2.30pm.
Any students are welcome to remain at school and work in the library if they have set transport arrangements and/or are waiting for things like sports trainings or practices. |
Year 11 exams begin in Week 5 – Thursday, 30th May – and run to Thursday, 6th June. Students should read the exam timetable and instructions carefully. They can be downloaded here Students have also received a copy of this timetable via their Google Classrooms and through their Mentors. Information on the room allocation for these exams will be provided to students closer to the time. Any students who have a clash between exams will be notified by Miss Rose by Monday, 13th May. If they do not receive communication by then, they should complete the form available at the Student Centre to identify any further issues. These exams are extremely important and will likely be used for students' MCEA certificate so it is important that students attend all exams. These will also be used as prerequisite information for Level 2 courses in 2025.
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![](https://dispatch.bridge.school.nz/uploads/34/5ba72ebb4034b90f538461e9d3c5e7c2.jpg?20240508) Winners of the 2024 Auckland Clash of the Colleges, with Mt Albert MP Helen White, left, are Abby Cook, Hanna Smith, Sophie Chandler and Emily Lyon. At right is Tangaroa Walker. ![](https://dispatch.bridge.school.nz/uploads/34/4a8f62230e76e8f40ea242daae9cbd0d.jpg?20240508) Clash of the Colleges, hosted by Agri Futures in collaboration with MAGS and the New Zealand Rural Games Trust, witnessed an impressive display of talent and teamwork among students from various schools. The event, on the ASB MAGS Farm last Friday, showcased skill, camaraderie and sportsmanship. Agri Futures general manager Daniel O’Regan said 140 agriculture and horticulture students from MAGS, St Cuthberts, Onewhero Area School and Morrisonville College took part. “Clash of the Colleges aims to foster enthusiasm and passion for the sectors that make up the food and fibre industry among the next generation, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities,” O’Regan said. MAGS Team 58 (Emily Lyon, Sophie Chandler, Hanna Smith, Abby Cook) took out the competition and our Juniors won their division too. In the gumboot throw, Dre Palavi won the junior event with a throw of 16m.
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Four MAGS students were chosen to be part of the cast for the EGGS production of School of Rock, which has been on at the Raye Freedman Arts Centre over the last week. Director of Arts Co-curricular Ms Cesan said, "All four boys gave stellar performances in their roles, in a really enjoyable and well-staged production." A further MAGS link is that the show's choreographer is Oli Mathiesen, an Albertian and Arts Dux when he was at MAGS. Pictured above are the four MAGS boys in their roles, from left, Henri Le Cren – lead character Ned Schneebly, Luca Le Cren – student band member, Epeli Prescott and Felix Armstrong – rock band members/teachers. |
SPCA Fundraiser Next Week |
![](https://dispatch.bridge.school.nz/uploads/34/26aa8a0809f83af061c00e58a7906327.png?20240510) Week 3 will see Interact conducting an SPCA treat week fundraiser. The SPCA is a charity that works with the community to help protect, rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals throughout New Zealand. Each year they need to raise about $65 million to provide their services, and Interact has decided to contribute to this wonderful cause as part of the MAGS community. Students are asked to keep in mind that there will be form time cash collections throughout next week and a bake sale on Thursday 16th May, at both interval and lunchtime. If anyone would like to donate through Eftpos, this will be an option at the bake sale. |
More Homestay Families Needed |
![](https://dispatch.bridge.school.nz/uploads/34/480ef5dada1dcdd99e27b425b64eea77.png?20240502) We are currently looking for kind and caring families to accommodate our international students.
This is a great opportunity to learn about a different culture and build lasting friendships. We are looking for one-week stays who are able to accommodate two Japanese students in their homes from 27/7/24 to 4/8/24. Commencing Term 3 (22/7/24), we also need one-term and two-term stays to care for a fantastic group of European students. Finally, we need long-term homestay families for our Japanese and Chinese students. Homestays are our most popular style of accommodation as our students benefit from living with an English-speaking family and sharing in the NZ family experience.
What are the expectations of a host family?
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
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] |
Graduate Choir's Mother's Day Concert |
The Graduate Choir, which features Albertians amongst its singers, is holding a special Mother's Day Concert at St Matthew-in-the-City. You can buy tickets here |
MAGS was honoured to host Swimming World Champion Lewis Clareburt this week when he paid a visit in the company of his new coach and our Aquatics Director Mitch Nairn. Lewis, pictured above with Mr Drumm and, at right, Mr Nairn, won the World Title in the Men's 400m Individual Medley this year. In 2022, at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, Lewis won two gold medals (400m IM, 200m Butterfly) and one bronze medal (200m IM). Originally from Wellington, Lewis moved to Auckland recently and is now coached by Mr Nairn. He will be swimming the Men’s 400m Individual Medley, 200m IM and 200m Butterfly at the Paris Olympics at the end of July.
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Athletics Champions Recognised |
![](https://dispatch.bridge.school.nz/uploads/34/bb8ab25bfd6426f2e2280b5a2f8a771f.jpg?20240510) Our 2024 Athletics Champions were recognised at assembly today and presented with their trophies.
Overall Champions (above) Back Row: Nina Chalmers (Intermediate Girls Champion), Ty Gonzales (Intermediate Boys Champion), Ryan Shen (Senior Boys Champion) Front Row: Tommee Paeu (Senior Girls Champion), Reine Paeu (Junior Girls Champion), Jy Gonzales (Junior Boys Champion) Running, Throws and Jumps Champions (below) Back Row: Sam Carryer (Open 800m, Open 1500m and Open Distances Champion), Elijah Poliko (Open Field Events Champion), Ryan Shen (Open Sprints and Open 400m Champion). Front Row: Dre Palavi (Junior Boys Throws Champion), Danii Mafoe (Senior Girls Sprint Champion), Pereise Utupo-Suluape (Junior Girls Throw Champion), Maddie Earley (Best Performing Girl in Jump Events at Auckland Champs).
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![](https://dispatch.bridge.school.nz/uploads/34/7b18f9a41931f2034439d72d151338e8.jpeg?20240509) Congratulations to Katie Archibald, who was part of New Zealand's All Star Cheerleaders Academy team that made history as the first Kiwi team to claim gold in the International All Girl Elite Division at the Cheerleading World Championships. This year's competition was held at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida, and saw 563 teams from 21 countries competing. Katie, pictured right, also represented NZ at the International Cheer Union World Champs, where the NZ All Girl Cheerleading team won silver, narrowly missing out on gold to Japan.
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![](https://dispatch.bridge.school.nz/uploads/34/ba18359f4f5060b9fae63947c2b71dc2.jpg?20240508) Year 13 student Max Shallard has been selected to represent New Zealand at the Australian National Wrestling Champs next month in Melbourne. He will also have the opportunity to attend an Australian National training camp while he is there.
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![](https://dispatch.bridge.school.nz/uploads/34/a2bf4e7662eb7a5e62caccdea5b0b114.jpg?20240510) The Basketball Premier Girls and Boys are at home today with both playing St Kentigern College at 6pm and 7.30pm respectively. The Football Boys 1st XI are also playing this evening – at 7pm at Crum Park against Sacred Heart College. Tomorrow, the Netball Premiers play Marist College at 9.30am at the Auckland Netball Centre, and the Rugby Boys 1st XV play their first game of the 1A season away to Auckland Grammar at 2.30pm. On Wednesday, the Squash Premier Boys take on Auckland Grammar at MAGS at 3pm; the Football Girls 1st XI are at home to Takapuna Grammar at 4pm, the Rugby League 1st XIII have a pre-season game away to St Paul's at 4pm; and the Hockey Boys 1st XI play Auckland Grammar 2nd XI at Mt Roskill Grammar turf at 5.45pm. On Thursday, the Hockey Girls 1st XI play Rangitoto College at North Harbour at 6.20pm. For updated fixtures and results, click here
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